Author's Note

Celestia Jumpscare

I'm back. Sorry for the delay, all!

This chapter and I have been staring at each other for weeks now, so I'm going to post what I have at 5:00AM so that I do not have a chance to second guess myself like I've been doing.

Let me know what you think and if you see any glaring inconstancies or typos. I think I did a pretty good job at checking for them, but I'm always welcome to be corrected. This will stay in the rough draft stage for roughly a week, and if I don't hear anything, consider this done-zo until the next chapter.
Edit: Removed the Rough Draft in title.

Lastly, some(well a lot of) NSFW elements in this chapter. Do you guys prefer that I mark them with a CTRL+F skip? Or do you just skim through them often times? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Chapter Twelve: Doubts

***Celestia's P.O.V*** **Third-person**

Princess Celestia woke up quite early to the coming day. Obviously before she could raise the sun, as is natural for one who brings about the day. It was a habit deeply ingrained into her very being for the past thousand or so years. She'll admit that she was concerned that she would hardly get any sleep since last night, but despite the events from yesterday she felt relaxed and refreshed in the serene ambiance of her guest room within the crystalline walls of Twilight Sparkle's castle.

An unintended benefit of this castle manifesting itself is the sheer volume inside as well as the dozens of different rooms within. It felt much bigger on the inside, and Twilight Sparkle chose to add thoughtful touches and comforts befitting royalty for each guest room since she had an overabundance of them. Many of them have been tailored by her to suit the needs of her friends and family. Funnily enough, some of these rooms served as critiques for how she viewed certain ponies.

Take the Crystal Empire's most talked about "power couple", for example.

Prince Cadance and Prince Shining Armor's room had a strange assortment of items to those that didn't know them well. They ranged from a pink heart-shaped bed, a weapons rack with assorted armaments hoof-cuffs(which Celestia suspected the couple likely use, though not with Twilight's use case in mind), pink blue bean bag chairs with a reading lamp between them, along with a bookshelf containing gushy(and frankly quite steamy) romance novels and graphic comic books, a vanity set with dozens of make-up shades, and a table-top for table top role-playing and board games. There was even a miniature refrigerator that was intended to be stocked with corn dogs upon being notified that a particular visit from Shining Armor was going to happen. It seemed a little-on-the nose at the time, but the rest of the royals found it to be thoughtful of her to go so far.

This critique of ponies was no more evident than in Princess Celestia's guest room, and it reflected thir deep bond and the respect her student has for her teacher.

Celestia's room was visibly "Celestia's", as one would tell at first glance. Fully outfitted with items and luxuries she would need to complete her duties away from her study in Canterlot. There were a great many books littering the many shelves against the walls, and her room had a writing desk complete with quills and a parchment wax sealing kit with Celestia's insignia. The artwork littering the walls had many motifs of the sun and the light it brings, with even the round bed in the middle of her room being decorated with white and yellow sheets. While this was nice, Celestia's favorite addition to her room was an inconspicuous cork board that was hanging off to the side of her desk, along with the items hanging off it.

The first of which was the fact that Twilight took the liberty of writing out both notes and schedules of Ponyville businesses and hot-spots, as well as a hoof-written "take-out" menu with impeccable penmareship. This menu contained items from both the restaurants in Ponyville as well as underlined items from Sugarcube Corner that she thought Celestia would like. This menu had a suspicious amount of items from Sugarcube corner, but Celestia knows that she would end up gravitating toward Sugarcube corner without this menu anyway, if only to say hello to Pinkie Pie and her landlords. Celestia could always just look at the menu upon walking into the establishment, but she had a feeling that Twilight did this herself to try and save Celestia as much time as possible in her busy days. Twilight could probably give Miss Raven Inkwell a run for her money if she wasn't so focused on learning more about the Magic of Friendship.

The other item was a folder containing a few dozen letters and drawings of the Ponyville school house's young students, addressed directly to her. They were such inquisitive minds, asking "Where does the sun go when it goes down?" or "How heavy is it?". One even asked what would happen if there were two suns...Celestia found herself envious of Miss Cheerilee's lifestyle from time to time.

Oh, and one mustn't forget that there was even an avian roost in case Celestia ever wanted to bring Philomena to visit.

When it comes to ponies she cares about, Twilight Sparkle certainly does not know when to hold back. While Celestia had no need to use her private office often, she couldn't help but admire the gesture and could feel the love Twilight poured into each item in this room.

Even after the events of yesterday and the day before, Celestia had never been woken up more comfortably nor relaxed. As a matter of fact, she slept quite as well for the first time in centuries. Was it the fact that she finally cleared the air and spoke more of her past to her newfound family? Was it that Ponyville's recovery was nearing it's completion? Perhaps, it could have simply been the start of a new day for her. Nevertheless, this was a good morning for her and her sister's subjects, and she would not let it go to waste.

After a trip to her room's washroom and making herself presentable, she silently moved across the room. Her hooves make little sound on the smooth crystal floor in defiance to the pep in her step. She even found herself humming a little tune that she herself doesn't remember hearing anywhere, yet the melody seemed natural and easy enough to continue without much thought. The time she spent sleeping had energized and revitalized her to literally start the day for herself and everypony else, and she is glad that her sister offered to take first watch.

Approaching her room's balcony, she prepares herself for the sacred duty she has performed since she was first bestowed the responsibility—the raising of the sun. This daily ritual, more than a mere task, is a profound expression of her connection to all of Equestria and its inhabitants, a renewal of her promise to usher in light and warmth to her beloved land.

Oh, one more thing...The balcony of the room Twilight picked for Princess Celestia's faced east toward where the rising sun should be. What a thoughtful decision of Twilight's...

Yet, as Celestia walked onto the cool dark balcony and began to raise her sun, a sight unexpectedly greeted her. Luna's moon still hung high in the sky rather than barely kissing the horizon as it should have been by now, as Celestia's internal clock was telling her. It's presence was not necessarily unwelcome, but it was overdue for its rest. In the soft light of her approaching dawn, Celestia stood there confused.

Celestia signaled out into the ether of the castle in attempts to get a response from her sister.

("Luna, are you awake?")

Of which, none came.

Flaring her wings out, she used her Alicorn magic to take hold over Luna's moon to lay it to rest until its return later in the evening. It's certainly been a while since Celestia had to do this, but even if it was a more strenuous start to her morning than she would like, it had to be done. After all, letting it hang in the sky would cause their subjects to think the worst. Her little ponies can be jumpy like that.

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("Luna, I lowered your moon for you. I understand if you are tired this morning, but you must not let this get in the ways of the responsibilities we share. Has the human awoken yet?")

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Still no response.
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("Luna. I know you're awake. Please say something... Are you still upset with me?")

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Silence... Is it possible that the nullification zone in Edgar's room was interfering somehow? It's not air-tight, and it's only meant to dampen the melody magic swirling around him. Then again, this method of containment was theory and Edgar was the first human it was being used on.

Celestia extended her ethereal reach and let her mind telepathically echo across the castle to link with another Alicorn.
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("Twilight, are you awake?")

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No response...
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Until suddenly...

("Yes Princess Celestia. I'm here with Shiny and Cadance, as well as Blueblood. They got here a short while ago. I would have asked Luna to join, but her guards said she wasn't in her room.")

("She wouldn't be. Shortly after you left, Luna said she was going to stay up the entire night to fix her sleep schedule. In the event Edgar the Human had awoken during the night, she was planning on placating him, should he still be concerned of me. However, I had not been able to reach her. I suspect that the Nullification Barriers we installed may be interfering with our ability to communicate. I did not have a chance to put its use into practice until now, so I had not foreseen a situation where we would need speak to somepony from across it.")

("That doesn't sound right. She was able to call guards in to detain one of her centurions while inside Edgar's room. If she can send a link out, we should be able to send a link in. She should have heard you.")

("...Twilight, can you get in contact with Luna?")

A bright bubbly voice started to make itself known in Princess Celestia's mind.

