Man, Rarity really outdid herself this time!

The only reason you say that is because everyone is looking at you and you don't look a thing out of place up here in Canterlot. A few give waves and nods toward you while others looked on wide eyed. You give a small smirk knowing they spent probably the equivalent of you whole paycheck on theirs, and your's, well you basically got for free. Gotta love good friends. You pass yourself in a mirror and your smirk turns into a smile at the sight. I look good The pants aren't too dissimilar to your midnight slacks you wore last time, albeit this one has gems placed at the seams giving it a much better look. Since it was tailored to your specifications it fits naturally and makes it look all the better. Fortunately you don't have to wear a suit jacket, Rarity having made a simple dark blue vest that you wear over crisp white with blue pinstripe longs leeve undershirt. The cuffs are clasped shut with diamonds as far as you can guess and the buttons follow the same style. The vest meanwhile has three ruby buttons but near the bottom barely visible are gray flames that reflect the light which you rolled your eyes at but it added to it somehow. Same tie as before, you wont fix what isn't broken. At the same time you adjusted the cuff on your arm that had been bugging you the whole trip.

Nothing's perfect

As you approach the restaurant you hope all your effort for the past week will pay off. Between studying with Applejack, which was loads of fun, and Twilight's own plan to help out everything was set to go smoothly, or blow up in a big epic failure. if only you knew what Twilight's plan was. You were so busy trying to study with Applejack you never listened into her plan. Actually, half the time you were "studying" you were laughing with Applejack over the stupid rules you were supposed to follow. No idea what she had planned, only it involved Rainbow and Fluttershy. What could possibly go wrong? Thankfully no big epic thoughts of failure, humiliation, and banishment to the moon after being raped repeatedly with a whip while tied to a guillotine. Don't know how, but they avoided your thoughts this time, save that last one. You apparently have some dark thoughts.

“Cafe de la Gallop.” you mutter to yourself seeing the restaurant

Thankfully it was kind of small, but still there was a Royal Guard planted outside the door. You never understood as to why the Guards acted as bouncers outside these places, then again this was where the Princess was going to be, seemed only fitting. His steely gaze shifts towards you as you walk up and he looked somewhat familiar. Of course all the Guards look alike so you guess that's why. Walking past his eyes are still looking at you with suspicion as you walk up to the front podium. The greeter looks to you with his head pointed slightly upwards to give him that snooty look you despise. Even with Rarity's best you are still just a lower class citizen and you can't help that.

“Can I help you?” he asks with a voice like that I might as well just leave.

“I should be here on a Reservation? Uh, Gray Flames.”

“Let me look.” he says opening a roster

Your like of this guy is dropping faster than Derpy's Pianos. He flips through a few pages too fast to check until turning back to you.

“I don't seem to be able to find your name.”

You're about to protest when a gruff voice calls out from behind: “He's under Princess Luna. Check VIP, sir.” particular emphasis on the word "sir".

You look back to see the Guard standing there, looking to the greeter with obvious contempt. The Greeter nervously pulls out a second smaller roster, practically sweating now under his gaze. He skims down the list and stops midway.

“Ah, yes, he-here he is. J-just a moment sir, let me get a menu.”

By now he's wet his pants and his hair has come loose at a few ends. He quickly runs off to get it as the Guard goes back to, Guarding.

“How did you?” you start

"I'm good at what i do." he responds

"Well, why did you?"

“Why do you think I'm here?” he grunts back

Answers the Guard question. The greeter meanwhile runs back up, looking as if he rust ran a marathon. Breathing just as heavy as well.

“Here's your menu sir. Right this way!”

The greeter hands you a menu and shuffles you off into the restaurant. Looking around, everything is furnished in some of the finest decor you've ever seen. Small place, large taste seems to be their mantra. Even with your parents you'd never get in a place like this. It would probably cost you a whole years paycheck, and your suit, just to set foot in here. Thankfully, Rarity's outfit isn't going anywhere, and she made it do intricately designed for you, you look like you make that much money in a day. Still, the gazes from those who hold you in contempt make you uneasy, and you smile knowing soon enough they'll see why you're here. The greeter hurries you past everyone else in the place and leads you up a flight of stairs to a booth with a nice view of the cities skyline. Nice being a understatement here. It's also pretty separate from the rest of the place, not to mention spacious and probably the finest one here. Of course seeing this is reserved for Luna, and you by default, they would only offer the best seat in the whole place. At the same time it was avoided by everyone not just by the sign, but by two Lunar Guards armed with spears standing there with scowls on their face. They eye the both of you as you walk up and as the greeter goes to place the menu on the table bar his access with their choice of weaponry. the swift act makes you jump and nearly gives the guy a heart attack.

