Luna's New Boyfriend

Luna’s New Boyfriend
An Always Friends, Always More Side-Story
By Duke Moon II
Based on My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Part 1: First Impressions

It was nighttime at the Huerta residence, but there was no rest for the house’s single occupant. Though the new school year was only a month away, Principal Celestia de la Huerta was hard at work in preparation for the new school year. Sitting in her office in her home, she worked on school schedules, staff schedules, potential school holidays, and even looked at files for potential new teachers, all with an attentive eye and unreal speed. Celestia was very much a workaholic, and wanted everything to be perfect, not only for the school staff, but her students, who she really cared for above all.

Celestia sighed as she leaned back in her chair, taking a break as she ran her hands through her long, light pink, light green and light blue hair. She had insisted on taking the load of the work as a favor to the staff so they could concentrate on their class schedules. Some of the staff were concerned that she was overworking herself and not leaving any time to herself. She remembered one teacher saying that she should really hang out at the Dragon Pub in downtown Ponyville just for a few shots and relax. Again, Celestia, proving that she needs to be the exemplary educator, said no and went about her work. She knew how the staff felt about her, that she worked herself to the bone, being the sociable school politician and doing more than her fair share as the principal of Canterlot High School. Their concerns are duly noted, Celestia would often think to herself, but to her, the welfare of her students came first, and her needs were secondary.

‘Still, if I were to make some time off, it would be with family,’ Celestia thought as she picked a nearby picture frame, one that had a picture of herself and her younger sister, the dark blue-haired nurse Luna de la Huerta.

‘She began her first year as a nurse all mopey, but in just a few months, she was happy, even calling every student that walks through her office ‘little lamb’,’ Celestia thought as she smiled fondly at the picture. ‘She even gained a few fans among the male students, how adorable.’

Celestia’s thoughts were broken as she heard her smartphone ring. She picked it up and saw that it was Luna’s number, and with a smile, she slid her finger across the phone to answer.

“Lulu, hi!” Celestia answered eagerly.

“Hello, dear sister.” Luna replied casually.

“I was just thinking about you,” said Celestia fondly.

“And here I thought Principal Celestia was all about work and no play,” said Luna jokingly.

“Real funny, Lulu,” chuckled Celestia as she rolled her eyes. “Any reason you called, aside from making fun of this overworked educator?”

“Well...” Luna said, her tone sounding nervous.

“Luna, is something wrong?” asked a concerned Celestia.

“No, nothing, it’s just…” Luna trailed of, gulping. “I’ve met someone and-

“Good for you, little sister!” exclaimed Celestia gleefully. “You have to tell me about him!”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” said Luna, still nervous. “He’s little nervous about meeting you and he wants to make a good first impression. Do you think you can come over for dinner tomorrow and meet him?”

“Well, the staff is worried that I might keel over from too much work,” said Celestia. Then with a bright smile, she said, “Oh, anything for you, Lulu. Do you want me to bring anything?”

“Wine will be fine,” answered Luna. “My boyfriend insisted on preparing a meal for us.”

“Ooh, a chef, now I’m really interested,” said Celestia, licking her lips. “He must really want to make a good first impression.”

“He does, Celly,” said Luna seriously. “There is something else you can bring tomorrow night.”

“And that is?” asked Celestia.

“... An open mind,” answered Luna cryptically.

Belmont Village was an apartment community that was located in northern Ponyville, which, other than having many apartment buildings, had many other facilities like a private movie theatre, a swimming pool and gym. Though Celestia initially insisted that Luna live with her when she came back to Ponyville to start her career as a nurse in Canterlot High, her little sister wanted to live on her own and not be a bother. With that in mind, Celestia helped Luna get situated at Belmont Village. Celestia picked this particular apartment community because it was one of the more sociable communities in Ponyville, Small families and college students made up most of the population, and it was generally quiet, barring many social gatherings. It was a perfect place for Luna since, even in her younger years, was a very solitary person.

Celestia, leaving her car in the guest parking lot, walked through the apartment community with a little trepidation, carrying a basket with a wine bottle in her hands. Celestia also dressed casually, wearing a short-sleeved light yellow blazer over a white button blouse and a navy blue skirt. Last night, Celestia tried getting more information from Luna about her boyfriend, but Luna wanted her so see for herself. This worried Celestia,but had to realize that Luna was not a child anymore and whoever this boyfriend was has made her little sister very happy, which should be more than enough for her since she always worried about Luna’s welfare. Still, the whole mystery about the identity of Luna’s boyfriend had her on edge and she truly wanted know who he was.

