Stars and Scripts

Chapters

The Letters
The Maregon-Keeneighn Model
The Vow
Arriving at Canterlot Castle
Star Flowers
The Argument
Mare Castrot
Architecture and Curried Oat Cakes
The Final Interview
Dancing Star Theory

The Letters

Silver Script tapped his hoof against the kitchen sink, his gaze focused on the main street of Ponyville. He watched as the ponies went about their daily routine. Just down the road was Steam Roller, glancing into a newly dug hole, though Silver Script wondered why the construction pony needed a hard hat to do so. Further down, he saw Noteworthy in the shade of a tree talking to a mare, but for the life of him couldn’t remember her name.

He shook his head, looked down, and noticed the faucet was leaking. A slow, but steady drip of water formed at the spout, fell, and then crashed against the basin with a tink. It was faint, but enough of an annoyance for Silver Script to flick his ears. To capture everything in a moment, the stallion thought, tightening the handle.

As he glanced around the room, absentmindedly brushing his wet hoof against his coat, Silver Script looked over at the calendar. The day’s date was circled in red ink. Silver Script felt his chest tighten and took a few deep breaths to steady himself as he turned towards the window once more.

“Where are you, Parcel?” he mumbled to himself as he left the kitchen and headed into the living room. Silver Script made his way to the staircase and glanced at the cork board hanging on the wall. “Let’s see…” he continued, his eyes darting around the board at each note he had pinned onto it. “I sent the romance to Horshoester Publishing… no response yet. The science fiction went to Discord Realm publishing. The collection of poems went to The Manehattaner—that’s the one.”

This is the deadline, Silver Script thought, today is the day they said they would have the decision by. The stallion’s wings ruffled. “Calm yourselves, boys,” he said with a chuckle. “Starry isn’t home yet.”

A sudden knock at the door caused Silver Script to leap into the air, where he hovered a few inches off of the floor for a few moments. Get a hold of yourself, he thought as he drifted to the door, it’s only Parcel. He opened the door with a smile. “Hey, Parcel, I—”

Rather than seeing the lanky stallion, Silver Script cocked his head in confusion when he saw the other employee of the postal service.

“Oh, hey Derpy,” he corrected himself. “I thought today was your day off?”

Derpy nodded her head, but then shrugged. “Parcel wasn’t feeling very well, so I took his shift.” Without much fanfare, she reached into her mailbag and rummaged through it, emerging moments later holding two envelopes in her mouth. “Two pieces of mail today,” she said through gritted teeth.

“This must be it,” Silver Script mumbled as he grabbed the mail.

“What is it?” Derpy asked.

“Oh, just something I’ve been expecting.” The stallion glanced at the mailmare and noticed the bags under her eyes. “You look tired. Is everything alright?”

Derpy raised a hoof and waved it casually. “No, I’m fine, I just—” she cut her own statement off with a yawn. She blushed and rubbed the back of her neck. “I may have been up late helping Time Turner in his workshop.” She wrinkled her nose and let out a squee.

“Hmm…” Silver Script raised an eyebrow. “How many more deliveries do you have?”

“Just a few,” she replied. “I’ll be fine.”

“Nonsense, I insist you come in. I’ll make you a cup of darjeeling. You’ll feel rejuvenated in no time.”

Derpy leaned forward for a moment, but then took a step back and shook her head. “No, it’s fine, really.” She then immediately jerked her head and began sniffing. “What’s that smell?” she asked as she leaned further into the doorway.

A ghost of a smile grew on Silver Script’s lips. “Oh, nothing,” he replied with a twirl of his hoof. “I decided to make some muffins is all.” He took a step back and opened the door wider, allowing more of the aroma to drift outside.

“I… could come back after I finish these deliveries,” she hedged.

“But they won’t be as hot,” he replied.

“Hmm…”

“They’re chocolate chip,” he taunted in a singsong voice.

Derpy’s eyes straightened, her undivided attention now directed towards the stallion. “I guess the rest of the deliveries could wait for a few minutes.”

“That’s my mare.”

***

The envelopes lay in front of Silver Script. He tapped his hoof against the table, reached for the one addressed to him, but then pulled away and resumed his tapping. In front of him sat Derpy, her eyes once again having resumed their somewhat opposing gazes. She blew on the teacup, causing the steam to temporarily dissipate, allowing her to take a sip.

“That’s strange,” Silver Script said. “Why is Star Bright’s letter not sealed?”

Derpy leaned in and glanced at the envelope. “I guess the heat must’ve unsealed the wax.” She leaned back. “Is it something important?”

Silver Script nodded. “You could say that.” His wings ruffled again. “I’m not sure what Star Bright is expecting from the Canterlot Astronomical Society, but I do know that his work is connected to Princess Luna’s work in designing the night sky.”

“I thought the princess just directed where the stars go,” she said, shaking her head in confusion. She picked up the muffin and took a bite.

“Oh, it’s much more complicated than that,” Silver Script replied. “But Starry is the smart one on that.” His ears folded back. “From what I can understand, it involves not only placing them up there, but making sure they’re in the right order, and that they’re spaced out properly. She can’t just choose where they go.”

“Sounds hard.”

“I’m sure it is, but not for him.”

The two sat in silence for a moment. Silver Script noticed Derpy’s gaze wander to the wall, where it came to rest on a photograph of the two stallions. He couldn’t help but blush when he saw the mare’s lips curl up into a smile.

“It’s been over two years since your wedding day, right?” she asked before taking another sip of tea.

“Two years, two months, thirty days,” he replied immediately.

“Really?” she giggled.

“What can I say? He means a lot.” He felt his cheeks flush.

Silver Script took a deep breath and glanced through the doorway into the living room. There was a small bookcase beneath the cork board, each shelf alternating for his and Star Bright’s books. On Star Bright’s shelves were thick, dusty tomes and astronomical maps, with a smattering of old comic books and even a few mystery novels thrown in for good measure. The shelves reserved for Silver Script, however, were lined with chapbooks of poetry alongside writing manuals and, much to his husband's chagrin, the occasional trashy romance novel featuring two, or sometimes three, stallions in various types of embrace.

“Hello? Equestria to Silver Script.”

The stallion shook his head and turned to Derpy, who was furiously waving a hoof at him. “Oh, sorry,” he said sheepishly. “What was it?”

She pointed at the other envelope on the table. “I said, what’s in the letter for you?”

The words ‘The Manehattaner’ leapt out at Silver Script, its distinctive Irvin typeface unmistakable. “It’s from the publishing arm of a magazine that I read.” He smiled. “I’ve submitted short stories and poems individually, but Starry convinced me to begin submitting my longer stuff.” He tapped a hoof on the envelope. “This should be the response for my poetry chapbook.”

Derpy stared off into the distance and smiled. “I remember the poem you read at Cranky and Matilda’s wedding reception,” Derpy said before finishing her tea. “Did you include that in the book?”

Silver Script shook his head. “That was a present for the couple.” He stood up, grabbed the empty cup and plate, and then placed them in the nearby sink, sighing when he noticed that the tap was leaking again.

Behind him, Silver Script heard the sound of Derpy’s chair scratching the floor. He turned around and watched as the mare slung the mailbag over her head. She craned her neck this way and that before bending her legs, each movement resulting in a small crack of her joints.

“That really hit the spot. Thank you, Silver.” Derpy reached out and gave him a light hug.

“Think nothing of it,” Silver Script replied.

The two made their way out of the kitchen and back to the front door. Once outside, the pair stood in the front yard. The wind swirled around them, dishevelling their manes. Silver Script looked up at the tree next to their home. The leaves swayed in the breeze, every so often catching the sunlight. But the next moment, it went away and he looked up to the sky and saw that a large cloud had been placed in front of the sun.

“I’m off,” Derpy said after a few moments of silence. “Thanks again for the tea. And the muffin.” Derpy lifted off and hovered for a moment. “Good luck on the book thing.” She waved, before turning around and flying off.

Silver Script smiled and waved back until the mare was out of sight. He turned around and went back into the house, stopped at the threshold and glanced around the room. Nearby, the grandfather clock’s pendulum swung back and forth with small ticking noise that he hadn’t noticed until just now. Starry will be home in a few hours, he thought, I can wait until then. A book lay on the coffee table, so he picked it up and read the title.

“Canterlot Astronomical Society Guide, Part 34, Maregon-Keeneighn Model, spectral type versus luminosity.”

The stallion’s eyes glazed over and his jaw dropped slightly. He blinked and shook his head before returning the book to the bookcase, pausing for a moment to stare at the record player. Hmm, he thought, crouching down to grab the box of records he kept on the bottom shelf, how to pass the time? He flipped through each record, mumbling to himself as he did.

“Sapphire Shores? No… Ponytones?” He considered for a moment. “Not quite… Oh Coloratura, why did you have to lose your fabulousness?”

Silver Script continued until he got to a record with the picture of a zebra on the cover, sitting at a piano with a cigarette sticking out of her mouth. Smiling, he removed the record from the sleeve and placed it on the player. The record began to spin, the familiar sound of dust catching on the needle. He flicked his wing towards the record player before delicately lowering the needle and was greeted almost immediately by the sound of a cymbal tap and impressive strings.

I cast a hex on you…
Cause you’re mine…

As the song played, Silver Script began to dance by himself, allowing himself to get carried away with the music. He glanced ahead, his lips turning to a smirk.

“What’s that, Starry?” he asked the Star Bright he was imagining standing in front of him. “Yes, of course I do. You convinced me to submit it. What’s that?” he gasped scandalously. “You tease. My wings can’t do that.”

Silver Script began giggling until he heard the sound of something shattering in the kitchen. He yelped and leapt into the air again, but this time, he gulped loudly, worried as to the cause of it. He slowly flew into the kitchen, where he noticed a small vase lying broken on the floor. Something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and when he turned, he saw that it was merely the curtains fluttering in the wind.

“Hmm,” he thought. “I could’ve sworn I closed that.” He shut the window and then turned his attention to the broken vase. “The wind gusts are so strong today.”

The stallion crouched down and gently picked up each piece and set them, one by one, on the table. Gotta get a cloth, he told himself as he stood up from the floor. He gasped when he saw that he had placed a few watery pieces of vase on his letter and immediately dove for it to stop more water from getting on it.

“No, no!” he cried as he instinctively rubbed the edge of the envelope, which only caused a corner of the envelope to dissolve. “For the love of Luna’s night!” he shouted.

Silver Script stared at the damaged envelope and then set it down on the dry part of the table. He took a seat and stared at the letter, then to Star Bright’s already opened envelope. He tapped his hoof against the table, his gaze repeating the pattern over and over. In the other room, the last bars of the song played.

I cast a hex on you…
Because you’re M-I-I-INE!

Without even thinking, Silver Script grabbed the envelope and ripped it open as if in a trance. He yanked the letter out of the envelope and unfolded it, his hooves shaking. As he read the letter, the shaking soon stopped. He sighed and let his grip loosen, allowing the letter to drop to the floor.

The Maregon-Keeneighn Model

The Friendship Express chugged into the Ponyville Station and opened its doors. A stream of ponies emerged, and soon the platform was filled with excited stallions and mares. As the stream of ponies slowly turned to a trickle, a unicorn stepped onto the platform and took a deep breath. He shifted his weight, and the overstuffed saddlebag with a patch of a telescope matching his cutie mark pressed against his flanks settled.

“Finally home,” Star Bright said to himself, exhaling.

Star Bright began to trot towards the town center, greeting the occasional pony who waved to him. He turned the corner leading to town hall, but stopped in his tracks when he noticed something strange. Is that an ice sculpture of a dragon?, he wondered, before continuing on his way. In the distance, the town clock began to chime. Got home earlier than usual.

“Hey, Star Bright!” a voice called out, catching the stallion’s attention.

“Oh, Roseluck, it’s you,” Star Bright replied as he trotted to the flower stand. “Where’s Lily and Daisy?”

Roseluck sighed and leaned against the table. “They’re sick. Must be something going around.” The mare finished with a flourish of her hoof.

“Good thing I was working in Canterlot this month, then,” Star Bright said, admiring the freshly picked flowers. He pressed his muzzle against a lavender bouquet and sniffed them.

When he glanced back up, he noticed that Roseluck’s expression had changed. “Is something wrong?” He turned to where Roseluck was pointing somewhere behind him, and when he did, he saw Princess Twilight Sparkle standing in front of the town hall with her student and assistant. “What’s that green thing with the horns?”

“Changeling,” she replied flatly.

“Not like any changeling species I’ve ever seen.”

“Apparently, they were magically changed. He’s their new leader.”

Trying to ignore the sarcastic tone of his friend, Star Bright continued to stare, watching how the creature reacted to the ice sculpture. The changeling leader turned his head, and he followed the creature's gaze until he noticed a blue flame on the other side of town hall. The changeling galloped towards the flame and then stood in front of it. Like a bug to a flame, he thought.

“So they’re… good… now?” He asked, turning back to Roseluck.

“Yep,” she replied, but in a way that made Star Bright wonder if she believed the words. “Turns out they no longer need to kidnap ponies to steal their love and replace them as flower mares for the once in a lifetime role in a wedding party for royalty.” Once she finished, she took a deep breath. “That felt good.”

Star Bright picked up the bouquet and held it in front of Roseluck. “Lavenders are natural stress relievers. You should try it.” He smirked at Roseluck.

The mare giggled and looked down. When she noticed a speck of dirt on the table, she immediately brushed it off. “The whole month?” she asked. “What had you in Canterlot for so long?”

“Do you have time to talk at work?”

Roseluck pointed at the lack of customers and quirked an eyebrow. Star Bright held a hoof to his muzzle and chuckled. He pointed to his saddlebag and then to the table. “May I?”

“As if you need to ask.”

Star Bright’s horn glowed, and once the weight was lifted off of him, he sighed in relief. Roseluck poked at the bag.

“That sure is a lot of research you got there.”

Excited to bring up the subject, he immediately reached into the saddlebag, ruffled through the scrolls until he found what he needed, and unfurled it on the table. A gust of wind blew by, catching a small scroll and tossing it into the air.

“No!” Star Bright shrieked, immediately charging his horn to capture the errant document. He glanced around, feeling the eyes of the ponies all around him. Pulling the scroll back to him, he grabbed it and immediately tucked it deeper into his saddle bag.

“Uh, wow,” Roseluck said. “I’m guessing that’s the secret to your research?”

Star Bright took a deep breath before slowly returning his gaze back to the mare.

“You could s-say that.” He growled to himself and waited until the surrounding ponies soon lost interest before continuing. Control it, he thought, stop stuttering. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He pointed to the chart. “As we know, after the Lunar Rebellion, Princess Celestia took it upon herself to oversee both night and day. During those thousand years, she really only produced…” He closed his eyes and took another deep breath, focusing on getting the words out right. “…Simple stars.”

“Yeah, I remember learning something like that,” he heard Roseluck comment, though he was certain she was doing her best to ignore the stutter.

“But,” the stallion continued, pointing his hoof in the air. “Once Princess Luna returned, she brought back with her the Equestrian Reneighssance astronomical knowledge about all of the types of stars that had literally been locked away.”

“There’s more than one type of star?” she asked.

“Oh, so many,” Star Bright replied, pointing to the graph containing multiple circles of different size and color. “In fact, she had been working with a pair of researchers on what would eventually become known as the Maregon-Keeneighn Model.”

He pointed to one side of the graph, his attention undivided. “You see, the princess understood that one could design stars that vary in size and temperature, thus creating subtle differences and allowing a greater complexity in the night sky itself.” As he continued to speak, his words came out faster. He reached into the saddlebag and pulled out a book, flipping eagerly through the pages and then slamming it on the table.

“Not only that, but by recreating the design of the night as it was intended, with varying sizes and luminosities giving off specific light, The Canterlot Astronomical Society was able to create an updated edition to the Canterlot Astronomical Society’s Guide to the Constellations. The reason why that is important is because ponies used to tell direction by the stars—not constellations, mind you—because each star is placed in a specific spot in the night sky.”

