It was the beginning of a wonderful day. Sunny sky, not a single cloud left from last night.

Now if only she were able to enjoy it outside.

Today, Ditzy has desk duty. Filing letters into stacks, in order of importance and distance required for delivery. Since there's only a finite number of workers, it's her job for today to make sure that her colleagues are well organized.

Normally, they have a unicorn doing this, since it's not that easy to sort letters with hooves. Levitation magic is always useful. But Paper Clip called in sick this morning, so they had Ditzy to somehow use her mouth to stand in his stead. It's certainly interesting how she manages so well without leaving any spit on the paper.

The building isn't that much to look at. In the corner of the room, on the wall behind her, there was a doorway leading into the area where the mail is collected by postponies. On the same wall, there's a single row of five wooden shelves along face level, last one reading "special orders". I'll get to those later. Anyway, those shelves are where Paperclip deposits the mail, and the actual mailponies collect them on the other side of the wall. Since said drawers have doors on either side.

Back to the general layout. Once the postponies fill their bags, the deliverers just walk outside the building through the welcoming desk, which is usually tended by a guardspony. Since the mail does, in fact, require a modicum of security.

Upstairs, there are also the dining room, the conference room and the boss' office.

The room Ditzy is in is Clip's office. It has two desks. One where he arranges mail, whilst the other is dedicated to number crunching and such. Salaries, taxes... it's also less troublesome to deal with special orders. The extra money gets processed as the order itself is sent out immediately.

It isn't cheap, of course. But the mailponies offer to deliver immediately to any other part of Equestria, as long as they have an address. Most locals are more than happy enough to just use the train service to send out their holiday cards. It's usually just the Mayor and Filthy Rich who request air mail. The latter more often, as he spares no expense in order to stay in the lead in the business world. He'd even buy a dragon, if they were for sale. Or hire. Or... at all available, for that matter.

Of course, the mail needs to be tended much more often and urgently than the economical management. Since the boss usually takes care of most of the financial matters, Clip only needs to deal with offering precise numbers on cashings, salaries, sick leaves, that sort of stuff. Which reminds her. Clip will still have to cut his own salary for taking today off. Ditzy appreciated the irony, as a short-lived snicker crept on her face. Underline short-lived.

She didn't feel very easygoing. Not since her little discussion with Dotes this morning. Or last night's talk with the Doctor. Count to think of it, the past few days really were a bit hectic.

It would seem that the number of unfavorable instances which he caused far outnumbered the favorable ones. But in the end, quality wins over. Any attempt at describing the show he offered during that night would fall flat on its face, and leave a 5 inch crater.

Ditzy's mind wandered. Looking out the window, just thinking back.

He really is something.
...And she really needs to get him out of her house already.

College drama and rhymed threats aside, it is unseemly to have some guy live under the same roof. A week to get his bearings was all well and good, but...

'I should ask around town, see if anyone needs a carpenter. Or a clown...' she thought to herself. 'And he will accept whatever job he gets. Beggars can't be choosers.'

She got up, finally having enough. 'I need a break.'

She went out of the room and headed for the water cooler a few feet away. Might at least stretch her legs.

You've seen it all before. Office workers sitting around the water cooler, talking. Pretending like they're actually talking about work, in case the boss comes around or something. It didn't take long for her to wait for someone to appear. And luckily, it wasn't coming from the staircase.

Through the entrance area appeared Sunshower Raindrops, one of her coworkers and best friends.

She was a pegasus pony with a jasmine coat, Tiffany blue mane and tail, medium turquoise eyes, and according to her namesake, a cutie mark of three raindrops. They knew each other since... since Raindrops took the job to work alongside her.

"Loitering, Ditzy?"

"Who, me?" she asked innocently, if somewhat tiredly.

They shared a chuckle, and a bit of chit-chat. About what shenanigans the local baker had been up to, which reminded Ditzy to invite Raindrops for tonight. In case Pinkie didn't already do it by now. Ditzy gave her the all clear this morning, on her way to work. Luckily the Doctor had decided not to join her. So then, the pink party planner had all morning to go around town and spread fliers.

"A surprise party?" Raindrops asked.