Arriving at building 2104E, Celestia took in a deep breath and walked up to the second floor. Luna’s apartment was next to the stairs, so Celestia wasted no time in gently knocking on the apartment door.

‘Now or never’, thought Celestia.

“Who is it?” asked a feminine voice from across the door.

“It’s me, Luna.” Celestia answered.

There was an unlocking sound and the door opened, revealing a woman not much younger than Celestia herself and a bit shorter. Like Celestia, Luna had long, flowing hair, though her hair color was a combination of light and dark blue. Luna wore a purple sleeveless buttoned blazer dress that Celestia noticed was showing a bit of cleavage. Celestia noted that the way Luna was dressed was a bit more daring in comparison to what she normally wore, which was more conservative.

The two sisters greeted with a hug and light kisses on each other’s cheek.

“Big sister, you came after all,” smiled Luna.

“Well, I was curious as to who stole my dear Luna’s heart,” said Celestia.

“Come on in,” said Luna, allowing Celestia inside the apartment.

Celestia noticed that Luna had redecorated the apartment since she was here last, especially the living room. When Luna first moved to the apartment, she only had a few pieces of old furniture, an old television set, some clothes, and only a few kitchen tools and pans. Now the apartment has a vinyl couch, a coffee table with a pile of letters, a small round dinner table near the kitchen, several picture frames, and home entertainment theatre furniture which held a flat screen television, a stereo with moderate speakers, a few books on gaming, a blu-ray player, and a Lucky Game System 5. Celestia admired the apartment and smiled at the effort and attention Luna was giving it, feeling that this was really Luna’s home. She let off a small giggle at the picture frames and noticed that while some of them were of Luna and herself from years past, a lot of them were drawn or painted pictures of Luna herself, some of them portraits, some a full profile.

“I see you’ve been collecting extra-curricular work from your fans.” Celestia said with amusement.

“Only some,” said Luna as she headed towards the kitchen. “There were a few that I found tasteless, so I shredded them.”

“And I assume this pile of letters are from your many admirers?” asked Celestia, still amused.

“Yes, Arthur and I were just going through them before you came,” answered Luna as she set the table. “I’m just glad he’s not the jealous type because some of those letters were pretty sweet and sincere.”

“So his name is Arthur,” said Celestia, her expression turning curious. “Last night, I couldn’t get a name out of you, so why the secrecy?”

“I wanted to introduce you to him in person,” replied Luna as she walked over to Celestia. “Plus, he and I thought that you wouldn’t approve of our relationship… our true relationship, so we kept it a secret.”

“Luna… just who is this man?” Celestia asked, concern adorning her face.

“Celly… he’s young and he’s a nice boy, so…,” pleaded Luna as she fidgeted.

“Boy?” Celestia asked, startled. “How young is-

“I’ll go get him.” Luna interrupted quickly as she dashed to her bedroom, opening the door then closing it just as quickly.

Celestia’s heart started beating rapidly, a dreadful feeling coming over her. A young boy, Luna had said. So many questions raced through Celestia’s head. What had her sister gotten herself into if she had to keep her relationship with this Arthur boy a secret? How young was he? Was Luna committing a crime? Celestia shook her head at that last thought, thinking it absurd that Luna, as solitary as she was, would never feel that lonely as to turn into a cradle robber… or worse. But Luna did, say young boy and she didn’t want to tell her.

‘No, it couldn’t be.’ Celestia thought frantically as she started to sweat, her eyes widening. ‘Luna… did you take one of your little lambs home with you?’

Celestia didn’t have to wait long as Luna’s bedroom door opened. Celestia was shocked and gasped at who Luna dragged out of her, dropping the basket of wine in the process. Arthur certainly was young, though the boy was a bit taller than Luna. He was also a blond, short haired, looked physically fit and had a handsomely fair face. Arthur looked casual in what he was wearing, which was a short-sleeved white dress shirt and khaki pants. Of course, Arthur himself had a very nervous, even awkward look on his face. He stood frozen in place, as if waiting for Celestia to say something.