("~♫Good Moooorning Auntie Tiaaaaa~♫. Shiny and I got here from the train about an hour ago. Twilight and her new Unicorn friend woke up early and met us at the train station, so we're passing the time learning more about this "Edgar" stallion. Is it true he kicked a Changeling Queen's flank? Also, did you and Auntie Luna make up yet? I heard you both got into a fight. What happened?")

("We can discuss this later with Luna, but not right now. Anything Twilight?")

("She's not answering. Maybe she fell asleep?")

Princess Celestia was starting to get anxious now. She felt her fur rise on end as a shiver went through her body as she paced back and forth on the balcony. Her blood ran colder as her ears started to rise straight up. Something was very wrong here, and her intuition caused her mind to run rampant. She was terrified of what may be happening right now, and turned her attention back to her attempts to reach Luna, but with more power behind her attempt.

("Luna, I know that you were upset that I wouldn't apologize to him...I'll do it now. I will bow my head to him and explain why I can't trust him, but I'll be civil...I'll even make pancakes for the both of you to help make up for it. Just give me a sign that you can hear me...please.")

"...Please." At the same time she tried to reach out to Luna, Celestia whispered this out loud to herself as if to get through to her sister by some means other than their telepathic connection. She waited a moment...

Then two...

Then five…

Nothing from Luna...

("...Twilight, tell your brother to assemble any of the Crystal guard he may have brought with him and meet me outside Edgar's room as quickly as they possibly can.")

("What?!? Wait a minute, what's going on???")

A golden glow enveloped the golden halberd that was leaning against the wall of her room before it levitated and made its way out the door, trailing just barely at Celestia's side. In truth, her first instinct upon learning a human had made its way to Ponyville was to dispose of it quickly. She's been so sure of their nature from her past experiences that she was no longer willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. That is...until her blade was halted upon learning that this human managed to save her little ponies twice.

Celestia could not believe it to be true. She knew first hoof what they could be capable of in a short time, and yet Twilight and Luna seemed so certain that Edgar was noble. Surely this was simply another one of their cruel machinations, right? All it takes is a simple touch for them to start weeding themselves into your hearts.

So why did she still hesitate? Why was she still so foolish?

("Auntie, why do you sound scared?...Is this about the Hoo-man?)"

No. She is being tested right now, and she could not afford to let her doubts slow her hooves. Not again... Not when the lives of her loved ones are at stake.

Celestia stepped outside of her room, and noticed a small group of her solar guards were patrolling a short distance from her room. They immediately noticed and saluted in response to their princess's sudden presence.

"Come with me. There is trouble within Princess Twilight's castle, and my sister may be in danger from the Human." Princess Celestia's voice was as serious as her guards have ever heard her. It was laced with authority, and was missing the softness she reserves for her loyal subjects. This told the guards what the stakes could be, and they both steeled themselves and followed Princess Celestia.

("Auntie, you're not answering us. What's going on? Twilight told us what you said, and Shiny just left to grab his sword. The Unicorn magician is starting to get really anxious. I don't want to repeat what she's yelling about you right now.")

Celestia started walking down the halls at a brisk pace with the guards behind her...then trotting...then galloping...then flying as her own guards struggled to keep up. She'll have to be on the lookout for any sign of Edgar being outside his room on the way there.

("Luna is not answering. Miss Lulamoon may yell if she likes, but we must ensure my sister's safety. Have your guards keep Trixie away from Edgar's room. It's not her fault, but she will want to try and slow you down. Be prepared for anything. I am making my way there and will hopefully be there before you arrive, but if I'm not, do NOT enter without me unless you are certain something is wrong. Humans lie, and they can be cunningly cruel. It may attempt to manipulate you all into a disadvantageous position. Take care not fall for its tricks and for Faust's sake do not let it touch you, but if you believe even for a moment that Luna ma-")

("Princess Celestia, you're overreacting! What if you're just blowing things out of proportion?!?")

Celestia slowed her wingbeats as she listened to her student. This allowed her guards to catch up to her, albeit just barely.

("Maybe I'M wrong and you can only communicate one way through it. Maybe it's a misunderstanding. Maybe Princess Luna DID end up falling asleep after all the things she’s been doing to help us. She’s been dealing with situations non-stop, both Ponyville’s recovery and safety, Edgar’s panic attack, and dealing with nightmares the night before. There are too many variables to go in blazing!")

("Twilight, this is not the time to be indecisive. Do you not remember everything I told you about last night?!? I won't lose any of you to him.")

("...Yes. You promised to trust me!")

Celestia halted in her tracks...as did the few guards in her company as they finally found an opportunity to catch their breath from the short sprint they had to perform. They stood at the ready nonetheless for anything that could have happened.

("I know you're scared. I can't begin to understand what you went through, but we don’t know for sure why Luna’s not answering you. We need to keep a clear head about all of this and not jump to the worst possible conclusion. Everything will turn out alright. I know it will. Please just give him a chance.")

Though Princess Celestia’s mind was racing to catch up with all the possibilities running through her mind, Twilight offered a moment of respite. Perhaps it was Twilight’s belief in the inherent good in others, or the fact that everything seemed to work out alright in the end of her adventures. She is a good judge of character. If she believes there is good in Edgar, perhaps...

(“...You're right, Twilight. I'm sorry...and thank you. I think I needed that, and I will be mindful of your words as I check in on Luna. I trust your judgment...”)

She turned back toward the three guards catching their breath. There was a short white Earth Pony with a large satchel on his side, a familiar orange Pegasus that Twilight orbited around for a short time, and a fairly large unicorn of little distinguishing characteristics apart from the fact that he hardly seemed winded like the other two.

She thought for a few moments, then gave a new order for her guards. "Would you three kindly deliver... my halberd back to my room for safe keeping?" Celestia struggled at first to get that command out, but she soon let her golden halberd gently float in place in front of the now-confused guards.

"...Your majesty?" Larger unicorn questioned, whom Celestia recognized as Flash Bang, Private First Class according to his insignia.

"I understand you may have reservations, but I may be acting rashly in my haste." She explained to placate them. Celestia was still worried and her instincts were telling her it was a bad idea to leave her halberd back at her room...but she trusts Twilight. She has to. "I think it would be best if I sent my halberd back to my room."

"So he's not dangerous?" The Orange Pegasus, Private First Class known as Flash Sentry asked. "I mean, he helped us, but he was able to fight back an army with a stick...And he has nipples!" Flash Bang nudged the wind right out of Flash Sentry with a well-placed hoof to his side. "Ow...your majesty." one Flash grunted as both Flashes bowed their heads toward Celestia.

Had the situation been different, Celestia might have had a hard time keeping a straight face. She let out a sigh.

"I still believe him to be. I warned the royal family to take extreme caution when dealing with him, but I can't let my fears dictate my actions. After the events from yesterday, it will send the wrong message if I appear before him armed." Celestia explained. "I trust them, both my sister and my student. They can take care of themselves."

"...But you're still worried about them, aren't you?" A noble voice spoke out. The inflections were a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one when she considered the voices of some of the more conceited politicians who try to brown-nose her and her sister. "Do you want us to stay close with it?"

Celestia turned to the little Earth Pony that the voice came from. He was certainly smaller than the average guard, standing at about a hoof shorter than his partners, and not quite as bulky as you would expect with an average Earth Pony. Perhaps he was sickly in his youth? Wait, if this satcheled guard is Private Khan, then he isn't quite an earth pony now is he? He did have a strange name in her opinion, but she has heard of the word "Khan" from her trip to Yakyakistan before. It means "ruler" or "conqueror" in their language.

"Am I that obvious?" Celestia asked. "I am, because just because I don't trust him doesn't mean that I don't trust those close to me. I have no reason to appear before him as his judge if he hasn't proven himself to be a threat yet."

"...With all due respect to your majesty, nopony needs a reason to protect their family." Private Khan said. "If you think they might be in danger, you need to be there for them by any means necessary."

Celestia's ears perked up as she was admittedly taken aback by Khan's wisdom. She admired his candor. She doesn't mind questions or challenges to authority, so long as it comes with good intentions. One could learn a great deal from their subordinates if you let them speak their mind, and many of her fellow royals adopted this practice as well after enough time with their guards.