"Yeah. Well, you know Pinkie. She doesn't even need a real excuse to throw a party. Plus, I was looking forward to it too. Might even help him get accustomed to the other townsponies, maybe even get a job..."

"He's still unemployed?"

"I know."

"You know, at this rate you'll get unofficially proclaimed married by the village gossipers."

"I know! But I can't just kick him out, now can I?"

"Who said anything about kicking him out?" A wry smile grew on the sunny mare's face. One which Ditzy sees very often nowadays on ponies which are about to say something promiscuous regarding the Doctor.

"So the locals would assume that. Let them!"

"Raindrops..."

"...After all, I'm surprised you two didn't seal the deal by now anyway."

"Raindrops!"

"Ditzy!" she imitated her friend jokingly. "Honestly, since when were you such a drag?"

"I'm not being a drag!"

"Is there something wrong with him?"

"There's nothing wro..."

Ditzy gave her friend a stare in aggravation. She got the message.

"There's nothing wrong with him, it's just... complicated. He's not looking for a relationship right now."

"Oh... I get it now."

The 'oh' sounded kind of suspicious. Like she just realized/assumed something she finds interesting.

"What's there to get?"

"Tell me, Ditzy. Did it ever occur to you that maybe he's just not looking for a mare?"

"Heh. Don't worry, that's not the issue.."

"Problems downstairs then?"

"No, Raindrops, it's nothing like that!"

"How do you know?"

"Raindrops!"

"What is it then? You've been living together for the past week, I can't imagine you needing any more time to get to know each other."

"Why are you so persistent?"

"Well, I would've understood if you wouldn't have wanted to come on to him because he can't even hold a job. But you're saying it's actually him who doesn't want anything to do with a perfectly attractive mare, who might or might not be a little manstarved..."

"..."

"I was thinking about taking that last part back, but... this pause is just priceless."

"I swear to Celestia, Raindrops. One of these days, I will end you."

"You still didn't deny it, though."

She only got a little crimson around the cheeks in response.

"Oh well, it's not like we hadn't already established that. What with the whole Pokey Pierce fiasco. Guy's good with kids, and you're drooling like a school filly."

Ditzy let out a tired breath, then downed her cup of water.

"Anyway," her sunny friend continued to poke. "since your tenant isn't interested, I take it you're having trouble keeping your drool in check?"

Ditzy's retort was in the form of pouring herself another cup of water, facing away and taking a sip. Savoring the indulgent look she could feel boring at the back of her head, as well as the growing snicker on her friend's face.

After a while, though, she heard her sigh in sympathy. "When did you ask him?"

"...Last night."

"Really?" That was less in curiosity, and more critically. A little pause longer, then Raindrops declared, "We're going to need to get you hitched tonight."

"Right..." Ditzy sounded destitutely. "Sorry to bring it to you, but-"

"No buts! We're getting you hitched tonight, and that's final."

'Sigh... This is certainly going to get a whole lot worse before it gets any better.'

Elsewhere, on the Apple family orchard. The Doctor was doing his best to finally get some income. And so far, he hadn't managed too well.

Applejack made it look so easy. Just kick the tree and the apples fall off. Much to his chagrin. He was conscious of the whole magic thing, of the fact that there were things that he couldn't explain in this world. But he was still taken by surprise whenever something nonsensical took place.

Licking the trunk yielded little result, beside having the owner look at him oddly. There wasn't anything unusual about the trees, they were normal Malus Domesticae.

He hadn't been at it for too long, but by the look on Applejack's face, it seemed she was starting to have second thoughts regarding his ability to work for her. Aside from her, Pinkie was also waiting. He'd hate to let her down... He didn't notice Pinkie hoofing over a pink letter to Applejack and whispering something to her when he wasn't looking.

He eventually figured out that simply kicking couldn't possibly be enough. So maybe there was a trick to it. He assumed it had something to do with the unconventional magic that these folk had access to. So, he tried doing what he did that time he figured out how to use his hooves.

'Picture the apples falling off. Put aside your reason and suspend your disbelief. Just pretend that if you hit the tree hard enough, the apples fall off their branches.

'Breathe in, and...' kick!

Half a dozen apples fell down this time, as opposed to none. Although two of them failed to land in the baskets. Oh well, it's a start. Finally.

