A Bright Idea

Lavender's internal clock woke him at the usual time, his eyes fluttered and he surveyed his surroundings.
"Hey," He said sleepily, "This isn't my room." He looked to his right and saw the prince lying prone next to him. His eyes widened as the sleep induced amnesia faded.

"Oh buck..." he said,having to stop himself from falling.

He quietly got out of bed,freezing as the prince rolled over and mumbled something, golden mane in disarray. Lavender couldn't help but smile before he exited and headed down the stairs to run himself a hot bath. He exhaled blissfully as his body met the water, caressing his aches away. Inevitably he began to think about what had occurred last night. He didn't really understand why it'd happened; he'd gone to the prince's chamber to tell him to stick his orders up his...nevermind. Yet, they'd ended up sharing a bed.

Lavender dwelt on this for some time, perhaps there was some latent attraction that had been suppressed by annoyance? Or perhaps the heat of the moment got to him? In any case, the deed was done.

A nasty thought rose to the surface: "What if my superiors found out?" He'd been charged to protect the prince and if word got out, then there'd be an uproar. Not because of their shared gender as ponies don't care for such things, but rather that it would be seen as him taking advantage of his position.
He suppressed his growing fear: "Nobody needs to know and it's not like anyone does,but he and I." It would work out: Blueblood would order him about some more and he'd fulfill his role as the grudging servant.

His thoughts were interrupted by the light tapping of the prince's hooves, which grew steadily closer. Sure enough,Blueblood entered the room and Lavender tried his best to imitate a frog,his body motionless and head poked up out of the water,watching his charge.

Blueblood didn't fall for the clever ruse and simply said "Hi." his face giving nothing away,but his tone suggested that they'd been thinking the same thing.

"Hi." replied Lavender. An awkward silence followed.

"I see you took the liberty of having a bath before me." the prince said,attempting to reassert his princely authority ,but he seemed to stumble over his words.

"Could you perhaps run one for me after you're done?"

Lavender was surprised,the prince never phrased his orders that politely. Something must've shown on his face as the prince recoiled
"and change my sheets! They're too messy now." With that, Blueblood stomped out,he didn't have a heavy tread so it sounded more dainty than intimidating.

Lavender got out shortly and performed the tasks. He shampooed the prince's mane, as usual,but there remained a strained silence between them. Usually he would be chided,or have to listen to Blueblood's many tall tales,or about that one time he and his friends had gotten lost and had to stay in a village inn for the night. After he was done,Blueblood simply motioned to the door with a flick of his head and Lavender left. Seems that things wouldn't return to normal quite so easily after all.

A week or two passed before Blueblood broke the silence, while he sat at a bench in one of the alcoves. "I did enjoy it, you know." he said, simply. The noise of water spouting from a nearby fountain filled the silence. "I did,too." Lavender admitted.

It might've been the light,but the guardsman thought he saw a flicker of a smile cross the other's lips.
"Of course" Blueblood continued "It might not be wise to do as we did again. I think it'd spell more trouble for you than myself."

"Perhaps you're right, sir." Inwardly he was pleased as this was the closest Blueblood had gotten to expressing care for him.

Blueblood sighed, "You know,most ponies think me a pampered little princeling living on Auntie Celly's good will, but all you see here I bought myself." Lavender's ears pricked up,but he said nothing.

"Aunt Celly gave me some money,yes. But I invested most of it in boutiques and other businesses and before I knew it,boom!" He said,knocking the cover of his book for emphasis: "money fit for a royal." He trailed off and Lavender realised that he'd made the same assumptions, which the prince's personality hadn't really helped dispel.

All Blueblood's anxieties seemed to bubble up to the surface in that moment: "I don't think Aunt Celly likes me very much, now. I get invited to the Gala and other events,but those seem to be the only times I ever see her and Auntie Luna. She never visits,or writes. All I'm left with is my money and friends."

Blueblood sighed,returning to his book,expecting no answer.

"Why don't you invite her over for tea,sir?"Lavender asked, after a while.

