Moon Guide My Dreams

...this was a mistake.
Was it, Shining? Was it really?
I never meant to--
I know...I know that deep there is an answer.
Depends on the question.
You know what the question is, Shining Armor.
…….yes….I do love you...

OFFICIAL ROYAL SUMMIT, 9:32 AM

It was the best sleep he had had in a long time. Shining Armor had awoken the following morning feeling relaxed. He certainly didn’t want to leave the comfort of his sheets nor did he want to turn to face the sunlight shining down on him. It felt like a comforting hand...her hand. But as he turned his eyes to look across from him, he was surprise to see a note laying there. Picking it up, he read the hastily left message telling him that Cadence had gone to the summit early to prepare. He mumbled to himself and shook his head. This was going to be a long day.

After dragging himself from bed, showering, and dressing, Shining made his own way to the first meeting, already mentally bracing for the chiding he was going to receive for not being there promptly from Cadence. The room they had chosen was one of the smaller meeting rooms. He was expecting the biggest one possible but it contained a birds eye view of Canterlot with royal windows, glistening with the sunlight against them. A table in the middle of the room housed five seats, the one nearest Cadence vacant and his eyes looked to see a glare that he was oh too familiar with. It was like she was staring bullets into his head. Twilight was at least pleased to see him, judging on her friendly smile.

“Welcome Shining Armor.” said Celestia, bowing her head towards him, earning a light wave from Shining return.

“He’s 5 minutes late.” mumbled Cadence. “I told him that--”

“3 minutes and 23 seconds, actually.” said Twilight quietly, fidgeting with her fingers when Cadence shot her sister-in-law a glare.

Shining walked quietly over to his seat and pulled it up, going to sit down and look around at the people sitting at the table. Celestia, Luna, Caden--...Luna?

Luna looked over at Shining and smiled, nodding politely. She seemed completely calm, and her actions and expressions gave away nothing.

“Now then,” said Celestia. “To the first business at hand, I believe we can get through these rather quickly. Is anyone else hungry?”

Shining nodded “I could go for--”

“Forgive me, but we’re already running late as it is. Shouldn’t we begin this meeting?” Cadence interrupted.

She had talked right over Shining’s stomach growling, as if she MEANT to talk over it. He grumbled quietly. He was at least hoping to get some kind of nourishment.

Luna shook her head, standing. “Cadence, let’s be reasonable. We are having this meeting very first thing in the morning. Surely we could all benefit from some small breakfast. I know I certainly could.”

Twilight nodded quickly. “Absolutely. A small one couldn’t hurt. We’re not all here just to discuss issues and politics, right? How often do we all get to just...well, talk?”

Shining nodded, as did Celestia, so by a majority vote Cadence shrugged and sighed. While they waited and chatted amongst themselves, Shining casually found himself looking over at Cadence. She looked simply beautiful in the daylight. Her mane flowed casually, she looked tired but relaxed at the same time. He smiled slightly. Looking at her now, he could almost see the woman he had married. He missed that Cadence greatly. She had made him feel special, loved. And then he turned his head back to Luna, who was idly chatting with his sister about the constellations.

Shining felt a small rush of heat go to his face. Luna was a truly beautiful mare, even away from her moonlight. Her glittering, starry mane flowed gracefully. Her cerulean eyes shone with wisdom and slight mischief. And her figure… dear Celestia that figure! Images of the dream he had gotten last night raced through his mind. Most of his dreams he just forgot but this one was different. He could remember every intimate and sexy detail and he could play it like a scene from a movie over and over and over again. And the more he thought about it, the more he stared. When Luna turned to look at him he blushed and immediately looked away...right into Cadence’s eyes.

Cadence was giving him a fairly disapproving look. For a moment, he wondered if she had seen him staring at Luna, but then she glanced at the clock silently and turned to look at him again. He sighed. She was quietly berating him for the “wasted” time. This was even worse than if she’d seen him staring at Luna. At least then she’d have a legitimate reason to be annoyed.

A servant entered the room with their breakfast, and the princesses smiled. Luna gave the stallion thanks, her voice washing over Shining’s ears and making him smile again. As the meals were passed to the waiting royalty, he found himself returning once again to that dream. Why was it still so vivid and clear in his mind? Why do it feel so...real? More importantly, above everything else that nearly bothered him: ...why did he wish it was real?

~!~!~!~

The hours wore on and on, and the topics continued to circle like a pack of vultures. Shining was struggling to pay attention, but this was just so dry! He glanced over at Cadence, who was thoroughly engrossed in the conversation. Sighing and shaking his head, he looked at the other princesses. Twily was just as eager to fulfill her duties, though Shining knew that to simply be a strong wish to please her mentor. Celestia seemed somewhat bored, but remained attentive. As the eldest and the highest power of Equestria, she had the highest level of responsibility to maintain. Then his eyes drifted towards Luna.

