Living with the Night

Chapter 15

Plan C

After a quick breakfast Connor and the blue mare met up with Comet and the other stallions at Mac’s farm. The group was circled around Comet who was explaining what happened when he tried to propose to Twilight. “I told you that cliff was dangerous.” Caramel stated as Connor entered.

“How are you feeling Comet?” Connor asked as he looked at the yellow stallion.

“Red Heart said it’s just a small concussion.” He said with a smile.

“Good to know that your thickheadedness is paying off.” Pierce said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the repaired ring. “I tightened the clamps around the stone so it won’t slip out again.” Comet thanked him and took the ring back. “Lose that and I’ll kill you.”

“Do you really think I’m that dumb?” The group was silent for a long moment as they stared at him. “Shut up.” He muttered.

“So got any more ideas?” Mac inquired. The group all fell into discussion about a number of ideas that could work but Comet shot them all down. Their talk was getting them no where and the group of friends were only getting more frustrated.

“I might have an idea.” The guys all turned to see Luna in her disguise approaching them.

“An idea for what?” Thunder said dumbly. Luna rolled her eyes.

“I know about the plan.” She said in a hushed tone as she stood beside Connor. The males all turned to glare at the human. “I saw the ring and you have a terrible poker face Comet. It’s a miracle no one else has caught on what you’re doing.” Comet groaned and rubbed his forehead.

“What’s your idea?”

“I happen to know that the Grand Galloping Gala is only two weeks away.” The group gave each other a look of surprise.

“Wait, isn’t that always in the Summer?” Pierce said as he scratched his head.

“It was cancelled to help repair the city after Tirek’s rampage and now that everything is back in order, the date has been rescheduled.” Luna said with a smile.

“How do you know that?” Without missing a beat, Luna answered the stallion.

“I have a few friends in Canterlot who work in the castle and you know how fast news spreads.”

“I thought Twilight said that was a total disaster?” Connor recalled the story the mares shared with him.

“You kidding me? It was a riot!” Soarin exclaimed as he recalled the events of that night and let out a loud boisterous laugh. “By far the best one Spits and I have ever been too.”

“Perfect, You take a really shitty night and turn it into the best night of Twilight’s life.” Connor suggested.

“Yeah, that could work.” Pierce said. “And we’ll be there to help you out.”

“We will?” The group said in unison.

“Yes, we don’t leave fellow stallions and humans hanging.” Pierce reaffirmed with a glare. The group all looked at one another and nodded.

“Ah’m in.” Mac stated. The other males agreed with the stallion.

“Now, how are we going to convince Twilight to go?” Connor smirked at the question and tugged his ear so Luna could see and open their channel.

Think Celestia could help us out here?

No problem.

“I think I know a way.” Connor smirked. “I’ll see if it can work, in the meantime see if you can get everyone together.”

“Rarity will need no convincing.” Thunderlane kicked off from the ground and took the skies with Soarin as the group dispersed. Connor and Luna slowly made their way back into town.

“When did you hear about the gala?”

“Just this morning.” Luna sighed. “Tia is insisting I attend.” The mare rolled her eyes at the thought.

“Aren’t you a Princess, I thought it was your job to mingle with high society?”

“You forget a few months ago I sent the crowned prince flying out of a window with a kick.” That was concerning and the whole reason why Luna had moved in with him. He could tell by the mare’s body language that something was troubling her. She was unusually quiet and her usual display of confidence was wavering. Connor wouldn’t pry into her affairs if she didn’t want to share them.

They got back home and settled on spending some time gaming. The silence and tension forming was extremely thick as the hours passed. One by one the confirmation text arrived saying the plan was coming together. Rarity was already hard at work making outfits for the group. As dusk started to appear the awkward tension became too much.

Connor paused the game and turned to face the mare.

“Okay Luna what’s going on, you’ve been acting weird all day long.” Luna dropped her head and sighed. She didn’t look sad, but anxious. She gripped the edges of her shirt and sighed.

“I have to go back to Canterlot.” A small stone formed in the human’s gut as he processed the words. “Celestia needs my help with setting up the event and I am unsure if I will be able to return.”

“Oh, I see.” The two were silent for a long minute. “When do you have to leave?”

“Tomorrow.” That stone sank deeper in his stomach. He knew Luna would return eventually, but he didn’t really think about how soon it would be. Hard to believe it had only been a few months since then, it felt like they’ve lived together for years now.

“Well, we’ll probably see each other at the Gala.” Mention of the even made her grumble. “Not a fan of parties?”

“I do not look forward going to massive social gathering alone.” Connor gave a half hearted laugh earning him a glare from the Princess. “Pray tell, what’s so amusing?”

“You go to the Gala alone? Yeah right.” The human chuckled. “If you show up alone I’ll wear a dress.”

“Glad to see someone finds humor in my pain.” Connor walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. The warm feeling spread through her and calm slowly replaced some of the anxiety.

“I’m sorry. I know you have mixed feelings about going back to Canterlot but I’m sure everything will be okay.” Her hand went to the one on her shoulder and squeezed.

“I’m just going to miss you.” She felt her cheeks grow dark as she admitted that to him and herself. He would miss her too and when he pulled his hand away, felt a small shiver of sadness form in his chest. The ate dinner in silence and headed to bed. In the morning Connor awoke to see Luna was gone.

Luna arrived in the Royal Canterlot castle with a flash of light and her bag of belongings slung over one shoulder. As she made her way to her room Celestia greeted her with a sisterly hug. “It’s so good to have you back Lulu. There’s a lot of planning to do.” Celestia started listing off the most important things as Luna reached the doors to her room.

“Yes Tia, let me just put my things- WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE STARS!?” Luna had spent days organizing her vast collection of video games and consoles. It was probably the most organized space she had in her room. That space was now devoid of any games safe for an Xbox 360 and a single game. Luna whirled on her sister and glared.

“Tia! What have you done with all my games?” Celestia grinned ruefully.

“I received a letter from Connor a few days ago about you snooping into his memories and using them against him?” Luna pursed her lips and mumbled something under her breath. “He said you needed to be punished and I agreed, though the request was unusual. He said you cannot play any games until you’ve finished that one.” She gestured to the green game case on the desk.

“That’s it? Just beat that game and then you’ll give me my stuff back?” Celestia nodded. Luna was surprised, she expected more from Connor given his mischievous nature. “Easy.”

“Gaming will have to wait until after you’ve helped me organize the Gala.” Luna nodded and Celestia left the room to get started. Luna walked over and inspected the lone game.

The human must be losing his touch for punishment. How is playing a Sonic game from 2006 a punishment?