"Come on Daddy! Get up!"

Gordon groaned as he felt his daughter bounce up and down on him. He couldn't help but smile at her innocent antics.

"Mmmm OK sweetie, I'll get up."

"Good because mummy said if you didn't get up now she would come in here and make you."

Zelda ran out of the room giggling.

"Kids these days," Gordon mumbled to himself.

Deciding it best not to risk the wrath of his wife he got up and got changed as quickly as he could, making the bed before leaving the room. He trudged downstairs and entered the kitchen, the pleasant smell filling his nose. He didn't need to ask what his wife was cooking. He sat down at the table with his daughter and son whilst Michelle, his wife, filled his plate up.

"Hi Dad."

"Hi Atticus, enjoying your breakfast?"

"Yeah. Weetabix with banana slices. And lots of milk."

"Good. Are you looking forward to today?"

Atticus smiled, "Really can't wait, are we really going to Flamingo Land?"

Gordon nodded, "Really really. I thought we'd have a family day out before I return to Lille Barracks for work."

Zelda started giggling.

"What's got you laughing?" asked Gordon.

"When guards shout at silly people who think they're only there to attract tourists, and not real butt-kicking soldiers."

Gordon chuckled, "It is quite funny, and best of all they get paid to do it."

"Here you are dear."

Gordon looked over to see Michelle bringing his breakfast. A full English with plenty of bacon.

"Thanks darling."

The two gave each other a kiss.

"Ewwww, gross!" their children chorused.

Gordon and Michelle laughed at their children's reaction before starting their own breakfasts. The children bursting with excitement as to where they were going.
Breakfast was finished fairly quickly, much to the relief of the children. After helping with the washing up they put their coats on and headed outside. They waited with their mother while Gordon got out the car, a Ford Mondeo, out of the garage.

Michelle helped the children into the back and helped do their seatbelts before getting herself.

Gordon turned around to the children, "Are you all sitting comfortably children?"

"YES!" they called back excitedly.

"Then let's get going."

After an hours or so drive they reached their destination.

Flamingo Land

It had changed a little since Gordon was young. Some rides he remembered were no longer there such as Corkscrew, Thunder Mountain, Top Gun, Wild Mouse, Waikiki Wave and The Bullet.

"Pity they got rid of the good ones'" he commented to Michelle, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"Yeah, they were good rides. The kids now don't know what they've missed."

"Come on dad, hurry up," Zelda whimpered as she tried to pull him along.

"OK OK, I'm coming."

The first ride they went on was Velocity. A motorbike launched coaster that reaches a speed of 54 mph and a height of 57 ft.

They spent the next couple of hours going around the rides, some of which Michelle and Gordon could enjoy as well, before stopping for lunch at one of the parks' restaurants, the Metropolis Bar and Grill.

Gordon had the MGB Mix Grill which consisted of a 4oz Rump steak, a 4oz Gammon steak, chicken fillet, pork sausage, fried egg, chunky chips, onion ring, mushrooms and tomatoes. Michelle had the Chicken Mozzarella Melter Burger and the children shared a margherita pizza.

"Dad?" Zelda said.

"Yes?"

"What was Grandad like?"

Gordon froze, "Grandad, you mean my father?"

Zelda nodded.

Gordon wasn't angry, but shocked. The question straight out of the blue took him off guard but Zelda doesn't usually ask questions for no reason.

"Well, he was a good man. Very good at his job, well respected by his colleagues, an army man through and through.....why do you ask?"

"I had a dream about him last night."

Gordon was again stunned into silence. Though she had never seen her Grandad in person for obvious reasons, she had seen pictures of him.

"What was the dream about?"

"I don't know. There was this really weird place that was all blue and glowing, and Grandad was at the centre of it."

"Did he say anything?"

Zelda shrugged, "I can't remember. There were some strange symbols as well."

"What did they look like, can you remember?" asked Gordon becoming more and more intrigued.

Zelda shook her head, "Can't remember."

The family finished their lunches and headed towards the zoo. At least they did after Zelda and Michelle went on Gallopers. A Victorian style carousel.

"Are you two coming?" asked Michelle.

"Ponies are for girls," replied Atticus.

"You'll never see me riding a pony," Gordon said with conviction.

Michelle playfully rolled her eyes before taking Zelda over to the queue. Atticus and Gordon sat down on a nearby bench and waited while they were finished.

"You OK lad?"

"Yeah. Thank you for bringing us here today."

"That's alright son," Gordon replied wrapping an arm around him, "Me and your mother just wanted to spend a day out as a family before I headed back to Aldershot."

"Dad, how much longer will you be in the army?"

"Around another two years. I'm going to complete my twelve years of service then move onto other things."

"What kind of other things?"

"Well, your mum and I were thinking our own musical production company."

"Mummy likes music."

"She does. And do you know we're having a new house built?"

"Yeah, mum said it would be in the countryside and be really big."

"It will be. It will have a music room, games room, it's own recording studio for your mum. It will be really big and nice."

"I can't wait until I see it."

"Well it'll be around 18 months yet before it's finished. Building has already started."

I just hope we get retrospective planning permission.

A few minutes later Michelle and Zelda returned.

"Did you two have fun?" asked Gordon.

"Yeah it was great!" Zelda yelled running up to Gordon, "I wish I could have a pony for real."

Gordon picked her up in his arms and smiled, "Well, we'll have to see what Santa says at Christmas."

"Shall we go and see the animals?" asked Michelle.

"YEAH!"

The four of them headed for the zoo. The first animal they looked at was the Sumatran Tiger, tigers being a favourite of Atticus, followed by the meerkats and emu's. The children looked with fascination at all the exotic animals, watching them as they went about their enclosures.

Unsurprisingly, Zelda's favourite animals were the Shetland Ponies.

After they finished looking around the zoo they stopped for some ice cream, before making their way to the Bird Show followed by the Sea Lion Show. Both of which the children enjoyed thoroughly.

It was mid-afternoon when the Sea Lion Show finished and almost time to go as Gordon and Michelle had planned to go to Scarborough for the evening. The children didn't make a fuss about leaving, quite the opposite in fact; they were thankful for their parents taking them out and now looking forward to more ice cream on Scarborough beach front.

The 40 minute drive to Scarborough was uneventful, the children talked to each other about their favourite bits of Flamingo Land whilst Gordon and Michelle discussed other matters.

"The builders have finished excavating the ground for the basement and garage haven't they?" asked Michelle.

"Yeah, I can't wait to see it when the house is finished."

"Same here. You get a game room and a large garage for a few cars and I get my music room and recording studio."

"I do still get to have a railway room as well don't I?"

Michelle laughed, "I suppose you want a room specifically for watching football as well?"

"Yeah, that's a great idea. I'll let the builders know. Besides, you're getting the kitchen you've always wanted."

"Yeah, suppose so. On a more serious note though, do you think the council will give us planning permission?"

"I can't see why not, but if they don't......we'll deal with it when and if it happens."

Michelle nodded and turned around to see her children," Did you two enjoy yourselves today?"

Atticus and Zelda smiled widely.

"Yeah, it was real fun! Can we go again sometime?" asked Zelda as she was drawing a picture.

"Maybe."

They eventually arrived in Scarborough and parked in the multi-storey car-park across from the Brunswick Shopping Centre, and made their way to the sea front. The beach was fairly busy given the weather was pleasant, a cool breeze and warm sun, providing an ideal place to eat their fish and chips once they got some.

After getting some fish and chips (and scraps) for everyone they settled down on one of the benches in front of the beach, giving a great view of the North Sea.

"Dad?" Zelda said.

"Yes?"

"Can we have some ice cream after we finish our tea?"

"We'll see. Just finish your fish and chips first."

Both children did just that and after their tea had settled down Gordon took them to a nearby ice-cream shop and bought them, Michelle and himself a 99 each. Which the children devoured like there was no tomorrow.

After their ice creams they went around the amusements, resulting in Gordon's wallet becoming even lighter.

Despite the good time the children were having, it was getting dark and it was time to go home. They made their way back to the car park, Zelda being carried by Gordon, and got in the car. Gordon once again driving.

The children were quietly sat in the back, though they were half-asleep; the days activities tired them out. There was some traffic on the road as they made their way back though it wasn't anything like rush hour.

They were driving the along the Driffield By-pass, passing between the rugby fields and Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate, slowing down on the approach to the roundabout as traffic was already on it.

Gordon stopped the car and began to wait for an opportunity to pull out.

A second after stopping, they were hit from behind with herculean force. The bang of colliding metals ripped through the air as their car was launched forward with such force it struck a passing HGV already on the roundabout.

Gordon was instantly knocked out.

The scene was utter carnage. Sandwiched between two HGV's was Gordon's car with his family inside. Traffic had come to a complete halt and queue's were already forming. Gordon laid unconscious, still in the driving seat. His family, unresponsive to witnesses.

Within minutes the emergency services had arrived. Police closed off the area and paramedics and fire-fighters were tending to Gordon and his family. The fire-fighters had to resort to using the jaws of life to allow paramedics to remove Gordon and his family.