"Are you talking back, Private?" Flash Bang chastised the blue-haired stallion.

That being said, it doesn't seem proper to those that venerate the royal family as much as her little ponies do.

"It is quite alright, Private Flash." Celestia waved off with a smile before turning back to Private Little Khan. "I appreciate your thoughts, and I am sorry for your loss, Private Khan. Private Heavy Spoon was brave, and though you may not have been related, some may find the blood of the covenant thicker than the water of the womb. Friendships can endure even until the next life, and a goodbye one day does not mean goodbye forever. You will see them again one day." Private Khan's face was stoic, but he bowed his head gratefully at Celestia's words. Celestia then eased up on her own magic, letting Flash Bang's magic take hold of it as she addressed the trio. "I would still like you to take my halberd back to my room regardless...but it can be heavy. Perhaps you should take your time on your way there. Take a few breaks to make sure you are ready and in tip-top shape, no?"

After a few moments, the guards nodded slowly, understanding the new order that she just gave under that suggestion. All three saluted before turning about face and marching back to her room in what others would consider a leisurely pace.

Celestia turned back toward the direction of the room where the Human was being kept...

Celestia trusts and respects Twilight's judgment.

She does. She really does...at least that is what she kept telling herself.

For her, the short trot through these corridors may as well have been a marathon. No matter how short of a distance she was from 𝖍𝖎𝖘 room now, she had a nagging voice in the back of her head that just wouldn't go away.

One that keeps telling her that something terrible happened, and that she was too late to stop it...
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(I beg of you...be safe Luna.)

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***Edgar's P.O.V*** **Twilight's castle** *Morning, before Celestia's first light*

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I slowly started to stir awaked from my slumber, but it felt like I was struggling against a current of warm sand. My mind was groggy and slow to pick up, and it took me a moment or two to start remembering where I was. As I slowly started to come to, I realized a few things. One of which was that I was still completely nude except for my shoes and socks. Feels so weird.

Two, I noticed I was having to work a bit harder to breathe as if something was pressing down on my chest...rocking against my waist. Something was caressing a tender spot on my shoulder blade until it suddenly stopped. Suddenly, that something else brushed against it and made a smacking sound as something else wet and moist tightly massaged my... penis?

I shivered involuntarily as the hair on my hairs raised, but I weirdly enough didn't feel freaked out. I had a hard time feeling anything but tranquil with these sensations. I started to realize that the hair-raising sensation was not out of fear...but of pleasure. Of the pressure I was feeling building up at my waist.

I tried to sit up, but I was stopped when I felt the creature shift their weight. The creature resting atop me lifted their head from the side of my shoulder. The sudden cool sensation across the area where their lips were caused a shiver to run down my spine and goosebumps formed all over me. That cold feeling only seemed to magnify as she turned toward me from their position. My half-lidded eyes shot open as the image before me was one of beauty and majesty all rolled into one. It took a second for my eyes to start adjusting to the muted blue hue of my room as the morning sun’s glow was just under the horizon. I found myself staring at a slender Alicorn with piercing eyes as blue as sapphire, and a deep bluish purple mane. It was messy and tousled, and as my gaze met hers I felt my heart jump slightly.

"L-Lun-...wha-s?" I slurred as she started to look less blurry to me. Princess Luna had a mischievous face that was dusted with lust and excitement. Her lower body was still lightly rocking on top of mine...IS SHE RIDING MY DICK?!? My brain immediately came out of its grogginess to comprehend the situation. "Wh-wh-what's-?"

"Shhhh...." Luna hushed as she licked her lips, letting them curl upward in a lioness's smile as she studied me like I was her prey. Seeing that look momentarily shut out any questions I had. "Thou can sense it? The bliss that is approaching? Coming for thee?" The way she's talking...it was like she was trying to coax me awake. It was almost hypnotic, and it momentarily made me forget the sensation near my waist...the one that meant that I was seconds away from orgasm!

I felt her hooves slide from my chest to catch my shoulders, and I did not get even a second of preparation before she suddenly picked up her tempo and started moving her hips against mine faster while using me as an anchor. She leaned over me and moved her head close to mine. She stared straight into my eyes and I found myself losing the ability to think about anything but her as she locked her half-lidded gaze with me. Her expression was unwavering in its intensity, her mouth was open just barely as her pursed lips parted slightly to let out soft moans and pants that sounded more like whimpers or coos. Like she was pacing her breathing.

Time was slowing down for me as my eyes started to slowly roll back. One of my hands went to her muscle and I squeezed the soft, pliable muscle between my fingers on reflex. The other arm wrapped around Luna's back to hug and squeeze her closer to me as I tried to hold on. None of which offered substantial resistance to Luna's movements, and Luna sped up even more as now she had me to balance her.

I could feel myself getting closer and closer to my end and Luna was not slowing down. I don't want to stop, but I'm not sure if I can keep this up much longer. Her tail is flicking against my leg, and it's tickling me. My hips are starting to buck, and my back is starting to arch as the pressure keeps building and building. I let out a soft groan and gritted my teeth and tensed up to try and stop myself on instinct.

But Luna had other ideas...and leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"Don't fight it, embrace it...I want you to cum...riiiight..." Princess Luna commanded huskily as suddenly let her flank drop on my lap and let herself squeeze around my hilted girth as she let out a moan"...~Now~!"

"LunA-MMMMMMM?!?" I tried to call out and ask her what was going on but she suddenly pressed her mouth to mine and her tongue slid its way into my mouth and tickled my own, silencing me. My hands wrapped around her tighter and squeezed her harder as I let out a groan into her mouth. I could only grunt and growl as I finally reached my peak.

Oh fuck...

Fuck!

FUCK!

Before I knew it was happening, the dam burst and thick spurts of cum found its way into the warm tight confines Luna's depths. I felt my balls flexed as I arched my hips upwards against her, pushing up against and lifting Luna's rump against my bucks. With every spurt the sensation only intensified and I squeezed my eyes shut as I tried to bear this sneak attack. I could feel some of my fluids trickle out from our combined sexual organs and down my testicles and onto the sheets underneath us.

As valiant as my efforts may have been, the muscles in my legs and core gave out as I collapsed into a panting mess. Princess Luna broke the kiss and let out a loud squeal as she climaxed as well. A shudder went from her tail up throughout her body and I could feel her insides still clamped and squeezing every last drop of cum from my now-exhausted penis. Her back leg frantically kicked out a few times and I heard her wings beat and flare out before the kicking suddenly slow to a stop and going slack. Her inner muscles relaxed their vice-like grip, and as it did so, I finally started to become aware of just how hard it had been squeezing me.

"Lu-...Holy shit..." I managed to speak through my gasps for air as I started to relax my body. My words were more like breathy sighs than actual words. My voice cracked a bit at the end, thanks to coming down from such a strong orgasm. "W-what the hell, Luna?" I opened my eyes and felt my heart beating so hard that my vision got blurry and my limbs felt a little numb. I spent the next few seconds trying to catch my breath and during that time, Edgar was not in the building. When I finally started to come back down from this incredible feeling, I saw that the Princess sitting on top of me had a soft, albeit dopey smile as she looked down upon me. Despite having an orgasm right after me, she seems to have recovered faster than me as she got a hold of a wine glass full of a clear liquid when I wasn't looking. Probably while I was busy trying to come back to planet Earth.

"Welcome to the new day," She huffed out. "...My Morning Star." Princess Luna chuckled. Her voice sounded labored and husky with a dreamlike rhythm yet her half-lidded eyes stared into mine with a mixture of warmth and playfulness. I couldn't tell if she was just waking up, or if she was trying to look a seductive. "Did thou enjoy our surprise?" She hummed out as she stretched her wings out as far as they could go before retracting them back to her body and laying further onto me. She was resting on top of me with her hind legs at the side of my waist and her free foreleg perched on my shoulder kind of like how they were last night...Oh shit...last night. "You were hard this morning, but you're also a heavy sleeper. We had suspicions that you still needed tending to from her venom, but we thought thou should be awake for thy climax. We had done our best to keep thee teetering on the edge for some time..." She purred out. "We must say that was...quite the enjoyable morning for us as well. You make a wonderful pillow~" She sighed out in contentment.

