Under The Radiant Sun
You set down your glass sloppily on the counter next to your chair, sipping a bit of the bitter amber liquid on your hand. At this point, you know that you’re fairly drunk. Usually, you’re not one to drink, but tonight you were going to live it up. It’s not often you get out, so this impromptu trip to Las Vegas was quite the surprise by your boss. He’d been known to take executives out for a night in the town, but you were only a regional banker. You didn’t think you were high enough to be on his radar.
The night started out well; you met up at the bar in your hotel, had a small scotch there, and proceeded to one of the many surrounding casinos. Again, you weren’t big on the whole gambling scene, but what happens in Vegas....
...Well, apparently not everything that happens in Vegas stays there. Like the fact that you got fired. How can they do this? How, after all your tireless hours of services, could they fire you? You had no complaints against you, as far as you knew. No legal trouble, either. And you even worked weekends! You dumped all of your free time into that company, and for what? One night in Vegas and a couple drinks...
Sighing, you stand on wobbly legs and resume your somber reflecting in the confides of your hotel suite, which happened to be on the top floor. At least you could brood in peace. And hell, the suite you had for the night was quite nice. A queen-sized bed sat along one of the walls, with gold satin sheets and pillows matching the cream-colored walls and floor. A large dresser and nightstand stood by its side, but you weren’t going to use them. You stagger over to the mini-bar in your fridge and wedge it open. Beers, whiskey shooters, and even a bottle of champagne are inside. This is a bad idea, you think, clearing the fridge out with both hands. You crack open a beer, and down it in under a minute. This is a really bad idea. You quickly finish four or five beers, and start drinking the rest of your hoard.
“Uhhh, oh *hic, oh boy” you moan. You’re drunk. Drunker than you’ve ever been in your life. Drunker than you ever wanted to be. As you know, you’re not a big drinker, but this was sort of a special occasion...
You fill your glass for what feels like the hundredth time, spilling most of the gin on the table. Making your way to the balcony, it’s hard not to laugh. Look at me, drunk in Vegas. You chuckle, your hand dragging hard against the wall you’re using for support as you walk to the open balcony. Walking through the gold silk curtains fluttering in the breeze, a hard, cold wind hits your face. It sobers you for all of two seconds.
The night was quite beautiful tonight. The strip was lit as one would expect, the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas shining as brightly as the sun. The sky was painted a dark blue on the horizon which faded into a dark abyss, but stars weren’t visible tonight. Though busy, the night was warmly quiet, the sounds of cars and the breeze being really the only noise. The breeze was strong enough to push a man off their feet, so you grabbed ahold on the railing in front of you.
Looking out over the city, you try to rub the frustration out of your eyes. You hold your glass up high over the drop-off of the balcony. “To Vegas!” you cheer grimly, throwing your head back along with the entire glass of gin. Snapping forward, you smack your lips together, trying to rid yourselves of the dry and somewhat awful taste. And that’s when it happens.
A strong gust of wind hits you in the back. You slip, planting your right foot behind you. Unfortunately, your little stunt with the glass of gin caused a small spill in that exact spot. Your foot gives out, and you tumble over the railing. Gravity gives way, and you see the bottom of your balcony, a view you never wanted to see in the first place.
The speed of the wind going by you is incredibly fast. It hurts your eyes to look forward, but it’s the only way you can at the moment. The ground.... OH SHIT! THE GROUND! ...was rapidly approaching your person. NO! STOP! Flailing your arms and legs wildly does nothing but spin you slightly. You shoot straight down, getting closer and closer to your imminent demise.
STOP! STOP! You still shoot down, closer and closer.
NO! Here it comes, closer and closer.
I don’t wanna die... You see the blue, shimmering ground you’re about to crash into. You hope to god it doesn’t hurt as much as you think it will. Throwing your arms ahead and bracing for impact is the only option you have. Might as well make some attempt at-
Wait, asphalt isn’t blu-
The slam of water into your face, neck and shoulders nearly rocks you unconscious. It gushes into your open eyes, stinging mercilessly. Your flailing now had a point, though not a very good one. You spin upside down, around, and over yourself as you gasp for air. The crash knocked all the air out of your lungs, and water was quickly replacing it. You continue to sink through the water, somehow not having hit the bottom yet. This can’t be right... you think. Though exuberant to still be alive, pools aren’t this deep. You must’ve traveled at least 20 yards.
You sense light through the back of your eyelids. In a mad scramble, you scratch and claw toward the light source. The pressure on your chest and throat is nigh unbearable, but you persevere. You dig, and dig, and dig through water, fighting against the clock. Suddenly, gravity shifts.
Violently.