He closed his eyes as he closed the book and took a deep breath. “So,” he finished with a sigh, finally opening his eyes. “The work is—”

Star Bright glowered at Roseluck for a moment until the mare shook her head and the recognition returned in her eyes. Crestfallen, she slowly lowered her gaze.

“Sorry,” she finally said. “I was with you at the beginning, until you got to the maregon cannon—”

“Maregon-Keeneighn.”

“Yeah, that.” Roseluck glanced up. “But then you just started going faster and faster,” she said, wincing a bit. “I appreciate you telling me, and I did learn something. But Star,” she said, placing a hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “You gotta learn to slow down when you talk. You sound like Pinkie Pie sometimes.”

“I know,” he replied. “I don’t get to participate in the question and answer part of the tours when ponies visit the Royal Observatory because of that. If I’m not cluttering I’m stuttering.” His ears folded back. “Silver’s the one who’s gifted with words.”

“I guess you could say he’s… silver tongued?”

The two shared a laugh. Star Bright looked up in time to see a dragon flying in the distance, coming towards Ponyville. The town center began to get more crowded. Star Bright’s horn lit up, and the scroll and book levitated back into the saddlebag which was then levitated back onto him.

“He should actually be getting a letter soon from a publishing company.”

“Oh really?” she replied. “So soon your partner will be travelling Equestria and giving interviews?”

Star Bright’s eyes widened. “You could say that.”

“And it’s been a month since you’ve seen him?” Roseluck asked.

“Yeah,” he answered.

“If I were him, I’d probably appreciate a gift for being gone so long.” She smiled sweetly and then pointed to the flowers behind her. “Might I suggest a bouquet?”

“Ever the businessmare,” Star Bright said with a snicker.

“Hey, I’m just a simple pony who wants to make sure her friend keeps his partner happy.” She leaned in. “The fact that I get your bits for it is coincidental.”

Star Bright nodded his head in approval. “Something red.”

***

After making his way through the throngs of ponies in the town square, Star Bright turned the corner that finally led towards home. It wasn’t far away from the town hall nor the train station, for which he was eternally grateful. He knew Silver Script would have preferred a place farther out, a place that would have matched his desire for what he called ‘artistic seclusion’. They compromised and found a home with a large backyard for the Silver Script's gardening.

The wind began to pick up as Star Bright reached the front door. Balancing the bouquet with his magic, he reached his hoof into his saddlebags and felt around for his keys. That’s strange, he thought, where could they be? He turned back to the market, wondering if he had dropped them along the way or that they had fallen out when he was talking to Roseluck. He began to turn around, but the weight of the saddlebags was getting too much for him. Besides, he had a better idea.

“Silvy,” he called out through the door. “I forgot my keys! Can you let me in?”

The stallion ran his hoof through his mane and did his best to flash a seductive smile. He waited for a moment before reaching up his hoof and knocking on the door. He leaned in to hear Silver Script’s approach, but the only thing he heard was the sound of the record player.

Songs become cutie marks
You know I've seen the shore before

“Oh no.”

Star Bright shook his head, took a deep breath, and made his way around back. Sure enough, there was his pegasus, sitting on his haunches, biting down on a trowel as he rummaged through the tomatoes. Star Bright stood still for a moment and watched Silver Script’s determined gaze; the pegasus didn't even blink as he lowered his muzzle to the dirt, trowel in his teeth, and rummaged through the soil.

The song reminded Star Bright of what he had to do, and his smile faltered. Right, he reminded himself, sad song time. He thought for a moment on what to say, and as he did, his smile slowly reappeared. He crept up behind his unsuspecting partner, only to see the stallion drop the trowel and lean to the tomatoes.

“You guys are getting so big,” Silver Script whispered. “You’re making Daddy so proud.”

Star Bright took a step back and watched the pegasus as he interacted with the plants. He knew that some ponies did it—they claimed that it made the plants more confident. Silver Script himself once tried to back it up by saying that it actually gave the plants more carbon dioxide. Star Bright tried to argue, but then recalled once seeing in disbelief Applejack reading a book to one of her trees. Then again, he thought, they do grow the best apples in Equestria. He continued to listen as Silver Script pointed to each tomato.

“You’re going to be spaghetti sauce,” he started as he tapped his hoof at two small tomatoes. “You guys are going to be tomato tarts. And you.” He poked his hoof at a particularly juicy-looking tomato. “Well, I could just eat you up right now.”

Star Bright fought the urge to begin snickering, but then he saw a look of concern on Silver Script’s muzzle.

“What’s that?” he asked the tomato and waited, his head nodding for a few moments. “Why yes, I do know that Starry is right behind me. And I do know that he’s not really good at sneaking around.”

Star Bright rolled his eyes as Silver Script slowly got to his hooves, turned around, and walked towards the unicorn with a smirk.

“However,” Silver Script added. “He is a really good kisser.”

Star Bright’s grin grew larger as Silver Script spread his wings and wrapped them around their heads, forming a barrier between them and the outside world. A small amount of light managed to seep through his wings, and it cast a lavender glow around them. Star Bright felt his partner's lips press against his own, and he opened his mouth just enough so that he could nibble the other’s lower lip. He tastes like chocolate chip, he thought, savoring the flavor. They parted, and Silver Script lowered his head a little and glanced up with puppy eyes, though Star Bright noticed their redness.

“Are those for me?” Silver Script asked, pointing at the flowers.

Star Bright levitated the bouquet to his partner. “Of course, Silvy.”

Silver Script took a whiff of the flowers. “You’re home early,” he said, slowly retracting his wings and going back to the garden to pick up his supplies. “I hadn’t had time to plan anything for dinner.”

Holding the bouquet with his wing, he reached down and grabbed the trowel with his mouth. Star Script’s horn glowed, and the rest of the tools began to float.

“Everything was prepared for Princess Luna’s first display of the dancing stars more quickly than imagined.” He lowered the tools into the toolbox. “Are you alright?” he asked. “You look like you’ve been crying.”

Silver Script paused, his eyes darting back and forth to avoid Star Bright's gaze. He lowered his head, dropping the remaining trowel into the toolbox. Silver Script returned the gaze with a bemused look.

“Don’t be silly,” he replied with a wave of his hoof. “I was just dealing with some particularly dreadful weeds a bit ago. You know how my allergies get.”

“Uh huh,” the unicorn muttered. “And… the Pony Mitchell record?”

The color slightly drained from Silver Script’s muzzle, but then he scoffed and shook his head.

“I listen to Pony Mitchell all the time,” he replied as he opened the back door and trotted into the house. “It suited the occasion.”

Star Bright followed close behind, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You only listen to her Blue album when you’re upset.”

Oh star bright, star bright
Your magic keeps me flyin' right
This pegasus gonna run aground
But I wish I had your might tonight

Silver Script went over to the record player and turned it off, but remained facing it. Star Bright began to get closer, growing more concerned with each step. Suddenly, Silver Script whipped around, cocking his eyebrow and glancing wistfully.

“I’ve been time travelling today,” Silver Script said, his gaze slowly making its way around the room. “Going back and reading the newspaper clippings of my life. Each day, realizing that more of the ink has faded. Editorials of my school days edited and re-edited until I can’t recognize them anymore. An interview with my colthood imaginary friend, but the words are now written in gibberish.”

“Silvy,” Star Bright said quietly, reaching out to place a hoof on Silver Script’s cheek. He kept it there until his partner made eye contact. “I always feel weird when you speak cryptically like this.”

Just like that, he watched Silver Script’s eyes change, the far-off look now intensely focused on him. Silver Script’s hoof reached up to meet his, and he bent down to kiss the stallion’s cheek.

“I’m fine, really,” he replied, turning his focus to the floor. “I was just looking for story ideas.” He glanced back up. “The last thing I want to do is worry you or make you nervous.”

Star Bright breathed a sigh of relief. “I wish I could understand that mind of yours.”

Silver Script blushed and brought the bouquet to his muzzle, closing his eyes as he took in the scent. “Come, let’s get that saddlebag off of you and find a place to put this.”

Star Bright nodded, and the two made their way to the kitchen together. He set the saddle bags down, and as the pegasus went to the sink, the unicorn noticed something different on the table.

“What happened to the other vase?” he asked, pointing his hoof to the miniscule vase that stood in its predecessor’s place.

“A gust of wind came in and knocked it over,” Silver Script replied without turning away from the sink. “I’ll get the bedroom vase for this, though. It’ll be perfect.”

Star Bright then noticed the other item on the table. “It that letter for me?”

A moment passed, the running water the only sound in the room.

“Uh huh.”

The water shut off. Silver Script wiped his hooves off with a nearby towel and flapped his wings. Huh, Star Bright wondered, it’s open. He turned to ask Silver Script if he had already read it, but the stallion floated just off the ground and left the kitchen.

“I’ll be right back,” he said, disappearing up the stairs.

Star Bright scanned the room until he glimpsed the kettle balanced on the stovetop. Jasmine, I think. His horn lit up once again, and a small box levitated from the cabinet onto the countertop. As Star Bright prepared the tea, he looked out the window, scanning the sky, the events of the past month running through his mind.

***

As Princess Luna entered the room Star Bright had once called The Cage, the unicorn's horn lit up, pulling the softest chair he could find up to her. He bowed, hoping that he could make the surprise visit a comfortable one.

“Your Highness, I—”

“There is no need for that, Star Bright,” she said with a wave of her hoof. “To be honest, I have heard quite a bit about you.”

Star Bright gulped. “You… have?”

“Oh yes,” she replied. “Obviously, I pay particularly close attention to the researchers in this field. I must say I am… intrigued… by your work.”

Star Bright could feel the sweat on his brow. “Intrigued?” he asked, hoping for clarification.

Princess Luna seemed to catch on to his nervousness and waved her hoof again. “Not that way,” she continued. “What I mean to say it that I haven’t really had the pleasure of reading the likes of your research since Keen—”

She paused, her gaze fixating on no point in particular. Star Bright, unable to read her blank expression, cleared his throat. As if it were a command, Princess Luna refocused on the stallion.

“I apologize, You reminded me of Keeneighn.” she replied with a snicker. “I haven’t been acquainted with a researcher of your capacity in a very long time.”

“I would think you’d know everything there is to know about the night… sky.” Star Bright struggled to get the last word out. He shied away and cursed himself silently.

“Then what need would we have of your profession?”

Star Bright’s eyes widened, eliciting a peal of laughter from the princess.

“I jest, Star Bright,” she reassured the stallion. “I raise the moon and bring light to the night sky, but I am not omniscient. Researchers like you are needed to ensure that my work is always accurate.”

She leaned forward and cast an appraising stare at Star Bright.

“But enough about that,” she said. “Your findings must be incredibly important, given the nature of your request and for a personal audience with me.”

Star Bright closed his eyes and nodded. He took another deep breath.

“Star Bright?”

His eyes remained closed. He felt as though he was floating in space. The darkness continued to surround him. He felt warm.

“Star Bright?”

The Vow

“Star Bright!”

Star Bright opened his eyes, only to flinch as the steam from the kettle blasted his muzzle. He jerked back and fell, crashing into Silver Script. Star Bright immediately felt a pair of hooves around his neck, caressing him, then turning him until he was face to face with the pegasus.

“Are you okay, Starry?”

Dazed, Star Bright shook his head. “Yes, I’m fine.” He blinked a couple of times. “I really went into space that time, didn’t I?”

Silver Script chuckled and leaned in. “Would a kiss make it better?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Star Bright smiled when he felt the stallion’s lips touch the top of his muzzle. The two slowly got to their hooves, Silver Script’s wings ruffling about. As he looked around the room once more, Star Bright’s attention was drawn again to the envelope on the table. What does the Canterlot Astronomical Society need to send me a letter for? he wondered.

“Do you want to read it?”

The stallions sat down at the table. Star Bright’s horn glowed, and the letter slipped out of the envelope. He unfolded it, his eyes quickly scanning the contents. As he did, his eyes grew wider and wider, his jaw slowly dropping open. He reread the letter, just to be sure. Once he was certain that it wasn’t a misprint or a joke, he set the letter down and stared at Silver Script, whose face was growing more concerned with each moment of silence.

“Starry, what is it?” he asked, the concern in his voice obvious.

“I’m… being awarded the Gold Medal of the Canterlot Astronomical Society for my efforts in the creation of a new type of star.”

***

The letter lay open on the table, and Silver Script looked down at it, his eyes scanning the words. At the bottom of the letter was none other than the signature of Princess Luna herself.

“Does this have anything to do with the whole dancing star thing you always talked about?” he asked, his gaze softening at the sight of the blush glowing on Star Bright’s cheeks.

“Well, yeah,” the unicorn replied, scratching the back of his neck. “It’s taken months of research, but I was able to prove that Princess Luna could create a pair of s-stars—”

Silver Script galloped to Star Bright and held his hoof.

“Starry, you’re fine,” he said as he brushed his other hoof through the stallion’s mane. “Don’t be nervous.” He stood up, happy that Star Bright’s breathing had slowed.

“I was able to prove that Luna could create a pair of…” He felt Star Bright clench his hoof. “…Stars that interacted with one another without absorbing each other.”

Silver Script’s lip twitched as he fought the urge to turn towards the kitchen sink, under which he knew lay the crumpled rejection letter. As he watched his husband continue to take his news in, a voice whispered in his head.

Starry can invent a new type of star, and you can’t even get a book published.

“No,” he muttered under his breath.

“What?”

Silver Script looked up and saw the look of confusion in Star Bright’s eyes, only to realize then that he had said it out loud.

“I—I mean…” he stammered, trying to think of what to say. “How can you invent a new type of star?” he asked, smiling at how his husband's eyes immediately lit up. He saw the saddle bag behind him open and a few notes and graphs float through the air, coming to rest on the table. “Is this going to be another instance where you’re the teacher and I’m the student?” he asked with a smirk.

Star Bright returned the gesture, but added a raised eyebrow. Silver Script leaned in, propped up his foreleg, and let his head rest on his hoof. “Go on,” he added, snickering as he watched a clearly flustered Star Bright arrange his notes on the table.

“You remember how most of my doctorate work centered around the Maregon-Keeneighn star classification system?” he asked.

“A little,” Silver Script admitted. “They’re the two who worked with Princess Luna before she… you know…" he paused, unsure whether to continue.

“Right, so I always knew something seemed a bit off about the model. They were always about single stars, never groups of stars.” He flipped another piece of paper over, revealing copious notes and scribbles, as well as a drawing of a small circle pointing towards a larger one, and of two equally sized circles with arrows pointing towards one another.

“What’s that?” Silver Script asked, pointing at the drawings. When he saw the way Star Bright smiled at him, he felt his body grow warm.

Star Bright continued. “That was my colleague’s reply to me asking him about multiple star systems. He said that, according to the model, any two stars, when put too close together, would eventually absorb one another.” He pointed to the first picture. “If one star is smaller, it simply gets absorbed into the bigger one.” He pointed to the second picture. “If they’re the same size, they’ll just equally absorb one another. But the thing is—”

Star Bright coughed. Silver Script immediately rushed to the countertop to grab the kettle and pour the tea. He went to grab Star Bright’s cup, but instead, he watched as it floated over to the table into the unicorn’s expectant hooves. The unicorn immediately grabbed it and downed the contents in a few gulps. As the teacup floated back to the counter, Silver Script stared at it, his smile faltering. He doesn’t need you.

“Stop it.”

“What was that, Silvy?”

The pegasus spun around, a new smile plastered on his face. “But what?” he asked. “I mean what was the thing?”

Star Bright began to speak, but a knock at the door cut him off. The two stallions turned their attention to the living room, though Silver Script was once again hovering off the floor.

“Now who could that be?” Star Bright wondered, pushing his chair back.

“I’ll get it,” Silver Script said. “You just clean up the table.”

