It was Taylor’s last day away from his favorite pony. He may have been gone only a week, but it felt like absolutely forever since he had seen her. Maybe he could even try to leave by tonight if things went right for him. Yeah, he will surprise her at Night Court, knowing he will get to see that beautiful smile and her lovely teal eyes light up with happiness. But for now, he did owe some time to Rarity and Pinkie Pie. So he gets up, gets a shower, and gets dressed in his usual attire. He heads out, waving to Twilight as she looked at him with sleepy eyes and smiled as she was was making her way to bed.

“Must have been another all nighter.”

He said with a light chuckle to himself. He opens the door and walks out, closing it behind him as he makes his journey to Rarity’s home.On his way, he is stopped by the three little fillies whom had become like his own little sisters in a way. They run up to him and smile up at him.

“Hey Taylor! Where are you going?”

Sweetie Belle asked with curiosity.

“I am actually on my way to see your sister, Sweetie. What about you? You three staying out of trouble?”

“Yes we are...for the most part.”

Applebloom said with a sheepish grin, which made Taylor arch a brow. He crosses his arms and leans to the side slightly.

“And just what are you three up to this morning? Nothing that would cause your sisters any grief I hope? And not cause me any trouble as well?”

All three of them shook their head quickly, Taylor giving them an approving smile. He crouches down and gives them a gentle part on the head, pulling out some bits from his pocket and holds it out to them.

“Good girls. Got get you something sweet from Sugarcube Corner. I am off to meet with Rarity.”

He said as he stood back up and began to make his way there, the fillies called out to him again.

“Thank you, Taylor!”

They all shouted before running off to...do whatever fillies did he supposed. He made it to the door of Rarity’s shop. It had the sign flipped to open, so he just opened the door and walked right in, closing the door behind him. He walked into the main room, looking around as all of the fashionista’s designs, chuckles to himself as he sees she was already one step ahead for the season. He then hears her call out from the other room.

“Be with you in a moment!”

“No hurry on my account, Rarity. It’s just me.”

“Ah, Taylor!”

She said as she ran in the room tangled in ribbons and fabrics, doing so caused them to wrap around her form and tie her up. Taylor saw trouble here, quickly moving in before she fell to the ground after she stumble, catching her in his arms. She looks up at the man with a slight blush. Taylor was blushing a bit as well, as those ribbons were squeezing her lovely curves that she worked so hard to keep. He wasted no time in helping her out of her binds with a light chuckle.

“I told you to not rush Rarity, you have me for a few hours. We got plenty of time.”

“Oh I know...I am just happy to see you is all, Taylor. Ever since you and Princess Luna got together, you have been staying more in Canterlot. I must admit I am kind of jealous. You living in Canterlot, staying in the castle…”

“Oh Rarity, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. The only reason I stay at the castle is because of Luna. She is the only reason it is worth staying. I don’t deal well with all the nobles and such. And all the fancy events that happen just irritate the hell out of me.”

Rarity nuzzles into him gently as she layed in his arms.

“I am also a bit jealous she has somepony like you wrapped around her hoof. She is a lucky mare.”

Taylor lightly boops heri on the nose with a finger, smiling warmly to her.

“Even if you had gotten to me first Rarity, i don’t think the memories that I was given would have allowed me to be yours. But that is a story for another time. What is it we are doing today?”

She gave a little frown at what he had said, but shook her head and gave him another smile.and She had him all to herself for at least a little while.

“Well, I need to run out and grab some fabrics and such for my next designs. But a poor mare like me can’t carry it all…”

She said as she batted her eyelashes at him.

“You know you don’t have to charm me with those pretty eyes Rarity. I’d be happy to help you. So long as you don’t ask me to sue something or anything that involves superior eyesight...I am kind of lacking in that department as you know…”

“OH sweetie...I would never have you do something I know you would have trouble with. That would be rather insensitive of me wouldn’t you think?”

Taylor chuckles lightly, rubbing the back of his head.

“It is strange….I can take down a manticore and a super powered centaur with magical abilities. But mundane tasks such as sewing and such...I am about as helpless as a child.”