Shining blinked when Luna seemed to wink playfully at him, but a second look implied that she hadn’t even glanced his way. He sighed. Though he had slept well the night before, there were still hours of lost sleep that hovered over his head, and now seemed to be making him see things. However, even if that were the case, Luna looked just as thoroughly bored as he felt. She was similarly silent, contributing barely anything to the discussion at hand.

Shining looked at the four princesses again, attempting to refocus himself, but finding he was unable to do so. His eyes wandered towards a pair of guards standing by the doors. They were a standard pair of guards, nothing noteworthy really. Still, seeing them reminded him of his days as a simple guard, even before he rose to captain. That had been so long ago…

His mind wandered, going back in time to when he had first joined their ranks. Back then, he had been friends with a unicorn stallion named Amity Faith. He had been a handsome sort, grey skin and white hair, with startling green eyes and a trim but fit build. They had met in the cadet program, and had become steadfast friends. They often talked about past experiences and they almost always hung around Shining’s dorm while reading comic books or watching various movies in Canterlot when they had the time. There were tons of good memories that he had shared with Amity but one in particular always seemed to cross his mind. He had attempted to go to a party with some of the guards but not only was he kicked out, he was “banned” from going to the party when he tried to tell them that he was a friend of Amity’s. He could remember sitting outside on the bench, almost in tears over rejection…

“Shine? Dude, that you?”

Shining quickly dried his eyes and nodded. “Yeah! Yeah it’s me.” he turned his head up, trying to fake up a little smile. “What’s up?”

Amity hurried over to his best pal’s side. He had been on a stroll just to relax after some training, and had not been expecting to come across Shining Armor in tears. “Shine, what’s wrong? What’s going on?” he asked.

Shining was tempted to lie but sighed quietly. “...they wouldn’t let me into their stupid party.”

“Who… wait. Is that the party that Blueblood was hosting?” Amity asked. Shining nodded silently. Amity frowned. “Those biased sons of… You don’t have to explain, I bet I can guess what happened. You just so happen to be my best friend, so those SOBs wouldn’t let you in because of that, right?”

“I mean I tried telling them you’re my best friend and they...kinda laughed at me and dumped the spaghetti bowl on me,” grumbled Shining, his horn flaring up in anger.

“Whoa, easy there powerhouse,” Amity soothed. “I don’t blame you for being pissed, but you know what happens when you let your temper get to your magic. You’re almost as strong as that kid sister of yours. Try to keep your head.”

The white unicorn nodded and leaned back against the bench, sighing quietly. “I know, I know. I didnt have any other plans then that party so I figure I’ll just go back and train or something.”

“Hey, come on Shine. You really think I’m gonna leave you alone like this? Come on, let’s go have our own party, my treat,” Amity said, pulling Shining to his feet. “Let’s head back to my place. I got some apple brandy stashed.”

Shining’s ears perked. “Apple brandy? There’s something I haven’t tried. What is it?”

Amity smirked. “What is it? It’s good, that’s what it is! Come on!” He proceeded to pull on Shining’s arm, leading him towards the dorms.

He gladly followed, keeping to Amity’s side. Amity was one of the few people he knew he could trust and with how things progressed, they had gotten very comfortable with one another. When they arrived back at his dorm, Shining immediately started looking around, curiosity overtaking while he tried to find the smell.

Amity blushed slightly with a sheepish grin. “Sorry for the kinda flowery scent. I was burning some scented candles to try to cover the dirty laundry smell… then I just went and did the laundry anyway,” he explained with a chuckle.

“Well they smell nice.” said Shining, smiling lightly. “Better than the other dorms.”

“I’m glad you like. Anyway!” Amity said, heading towards his kitchen. “Give me a sec, I’ll get you set up with a nice little drinky drink!”

Shining chuckled and took a seat at the table nearby the fridge, removing his jacket and hanging it up on the chair. He stretched out and cricked his shoulder, trying to get it to pop.

“Hey, relax dude,” Amity said, coming back with a bottle levitating next to him, two glasses held in his hands filled with an amber liquid. He passed one to Shining, taking a sip out of the other. “You look pretty stressed. The party thing can’t have gotten to you that much, right?”

He shook his head. “Nah, it wasn't that. I kinda pulled a muscle this morning when I was doing the chin ups. Went a little too hard, you know? I’m fine now.” He moved his hand over to the glass and clasped it, taking a quick sip and licking his lips. “Mmm...damn, not bad.”

“Told ya!” Amity replied cheerfully, taking another swig and setting his glass down, also lowering the bottle to the table. “What’s this about a pulled muscle, though? Where?”

Shining shrugged. “Ah just right near the shoulder blade. Feel a little sting here and there but it should be fine.”

Amity stepped up behind him, then did something that surprised him. He began massaging his neck and shoulders. “Here, this should help,” he said.

