Twilight had Starlight exactly where she wanted her. Completely caught off guard with no preparations in store for what to say or anywhere else to go. Utterly helpless.

She released the spell and the entire interior of the tent was covered in a magic aura and gloated with a smug smile at her student who looked desperate for an escape route.

"Did he fuck all of your new friends on his bed back at the castle before you all came here? And how the fuck did he manage to carry them to the party?"

Having come out on top, she lowered her gaze to celebrate her little victory. "God damn is it good to know what the fuck those words mean now."

Applejack did a double-take between Twilight and Starlight.

"What in the hay? Starlight is having hard sex with Chris?"

Rainbow flew up to the center of the group, a look of panic and fear gripped her as she stage-whispered to the group.

"Will you all keep it down? You're not supposed to talk about these kinda things when other ponies can hear you."

Twilight rolled her eyes, knowing she'd have to keep her explanation short and simple for the group.

"I cast a privacy spell, Rainbow. The tent is completely soundproof."

Rainbow softened her expression and fluttered herself back down, looking mildly embarrassed.

"Oh… well, you still shouldn't be asking ponies about their private stuff like this. You know that."

She did a quick turn to Applejack. "But how did you know what fucking is? Oh! Are you and Lumberman, like, a couple now and… you know… doing things I shouldn't be asking you about?"

Putting Applejack’s progress with Lumberman on hold, Rarity was approaching high levels of alert with a focus on Twilight and the magic being used.

“You soundproof the room? Isn’t that illegal?”

Starlight rolled her eyes at the misinformed unicorn’s question.

“It’s not illegal. It’s just… highly frowned upon.”

Twilight groaned, having heard this accusation before when first learning the spell and knew she’d need to clarify.

“Starlight’s right, it’s not illegal. It does however have a bad reputation for being used to hide illegal activities. But it’s also a very difficult spell to conjure, so when it is used, it’s usually done by those who can do more sensational crimes. Also, I’m a princess, so I can do this if it’s for a good cause. Like asking if Applejack and Lumberman are a couple, now. Since all the humans are in my care, I need to know about important major changes that can affect them.”

Applejack grunted in pure annoyance and sat angrily in her wheelchair.

"We're not a couple… yet. But I'm working on it. And I only know that's what the word fuck means because Lumberman told me… I just don't know what sex is, and is Starlight and all her friends out there that look just as tired as Oven Fresh fucking Chr…"

The gears and cogs finally turned together in Applejack’s brain and the connections finally came together. "What the shit? Some pony actually knows what rutting is?"

Starlight floated over a towel to sit on, realizing she just got punked. Thankfully, it didn’t make her mad, but the approach wasn’t appreciated.

"If you must know, yes, I do know what it is, and yes, Chris and I have been rutting.”

She paused for a moment, rethinking her response, given the words being addressed. “Though, I guess what we’ve been doing is probably closer to fucking. That’s what I usually tell him I want at least.”

Starlight took another look at Oven Fresh, remembering the first time she ended up that way and how the rest of her harem shared similar looks. “And if Oven Fresh is looking like that, I'm guessing it isn't going to be a problem if we keep fucking?"

Finding a new opening, Pinkie slung herself up, shoulder to shoulder with Starlight.

"That depends. How open are you to inviting your favorite party pony to-ack!"

Having gotten out of control with her requests again, Pinkie was yanked away by Twilight's magical leash.

"Pinkie, for the love 'uh… You can't keep asking to fuck every human so blatantly. For crying out loud, you don't even know how Benny's date is going to turn out. Wouldn't you rather be with him anyway?"

Rainbow watched the off-putting site that was Pinkie tugging away at her magic leash. Such a sad display from the normally bubbly and adorable party pony.

"You know, Twi… maybe the movie was onto something."

Starlight blinked and took in what was going on around her. This had escalated so much faster than she could have ever imagined and chose to ignore the movie comment for the time being.

"Sorry, Pinkie, but the girls and I have a shared interest with Chris, as well as each other. I don’t know where you all stand with… actually, who all is dating who? Is everypony fucking their human besides Pinkie?”

Happy to announce her recent successes with her human, Rarity proudly spoke up.

“Well, we haven’t had the chance to bring everypony up to date, but if you haven’t noticed the difference Justin has shown with Fluttershy and myself, we opened up with how we really feel about him this morning and he has returned similar feelings for us. So, we are officially a trio and excited to see where this leads. We also have something else to share, but if the topic is about who is with who and getting everypony educated on rutting, that would be something more important at the moment.”

Starlight turned to Rarity, another surprise that hit harder than she expected.

“You’re both dating Cerb? I mean, Justin? Is it just you two taking turns or… god damn… If you’re a trio, am I not the only one into mares now?”

Pinkie’s eyes went wide and she gasped.

“Just like in the movie! It’s spreading! This proves it! I need one potentially evil slutty doctor and two dicks, stat!”

After frantically tugging on her magical leash, she stopped to consider what she was asking for and how that would end for her. Since that would stop the fun, she turned to Starlight, giving her best bedroom eyes.

“I know you’re not a doctor, but could you dress as one and reinfect me after my treatment?”

Rainbow Dash could tell where this was going and didn’t like the potential destination.

“Starlight, ignore that. Pinkie just learned about sex today and might be a bit over-excited to try it out herself.”

Oven Fresh giggled, now awake enough to join the conversation, but still not looking all that lively.

“I need to watch this movie you’re all talking about. I’d love to see what being able to take the whole length of a dick looks like. Twilight mentioned it on the way here.”

Now there was a good conversation for Starlight to address...and get her mind off of the somewhat disturbing direction Pinkie was currently going.

“Woah… okay, while it is amazing, if you haven’t gotten that far yet, I strongly recommend staying with hands and oral.”

Every mare attached to a human had their eyes glued on Starlight like she just grew a pair of wings. However, none had been more taken back than Twilight of all ponies.

“Were you able to take all of Chris’s dick? How?! Humans are huge!”

Rarity was rightfully concerned as well.

“If Chris is anywhere near the same size as Justin… oh my.”

Starlight gave a nervous grin, only now realizing the can of worms she had opened.

“Umm… well, after Chris and I got carried away a few nights ago, we had a talk about what sex actually is-”

“Goddamnit!” Applejack shouted. “Can somepony please tell me what is going on?! Am I the only pony who doesn’t know now?”

Deciding to play mediator, Fluttershy laid a hoof over Applejack’s foreleg, feeling bad for not being quicker to address these issues with her friend who needed the help.

“Sorry, about that. Things are moving so fast and we’re all trying to catch up with what everypony knows. It seems like we’ve all learned different things at different times. Most of what we know now has been because the humans offered to share what they know. We just haven’t been brave enough-”

“Or smart enough,” Rainbow Dash jokingly threw into the conversation.

Fluttershy rolled her eyes, annoyed, but not too put off given how accurate that was.

“Or smart enough to bother asking any of our human friends until recently… except for Dashie, who has probably learned the most from Becky.”

Starlight chuckled nervously, realizing how far behind some of the others must have been before today, or possibly still were.

“Yeah… some of the things Chris told me seemed too gross or crazy to be true. Had it not been for all the kissing we’d done, or the fact that we came together when he…” She stopped and took a cautious look around the room. “How open are we going to be about what all we’ve done so far? Because Chris has worked really hard to keep everything we’ve done a secret up till now.”

Twilight huffed, frustrated at a potential roadblock to their conversation, but fully understood the need for privacy.

“We’d appreciate anything you're willing to help us with, but if you think Chris wouldn’t like what you’ve done with each other being shared, that’s fine. Although, Peter is out talking with the other guys that are here about everything we’re discussing. Just like us, he realized we can’t keep these relationships we’re starting with each other a secret for long. It might even be harmful if we force ourselves to hide how we feel. Also, from the sound of things, sex is an important part of human romantic, or maybe even their regular social relationships, and there’s so much we need to know about it still. So, Applejack, we’ll tell you everything we know. And Starlight, please share as much as you can.”

Rarity opened Applejack’s box for her and revealed its contents.

“Also, while we go over all that, let’s get you dressed up. We think Lumberman is going to love how this looks on you.”

The guards were all drawn into the fights. The most vocal was Onyx sharing his thoughts.

"The first fight was kinda slow, but these two fighters make it clear why they didn't just rush in and start swinging."

Thunder Glide laughed, recognizing the strategy.

"Probably why Cerb drew you in when you two duked it out. He could have destroyed you, you know."

Helix laughed at the obvious observation.

"These guys all fight for sport, Cerb fought to survive. He has to be better."

Onyx knew where he stood, as much as it hurt to admit it.

"Yeah, I was stupid, but now I have Chris to teach me this style of combat. Ooooh!" He watched the current fighters exchanging blows. "That had to hurt… I'm glad Cerb didn't hit me like that."

Prim Posy was close enough to overhear the conversation and added her two cents.

"I was there when you fought Cerb. I think you put up a pretty good fight, but with Chris helping you out, I'm sure he'll be able to teach you a lot. You'll have to find out how he keeps his endurance up so well. That will really help you out."

Oblivious to the context, Onyx grinned at the thought of having a new edge on everypony else. Maybe even being able to stand up against Cerb if they were to spar again given enough time could yield a different outcome.

"I hope so… look at those grapples. That's just like what Cerb did to you, Helix. And Thunder, aren't you glad you didn't have to fight him, now? Once he got a hold of you, it would have been over."

Thunder narrowed her brow at the lack of confidence, but that quickly fell away with the reality of where they all stacked up when compared to Cerb.

"I don't think I would have fared any better than you if he hit me, and I doubt I'd be able to escape a hold like Helix was in, but I'd still show him what I'm made of if given the chance."

A sense of pride and admiration started to grow at the thought of training with Cerb. He was so unlike the other soldiers and guards she had worked within the past. She could see why he had garnered so much respect from the royals and admiration from others.

"Cerb called me a Lioness, I intend to prove him right. Then you and I need to have another go at it."

Swifty heard the challenge and thought this could be a good opportunity for all of them to earn some brownie points.

"You know, they've only seen a small taste of pegasus style combat. Sniff wants to see what we can do, and I'm sure Cerb would like to know where you are, skills-wise. Do you think we can give them a demonstration tonight?"

Thunder turned to her understudy with a grin.

"Specialist, are you trying to impress somepony?"

Swifty wasn't blind to the insinuation and countered accordingly.