As I started to realize what just happened and where I was, my head jerked around to take in my surroundings. I looked over the state of the freshly stained bed we were laying in and the orgasmic feelings I experienced. The wet sensations on my neck and my groin, and from their familiarity, memories of the night suddenly rushed into my head. Her helping me with Telsona's venom by...us having a lot of sex.

"Oooooh...Heeeey Luna...?" I tried to smoothly talk, but it came out more like a hoarse croak as my mouth was parched and my throat dry. She didn't seem to have trouble understanding me though, and she held out the wine glass toward me. However, as I reached for it she pulled it back at the last moment with a small smile.

"Thou may still be a bit groggy. Pray thee, allow us..." Luna offered softly, letting a hoof hook behind the back of my head as she tilted mine up. All the while, she lifted the cup to my lips before tipping it carefully and letting it slowly pour out. It was water, and as soon as it touched and wet my parched lips and dry throat, I found myself gulping it down greedily as I suddenly realized just how dehydrated I really was. I could feel some of the water from the glass trickle down from my lips and onto my chin before it trailed down my neck. The Pampering Princess's eyes darted down there for a moment, and soon her head followed suit as she started licking up the trail of water from my chin that fell there. I flinched and my eyes shot open in surprise when she lifted her head back up. "Is something the matter, Sir Edgar? You still seem tense."

Why yes. Yes there is! I am INSIDE you right now!

"No. No, nothing's wrong Luna. It's just that...Sex is a hell of a way to wake someone up in the morning?" I deflected. I did my absolute best to not make eye contact, and when I did, it was brief as I kept looking around for any escape route or distraction from this situation.

"We'd say it's much better than a cup of coffee, no?" She winked, and after setting the cup aside on my nightstand, she turned to look over to my balcony window. The sun wasn't out yet, but the dark blue hues of early morning were starting to turn to a lighter shade to show the sun was on its way. "Are you feeling better?"

Just gotta play it cool. So what if you woke up with a millennia-old fictional cosmic horse sitting on your wiener? A fictional cosmic night goddess that saved your life by absolutely rocking your world last night. One that frenched you, made you cum hard, and proved that she wasn't a hallucination by still being here and doing her damnedest to give you positively obscene thoughts. No big deal. Nope. Nooooooo sir.

...

Oh who am I fucking kidding? We just had sex again...AGAIN!!! I can't believe I have to use the word "again" because we just had sex last night! I had sex with a Pony Princess from Hasbro!

...

...No, that was more than sex. "Sex" isn't a good word. We 𝑭𝑼𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 last night! I FUCKED A BIG BLUEBERRY ALICORN!

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...No, THAT'S not even a good description for what happened.

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"We...made...Love?" I thought to myself, and those crazy words echoed in my head like an alarm bell.

Or...more like a chime or a melody. This music keeps coming in at the perfect times...doesn't it?

The way Luna moved...the sounds she made. That had to be more to it than just "sex". I'm not even sure I'm right or what I'm supposed to feel about this, but that's what my body was telling me at least. I mean, she didn't just try wringing me out like a wet towel or just rub her hooves on my junk until I was done. From how sensitive I felt last night, she could have easily got the job done like that. Even still, she didn't treat me like some kind of wild animal or like it was a chore for her to save me. I made love with Princess Luna from My Little Pony, and I started to feel stressed after thinking more and more about it.

I even almost told her that I loved her last night. What the heck was I thinking? Was that just an emotional overload or out of gratitude? Was it the venom? Am I just acting like a virgin? Rumors say virgins are clingy, but I'm not clingy about things, let alone for a "pony". She's not a human, so it had to be the venom, right? I was drugged and I ended up fucking a horse. I'm not attracted to a pony damn it! I'm not that much of a brony, Damn It! She's a pony DAMN IT! SHE'S-...She's...

No. She's amazing...

Not just at the whole "sex" thing, but she was an amazing per-no, an amazing pony? It doesn't matter. She did everything she could to make me feel special, didn't she?

They tried making her complex in the show, but there was only so much they could do with however many minutes or hours of screen time she actually had. She wasn't really a two-dimensional character even in the show, and she certainly wasn't now. Princess Luna was here and real. It didn't help in the slightest that she was already one of my favorites ponies in the show but it's like she simultaneously was and wasn't even trying to win my heart over the moment we met.

She and every other pony I met seem to have their own personalities or egos, but Luna seems different somehow. I don't know what it is, but she's every bit as adorable as she was on the show and yet there appeared to be so much more underneath.

From the complicated cocktail she made me last night, her positively glowing eyes as I ripped off Christopher Nolan's movies. She doesn't even really know me, but still gave one hundred percent of her attention when it came to me? She even did her best to try and make me as comfortable as possible when we actually did The Deed. She had no obligation to save me, especially with how she had to do it. However, even if I was different from her, even if we just met a short time ago, she wasn't disgusted for actually doing it with me.

She was even patient with me. She took the reins(no pun intended), and taught me what made her feel good while making my first time heavenly. It was like a dream come true. I'm almost wishing that we could do it all again, but with what I know now so that I can make her feel as special as I felt.

...Fuck, stop that Edgar. You're doing that thing again where you start to imagine a married life with a chick right after meeting them. Luna is clearly not that special if you'd do that for the cashier at King Soopers or the one chick that you faux-slapped during your dentist audition for that Little Shop of Horrors play a few years back.

It has to be too good to be true. How do I know I am not just having a vivid hallucination, or if I've not been high on shrooms and LSD for the past few days or stuck in a coma? What if I'd be making a mistake by going back? I mean I have to go back. My friends and family are waiting for me, but it’s like I somehow know in the back of my mind it’d be the wrong choice.

Luna interrupted my almost-psychological breakdown by leaning lean over and lightly kissing my forehead. She left another on my cheek bone as she started moving lower before stopping and leaving a lingering peck on my lips. It wasn't a kiss of steamy passion like last night but this was still...nice. it wasn't sexual like last night, but it still felt intimate all the same.

My inner monologue, the voice that kept repeating all my doubts went silent and I relaxed and melted into the kiss.

We stayed like this for some time longer, just slowly kissing each other. I was kissing her back like we were speaking a language only we knew. Like she was telling me that whatever was wrong, everything is going to be okay, and that I was telling her that I believed her.

She pulled away eventually, and I could taste her breath as she slowly pulled away. She still had that hint of licorice...

"You're quiet." She asked, staring down at me, the worry evident in her voice. "We hope thou had not suffered any more night terrors. You seem to have much on your mind."

"...No, I slept like a baby." I don't even think I dreamed apart from when I woke up from that nightmare, but I think I'm okay with that. I don't think my dreams could have gotten any wilder than last night anyway. Luna looked relieved as she brushed her hair away from her eyes. "Did you, um...did you get enough sleep? I hope you weren't waiting on me to wake up." I asked her back.

I knew it was rude to just stare at her, but I couldn't stop for some reason. I was in shock at how beautiful she seemed in this lighting. The room was filled with the soft morning light of the sun coming through the balcony door, and she was positively glowing. She looked down at me with those big baby-blue eyes. They had an almost dreamlike quality to them.

"Our rest was short, and it was to be expected. We will need to rest longer once we retire to our chambers, but we need not dwell upon such a trifle detail." She explained casually, as her ears flicked. "We shall remain here with you for now, but luckily we can now enjoy this ambiance thou art setting..." She mentioned, commenting on the music in the background. I guess it does have something to do with me.

"So you think I'm really doing this magic music stuff?" I asked, and she nodded.

"Not intentionally." She clarified. "Though we noticed it may have to do mostly with thine mood, and in part ours..."

"Mood?" I asked. "What do you mean?"

"Take now as an example: 'Tis a new morning. Our sister's sun shall bring about the light of a new day, and you are now safe. You feel at ease, we hope?" Luna asked. Well, I feel more than that. When I nodded, Luna continued. "The feeling is mutual. We enjoy thy company."

"Crazy...and how do I turn this off?" I asked, thinking back to that almost creepy display back when those guards heard that one song from the Mulan section of the CD a few days ago.