Your legs launch out of the water, then your waist, stomach, chest, and finally, your head. Flying out of the water, you get about ten feet of air, and flop onto your back forcefully. The sun burns your eyes, glowing unnaturally bright. Unnaturally, because it was night not 30 seconds ago. You can’t see much, vision blurry from the hard entrance and quick exit. Trying to inhale is useless, your lungs are saturated with salty water. Sputtering and coughing, you gasp and gasp, only to suck in more water farther down your lungs.
A shadow roams over your body, blocking out the sun. You didn’t hear it approach; normally your ears weren’t filled with H2O. That something slams on your chest, and much of the water in your body is expelled. Although it’s excruciating, it also probably saved your ass. The something slams into you a few more times, and each time a bit more water spews out.
“Ha... ha...” you gasp, arms stretched at your sides. “Air, g-g-glorious... air.” You drew a long, deep breath. The air was clean and slightly cool. Air that tasted of life. You laid there for a while, savoring the feeling of your chest rising up and down.
“Oh my! Are you alright!” said a voice from behind you.
“Heh, I-I think...” wiping your eyes, you try to let them adjust. Emphasis on try. The shadow your savior was casting is gone, and the blisteringly bright sun was back. What the hell happened?! How is the sun... Looking up, the sky was different somehow. Instead of normal whites and grays, the sky above was almost purely blue. It also seemed to have next to no air pollution. You could feel grass on the back of your hands. It was soft and inviting, far from the concrete jungle of Las Vegas. “T-Thank You” you manage, trying to sit up. You feel something on your shoulder stoping you, so you lay back down.
“No thanks needed, any pony would’ve done the same.”
Huh? That’s strange, I could’ve sworn they said pony... Struggling to look up, you see white. A lot of white. And blue. And purple and green and many other colors. Standing behind you, was a talking.... thing. It looked like Pegasus, the mythological greek horse from that movie you always used to watch. Yeah, you know the one. The thing was white, and it did have long, majestic wings, but it also had a horn sitting out of it’s head. It kinda, well actually, it looked exactly like a unicorn’s. Her (you assume it’s a her, from the voice) mane is a menagerie of different pastels, and it twinkled brilliantly in the light. She appeared to be a goddess, or a coma dream. At this point, it could go either way.
“Don’t sit up, you’ll hurt yourself” she said sweetly, a concerned frown across her face. “What is your name?” she asked.
I- What... I can’t- How?! It was too much for you to handle. Not only were you still fairly drunk, but you fell a good 60 feet and nearly drowned, but now your brain was playing some kind of crazy trick. That, or you were dead, and god was a talking unicorn, pegasus, thing. “My, my n-name is... Ira” you squeak before passing out.
You wake up slowly. Eyes flutter open, ears twitch, and limbs crack under the strain of the first morning stretch. Your hairs stand on pins for a moment, and your brain takes a bit to fully realize where you are. Once you recognize the bed, your body calms down. You had a pretty nice bed, much nicer than many of the bed you’ve had over the years. A pair of wooden bedposts rise up on either side of your feet, a canopy of red silk above you. Your sheets were also red silk, along with a matching duvet which stretched all the way down past your feet. For you that was something special, seeing as none of the regular sheets in Equestria would fit your frame.
That was one hell of a week, you recall. After your idiotic choices and your harrowing fall, you appeared in Equestria through one of Celestia’s swimming pools. With nothing but the soaked clothes on your back, a pair of now-ruined leather shoes, and a useless cell phone. The white pony you thought was god had been Celestia, and she had saved your life.
You sit up, sliding out of bed onto the cold marble floor. A round clock sits on the wall to your right, and it read “10:30”. Groaning, you shuffle towards the shower, wearing nothing except a pair of custom-made underwear. As soon as you reach the shower, you fling off your one article of clothing and hop in. Knobs turn, you hear the light rumble of pipes, and soon enough hot water and steam rush out. The shower was a white marble, with white porcelain walls on three sides. Luckily, this unit happened to be built exceedingly tall. Apparently, not all facilities in the Royal castle were built to accommodate alicorns, but lucky for you, yours were.
Thinking of alicorns reminds you of Celestia. Though your meeting certainly wasn’t typical, regardless you became fast friends. Friends with the most powerful being in the world, you chuckle. You’ve become accustom to seeing her feats of strength, or magic, or beauty. You’ve been around her every day for nearly a year now, it just sort of became commonplace. Though, the fact that she was able to magically raise the sun was something you’d never get used to.
“Damn, it’s almost been a year” you think aloud. One year ago, I was running numbers for a bank on Earth, and now I’m best friends with Celestia, co-ruler of an entire nation. The thought made you laugh. None of it made any sense, but hell, you weren’t complaining. It’s been a very, very long time since you’ve been this happy. And again, it’s mainly due to Celestia.
That’s the third time I’ve thought about her this morning, and I’m not even out of the shower. You sigh, scrubbing some scented soap into your skin. You and Celestia got along incredibly well. She was smart and witty, quick to joke even though she was under mountains of pressure as a ruler. She was boundlessly compassionate, but at the same time, Celestia could be very strong-willed. And let’s not forget beautiful, and....
