Princess Luna's Days Off

Princess Luna's Days Off

Chapter 2

Swing

The success of Luna’s run the previous day had done well to expend the surplus energy the Night Princess had obtained throughout the week and as a result, left her quite sore yet feeling rather amazing. After her forty-five minute long shower, she did nothing but grab some sleepwear and pass out in bed. The following morning went on as usual, with Celestia waking Luna up to lower the moon, and then the latter promptly going back to sleep. Of course, the change in sleep schedule came with a small price as mentioned above: merely waking up to lower the moon if it was a day off, but Luna didn’t mind. Most of the time she would be up at the same time as Celestia anyways, so nothing was really lost yet all was gained.

The Lunar Princess stirred once more at about ten-thirty in the morning with a cliche yawn and over-head stretch, her navy sleeping top riding up her stomach a bit. It was then that she revealed her blues to the room, sunlight sneaking its way in. There she laid, undisturbed by much and simply keeping her eyes fixed on her ceiling as her body and mind slowly decided to kick itself into gear. Of course, a few more yawns, stretches, and the threat of being dragged off into dreamscape once again, Luna forced herself out of bed and decided to get ready for the day.

Once it registered that today was her day off (as thoughts tend to get murky in the mornings after long sleeps) Luna decided to take her time with getting ready.

Another shower… time to really wake up.

And so it was decided. The comfort of her fuzzy blue pajamas were forgone for her own birthday suit as Luna strode into her own bathroom once more, using her magic to prepare her shower. Before she entered into the large glass cube of everlasting comfort, Luna snagged a glance at herself in the bathroom’s full length mirror. She took a moment to face front and center as she traced her finger down her arms and sides. It had been a while since the Night Princess had gotten a good look at herself.

Hmmm…

Her face bore little emotion at the moment. Luna’s eyes roamed the features of her corporeal form; skimming the curves which defined her as a woman, eying the definition of muscle on her stomach, shoulders, back, and legs due to rigorous exercise and training with the Guard, and just processing it all in her head. A few thoughts crossed her mind… one of them being that one Guard soldier that had been eying her up during Combined Court. Luna felt the heat in her cheeks rise at this thought, which also brought to her attention another question: Why was she embarrassed?

Hmph.

A thought for another time. Turning away, she stepped into her shower and went about her little ‘ritual.’ Doing what she needed to do within a reasonable timeframe, Luna exited, dried off, and chose her attire for the day: a simple long-sleeved shirt and some denim pants. While Luna was never a fan of an overly casual clothing set, even she had to admit: on days where she had nothing to do, some decently fitting shirts and jeans were perfect!

Luna brushed her hair to a satisfactory appearance before altering it to her ethereal form, and then fixing her tiara to her head. That done, she exited her room and went about her route to the dining room to catch her first meal of the day. Upon entering the aforementioned room, she was surprised to find Celestia still sitting down, chilling with a paper and a bowl of some unidentified food. She looked up upon her younger sister’s entrance.

“Well well well… sleeping beauty is finally awake I see,” Celestia remarked with her own personal greeting as Luna took her seat next to her.

“Good morning to you too, Celestia.”

“You sound peachy as always. How’d you sleep?”

“Wonderfully, if I do say so myself,” Luna replied. “I feel plenty rejuvenated, for I’ll definitely need the energy tonight.”

“My, Luna, you didn’t tell me you had intention of bringing someone back to your room tonight… Just be sure to leave the sock on your doorknob,” Celestia added in, enjoying Luna’s reaction of burying her face in her hand.

“Hilarious. Pure comedic genius, Celly,” Luna deadpanned and rolled her eyes after letting her initial discomfort leave as quickly as it came. A waiter came around and Luna placed an order as quickly as he arrived.

“In all seriousness though, what do you plan to do tonight?” Celestia asked, dropping the jesting tone of voice.

“Something. I am currently not completely sure, but I have no intention of remaining in the castle.”

