Love under Equestrian Skies.by XAppleJackXChaptersNight LoverTea TalkHospitalNight Lover It was morning in the royal palace and everypony was going about there normal routines. I looked out and saw the guards swarm Celestia, as usual. Who am I? My name's Bubble Gum, or 'BG' as everypony else calls me. I am not royalty, I am a mere pegasus pony. But, since I mysteriously showed up one night, Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Luna have decided to let me stay with them until I found a place of my own. Yes, I have made friends with some ponies, but, to be honest, I'm happier here. "BG? Where did you go? We hath been looking for you." I turn and see Luna in the doorway and smiled, "You should be in bed." I knew she knew that, but I couldn't help but worry, seeing as she rules the night. I walked under one of her wings and nuzzled close, the black mass of feathers covering me. "We know that. We just wanted to see you before you left for PonyVille to see your friends." I smiled and combed her feathers with mine, then, I pulled one free. Luna stamped her hooves, and snorted. A passing guard poked his head in, "Are you okay, Princess!?" Luna sighed and kicked me out from under her wing, "Bubble Gum hath stolen another feather." The guard looked down at me and I shrunk away, like FlutterShy would have done. "This is the third time this week!" I nodded and backed away more, until I was resting at Luna's hooves, "I..I'm sorry." I feel my eyes tear up. The guard sighed and knelt down next to me, "Hey...don't cry. I'm not mad at you." I looked up at him, then looked away. "Yes, you are. But not about my cute obsession with Luna's feathers. You're upset with me because I am 'dating' pretty much every mare in PonyVille!" He looked at me, then stood back up. Then, as if I didn't exist, he nodded to Luna and walked out. Celestia must have sensed something, because she walked in moments later, "What did he do now?" She knows that I sometimes get in trouble for my choices in life, and that one of her guards often starts it. I looked up at her, "Nothing really..." She looked to Luna, "What happened?" Luna sighed and levitated me onto her back, "She stole one of my feathers and he used that as grounds to intimidate her." Celestia nodded and looked towards where he was standing, she was growing tired of his behavior. Without saying a word, both Luna and I knew she was going to have words with him. I sighed, "Tia?" She looked at me, "Yes?" I took a deep breath, "Does it bother you, too?" Celestia looked at me, then laughed, "I'M not the one you're involved with! But, as far as I'm concerned, as long as nopony gets hurt and they all understand you're not the settling type of pony, I can't see the problem with it." I fluttered up and kissed her flat on the snout, "No wonder Twilight likes you so much!" She blushed and blinked a little, then nodded, "It is a shame she doesn't accept you. She's a wonderful mare, really." I nodded and one of the guards poked his head in, "Sorry to interrupt, but it's time for Bubble Gum to go to PonyVille." Celestia nodded and walked out. Luna, on the other hoof, pouted and pulled me out of the air, "No! It cannot be time yet! We've just gotten up!" The guard sighed, "Okay, Princess, you may have another twenty minutes." Luna clapped, "Yay!" The guard shut the door and Luna pinned me to the ground, locking me into a kiss. Yes, as far as I'm concerned, I love the night. And the night? She loves me, too. Finally, Luna let me up. I flapped my wings and then re-folded them then looks up at her, "You know...if anypony else ever stamped on my wings, I'd sick you on them." She looked at me, her blue eyes looking oddly bright. "Sorry..." I laughed and kissed her snout. "Hey, it's okay. Though, break my wing and then there's trouble!" Luna blushed, then flicked her tail, "What, pray-tell could YOU possibly do?" I smiled and wrapped my tail around her front leg, " I'm also involved with Zecora. She could rhyme up pretty much anything against you." Luna laughed. I fluttered up and flew along the ceiling, "Either way, you wouldn't hurt me, would you?" Luna shook her head, and joined me on the ceiling, "No, I wouldn't." I almost fell from the sky, but thankfully Luna caught me, "Since when do you NOT use a plural when referring to yourself?" She shrugged, "Do it mostly to impress you. I sensed from the moment you arrived that you and I had a connection." I nodded and thought for a moment. "Actually...there IS a connection and has been since my first night here." Luna tilted her head and suspended herself in mid-air, (little known fact: Princess Luna has the flying skills to best the Wonder Bolts AND Rainbow Dash BLINDFOLDED! She's also a little bit of a show-off.) "Oh? Care to share?" I nodded and invited her to sit next to me. But, before I could begin, Twilight's older brother, Shining Armour, poked his head into the room, "Really sorry, your highness, but if Bubble Gum doesn't leave now, she won't make it to her meeting with Rarity!" Luna nodded, "We wouldn't like that! Okay, BG, have fun! I'll see you tonight!" I kissed Luna's snout and followed Shining out to the court-yard where my royal escort was waiting. "Mr. Shining...why does Twilight hate me?" Shining looked at me, "She doesn't *hate* you. You just need to sit with her and talk. If I know my little sister, which I do, once you explain, she'll come 'round." I nodded, "Yeah, maybe. But, is it because I'm gay? Or because I have more than one girlfriend?" Shining looked at me, "The second one. But, she's mostly worried because you're dating a few of her friends and she doesn't want to see them get hurt." I nodded, understanding what he was saying. "Yeah, I can understand that. I mean, I'd be a little worried if it was the other way around." We were about to take off when we heard somepony fighting. Shining and I quickly