Silver Script flew into the next room while Star Bright put his saddle bag away. There was another knock at the door by the time Silver Script made his way there. He leaned over and checked his mane in a nearby mirror before opening the door.

“Hey Silver!” Derpy shouted. “I heard Star Bright was already back, so I wanted to see how his trip went.”

Silver Script nodded his head, leaned against the doorframe, crossed his forelegs and sighed. “And I suppose the thought that I may have an uneaten muffin in my kitchen didn’t bring you back?”

Derpy looked down at the ground and poked the dirt with her hoof. “Well, it was really good.” She looked up at him with a pleading stare. “Just one more?”

The stallion stopped beating his wings and let himself land on the floor once more. “How can I say no to a friend,” he said, ignoring the whinny of excitement. “I’ll go get—”

“Derpy?”

Silver Script gulped as Star Bright trotted next to him. He cast a sideways glance at his husband, then to Derpy, then to her now-empty mail bag. As gracious as his smile remained, however, Silver Script couldn't help but feel an eye twitch coming on.

“It seems like forever since I’ve seen you!” Star Bright continued, reaching out to give the mare a hug. “You’ve got to come in, I—”

“Oh I’m sure she doesn’t have much time, Starry,” Silver Script interrupted him. “She hasn’t gotten much sleep and she had to take over a shift for Parcel, so I’m sure—”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all, Silver,” Derpy said. “The tea you gave me really did work!”

“Of course it did.” Silver Script had to control his urge to growl at himself as he turned away. “I’ll go ahead and get the muffin. Be right back.”

He tuned out the conversation, and as he flew into the kitchen, he wondered how he could get Derpy out of the house as quickly as possible. Just get the muffin, wrap it up, and give it to her, he deliberated, say you need alone time with Starry, then you’re all set. Silver Script opened the breadbox and pulled out the plate with the remaining muffins. He nodded to himself as he thought of the rest of his plan. In and out, a minute or so tops. Besides, it’s not like the first thing out of Starry’s muzzle will be the—

“Eeeee!”

Silver Script slammed his head onto the countertop. “Award,” he muttered, his head still down.

Okay, he thought, plan B. Just tell him. Just get it out of the way.

He went to work preparing the muffin and wrapping it up. After taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Silver Script flew into the living room, slowing his speed as he turned the corner. There sat his husband and his friend, sitting on the couch, with Derpy's forelegs wrapped around Star Bright.

“Oh, this is so exciting!” she squeaked. “When is the ceremony?”

The remnants of the smile on Silver Script’s muzzle disappeared. He watched the way Star Bright’s face lit up as the mare’s excitement was unleashed. Silver Script glanced over at his cork board, at the calendar with today’s date circled.

“The ceremony is this Friday,” he heard Star Bright say. “The princess is going to reveal her decision as to the reward by then.” He heard his partner pause. “They… they want me to speak.”

“That’s amazing,” Derpy said.

“Yeah… amazing.”

“Oh, and what about Silver’s letter?” Derpy asked.

“You got a letter, too, Silver?” He heard the excitement in Star Bright’s voice. “Oh, today was the deadline for them getting back to you, wasn’t it?”

Silver Script’s irises shot to pinpricks. His wings stiffened and he held his breath. He glanced over at the photograph of the two of them again—the two stallions dressed in tuxedo coats, gazing into each other’s eyes, Derpy and Roseluck on either side. Do you promise to be there in good times and in bad? He closed his eyes, put on a smile, and turned around.

“Wouldn’t you know it?” he replied, sighing. “Apparently, there was some problem at their headquarters.” He watched the pair’s excitement begin to drop. “But they said their schedule was pushed back only a week,” he added, watching the glimmer return to their eyes.

Derpy and Star Bright got up from the couch and made their way over to Silver Script.

“Don’t you worry,” the stallion said, giving Silver Script a peck on the cheek. “I’m sure they’ll see your book for what it is.”

Silver Script returned the kiss with one of his own, planting his lips directly onto Star Bright’s. He closed his eyes and let the unicorn take over, but the pair were interrupted by a small, delicate cough. Silver Script turned to see Derpy with a wing covering her face.

“Uhh, I can see that you two need some…” She paused. “Catching up.”

The three laughed, and Silver Script gave Derpy the muffin.

“I’ll let myself out,” she said as she backed away, giggling until she reached the door. “Congratulations, Star Bright!” she called out while standing on the front porch looking at the pair. “Try not to celebrate too hard with Silver.”

Star Bright narrowed his eyes at the mare, but the smile was still on his muzzle. His horn glowed and the door slammed shut. For a moment, neither stallion spoke. They leaned in and playfully butted their heads together, the unicorn’s horn resting on Silver Script’s mane. The pegasus extended his wings and wrapped them around their heads again, sealing them off from the rest of the world once more.

“Silvy?”

“Yes, Starry?”

“I’m really nervous. I’m not a good speaker.”

Even in the darkness that now surrounded them, Silver Script could see fear in his husband's eyes. He felt Star Bright’s forehead rubbing back and forth against his.

“Promise me you’ll help me through this.”

Silver Script’s lip quivered for just a moment before he lifted his head and placed them as softly as possible on Star Bright’s forehead.

“I do.”

Arriving at Canterlot Castle

The letters came the very next day: invites to events in Manehattan, Phillydelphia, and Baltimare, requests to be a guest speaker everywhere from Los Pegasus to the Crystal Empire. There was even one request from a company called ‘Raging Stallions’ that wanted him to perform in a movie called ‘Star’s Studs’, which Star Bright immediately vaporized with his magic before Silver Script could see it.

It was only when he opened the front door on Wednesday morning and saw Derpy panting on the ground with an overstuffed mail bag that he decided to take Silver Script up to Canterlot. That, and the fact that he couldn’t wait to get rid of Princess Twilight Sparkle, who knocked incessantly on their doors, tapped on their windows, and even gave a sudden appearance as a penciled in figure in one of his books—the bump on his head from the fall being very difficult to explain to a confused Silver Script, who opened the book and found nothing.

And now there they stood at the steps to Canterlot Castle in front of a pair of guards stationed at either side of the castle doors. Star Bright’s gaze continued to go up the ivory walls, squinting as he reached the windows that reflected the light of the setting sun.

“So you’re telling me that after writing to the academy yesterday, they sent word back this morning that you could stay in the castle until the ceremony?”

Star Bright turned to Silver Script, who was glancing at the guards one by one, his wings ruffling. “No,” he replied. “They sent word that we could stay in the castle until the ceremony.”

“Oh, yeah.” The pegasus gave an uneven smile.

As they climbed the steps, a figure approached from inside the great hall, a clipboard hovering next to her. As she saw them reach the top of the stairs, she turned her head and nodded to a nearby unicorn. His horn lit up, and the suitcases they were rolling behind them were lifted off of the ground. The unicorn mare cleared her throat.

“Mister…” she hesitated, levitated the clipboard to her muzzle, and adjusted her glasses. “Star Bright? We have your room ready for you.” She pointed to her right. “It is in the east wing, closest to the Royal Observatory.”

Star Bright took a step forward and pointed a hoof to himself. “Yes, I’m Star Bright, and this is my—”

He pointed his hoof to where Silver Script was standing, only to see his partner frozen in place, his eyes wide and his jaw open. Star Bright suppressed a snicker and turned back to the mare.

“My partner, Silver Script.” He leaned in. “He’s never visited the castle before.” He smiled and winked at the mare, who simply raised an eyebrow.

“I am Raven, personal aide to Her Highness, Princess Celestia,” she replied, oblivious to his knowing wink. “ And this is Caliper. Now, if you two gentlecolts would be so kind.”

Raven nodded once again to the unicorn holding the bags before turning down towards the east wing. Star Bright walked up to Silver Script and tapped his shoulder.

“We need to get to our room,” he said, nuzzling the pegasus. “I can take you on a tour later on this evening.”

Silver Script shook his head and stared at the unicorn. “How many times have you been here?” he asked, the shock in his voice apparent.

“Enough times,” he said with a sigh and a quick gaze around the room. “Let’s catch up with them.”

The two stallions galloped until they caught up with Raven and Caliper, then slowed down to an easy trot. Star Bright noticed how the unicorn servant seemed to keep his eyes closed most of the time, as though he had worked here so long he had memorized the layout. As though in an attempt to prove his point, both the unicorn and Raven turned at just the right moment at the next hall.

“She’s working awfully late for an aide to Princess Celestia,” Silver Script said in an almost whisper, and the stallion nodded his head in agreement.

“Indeed I am,” Raven replied without looking back. “In fact, you two are the last item on my docket for today.” She turned her head ever so slightly, but it was enough so that Star Bright caught the corner of her eye. “Though from what I’ve heard about you, Mister Star Bright, now is just the beginning of your workday. Work night, as it were,” she ended with a snicker.

The group turned down another hall, and Star Bright was able to see the Royal Observatory ahead due to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the distance. He smiled and gave a nudge to Silver Script.

“Hey, Silvy, I’ve got an idea,” he whispered. “Maybe after we get to our rooms I can take you to The Cage.”

What Star Bright expected was for Silver Script to giggle and then agree to visiting the lab beneath the observatory. What he wasn’t expecting, however, was for the pegasus to jerk his head back at him, his eyes filled with terror.

"What's The Cage?"

Right, Star Bright remembered, [he doesn't know].

“The Cage is just what my work buddies call the lab,” he explained, relieved when his partner’s frightened gaze toned down. “It will be cool for you to see where I work.” He leaned in again. “After all, I’ve seen where you work.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“I work at home in a room in the attic.”

Star Bright’s smiled faded, and he turned his attention back to the hall. He shook his head, unsure of what to do next. Ever since I got that letter, he’s just been fading, he wondered, like an old star that Princess Luna makes that slowly stops working. His thoughts continued to pile one on top of the other until he felt a hoof touch his foreleg, almost imperceptibly. He turned back to Silver Script, who was now smiling, although faintly.

“I’d love to,” Silver Script whispered back.

Raven and the unicorn finally stopped and turned towards a door. Raven’s horn lit up, and the door slowly opened. The four entered the bedroom, though Star Bright made sure to turn to his partner so that he could see the stallion’s expression. I’m not missing it this time.

True enough, the moment they walked through the door, he saw Silver Script’s eyes narrow for a moment, as though he wasn’t sure what he was seeing. Star Bright’s grin grew wider as his partner’s jaw dropped lower. Star Bright bit his lower lip to contain his excitement as Silver Script’s gaze toured the room, whose eyes grew wider and his jaw continued its slow descent. Raven coughed again, and the two stallions quickly gave their attention to her. She levitated the clipboard back to her face.

“It seems that your discovery has caused a great deal of attention,” she began, flipping the first sheet of paper over the top of the clipboard. “I have had many requests from multiple newspapers and magazines who want to sit down with you for an interview.”

Star Bright felt his chest tighten and his jaw clench. “I don’t really… I mean,” he stammered. “I’m not s-so good at interviews.” He reached up a hoof to scratch his other foreleg.

“No need to worry,” Raven replied, shaking her head as though she were comforting a foal. “I have taken your needs into account. I have only scheduled three interviews.”

Star Bright gulped. He began to feel lightheaded.

“I have ensured that the ponies who will interview you are sensitive to first-time interviewees,” she continued, either unaware or ignoring the stallion’s current state of mind. “The Los Pegasus Review[i/], which is the widest-reaching paper in the west, the Cloudsdale Chronicle, which will cover the pegasus market, and then finally—hmm…” Raven squinted her eyes, adjusted her glasses, and then squinted again. “Ah yes, The Manehattaner.”

The ponies heard the sound of glass shattering on the bedroom floor, and everypony turned to see what had happened, only to find Silver Script’s outstretched hoof on top of a table, staring at a glass figurine, now in pieces on the floor.

***

For what seemed like an eternity, nopony breathed.

Silver Script stared at the wall, horrified, a litany of curse words bombarding his mind. Too terrified to move, he remained as motionless as the glass figurine he had just destroyed. No no no, he thought, his heart beating through his chest. Finally, after making an audible gulp, he slowly turned around, fearing what he would see. Just as he thought, Star Bright’s eyes were so wide he thought they would pop out of his head.

“I… I’m sorry,” he whispered, his wings pressed so tightly against him he swore they would leave a permanent impression on his fur. “I just touched it, and…”

The rest of the sentence died in his throat as he hung his head in shame and folded his ears back. Glancing at the shattered figurine, he could tell it was of a pegasus, though now both of the wings lay at its side. He looked up and was surprised to see that neither Raven’s nor the other unicorn’s expressions had changed.

“Oh dear,” Raven said matter-of-factly as she turned to the unicorn butler. “Caliper, would you mind?”

Caliper nodded, his horn glowed, and the glass hovered in mid-air before merging together. Silver Script watched as the pieces were slowly reformed until it appeared as though the figurine had never been broken in the first place. He backed away from the dresser and watched as the glass pegasus floated back to where it originally was.

Star Bright whistled. “Wow, that’s a good skill to have.”

“Quite,” Raven replied before glancing at Silver Script once again. “You aren’t the first pony to accidentally knock over one of our pieces, nor will you be the last.” She skimmed over her checklist once more before setting it aside on the bed. “Be that as it may, do try to be more careful next time.”

Silver Script nodded, but didn’t speak. Raven turned to Caliper, who bowed slightly before trotting out of the room. Raven followed soon after, but turned to the pair as she reached the doorway.

“Breakfast is served from dawn through eight o’clock. For lunch, I encourage you two to visit one of Canterlot’s many fine dining establishments.” She turned her attention to Star Bright. “Mister Star Bright, one of the interviewers has arrived a day early. If it will calm your nerves, I suggest finding him so that you can become acquainted.”

“And where would I find him, exactly?” Star Bright asked.

“I do believe he had mentioned something about going to the Royal Observatory.” She waved her hoof. “Something about trying to make it relatable for his readers. I would suggest you start there.”

“Oh, what a coincidence,” he said. “I was going to take Silver there to show him my work.” He turned to Silver Script. “Isn’t that right?”

Silver Script nodded, his ears still folded back.

“Very well,” Raven said with a smile. “I will leave you two gentlecolts, then.” She trotted out to the hallway, but then stopped and turned around. Her horn glowed, and the clipboard floated off of the bed and into her grasp. “One more thing, Mister Star Bright. It’s about the speech.”

Silver Script watched as Star Bright’s body tensed.

“Don’t worry about coming up with anything,” she continued. “We have a staff of dedicated speechwriters. I’m sure they will come up with something for you.”

“I could write it!” Silver Script immediately covered his mouth and tried to avoid everypony’s gaze. He looked up and saw Raven’s curious expression. “I mean, if I do it, it will be more intimate.”

"That would be nice, actually," Star Bright added, his hoof trailing along the carpet.

“Oh that is a kind gesture, but unnecessary,” Raven replied with a slight snicker. “We have professional speechwriters on staff. They know what they’re doing.”

Silver Script’s smile immediately disappeared.

“You gentlecolts have a good evening.” She bowed her head and shut the door, leaving the two stallions in stunned silence.

Professional writers…

“Silvy?”

Silver Script fell back on his haunches, his eyes still focused on the now closed door. Star Bright cursed and he galloped to his side, throwing his forelegs around the pegasus. For his part, however, he remained motionless.

Professional writers…

“Silvy,” Star Bright pleaded. “Please just say something.”

Silver Script took one look at his husband, who leaned in to kiss him. Star Bright pulled away, his lip trembling.

“Silvy, are you upset about what she said?”

His gaze returned to the door. “I need to be left alone,” he whispered.

Though he didn’t move, he could still see out of the corner of his eye the way Star Bright’s expression immediately darkened.

“No,” he replied as though he were commanding the pegasus.

“I made a promise to you,” Silver Script said, his voice turning low.

“Had I known you meant that literally, I wouldn’t have agreed to it.” Star Bright leaned in once more, but this time, Silver Script raised his wings and wrapped them around his head. “Come on, she didn’t mean it that way.”

Silver Script kept his wings up like a feathery shield. “I’ll be fine,” he said.