“Only he can enter.” speaks one with a sharp voice capable of dislodging a mountain

“I just need to place-”

“Only Gray Flames may sit aside the Princess! Give him the menu.” the other speaks with a ice cold growl

The Greeter nervously smiles and accepts those terms, handing you the menu and running off in a river of his own sweat. You watch him fly down the stairs, literally he was a Pegasus, and then turn to the booth and the Guards.

“So, you guys here to guard her against me or just guard?”

“Just guard.” they say, opening the “entrance” in.

You slowly make your way past them and slide into the booth and once again, wait. It's your fault for showing up earlier than 10 minutes to this thing but it sounded like a good idea in case she showed up early or something. Never a good idea to let a Princess wait. Leaning back and letting out a breath that is a mix of anxiety and a sigh of boredom, the stars take your attention. Checking the time at 7:56 and at this time of year, the sun wouldn't be down and the moon out. Celestia probably did it for her sister so don't question it because it's a amazing backdrop. They grace the night sky twinkling here and there mixing in with the lights of Canterlot, the backdrop of the dark sky only adds to the splendor. There's always been something romantic about a dinner at night as far as you can remember. Stories, plays, most that involved romance of some kind you were dragged and forced to watch had a night scene in it that always involved some romance of some kind. Of course when your date is the reason their up there though, kinda ruins the moment really.

Meh, still looks pretty

“Announcing Princess Luna!” came a voice from below

You shoot up as the whole place hushes in respect for the arrival of the night Princess. There are a few horns but thankfully the fanfare dies away fast.

Well, here goes take two

You can't see her from your position but you know she's coming. Everything has stopped to the point you can here the click of her heels as she makes her way towards you. Then she arrives at the steps and you can hear each step, one by one. They ring in your ear drums and each second there is another. Why not make it easy? The moment her wings appears over the landing the Guards take a knee in respect towards her. Now the panic sets in, what do you do? Can't exactly sit here like a moron waiting for her to show up, but taking a bow like the Guard isn't the smartest option in the book. You know the moment she tops those stares she's going to be starring at you with those eyes, those eyes that you can hardly handle. So alone, emotional, and distant. The Royal authority masking anything else behind it to the point she seems unreachable yet she begs for someone to hold her. Just thinking about it makes your heart jump around your chest. You look around for something to distract you or there is going to be a odd moment of silence again. Your eyes fall upon the menu and you scramble for it, throwing it open just as her head peaks over the stairs.

She steps closer and closer and as much as it pains you to look, you can't. One thing you remember Rarity mentioning was that since this is a upscale Canterlot cafe, she is going to go in her full regal splendor. She was already breathtaking back at Sugarcube Corner and she wasn't even trying. Then it the footsteps stop and you hear the Guards armor clanking together as they rise up from their kneel. No choice now but to lower the menu and look. Reluctant, and with a heavy set of hands you lower it. Your breath is instantly removed from your lungs and your heart skips over it as it leaves. While last time there was a hint she was a Princess in her outfit, here its screaming! Her dress flows with her hair, literally it's flowing like her hair, albeit a few shades lighter blue as to not get the two mixed up. It goes up toward her shoulders, obscured behind a bodice that had jewels placed just so that it went with the rest, not to mention gave a damn good view. She has one elbow length glove on her left arm for some reason, this one cut so that it appears there is a moon designed into it, even if it is just her skin. Another thing you note: She's got her tiara this time, and you were right the first time: she does look cute in it!

One thing you notice something is the facade she's hiding behind however. There is that air of dignity and royalty that should be given in her presence, but you've seen the other side of Luna, and looking, she's using it to hide behind. You can see the anxiety, the depression, and the loneliness that swims through it all, leaving that forlorn pain in it's wake that wrenches your heart to witness. She shouldn't have to go through that, yet it seems woven into her current persona. Then she rests her eyes on you, and it melts away almost. The royal air dissipates, and her eyes come alive with hope. It take you back that just laying eyes on you that caused that, and you feel a warm smile spread across your face. The fact just seeing you brought her out of that state makes your hair stand on end.

Well, say something-oh crap, forgot she can read these.

