Luna returned from the Dreamscape, a tired expression on her face as she trudged to meet her sister for the sunrise and metaphorical "passing of the torch" from night unto day. As she entered their shared dining room, Luna's eyes fell onto her sisters brilliant form, along with two plates of pancakes waiting in her magical grasp. Luna arrived at the table and sat down, dreading the coming onslaught of questions.

"..."

"..."

"...Well?" Celestia asked expectantly.

"Well what?" Luna replied, trying to avoid the question.

"What did you see in David’s dreams last night?" Celestia asked with a bit more enthusiasm.

Luna visibly cringed. She knew this was coming, but she wasn't sure how to deal with it. Lying to her sister would yield far worse results than telling her she just didn't want to talk about it... but she had to know.

Luna's cringing did not go unnoticed by her ever watchful sisters gaze.

"That bad?"

Luna sighed.

"I saw a lot in his dreams. Memories of the crash mostly. Memories of seeing his friends suffocate in the vacuum of space while he pounded on the glass to try and save them. The worst part though, was the sheer pain and guilt he bears. You know that when I enter a dream, I can sense how the dreamer feels right?"

"Yes, I remember you telling me."

"He bears an unimaginable guilt. An immeasurable pain. He blames himself for the death of his friends, that much was clear. His mind repressed a lot of the actual events, but I could feel his raw emotions. If a creature like that can take down six of your guards while he was near death, AND endure that much emotional distress the whole time..." Luna sighed again. "With how advanced their technology is compared to ours... Well, let's just say I don't want to know what his kind could unleash on us if more of them showed up and David doesn't put in a good word for us."

The room fell silent. Luna took several moments to calm herself before looking at her sister again. Celestia's muzzle was scrunched in thought. Seconds turned to minutes as the pair of royal equines stood, unmoved. Their thoughts drowning out each other's company. Then, finally, Celestia spoke.

"Well, then we give him good reason to be our friend."

"-and then he said some of the most famous words of all time "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." David finished

"So your species actually landed on the moon without any magic whatsoever? That's amazing. This 'Neil Armstrong' sounds like an amazing person!" Twilight replied

"No magic whatsoever. Real magic doesn't exist back on Earth, remember? But yeah, he's an inspiration and my personal hero, actually. He was the first human being in history to leave Earth and land on a different planet... Well, moon, but still. The first man to leave Earth, land somewhere else, and make it back in one piece." David proudly said.

David and Twilight had met every couple days for the past three weeks. Throughout their meetings, they had shared just about everything they could think of, from their respective species' achievements, to their own personal achievements, to their goals and dreams. As such, today was their third meeting this week, and David very much enjoyed his little time with Twilight. A chance to explain his history and his species' accomplishments with an extremely excited student was surprisingly rewarding. Of course, he had left some details out, or slightly twisted the story to sound better. Having to explain not one, but two world wars and nuclear weapons almost destroying the planet several times over would definitely paint humanity in a bad light.

"That's amazing David. Luna's the only pony that's been to the moon here, but that wasn't exactly, uh... by choice, hehe..."

Of course, David didn't believe much of what Twilight said, and barely held back a snicker when she told him she was the princess of friendship. He had outright refused to believe that Celestia raised the sun, or that Luna had been banished to the moon for a thousand years, causing Twilight to nearly lose her mind in her frustration.

"Yeah, tooooooooooootally." David said, as sarcastically as he could.

Twilight muzzle scrunched up immediately.

"She gets flustered so easily, hehe..." David thought to himself with a smirk.

"We are not going there again. I don't know how to prove it to you!"

"Just have Celestia and Luna stop moving them for a day. If the sun sets anyways, then there's the proof right there. I would ask them, but the thing is, I already have. Tia just laughs and says 'maybe one day' or something to that extent." David said, not bothering to sit up from the bed he was laying on.

"You know that they can't do that. Especially for something as petty as proving a point to you." Twilight retorted.

"Well I guess I'll just have to remain a heretic then."

Twilight sighed

"Fine. Just don't believe. One day, we'll prove you wrong."