“Um… hi, Principal Huerta.” Arthur finally spoke.

Celestia wanted to deny it, but she knew very well who this boy is.

“Mister Cuirasse?” Celestia said, her throat feeling dry. “Arthur Cuirasse? One of my students?”

“Well, was one of your students.” Arthur pointed out, looking away as he rubbed the back of his head. “I did graduate not too long ago.”

Celestia didn’t feel alleviated in the least as she began to remember Arthur as well as the events from that led to a having a face to face meeting with him about his conduct a few months back…

It was already the end of January at Canterlot High School, but Celestia had her hands full at the moment as she sat at her desk in the her office with her arms folded. There was a look of disappointment as she looked on Arthur Cuirasse, or more known by his nickname ‘Golden Cuirasse’. The boy sat on chair, looking pitiful, sporting a few bruises on his face and busted lip, plus a few bandages. He also looked very ashamed, which also made Celestia feel sorry for him to be in such a state.

Arthur Cuirasse was the captain of the Wondercolts Boys soccer team and has led the team to many victories, even beating their rivals, the Shadowbolts of Crystal Prep in a championship game last year. What’s more, Arthur led his team as a true leader, a field general, often giving commands to his teammates, to which they followed without question. Celestia would often attend these soccer games and cheer her students on, knowing that the Wondercolts’ superstar would lead his team to victory. The fact that Arthur’s fellow teammates respected him was a big plus, meaning that he wasn’t a big headed athlete who only cared for himself. Arthur wasn’t just a student athlete, he was also very friendly and got along with his teammates,who he considered his friends.

Celestia did admit to herself that she had a small crush on Arthur. The fact he was very handsome was a huge plus and, in an act that she considered bold, took a picture of him while he wasn’t looking. The picture was stored on her smartphone and would often look at it just to perk herself up.

Celestia’s admiration for Arthur and his accomplishments did little to change the current situation at hand. A week ago, Arthur got into an altercation with one of his teammates after a rather horrible loss for the Wondercolts. From what Celestia could gather, the trouble stemmed from Arthur’s rather apathetic performance on the field as of late, which led to a losing streak for the Wondercolts. This caused some dissension among the players, some even expressing their grievances to coach Iron Will for a change in leadership. Celestia also noted in Arthur’s file that his grades were faltering and the fact that he just didn’t seem to care about anything was a concern for her as well as the teachers. Celestia deduced this is what led to Arthur’s fall from grace as he was called out by one of his teammates which led to a fight in the locker room. This forced Iron Will to take Arthur and the one who provoked him off the team, permanently. Celestia herself suspended both players from school for the week. Celestia thought the best of her students, but she also believed in the school’s code of conduct and it certainly applied to all her students, even star athletes.

“You wanted to see me, Principle Huerta?” asked Arthur, glumly.

“I won’t take much of your time, Mister Cuirasse.” Celestia began. “Let me start by welcoming you back to school and I hope that things are better now than they were last week.”

“Things are different now, that’s for sure,” scoffed Arthur.

“Arthur, please, no more of this self-pity.” Celestia said as she shook her head. “Believe me, there’s nothing I’d like more than to see you on the field again… but I agree with Coach Will. Not only has your game suffered, but the whole team has suffered because of it. They need a leader, and I’m afraid that’s not you… not anymore.”

“I’m sorry, Principal Huerta, it’s just…” Arthur started but trailed off.

“What happened, Arthur?” asked Celestia.

“She broke my heart.” Arthur blurted out.

“Who broke your heart?” inquired Celestia.

“My girlfriend.” Arthur started to explain. “Well, ex-girlfriend. I really should have seen it coming, though. She’s a college student and I was seeing her for a year. Hell, I first spoke to her on a dare. But I really wanted to make it work, but she broke up with me because she didn’t want to waste her time with some kid like me. She’s was really nasty about it, too, saying that I was just dating her just so I can… you know… with a college hottie. She really knew how to bring a guy low.”

“And the locker room incident?” asked Celestia.

“Lance Silva, the forward, said something that really set me off and I decked him.” Arthur said with a frown. “Then he started hitting back and we started to fight. Thinking back on it now, it was a really stupid thing to do.”

