Star Cross and Nightlock both sat at the kitchen table waiting eagerly for their breakfast that Gordon was cooking. The truly wonderful smell filled their noses causing them to salivate. They seldom got the chance to have this kind of food due to Celestia's narrow-minded views on the matter, Luna however was trying to change things but wasn't having much success.

"Breakfast is ready," Gordon called to the two Thestrals.

"About time," replied Star Cross, "We're starving over here."

Gordon walked over and put the plate full of bacon on the table, along with some butter and some home made bread.

"Here you are, dig in."

The siblings did just that. Bacon was so popular amongst Thestrals it could probably be used as a form of currency. The siblings made put several slices of bacon into a sandwich and promptly stuffed their faces.

"Do all humans eat this?" asked Nightlock.

"Not all," replied Gordon, "Some humans suffer from a terrible disease call vegetarianism where they're incapable of consuming meat. Ironically though, eating a bacon sandwich is the only known cure for vegetarianism."

The two siblings laughed at Gordon's joke. They were pleased they had someone else to enjoy a meaty diet with. Whilst ponies can eat meat, most don't as they're far too squeamish and emotional about it; according to Nightlock. Pegasi eat fish and meat regularly though and Cloudsdale has a fair few fish restaurants and steak houses.

Bitter sweet for Gordon. As much as those places appealed to him he lacked the ability to walk on clouds.

"Do you have anything planned for today?" Star Cross asked Gordon.

"I'll be helping Pinkie later at Sugercube Corner if she gets the OK from her bosses."

"Well if the cakes we had last night are anything to go by then I'm sure Ponyville will love them," replied Star Cross.

"I'm going round to Fluttershy's as well later."

"Yeah, she said to visit. When will you go?"

"This afternoon maybe if I can."

The trio finished off their bacon sandwiches and morning coffee and just as Gordon was putting the dirty pots into the dishwasher, there was a knock at the door. Gordon calmly walked to the front door despite not expecting visitors at this time. He opened the door to find Pinkie with a particularly big grin adorning her face.

"Hi Pinkie, what brings you here?"

"You do silly."

"How so?" he asked confused.

"Mr and Mrs Cake agreed to let you bake with me today!"

Gordon was surprised to say the least. Despite the insultingly wrong 'facts' about humans in Equestria and the vandalism to his house last night, there were still other ponies willing to give him a chance.

"Bake with you?"

"Yep and it's going to be so much fun!"

"It sounds like fun, when do we start?" he asked trying not to laugh at Pinkie's excited behaviour.

"Right now."

"OK, let me just tell the Gruesome Twosome and we'll be on our way. Do you want to wait come inside while you wait?"

"Sure," replied a still smiling Pinkie as she stepped inside.

Gordon closed the door and the two walked together into the kitchen where Nightlock and Star Cross where clearing the table and tidying up.

"You don't need to clean up guys, I can do that."

"Please, let us. It wouldn't be very polite if we didn't help around your home. You did let us come inside when you didn't have to," replied Star Cross as she put place mats back in to a kitchen drawer.

"OK, I won't stop you. I'm off with Pinkie now, will either of you need to come with me?"

The two siblings looked at each other and smiled knowingly at each other.

"No," replied Star Cross, "You'll be fine with Pinkie. Princess Luna did give us authority to use discretion on when to be with you. You'll be fine with Pinkie, she's an Element after all."

"Element?"

"One of the Elements of Harmony. Specifically the Element of Laughter," relied Star Cross.

Gordon looked to Pinkie, still smiling, and started to connect a few dots together.

"I'm guessing the other Elements are your friends?"

"Yep. Twilight is Magic, Rarity is Generosity, Rainbow Dash is Loyalty, Applejack is Honesty and Fluttershy is Kindness," replied Pinkie.

Gordon remained silent for a moment. Apart from Magic, the other elements including Laughter where ideal traits to have. Traits he respected in people. Traits that were vital for one of his previous jobs.

"You'll have to tell me more when the gang's together again."

"Yes we will, now come on Gordon. We've got cakes to make."

Pinkie hooked her arm around Gordon's arm and half-dragged him along.

"Bye guys, I'll see you later," he called back the Thestral siblings.