Would rather not see that again if I could help it.

"It's not so much 'on' as it is 'present'. Whether or not it makes itself known is based on whether or not there is an abundance of Harmony, Disharmony, or both. You are a "neither", so Harmony and Disharmony shall constantly chase each other around thee to fill a void that can't be filled. There is no "turning it off"." Luna chuckled. "We suspect it shall always be present for thee, though it may be too quiet for us to notice at times."

"Right...and you've just been awake...making out with my neck and getting it on to the background music of mysterious ghost albums?" I asked jokingly. A budding tint of blush that appeared on her muzzle, yet she didn't look away from me this time. I let out a sigh.

I guess I shouldn't give her too much of a hard time. Maybe it was a sort of apology? She was kissing the same spot that she bit down on last night. In fact, it felt like it was the exact same spot that Telsona did, but even if it felt sore I think I'd still prefer Luna's bitemark over Telsona's.

Just a better memory, I guess.

"Indeed, and more. We admit that since we awoke earlier, we simply spent time watching thee. You like to make noises in your sleep and you kept us in suspense as to whether or not you were waking up. Thine little friend had awoken first, and we would not waste such opportunities." Luna said before leaning back down and rubbing my nose with hers, giving me an eskimo-kiss. The tint of a blush became slightly darker in shade. "Hopefully now, you are finally free of the venom that has plagued thee such. 'Twas quite potent to grant thee such vigor after all we've done together." She purred out.

"I still needed help?" I blushed in amazement, getting a nod from her. "...so it wasn't just morning wood?" I asked, prompting Luna to lift her head from me and offer a perplexed look. "Oh, uh it means having boner in the morning. Like when I start to wake up." I explained bashfully.

"...And that is normal for stallions in your world?" She asked, genuinely intrigued as I nodded in affirmation. "That sounds quite painful if not remedied. Does this not impede your ability to ready yourself for the coming day?"

"Yes...and no?" I answered slowly. Never thought I'd have to explain that to a girl, let alone a magical pony. This was still weird to talk about with her. It shouldn't be awkward, considering that I literally just nutted inside her. Multiple times, now. "I mean, if we really need to do stuff that day, then it won't really bother us. Most of the time, just goes down by itself. Is it not a thing here?" I asked back, noticing that she had since started to shift around on top of me.

Luna chucked quietly.

"~You rise with the sun~... Tia would find that humorous." She started to quiet as her face and her brow started to furrow. "No. Most of the time, Stallions start to get into the mood when they sense that a mare is in need. There are rare instances where the stallion is in need, but most are too well taken care of in their herds for this to happen. We thought that we should have helped thee as we had done last night, but it seems we had made a mistake in assuming you were still in need of tending." I felt a small twinge at my heart seeing a glint of guilt across her eyes and a sad smile across her muzzle. She looked adorable right now, and it didn't help the conflicting feelings inside of me. "We hope that we have not overstepped."

Nope. Time to nip that in the bud.

"Nooooooo-nonono. It was great Luna. Amazing really! Awesome way to start my day." I reassured her. I didn't want her to think she did something wrong. She was doing it to help me after all, and it was fantastic. I mean, after what we did last night, that was nothing. "Ten outta ten, "would cum again"?" I asked with the cheesiest smile I could give.

If you are unsure about a joke, use a cheesy smile. If the joke was bad, people will think it was on purpose. It works every time...except it didn't look like it worked this time.

"I hope you understand we did not intend to use you as such, but I should have been more mindful." She said softly. "Thou art safe now, but it would have appeared quite damning if anypony walked in on what I was doing." Her eyes looked away, still looking ashamed. Luna's expression looked serious and her eyes were distant... as if she was lost in thought.

I guess it probably would have looked a bit rape-y when she puts it like that, but it's not like I minded or anything. I could explain that it was a misunderstanding.

Speaking of which, I should really clarify how things work here with Twilight and Celestia to avoid some of those. Last thing I want is any more of them due to some assumptions I keep making based on both the show and some of the fanfiction that I used to read.

"...Right." I said awkwardly, as we found ourselves back to staring at each other in awkward silence... awkwardly. "...Hey Luna? About last night."

"Yes, Sir Edgar?" Luna replied in a gentle tone. It seemed like she was waiting for me to start talking again. Like she could tell that I still had some things to get off my chest.

"What was it for you?" I asked. There was a small part of me that told myself I shouldn't ask, and that it would make things weird. Asking that question made me feel like a stereotype of that chick after a one-night stand. They were fun lines to ad-lib during improv, but I'm kicking myself now that I'm in an actual situation where I had to ask that.

"...Hmm." She looked down at me. There was something about that expression that seemed almost somber, but she still gave me a reassuring smile.

"What happened last night and this morning: What did it mean to you?" She opened her mouth to say something, but I quickly added. "I'm just saying I want to make sure we're on the same page about what just happened, and I didn't want to make it weird between us because I feel like I'm walking a minefield when asking this." I think I got the point across with that last sentence. Though I second guessed myself when I saw Luna was about to speak. "I mean, I already think you're one hell of a friend for doing that, bu-"

A hoof found its way over my lips to silence me. I guess that was going to be a thing.

Luna shot me a stern look of annoyance, but there was a playful smile poking at the corners of her face as she shook her head.

"We...felt that you needed our help. We did not know what to expect of your bite and we had to be sure you were taken care of. Although we wish it could have been under more pleasant circumstances, we were honored to be thine first." She breathed out softly as she slid her hoof off my lips and brushed my hair away from my forehead before landing a kiss on it. She soon gave me a sly smile as eyes narrowed. "You were wonderful for thine first, but perhaps...we may look forward to more nights together?" She seemed to ask suggestively, though there was a glimmer of hope in her eye as she asked. "One where we can enjoy ourselves to the fullest, with stakes less dire?"

That didn't sound like she was just flirting. It sounded like she was seriously considering this. Like she was testing the waters.

"R-really?" I stammered.

Luna's eyes widened as if to say yes before she could.

"Of course." She cooed softly, her voice dripping with affection. "In truth, we have other reasons... but they matter little now." Luna leaned in toward her favorite target...my collarbone.

"What matters now...is how we wish to explore thee~" She continued, her voice lowering to a sultry murmur. Her lips brushed lightly against my collarbone as she spoke, sending a shiver down my spine.

"To hear more of those beautiful sounds thou makes~..." The soft tail hanging down between my inner thighs swished back and forth to lightly brush over them. At the same time, she pressed her tongue flat against my neck and let the wet muscle slowly slide up to the hinge of my jaw. My body jerked and I let out a sharp gasp and my body tensed up as my face felt really hot. She moved away from the thin trail of saliva she left to nibble on my ear lobe before whispering huskily. "...To experience more of those wonderful faces thou make on the verge of thine Crescendos~... What face could you be making now, I wonder?" My breath hitched as she spoke, her voice and tone were getting to me. My face felt like it was about to catch on fire at her sweet and salacious nothings.

I was in shock at how forward she was being. I thought she had been flirty with that dirty-talk from last night, but this was on another level. She is hitting every button and plucking every heartstring I have, including those I didn't know I even had until now. It's almost as if she's trying to turn me on again. Luckily, while the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak and spent, otherwise it would have worked.

She pulled back away from my ear and I soon found myself face to face with her again... Slowly creeping on her face was a sultry grin that had a mischievous glint to it as she looked on at what she did to my poor state of mind. "Beautiful...but it's not enough for us. One more thing..." Luna moved her face closer to mine and right when her lips barely touched mine, she whispered. "...Feeling you smile against our lips again would be enough." Luna pressed her lips to mine in a kiss that caught me by surprise even if I was already expecting it. She was so...so warm, and her lips were so soft. I felt her tongue brush against my lips, and without realizing it I had parted my lips to let her tongue in. It didn't feel like I was fighting a losing battle for dominance like last night. It felt more like a slow dance.

