Midnight arrived at her house an hour or so after leaving. As she knocked on the door, she took a minute to think about everything Princess Luna had told her. If David's mental health was at risk, then it was her duty not only as his friend but as a good pony to ensure that he healed, no matter what. Although, admittedly, she still had no idea where to start or how to go about it.

"Just remember what Luna said. Just learn more about him."

As Midnight pondered what her next move was, she heard some rustling in the house. Turning her attention to the door, she pressed her ear against it to listen more carefully. There was a thud, followed my a muffled curse. Midnight pulled her head away from the door and knocked again.

"Now just what exactly is he doing in there? Wish I hadn't left my keys. Feels like I'm locked out of my own house."

There was some more shuffling before and audible click could be heard and the door unlocked. Standing in the doorway was David, wearing a sheepish smile.

"Uh... I'm back... What are you doing?" Midnight asked as she tilted her head.

"Um... yeah.. hehe... I wanted to clean up the place a little while you were gone but you uh... came back a little sooner than I thought you would..." David said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Midnight giggled.

"Well, at least he's still adorable as ever."

She flashed him a toothy grin before speaking again.

"Well let's see your work then big guy."

With that, she pushed past him into the house.

"No wai-" David started

Midnight froze with one hoof still out the door. The floor was swept and cleaned, the walls had been washed with a sponge to get every small scuff and piece of dirt she neglected over the years. The carpet appeared to be a whole shade lighter and the fireplace was spotless. Not a smudge of soot in sight. In fact, the only thing that was amiss was the small pile of soil on the ground next to the table.

"I uh, I only finished the living room and entrance way, so the rest of the house is the same, but I'm really sorry about the dirt. I was cleaning the pot when you knocked and I accidentally dropped it and the dirt spilled out. I'll clean it up, promise."

Midnight simply stared at the room, wide eyed. She slowly turned her head to face David and spoke. Her words came slow, but with more sincerity than ever before.

"David... this... it's beautiful. I haven't seen my house like this in years. I've always been too busy. I can't believe you did all this in such a short time... Thank you. Thank you so much." Midnight smiled as brightly as she could, showing her genuine happiness.

David breathed a sigh of relief.

"Well, if the military taught me one thing, it's how to clean. I'm glad I was able to get at least this much done. It took me a while to find all the cleaning supplies. You kinda hid this stuff in the supply closet down the hall. I'm just sorry about the dirt. I'll clean it u-"

"Oh don't worry about that, I got it." Midnight interrupted, her horn already radiating a blue light as the dirt levitated back into the pot.

"Oh... awesome! That was fast."

Midnight blushed as she turned away and made her way back through the house. Like David said, the kitchen was much the same as she left it, only the dishes were done.

"So what did they want you for? You weren't gone too long, so it must not have been some huge deal.. was it?" David asked.

Midnight's paused for a moment. Her brow quickly furrowed in thought.

"How do I tell him that I'm supposed to help him with his nightmares? Would telling him even help? Luna said not to tell him that I know...

"Uh.. just work stuff..." Midnight quickly replied.

"What kind of work stuff? You alright? You seem a little nervous all of a sudden." David asked with concern.

"Uh, yeah. I'm fine. The princess just wanted to tell me that.... uh... Well, basically, I'm not going to be working for a little while."

"Oh shit. Midnight, I'm so sorry, what happened? Did she fire you?" David said as he crouched down and placed a hand on Midnight's wither.

"No, no, I'm just on paid administrative leave for a bit. Basically... she wanted me to help you adjust... and thought that my hours would interfere with that. I'm not upset, it's free bits at this point, hehe... I just gotta take care of you, big guy." She ended with a smile.

"That's not lying, right? I mean, it's basically the truth... right?" Midnight thought to herself.

David returned the smile.

"Well that's fantastic news. So do you, uh... wanna do something or..." David trailed off, anticipating Midnight's reply.

"Well... Do you wanna go around town? I can show you a bunch of Canterlot and you can become more acquainted with the ponies there."

"Sounds good to me. But only if you don't wanna just go to sleep. Don't stay up all day on my account." David said with a smile.

"It's fine David, I want to. Just let me take a shower real quick. I uh... I still haven't done that today, what with the Guard taking me to Princess Luna." Midnight said as she made her way for the stairs.