“For someone as uptight as yourself you’re awfully social, you know that, Lulu?” Celestia pointed out an observation as she turned a page in her newspaper.

“Pleasant” conversation continued as Luna’s food eventually was brought out. The two sisters shared more than mere words and thoughts. As irritating as Celestia could be and as snide as Luna could be, in the end they were each others greatest companions and they always found time to act as such. Eventually, the two of them parted ways for that part of the day, deciding to do dinner together before Luna headed out. As much as they got on each others nerves sometimes, it was all in jest and Luna's opinion of her sister never faltered. The inverse was also just as true.

I love my sister...

Dinner had ended and Luna decided it was time to get ready once she and Celestia transposed their respective celestial objects in the sky. Her destination for the evening called for a bit more formal attire, but first she stood in her undergarments finishing her eyeshadow. She opted for her favorite shade of blue for that purpose and when that was complete, she opened her dresser and saw her outfit for the night: a black and navy strapped dress that sparkled in the light, almost as if her ethereal hair was a piece of cloth. Luna slipped it on, her bare arms adjusting and eventually resting on her hips as she eyed her image in the mirror. While there were no sleeves, the dress left no skin shown on her chest this time around. She didn’t care for that particular attention tonight. This was made up by her dress containing a decent aperture from her upper-mid back and upward. The length of the dress went passed her knees but wasn’t too long as to drag while she walked.

She let a grin worm its way onto her features and at the same time, removed the magic from her hair, once again letting it fall lifeless on her shoulders and back. Silky smooth locks of a gorgeous blue remained in the once ethereal hair’s place. She finished off with a necklace bearing her cutie mark, and eventually some classy black support shoes that were ideal for the nights activities.

Glancing around, she located and grabbed her pocketbook, put on a thick, black overcoat, and left her room for the night. The Guards stationed along the hall attempted to be discreet in eying their Lunar Princess as she strode by. Luna was well aware of their light ogling yet she decided to not let it bother her so much… even though the uncomfortable heat rose to her blush-covered cheeks she eventually willed her internal temperature down.

Luna gave a gentle knock to her sister’s door as she stopped in front of it, proceeding to open it slightly and peek her head in.

“I am leaving for a good portion of the night. Just making you aware,” Luna called out. Celestia was just sitting at her desk, most likely reading a friendship report from Twilight.

“Make sure he wears a condom. Have fun and be safe!” Celestia called back without looking over her shoulder. Luna rolled her eyes as she closed the door, not even dignifying her sister’s response.

The early-night air garnered a soothed reaction from Luna as she stepped out of the castle. From her position on the bridge many people, older and younger, could be seen frolicking into Canterlot’s center for a guaranteed good time for the start of the weekend. Deciding to not waste any more time, Luna casually walked along the bridge towards the main street, hanging a right as she headed towards a specific destination in mind.

The Princess passed by many people, all of them recognizing her. There was no danger of harassment by news reporters or the like, as Luna had had many… incidents with journalists and paparazzi. We’ll just say that they received her message: “do not interfere in my personal time.”

Still, it didn’t stop the young citizens of Canterlot from giving friendly waves and bows, all of which she returned accordingly with her own waves and a genuine smile. Over the years, all the fear of “Nightmare Moon” died out and instead was replaced by sheer curiosity. Those who were able to personally meet Luna as she adjusted to modern social norms felt a sense of… awesomeness about it. The Night Princess tried her hardest to make herself as approachable as possible to anyone and in the end it paid off. She even made a few friends along the way!

“My word, I wondered when I was gonna see you again, Princess!” someone called out from Luna’s left. By the time first few words uttered, Luna already knew who it was by his defining accent. She smiled as she turned.

“Is it truly my fault that you never made me aware of your presence in Canterlot, Pip?” Luna responded with a jesting tone as the two closed their distance. Pipsqueak was… not much of a pipsqueak anymore to be honest. Although only a little more than a few years had passed since that fateful Nightmare Night that they met, Luna had reconnected with him and they hit off a friendship almost immediately. She was happy to have been in his life through his transition from a boy to a young man… a rather decent looking adolescent at that.