"Bye Gordon," Nightlock called back.

Gordon and Pinkie were making their way towards Sugercube Corner, passing a few ponies along the way who were setting up shop for the day. The sun was shining and the cool summer breeze made for a lovely morning. Hopefully it would stay like this throughout the day.

Pinkie and Gordon entered Sugercube Corner and where greeted by Mr and Mrs Cake.

"Hello there Gordon," said Mrs Cake with a cheerful smile, "Thank you for coming over."

"No problem Mrs Cake, I'm surprised at being invited over actually given my slightly rocky introduction."

"Don't worry about that dear, Pinkie trusts you and we trust Pinkie so we trust you. Besides, after trying some of your own cakes we just had to get you on board. Even if it's just for a day."

"You tried some of my cakes? How? I don't recall seeing Pinkie or the others leaving with any."

Mrs Cake simply placed a gentle hand on Gordon's shoulder and smiled, "Pinkie."

Gordon turned his head slowly to look at the pink pony in question, "Of course. It seems it'll take some getting used to Pinkie."

"It will, but when you do you'll see she's an absolute joy to have around."

"Oh Mrs Cake, you're much too kind. Come along Gordon, those cakes aren't going to bake themselves."

Before Gordon could respond he was dragged into the kitchen. He washed his hands as Pinkie go out all the necessary ingredients, pots and utensils that would be needed.

He dried his hands and walked over to the worktable Pinkie was at; this time wearing a very pink, very frilly apron.

"Nice apron," Gordon observed.

"Thanks, oh that reminds me you'll need one. Health and safety and all that."

Gordon sighed internally, fucking health and safety, what's it ever done for me?

Pinkie came back with a dark red apron. Non-frilly much to Gordon's relief.

"Turn around Gordon."

"Do I have to wear one?"

"Yep. It's workplace rules."

Gordon stood defiant, "I'm not wearing it."

"Oh I get it, you want a pink frilly one like mine. I'll go and get you one."

Gordon's eyes opened wider and his heart rate sky rocketed.

"NO! Please don't! I'll just use that one if I must."

"Are you sure, I have another just like mine."

"Yes I'm sure," he relied a little panicky.

"Well, OK. Turn around then."

Gordon did so this time and allowed Pinkie to do her thing.

"It's a little tight," he moaned.

"And double knotted. Now come on Gordon, there's lots of ponies who need cake and we're going to bake them cake."

Gordon and Pinkie set to baking cakes and pastries that were required and soon found a working rhythm together. As soon as one batch went into the oven, they started on the next. Just as the second batch was about to go into the oven it was time for opening. Several ponies walked in ready for a quick morning snack before work or whatever it is they're going to do. Gordon and Pinkie brought through the freshly baked cakes and pastries and placed behind the glass counters and some in the store window.

Several ponies took notice of Gordon, who was placing several full cakes in the display window, and were curious as to what he was doing here. One of the ponies spoke up to ask him.

"Excuse me human, what is it you're doing here?" asked black furred, grey maned Pegasus in a genuinely curious manner.

Gordon turned to the pony that asked the question, "Yesterday I had Twilight and her friends over at my place during which I offered them some cakes I baked. They liked them and unbeknownst to me Pinkie managed to get some to Mr and Mrs Cake, who also liked them and asked Pinkie to bring me over today to help out."

"Oh, well if the Cakes trust you then I think I'll have some of what you baked then. Just to see if there as good as you let on to be."

"Thanks, Thunderlane wasn't it?"

"Yep, One of the best fliers on Ponyville. Not as good as Rainbow Dash but still good."

Thunderlane, Gordon and a few ponies shared a laugh before they went over to order from the counter.

Gordon finished putting the cakes in the display window and went back into the kitchen. Pinkie was on the shop floor dealing with customers leaving Gordon with Mrs Cake. Mr Cake was looking after the twins.

Standing next to Mrs Cake he started to crack some more eggs into a bowl ready for beating. He was fully aware that the Cakes were taking a risk allowing him to bake for them and wanted to show he appreciated the support. Gordon was still wary of the ponies, even the girls, but working amongst the ponies like this was a good way of showing he can be a trusted and productive member of pony society.

He liked baking anyway. It was much less stressful than a previous job he once had.

