Always and Forever

It was almost time for Luna to raise the moon. Luna walked the familiar path to the hill. She had gone back to Canterlot to freshen up after spending the morning with Artemis. She felt a little better, having washed her face with cold water, relieving the redness and dryness of her eyes from having cried so much. Reaching the hill, she climbed to the top. After Celestia lowered the sun, Luna used her magic to raise the moon. Her task complete, she lay down in her usual spot, hooves crossed in front of her, enjoying the quiet beauty of the cool night. She watched the fireflies flit around her, their tiny lights blinking in the semi-darkness. She smiled as one firefly landed on the tip of her hoof. She studied the little insect for a while before it flew away. She stood up, prancing around gleefully, fireflies flashing around her. Luna whinnied happily, playing with her new little friends.

From the bottom of the hill, Artemis watched with a smile as Luna played with the fireflies. He couldn’t help but giggle when Luna jumped back in surprise as a curious firefly landed on her sensitive nose. Luna sneezed, the firefly somersaulting away. With a grin and a giggle, Luna sat back down on the grass.

Artemis nickered a greeting as he walked up the hill. “Hello, Luna!”

Luna’s ears pricked up at the sound of his voice. “Hello, Artemis.” She flashed him a shy smile.

Artemis lay down beside Luna. “It really is a beautiful night tonight.” He commented, looking up at the sky. ‘But not as beautiful as you, Luna.’ He added silently. Luna smiled up at him, grateful that somepony actually appreciated her night. “Feel better, Luna?” Artemis asked her, his eyes radiating his empathy and protectiveness of her.

Luna nodded. “I appreciate you being here for me. It means more to me than you will ever know. I could never repay you enough.”

Artemis just smiled. “You don’t have to. Knowing you will be okay is enough for me. I love you, you know.” He blushed as he said these words.

“I love you, too Artemis.” She reached up and kissed Artemis affectionately. Artemis gently pulled her to himself. She happily obliged, wrapping her hooves around him. She tussled with his mane. He kissed her forehead tenderly while Luna massaged his head with her hooves. He started to purr like a cat, loving the feeling of Luna’s hooves in his hair. Luna smiled at this reaction, and kept going. After a little while, Luna stopped. Artemis looked at her and smiled a lopsided grin. ‘He’s so adorable!’ she said to herself. She smiled back at him. With a coy grin, he kissed her nose. “Squee!” Luna blushed at the touch.

Artemis giggled. “You’re so cute when you do that!” he touched his nose to hers.

“Squee!” Luna’s cheeks felt hot.

“Aw! You’re blushing!” Artemis smiled shyly at her, feeling a blush of his own starting to form. He put his hooves on his cheeks, trying to hide it.

Luna noticed. “You’re blushing too, cutie.” She giggled.

Artemis playfully pinned Luna to the ground. “Ha! Gotcha!” he exclaimed. Luna squealed, but let herself be held down. “Aw, you’re no fun! Come on! Try to pin me down!” Artemis laughed, prancing gleefully around Luna, letting her get up. Luna and Artemis chased each other enthusiastically around the hill, laughing heartily. Soon enough, they tired of the game and collapsed in a heap, panting.

“That was fun!” Luna said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. She thought about it for a bit and realized that she hadn’t felt so free or laughed so hard in a long time. Artemis nodded his head in agreement, still trying to catch his breath. Luna saw her chance. She laughed mischievously, and jumped on top of Artemis, pinning him to the ground. “Gotcha!” she exclaimed triumphantly.

Artemis whinnied in surprise, then laughed. “I guess you did, didn’t you?” he reached up his head and planted a kiss on Luna’s nose.

“Squee!” she blushed and let Artemis up.

Artemis sat up and let out a yawn. “You know, cutie, I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of tired.” He stretched and lay down.

Luna lay down next to him. Artemis spread a protective wing over her, pulling her closer to him. She nestled in by his warm flank, sighing contentedly. The two slowly fell asleep, their bodies entwined together comfortably.