The prince looked up,studying the guardsman's face,searching for some mockery. "Invite Aunt Celly here?" he asked, as if the idea had never occurred to him before.

Lavender shrugged. "It can't hurt,sir. "

Blueblood set his book down. "We'll need to go into town and get some things."

"Very good,sir." Lavender said,feeling pleased.

When Lavender returned to his room he found a new kit bag on the bed, with an attached note.

"Lavender,
you might need this to look like a bodyguard fit for a prince.
-BB "

Lavender opened the bag and found shiny new purple armor within.

Although he was pleased,he felt a little spoiled, because it was only the bravest of the brave that wore this kit after many years of faithful service and sacrifice. As he pulled it all out he realised that the armor was markedly different from officer's garb: A larger face-plate, huge horsehair crest, thicker epaulets and a velvet cape,trimmed with ermine, that clasped to two small catches. He thought this highly impractical,but realised that the cape came off with a sharp tug so there was no danger.

It was beautiful work,but it felt wrong to wear. Last, but not least, he came to the sword,sheathed in a shining black leather, with gold inlay at the edges. He drew it and immediately felt the perfect balance. The blade sang as he twirled it before sheathing it again, reverently.

"Blueblood did say he was getting this for me before we ... did it." He looked it over,knowing how much it had all cost,sighed and started to strap it on. He would return the armor and sword should he be reassigned. He fastened on the breastplate,bracers,and other protective pieces before standing at the mirror, with the helmet under one hoof . He couldn't deny,it looked incredible.

Blueblood came in shortly: "It looked as good as I imagined." Picking up the cape and fastening it to the clasps, while Lavender tied on the sword.

"Sir,I'm..." Lavender started, "overwhelmed,but to have gone to such an expense..."

"Oh,pshaw," Blueblood replied,waving his hoof, "I was having it made anyway." He noticed Lavender's discomfort: "Don't think that it's because we shared a bed-,even if we hadn't, I still would've asked you to wear it."

"Thank you,sir." Lavender managed with feeling.

"Yes,yes." Blueblood said, "You're deeply honored and so on. Let's get going before the sun goes down." the prince led the way out of the manor, up until the gates, where Lavender took the lead.

The guardsman parted the crowds easily enough with his trained voice and slight prodding at the slow ones;although, most parted at the sight of his new armor and the prince.

They found a china seller not too far from the main hub. The poor mare at the counter looked as if she was about to keel over before coming out and kneeling. "Ma Prince" she said, with a voice that some of the higher ups would call "Common".

Blueblood bade her rise. She appeared nervous to be in the presence of royalty: "How may I help you?"
"We're looking for a new afternoon tea set." he said, in his usual voice before adding: "please." His mouth seemed unaccustomed to uttering the word.

"You don't want this stuff,ma prince." she said,motioning at the sets on display, "I'll get ma best." She ran out into the back and Blueblood smirked at Lavender. "Somebody knows how to treat royalty."

"As you say,sir." Lavender replied, evenly,glad that the face-plate hid his rolled eyes.

The mare hadn't lied when she said it was the best: The polished porcelain positively gleamed as it was unveiled. To her credit, she even gave the prince a good price,wrapping each piece with care before strapping the bag to Lavender's back. Blueblood put a gold bit on the counter. "For your service." The pair took their leave.

After getting fine tea and those cakes Celestia was known to love Blueblood was in high spirits: "Alright,home we go then!"
They were home shortly and all the pieces were laid out on the mahogany table.

"Oh,dear." said Blueblood, "I almost forgot to send the invitation!" He laughed and passed the letter to Lavender "Deliver this to Auntie Celly." he commanded,then remembered to add: "please."

Lavender headed out again,going straight for the palace. As he passed through the outer gate he felt very out of place when he saw the other guards, in their standard kit,seeing himself as a preening peacock among hardened and loyal dogs. He was bade to wait by Celestia's chamberlain and he relaxed,looking around.

"Lavender?" Came a familiar voice from one side passage, "Is that you?" The familiar figure of 'Nails' emerged from the gloom.

"Yeah,it's me." he said,taking off his helmet and smiling.