"I'm coming along for the ride just like you are. Don't act like you don't have a battle plan for Cerberus."

Easily catching the insinuation, Thunder grew visibly flustered and tried to act stern and collected.

"Mind your bearings, Swifty."

Still oblivious, Onyx offered his most helpful insight.

"Don't be stupid, Thunder. You always need to have a battle plan. Don't underestimate these humans like I did. You may think you know more than I do, but I felt what they can do, you have no idea what they're really capable of."

Now confident she had her mentor pegged, Swifty winked at Thunder.

“We should plan together. Our window for victory might be closing.”

A knocking came at the front door and an excited unicorn called out.

“Hello? We’re a bit early, but we brought some bon bons!”

Trixie looked over a copy of the spell she had created, nothing but bad memories coming to mind as she examined it.

"This is it, and this is where I mixed up feet and meters, but this is what I changed midway through the spell."

Celestia looked at the section of the spell Trixie had pointed out.

"The emotion binding?"

Trixie sulked, shame robbing her of any humility or bravado.

"I put as much power behind that part as I could. As far as I can tell, I focused so much on that part that it must have reached out and found them instead. Why? I don't know, but for all the horrors they shared in their world and stuck together, their bonds with each other must have been so much stronger than what any pony had for me that… I don't even know, Princess. And there's so much more I would like to tell you."

Celestia laid a comforting wing over Trixie's back, hoping to stay on topic.

"I apologize, Trixie, but I'm limited to handling only this portion of the human's problems right now. My sister, along with Twilight and the rest of her friends will need to know everything else. But there should be no cause for alarm now that the Pony of Shadows has been defeated. For now, let us stay focused on this. What else can you tell me about this bridge you created."

For all the pain that Trixie had revisited during her review with Celestia, she couldn't get over the feeling she wasn't being taken seriously. Celestia was too focused on only this portion of the story. There was so much more that should be made known that Trixie knew she needed to get back to Twilight.

"There isn't anything more to tell… I'd like to help you more, but this is all I have to share about my spell. And if that's all you need from me, can I head back to Ponyville?"

There hadn't been much for Celestia to take away from Trixie's confession and explanations. She had served her purpose and should be rewarded as such, as per their agreement.

"Very well. I will send for the guards to escort you to the train station and load your wagon for departure. You have been very helpful."

Trixie bowed, but their whole interaction now felt like a hollow exchange. What was Celestia really after that made this spell more important than what she learned from the dreams? But if the Pony of Shadows was the source of everything, why had the Echoes never mentioned him, or did they really not know? Although, if Celestia didn't care to address any of that, maybe she could answer a more personal question.

"Princess, before I go, could I ask you something about my time here all those years ago?"

That was an odd shift in conversation, but Celestia could humor it.

"Of course. What would you like to know?"

Trixie lowered her head, her humility and pride must have been wiped out if she was going to ask this question.

"I was invited to your school because of how gifted my father is. Everypony assumed I was destined to follow in his hoof steps, but as soon as I started your classes, everything became so much harder for me… It was like I had so much potential for greatness, but the moment I thought I could have it, something robbed me of it. Was I just a failure, or if something could be so strong as to pull seven creatures from another dimension to fight a darkness we couldn't fight on our own… or could there really be something pulling the strings to give some ponies the power to make their dreams come true but ignore others? Maybe even hold them back for some greater goal?"

Celestia lowered her eyes and turned away. After having her dreams slip away just as everything seemed to come in line to make it come true, how could she not relate?

"I remember how much promise you showed when you came to my school. And it is true, no sooner had you arrived your performance only seemed to diminish the more your passion and determination grew. I wish I could have done more to help you then, but I, unfortunately, had so many pressing matters that required my utmost attention. Perhaps… it is as you say, that our fate is bound on certain paths that rob us of our dreams for greater goals. But I assure you, you are not the only one to have dreamed for something only to have awoken to the reality that what our hearts desired was not to be."

That wasn't really an answer to her question, but it did raise another if Celestia did feel the same as she did and must have lost something dear to her.

"If you were told that getting what you wanted meant fighting against everything that stood in your way, and going against the fate destiny had planned for you… would you fight the Will of Harmony itself if it meant you could be happy?"

"Fighting fate itself to get what we really want?" Celestia asked, wondering if that was what she was doing herself. "Following the path fate lays out for us is full of misery and painful memories. I can only hope it really is for a greater goal. Then again, here you are. It must be fate."

Celestia had opened up more than she should have and needed to put some distance between them again.

"Trixie, I have kept you long enough, and your assistance should prove most helpful.”

She turned towards the door and escorted Trixie out to the sole Lunar Guard standing outside the study.

“Cutter, if you would please escort Trixie Lulamoon to Ponyville along with her wagon. I'm sure you would love to hear of your daughter's adventure in the Everfree Forest, but I’m unfortunately going to be preoccupied for the time being. I’m also sure you would rather hear about it from Oven Fresh herself rather than my second hoof account."

Cutter bowed graciously, excited for the opportunity to return to her old stomping grounds.

"Right away, Princess."

Applejack was grieving over her bathtime shenanigans with Lumberman after a thorough explanation of sexuality. Add in a few choice terms, curse words, their meanings, and some dirty jokes, she was feeling rather foolish. Even more foolish after realizing why it felt so good when he touched her.

"Gawd damn it. No wonder Woody was so nervous in the bathtub. And then me saying not to go poking and prodding? I practically told him that I wanted him to finger fuck me. Son of a bitch! How in the literal fuck did we know so little about this shit?"

Ovens, now a little more awake and alert, had to point out some discrepancies in the collective stories they'd been sharing. Enough she stopped at putting on only one of the leggings.

"Well, I think we need to reexamine what we think we know about all this. We thought we knew what sex was, but didn't. And as far as I can tell, those who were closest to our humans were the first to start remembering. Otherwise, how would Applejack have known that rutting is having sex? Why would Fluttershy and Rarity's first thoughts of being intimate with Cerb involve them doing what Starlight's first real sexual experience was? And fuck you, Starlight... Lucky bitch."

Knowing it was all in jest, Starlight rolled her eyes.

"Oh, kiss my ass. I paid the price that night and the morning after. But if you're that jealous, just convince Sniff to go through with introducing you to the agonizing pain that is having your pussy stretched out to the point you're crying.”

Starlight paused for a moment, hoping the levity would help make her point. After all, two of the others had proven how difficult it was to even try just a few hours ago in front of her.

“Chris didn't know he was hurting me and I was too horny at that point to care. It’s bad enough that now that he does know, he won't try it with any of the other girls. Well… not anymore at least."

Oven Fresh groaned, frustrated with her experience that day.

"Peter knew right away how much work I needed to get to that point. And I was so god damn close today, and thank you again, Twilight. It’s a good thing you didn't know any better."

She stopped talking for a moment as she melted into the feeling of the thin silk panties Rarity had provided. "Mmmph… God damn did you make these ever feel so much better than the last pair. I hope this gets me rutted tonight. Fuck the pain, I want all of him inside me. At least cum in me, even though watching it does turn me on so much when I get to see."

Hearing of all the progress the others had made, Applejack gave Twilight a sad look.

"Hey, Twilight? You had a thing for Sniff fer some time now and even got him to start dating you. Not only that, he practically invited you to fuck'em anytime you wanted and probably wanted you to join in today with him and Ovens. So why ain't ya taken a shot at it?"

Twilight sighed, still struggling with that herself.

"I don't know, and I'm actually a little worried about that. All of you girls have been pursuing it without any issues, even Rainbow Dash has at least shown an interest in trying some of the things we're talking about… But I just don't have that desire in me. Not that it doesn't sound wonderful, and I've enjoyed what I've seen. It’s just...there's something missing inside that makes me nothing more than just a little curious about saying yes to it."

Fluttershy felt terrible for Twilight, but there was still something else bothering her.

"We still have no idea why our memories have been suppressed, or what could have wiped my memory. More importantly, why?"

While not sex-related, Rarity had a thought come to mind, remembering what Ovens had mentioned.

"Ovens, dear. I remember before that you said maybe they were sent here for a reason. Is it possible that perhaps they weren't sent here only for us to save them?"

With a bit of a grumble in her voice, Applejack sounded off like they were mocking her with her own ideas.

"That's what I've been saying! I know that they have an apple-cart full of problems they've all been dealing with, but look at us! I never knew how lonely I was until Woody stepped up and took care 'uh me. Same with Rarity, Fluttershy, and Oven Fresh. Starlight and her making more than just friends after getting close to Chris. Rainbow Dash is taking her job more seriously and is getting closer to being a Wonderbolt after making friends with Becky. Pinkie Pie… … … Twilight certainly has certainly stepped up to be a better leader after Sniff helped her out."

Pinkie turned with a snarl at Applejack.

"Hey! You skipped right over me! I'm getting better at stuff. Benny… um… well… I fought the Timberwolves with C4. That's new for me."

Applejack sighed, now feeling bad for not knowing how Pinkie was supposed to fit into this.

"Well, besides fighting and wanting to rut like a dog want'en to chase balls-"

"Phrasing!" Twilight shouted with great joy.

Rainbow rocked back, sliding on her last legging and laughing it up.

"Yes! Yes! I'm so glad somepony else finally gets that joke!"

After coming down from laughing, Twilight tried to look endearing as she apologized.

"Sorry, I had to put that joke to use. But please, continue."

Applejack grinned, wanting to laugh, despite the seriousness of the conversation.

"Heh, whatever. As I was saying, Pinkie. You did a lot fer Benny, and setting him up with the two music mares is a new skill for you, but maybe you just haven't found your new calling yet. After all, yer the last one us to fall fer any of our studs. But still, our lives are better with them and I think they were sent here fer us. We were made fer each other… even if some 'uh y'all up and decided to share 'em. Though, I can't say I understand that one."

Pinkie finished putting on her last piece of the new outfit, still heavily distracted by how cute it was, despite the currently frustrating conversations."

"Certainly could use a lot more sharing if you ask me.” She looked over the new outfit. “This skirt is so cute, it makes me sick… Do you think Benny will like it?"

Rarity finished slipping on the panties for Applejack, happily looking over her work.

"The first one was made for Oven Fresh with Peter's tastes in mind. Originally, I started to make ones for Fluttershy and myself because of Peter's fascination on her posterior, hoping for similar results."