"Take you time. Oh and just so you know, I didn't go upstairs at all. I didn't want to invade your privacy or anything like that."

"Thanks, I really appreciate that David."

With that, she made her way up the stairs as David went to put away all the cleaning supplies he'd brought out. The sound of running water soon filled the upstairs bathroom. Since David had nothing else to do, he sat down on the couch and lost himself in his thoughts.

Midnight made her way downstairs to find a tired David yawning on the couch and lightly massaging his temples. Smirking, she made her way over to him before speaking.

"Hey big guy, you ready to go?"

David turned his head slowly before removing his hands and raising his eyebrows.

"It's been over an hour. How do you take such long showers?"

"What? I can't enjoy the hot water? Besides, it takes a while to get my mane to look this good you know." Midnight said with a fluff of her hair.

David rolled his eyes.

"I swear, you mares are the same as human girls."

"I'll just take that as a compliment, now, ready?" Midnight said with a grin.

"Yeah yeah, let's go. Maybe we can get lunch now since now I'm starving. Hopefully some food will make this headache go away."

"You feeling okay? We don't have to go if you're not feeling well." Midnight said, her voice quickly filling with concern.

"It's fine, Midnight. Just a little headache, I've been getting them every now and again lately. I'm good to go whenever you are." David replied.

"Alright, if you're sure. Let's go."

With that, Midnight levitated her saddle-bags to her back, and trotted out the door with David close behind her.

As the duo made their way through Canterlot, they were met by many different reactions. Ponies of all races were drawn to the alien creature now walking through their city. Several ponies saw David and simply stared in awe. They watched him as he passed by, oblivious to everything else. David chanced a few friendly waves and got a few awkward waves in return.

"Well, I guess it could be worse." David said with a shrug.

"David, why did you have to say that?" Midnight replied, slapping a hoof against her forehead.

Two ponies exited a small shop along David and Midnight's path and stopped dead in their tracks as the duo approached them. David and Midnight stopped a few feet away from the ponies and shared a nervous glance.

"Uh-" David started.

"GAH! RUN!" They both shouted in unison before bolting away from David and Midnight.

"Okay... I'll give you that one. That could have gone better. Still, it could be wo-"

"No! Don't finish that sentence. You know what's going to happen if you do." Midnight said, cutting David off.

"What? Nothing bad is gonna happen." David said with a shrug.

"Oh! What in Tartarus is that?!" A voice rang out from further up the street.

Midnight and David both turned to see the source of the voice to find a pearl white Canterlot noblepony shaking with fear.

"Uh... is he talking about me?" David asked, turning to Midnight.

"He better not be." Midnight said, frowning in irritation.

"Somepony get the guard! Throw this thing out of the city!" The noble shouted, pointing right at David.

"Hey, I'm not a thing." David said, turning back to the pony.

"Guards!, there you are, get rid of this creature!" The stallion shouted at a pair of royal guards further down the street.

Both of the royal guards turned to face them and trotted over toward David and Midnight. Upon arrival, they were met by the noblepony as he demanded David be thrown out of the city.

"Sir, please calm down. What is the issue?" One of the guards managed to say.

"The issue is that there is a vermin in our city and you lot aren't doing anything about it." The stallion shouted, pointing accusingly at David.

David just watched with pursed lips while Midnight glowered furiously at the loud-mouthed pony.

"Sir, that's not a vermin, that's David Lawson. Princess Celestia has announced his presence and the circumstances of his arrival several times over the last three weeks. Please calm down and leave the human alone." The guard replied, with almost no show of emotion.

"And allow this filth to stain our good city?! I think not!" The stallion rebuked.

"How's about you just shut up and leave David alone. Don't you have a fake party to go pretend to have fun at or something?" Midnight's angry voice filled the air, drawing the pony's attention.

"Why I never-" He started

"Never what? Huh? Had somepony talk back to you? Guess what, I don't care who you are, you high-born prick. You talk to my friend like that again, I'm gonna make you regret it." Midnight said, her words laced with venom.

"Sir, you need to leave before this situation escalates. And as for you two, please limit your activities in this area for the remainder of the day." One of the royal guards spoke as he put himself between the pearl white pony and Midnight.