"So Gordon, who taught you to bake?" asked Mrs Cake.

"My mum. I'm an only child and my dad died when I was very young leaving just me and my mum."

Mrs Cake winced, "I'm sorry to hear that dear."

"It was tough growing up without a father but I'd like to think he'd be pleased with me."

Mrs Cake decided to move the conversation forward to something less depressing. Specifically cake.

"What kind of cakes do you like?"

"Angel cake, Victoria sponge, Battenberg, iced buns to name a few. I don't know if any of those names mean anything to you. I have a few cookbooks at home, I'll bring them in sometime and let you see them."

"Thanks deary," replied a smiling Mrs Cake, "That's real sweet of you. No pun intended."

"My favourite cake though is Death by Chocolate."

"We have a cake with that name. It has three layers of chocolate sponge with chocolate icing holding them together. You then cover the entire cake with a thick layer of more chocolate icing with which you place a generous amount of chocolate shavings and chocolate chips. Usually it made using dark and milk chocolate but some ponies ask for a Death by White Chocolate."

Mrs Cake looked to Gordon and saw that he a zoned out. Shaking him gently she brought him back to his senses.

"Gordon are you OK dear?"

Gordon nodded, "Yeah I just drifted off when you described your Death by Chocolate Cake, especially the white chocolate. White chocolate is my favourite by the way, I love it."

"I'll be sure to remember that dear."

Gordon and Mrs Cake made the next batch of cupcakes ready to go into the oven. The previous batch had cooled down enough to start icing them. Mrs Cake showed Gordon pictures of how they ice their cupcakes and how many of each to do. Gordon followed the pictures precisely and did the precise number of each required. Mrs Cake was impressed. She had been a professional confectioner and baker for many years now and it was obvious to her that Gordon had a talent for this.

After finishing the icing and decorations he took them through to the shop floor and put them in the display cabinet. There weren't any ponies at the time. It was one of Sugercube Corner's quiet periods. Pinkie was the only one on the shop floor so Gordon walked over to see how she was doing.

"Hey Pinkie, you OK?"

"I'm awesomecited!"

"Awesomecited?"

"Awesome and excited. Awesomecited. And everypony really enjoyed the cupcakes we made."

That was a relief for Gordon to hear. The last thing he needed was negative feedback as that would not only make settling in and gaining the trust of the ponies that much harder, it would also affect the reputation of Sugercube Corner and potentially have serious repercussions for Mr and Mrs Cake.

"That's great to hear Pinkie. We make a good team you and I."

"Yeah we totally do! Hey I know, why don't we be Baking Buddies?"

"Baking Buddies?"

"Yeah, you know we sometimes hangout solely to bake cakes."

"Sounds good to me. When would you like our first session?"

"Hmmmmm, why not after you get back from Canterlot with Rarity and Dashie."

"Sounds good to me."

"Great, I can't wait. I'm gonna go and help Mrs Cake, can you serve this customer?"

Gordon looked over to the single pony that had entered the store. The pony was a Unicorn mare with cerulean fur, turquoise eyes and a dark blue mane that hung loosely from her head.

"Hi there ma'am. Is there anything I can do for you today?"

"Oh I'm just browsing thank you."

"I haven't seen you in Ponyville before, do you live here?" he asked the mare.

"No," she replied shaking her head, "I'm just visiting for a day out."

"I recently moved here myself, albeit not of my own volition."

"Yeah I heard rumours of a human living in Ponyville."

"You're not scared of me are you?" asked Gordon apprehensively.

"No. Though I've read the history books there are a few things that don't add up and what information there is on humans is remarkably one sided against them. The history books read more like a personal account than a factual one."

Gordon sighed. His tired expression said everything, "I had a feeling that would be the case. I'll have to look into these history books myself and see how one sided it is. But for the record, humans aren't bastards. Not all of us anyway. Unfortunately for me, Princess Celestia has considerable sway over her subjects and an intense hatred of me, or at the very least a hatred of what I am."

The mare looked a little upset but for what reason eluded Gordon.

"Anyway, enough about the depressing stuff. Let's talk about cake. Do you see anything you like?"