went to see who is was. We made it to the scene to find the mail-mare, Derpy Hooves practically flattened on the ground, crying. I went to her right away, "Derpy! Are you okay!?" She looked up at me, her golden eyes filled with tears. I could guess whoever did this was bugging her about the fact she's cross-eyed. I can't help but find that to be rather cute. (The fact she's cross-eyed, not ponies beating her up.) Derpy looked up at me, "I don't know what I did wrong..." She then passed out. My heart went into my throat and I called frantically for Shining, "Shining! Help!" He quickly ran to me, "What happened?!" I shook my head, " Somepony attacked her! Do you think we can take her to the clinic back in PonyVille?" Shining shook his head, "Of course!" He hoisted her onto his back and we went back to the chariot. Once she was secure, Shining looked at me, "Another girlfriend?" I nodded, "Yeah...I couldn't help but want to protect her." Shining nodded, "You're a great mare. Alright, have fun!" With that, we were off. While we were flying, I thought back to when I met Luna. It was my first night here and I was lonely. Celestia suggested that I enjoy my usual things while here. So, I took to the night. It was beautiful with all the trees and flowers casting shadows. As I came to a clearing, I thought I heard a powerful set of wings against the night sky. Scared, I began to run, trying to find some cover. I didn't. Instead, I came across a dark blue, maybe purple, alicorn, smaller than Celestia, and twice as pretty with a mane that looked like a gateway to the deepest part of space, her eyes a shade of cyan blue. I remember just staring, almost hypnotized. Finally, she turned, "It's rude to stare." I was speechless for a moment, then bowed, "I'm sorry. I-I'm new here, Celestia told me to enjoy the night, as I always did." Luna's eyes went wide and she smiled, "You...enjoy the night?" I nodded, "Yes...I am rather fond of it. I sleep most of the day just to enjoy it more." Luna then posed rather stoically on the cliff, "Well, we ARE the night. Who might you be?" I stood up and met her gaze, "Bubble Gum." Luna then smiled, "You shalt be called BG by us. We are Princess Luna." I bowed again, "Finally, my night, she has a name." Luna then blushed and stood tall, "Well, then, come away, young mare, and enjoy our night." With that, we launched into the air and soared off, Luna's form blending into the sky. She WAS the night. Now she was MY night. And this? OUR night. Yes, I love the night, and she loves me too. I was jolted out of thought by Derpy whimpering. "What's wrong?" The guard that came with us looked at me, "She wants you to come with her." I nodded, "I will. Rarity can wait another few minutes..." I hoisted the small, grey Pegasus onto my back, "Come on, Derpy; let's go get you fixed up." She looked at me, her usually focused eye had become crossed as well, "M-muffin?" I smiled, "If you're a good girl for the doctor." She nodded and closed her eyes. Once I dropped her off, I went to Rarity's; this would make EXCELLENT conversation while we designed Luna's birthday gift. Tea Talk After I knew Derpy was okay, I headed to the Carousel Boutique. Rarity was standing there, her hoof tapping, annoyed. "Hey...sorry I'm late." Rarity ground her teeth, then forced a smile, "That's fine, BG." I snorted, Rarity sometimes needs to learn Celestia's sun revolves around the world, NOT her. "Listen, I don't know if it matters to you, but Derpy is in the ICU." Rarity looked at me, "Say WHAT, Darling?" I nodded, "Yeah, she was attacked at the royal palace." Rarity looked like she had seen a ghost, "Oh my! Is she okay?!" I shrugged, "RedHeart says she's going to make a full recovery. But, I would like to see whoever did this caught." Rarity nodded, " I agree. Poor Derpy didn't deserve that! What if they strike again around here? Next time it could be Sweetie or one of her friends." I nodded, "Yeah." I laughed when I pictured what Apple Jack and Big Mac would do to whoever did this if they touched their little sister, Apple Bloom. Not that Rarity wasn't capable of wrecking somepony when needed. And, I personally think she'd kill a pony for hurting Sweetie-Belle. The bell over the door tinkled, followed by the hoof-beats of Apple Bloom, Sweetie-Belle, and their friend, Scoot-a-loo, who Rainbow Dash has adopted as a little sister. I smiled when I saw them. I don't mind kids, really. But, I don't think I could have them. I mean, I'm gay. "RARITY! WE HEARD DINKY'S MOM WAS IN THE ICU!!" Sweetie was bouncing like she was spring-loaded. Rarity put a hoof on her head to hold her in place, "Yes, dear. Derpy is in the hospital." Apple Bloom spoke up, "Well, what happened to 'er?" Rarity looked at me, and I at her. We knew that for now, we should keep it under wraps. Scoot-a-loo butted in, "Well? Gonna answer?" She then turned to me, "You're her girlfriend, right?" I nodded, then dropped the tea I was drinking, "WAIT! Derpy has a FILLY!?" Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah. Poor lil' thing." Scoot-a-loo spoke up again, "For the love of Celestia, would somepony PLEASE tell me WHAT happened!?" I was about to answer when the door flew open again, and none other than Celestia's fillyfriend, (the term used when somepony dates somepony younger than them.) Twilight Sparkle walked in. "I'LL tell you what happened, Scoots. Derpy Hooves got hurt because of this pink-spotted adult BLANK-FLANK! I KNEW you were BAD NEWS in Canter-Lot! I KNEW you and your lifestyle would be nothing but TROUBLE!" I backed down a little and much to my surprise, Rarity stepped between us. "Twilight Sparkle! WHAT in the name of Equestria has gotten into you?!" Twilight growled and stamped her hoof, "HOW can you SUPPORT her?! She's going to hurt everypony!" The two continued to argue for a few minutes then I spoke up, "Twilight! I KNOW