“Yes, it was.” Celestia agreed. “It must have been something really awful what Mr.Silva said to set you off like that.”

“He called you my sugar momma,” said Arthur, angrily.

Celestia was stunned. One of the team actually said that about her? Celestia frowned and made a mental note to speak to Mr. Silva about this.

“I’m really sorry,” Arthur said miserably.

“I’m sorry, too, Mister Cuirasse,” said Celestia sincerely. She then smiled and said, “Though I am flattered that you would defend me like that.”

“I couldn’t let that pass,” Arthur said with a smile. “No one insults my number one fan like that.”

“I keep forgetting what a charmer you can be,” Celestia said admiringly.

“So… is that it?” asked Arthur as he got up from his chair.

“Just one more thing,” began Celestia. “While I can’t in good conscience let you back on the team, I can help you with your grades. Your teachers are concerned and at the rate you’re going, you won’t be able to graduate. So, I took the liberty of getting you a tutor.”

“You really shouldn’t have,” said Arthur appreciatively.

“It’s the least I could do,” insisted Celestia. “Besides, I’ve already talked to my sister about it, and after a few words, she agreed.”

“Your sister?” wondered Arthur.

“Yes, Nurse Luna de la Huerta,” said Celestia proudly. “Don’t worry, because she’s also a registered tutor and can help you with your grades. Luna can be very knowledgeable about a lot of school subjects.”

“Yeah, I already met her,” said Arthur, embarrassed.

“You have?” inquired Celestia curiously.

“I accidentally beaned her with a soccer ball at the beginning of the year,” said Arthur, rubbing the back of his head.

“So you’re the ‘meathead’ Luna was grumbling about that time,” said Celestia, amused, to which Arthur groaned as he slammed a palm on his face. “Look, I’m sure you and my sister will get along just fine. Who knows? Maybe you two will the best of friends.”

‘Luna,’ thought Celestia, her eye twitching. ‘What have you done?’

“Sister?” asked a worried Luna.

Celestia frantically shook her head and immediately grabbed Luna by wrist, dragging her to the bedroom, which caused Luna to instinctively let go of Arthur, leaving the worried blond alone in the hall.

Celestia immediately locked the door, leaving her and Luna alone. She couldn’t even look at Luna as she leaned her head on the door, breathing heavily through her gritted teeth as she tried to calm herself down.

“I think I owe you an explanation.” Luna spoke in a wary and worried tone.

“I think you owe me the whole story, Luna,” said Celestia in a dangerous tone as she immediately turned around towards Luna, stalking her. Luna panicked as she backed up towards the wall. Then, with her glaring face close to Luna’s, Celestia asked, “How long?”

“Since after graduation,” responded Luna bashfully.

“Don’t lie to me, Luna!” screamed Celestia.

“Celly, I’m telling you the truth!” defended Luna.

“Then why did you need to keep this relationship a secret from me!?” Celestia yelled. “For heaven’s sake, Luna, I don’t know what to believe right now!”

“I’m sorry I kept this from you, Celly.” Luna sighed.

“Just… when did it start?” asked Celestia, exasperated.

“Arthur asked me out just after graduation.” Luna started to explain. “He came here and he wanted to thank me for everything. Though I haven’t been his tutor since his grades went up, Arthur and I were still friends and he usually came to my office for lunch, though not all the time since he came only when he had questions about some of his classes. To tell you the truth, Arthur didn’t so much as ask me since he couldn’t get the words out. In fact, he was going to leave when I said yes. To say he was speechless would be an understatement, but I knew his intentions when he walked through here that day.”

“You said you knew his intentions,” said Celestia.

“Yes, I knew why Arthur came,” said Luna. “During one of our study sessions months ago, Arthur was having trouble with one of his subjects. He insisted that it was nothing,but I insisted him to tell me what was troubling him. Arthur then told me a yarn about this girl he was starting to like. He described her as cold, blunt, mysterious and beautiful. Arthur then told me that she and him got started on the wrong foot, but have since become friends.”

“You knew he was talking about you.” Celestia put in bluntly.

“I had a suspicion, given that he was looking away from me,” Luna confirmed. “But when he said he couldn’t confess his feelings to her because he didn’t want to get heartbroken again and that he didn’t want to get her in trouble with her sister, that’s when I knew for sure. So…rather than crushing him, I said that whatever feelings he had for this girl, that he should really start out with being her friend first and see what happens.”