Shining was about to protest but let out a light gasp, groaning for a second and tensing up...then relaxing. He could feel the muscle start to loosen and he leaned back against the chair. There was a length of silence before Amity spoke again.

“Hey Shine? Can I tell you something?”

“Sure!” smiled Shining. “Whats up? Everything alright?”

“....I…. I can tell you anything, right Shining?” Amity asked. This got Shining’s attention. Amity very rarely called him anything but Shine, and when he did, it was something important.

“Something happen? Did Janet break up with you?”

“No… I broke up with her,” he admitted. “She… wasn’t what I wanted. But, that isn’t what I was going to tell you…”

Shining reached over to finish his drink in one gulp and looked to him. “...yes?”

Amity removed his hands from Shining’s neck, and his voice became very tense. “You have to promise to keep this between us, okay? No one can know,” he insisted nervously. “If anyone finds outs… I could get kicked off the guard.”

It took a few seconds before it clicked in Shining’s head. “...are you…?”

Amity winced, knowing he had figured out what he was trying to work up the nerve to say. “I… I am. I… like guys,” he confessed. He began wringing his hands together nervously. “I…. I’ve never told anyone before because if the wrong people found out… well…. guys like me aren’t exactly the norm and…. they wouldn’t want someone like me on the guard…. and being a guard is what I’ve always wanted!”

“Amity!” said Shining, smiling lightly by putting a hand on his shoulder. “...Ami.” It was a name he rarely used but used in seriousness. “Look at me. I won’t tell a soul. Under any circumstances. You’re my best friend, you should be free to do whatever you want! ...and you are far from the norm anyways.”

Amity blinked, stared blankly for a moment, then burst into near-hysterical laughter. He laughed far harder than was probably appropriate for that lousy joke, but Shining couldn’t help but smile at him. Amity had been holding in that secret for ages, so it must have been a huge relief to finally get it out, and to not be rejected for it. He was thrown a little off-balance when Amity enveloped him in a titanic hug.

“Shine, thank you!! Thank you so much!! I was terrified that when you found out you would hate me or think I was weird or unnatural…” he blubbered, his laughter having dissolved into happy tears.

Shining simply pet his best friend’s back and he chuckled, keeping him in a hug and standing up with him. “I haven’t seen you this happy since you got INTO the Guard. I’m glad you could at least tell SOMEONE. At least now it explains a few things.”

Amity blushed, looking vaguely nervous all over again. “L-Like what?” he asked.

This time, a smirk placed itself on Shining’s lips. “...why I catch you occasionally glancing at me in the showers, perhaps?

Amity pulled away from the hug and looked away from Shining, his face a bright shade of red. “W-Well… you’re kinda…. really attractive, you know?”

He blushed a bit, rubbing the back of his head. “You’re the first to notice. Well, actually say the opposite. I'm trying my hardest to keep up with those health nuts but there’s only so much protein shakes and jogs I can do before I pass out. Thank you, though.”

“You’re not...put off, are you?” asked Amity, nervously.

“Of course not. I’ve seen you naked, we’ve cuddled together, we’ve done everything except fuck. I don’t see--......oh. Oh boy that came out wrong..” This time he began to blush redder than usual.

Amity’s eyes widened and his blush deepened at Shining’s words. “Wait what?!” he exclaimed.

Shining gulped. “...u-uh, anyways I love the brandy. Do you have--”

Amity slowly started to smile. “So then, you’re saying you’ve never looked yourself?” he asked teasingly.

“H-Huh? Looked at--...well it’s kinda hard to when you’re surrounded by other guys in the showers…” he fidgeted nervously. “But I’m straight though. Straighter than an arrow.”

“Oh really?” Amity replied, slowly seeming to become more confident. “Then how come you’ve never asked anypony out before, hmmmm?~”

...crap. “Heh, well I thought...um, well there was so many to choose from! Right?” He found himself instinctively sliding back till he hit the counter.

Amity stepped forward, close enough to be invading personal space, but leaving just enough room for Shining to get away if he really wanted to. “That’s what you say, but even I managed to decide on a date or two. It almost sounds like you’re trying to make excuses, my friend.”

Shining scoffed but knew he was clearly busted. “...okay, okay, I’m sorry. I’m just...nervous. You’re the only friend I have here so I can't help it if...if...ugh, why is this so hard to--”

Amity placed a comforting hand on Shining’s cheek, smiling at him though he was blushing himself. “It’s alright. If anyone gets it, it’s me. It’s not easy to admit to yourself that you aren’t exactly like what people expect. Now, I happen to know that you find girls attractive, Shine. Many is the time you popped a boner when a hot chick crossed our path.” He chuckled when Shining blushed darkly. “But, I have suspected you’re at least curious about guys too. I’ve seen you looking when you think no one else is, and I…. part of me kinda hoped…. that I was one of the guys you were looking at,” Amity admitted.