The mare had a look around and after a minute or so she pointed to the large cupcakes with red icing and orange coloured orange flavoured chocolate chips. Lava Buns they were called.

"I'll take half a dozen of these ones."

"An excellent choice, I baked and decorated these ones myself this morning," replied Gordon as he took the cupcakes out and placing them in a box.

"They look very appetising. But I'll save them for tonight after tea."

Gordon closed the cardboard box lid and handed it to the mare, "That'll be......four bits please."

The mare handed over a five bit note and Gordon gave the mare a one bit coin in change.

"There you are m'lady. Have a nice day."

"Thank you kind sir. But I must ask what is your name?"

"Gordon. Gordon Gresley."

"I'm Aurora Selena."

"Wow!" exclaimed Gordon, "That's a damn fine name."

"Thank you!" replied the mare, feeling a huge boost in jubilation, "It suits me well, I am a Theoretical Physicist after all."

"I'm into astronomy myself. I've read theoretical physics before but most of it goes over my head."

Aurora giggled, "It does with most ponies. And with some humans it seems."

"Indeed so," Gordon replied with a small laugh.

"Anyway, it's been a pleasure talking to you Gordon. I may just come here again."

"It's been a pleasure Miss Selena."

Aurora giggled again, "Please call me Aurora, Gordon."

"Very well. I'll see you again I hope, Aurora."

"Likewise Gordon. Goodbye."

"Bye."

Gordon watched as Aurora left the shop and went about her business. He felt quite pleased with himself at how he handled dealing directly with a customer. Hopefully Mrs Cake will be pleased also.

Looking at the clock he noticed it was time for his lunch break. Turning around to go to the kitchen he noticed Mrs Cake and Pinkie stood behind him looking rather pleased.

"That was superific Gordon, you were really good!" exclaimed an excited Pinkie who was bouncing up and down.

Gordon shrugged his shoulders, "I was just being myself."

Mrs Cake smiled widened a little more, "I know dearie, now go and get some lunch. Pinkie has prepared a little something."

Gordon nodded and followed Pinkie into the kitchen leaving Mrs Cake on the shop floor. Gordon followed Pinkie to a side table where he saw some lunch had been prepared for him and Pinkie. A couple of glazed cinnamon rolls and a large white chocolate mocha.

"This looks like a nice set up Pinkie," commented Gordon smiling.

"Thanks Gordon. Mrs Cake said you like white chocolate so I made you a white chocolate mocha," replied a beaming Pinkie. Her expression changed and wad replaced with worry, "You do like that drink don't you?"

"I love it, it's one of my favourite drinks!"

A beaming smile once again adorned Pinkie's face and the two sat down and had their lunch. Gordon lifted the mocha to his lips and took a sip. To say it tasted great is an understatement.

"Bloody hell that's good, who made it?"

"I did," replied Pinkie.

"Have the Cakes ever thought of having a café in their shop?"

"I don't think so," she replied stroking her chin with her index finger, "Why, do you think it will be a good idea?"

"When they make cakes and drinks as good as these yes, it will be a great idea."

"Well have to mention it to them then."

The two finished the drinks and cinnamon buns and talked a little more on what they would be doing later. Gordon mentioned he planned on visiting Fluttershy later, much to the delight of Pinkie. She offered to walk Gordon over when they finished work mid-afternoon.

Around an hour after his lunch break, Gordon was on the shop floor again when a friendly face turned up.

"Hi Lyra, what brings you here?"

"Oh I heard something about a human working here today, and being interested in humans I just had to check it out. You wouldn't happen to know anything about this human would you?"

"I've not seen one but if I do, you'll be the first pony I tell," he replied smiling.

Lyra returned the laugh. She was pleased Gordon could still laugh despite the less than friendly response he's received.

"Thanks. Anyway do you think you could recommend one of these cakes to me?"

"Sure," he replied. He walked over to another cabinet where the Lava Cakes where, "Why not try these. I made these one's myself."

Lyra's eyes lit up in the same way fireworks light up the night sky. She nodded her head vigorously and showed her pearly white teeth with a huge grin.

"I'll take that as a yes. How many would you like?"

"I'll take a dozen."

"Wow, you must have a sweet tooth," he replied placing the cupcakes into a large box, "That'll be eight bits please."