I couldn't help myself as I let out a soft moan alongside her as she coaxed me into a slow and passionate kiss. I don't know how long we kissed for, but it felt like it went on forever...and I loved every moment of it. Her lips were so soft and warm, and her tongue felt like heaven as it slowly massaged and danced around my own. She was tasting and teasing me...and she was doing it all without any rush or care. It was amazing. I felt like putty, and she knew I was at her mercy. I just laid there and let her do whatever she wanted, and I was loving every moment of it...I didn't want it to end, but eventually she broke away from me so we could both catch our breaths. She had a triumphant look on her face. "Got it."

Ho...

Lee...

SHIT...

Fuck everything I was saying before about her being a pony. What do I know? NOTHING, that's what! I could care less about Luna being a pony. What even IS a pony but a horse-shaped, magical human. She already had me at magical human, "Horse-shaped" is just a side-grade from a normal human anyway, isn't it? It's easy to overlook, so I'm raising my standards to Pony Princess!

"H-how the hell did you get so good at that?" I huffed at her as I gasped for air, still trying to compose myself.

Luna giggled softly as she gave me another quick peck on the lips.

"It's not like I am some blushing virgin. We've lived for quite some time, and we've had many suitors. " She said matter of factly, almost with some pride? "We are no strangers to the music of the night, and we wouldn't mind showing you more of what we could do. We've been told that we can be quite formidable."

...Oh. I guess I'm not the only one she does this kind of thing with...

I felt my rose-tinted glasses crack, and an imaginary shard poked me in the eye.

"Many?" I murmured, trying to be nonchalant. I tried not to make a face or sound like I was bothered by that. "I hope I wasn't too boring for you last night."

"No. Not at all." Luna quickly answered with a changed tone. She sounded serious, and I turned to see that she looked at me with a worried expression. Her eyes were wide and she looked almost panicked. "You're not jealous, are you?"

"I'm not jealous. It's just that you caught me off-guard." I...okay, that was a lie. I looked away from her and at the ceiling. I couldn't think of anything else to say, and I really didn't feel like thinking about her past partners right now. I still tried to play it cool. Maybe I can change the subject? "Besides, it's not like we're dating, right? You were only here to help me with my bite, so it's cool."

I kinda had a head-canon for how I thought of Princess Luna, but I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. It'd be pretty unrealistic and demanding to expect a thousand-year moon goddess to be a virgin. That's just silly, and her experience made everything better anyway, right? I don't get to be "picky".

"Edgar, please look at us..." Luna whispered softly. A hoof on the crown of my head tilted my gaze back to Luna. The tips of her ears were folded down. "Do not think poorly of our time together. We didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." Luna pleaded, her ears flicked up a bit as she asked. "Even with you being bit, we wouldn't do this with just anypony. Since our return, you're our first as well."

"...Really?" I asked, surprised.

Luna nodded in sincerity. "Yes. We have been intimate with others before, and it's supposed to be a good thing that we were skilled enough to receive much praise from them all. I'd hope you'd feel excitement and anticipation upon hearing this. Upon hearing that you were receiving my best, but...it seems like much has changed since our banishment. I am sorry this has clearly upset you, and if it makes you feel better those times were in the past before we were banished." Luna paused, looking away as if to deciding if she should keep talking. She turned back to me. "Upon our return, we were regarded with such fear that nopony else dared approach us in such a manner. Truthfully, it has been difficult seeing how ponies that once clamored for our attention go out of their way to avoid us. You didn't fear us, but we don't want you to look upon us differently than yesterday or last night. Please understand..."

"...Oh." I answered dumbly. I didn't know what else to say. It sounded like Luna was lonely, especially after being banished for one thousand years on the moon. Having ponies so scared of you that they don't want to even get close to you after being isolated for so long sounded awful. "I'm sorry for getting weird about it." I sighed out.

"Don't be." Luna responded softly as she leaned in and gave me another kiss on my cheek like the ones she's been peppering me with non-stop. She looked relieved that I wasn't as insulted as I sounded. Honestly, I might have been acting immature about it. "It seems as if we still have to learn about each other's cultures. If it is any comfort to you, we'll refrain from making any references to our past lovers, if you'd wish."

"...I'd feel better about that." I said. "I've guess I just never thought anyone could be so nonchalant about their "experience" while I was naked underneath them before." I admitted with a chuckle. "To be honest, I was thinking in the back of my mind that I wouldn't get this far with anyone anyway."

"What a tragedy that would be... for them." Her relief turned into a sly smile, which suddenly trembled as she started to finally pulled her rump off of my waist. She let out a soft hum that matched mine as she finally released my cock from her sensual grip. My member hit my abdomen and I felt a shiver go through my body from the sudden exposure to air, only for Luna only to trap it between our bodies as she laid herself on me once more. I felt two soft mounds of flesh sandwiching it as her surrounding area was starting to get matted by remainders of this morning. "It was awkward for us at first, as it has been some time since we had partook. However, you were such a gentlecolt. We see you tried very hard to please us and hold on for our sakes. We can't help but be flattered by that. You've done wonders for our self esteem..." Princess Luna leaned back down and cuddled against my chest. She nuzzled into my neck and the warmth of her fur sent goosebumps across my skin...my entire body. She nodded against me, rubbing her chin on my shoulder with a relaxed sigh as her eyes started to flutter and close. "You're a quick learner too. You've pleased us as well...many times last night..."

I stared up at the ceiling as I felt the warm and soft press of her fur. My mind was nearly blank as I was caught off-guard by the intimacy and comfort that she was brought to me with such a simple action. However, I did have that one thing nagging at the back of my mind.

"You're still bothered." Princess Luna murmured. Her voice was as smooth as silk. "Please, speak what is on your mind."

...

Okay Edgar...She passed the ball to you.

Do not.

Make things.

Weirder.

"...Yeah. Did something else happen with us last night?" I asked, not sure how I wanted to go about this. I thought I knew, but it's more like a feeling than anything concrete.

Luna didn't answer immediately, but her eyes shot open to give me this intense stare. She studied me for a few moments. "Else? As in?"

I took a moment to think it over. I nodded before second guessing myself and shaking my head. "This is a crazy situation that I'm having a hard time putting it into words. I know that you helped me last night because you didn't want me to die. You saved my life and still I can't thank you enough...But I can't also I can't help but feel like there was... more to what you did? Like those "Other reasons" you mentioned."

"Such as?" She asked softly. I said her voice was like Silk earlier, but now it's morphing into a Velvet. It was heavier, thicker, and yet seemed just as smooth. It started to give me goosebumps again.

I started to sit up and this time Luna eased up enough to let me do so as she also sat up. I propped myself up on my elbows as I leaned against my bed's headboards. Luna soon followed and took an initiative to claim her seat on my lap once more as her forehooves hung off the headboard on either side of my head. She was still so close to me that I could feel her heartbeat against my bare chest. Her look was almost expectant as she watched me flounder about for my words. Her chin came up to my forehead from this position and she smiled down at me with those big ol' blue eyes and an expression I couldn't read.

"Last night. You said when you were helping me, you weren't doing it because you necessarily liked me that way, but I also remember you were trying to have me fantasize about "Princess Zelda". About her wanting to give herself to her beloved. Was that only really fantasy? Like, was that only to help me feel more comfortable when we...did it?" I asked hesitantly. Luna remained silent with a blank expression and it only made me more nervous.

What the hell is going on with me? Why was I getting so nervous about this? I thought my anxiety was bad last night, even with Luna helping me along. I started to go with the flow without any problems after we got started. Now? It's like the more I wanted to get my questions across. How the fuck do the guys in Rom-Coms do this? How does anyone get this far in a talk like this?

It didn't help that Luna didn't say anything for the longest time. In fact, the Princess of Night had completely tensed up as her lips thinned into a single line...she looked away from me and to the side before turning back to face me, still not saying a word. It was quiet, save for the birds that were now singing outside near the balcony. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then paused for another few seconds.

"...What do you think happened between us last night? What is your real question, Edgar?" Princess Luna asked, staring into my eyes. "What answer do you hope for?"