"There ya go!" Applejack lauded him. "And it only took ya little over a dozen tries!"

"Thanks..."

"At this rate, by the end of the day, ya might be able to do as well as mah little sister!"

He turned his head slowly, with a big glare, to face the now snickering farm pony.

Alright. Challenge accepted.

Kick!

Seven apples this time.

Kick!

An hour later, he got as far as managing to empty half the tree per strike.

It's been three hours now. He's tired and he can't get past eight.

It would seem that it still takes a minimum physical impact. His... willpower needs to be inversely proportional to the amount of force applied. The weaker his kick, the harder he needs to focus. Still, there are diminishing returns. There's only so far he can go with his newfound abilities.

'Whew! So far so good. I can only wonder how far I can go with this. Or what else I might be able to do...'

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he looked at his handywork. He managed to empty his fiftieth tree. 'Let's just put these apples in the pile, and maybe I can convince Applejack to let me take a break.'

Pinkie left as soon as she saw that he was managing on his own. Saying he was on good hooves and that he should try to have fun while working. After that, she just dashed away in a pink blur started skipping her way back to town at a leisurely pace.

He should remember to ask her how she manages to defeat the laws of physics some time. Actually, he should ask her if even she knows what she's doing, because he certainly doesn't think he understands it in the slightest.

Once he was done unloading his harvest, he didn't take long to find AJ. All he had to do was look for her in the section of harvested trees, and listen to the sound of kicking. Apparently she prefers the term "bucking". It's not hard to figure out why he'd rather avoid using the same term.

She saw him approaching. "Taking a break there, Doc?" her tone was somewhere mixed between sympathy and criticism.

"To be fair, I'm only working as efficiently as I can. To that respect, I thought it best to take a short break once I notice my performance is running lower."

"...Do you always talk so much?"

"You have no idea."

"Okay, well, go right ahead! It's like ya said, can't use a broken plow. Ahm actually kinda surprised ya managed so well so far."

He sat down under the tree she just finished harvesting. "I'm a fast learner."

"Heh, if ye say so." as she started off to unload her cargo. "Just don't forget to get up once yer done restin', ya hear?"

"You got it, boss."

"Very funny."

Wind blowing through the leaves, cool shade from the tree. It's noon and the sun is at its zenith. It's as hot as it's going to get all day.
He's surprised to notice how much a pony can sweat, considering the fact that it has fur. Normally fur and sweat glands don't mix on the evolutionary chain. Good thing there are Pegasi offering to fill up the water tanks of the local homes, similarly to the milkman or mailman. It can get pretty sticky after a certain point.

He wasn't feeling dirty. Just tired. He felt like he'd been running from a Slitheen for the past five minutes straight. Bloody buggers can really run fast.

For now, he spent about five minutes relaxing. He started wondering why his employer hadn't returned yet. He considered how if he got up before she came back to continue working, he might make a good impression... Nah, just a little while longer. Besides, it would seem that he has company.

He noticed some shuffling between the leaves in his tree. It didn't take long for the one responsible to say something.

"Who are you?" a feminine, if not boisterous voice asked, in a somewhat challenging tone.

He looked up to see a curious sight. A pegasus, with a rainbow mane.

'That's new...' he thought to himself.

She had a raised eyebrow as she flew off her branch and into his face. "Haven't seen you around town." Her expression turned suspicious quickly.

He got a better look at her. A multicolored lightning bold on her side and fiercely determined purple eyes. This must be the famed Rainbow Dash he's heard about.

Still, not going to say it right away.

"Well, what a coincidence! Neither have I seen you." he shined back.

He wasn't lying. Just making conversation...

"Funny guy, eh?" she flew off above him, hooves crossed, judging him. "You know this is private property you're napping on, right?"

"Yeah, I've gathered that much. Why, is it yours?"

"What? No, but..."

"...Then I suppose you're no more allowed on it that me, are you?"

"I, well... wait a minute! I'm friends with the owner, I'm welcomed here!"

"Oh, well my mistake then. I can't say I'm explicitly a friend of hers..."

"Ah-ha!..."

"...Just someone trying to earn a job from her."

"...Wait, what?"