Lyra handed over the correct amount and took the box in her magic.

"Thanks Gordon. I can't wait to try them."

"Let me know what you think of them."

"I will do," she replied smiling.

Just then the door chime sounded, indicating another customer walked in. The stallion walked in and upon realising Gordon, his face turned into a snarl.

"What are you doing here?!" he asked flaring his teeth.

"I'm working here for the day," Gordon replied calmly.

Gordon had a feeling this wasn't going to go well and was extremely grateful Lyra was present to act as witness should anything happen.

The stallion continued to flare his teeth and glare daggers at Gordon, "If you are working here, then I'm not shopping here. Not until you have left us you foul blood thirsty beast."

"Just what is your problem?" Lyra asked angrily, "Gordon is doing a great job and you're just making excuses to not shop here and be insulting."

"So what, he's a human. A beast that doesn't love or feel anything," the stallion said firmly as he continued to stare at Gordon, "Get it through your thick skull human, no-pony wants you here."

"I want him here," Lyra rebutted, "He's my friend."

The stallion sneered at Lyra, "Of course you'd want him here you ape loving slut. You're too much of a tramp for a stallion like me, or any stallion for that matter."

Lyra's eyes started to water. Gordon placed her box of cupcakes and placed them on the counter before going over to comfort her and wrap her in a consoling hug.

The stallion watched the embrace with disgust, "You make me sick you filthy whore."

He stormed out before Gordon could respond. Probably for the better as Gordon would have done a number on him. If there's one thing Gordon can't stand it is being disrespectful to a lady. Being brought up by his mother he had a stern respect for women.

He watched the stallion walk away from the store and down the street. He felt it wouldn't be the last time he saw that stallion. Gordon turned his attention back to Lyra, who was still crying.

"Hey Lyra, you OK?" he asked softly.

Lyra nodded meekly, "I'm OK. Just a little upset at what he called me."

"Don't let people like that get to you. You're a great mare Lyra and you've made me feel welcome in Ponyville."

Lyra smiled. It was one of those could brighten up an entire room on even the gloomiest of days, "Thanks Gordon."

"If it'll make you feel better, how about you and Bon Bon come over to my place in a few days and have a music session. Octavia and Vinyl can come also, Rarity too if she's interested."

Lyra's smile got noticeably bigger, "That sounds great. I talk to them about it and let you know if you like?"

"Sure, that sounds great," he replied, "oh don't forget your cupcakes."

Gordon handed the large box over to her and she took it in her magic.

"Thanks Gordon," she replied giving him a hug.

She walked out of the store, giving a small wave as she left and went about her business. Gordon returned the wave and went back to behind the counter to get ready for the next customer.

There had been quite a few customers in today, Mrs Cake assumes it was due to Gordon's presence and the knowledge that he baked several of the cakes and pastries. Word reached the Cakes that the ponies enjoyed the cakes/buns/cupcakes Gordon made which put Mrs Cakes fears at ease. There were also some more customers who avoided the place solely because Gordon was there and showed no hesitation in making it known.

It was around two in the afternoon and Pinkie and Gordon had finished their shift. Mrs Cake brought through Gordons pay and handed it over to him. 55 bits. That was for six hours work and a small bonus for the amount of cakes sold. Gordon asked if he could come by again to help out to which Mrs Cake gladly agreed to. After thanking him again she handed him over a large box and a smaller one.

"The larger box contains an order for Fluttershy, I heard you were seeing her later so I was wondering if you could take it over to her when you go?"

"Sure, no problem," he replied before looking at the smaller box, "What's in this one?"

"Open it," replied Mrs Cake.

Gordon did so and saw a small cake. A Death by White Chocolate Cake.

Gordon started to zone out looking at the white chocolatey goodness in his hand.

"This looks too good to eat," he commented giving Mrs Cake a hug, "Thanks a lot!"

Mrs Cake was taken by surprise from the hug but welcomed it nonetheless, "You're welcome dearie. I thought you deserved a little something for your good work and for the way you protected Lyra."

"You heard that?" he asked worriedly.

Mrs Cake nodded, "Pinkie also, but don't worry dear we're not mad. Lyra is a sweet mare and seeing you stand up for her is a great thing to see."