you're a VERY intelligent and understanding mare. If you would give me just TEN minutes, I could explain everything to you. But, you'd have to apologize to me first." Twilight blinked a few times, obviously confused. I decided to give her a moment to think it over and turned to Scoots who was now nuzzling my flank. I looked down at her and she was staring wide-eyed at my flank, which, like Twilight had rudely pointed out, was blank. "What!? How is this possible?! You're a full-grown mare!" I blushed and flicked my tail, "I have more then one talent, and have not been better in one than the other." She nodded then turned to her friends, who gave her a look that I guessed she understood because she then turned back to me, "Hey, Bubble Gum...could you maybe come to Miss Cheerilees class and talk about this? I'm sure Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara would learn something!" I smiled and messed her mane, "Sure, thing!" She fluttered her still flightless wings and clung to my leg, "Awesome! Thanks!" I laughed, "Anytime! Besides, I've been bullied pretty badly, too. So, anytime I can help a friend out, I'll take it." The three fillies were then wrapped around my legs. Rarity cleared her throat, "Okay, girls, I've called Pinkie and she's offered to help you make muffins for Derpy!" They cheered and Twilight spoke up, "Okay, then. Bubble Gum, I am sorry I was rude to you and I would really like to talk everything out with you." I hugged her, "Thanks, Twilight!" She laughed and returned the hug, "No problem! Though, I DO have ask..." She looked at Scoot-a-loo, "It doesn't bug you she's gay and dates more than one mare?" Scoots shook her head, "No. She's perfectly capable of making her own choices. And, given how Apple Jack and Rainbow ADORE how great of a girlfriend she is, neither of us has a reason to really complain. She's also as sweet as pie to the younger pony folk." Twilight nodded, "I see. I suppose I should have listened more first." A voice from behind us made us all jump, "'Bout time you came 'round, Twily!" We all spun to see Shining Armour in the doorway. Twilight hugged him, " Way to give us all heart-attacks!" He laughed, "Sorry! But, it's nice to see you trying to get along with BG." Twilight nodded and looked towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders, "Okay, girls, Sugar Cube Corner, now. The big ponies need to talk." The girls looked at each other and jumped into the air, "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS MUFFIN MAKERS GO!" And with that, they zipped out the door. Rarity smiled, "I tell you now, when I was a young filly, nopony had THAT much pep!" Twilight and Shining laughed, "Yeah! You don't need to say THAT again!" They looked at me, "What about you?" I began to sweat, "Uhm...where I'm from, children are all kinda strange." Shining nodded, "Well, then; let's get down to the conversation!" I nodded and Rarity went to brew another pot of tea. I was hoping to at least make sure Twilight wasn't going to try and get me sent to the moon. Though, I was sure she'd come to understand somewhat of what I was going to explain. Hospital "Okay, you're dating Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash, Derpy, Zecora, AND Princess Luna?" Twilight looked kind of crazed, as if she was suffering some sort of illness, NOT just having a conversation. I nodded, "Yes, Twilight. That's what I am telling you. I will also tell you that I love all of them in their own special way." Twilight sighed, "Forgive me for sounding mean, but, HOW can you manage this!? It's just illogical!" Her hoof banged the table, sending poor Opalescence to the ceiling with a screech. I began to feel flustered and maybe threatened. Rarity spoke up, "Well, Twilight, anything you've never heard of before DOES seem sort of illogical at first. But, shouldn't Bubble Gum be given a chance?" Twilight looked at her, "Sure. But, what if she ever wants to get married? THEN what?" Now all eyes were on me, and my heart began pounding. "Uhm...well, I guess I would choose the one I want and then hope the others would continue to love me, get married and have everypony hate me, or never get married." Twilight scoffed, "The second one sounds about right!" I shrunk back, tears forming, though I didn't show it. This time, Shining, after sitting rather awkwardly between the three of us, spoke up, "TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" She jumped and turned to him, sensing she was about to get scolded, "Y-yes?" Shining now stood and towered over Twilight, "WHAT in the name of Celestia has gotten into you!?" Twilight pinned her ears back, "Shining! Do you NOT realize what's going to happen!? She's going to hurt my FRIENDS!" Shining sighed and face-hoofed, "No, Twily. What she's saying is that, unless they say they'd stay if she got married AND the mare she's get married to didn't mind sharing, she'd be willing to sacrifice her happiness for that mare." By then, the tears had faded, and for a moment, I thought I could have loved Shining Armour. Twilight continued to argue with him, but I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up, a feeling of nausea washing over me, "I've gotta go!" Rarity gave Twilight a dirty look then turned back to me, "Very well, Darling. I suppose we can meet at the spa to discuss Luna's gift some more?" I nodded, "Sure, thing!" I then bolted out the door, just about flattening Big Mac, "Hey! Watch where yer goin'!" If I wasn't so flustered with Twilight, I would have been shocked he spoke a full sentence, "Oh...sorry Big Mac. Don't suppose you could give me directions to the clinic?" He nodded, "Eeyup! Right down the road and three buildings to the right." I hugged him, "Thanks! I wanted to go see Derpy before I went back to the Palace." He nodded, "Sure thing. I guess I'll see you tomorrow when you pick Apple Jack up for