Binary and Rainbow stumble through the door of Valentine's, looking exhausted. Binary walks over to the bar while Rainbow claims a nearby table which she lays her head upon and groans. Valentine chuckles before putting down his glass and moving to serve Binary.

"I take it your trip was more than a little rough. We heard about the train accident and the wreck is already being cleared up. How are you two coping?" Valentine asks, looking concerned.

"The train ride wasn't so bad till it got derailed... We haven't been sleeping well since then." Binary sighs deeply.

Valentine pours two apple ciders and places them in front of Binary who goes to pay, but is denied.

"Not this time brother. You both need this after what you have likely been through. Did you maybe make any progress on your problem?" Valentine asks, leaning on the bar.

Binary takes a few heavy swigs of his apple cider before letting out a deep satisfied sigh.

"I know how I feel now... It's just development from this point on. We are giving it a bit of time before deciding anything... So, what does happen now?" Binary asks with a blank expression.

Valentine chuckles heavily for a few minutes before taking a deep breath to calm down.

"You do exactly what you just said, let it develop. Spend time with her, go about your daily lives. It's really not so complicated. Oh, taking her out on dates might also be a good idea to boost your affinity." Valentine pours himself a whiskey.

"I see... Why does that sound like an RPG dating guide?" Binary asks, sipping his apple cider while raising one eyebrow.

"Hmm? What did you say?" Valentine chokes a little as he is reading a manual for an RPG game that he throws behind himself.

"Nothing... So, how have things been around here?" Binary asks, moving to slide Rainbow's apple cider onto their table.

Rainbow takes many heavy gulps of her apple cider before heaving a sigh of relief as she lays her head back on the table.

"Business is going well, as per normal lately. I've made a new drinking buddy too, apparently. They heard about my unique affinity and grew an interest. Speaking of which... I should be going lest I am late for an important arrangement I have this evening, please excuse me. Applejack, you have the bar." Valentine states before leaving swiftly.

"I got it." Applejack states in reply as she trots behind the bar.

"Valentine has a new drinking buddy?" Binary asks quizzically.

"So it would seem. He has been quite busy the last few days." Applejack states, pouring them two more drinks before setting to cleaning some glasses.

"Hmm..." Binary moves to their table, giving Rainbow her second mug before trying to finish his first apple cider.

The moon hangs high in the sky as Luna and Yuuki stand on the balcony of her room, staring up at the stars. Yuuki's attention, however, is constantly captured by the moon as he wears a pained expression. Luna glances at Yuuki and takes note of this giving him a gentle nudge.

"Please stop thinking so much about it. This piece of metal is a tad uncomfortable and it's difficult to do a lot without my magic, but... With you by my side again, I will manage." Luna gives him a sincere light smiles which eases his burden only slightly.

"I'm sorry... It's just whenever I look up at your beautiful moon, I just have this twisted knot in my stomach. Knowing I'm the one who Despair came from. I brought him into the world albeit by mistake due to that magical jar... The responsibility is still mine." Yuuki sighs again and his ears droop down.

"I do not blame you for this. I understand wanting to take responsibility for actions you feel were your fault and punishing yourself for said actions. However, take it from a pony who knows all too well... You need not shoulder your heavy load alone. Your friends are here for you. More importantly, I am here, right at your side." Luna nuzzles Yuuki gently, making him perk up slightly from her words and touch.

"Could we... I'd like to go for a walk in the garden maze, if it's possible Luna." Yuuki asks quietly, making Luna smile.

"Of course. Let us go then." Luna takes flight as Yuuki leaps over the balcony and they land almost at the same time.

Stretching slightly, Yuuki morphs into his Moon Fox form and heaves a light sigh of relief before walking alongside Luna into the maze. Behind them on the balcony, Princess Cadence and Valentine pop into existence through a teleportation spell. Valentine is holding a well kept acoustic guitar in a polished black wood with red trim and silver strings. Taking his seat on the balcony, Cadence steps up beside him and looks down upon the pair below them.

"Here I thought we'd be having drinks at that new place that opened in Canterlot last week." Cadence asks, slightly confused.

"Surely even you can feel the need for a little serenade here? You ponies are a fan of spontaneous song, no?" Valentine asks as he tunes his guitar.

"I suppose, but I don't think Auntie needs any love advice at this moment... Oh... Oh!" Cadence looks at Valentine who puts his finger on his lips to shush her.

"Exactly. It's my belief, that even though we are parted now. We all share a psychic link that gives us a faint essence of each other's feelings so we better understand what the others are going through. The others are not here as they know I'm the best to deal with this atmosphere and direct it to a more romantic and light-hearted scenario if you will." Valentine explains strumming a chord on his guitar.

"I think we're going to be excellent friends, Mr Valentine and not just through the shared fondness for a fine drink." Cadence smiles and looks out upon her Auntie and Yuuki as she prepares her voice.

"I am hopeful that you know this one." Valentine states before he begins playing with Cadence providing her voice as Valentine joins in every now and then.

Below them, Luna and Yuuki walk about the maze. A sweet melody playing in the background that neither of them acknowledges as they continue their walk uninterrupted besides Luna now wearing a bright smile. Yuuki appears to lighten up and walks more briskly with Luna as he looks around the maze, while also glancing more freely up at the starlit sky. Moving towards the centre of the maze, Cadence softly lights her horn causing several fireflies to rises from the bushes to gently illuminate the maze and more importantly the couple within. The pair looks around in surprise before smiling at each other and opting to settle on a nearby bench as they enter the mazes core. Luna takes her place and gets comfortable before Yuuki eagerly joins her, snuggling up to the mare and letting her nuzzle against his head softly, making his ear twitch with delight as they forget everything. The moon, the collar, Despair. Everything just boiled to this one solitary moment shared between the two and their singing watchers.

Author's Note

I'm sorry this chapter took so long to write and get out. I had some personal delay, but I feel a lot lighter and combined with music I feel that my muse has returned fully and I hope to work through more chapters so I might keep those who do like this fic more up to date. Thank you all for bearing with me.