And you, stupidly, had fallen in love with her.
Resting against the walls of your shower, you groaned out some more early morning fatigue, though the groan wasn’t only for that. You began to recognize your feelings toward Celestia about six months ago. By then you’d accepted the fact that you weren’t going home, that you probably weren’t going to see any other humans, and by all means and purposes, you were alone as a species. And by accepted, you actually almost had a mental breakdown involving a pie, three mahogany chairs, and one-fourth of a guardsman's armor set. And yet, just like when you arrived, Celestia saved you. A few days later, you just knew. You could feel the warmth in your chest whenever you were around her, you thought about her when you weren’t around her, and even a few times, you’d dreamt of Celestia.
None of that really matters, though. Celestia’s... well, she’s Celestia. She’s got suitors from here to the Gryphon kingdom. And she’s like, a goddess to most of these ponies. Can’t see much of a chance there. And besides... she’s royalty. Sometimes, you honestly wish you didn’t feel the way you did. You had no plans to ruin the only really strong friendship you had. But, you suppose it couldn’t be helped. You cared deeply for Celestia, and no amount of knowing it would never be wasn’t going to change that.
You shut off the water, reaching outside the curtain to grab a fresh towel. Quickly drying off, you climb out of the shower and get dressed. Long black slacks, a white dress shirt and red tie, and a black overcoat. It was the same suit you wore when you arrived. You of course, had other suits, but something about today made this particular suit just feel right. You slip on a pair of black shoes, and step outside your room.
Your door opens to a long marble hallway, decorated with a red strip carpet, which ran long through the hall and tapered at the end. On every wall hung several tall cream banners; a circular sigil of two ponies chasing one another’s tail, with solar and lunar symbols in the center. It wasn’t hard to guess which pony was which. And there were guards. Lots of guards. Day-time guards littered the hall, their golden armor and helms seeming to glow when bits of sunlight hit them. Some were talking quietly amongst themselves, others on patrol, or well... guarding. Most of them ignored you, though that wasn’t always the case. You remember the angry glares they used to give you, especially since you and Celestia became so close. You suppose they didn’t like the idea of some alien cozying up with their ruler that easily. Nearly all of them have dealt with that fact now, either from time, or by Celestia’s order.
You walk down the long hall, hands in your pockets. It takes a bit, but eventually your venturing through the conjoining halls brings you to the main feasting hall. It’s still early enough to have breakfast, so you slip into your usual chair. As the wait for one of the serving ponies begins, you take a quick look around the room. It’s as ornate as any of the other spots in the castle, but if feels much warmer. Something about it made the dining hall feel a bit lighter, a bit younger than the rest of the castle. Maybe it was the light pink table cloth. Or maybe it was the large bay windows, which illuminated the room a lot more than the comparably dark hallways. But most likely, it was the mare that was trotting towards you.
Celestia.
“Hey, you’re up” she said with grin. She walked in from a door in the front of the room, followed by a train of ponies. A few secretaries, whom you didn’t recognize, along with a white unicorn mare you did. “I’d thought you decided to sleep in today.”
“I was gonna, but that giant orange thing in the sky stopped that.” You snicker at her frown. She never did like your feelings towards the morning. “And miss Rarity, always a pleasure to be graced by your presence.” You had been in Equestria for a little over a month when Celestia introduced her prized student, Twilight Sparkle, and her five friends. They were... an experience, to say the least.
Honesty though, they were all great ponies, and you were glad you could consider them friends.
Rarity blushed at your flattering words. Too easy, you chuckled inwardly. Reaching down, you grasp the unicorn’s hoof lightly and give it a gentlemanly kiss.
“Still the gentlecolt, I see” Rarity giggles, her blush only increasing. “How are enjoying your time in Canterlot?”
“It’s pretty good, altogether.” You look over to Celestia, whose been waiting patiently with a smirk on her face. “What?”
“Oh, nothing” she coos. “...Just that little display.”
“What?!” you say defensively.
Celestia giggles, making your chest feel slightly tighter. “Really, it’s nothing.”
“If you say so” you comment with a shrug. “Are you two going to join me for breakfast?”
Celestia looks at you sadly. “I would, but... I have a gala to organize.”
“A what?” You scratched your head a bit. Is that like, a dance or something?
The fashionista pony spoke up. “It’s the Grand Galloping Gala, the most important social gathering of the year!” The pony’s eyes glistened as she spoke. “Everypony who’s anypony will be there.” She tossed her purple mane across her shoulders. “How could you not know about something like the gala?”
“Remember that whole, “not from this planet” thing?”
“Right, sorry” Rarity chuckled, embarrassed.