The young stallion subconsciously placed his hand on Amity’s waist, gently brushing it with his thumb as he found himself locked in Amity’s gaze. “...you sure won’t think think less of me if I said yes, would you?”

Amity couldn’t help but chuckle again. “I just said I was hoping you had, didn’t I?” He hesitated a moment, then said something Shining had only half-expected. “I… I like you Shine. I have for just about as long as I’ve known you. You’re not only sexy as hell, but you’re the coolest, kindest, strongest stallion I’ve ever met. I’ve… really wanted to be with you for a long time, but I was terrified of scaring you away…”

Shining bit his lower lip, finding himself strangely attracted to Amity, blushing beet red. “...I don’t see why I should turn it down...I-I’ve never been with anyone anyway. I mean there’s this one girl but…”

“I’m not going to ask for anything you aren’t willing to give,” Amity rushed out. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had in my life, and I would never, ever want to make you uncomfortable. You mean a lot to me, Shine, and I would never do anything you didn’t want me to. That is a promise.”

He only nodded and leaned in halfway, very gently pressing his lips to Amity in a brief kiss. When he pulled back, he looked into his eyes. “..and I trust it. So...b-be gentle, then?”

Amity smiled and nodded, leaning in and kissing him again, sliding a hand under his shirt…

“SHINING? ARE YOU LISTENING?”

Shining jumped, snapping back to reality. He looked up to see Cadence glaring at him. Looking around the table, he saw Twily giggling behind her hand, Celestia giving him an amused smile, and Luna watching him with an almost knowing smirk. He blushed darkly at having been caught woolgathering.

“...sorry.” Shining chuckled lightly. “I guess I’m a little more out of it today than I thought. I apologize.”

Before Cadence could speak, three servants came in carrying food in little trays as well as tea.

“Ah there they are.” said Celestia with a smile. “I’m sorry if we bored you Shining, taxes bore me as well.”

“Which is why I suggested leaving that to me, since I’m very good with numbers,” Twilight chimed in.

He nodded and sat back and decided to let the three princesses continue their work, noticing Luna’s brief smirk before she too went back to work. For some reason, it sent a shiver up his spine. Something in that smirk implied that she knew exactly what he had been daydreaming about. He shook his head. That was impossible. Luna couldn’t have known what was going on in his head, right?

~!~!~!~

“I cannot believe you, Shining Armor!!” Cadence chided hours later as she stepped out of the shower. “Spacing out in the middle of such an important discussion, how could you?!”

Sitting back on the bed, Shining sighed quietly as he laid the book he was reading on on his chest. “Babe, relax. I just had a lot on my mind. The summit was on my agenda but there were issues I was thinking that--”

“On your agenda?!” she interrupted, clutching at the towel wrapped around her body. “We’re here FOR the summit!! It shouldn’t be ‘on your agenda!’ It should be your priority!!”

The urge to snap was very close but Shining took in a breath and sat up on the edge of the bed, looking towards her.

“Cadence.” he started. “...I’m sorry. I know the Summit is your priority, trust me it is up there, but I am not as die hard about politics as you are. There was a time when you just couldn’t stand politics. What happened to the Cadence I first met who didn’t care about having her life on a gridded schedule?”

“She grew up and became responsible for an entire empire,” she retorted. “We both have our responsibilities as leaders, Shining.”

“Well I don’t know what your secret is but this is just as draining for me as it is for you.” sighed Shining. “You’re more married to your job then you are to me sometimes. And I don't know what I did to make you dive into your work so deep that I’m just the co-leader and not the stallion you fell in love with!” Slowly his anger was building but he knew he had to keep it in check.

“Well the stallion I fell in love with had a strong sense of responsibility, and he always did so much for everyone that I almost felt inadequate,” Cadence countered, not even bothering to hide her anger. “What happened to that stallion, huh? Where’s he? All I see is somepony who seems to care more about relaxing at a political summit than about taking care of business!”

“BECAUSE I JUST WANT TO FUCKING RELAX!” said Shining, suddenly standing up. “WE DO THESE SUMMITS ALL THE TIME BACK HOME! It’s always sign this, summit that, go to this, go to that, it’s a fucking ROUTINE! I don’t want my life to fall in a routine like that! Excuse me if I want to think about my friends and family that I have here in Canterlot! We are here for a summit, yes I know, but I wanted to come here to also relax! I was just thinking about all the things we could do when we have some time to relax!”

Cadence’s expression became unreadable as she fell silent. For a moment, Shining thought something may have finally broken through, but then she turned her back to him.

“Get out.”

He blinked. “Why are you so against wanting to relax? We have the perfect opportunity to relax here, is it that much of a crime to want--”

“I will not tolerate being yelled at like that!” Cadence snapped. “I do not have to stomach that sort of treatment! Get! Out!”

Shining tried to protest, unsure if there was anything he could do to fix the situation but sighed and went to her, putting her into a hug.