"Fine... You'll regret those words. I'll destroy your job, your career, and your family name." The noblepony threatened as he walked away.

"I seriously doubt that." Midnight retorted.

"Alright, we're not going to have to worry about you two for the remainder of the day, are we?" One of the royal guards asked.

"No, that was entirely him being an ass." Midnight said, pointing to the fading silhouette of the white pony.

"Very well then. We'll be keeping an eye out regardless."

With that, the royal guards each gave a curt nod, and returned to their posts, leaving Midnight and David alone for a moment.

"Well that happened..." David thought out loud.

"I know. I'm sorry, David. I wish I could say ponies here were better than that, but clearly some aren't." Midnight replied, sadly.

"It's alright. That's my fault. I should have listened to you earlier." David replied with a smirk.

"Hehe, I did warn you." Midnight said through a thin smile.

"Well, anyways, thanks for standing up for me. I really appreciate that." David said with a genuine smile.

"Of course, David. I wouldn't let some jerk like that talk about my friend that way." Midnight happily replied.

"Hehe, thanks, Mid. Just be careful next time, though. I don't want you to get into any trouble because of me."

"I guess you're ri- wait, what did you just call me?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Uh... Mid? I just thought it was easier to say than your full name. Why? I mean, does it bother you? I won't call you that if it's an issue."

"No! No, I mean, it's kinda nice. Nopony's called me 'Mid' in forever. I miss that a little bit." She smiled warmly at him.

"Well alright then, Mid. I don't think I'm gonna find any fish or meat here, and even if we could, I don't think today would be a good day to eat any of that, so we'll need something vegetarian... Hmm... Pizza is vegetarian right? What about pizza? I haven't had pizza in forever. There has to be a place in Canterlot that has a decent pizza."

"Actually, that sounds great. I know a place."

Midnight took off with David trailing close behind. They made their way through Canterlot proper before Midnight found a small street and trotted through, weaving in between stands and vendors selling all kinds of exotic goods.

"Mid, where exactly are we going? This looks more like a market than anything else. Are you planning on making the pizza?" David asked with a puzzled look on his face as he dodged, ducked, dipped, dived, and dodged his way through the crowded street.

"It's a 'hole in the wall' kind of place. You just need to know where to look. Now... where was it... There!" Midnight shouted over the commotion in the street. She pointed at a small building with one large window and a sign that read 'open'.

Looking through the front window, David could only see a few small booths, and a small counter with an older looking pony wearing an apron covered in grease. Nopony else was inside.

"Are you sure about this place Mid? It looks kinda... deserted." David cautiously asked.

"Trust me. This place is awesome."

Midnight pushed the door open and walked inside. A small bell rang upon her entry, getting the stallion at the front counter's attention. David followed close behind, causing the stallion to sink back in his chair slightly. To his credit, he didn't run away or freak out, though his voice was a little shaky when he spoke.

"G-Good afternoon miss, and uh... sir. How can I help you two?"

"Just getting some lunch. What kind of pizza do you have? It's been so long since I've been here." Midnight said with a happy smile.

"Well, we've got all kinds. Cheese, hay-fry, I make a mean cucumber crust-" The stallion began listing pizza-types, quickly forgetting his previous nervousness.

As the stallion droned on about all the pizza types he could make, Midnight leaned towards David and quietly spoke.

"So what kind do you want?"

"Uh... Just a cheese pizza is fine by me. I don't think this place is gonna have pepperoni. " David said, mimicking Midnight's actions.

"Fair enough. I'll see if we can get some from a griffon shop on the way back."

"We'll just take a large cheese pizza." Midnight spoke, cutting off the pony behind the desk before he could list anymore options.

"Oh, uh, alright. One large cheese pizza coming right up. That'll be 5 bits, and then you two can have a seat at the booth over there." He said, pointing at the booth by the window.

Midnight retrieved the requested bits from her saddlebags and levitated them onto the counter. She turned and walked to the booth to find David already sitting down, waiting for her. As she hopped onto the seat, she gave David a bright smile.

"I haven't been here in years. The last time was when my dad took me for my tenth birthday. Hehe, it's still exactly the same as I remember it."

"It certainly has a rustic look to it, doesn't it?" David said, his eyes scanning the small dining area.