She straightened out the hems of Applejack’s skirt. The solid tones and straight forward lines weren't like her previous designs, but it worked so well. Seeing them on all her friends made her realize just how right Sniff was about his approach to women’s fashion. It all popped and drew emphasis to all of their most alluring locations.

"I'm sure these designs will do exactly what I hoped they would. However, before I knew the rest of you, except for you Applejack, ever had any interest, I figured I would see how well these designs worked for a new line Peter said he would help me with. Then, after talking to Twilight this morning and realizing we all likely had gone colt crazy, I made some last-minute alterations to maximize their effectiveness. So, if they don't work, I don't know what will."

Not having a human stallion to impress, Rainbow finished looking over her new outfit with some thoughts about their intended purpose.

"How much of mine was Sniff's idea and how much was yours? And am I the only one who's noticed the more any of you start getting close to or falling in love with them you start using their real names instead of their nicknames? At least for Sniff and Cerb. Applejack is the oddball who gave Lumberman a new nickname instead."

Applejack gave a half-glare, half-smirk at her cocky friend.

"I'm also the only one not sharing… but yeah, you are right about that. Although, more importantly, if we're remembering stuff because of how close we are to them… what else don't we know? And outside of all the new things they’re teaching us, what else are they gonna help us remember?"

Rainbow thought that was a good point, but then noticed a smaller container she hadn’t opened inside her clothes box.

“That’s a good question because they know a lot of things we don’t. Also, Rarity, what’s this last box for?”

She opened it to find another pair of panties. “More panties? Why did you give us two pairs? Also, these panties almost feel a little too good, if you know what I mean.”

Rarity had almost completely forgotten about those, but it was important to let her friends know what they were made for.

“Oh, yes. Well, you see, I wasn’t sure who all was… ahem.” She made a point to intentionally clear her throat for what she was about to say. “Having issues with getting in the mood at inopportune times. Those panties are made with some very absorbent material. I’m already wearing mine. Think of it as an early gift.”

“Gift?” Starlight asked aloud, suddenly remembering something. “Awe, shit. I almost forgot.”

She opened a bag she had brought in and levitated out Lumberman’s phone along with an orange crystal. Her horn continued to glow, brightening as she began to cast a spell.

“Applejack, I was going to do this earlier but we got way too deep in all the sex talk. This is going to be a gift for you and Lumberman. Right now, only you can make it work, but it’s for both of you to enjoy. The same goes for the rest of you girls when I get more crystals.”

The mood surrounding the male group has shifted dramatically from when they first started talking. Harmless jokes, a few sidebar questions over little things they noticed, and a fast acceptance of each other's choices had become the norm.

Cerb had taken to cutting most of the logs when an honest question came to mind.

“Hey, Sniff? When did you first start thinking about taking the plunge?”

Mostly focused on stacking the timber, Sniff wasn't ready for the question.

“When? Oh… uh… the first night you were gone, I guess. After the misunderstanding with Twilight, I had to get out of there and Oven Fresh was the only one I could think of to hang out with.”

He moved another small pile of sticks. Separating the dry branches from the fresh-cut timber.

“She offered me breakfast, so I offered to repay her with dinner. Gave me a great reason to go to Grapes and Olives again. But when I met her there, she was wearing, thee, most, evil short skirt-”

Cerb stopped mid-swing, knowing all too well what that must have done to him.

“Oooooh shit, Sniffy. Jesus… did you skip dinner?”

Sniff laughed and threw a stick at Cerb, despite knowing why he’d make such an assumption.

“Fuck you, we had dinner, but yes, the skirt caught my eye in all the ways it shouldn’t have. Anyway, talking to her during the date is what got me into her."

"Phrasing," Chris joked from the side.

Willing to laugh along, Sniff tossed another stick at the jokester.

"Eat a dick, Chris. But, no… She’s… I dunno. It’s more than just being cute. She's funny, she’s got mad game, and she played me every step of the way. I was weak and tempted enough that I tried to test the waters that night, but she wasn’t at the point where she knew what she wanted.”

With another pile stacked high enough, Sniff started a new pile while moving onto the next night of progress with his baker.

“It wasn’t until you got back and Applejack was all fucked up that I couldn’t stick around, so I went out to check up on Spike. I talked to him, cheered him up, but putting things in perspective just got me feeling worse. So, I went over to her place just to talk to her about anything except what happened and get drunk.”

He paused for a moment, picking up a stick that was much smaller and lighter than he assumed. A fitting analogy for the harmless deception he fell victim to that night.

“She tricked me by telling me to look for shit in all the wrong places to take up to her room for us to eat. It took me forever to find everything, and when I did and made my way upstairs, there she was again in that fucking skirt.”

All the guys laughed, knowing from his stories in the past, just how easy he fell for a girl in a short skirt, but he wasn’t done.

“Yeah… my mind went there. I still can’t believe how human they look in certain positions. Shut up, phrasing, yes, I know. But I straight up asked her what she was doing and if she wanted sex. And get this, she-”

Unexpectedly, Chris jumped in with an answer he had to verify.

“She said sex is only for starting families and that’s it?”

Sniff stopped to comment on how right he was, but then his smile dropped a little and he was curious how Chris had known.

“Yeah… how’d you know?”

Chris stared with a near apologetic look.

“That’s what Starlight told me after we… ended up doing stuff… I thought she knew, but she was just following my lead and didn’t know what sex was. I had to explain to her what sex is and that sex with us won’t get them pregnant. I mean… that’s just not how this shit works. Magic or otherwise.”

Sniff shook his head, that update not weighing much on his mind at that moment.

“Yeah, it’s weird to think they believe having sex once means instant pregnancy. So, I told her how that wasn’t gonna happen with me, and… maybe she lied to me about really knowing anything, because she seduced the fuck out of me after that. The rest, you guys can figure what’s right for you on your own when the time comes. But what about you, Cerb? We both know Lumberman and Chris’s motivation, what about you? When did you take interest in your two?”

Cerb did one final chop for the last piece they would need for the night, then took a breather.

“Me? Shit… Rarity got me thinking about what it would be like to try and find a girl when we got home, but that was only because we had such a great time together. But I guess she knew I wasn’t comfortable with the idea then and… I think we also kinda both thought that since I was pranked into the date with her, fuck you guys by the way, that neither of us were actually interested in each other.”

That date with Rarity could have gone so much differently had he not been so closed off back then. In all actuality, when Sniff had jokingly asked if it was, “Just a wine and dine, no bed and grind?” It really did make him question his own intentions and what he really felt about her at the time.

“It wasn’t really until we were camping out in the Everfree that I realized how they felt about me. Just because of how they were acting, and… I… feel better when I’m with them. More than them stopping the nightmares, how ever that works. I told them about what I did while in the SandBox, that I had to kill people there, that I brought the gun with me even though I know the kind of damage it could do… but they didn’t judge me for it.”

Lumberman smiled softly and nodded his approval.

“That’s legit man. Still kinda odd seeing you with two girls at the same time. But hey, if this makes all of you happy, who I’m I to say boo about it?”

Cerb smiled, but it slowly melted to a realization of how serious this investment was into each other they all had made.

“They saw the better part of me that I didn’t think anyone could… They both love me… I don’t think I fully realized that until just now. But, more than that, they’re making me a better me, and I intend to do the same with them. And by the way, I promised not to kill anyone while I’m here, and while I intend to stick to that, I’m going to train them to fight.”

It was briefly mentioned earlier that day after breakfast, but with the new commitments they were forming, they were likely all going to be in more danger because of them.

“We’re all targets,” Cerb Clarified. “I want the next villain that steps up to get beaten down so bad no one fucks with us again after that. I hope you all do the same.”

While that was all good advice, Sniff picked up his bundle of sticks, ready to head back.

“Well… I’m no martial artist, but I think I can come up with some good ideas to help Twilight with her tactics and Ovens… bitch breathes fire, and we all saw what both of them can do. Fuck it, they’ll probably just find ways to get better training together. I’ll probably end up being the brains behind the beauty.”

Lumberman grabbed his bundle of sticks, ready to lead them out.

“Applejack is still recovering, but I already got some ideas in mind for her.”

Chris gathered his bundle and thought about what he could do.

“Starlight is already top tier, but I’m not sure what to do with the other girls. All of them but Redheart have kids to take care of… I don’t want them being targets, so I might need your help.”

Cerb holstered his ax and grabbed his load to carry back, careful not to overtax his leg.

“I think just like our magic resistance gets stronger the angrier we get, I think they all get stronger with theirs. At least I know Fluttershy does, but even Rarity’s magic seems to flare up a lot more when she gets pissed. Let’s make this a work in progress and keep each other updated. My girls are already in it and motivated.”

Not sure what all he could contribute, Sniff started to lead himself out, eager to get back.

“We can only deal with so many crises so close together, I doubt that’s how this world works if we’re doing what we need to do. Now fuck the what-if scenarios and let’s get back to the party. If we're all good to go with this, then I’d rather not leave my girls waiting, and I’m sure yours are all missing you, too.”

All the sticks had been piled up and a nice base for the fire had been set up. They had even walked around the side of the house to pull out some lawn chairs for the evening.

The fire pit was ready for a party and the guys were just about to head in when they heard a collection of giggles and ladies chatting. Of course, it was the mares all walking out together in short skirts and outfits only Sniff could fashion together.

The guys all saw them. How could they not? But it was Chris who said what the others were thinking.

“Sniff… why are they all dressed so sexy?”

Cerb felt his heart rate picking up, along with a growing sense of panic.

“Did you have to get all of them the same sexy outfits.”

Sniff gulped, knowing how much harder this night, among other things, was going to be with them all dressed like this… Particularly, how hard he was going to be all night.

“I had nothing to do with this. I don’t… oh, shit. Twilight said there was going to be a surprise for me for the party. I didn’t think it would be for all of us.”

Fluttershy excitedly called out as soon as she noticed her man standing out in the backyard.

“Justin!”

There were no follow up comments, only the rush of mares running and/or flying over to their men, with the exception of Applejack being teleported over with Twilight. But who got there first or when or how wasn’t important. What was important was how excited they were to show off their new threads while Pinkie and Rainbow Dash went in to offer a temporary distraction.

Amongst all the chatter of calls for them to look and exclaim about what parts they liked the most, Rarity spoke above the rest to ask them all one very important question.