There was a pause. He heard Star Bright sigh and then the sound of his hoofsteps on the carpet, followed by a door opening. Silver Script breathed a sigh of relief and began to lower his wings.

“Did something else happen?” Star Bright suddenly asked.

Silver Script’s wings shot back up. He opened his mouth, letting out a silent scream. “No,” he finally said. “I just… why don’t you go look for that interviewer? I’ll catch up.”

“S… S…” He heard Star Bright take a deep breath. “Silvy, what if—”

“If you really wanted me to write something you would have told me. I could have shown something to her.”

Another moment of silence, followed by the sound of Star Bright picking up his saddlebag. Silver Script heard the door open and then close. He retracted his wings and galloped to the door to lock it. His legs grew weak, and he fell down on all fours. Trembling, he pressed his ear against the door to make sure that Star Bright was heading off to the observatory. Finally, he heard Star Bright’s voice through the door.

“I'm sorry, S-Silvy.”

Once he was certain Star Bright was gone, Silver Script turned around, leaned back against the door, and watched as everything he saw turned blurry and distorted.

Star Flowers

Star Bright stared at the door, shaking his head as he heard the lock click, the words of his partner repeating in his mind.

If you really wanted me to write something.

The events of the past few days flashed before him. Everything was so fast, he thought. He lifted his hoof to the door again and prepared to knock, but then froze. He cursed himself before lowering it again.

“I love you, S-Silvy,” he stuttered before making his journey to the observatory, each hoofstep echoing through the hall.

He entered the courtyard between the East Wing and the Royal Observatory, and was immediately greeted by the scent of gardenias. He took a deep breath, which he usually did to calm his nerves when working on a particularly difficult assignment. The impromptu aromatherapy did little to make him feel better this time, however.

The shadows around him began to lengthen, and Star Bright looked up towards the nearby balcony to watch a scene that had become so familiar—Princess Celestia standing at the edge, her horn glowing. He turned his gaze towards the setting sun and watched as it fell below the horizon. Three, two, one, he counted down. The moment the sun disappeared, the lamps in the garden flickered to life.

Star Bright retreated to a nearby bench—another place he was familiar with—and took a seat, his attention now drawn to the large magnolia tree that dominated the center of the courtyard. He looked around and inspected the multiple species of flora that surrounded him, admiring the similar patterns in the blossoms. He craned his neck and now looked up at the stars that Princess Luna had already begun to send into the night sky.

“Why do I keep letting you invoke that promise?” he asked out loud, wishing that Silver Script could hear it.

“Maybe the promise is important to him.”

Star Bright yelped and then leaped to his hooves, his horn lighting up to check the more shadowy areas of the garden. There was a glint of light that he was able to determine was a pair of glasses. A tall, lanky unicorn emerged from the shadows with an embarrassed look on his face.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry,” the unicorn said. “I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just I believe that when a pony asks a question out loud, they secretly hope another pony hears it.”

Try as he might, Star Bright couldn’t recall if he had ever met this stallion before. “Do you… work here?” he asked, trying to hide the suspicious tone.

“Well, I do have an assignment, yes.” He glanced around. “But I always like to arrive early to familiarize myself with the atmosphere.” He turned back to Star Bright with a smile. “Oh where are my manners?” He extended a hoof. “I’m Trenderhoof, but please, call me Trend. Do you work here?”

His suspicion now turning to curiosity, he slowly nodded his head. “I… do?” he replied.

“Wonderful!” Trenderhoof clopped his hooves together. “I am actually here looking for an astrophysicist named Star Bright. Maybe you could help me find him.”

Star Bright sighed. “Well I—”

“Oh dear, you too?” The unicorn replied with a defeated sigh.

Puzzled by the interruption, Star Bright scrunched his face. “What do you mean?”

Trenderhoof hung his head and slowly trudged to the bench, where he sat down in resignation. “I have tried asking all of this stallion’s coworkers, but everypony told that if Star Bright isn’t in The Cage,” he said, making air quotes. “He’s probably hiding. They advised me that the poor stallion is incredibly shy, which is going to make my assignment that much more difficult.”

Star Bright raised an eyebrow. “They said that?”

Trenderhoof nodded. Star Bright rolled his eyes and joined the unicorn on the bench.

“I’m… S-Star Bright.”

Trenderhoof’s eyes grew wide. “Really?”

“...Yes?”

Trenderhoof clopped his hooves together again. “Oh, this is perfect!” he exclaimed as he leaped off of the bench and began pacing. “There are so many questions that I’m sure my readers will want answered.”

Star Bright felt his chest tighten. A gate opened nearby and a guard walked in. He moved silently in a straight line, only giving the pair of unicorns a fleeting glance before continuing on his way. Star Bright glanced over at the castle door, praying that Silver Script would come and rescue him.

“But those questions are for tomorrow,” Trenderhoof said as he took his place back on the bench. “I was advised that this is your first interview, and I am honored that I will be given the chance to do it. In fact, I already know what the article will be called.” He wrapped a foreleg around Star Bright’s neck and waved the other foreleg in a sweeping motion into the night sky. “A Star is Born.” He smiled and looked Star Bright directly in the face. “Catchy, isn’t it?”

Star Bright’s eye twitched. “Yeah,” he squeaked.

“Now there’s no need to worry, Star Bright,” Trenderhoof continued, releasing his hold on the stallion and standing up again. “The questions will be easy. You can speak of whatever you want, I’ll simply be there to give that gentle push to make sure I can make what you say relatable to my readers.”

“Relatable?” Star Bright asked.

Trenderhoof closed his eyes and nodded. “It’s what I do,” he replied. “I take the mundane, the simple…” He glanced at Star Bright. “The unappreciated, and make it relatable to my—”

"Aren't you a travel writer?" Star Bright asked.

Trenderhoof craned his neck back in surprise. However, he quickly recovered with a twirl of his hoof.

"How wonderful of you to notice," he replied. "Do you subscribe to The Manehattener?"

Star Bright shook his head. "I don't read it, but—"

"I see," he muttered before turning his attention to the tree. "I have travelled extensively, that's true. Alas, there are only so many places to go." He turned back to Star Bright with a smile. "Besides, we don't really have a science writer at the moment." He brushed his hoof on his chest. "In a way, my research—locales, cuisine, culture—some call what I do a science."

"Do they?"

Star Bright scanned the stallion's muzzle for evidence of a punchline. When none came, he sighed, and his horn glowed. A small scroll floated out of the saddlebag he had set to the side and levitated to his hoof, where he opened it and began reading the words on them once more, a sense of calm finally settling around him.

“Is that some of your research?”

Star Bright glanced up, only to see Trenderhoof’s muzzle inches from his, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Star Bright jerked back and pressed it against his chest.

“You could say that,” he replied, reaching down so that he could tuck the scroll away with his hooves. “I have specific writings that I used as inspiration for my research.”

“Oh that will be a perfect topic to discuss during our interview tomorrow,” Trenderhoof said. “Your inspiration, your big moment when you made your discovery.” He craned his head in again. “Of course, we’ll need to get to know more about you personally.”

“I’m not really anypony,” Star Bright said with a shake of his head. “Nopony interesting, at least.” He remembered Silver Script and smiled. “My partner, however—”

“Partner?” Trenderhoof asked, the realization hitting him a moment later. “Oh, partner.”

“Is that an issue, Mister Trenderhoof?”

The stallion’s tone grew cold. Trenderhoof stood motionless for a moment before releasing a peal of laughter. Star Bright wasn’t certain to be offended or confused. Finally, Trenderhoof took a deep breath to calm himself down.

“Oh Star Bright,” he began, lifting his glasses to wipe a tear from his eye. “When you have travelled as far as I have, and met the ponies—not to mention the occasional griffon, dragon, or minotaur—” Trenderhoof mentioned the last part of that sentence with a wink. “You learn to be quite open-minded.”

“...I see,” Star Bright said, dragging out the last word a bit too long. Don’t ask, you will regret it, he thought as the questions began to pile up in his mind. “Minotaur?” he blurted out before facehoofing.

“Are you trying to interview me now?” Trenderhoof asked, and before another word was said, he continued. “This meeting has been highly productive, I believe.” He glanced around the courtyard. “Getting to know my subject, surrounded by the stars.”

Star Bright glanced up at the night sky. All of Luna’s stars were now fully set, the familiar constellations gleaming in the blackness.

“The stars are quite beautiful,” he said, happy to finally be on a topic that made him comfortable.

“I like lilies the best,” Trenderhoof said.

“Yes…” Star Bright blinked and then turned to look at the unicorn, who was now standing next to a patch of lilies. “I’m sorry… what?”

“Lilies,” Trenderhoof repeated. “They’re my favorite star flower.”

“Star flower?” Star Bright asked.

Trenderhoof’s head shot up and gave the stallion an incredulous look. “You mean you didn’t notice?” He waved his hoof around the courtyard. “You see, I learned about flowers when I once visited the Hanging Gardens of the Crystal Empire shortly after its return. Every flower in here is a star flower.”

Star Bright watched Trenderhoof’s hopeful gaze, as though the stallion had just given him the final clue to some mystery he didn’t even know existed. Trenderhoof sighed, looked around, and plucked a tiny flower from amongst the garden with his magic. He got up and walked over to Star Bright, only a hoof or two separation between them, the small flower at eye level.

“A star flower,” he began. “Is any flower with radial symmetry and five or more petals.” He pointed in all directions at the various flowers. “Lilies, dahlias, daisies.” He then turned back to Star Bright. “Even the periwinkle you see before you. They are all star flowers.”

Star Bright felt Trenderhoof’s magic ease off of the flower, so he instinctively took over so it wouldn’t fall to the ground. Star Bright looked at the stallion in front of him, unable to even pretend to try to understand him. He seems sincere, he thought. Then he got an idea.

“I think you and my partner would get along very well,” Star Bright said.

Trenderhoof held a hoof to his chin to consider it. Star Bright raised an eyebrow, wondering what was taking him so long to answer.

“That would be interesting,” Trenderhoof replied. “We could always do dinner after the ceremony, there are so many places to try.” He began nodding his head more emphatically. “I agree, let’s do it. It’s a date.”

Star Bright rolled his eyes at the odd turn of phrase, but deep down he knew this would end up benefiting Silver Script as well. Maybe I can convince Silvy to show this guy his work, too. Suddenly, Trenderhoof’s gaze turned behind him. The stallion smiled and waved.

“Oh, hello,” he said. “You look like you’re here for Star Bright. Here to show him to his room?”

“You could say that,” came the reply.

Star Bright felt his body turn to ice. He knew he needed to turn around, but his gaze remained focused on the flower in front of him. Move, he tried to will his legs to lift, but it felt as though they had melted onto the stones. Trenderhoof nodded to him and smiled.

“This was a fantastic first introduction, Star Bright,” Trenderhoof said as he passed him. “I am excited for tomorrow evening.”

Star Bright watched as Trenderhoof trotted out of his field of vision, his hoofsteps echoing into the night.

“The stars are really beautiful out tonight, Mister…”

“Silver Script.”

Star Bright winced at the sound of his partner’s voice. He heard Trenderhoof continue to trot to the entrance of the castle, followed by the opening and closing of the door. Finally, as though a magic spell had been lifted, he felt the freedom return to his legs, and he turned around to see Silver Script standing beneath the light of a lamppost.

***

Of course it would be Trenderhoof, Silver Script thought, avoiding Star Bright’s eyes. He wasn’t stupid—he knew that his husband would never be disloyal—there was no way he could even begin to think of it as a possibility.

However, Silver Script did know Trenderhoof from interviews, articles, and tabloids. There were rumors of his trips to Yakyakistan, to Griffonstone, even to Cloudsdale, which even he found unbelievable, given the price of a cloud walking potion. No, he thought, Starry’s not the one to blame here. He sighed, his feathers ruffled, and he took a step towards Star Bright, only to gasp when the stallion took a step back. He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off.

“I know how it looks,” Star Bright said as he tossed the flower aside. “Trenderhoof was just telling me about the flowers.” His eyes grew wide and he hung his head down. "First the thing about the speech, and now this."

Now look what you made him do.

“Stop it.”

Star Bright’s head shot up, tears welling at his eyes. Silver Script immediately closed the remaining distance between them and wrapped his wings around him.

“I said stop it,” he said once again, nuzzling his stallion in the shadows of the canopy he created. “I don’t ever want you to think that I think you’d ever do anything like that.”

The two stallions sat quietly together, the scent of flowers seeping through Silver Script’s wings. The wind rustled the leaves, and an owl hooted in the distance. Slowly, he retracted his wings, gladness filling his heart when he saw that Star Bright was smiling, however faintly.

“I don’t think I can do this,” Star Bright said.

“Of course you can,” Silver Script replied. “I believe in you. And I’ll be by your side. Anyway, you heard Raven. I’m sure the staff will write something wonderful.”

“I’d rather read something by you.”

Silver Script smiled and pointed to the observatory to distract his thoughts. “Come now. Didn’t you want to show me The Cage?”

Star Bright snickered and his horn glowed. White light surrounded them, and they were teleported to the observatory door. The unicorn’s horn glowed once again, and the door opened.

“After you,” he said.

Silver Script smiled and bowed his head slightly before entering, Star Bright following close behind. He tapped on Silver Script’s withers and pointed down the hall towards the elevators. Silver Script nodded and the two silently made their way in, the pegasus looking in every direction. Everything was white, from the tiled floors to the plastered ceilings. Even the grout of the tiles and the spaces between the wall panels were white, though a slightly different shade. He felt almost afraid to make any noise.

Star Bright tapped the call button on the elevator, and moments later, a single bell rang out, and the elevator doors opened with a quiet whoosh. The two stallions stepped in, and the doors closed. The unicorn tapped the button for the basement, and Silver Script immediately felt himself drop.

“You weren’t kidding when you called this the cage.”

He heard Star Bright chuckle. The doors opened, revealing the laboratory. Everything looks so sterile, Silver Script thought as he left the elevator. He scanned the walls, noticing images of constellations every few feet, mentally noting each one as he passed by. Starswirl the Bearded, Mage Meadowbrook, Mistmane the Beautiful.

“Oh wow,” a voice called out. “Didn’t hear you guys come in.”

Silver Script squeaked and flew into the air, spinning around as he did. Two stallions now flanked either side of Star Bright, gripping him in a tight hug while his saddlebag floated next to them in the other unicorn’s telekinetic grasp.

“There’s the stallion of the century!” one of them shouted.

“Blue Moon,” Star Bright said. “I’m—”

Silver Script held back the urge to chuckle as he slowly came back to the floor. He walked slowly as his husband's friends continued their congratulatory embrace, smirking as big as possible when Star Bright looked at him with pleading eyes. The smirk grew even larger as he slowly shook his head, after which Star Bright gave a resigned sigh.

“Cut it out,” Star Bright begged. “You’re making my partner uncomfortable, and—”

“Oh no they’re not,” Silver Script interrupted him with a bit too much glee.

He saw Star Bright’s gaze narrow. The two stallions released the unicorn just as Silver Script reached the group. He glanced at each one, checking their badges pinned to their chests before turning to Star Bright.

“Besides,” he added. “He knows what an amazing thing he’s done.”

He leaned in and gave Star Bright a kiss on the lips, ignoring the whooping noises of their audience. When he pulled back, he snickered at the sight of his husband’s reddened cheeks. He glanced at the unicorn beside him, enjoying the way he had cast a spell to block the kiss from his view. He then turned to Blue Moon, who was busy focusing on the ceiling while rubbing a hoof against the back of his neck.

“So this is the cage,” he said softly as he turned around to pore over the diagrams once again. “And you make sure it looks like this every night?” He turned to the trio of stallions.

“Well,” Blue Moon replied. “At this point, it’s more of a formality.” He trotted up to Silver Script and joined him in staring at the nearest diagram. “Princess Luna has all of these constellations memorized and—”

“She forgot the star at the tip of Rockhoof’s shovel last week,” the other stallion interrupted.