"Oh, that reminds me! You asked earlier why I joined the Night Guard right? Before I had to go see Princess Luna?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Why did you?"

"Well, I was an orphan. Both my parents died in an accident when I was just a foal. Once I went to the orphanage, I was adopted by two thestrals. They knew that I wasn't nocturnal, and tried their best to change their lives to suit me better, but I still had to live a lot of my life at night. Originally I enlisted as as medic in the royal guard, but... after the changeling attack..." For a split second, David saw the slightest bit of a sad twinkle in Midnight's sapphire eyes. It only lasted until she blinked, and it was gone. "I decided to take a vacant spot in the Night Guard. I was used to staying up all night, after all." Midnight finished.

"Wow. I'm so sorry about your parents, but it seems like you had very good adoptive parents though, so that's good. Are they still around?"

"Thank you, and yes. They're both still around, although, they moved to Ponyville a couple years ago. Got tired of Canterlot and wanted to move somewhere quieter."

"What happened with the changeling attack though? Twilight told me a little about it, but nothing from a soldiers perspective." David asked.

Midnight's ears splayed back immediately.

"The changeling attack was... painful. Uh, honestly I don't really like to talk about it." Midnight said.

"Fair enough. Sorry to bring it up." David apologized.

"Its fine, David. Don't worry about it."

The conversation died for a bit before a realization dawned on her.

"What are you doing Mid? You're supposed to be getting him to open up too, not just give him your life story. Ugh why does he have to be so cute! I keep forgetting I'm supposed to help him! I just keep wanting him to hold me like this morning... like when he used to hold me..."

Midnight shook her head free of those impure thoughts and reignited the conversation.

"So what about you? What were your folks like?"

"Oh, that's a long story... Well, mom died while I was in the Military. Cancer. She had it back when I was in high school, but she beat it. It didn't want to let her go though. Came back with a vengeance a few years later and she was gone within a couple of months. That hit us all pretty hard. She was the kindest person you'd ever meet. She did so much for me - more than I ever really realized at the time. She used to pick me up from school every day, she made me breakfast in bed when I was sick, and she would cheer me on when I was on the football team. All while she was going through chemo." David paused in thought for a moment.

"I actually remember, one time when I was playing- I was the halfback, so I had to get the ball and run it into the end-zone to win the game. We were down forty two to thirty nine, so this last touchdown was what we needed to win. I must've been stronger back then because I broke four tackles when I charged through the line. I think there were three guys all trying to pull me down but I kept pushing. I wanted to make her proud, you know? Somehow I made it and scored the game winning touchdown. All my buddies rushed around me, picked me up, and carried me around while cheering my name. I remember being so excited, and as I looked into the stands, I saw her. Jumping up and down, cheering for me, screaming my name. She had lost her hair at this point and had an oxygen mask but she didn't care. She just wanted me to be happy... She was the strongest woman I ever knew... Thing is, it's kind of hard to be strong when you can't even move. Those last weeks were the hardest. She couldn't leave her bed, and she slowly withered away. She was so strong, but to see her like that... I miss her."

David paused, a sad frown adorned his face while he recollected the past. Midnight sat in silence. A sad smile covered her face as she rubbed his arm with a hoof, urging him to continue.

"My dad was great... when he was around. I know it wasn't his fault, he worked three jobs to support us after mom got sick. He wouldn't say it, and he tried damn hard not to show it, but he took mom's passing hard. Probably harder than all of us. He always had a thing for big speeches, hehe. He always used to tell me that I would make it big. That I'd find a cure to cancer or I'd end world hunger. I think he thought that if he inspired me enough that I'd be successful... He lost that spark after mom died. He didn't care much for anything after that. When I told him I was joining Nebula and I probably wouldn't see him again, he just said 'Be safe'... I don't blame him. It was probably all he could do to not scream at me for just leaving like that. Huh, it's kinda weird to think about. That conversation was over a hundred years ago but for me, it was just a few months ago."

Midnight sat in silence. She wanted David to open up and hopefully reveal the source of his nightmares, but the amount of guilt in his voice made it seem like it could have been coming from just about everything in his past.

"David hates himself for leaving his family behind, that much is clear." She thought to herself.