“Boys, I’m thinking about starting a new line with these designs in mind for my summer lineup. So, I have to ask, what do you all think?”

There was no order or unity in the quick responses of praise from the guys. All of them were too flustered or excited to take turns praising the results as well as future outlooks.

When the clamoring died down, Starlight brought Lumberman’s phone out and showed it to him, drawing his attention away from everyone else.

“Lumberman, Chris asked me to see if I could fix your phone. I’m not sure if I can, but if it’s possible, I was told it has a code that has to be put in to make it work. What might that be?”

Lumberman was surprised to see she had his phone, but if she could make it work again, that would have been great.

“Zero, four, two, eight. Do you really think you can fix it?”

Off to the side, Applejack cheerfully called out.

“I kinda doubt it, not to worry though. Looks like I got everything right here.”

Everyone turned their attention to Applejack. Around her neck was a simple necklace with an orange crystal attached. From the crystal was a projection of what Lumberman recognized to be a picture of his truck and icons of his phone apps.

“What the fuck? Is that-”

“Yep,” Applejack proudly announced. “Starlight here figured out how to copy what was on yer phone and make it work on this.” She pointed to the crystal around her neck. “Unfortunately, it runs strictly on magic, so you won’t be able to work it, or even touch it, but that’s what ya got me here for.”

Lumberman couldn’t believe he had his phone back. Or at least he mostly did.

“That’s…”

Everyone watched at least a hundred thoughts run through Lumbermen’s mind. In a matter of seconds, he must have tried to speak at least a dozen times, but always fell short of letting the words come out. Eventually, he must have made up his mind on something important after some impromptu problem-solving.

“Okay, there’s only one way I can think to celebrate this.”

He picked Applejack up out of her wheelchair and had her sit on his lap in a sturdy lawn chair.

“Hey, can one ‘uh y’all get the fire started? The sun’s not down yet, but that should help get the mood right for this.”

Ovens smiled happily and lit up her horn for a moment and then let the magic dissipate.

“No problem, I got this. Just a little flame should get this started.”

Ovens leaned down and softly blew.

Unfortunately, what she wanted to be a flame no bigger than a deck of cards, came out large enough to spill out the sides of the fire pit. It came out so strong that it even startled her enough that she jumped back with most of the others.

“Woah! Sorry! Sorry! That was an accident.”

Lumberman looked down at the fire already at a full burn, not even surprised enough to let it bother him and shook his head.

“You girls are crazy. Apples, here's what we’re gonna do.”

It took a few tries for Lumberman to figure out how close he could get to the projection of the display without having it fade out. What ended up working was him holding Applejack’s foreleg to work the menus and get to what he was looking for.

With one final tap, [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMticvgl3iA] Andy Griggs - She’s More, displayed on the projection and the soft guitar intro started to play, and he gave her a soft hug around her midsection.

“I was gonna play this for you on the ride home, but there’s no reason to wait now.”

As the lyrics started, Applejack knew right away it was some kind of love song, but the moment the singer mentioned that he liked blue eyes, her face scrunched, but the next words were how the girl he was referring to had green eyes. Then he went on to how the girl’s hair wasn’t very long, or tall. The girl he was talking about wasn’t the kind of girl the singer even wanted.

What kind of song was he playing for her if the whole song was about some jackass complaining about a girl he didn’t want? Five-foot three wasn’t enough for the man singing, and she might not even have been that tall standing on her hind legs, or was she? And what even were paint-by-number fantasies?

But then the chorus hit and it all became clear, and everyone else around them knew what Lumberman was trying to say with the song. All of them were smiling happily, some nearly in tears, nearly ready to burst in celebration, because the girl she thought the singer didn’t want was actually-”

Lumberman cupped his hand under Applejack’s chin and turned her face to his.

“I didn’t know what I really wanted before I got here, but you're more than whoever she might have been back home.”

Applejack was speechless, but there were no words that would have needed to be said as Lumbermin pulled her lips to his and gave her a kiss she wasn’t expecting.

The kiss was soft and over before she knew what hit her. She didn’t even have the time or senses to close her eyes.

As he pulled away, he gave her a smile that eluded to a lot more he wanted to say..

“Apparently, you’re the only girl out here without a stud of your own. How would you like me to fix that for ya?”

Applejack answered by spinning herself on his lap, draping her legs over the sides of the armrest, and wrapping her forelegs around the back of his head to pull him back in for a powerful “I want that very much” kiss.

Looking at the sight, all the mares fawned over the display, and Cerb chuckled.

“So, as far as us four guys go, the secrets are out. We’re gonna talk to Benny when he gets back to see where he stands. We’re pretty sure Kelly’s cool with everything… Becky, we’re not so sure about. But, at least for now, there’s no need for us to act like this ain’t a thing we need to hide.”

Rarity exhaled deeply at the level of relief that brought.

“Gah. Thank goodness. It’s such a bother not being closer to you in front of your friends or being able to dot on you.”

Twilight couldn’t have been happier, but also wanted to make sure she clearly understood them.

“So, you’re all perfectly fine if your friends have more than one special somepony?”

Cerb gave a half shrug and grinned.

“Egh, different cultures, better women… it’s still a little weird for us, but we’ll deal with it.”

Applejack leaned back, so deeply in love with Lumberman that she didn’t care that her little spin move had pressed her crystal against Lumberman’s chest and completely shut it down.

“Oh, Woody. You have no idea how happy I am right now. And y’all don’t need to worry none about Kelly. Them two have been kissing on the lips and being all lubby-dubby since she woke up the morning we had the movie night.”

Sniff rolled his eyes and facepalmed.

“Jesus… she must have fallen hard for Big Mac if she moved in on him that fast.”

Taking everything between those two into context, Chris thought a bit differently about it.

“Well… he did take a beating while saving her life and fucking up those other guards. Can’t say he didn’t prove himself or at least earn the chance to date her.”

Somehow not surprised, Cerb shook his head.

“Fucking figures. She was sweet on him from day one… Sneaky bitch.”

Lumberman pulled Applejack in close to love on her a little more.

“No shit she was sneaky. We all would of lost our minds back then. Maybe she saw something before we did… Cept you, Chris. Ya greedy bastard.”

Twilight looked around the group with contentment, amazingly happy with how things had turned out.

“I can’t believe how excited I am to see you come together like this.”

“Phrasing,” Applejack joked, earning a chuckle from Lumberman and a few others.

Twilight gawked at Applejack.

“I.. that’s not… Goddamnit. You know what I mean.”

It took a moment for the guys to process what they just heard, but when it hit, they all began to bust up laughing. The laughter quickly spread to the mares, bringing them all together a little more.

After the laughter died down, the groups started to splinter off. Cerb and Chris returned to the house in time for the final fight. Sniff had wandered off for a walk with Twilight and Ovens, though it was unclear as they walked off just how hard Ovens was trying to tempt Sniff. The only ones who didn't move were Applejack and Lumberman.

Away from the group, Becky had stayed in the living room, taking comfort to the reclining chair and away from the crowded couch and loveseat. It was there that Rainbow showed off her new outfit, which Becky loved.

"Dashie, that is so cute… and-" She noticed Pinkie's brightly neon blue colored panties by the couch. "Are you all wearing thongs?"

Rainbow looked over her shoulder to see Pinkie showing off her panties to Chris's harem.

"Oh, those things. Yeah, Rarity said they tie the outfit together. I think she made them to help make you all feel more comfortable around us. Not that any of you have made it a problem before but… they feel weird. Not bad weird, but, kinda… that good weird you told me about. Is that normal?”

Becky started to turn red and laughed as she covered her mouth.

“God damn, Dash, no. Wait? Are they silk or satin? Cuz that might do it.”

Rainbow shrugged and pulled up the skirt enough to show the side of the panties over her flanks.

“I dunno, you tell me.”

It took a moment for Becky to realize she was being asked to feel the fabric. It was so weird to be asked that, but this was her Dashie. There was nothing to be worried about, so she traced her fingers over the fabric.

“Holy shit, that’s smoother than silk. What the fuck is that? I want a pair.”

Rainbow pulled the skirt back in place and laughed at Becky’s interest.

“Geez, Becks. Desperate much?"

Becky turned a darker crimson and playfully punched Rainbow Dash in the shoulder.

"You're one to talk. You wishing you got paired up with Cerb instead of me?"

This time Rainbow Dash blushed and was immensely embarrassed.

"Shh," she hushed desperately. "Keep it down would ya? And come on, don’t be making jokes like that. I mean-" Rainbow Dash saw this as an opportunity to see where Becky really stood about something like this. "-what if that did happen? I know we're all different and… would you want to be friends with us if we did? Because I don't want you hating me if you think that's something I would do."

What was Rainbow asking her? The whole pony on human thing was supposed to be a joke between them. Was she taking it seriously now?

“Dash, I don’t think any of us would-”

She had to really think hard about how she wanted to answer this. To do so, they probably shouldn’t have that conversation in such a crowded area.

“Can we talk upstairs?”

This was getting more serious than Rainbow Dash had initially thought, but it was too late at this point and she led the way up to one of the spare rooms. Once inside, she didn’t waste any time getting back into the thick of it with Becky.

“You’re not mad at me for asking you that, are you?”

Still trying to wrap her mind around this, as well as all the jokes and innuendos they shared, Becky shook her head as she took a seat on the bed.

“I”m not mad at you for asking. I’m just worried that it’s already happening. Not you and Cerb, obviously, but… have you seen how close some of the others have gotten? I mean, Fluttershy and Rarity are suuuuper clingy to Cerb, and he’s encouraging them. Lumberman and Applejack? Those two are never apart, even before she got hurt again. Same with Kelly.”

This was getting increasingly difficult for Becky to keep it together after the more recent events. Even her own laissez-faire approach to everything seemed to be a problem.

“I know I told you a little about her and how she used to be back on Earth, I’m a little scared that she might try to take advantage of him. And Sniff? At first, I thought it was weird that he was hanging out with Twilight because he was such a dick head to her at first. But now he’s always with that baker chick? And Chris? Holy fuck, we should have never let him go out without supervision. Thank God Starlight is with him most of the time.”

Becky could see the concern on Rainbow’s face. She probably came off a little strong for her friend after taking everything so lightly before, so this sudden switch must be putting her on edge.

“I’m sorry, Dash. It’s nothing against you or your friends, I just don’t think you know how we think about these kinds of things.”