the date?" I nodded, "Sure thing! See you, Big Mac!" I flew down the road, not noticing I had flown passed the clinic...twice. "I would like to know just WHAT Twilight has against me. I doubt it's because of my choices here." I continued circling the clinic, blowing off steam. I knew in my heart that she WOULD come around at SOME time. I stopped outside the door and knocked. Nurse RedHeart came out, "Oh...are you here to see Ms. Hooves?" I nodded, "Yeah. Is she okay?" RedHeart nodded, "Yes. Though, she's not back to normal yet; she's got a concussion. I'd like to know WHO did this." I nodded, "As would I. Well, thanks for letting me in." I walked to Derpy's bedside, the sterile hospital smell hanging so thickly in the air, it was almost a wall, surrounding me and smothering me. Only for Derpy, would I step foot in a place like this. The cold tile floor made me shiver, the beeping of machines made me uneasy. Simply said, I HATE hospitals. I was told to expect her appearance to be altered, for her not to be awake, and if she is, she's got enough drugs in her to make her not recognize me at all. As I neared the bed, my stomach began making strange sounds and, despite the well-heated room, I got cold. WHAT was behind the curtain? Would Derpy be all disfigured from the attack? Would she be covered in tubes? I stopped for a moment, hoping to calm myself down. I looked around for something, a child's get-well card, a poster, something to focus on. But, there was nothing. This clinic was like any other clinic; cold, uncaring, and boring. Finally, I got the nerve to approach the bed and pull the curtain back. There, in the bed was the unconscious Derpy Hooves. I felt tears in my eyes and tried to fight them back; Derpy wasn't supposed to be here! She, as I learned earlier, is a MOTHER! I leaned closer to her, pushing her mane aside, serious swelling all over the whole left side of her head and face. The sight of this made me sick to my stomach. Sweet little Derpy, covered in blood, her mane and coat shorn away in some places, breathing tubes and other medical tubes and attachments. Was Twilight right? Did somepony INTENTIONALLY target Derpy because of MY choices? Tears welled up in my eyes and rolled down my cheeks faster than I could wipe them away. "Derpy..." I whispered, "I'm sorry if I got you into this! I NEVER wanted to hurt you or see you hurt!" All that could be heard was the beeping of the machines she was connected to and her breathing. I placed a hoof on hers, longing for her golden eyes to open, to hear her voice. I heard somepony coming and turned to see RedHeart. "Sad, isn't it?" She whispered. I wanted to kick her in the face. OF COURSE it was sad! Did she think I WANTED to bring somepony I loved to her clinic and have them in a medically induced coma!? I swallowed my rage and sighed, "Yes. It is. Did she say who did it?" RedHeart shook her head, "No. She was talking nonsense about muffins and how they attacked her...I'm sure she was trying her very best to tell us, but her head was too scrambled." I nodded. RedHeart spoke again, "Shining Armour is here to get you. I told him to let you stay for a bit longer." I smiled and hugged her, "Thanks!" She laughed and told me it was no big deal then walked out. I turned back to Derpy; only to find she was AWAKE. "D...Derpy?" She smiled weakly, "Hey..." I began to cry again, "Who did this to you?" I sobbed. She blinked a few times and somehow managed to sit up, "The muffins." I looked at her, "Sweetie, I'm being serious!" She looked at me, "No; there was a plate of muffins from the CMC." I nodded, "Sweetie, I don't think you should eat something yet; you're head's still swollen as anything and I don't know if it's spread to your throat or not." Derpy's one good eye teared up, "But...you...promised..." I sighed, "Alright...I'll ask RedHeart." So, I poked my head into the next room and called for her. She came in and asked what it was. "Derpy is awake and seems to be okay. She's asking for her muffins." RedHeart smiled and laughed, "That's WONDERFUL! I'll go in and see if she's okay, you grab a muffin for you and her." I nodded and went to get them, bumping into Shining. "Whoops! Sorry, Shining!" He laughed and helped me up, "I'm assuming you're getting the muffins?" I nodded, then looked up at him, "So...how's Twilight?" His ears twitched and he dug at the ground nervously, "She, uh...Well, she isn't thrilled about how many mares you're with. But, really, BubbleGum, she's a REALLY great gal once you get to know her." I sighed, "Do you think she's just jealous? What if she's in love with one of the mares I'm with?" Shining thought that over for a moment and shrugged, "I don't know. It IS seriously odd for her to just start disliking somepony for no reason." I nodded and offered him a muffin; blueberry, Derpy's favorite. "Listen, no disrespect or anything but one of my marefriends is in there and she needs my support. Can we talk about this another time?" Shining nodded, "Sure thing." As I turned to go back into the room, I stopped, "Oh! Any word on Dinky? Is she okay?" Shining chuckled, "She's staying with Rarity, don't worry. Sweetie showed up with her soon after you left." I felt a wave of relief wash over me and I allowed myself a smile, "Good. Poor thing is probably heart-broken." Shining nodded, "Yeah, Rarity was making her hot chocolate when I left." Shining then yawned, "I'll bring you to the palace as soon as you want." I nodded and walked back to Derpy's side. Derpy was now sat up and smiling, a very welcome sight after today, trust me. "Muffin?" I laughed, "Yes, yes. Here is your muffin." She took it and took a giant-sized bite, " Fank-ooo" I laughed and handed her some milk, "You're welcome!" After a moment, she looked back at me, "BubbleGum? Where's Dinky? Is she okay?" I nodded and smoothed her mane, "Yes. Rarity is taking care of her." Derpy sighed, seemingly relieved.