“Evening Princess.” you manage to get out, your small moment kind of killed

“Good Evening Gray Flame. I am honored you could make it.” she says, a bit more warm than last time you two met

“Well, can't exactly deny a request from the princess. Kind of a big deal. ” you say, which she returns with a small smile you find adorable

She sits down, every movement causing whatever oxygen in your body to leave. You fight to keep your mind clear of any thoughts when salvation comes at the form of the waiter. Or at least you thought it did. Something about this guy put you off. Damn good mustache you'll give him that, but at the same time, his black hair looked a little too oily and seemed to reflect certain colors in streaks, while at the same time the light blue wings were way to in shape for an average waiter. Then you took one look into the eyes of the waiter and nearly flipped the table.

DASH!

You ignore a confused look given to you from Luna as you grit your teeth and control yourself as your “Waiter” gives a sly smile and pulls out a notebook.

“Can I take your order?”

Yeah, that attempt at a gruff male voice was Rainbow Dash. No mistaking it, that Pegasus was now your waiter and you clenched your fists fearing how bad this could go. This was Twilight's plan? Of course it was Twilight's plan, its got the whole cliche nervous friend attempt written all over it! Have them serve your table with Luna? Why were you so stupid as to not see that one coming the moment they said she and Fluttershy were going to help out as well? Your fault for not asking what their plan was-wait where was Fluttershy?

“I request the Cumin Spiced Chicken with green!” spoke Luna

Her voice rings of the royalty that abounds her. It sort of sets you off, and you can tell Rainbow Dash isn't exactly easy with it either. Warm welcome she gave you or not, acting that way to you in front of others just isn't your idea of spending a date with her. Princess or not, you don't want to be on a date with Princess Luna, you want to be on a date with Luna. Writing it down on her notepad, she then turns to you. Spotlight now on you, you jump to the menu and look it over. Despite your “browsing” through when Luna walked up, you never exactly picked out a dish you wanted to eat. Trying to keep your sweat in, you finally land on seafood, which is better than nothing right now.

“Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables.” Phew

The “waiter” wrote it down and quickly flew off with the paper into the double doors down below.

“I wanted a drink too.” you say as the doors slam shut Fail

“Same here. That is indeed a fail” says Luna

“I will go him your Highness!” said one of the Guards

“No, tis not necessary. He will be back.” tries Luna

You still admit, the archaic way she talks still brings a smile to your face. Sadly, her protests fall on deaf ears. The Lunar Guard walks off toward the doors where Rainbow dove into. The other looks around nervously, and quickly steps over filling the space that was between the two.

“So, has your week been interesting?” comes Luna

You turn to see her resting her head on her crossed hands waiting for a answer from her.

“Well, all of Ponyville kind of knows the Hospitals Night Guard went to dinner with Princess Luna.” you say with a small embarrassing laugh

"Night Guard?"

"Graveyard shift at the Ponyville hospital."

“Oh. How did the citizens of Ponyville react? Such a event here would surely make the city flip?”

“Kinda like right now?” you mention pointing down below

She looks down below to see half the building looking up at the two of you. Upon seeing her looking, they quickly avert their gaze. She gives a small glare to the general area while you stifle a laugh.

“Thy cafe guests not likest thou to look at them, it seems.” you say, playing at her style of talking

She shoots you a dark look and you smile sheepishly before laughing.

“If thou wishes me to speakest in such a old and dated manor, thy wish be granted.”

“Volume included in that package?” you joke

“YES IT DOES!”

The gust of air nearly blows you out of your seat. Her voice echoes through the whole restaurant, and probably half of Canterlot. You sit back down and adjust your suit and vest when here comes a small giggling from Luna. She tries to control it, despite going red in the face, and soon you find yourself laughing along with her. Even with all the funny looks and nearly getting blown away, quite literally, you can't help but enjoy the moment.

“However, you never said how the citizens of Ponyville found out. I did not make such a announcement upon my arrival."

“Pinkie.” you say flatly

“Oh. Did you receive such strange reactions from thy neighbors?”

"Well, it's Ponyville. They respect privacy. Oh and Pip says hi."

"The little colt from Trottingham? Thine favorite little subject? Do send him my most warmest of greetings!"

"He'll be excited that's for sure."

“Uh, everything going okay up here.” came a oddly familiar voice

Both of you turn to see a Royal Guard walk up who had come to investigate. He was the same one from the Cafe's entrance, and seeing his wings were still out from when he flew up here, you recognize him: The Sergeant who delivered the scroll to you. What's he doing here?

“Everything is fine, good sergeant. Thou may return to your duties.”

“Yes Ma'am. Of course Ma'am-err, Private, where did the Corporal go?”

The Private pointed to the double doors to the kitchen, and the Sergeant started to step off toward them, then he suddenly stopped. He looked as if he was thinking of something, or he was getting an idea. He did a complete 180 and walked away back downstairs towards the front door. Weird

“I wonder how long until the food is ready. I kinda haven't eaten a thing all day.” you mention

“How did thou arrive in Canterlot?”