Standing there, seemingly defenseless against Becky’s ignorance and bias, Rainbow felt sick to her stomach, even a little betrayed by Becky’s response.

“You don’t really think very highly of your friends, do you?” Rainbow asked, not hiding her disappointment. “Or do you not think we’re smart enough to make the right decision of who we want to be with if it meant we wanted to be with one of your friends?”

This was happening. They were having this conversation. There was no way around it and Becky had to have this talk, even if she wished above all to avoid it.

“Dash… we’re not designed to have these kinds of relationships. Biologically, we’re not compatible. We’re too different, and I think that if you or any of your friends tried to start a real relationship with any of us, it wouldn’t work out. And that’s only if they didn’t feel the same way I do, and again I’m sorry-”

Becky could see this explanation wasn’t causing the worst kind of reaction from Rainbow, but it was bad. Her friend was hurt, angry, tearing up at being shut down or was taken as some slight at the doubts or lack of faith she had in them. It made her question what she really knew if she was contradicting her previous concerns with complete doubt of it being able to happen.

At the same time, what Becky was being asked about was wrong. It had to be, even if maybe it wasn’t wrong for them and she had no place to say otherwise. Then again, it wasn’t like she had much experience to speak from. Perhaps it was better to have no opinion at all if Rainbow only wanted to hear a yes from her.

“Forget what I said, Dashie,” she quickly tried to apologize in a defeated voice. “I don’t know what I’m talking about. I’ve never been in love and I sure as fuck can't tell you what to feel or who to go after."

Now feeling like complete trash, Becky fell back down on the bed and faced away from the angry pegasus. "I'm the last person you should ask for relationship help. Go and ask him out if you want."

Even if Rainbow remembered where Becky was coming from, it still made her angry at how quick she was to assume their friends would be so close-minded. Even more hurtful was how she could tell that all the jokes they made came from such an ignorant and ugly place.

Despite her rising desire to rip into Becky, she remembered that nothing was ever easy with humans. Becky hadn't experienced the same interactions or been given the chance to connect so deeply with a pony as her friends did. Not only that, but Becky had also been so closed off for so long… she needed a friend to help her see things more clearly.

“Alright, alright, come on, stop with the pouting and moping. I’m not angry at you, okay? I just don’t get why you think we couldn’t make something work? Sure, we’re different in some ways but we’re not that different. And why wouldn’t I ask you about relationship stuff? You’re super smart, but I don’t think you’ve considered that maybe we don’t care if you all are different.”

Looking back, it was only more clear where some of the romantic interests between their friends had started or grown.

“We’ve all risked our lives for you, Cerb and Benny did the same for us. Lumberman has devoted all of his time and energy into taking care of Applejack, and Chris… Chris didn’t do a very good job of hiding his intentions, but you can see where I’m going with this.”

Becky rolled over on her back, turning to look at Rainbow Dash. She couldn’t believe how quick her feathered friend could turn things around. Not just her emotions, the whole narrative just got flipped on her. So, obviously her pegasus friend knew something she didn’t, and the lead in question was to seek validation, not permission.

“Dash… What’s really going on? Because I’m starting to feel like everyone has been making themselves busy to avoid telling me what they’re really doing.”

That might have been what was happening, but there was no need to rub it in or make Becky feel left out. Although, not betraying any of her friend's trust was going to be hard if she wanted to help bring Becky around to reason.

Unfortunately, what should have started with something prophetic and reassuring, came out is a frustrated sigh.

"Gaaah… why does everything with you humans have to be so difficult?"

She started to pace in a circle, venting her many issues.

"You need help, but you won't ask for help. You finally accept help, but then try to stop getting help. Your friends get so close to us but act like we're not good enough for you. You all talk about sex in your hidden, open-secret language of jokes and innuendos, but you were the only one not afraid to talk about it.”

This had gone too far and Rainbow was quickly losing her civility. She only became more heated as she ran through the list of issues she and her friends had to deal with because of Becky and her six friends.

“Your people eat meat and kill each other, but give it up for us. Then Cerberus, fucking Cerberus… as much as we hate to admit, and no pony wants to talk about it, he should have killed that stupid chupacabra. But he didn’t. Not just that he didn’t kill it when he should have, he wouldn’t because he was afraid of upsetting Fluttershy. That fucking dumb dog is the whole reason the Timberwolves came after Zecora. Had Cerb done what he was trained to do, what he wanted to do, what he should have done, nopony would have been hurt. He would have been fine. I wouldn't have almost been mauled to death and Fluttershy… the whole reason Cerb got ripped open and clawed was because he rushed in to save Fluttershy.”

Becky had to sit up. Rainbow was going on a tirade on things she didn’t even know were problems, and she wasn’t finished venting them out.

“All of you are so lonely, even when you’re with each other. And it wasn’t until you brought it up and pranked Cerb into that date with Rarity, that we all realized just how lonely we all were. And then, what are the odds? One by one, I sat back and watched my friends start falling for all of your clueless friends. Then stupid me, I wasn’t even fully clued in about just how in over their heads they were until me and Starlight duked it out. I thought she finally figured out how important friends are, but even she was in denial and was so clueless about how much Chris wanted her. It wasn’t until she moved the packs of ice on her legs and flashed him her goods, I put it all together.”

The longer she paced, the more heated she got and her passion of increasing frustrations all but slapped Becky in the face with the obvious.

“Chris? He made sense. Lumberman? Even I thought he was trying too hard to make up for Applejack getting hurt trying to save Kelly. Then Cerb… fuck me flying drunk, I always liked him. Out of all the guys, he was definitely the coolest, and… goddammit you were right, I did want to take a shot at asking him out, but I couldn’t do that to Fluttershy and Rarity.”

Now it was really coming out as Rainbow made it personal.

“I liked him, Becky. Then seeing him naked? Yeah, I had some thoughts running through my head, but think back to that day while we all looked him over and you stitched him up. You didn’t just see how they were with him, you watched him heel like a dog on a leash at everything they told him to do. They all care for each other that much. And then even after that, you knew what Sniff was doing. You didn’t want to say it, and it’s probably true for Kelly, too. I even tried to hint to you that Starlight was probably fucking around with Chris, but you played it off like it never could have happened.”

As the words continued to come out, Becky couldn’t deny it… she knew. She never wanted to admit it, she tried to make it a joke, but it was too obvious to ignore even then.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was winding down, but still had a lot to say.

"What really bothers me now though, is that every single one of your friends who finally said fuck it, and stopped worrying about what others would think, they did what you thought was impossible. They found a way to try and love us back. My friends, your friends, they’re happy with each other. I’ve seen it, but I was only allowed to see them happy without them being afraid today because they realized I wouldn't snitch.”

She had to stop and take a breath, but it was clear she wasn’t done. The way she grit her teeth showed just how much restraint she was struggling with this.

“I don’t get it. You’re all the best of friends, probably closer than my friends and me, but all of them were all afraid of each other finding out how they felt. That made my friends afraid to tell each other that they were lucky enough to have a chance at being happy with each other.”

So close to getting to the final point, Rainbow Dash stopped pacing and glared fiercely at Becky.

“I had to watch my friends freeze up like bandits in the dark when the lights turn on as soon I came around. My friends.” She stomped her hoof for emphasis. “My best friends were afraid to let me see them happy. Too scared to let me help them. Scared I would take something so wonderful away from them.”

Finally, the last thing that she had overlooked came back to leave an awful scowl on her face.

“But today was the worst because for the first time I was scared for them… because of you.”

Becky hung her head low as all her wishful thinking of normalcy in this twisted fantasy world turned to ashes.

"I don't know what you want me to say, Dash. This wasn't something I thought could happen. This isn't how normal people function. Even for as fucked up as we are, this… this was the closest a person could get to not making what you asked me not be wrong. And I’m sorry, but for us, it still was.”

If this really was how things were going to be, she might as well own up to her reasoning.

“I let so much of it go because everyone was either getting help or helping your friends. And for as much as I loved watching all you on the show, I didn't want to think any of you could be perverted into eventually…

She raised her head with the look of shattered dreams in her eyes. "Be honest with me. How many of them are having sex? How many lost their innocence because they’ve been around us? Because if it hasn’t happened yet, it is going to."

Reluctant to answer, Rainbow sighed and her resting bitchface of disappointment took shape.

“Is that what you’re worried about? That Starlight is going to give Chris a blow job? Or that Fluttershy or Rarity are going to be pounding hips with Cerb? Heaven forbid Applejack gets more than a kiss from Lumberman. Oh, the tragedy of it all.”

Finally, it started to seem like she was figuring out why Becky was acting like she was. Why she was so against the idea of their friends hooking up, even beyond the obvious.

“Do you wanna know what we lost? We lost the memory of what having sex even was.”

Becky pulled back from that revelation. That wasn’t at all what she thought Rainbow’s lack of knowledge was based on, and her expression asked all the questions her words couldn’t.

Not thrilled to have to relive this again, Rainbow scoffed.

“Yeah, I know, right? There’s a lot of magic shit I don’t get, never bothered to learn. Just like what it was that made Twilight become an alicorn, why I can fly so fast, where Discord came from. I don’t even know how the Elements of Harmony work. But for some reason everypony just chalks it all up to, ‘oh, it’s magic,’ and ignores the fact that maybe we have no clue how the fuck to do it again if we need to. Then to find out I wasn’t the only one not to know what sex is because we don’t get to know until…”

She had to stop her new rant, realizing that was still an unresolved issue, only pissing her off more.

“I don’t even know that either, but Fluttershy once knew what it was. It wasn’t until finally getting close to Cerb that she remembered. Not just remembered, she remembered that she forgot, that she had the memory taken from her.”

It suddenly felt empowering to say that. Something so simple and fundamental, even if unattainable at the moment was hers to have. If she had never really known what it was before, that didn’t matter now. She had the power to strive for it, maybe one day even enjoy it.

“Now she has it back,” she defiantly proclaimed. “We all have it back, and we shouldn’t have to live without knowing how our bodies work. It was just as much of a mystery as to why you all were brought here, but what’s done is done. You’re here, you’re all safe with us. You all have the opportunity to be happy with us, and we not only get to be happy with all of you, we can save lives with the medical knowledge you have. We can keep more ponies safe with heroes like Cerberus and Benny on our side, make even more ponies lives better with the friendship you’ve all brought to us. For fucks sake, we have a chance to enjoy another part of life we didn’t even know existed because of all of you... and you’re worried about us having something everyone but you wants?”