“Chocolate!”

“What?” Chocolate Sun asked. “She did.” He checked his hoof and grunted. “She must have been distracted by the idea of the new star formation.”

“Anyway,” Blue Moon said before turning to Silver Script. “How does it feel to be married to one of Equestria’s greatest minds?”

Silver Script looked over to Star Bright, but saw that the stallion was now glancing at Blue Moon with a puzzled expression. One of Equestria’s greatest minds, he thought to himself. His feathers ruffled.

“I would hardly call myself that,” Star Bright said as he joined the two. “Besides, Silver is incredible, too.” He winked at Silver Script, who felt himself blush.

“Oh?” Chocolate Sun asked.

“Yeah,” Star Bright continued. “In fact, he’s about to be a published author.”

Silver Script immediately turned back to the diagram, his cheeks now flushed red for a different reason.

“Hey, that is amazing,” Blue Moon said. “So what’s the book about?”

Silver Script hesitated. “I submitted a chapbook of poetry to the Manehattaner,” he said quietly.

“Oh, I like poetry,” Chocolate Sun chimed in. “There once was a stallion named Rock, who had the world’s tiniest—”

“He hasn’t gotten a response yet!” Star Bright shouted, preventing the stallion from finishing the couplet.

“I see,” Blue Moon replied. “Well, I wish you luck on that.”

“Can you recite any poems for us?”

Silver Script turned to Chocolate Sun, unsure of whether it was a request or a challenge. Somepony wants to hear you recite a poem, a voice whispered, that’s a surprise. He closed his eyes and took a breath. When he opened them once more, he saw that the three unicorns had formed a line, their expressions saying they were waiting to hear him speak.

His gaze drifted around the room, beginning with the tiled floors, moving to the paneled walls and then to the ceiling. Even the recessed lights are square. Turning his attention to the table in the center of the room, Silver Script noticed astronomical tools: an astrolabe sitting atop a sheet filled with notes and numbers, a note requesting additional calibrations attached to an octant, and finally, a model of the sun and moon, moving in real time above a sundial. He returned to the large diagram of the combined constellations, and began to speak:

Every night you’d search for me.
I’m always here. I’ll wait here
And I’ll wonder where you’ll be.

I wonder what it is you see.
Do you fear I disappear
Every night you’d search for me?

I cannot move. I cannot flee.
You, however, do. I’ll fear
And I’ll wonder where you’ll be.

You’ve moved unexpectedly.
I long for when you’re near
Every night you’d search for me.

One day you’ll have your fill of me.
You’ll cross another hemisphere
And I’ll wonder where you’ll be.

You’ll find another light to see.
But I’ll always remember
Every night you’d search for me.
And I’ll wonder where you’ll be.

“Well,” Chocolate Sun said. “That was…”

“Melodic?” Blue Moon asked.

“Cryptic?” Star Bright asked.

“Dark.”

Silver Script turned around and gave the stallions a hopeful smile, though he felt his heart rip to pieces when he saw the look on Star Bright’s face.

“I, uh… wanted to tell a story from the point of view of a star,” he said with an upward inflection, as though asking permission from the assembled astronomers.

“So that was a poem about you and a star?” Blue Moon asked.

Silver Script’s eyes grew unfocused as he stared off into the distance.

“In a way, yes.”

"And you just made that up on the spot?" Chocolate Sun said, impressed.

"I do more occasional poetry, yes. But I—"

"I don't believe you."

Silver Script's gaze shot to Blue Moon, who stood there, shaking his head.

"Excuse me?"

"You can't just rhyme like that," Blue Moon continued. "You aren't a zebra."

Silver Script's eyes narrowed. He saw Star Bright's eyes dart back and forth. Chocolate Sun, for his part, simply quirked his head.

Even with your cutie mark, ponies don't believe you.

"Well," Silver Script started, shaking his head as though to shake the thoughts out, "Occasional poetry is meant to be spoken for the occasion, and—"

"Yeah!" Chocolate Sun shouted over him. "My nephew, Zig Zag, enters these things called 'rap battles' all the time." The brown stallion chuckled. "He calls himself Neigh-Z."

Silver Script's wings ruffled and his eye twitched. "Yes, there are some comparisons with traditional poetry and so-called 'slam poetry'." He bent his wings to form air quotes. "But I did have to study to understand different poetic forms."

They don't care.

He felt his wings grow heavy. His gaze fell to the floor.

"Blue Moon," Star Bright said. "The tip of Rockhoof's shovel is at a parallax angle of point five-four-seven. How far away is it?"

"One point eight-three Lunasecs."

Silver Script looked up and saw his husband staring up at the larger stallion, his eyes coming closer to anger than he had seen in a while. As Star Bright took a step forward, Blue Moon took a step back, and Silver Script fought to stop his lips from quivering.

"You were able to calculate that number almost instantly," Star Bright said before turning to Silver Script, who had begun to fan himself with his own wing. "That is how Silver is able to recite poems as he does."

Silver Script watched as Blue Moon's eyes drifted from him to Star Bright, and then to Chocolate Sun, before returning to himself.

"I apologize," he said as he tapped his hoof on the floor. "I never thought of poems that way."

"What way?" Silver Script asked, curious as to the response.

"I never thought of poems as equations."

"Well, this is all good." Chocolate Sun twirled his hooves in the air at everypony. "But guess what? Blue Moon and I are behind on our work by at least fifteen minutes. We can't all be famous for inventing stars, after all."

The saddlebag levitated into the air and onto Star Bright’s back. He then made his way to the elevator to call it. Silver Script noticed that his partner’s gait was tense, but rather than say anything, he hung his head slightly lower as he walked past the other two stallions. The doors opened, and he and Star Bright entered.

“Good luck with the ceremony tomorrow,” Chocolate Sun said.

Star Bright smiled and nodded.

“And Silver Script?” Blue Moon asked.

“Yes?”

“Good luck with the book.”

“Thank you,” Silver Script replied, managing to force another smile just as the elevator doors closed.

The two stallions rode the elevator in silence. The doors opened, and they emerged on the ground level, Star Bright just ahead. When they reached the entrance, Star Bright’s horn glowed, the door opened, and he turned to Silver Script and gave him a small smile. The pegasus walked ahead, his hooves feeling heavier with each step as they made their way through the courtyard to the castle.

"Silvy?"

Silver Script stopped in his tracks and looked up.

"I'm sorry that I—"

Silver Script held a hoof to Star Bright's muzzle.

"Thank you."

Star Bright held the door open to let Silver Script inside, but before leaving, the pegasus turned back to the garden and looked over the flowers. They look like stars, he thought, before turning back and heading inside.

The Argument

“Are you upset with me?”

The tie that had been floating mid-air fell to the floor as Star Bright’s concentration faltered. He turned to face the mirror and saw the reflection of Silver Script sitting on the bed, his hind legs tucked beneath his barrel and a sad look on his face. Star Bright turned, as though wondering whether the reflection was real.

“Of course not, Silvy,” Star Bright replied. “Why would you think that?”

Silver Script looked down at his hooves. “I saw the way you looked after I read that poem.”

Star Bright’s nostrils flared and he immediately turned away to yank open a dresser drawer to put the tie in it. Keep it together Star, he thought as he used his horn to pick up another tie. Once he placed the final tie into the drawer he slammed it shut.

I never wanted this. Star Bright thought as he picked up the empty bag and tossed it into the closet. I don’t want to speak. He turned to the small bag containing an assortment of fur clipping products and levitated them into the bathroom.

Star Bright couldn’t deny it—the poem hurt for some reason. Why did he make it sound like he was talking to me, he wondered as he set the fur clippers and toothbrushes next to the sink. He remembered what had transpired.

So that was a poem about you and a star?

In a way yes.

Star Bright looked at himself in the mirror. What did you do, he asked himself, staring at his reflection. He tried to think about where he went wrong with Silver Script, only to come up with nothing. He lay his head on the counter and covered his muzzle.

Suddenly, a familiar smell invaded his nostrils. He moved his hooves and saw a tiny batch of periwinkles sitting in a small vase on the corner of the counter. Him, he thought as he walked back into the bedroom.

“Silvy?” he asked. “You know I love you, right?”

He watched as Silver Script nodded, even if the movements were more lethargic than usual.

“You know I would never grow tired of you, right?”

He watched as the stallion nodded again, though his gaze never left the wall. He felt his breath tighten as he tried to push the next statement out.

“I’m… sorry if I did anything to make you feel bad.” Stupid stutter, he thought as he reached a hoof towards the bed. “I loved the poem, I really did.”

He got on the bed and sat next to Silver Script’s side. His horn glowed, and he heard the pegasus gasp when his wing extended involuntarily, allowing Star Bright to snuggle closer to the stallion. He inhaled, enjoying the way Silver Script’s feathers brushed against his back like a soft quilt. Each time Silver Script breathed, he felt the stallion’s flank press into his.

“You’re right, you know?” Star Bright said.

“About what?” Silver Script asked.

“I do fear you’ll disappear,” he replied. “I mean, right now I feel everypony staring at me. But when the ceremony ends, I’ll just go back to work in the lab and everything will return to normal.”

Star Bright looked into the stallion’s eyes, wishing he knew what the stallion was thinking.

“But when you get published, it will only be the beginning,” he said, his hoof trailing along the covers. “Soon, you’ll be the one traveling Equestria, reading to packed auditoriums and—”

Silver Script scoffed.

“And signing autographs in bookstores,” he continued, ignoring his partner’s outburst. “I guess I never thought about you being the one gone for weeks at a time.”

“Uh huh,” Silver Script muttered. “And what if I never get published?”

Star Bright paused for a moment before smiling. “Then I guess you’ll just be stuck with me then, won’t you?”

The pair laughed softly. For the first time this week, Silver Script finally gave a real smile. As they both left the bed, Star Bright breathed a sigh of relief.

“I don’t know why I let the idea of you talking with Trenderhoof put me in such a bad mood.”

Star Bright leaned in and nuzzled the stallion’s cheek. “It sounds like somepony may have been a little jealous.” He said in a singsong voice.

Silver Script snorted in Star Bright’s direction. “I mean yes he is a famous writer.”

“A travel writer,” Star Bright corrected.

“And attractive.”

“Trust me, Silvy, you’re the only stud I need.”

“And he’s a unicorn.”

“That’s just—” Star Bright paused. “I’m sorry,” he said, trying to wrap his mind about what he just heard. “What does that mean?”

“Oh you know,” Silver Script replied with a twirl of his hoof. “Being able to teleport, levitating objects, things like that.” He trotted to the dresser and opened the top drawer, pulling out a tie. “I’m sure it gives you all an advantage, probably even with your own work.”

Star Bright’s jaw dropped. He reached a hoof to his chest as he felt his heart drop into his stomach. He felt himself get woozy, and so he closed his eyes to steady himself. When he opened them, Silver Script was staring at him with a look of concern.

“Starry, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Do you… think the only reason I made the discovery is because of my horn?”

“Don’t be silly, Starry, I—”

“You just said being a unicorn was an advantage to my work!” His voice grew louder.

“I didn’t mean it like—”

“How else could you have meant it?” Star Bright shouted, his words growing closer together. “I have dedicated my life to understanding the night sky and have managed to do what is essentially a life’s work only midway through my career expanding upon the research of Maregon and Keeneighn—two earth ponies—and because of it, have given Princess Luna herself a brand new tool for her work!”

“Starry, please stop, you’re speaking really fast again.”

Star Bright saw that Silver Script was quivering and that his eyes were narrowing. But by this time, he was unable to stop the flow of words as he paced back and forth.

“And after all of that,” he continued, his voice growing dangerously quiet. “You have the nerve to tell me all of my work is due to magic?” Star Bright shook his head. “All I wanted from you this week was for your support. I told you I can’t do this on my own. But every day you just drifted farther and farther away from me. And now tonight, you get jealous of Trenderhoof for talking to me.”

“I am not jealous of Trenderhoof,” Silver Script growled as he puffed his chest out and flared his wings.

“Oh, okay, then why have you been like this ever since—”

Star Bright blinked as he remembered the past week: the music playing when he got home, the already opened envelope, the fake smiles, the poem. His gaze crossed the room, as if every event were a physical piece of evidence in front of him, like a mystery to solve. He slowly turned back to Silver Script, whose nostrils were flared and his wings still on display.

“You’re jealous of me,” he said.

“Why would I be jealous of you?” he asked, pinching the bridge of his muzzle and closing his eyes. “That’s not how I—”

“That’s the only way to explain why you haven’t been there for me, even after you promised you would.” Star Bright’s words began to speed up again, falling out of his mouth like a waterfall. “You’re projecting your fear of being rejected onto this fiction that my success is due to me being a unicorn. Well guess what? Trenderhoof didn’t need his horn to write and get published, and—”

Star Bright immediately covered his mouth before he could finish that sentence. He kept his eyes closed, afraid of what he would see. He hung his head down, clenched his teeth, and slowly looked up.

Silver Script’s wings had closed. The stallion stood frozen, his eyes glazed over. How could you do that, he thought as he tried to think of what to do next. He reached out to Silver Script, gasping as the stallion jerked his head away. Star Bright watched as Silver Script’s eye began to well up, but before the tear had formed, his wing slowly extended to cover his head.

“Please go,” he said, his voice muffled behind his wing.

“Silvy, I didn’t mean to.”

“Please?” Silver Script begged.

“This isn’t right,” Star Bright cried. “I know there’s something going on. Please let me help you. Please tell me.”

Silver Script didn’t speak. Star Bright felt the world around him spinning. He straightened and trod to the door, dragging his hooves the entire way. He pressed his head against the door and placed his hoof on the doorknob.

“Just promise me that we can discuss this? And then go to dinner?” he asked, staring at the door.

“Please leave, Star Bright.”

Star Bright flinched at the sound of his full name. He waited for a moment. He heard the sound of hooves against the floor, the squeaking of the bed, and labored breathing. Star Bright closed his eyes, turned the doorknob, and entered the hall. The door shut behind him, and he leaned back, letting his body slowly slink onto the tiles.

***

The clatter of forks against plates caused Silver Script to squirm. All around him, waitresses were busy picking up cutlery and glasses. A knife caught on the edge of a wine glass, sending a tiny shriek through the air that only he seemed to notice. The conversations of other ponies around him buzzed like a bees in a hive.

“Thank you.”

Silver Script looked up.

“This is one of the best restaurants in Canterlot,” Star Bright said. “I’m so happy you found a way to bring me here.”

Silver Script’s ears perked. He glanced across the table and saw his partner sipping a glass of water. He smiled, trying his best to ignore the sounds around him. This is why I prefer working by myself, he thought, tapping his hoof nervously on the tablecloth.

“Well,” he said, his wings ruffling. “I know that after what you’ve done, you only deserve the best.”

The light above them flickered for a moment, though Star Bright didn’t seem to notice. Or, if he did, he didn’t let Silver Script let on to it. The pegasus did his best not to cover his head with his wings at the sights and sounds around him.

“I’m sorry.”

Silver Script looked up, his lip quivering slightly at the sight of Star Bright leaning in and folding his forelegs on the table. “Oh?” he asked.

“Yes,” Star Bright replied. “Thinking back, the fight really was… silly.”

“How so?” he asked slowly tracing a fork along his empty plate.

“I should have known you weren’t jealous of me,” he said.

Silver Script breathed a sigh of relief. He closed his eyes and smiled, his lips still shaking.

“Have you decided what you wanted to order?”

The sudden appearance of a waitress cause Silver Script to yelp and instinctively take to the air. The table he was seated at, however, stopped his ascent, leaving him with two fresh bruises on his legs. His wings, however, did manage to fly open and hit the notepad levitating next to the waitress, sending it flying through the air.

“Should I give you more time?” she asked, clearly unimpressed.

Silver Script looked over to Star Bright and saw clearly the embarrassment on his face. All around him, he heard the conversations, though now he was certain that there was only one topic on their minds. They’re talking about you.