She was definitely persistent, if not a little headstrong. He figured it might've been unwise to mess with her, buuut... well, he can't really help himself but poke a little fun at her.

"So, let me get this straight. You're applying to work for Applejack of all ponies?"

"Yes."

"And she said that she'll consider hiring you according to your performance?"

"...Yes?"

"And here you are, taking a break?"

"You can't rightly blame me! I'm not really used to farm work... though it does sound a bit lousy of me regardless."

"Right..."

He just figured that maaaaybe he should expect the possibility of failing to get the job.

"...Maybe I should get back to work."

"Ya think?"

Guess poking fun is out of the question now. What can ya do. When she's right, she's right.

He went back to work. Sure, he was still a bit wobbly, but this time he decided to try and pace himself a little. Strain his muscles less and focus more on flexing his newfound talents instead.

Unfortunately, some apples would refuse to fall off until he forced himself again.

Alongside him, the mare was holding down a chuckle. "Maybe you should try finding a different place to work."

He was far from amused. He could actually go as far as saying he was completely unamused. What could he say to that? 'Gee, thanks for the thoughtful opinion, I'll make note of it?'

"<Sigh> Unfortunately, I haven't had much success so far either way. This isn't the first place I've tried. I was actually okay with whatever salary she considered sufficient."

"Sounds fair enough. Maybe you can ask for a raise once you get a better hang of it?"

"I dunno. I was hoping I'd find something more befitting of my talents eventually. I do appreciate the workout, but this really isn't my thing..."

"And what would that be?" asked Applejack from behind them. Apparently she returned while they weren't looking.

"...Well, I kinda doubt there's anyone around town looking for a science wiz that's great with electronics..."

Or a private eye, or a historian of a completely different universe, or an eccentric medic, or a cheese maker, or a pastry cook (would hate to make competition for the locals, and he'd most certainly not want to make a rival out of Pinkie, of all ponies)...

Private eye in a town where nothing ever happens, and putting an add in the paper would be unwise. And concerning being a medic, he could do that. He could try to tone down on the eccentric act, get to know the locals better and make a cabinet as soon as he read up on pony physiology and diseases...

Yeah. That could work.

"Have you tried with Vinyl?" Rainbow asked.

"...Who?"

"Vinyl Scratch. She's a student from Canterlot working as a DJ for a local night club. She makes her own equipment, so maybe she could use a hoof?"

"That's actually very relevant information!"

"So then, Doctor. Ah'm guessin' yer gonna go try that out now?"

"... Nah. Maybe later. Bird in the hand and all that."

"...Bird in tha what now?" Applejack asked.

"...Wait. HE's the Doctor?" Rainbow Dash added.

He stuck around until the end. Would be rude to leave as soon as some other offer appeared. While he and AJ were working, Rainbow Dash had left back to her job. Apparently she was on her lunch break when she visited. She might or might not have been hoping to snag away a couple fresh apples.

He and the farmpony talked while working about a number of interesting facts. Apparently she and her brother handle the entire farm on their own. He wondered why their parents weren't around, but a deductive mind gave him a decent guess.

Her stetson was a couple sizes too big. But, she wore it well and proud.

He eventually came across the other members of the Apple family.

Big Macintosh, a bulky fellow with a red coat and blond hair. The reason why he wasn't helping his sister gather apples was because he was busy fixing the roof of their cows' barn after last night's storm. And when he finally finished, well, somepony had to cart yesterday's apples to market today.

The Doctor's first reaction to the realization that they have cows living in a barn was... dread. Apparently he was right regarding certain farm animals living in conglomerations, preferring to huddle together and not minding the lack of privacy. Okay, no issue there. There was, however, the matter of cows being raised there... For their milk...

Anyway. When the two stallions did meet, the Doctor was not left unimpressed. The man was twice his size, all muscle. A veritable work horse. They shaked, the bigger of the two giving him a curious look, sort of a "who are you there, pal?".

The Doctor might've felt a little nervous. And subconsciously, what he does when he feels threatened is, run his mouth. Or simply just run. But this time he ran his mouth.