Night Lover It was morning in the royal palace and everypony was going about there normal routines. I looked out and saw the guards swarm Celestia, as usual. Who am I? My name's Bubble Gum, or 'BG' as everypony else calls me. I am not royalty, I am a mere pegasus pony. But, since I mysteriously showed up one night, Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Luna have decided to let me stay with them until I found a place of my own. Yes, I have made friends with some ponies, but, to be honest, I'm happier here. "BG? Where did you go? We hath been looking for you." I turn and see Luna in the doorway and smiled, "You should be in bed." I knew she knew that, but I couldn't help but worry, seeing as she rules the night. I walked under one of her wings and nuzzled close, the black mass of feathers covering me. "We know that. We just wanted to see you before you left for PonyVille to see your friends." I smiled and combed her feathers with mine, then, I pulled one free. Luna stamped her hooves, and snorted. A passing guard poked his head in, "Are you okay, Princess!?" Luna sighed and kicked me out from under her wing, "Bubble Gum hath stolen another feather." The guard looked down at me and I shrunk away, like FlutterShy would have done. "This is the third time this week!" I nodded and backed away more, until I was resting at Luna's hooves, "I..I'm sorry." I feel my eyes tear up. The guard sighed and knelt down next to me, "Hey...don't cry. I'm not mad at you." I looked up at him, then looked away. "Yes, you are. But not about my cute obsession with Luna's feathers. You're upset with me because I am 'dating' pretty much every mare in PonyVille!" He looked at me, then stood back up. Then, as if I didn't exist, he nodded to Luna and walked out. Celestia must have sensed something, because she walked in moments later, "What did he do now?" She knows that I sometimes get in trouble for my choices in life, and that one of her guards often starts it. I looked up at her, "Nothing really..." She looked to Luna, "What happened?" Luna sighed and levitated me onto her back, "She stole one of my feathers and he used that as grounds to intimidate her." Celestia nodded and looked towards where he was standing, she was growing tired of his behavior. Without saying a word, both Luna and I knew she was going to have words with him. I sighed, "Tia?" She looked at me, "Yes?" I took a deep breath, "Does it bother you, too?" Celestia looked at me, then laughed, "I'M not the one you're involved with! But, as far as I'm concerned, as long as nopony gets hurt and they all understand you're not the settling type of pony, I can't see the problem with it." I fluttered up and kissed her flat on the snout, "No wonder Twilight likes you so much!" She blushed and blinked a little, then nodded, "It is a shame she doesn't accept you. She's a wonderful mare, really." I nodded and one of the guards poked his head in, "Sorry to interrupt, but it's time for Bubble Gum to go to PonyVille." Celestia nodded and walked out. Luna, on the other hoof, pouted and pulled me out of the air, "No! It cannot be time yet! We've just gotten up!" The guard sighed, "Okay, Princess, you may have another twenty minutes." Luna clapped, "Yay!" The guard shut the door and Luna pinned me to the ground, locking me into a kiss. Yes, as far as I'm concerned, I love the night. And the night? She loves me, too. Finally, Luna let me up. I flapped my wings and then re-folded them then looks up at her, "You know...if anypony else ever stamped on my wings, I'd sick you on them." She looked at me, her blue eyes looking oddly bright. "Sorry..." I laughed and kissed her snout. "Hey, it's okay. Though, break my wing and then there's trouble!" Luna blushed, then flicked her tail, "What, pray-tell could YOU possibly do?" I smiled and wrapped my tail around her front leg, " I'm also involved with Zecora. She could rhyme up pretty much anything against you." Luna laughed. I fluttered up and flew along the ceiling, "Either way, you wouldn't hurt me, would you?" Luna shook her head, and joined me on the ceiling, "No, I wouldn't." I almost fell from the sky, but thankfully Luna caught me, "Since when do you NOT use a plural when referring to yourself?" She shrugged, "Do it mostly to impress you. I sensed from the moment you arrived that you and I had a connection." I nodded and thought for a moment. "Actually...there IS a connection and has been since my first night here." Luna tilted her head and suspended herself in mid-air, (little known fact: Princess Luna has the flying skills to best the Wonder Bolts AND Rainbow Dash BLINDFOLDED! She's also a little bit of a show-off.) "Oh? Care to share?" I nodded and invited her to sit next to me. But, before I could begin, Twilight's older brother, Shining Armour, poked his head into the room, "Really sorry, your highness, but if Bubble Gum doesn't leave now, she won't make it to her meeting with Rarity!" Luna nodded, "We wouldn't like that! Okay, BG, have fun! I'll see you tonight!" I kissed Luna's snout and followed Shining out to the court-yard where my royal escort was waiting. "Mr. Shining...why does Twilight hate me?" Shining looked at me, "She doesn't *hate* you. You just need to sit with her and talk. If I know my little sister, which I do, once you explain, she'll come 'round." I nodded, "Yeah, maybe. But, is it because I'm gay? Or because I have more than one girlfriend?" Shining looked at me, "The second one. But, she's mostly worried because you're dating a few of her friends and she doesn't want to see them get hurt." I nodded, understanding what he was saying. "Yeah, I can understand that. I mean, I'd be a little worried if it was the other way around." We were about to take off when we heard somepony fighting. Shining and I quickly went to see who is was. We made it to