"I don't know Twilight. In the last three weeks, I've seen plenty of firsts. I've seen unicorns, pegasi, actual magic, griffons, and everything here with a pulse can talk, but none of that is as ludicrous to me as a pony on this planet moving a star. The amount of energy she'd need to do that would rip the planet apart just because she was standing on it. Now, if you said that she rotates the planet because it's locked in some weird gravitational pull with the sun, then I'd have more traction with it. Not a star though, that's just crazy."

"But th-"

Twilight was cut off by a knock at the door. A muffled voice came through.

"Princess Twilight, it's four o'clock. Your train will be leaving soon. We should get going if you're going to make it."

She checked the clock on the wall to confirm the news.

"It's already four?! The last six hours went by so fast..."

"Looks like time flies when you're having fun." David replied.

"Well, I'm sorry to leave just like this, even if you are still being stubborn. I will get you to come around eventually." Twilight teased.

"We'll see Twilight, we'll see. I'll see you next week. Same time?"

"Same time. See you then David. Goodbye." With that, Twilight hopped off her chair and opened the door. David heard her hoofsteps along with the guard as they walked down the hall and out of sight.

David sighed and slouched even lower into the mattress. Talking with Twilight was the highlight of his week, and every time after she left, he felt a little lonely. Even though the guards and castle staff had warmed up to him, David still felt like an outsider everywhere he went. He felt lost, and alone. He had nothing back on Earth. Everyone he loved died decades ago. The only thing he had were his friends on the ship but they were all dead, and he had no way off this planet even if there was something else out there for him.

David had nothing but time to think for the past few weeks. He wasn't being held against his will, and while there were two guards posted outside his room, they never stopped him when he went anywhere. They merely tagged along and stayed behind him. Even when he went to the kitchen to eat, they simply followed behind and sat near him as he ate. Even though they very poorly hid their distaste when asked the griffon chef for meat, they dutifully followed him. David had been unable to get their names, and they rarely ever spoke to him. However, most ponies in the castle were very friendly towards him.

David was roused from his musings by another knock at the door, though, this time, it was a soft, almost feminine knock.

"It's open."

The door opened and a pearl white mare with a brilliant flowing mane walked into the room. Lifting his head off the bed, David saw Celestia enter and quietly close the door behind her. She turned and faced him.

"Mind if I join you for an hour or so? It's been a long day." Her voice, though tired and quiet, somehow maintained its soothing nature and warmth.

"Of course." David said, perking up instantly.

David sat up and scooched to the side as Celestia removed her regalia with her magic and laid on the bed, resting her head on Davids thigh. He instinctively moved his left hand to scratch her barrel and his right to scratch behind her ear, earning a content sigh from the sun goddess. She closed her eyes as she relaxed under David's touch as he happy scratched away.

David’s relationship with Celestia had become something of a stigma around the castle the last few weeks. Celestia would disappear into Davids room for hours at a time and when she came out, her coat was a bit matted and she always wore a dopey smile. Many ponies in the castle assumed the worst. Of course, her true intentions were far less scandalous. That and he was a non biased party for her to vent to.

As David continued to scratch, eliciting small coos and nuzzles from the princess, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"What?" Celestia asked, opening one eye.

"Nothing, it's just, you're the 'princess of the sun'." David said with air quotes. "The leader of an entire nation and revered as a goddess to these ponies, but I'm betting I could get you to kick your leg like a dog if I scratched the right spot."

"Well that depends... Do you know my spot? It's a little... lower..." Her voice turned dangerously sensual as she trailed off.

"Uh... I uh... well..." David stammered, his cheeks now turning a shade of crimson.

"Hehe, gotcha."

"Why do you ponies always have your heads in the gutter?

"Oh whatever do you mean, David? I simply said it was a little lower. You were the one making assumptions as to what I meant. If anypony has their head in the gutter here, it's you." Celestia chastised with a smug look on her face.

"Alright, fine, you got me there."

"Oh! I just remembered why I came here-"

"You mean it wasn't for scratches and petting?"