Gordon, barely alive, was quickly but carefully placed in a neck brace and removed from the car. Placing him on a stretcher he was rushed into the back of an ambulance where he was rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary.

The paramedics, with decades of experience between them, knew there was no point in rushing to remove the others; Michelle, Atticus and Zelda.

They were already dead.

Gordon slowly woke up to a familiar smell.

Anti-septic, disinfectant, bandages........why am I in hospital? What happened?

His vision slowly came into focus and he confirmed what his nose suggested. He was in hospital. He was in a private room hooked up to several machines monitoring his life signs and he soon began registering another sensation.

Pain.

Agonising, excruciating pain.

He attempted to push the button to call for the nurse but his injuries limited him to small movements only. He could only hope a nurse or doctor arrived soon.

Fortunately, a nurse did on her routine round. Upon walking in she immediately realised her patient was awake and fully concious.

"Good evening, how are you feeling?"

"Like I've been hit by a truck."

The nurse didn't laugh. Rather her face was that of awkwardness.

"I was wasn't I?" asked Gordon.

The nurse kept a poker face, "We'll answer your questions in due course. In the meantime, rest. A doctor will be with you as soon as possible."

The nurse began to leave but Gordon called out to her before she left the room.

"Where's my family?" he asked, slightly panicked.

The nurse's poker face wavered only slightly, but enough for Gordon to notice.

"Rest Captain, a Doctor will be with you shortly."

The nurse left the room leaving Gordon alone. He looked out of the window and could see darkness had fallen. Looking at the clock he saw the time was 10.02pm.

He looked around and noticed the TV was on standby and the remote within easy arms reach.

Might as well put the news on.

Gordon switched on the TV and flipped to the BBC News channel for the 10 o'clock news, presented by Huw Edwards. It had already begun and the story was again focussed on Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in Crimea.

Then the next story began.

"Two young children and a twenty seven year old women have died, and another twenty seven year old man has been left severely injured after a car-crash just outside the East Yorkshire town of Great Driffield."

Gordon's face went as white as a ghost.

"It's understood that the family, driving in a Ford Mondeo, was hit from behind by an articulated lorry. Police are still investigating but have already arrested the lorry driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence. The Ford Mondeo, after being hit from behind, was launched across the roundabout and into the side of another HGV that was already on the roundabout."

Tears were already falling down Gordon's face and his breathing became more and more erratic.

Paramedics declared the children and the woman dead at the scene whilst the man, who was driving, was rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary.

Gordon's emotional damn broke and the tears started flowing freely.

At the same time, a doctor and the same nurse from before walked in. They immediately looked at Gordon and noticed his emotional state, then at the TV and quickly added the two up. The nurse quickly shut off the TV whilst the doctor went over to Gordon and gently wrapped an arm around him, Gordon sobbed inconsolably into the chest of the doctor.

A quick glance and nod between the doctor and nurse was enough for the nurse to leave the room.

The doctor didn't say anything. He didn't need to.

All he could do was be there for his patient as he cried his eyes out over the deaths of his wife and children.

The doctor didn't keep track of how long passed, but Gordon had fallen back to sleep. Gently lowering his head back onto the pillow, he left the room and closed the door.

Sighing deeply, he pinched the bridge of his nose.

I hate days like these.

"Doctor."

The doctor looked up to see a nurse and two Police Officers approach.

"Thank you," one officer said to the nurse.

The nurse walked away leaving the officers with the doctor.

"Doctor, I'm Sergeant Edward McCallister, this here is my colleague PC David Robinson. We attended the crash site."

The doctor nodded understanding, "If you came here to inform Captain Gresley of his family's fate.....there's no need. He already knows."

"How?" asked the Sergeant.

"He switched the news on. He's asleep at the moment, do you want me to pass a message on?" asked the Doctor.

"We can come back at another time. It's merely to take a statement from him in regards to what happened. We know it's a difficult time for him but we have a job to do."

"He's a military man. I'm sure he'd understand. Was there anything else?"

"Yes," replied the Sergeant.

He pulled out a piece of folded paper and handed it to the Doctor, "Could you give this to him. It was found in his daughter's hand. We believe it was intended for him."

The Doctor took the paper and nodded, "I'll see that he gets it."

"Give the station at Pearson Park a ring when he's ready to speak to us and we'll send an officer over."

"Very well."

The officers left the hospital. The Doctor placed the paper in his pocket and headed for the staff room for his break.

Another couple of hours had passed and Gordon was awake again. This time he managed to call for assistance. He asked the nurse who arrived if he could have a cup of tea and something to eat. Due to the time of night only sandwiches were available. Gordon was more than satisfied with a sandwich.

He had far more serious issues to deal with than to kick up a fuss because no hot food was available.

The nurse returned shortly with a cup of tea and chicken sandwich.

"The Doctor would like to see you, would that be OK?" asked the nurse.

"Yeah, that's fine," he replied tiredly.

"I'll go and get him now for you."

The nurse left the room and Gordon ate his sandwich. The sandwich leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

If I hadn't suggested going out today.....they'd still be here now.

A few minutes passed and Gordon had finished his sandwich and was half way through his cup of tea when the Doctor returned.

"Captain Gresley?" the Doctor said as he entered the room.

Gordon looked up, "The nurse said you wanted to speak to me."

"Yes."

With trepidation, he walked up to the bed.

"Captain, your daughter had this on her person. I believe she intended to give it to you," the doctor said holding out some folded up paper.

Gordon looked at the doctor, then to the piece of paper before finally taking it. Trembling, he opened it and saw two drawings, covered with spots of blood, and writing written by Zelda underneath them:

Daddy, I remembered what those symbols looked like in my dreams so I drew them down for you. Love Princess Zelda.

Tears started flowing once more.

The Doctor, noticing this sat down on the side of the bed.

"Is it anything you want to talk about?"

Gordon shook his head, "No. It's too personal."

"I understand. By the way, the Police were here earlier. They want to speak to you to take a statement in regards to what happened."

Gordon nodded and tool another sip of tea, "Fair enough. I'll speak to them."

There was a few seconds of silence.

"Is there anything you want to talk about?" asked the Doctor.

Gordon shook his head.

"Very well, I'll let you get some rest."

"Goodnight Doctor."

"Goodnight Captain."

The next few days were a blur to Gordon. He was informed as to the state of his injuries. The impact was so forceful the A-Pillar of the car somehow sheared off and hit Gordon in the chest, leaving large scars behind. In addition he also had whiplash, back pain and damaged ligaments in his right knee from when his foot was on the brake at the time of impact; the sudden impact forcing his knee upwards and causing said damage.

He gave his statement to the Police and it matched those of eye-witnesses and Gordon was cleared of being at fault for the crash.

Gordon though, did feel guilty. He was the one driving, he was the one who suggested going out for the day. Had they stayed at home his wife and children would still be around.

He also took the soul-destroying task of going to the morgue and identifying the bodies. The sight of his children's mangled bodies caused him to break down again. His wife's body was in a better state. She died from internal injuries resulting from the crash.

"Do whatever you have to," Gordon said in tears to the undertaker whilst looking at his children, "I don't want my mother seeing them like this."

The day of the funeral finally arrived. Gordon had been to funerals before. His father's, military funerals....but this one was far worse than all the others put together.

Also in attendance at the funeral was his mother.

The deaths of her daughter-in-law and grandchildren hit her like a ton of bricks. She thought the world of those children and always looked forward to seeing them or having them round for Sunday dinner.

Michelle's' family were there also. Like Gordon, she was an only child with a deceased father, her father dying of a cardiac arrest when she was seven years old.

The day of the funeral was bitterly cold and raining.

Gordon, wearing a large black overcoat over a suit and black gloves, threw a white rose on each of the coffins as they were lowered into the ground. The white rose a symbol of Yorkshire. The county where Michelle and the children were all born and raised.

And died.

The only family he had now, was his mother and mother-in-law.

During the following months he was granted a Medical Discharge. He had to go through a resettlement package which he didn't want to do. His Personnel Recovery Officer though, helped make it less stressful and gave Gordon his full support.

His case was put forward to a Full Medical Board, presided over by an Occupational Medicine Consultant. The board, having reviewed Gordon's medical condition, determined he was not able to return to duty and should be discharged on medical grounds.

His house was coming along well, though the builders felt terrible about his loss and offered their sympathies. They had quickly finished the basement and underground garage and had begun building the house frame next. The builders, exceptionally professional, built the house two months ahead of schedule. They even accommodated Gordon in making adjustments so he cold have his hidden room in the top floor.

Gordon couldn't help but cry at the seeing the house when it was finished. He considered it a monument to the memory of his wife and children.

The builders, knowing his loss, made a special something for him in the garden.

Gordon, wondering what it could be followed them into the back garden to a small waterfall feature surrounded by roses of different colours. Each with their own meaning.

Dark red roses for unconscious beauty.

White roses for purity, innocence, reverence and silence.

Pink roses for grace, happiness and gentleness.

Yellow roses for joy, friendship and the promise of a new beginning.

Orange roses for desire and enthusiasm.

Lavender roses for love at first sight.

Coral roses for friendship, modesty and sympathy.

A brass plaque was fixed to some stone at the front of the waterfall feature, with a message etched into it.