"Well, hello there! You must be Big Macintosh. Your sister's told me a lot about you. I must say, I really admire how you two handle this entire farm on your own... Anyway, I'm the Doctor. Applejack was kind enough to have me work for you today to help around the farm! Nothing too big, don't worry. I'm not going to ask for any more than you've deemed worthy of my services, and you can be certain that as soon as I manage to start up a shop doing... something, not really sure what I'm going to do yet. Maybe a clock shop... Anyway, you can be certain that I'll make sure to offer you a premium service..."

He may have overdone it this time. Suppose he doesn't mind daleks as much as being a moocher.

The bigger stallion gave a reassuring nod, then moved up to his sister. "Mouthy one, ain't he?" he whispered to her.

"Eyup." she joked.

Later in the afternoon, he saw Applebloom. Though they didn't really talk, AJ just told her to go up and get started on her homework.

Applejack also mentioned they had a grandmother, but he didn't meet her. It'd been for the best, he guessed. Wouldn't want to upset another elderly lady. That zebraconian saw right through him, he'd rather not take his chances again.

In the end, it took a lot of work, but he and AJ managed to clear out the remaining apple trees. And there were a lot of them. As in, seriously. You could fit at least two neighborhoods in that orchard. Of course, he could accurately determine the size of the area if he wanted to. He just doesn't feel like associating a precise number to the amount of pain he's feeling in his legs.

He was just laying there in the shade, indulging in a rest before heading out.

"Well! I gotta hoof it to ya, Doc. You did a fine job today." Applejack complimented as she threw him a bag full of bits. "Here, this oughta cover yer first rent."

"I hope I wasn't too much trouble."

"Don't sweat it, Doc. Yer help was mighty useful, even though Ah coulda managed on mah own eventually."

"Well, if you'll need a grandfather clock repairing anytime soon, give me a call, okay? It'll be on me."

"Well, if it'll make ya feel better, Ah'll keep that in mind. Ah'll see ya later, then?"

"Surely! Pleasure doing business with you!"

He felt a bit insecure, carrying the bag of bits in his mouth through town. He tried to keep the rattling down to a minimum. All the while he imagined how he'd wished he had his coat's pockets. But the bloody thing is too big, and he's not sure whether he can afford to get it refitted AND compensate for his shelter so far.

Really, the thing was really big on him. The only reason why he could keep the bloody thing dragging only slightly along the floor was because his tail was in the way.

He could use a saddlebag instead. He'd even managed to outfit one with his trademark bigger-on-the-inside mechanism. But it gets kinda hot under it.

Huh. He'll probably need to figure out what to do about the overheating once he does get his coat refitted. He certainly can't wear it during summer...

Whoever designed ponies as a social, sapient race didn't think things through. He only found it refreshing the first few days of being something non-humanoid. Now he could really use his fingers back, and shedding off this fur coat already.

'<Sigh...> I miss having pants...'

To be fair, it'd seem that he somehow has less trouble itching than you would have initially anticipated.

He gets home, and is greeted by its denizens. Ditzy was very pleased to find out his success of today. And apparently the money really wasn't a problem. His overcoat had priority, after all. It'd take a while for the thing to get finished. Although he didn't really plan on using it. It's still pretty warm. Meh, better early than late.

Took a quick shower first. Spending all day toiling in the sun might require that afterwards. Especially if he intends on going to get fitted afterwards. Ditzy offered to come along and show him where he could find a tailor, but he insisted on trying to find it himself. Just give him the general directions.

It took him a while, but he arrived at Carousel Boutique. A house which literally looked like a carousel.

He did not know what he was expecting. Oh well, let's meet this Rarity he'd been told about.

He called the classic "Shave and a haircut" with his knocking at her door.

"Coming!" a fabulous voice sang from inside. He didn't wait for long before she opened the door.

Pearl white fur, a styled mane of a deep purple and three gemstones on her side. Suppose it means that either she really likes to spruce up her created clothings with gems, or maybe it has something to do with her beaming personality.

"Oh, why hello! What can I help you with?" Her eyes shifted to the tucked up coat he was carrying on his back, over his saddlebag. She let him answer on his own, though.

"Hello, I've come to the understanding that you work as a tailor? I was wondering if you could refit this coat for me..."

"Of course!" she answered. "Come right in, and I'll have a gander at it right away."