Rarity wraps her arms around his neck and nuzzles him again.

“No need to be ashamed, it is something that is not your fault. If it is one thing I learned. Everypony has a flaw or two, be it physical or not.”

Taylor wraps his arms around the mare, gently squeezing her into a hug.

“You certainly have a way with words Rarity.Maybe you should get an extra cutiemark in ‘sweet talking’ huh?”

They both have a little laugh at that. Taylor releases her and stands up from his kneeled position.

“Alright then. Shall we go?”

“Yes we shall!”

Taylor walks over to the door and opens it for her, standing aside to let her through.

“Ladies first after all.”

“Such a gentlecolt, thank you!”

As they walk through the town gathering the necessary items, Taylor and Rarity talk about the events that have been going on. A few friends stop and say hi. A few clients stop Rarity in the street and chatted her up as well. All the while Taylor had one pony on his mind, Luna. He’d hope that she was doing alright without him. Once he was gone for two days and when he returned, she pounced him and asked him where he had been. As if he was gone for a month.

They continued walking on, the load they have gathered having come to quite a large amount of fabrics and all sorts of things for crafting clothing. Rarity looks up at Taylor, curious as to why he hasn’t said much about the amount of weight he was carrying,and with that mask, she couldn’t tell much of his facial features if he was struggling or not.

“Taylor sweetie, do you...need to take a break?”

“Hm? Oh no. I can make it back to the boutique. Do we need to stop for something else?”

“Well...no, but how does anyone tell what is going through your mind with that mask? It worries me. Especially knowing you are a pony who likes to keep to himself a lot.”

Taylor stops for a moment, then offers her a simple smile.

“If you knew me like Luna did. You would know the answer to that. But to put it simply.I don’t like to burden people with my own problems that I have within me. Its how I have always been, even before I came to this world. Growing up with this affliction and an abusive step-father has made me the person I am today. I used to curse God for creating me the way he did. Back in school, the others used to tease me and make fun of my...ailment. But you know what? I showed them what a kid like me could do. I joined up in martial arts, hell I even got first place in a tournament. That is about the only accomplishment I was proud of in my introverted life. Nut then I was brought here, and my life changed for the better. I will never ever want to return to the world I was born in. I believe this is where I truly belong. I guess I had to go through some suffering to get here though. Funny what life throws at you huh?”

Rarity nods to him as she listens intently to his story. After he finishes, she walks up to him and hugs around his waist gently, looking up at him.

“I agree with you. Perhaps you are supposed to be here. But even if you are or aren’t I know I am one of the few ponies here who is happy to have you here with us. I know Twilight and the others are as well. And especially Princess Luna, if that wasn’t obvious enough.”

Taylor nods and reaches down, giving Rarity a gentle pet, this making herr sway her tail happily. Animals will be animals he supposed, sentient or not.

“I couldn’t expect any better friends than all of you, Rarity. I mean it.”

“And you are the sweetest stallion ever..despite your...grim disposition.”

Taylor laughs lightly.

“There is a saying that is said back in my world, ‘Hate the game, not the player.’.”

Rarity giggles and motions for them to get moving back to her shop. Once there, Taylor unloads the items in the spots that Rarity has asked him to place them in. He still had a little bit more time to spend with her, but he wasn’t sure on what they would do.

“It seems we are slightly ahead of schedule, darling. Would you perhaps like some tea before you leave?”

“Do you have green tea?”

“I certainly do!”

“I will take some of that, please.”

“Coming right up!”

She said as she trotted into the kitchen. During the silence, Taylor could hear her humming. Her voice was so alluring. If Luna hadn’t got to him first, he very well may have ended up with Rarity, that much he was willing to admit to himself. He was brought out of his train of thought after he heard the sound of a saucer with a tea cup placed in front of him on the coffee table, He looks up to see Rarity smiling gently to him and sits on the chair across from him. He nods his head in thanks and picks up the cup and sips on it.

“Delicious, thank you again, Rarity.”

“You are quite welcome.”