A truly grateful Gordon thanked the builders and shook their hands in gratitude. The builders, many of them fathers themselves, were pleased that their small gift meant so much to him.

Soon afterwards, Gordon moved in and began furnishing the place. He took the most treasured items from his old home and placed them in the hidden room. Items included arts and crafts his children had done, his children's toys, his wife's wedding dress, photo albums, his wife's jewellery which included a silver sapphire tiara. He bought the tiara, which wasn't cheap, for his then fiancée Michelle to wear on her wedding day.

It took a while to settle down in his new home. As far as he was concerned, it was short by three people.

He slowly accepted what had happened and was moving on with his life again.

Then Equestria happened.

Gordon slowly woke up and realised he'd fallen asleep in his hidden room. He slowly got up and, after taking a look around the room to make sure everything was in its place, he left the room and closed the door.

He traipsed slowly down stairs to the kitchen, having neither the energy or the mood to go there quickly. Entering the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea he opened the fridge for some milk. He took out the carton and opened it, the repulsive smell causing him to crunch his nose on disgust.

"Fucking hell, that is fucking rank."

He sighed in frustration and took the off milk to the sink and poured it down the sink, thoroughly washing the bottle afterwards for something else in the future. Realising he would have to go shopping, he had a look in the cupboards and the fridge again to see what else he might need. Jotting down a list on a notepad, he grabbed some bits he earned the other day and put them in his pocket.

He put on some shoes and his jacket and left the house, locking it on the way out. Everypony had left the front of his house, though the graffiti was still on the garage door.

Suppressing his rage once more at seeing the incredibly insensitive messages he headed for Ponyville's town centre to do some shopping. As he made his way, a few of the townsfolk made glances at him. Some with pity, some with contempt.

Gordon took no notice and made his way to 'Rich's Barnyard Bargains'.

He went inside and grabbing a basket, started looking around.

He was soon at the back of the store where the milk was kept and took out a four pint carton of whole milk. Turning around to continue his shop, he noticed a few ponies looking at him. Most went back to their own thing without a word but one pony, a cerise pink earth pony mare, continued to look at him.

Gordon, slightly irritated, spoke up.

"Can I help you?"

The pony flinched, "Sorry, I didn't realise I was staring."

Gordon sighed, "Don't worry about it. I've had worse since I've been here."

"Yeah....I know."

There was silence for a couple of seconds as the two awkwardly stood in silence.

"I was there this morning when I saw......."

Gordon breathed in sharply, "Could we please not bring that up? It's a sensitive issue that I'd rather not go into."

"Of course. I apologise."

The mare then stuck out her hand, "I'm Cherilee by the way. I'm the local school teacher."

Gordon hesitantly took her hand and shook it, "I don't think I need to introduce myself."

"No. I suppose not."

"Was there something you wanted?" asked Gordon.

"I was wondering if you'd be able to come into the school one day and give my class a lesson on your world."

"Errrrr....I don't know. Whilst I don't mind coming in considering a few of the townsfolk hate me it might not be wise. Not to mention when the parents find out I'd given a lecture they may take umbrage to it."

"Don't worry about that. If you want to come in you'll have my full support on the matter, and I'll defend you from any angry ponies."

Gordon sighed, ".......OK. I'll come in. When would you want it to be?"

"Shall we say next Monday afternoon?"

"Works for me."

Cherilee smiled, "Great, I'll tell the class there'll be a special guest coming in."

"How will they react when they see me?"

"They'll be a little scared at first but I'm sure they'll warm up to you."

Gordon thought back to his conversation with Luna and a science experiment he wanted to do. A cool experiment with rockets might get the foals to warm up to him.

"I think I might have a way to get them interested. Why not pop by after school and I'll show you what I have in mind."

"Sure thing, shall we say......six o'clock?"

"That's fine. I'll see you then."

"I'll see you later Gordon."

Cherilee went back to her shopping, as did Gordon. He had a few things to get including eggs, flour, sugar, cream, bread etc. A few uneventful minutes later, he had paid for his shopping and left the store; his shopping in reusable plastic bags.

He decided to take his shopping back home after stopping at Bon Bon's sweet shop. It took him about a minute to get there and going on the door chime immediately alerted his presence to the other customers. Some of which didn't look too pleased to see him.

Gordon, aware of the looks, did his best to prevent any hostile situations.

"Afternoon."

None of them replied and went back to browsing.

Better to be ignored I suppose.

He went over to the shelves were jars of hard boiled sweets were on display. Rhubarb and custard, mint humbugs, mint imperials etc. He browsed further along were different kinds of sweets were on display. Cola bottles, milk bottles, fried eggs, flying saucers, pint pots, liquorice wheels, wine gums, alphabet letters, jelly button spogs to name a few.

Gordon, now having grabbed a basket, filled it up with a few 150g bags of sweets, taking advantage of the offer, buy five and get a sixth bag free. He walked over to the counter and pressed the bell for attention. After a couple of seconds, Gordon could hear hoof-steps approaching. Coming through the screen was the store proprietor herself.

"Hey Gordon, what brings you here? Sweets I presume."

"Yeah, just thought I'd pop by and see what you have," he replied as he put the bags of sweets on the counter.

Bon Bon smiled, "It seems you have a sweet tooth. Good for me, maybe not good for you."

Gordon laughed, "Yeah I can't eat too many sweet things lest I want diabetes."

Bon Bon took the sweet bags and put them in a brown paper bag, "That'll be five bits please."

Gordon handed over five bits exactly.

"Thank you, and here's a complementary candy cane. One free with every purchase this week," Bon Bon replied handing it over.

Gordon took the cane, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Can I expect to see you here again?"

"Hopefully, it depends on how things workout with the townsfolk."

The other ponies, hearing it, looked at Gordon.

"Not all of us have a problem with you."

Gordon turned around and saw one of the ponies approach. One of them, stood further forward.

"Not everyone in Ponyville has a problem with you, I don't have a problem with you and neither do my friends here," he said motioning to the other ponies, who shook their heads.

"Same with me," added Bon Bon, "And I think you know about Lyra."

Gordon laughed, "Yeah, I think all of Ponyville knows."

The other ponies laughed also, pleased to join in the good spirits.

"Anyway I better be off, take my shopping back."

"Sure thing," replied Bon Bon, "Don't be a stranger though."

"I won't," Gordon replied as he left.

Bon Bon and the ponies watched as Gordon walked away.

She sighed tiredly, she couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards him given the circumstances he was in and what he's been through in life. She continued staring down at the counter when she heard the door chime go off again. She looked up to see a familiar face.

"Twilight, what brings you here?"

"Hey Bon Bon, I just saw Gordon leave. Is he OK?"

"On the surface he looked OK, but inside.....I don't know much about humans but I get the feeling he's far from OK."

"Did he say anything to you?"

"No, he bought a few sweets but that was it. Did you want to see him for something?"

"Myself and my friends were going to ask him if he wanted to come with us on a trip to Trottingham soon."

"I can see why you'd want to take him there. Why not just ask him? If you hurry you'll catch him before he gets home."

"I didn't ask him first because I wasn't sure how he'd react given what happened this morning."

Bon Bon winced, "Yeah, that was dreadful. Making fun of his deceased wife and children.....I didn't think ponies could sink that low."

"Me neither," added Twilight, "I'll catch up with him. See you later Bon Bon."

"Bye Twilight."

Twilight hurriedly left the shop and started running to catch up with Gordon. She arrived just in time to see him open his front door.

"Gordon!"

He turned around. Twilight walked up the driveway towards him.

"Hey Twilight......you OK?"

"I'm good........."

An awkward silence lingered between them.

"Twilight, about yesterday..."

"Don't worry about it," she interrupted, "All's forgiven."

Gordon had to do a double take, "What?"

"I said I forgive you. You're going through enough as it is without me on your back."

"Well, if you can forgive so easily," he replied and extended his hand, "Friends?"

Twilight smiled and shook his hand, "Friends."

"Are you coming in, I'll put kettle on."

"Thank you."

"You too Rainbow!" Gordon yelled at cloud hovering above his driveway.

An instant later, a familiar cyan pony's head popped up.

"How did you know I was here?"

"A cloud followed me around town and the same cloud has now conveniently stopped above my driveway. That and your mane and tail stick out like a sore thumb."

Rainbow pouted.

"You're not stalking me are you?" he asked teasingly.

A flustered Rainbow jumped down the ground and landed clumsily on the ground, falling onto her rump. She immediately got back up, blushing, and dusted herself down.

"I wasn't stalking you, I was following you just in case you got hurt or somepony attacked you!"

Gordon saw her cheeks were still a little red..

"You're concerned about my well-being?"

"Why shouldn't I be?"

"You could have just come with me if you wanted."

"Well I....I errr..." she stammered, blushing even more, "I'll remember that next time."

Gordon smiled, "Are you joining us, me and Twilight were about to have some tea."

Rainbow beamed with joy and her smile almost came off her face, "I'D LOVE TO!"

Gordon and Twilight were slightly taken back by the volume, Rainbow realised she answered rather enthusiastically and tried to save face, "I mean....that would be nice."