The interior was as to be expected from a seamstress' shop. A lot of fabric rolls, scissors, threads and other utensils, a few separation screens, and a lot, a LOT of mirrors. Does she really need that many mirrors in one room?

He offered her his old coat, which she then proceeded to examine thoughtfully. "It might be a bit large, it, ugh... went through a magical... dimensional mishap. Long story. What can you do with it?"

"Really now? A dimensional mishap? Because from what I can see, this is actually very well designed, if only for a different creature. A female minotaur, perhaps... Just where did you get this coat, anyway?"

As he shook the image of a large utter-bearing humanoid creature out of his head, he finally answered. "A musician, actually. And an old friend... Though not a minotaur."

"Well, if you want to have it fit for a pony, then I'm afraid that I'll have to do a little more than refit the seams. The shoulder line is completely different, the chest area is disproportionate, the splitting in the back would look completely ridiculous on a pony... I'm afraid I'll have to tear it apart and resize each bit individually."

"I was afraid of that..."

"Oh, but don't worry. I'll make sure to take utmost care! After all, it's already such a shame to have to tamper with such fine artistry. I simply couldn't bare to leave it at any less than it already was before..."

"I'm happy to hear that."

"Now, if you'll just follow me to the measurement stand, ugh... I'm sorry, I don't believe I've caught your name."

"Oh! Right, my mistake. Name's the Doctor! Pleasure making the acquaintance, Rarity."

And yes, she's also heard of him.

They talked. A lot. It was mostly Rarity, rambling on her guesses and romantic theories regarding him. A mysterious stranger, new in town... suffice to say she'd heard a lot about him. He was a bit of a hot topic among gossipers, and although Rarity wouldn't openly admit it, she was a bit of a gossiper as well.

All she managed to get out of him was how he used to travel a lot. That, and his attire, gave her room to fantasize. Maybe he was a retired noir detective, who put down his hat and badge after he'd lost everything in some tragic accident! Or at least that's what the official verdict was. But after finding out the culprit and bringing him to justice, undoubtedly after a fierce flintlock fight, then a cart pursuit, culminating in a faithful final showdown on a bridge. After his loved ones were able to rest in peace, he started drifting from town to town, not really knowing what he was looking for...

Then again, the coat itself was very well kept. There certainly weren't any bullet holes or traces of tobacco on it. Oh well, so much for that idea, she figured forlornly.

Maybe he was a secret agent instead? It'd certainly be childish for her to even assume that, but one could only wonder. Rainbow Dash would certainly agree with her, if maybe a bit too quickly.

A loyal spy, in service of the crown... or some other faction. Maybe he had gadgets somewhere on his coat...?
Oh, but that would be just foalish. If that were the case, then under what presence of mind would he willingly expose himself like this? Surely there isn't anything wrong with the garment, save for its unreasonable size...

Just then, a very unladylike shout in surprise came from her mouth.

"What's wrong?" he inquired.

"What is wrong with your pockets?!"

"Didn't I already tell you? Dimensional mishap. They're bigger on the inside."

"You... huh?"

She recalled him saying it. She was not, however, expecting her hoof to disappear into the coat's pockets like that.

She took a while to decide how to react to that. During which he took the initiative. "Honestly, I did not find it that surprising. It's just a lot roomier than its size would let on. Certainly you've seen weirder things until now?"

"Oh, well... as a matter of fact...." Pinkie Pie still takes the cake. "...Maybe I did overreact a bit. But I would've certainly liked to know beforehoof! For a moment there I thought I lost half my leg!"

"Oh, ugh... sorry about that then."

No harm done, they were laughing about it later on. Hard.

Rarity later told him about how she was running a discount on men's wear. Buy one item, get any other item at half price. So, he took a deep blue shirt with silver trimming running along the sides of his back, and a dark brown zipper vest with similar golden trimming.

He honestly couldn't bring himself to decide what to pick on his own. He was torn between either the blue vest and red tie, or the gray vest and bow tie. Rarity insisted that wearing an unbuttoned shirt would be much more appealing than either. They came to a compromise.

His final look could be described as, generally, snazzy. Reserved, even a bit sophisticated, yet at the same time easygoing. Maybe the trims could've possibly seemed pretentious, but the Doctor pulled it off without a doubt. He liked it, and was assured that his overcoat would turn out to match the rest of his attire splendidly.
It wasn't too hot either.