“Well excuuuse me, Princess!” he responded sarcastically as he chuckled, running a hand through his dark brown, combed hair and adjusting his sportcoat. Luna chuckled as they embraced.

“By the stars you are as tall as me!” she observed, obviously the young man having gone through a recent growth spurt. “And didn’t I tell you in our letters to call me ‘Luna?’”

“Ah right... force of habit, Luna. And I wouldn’t count on that too much longer,” he joked. “It’s good to see you in the flesh and runnin’ about in the city. Where you off to, if I may so inquire?”

“Down this street aways to ‘Club Equestriana,’ actually. What about yourself, young man?” Luna returned the question. Pip couldn’t help but laugh at that point.

“I’m actually heading straight there myself!”

“Surely you jest!” Luna giggled. “I was not aware your taste in music swang that far back, no pun intended.” The two couldn’t help but laugh lightly at that.

“Ah but that is where your assumptions fail you, My Liege. I happen to thoroughly enjoy the art of swing.”

“Well then, Pip. We must not waste more time. Shall we?” Luna gestured onward.

“Of course!” Pip responded, offering a small bow his arm to Luna. She nearly guffawed at the gesture.

“My my, you always were the gentleman,” she commented, interlocking her left arm with his right as they walked onward, catching up with each other. Several other guys watched the whole exchanged with dropped jaws.

“Damn. He’s. Good.”

Track 1

The two made excellent timing to Club Equestriana although it was probably helped along by the fact that the two good friends were talking nonstop. The line hadn’t formed just yet so the pair were able to easily get inside the large, rustic-looking (although intended for style) club. Then again, either way, it wasn’t like the bouncers would deny the Princess and her escort entry.

The harmonious music immediately assaulted their ears as they strode into the room, lights being operated in accordance to the music being played for added effect.

“Ahh… it is good to be back,” Luna commented out loud, not bothering to hide the excited smile on her face.

“Indeed! But I need a drink right now. You want anything?” Pip commented and asked. Luna gave him an incredulous stare.

“Are you even old enough to drink, Pip?” she asked, placing her right fist on her hip.

“We met when I was twelve going on thirteen. It’s been six years, Luna. So I’m perfectly legal by Equestrian Law,” he proudly stated.

“I see that. Not like I would have stopped you anyways. You grab your refreshment. You already know where to find me. And no thank you, I am quite content at the moment,” Luna rebutted and the two separated. He gave a mock salute and made a beeline for the bar. Luna couldn’t help herself and dropped her coat on an empty booth before strutting straight onto the dance floor, immersing herself in the group of dancing people; the grand majority being couples. Didn’t bother her the slightest.

Track 2

The current musical piece ended and the next promptly started as she found the perfect spot with just enough space. She found the beat and slowly began finding her rhythm. This had been long overdue for her. Many other patrons were quite shocked to turn around and find Princess Luna on her lonesome, dancing to the glorious music with a smile of pure joy on her face. All were happy to even share the opportunity to dance and party around their Night Princess.

From Luna’s point of view, she was already having a great time. Her legs and feet worked in tandem with the rest of her body as she showed any who glanced over exactly what she had to offer the realm of dance. While swing was more enjoyable with a partner, she had no qualms with having fun on her own. This was her night. She’d rope Pip onto the floor later but for now, she was more than content with herself.

Luna twirled herself around once, finishing another cycle of dance when a random man in a pinstripe suit made his presence known, dancing up to her but keeping a respectable distance. Luna immediately faced him and it took off from there. Once the percussion was joined by the winds the two took off dancing harmoniously, although keeping a small distance from each other.