Rainbow meekly walked over and went inside, giving Twilight a hug. The two went into the front room and sat themselves down whilst Gordon put the shopping away. He put the kettle on and waited for the water to boil. Walking into the front room, he saw Twilight whispering something to Rainbow.

"Just ask him."

"Ask me what?"

The two mares jumped.

"Sorry girls, didn't mean to startle you."

"That's OK," replied Rainbow, "We were just talking."

"Anything interesting?"

Rainbow quickly glanced to Twilight then back to Gordon, "Maybe."

Gordon could just make out a very faint blush on her cheeks.

"OK. The tea will be ready in a minute."

Gordon went back into the kitchen and headed straight for the cupboard and took out some Angel Slices and Fondant Fancies and put them onto a plate. The kettle boiled and Gordon poured the hot water into a large teapot and, after taking out three sets of cups and saucers and placing them on a tray along with milk and sugar; went back to the front room where Rainbow and Twilight were once again whispering.

"Just ask him Rainbow."

Rainbow's eyes shrank as she saw that Gordon was stood within earshot. He set down the tray and then sat himself down next to Rainbow. She had a slightly panicky look in her eyes and her cheeks were a light shade of red. Her tail started twitching, unintentionally hitting Gordon on his side. She grabbed hold of her tail and kept a firm hold of it.

"Sorry."

"Don't worry about it. Now what's bothering you?"

Rainbow hesitantly looked away to Twilight, who with a motion of her head encouraged her to speak. Sighing, she looked back to Gordon.

"Gordon, I was wondering if...er....if you'd like to.....spend some time together.......alone."

Gordon blinked, "A-alone.....you mean like a date?"

Rainbow's blush went bright red, giving Gordon his answer. He didn't answer, instead he looked away in shock.

The lingering silence cut through the air.

"I see," Rainbow replied, sounding as if she was about to cry, "Well at least I have an answer now."

She stood up and began to leave quickly. Gordon instinctively reached out to stop her and accidentally grabbed her tail, yanking it firmly. Rainbow yelped in pain.

"Sorry," replied Gordon, letting go.

He stood up and walked up to Rainbow, her eyes starting to glisten with tears.

"Rainbow........Rainbow I didn't mean to stay silent I just wasn't expecting the question."

Rainbow looked Gordon in the eyes and, heart beating out of her chest, asked the question again.

"So, will you go on a date with me?"

"......Yes."

Rainbow beamed with joy and launched herself at Gordon, hugging him tightly.

"AWESOME!"

Gordon returned the hug, looking at Twilight over Rainbow's shoulder. She simply smiled and poured the tea with her magic. Finally releasing Gordon, Rainbow sat down with Gordon. Upon sitting down as close to Gordon as she could, she semi-consciously wrapped her tail firmly around his waist. Gordon said and did nothing despite the odd feeling, though it wasn't too different from having an arm around his waist.

Twilight noticed also and raised an eyebrow at the action, though like Gordon said nothing on the matter.

"I've poured some tea for us all," Twilight said, "Do you want sugar Gordon?"

"Aye, just one please."

Twilight put a teaspoon of sugar in Gordon's cup and swirled it.

"Thanks Twilight."

Grabbing the TV remote, he switched the TV on from standby along with his Xbox using his controller.

"Either of you want to watch another film?"

"Sure," replied Rainbow, "What about you Twi?"

"I'd like that."

"I'll pick something out," Gordon said.

He was about to stand up but felt Rainbow grab hold of his arm and hold him back.

"Twilight can get it. Just.......tell her what you want," she said, sounding slightly panicky.

Twilight looked at Gordon, whose expression was that of not knowing what to make of Rainbow's behaviour, and then to Rainbow. She and her other friends realised that Rainbow was becoming infatuated with Gordon but was being unusually clingy, and very soon after meeting him. Just the other day she knocked him out cold in his kitchen.

"Sure. What would you like me to get?" she asked as she went over to the DVD/Blu Ray shelves.

"Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."

Twilight looked through the collection and thought she found the right one. There were several Star Trek boxes but they had extra names to them like Deep Space Nine, Voyager, The Next Generation. She picked out the one she thought was correct and held it up.

"Is this the one?"

"Yeah that's it. It was made in 1982, four years before I was born......it's a brilliant film."

"Well, let's watch it!"

"You heard Rainbow, pop it in the Xbox and sit yourself down."

Twilight giggled, "Yes sir."

Twilight placed the blu ray in the Xbox and sat down back in her seat.

"KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!"

Twilight and Rainbow both enjoyed the film, but for different reasons.

Rainbow liked the gory bit with Chekov and the battle scenes whilst Twilight enjoyed the relationship between Kirk and Spock. One line in particular from Spock, struck a chord with her.

"I have been, and always shall be, your friend.

Live long, and prosper."

The scene in which Spock sacrifices himself to save the ship and crew, his captain......and friend, really hit home. The Vulcan salute through the isolation doors, a gesture of a deep and meaningful relationship between two friends.

She had grown up believing humans to be brutal savages, only interested in violence and satisfying themselves. But Gordon's arrival had now begun to cast doubt on those beliefs. Despite his violent fight with her brother, he had been very accommodating to them.

"So girls, what now?"

"Well I better be going," Twilight replied, "I'm still reading through those books you lent me."

"What do you think of them?"

"The scientific information in them is incredible. Humans have discovered so much, it makes me wonder why ponies haven't achieved this."

"Magic and Celestia," replied Gordon.

"What?" replied Twilight, "How can magic and Princess Celestia prevent technological advancement?"

"Why bother inventing machines when you can conjure a spell? What reason would Pegasi have for an aircraft? And Celestia? She's been holding everyone back because she's afraid of no longer being in control. Equestria has become stagnant and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Tell me, what major inventions have been created in the past century?"

Twilight seemed to ponder what Gordon said, "I can understand your points regarding magic, and I'll admit there have been very few major inventions in the past century; the steam locomotive probably the most significant."

"Humans invented steam locomotives over 200 years ago. Trains then, like yours now weren't very fast or sophisticated but, an ever increasing need for speed and efficiency has resulted in modern trains reaching triple digit speeds. Some reach over 300MPH. The record for a Maglev train, which operates using electro-magnets, is 375MPH."

"That's so awesome!" Rainbow squeed.

"And take flight, particularly with heavier-than-air vehicles. The Wright brothers aeroplane was the first powered flight of such a type of aircraft. It took it's first flight in 1903. Their aircraft Kitty Hawk, flew 120 feet at 6.8 miles per hour. 66 years later, the Saturn V rocket launched three men at 17.5 thousand miles an hour out of Earth's atmosphere, the first stage in the mission to the moon."

"The Saturn V, the rocket used in the Apollo missions," Twilight replied.

"Yes. If humans didn't have the compulsive need to evolve and push ourselves......we would never have achieved the technological marvels we have. Did you know we even have people living in space, on the International Space Station in Earth orbit."

"Are you saying ponies rely too much on magic and are too content with how things are?"

"Yes. And Celestia......well I think you know what I think she's doing to Equestria."

"You think she's deliberately holding ponykind back."

"Yes. Ponies are too content with their talents and never branch out to new fields. Take the Wright brothers, they didn't start out as aeronautical engineers; they actually ran their own bicycle repair shop."

Twilight's eyes were starting to glisten with tears.

"I know you don't think much of Princess Celestia, but she is a kind pony who really does have Equestria's best interest at heart."

Gordon sighed, "If she does then she needs to be open to change."

"She's a reasonable pony. I could talk to her, she'll listen to me."

"But will she act on it?"

No answer came.

"Twilight," Gordon continued, "Celestia might think she's doing the right thing, and she might not have any malicious intent but she's still wrong about a few things."

Twilight seemed to cheer up a little.

"Well," Gordon continued once more," Cherilee is coming later. She wants me to go into the school and give a lesson on my world. I suggested a science experiment where I launch a small rocket into the sky."

"Cool!"

"I get the feeling the colts and fillies will like that," Twilight said, "Any other experiments?"

"Yes. I'm going to launch a helium balloon that will go high into the atmosphere."

"Why do that?" asked Twilight.

"To prove that this planet is round and it orbits the sun, disproving the bullshit notion that Celestia and Luna control the sun and moon."

Both Twilight and Rainbow went wide-eyed. Twilight was the one to respond first.

"But Princess Celestia and Princess Luna DO control them, it's a proven fact and witnessed every day."

"Or they put on very impressive illusions."

"But-"

"Twilight, as I said to Luna last night; do you have any idea how much energy would be required to move such a large object like the sun?"

"The sun isn't that big. The most brilliant pony minds have determined the sun to be the same size as the moon and this world to be flat; and that the sun and moon move around the world rising and setting in their respective places every time. They have never been disproved."

"Or they have and the ones that disproved them have been permanently silenced or locked away for good. In Earth's 17th Century an astronomer called Galileo Galilei, considered the father of modern science, was placed under house arrest for the rest of his life for saying the Sun was the centre of the Solar System and not the Earth. And I don't know about your sun, but the sun of my home-world's solar system has a diameter of 865,000 miles. The moon has a diameter of 2158 miles."