"Oh," he replied, "I'm glad I could help then."

"I know dearie and once again I'd be more then pleased to have you here again."

"Thank you Mrs Cake, I'd look forward to it," Gordon turned to Pinkie, "So Pinkie, are we going to Fluttershy's?"

"Absolutely, come on Gordo!"

The nick-name took Gordon by surprise. Pinkie noticed his shocked expression and started to worry, believing she said something wrong.

"Gordon, are you OK?" she asked nervously, biting her nails.

"Yeah I'm fine, just a little shocked you called me Gordo. Not that I mind."

"Why are you shocked about it?" asked a slightly less nervous Pinkie.

"My friends in my world called me that. It was meant ironically though."

"How so?" asked Pinkie.

"'Gordo' is a Spanish and Portuguese word for 'fat'."

"Why did they call you that, you're not fat."

"That's precisely why they called me it. I can eat and eat and eat and not put much weight on, and it sounds similar to my name. Hence 'Gordo'."

"That makes sense....I guess. Am I allowed to call you it?"

"Sure, why not?"

Pinkie went back to her bright and bubbly self again and gave Gordon a bone crushing hug.

"Pinkie.....can't breath," Gordon wheezed out.

Pinkie realised she was cutting off his air supply and released him from her bear hug, "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it Pinkie, now come on. Let's go meet Fluttershy," he turned to Mrs Cake before leaving, "Thanks again for letting me work here today Mrs Cake. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome dearie."

Pinkie too said her goodbye's, "I'll see you later Mrs Cake."

"See you later Pinkie."

Pinkie and Gordon left Sugercube Corner and headed towards Gordon's house first to put his cake in the fridge. They passed several ponies on the way, some of whom were in Sugercube Corner earlier. They said they'd enjoyed what they ate and would definitely eat any more cakes he baked.

Gordon and Pinkie walked up the driveway and into Gordon house. Nightlock and Star Cross we're playing FIFA 15 again and clearly enjoying themselves. Pausing the game they turned around and saw the pair walk into the room.

"Hi Gordon, you finished at Sugercube Corner?" asked Star Cross.

"Yeah I just came back now to put this cake in the fridge."

"Cool. Oh me and my brother had some of your food earlier, we did ourselves a tuna baguette and coffee."

"That's fine, you can't play computer games on an empty stomach. Anyway, I'm going round to Fluttershy's."

"OK, be wary of the Little White Demon though," said Nightlock.

"Awwww, what the matter brother? Scared of a little white bunny rabbit?" Star Cross asked her brother teasingly.

Nightlock narrowed his eyes and returned his attention to FIFA 15, "This means war my dear sister."

"Yeah yeah whatever. Oh Gordon, Princess Luna sent us a message. She's spoken to her sister and two Solar Guards will be arriving later on."

"OK. If they arrive before I get back let them in and get them a drink or a bite to eat of they want anything."

"Sure. See you later."

Gordon quickly went and put the cake in the fridge and left the house with Pinkie. Fluttershy's cottage wasn't too far from Ponyville and according to Pinkie it was a really cosy little place.

They were approaching the cottage and Gordon could see Pinkie wasn't exaggerating. He could see several different animals running and flying around the cottage, all of them seemingly living peacefully with each other. Pinkie and Gordon walked up the garden path and knocked on the cottage door. After a few seconds the door opened and Fluttershy was standing there. She saw Pinkie and Ponyville's newest resident.

"Hi Pinkie, hi Gordon," she said cheerfully.

"Hiya Fluttershy!" yelled and excited Pinkie.

"Hi Fluttershy," Gordon said in a more calm manner, "I thought I'd pop round to see how you were. I brought some cake you ordered as well from Sugercube Corner."

Fluttershy's eyes lit up as she saw the box Gordon held out, "Oh thank you. I was going to go into town later and collect it, you've saved me trip into town."

"You're welcome Fluttershy."

"Would you like to come in?"

"Sure, I'd love to."

"Are you coming as well Pinkie?"

"Thanks Fluttershy," replied Pinkie giving the timid Pegasus a bone crushing hug of her own.