There was that feeling again. Every time she said it, there was this liberating feeling of some newfound freedom she had earned. The feeling was too good to let Becky’s own harsh feelings and bad experiences stop her from saying it.

“We’re actually celebrating the fact that we can. And yes, I wiiish I could have had the chance to have sex with Cerb. It probably would have been amazing, but I’m not going to be able to find out what that’s like because I’m not the pony he chose to be with. So, I guess you get to keep that much of your dream alive. I’m still a virgin.”

There it was. Everything was laid out and explained for Becky to take it or leave it. However, neither option seemed to hold the same weight as they once did. With all this new information, she didn’t understand their world anymore. Perhaps she never really could have known the consequences that came with a world too good to be true.

To think… her fantasy of a fantastic world with a happy ending came with being denied autonomy? No real freedom to pursue or enjoy loving another as she had been led to believe was normal. More than that, they couldn’t enjoy sex in any fashion if they weren’t allowed to know about it. It actually seemed cruel.

“It’s still fucked up,” Becky finally replied, still not sold on the idea.

Taking her friend’s limited acceptance for what it was, Rainbow grumbled with a begrudging frown.

“Tough shit, Becky. Those are the cards that have been dealt. This isn’t a fucking cartoon show where we get told what we can or can’t do. We make our own choices, and this is what we want. So, are you going to be cool with that and let your friends know that even though you don’t like it, you’re still happy that they're happy? That they don’t have to hide the fact that they’re together when they're around you? And I’m so hoping you say yes because it’s gonna get really fucking boring if it’s just you and me in the Crystal Empire until we can find a new group of friends to hang out with when I’m not hanging out with the new happy couples.”

Now that was an ultimatum.

“Wow… just like that, huh?” Becky asked, more surprised than insulted.

Rainbow scoffed again, but this time with a coy laugh she let out through an intentionally goofy smile.

“Becky, sweetie, my lovable fountain of knowledge and inspiration. Just because you’re kind of acting like a little bitch doesn’t mean we’re not friends anymore.”

Somehow that got Becky to crack a grin, and Rainbow took that as a green light of being won over.

“Come on, this is me we’re talking about. Rainbow Dash, loyalty, friendship, speed queen, single, slightly jealous of the happy couples waiting for us downstairs, and far too sober for this Post-War-Party Party… but I still got your back girl.” She gave a smug grin. “I know you care about us and the rest of your friends, you’re just worried about the wrong things.”

After that spiel, Becky let her head fall limply with a short laugh.

“Goddamnit, Dashie… only you could have convinced me to go along with this.”

And just like that, Rainbow had her best human friend back.

“Ayyyye, there she is. My best friend Becky. So glad you came to the party. It’s about time you fucking showed up. Where’s your party girl drink? Why aren’t we drunk yet? Oh! All our friends are downstairs. You wanna see if they want to get drunk and act stupid with us so we can celebrate the return of Cerberus and Benny with all the other brave ponies that risked their lives to find you a cure?”

Every question was rhetorical and Rainbow didn’t even give her a chance to respond.

“Was that a yes? Fuck yeah! Of course, it was. Come on, let’s go.”

Becky laughed it up as Rainbow opened the door to escort her downstairs.

“Now who’s being a little bitch, Dash? Making me feel bad for being a bad friend. Someone should rewrite your character.”

“Ha,” Rainbow Dash laughed off the jab. “Kiss my ass, Becks. You know you love me just the way I am.”

At least it was still fun messing with her little Dashie and having her comebacks be just as good as hers. Although, if what Rainbow Dash told her was the new norm, that left one question to be answered.

“Hey, before we get down there, who is Cerb dating? I still got twenty bits riding on this. I at least got to know if I can flaunt this over his head.”

Rainbow snickered, knowing it was going to be rich when she found out.

“Oh, fuck, Becky. In retrospect, I should have…”

On second thought, perhaps Becky finding out on her own would be more entertaining.

“Nah, fuck it.”

“What?” Becky asked, half laughing, wanting to be in on the joke. “You should have what?”

Without being given an answer, Becky made her way down to the living room filled with another sight she should have predicted.

"Really, guys? Beer pong?"

The current teams had Helix and Onyx against a more lively looking Derpy and Redheart.

Becky couldn't believe they would allow for such a matchup like that, or that they were playing beer pong at all.

"Cerb, Sniff, Chris… did you at least give them a handicap?"

Nursing a beer and enjoying the game, Cerb looked over at the teams, then back to Becky.

"No... they're playing against Onyx and Helix. How much more of a handicap can I give them?"

Helix groaned, bravely fighting a look of humiliation that had washed over his very being.

"Best two out of three, that's what Fluttershy said. We'll win this one."

Fluttershy happily trotted past them, coming out of the garage with a few more beers to pass around.

"I felt so bad for them. They wanted to play so badly when Chris was showing Derpy and Nurse Redheart how to play so they could go up against Cerb and Chris. But-"

Applejack, being almost as big of a fan of competition as Rainbow Dash, jumped in to deliver the news.

"But they got their asses spanked is what happened."

Behind Derpy, Chris whispered something in her ear. She giggled and eyed up her next shot.

"Okay, boys. First throw of the game and I'm calling-did Princess Celesta just walk in?"

Everyone turned to the open garage door, with no Princess Celestia anywhere near it… then the sound of two ping pong balls hitting the table averted their attention back to the game.

Helix and Onyx turned back in time to see both balls finish their downward arches into separate cups of beer on their side, much to Helix’s displeasure.

"Nooooo! Foul! Cheaters!"

Not even ashamed, Redheart laughed like a playground schoolgirl.

"Two bounces, that's four cups. Both balls in, take another cup and balls back please."

Onyx groaned miserably as he finished his first cup, seeing little point in arguing the validity of their little stunt.

"Why can't we get a handicap?"

Visibly annoyed, Helix downed his first drink and reached for his second.

"This is bogus. I’m a unicorn, I’m not used to using my hooves like this. Why can't I use my magic?"

Ready to put this argument to bed, Cerb stood up and pointed at Redheart.

"You're an elite soldier playing against a civilian in a cast who has to play with her non-dominate hoof, and you want to use… Actually, no. You can use your magic for an over the head toss, but no magic past the table, just like your elbows."

Given the signal to continue, Derpy flung her ball from her wingtips, making a perfect arch into the back right corner cup just before Redheart's ball clipped the rim and bounced off.

"Fuck… so close,” The nurse complained. “And why does Helix get to use his magic, now?"

Helix laughed as he waived the ball over his head, ready to toss.

"Ha-ha! Get ready for a comeback."

The ball arched up and was released, sailing high over the table and bounced off of Chris's head from where he stood behind both mares.

Cerb snickered, knowing that would likely happen.

"Because Helix is a spell caster and sucks at manipulating objects."

Onyx facehoofed, knowing full well that’s how things were going to turn out if Helix used his magic.

"That's why I said not to ask. Just use your hoof like this."

After quickly collecting himself, Onyx took aim, and released. The ping-pong ball managed to hit the inside of the center cup, swirling around on its way to his first toss going where it needed to keep them in the game.

"Yes! Got one!"

Ready to crush their dreams, Derpy leaned over the swirling ball and blew hard into the center of the cup, sending the ball flying out and off the table for Redheart to catch. An incredible display of the house rules of guys finger and girls blow, a joke where only she and Redheart got the reference to when it was explained earlier, denied Onyx his point.

"Nope… that was close though," Derpy complimented the awestruck guard.

The small crowd went wild and cheered the girls on.

Redheart giggled holding the ball, as well as the advantage.

"Derpy, you couldn't let them have one?"

Derpy laughed and pointed to all their cups still in a full pyramid.

"They can have all of ours when we win again."

Okay, so maybe Becky came in with the wrong idea and decided to at least watch the rest of the matchup.

However, a small delay was to be put on as Derpy and Redheart request the first re-rack. As the game went on hold for the adjustment, she looked around the room. All the normal pairings were there and were just as close as ever. Or at least until one of them noticed her looking their way. Then they would make subtle movements away from each other or pretend they hadn't just held some level of contact between each other. The guys were sly with it, but the mares weren't… was this the new coming out of the closet? Was she really the bad guy in all this?

"That's game boys," Redheart declared.

As the losing team went to drink the remaining cups, Becky decided to subtly make her knowledge, and questionable-acceptance, known. Cerb would be the first she would go to.

She approached him, still standing between his two guardians, though she couldn't tell who he was with.

"Wow… I'm glad I didn't put any money on that match up."

Cerb laughed, albeit a bit nervously.

"I know, but Redheart said it sounded like how she would throw wads of paper in the trash and Derpy… I dunno. Once her eyes go uncrossed, she’s on point every time.”

That last bit about Derpy uncrossing her eyes seemed interesting, as well as out of place for her, but that wasn’t what Becky was here for.

“So… is it only going to be mares against stallions, or will couples go against each other? You and Sniff with your special someponies should be a good match up.”

The three stared frozen at Becky, like three kids all caught with their hands in the cookie jar, or hooves in this case.

That could have gone smoother, but it was too late for a do-over and Becky had to work with what she had.

“It’s okay… and yeah, I know. About everything.” She gave an embarrassed shrug, not actually knowing everything, but was trying to at least lessen some of the tension. “I don’t get it or understand how all you guys…”

She caught herself from repeating any of the gripes she had with Rainbow earlier. What was done was done, and she wasn’t going to fight it.

“I’m being a real cunt about this, and I’m sorry that I don’t get it, but I don’t have to. I’m not gonna pitch a bitch about it… but I’m still happy for you, Justin.”

She took a brave step forward and awkwardly hugged Cerb. It was a terrible way to show her support for them, feeling more like a sympathy hug, but at least it was honest.

“Just don’t screw up this opportunity to keep getting better. If this helps, then I want you to have it.”

Rarity heard everything and was relieved to know that Becky was no longer going to be an issue, allowing her and Fluttershy to loosen up without concern.

“Oh, thank goodness. And Becky, thank you for being so understanding. This is our first day together, officially, and it’s going to be so much better knowing that we can openly express it… at least until Benny returns and we find out if he will be so accepting after his date.”

Before Becky could ask a question on that, or morn the fact she would be loosing the bet by default, probably why Rainbow made her wait to find out, Fluttershy had to give her thanks as well.