“Also, thank you for ensuring just how wonderful of a life I have come to have here. I guess I can always count on you to help me see the silver lining in things.”

She blushes lightly, but nods.

“Anything for you, sweetie.”

Taylor waves to Rarity as he leaves her shop, making his way to sugarcube corner now. He can only imagine what Pinkie has in store for them to do. Most likely baking, planning a party, who knows. He was actually quite happy he got a headstart on his day, if he played his cards right, he could leave Ponyville around 6 o’clock in the evening, and be back in Luna’s arms by nine. Just in time for night court to get close to ending. He walks up to the door of the sweets establishment, he couldn’t help but notice that the sign was switched to ‘CLOSED’. He hesitantly knocks on the door, waiting a few moments before knocking again.

“Perhaps both Pinkie and the Cakes are both out on business?” Well, if she had something planned, then I can just head out early-”

Right on cue. Gummy, Pinkie’s pet alligator falls out of the window, landing on top of Taylor’s head with a little grunt, his gaze turns up to look at the large eyes reptile and can’t help but smile.

“Hey there little guy, I take it you have a message from Pinkie?”

The scaley pet simply dropped a piece of paper from its toothless mouth and into Taylor’s hands. He opens up the paper and begins to read it, having to bring it up near his face. Curse you nearsightedness.

Hi Taylor!

Just letting you know I have a fun fun FUN surprise for you at the lake just outside the Everfree Forest. Gummy should have delivered the message to you by now, be sure and bring him to! I just know you are going to like what I got planned! See you soon!

Your favorite party pony,
Pinkie!

Taylor shook his head, but smiled. Knowing her, it is a party of some sort. Very well, I guess I can humor her. Ready Gummy?”

He asked the alligator, he then began to make his way to the destination that was specified. While on his way to the lake, thoughts of what exactly she had planned ran through his head. He just shook his head as he thought up that she may try to surprise him again. Silly mare hasn’t learned that it is not a surprise if you tell someone about it. Ah well, she was doing something for him, even though she didn’t have to, and that is what counted. He comes up to the opening which had the lake set in the middle. He was on guard and ready to foil her surprise when lo and behold, there were all his friends, smiling and waving to him as they lounged by the water, all six of the mares justy enjoying...a swimming party. Pinkie saw him approach and bounced up to him with a big smile.

“Nothing like a little pool party to make your day huh?”

She was excited yes, but not the surprise-y kind of greeting he expected.

“Was expecting you to try and surprise me like you always do Pinkie.”

“Well, I kind of did didn’t I? You didn’t expect me to not surprise you, so that is a surprise in itself!”

She was right, she got him..without getting him. Genius.

“Come on silly boy! We got all kinds of refreshments and fun to have. ANd I hope you brought a swimsuit!”

“Sorry Pinkie..I...don’t swim, more so...I can’t.”

Her and the others look at him with frowns as they hear that come from his mouth. Yep,, Taylor doesn’t like to swim, nor can he. He walks over to the table that was set up with the food and drinks, making his way to an umbrella that was vacant and nibbles on his food quietly. They all get up from their spots or out of the water to come around him, he looks up to them.

“Oh girls, don’t worry about me. You all go and have fun. I promise I am fine here.”

“But Taylor...we want you to come swim with us!”

Pinkie said as she lightly tugged on his arm.

“Please Pinkie, don’t ask me of this. I...have a fear of drowning. I will stay here and enjoy watching you all.”

They all gasp while putting a hoof to the mouth.

“Taylor, darling...we wish we would have told us...had we known…”

“Its is alright Rarity, you all didn’t know. It’s weird, I love to take baths and everything, but swimming in deep water just terrifies me. I am sorry if this ruins your fun. But I want you to know I appreciate this nonetheless.”

He lowers his head and pulls his hood over it, lowering his gaze to the ground.

“Sorry…”

He suddenly feels a pair of warm arms wrap around him, a light squeaking noise was heard.

“It doesn’t matter if you can swim or not! You are here with friends, and that is what matter! I am happy you came! You don’t have to swim, we can still make this fun! Now, no pouty faces mister broody!”