You laugh. “Don’t worry about it. I assume you’re here for the gala, then?”
Celestia smiled. “Since last year’s debacle, I decided to change up the ball a bit, with help from Twilight and her friends. Rarity’s going to help decorate the reception room, along with some... other tasks.”
“Other tasks?” That sounds rather ominous... You sip a cup of black coffee that the chefs must’ve brought out. Quickly peeking behind you, a pony with a silver tray across her back silently trotted around the hall’s corner. How those ponies could slip in and out without anyone noticing must be some kind of art.
‘Well, you’re certainly not going to attend the gala in that old thing, are you?” Celestia shot you a “don’t even think about it” type of look.
“...Apparently not. What should I wear, then?”
Rarity’s eyes sparkled, her inner designer instincts starting to show. “Don’t you worry about a thing, dear! I can help that...”
“Rarity’s been looking for a change to branch out, and I thought making you a suit would be a good start” Celestia smiled. “And seeing how well you dress yourself...” the princess teased, poking your side lightly, “I believe you’ll enjoy it as well.”
“So... don’t show up naked?” That got her. You grin as a deep blush crept along her face. For some reason, you were good at pushing Celestia’s boundaries, just enough to get away with it. Ya know, as supreme ruler, you’d think she wouldn’t be as bashful as she is. It’s funny that even bothers her, seeing as she’s naked right now.
“Ah... no, that would be... bad” she muttered, looking away from your gaze. “Though if it were my chambers...”
“Hmm?” you ask.
“Oh, nothing.” She brushed off... whatever she said with her hoof. “Just make sure to show up around seven’o clock, three days from now at the garden entrance.”
“And if I skip out?” you asked smirking.
Celestia responded with one of her own. “Well, I suppose I’d be forced to make sure that big orange ball in the sky wakes you up early the next morning. And the day after that. And every morning after. Forever.”
You gulp nervously. This was a threat she could actually carry out. Not my mornings! “...So, seven, you said?”
You could hear the sounds of the Royal Canterlot orchestra drifting through the hall to your room. The muffled rap to a snare drum. Light piano plucking. A deep, strumming bass. It sounded somewhere along the lines of light jazz. How they developed the same style of jazz that earth did, you have no idea. Ehh, whatever. At least it’s good music. You smiled and began to smooth out your outfit for the night along your bed. A white shirt and gold tie, a golden vest, and a long black tuxedo top and bottom. Couple that with a pair of nice shoes and a top hat, and you were all set to become a fine dapper gentleman.
Looking at the clock, you slip into your outfit. It’s been perfectly tailored to your body. I don’t know when Rarity took my measurements, but she makes a damn fine suit. You make a note to thank her for that later. You fix your hair enough, so that you look like you put some effort into it, and leave your room for now.
It’s easy to find your way around tonight. Other than the guards, every pony is headed in the same direction, so you choose to just fall in line. After a bit, you reach the Royal Gardens entrance, a tall archway with cream-colored silk drapes running down the sides. Similar colored seating littered the garden commons, with two long tables along the back hedges holding hors d'oeuvres and various drinks. There was even an ice sculpture, sporting the image of the two Equestrian rulers.
“Wow, Rarity really pulled out all the stops, huh?” you said to no one in particular.
“Yeah, I gotta admit, she did alright.”
You look up to see a cyan pegasus with and unmistakable mane and tail; the one and only Rainbow Dash. She slowly flittered down next to you, smirking. “Not really my thing, but still... nice job.”
You nod. “True, true. So Dash” you say, walking with her into the gala, “I’m a little surprised you’re here. Doesn’t seem like your scene.”
“Well, someone’s gotta provide the entertainment.”
“Oh?”
“Yup!” Rainbow jumps in the air, doing a quick loop. “Pinkie and I got the princesses to let us make a little... light show.”
“Ah... so, fireworks?”
“You better believe it.” Dash looks over your shoulder, noticing something. “Oh, looks like Pinkie needs something. See ya around, Ira!”
You wave goodbye to Dash, somewhat concerned about Pinkie Pie having her hooves on multiple explosions. That just doesn’t sound like a good idea. Now in the center of the festivities, you can truly appreciate the party around you. There are far less upper class ponies here than you imagined. Not that you had a huge issue with them, but they tend to be rather stuck-up. And boring, can’t forget that.
It seems like each one of Twilight’s friends are running something. Rarity is making little adjustments around the entire garden, Applejack seems to be behind the catering, and even Fluttershy, whom you assumed would be in a corner somewhere, is leading a group of foals through the hedge mazes. Now only is you could find...
“Hello Ira. I assume all is well since we last spoke?”
Smiling, you slide around two ponies sharing a dance to talk to your second favorite alicorn. The princess of the night was idly bobbing her head to the music, a small grin on her face as she watched Twilight... well, convulse next to her. “Of course, thank you Luna. So, is that dancing, or should we call a doctor?”