“I took the train.”

“Does Twilight Sparkle not have her balloon?”

Forgot about that one

Apparently

Hey come on that's not fair! I can't even have private thoughts to myself here!?

Luna give a sheepish smile when there is a clatter of plates and you look up to see your “Waiter”, and standing next to "him" is someone you can't believe. White chef clothes, chefs hat, same mustache as the “waiter”, and is that a grey wig? Of course it's Fluttershy. You brood at the thought, but at least they got the food here fast.

“Now lets see, Chicken to the Princess, Salmon to the date.” said Rainbow, still trying to imitate a snooty waiters voice

Fluttershy nervously puts the dishes before you both, terrified of both the Guard and of being caught. Too late for your case, but you hope Luna doesn't find out. Looking at your plate, though, as with all fancy places, the portions are very small, and you know it's going to cost you half your paycheck when the bill arrives, and your mother always taught you to be a gentleman, and gentlemen pay for the dinner.

“Is there anything else?”

“Can I get water?” you say

“Crystal Moon.”

You give her a surprised look. In fact Rainbow, Fluttershy, and the one Lunar Guard if her a surprised look. She meanwhile turns red in the face and goes on the defensive.

“What? I can handle a drink, I'm over a thousand years old!”

“Oh yeah.” you say

Shaking her head Rainbow responds just as fast: “Got it! Coming up in a flash!”

The “Waiter” flies off, leaving the “chef” standing there, who squeaks in fear and quickly flies off, leaving the cart they used to carry the food out on standing there. Brilliant move there. You look down to your food, and sure enough, small portions. Even for Princess Luna it is a small dish and she is less than satisfied.

“Well, I have seen worse.” she laments

“So have I.” you respond

Both of you take your first bite, and all that pointless studying you and Applejack did actually came in somewhat handy here in not looking like a fool. Upside, one glance from Luna and every single patron here looked away in fear. It kind of made you laugh that she could instill that into these folk who would not even give you a seconds thought anywhere else or with anyone else. Then there's you, and the fact she's been approachable all night, even going so far as to pull a joke on you as well makes it feel all the more better. Nothing at all like the cold rigid feel that fogged your last date with her.

“Here are your drinks!” came the waiter, Fluttershy in tow holding two glasses

You can't believe they're going to try this all night when the other Guard turns to Rainbow Dash with a steely gaze only they could give.

“Where is the Corporal?”

Rainbow Dash looks around nervously trying to find a answer to the question when there comes a scream from down below and from the kitchen doors bursts the other Lunar Guard, covered in white flour and plastered with tomatoes.

“Wow.” you say in amazement

“Impressive.” continued Luna

“Impostors! They don't work here!” screamed the Corporal

He spreads his wings, throwing the flour off his body and zooming up to your level, the tomatoes falling off int he process. He stares at them both ready to kill and spear ready to deliver one such action. Now your “Waiter” is really sweating as all eyes settle on her and Fluttershy, who is cowering on the wall trying not to be seen. From her sweat suddenly pours beads of black sweat. This catches your eye as suddenly her hair turns from jet black to rainbow, revealing who she really is.

“Rainbow Dash?” comes Luna

“I'm not Rainbow Dash, I'm-” started your “waiter”

She was cut off as a metal bolt screamed past her face tearing her mustache off and striking Fluttershy's wig right in the center, impaling both onto the wall. Everyone in the whole cafe turns to see Sergeant Armet standing there holding a crossbow.

“Bulls eye!” he cheers

Revealed, Rainbow Dash and Flutterhsy look around caught in the act, the letter of whom trembling. The Lunar Guards turn and ready their spears when the sadistic grinning Sergeant gave one order:

“Get 'em!”

Your friends scream in fear and fly for their lives as the Guard chases after them. Everyone watches while Sergeant Armet walks up holding his crossbow over his shoulder proudly. He gives off a slight chuckle and turns to the two of you quite pleased with himself.

“Your Majesty, your plan worked. I will leave you two to the night.”

Wait, what?

He walked off whistling towards the stairs and started to calm the commotion below. You meanwhile look to Luna who give a impish smile at her apparent victory.

“I, uh, may have anticipated that both my sister and Twilight would try to make sure nothing happened to either of us. So I enlisted the Sergeant there to help us instead.”

"How?"

Well, his job was to make sure we enjoy ourselves. I simply told him that is what I wish and he complied."

"I never saw you do that!"

"I can project my own thoughts onto others you know."