the scene to find the mail-mare, Derpy Hooves practically flattened on the ground, crying. I went to her right away, "Derpy! Are you okay!?" She looked up at me, her golden eyes filled with tears. I could guess whoever did this was bugging her about the fact she's cross-eyed. I can't help but find that to be rather cute. (The fact she's cross-eyed, not ponies beating her up.) Derpy looked up at me, "I don't know what I did wrong..." She then passed out. My heart went into my throat and I called frantically for Shining, "Shining! Help!" He quickly ran to me, "What happened?!" I shook my head, " Somepony attacked her! Do you think we can take her to the clinic back in PonyVille?" Shining shook his head, "Of course!" He hoisted her onto his back and we went back to the chariot. Once she was secure, Shining looked at me, "Another girlfriend?" I nodded, "Yeah...I couldn't help but want to protect her." Shining nodded, "You're a great mare. Alright, have fun!" With that, we were off. While we were flying, I thought back to when I met Luna. It was my first night here and I was lonely. Celestia suggested that I enjoy my usual things while here. So, I took to the night. It was beautiful with all the trees and flowers casting shadows. As I came to a clearing, I thought I heard a powerful set of wings against the night sky. Scared, I began to run, trying to find some cover. I didn't. Instead, I came across a dark blue, maybe purple, alicorn, smaller than Celestia, and twice as pretty with a mane that looked like a gateway to the deepest part of space, her eyes a shade of cyan blue. I remember just staring, almost hypnotized. Finally, she turned, "It's rude to stare." I was speechless for a moment, then bowed, "I'm sorry. I-I'm new here, Celestia told me to enjoy the night, as I always did." Luna's eyes went wide and she smiled, "You...enjoy the night?" I nodded, "Yes...I am rather fond of it. I sleep most of the day just to enjoy it more." Luna then posed rather stoically on the cliff, "Well, we ARE the night. Who might you be?" I stood up and met her gaze, "Bubble Gum." Luna then smiled, "You shalt be called BG by us. We are Princess Luna." I bowed again, "Finally, my night, she has a name." Luna then blushed and stood tall, "Well, then, come away, young mare, and enjoy our night." With that, we launched into the air and soared off, Luna's form blending into the sky. She WAS the night. Now she was MY night. And this? OUR night. Yes, I love the night, and she loves me too. I was jolted out of thought by Derpy whimpering. "What's wrong?" The guard that came with us looked at me, "She wants you to come with her." I nodded, "I will. Rarity can wait another few minutes..." I hoisted the small, grey Pegasus onto my back, "Come on, Derpy; let's go get you fixed up." She looked at me, her usually focused eye had become crossed as well, "M-muffin?" I smiled, "If you're a good girl for the doctor." She nodded and closed her eyes. Once I dropped her off, I went to Rarity's; this would make EXCELLENT conversation while we designed Luna's birthday gift.
Tea Talk After I knew Derpy was okay, I headed to the Carousel Boutique. Rarity was standing there, her hoof tapping, annoyed. "Hey...sorry I'm late." Rarity ground her teeth, then forced a smile, "That's fine, BG." I snorted, Rarity sometimes needs to learn Celestia's sun revolves around the world, NOT her. "Listen, I don't know if it matters to you, but Derpy is in the ICU." Rarity looked at me, "Say WHAT, Darling?" I nodded, "Yeah, she was attacked at the royal palace." Rarity looked like she had seen a ghost, "Oh my! Is she okay?!" I shrugged, "RedHeart says she's going to make a full recovery. But, I would like to see whoever did this caught." Rarity nodded, " I agree. Poor Derpy didn't deserve that! What if they strike again around here? Next time it could be Sweetie or one of her friends." I nodded, "Yeah." I laughed when I pictured what Apple Jack and Big Mac would do to whoever did this if they touched their little sister, Apple Bloom. Not that Rarity wasn't capable of wrecking somepony when needed. And, I personally think she'd kill a pony for hurting Sweetie-Belle. The bell over the door tinkled, followed by the hoof-beats of Apple Bloom, Sweetie-Belle, and their friend, Scoot-a-loo, who Rainbow Dash has adopted as a little sister. I smiled when I saw them. I don't mind kids, really. But, I don't think I could have them. I mean, I'm gay. "RARITY! WE HEARD DINKY'S MOM WAS IN THE ICU!!" Sweetie was bouncing like she was spring-loaded. Rarity put a hoof on her head to hold her in place, "Yes, dear. Derpy is in the hospital." Apple Bloom spoke up, "Well, what happened to 'er?" Rarity looked at me, and I at her. We knew that for now, we should keep it under wraps. Scoot-a-loo butted in, "Well? Gonna answer?" She then turned to me, "You're her girlfriend, right?" I nodded, then dropped the tea I was drinking, "WAIT! Derpy has a FILLY!?" Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah. Poor lil' thing." Scoot-a-loo spoke up again, "For the love of Celestia, would somepony PLEASE tell me WHAT happened!?" I was about to answer when the door flew open again, and none other than Celestia's fillyfriend, (the term used when somepony dates somepony younger than them.) Twilight Sparkle walked in. "I'LL tell you what happened, Scoots. Derpy Hooves got hurt because of this pink-spotted adult BLANK-FLANK! I KNEW you were BAD NEWS in Canter-Lot! I KNEW you and your lifestyle would be nothing but TROUBLE!" I backed down a little and much to my surprise, Rarity stepped between us. "Twilight Sparkle! WHAT in the name of Equestria has gotten into you?!" Twilight growled and stamped her hoof, "HOW can you SUPPORT her?! She's going to hurt everypony!" The two continued to argue for a few minutes then I spoke up, "Twilight! I KNOW you're a VERY intelligent and understanding