Twilight shot a glare your way.”Very funny” she said, before softening her gaze. “But not all of us can be as gracious as you.”
“Hey, I paid for everything I broke, didn’t I? It’s not my fault the floor was wet...” you retort, reliving some painful memories at Twilight’s library.
“Hush you, I’m just kidding” Twilight laughed. “At least you're enjoying yourself.”
“Hey, that’s all that matters. How about you, Luna?” Inquiring, you turn to Luna.
“Well, it is a nice break from night court” Luna sighed. “If only some other ponies could take a break.”
“What’d you mean?”
Luna cast a wayward glance to her left. “You don’t find it odd that Celestia did not meet you at the door? She was the one you asked you to be here, was she not?”
“Huh...” She does have a point. Where was Celestia? You hadn’t seen her yet, and she seemed rather eager to see you attend a few days ago. “Luna, do you know...?”
“My sister is over there.” Princess Luna pointed over towards a table near the back, just in front of the small quintet of musicians. The area was mobbed by ponies bug and small, rich and poor. Just by looking, you couldn’t even tell that Celestia was in there.
You walked over to the mob, pushing your way through until the table met your waist. “There you are!”
Celestia’s frown flipped upside down upon hearing your voice. “Ira! You made it!”
“But of course! You remember that threat, don’t you?” The noise around you makes it hard to hear the alicorn princess, so you learn in a bit. “What’re you doing here?”
She sighs loud enough for you to hear, but no one else. “Well, everypony seems to think that I’d rather discuss political policy than have fun, so... that’s what I’m doing.”
You frown. Celestia seemed pretty excited about this gala thing for the past couple days. Not the planning of it; she hated that. But anytime you brought it up, she’d talk about how good the band was, how they were perfect for dancing, and how she hadn’t done so in ages. She kept hinting that maybe a certain someone would ask her. You figured some stallion finally peeked her interest. To say you were disheartened would be an understatement, but you made yourself at least be happy she found somepony.
It’s not fair. She should out be having fun, not stuck back here.
“Is there anything I can do?” you ask.
Celestia shakes her head sullenly. “No, not really. Just... go enjoy yourself. For me.”
You sigh as more ponies push there way towards your friend, shoving you to the back. of the pack. You hope she can get away at some point.
You slowly stroll through the castle back to your room, whistling to yourself. The gala was much more fun than you expected, although Celestia was crowded the entire night. That sucks. You wish she could’ve joined her sister and friends out on the dance floor. Or even me. You shake that thought out as soon as it reaches your mind. It wouldn’t do to have Celestia seen dancing with someone like you, someone whose not only not nobility, but not even a pony.
In your musings, you find yourself walking down a familiar hallway, one that leads to a certain alicorn’s room. A bit farther ahead, Celestia’s door comes into view, a single guard posted outside. Maybe I should check-in, see that her night wasn’t too bad... You stroll up to the door, a bit of swagger in your step from the night of fun. By now, the guards know your face well, though this one stops you at the door.
“Sir” he says quietly. “I would proceed cautiously. The princess is... not herself.”
You nod, slowly slipping inside, light on your feet. You have seen Celestia’s darker side often, but the few times you did, it killed you inside. I hope that’s not the case.
Celestia’s room is dark tonight. It’s a large room, and in all honesty, it could serve as an apartment for any normal occupant. Luckily, you’ve been here enough times to navigate it in the dark. The opening space is a foyer, a ceiling with high arches and ionic columns running along the wall. Everything is white marble, matching the aesthetic of Celestia’s beautiful fur. A round space to your right holds a set of five bookshelves, filled to the brim with things the alicorn and you read together. Her bedroom door stand ominously stalwart, only a few feet ahead of you. But the worry you feel in your gut makes it feel like miles. Silently, you slink up to her door, listening for any sign of what you might be in for.
The room sounds quiet. ...Maybe she’s already asleep. It was a long day, after all. That thought is put to rest when you hear quiet sobs come from inside.
You knock on the door before walking inside. “Celestia? You in here?”
Her bedroom is also dark, the only light being Luna’s moon through an open window next to Celestia’s bed. A figure sits on the mattress, her long, slender wings resting at her sides. The figure’s mane, which normally is flowing and astral, was much more tame. It looked like a normal pony mane, just longer and more colorful.
“Hey there” you say softly
Celestia quickly ran her foreleg across her maw, sniffling up whatever emotions she was releasing. The princess turned, seeing you stand at the doorway. “Oh! Hello, Ira. You surprised me, I ...didn’t know you’d be coming by” she says with a big, fake smile plastered on her face. She was lying on her stomach, near the foot of her bed.
“Well, I... I thought I’d check up on you” you sigh. It really wasn’t a good excuse; she’s a big pony, she can look after herself. “How was the rest of your night?” A quick few steps bring you to the bed, and you ease yourself down next to her.
