Lueur de la Lune

The wonderful night that Dusk and Luna had experienced prior was quickly replaced with a rather heated morning as two irate sets of families found their children after a long search. Their expressions were one of shock as they found the two snuggled against each other, sending off a very different message than intended.

“Young lady! I don’t tolerate this behavior under any circumstances! What were you thinking?! Why would you ever become intimate with this low-class ruffian?!” Nebula barked.

Luna shrank back down into the grass, blushing madly. “I-It wasn’t like that father! I wouldn’t do something like that anyways!” She sputtered.

She glanced at her mother and her sister in defense, but all she received was a glare from her mother and a look of disappointment from Celestia.

“You can’t just run off and expect us not to worry! How could you be so selfish?!” Her mother scolded.

“I understand the predicament you find yourself in sister, but I think you know you deserve whatever punishment mother and father deem necessary.” Celestia chimed in, never making direct eye contact.

Luna bit her lip. She wanted to be angry at them, but she knew that her family cared deeply for her, it’s why they showed so much concern. She knew she had done them wrong and was willing to accept any punishment dealt. But there was no chance that she wouldn’t see Dusk one way or another, especially after what had happened. She only hoped that Dusk’s punishment wouldn’t be as severe as hers.

Dusk huddled around his mother and sister. His sister was locked onto his foreleg, her muzzle pressed into his leg.

“Did you at least use protection?” Dusk’s mother quietly asked him.

“Mom!” Dusk hissed in response as Crystal giggled at his reaction.

“Why would he need protection? Did you get hurt Dusk?” Crystal asked curiously.

“I might need some after her father comes over here.” Dusk mumbled as he looked at the family across from him. Luna had her head down and seemed to be taking her beratement rather poorly.

After a few more seconds, Nebula broke away from Luna and approached Dusk and the rest of his family. His glare was sharp enough to cut diamonds.

“Do you have anything to say for yourself, young colt?” Nebula barked.

Dusk inwardly sighed. I need to play my cards right if I ever want to get on her father’s good side. I need to appear nervous, guilty and afraid. Her father seems to be the “stallion of the house” type. If her father reasons that I am truly sorry for what I did, then I might let able to get out of this with little to no repercussions.

Dusk gulped audibly, “I-I’m sorry sir, I-I didn’t mean any trouble.”

Nebula stepped closer, “Do you know who I am?”

Dusk didn’t back down, but he did cower slightly, appearing submissive. “Somepony of high nobility?” Dusk guessed.

Nebula huffed, “That was a good guess kid, I’ll give you that. Listen, I’d like to think that it would be best if we didn’t involve law enforcement. However, I am going to give you a fair warning. If I ever see you near Luna again, I will make sure that you will be punished as I see fit. Understand?”

Dusk exhaled in relief, “Yes sir, I understand. I promise I will not affiliate myself with your daughter under your watch. You have my word.”

“Good.” Nebula replied before walking back towards Luna’s mother. “Let’s go Sol, we have business to attend to at Canterlot palace. Luna, I expect that you will stay at our estate for the rest of the day. Understand?”

Luna slumped in defeat, “Yes sir.”

Dusk’s mother tugged his mane, drawing his attention. “I know that you are probably going to her her again within the next hour or so. Just please, try to be discrete about it alright?”

Dusk gave her a small smile, “Don’t worry about it mom, I’ll be careful.”

She gave him a wink as she trotted away with Crystal in tow. Luna, on the other hoof, was livid. How could he say something like that? She wasn’t going to be able to see him again.

Why do I even care that much? Luna asked herself.

She thought she knew the answer, but there was no way in tartarus she was willing to admit it.

Am I… falling for him? In only two days?

She shook her head. No, that’s ridiculous.

Luna trotted through the school courtyard as she scouted the area. She needed to find Ivory, she needed to apologize for the way she had acted earlier, Dusk was right about that.

“He’s right about a lot of things.” Luna mumbled to herself.

Luna thought she didn’t act on impulse. especially around those of the opposite gender. She wasn’t a wallflower by any stretch of the imagination. Most of the higher nobility allowed their children to be homeschooled rather than attend the university. But Luna’s parents insisted that they attend the school within Canterlot in order to develop well-rounded social skills.

And honestly? They were right.

Luna sighed. Unfortunately, her plan of asking Ivory out on a date was carried out without thought. Even though she thought about him a lot, she didn’t think the plan through.

She glanced over and saw him sitting where he always was. For some reason, she wasn’t nearly as nervous. The butterflies that usually followed her when he was around were absent this time.

“Excuse me Ivory? Can I talk to you for a minute?’ Luna asked as she approached him. She was no longer nervous from speaking to him.

She expected him to be angry, or annoyed at the very least. But he jumped from his seat, taking Luna by surprise. “Luna I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to snap on you. I am willing to g-”

“No, that’s quite alright Ivory. I actually came to apologize myself. You were right, I was being rather annoying. And I’d rather our relationship remain mutual, if that’s alright with you.”

Ivory slumped back down on the bench near him. “Oh, okay. I wasn’t really expecting this. Are you sure? I wouldn’t spending some time with you if you want.”

Luna smiled to herself. “Sorry Ivory. But between my home life and school, I think I have enough on my mind as it is. Let’s not make this more complicated than it has to be alright?”

And with that, Luna walked away, leaving Ivory speechless.

Luna walked home sluggishly, disappointed she hadn’t seen Dusk that day.

He goes to the same school as me, I checked the roster and everything. Crescent Dusk.

She was filled with warmth as she thought of his full name. Then the back of her neck was suddenly cold and wet, for something had hit her at high speeds.

She groaned as she glanced at her mane, it was a spitball.

“Hey Luna! Sorry I couldn’t chat earlier, I was busy studying. Some of this stuff is rough.”

Dusk said as he stuffed the straw back in his saddlebag.

Luna gave a look of disgust as she removed the spitball from her mane, “Real classy. Honestly, couldn’t you just have called out my name?”

Dusk chuckled, “But then I wouldn’t get that priceless expression!”

“Why did you say that to my father!?” Luna snapped.

Dusk double backed nervously, “What do you mean Luna?”

Luna rolled her eyes at him, “You know what I mean. You said you’d never talk to me again. You even promised him tha-”

Dusk put a hoof to Luna’s muzzle, “You misinterpreted my words princess. I promised that I would not affiliate myself with you under your father’s watch. Last I checked, he’s not around. He’s pretty isolated while he’s working in the palace, so I got plenty of leverage.”

Luna smiled, “You really thought things through didn’t you?”

Dusk flashed her a confident smile, “I always do, Luna.”