mare. If you would give me just TEN minutes, I could explain everything to you. But, you'd have to apologize to me first." Twilight blinked a few times, obviously confused. I decided to give her a moment to think it over and turned to Scoots who was now nuzzling my flank. I looked down at her and she was staring wide-eyed at my flank, which, like Twilight had rudely pointed out, was blank. "What!? How is this possible?! You're a full-grown mare!" I blushed and flicked my tail, "I have more then one talent, and have not been better in one than the other." She nodded then turned to her friends, who gave her a look that I guessed she understood because she then turned back to me, "Hey, Bubble Gum...could you maybe come to Miss Cheerilees class and talk about this? I'm sure Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara would learn something!" I smiled and messed her mane, "Sure, thing!" She fluttered her still flightless wings and clung to my leg, "Awesome! Thanks!" I laughed, "Anytime! Besides, I've been bullied pretty badly, too. So, anytime I can help a friend out, I'll take it." The three fillies were then wrapped around my legs. Rarity cleared her throat, "Okay, girls, I've called Pinkie and she's offered to help you make muffins for Derpy!" They cheered and Twilight spoke up, "Okay, then. Bubble Gum, I am sorry I was rude to you and I would really like to talk everything out with you." I hugged her, "Thanks, Twilight!" She laughed and returned the hug, "No problem! Though, I DO have ask..." She looked at Scoot-a-loo, "It doesn't bug you she's gay and dates more than one mare?" Scoots shook her head, "No. She's perfectly capable of making her own choices. And, given how Apple Jack and Rainbow ADORE how great of a girlfriend she is, neither of us has a reason to really complain. She's also as sweet as pie to the younger pony folk." Twilight nodded, "I see. I suppose I should have listened more first." A voice from behind us made us all jump, "'Bout time you came 'round, Twily!" We all spun to see Shining Armour in the doorway. Twilight hugged him, " Way to give us all heart-attacks!" He laughed, "Sorry! But, it's nice to see you trying to get along with BG." Twilight nodded and looked towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders, "Okay, girls, Sugar Cube Corner, now. The big ponies need to talk." The girls looked at each other and jumped into the air, "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS MUFFIN MAKERS GO!" And with that, they zipped out the door. Rarity smiled, "I tell you now, when I was a young filly, nopony had THAT much pep!" Twilight and Shining laughed, "Yeah! You don't need to say THAT again!" They looked at me, "What about you?" I began to sweat, "Uhm...where I'm from, children are all kinda strange." Shining nodded, "Well, then; let's get down to the conversation!" I nodded and Rarity went to brew another pot of tea. I was hoping to at least make sure Twilight wasn't going to try and get me sent to the moon. Though, I was sure she'd come to understand somewhat of what I was going to explain.
Hospital "Okay, you're dating Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash, Derpy, Zecora, AND Princess Luna?" Twilight looked kind of crazed, as if she was suffering some sort of illness, NOT just having a conversation. I nodded, "Yes, Twilight. That's what I am telling you. I will also tell you that I love all of them in their own special way." Twilight sighed, "Forgive me for sounding mean, but, HOW can you manage this!? It's just illogical!" Her hoof banged the table, sending poor Opalescence to the ceiling with a screech. I began to feel flustered and maybe threatened. Rarity spoke up, "Well, Twilight, anything you've never heard of before DOES seem sort of illogical at first. But, shouldn't Bubble Gum be given a chance?" Twilight looked at her, "Sure. But, what if she ever wants to get married? THEN what?" Now all eyes were on me, and my heart began pounding. "Uhm...well, I guess I would choose the one I want and then hope the others would continue to love me, get married and have everypony hate me, or never get married." Twilight scoffed, "The second one sounds about right!" I shrunk back, tears forming, though I didn't show it. This time, Shining, after sitting rather awkwardly between the three of us, spoke up, "TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" She jumped and turned to him, sensing she was about to get scolded, "Y-yes?" Shining now stood and towered over Twilight, "WHAT in the name of Celestia has gotten into you!?" Twilight pinned her ears back, "Shining! Do you NOT realize what's going to happen!? She's going to hurt my FRIENDS!" Shining sighed and face-hoofed, "No, Twily. What she's saying is that, unless they say they'd stay if she got married AND the mare she's get married to didn't mind sharing, she'd be willing to sacrifice her happiness for that mare." By then, the tears had faded, and for a moment, I thought I could have loved Shining Armour. Twilight continued to argue with him, but I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up, a feeling of nausea washing over me, "I've gotta go!" Rarity gave Twilight a dirty look then turned back to me, "Very well, Darling. I suppose we can meet at the spa to discuss Luna's gift some more?" I nodded, "Sure, thing!" I then bolted out the door, just about flattening Big Mac, "Hey! Watch where yer goin'!" If I wasn't so flustered with Twilight, I would have been shocked he spoke a full sentence, "Oh...sorry Big Mac. Don't suppose you could give me directions to the clinic?" He nodded, "Eeyup! Right down the road and three buildings to the right." I hugged him, "Thanks! I wanted to go see Derpy before I went back to the Palace." He nodded, "Sure thing. I guess I'll see you tomorrow when you pick Apple Jack up for the date?" I nodded, "Sure thing! See