“It was great. Just... great.”
“Really?” you deadpan.
“Yup.”
An awkward silence wafts between the two of you. Her room is utterly quiet, except for a light breeze that drifts through her window, fluttering the drapes by the opening. The wind was just slightly cold, but it felt good after dancing so much.
“Cause, I heard someone crying...”
You look to Celestia, and catch her gaze. She quickly averts her eyes, a faint flush across her cheeks. “I.... I don’t...” the flustered pony starts.
You slide your arm across her shoulders, your left hand gently rubbing behind her ear. She likes that, as she’s told you before, and it seems to calm her down normally.
And that’s when the floodgates open.
Celestia begins to quietly sob, turning her face into your chest in an attempt to muffle the sound. Her cries only increase when she hits your chest. Not quite sure of what to do, you do the only thing you can. Your other arm around her, you run your free hand up and down her neck, lightly caressing the upset princess.
“Just let it out” you say, inching closer to your crush.
“I.... just... I thought....” Come stifled words into your body. Celestia’s sadness slowly ebbs away, and you brush away some stray tears that stained her cheek. She sighs, now resting her head against your shoulder. Despite how sad your friend is (and you do genuinely want to support and help her), you can’t help but feel lucky for this close moment.
“I feel awful for saying this, but I just wanted some time away from...” she waves her foreleg around the room, “...all this. Politics has been, very stressful of late.”
“Oh?”
“Well, kinda” Celestia admits. “It’s also my fault. I’ve been sort of... distracted.”
“You? Distracted? Pssh...” you say sarcastically. A scary revelation enters your mind. “It’s not because of me, is it?”
“Yeah, yeah. Shut up...” she says quietly. “ And no, you haven’t caused any of that. I just... I wanted to show you that I’m not always working; that I can be fun. Guess that didn’t work out, huh?”
You chuckle a bit, looking down into her eyes. “Celestia, you don’t have anything to prove to me. You should know that by now.”
“I suppose so” she sighs. “But... well...” She looks away from you again, fidgeting with her hooves. You admit, it’s pretty damn adorable, and it’s rare to see her like this. Usually, she’s only like this around Luna, and that’s still not often. “This probably sounds stupid, but... I really wanted to dance.”
“Well what’s stopping you?”
Celestia furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
“Do you still have those records I got you?”
She lightly pushed at you with her hoof. “Of course I do!” she said defensively.
You slowly get up and walk over to Celestia’s record player, which sits and a desk across from her bed. A stack of album’s you gotten her sit next to it. Quickly scanning the pile, you find the vinyl you’re looking for.
“May I have this dance?” You hold out your hand, smiling gently.
The faint blush Celestia had moments ago comes roaring back as she stand. “I’d love too” she whispers, trotting closer to you. Celestia stands, placing her forelegs over your shoulders. You’re lucky she’s your height normally; any taller, and this would be rather difficult.
The song begins to play, and you lead the dance, gracefully, stepping in time. Your moves are slow, deliberate, all the while you look into your best friends eyes. While dancing with ponies is kind of hard for you, you’ve tried it enough to know what to do. At least I don’t have to worry about stepping on toes.
As the dance continues, Celestia breaths happily, returning her head to your shoulder. “This is nice” she murmurs, scooting slightly closer to you. “It’s been awhile since I‘ve danced, I hope I’m not too bad...” she chuckles.
Good, she laughing. That laugh always makes you smile, which you happily do. You turn, subconsciously pulling your dance partner closer, ending in a small dip. “Not at all...” you whisper. “You’re perfect.”
This is it, you think. The mood lighting, the music, how close you are. This is my chance. Celestia’s even blushing, which you hope is a good sign. “Celestia” you start. “I ...need to get something off my che- mmpphhff!”
You’re unable to finish your thoughts, the primary distraction being Celestia’s soft lips pressed against your own. Her eyes are closed tightly, her thinking seeming to be that if she opened them, you wouldn’t actually be there. The kiss in tender and non-intrusive, but not without its passion. The pony leans into you, most of her weight now resting on your shoulders. Celestia’s not heavy per se, and you would never, ever say anything even close to that (since you value your life), but the shift in balance is unexpected, making you stumble.
The jostle of you losing your balance was enough to break Celestia’s hold on you. Her eyes flicker open, sitting half-lidded before quickly shooting open. She quickly backs away from you with shrunken pupils. A look of fear crosses her face.
“Oh my, I-Ira, I don’t know what came over me! I’m sorry!” Celestia sputters, a dark blush on her cheeks. It might be the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen. But you can’t focus on that now, you need to calm your friend. Who seems to be having a light panic attack.
“Celestia” you say quietly.
“I completely took advantage...”
“Celestia” you say a but louder.