'Nails' looked him up and down and raised an eyebrow in obvious question.
"The prince wanted me to wear it." he said, defensively

'Nails' leaned against the door-frame of her post "Sure. So,what's it like being Prissy's bodyguard?" she asked.

"It was tough at first,but I've gotten used to it."

"Slicing cake must be real tough." she said,then relented, "Sorry. I've heard the word around that nobody's lasted longer than a week before. The vets are worried because they'll lose the money they wagered."
"Bets?"

"Oh,yeah. I guess they didn't tell you. They made bets on how long you'd last under Blueblood."
Lavender frowned and felt an urge to come to the prince's defense: "He's not all bad." he managed, lamely.

Before 'Nails could reply the chamberlain ushered him through to Celestia's study. He didn't dawdle,but managed to cast a cursory glance around the room before coming face to face with the monarch.

Celestia's face broke into a soft smile: "My chamberlain says you came from my nephew."

"Yes,majesty." Lavander replied,trying not to let his awe show. He stood for a moment then remembered the message and passed it along.

"Thank you. " she said. The small courtesy somehow made Lavender feel proud of himself. He didn't know why,he supposed it was part of her charm.

Celestia scanned the letter and broke into a wide smile "Oh,how wonderful!" she said, with enthusiasm before grabbing her own quill and scribbling a reply.
"Tell the prince I will be there." She passed the note back and Lavender took it. He bowed ,"Thank you,Majesty." He left the room,the glow of pride in his chest at the brief conversation.

He returned to Blueblood,who was tapping his hoof: "What did she say?" he asked, anxiously.

Lavender passed him the new letter. "She would be glad to attend,sir."

Blueblood's face broke into a broad grin,becoming as excited as a foal on Heart's Warming eve. "Wonderful!" he said,grabbing Lavender's hoof, "come help me prepare."

"But sir,she's not coming for two days." Blueblood's enthusiasm was infectious and he found himself smiling.
Blueblood had already taken off at a canter "We'll be ready early then!"

On the day of Celestia's visit Blueblood became jittery and nervous,wanting everything to be absolutely perfect. He even had the maids,who came in for a few hours every so often, work overtime, with double pay, to ensure success.

The doorbell rang and Blueblood panicked a little. "Calm down,sir." Lavender said, gently, "everything's perfect."
The prince appreciated that and the pair went out to meet his guest. There was a slight blow to the wind and locks of Celestia's rainbow-coloured mane covered her eyes. She laughed and blew on them and they seemed to knit back into place.

Blueblood grinned from ear to ear. "Auntie Celly!" he called and headed up at a trot,they embraced. "Dear nephew!" the monarch replied, warmly. Lavander couldn't help but smile at the sight. Blueblood ushered her in and Celestia expressed her delight at the decoration. "Really,nephew, you shouldn't have." her face lighting up,making both stallions glow with pride.

The tea itself went well. the prince and his aunt laughed together,speaking about all manner of things.

Eventually Celestia asked: "Well,nephew? Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend? " Lavender froze as he caught a hint of emphasis.
"Of course,auntie. Lavender? Auntie Celly would like to meet you."

Lavender strode over as Celestia's magenta eyes studied him,intently,she had some secret smile as if she knew everything there was to know about him.

"A pleasure to meet you properly,Guardsman Sentinel" she said, formally, "or do you prefer Lavender?"

Lavender swallowed,finding his mouth dry, "Lavender,your grace."

"Oh,nephew? Could you grab me some more of those cakes I adore so much?" Blueblood hastily obeyed and they were left alone.

"My nephew has never retained a bodyguard for so long. I wonder why that is?" she said,with an amused twinkle to her eye.

Lavender found himself compelled to say everything and had to force himself not to reveal all.

"It was difficult to begin with,your grace. The prince is very..." he searched for the right words.

"Hard to please?" Celestia supplied.
Lavender nodded and the princess laughed, musically. Although he didn't understand the joke,Lavender joined in .

"My nephew is a good colt at heart. It might be hard to see sometimes,but it's the truth. I'm glad he's made a friend in you"

Blueblood returned and handed her a bag of cakes. "Here you are,Auntie!"