“You’re a wonderful friend for being so accepting of this. It probably wasn’t easy for you at first. We know there were a lot of things you all were uncomfortable with about us, but we hope you’ll see that we’re not so different after all, and there's nothing to be concerned about.”

Quick to celebrate, Cerb turned around and called out to the others with a thumbs up.

“Yo! Guys! Becky’s good.”

A wave of relief ushered in the removal of stagnant tensions that had filled the room and the happy couples began to get more comfortable with each other.

The most obvious of the couples was Derpy when she turned and pulled Chris in for a victory kiss that came out of nowhere and ended just as quickly.

“That game was fun, but we need a better team to go up against next time.”

Becky held her composure at the display. That wasn’t like the kiss Applejack gave Lumberman as a prank, that was… If anything, it was her fault, she reasoned. She set those two up at the welcome party.

“You two seem happy together,” She said to Chris, doing her best to sound encouraging.

Redheart grinned from her wheelchair, just as pleased with the announcement that came with their victory.

“She’s not the only one who’s happy.” She turned her attention to Chris. “Don’t both winners get a kiss?”

Happy to oblige, Chris leaned down and lifted Redheart’s chin, giving her a loving kiss just as effortlessly as he did Derpy. After her victory kiss, Chris acted like there was no reason to hide the many-mare affairs he’d signed onto.

“You did great, hun. Now come on, let the other girls have a shot.”

Cream Heart and Cheerilee trotted up to the table, with Cream Heart proudly declaring her claim their spot at the table.

“We’re starting a league tournament. Team Chris versus the other couples.”

Finally free from worry, Cerb wasn’t about to back away from the challenge, even if the numbers weren’t on his side.

“That’s what you want to do? Alright, but Chris has to play, and he sucks.” He tapped Fluttershy on the butt. “Come on Flutters, you and me first, we’ll need a stand-in for Rarity to play with.”

Fluttershy giggled and trotted up to the other side of the table.

“Can I get a few practice rounds in? I’ve never played a game like this before, and… you should start doing that more often when you want to get my attention.”

Becky couldn’t keep a straight face. In front of her, she could see Chris was with four mares and Cerb was with both Fluttershy and Rarity? Was this what Rainbow neglected to tell her and was currently laughing about, not the bet?

And then, just to compound Becky’s befuddlement, Twilight strolled up with Sniff and Oven Fresh on his other side.

“Cream Heart, your team is grossly uneven to ours. Us three, and Cerb’s team of three, versus your team of seven? We don’t even know if Benny will have a marefriend or more than one with the way things are going. Plus, Applejack can’t even play because of the medication she’s on and her hooves are still healing.”

Unconcerned, Lumberman waved them off.

“Don’t worry about us. I’m driving us back to her place tonight, so I’m not drinking anyway.”

As the picture started to become transparently clear, Rainbow Dash crept up alongside Becky, offering her a beer.

“Yeah… don’t feel too left out, I didn’t know how crazy shit got with everypony and your friends until this morning. Also, I’m probably going to be sticking pretty close to your side from here on out. If your friends are this popular with us… the whole town is going to go crazy when they find out you're the only one who’s still single.”

Becky grabbed the beer and held tight to what bit of reality she could still grasp.

“Please do, because I was soooo not ready for this.”

A short while later and a narrow victory from team Cerb, Oven Fresh and Sniff took their place against Prim Posy and Starlight. Becky was still taking it all in, with the help of a few beers, when Twilight stopped over to break the ice over the new relationships being revealed.

"You doing alright, Becky? You don't seem to be enjoying yourself. Are you feeling okay?"

Becky smiled and shook her head, taking another quick sip of her beer.

"No, I'm fine… I'm still trying to understand what happened between landing here and everyone abandoning their bachelor lifestyle. I didn't even think any of you would have had any interest in us like that. It seems so out of character, and… these three-way relationships and Chris's collect the whole set of girlfriends…" She mentally kicked herself for saying it like that. "Are these all, ‘everyone's into everyone,’ kinda deals or do you all take turns having time with each other?"

Twilight blushed and half-shrugged at the valid question regarding their rather odd relationship.

"We're all still working it out, but I'm not romantically interested in Oven Fresh. I consider us good friends with common interests in Peter, although she might want more from me and I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. But for Fluttershy and Rarity, they're very much just as in love with each other as they are Cerb. With Applejack and Lumberman, while they aren’t as vocal about it, it’s pretty clear how they feel about each other. But as far as it goes for Chris and Starlight...”

Twilight looked over her shoulder to the mass of mares around Chris, cheering on Prim and Starlight. She took a moment to think about how to properly phrase what she knew.

“I don’t fully understand what happened there, nor do I know how they all feel about each other. Although, I kind of doubt Starlight has grown enough from our friendship lessons to be that close with the other girls. But at least they seem to get along very...”

She had to stop at the sight of Starlight kissing Prim firmly on the lips after scoring a point for their team. Apparently, Twilight had underestimated her students level of interest towards being into mares, or thought that maybe it was more of a physical interest like those human girls in the porno.

“Well… then again, maybe I'm just guessing and have no idea what I'm talking about."

The sight prompted a response from Rainbow that made it all the more uncomfortable.

"Woah… it's like Starlight’s group has a flavor for every day of the week.”

Now seemed just as good a time as any for Twilight to change the subject, while Becky opted to take another long drink. After all, there was one important topic that needed to be addressed.

"Becky, you know Benny pretty well. How do you think he'll react to all of this?"

Becky finished her beer and mentally sorted what she knew.

"Well, he's already on a date, so probably pretty well."

That reminded Rainbow of another tidbit of info she’d yet to give.

"Yeah, about that. We don't know how he's going to feel about it because he was put on a blind date with Luna, Octavia, and Vinyl Scratch. I guess Luna left early, but the other two stuck it out."

Overwhelmed, Becky buried her face in her hands.

"Oh, my God. Is this the new normal for all of you? Am I next?"

Instantly, Rainbow moved in to try and correct her careless answer.

"Noooo, no-no-no-no, that was all Pinkie’s doing with Benny. She thought a blind date was a good way for him to meet more Ponies so he could make more friends. She didn’t know about all of the rest of your friends being so… involved with each other? Is that a good way of putting it? And she didn’t even know that wasn’t how blind dates work… and I don’t think anypony has even mentioned you yet.”

That didn’t sound right, not as far as Twilight was concerned.

“That can’t be true, every human is amazing in their own way. How could any stallion… or presumably other mares, not want to be with Becky?”

Not wanting to drag things into another awkward situation, Becky waved her hands and nearly choked on air.

“Not interested, leave it as it is. Seriously, if they do ask, tell them I’m not interested.”

Rainbow nudged Becky and shot her a confident grin.

"Don't you worry. Any pony tries something funny, I'll mess'em up real good." She turned to Twilight with a concerned look as soon as she finished saying it out loud. "I can do that, right? Cuz I would do the same thing if I saw somepony messing with Sniff."

While initially, the answer was no, what Rainbow was offering certainly changed things for Twilight.

"Ugggh, sure. Just don't hurt them too badly."

After what felt like forever, a long-awaited voice called out from the garage.

"Holy shit, the power’s on!"

Twilight lit up with an electric smile hearing Benny’s return.

"Oh, let me explain how I got power back for Benny, then we can deal with the other update."

As Twilight hurried off to greet Benny and his two blind dates, Becky and Rainbow Dash were joined by Pinkie on the loveseat.

“Got room for one more single?”

“Oh, for crying out loud,” Rainbow groaned with a roll of her eyes. “Take a seat, but no crying if Benny wants to stay with Octavia and Vinyl. You’re not the only pony who wasn’t so lucky to get the stud they wanted.”

As she tried to comfort Pinkie, she could feel Becky staring a hole in her head. When she turned to see Becky, her friend was looking at her like the whole day was a lie. After a quick shared glance at Pinkie put things in perspective, Rainbow figured this discrepancy could be explained before Twilight was done nerding out.

“Becky, I know you think it’s crazy that some of your friends are dating my friends, and I agree, it is. We’ve all just met, but to think that so many are willing to date them at the same time, or even each other? And then with how fast they seem to get close and agree to this? Even to me it looks like something else is going on... but if there was something going on to make it happen, I’d be trying to work my way in between Rarity and Fluttershy so I could be closer to Cerb, and Pinkie would be with Benny, or whoever else she wanted at the moment.”

Despite doing the right thing, and being happy for Benny, Pinkie couldn’t bring herself to run out and greet him.

"Becky… I love to see my friends smile, and Benny and I became friends right away. I thought I did such a great job of making him smile… but that was until I saw he wouldn't smile when nopony was looking."

She took a deep breath and slowly blinked to open her eyes nearly ready to tear up.

"I couldn't do it… I couldn't keep his smile going while I was away, but that's all I wanted. I was so focused on helping him through his day when I could, keeping him happy, trying to be the best friend I could… But my last great idea to have him go out and make new friends and have fun on his date like I kept hearing Cerb and Sniff did, I thought it had to work."

Not sure how Becky would react to hearing that Pinkie watched a porno and masturbated in front of her, while under Rarity's instruction, it seemed like it was going to be too much. Rainbow would have to tame that part of the story down as she took over.

"It wasn't until a little bit later after we got here and got to talking about everything that Pinkie realized what she was losing out on by giving him up to somepony else. We had to calm her down so she wouldn't run off and interrupt him after… well…"

Pinkie wiped her eyes dry as Twilight led the way into the house to show Benny how well her power box had worked. It was just in time for Benny not to catch the sad display as he escorted his two dates in. Of course, both kept close to his side. Close enough Pinkie knew any real chance she had was gone.

"I did what I set out to do,” Pinkie sadly answered. “Benny smiled today, all by himself, even when nopony was looking. He was happy with them, and I have to accept that what he wants is more important than what I want."

For all the hours spent watching the show about these amazing technicolor ponies, Becky only now realized how much she didn’t really know or understand them.

How much did these ponies really care for her and her friends, and how much had she underestimated what they were emotionally capable of?

Sitting next to her, Pinkamena Diane Pie, the happiest, most carefree pony who only wanted smiles and parties was doing her best not to cry over losing Benny. Losing him to the blind dates she set him up on because she thought they would make him happy. That level of tragic storytelling was well outside the confines of the show and characters she thought she knew.