"Oh yeah. Still. nothing happened until right now!”

“Yes, but we have been under the watchful eye of my own Guards not to mention our friends as well.”

“But how did you know that was Rainbow Dash?”

“You blurted it out remember.”

“No I didn't-oh yeah I thought it.”

She smiles as there comes the sound of wood being smashed outside.

“You know you could have told me. Not exactly like I had a full idea of what those two were doing.”

“Ask yourself, my dear Gray Flames, do you really think we would enjoy ourselves in this Cafe under the gaze of half of Canterlot?”

“Not really-oh I see where you're going with this.” you say to her

“We now have some time alone together.”

Alright then. Lead the way your Majesty

She extends her hand, which you grab. Just the feel of it sends shocks through your body. She smiles towards you and begins to glow in a blue aura that extends over to you. You start to feel funny, but as Luna clenches her grip, you feel safer. In a flash you suddenly find yourself outside in the open. From what you can see, it appears to be a grassy cliff along a mountainside. Not much but there is a nice waterfall here where she is standing next to.

“I take it we wont be finishing dinner then?”

“Well, maybe later we can dessert or something, but I find this more relaxing than that stuffy Cafe.”

“Why?” you ask

“Well, look.” she says pointing

You look past her out to the other side, and nearly fall over from the sight. First off you both are atop the mountains overlooking Canterlot that words could never describe. You thought the Cafe had a decent view. The whole Equestrian countryside, the forests, mountains in the distance, melting off into the dark blue horizon if the night sky. The stars sprinkled in the vast sea while the moon casts its own light down upon the land, and Canterlot in the foreground in all its own splendor. Your mind tries it's hardest just to process it all, but nothing you've ever seen could come close to compare. Best of all, you're sharing it with Luna.

“Whoa. This is one hell of a view.” you admit, your words never going to do it justice

Luna smiles happy you like what she's done. She grabs your arm and pulls you to the edge looking over the city and all its splendor and majesty.

Way better than that cafe!

“Yes. I come up here now and then to get away. I've found it peaceful in my time.”

“Peaceful! This is amazing!”

She walks over to the ledge and sits down looking out over the horizon. Preferring to not stand there like a moron you walk over and sit down beside her, albeit setting a small distance in between the two of you. Worse off, she says nothing, and you can't think of much to say.

Well genius, you got anything to say? You think to yourself

Is there anything that needs to said?

You turn to your head to her fast, you have got to remember she reads your thoughts half the time. Not to mention project her own into yours, funny how she could do that. Regardless, she looks to you curious, that little grin of hers practically killing you.

“Well, I'm not exactly a fan of awkward silences.” you say with a small laugh

“Was the moment awkward? I did not feel it was.”

She gives you a reassuring smile and, much to your complete surprise, leans over and rests her head on your shoulder. You freeze, Luna-Princess Luna, is leaning on your shoulder right now. Your mind runs through a thousands scenarios and not one of them involves what to do next. You take in a breath because all those thoughts tell you there is only one thing to do. She's right there, her warm body that's so soft to the touch, is shifting to get comfortable at your side. Albeit stiffly, you move your arm up and over her own, but before you can retract it in shock she grabs hold of your hand. The velvet feel is there, and you feel like this is right, and grip her hand tightly not wanting to let go. Then all of a sudden, a thought enters your mind, born of your freak outs but nothing like them at all. You are holding Princess Luna right now, never in a million years did you think you were going to this. Not when she came back as Nightmare Moon, not at Nightmare night, not on your first date; and despite the fact that she seems to be associated with allot of things Nightmare, this is almost a dream right here. Your with Princess Luna, your Princess Luna, and you wished this moment would never end. You know she's thinking the same as looking into her eyes as she moved closer to you: they weren't lonely anymore.

Author's Note

Ya'll wanted more, so here! enjoy, or hate. Constructive criticism is appreciated since I'm still learning here

Hopefully the chapter is good because as I explicitly noted, I took this on as a challenge for myself, mainly in writing tales of this stories nature, romance, sex, and 2nd person even. I'm sort of going into uncharted territory for myself. Not to mention Luna-ships are kinda overused. In my defense, Gray Flame is not my personal OC. Mine's actually the Royal Guard Sergeant, ha!

Furthermore this thing literally exploded beyond my wildest expectations, anything I wanted to believe! seriously, this got to that "featured" box thing on the homepage, I never expected it to go that far, so now I got a hundred plus people watching this experiment now, largest I've ever gotten withing 24 hours. So yeah, no pressure on my part.

next up: More romance between Luna and gray Flame, and chase scene through Canterlot.