"I read about that in your science books," she replied before sighing, "Gordon, I'll admit you do have valid points and having read your books and comparing them to ours.....I have started to question our knowledge."

"Are you saying you don't believe it any more?"

"No, but I am interested in seeing if your experiment provides new information. Speaking of which, how will you prove this world is round?"

"I'll attach a camera to the balloon that'll record the entire journey. I'll also fit a sensor so we can work out how far up it goes. Go high enough in my world and you can see the curvature of the planet. I've seen it myself when I was flying to Japan one time at 40,000ft. The sky was clear and I could just make out the curvature of the planet."

"Well, I'd like to help out in this experiment. Considering the implications this could have on the scientific community and by extension Equestria, I think it's fair to be involved."

"Sure, you can as well Rainbow. As well as the others if they want."

"I'll let them know,"replied Twilight, "Anyway, I'll leave you two alone now. Bye Rainbow, bye Gordon."

"Bye Twilight," Rainbow and Gordon replied in unison.

Twilight saw herself out, leaving Gordon and Rainbow sitting on the sofa. Rainbow wrapped a wing around Gordon, "So, where would you like to go for our date?"

"We could go to Canterlot."

"Sure, suits me. There's an awesome steak house I've been itching to go to."

"Then it's settled. We'll go to this steak house."

"Great. Wanna go for a walk before Cherilee gets here?" asked Rainbow.

Gordon looked out of the window to check the weather, "Sure, let's get going."

Gordon first removed the disc from the Xbox, placed it back in its box and back on the shelf. Switching the Xbox and TV off, he turned Rainbow.

"Come on Dashie, let's get going."

Rainbow blushed at the nickname and followed him to the front passageway where he put on his coat and boots. Rainbow watched Gordon push some buttons on a panel near the front door before walking out and locking the door.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Security systems. Want to walk anywhere in particular?"

"Not really, I just wanna have fun."

The two walked slowly into town, lightly gripping Gordon's hand. Ponies watched as they walked past, whispering amongst themselves at the sight of the mysterious, troubled human and their brash and rash Pegasus friend.

"So, how long have you been living in Ponyville?"

"A few years now. I moved here during my 2nd year at University."

"What did you study?" asked Gordon.

"I got a Bachelors First Class with Honours in Meteorology and a Minor in History."

"Wow. I got my Bachelors First Class with Honours Leadership and Strategic Studies," Gordon laughed, "So we're both a couple of smart-arses."

Rainbow laughed in response, "Speak for yourself...Egghead."

"You wound me Dashie," he replied mockingly, clutching his chest.

After a few more minutes chatting and strolling along, they were about to pass Sugarcube corner.

"Want to go in for a quick drink?" asked Rainbow.

"Sure."

The two went in where almost immediately Pinkie bounced into view, seemingly out of thin air.

"Hiya you two! What brings you here?"

"Drinks. A banana milkshake for me and whatever Rainbow wants," Gordon said handing Pinkie some bits.

"I'll have a strawberry milkshake."

"Coming right up!"

Pinkie took the bits and bounced away to prepare the drinks whilst Gordon and Rainbow sat themselves down at a table next to the window. Rainbow sitting directly opposite Gordon.

"So," Gordon started, noting Rainbow looking directly at him a little dreamily, "Where do you actually live in Ponyville?"

"In my Cloudonium."

"Cool."

"It's actually made of clouds."

"Even more cool."

"You believe me, despite not even seeing it?"

"Why not, considering all the other crazy things in this world it's quite believable."

Rainbow and Gordon shared a laugh, which was interrupted by Pinkie bouncing into view.

"Here's your Milkshakes guys, enjoy!"

Pinkie bounced away leaving them alone once again. They each began drinking through the straws.

"Good milkshake," commented Gordon.

"They always are here."

"You come here often?"

"Sometimes, but I don't eat much. I need to keep a slim athletic figure if I want to keep being an awesome flier."

"And join the Wonderbolts."

"You said it."

The two drank some more, Rainbow repeatedly looking up at Gordon.

"Gordon, what did you do this morning after....you know...that happened?"

"I.....went inside and slept. Nothing more."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Well enough."

".......Bad memories?"

"......Yeah. Very bad."

Rainbow got up, moved her chair next to Gordon and sat down next to him.

"You wanna talk about it?"

Gordon looked at Rainbow, her eyes filled with genuine concern. He could smell a fruity aroma coming from her, similar to Citrus, that he hadn't noticed earlier. The pleasant smell filling his nose and making him feel at ease.

"Not particularly. At least not right now."

"OK. But if you ever do just find me OK?" she said placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Gordon gently took her hand and held it gently, "OK."

Just then the bell above the door sounded. Rainbow and Gordon looked to see who was entering and saw another familiar face.

"Pinkie darling I've come to collect my order."

"Here you are Rary Bear."

"Thank you Pinkie."

"You're welcome Rary. Oh Gordon and Dashie are here," she said happily to Rarity, "There they are."

Rarity looked to where Pinkie was pointing and her face lit up with delight.

"Thank you Pinkie," she said turning back to her.

Rarity walked over to Gordon and Rainbow, "Mind of I join you darlings?"

"Not at all," replied Gordon, "Sit yourself down."

"Thank you Gordon."

"Hi Rares."

"Hello Rainbow. Enjoying more time with Gordon," she asked with a faint smirk.

"Yeah, he's good company," she replied with a slight blush to her cheeks.

A small smile crept onto Rarity's lips, "Splendid. I do enjoy seeing you two spending time together."

Gordon raised his eyebrows at Rarity, "Meaning?"

"Oh come on darling. Surely you can't be blind to the fact that Rainbow likes you."

Rainbows cheeks suddenly went very red.

"Well she did ask me out on a date."

Rainbow's eyes shrunk to pinpricks in panic.

"YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO-"

"ABSOLUTELY SMASHING!" Rarity replied, cutting off Rainbow, "That is absolutely delightful. Where and when are you going? Do tell."

"Canterlot tomorrow night," replied Gordon, "To the new steak house that's opened."

"The one in Star Light Zone?"

"Yeah, that one," Rainbow replied, sounding a little miffed.

"Something wrong Rainbow?" asked Rarity.

Rainbow huffed, "No, it's just that I didn't want everypony knowing we were going on a date."

Gordon sighed, "Sorry Rainbow. But they would have found out very soon anyway."

Rainbow sighed, "Yeah I suppose so."

Gordon smirked in amusement when an idea suddenly popped into his brain.

"Rarity, since myself and Rainbow will be going out to dinner, I thought it would be a good idea if Rainbow had something nice to wear."

Both girls immediately caught on to what Gordon was implying. Rarity almost burst with joy whilst Rainbow looked like she wanted to throttle Gordon.

"I'll just throw any old thing on," huffed Rainbow.

"Now now Dashie you can't go to what sounds like a posh restaurant looking like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards, you need to look lovely. And I'm pretty sure Rarity would love to make you a lovely dress for our date," he said, finishing with a shit-eating grin.

"I concur Rainbow. Come with me and I promise to make you a lovely dress in time."

"Really, I don't want a new dress."

Rarity leaned over to Rainbow and whispered something in her ear. Her scowl left her face and she looked up to Gordon with a creepy grin, sending a slight chill down his spine.

"OK Rares, you've convinced me."

The two girls got up.

"We're going now," Said Rarity, "Rainbow's dress won't make itself."

"OK, have fun."

"We will," replied Rarity, "Come along Rainbow darling."

"Bye Gordon, catch you later," Rainbow said, waving at him as she left.

"Bye Rainbow, bye Rarity," he replied with a wave of his own.

"Bye Gordon."

Gordon watched as the two girls left for the Boutique. Gordon, decided to head back home and wait for Cherilee to arrive. He said goodbye to Pinkie and left the store. He managed to make it back without incident. Walking in and switching off the alarm, he removed hos boots and coat and went to the front room to play on the Xbox, deciding to play some Red Dead Redemption.

At almost 6pm on the dot, the doorbell rang. Quickly going to answer he opened the door and as expected, Cherilee was stood there.

"Hi Cherilee, you coming in?"

"Hello Gordon, and thank you. It's becoming a little chilly."

Cherilee entered the home and dried her hooves whilst Gordon shut the door.

"You hungry?"

"I'm starving. I've just spent three hours marking work."

"I'll whip something up. What do you like?"

"Got any chicken?"

"Yeah I've got some. I'll do some roast chicken and chips."

"Sounds good."

"Want a drink? I've got tea, coffee.......wine."

"Wine, definitely wine."

"I'll go and get some from the basement. Red or white?"

"White."

Gordon went off to get some wine leaving Cherilee to look around the room. She was fascinated by all the gadgets and other human items. The TV, Xbox One and 360, Wii U, the gaming PC, the stereo, a Surface tablet, the DVD's and Blu-rays.

She also had a look at some pictures that hung around the room. One of them, larger than the others and in black and white, hung on the wall adjacent to the grand piano. It showed a bald, old looking man dressed in a suit and with a hand resting on the back of a chair.