She said as she pulled his hood off and gently took his face into her hooves.

“Come on Taylor, smile!”

He lowers his gaze for a moment, then brings it back up to her, he gives the best smile he can. When he smiles, it is a small and mostly unnoticed one. But for her, he gives her the biggest smile his can, this making her quite happy and cheers.

“Right then, let’s get this party started!”

Pinkie yells as her and a couple of the others leap into the water, the others either sunbathing or just lounging about. That was the first time he had divulged a fear to anyone...in this case anypony. It just goes to show how far he has come with the group and how close they have gotten. As he was deep in thought yet again, Twilight comes up to him and plops down next to him

“Taylor..are you really alright?”

He lifts his head up from his knees and reaches over, petting her gently on the head.

“Yeah Twi, I am fine, promise.”

“You know, before you got here, me and the girls were talking about our time with you. We all agreed it was very nice. And we hope that you will come and see us more often. Just like I have grown to love these five, we all have grown to love you, and we would do anything to see you happy...anything.”

Taylor smiles warmly to Twilight and continues petting the alicorn. His gaze meeting hers.

“Thank you Twi. I really do mean it. I truly am lucky enough to have you and the others. Even more so..to have Luna again…”

Twilight tilts her head to the side.

“Again? What do you mean Taylor?”

He opens his eyes wide for a moment, realizing that he had just slipped, but quickly plays it off.

“Oh nothing twi...just talking nonsense is all.”

Twilight leans in close and looks him in the eyes. She wasn’t applejack, so he could hide it easily, but she still wasn’t buying it. But she pulls away.. Now that she got a good look at him, she finds something….oddly familiar about him. But she wouldn’t dwell on it now. She simply enjoys her time with all her friends.

It was getting about that time for Taylor to depart back to Canterlot. As he walks to the train station with his friends by his side, he waves and hugs them all goodbye for the time being.

“I promise to return soon ladies, then we can all get together. Until then, all of you please stay safe.”

“Bye Taylor!”

They all shouted and waved at once. After he was on the train and hone, Twilight looked over to Rarity as they were both thinking the same thing.

“You noticed it too, did you?”

“Indeed I did darling. I can’t believe I never really noticed it till now. But there is something that is nagging at me…”

--Canterlot Castle, Throne Room, 9:30 PM--

“This session is now dismissed, be on your way.”

Said a bored Luna as she leaned against her hoof as she sat on the throne.

“That is all for tonight guards, send the others away I have had enough of these petty issues the nobles can’t solve on their own..”

Just as the guard was about to shut the throne room doors, a hand slaps onto the door and pushes it open, the cloaked figure slipping in with a warm smile, those glowing blue eyes staring at the princess of the night so longingly.

“Are you sure you can’t squeeze one more visitor in, your majesty?”

Luna’s eyes widen and she could have sworn her heart was about to burst out of her chest. That voice, those eyes. The guard knew exactly who he was and gave a light chuckle

“Seems our princess has just gotten into a better mood. We will leave things to you then, sir.”

They said as they left the room. Luna climbs off of the throne, she walks Toward Taylor at first, then a trot, then into a full gallop, colliding with him sending them both to the ground. She wrapped her limbs around his body, hugging and nuzzling him like a dog who hasn’t seen their owner in ages. Taylor runs his fingers through her mane gently.

“I missed you to Lulu...so very very much.”

“Oh Taylor...praise the moon you have returned!”

She leans up and locks lips with him instantly, letting out a soft moan as she is now reunited with her lover and soulmate. Taylor lets out a low rumble in his throat as he reaches up and caresses her cheek ever so tenderly. Extremely happy to be with her again. He isn’t going to be taking anymore trips anytime soon. He had missed this beautiful mare a bit too much.

“I love you Lulu.”

“And I you Taylor...so so very much. Welcome home.”

He presses his forehead against hers.

“Good to be home.”

Author's Note

Here you go guys. Another chapter between my two favorite character's story. Enjoy!

Like and share.

May the darkness grant you peace.