The two danced around each other in circles, Luna having a grand old time if evident by the radiating joy that shown through her teal-blue eyes and smile. Soon, another man, who looked slightly older than her current partner, stepped up to the plate, dancing up to the two of them in his jet-black suit and fedora. Luna’s current partner bowed respectfully to her and turned her loose to the newcomer. She flashed him a grateful smile as he left and turned to her new partner, repeating the cycle of dancing around each other, a little closer together this time but not at the point of taking each others hands.

About ten minutes later and exhausting another dance partner, Luna was definitely starting to feel a bit of burn in her legs but she didn’t care. She was having a blast and enjoying the company of the music and her subjects alike. It was about that time when she noticed Pip on the sidelines of the dance floor, enjoying whatever drink he had in his hands. He waved to her, obviously keeping tabs on her. Luna waved back with an excited smile before her grin turned slightly mischievous. She pointed to her good friend and beckoned him over with a finger.

He jokingly shrugged and made his way over, squeezing through the crowd of dancing people and eventually meeting with her in the middle. She was panting ever so slightly because hey, swing and really any other form of dancing is a great workout.

“I certainly hope you did not intend to be able to evade me so easily,” Luna commented, same grin still on her face.

“I had no intention of the sort,” Pip replied, taking the initiative and offering the Night Princess his hand, to which she took immediately.

Track 3

The next song started strong, percussion setting the beat perfectly and the winds diffusing rejuvenating life into the dance floor. Pip and Luna started off slow, being sure to correctly adjust to the changes in percussion and apply their footwork accordingly.

“Well well well… you learned how to dance,” Luna commented with genuine pleasant surprise. Pip twirled the Princess under his arm before snapping her close against him, his arm going to her back.

“I have a lot of time on my hands,” he answered somewhat shyly.

The two broke apart temporarily but still danced ‘with’ each other. Luna was having even more fun at this point, made all the better with an accidental running in to one of her best friends. Her foot and leg work was impressive to say the least, yet she maintained a certain grace and elegance while she continued to ‘swing it out.’ Pip, on the other hand, had excellent balance and control. While his current form of dancing was indeed similar to Luna’s, his skill laid in true partnering up.

The tempo and percussion picked up considerably as the saxophone had a glorious solo with the trumpets. The pair took each other’s hands and showed exactly what they were capable of. In all honesty, it looked like one of those old dancing movies. Luna had decided to let Pip lead and she did not regret her decision at all. He twirled her, swung her, you name it. It all correlated perfectly with the tempo and soon, the two found themselves separated once again as the beat returned to its starting state.

Pip and Luna continued to dance around each other, smiles, laughs, and eyes never leaving the other. Their bodies were becoming tired. Both pairs of legs begged for relief. Their feet cried in agony and release from the confines of their shoes. Only finally did both of them take their last hard step and the song died out. Both panted yet smiled in success at each other.

That was definitely one for the books.

“That was… quite nice…” Luna spoke through her breaths, the lightest sheen of moisture lining her hairline and skin in general.

“To say the least… that was really fun… I might add,” Pip replied through his own light pants.

“Would you terribly oppose if we took a small break before heading back out here? I do not wish for this night to be over so soon,” Luna admitted. Pip chuckled and motioned for the both of them with his head towards their booth.

“Sounds like a great idea to me, Luna.”

The night continued on beautifully after that. Luna had a great time with Pip as they danced, rested, drank, danced more, and continued the cycle into the later hours of the night. The two eventually, and unfortunately, had to part ways at about two in the morning but promised to keep in much better contact in the future.

Luna made her way home with a tired smile on her face, eager to strip out of her dress and plop down for the night as she finally entered her bedchambers. She had lots of fun, and Pip made it all the better for her. She’d have to thank him again for the great time the next day in a letter. She unceremoniously stripped down and jumped into bed, letting the silkiness of her sheets, covers, and pillows caress her body, being sure to massage her sore legs over the entire surface of her bed. The feeling of that level of comfort on her aching muscles was absolutely euphoric. Slowly but surely she let the grasp of sleep take her away from the conscious realm.

I verily must do this more often...