“I’m sorry. Forget I said anything.” he said. “You’re right. Nothing is more important than this summit. Let’s get some sleep, okay?”

“Don’t patronize me,” Cadence said. “And don’t think that saying that makes everything okay. You’ve been acting like this for a long time now.”

“How have I been acting differently? You are one to talk! You still didn’t answer my question though!

“I’m not too inclined to answer to you when you treat me like this!”

“Well excuse me, Princess! I have done nothing but try to support you and I’ve done NOTHING but treat you with respect!” Shining sighed. “Why can't you try to see this through my eyes?”

“Because you’re not bothering to try seeing through mine!!” she yelled. “Things aren’t like when we were young, Shining!! They can’t be that way anymore!! We have roles to fulfill, and that must come first!!”

“So is that all there is to life now?!” Now the prince found himself getting angry. “Summits, signing treaties, sitting on a throne, is that all our life is going to be!? We have three weeks, THREE weeks, and do you want to spend all that time doing politics? Is that really what you want?”

“It’s our responsibility!! We have a lot to do, and you know that!!”

“But three whole weeks? 21 days of nonstop politics? Would it really be a crime if maybe one of those days I take you to have a fancy dinner? Or sight see? Or maybe just watch the sun set? Something, anything, I can't do that for 3 weeks let alone the rest of my life!”

“A ruler’s first priority must be their kingdom! All else comes after that! We are the rulers, therefore we must make the sacrifices we need to!! We can’t be selfish! YOU can’t be selfish!!”

“Well go ahead and shoot me on sight for wanting to spend time with my WIFE! My lover!”

“GET OUT!!! GET THE FUCK OUT!!!”

For once, Shining didn’t have a retort. And as a result, before he could really let out all his anger, he grabbed his sweatshirt and stormed out. If Cadence wanted some alone time, then so be it. He was not going to waste his time if it would just get thrown back at him.

~!~!~!~

Luna stood in the garden, looking up at the sky. As per Shining’s request the previous night to help him sleep better, she had come back here to wait for him, and wait she did. Very patiently. In fact, she had been waiting long enough that she was beginning to wonder if he was going to come tonight. She wouldn’t resent him if he didn’t; the request had never been for every single night after all. She was a little saddened by the thought, though.

When she heard approaching footsteps, her heart lightened. She turned, and immediately felt her heart drop again when she saw the frustrated, angry expression on Shining’s face. Somehow, she didn’t think he was there for a restful night’s sleep.

“Shining Armor?” she called. “Are you unwell?”

“Unwell is an understatement.” he said, keeping his voice down. He looked calm but his eyes said otherwise. “Sorry if I seem like a wreck right now.”

“I don’t like seeing friends in such a state,” Luna said. “What’s wrong?”

Shining sighed quietly, trying to brush things off. “It’s...nothing. I can’t tell if I’m the one doing something wrong in my marriage.”

“Why do you say that?” Luna pressed. “Please, you can confide in me. I won’t tell a soul.”

When he was sure no one was around, he got closer towards her. “...I got into an argument with Cadence over what happened earlier today.”

“You mean when you dozed off during the meeting?” she asked. “Between you and me, I did as well. Taxes, numbers, I have never been very good at handling such issues. That is why Celestia always has. We balance the responsibilities between each other, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t completely dry.”

“That’s what my marriage is starting to feel like,” he said, starting to pace lightly. He always did this when he tried to put his thoughts together. “All Cadence wants to do is put her responsibilities as leader above everything else. She just wouldn't answer my questions and it bugs me that all she seems to care about is all this. She said she ‘grew up’ and that being a ruler means just about everything. So I don't know what I’m doing wrong here.”

“Well, to be fair, she is partially right,” Luna said, holding up her hands when Shining’s jaw dropped. “Hear me out. Being a ruler is a very heavy burden to bear, and it can have adverse effects on those who come to bear it. And being a good leader must be of the highest priority. You must be willing to put the needs of others above your own. I made that mistake once…” She trailed off sadly for a moment, then continued. “However, making it of high priority does not mean surrendering all of yourself to it. To do so is to make a very different sort of mistake… And the way you describe Cadenza’s behaviour, plus what I have observed for myself, leads me to believe that not only is she the one who is in the wrong, but you are the one she unfairly takes it out on.”

“She acts like it’s a crime for me wanting to just relax and take in my home.” he stated. “Is it so wrong to want to hold onto who you once were and not only make it one of the best parts of you but also add onto it? I want to rule that kingdom but I dont want to be a ruler who eventually becomes obsessed with power. How can I find that balance?”

“I… I don’t quite know how my sister does it, to be honest,” Luna confessed. “I fear that without her guidance, I myself may fall into that dark state once again.

“..so is that what’s going to happen to me? Am I going to fall into insanity and become--...no no, I don’t even want to think about that.” Shining shuddered at just the thought.