"His name is Winston Churchill," Gordon said returning with the wine, "He was Britain's Prime Minister during most of the Second World War and PM again a few years later, after the war ended."

"You'll have to tell me more about him sometime."

"I could give a lecture about him to the children sometime."

"I don't see why not, I'll be looking forward to the lecture my self."

Gordon held up the wine, "I got the wine, come into the kitchen; we can talk there while I cook."

Cherilee followed Gordon into the kitchen and was taken back by its size. It was around the same size as her classroom and had several ovens and hobs, an American style fridge-freezer, a large coffee making machine like you'd see in Costa's or Nero's, a dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle, food blender.....like a normal kitchen, but bigger.

"How much did this cost?" Cherilee asked aloud.

She held a hand to her mouth and blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry, I didn't mean to ask that."

"It's fine, I don't mind you asking. It wasn't cheap, put it that way. The kitchen, not including crockery, pots, pans and appliances etc, cost around £33,000. Add in the everything else and it gets nearer to £40,000. That espresso machine cost £1,500 alone. The fridge-freezer another £2,000."

"I wonder how much that is in bits?"

"From what I can tell my currency and bits are worth pretty much the same. Though the vast majority of what I have isn't accessible."

"How much, if you don't mind me asking?"

"About.....£105 million."

"Ouch," replied Cherilee.

"It doesn't bother me too much. I had a modest upbringing, I don't miss the money, though I also have investments in gold and silver and few shares in several companies, including my beloved Borussia Dortmund. Last I checked the value of gold and silver had risen, but what they're like now I don't know."

Gordon poured out some wine and handed a glass to Cherilee.

"Thank you," she replied.

Gordon held his glass up a little, making a toast.

"To absent friends."

Cherilee, recognising what he was doing, clinked glassed with him.

"To absent friends," she echoed.

They each took a sip of wine.

"Good stuff," said Gordon.

"It tastes nice, I prefer the dry stuff."

"Same here. Now, I better get tea started."

Gordon went to the fridge and took out some chicken breasts and butter. He then went to a cupboard and took out some olive oil, salt and coarse ground black pepper. Taking out a frying pan, he put some of the olive oil into the frying pan, generously coating the bottom. Whilst that was heating up, he pounded the chicken breasts until they were flat and even, then he seasoned both sides of the chicken breast with the salt and pepper.

Once the pan had warmed up, he placed the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan and allowed, at least one side for now, to cook.

"That'll take around six to seven minutes to cook on one side, then the same time again to do the other. I'll put some chips on the fryer at the same time."

"It's already starting to smell good," Cherilee replied taking a sip of wine.

"My mum taught me how to cook. She wanted me to learn how to cook properly and not just throw any old thing into an oven and wait until its ready."

Cherilee giggled, "She sounds like a wise woman."

"She is. She taught me a lot about life, and did more for me than I'll ever be able to repay."

"You were close to her?"

"Very..................I only regret never thanking her for what she's done."

Cherilee got up and walked over to Gordon and wrapped a comforting arm around him, "You were an army captain, had a wonderful wife and children.....I obviously don't know her but I get the feeling she knows you're grateful for she's done."

"Thanks Cherilee."

"No problem."

The chicken had cooked on once side so Gordon flipped them over to cook the other side. He switched on the deep fat fryer and waited a minute for the oil to heat up. He took out chips from the freezer and put a load in, the oil immediately hissing and sizzling when the chips went in.

"It shouldn't be much longer now. So, how long have you been a teacher?"

"About seventeen years now. I started when I finished University when I was 21."

"I was a little older when I got my degree. I got mine whilst I was serving in the army."

"What is your degree in?"

"I got a Bachelors First Class with Honours in Leadership and Strategic Studies."

"I got a First Class also. Mine is in Education and I minored in Music."

"There's quite a few of us with First Class Degrees, maybe we should start our own little club."

Cherilee laughed heartily, "Sounds like a great idea. Who else have you met with a First?"

"Rainbow. She got hers in Meteorology."

Cherilee eyebrows went up in surprise, "Wow! I never knew she a First. I knew she graduated but a First! You wouldn't think she's a smart mare with the way she acts."

"No you wouldn't."

.........

"You like her don't you?" asked Cherilee.

"L-like her?" he stammered.

Cherilee scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Please, I'm a mare. You think I can't tell when a guy ogles a girl. That and the two of you walking together earlier, with her holding your hand......deny it all you want but you can't deny you have a thing for her."

Gordon felt conflicting emotions as he processed what Cherilee said. He couldn't deny he'd slowly been warming up to Rainbow but on the other hand he felt 'weird' for falling for a pony. Albeit an anthro biped one.

That, and he felt like he was tossing his wife's memory aside in chasing Rainbow's tail.

"I......I like her yes, but.....as a widower I feel like I'm dishonouring my wife's memory."

Cherilee felt a pang of sympathy for Gordon. He still wasn't fully over her death, or those of his children, but if he didn't let go he'd never be able to move on in his life. Rainbow, she felt, could help him accomplish that.

"Have you thought of asking her out on a date?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"She's already asked me out."

Cherilee's eyes sparkled in delight, "Where and when? Tell me!"

"Tomorrow night in Canterlot. We're going to the new steakhouse restaurant in Star Light Zone."

"I've heard of that place. It's supposed to be a classy establishment. You'll need to dress well."

"I will, and so will Rainbow. Rarity's making her a new dress."

"I can't imagine she was pleased."

"She wasn't at first but Rarity convinced her," he replied chuckling, "Good thing really. Rainbow looks stunning in a dress."

"My goodness Gordon!" Cherilee gushed, "I think you're falling in love."

"I don't know about that, but.....I've definitely taken a liking to her."

Gordon went over to the pan to check on the chicken. It had roasted perfectly, but to be sure it was ready he poked them with a knife. The juices ran clear meaning they were ready. Turning off the hob and grabbing some tongs, he picked up the chicken breasts and placed them onto plates he got out earlier. Two chicken breasts each, along with fried chips made a simple but filling meal.

Placing the chips on the plate and switching the fryer off, he took the plates over to the table and set them down.

"Looks good," Cherilee commented before sniffing, "Smells good."

"I'd have thought ponies were vegetarian."

"Some are."

"Good for me that ponies do eat meat. Could you imagine how monstrous it would be if I ate meat? A biological need beyond my control?" he asked sarcastically.

"I know. Yet the same ponies keep cats, dogs, owls and so on as pets. All of which eat meat themselves."

"Those ponies should try meat sometime then they'll see and taste the deliciously meaty goodness they're missing out on," Gordon said grinning, putting his canines on show.

"I wouldn't mind that you eat meat even if all ponies couldn't. You didn't choose to be omnivorous."

Cherilee cut into the chicken, a billow of steam quickly rising up out of it, and took a bite. She moaned with pleasure at the succulent taste.

"That is fantastic!"

"Glad you like it."

"So, what sort of things were you wanting to lecture my students on, apart from the science experiments?"

"I thought a brief history of our major events, a few people of historical significance like Winston Churchill, Julius Caesar, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Isaac Newton et al. There are some historical figures though that I won't tell them about.....yet at least."

"Such as?"

"Adolf Hitler."

"Who's he?"

"Widely considered to be the most evil person to have ever lived. I'll lend you one of my history books so you can read about him yourself, and you'll see what I mean."

"You have your own library don't you? Twilight mentioned it."

Gordon laughed, "I had a feeling she might, but yeah; I have my own library."

"Would I be able to borrow some books?"

"Sure, just let me know which books you borrow."

"Sure thing."

They had finished their tea, Cherilee thoroughly enjoying it, and talked more about the lecture Gordon would give. He would give an overview of the history of the British Monarchy and another on the Industrial Revolution. Also, if there was time, he would give a small lecture on Winston Churchill and play some of his speeches to the class.

They had finished the bottle of wine and, with it getting dark outside, Cherilee decided to head on home and prepare her lessons for the following day.

"Thank you for entertaining me tonight," she said to Gordon.

"Anytime Cherilee," he replied as he walked her to the door.

"I look forward to seeing you in class next week."

"I'm looking forward to it also, see you then."

"See you then. Goodnight Gordon."

"Goodnight Cherilee."

Cherilee left the house and Gordon closed the door and locked it. He decided to get a shower so he headed upstairs to his en-suite and got one.

Several minutes later, a refreshed Gordon got changed into some nightwear, a pair of shorts and t-shirt, and went downstairs to play Ocarina of Time on his Wii U, using the Classic Pro controller. He had each of the Zelda games available on the Virtual Console. Majora's Mask was his favourite Zelda game. He was disappointed though that he would miss the new one that was coming out on 2017.

He had been playing for several minutes, specifically smashing pots in the storage building in Hyrule Castle Market, when the doorbell rang again.

"I seem to be popular tonight."

He went to the door and opened it.

"Rainbow!"

"You owe me mister!" she exclaimed grumpily, scowling in the process.

"Come again?"

"Do you know what Rarity gets like when she fits anypony for a dress?"

"I thought you agreed to go with her?"

Rainbow flinched, "Don't you-...this isn't over. I'll get even with you for this."

"How about I invite you in. I could make you a hot chocolate?"

"With whipped cream and marshmallows?"