“What’s wrong with me!? I doubt you even-”
“Tia!” you shout. Celestia finally stops panicking, but she looks even more scared than before. “Calm down.”
“O-Okay” she breathes. “I am really sorry. I just...”
“Hey.” You walk over to her and touch her cheek, “There’s nothing to apologize for.” Celestia stares at you, looking a bit confused. You inch closer, your heart pounding with each step. The next few moments could make or break the strongest friendship you had.
Still inching closer, your eyes lock with Celestia’s, and for a moment, you’re not sure if you can do this. Despite her blush, her shaky and shallow breath, and her almost pleading eyes, you’re not quite sure if Celestia wants this.
Well, no time like the present, I guess.
You close your eyes and go for it. On your lips, you can fee something else push back lightly. At least, it’s light at first. The force against your lips was surprisingly strong, and the moan from your partner even more so.
Before you can break the kiss, something sweeps you off your feet. It’s a warm sensation that washes over your body, like easy waves from a windless sea. Opening your eyes, you see you’re upside down. That doesn’t last for long, though, as you drop quickly out of the air.
Luckily, it’s a soft landing that greets you, Celestia’s bedsheets poofing out around your body. She’s on top of you just as quick, a nervous but happy smirk across her face. “How long?” she asks. You don’t need to ask what she’s referring to.
“... A while” you admit, looking away.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
The anguish in Celestia’s voice is apparent, and your heart crumbles, along with any excuses you might’ve had. “I-I don’t know! I just...” you sigh. “I didn’t think you’d be interested, to be honest. I couldn’t risk pushing you away.”
Celestia coughs, trying to stifle a laugh. She didn’t try hard enough. It starts as a small giggle, and eventually gallops into a roar as Celestia falls into your chest laughing. “Oh my, Luna was right!” she says, gasping for air. She props herself up, forcing your view back to her eyes. “You are clueless, aren’t you?”
“Ahhhhh....” You can’t think of any retort. Kinda got me there. “I guess so” you chuckle. I guess I didn’t think that...”
“...That the one stallion who’s made each day brighter than the last, a stallion who’s shown me true, unconditional friendship without asking for anything from me, who’s able to make me laugh in a new way every day, wasn’t good enough?”
You sigh, realizing how stupid you’ve been. “Yep. You read my mind.”
“Oh, I don’t do that anymore” she says nonchalantly. “Ira, regardless of whatever faults you think you have, please know that I care deeply for you.” Celestia lifts her hoof to your face, grazing your cheek lovingly. You ignore the mind-reading comment; in all likelihood, you just didn’t want to know.
“You’ve been the one thing I’ve been looking for... well, for a long time. I can truly be myself around you. You know how Canterlot ponies can be, then add politics to it” she adds, rubbing her head into the crook of your neck.
“Yes, that I do know.” You lift the ponies face up to yours, smiling from the heat building up in your chest. “I also know this...”
You kiss Celestia again. It’s not the same, gentle, tentative kiss as before. It’s greedy and powerful, which Celestia returns with gusto. The pretense of “friends” now dropped, the two of you go at it like animals, your arms and legs intertwining like rope. Your tongue shot out, quickly rubbing Celestia’s teeth before she opened her mouth, meeting your tongue with her own. a twang of pain builds in your lungs from lack of air, but you could care less. After a while, Celestia pulls out of the kiss, lightly panting and blushing profusely. The smile on her face says more than words ever could.
Still smiling, she puts her snout under your chin looking up at you with those gorgeous purple eyes. “You know, you’ve keep me waiting for quite a bit now.” What was once a giggly smile has now become a lustful grin. “You’re going to pay for that” she adds with lidded eyes.
No way. It’s pretty much that only thing able to run through your head, seeing are your primary blood flow is on detour to a southern region. Celestia uses her magic to quickly remove your coat and vest ensemble, tossing them to the corner bedpost. She eyes your chest and stomach, and she must like what she sees, because her grin just grew wider.
“That’s a start” she speaks in a low growl, her head crawling lower. You yelp when Celestia nips your nip unexpectedly. Your body shivers from the contact, which the princess picks up on. “Ohh, do I have a screamer on my hooves?” she teases.
This is a completely new side of Celestia you’re seeing. A new, slutty side. I like what I’m seeing.
Celestia kisses her way down your body, adding light licks here and there. When she finally makes it to your pants, they feel like they’ve been four times tighter. The fabric meets Celestia’s lips, and she frowns cutely. Using her tongue, Celestia unlatches the button to your pants and unzips the fly, all in one swift motion.
If she can do all that with just her tongue... Celestia’s hidden talents are driving your mind wild, and you can tell she knows it. Just a thin layer of underwear separates your crushes mouth from your pride and joy, her hot breath tickling parts of you that haven’t awoken in months.