After a couple of seconds Pinkie let go and bounced inside the cottage. Gordon was stood patiently as he waited to be invited to sit down by Fluttershy while Pinkie bounced her way over to a comfortable looking arm chair.

"Sit down Gordon, you don't have to wait for me," Fluttershy said softly to Gordon.

Gordon did as he was told and sat down on the very comfortable two seater sofa.

"Would either of you like a cup of tea?"

"Yeah please Fluttershy. I haven't had one all day."

Fluttershy looked to Pinkie, "Yes please Fluttershy."

"OK. I won't be long."

Fluttershy went into the kitchen to make a pot of tea. As she was doing that a creature matching Nightlock's description jumped up onto the sofa next to Gordon.

The white rabbit made a hard, scrutinising look into Gordon's eyes. He did this for several seconds before holding outs paw. Gordon, assumed this was meant to be a handshake so he held out his index finger and shook the rabbit's paw. The rabbit nodded and then hopped onto Gordon's lap and snuggled down, making himself comfortable.

"I think he likes you," Pinkie commented, having seen the entire scenario.

"Is that unusual?" asked Gordon as he gently stroked the rabbit.

"Yeah. Normally he's very protective of Fluttershy and doesn't warm up to others like this so quickly."

Fluttershy came back into the room carrying a tray with a large pot of tea, cups and saucers, milk and sugar. She placed the tray down onto the coffee table and it was then she noticed Gordon with a familiar rabbit.

"I see you've made a new friend," she commented.

Gordon looked down to the rabbit resting on his lap, "It would seem so. What's his name?"

"Angel."

"Nice name."

"It's strange, normally he's very suspicious of everypony but he's warmed up to you really quickly. Do you like animals?"

Gordon nodded, "Yeah, dogs are my favourite though."

"Angel Bunny is my favourite."

"You said you take care of the animals, so are you a vet?"

"Yes. When I realised my special talent was looking after animals I decided to become a veterinarian. I came to Ponyville because this is where I discovered my talent."

"That's nice to hear, it must be nice to know what you want to be from a young age. It lets you plan things better."

"What is it you do, or did in your world?" asked Fluttershy taking a sip of tea.

"I was a coach driver. A coach is a large vehicle designed primarily to take people to a specific destination. A coach is different from a bus in that buses run specific routes everyday and to a timetable. A coach is different in that they are usually booked or hired by third parties for a specific destination. It was a good job but after I won a few quid on the lottery I decided to leave as I didn't really need the job anymore."

"Was that your special talent?" asked Fluttershy.

Gordon laughed, "No. I don't really have a special talent, I'm just a guy who had a job to do and did it."

Pinkie and Fluttershy both gasped. They were shocked to hear that Gordon claimed not to have a special talent.

"But everypony has a special talent," exclaimed Pinkie, "You were really good earlier with baking!"

"True but it's not something I truly excel in."

"Well," continued Fluttershy, "What does your Cutie Mark look like?"

Gordon blinked, "My what?"

"Your Cutie Mark," repeated Fluttershy.

"Do you not have one yet?" asked Pinkie looking rather upset.

"I don't know what a Cutie Mark is."

"How do you not know what a Cutie Mark is?" asked a shocked Pinkie.

"Not from this world remember."

"Oh yeah," replied Pinkie, "Well a Cutie Mark is what appears on a ponies flank and their upper arms when they discover their special talent."

"Oh, well humans don't get them."

"Humans don't get Cutie Marks? Then how do you know what your special talent is?" asked Pinkie.

"Some know from a young age what they're good at, others find out later in life. Some never find out what it is they're truly good at. Most people do the jobs they do because they have to to earn a living. Bills and food don't pay for them selves."

"I guess that makes sense," replied Fluttershy softly, "Is that what you had to do?"

"Yes. At least until my lottery win."

"How long were you a coach driver?" asked Fluttershy.

"A few months."

"Was it a nice job?"

"For the most part yes. Granted you got days when you'd rather have stayed in bed but it was a nice job to have."

The trio continued finished their cups of tea and it was followed by Fluttershy showing Gordon all the different animals. They were a little wary of him at first but once Fluttershy told them he wouldn't hurt them they warmed up to him.