Celestia tilted her head, the light from the window catching her eyes. For a brief moment, David saw a genuine sparkle in those magenta eyes.

"How do her eyes manage to do that?" David wondered to himself.

"Ok, the other reason I came here. I wanted to ask you if there was any job you decided on?"

"Well, I've put some thought into it, but I just can't figure out what I'd really be good at other than security. I was infantry in the army, and a security guard after that. None of my skills transfer over to anything else really."

"Well, I have offered you a position in the royal guard. Twice."

David frowned.

"I know, and I appreciate it. But I just don't feel right being a guard. I don't think I'd really fit in, you know? Besides, I'm not sure I want to work with the guys that tried to impale me and run me off a cliff. "

Celestia regarded David's reaction with pursed lips.

"I see. Well, while I understand your decision, I just want you to know that the offer stands indefinitely."

"Thanks Tia." David replied.

"Have you been sleeping well? I made sure that you were brought one of the best beds we have in the castle." Celestia asked inquisitively.

David cringed slightly at the question.

"Uh... Yeah. Well, kinda. I've slept better, but I'm fine."

"That didn't sound very convincing... Are you sure you're alright David? We have ponies you can talk to if you have any issues. Luna would be happy to talk to you about your dreams if they are troubling you. I know the crash was traumatic. I don't believe any creature could come away from that and be completely fine."

"I'm fine, Tia. Just getting used to a new place is all." David replied, somewhat agitated.

"Are you sure? Because it's no trouble at a-" Celestia began.

"Tia. I'm fine. Don't worry about me and my sleep." David said with clear annoyance.

It was Celestia's turn to frown.

"I'm sorry David, I didn't mean to pry. I'm just trying to give you options."

David sighed.

"It's alright, you're just trying to help and I appreciate that. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

David looked out the window into Canterlot. There were ponies all around, going about their final tasks for the day. Shops were closing, and David saw the last of the ponies leaving for their families.

"I wonder what a family here is like. Do they have the same kinds of problems as we had back on Earth? Their wives and husbands are probably waiting for them at home. Probably got the kids back from school and dinner ready. What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to fit in here?"

No one knew. No one could help him answer that. The question now wasn't "would he ever return home and continue his life?", it was "would the ponies ever accept him for being so different?".

As if reading the questions on David’s mind, Celestia sat up and gently cupped Davids cheek with her hoof, and pulled until he looked at her her.

"I know you don't feel like you belong, but sitting up here, hiding away from the world isn't going to get you anywhere either. If you want to see about making something of yourself here, you need to go out and start mingling. All of Equestria has known about you for the last week but you still haven't even left the castle... I know you might get some mixed responses at first, but if I know ponies, and I would think that I do, I know that all you need to do is give them some time, and they'll warm up to you. I promise."

"There's that warm, motherly tone again." David thought to himself.

Her voice was so soft, like velvet against his ears. If it had been just a little later in the evening, David could have fallen asleep listening to just those words alone.

"If you want a chance to make anything of yourself in this world, you're going to need to start being a part of it." Celestia said with a friendly smile.

"You're right. I know you are, I just don't know where to go. Who wants to house an alien they know nothing about? Who would want to hire me?"

"I think I have the answer to at least one of those questions."

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door followed by a muffled "David?".

Celestia answered for him.

"Come in."

The door creaked open, and Midnight entered the room, stopping dead in her tracks as she spotted Celestia with David. She immediately bowed.

"Princess? I wasn't expecting you to be here." Midnight said, the surprise in her voice evident.

"Please, rise. There's no need for formalities here. If you would be so kind as to close the door behind you, I'll explain."

Midnight rose and closed the door behind her. Turning back around, she saw David and gave him a small smile, then returned her attention to Celestia.

"Now, the reason I've asked you here, Midnight, is to help David. As you already know, he's been cooped up in the castle for the last three weeks. I think it would be a most wonderful idea if he moved out and lived with you."

Midnight's eyes went wide with surprise.

"Did I hear that right? Celestia wants me to take care of David?"