"I mean, you're still here with me even after you took care of the changeling bite. You've been making out with me off and on since I woke up. Here, look at all of this!" I gestured toward the way her hooves were anchored on either side of me. How she held herself close to me. I don't think these ponies have a concept of a personal bubble, but even this is too intimate to be anything else, right? Especially after last night and earlier this morning and right now? "This doesn't feel like you were just trying to help me anymore. It feels like something more. Am I reading too much into all of this?"

"...Oh." Luna gracefully lifted one of her hooves from the headboard and rested it on the back of my hand, gently tapping it. I lifted my hand from her signal, and she used her hoof to guide it up to her face, resting my palm against her cheek. My heart started to beat harder as she nuzzled into the warmth of my palm, not breaking her eye contact with me as she looked at me with the same lovely orbs from last night. On reflex, I stroked her cheek with my thumb as her same hoof reached out and softly held my own face. "Oh, Edgar...You're still hesitating in asking your real question, aren't you"

"I don't want to make things awkward between us." I spoke quietly. It was just above a whisper. The wing opposite of Luna's side flexed and extended over to to lightly brush and press its primaries against the other side of my cheek. It wasn't as smooth as her hoof, but her feathers felt so soft against my face.

"You aren't. I suspect I know what you wish to ask...and we should be flattered that you would consider it." She cooed as her muzzle hovered mere millimeters from mine. It's almost like she was inching ever closer in slow motion. Her voice sent butterflies down my chest, and as she leaned closer my heart jumped and my brain fired up on overdrive. The heat from her breath on my face and the heat of her body mixing with my own...or maybe that was just me burning up as thoughts went through my mind like a speeding train. The same thoughts came to a grinding halt as she pressed her forehead against mine. I felt her horn's base graze against the top of my head, causing me to wince in surprise from the foreign sensation her lips barely tickled mine. "Our actions are reflections of who we truly are. We can not hide our true selves from you much longer." She lightly shook her head, rubbing it into mine.

The tone of the room took a sudden shift...Luna's voice had a small edge to it despite being so delicate. It sounded like there was a sense of urgency, but also an unwavering calmness. Her eyes never left mine as she stared intently at me. "How are you certain you are not making a mistake? There's a reason that ponies still fear us. You have only seen our best, yet none of our worst. Should a time come where you witness it, we can be even more frightening than our sister. I can be cunningly cruel, and I am afraid that I may hurt you in ways you have not though possible..."

I leaned away from her as much as I could with my back against the headboard to take a good look at her. She still smiled, but it looked sad...like she was trying to talk me out of asking. Like she was still holding herself responsible for her past actions.

I think it finally started to click with me. There was more to her trying to "be my Zelda" last night. She didn't just think I saw her as an animal. She still thinks of herself as a monster. A Nightmare. She wanted to be anyone but Luna for me...

"...That's a risk I'm willing to take. If anything happens, I won't blame you. I promise." I said, trying to reassure her. Princess Luna held up a hoof and I thought for a moment she was going to silence me once more. So I grabbed it and held it with a soft but firm grip. Luna didn't pull away. "Luna, I thought I was clear yesterday. If this is about your past, back when you were Nightmare Moon, I don't care. You're such an amazing pony and quite easily one of my favorite Princesses, and when I said those things last night...I meant every single word. You even stood up to Celestia when she went overboard and "tried to scare me"." I air-quoted. "You've done so much for me already and saved my life so many times already. I don't know how I can ever pay you back."

"Edgar, you don't kn-" Luna tried to interrupt me, but words kept tumbling out of my mouth like a waterfall, or like I was a broken dam and I couldn't hold it back anymore. And the more I talked, the more confident I felt about everything I was saying.

"So what if you think you can be complicated? You're not as bad as you're making yourself out to me. Heck, you're probably the best thing about this place so far, and I know there's a lot of good things here. I couldn't imagine a place like Equestria could actually exist. It's like "Hyrule". Remember? From last night? Only Hyrule isn't real." I could feel the butterflies in my chest start to swarm and my heart was racing. "This feels real to me. You feel real to me. You feel like...it feels like we're more than just friends, you know?" It was as if my body was preparing for something...or bracing for impact. I couldn't tell what she was thinking, but there was a look on her face that was more intense than anything I had seen before. Her eyes looked determined, yet there was a hint of something else in that expression. It was as if she was looking for something in me. I couldn't help but wonder if she found what she was looking for. "...Are we more than friends now?"

I waited a moment for her answer.

Then two...

Then five…

I'm not getting anything from her...She wasn't smiling anymore.

She still caressed my face, but it seemed like she was easing that feeling of me making a fool of myself in front of her. The longer Luna went without speaking, the hotter I felt, and the more I wanted to shrink away or just melt into a puddle and just die.

"...I made things weird, didn't I? I'm sorry Luna." I clearly exaggerated what went on between us, and the sinking feeling in my gut told me that it was by a mile. "I mean, you've only known me for a couple of days. I don't really know why I thought throwing this bombshell at you at the last minute would be a good idea. We should just pretend I never said anything."

"You didn't... Thank you for your honesty." Princess Luna paused before swallowing. "We want your trust and for you to know that we are your friend, but you are mistaken about us..."

"But Lun-" She held up a hoof, silencing that thought before she slowly let it fall back to the bite marks on my shoulder. She stayed quiet before gently shaking her head with the smallest beginnings of tears in her eyes. "...So there's nothing else between us besides us being friends?" I asked quietly, not sure if I really wanted the answer. "What's with all of this then?" I gestured generally at the two of us. "You just said that you wanted more of this, didn't you?"

Regardless of what Luna was saying, she was still pressing herself against me. She still asked if we could do this more.

She was still so close to me.

She was still leaning forward slowly before suddenly pressing her soft lips against mine once more...

Now I'm lost. Is that a "yes" or "no"?

I tried to lean away from her again to try and get a definitive answer, but she held my face with her hoof and kept me there as we kissed. I don't think I mind though. It was soft, and tender, and she broke away sooner than I wanted. The room seemed to brighten as the sun rose higher outside my balcony window, and as I got a better look at her...I saw she was crying now?

"Luna?" I asked, but she didn't respond as she stared at me, a small trail drew itself down her cheek's fur. "Luna, what's wrong?"

Luna whispered against my lips. "The feelings you may have for us, and the feelings we may have for thee..." She kissed me again, though as she did I felt wet drops on my face. "What if they are but a fantasy...A beautiful lie?" She whispered to me, this time moving to brush her lips like a gentle breeze across my cheek where her tears landed. "It was...nice to forget about things for a while, but I know why I helped you in the first place. You must accept that I should simply be a mare you can trust. Nothing more."

"Well what if it's not a lie?" I asked. She looks and acts like she wants to give it a chance too, so why won't she? "I do trust you. Can't you give it a little more thought?"

"...Couldn't you?" Luna appeared to give it some thought before moving to my ear and gently whispering to it. "Suppose our answer could be what you hope for. Suppose you could bear us at our worst. If there was even a chance for something more between us, wouldst thou seize upon this? Even if it would mean staying here in Equestria and making a life here?"

"I mean, I know I promised Celestia that I would, since it was the only way she said she would work on a way to get home, but if I-"

"Could you truly make such a choice, even if it means leaving your loved ones behind?" Luna asked. "There are those you'll miss, are there not?"

I felt like a deer caught in headlights.

"...Yeah, they've probably noticed me missing by now..."

I'm tried not to think about it too much. I want to go back, I do. I've only been here a few days, but it's been some of the craziest, scariest, days I've ever had. But they've also been some of the most incredible days of my life. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is a type of fantasy that I've been literally dreaming about, but I can't just up and give up my life back home for it. Even if I get back, it's not like I can tell them about anything that happened here, could I? What would I even say? "Help, I was isekai-ed into a cartoon?"? If I go back, it'd be like everything that happened so far never happened. It'd be no different than me just imagining everything. I don't even have a way of explaining how or why I've been missing here for a few days, and...

Wait. One...Two...Shit. Today's my High School Graduation.

I was supposed to be there for it sometime in the afternoon in that stupid robe and hat. Shake people's hands and smile for a picture before taking my diploma. My Mom even had a banquet reservation set up for myself and some of my friends at her restaurant my Mom's Restaurant with a few other friends from my Theatre club. I can kiss that party goodbye, but family back home are still waiting for any signs that I might turn up. There's no way they would see a car crash or a body if both the car and my body is here, so I'm probably just "missing" right now. I'm okay, but they still don't know that. It's not fair to them...