Gordon enjoyed the tour of Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy was surprised when Angel let Gordon clean his fur and brush his tail as normally Angel is ferociously resistant to anyone but Fluttershy doing that. Fluttershy didn't mind though, it was nice to see Gordon be so tender and caring for her animals.

It was now around tea time and it was time for Pinkie and Gordon to leave. Fluttershy said she'd love to have Gordon around again for afternoon tea and once again thanked him for delivering the cake from earlier.

Gordon and Pinkie walked back to Gordons house and as they approached they saw a fairly large group of ponies outside.

Who gave him the coldest of stares when they spotted him.

"THERE HE IS! THE MONSTER THAT POISONED THE OTHERS!" yelled one of the towns ponies.

"What's going on?" he asked quietly to Pinkie.

"I don't know," she replied, "We may as well find out."

The two walked over and as they did Gordon could feel the intense glares burning into him.

"Do you get a thrill out of it monster?" asked the same pony from before.

"Out of what?" asked a genuinely confused Gordon.

"Don't feign ignorance you dumb hairless ape!"

"What's with the insults?" asked Gordon, completely at a loss as to why the pony was being hostile.

The stallion was about to throw a punch at Gordon before a different voice cut through the air.

"That's enough!"

Gordon and the other looked to the source of the voice and saw it came from a Royal Guards Pony. He was a unicorn who had white fur and a blue mane. The stallion walked up to the angry town pony and spoke to him.

"I get that you are angry about what has happened but that doesn't give you the right to become violent."

"Why are you protecting that hairless ape?"

"I'm not protecting anypony, I'm doing my job."

The stallion turned towards Gordon, "You are Gordon Gresley, I presume."

"Yes, and who might you be?"

"Captain Shining Armor, Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard."

"Did the Princesses send you?"

"Yes. Originally it was to work alongside Nightlock and Star Cross, but when I got here I was approached by towns ponies and informed of actions you have allegedly committed."

"What actions?"

"That you deliberately contaminated cakes and pastries to cause food poisoning to unsuspecting consumers."

Gordon's blood began to boil and his fists clenched tight, "That, is absolute BULLSHIT!"

The ponies were shocked at such language but Shining showed no emotion.

"There have been numerous cases of food poisoning today and you are the prime suspect."

"How so? I wasn't the only one baking and I was working alongside either Pinkie or Mrs Cake the entire time. At no point did I ever deviate from the recipe instructions."

"He's telling the truth," Pinkie added.

Shining looked at her, "Would you be willing to make a sworn statement attesting to that."

"Absolutely."

"I'll arrange for one of my soldiers to come by later, in the meantime I must ask you Gordon to come with me for questioning."

Gordon was livid. Someone had clearly set him up to look like he had deliberately poisoned ponies, an act that would no doubt come to the attention of Celestia who would likely use it to further her anti-human views.

Realising resisting could imply guilt he complied with Shining.

"Where will this take place?"

"The local constabulary," Shining replied.

Gordon sighed. He didn't like this at all. Someone clearly had it out for him and wanted him out of the picture, but who? He looked at Pinkie who had a solemn expression, "You'll be OK. This is all a big misunderstanding, everypony will see that you haven't done anything wrong."

"Thanks Pinkie, but I get the feeling this won't be the last incident with me as the target."

Gordon walked away, noticing the sad look on her face. As he followed Shining he passed Twilight and the others sans Fluttershy. They had expressionless faces in stark contrast to the towns ponies who looked like they wanted to tear him asunder.

He stopped momentarily and turned towards the towns ponies, gaining theirs and Shining's attention.

"What do you people have against me? Why are you going out of your way to make my life difficult? Isn't it enough that I'll never see my mother or my friends again, isn't it enough that I'm all alone in a world where I'm hated simply because of what I am? Why do you all hate me so? What have I done to deserve this vendetta against me? Would you treat me like this had I appeared in this world as one of you?"

Gordon looked at the ponies. Some looked a little guilty, others looked sheepishly away while others hardened their glares. But none of them said anything. Sighing and shaking his head he started walking again.

He dread to think what was going to happen when Celestia heard of this. As far as he was concerned, Celestia considered him guilty solely because he's human.

Fortunately however, Gordon had cast iron alibis and another means of defence.

Hopefully it would be enough.