“If I may say… you seem to be the Celestia of your power balance,” Luna said.

“So what will become of Cadence then?”

“I sincerely doubt that neither my sister’s nor my own vigilance or awareness of such things will ever be so slack as to allow her to sink as far as I did, so let your heart be at ease, Shining Armor,” Luna assured him. “But all of this is beside the point at this moment. I am worried about you.”

“Well I’m glad someone is worried.” said the stallion, sitting down on the bench. “...if it’s gonna be three weeks of pain like this, I want to go home.

Luna gave him a reassuring hug. “I will not allow your time spent here to be nothing but pain. I will wait for you here each night, and we can talk for a time before you go to sleep. If nothing else, I will help you let out that pain bit by bit. And in between our meetings and discussions, perhaps we might venture into the city for recreation?”

“I’m not so sure Cadence would allow that.” he sighed, leaning over slightly. “I would love that. The nightlife here is lively. Most of my friends want me to socialize with them but Cadence has me practically on a curfew.”

Luna sighed and shook her head. “Well, for this evening at least let us forget your wife. You should have a night elsewhere. I can arrange a different bedroom for you for the evening if you like.”

“I dont think I have many options.” he said, lowering his head slightly.

“Come on then. You look as though you could use a good night’s sleep,” Luna said, leading him back towards the castle.

Shining nodded, wondering exactly what Luna had in store for him. The two travelled through hallways and up some stairs to one of the guest rooms in the guard’s area. Shining paused as he looked around, taking in familiar surroundings, and entering into the room. It was fairly big for just one person, almost feeling like a little apartment. There was a great view at the very least so Shining saw no reason to protest.

“I’m sorry, but this is the best I can do for the evening. We’ll have to wait until morning to make better ones for you,” Luna apologized.

The stallion waved his hand lightly and smiled. “No no, I think this is great. I used to have a little dorm like this when I was Captain anyway. Better than a hotel at least.” He moved to Luna and embraced her in a big, strong hug. “Thank you, Luna.”

Blushing, she returned the hug. “You’re most welcome, my friend,” she replied. “I must be off, but before that, let me aid your sleep again.” Her horn glowed softly as she cast her spell on him again. “Rest well, Shining.”

Shining nodded towards her, watching her leave and then leaning against the door frame for the moment, looking around and then making sure to close and lock the door. Once he hit the sheets, he was out cold.

~!~!~!~

Shining stood at attention at his post in the royal hall. It was a dull post, but at least Amity had been assigned to the same so he wasn’t standing there alone. He adjusted the dark blue armor that came with being a night guard. It had been a long evening, and he still had hours left to his shift. Amity looked just as bored, and much to his surprise, so did Princess Luna. She sat upon her throne in an empty hall. There seemed to be no issues to deal with this evening, so they were all stuck doing nothing. After a long while, Luna snorted.

“This evening has been entirely too tedious for my liking,” she complained. “Guards, come here please.”

Almost on command, Shining found himself right by Amity’s side, a little too close but he didn’t realize just yet. The pair kneeled before her.

“I am in need of a distraction,” Luna said. “I wish to see something entertaining, and I want you two to provide it.”

“...entertaining?” questioned Shining.

“Put on a show for your princess,” Luna commanded.

At first neither Amity or Shining had an idea of what kind of show they were supposed to do. They stood there awkwardly for a moment, until Luna decided to give them a hint and conjured a bed to the middle of the floor.

“...oh…” the two guards said almost at once, the hint very clear to them now. (Amitys move)

Amity looked back at Shining, smirking. “I like the way this is looking,” he said, stepping to him and pulling him against his body.

“Yeah I bet you are, horndog.” he chuckled, nosing him briefly and staring with half lidded eyes right at him. A modest smirk crossed his lips as he pressed against the grey stallion.

Amity wasted no time pressing his lips against Shining’s, his hands sliding down his body, undoing the clasps that held his armor in place. Luna smiled at this display, adjusting herself to be more comfortable and watching without a word. Shining went for a different approach and used his magic to unclasp Amity’s armor, his hands too busy wandering along his chest an up to his shoulderblades, shoving the armor off and transitioning over to Amity’s neck.

Amity moaned lightly, then surprised Shining by pushing him onto the bed once their armor was fully removed. Shining let out a small yelp, and immediately blushed when Amity crawled over him, wearing a familiar confident grin. He leaned down and kissed Shining deeply, sliding his tongue into his mouth. Shining had no problem with tongue play and grinned right back, deciding to add in a few moans as his hands roamed on Amity’s spine, admiring every possible inch. Without their armor, they were only down to basic street clothes. Neither of them cared. With their history, they would have torn holes through their clothing and stitched it back up if it meant a quickie.

Amity began biting along Shining’s neck, knowing it to be a weak spot, and allowed his hands to slip under his friend’s shirt, groping his muscles. He whined softly in response, arching up and stroking along his sides, sliding up under his shirt and touching his shoulder blades.

“W-why are you always on top..” murmured Shining.

“Because you love the bottom,” Amity replied, tossing his own shirt aside and grinding his bulge against his lover’s.

Moaning out, he slipped off his own shirt and dropped it on the ground, grinding right back and letting his hands grasp onto both of Amity’s ass cheeks, squeezing as he leaned up and laid playful nibbles onto his ears. Amity growled in response, reaching down to firmly rub his crotch.

Luna smirked as she watched the pair, squirming a little as she became aroused. She absently began playing with one of her own breasts, moaning quietly at the sensation.

Amity pulled down Shining’s pants, revealing the navy blue boxers he wore underneath. Tossing the pants aside, he ran his tongue over the fabric of Shining’s underwear, teasing him. Shining moaned deeply at this, spurring Amity on to run his entire mouth along the silhouette of his length. His hips arched up and his hands gripped upon the satin sheets, trying not to sink into them fully. Amity smirked at his reaction and finally decided to have a little mercy, pulling his underwear off of him and freeing his trapped length.

“Mmm… I love doing this to you,” he murmured, flicking his tongue over the tip.

Shining couldn’t help but whine in pleasure. Oral was one of his biggest pleasures so feeling it once more, he wanted it to last for as long as possible. He chuckled softly and ran his hand up to stroke along Amity’s hair, running his fingers through Amity’s mane to push his mouth down fully down onto him.

Amity happily obliged, letting Shining’s impressive shaft slide into his throat, taking him in fully. He began sucking hard immediately, his head bobbing up and down on him, tongue playing along the shaft. He wasted no time with silly teasing now, determined to give Shining as much pleasure as possible. The prince panted, not used to being put in such a submissive position in years, finding it comfortable at first but he could feel his heart racing. Despite eyes closed, he knew Luna was watching and he could only imagine the big grin on her face while this was going on.

His thoughts abruptly cut off when he felt a finger probe at his entrance. Shining whimpered, trying to not tense up but unable to keep from doing so. It had been far too long since this had last happened. Sensing his nerves, Amity lifted his head and crawled back up to his face, kissing him reassuringly.

“Hey now, relax. You know I’d never hurt you,” he whispered.

“Y-yeah I know…” said Shining, slowly grinding up against him and kissing right back. “Don’t stop...alright? I haven't felt this good in ages.”

Amity nodded and pushed two fingers into him, slowly stretching him. He softly kissed along Shining’s neck while doing this, to keep him from tensing back up. He carefully spread his fingers apart, loosening his muscles gently. Shining moaned, pushing against the fingers, seeking more. Smirking, Amity discarded his own pants and underwear and positioned himself.

“Ready?” he asked.

“You ask me that now?” grinned Shining, reaching down to stroke softly along his hardened length and looked over to Luna, clearly very excited and holding his legs up for easier access.

Luna smirked as she watched Amity push into him, her hand sliding down her body. A light purr escaped her as she began to rub her clit to the scene before her.

Amity moved slowly at first, part of him still wanting to tease Shining. He watched his reactions carefully, enjoying having this power over him. Shining squirmed gently, his breath becoming hot and ragged nearly, adjusting to Amity’s endowment. He slowly rolled his hips and let his hands lay back against the sheets. Eyes closed, pleasure locked in, Shining found that familiar pleasure returning, Countless sessions in the past with Amity had reignited a side of him that he was slowly getting back.

Amity grasped Shining’s hips and began thrusting faster, angling himself to directly hit his prostate with every motion. Shining cried out, whimpering as the sensations began to drown his senses, blurring all thought beyond what was happening right now. And the line between dream and reality was also becoming blurred. Shining couldn’t tell what was real, only the pleasure that was spiking through his body. His moans soon became louder and filled with more erotic words. He grabbed onto Amity's body and brought him down into a passionate kiss, wrapping his legs around the grey stallion and forcing him down all the way, now fully enveloped in the pleasure.

Luna moaned, her fingers slipping into her now slippery hole, mimicking the very act her eyes beheld. Her other hand reached up to actively fondle her chest, her eyes almost rolling into the back of her head. She didn’t allow that, though, and continued to watch the stallions on the bed.

“O-ohh fuck Amity…” Shining couldn't help but whisper, nosing him and locking his arms around him tighter.

“You like that, sexy?” Amity teased. “You like me pounding your tight hole?” Shining could only nod in response. “What was that? I can’t hear you…” Amity gave a particularly hard thrust, causing Shining to yelp and shiver.

“Y-yes! O-ohh sweet Luna I have missed this…” he moaned, eyes nearly rolling in the back of his head. “H-harder, please...like you used to..”

“Ooooh… someone’s a dirty little buttslut,” Amity teased. He began pounding Shining relentlessly, making a constant stream of pleasure bombard his senses. All Shining could do was cling to the sheets and scream. He was utterly helpless against this assault. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed upon Shining, he was no longer the married Prince of the Crystal Empire, he was now a little cockslut for his best friend. And he sure as hell wasn't denying the pleasure, he welcomed it.

Amity’s thrusts became a little erratic, a sure sign he was close. Still he pounded Shining’s ass without mercy or hesitation, striving to drive him over the edge as well. Reaching down to help himself, he moaned out on every thrust, not wanting the pleasure to end as he gripped onto his best friend, letting him wreck his tight hole.

“F-Fuck!! And here I thought your tight ass couldn’t get any tighter!!” Amity growled out, gritting his teeth as he held off his climax as best he could.

Shining smirked, letting his horn glow as he cast a secret pleasure spike spell into Amity, knowing it would draw him right over the edge in an instant. Sure enough, Amity’s eyes squeezed shut and he howled loudly, unleashing his load into Shining’s ass. He shivered and collapsed, the intensity of it sapping his strength. He lay limply on top of Shining, panting harshly. The prince grinned, still with enough strength to roll over Amity...and suddenly pin him, growling playfully.

Amity and Luna both blinked at this. Amity looked up at Shining, surprised for a moment before suddenly grinning. “Soooo… what are you gonna do with this situation?”

Shining simply pet along Amity’s spine, targeting the lower area before leaning down to nibble on his neck. “What do you think, old friend? I have my ways…” he leaned up to look at Luna. “And give you the best show you’ve ever seen…”

Luna blushed at his words, smirking. “Then please your princess, Shining Armor,” she replied.

“One day I will for real…” he said with a smirk.

Looking down towards his prey, he rubbed his throbbing, sticky member against Amity’s hole and eagerly slid inside, sinking inch by inch and stretching him out. He eagerly, tugged on Amity's mane and pulled him up, grasping Amity's ass and proceeding to thrust at a steady rate.

Amity moaned, still highly sensitive from his climax. He whined and squirmed, biting his lip as he wrapped his legs around Shining’s waist. The sounds emanating from Shinings throat were nearly primal, full of lust and wanting, as he eagerly started to hump away into Amity’s hole. He panted as he held onto his waist and started to work a little harder and faster but then decided to slow down to a teasing rate. He grabbed onto Amity's wrists and pinned them up above his head and kissing him with deep and loving passion. When Amity began to get comfy, Shining went back into sharp and ruthless thrusts, each one targeting his prostate. and occasionally, he looked up to Luna and smirked happily, the pleasure creating an artificial high for him to enjoy.

Luna gazed back at Shining, her face flushed with arousal. She was now fully drilling herself with her fingers, liquid pooling around her seat. Even as he was pounding Amity, Luna could tell he was imagining doing that to her, and the thought turned her on even further. She whimpered, feeling her climax approaching.

“Sh-Shine!! Please!! I can’t take this!!” Amity begged.

“Who's the little slut now?” grinned Shining, giving Amity's rear a very firm slap, a sound that echoed in the room.

“AAH!!! I AM!!!” Amity screamed.

Shining grinned, holding onto his mane and sat comfortably on his knees, starting to slow down and then give one hell of a final rush, drilling and hammering at an alarmingly quick rate. He growled in nothing but bliss, kissing him deeply and then going to bite hard into Amity’s neck. He hadn't felt this much power in ages and he could feel himself let his thick load explode inside of Amity, their moans synchronizing in one glorious harmony.

...but Shining didn’t stop. Wrestling Amity onto his back and keeping him pinned by the shoulders, he proceeded to use his adrenaline from his climax to hump harder than usual into Amity, slapping his ass firmly and refusing to stop.

“Yeahh, that what I’m fuckin talking about…” growled Shining. “I haven't felt this alive in forever...your ass feels so fucking good, Ami…” Amity could only whine, moving his hips in a desperate plea for release.

Shining responded in kind with harsh and sharp thrusts, not wanting this pleasure to end as he continued on his sexual rampage. But once he felt himself getting close, he pulled out quickly and rolled Amity onto his head back, sitting on his chest and grasping his hand, the free hand stroking himself quickly.

“How bad you want this, sexy? Been a looooooong time…” he murmured to his friend.

“Please!! I want it! I need it!! Please!!!” Amity begged.

He grinned slightly and held onto Amity's head, forcing his length to go down his throat. His second load erupted straight down his throat and Shining nearly screamed out in pleasure, riding out all the waves he could till there were none left. He sat on his knees, panting and wiping his forehead of the clear sweat he had brought up.

Amity stroked himself as he sucked Shining off, and whimpered when his own second climax overtook him. Luna was unable to stand it anymore, and she too cried out as she released, squirting and thoroughly soaking the throne. Shining slowly laid down on his belly and smirked, panting softly and looking up at his Princess. Soon to be HIS Princess...