"Why did you join Nebula if you knew it would hurt your father so much though?" Midnight asked as delicately as she could.

David chuckled.

"Would you believe me if I said I thought it'd make him proud?"

Midnight turned her head, a confused expression creeping onto her face.

"I thought, at the time, that joining Nebula and going to Andromeda would put me in the history books. That I would be doing something great. Like dad always said I would. I guess that's just the mind of a dumb twenty three year old."

"I don't know, it sounds like you were trying to make your father proud. Even if it wasn't in the way he might have wanted, the sentiment was still there." Midnight said, hopeful that some encouragement would make David feel a little better.

Before David could respond, the stallion brought their pizza to the table along with two plates. He expertly slid the dish off his back onto the table and placed the plates on the table.

"Bon Appétit" He said as he bowed and walked away.

Deciding to hold off on continuing the conversation, David grabbed a pre-cut piece of pizza and handed it to Midnight who took it in her magic, before grabbing another and biting into the delicious, cheesy goodness. The taste was indescribable. Easily the best pizza he'd ever had. Maybe good enough to drown out those painful memories... for a short while.

Midnight and David left the small restaurant with full bellies and lazy smiles. The Canterlot Pizzeria was hidden away from the world, but it sure did make good pizza.

As Midnight and David traveled back through the busy streets of Canterlot, one thing was apparent on Midnight's mind. David had been through a lot. Despite everything he told her, Midnight was still far from finding out what exactly was causing him to have the nightmares.

"Maybe if I just ask him directly? No, Luna said that was a bad idea. For all I know it might just make things worse for him-"

"Midnight?" David asked, a concerned look on his face.

"Wha- oh, yes?"

"You alright? You were kinda just staring off into space for a minute there."

"Oh... sorry. I kinda got lost in thought." Midnight apologized.

"You're good. I was just gonna ask where you wanted to go next." David said, a warm smile on his face.

"Well uh... I don't really know... Any place in particular that you want to go?"

"Um, not really. To be honest, I'm getting a little tired of the staring."

"Staring?" Midnight asked, turning around to find dozens of ponies staring at the two of them, mouths agape, and a wide variety of emotions circulating through the crowd.

"When did we draw a crowd again? Jeez I really was lost in thought."

"What are you all staring at?" Midnight addressed the crowd.

"Lady, do you not see that thing next to you?" One of the bystanders called back.

"First off, he's not a 'thing', he's a human, and secondly, why don't you-" Midnight started, only to be cut off by Davids hand on her shoulder.

"It's alright Mid, I can deal with this." David said. He then turned to the crowd who stared at him in silence.

"Okay, public speaking... fuck..." He thought to himself.

"Listen! I know you're all curious as to what or who I am. My name is David. I didn't decide to crash land here. I was just trying to go home... Something went wrong, and now I'm here. If you're worried about me hurting you or your families, then you shouldn't. I don't want to hurt anyone."

"Why did you have to come here, to Canterlot?" A voice rang out from the crowd.

"I didn't have a choice. This is just where I crashed, and Princess Celestia was kind enough to allow me to stay." David answered.

"Well you're not living with her now, so why are you still here?" Another voice called out.

"I don't have anywhere else to go. Look, I'm not your enemy. I'm just trying to make the best of a bad situation." David countered.

"The last weird creature to invade our lands, took our magic and nearly destroyed Equestria. Why should we trust you or anything you say?" A burly unicorn called out from the crowd.

"Uh, because I don't have any magical powers? I can't take magic or fly or anything like that. I'm pretty much the same as an Earth pony." David said, slightly annoyed.

"How do we know there isn't an army waiting to invade as soon as we let our guard down." Another pony said.

"Because I don't even know what planet I'm on. What part of 'crashed here unintentionally' don't you get? I didn't mean to land here." David reasoned, with much more annoyance.

"Fucking hell, maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut. This is going downhill fast. Why are the ponies in Canterlot such dicks?" David thought to himself

"How can we trust your word? For all we know, everything you say could be a lie! You've given us no reason to trust you!" A mare in the back of the crowd, called out.

"I don't know how you want me to prove it to you. I've spent the last three weeks living with Princess Celestia and Luna. They trusted me enough to talk to me and let me stay. If you're all so much smarter and wiser than the Princess of the goddam sun, then by all means, I'll leave and go live in a cave somewhere." David finished with a wave of his arms.