“Maybe just a few minutes,” Star Bright replied with a smile, but as the waitress left, he replaced it with a scowl. “What’s going on?” he whispered. “You’re embarrassing me.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispered back.

A blast of cold air brushed against his wing, and when he pulled it back to inspect it, he gasped. There were feathers now missing, revealing a disgusting patch of bare skin. He looked to the floor and, sure enough, there were the missing feathers.

“What’s wrong now?” Star Bright asked.

“Nothing,” Silver Script replied, tucking his wings as close to his body as possible.

“I can tell when you’re hiding something from me.”

Silver Script laughed nervously. “What would I be—”

“Oh, fancy seeing you two here!”

Silver Script rolled his eyes and groaned. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Trenderhoof standing next to him. As the unicorn approached the table, he trotted right past Silver Script without acknowledgment and went directly to Star Bright.

“We’re actually having dinner,” Silver Script fumed. “We’d really appreciate some—”

“Company!” Star Bright shouted. “Yes, we’d really appreciate some company right now.”

Silver Script glared at Star Bright, but the stallion’s eyes were still locked on Trenderhoof’s. The ponies at the table behind where Trenderhoof was standing shot Silver Script a dirty look, as though the stallion’s presence were his fault. Trenderhoof’s horn glowed, and a chair at a nearby empty table slid beneath him just as he sat down.

“I had some more ideas for the interview tomorrow,” Trenderhoof said, leaning closer to Star Bright.

“Excuse me?” Silver Script said as his wings began to extend.

“What’s wrong with your wing?” he asked loud enough for the nearby ponies to hear.

The room once again filled with harsh whispers. Silver Script looked at his wing and was horrified by what he saw. Not only were more of his primary wings gone, but now, even a few secondaries had detached themselves and fallen to the floor.

“I-I’ll be back,” he murmured as he got up and backed away from the table.

As he made his way through the restaurant, he could feel every pony staring at him with looks of disgust. Finally, he reached the door to the restroom, which he pushed open so hard that it slammed against the wall.

Silver Script stumbled into the restroom, tripping over his hooves and falling to the floor. He struggled to get up as his legs quivered and nausea set in. As soon as he got his bearings, he turned to look at himself in the mirror, only to see that more of his feathers had fallen off. He slowly extended his wings, his breaths becoming increasingly shallow as he saw that most of his right wing was now bare.

“What is wrong with me?” he asked as he galloped to the sink.

Tears filled his eyes, and Silver Script fell to his haunches and cradled his head in his hooves. A moment later, he heard the stalls open, followed by the sound of clopping hooves.

“This isn’t good.”

Silver Script looked up and saw Star Bright’s coworkers looking down on him with fear and curiosity.

“What isn’t good?” Silver Script managed to ask through his sobs.

“Let us see, Silver,” Blue Moon said as he leaned in to inspect the wing.

Silver Script closed his eyes as he felt the unicorn’s magic envelop his wing and splay it out against the wall. I don’t like this, he thought, his magic feels cold. I want to feel Starry’s magic.

“He’s got a smaller wingspan that I thought,” Chocolate Sun said.

Silver Script blushed and closed his legs.

“This is clearly a case of Knemidokoptes,” Blue Moon said. “It would also explain the fat legs.”

Silver Script felt the unicorn’s magic release its grip on his wing, and he pulled it in and curled into a ball on the floor. He glanced down at his legs and cried.

“That can’t be right,” Chocolate Sun argued. “His legs aren’t swollen. They were that fat when we saw him last time.”

“Well, we have to take the rest of the feathers in to test it, don’t we?”

“No!”

Silver Script shrieked and leapt to his hooves, pushing past the two stallions to open the door. Suddenly, he felt pin pricks at his wing, and he saw the magical aura of the two unicorns plucking out his remaining feathers. He screamed and bucked both of them before yanking the door open and charging into the hall.

“Starry… Starry…”

He stumbled into the main room, where he saw that it was now empty, except for Star Bright and Trenderhoof. As he approached the table, he saw that Trenderhoof had slid his chair even closer to Star Bright. At his place on the table, Silver Script saw a silver tray with a silver dome on top of it.

“You were taking so long,” Trenderhoof said with a soft laugh. “That we ordered for you.”

“We?” Silver Script asked, his shock apparent.

“Take a look. I think you’ll be impressed.”

There was something about the way both unicorns stared at him, but Silver Script knew he didn’t want to open the dome. Still, he took a deep breath, reached up, grabbed the handle, and lifted the dome. He gasped at what he saw.

“That’s the letter you’ve been waiting for!” Star Bright shouted.

Silver Script looked at the envelope—the same font, the same exact lettering. His hoof quivered as he reached out to grab it. He felt the tears stream down his cheeks, the ones that managed to reached his lips made his tongue salty.

“Go on,” Star Bright said as he stared into his eyes. “Open it.”

“Yes,” Trenderhoof added. “After all, a great stallion like Starry here needs a great partner.” The stallion’s eyes burrowed into his. “Prove it to him.”

Silver Script’s gaze narrowed as he grabbed the envelope. He began to pull at it, but none of the paper would relent. He grabbed the letter with his teeth in an effort to tear the paper away to get to the letter, but nothing would work. Finally, He felt an aura of magic surround the letter, and he saw it levitate towards Star Bright.

“Starry, no!” Silver Script begged.

Star Bright opened the envelope with ease and read the letter. His face was confused at first, then shocked, then angry. He screamed as he tossed the letter aside and flipped the table over. All of the lights in the restaurant began to flicker.

“Why is this dated last Sunday, Silver?” he asked, pointing to the date.

“Well, you see…” Silver Script began but let his sentence trail off.

“You knew they rejected you,” Trenderhoof said. “That’s why you hesitated to open it.”

Silver Script fell to his haunches and hung his head. The pair of unicorns began to circle him, the flickering lights causing their shadows to disappear and reappear around him.

“After all that’s happened this week,” Star Bright said. “Telling ponies about how my partner’s going to be a great author, and you knew the entire time you weren’t.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“So you lied to him instead?”

Silver Script’s head shot up so that he could glare at Trenderhoof. One by one, the lights flickered out until all that was left was the light directly above them. The stallion closed the distance between them until he was inches from his muzzle.

“Honestly,” Trenderhoof whispered. “Do you think you’re good enough for him now?”

The last light flickered. Silver Script hung his head again and looked at his hooves. A sickening feeling grew in his throat as he felt a hoof trailing his bare wing. His eyes darted back and forth, tears falling to the floor.

“I’m not good enough for him.”

The last light went out. Silver Script looked around, but all around him was darkness. Suddenly, a pinpoint of light appeared in front of him. The light grew and grew until he had to squint his eyes. Finally, a figure emerged from the light.

“It appears you have had many restless nights this week,” Princess Luna said. “Though this dream has been particularly traumatic.”

Princess Luna’s horn glowed, and her aura surrounded Silver Script’s wing, and he watched as his feathers returned in a flash of light.

“Forgive me for asking this, your highness,” he said. “But what are you doing here?”

“It is simple, really,” she replied. “I was able to hear your psyche.” She lifted Silver Script’s head with her hoof. “Everypony has fears, Silver.”

“I’m not scared,” he said, wincing at the way Princess Luna raised her eyebrow. “I just didn’t want to make Star Bright feel bad.”

Princess Luna’s horn lit up again, and the blackness around them gave way to his suite at the castle. Silver Script looked over to the bed and was surprised to see that his physical body was asleep beneath the covers. He noticed the other side of the bed was empty, and so he searched the room until he found Star Bright asleep on the couch. As he looked closer, Silver Script could see that his cheeks were still wet from tears.

“We all wish to spare our partner’s feelings,” Princess Luna said.

“Yeah, but I let my feelings stop me from doing the one thing I promised Starry that I’d do.”

“And what was that?” she asked.

“Be there for him.”

“Well, maybe you could give him the opportunity to be there for you, too.”

Silver Script smiled at the princess’s direction before turning back to Star Bright. Reached reached out and caressed his partner’s mane, enjoying how soft it felt.

“After the ceremony,” he said. “I want to give him one good day, at least. He deserves that.”

He glanced in Princess Luna’s direction, only to see that she was beginning to fade away. She closed her eyes and nodded before disappearing completely. Silver Script saw the rest of the world fade away as he breathed in, letting himself fall into unconsciousness.

Mare Castrot

Star Bright felt the morning light that creeped through the opened blinds on his muzzle, but he refused to open his eyes. The only thing he could think about was the look on Silver Script’s face when he had finished his tirade last night. Please forgive me, he thought.

Suddenly, he felt a pressing sensation on the sole of one of his hind hooves. He bit his lip as the pressure continued to massage him. It was only when he felt a set of lips kissing his fetlock that he opened his eyes and was shocked to see Silver Script nuzzling his leg.

“Silvy, I—”

“Hush,” Silver Script interrupted. “Today’s your big day.”

Star Bright winced a little, but cooed the moment Silver Script’s hooves continued the massage. He saw Silver Script look away for a moment and stare out the window, as though distracted.

“I’m sorry,” the pegasus said as he continued to massage up to the stallion’s fetlock.

Star Bright’s horn glowed, and Silver Script’s hooves stopped their motions. “What are you sorry for?” he asked. “I’m the one who said those things to you.”

Silver Script chuckled. “I promised you that I would be there for you. I know I haven’t.” He leaned in closer to Star Bright. “Let me at least make this day what you deserve.”

“But I—”

“Please?”

Star Bright gasped at how quickly Silver Script leapt forward to press their lips together.

“Just forget about it.” The pegasus kissed his lips again. “Forget about it.” He kissed again, this time on Star Bright’s neck. “Forget it.” Star Burst shivered when he felt his partner’s lips on his shoulder.

“Silvy?” he said. “It’s not that I’m ungrateful or anything—” He groaned as he felt the stallion’s hooves return to massaging his leg due to his distraction. “This is just so… unexpected.”

“Oh, there’s more.”

Star Bright cocked his head, and when Silver Script gestured towards the bed, his eyebrows shot up. Slowly, he lifted himself off of the couch and made his way towards the bed, where he hesitantly placed a hoof on the covers. Silver Script leapt onto the bed and patted the pillow with his hoof, and so he obediently laid down and closed his eyes, sighing as he felt the stallion press his body against his back.

“We need to make sure today goes perfect,” Silver Script whispered into his ear. “I’m going to give you a massage, and—”

“You haven’t given me a massage in forever,” Star Bright interrupted, only to coo once again as he felt the stallion lift himself up and return to his caresses.

“I spoke to Raven.” He heard Silver Script pause for a moment. “And I managed to get room service for breakfast. I gave her my chocolate chip recipe—”

“But that’s your secret recipe!” Star Bright gasped, only to melt into the pillow as he felt hooves rubbing his flanks.

“Raven is sworn to secrecy,” Silver Script whispered before nibbling Star Bright’s ear. “I made sure of that.”

Star Bright’s lips quivered as he felt the stallion’s confident hooves knead and mold against his back, his loin, then his croup. What felt like eons of tension drained from his body as he fought to contain a moan. Luna, if this is a dream, then don’t let me wake up, he thought as Silver Script’s hooves moved down to his stifle.

“S-Silvy—”

Silver Script ignored the stuttering and shushed him as he continued his ministrations.

“We’re going to have breakfast,” he whispered. “Then we’re going to go out to get you a new tie and coat that matches that pale blue mane of yours.” He paused. “Something like Luna’s mane. You are a star, after all. You need to shine just as bright.” He chuckled. “My Star Bright.”

Star Bright lifted his head to speak but groaned when he felt Silver Script’s hooves press against his barrel. He bit his lip, fearing that his dream would come to an end. He gasped when he felt Silver Script’s feathers brush against his muzzle.

“And guess what?” he asked as he tickled the stallion’s muzzle with his wing. “I found a place that serves curried oat cake.”

Star Bright stared at Silver Script in disbelief. “No.”

“Yes!” Silver Script said with a giggle. “The Tasty Treat. But before that, I got us tickets to Silver Frames.”

“The art gallery?” he asked as he bit his hoof to stop himself from moaning due to the way Silver Script pressed against his body.

“They have a featured artist this month,” The pegasus continued as he massaged his body. “Akhal Aalto.”

“How did you—” Star Bright began, but was cut off as Silver Script turned the stallion onto his side and began to press his hooves against the unicorn’s flanks.

“What matters is that we make this an unforgettable day for you, Starry,” the pegasus said, his wings starting to rise. “I’m going to make sure it’s perfect in every way.”

Star Bright turned towards the stallion, only to see that he had a wicked grin on his muzzle. As Silver Script began to wiggle his eyebrows, the unicorn’s eyes widened.

“Silvy, no!” he gasped and struggled playfully. “We can’t do that in the castle!”

“What are they gonna do?” Silver Script asked as he leaned in for a kiss. “Throw us in the dungeon?”

Star Bright felt a shiver run down his spine. What has gotten into you, he wondered as his partner’s hooves began to move towards dangerous uncharted territory. Still, he felt the adrenaline rush through his body as he felt the stallion kiss his neck.

“I can’t wait to—”

There was a sudden knock at the door. Star Bright groaned and tossed his head back, and he felt the weight of Silver Script’s head land on his barrel.

“Horsefeathers,” the pegasus whispered through the stallion’s fur.

The voice called from the other side of the door. “Room service!”

“Coming!” Star Bright replied.

“If only…” the pegasus grumbled.

“Silvy,” he laughed as his partner lifted his head off of his body and pouted. “It’s okay. I’ll get the door, while you…” He gestured towards the stallion’s displayed wings. “Get your… wings… under control.”

The stallions jumped off the bed. Star Bright brushed a hoof through his mane as Silver Script stumbled around the room. He turned to the door, only to be stopped by Silver Script’s hoof on his shoulder.

“What is it?” Star Bright asked as he nudged his head towards the door.

“They won’t go to sleep until you kiss them goodnight,” Silver Script replied, blinking quickly as he pouted.

Star Bright rolled his eyes as he bit his lip. “We don’t have time.”

The knocking at the door continued. Star Bright returned his attention to Silver Script, who was now seated on his haunches, his wings flared out so far they touched the wall near the bathroom and brushed against the window shades. The pegasus simply stared up at him with puppy dog eyes.

“Ugh, fine,” Star Bright said. “Good night, Stud.” He kissed one wing. “Good night, Muffin.” He kissed the other.

Silver Script smiled and galloped into the bathroom as quickly as he could and slammed the door shut, leaving Star Bright to deal with room service. He shrugged his shoulders and ran his hoof through his mane again before his horn glowed and the door opened.

“Good morning,” Raven announced as she and Caliper entered the room, pushing a large cart with a tray. “Thank you for finally opening the door.”

Star Bright could tell that Raven was frazzled by the way she held the clipboard in her telekinetic grasp. He shook his head and smiled in her direction, but was confused when she brought out two index cards.

“As per the agreement,” She began while holding the two index cards separately. “The muffins have been made according to Silver Script’s specifications.”

“Specifications?” Star Bright asked, wincing as the tiny mare glared at him.

“We had two chefs work on Silver Script’s special chocolate chip muffin recipe, each given only half of it so neither would know how to make it themselves.”

Star Bright chuckled, ignoring how the mare rolled her eyes. He watched as Raven concentrated her magic on the index cards until they burst into flames.

“And now the recipe is gone,” Raven continued monotonously. “Now nopony will ever know the secret.”

“That sounds about right for him.”

Caliper pushed the cart towards Star Bright and lifted the tray, revealing a steaming batch of muffins alongside a pitcher of milk. He closed his eyes and took in a whiff of the aroma. He heard his stomach rumble, and so decided to grab a muffin. Just as his horn lit up, however, Raven cleared her throat.

“We need to go over your itinerary for today,” she said, pointing to the clipboard now levitating by her side.

“Oh, most of the day Silver and I will be in town taking in some sites.” He turned back to the muffin and sniffed it again before opening his mouth.