Still grief-stricken, Pinkie gave a long exasperated sigh as she watched Benny introduce his two dates to some of the guards. She didn’t know what to do with herself.

"I also need to get better at masturbating if none of your friends are going to fuck me."

Rainbow Dash facehoofed hard, while Becky was left gawking at what she’d just heard.

"Goddamnit, Pinkie,” Rainbow grumbled. “You were doing so good until you said that."

That was it for Becky. Pinkie had made it funny again and that caused her to roll onto her side in the loveseat, laughing into a pillow, like an idiot.

"Goddamnit, Pinkie. I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh. You're, so fucking random."

As the singles trio continued to work/laugh out their issues, Thunder was still getting properly acquainted with Benny's two musical mares.

"Lady Octavia, I have heard your music many times before, but have never had the pleasure of meeting you. It is an honor."

Octavia bowed her head respectively.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm planning for another show here shortly if you would like to attend."

After a gracious nod, Thunder smiled warmly before turning her attention to Vinyl.

“You were the DJ for the Welcome Welcome Party. I couldn't attend, unfortunately, but I could hear the music from my post. Very well done."

Vinyl wasn't nearly as posh as Octavia, as she merely grinned leaned into Benny’s side to pose.

"Tell me about it. These humans like Benny here have some pretty sick tunes." She nudged Benny's leg with her elbow. "Feel like putting on some party music and hitting the dance floor tonight?"

Benny grinned and looked at the size of the living room. It would likely be crowded, but there was also the backyard.

"I'm sure we can get something going."

Rarity, excited at the prospects of Benny being open to a little pony romance with either, if not both of his dates, as that seemed to be the norm, warmly welcomed the two in.

"Octavia, I was so surprised to see you wearing your new piece this afternoon. I had no idea you were so lucky as to put it to good use so quickly." She looked up to Benny and batted her eyes. "Isn't it ever so fetching on the young lady?"

Benny reached down with no concerns and ran a finger between the wraps of fabric and Octavia's neck.

"I think it looks damn good on her. A bit overdressed for bowling, but what else can we expect from a mare as classy as Tavi?"

After so carelessly displaying such an open spectacle of affection, he felt he owed an apology to someone grinning at him from across the room. Then noticing who was holding onto him, and sitting in his lap, he figured Lumberman must have turned prospects into progress.

"Hey, Vinyl, Tavi, I'd like to properly introduce you to another friend of mine real quick."

The two nodded happily and followed him over to the far side of the kitchen counter, leaving an anxious Rarity and Twilight behind. They'd have to wait to see how Benny's interaction with Lumberman went to see where he stood. However, considering those two were the only ones not currently hiding how close they were, they would all be getting their answer sooner rather than later.

"Evening, Woody, Apple Hat," Benny greeted the new couple. “My two lovely dates for the night, and dance partners from the welcome party. Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch. Ladies, my brother from another mother, Lumberman.

What Benny had intended to be a cute, and lighthearted greeting was sidetracked as they all greeted each other. While the three exchanged pleasantries, he realized that all of the core group of mares they associate with were wearing the same type of outfits. He couldn’t leave it unaddressed.

"Did you all get dressed up for tonight? That looks… holy shit. Did Sniff ask Rarity to make these?"

Applejack laughed quietly and looked down at the skirt she was wearing.

"Not exactly, but close. Sniff wanted one for Oven Fresh, but Rarity thought we'd all like a set of our own. Pretty sure she made mine knowing how much 'ole Woody here would like how it looked on me."

Lumberman grinned, and either with a mindset of knowing Benny figured it out and wasn't going to care, or perhaps he didn't care what Benny thought. Either way, he made eyes with Applejack and gave her a quick kiss.

"And it looks damn good on ya, too."

Benny laughed, somewhat in disbelief at the upfront display of affection.

"Damn, bro. You really were serious this morning weren't ya? Well, congrats, I guess. I take it everyone knows?"

Applejack chuckled, knowing far more than she should have.

"Boy howdy, Benny, you don't know the half of it."

With a clueless smile, Benny asked, "Oh shit, let me guess. Cerb and Rarity?"

Lumberman laughed, looking forward to Benny's reaction.

"Fuck man… you ain't gonna believe this shit. Mutha fucker is dating both her and Fluttershy, and he ain't the only one going polyamorous. Seems Becky is the odd one out, still sitting single."

Looking utterly baffled by the revelation, Benny surveyed the room for the rest of his friends. Sure enough, Rarity was back by Cerb’s side along with Fluttershy, both getting comfortably close. Twilight had joined Sniff and Oven Fresh again, both mares giving Benny a smile that silently asked for his approval. Then there was Chris, swarmed by his harem as they got ready for their turn at returning the balls in a tie game of Beer Pong.

True to Lumberman’s word, Becky sat on the loveseat next to Rainbow, laughing it up with Pinkie. At that point, he had to assume Kelly was going to show up Big Mac, ready to broadcast their relationship. He would have said as much if Octavia hadn’t spoken up first.

“Is having multiple special someponies normal for human courting? Is that what polyamorous means?”

Benny didn’t answer however, completely beside himself, asking a lot more questions about Pinkie's intentions behind his blind dates.

“Not exactly… Poly, meaning many, amorous meaning love, lovers, or desire. Something Sniff excels at, but I didn’t think my other friends would pick it up.”

Vinyl had no idea what to make of the situation, considering how Benny had agreed to stay with both of them for the date.

“So does this mean you want to keep dating both of us, Benny? How does that even work?”

Suddenly, Benny’s behavior earlier that day came back to her. His reaction and explanation was now more than suspect.

“Wait… hold on. Was that your plan all along? Were there ever any other stallions that were supposed to show up for our blind date?”

This new information was about to make a good night make a turn for the worst, but Applejack interjected to set the record straight.

“Benny had nothing to do with setting up the blind date y’all went on. He didn’t even know he was going on out until this morning, and Pinkie never told him who he was meeting up with, not even Princess Luna knew. I’d tell ya why Pinkie thought that was a good idea, but outside ‘uh thinking Benny needed to make more friends and that going on dates were fun, she didn’t know the rest of Benny’s friends were hooking up with each other like they did. I mean, shit… most of us only asked each other out today without telling each other. So, as odd as it sounds, it’s all just one big coinkydink. And that’s the honest truth.”

With an explanation like that, and the two mares knew enough that there was no point in questioning Pinkie, that only left Benny’s side of the story.

“Umm, Benny,” Octavia quietly spoke up, her voice not hiding the doubt and worry she felt. “If this is true, was it your intent to try and date both of us after you found out there were no other stallions?”

That question demanded an answer from Benny, and he knew they deserved the truth. Even if it wasn’t going to be easy to give.

“I met up with Luna after getting done at the spa. She was the only one who told me that I was going to be her date, but she told me that we’d be going just as friends because… I guess the short answer is that we didn’t know each other enough to want to make it anything else. Then we met Vinyl at the bowling alley and thought that there must have been some mix-up and that’s why Vinyl thought I was her date. It wasn’t until you showed up that I realized what Pinkie did.”

So far, so good. All Benny could do was hope this wouldn’t ruin the surprisingly pleasant evening he’d already shared with them.

“I didn’t know why she did, but you both were so excited, thinking I was there for you and only you individually... I wasn’t about to ruin the day and made up the story that the other guys didn’t show and I didn’t know who I was supposed to be with. Luna can vouch for that, but if either of you want to break things off right here and just leave it as we had a fun time together, I’ll understand and won’t hold it against you. But don’t get mad at Pinkie. Her heart was in the right place, but her mind was… probably full of confetti and C4. I have no idea how her mind works. Bottom line is that I made the best I could with the situation I was given and I don’t regret spending the day with both of you.”

In a surprisingly calm and lackadaisical manner, Vinyl shrugged and then tipped up her shades.

“I believe ya stud. Sounds like something Pinkie would do. But I had way too much fun today to just up and ditch ya over you saving the day like that. What about you Tavi? You going to give up the front seat so I can pick the music the next time we ride?”

Nearly laughing at the absurd phrasing of the question, Octavia looked up at Benny, all her aspirations and admiration for him only growing.

“Well, it may be a bit unusual, but we did all have fun together today, and there is so much more I’d love to learn about you and your music. I suppose I could stick this out a bit longer.” She gave her roommate a mischievous grin. “So long as Vinyl keeps up with showering regularly.”

Vinyl laughed and strutted her way next to Benny.

“Come on stud. You promised us music and drinks-and holy cow, what is that in your living room?!”

Benny eyed the TV and the Xbox menu open and his laptop folded up next to it.

“That’s my… actually, you wanna see something really cool I can do with our music?”

So, it seems like all the girls are up to speed. Might have taken a minute some harsh levels of embarrassment, but they got there.

Also, it looks like others are getting a little open about their interest as well. Could be admiration, could be respect... or it could be the obvious. Although, there certainly is a lot of respect for them, though I like to think it's been earned.

Elsewhere, there certainly have been some developments... sort of. Celestia certainly seems focused on how the humans got there, not much of anything else.

Also, Trixie going to Celestia's school for gifted unicorns is cannon.

Of course, the girls all catching up was fun. Although, poor, poor, Pinkie. She can't catch a break.

At least the guys seem to be getting along and handling things well. Lots of comradery and common ground. Thankfully, they all seem good. They were even good Sniff's tastes in clothes.

YET! Look who finally took the dive. Lumberman wanted so badly to make that moment special, but sometimes life just gets in the way and fucks up your plans... and that happened to me. Shit sucks, but you make due.

Regardless, I hope you listened to the song because I couldn't find a better song to make that work.

Inside later on, I'll be honest, I put a lot of thought into the unpleasant conversation that between Rainbow Dash and Becky. There was a lot of things on both sides that needed to be addressed. Also, I know that normally Dash wouldn't be so wordy, but there was a lot on her mind and she has grown a bit since meeting Becky. Combine that with her loyalty to both groups of friends, she had to make clear what her issues were.

Thankfully, it worked and Becky no longer holds such theories in the same ill regard as before. She might still be struggling with it, but she's managing.

Otherwise, Benny seems to be surprisingly warming up to the idea of being with his two musical mares. Although... Pinkie had sadly realized too late what she was giving away, which actually might be helping Becky realize just how human and relatable they can be... even if Pinkie fucked it up.

All that being said, things are looking good, and are about to get better. And yet... something wicked this way comes. What might that be? Find out next week, in the next addition to this story in: