A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts

*Note: Caution! This Chapter contains explicit content. The most explicit part is toward the end of the chapter.

“A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts”

Chapter 2:
“Kindred Hearts”

The morning had come. Luna grimaced, as a bright light seemed to be glaring over her closed eyes. She pulled the blanket over her head. Opening her eyes, she realized it was day. To her surprise she felt rested. The alicorn removed the cover from over her head. Carefully she sat up. She leaned on her right front hoof and felt a familiar pain. Though it wasn’t as severe as it had been after her crash. Luna looked around the room. The chair by the sofa was vacant. Where had David gone? Her nose caught the scent of what seemed like something cooking. It smelled good, whatever it was.

David was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. To his delight rescuing the injured pony had not been a dream. The whole encounter felt like something from a fantasy novel or a role playing game. The situation clearly defied logic. Though his heart reminded him that sometimes logic just simply doesn’t apply. He noticed a rustling coming from the living room. He realized that Luna must have awakened.

Her host turned down the stove and left the kitchen to check on her. She was partly sitting up. The pony had turned her head to greet him. “Good morning Luna. How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Better and rather rested,” she answered. Luna smiled and added, “You kept watch over me last night…didn’t you?” He nodded. “That was very kind of you.”

David smiled. He walked over to her and knelt down. “So how are the injuries? Do they still hurt?” The kind man inquired.

“A good bit, but not like they did last night,” Luna replied looking at him.

He looked back into her teal eyes. Though she seemed to be free of any major physical pain, the look in her eyes seemed to suggest she was hurting emotionally. David couldn’t be sure and was reluctant to pry. Then he began to smell a slight burning smell from the kitchen. “Oh excuse me. I’d better get to the kitchen or breakfast will burn,” he said.

Luna wondered what he was cooking. She suspected he wouldn’t know what Equestrian ponies eat. It must have been human cooking she smelled. Though it’d been a really long time since she sampled human cuisine. Luna did have a fond memory of liking the taste of certain dishes. If memory served her, David’s kind ate both meat and vegetables.

Several minutes passed. David slowly entered carrying a serving tray. The smell of food was now quite strong in the living room. He placed the tray securely on the coffee table. “Sorry for the delay, but here’s breakfast,” David announced happily.

Luna glanced at the tray and was surprised at what she saw. There were actual food items she’d eaten regularly in Ponyville upon it. “Is this human food?” she asked curiously.

“Actually it is,” he replied. “I didn’t know what ponies like you ate so I just prepared some simple items. There’s pancakes, toast, lightly fried potatoes, some scrambled eggs, condiments and orange juice,” David remarked pointing at the various items on the tray.

“That’s astonishing,” Luna expressed. “These are much like items I eat where I come from.”

“Well then eat whatever you like. I brought some silverware,” he replied. “Oh do you drink coffee?” He asked. Luna gave him an odd look. “I’ll take that as a ‘no’ then. I’m not keen on coffee either. Now can you sit up?”

Nodding she removed the blanket completely. Luna sat on her hind legs and rested on her front legs making sure to not to put too much of her weight on the right. “There we go,” she said with a smile.

David smiled back at her. “Okay then. Go ahead and start, I’ll just be in the kitchen,” he replied. As he went to leave, he felt her hoof touch his right arm. Turning back he saw a puzzled look on her face. “What is it?”

“Aren’t you going to join me?” She asked dubiously. “This is far more food than I can eat alone. Plus I’d enjoy the company.” Luna looked at him with pleading eyes. There was no way he could turn her down. David took a seat in the chair beside the couch.

“You talked me into it,” he replied smiling contently. He pulled the corner of the table closer to her so she wouldn’t have as far to reach.

Luna reached out to pick up a fork. She felt nervous. It’d been a while since she handled one without her magic. Normally she’d just use her magic, but she didn’t want to use her powers without explaining things to David. Carefully she lifted the fork in her bandaged hoof. She sank it into the short stack of pancakes. After cutting a modest piece she plunged the utensil in and went to bring it to her mouth. Her hoof twitched causing her to drop the fork onto the tray. “Darn it!” She groused. Not wanting to take this lying down, she focused magic into her horn and gripped the fork. Lifting it from the tray, contents and all, she eagerly took a bite. The food had a very pleasing taste.

David dropped his fork rising to his feet. His eyes blinked in amazement. She looked over at him, the fork hanging from her mouth. “How did you levitate that fork?!” He gasped in awe. His eyes noticed a soft blue glow surrounding her horn and a matching one on the fork. “Your horn, it’s glowing!”

Luna removed the fork from her mouth holding it aloft by her magic. She smiled from his display of enthusiasm. “Why yes it is. My horn glows whenever I use my unicorn magic,” she explained.

“You can use magic?” David asked incredulously. His eyes were full of wonder. Never had he witnessed such a feat.

To Luna’s relief her host didn’t seem to be freaking out. Instead he seemed greatly impressed by her magic. “So my power doesn’t frighten you?” The mare asked.

“Uh-uh,” David uttered shaking his head. “It’s hard to believe this is real, but it’s just incredible! Were you born with this power?”

“Sort of. I’d need to explain it to you,” she answered.

“Well I sure would love to hear about it,” David remarked.

Luna smiled. “Okay, but mind if we finish breakfast first?” He smiled and nodded. The two finished their meal. David watched her use her magic with great fascination.

Following breakfast Luna did as she promised. She explained her story to him. As the pony told it, her new friend sat there eating up every word hungry for more. It was quite a bit of information to take in. Luna told him about her home in Equestria, which was actually another world. She also told him about her sister and their roles on their world and that both her sister and she were gifted with magic. The princess also explained the cutie marks on both sides of her flank. David had wondered what they were for, but didn’t want to be nosy. When he first met her, he hadn’t even really noticed the marks, because he was more concerned about her injuries. “Wow!” expressed David. “That was quite a story! So you’re an alicorn. And to think I thought they were nothing more than myths.”

“I’m sitting here talking to you aren’t I?” she inquired.

He chuckled. Luna was indeed seated there before him. “You do make a compelling argument,” he remarked. “Well I should clean these dishes and straighten up the kitchen. Let me know if you need anything.” The alicorn nodded smiling contently.

Time began to pass. In order to aid her recovery, David had Luna begin walking around the house a few days after her arrival. He wanted her to remain active so she wouldn’t lose any strength in her legs. The same was true of her wings. Periodically he’d take her outside and have her flex her aerial appendages keeping them strong. Many times she’d nearly take off, but a spasm would inevitably occur forcing her to land. Still her progress was very promising. He had no doubt that she would make a full recovery.

Princess Luna had been with David for over six days now. Her body was recovering quite nicely. Still there were times her host would look into her eyes and see a deeper-rooted pain. It was beginning to bother him. While Luna seemed jubilant on the outside, he suspected she wasn’t on the inside.

Luna’s new friend thought she’d enjoy getting out of the living room and checking out his room. He figured she’d be more comfortable laying on his bed. David led the lovely alicorn into his room. Luna studied the surroundings with great interest. His room was quite spacious. The walls had the same rustic cabin motif that the rest of his home possessed. There was a big queen size bed centrally positioned in the room. It was accompanied by a homemade nightstand seated on the right side. The room also had a chestnut stained dresser and two large sets of shelves containing David’s personal items and some books. There were two simple windows letting in daylight. They were framed with navy blue curtains. One window was on the far left corner and the other stood opposite the wall the bed was against.

“Go ahead Luna, try it out,” he said with a nod.

She studied the bed. It certainly looked inviting. There were four big plush pillows at the head end and a dark blue comforter covered the bed. Luna climbed up onto it and sprawled across caressing the soft texture of the top cover. “This is very nice,” she expressed with a light giggle.

David smiled at her. “I’m glad you like it,” he said leaning against the doorway swaying back and forth.

Luna smiled at him. “Would you care to join me?” she asked patting the empty spot beside her.

He held up his left hand. “Sorry princess it wouldn’t be proper,” David responded. Though she felt fairly certain he wasn’t being honest with her.

Luna let out a loud sigh. “I’ve told you before call me LUNA! You needn’t be formal with me just because I’m royalty!” She snapped slightly annoyed by his politeness. The princess then smiled at him playfully. “Now are you going to join me or am I going to have to drag you over here with my magic?”

He chuckled at her. David really didn’t have a choice. “If you insist,” he replied trying to conceal his grin. Luna’s smile grew. She suspected he had wanted to lie beside her. David sat on the edge of the bed. He was really enjoying the time he spent with her. In fact he could hardly remember the last time he felt so carefree. Luna was unlike anyone he’d ever met.

Gazing upon her he noticed her body color seemed to be changing. It was a distinct bluish purple now rather than a dark midnight blue. Her hair wasn’t the same anymore either. Originally he could have sworn it seemed to flow like a deep blue starry river. Now it was a bright shade of light blue minus the flowing effect. He couldn’t figure out why it had changed.

The alicorn rolled over and looked him in the eye. Her teal eyes expressed a true sincerity. He had no idea what she was thinking. Though he was beginning to feel a strong array of conflicting emotions. While he stared back at her, he could swear his heart was occasionally skipping a few beats. This alarmed him a bit. Was he developing feelings for Luna? David shook his head banishing such an absurd notion. Still he glanced back for another look into her beautiful eyes. That was when he saw that subtle pain pushing through again. He couldn’t resist asking her about it any longer. Gently he placed a hand on her chin. “Luna…” he began.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Is something bothering you inside. Your eyes seem troubled all the sudden.” He sighed. “This isn’t the first time I’ve observed this in you either,” David confessed.

Luna rolled over and sat up somewhat. There had been a dramatic change in her facial expression. Though David could see she wasn’t angry with him. Instead her eyes simply looked far sadder than he’d ever noticed before. A sigh quickly followed. Luna shook her head before responding. “It’s complicated.”

David scratched his head. That was hardly the answer he desired. He moved closer to her yet made sure to respect her personal space. “Luna you’ve told me a great deal already. Somehow I suspect there’s more to your story. From what you told me and legend explains…alicorns live long lives,” he spoke. After giving the matter some though he continued, “Is it something from your past that has you troubled?”

Luna’s face fell. She blinked her eyes several times. Looking closely he discovered the princess’s eyes began filling with tears. David felt his heart begin to fall. It was never his intention to make her cry. Luna gazed over at him through tear glazed eyes. “I…” she said trying to speak, but she broke down and began to cry. Unable to bear seeing Luna cry, David went to her and gently placed his arms around her. He held her close running a hand along her back. Among her sobs he noticed Luna uttered, “Thank you…D…David.”

“Luna…I’m so sorry,” he spoke softly bringing his hand to her mane. He began stroking the silky locks doing his best to comfort her. He could feel his own eyes becoming teary.

Luna’s body trembled as she continued to cry. Then she noticed his arms were wrapped securely around her. It brought a sense of comfort and security to her. The princess raised her head. She stared at him intently. David leaned back and got a tissue from the nightstand. Taking it, he gently dried her eyes, which were still looking directly into his. The princess sighed. “I must be a total mess,” she said. “Not very becoming for a princess.”

He placed a caring hand on her chin. “That’s where you’re wrong Luna. You are very much a princess. I think a person or in your case a pony, shows more character when you break down and cry, rather than keeping things bottled up inside.”

She smiled for him. “You’re too kind, and you are correct about what’s bothering me. Let’s just say my past was less than perfect. I wasn’t always like this. In fact I was once quite evil,” she confessed expecting him to withdrawal his arms. To her surprise he stayed just as he was. She blinked at him.

David shook his head. “Luna who you were doesn’t matter. It’s what you do now and in the future that will define the real you. From what I’ve seen you’re a grand princess. Admittedly I’ve never met a princess before you, but I like what I see in you,” he professed honestly.

“You do,” she uttered sniffing back some lingering tears. He nodded returning her smile. Luna hardly knew what to say. She felt a strong flutter in her heart. This was followed with a nervous swallow. For a moment she began to wonder if she was developing feelings for David. But how could it be? They were from different worlds and were clearly different species. Even if she were growing fond of him, would it even be proper to act on these emotions? “Let me go, please…” she spoke. He removed his arms from her though for some odd reason he did so reluctantly. The princess gradually pulled herself away from him leaving the bed.

David looked at her curiously. “Have I said or done something wrong?” he asked in earnest.

She shook her head. “No, it’s nothing,” the mare replied.

“Sorry for being nosy. If you don’t wish to go on about your past, I won’t force you,” he said shaking his head.

“It’s not that,” she sighed in frustration.

The room seemed to be filling with tension. David knew he had to do something. Then a thought occurred to him. “Say would you care to bathe. You’ve been here for over six days now. Maybe a bath would help lift your spirits. I know it always helps me.”

Luna turned and sniffed her side. She was beginning to smell quite rank. The floral perfume she had been wearing had nearly all but faded away. “I’d like that,” she responded.

He nodded as he walked over to the bathroom. There he pulled back the shower curtain and turned on the faucet starting the hot water flowing. “Do you prefer you baths hot, warm or on the cool side?” He inquired.

“Uh, a little hotter than warm,” she called in to him.

He adjusted the water and placed the stopper in the tub. David guessed it would be large enough for her. Thankfully she was a pony and not the size of a horse. Once the bath was ready, he gathered some soap, shampoo and clean towels for her. Looking at the shampoo bottle he hoped it would work on her hair. The hair in Luna’s mane was more like human hair anyway. David figured this one time shouldn’t hurt. “It’s ready Luna,” he called.

She gracefully entered the room. He directed her to the tub. There was a slight wave of steam rising up from the water. Luna took in a deep breath and exhaled. She went to step her right front hoof in and noticed the bandages. “Oh…I guess I should remove my bandages,” she remarked.

“Yeah, I think it will be okay to take them off for a bath,” he replied. “We can always replace them afterwards.” Luna nodded. David went to work carefully removing the bandages first from her ankle and then from her wing. “There you go.”

“Thank you,” she expressed. Luna placed her hoof slowly into the warm water. The temperature of the water was just right. She fully entered the tub.

David walked toward the doorway and said, “I’ll just give you some privacy. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Wait David!” She called out. “Don’t go!” He froze and felt a nervous sweat form on the back of his neck. “Aren’t you going to stay and wash my back?”

“But you have your magic… And won’t you feel awkward?” He asked turning around. She shook her head. The youthful man then realized given her injuries she might require help getting out of the tub. Though she seemed perfectly okay on her own, plus again she had her magic. “Okay then. But are you sure I’m not invading your privacy?”

Luna smiled at him. “No you’re fine David. I’ll feel more relaxed with you here,” she said. “Here,” she added. Her horn glowed with a blue light. Using her magic she held up a wet sponge. “Would you wash me?” She looked at him with playful eyes.

He felt a nervous rush of adrenaline. His heart began to quicken its pace. It was becoming quite clear to him that he was indeed quickly evolving feelings for Luna. Though it didn’t bother him, it just was a little alarming. Taking the sponge he squeezed on some body wash gel and lathered it up. He took a deep breath and began lightly scrubbing her left side. Her smile grew. “Let me know if I’m being too rough,” he uttered moving the sponge toward her neck.

“You’re fine,” she replied in a soothing tone. Luna closed her eyes savoring his touch. Her heart was racing inside, though she found the sensation rather enjoyable. The princess began to realize she really was growing more and more fond of David. For the time being she decided to sit back and see where her heart would lead her.

He continued lightly scrubbing her body being gentle around her injured wing. David worked the sponge around her neck, along her front legs down to her hooves. He made sure to be extra gentle around her injured ankle. Then he softly scrubbed her chest. The youthful man swallowed nervously. David knew she was comfortable around him, but he still wanted to be respectful. For the moment he decided to delay washing her flank and moved to her back. Luna turned her head and followed his movements, though she found her eyes wondering back to him. Even though he was nervous, David was smiling contently as he cleaned her. His smile brought a sense of ease to her. It seemed odd to her, but Luna really felt relaxed with him.

The sponge moved along Luna’s back. Periodically David would squeeze it releasing extra soap. Trails of white suds and water ran down her sides and joined the water in the tub. Next he began washing her face. The sponge moved across her cheeks, then under her chin and up past her nose nearing her forehead. David noticed her horn. He guessed it too needed cleaned. Slowly he moved the sponge to the base of the horn. There he hesitated for a moment. Luna had her eyes closed while he cleaned her face. She noticed the halt in his movements. “What’s the matter?” She asked still holding her eyes closed.

“Um well…” he stammered a bit.

Luna noticed the sponge was resting near her horn. Then she realized what was bothering him. “Oh my horn. Go ahead and wash it…you’ll be fine,” Luna replied. She wasn’t sure why he hesitated – however she appreciated his thoughtfulness.

“Okay,” he uttered. David resumed cleaning around the spire of her horn. As he gently scrubbed it, he clearly heard Luna sigh. But this wasn’t just any sigh. There was a clear note of pleasure in her quiet gasps as he worked the sponge along her horn. He had no idea it would be sensitive to touch. Her host finished washing it and was ready to move on.

He looked at the side of the tub and saw the old plastic cup laying near the faucet. Though he hadn’t taken a tub bath in awhile. The cup was often helpful in rinsing the soap off his body or the shampoo from his hair. He figured it would be equally useful in rinsing the soap from Luna’s body. Reaching over he lifted the cup and then submerged it in the water by her front legs. David began washing off the soap along her face, neck, front legs and her back. He didn’t have to say a word to her. She moved her legs or repositioned herself for him as he moved around the various areas of her body.

Now the time he had been slightly dreading arrived. He needed to wash her flank. David took the sponge and went to wash her thighs. Soap ran from the sponge along her cutie mark. He worked his way down her left hind leg and then as she shifted, he did the same for her right side. Then he arrived at the top of her rump. He gently washed along her tail. David made sure to be gentle. After finishing he went to lift her tail. Once it was lightly gripped in his hand, he stopped. Releasing his hold her wet tail dropped back into the tub.

“Is something wrong?” She asked looking back at him. He didn’t say anything. Luna saw a hesitant look on his face. She tried not to giggle. “Oh I see,” she replied. Using her magic she raised her tail and guided his hand sponge and all to her rear. “Go on David. I trust you.”

“You mean you don’t mind if I…look,” he spoke sounding increasingly nervous.

Luna smiled at him. His shyness amused her. “Go ahead…I don’t mind,” she replied in an angelic voice.

David merely nodded. Getting a hold of himself, he finally resumed. He moved further back to get a better position. There he indulged and briefly studied the area he was about to clean. Luna’s crescent was right there before him. To his amazement it was very much like a human woman’s. Though the princess’s was colored to match her body color and seemed rather enticing. That’s why he couldn’t help staring for a bit. Shaking his head he brought the sponge against it. Stealing himself he ever so gingerly began to scrub along the curves. He felt Luna flinch slightly and even noticed her sighing softly. At one point he must have hit a sensitive spot, because he heard her giggle briefly. Her laughter calmed him and now that he'd begun washing her backside, it didn’t bother him anymore. After cleaning the area with due attention, he filled the cup and rinsed off the suds.

“There you are Luna. Now would you like me to shampoo your mane and tail?” He asked.

Luna lifted her head, closed her eyes and nodded. “Please,” she responded sounding very relaxed.

Taking the cup in his hands he moistened her mane. Then getting the shampoo he worked it into a good lather. Luna kept her eyes closed. Her lower body remained immersed in the tub, while she kept savoring the movement of his hands throughout her hair. Once he finished working the shampoo through, he rinsed it out using the cup. David did the same with her tail. This time he wasn’t nervous tending to that area. In fact he noticed Luna was calm the entire time he washed her regardless of where he had touched her. It made him happy that she was so comfortable around him. Still he did his best to be respectful. He did not want to offend such a lovely princess.

The last of the soap was rinsed from Luna’s tail. “There you are. All clean!” He announced.

Luna stood up. Trails and beads of water flowed along the sides of her body and back into the tub. David placed a large towel on the floor in front. He helped her out and onto the towel. Then he took another towel and began drying her. In a few minutes he had completed. Her new friend looked at her mane. It was in need of a good brushing now. David walked over to the vanity and picked up a brush. “Here Luna. This is a spare brush I’ve never used. Why not use it on your mane, while I drain the tub,” he suggested.

“Okay,” she replied. Luna used her magic and enveloped the brush in a blue glow. Taking it she began working in through her long light blue mane. David returned to the tub. The water drained after he pulled the plug. He then proceeded to pick up the towels and tossed them in a nearby hamper. Luna walked over to him as he continued straightening up. “Thank you David!” She expressed graciously kissing his cheek. Luna smiled and trotted back over to the vanity. David dropped to his knees and sat there. He rubbed the cheek she had just kissed. Looking over at her, he wondered if the kiss meant what he thought it meant. Was Luna starting to really like him?

He shook his head and softly muttered to himself, “Nah, she was just showing her gratitude for the bath.”

Luna continued brushing her hair. As she brushed the alicorn stared at her reflection. There was something off in her appearance. “David!” she started. “Come here please.”

He rose to his feet and joined her. “What is it?”

“Does my appearance look different to you?” She asked.

He sighed and answered. “Well I didn’t want to alarm you before, but yes. I noticed when you were on my bed a little bit ago. But honestly I thought I was just seeing things.”

“It’s odd. I’ve not had this body and hair color for a few years now. I can’t figure out why it’s suddenly changing,” she replied.

David really felt clueless on this one. He had no idea what to do or say. Then a thought did occur to him. “Do you think your sister could help you with this once you go back to Equestria?” He asked.

“I’m not sure,” Luna began, “But she would be a good pony to start with.”

“Do you feel okay?”

Luna looked around and aside from her two wounds there was no additional pain. “It would appear I’m fine. Hopefully it’s nothing,” she remarked. Though it was indeed puzzling, the alicorn didn’t seem too freaked out. In fact she was glad he noticed the change as well. At least she wasn’t crazy. Part of Luna wondered it the change had something to do with her being on Earth. Regardless she saw no point in worrying too much about it.

He continued to tidy up the bathroom. Luna had walked out of the room. David then noticed a sound he could only conclude was Luna flopping onto his bed. “Are you going to be in there all day?” He heard her ask from the bedroom.

He chuckled rising to his feet. At least she still seemed to be in good spirits. David entered the bedroom. There lying on his bed was Princess Luna. She was on her side stretching. “Sorry for the delay. I was just cleaning up a little,” he replied. She threw him a happy smile. He sat down on the bed with her. “May I check your ankle and wing? I want to see how they are doing,” he explained.

Luna carefully sat up and slid over to him. She presented her right hoof to him. “Go ahead.”

He deftly took her hoof and moved his hands around the ankle. Softly he applied pressure. She didn’t react too much from the pain. It seemed she was definitely on the mend. David continued lightly pressing along the injured area of her right front hoof. “How’s that feel?” He asked.

“Pretty good actually,” she replied. “Though what are you doing?”

“I’m just lightly massaging it for you. It will help keep the circulation flowing. I’d like to do the same to you wing, if you’ll let me?” He asked considerately.

Luna smiled once again finding her eyes focusing on him. “You may.”

David concluded with her ankle and moved to get a good angle at her wing. Before he had to ask, Luna raised the wing extending it fully. At first he just visually examined it. Then he placed his hands lightly around the end feathers. She felt a light shiver run up her back as he touched her wing. Gradually he worked his way back to the base of the aerial appendage. He applied gentle pressure to the wing much like he’d done with the princess’s ankle. “How is the pain in the wing?” David inquired still lightly massaging it.

“Not too bad. Looks like I’ll be flying again in no time,” she remarked.

“Looks like you’re right,” he responded still tending to the wing. While he continued plying his gentle care, David felt a hoof start running along his back. “Huh?” He gasped lightly. Releasing the wing, he turned his head. Luna smiled at him tenderly. “What are you doing?” He asked her curiously.

“Just trying to return the favor. You’ve been so kind and helpful,” she commented continuing to run her hoof along his back. He smiled gazing into her beautiful eyes. Taking her hoof from his back, she patted the bed behind him. “Why don’t you lie down and rest a moment. You’ve been doing so much,” Luna expressed in appreciation.

“I’m happy to help princess,” he replied. David lay back beside her. He yawned as he stretched. Luna moved closer to him and brushed against him. Her eyes peered deep into his and he in turn did the same. “Luna…” he whispered.

“Yes,” she said softly.

“What are you—“ Luna leaned closer to him. David could feel her warm breath on his face. He felt his cheeks begin to turn flush and his heart began beating faster. She didn’t know why, but she began feeling drawn to him. A curiosity possessed her. Slowly she pressed her lips to his. His eyes widened in surprise. At first he wasn’t sure how to proceed. Luna had her lips pressed firmly against his. David could feel the intensity radiating from her. It suddenly became clear to him how to respond. Following his heart, David wrapped his arms around the beautiful alicorn and pushed back with his lips. Luna felt the reciprocation in his kiss. This added to her excitement. The princess carefully placed her front hooves around him. They could feel the breath from one another as they breathed through their noses. The kiss concluded but they remained embraced. “Luna,” he gasped looking back into her eyes. He felt a nearly indescribable sensation in his chest. For a moment it began to unnerve him. Could it be what he thought it was?

“David,” she spoke softly. The princess stared back into his eyes. She had the most sincere expression on her face. She continued to smile. There seemed to be something major on his mind and she managed to glimpse it in his eyes.

He felt the urge to tell her what he was feeling inside, but he was a little unsure. While Luna appeared to be feeling something for him, was it to the same degree? Plus there was always that potential of feeling the fool, but if he held his tongue would he miss the chance to express his feelings? Too many questions swirled about in his mind…all born of a single kiss. Regardless he had to do something. The anxious feeling he felt many times in his youth returned to haunt him. So many times he failed to speak his mind and ended up regretting it later.

“Luna…I,” he spoke. Not sure how to begin he just squeezed her gently in his arms and began nuzzling her cheek.

She blushed and smiled even more form his gesture. Luna could feel a strong emotion coming from him. Her own heart beat with nearly the same feeling, of this she felt certain. “I’ve come to mean a great deal to you in such a short time…haven’t I?” She inquired softly.

“Yes, you mean so much to me Luna…I hardly know how to put it in words. I’m not sure how strong the feeling is…but I…you…the feeling is real!” He professed keeping his arms around her.

She leaned over to his ear and whispered, “It is real…because I feel it too.” Luna pulled back and once again looked at him still smiling. “In the short time we’ve spent together – you’ve come to mean a lot to me. Like you I am as yet certain how to label this feeling…but I know like yours it is quite strong.”

“Dear sweet Luna,” he said caressing her hair.

Her blush deepened and she ran a hoof over his hair. She giggled softly. The emotions made her feel like a little filly. “My caring David,” she uttered. Then she felt a slight pain in her injured hoof. “Ouch.”

“Oh my. I should re-bandage your wounds my lady,” he remarked. “I have to let you go, but I’ll be back with fresh dressings for your wounds.”

“Alright, just don’t be too long,” she replied letting him go. He slowly departed not wanting to leave her side. However he stepped out and went for the first aid kit.

A few minutes passed and he returned. Opening the kit, he removed some fresh bandages. “I’m glad I consulted that medical website on how to treat sprains. We were also fortunate that your injuries were so minor. In a sever case you might have needed surgery,” David stressed. Luna wasn’t really paying attention to the details of his words, but was touched by his level of concern. She had begun humming a random tune while he applied the fresh bandages. He began with her right front hoof and then went to work on her left wing.

As he continued wrapping the bandage an idea came to him. “Luna,” he said.

“Yes David, what is it?”

“I was wondering it you’d like to go out and look at the stars tonight?” He answered completing the work on her bandages.

Her face lit up. If there was one thing Luna loved to do, it was stargazing. She especially loved the idea of doing the activity with someone. “I’d liked that very much. The stars seem so different from the skies of your world. I’d love to see them with you!” the alicorn declared.

“Glad to hear you say that. And there, how is that?” He asked closing the first aid kit.

Luna examined her new bandages. They seemed to be secure, yet comfortable. “They are perfect,” she replied kissing his cheek. “Thank you!”

The remainder of the day went on like normal. The two chatted, Luna did some resting and a few mild exercises to help strengthen her ankle. Evening arrived and he prepared a special meal. He found himself omitting meat from most of the meals. David wasn’t sure if Equestrian ponies could eat meat, so he didn’t even want to take the chance. Besides the polite thing to do was be considerate of his guest. The feelings he had developed for Luna left him only too happy to please her anyway.

They enjoyed their meal together. David had set his dining room table and prepared a nice spread, complete with lit candles. Luna hadn’t seen such a display in quite some time. While there were lit candles present at the meals in Canterlot Castle, for some reason they didn’t stir the same emotional response that David’s two simple candles did.

After dinner the time Luna had been awaiting arrived. They were going to gaze up at the starry night sky together.

The front door of the quiet ranch house opened. David stepped outside accompanied by Luna. He led them a good fifty yards from the house. There out in a vast grassy field the night vista sprawled out like an artist’s masterpiece. The moon had nearly reached its pinnacle in the dark blue canvas. The stars were already shining their tiny lights dotting the nightscape with their glow. Luna glanced up at them and then over at her friend. Her eyes seemed to glisten with a light of their own in the cover of night. David smiled at the excited pony. Stargazing was always something he longed to do with a special lady. He could think of no one better than Luna to share it with. She continued monitoring the sky. The alicorn began to notice the brightest stars were forming distinct patterns. They reminded her of the constellations on Equestria, yet their orientation was off.

“David, I don’t recognize any of these constellations. Their arrangement is different from Equestria,” she noted waving a hoof across the dark sky.

It never occurred to him before, but on other worlds the brightest stars might form different patterns. Seeing as Luna was unfamiliar with the patterns in Earth’s sky, he was more than happy to point out some. “Well Luna, do you see that group of three stars over there?” he asked pointing. She nodded. “That is the belt of the constellation Orion, he was known as the great hunter. Those other stars at the outlying points complete his look.” Luna followed David’s hand as he directed her eyes to the other stars forming Orion. He proceeded to share with her other constellations as well. She enjoyed every moment of it. For a while the two just gazed up into the celestial heavens wondering just how far they were seeing. “I wonder if one of those lone bright stars is Equestria?”

Luna moved closer to David and rested her head against him. “It just might be,” she replied staring aloft.

“Don’t worry Luna, you’ll be well enough to fly in a few more days. Then you can take that odd doorway back to your world. We’ve seen that it appears in the same place each night,” he remarked. A wave of sadness coursed through him following his words. David had almost forgotten. Luna’s time on Earth was only temporary. He knew once she was well, she would have to go back home. After all she had duties there and a life to return to.

“David, I was wondering about something,” Luna remarked.

“And what’s that?” He asked.

“Does anyone raise or lower the Moon here on Earth, or for that matter the Sun?”

He chuckled as he recalled her explanation about the roles her sister and she played in Equestria. “It may surprise you, but here the moon raises and lowers itself. The Moon orbits the Earth and as it moves it makes its trek across the night sky each and everyday,” replied David.

“Then I suspect it’s similar with the Sun as well,” she noted. He nodded. Luna then noticed a change in his tone. Before he mentioned her returning to Equestria he seemed his normal self. Now he seemed a little depressed. The alicorn moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. “Are you okay David?”

He sighed. It seemed he was terrible at hiding his true emotions from her. “I’m alright…it’s just I felt sad when I realized you will have to leave before too long.”

“I’m not going anywhere just yet. I still have a few more days to recover. And who knows what the future will hold,” Luna remarked.

David sighed softly. “Luna.” The tone in his voice almost seemed to haunt her.

She began to shiver as the night air began growing colder. Luna moved even closer to David. He seemed to always give off a lot of warmth. “David, I’m cold.”

He could feel her move closer to him. Tenderly he covered her with his arms. “Don’t worry Luna, I’ll keep you warm,” he replied holding her close.

The pony sighed happily. “We should go back inside,” she suggested. David nodded as they made their way back to the house.

As the night reigned on, thick clouds began to silently creep in slowly covering the sky. In the distance flickers of lightning pulsed once in a while. The human’s home sat silently in the still of night. David and Luna had both gone to bed. He rested in his bed, while she retired to the couch. Though sadly neither one slept well that night. Their minds each flowed with a myriad of thoughts and questions. When they did manage to drift off, a varying degree of nightmares would plague their slumber. Luna was visited by images of her past, and then by the memory of her crash. After the impact instead of waking up, her dream diverged along a new path. This time she was with David. She felt very happy and at peace. All seemed to be well. Suddenly she found herself free of her bandages. Her wounds were healed and she was flying in the air. Looking down Luna saw her human friend standing alone below. Glancing up she discovered she was heading for the gateway home. The princess wanted badly to change her course but for some reason she couldn’t. Turning back to look at David one more time she noticed him walking away in a very dejected manner. This stirred a new breed of pain within her heart. It hurt more than the pain of her past. Try as she might, there was nothing she could do to alter her path. Luna cried out! She didn’t want to leave him, but it was too late. Her vision blurred and was replaced by darkness. The pony tore from her sleep and sat up. Luna panted heavily until she realized where she was. The dream had seemed so real.

Using her magic, Luna created a gentle light illuminating her surroundings. She sighed graciously. There she was still in David’s living room. It was just a horrible dream. Luna’s heart continued to ache. An irrational need to see her dear friend possessed her. She had to know he was all right and that it really was just the foolish fear of a dream. Carefully she rose to her hooves and began her walk to his bedroom. The house was dark save for a nightlight in the kitchen. His bedroom door was partially closed. She didn’t like the idea of just barging in, but she had to. Luna slowly opened the door and trotted in. The alicorn still had her horn lighting the way. There lying on his side was David.

“You couldn’t sleep either?” He said solemnly.

Unable to restrain herself, Luna rushed over and placed her hooves around him. David immediately felt her caring embrace around him. “David!” She cried. The rain began to fall outside the house. It started softly and gradually increased to a steady shower.

“Luna,” he sighed. Turning to face her, he reached over and lit the nightstand lamp. Its glow blanketed the room in a gentle light. Luna dowsed her horn. “You seem quite upset. What happened?” He asked.

She turned her head away and said, “This will sound silly, but I had a bad dream where I had to leave you. It was horrible.”

He smiled at her. Reaching out he placed his arms around her. “Come here Luna,” he spoke tenderly. “It’s going to be okay.” The alicorn princess looked at him. Her eyes were partially filled with tears. He motioned for her to climb into his bed. She joined him and returned his embrace gradually calming down.

“David, don’t let me go,” she pleaded.

“Never Luna…never,” he whispered stroking her lightly mussed mane. David kissed her forehead. He could almost feel her body tremble. His grip tightened as he hoped to comfort her. “If it will make you feel better, why not sleep here tonight.”

She nuzzled him happily. “Thank you David,” she replied quietly. Luna sighed again. Her anxiety began to lessen. She laid there looking at him. “David?”

“Yes?” He looked back into her teal eyes.

At first she hesitated then she spoke. “Do you want me?” Luna gazed at him with enticing eyes void of any contempt or deception.

“I…” David tried replying, but Luna placed a hoof over his mouth.

“Don’t answer yet. I just wanted to present the question,” she explained. Luna sighed for a moment gathering her thoughts. “You see it’s been a very long time since I’ve been comforted by someone special like you. There is no one else back in Equestria quite like you. That’s why…I’d like it…if you’d help me find some needed release,” she spoke gazing at him with her bedroom eyes. Luna removed her hoof allowing him to reply.

David took a moment to let what she had just asked sink in. He smiled feeling touched once again by her. “Luna, I’d be delighted,” he replied. “I only hope I am worthy of someone as magnificent as you.”

“You are – I can feel it in my heart,” she replied caressing his cheek with her left hoof. They smiled at each other gazing deep into their soul windows. The anticipation made their yearning grow. “Why not lose those bothersome undergarments?” David nodded. He rose and removed his T-shirt and underwear leaving both lay on the floor. Luna smiled as he crawled back into bed.

The two moved close and embraced each other. David was growing fond of having her hooves wrapped around him. Luna equally enjoyed the feeling his embrace brought. He ran his fingers through her silky light blue mane resting his gaze upon her. “You’re so beautiful Luna,” he uttered. She blushed from his tender words. The two leaned in sensing what was going to happen next. Their lips met for a needed passionate kiss. The lovers closed their eyes and savored the moment. Slowly their mouths opened as they let their tongues meet for an intriguing union. The couple caressed each other tenderly as the kiss continued. The kiss concluded as their eyes met once more.

The purple alicorn coaxed her human mate onto his back. Using her magic she gradually removed her wing bandages. She let out a pleasurable sigh now that her wings were free. They rose to attention fully extending. She blushed lightly feeling her arousal grow. Luna placed her hooves on David’s chest and began running them down across his belly. He closed his eyes and sighed taking in every movement she made. Her eyes glanced down and discovered his manhood standing at attention. It was quite different from a stallion’s, but it looked just fine to her loving eyes. Grinning devilishly she ran her hooves along his sensitive area. Her ears could hear his shivering gasps of pleasure. Not wanting to leave her out, David reached out and placed his hands gently on her horn. Luna’s eyes widened from the stimulation. Gingerly he ran his fingers across its textured surface. She gasped his name as ripples of pleasure surged up her spine. The alicorn’s horn began to flicker with a blue intermittent light. Luna felt the fires of passion surge within her. She moved back up and rejoined her lips to his. He withdrew his hands from her horn and began running them along her back heading for her rump. The texture of her fur was still so amazingly soft, even softer than velvet. David caressed her cutie marks noticing the fur was just as incredibly soft there. His touch continued to bring her surges of pleasure. Luna knew where his hands were going, so she moved closer to him and his now yearning loins. Their breath had begun quickening as their anticipation level continued to rise. This time David didn’t hesitate when he reached her flank. His fingers lightly caressed her crescent being ever so gentle. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. It’d been so long since that area had been properly stimulated. The feeling from his touch was riveting.

Luna continued caressing him with her hooves. The two began feeling more and more intoxicated. They halted their actions and kissed again. The alicorn smiled at him and simply whispered, “David.” Luna repositioned herself. Her wings remained fully extended. She moved her burning loins so they were just barely touching his. He guided her down as they moved together forming the ultimate union. The lovers’ bodies quaked with pleasure and burned with desire. Never had either one imagined something like this would feel so good. David placed his hands affectionately on her thighs and softly whispered her name. She lightly uttered his name placing her hooves against his fairly hairy chest. A rhythm began forming between them as their pleasure continued to grow. They continued sharing kisses as their bodies surged with passion. Their breaths became quicker and shallower. The emotion continued growing and growing until finally the two felt like they were melting into each other truly joining together as one. David moved his arms so they were now wrapped around her back. He gently pulled her down against him. Luna placed her hooves around him. Their breathing slowly began returning to normal. The lovers gazed deep into each other’s eyes. For that one blissful moment, nothing existed outside their beating hearts.

The two moved apart lying together on his bed. “Luna,” he gasped. “That was wonderful.”

She panted lightly and replied, “It was indeed. Oh my.”

The couple could breath normally again. “Come here,” he uttered motioning to her. “Why don’t we cuddle for a bit.” Her face lit up. Luna happily moved over and snuggled against him.

“David…I,” Luna sighed resting her hooves on his chest.

“Luna,” he replied kissing her forehead.

She sat up for a moment. “Oh wait, my wing bandages.” Using her magic she quickly secured them back around her wing. Then she nestled back down with her human lover placing her hooves back against his chest. She sighed and smiled contently.

He covered them both and placed his arms affectionately around her. “Luna, I think I may be falling in love with you,” he spoke softly.

“That’s good…because I think I’m falling in love with you David,” she whispered letting out a quiet yawn. Their heads sank into the pillows as they slowly drifted off to sleep. Outside the rain continued to fall. Distant claps of thunder and periodic flashes of lightning accompanied the falling water. Even with the a storm brewing the two slept on peacefully.