Just as her mouth reaches your waistband, she stops. “I’ve changed my mind.” She gets off of the bed and trots over to the window, staring listlessly over the gardens.
“Wha-! Bu- bu-” Your range of reactions is clearly lacking at this point.
Celestia turns back to you, one brow raised and a guilty look on her face. “I told you I’d make you pay.”
You stare blankly back at your friend turned... whatever this becomes. She got you good, no doubt about it. Sauntering back, Celestia can’t help but eye the standing ovation your boxers are giving her. “Oh, now look what I’ve caused” she tuts with mirth. “Guess I better take care of it.”
In one quick motion, your boxers are off, the light breeze letting you know that you’re completely naked now.
That moment of cold is quickly replaced by warmth as Celestia climbs on top of you. Her fur is incredibly soft and silky, which distracts you enough to be surprised by Celestia’s next move.
You feel a warmth, wet lick run from the base of your member up to the top, her tongue swirling around the tip. The pleasure slams you head back, and for a moment, you’re speechless. That is, until, Celestia wraps her lips around you.
A deep, primal groan rockets out of your lungs, shaking you a bit. Celestia slowly pushes her way down until she hits your pelvis, sitting there a second to get comfortable. She then, just as slowly, drags herself up, stopping just before you leave her mouth. As your hands roam from the bliss you’re in, you find something that, until today, you’d thought you’d never have access to. Celestia’s sex is moist, her tail lying listlessly to the side.
Celestia moans into your dick as your hand begins to pleasure her in turn. Her motions begin to speed up, and you match her, not waiting to be left in the dust. The two of you do this dance for a while, neither one of you willing to stop giving the other what they want.
Eventually, It becomes too much for you. “C-Celestia” you pant, feeling yourself near the edge. She stops, looking into your eyes while still holding your member in her mouth tightly. You struggle hard not to finish right there. She pulls herself off you with an audible “pop”, quickly turning to align her lower half with yours. Her crescent sits right above your lower head, a gentle prod from either of you sending chills through both your spines.
“Ira” she coos, out of breath.
“Tia” you return.
“Do it”.
You comply, slowly but strongly sliding into her. Both you and Celestia moan loudly, Celestia’s ending in a squeak as you fill her. She stares into you, and you stare into her, equally sharing the moment the two of you had been waiting so long for.
“Oh, Ira” she whispers. “Keep going.”
You reach your hands down and squeeze her flank, making her squeal in delight. Using your new-found handles, you lift your partner up slowly, and the bring her down hard, her flank slapping against you legs. “Ahh!” she shouts, throwing her head into your neck and biting on to muffle her sounds. You take that as a good sigh, and increases your actions in speed and strength.
It doesn’t take long for either of you to reach your climax. “T-Tia” you groan, fighting to stay afloat. “I’m... almost... there”
“Me... Too~” Celestia cries, curling her forelegs around you in bliss. You smack your mouth against her, thrusting your tongue into a deep, passionate kiss with the pony you love. If not for that kiss, Celestia’s moans would probably be heard in Ponyville, and she finishes, with you not far behind. Celestia rolls to the side, her hair a mess and a goofy grin on her face. A grin that you know you’re wearing to.
“Ira, that was...”
“Amazing” you finish. Celestia smiles, giving you a lick peck on the lips. She curls up next to you, cuddling up for the night.
Your eyes flutter open, only to be attacked by a blindingly radiant sun. The sight is irritating, and you drag your covers over your head in an attempt to block out the pain. Wait, these aren’t my covers, you realize. These sheets are way too nice to be yours. To the left, you can see a shadow standing in the center of the striking light. A sight so beautiful, it might as well be the sun.
“I thought you said you weren’t going to wake me up early...” you groan.
You hear a giggle from above the covers. “Ira, it’s nine o’clock. You already got to sleep in.” You feel the bed shift, someone obviously crawling onto it. Pulling the covers off your head, you see a dreamy-eyed Celestia staring down at you, a sloppy grin with it. Her hair is just as messy as last night, acting like a regular mane with bit of hair strewn everywhere, some of it stuck to her face with sweat. It’s still more beautiful than any other pony. “I need to get ready for court.” She bows down, planting on you a tender kiss. “I’ll be in the shower.” She trots away, a deep sway in her hips that you know she’s added, just for you. “I wouldn’t mind a bit of help, if you’re up for it...” Celestia calls from the bathroom.
Time to get up. You sit, looking out the window towards that giant orange ball that constantly sears your eyes. It’s infinitely brighter today, and the only word you can think to describe is, again, radiant. You hear the shower switch on, the light pitter-patter of water hitting the floor, along with you new marefriend humming gleefully. You turn back to the sun.
I suppose I can get used to mornings.
Author's Note
So, yeah. Don't really know where this came from. Hope it was decent. Constructive criticism is always appreciated.
Art by John Joseco.