"Princess, y-you want me to house David? I-I would be honored, but I don't know if I can afford somepony else living with me right now. I mean, my salary is well and good for one pony, but with the two of us, I don't think I'll be able to afford my bills..."

"That won't be a problem. I will grant David a small pension to live off of. If he finds a job, then you two will be even more financially stable." Celestia smirked.

"Well, uh-I.. I mean... Only if David wants too... D-Do you? David?" Midnight became quiet as both her and Celestia's eyes fell on David.

"Well... Sure, I guess... I-uh, I mean, you did kinda save my life. It'd be nice to get to know my hero a little bit. Besides, um... the least I can do is help out around the house a bit as a thank you."

David wasn't sure, but he swore he could see the faintest blush on Midnight's face when he said that. She smiled brightly and the blush was gone. Maybe it was just his imagination. He was interrupted from his thoughts when Celestia spoke again.

"Well then it's settled. David, you'll move in with Midnight as soon as possible."

Without giving either of them a moment to respond, Celestia wrapped them both in her magic aura and carried them out the door and down the hall.

"Uh, Tia... can you put me down? I can walk you know?" David protested.

"I have to agree, princess. We're both capable of walking and I don't live that far away anyways." Midnight said, pointing at her hooves and Davids legs for emphasis.

"Oh, silly me... I got a little carried away." With that, Celestia released the pair.

"Midnight, please show David to your house. I'll have his clothes and other things sent to you immediately."

"Of course princess." Midnight bowed and began walking down the stairs. "Come on David, this way."
With that, the trio split up, David and Midnight heading down the stairs, while Celestia headed to the throne room.

Midnight led David out of Canterlot and into the countryside. They walked for almost half an hour in a very awkward silence. Eventually, the duo reached the end of the country road and turned around the corner to trek up the path to Midnight's house. As they closed the last few steps, and walked up the stairs onto the porch, Midnight stopped and turned to David.

"Well uh... I know the last time you were here wasn't exactly on good terms, but this time, I'd like to give you the whole tour. So that uh... you know where everything is... and stuff." Midnight trailed off.

"Ok, but, uh... before we go in, I just want to say... thanks, for doing this. I haven't seen much of you these last few weeks... and uh... now I'm gonna be living with you. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me. I already owe you a lot, and this just adds to it." David gave a warm-hearted smile.

"Oh stop it you... Thanks... It's nothing really. I'm sure you would do the same for me if our roles were reversed. Speaking of which, I wanted to let you know that the reason I haven't been able to visit you was because of my job. I've been so busy lately and the princesses wanted to make sure they had time to look after you before letting you out into the world. I did try to visit, but Princess Celestia kept telling me 'soon, soon you'll get to see him'. Next thing I know, she tells me to come to your room today and, well... here we are." Midnight finished her story with a shrug.

"It's alright, Midnight. Thanks for thinking of me these last few weeks... I knew Tia was up to something today... Regardless, we'll have all the time in the world to see each other now."

"Hopefully all of each other..."

"Sorry, what was that?"

"Nothing! I said uh... let's go inside... hehehe... it's getting dark out. Come on." Midnight quickly answered.

David raised an eyebrow at her obvious lie but decided not to push the issue. He was her guest after all.

With that, Midnight used her magic to open the door, ushering David in first as he ducked through the low doorway, then closing the door behind them as she walked in.

The hardwood floor of the entrance hall greeted the pair as they entered Midnight's house. Stained a dark brown, it gave off a feeling of comfort and coziness , much like a cabin in the woods after a long day in the harsh winter. To the immediate right was a staircase that led to what David presumed was the master bedroom. To the immediate left, a decently sized kitchen with a small booth on the far side. There was a still a small dent in the kitchen wall. Straight ahead, David saw the living room. A medium sized couch with a coffee table and two wooden chairs filled the room. A beautiful stone fireplace sat against the wall, small decorative vases lining its edges.

Midnight walked over to a small closet at the end of the entryway and motioned for David to follow her.