...still

"You're sweet, but you can't outright say it yet, can you?" Luna said softly, interrupting my train of thought. She moved her hoof away from my face and pulled back to wipe her eyes and recompose herself. Rather than rest her hooves on the headboards like before, I felt her hang them on either side of my shoulders. "I do think you can find happiness here. I am sure your family would want happiness for you wherever you go...but to rush into a difficult decision like this so swiftly..." Luna shook her head.

"...So what if I stayed?" I asked, causing Luna to perk up.

"Excuse us?" Luna asked with surprise.

"Hy-hypothetically, what if I stayed here in Equestria? At least for a little while to see?" I asked. "Everything you're saying and doing right now is telling me that you might actually want something more. A few minutes ago, you were talking more about spending more nights together. It sounds like you want to be more than friends, and the main hang-up is whether or not I decide to leave. So what would happen if I don't?"

I know I'm sounding childish. Selfish even, but this was a chance to have something more than just a fantasy. Something real that I didn't have to act out or pretend. I've never felt anything like this before, and even though I've only known her for a few days, there's something about Luna and the others that just makes me feel so warm. It'd be hard on its own right to say goodbye to that, but I'm literally in Equestria. This is a place where magic is real, and friendship is everything. This is a land of wonder, adventure, and magic! It's a dream come true, and I don't know if I want to give it up just yet.

To go back and be a boring and mundane person after what I experienced in such a short time. So what if I was closer to dying than I'd ever been(barring that one time I brought the cookie bucket to the Minnesota state fair's unlimited milk bar)? I never felt so alive right now. These ponies are alive, and maybe they could be better off if I stayed too! Especially with some of the friendship problems that they had during the show. Easy problems to solve anyway.

"...That would depend on you and what you wish for." She answered simply.

"That answer is vague. What about you? Would you want to give this a shot?" I asked her. I know I was probably pressing this too much, but I had to know.

Princess Luna remained quiet as she looked off to the side, not meeting my gaze as she considered my question. Her lips became thinner as she pursed them, and I could hear her breathe in deep before exhaling through her nostrils and slowly shook her head. "We wish for you to be happy here. That is our honest answer, Edgar." Princess Luna replied, leaning forward and kissing my forehead once more. "But if you are asking if I would want more between us if you stayed...then-"

.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Before she could utter another word, there was a loud knocking outside of our room, sounding more like a very weak attempt to break down the door than a polite announcement. Our eyes turned toward the doorway, and they did not care to be quiet if I could hear them through the door and the two glass doors in front of them.

The music from before faded suddenly upon the knocks and were instead replaced with something quieter.

"Too soon...they're too early." Princess Luna whispered harshly, rubbing her eyes before suddenly turning back to me with a stern look. Her gaze frantically looked between my eyes and my shoulder before whispering urgently. "Do you trust us?" Luna asked urgently, turning back to look at me after listening to the pairs of heavy hooves echo and clack in the crystalline castle hallways right outside our door.

"Wha-?!?" I tried to ask, caught completely off-guard from what she just said and even more so about what was happening right now as she took the hoof against my cheek and slide it over my mouth at the speed of FUCK to silence me.

"Lower thine voice...Us. Me! Are these feelings true? Do you trust us?" Luna asked once again a hush, taking her hoof off my mouth. There was an intensity behind her eyes that caused me to stop wasting time. She really did seem to need to hear an answer right away, and for whatever reason it caused the hair on my arms to raise up. I felt especially uneasy and more aware of every little sound echoing through the hallway.

"Yea-yeah I do! Why?" I tried matching her volume. The tension in the room seemed to suddenly spike. It was like I could almost see a glimmer of what appeared to be panic within those baby blue spheres.

"Then bite me....Hard. Enough to leave a mark, or draw blood if thou must."

My jaw dropped.

Princess Luna was giving me an almost desperate look. She was completely serious from what I could see. Her baby blue eyes were filled with urgency as she seemed to look past me as if she was counting down in her head...waiting for something. "You fell asleep before you could've done this last night but it must be done now. We can't prove that we are finished otherwise."

"You can't be serious, right?" I asked her, completely taken aback. I had no idea what was happening, or why she'd need a mark left on her. It all felt wrong, but there was something behind her voice that told me I couldn't argue. It didn't stop me from trying though. "What's last night got to do wi-"

.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

She didn't respond this time, instead pushing herself off my lap and pressing the part of her chest near her shoulder against my face. Before I knew it, Luna wrapped a foreleg around my neck and kept me there. "Just as I did to thee last night, leave a mark upon us. We can take it." She commanded. When I hesitated, she pulled me in tighter and I got a mouthful of her coat. My jaw ached as I felt her squeeze my face tighter against her. "We know thou art scared, but trust us and BITE!"

I didn't want to hurt her. Not a single cell in my body wanted to actually do what she asked of me, but the desperation in her voice and the fact that she sounded so afraid.

I did as I was told and bit down. I thought I heard her gasp as she tensed up in my arms, but then I remembered her trying to be quiet so I loosened my jaw slightly. At least, I tried before she held herself closer against me and kept a death grip on the back of my neck with her hoof, trying to keep me in place. My jaw started to ache as the grip her forelimb had on my neck only grew, yet I felt another hoof stroke the top of my head as if to encourage me. "Harder! You aren't hurting us, but leaving a mark of passion. We beg of thee!" Princess Luna whisper-yelled desperately. I did the unthinkable and clamped my teeth harder and harder. I felt her tense up as she sucked in a hiss between her teeth.

I started to taste copper and I immediately felt the resistance she had against my head drop to almost nothing. I pulled away from her and I could see that while it was hard to make out any tooth indentations on her fur, there was a ruby droplet where my incisors made their way through. The punctures weren't that deep, but there were a few drops signifying that I definitely drew blood.

She asked for it. I know she asked for it, but I couldn't help but feel sick at seeing it. How could I do that to her? Why did I do that? What kind of "mark of passion"...

"I'm sorry, Luna. That looks like it hurts...shit, I'm so sorry. I re-" I tried to apologize, but the proverbial coin flip landed on heads.

Rather than the hoof over my mouth silencing me like I was starting to get used to, it was instead a pair of soft warm lips that I couldn't get used to meeting mine. Her eyes were closed in relief as she did it, and though it wasn't by much, it reassured me. She pulled away almost as quickly as she started.

"~Welcome..." I heard her mumble to me before she suddenly opened her eyes. Luna's voice lost its urgency now, and she was actually smiling as looked at the mark I left on her chest, holding a hoof against it."No Edgar. You did wonderfully. It was exactly what we wanted, and you will be okay now." Princess Luna comforted me as if I needed it and not her. "...Listen closely... You've been brave these past few days, and we ask for thine bravery only once more. That you answer any questions she has as you normally would. Answer them as "Edgar". Answer them as honestly as possible, and feel no shame for what we had done together..."

What is Luna being really cryptic right now? Is this about the sex we had? Who's "She"?

"Luna, I don't-" She pressed her forehead against mine, and all I saw were her eyes one more. Her intense stare.

"We know this is bewildering, but trust that even if things may seem scary, that we are your fr-" Luna's words appeared to catch in her throat like they were trying to get out. She pressed her forehead against mine. "I am your friend. Trust in us one last time."

I was absolutely baffled at the entire situation, but before I could get any more clarification on what was going on right now, I heard another muffled rapping on the wooden double doors behind those two glass walls.

*Knock*

.

*Knock*

.

*Knock*

Though this set of knocks were much quieter than the first two sets, the tempo that it came at was jarring and grabbed my attention more so than the other knocks.

Luna has since shifted off and laid at my side rather than resting on top of me. A foreleg and wing rested over my chest, and she was occasionally swapping between looking at the door silently and giving me an occasional glance.

"~Are you awake in there?" A familiar voice came through the door.

.
.
.

That sounds kind of like Princess Celestia.