you, Big Mac!" I flew down the road, not noticing I had flown passed the clinic...twice. "I would like to know just WHAT Twilight has against me. I doubt it's because of my choices here." I continued circling the clinic, blowing off steam. I knew in my heart that she WOULD come around at SOME time. I stopped outside the door and knocked. Nurse RedHeart came out, "Oh...are you here to see Ms. Hooves?" I nodded, "Yeah. Is she okay?" RedHeart nodded, "Yes. Though, she's not back to normal yet; she's got a concussion. I'd like to know WHO did this." I nodded, "As would I. Well, thanks for letting me in." I walked to Derpy's bedside, the sterile hospital smell hanging so thickly in the air, it was almost a wall, surrounding me and smothering me. Only for Derpy, would I step foot in a place like this. The cold tile floor made me shiver, the beeping of machines made me uneasy. Simply said, I HATE hospitals. I was told to expect her appearance to be altered, for her not to be awake, and if she is, she's got enough drugs in her to make her not recognize me at all. As I neared the bed, my stomach began making strange sounds and, despite the well-heated room, I got cold. WHAT was behind the curtain? Would Derpy be all disfigured from the attack? Would she be covered in tubes? I stopped for a moment, hoping to calm myself down. I looked around for something, a child's get-well card, a poster, something to focus on. But, there was nothing. This clinic was like any other clinic; cold, uncaring, and boring. Finally, I got the nerve to approach the bed and pull the curtain back. There, in the bed was the unconscious Derpy Hooves. I felt tears in my eyes and tried to fight them back; Derpy wasn't supposed to be here! She, as I learned earlier, is a MOTHER! I leaned closer to her, pushing her mane aside, serious swelling all over the whole left side of her head and face. The sight of this made me sick to my stomach. Sweet little Derpy, covered in blood, her mane and coat shorn away in some places, breathing tubes and other medical tubes and attachments. Was Twilight right? Did somepony INTENTIONALLY target Derpy because of MY choices? Tears welled up in my eyes and rolled down my cheeks faster than I could wipe them away. "Derpy..." I whispered, "I'm sorry if I got you into this! I NEVER wanted to hurt you or see you hurt!" All that could be heard was the beeping of the machines she was connected to and her breathing. I placed a hoof on hers, longing for her golden eyes to open, to hear her voice. I heard somepony coming and turned to see RedHeart. "Sad, isn't it?" She whispered. I wanted to kick her in the face. OF COURSE it was sad! Did she think I WANTED to bring somepony I loved to her clinic and have them in a medically induced coma!? I swallowed my rage and sighed, "Yes. It is. Did she say who did it?" RedHeart shook her head, "No. She was talking nonsense about muffins and how they attacked her...I'm sure she was trying her very best to tell us, but her head was too scrambled." I nodded. RedHeart spoke again, "Shining Armour is here to get you. I told him to let you stay for a bit longer." I smiled and hugged her, "Thanks!" She laughed and told me it was no big deal then walked out. I turned back to Derpy; only to find she was AWAKE. "D...Derpy?" She smiled weakly, "Hey..." I began to cry again, "Who did this to you?" I sobbed. She blinked a few times and somehow managed to sit up, "The muffins." I looked at her, "Sweetie, I'm being serious!" She looked at me, "No; there was a plate of muffins from the CMC." I nodded, "Sweetie, I don't think you should eat something yet; you're head's still swollen as anything and I don't know if it's spread to your throat or not." Derpy's one good eye teared up, "But...you...promised..." I sighed, "Alright...I'll ask RedHeart." So, I poked my head into the next room and called for her. She came in and asked what it was. "Derpy is awake and seems to be okay. She's asking for her muffins." RedHeart smiled and laughed, "That's WONDERFUL! I'll go in and see if she's okay, you grab a muffin for you and her." I nodded and went to get them, bumping into Shining. "Whoops! Sorry, Shining!" He laughed and helped me up, "I'm assuming you're getting the muffins?" I nodded, then looked up at him, "So...how's Twilight?" His ears twitched and he dug at the ground nervously, "She, uh...Well, she isn't thrilled about how many mares you're with. But, really, BubbleGum, she's a REALLY great gal once you get to know her." I sighed, "Do you think she's just jealous? What if she's in love with one of the mares I'm with?" Shining thought that over for a moment and shrugged, "I don't know. It IS seriously odd for her to just start disliking somepony for no reason." I nodded and offered him a muffin; blueberry, Derpy's favorite. "Listen, no disrespect or anything but one of my marefriends is in there and she needs my support. Can we talk about this another time?" Shining nodded, "Sure thing." As I turned to go back into the room, I stopped, "Oh! Any word on Dinky? Is she okay?" Shining chuckled, "She's staying with Rarity, don't worry. Sweetie showed up with her soon after you left." I felt a wave of relief wash over me and I allowed myself a smile, "Good. Poor thing is probably heart-broken." Shining nodded, "Yeah, Rarity was making her hot chocolate when I left." Shining then yawned, "I'll bring you to the palace as soon as you want." I nodded and walked back to Derpy's side. Derpy was now sat up and smiling, a very welcome sight after today, trust me. "Muffin?" I laughed, "Yes, yes. Here is your muffin." She took it and took a giant-sized bite, " Fank-ooo" I laughed and handed her some milk, "You're welcome!" After a moment, she looked back at me, "BubbleGum? Where's Dinky? Is she okay?" I nodded and smoothed her mane, "Yes. Rarity is taking care of her." Derpy sighed, seemingly relieved.