"And finished off with chocolate powder, I promise. And I'll let you play on my games consoles."

Rainbow grinned ear to ear in delight, "That sounds great, you may have redeemed yourself.....only a little though."

Gordon stood aside and let Rainbow in. As she passed him she 'accidentally', brushed her tail against him. Gordon felt strangely aroused by this but said nothing.

He shut the front door and went with Rainbow into the front room. She sat down on one of the sofa's and looked at the TV.

"Another computer game?"

"Yeah. That one is called The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Considered to be the greatest computer game ever created. It came out eighteen years ago. I remember saving up my wages from my paper round and getting it on release day. I've still got it actually, the one on that console is the digital re-release. I've also got the 3D remake for the 3DS. I've got every Zelda game made but Majora's Mask is my favourite."

"Why that one?"

"I like its darker themes and its deeper storytelling. I bought that one as well on release day."

Gordon took the controller and returned the game to the title screen. He created a new file and put in the name Dashie.

"Here you go, I've created your own game file. Have fun."

"Thanks," replied Rainbow taking the controller, "What button does what?"

"Surely a girl with a First Class degree can work it out," he said smirking.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Yeah yeah, thanks for your help egghead."

"You're welcome my little Dashie."

Gordon went off to the kitchen to make the hot chocolate. Rainbow blushed again at the nickname and felt butterflies in her stomach. An odd reaction for her considering that, normally, if anyone said such a cutesy thing to her she would probably karate chop them in half.

But coming from Gordon it made her heart feel all fluttery.

Smiling softly she quickly started the game, watching and reading the opening scenes explaining part of the story.

A few minutes later, Gordon returned holding a tray with two large hot chocolates complete with a generous amount of whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate powder.

"Here you are my dear, one big hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows as promised."

She had her hands up to her mouth, giddy in excitement as she looked at the chocolatey goodness on the tray. Gordon swore he could see stars twinkle in her eyes as she gawked at the hot chocolate.

Mein Gott that is adorable.

He set down the tray on the coffee table and removed the large mugs and saucers. He handed Rainbow one of the teaspoons.

"Here you are, to help with the whipped cream."

"Thanks Gordon, it looks great."

Gordon took the tray back into the kitchen and came back sitting next to Rainbow.

"You're not sitting in your chair?" she asked.

"I'd rather sit next to you."

Rainbow's heart fluttered giddily again.

The game started properly, allowing Rainbow to finally start playing. With guidance from Gordon she found the rupees necessary to buy the Kokiri Shield and grinned ear to ear when she found the Kokiri Sword all by herself. She did as Gordon suggested and saved the game, just in case the game froze and she lost progress.

As happened to Gordon once.

He just finished the Water Temple and had just collected the Fire arrow when the game froze.

He had to do the Water Temple again.

His mother didn't understand what the fuss was.

Rainbow took a disliking to Milo, and guffawed in laughter when she ransacked his tree-house for rupees.

Despite never having played a computer game before, she was actually quite good. She slowly made her way through the Great Deku Tree and eventually came to the boss fight.

She beat her on her 2nd attempt and was thankful she took Gordon's advice on saving.

"That was awesome, can I play more?"

"Of course you can. Stop the night if you want."

Rainbow's heart fluttered.....again.

"Really?" she grinned, stars sparkling in her eyes again.

"Really really."

"Could I.....could I sleep with you again?"

Her voice quivered and wavered slightly as she asked, fearful of having her heart crushed at possible refusal.

Gordon, after a moment of silence and stillness, nodded.

"Yes. Living in the past won't help, I've got to move on....or try to any way."

"Thank you," she replied softly as she hugged him gently.

Gordon returned the hug and Rainbow went back to playing. Before long she was sneaking past the castle guards to meet Princess Zelda. Gordon had made two more hot chocolates like before, and brought some fondant fancies and angel slices through as well.

Rainbow finally made it to Zelda, after getting repeatedly thrown out by the guards; much to Gordon's amusement. It got him a playful punch in the arm but it was worth it.

Another mug of hot chocolate later and Rainbow had visited Kakariko Village, Lon Lon Ranch, the Sacred Forest Meadow and Hyrule Lake, learning Epona's Song, Saria's Song and the Sun's Song along the way.

She was now in front of Darunia and had just played Saria's Song.

She watched in bewilderment at his response.

"What was THAT?" she asked, "He dances like Twilight."

"Is Twilight a bad dancer?"

Rainbow looked at Gordon like he'd grown another head, "Dude you have no idea."

"Will it be better if I never see her dancing?"

"It would be better if Twilight never danced at all ever again."

"That bad?"

"Yep."

Rainbow continued to play the game, clearing Dodongo's Cavern and beating the boss on her first attempt. Eager to continue, she went to Zora's Domain for the next step of the quest. Yet another hot chocolate later, she had completed Inside Lord Jabu-Jabu, though she found this one more difficult. Fortunately, becuase she had bottles with fairies inside, when she was killed by the boss she immediately got back into action and kicked its slimy butt.

She made her way back to Hyrule and watched as the cut-scene showed Zelda fleeing in horseback with Impa. She didn't take a liking to Ganondorf and wanted to kick his butt right there and then. Unfortunately that couldn't happen, so after jumping into the moat to collect the Ocarina of Time and learning the Song of Time, she rushed to the Temple of Time.

She could barely contain her excitement when she collected the Master Sword.

"I got it! I got the awesome butt kicking sword!"

She watched as the scene changed, showing several platforms with blue flowing liquid.

After watching the following scenes and learning more about the story, she was back in control again.

Her eyes went to pinpricks when she saw Hyrule Market, transformed into a wasteland with undead monsters. She saved the game and turned to Gordon.

"Can I put the sword back and go back in time to when things were good?"

Gordon laughed, "Not yet."

"I'll have to wait then?"

"Yep. Want to have a go on Super Mario World?"

"Sure. What kind of game is it?"

"Platform. It's pretty straightforward."

Gordon took the controller and went through the menus until he found the game. He started a new save file for Rainbow and handed her the controller, telling her what the controls were.

On her first level, Yoshi's Island 2, she walked straight into a Koopa Troopa and died.

Gordon's belly laugh earned him another punch on the arm.

Rainbow didn't make the same mistake next time and finished the level without dying again. After an hour of playing she had completed all levels on Yoshi's Island and Donut Plains.

But it was getting late and Rainbow was beginning to get tired. Her yawn have Gordon a close up view of her molars.

"Sorry," she said, "I guess I'm tired."

"Let's go to bed then."

Gordon switched off the console and put the mugs in the dishwasher. After switching off all the lights and making sure the doors were locked, he went upstairs and Rainbow followed.

Going into his room he drew the curtains and pulled the quilt back. Rainbow began removing her clothes, leaving her only in her underwear.

"Like what you see?" she asked him teasingly.

"Definitely."

"Pervert," she replied, playfully throwing a dirty sock at him.

Gordon laughed, "Where did you find that?"

"By your bed, seriously dude, you need to wash your dirty clothes; not leave them laying around."

"Sorry mother, I'll wash them tomorrow."

"See that you do. Now get in bed and snuggle me."

"Yes ma'am."

Gordon and Rainbow got into bed and did just that. Gordon enjoyed the feeling of Rainbow's soft fur against his bare skin and likewise, Rainbow likes the feeling of Gordon's bare skin and warm body on her fur. Rainbow had either consciously or subconsciously, wrapped her tail slightly around his waist and had an arm wrapped around his neck. Resting her head on his bare chest, Gordon wrapped an arm around her. This made Rainbow shudder slightly and she cuddled up to Gordon even closer.

It was obvious to Gordon that she had more than a passing interest in him.

Gordon and Rainbow both drifted off into a deep, restful sleep in each others embrace.

OUTSIDE GORDON'S HOUSE

APPROXIMATELY 3.30AM

Cloaked figures skulked in the shadows, being careful to avoid tripping the light sensors, and headed down the ramp to a large metal door and a normal sized door next to it. One of the cloaked figures fiddled with the locks on the normal sized door and after a few seconds was able to gain entry.

The cloaked figure and its three accomplices, entered Gordon's home along with several items.

MEANWHILE

Gordon and Rainbow were sleeping peacefully, Rainbow's head still resting on his chest. The night was calm and peaceful, the only noise that could be heard outside was the water feature in Gordon's garden.

All that was about to change.

The sudden ear-splitting noise instantly woke up both Gordon and Rainbow.

Within a second Gordon recognised the noise.

"WHAT IN CELESTIA'S NAME IS THAT NOISE?!"

"RAINBOW, GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!"

"WHAT IS IT?!"

"IT'S THE FIRE ALARM!," Gordon yelled as he went over to the balcony door and opening it, "GO! NOW!"

"BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU?!"

"I'M NOT LEAVING UNTIL I KNOW YOU'RE SAFE! NOW LEAVE OR I'LL THROW YOU OUT!"

Rainbow didn't need to be told again. She flew out as fast as she could, not caring one bit she was still mostly naked.