A stunned silence filled the air as David's words sunk in. Several ponies' eyes fell to the floor, and some uncomfortably shuffled under his gaze. David waited expectantly for an answer, but received nothing. After several tense seconds, David shook his head and turned around to Midnight. His face was a mix of annoyance and disappointment as he walked over to her.

The crowd began to quickly disperse, and as ponies started to leave, David caught the words of one last heckler.

"At least the rest of it's group died in the crash so we only have to worry about the one."

That struck a nerve in David's heart and mind. His feet came to a screeching halt on the cold pavement, and before Midnight could say a single word of caution, David was rounding on his feet toward the fading crowd. A red hot rage filled his mind, blocking his senses out to anything other than the words of that one last heckler. David's anger boiled over any kind of rational thought residing inside of his mind, and before he even knew it, he angrily addressed the remnants of the crowd.

"What did you just say?" He called out.

Several heads turned towards David as he angrily approached the crowd. His eyes quickly scanned the area the offending words came from. After only a moment, he saw a golden yellow pegasus standing in front of a small group of ponies. At David's glare, the small group backed away from the lone pegasus between them and David. The pony in question looked to his group to find them glancing back between him and David. He nervously pointed to himself with a 'me?' expression as his gaze returned to the clearly furious human.

"Yeah, you. What did you say?" David repeated, his voice laced with anger.

"Uh... I don-" He started.

"Don't bullshit me." David interrupted as he walked closer to the pony in question.

The heckler backed away in fear at the sudden display of aggression. David closed in fast, and before he knew it, he was towering over the pegasus with an expression of pure hate on his face.

"I-I j-just... I..." He trailed off.

"You what? Huh!? Let me make one thing clear asshole, you can dislike me all you want, but you do not talk about my friends like that! They were good people! You got a problem with me, you take it up with me, but don't you DARE talk about them!" David shouted.

"David!" Midnight's voice rang out, drawing his attention from the pegasus cowering under him.

"What!?"

"That's enough! Let's go, now!" Midnight commanded, using her magic to physically pull David away from the other ponies.

Midnight dragged David several feet before he found his footing and began walking on his own. The surrounding ponies stared in a mix of fear and awe as the duo passed through the quickly dispersing crowd, and before long, they were out of sight.

Midnight led David into a small alleyway where she turned around and addressed him.

"David, what was that about?" She asked as delicately as she could.

"What? You did pretty much the same thing with that pony from earlier." David replied, sourly.

"I know, but that was one pony and me being irrational, not a crowd of fifty. Not to mention, I'm a pony, so me acting like that isn't really a big deal. You, on the other hoof, aren't... After that little speech you gave, to let them get to you like that and make you lash out... They aren't going to forget that easily, David. You shouldn't have done that. You really, really shouldn't have done that. We should have just left." Midnight said while pacing back and forth.

"Fuck them. Especially that asshole. He has no idea who he's talking about. Those guys were my friends and they deserved better than that!" David said, anger clawing its way into his voice once more.

"I know that! I agree with you! But if you want to make a life here, you need to let some things go, David! It's not fair, none of it's fair, but that's just how life is sometimes. I know that it was horrible, and your friends deserve better than that, but do you really think that was the best way to honor them?"

David was silent for a few minutes before he sighed deeply.

"You're right... I shouldn't have done that. It's just... They were my friends... I can deal with being disliked, but when he said that shit... all I saw was red." David admitted, sadly.

"It's okay. I understand. Just, please don't do that again. If you feel like you're going to snap like that, just walk away from now on, deal?" Midnight said with a small smile.

"Deal... So, think I fucked up my chances of fitting in here?" David asked.

"Well, they're not attacking you, so I guess that's a start. Probably the best reaction we're gonna get at the moment. I'm just sorry they're so stupid. you deserve better, David." Midnight said, offering a hopeful smile.

David mutely nodded and turned to leave with Midnight sadly following behind.

And so the world building continues. This chapter was a little hard to get out. I had a hard time figuring out what to do with the day and so on and so forth. I hope you guys liked this one. Things will pick up in the next few chapters I promise. There will be more cuddles. I swear.