“Oh no,” Raven replied. “This won’t do at all.”

The muffin fell back onto the tray. “I’m sorry?” he asked.

“Don’t you remember your interviews?” she asked, adjusting her glasses. “Since you were so nervous about them, I made sure to spread them throughout the day so that you could recover from each one.”

Star Bright turned to face the bathroom door. “I cannot do that,” he said. “I have something much more important to do.” He turned back to Raven, unsure of the way she had raised her eyebrow at him. “Can’t you just push them to the end of the day?”

“Three back to back interviews just before the ceremony?” she said with a gasp.

“Are you okay with that?” he asked.

“Are you?”

Star Bright glanced over at the bathroom door again.

“I am.”

*****

The outside facade of the Silver Frames Art Museum didn’t look particularly inviting. In fact, when compared to the surrounding establishments, it looked downright intimidating: the way the smooth surface at the bottom of the foundation gave way to a series of small bricks piled one on top of the other, and with each pile of bricks separated by elongated pillars. Most of the ponies who passed them by didn’t even give the museum a second glance, but a few wandered in as Silver Script and Star Bright stood outside.

“It reminds me of the 69th Regiment Royal Guard Repository,” Star Bright said.

“The place where they hold the Maretoria’s Secret Fashion Show?” Silver Script asked, though when his husband looked at him with an odd stare, he chuckled. “What? The outfits are fabulous. Sometimes, they give earth ponies false wings.” He leaned in and tickled the stallion’s muzzle with his wing. “Maybe I could buy a pair and one night you could be my alicorn prince?”

“Shh,” Star Bright whispered as he covered the pegasus’ muzzle with his hoof and motioned to a nearby guard.

“Oh right,” Silver Script replied, gently pushing the stallion’s hoof down. “I forgot about your chaperone.”

“He’s not my chaperone,” Star Bright replied with an annoyed sigh. “Raven simply wanted to make sure that nothing stopped me from arriving back at Canterlot castle on time for the interviews.”

“You would think she would have found a way to spread the interviews out through the day,” Silver Script said as he turned towards the doors of the museum.

“Yes, it’s really sad.”

Silver Script paused for a moment before slowly turning his head back to Star Bright, whose head was now turned up to the sky, as though admiring the clouds.

“Starry?” he asked. “Are you okay?”

Star Bright’s gaze turned to face him, but immediately turned away again. “No, it’s fine. I’m…” He concentrated “I’m simply nervous about the interviews.”

A cart horn beeped, and Star Bright leapt at the sound. Silver Script immediately galloped towards him and wrapped his wings around the unicorn’s head.

“Forget about it,” he said as he kissed the stallion’s cheek. “Today is going to be perfect.” He kissed his other cheek and then pressed his muzzle against his. “Okay?”

The two locked eyes for a moment.

“Okay.”

Silver Script let his wings retract. The two stood at the bottom step of the museum, staring into each other’s eyes. For a moment, it seemed as though they were the only two stallions in the world, until Star Bright’s eyes narrowed, and his grin widened.

“Oh my stars,” he said as he began to wave. “I don’t believe it.”

Silver Script turned just in time to see two mares galloping towards them, grinning once he recognized them.

“I can’t believe we managed to run into you two!” Roseluck shouted as she leaned in to give Star Bright a crushing hug.

“I can’t wait for the ceremony!” Derpy cooed as she wrapped a leg around Silver Script’s neck. “What are you guys up to?”

“We’re about to go to see the works of Akhal Aalto,” Star Bright replied as he began to climb the steps to the museum.

“Oh, we want to go!“ Roseluck shouted.

“You need a ticket,“ Silver Script replied.

Roseluck lifted an eyebrow towards Star Bright. “You're our free ticket, aren't you?“

Star Bright sighed. “Ever the businessmare, aren't you?“

Roseluck began to follow him, the guard by her side. Silver Script and Derpy took to flight, flapping their wings slowly so as to stay behind the group.

“So what’s with the guard?” Derpy asked.

“Star has some interviews later on this evening, and he’s here to make sure we return on time.”

“I see.” Derpy stared at the guard for a few moments before she grinned. “I wonder if I could get a replica of their armor.”

“What would you need a Royal Guard uniform for?” Silver Script asked.

“It would be for Time Turner.”

“Okay,” he replied, still confused. “Why would he need it?”

Derpy said nothing in return, but instead chose to begin giggling maniacally. Silver Script blushed when he noticed the guard stop in his tracks for only a moment, but it was enough for the pegasus to see. Fortunately, none of the other ponies caught it.

As they reached the top of the steps, Silver Script began to fly faster to hold the door open, but the guard galloped ahead and used his magic to open the door.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Star Bright said as he blushed and rubbed his leg.

“Nonsense,” the stallion replied. “It is my duty to ensure that your trip through town goes smoothly.

Silver Script’s feathers rustled. No, he thought, it’s mine.

“I thought that was your duty,” Derpy whispered loudly.

Silver Script pinched the bridge of his muzzle. “I swear, Derpy, you’re going to get us thrown in the dungeon.

Star Bright and Roseluck entered the museum, the pegasi followed right after, but Silver Script swore he saw the guard gaze narrow as they passed him by. He stopped for a moment to let the group go ahead a few steps before turning to the guard.

“You have to forgive my friend,” he said. “She’s… eccentric.”

The guard snorted in reply. Silver Script blushed and backed away from the guard to catch up with Star Bright and the others, who were already standing at the front desk next to a banner. As he was flying, however, he heard the sound of somepony coughing to him. When he turned to see who was trying to get his attention, he saw an old mare standing nearby, pointing to a sign that read NO FLYING. Silver Script blushed and returned to the floor before walking sheepishly to the group.

“To build an earthly paradise for ponies—Akhal Aalto, a retrospective.”

The gathered ponies turned to Roseluck as she read the banner out loud.

“They also have an exhibit featuring mare Impressionists of the modern age,” Derpy noted.

Everypony nodded their heads and began making their way through the museum, the sound of their hooves echoing on the checkerboard tile, the group stopping at every few paintings whenever something aroused their interest.

They arrived in a room surrounded by self portraits—a dozen pairs of eyes stared out at them, all with a similar indifferent expression, the only difference being the attire and background color. Silver Script trotted ahead, his focus on one painting in the corner of the room. The painting was of a mare in a white hat, wearing a green dress, but what caught his attention was that her lips were curved upwards in a faint smile.

“What’s this one?” Star Bright asked, placing a hoof on Silver Script’s shoulder.

“She went by the name Mare Castrot.”

“Did she die before finishing it?”

Silver Script shook his head. “No.” He pointed towards the bottom right corner. “This blue line is the canvas she’s painting on.” He pointed to either side of the top half of the painting. “See how these yellow streaks are meant to be light, and the gray on the right side is meant to be shadow? She’s turned away from the light.” He observed the painting further. “Look how energetic her brushstrokes are. She’s drawing herself towards the darkness, and still has such confidence.”

The pegasus stared at the picture for what seemed like hours, his mind trying to connect the painting with what he had been through. When he turned around, however, he saw that all of the ponies were simply tilting their heads in confusion at the painting. They look just like Starry’s coworkers in the cage.

Suddenly, Derpy began to chuckle, and Silver Script began to narrow his gaze.

“Silver,” she said as she trotted up to him. “I don’t think that’s right.”

“Oh?” he replied with a quirk of his eyebrow.

“Yeah, Mare Castrot’s brushwork was clearly more advanced than this.” She pointed at the painting. “None of her other works look this rushed. This was more likely just an exercise for her. These lines aren’t energetic, they’re just… inexperienced in the impressionist style.”

Silver Script smiled at the mare, surprised that anypony in the group would have known anything about the artist.

“When did you become an art critic?” he asked.

Derpy’s eyes slowly regained control so that she could see him with both eyes. “I’ve always loved to study ponies who are able to view the world differently.” She winced slightly. “I like knowing that other ponies can view the world… abnormally.”

Silver Script ignored the ponies who were attempting to approach them, and instead placed both of his hooves on her shoulders.

“You are not an abnormal pony in a world of normal ones.” He waited until she looked up at him. “You are an extraordinary pony in a world of ordinary ones.”

He pulled her into his embrace, but a moment later felt the hooves of both Star Bright and Roseluck around them. Slowly, they pulled apart, and Derpy smiled to each of them.

“Thanks,” she said, using a wing to wipe her eye. “I really needed that.”

“That’s what we’re here for, Derpy,” Star Bright replied. “Anytime you feel bad, just come to us.”

Roseluck nodded in agreement, though none of them noticed the way Silver Script bit his lip. At least, he thought nopony had seen him, until he turned to the guard whose gaze immediately went to the stallion’s muzzle. The moment the guard raised an eyebrow, Silver Script turned back to avoid his glare.

“Why don’t we head to the Akhal Aalto exhibit?” he asked, turning to Star Bright.

The group nodded in unison and made their way to the next wing over, though now Silver Script found himself walking next to the guard. He kept casting sideways glances to him, trying not to be too conspicuous.

“It’s funny how one painting can evoke so many emotions,” the guard whispered.

“Yeah, that’s what art does,” he replied. “A painting can make you feel happiness, sadness—”

“Guilt.”

Silver Script felt his chest grow ice cold. The guard, however, didn’t stop, but continued on with the group. The stallion’s wings instinctively opened as he prepared to fly, but instead, closed his eyes, shook his head, and continued walking behind, his head bent towards the floor.

Architecture and Curried Oat Cakes

“The ultimate goal of the architect is to create a paradise. Every house, every product of architecture, should be a fruit of our endeavor to build an earthly paradise for ponies.”

Star Bright removed his hoof from the button as the pre-recorded message ended. Together, he and Roseluck turned towards the center of the room.

Unlike the other wings of the museum, which were bathed in light, the Akhal Aalto exhibit was shrouded in shadows, the only sources of light coming from sconces hanging above each photograph and blueprint, with a few spotlights dangling above the models of the stallion’s work in the center of the room. He saw Silver Script and Derpy standing by a photograph of one of the architect’s blueprints, their head cocked in either direction. He then noticed the guard standing by the exit of the exhibition.

“So how has the week been?” Roseluck asked.

“Grueling,” he replied with a sigh. “I have three interviews this evening before the ceremony.”

“You’d think they would have stretched them throughout the day,” Roseluck said, a hint of irritation in her voice.

“Well, yeah,” Star Bright said as he scratched the back of his neck before glancing at his partner. “But at least it gives me a day to spend with Silver.”

The two stopped in front of a blueprint with a placard stating that it was of a library. Star Bright’s attention was drawn from the bottom of the blueprint upward and outward, giving the building the impression of a seashell or a paper fan.

“Speaking of Silver,” Roseluck said still staring at the blueprint. “He seems a bit… off.” She gently nudged him. “Is he all right?”

Star Bright gulped. His eyes darted from one corner of the blueprint to the other. “He’s… had a tough week.” He chuckled. “Then again, I’m not really good company when I’m under stress.”

“Oh, I’m sure you aren’t that bad.”

The stallion’s thoughts went to the night before to when Silver Script threw up his wing as a barrier between them. He fought the urge to let a tear well up.

“You’d be surprised.”

The pair moved on to another exhibit in the corner of the room. A spotlight shone down on a pair of stools, but upon closer inspection, it was actually a group of stools stacked one on top of the other in a spiral formation. Each seat was of a different color, starting from violet at the bottom all the way to the flame red at the top.

“But it’ll be over tonight,” Star Bright continued. “We just have to make it through today, and life will go back to normal.” He closed his eyes and smiled.

“At least until Silver starts getting published.”

“Oh for the love of—why would you bring that up?” He turned to Roseluck, who simply smiled and shrugged.

“You’re the one who said he was about to get published.”

Star Bright paused. “Did I?”

The two trotted towards the next exhibit, though Star Bright noticed out of the corner of his eye how the two pegasi walked along the other side. He winced when he saw how Silver Script lowered his gaze as he passed the guard. He was so focused on his partner that he almost crashed into Roseluck.

“Pony life is a combination of tragedy and comedy. The shapes and designs that surround us are the music accompanying this tragedy and this comedy.”

Roseluck let go of the button on the wall as the pre-recorded script ended. The two stared at the nearby elevation drawing of a lopsided building. Star Bright began to regret coming to the exhibit.

“You don’t need to worry, you know?” she said.

“About what?”

“About him forgetting you,” she replied. “I was right there on the altar with you two.”

She pressed her head against his neck. “He knows you’ll be there for him, I can tell.” She began to snicker. “And you two are going to be nervous wrecks together.”

“That’s… not helping.”

“What matters is that I know you two will be together for each other,” she continued with a sly grin. “For the ups and the downs.” She glanced over to Silver Script. “Or, as he would say, to dance around the light and shade.”

Star Bright glanced across the room, and his eyes locked with Silver Script. The two began to walk towards the center of the room, where all four ponies found themselves standing before a miniature structure titled Maretsalo Experimental House. They looked at one another in confusion until Derpy reached out and pressed a button.

“Soon after the passing of his wife, Akhal Aalto began to design a summer getaway on the western shore of Maretsalo. Through the process of designing the house, it became an experimental study of materiality, construction, and philosophy.”

Star Bright listened on as the recording spoke of the inspiration for the building, his attention moving from the model to blueprint and then to the interior photographs. Silvy would love a place like this, he thought as he imagined the two of them sitting by the courtyard firepit.

“I don’t really care for it.”

The unicorn snapped his attention to Silver Script, who looked on at the model with confusion. The mares also looked over to the stallion.

“Oh?” he asked, chiding himself as he watched his partner’s ears fold back.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Silver Script replied, his eyes darting between the three of them. “I know it’s supposed to be experimental, but it just looks like a bunch of different styles thrown together.”

“So I guess you could say it has no… structure?” Derpy asked. The two pegasi chuckled at one another.

“It’s the building equivalent of a free form poem,” he added.

“On the contrary,” Star Bright said. “The primary experience of the experimental house comes via the courtyard enclosure, which is both the major defining spatial experience as well as the primary method of approach. Even the slanted roof and the proportions it creates gives an impression of direction towards the interior spaces, heading downward from the courtyard and into the interior.”

Star Bright glanced at the group, but when saw their glazed eyes, his ears bent back.

“I did it again, didn’t I?”

“It’s fine. We know how you get when you’re excited.” Roseluck pointed at the model. “I actually really like the brickwork.”

Star Bright looked down at the model once more, admiring the numerous and almost chaotic patterns.

“Speaking of the brickwork,” he continued. “The large number of languages and materials of the exterior may seem confusing at first, but closer inspection reveals a rational, systematic component. Even the largely decorative trim of roof tile creates aesthetic continuity between the black roof and the red brick walls. The overall form of the structure, and the wooden members, give a hint of continuity with the context of tall thin trees and the sloping hills of surrounding area.”

“The house is more of an exercise than an embodiment,” Roseluck replied. “Testing out ideas that might be used in more practical contexts.”

“Yes,” Star Bright nodded in agreement.

“Besides,” she continued. “It’s not like everypony can design a house in the first place.”

“Unlike how anypony can write poetry?”

The stallion looked up at Silver Script again, only to see the stallion casting a sideways glance towards Roseluck, an impish smile on his muzzle.

“N-no, of course not!” Roseluck replied, wincing. “I didn’t mean to—”

“No, it’s fine.” His smile widened. “I firmly believe that everypony can write poetry.”

I get it,” Star Bright replied with a nod. “Everypony can do it, but only the good ones get published.”

He had hoped his statement would earn him a smile from Silver Script. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed the moment his partner’s smile disappeared. Stupid, he thought, he’s still nervous about the letter.

“Which I’m sure you will,” he added in an attempt to spare the stallion’s feelings.

“Right,” Silver Script replied softly.

Over by the exit, the guard cleared his throat loudly. Star Bright turned to him, and the stallion slowly nodded his head and then pointed a hoof towards the door.