Lavender had to admit,seeing Blueblood act this way was surprising,but also endearing,a hidden sweetness, under a hard shell.

"Thank you,nephew." she said,taking the bag with her magic and embracing the prince. "I must be off now. The realm doesn't run itself after all! The tea was excellent."

Blueblood guided her out,a little disappointed, even though Celestia had been there for at least three hours.

Celestia placed one hoof on Lavender's shoulder. "Take care,Lavender. " she said as she walked towards the gate. Blueblood turned away and as he did,the guardsman could've sworn the monarch winked at him, secretively.

He walked back inside to an excited Blueblood. "What a bright idea you had,Lavender!" he exclaimed, " it went so well!"

Lavender beamed back and Blueblood's ears flickered "Thank you." he said, with genuine feeling.

"My pleasure." Lavender replied, with equal feeling.
No words passed between them at this point. Blueblood stepped forward and kissed the guardsman.

The kiss had been a long time coming and it was lengthy,the pair moving their lips and faces,prolonging the motion as they let their affection for each other be known, uncaring and unaware if anyone saw.

Here there be clop!

As expected,the pair quickly headed for the prince's bedroom. Lavender walking back, while the prince moved forward,their lips locking and releasing at regular intervals, with audible sound . Through some miracle,Lavender found the bed and Blueblood quickly followed him, teasing the blushing guardsman's tongue with his own as he used his magic to undo the straps of the other's armor.

"You are fun." Blueblood said,affection evident in his tone and action.

"So are you,my prince"

Lavender's breastplate fell with a clang,and the rest soon followed. Blueblood moved his kiss to the guardsman's neck, who gave a slight gasp, moving his neck to give the prince better access.

"You are a sweet colt." Blueblood said, by Lavender's ear, kissing in a trail down the guardsman's chest,coming to a stop at the staff down below. The guardsman's eyes met his pleadingly and the prince moved his skillful tongue over the dark balls and up the base,offering a wink as he reached the tip.

Lavender shuddered, "It feels so good! " he almost yelled, aloud.

This thought multiplied a thousandfold as Blueblood locked his lips around the bucking member,taking his time,creeping from the head to the beginning of the length and back again, while his partner writhed and gasped.

Blueblood prolonged the pleasure by increasing the amount he took in,sucking powerfully on Lavender's member.

It didn't take long before Lavender shuddered and came,no warning whatsoever,but Blueblood didn't mind. He took all the seed he could in his mouth,pulled back,making sure to make eye contact and swallowed, noisily.

Lavender uttered a small sound in his throat and the prince came forward and kissed him. Lavender put his front hooves around the prince's back.
He stared into Blueblood's eyes,blue mirroring hazel and said: "I love you."

Blueblood was speechless for the first time in his life,emotions flickered over his face before his expression softened, eyes crinkling at the broadness of his grin.

"I love you, too." he replied and the pair kissed heatedly before Blueblood changed the position,spooning with the guardsman. He rubbed the other's hole with his hoof,placing his shaft just below it.

The pair continued to kiss and Lavender gave a small nod in signal. Blueblood pushed in, enjoying the vice like grip on his member. They moaned into each other's mouths,hot breath mixing with the rising room temperature.

After some time, short thrusts and pushes, bore fruit as the guardsman's ass gave way and the prince was able to slide in and out, with ease. Lavender had his face to the bed sheets,eyes glazed and tongue lolling,cute moans sounding with each labored thrust.

Several minutes of hard thrusting ensued. As before, Lavender came first, with such ferocity that a splodge hit the nearby wall. Blueblood soon followed, filling him to the brim.

This time,however ,the pair remained alert, trading kisses,pokes,tickles and other such things as they nestled next to each other.

"I'm so happy." said Lavender, cheeks glowing and eyes bright.

"Me too,sweet one." replied the equally enamored prince, "me too."

Author's Note

My,this turned out longer than I thought it would! There are likely to be more errors in this one, as I'm travelling tomorrow and I wanted to get this part done. Enjoy! ^^