"Alright, now before I show you the place, I do have one rule. This closet here, has a lot of personal stuff and valuables to me. I would really appreciate it if you just left this closet alone and didn't mess with it." Midnight explained.

"Got it." David replied.

"Thank you. Alright, let me show you around." Midnight said with an air of relief in her voice.

As Midnight began the tour, David couldn't help but remember the morning he woke up in this house three weeks ago. The fear, the panic, and the pain slowly came back to him as the tour progressed. Each step seemed to get harder and harder as he slowly followed through the house. As much as he hated to admit it, the memories of waking up in a strange place with a sword being thrust at his heart made him fearful of this place.

Time seemed to slow down as Midnight led David to the guest room. Gone were the bloodied bandages and tattered clothes he arrived in, and in their place was a very clean room. Almost too clean. Midnight had clearly scrubbed at the carpet for hours to get the blood out. David stood in the room, unmoved while Midnight went about her tour. He didn't follow her when she moved to the next room.

"-And here's the guest bathroom, fully stocked, so take everything and anything you need." As Midnight turned around to find David not behind her, she walked back towards the guest room and found him standing in the doorway still.

"Hey, uh... David are you alright?" She asked quietly.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry about that. It's just... I can't believe it's only been three weeks. Feels like it's been years... What were you saying?"

"I was just going to show you the guest bathroom... Listen, if you don't want to stay here because of what happened, I get it. It'd be weird for me to start living in a house I almost died in... twice. If you'd rather sleep in my room, I can sleep down here if that would make it a little easier for you."

"No, Midnight, I'm fine. Thank you, but I wouldn't ask you to do that. I'm just... I guess I'm still just a little shook up about everything that happened."

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Midnight walked into the guest room and hopped onto the bed before patting the spot next to her.

"I-I guess. Couldn't hurt." David said, taking Midnight's offer and sitting next to her.

"I guess I just... It's still a little surreal for me. You know, coming that close to dying. Twice... Even when I was in the Military, the concept of death just never occurred to me. We weren't at war or anything, so my life was never really in danger in the Military. I guess because of that, I thought I was invincible. Then, when I crashed here, I almost died. I came this close to death... and I even made my peace. I accepted that I was going to die. After everything, to just die like that... I guess it kinda put things into perspective for me... "

There were a few moments of silence before Midnight rubbed David's shoulder with her hoof and spoke.

"But you're here now aren't you?" Midnight smiled.

"Yeah, heh, thanks to you." David returned a weak yet sincere smile.

"Well, if it's any consolation, I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

"Hopefully you'll never have to. So long as the royal guard minds their business from now on."

"Something tells me, after the flank kicking you gave those guys, they won't give you any more trouble." Midnight finished with a wink.

David chuckled for a bit, then the room fell into silence. Both parties not quite sure how to fill the quiet in the room. Midnight began kicking her legs out from the bed as she thought of something to say. After some time, David looked at the clock on the dresser and saw the time read 9:02 PM.

"It's been a long day. I think Twilight took up all my energy from that six hour talk she gave me this morning. You wanna head to bed? I'm pretty tired."

Midnight nodded before hopping off the bed.

"Sounds good to me. I'll talk to you tomorrow, big guy." With that, she turned away and walked out the door.

David raised an eyebrow at his new nickname but said nothing.

"Huh... That's kinda cute." He thought to himself.

David laid down on the mattress and stared at the ceiling.

"It's been a long and... interesting day... Is that a migraine I feel coming on? Great... What am I gonna do now?"

Sleep would not come easily for him that night... Nor was it entirely desired...

Yay! They're moving in together! I hope David's relationship with Celestia wasn't too out there for you guys. I got the idea from fleeting flames and I loved it so much that I wanted to kind of incorporate it into my story. If it's still too far out there for you, here's a hint, read Celestia's paragraphs of dialogue from the beginning of this chapter. That might make things a bit more clear if you still don't understand why she would act that way around him. Alright, I know this chapter might have been a bit boring to read, but that's why I kept it short. I promise that in the next chapter there will be some good development, and possibly... some cuddling. We'll see. I hope you guys like.