Gordon also left through the balcony door and abseiled down the balcony ladder onto the ground. Racing around the side of the house, he realised the fire was coming from the garage. As pissed as he was about possibly losing the cars, he was apocalyptically pissed off that Rainbow's life was endangered. As he came around to the front of the house, he saw four cloaked figures running away from the house.

Fuelled by a burning desire to kick the crap out of them for endangering Rainbow, he gave chase.

"GET BACK HERE YOU FUCKING CUNTS!"

The ear-splitting noise of the sirens had woken up all of Ponyville. Ponies were coming out of their houses to see what all of the commotion was. What they saw was Gordon chasing four cloaked figures. They also heard his continuing shouting and swearing.

"FACE ME LIKE MEN YOU FUCKING ARSEWIPES!"

Gordon continued chasing the cloaked figures, his bare feet pounding the dirt as he did so. Fortunately, Rainbow had gotten help.

The cloaked figures found themselves held in a purple magical aura. Forcing them down onto their knees, she removed their hoods with their magic revealing four ponies.

"Who are you and why did you try to kill my friends?! ANSWER ME!"

"Fuck off bitch! We don't have to answer to you!" one of the ponies said.

"BUT YOU DO ANSWER TO ME!"

Everyone in town looked up to see Princess Celestia, dressed in her full regalia and wings outstretched; followed by Luna and Cadence and platoon of Solar Guards.

All of them looking monumentally pissed off.

Gordon saw Rainbow, now wearing a purple bathrobe with white stars, and ran over to her. The two hugged each other tightly, Rainbow going even further by wrapping her wings and tail around him.

Rainbow quietly sobbed into his chest, wetting his chest with her tears.

"Sssshh, it's over now," he said quietly to her, "And you're safe."

Rainbow couldn't respond, her tears said more than words ever could.

Everyone in town was watching the two embrace.

An embrace that brought a smile from Cadence.

The quiet was broken by Celestia who marched over to the four ponies, still being held in Twilight's magic.

"Guards, arrest these ponies and throw them in the Canterlot dungeons under heavy guard. Make certain they do not converse with each other."

"Yes Ma'am," replied the Solar platoon commander.

He motioned to his soldiers who handcuffed the ponies, all of them Earth type, and took them back to Canterlot in separate carriages surrounded by at least four guards each.

After watching them being taken away, Celestia walked over to Gordon and Rainbow; the latter of which still crying.

"Rainbow Dash, Gordon, are you both OK?" she asked with genuine concern.

"I'm fine," replied Gordon, "I'm not too sure about Rainbow."

Rainbow let out another sob, "I'll be OK."

Rainbow folded her wings back but still kept a firm grip on Gordon's arm.

"What happened Gordon?" asked Celestia.

"Assuming those ponies were responsible, they set fire to my underground garage. Most likely in an attempt to kill me."

Ponies stood open mouthed in shock, some in disgust.

"What was that noise? We could hear it miles away."

"The fire alarm. And it's supposed to be loud, for like now when you're sleeping and need waking up. Good to know it still works."

"As long as you're both OK. When will the alarm stop?"

"When I shut it down, I'll go and sort it out now."

Gordon began to walk away but felt a tug on his arm.

"Don't leave me!" Rainbow whimpered.

Gordon looked into her eyes and he didn't need to be an expert to know the ordeal had seriously scared her. Gordon saw Cadence approach out of the corner of his eye and put a comforting arm around her.

"Rainbow, it's over now. You're safe, we're here for you. Gordon will be back but he needs to sort the alarm out."

"I'll be back as soon as I can Dashie," he said softly and kissed her on the cheek, causing her to blush profusely.

Cadence, and others, raised their eyebrows in surprise. He walked off to his house to shut off the alarm whilst Celestia motioned to two remaining guards.

"Go with him, make certain he's not interrupted and assist him if he asks for it."

"Yes ma'am," they replied in unison.

The two guards went with Gordon back to his house whilst Celestia walked back over to Rainbow.

"Will you be OK Rainbow?"

"I'll be fine Princess, so long as Gordon's with me."

She broke down in tears again. Cadence responded by wrapping her in a tight hug.

"What happened Rainbow?" asked Cadence.

"W-w-we were sleeping together in his room and then suddenly we were woken up by a loud noise."

"That alarm?" asked Cadence.

"Yeah, he opened the the door that lead onto the balcony and told me to leave. I asked him 'what about you'."

"And, what did he say?"

"He said he wasn't going to leave until he knew I was safe, and that if I didn't leave he'd throw me out."

The ponies' eyes widened in shock.

"You mean he would have literally thrown you out the bedroom window?" asked a pony in the crowd.

"I guess so," she whimpered.

The ponies muttered amongst themselves, not sure what to make of that.

"I'd do the same."

Everyone turned to see Shining Armor, still sporting a few bandages and bruises from his fight with Gordon the day before.

"If somepony I loved," he said looking at Cadence and Twilight, "Was in such a situation and they weren't leaving, I'd literally throw them out to save them."

"Couldn't that injure them in the process?" asked another pony.

"Better to have a busted rib or broken leg, than to burn to death."

Several ponies nodded, seeing the logic in the statement. Shining walked over to Rainbow.

"How is Gordon?"

"I'm not really sure," she replied wiping the tears from her eyes, "You could always ask him yourself."

Shining winced, "I'm not sure. After what happened yesterday.....I don't know."

"Speak to him Shining Armor," Luna said walking up to him, "I do not believe he bares a grudge against you."

Shining looked at Cadence who simply smiled at him, "OK, I'll talk to him."

"If you hurry, you could catch him now," Cadence said.

Shining nodded and made his way towards Gordon's house, after giving his wife a kiss first.

"Come on Rainbow," Cadence said, "Let's go to Twilight's library and have a nice cup of tea."

Gordon had switched off the alarm and reset the system. The water had drained away through the drains in the garage. They had been installed in the event that should, for whatever reason, excessive water enter the garage it would have an escape route. The drains had done their job, as had the fire suppression system. The fire had been put out and the cars had been undamaged.

In the centre of the garage was the remains of where the fire had been started.

The CCTV, with its night vision, would be instrumental in finding out exactly what the ponies did and proving their guilt.

Gordon didn't need any assistance form the guards. Good thing really. They were too busy ogling the cars.

"Gordon!"

Gordon looked up and saw Shining approach.

"Shining."

"Do you have a minute?"

"Sure, what do you want?"

"I'd like to apologise for my behaviour yesterday. I behaved in a manner unbecoming of somepony in my position."

"Apology accepted."

Shining blinked, "What?"

"I accept your apology. Water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned. Besides, I wasn't much better."

Shining laughed, "No, I suppose not. You hit really hard by the way."

"So do you."

Gordon walked over to Shining and extended his hand, "Friends?"

Shining smiled and shook his hand, "Friends."

"Now, what do you say we return to the others?"

"I see no problem with that," Shining replied. He looked to the two guards who were peering inside the cars, in particular the Pagani Huayra and Bugatti Veyron.

"Come on guys," Shining continued, "You've ogled the cars long enough."

The two guards reluctantly left the cars alone and walked with Gordon and Shining out of the garage.

"I'll be back with you shortly, I just need to go back to my bedroom for a moment, and dry myself. I''ll see you out front."

"Sure thing."

A few minutes later Gordon walked out of the front door in a clean change of clothing and carrying a bag containing Rainbow's clothes. He locked the front door behind him and walked with Shining and the two guards back to Twilight's tree-house.

They reached the tree-house after a few minutes and went inside. Rainbow, her friends and the Princesses were sitting in the library foyer. They looked up when they heard the door open, Rainbow nearly knocked Gordon off his feet when she flew into him, hugging him tightly.

"Hey Dashie, I brought your clothes."

"Thanks."

The two continued to hug a few more seconds until finally letting go.

"You OK?" asked Gordon.

"I am now that you're back."

Rainbow wrapped her arms around his arm and pulled him in close.

"If you two want to stop here tonight you can do," Twilight said, "There's plenty of room."

"Thanks Twi, we will do," replied Rainbow.

"I shall leave you now to get some well deserved rest," Celestia said, heading for the door followed by Luna and Cadence, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight Princess."

"And Gordon?" said Celestia.

"Yes?" he replied hesitantly.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The princesses, Shining and remaining guards left the library, leaving the elements and Gordon. Spike, whom Gordon had yet to meet, was still asleep.

"I don't know about all of you," said Rainbow, "But I'd really like to go to bed now."

"Sure thing Rainbow, use the spare room next to mine."

"Thanks Twi. Come on Gordon," Rainbow replied, pulling him by the hand.

"Night girls."

"Goodnight Gordon."

Rainbow and Gordon went into the spare room and shut the door.

"It's a single bed," observed Gordon.

"Perfect."

Rainbow pulled the bedsheets back and git in, "Come in Gordon, take your clothes off and get in."

"Yes ma'am."

Gordon removed his clothes, except for his underwear, and got into the single bed with Rainbow. The single bed made snuggling and cuddling all the more intimate.

"Gordon?"

"Yes?"

"...........thank you."

She then kissed him gently on the lips and snuggled up to him again.

Gordon nuzzled her mane, "You're welcome Dashie."

Author's Notes:

I actually like the Water Temple.

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