When he left, the sun was near setting. He would've preferred looking for that famed Vinyl character he'd heard about today, buuut he reconsidered. It's been a long day for him, and coming around to ask her about a job at this hour would not be beneficial. One thing he'd learned by now, was that people are often less likely to kick you out of their office in the morning, before they woke up properly but were still energetic enough to bother to listen to what you'd have to say.

So he head straight for home, ready to put this day behind him. This unprecedentedly productive day.

Why was he having so much trouble so far? Because he was a fish out of water. This wasn't his element... no, that wasn't it. Was he simply not trying hard enough? No, that's not it either. Rather, he simply wasn't compelled to succeed. Understandably, trying to do something you genuinely are not enjoying can only end in failure, notwithstanding the disappointment of the effort he was trying to force himself to like doing despite himself.

Why was he going out of his way to be something other than what he was? Was there really no other alternative?

Things were finally starting to look up. So why was he upset about it?

As he arrived at Ditzy's, he was first greeted by Dotes. She did not seem in a very friendly mood. "My, don't you look stunning, Doctor!" she greeted him, a fair bit of edge to her tone. "I hope there's some money left for your rent."

"There's enough for my stay so far, if you're going to force the door on me. Plus, I think I might've gotten a lead on a few jobs I can actually do eventually." Just need to advertise his ability to fix clocks, and he'll get himself a clock shop in no time. Also there's Vinyl, and the whole physician idea for spares.

"I'll admit, it's reassuring to know that you're at least getting somewhere. But it's still too early to celebrate. You haven't found a decent, stable source of income just yet."

"Yeah, yeah, thanks for the reminder. I'll make sure to get a hold of a decent income and leave your house as soon as possible. After all, I've worn out my welcome already, haven't I?"

She didn't say anything else.

"Anyway, I'm beat. If you need me, I'll be in my room, resting."

That retort sprung a curious look on Dotes' face, but nothing more. It was the second time she'd ever heard him say he was tired. She supposed he really did do a workout at the farm.

Time Lord physiology aside, they still fatigue. Obviously. By design, any muscular system produces excess serotonin after prolonged physical exertion, which still requires time to clear out. It's actually a failsafe, keeping you from exerting your muscles too much and cause (micro)fractures (which are actually what cause muscle pains). He's neither human nor pony, but he still shares the same stuff which all creatures' musculature is made of. Apparently getting rid of those pains immediately by whatever creative improvement wasn't considered a worthwhile evolutionary endeavor. Not like it would've been unfair or unreasonable in any way...

And of course, the one time he actually felt tired enough to crash into bed was the time Ditzy came up to him and asked to go out on a meeting. That they had something important to discuss regarding their future relationship.

She didn't even give him a chance to change out of his outfit, or drop off his backpack. Not like he was about leaving them behind anyway. After all, with his luck, the Boogiemare or something might come and attack the town tonight. He didn't even need to know of a "bloodthirsty monster" in order to wish to be prepared. After all, there was no harm in having his screwdriver at arm's length.

It was pretty dark in town. The gas lamps shone murkily in the night, the moon shone brightly down on them, yet the Doctor still felt anxious.

"Why couldn't this wait until tomorrow again?" he asked the mare.

"Well, I really did need to get this off my chest." she decided to lie.

"...Which reminds me. Did you tell Dotes about me not having amnesia yet?"

"Oh yeah, about that. I just figured that it might be best to wait until you get a hold of a decent income. Then I won't feel too bad about kicking you out on your flank afterwards."

"Yeesh... good call."

"Yeah... Anyway, how was your day? All you said before you left again was how helpful Pinkie was."

"Again, we can talk about that in the morning. Where are we heading to anyway?"

"You'll see soon enough. It's not much further."

Twilight's library came into view. The lights were out. It seemed they've closed for the day, the Doctor thought. Which was why he was surprised when they stopped at its doorstep.

"Well, here we are." she spoke out in front of the entrance to the library.

"What, here? Isn't it closed?"

Ditzy crept a smile. "So you don't know anything after all. Good." As she opened the door and pulled him inside by his leg.