“Luna, you were leading him on!” exclaimed Celestia.

“More like I was giving him a chance, sister!” Luna said. “Besides… Arthur can be… very interesting to look at, as you well know, Ms. Number One Fan.”

Celestia blushed, but immediately turned away from Luna. This made Luna smirk even wider, which made her glad that she could catch her normally goody two shoe sister off guard. It was a dirty tactic, sure, but at least it got her off her back, albeit briefly.

“Just tell me you weren’t seeing him while he was one of my students,” Celestia groaned as she covered her face with her right hand.

“I would never jeopardize you, Arthur, myself or the school’s reputation for a fling,” Luna assured. She looked away and smiled bashfully again and said, “No matter how great the temptation was.”

Celestia sighed as she turned to face Luna. She knew Luna wasn’t lying, but knew that her sister was treading on dangerous ground. Though Luna and Arthur were no longer tutor and student and Arthur not being a student at CHS anymore, Celestia knew her sister and her former student were in for rough times. Arthur was eighteen years of age, and Luna was one year close to thirty. Her sister was not only a nurse, but also a part time tutor, and Arthur was barely out of high school, his future right in front of him. Whether this relationship would work out in the long run, Celestia didn’t know. But her sister was happy, which is all that should matter to her.

“How do you feel about him, Luna?” Celestia asked.

“Arthur can still be a meathead, but he’s a sweetheart,” replied Luna. “When we started out as tutor and student, we didn’t exactly start off on the right foot, but as we went along, I saw him as a bright young man who can go places. When he more or less confessed to me, I did grow fond of him. When we started dating, I wanted to see if I can have a relationship with someone so young. I think he was a bit more eager, but I wanted to let him know that I was not so easy.”

“So who made the first move?” asked Celestia curiously.

“I did,” said Luna proudly. “Though Arthur did have to earn a win over me on Splatter Mercs Zeta before I gave him his just reward. It was amazing that he beat me in our first game. Would you believe it, Celly? The very first game and he beat me.”

“I find that hard to believe, Nurse Luna,” said Celestia disbelievingly. “I know for a fact how good you are at your video games, considering your online gaming track record.”

“Would you believe he beat me in our second game?” said Luna cheerfully, trying to convince Celestia.

“Still not convinced, sister.” Celestia shook her head.

“It was a best of five and he beat me three straight times,” Luna said as she smiled widely, beginning to sweat. She then nervously said, “A best of seven?”

“Try again.” Celestia smiled, not fooled by Luna.

“After our one hundredth game,” Luna nervously laughed.

“Luna, either Mr. Cuirass didn’t beat you at all and you gave him the kiss anyway, or you let him win one game.” Celestia smirked as she put her hands on her hips.

Before Luna could retort, there was a light knock on her bedroom door. Luna was glad that something interrupted this conversation as she dashed towards the door, opening it as soon she reached it, revealing a slightly nervous Arthur. Luna smiled as she ran her hand up Arthur’s arm, making him blush.

“Is… everything alright?” asked Arthur nervously.

“Everything is alright,” assured Luna. She then glanced back at Celestia and said, “My sister just needs to get used… us. It’s a lot take in.”

“I’m glad,” Arthur said, exhaling in relief. He then looked at Celestia. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you, Ms. Huerta. Please don’t be mad.”

“Mr. Cuirasse… Arthur… if anything, I’m glad you two decided to be straight with me,” said Celestia, smiling as she folded her arms. “Just for that, I’m going be on your side, one hundred percent.”

“Thank you, Celly,” said Luna.

“Thank you, Ms. Huerta,” said Arthur.

“You’re no longer my student, Arthur,” said Celestia, chuckling. “Just call me Celestia.”

“Okay… Celestia,” responded Arthur, a smile forming. Arthur then directed his attention to Luna. “Oh, I took the liberty in setting the table. The salad and bread is all ready.”

“Good boy,” purred Luna as she caressed Arthur’s face, making him blush a deeper red. “I am sure my sister and I will love your meal… I know I will.”

Celestia giggled as she watched Luna tease Arthur. The road may be tough for the couple in front of her, but at least they were happy.