It was pitch black inside. Time Lord eyes are great with large distances, but they're not cat's eyes. He was about to protest, when the lights got turned on, momentarily disorienting him.

All around him, he heard people yell out in unison, "Surprise!"

Once his eyes adjusted, he found the culprits. Apparently the whole town had snuck in, waiting for people to walk in so they can scare them by yelling 'surprise' at them. For what reason, he's yet to figure out.

"Okay, so I'm surprised! Good job. But you really shouldn't yell so hard, this is a library after all."

The townsponies seemed a bit confused at his reaction. Did he do something to confuse them?

"Anyway, why are you all gathered here in the dark? It's a little late to read a book..."

He looked around to see more of their faces. They all seemed even more confused.

He also noticed confetti and streamers hanging around.

"And what's with all the decorations around? It almost looks like you're having a party here..."

<Click>

Heard that? That's the sound of a light bulb finally turning on in the Doctor's head.

"This is a surprise party, isn't it?!" he chortled out. Everyone else seemed to cheer up at the sight. "Well blimey, that seems like fun! Who are we surprising?"

Everyone was dumbstruck. Ditzy poked on his shoulder, then pointed him upwards.

There was a huge banner right above and in front of him, with the words "Welcome to Ponyville, Doctor!" written across.

"Oooh." he finally sounded out in slow realization.

Everyone started laughing, and the music started singing. Some simple, default club music. Not at all outstanding. He'll have to change that. And he will, momentarily. As soon as he finds out why Pinkie just appeared in front of him this time.

"Hey, Doctor! Me and Ditzy arranged for this surprise party to welcome you to Ponyville! Were you surprised? Oh, but you did say you were surprised earlier. Heh, it was pretty funny how you took so long to figure out what just happened! You're pretty slow sometimes, aren't you Doctor?"

She looked his way again, only to notice him missing. Only Ditzy remained, waving awkwardly at her.

Then the music stopped. The two looked towards the DJ stand to find him beside Vinyl, with a microphone headpiece strapped on... which we can only assume was his.

Which he then proceeded to tap a few times with his hoof to check if it was working, then speak to everyone present.

"Good evening, every pony! I'm very happy to see that you've all gone out of your way to welcome me. It's all simply brilliant to see you all here to have fun! But unfortunately, I will have to inform you that tonight you will not be attending any party..." They all gasped in disappointment and Pinkie let out an indignant outburst, before he continued. "...No. You will not be attending just any normal party. Because when you invite the Doctor, you should very well be ready to have no ordinary party. And when you go out of your way to throw it just for him, well..."

He reached out to his saddlebag, which he placed aside the stand, and took out a flash drive which he proceeded to jack in and press a button on it. Soon, the speakers started up again, playing a song which he found most befitting to play to greet everyone. Or rather, the instrumental version. He filled in the voice.

I did say his voice became thinner.

He then reached out for his pack again, pulled out his old 3D glasses and got back to the microphone, where he finally continued, "...then you better expect to have a time of your life!"

The crowd cheered him on as he went ahead through them, making a b-line for Ditzy. "May I have this dance, madam?"

She blushed, but the crowd cheered her on. Not like she needed any more reason to humor him.

Fun times all around. The night is young, and the Doctor is jealously trying to show her what for!

"They ask me, Doctor Whoooooooo?
But I gotta be Doctor Whooooooo..."

Author's Notes:

When I saw Loop make out with the pink lollipop model I WAS thinking about the Doctor making out with Pinkie. But meh, it's all convoluted enough as is. Let's just unwind for now.

Please don't bother the guy who uploaded the music video. He's a hapless victim caught in the crossfire.

I won't spoil anything, but I'll say this much. Their relationship was meant as a side thing. I couldn't care less which direction it went. It could've gone nowhere, maintaining his stupid celibacy he was holding for whatever reason, or maybe the punch here could've been spiked and Ditzy could've decided to have a little fun, putting the Doctor in an awkward position. Anything could happen when you add a little alcohol in the mix. Even Marilyn Monroe.
I could also argue that Ditzy is motivated enough, but really, you don't need much motivation to do something stupid while drunk. Her last few days were a bit hectic, she was bound to want to have a little fun tonight...