“Looks like we have a schedule to keep, everypony,” Star Bright said. “We’re about to grab a bite to eat. Care to join us?”

“Oh no, we’re going to let you two have your alone time before this evening,” Derpy said.

The mare trotted towards the exit, followed by Roseluck. Star Bright, however, didn’t move, but simply stared down at the model. I’m an idiot, he thought.

Suddenly, he felt a pair of lips kiss his cheek. He glanced over and saw Silver Script staring back at him with a weak smile. As if he had broken a spell, Star Bright found himself able to move again, and he made his way to the exit, his partner by his side.

***

The aroma of spices assaulted Star Bright’s nose as he entered the Tasty Treat. All around him, bright and vibrant colors caused him a near sensory overload—multi-colored banners hung from the ceiling, giving the restaurant the appeal of a circus tent. Saddle Arabian music blasted from the speakers. At least there aren’t too many ponies in here, he thought as Silver Script and the guard entered behind him.

A mare emerged from the kitchen, a huge smile plastered on her muzzle. She immediately trotted up to them, menus floating next to her in her telekinetic grasp.

“Welcome to The Tasty Treat,” she said. “I am Saffron Masala, and I will be your server this afternoon.”

“I will wait in the back until you have finished,” the guard said as he made his way towards the kitchen entrance, where he struck a stoic pose at attention.

The mare’s gaze followed the guard, her eyebrows raised.

“Do I have the pleasure of serving a visiting dignitary?” she asked turning back to the couple.

“Not really, I—”

“Star Bright’s the one in the papers for discovering the new star,” Silver Script blurted, interrupting the stallion.

The few patrons turned their heads, causing Star Bright to rub his leg against the other in embarrassment. Saffron gasped and immediately reached for his hoof to shake it.

“Oh yes! Mister Star Bright! You are more than welcome here!” she shouted as she shook the stallion’s hoof.

“Anything you want at The Tasty Treat, help yourselves!” She led the pair to a nearby table, her hoofsteps so excited they could be confused for pronking.

The two stallions shrugged and followed the mare to the open table, where she immediately placed the menus in front of them.

“So, I will just give you a few moments to—”

“Oh, I know what I want!” Star Bright said excitedly.

“Oh?” Saffron replied. “I never realized our restaurant was so popular that our menu was so well known.” She clapped her hooves together. “I shall always be grateful for those two.”

“What two?” Silver Script asked.

“Oh, nothing,” Saffron Masala replied. “You wouldn’t know them.” She pulled a pencil from her mane. “Shall I take your order?”

“I need the curried oatcakes,” Star Bright said, giving his menu to the waitress. “And a lassi.”

“Very well,” she replied with a slight smile before turning to Silver Script. “And for you, my pegasus friend?”

Star Bright watched his partner read the menu, the look of confusion clear on his face. “I’ll have the… bear-yawn-ee?”

Saffron Masala and Star Bright laughed playfully at how the stallion pronounced the dish.

“Yes, of course, the baryani.” She jotted down and orders and nodded her head. “They shall be out in two shakes of an elephant’s tusk.”

As the mare trotted away, Star Bright took the time to savor the atmosphere—the colors which he would never have even dreamed of putting together somehow gave the restaurant a deep warmth, the strange way the room dividers formed such a peculiar, jagged shape, the way the banners above him waved slightly with the wind of a passing fan. This is wonderful, he thought to himself as he turned to Silver Script, only to feel his pulse stop. Silver Script’s head hung low, his cheeks red and his wings ruffling. It was only then that he realized what he had done. Why did you laugh? he asked himself as he reached his hoof out to Silver Script.

“Thank you,” the unicorn said with a smile.

His smile widened further when he saw his partner’s head lift from the table and looked him eye to eye. He bit his lip and took a breath.

“This is one of the best restaurants in Canterlot,” Star Bright said. “I’m so happy you found a way to bring me here.”

Star Bright felt his throat grow dry. He reached over and grabbed a glass of water that Saffron Masala had laid upon the table and began to drink it greedily. Stop being so nervous, he thought as he touched Silver Script’s hoof.

The light next to him flickered, but he ignored it so that he could continue to look at his partner. He also ignored the patrons in the restaurant who kept whispering his name as though he were a celebrity. The door opened again, and the silhouette stood in the doorway.

“I’m sorry,” he said, narrowing his eyes at the sudden intrusion of sunlight.

“Oh?” Silver Script asked, his wings ruffling again.

“I can tell that you’re uncomfortable,” he replied. “We could always order everything to go, if you’d like,” he said hopefully.

“Oh, that’s alright,” Silver Script said. “Everything—”

“Fancy meeting you here!”

The stallions looked up to see Trenderhoof standing at their table. Immediately, Star Bright heard the sound of Silver Script’s hoof tapping against the table. He glanced around and noticed more ponies staring towards their table. Did I introduce him to Silvy, he wondered.

“Trenderhoof,” he said. “I’m surprised you’re out and about. Don’t you have an interview to prepare for?”

“I could say the same for you.”

“Where are my manners?” Star Bright said, gesturing to his partner. “This is Silver Script. You met him briefly last night. He’s—”

“Just going to the kitchen to get our order to go, like you wanted.” Silver Script pushed back his chair and immediately got to his hooves. “After all,” he added, his voice strained. “Trenderhoof has a point. We don’t want you to be late for your interview.”

Just like that, Silver Script trotted off, leaving Star Bright to deal with the unexpected guest. He saw Trenderhoof raise an eyebrow as Silver Script left.

“Well, he certainly is attentive,” Trenderhoof mused.

“That he is,” came Star Bright’s slightly confused reply. “But why are you here?”

“Oh, you know,” Trenderhoof said twirling a hoof in the air. “Just doing my job to find the mundane, the simple, the unappreciated.” He glanced around the restaurant with a sigh. “I had heard that this place was rather unknown.” He shook his head. “And then when I finally get the chance to return to Canterlot, I find out that Miss Rarity had already discovered the place and helped make it quite popular.”

“That’s… good, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Trenderhoof replied, his eyes cast to the side. “So long as she doesn’t make a habit out of it,” he muttered.

“Well, I’m probably heading back to the castle after this,” Star Bright replied as he got out of his chair. “I have interviews waiting.” His body shuddered at the thought.

“Don’t worry,” Trenderhoof said as he placed a hoof on the stallions shoulder. “At the very least, I’ll be sure to keep it light.” He nodded towards the back of the restaurant. “Looks like your guard and assistant are on their way.”

“Yeah, they’re—” He paused. “My assistant?”

“Yeah, Silver Script.”

Star Bright tried to speak, but his throat had gone dry. He tried shaking his head, but ended up coughing instead.

“Silver Script…” he wheezed. “He’s… my—”

“Are we ready?” Silver Script asked as he approached, followed by the guard. “It’s good that we’re leaving now. Hoof traffic is heavier, so we may have to hail a cab.”

“We do have a schedule to keep, Star Bright,” the guard said with a grunt.

Silver Script reached out to Star Bright and gently pushed Trenderhoof’s hoof off of him and smiled.

“I’m sure you two will have a lot to talk about during the interview this evening,” he said, punctuating it with a smile.

“I’m sure I will.”

Star Bright felt himself being nearly dragged away from the table and towards the door. Stuffed in between his partner and his guard, Star Bright could only see glimpses of ponies as they watched on in curiosity.

“Do be sure to take good care of him!” Trenderhoof called from the back of the restaurant.

Star Bright saw Silver Script’s eye twitch, and the moment they opened the door, he felt his husband pull away and turn around. He stood on the steps of the restaurant, and stared at the castle. Behind him, he heard Silver Script call back cheerfully to Trenderhoof.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him!” he said. “That’s my job!”

The Final Interview

Much to Silver Script’s chagrin, the Canterlot Astronomical Society had decided to conduct the interviews in the eastern garden next to the Observatory, which allowed for an intimate gathering while at the same time ensuring a small number of distinguished guests. The sun had begun to set on the other side of the castle, bathing the garden in a soft glow. Silver Script cast a glance at the ponies present: Roseluck and Derpy sat by, awaiting the final interview, Fancy Pants had managed a seat to the interview in order to report to the local news, and even a few other reporters from around Equestria were seated in the crowd, with the princesses sitting in the back.

Silver Script turned to the southern side of the garden, where the interview had been set up. He watched as Star Bright slid back and forth nervously in his seat as Trenderhoof reached out a hoof to him. Star Bright took a deep breath and reached a hoof to meet Trenderhoof’s.

The moment Star Bright turned his attention, Silver Script smiled and waved his hooves proudly as the crowd stomped their hooves on the ground. The two waved to the crowd until the stomping died down. As the other ponies calmed down and got to their seats, Raven made her way to a nearby microphone stand. Her horn glowed, and a small scroll appeared in front of her.

“Everypony,” she said. “We have reached the final interview of our triad of interviews.” She waited until the lingering stomps ended. “The final interview shall be from a representative from The Manehattener. I present to you, Trenderhoof.”

The other ponies stomped their hooves politely, but Silver Script leaned in towards his companion.

“He looks so nervous,” he whispered, his eyes narrowing in concern.

“He’s been answering questions for an hour now,” Derpy whispered back. “I still can’t believe they scheduled them back to back like this.”

“At least this is the last one,” he replied, sitting back once more to focus his attention on Star Bright and Trenderhoof, who had pretty much concluded their introductions.

“So tell me,” Trenderhoof began. “What was your reaction when you finally were able to prove your—” He glanced down at his notes. “Dancing Star Theory?”

Silver Script watched his husband squirm a bit, knowing how hard he was trying not to stutter.

“Well, I remember thinking of how beautiful the recreated model itself looked.” He scratched the back of his head. “I also remember hearing a certain princess shout ‘huzzah’ really loudly.”

The ponies in the audience chuckled quietly, and a few of them even turned back towards Princess Luna, who looked over at Silver Script and gave a wink.

“Hee hee, wonderful,” Trenderhoof replied with a snicker. “Now, everypony here learned about your work, but I want to know more about Star Bright the stallion.”

Trenderhoof leaned in and rest his hoof on the pony’s knee. Silver Script’s eye twitched.

“What did your partner say when you told him about your work?”

Silver Script’s ears perked at that word. Has he always called me his partner, he wondered. He saw Star Bright blush and squirm in his seat again.

“Oh I-I try not to take my work home with me.”

Roseluck snorted, the result of which being both Silver Script and Derpy turning their head to her and squinting in disbelief.

“It appears that there is a guest who would dispute your claim,” Trenderhoof remarked, turning towards Roseluck.

Star Bright laughed nervously and rubbed his hooves together. “Well, maybe I do s-sometimes let my work run away with me.” He then glanced towards Silver Script, his eyes pleading.

"So how is your partner reacting to this sudden appearance in the limelight?" Trenderhoof asked, as though he himself were musing the topic. "Certainly, all the attention you've received must have an effect on him."

"That's a big question to ask about S-S." Star Bright tried to reply, his lips quivering. "The thing you need to know about S-S."

This is too much, Silver Script thought, I can’t let him do this anymore. He rose to get out of his seat, but felt the hoof of Derpy holding him back. When he turned to her, she quickly shook her head.

“Let him handle this,” she whispered.

“I can’t let him go through any more of this,” the stallion replied, turning back to Star Bright, only to see Trenderhoof lean forward to whisper into his husband’s ear.

“It’s okay,” he heard Trenderhoof whisper as he placed his hoof on Star Bright’s knee for the second time. “You can say whatever you want.”

Silver Script’s eye twitched again, and he got out of his seat, despite the two mares' insistence that he sit down. The pegasus ignored them, however, and trotted up to the pair. He smiled at Trenderhoof before leaning in towards Star Bright, who now sat trembling in his chair, and placed his hoof softly against the stallion’s shoulder. The trembling ceased, and the two remained there for a moment, their eyes locked onto one another’s gaze.

“You don’t have to go through with this,” he whispered just loud enough for Trenderhoof to hear. “You’ve done enough.”

Silver Script waited for Star Bright to take a few deep breaths. He could hear the sounds of the ponies whispering, but it didn’t matter to him.

“I can do this.” The unicorn reached up and grabbed Silver Script’s hoof. “I promise.”

Silver Script smiled and slowly lifted himself up, proud of his husband’s burst of confidence.

“Okay,” he replied, lowering his hoof. “Do you need anything? Water, maybe?”

“I’m good,” Star Bright answered.

Silver Script nodded and turned around to make his way back to his seat, until he heard Tenderhoof call out behind him.

“If you don’t mind, assistant, I could use some water.”

Silver Script froze in place, his eyes widened. In front of him, he watched as both Derpy and Roseluck’s muzzles slowly dropped open in unison, their eyes widening together in horror. He felt an involuntary twitch in his neck as he replayed the sentence in his mind. His head whipped back quickly enough to see the look of shock on Trenderhoof’s face.

“Assistant?” Silver Script replied with a glare. “You think I’m his assistant?”

Ignoring the sounds of gasps from the audience, he continued forward, the hairs of his chest puffing outward and his wings slowly flaring. Trenderhoof squeaked in fear, fell off his seat, and now lay trembling on the ground.

“Y-you were there to get him last night,” Trenderhoof replied, quivering. “And you were there at the restaurant.” The stallion lifted his hooves to protect his muzzle.

“Because he’s my husband!” Silver Script screamed as he began to flutter off of the ground, his wings spreading dirt and dust all around him.

Nearby, Silver Script could hear the sounds of chairs scratching the courtyard as ponies stood up and backed as far away as possible. He heard the sounds of his friends shouting to him, but he no longer cared—there was no way he was letting Trenderhoof get any closer.

“S-Silver?” He heard Star Bright whisper, but Silver Script couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Don’t you ever touch my husband again!” He shouted to the terrified unicorn, his nostrils flared. “I know you can have anypony in Equestria!” He stamped a hoof to the ground as hard as possible. “But Starry is mine!”

Everything began to swirl around him: Star Bright’s look of confusion and fear, Roseluck and Derpy running up to him, the ponies in the audience backing even further away, even the princesses trying to keep everything calm.

Suddenly, he felt a hoof come to rest gently on his shoulder. When he turned, he saw Star Bright staring up at him, tears rolling down his muzzle.

“S-Silver,” he whispered. “I think you may be stressed out about the book, and—”

Silver Script closed his eyes and shook his head. “There is no book!” he shouted.

The stallion felt his chest cave. He opened his eyes, and to him, it felt as though everything had frozen in place. Immediately, Silver Script felt the gaze of everypony burning into his fur. He glanced over to the crowd of ponies, most of whom were looking on in panic. The only face he could recognize was that of Princess Luna, who stared silently at him with a hoof over her muzzle.

Silver Script’s head drooped to the ground, his wings retreating against his back. He closed his eyes again, his legs beginning to feel wobbly. Finally, he opened his eyes and stared at the ground, watching the tears fall onto the stone.

“They rejected the book,” he said with a hoarse tone. “They’re not publishing it.”

By this time, things had finally begun to calm down. The crowd of ponies took a few hesitant steps forward, their fear now turning into curiosity. Silver Script lifted his head up, only to see that he was now surrounded by Star Bright and Trenderhoof on his left, and Roseluck and Derpy on his right. Standing in front of him, however, was Princess Luna herself.

You’ve ruined it, the voice in his head whispered, You’ve ruined everything.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled between sobs.

You couldn’t even make him happy.

Silver Script turned to look at Star Bright, but the tears welling in his eyes rendered him unable to see a thing.

“Silver,” Star Bright whispered.

Silver Script shook his head, trotted back a few steps, and took to flight, disappearing into the night, ignoring the calls from his husband, his friends, and the princess. Trenderhoof shot glances at the other ponies around him and adjusted his glasses.

“What just happened?”

*****

The moon continued its rise through the star studded sky, casting shadows through the gardens of Canterlot Castle. Though most of the gardens’ blooms had closed for the evening, surrendering their colors to the blackness of night, one garden in particular was only beginning to see signs of life. The Eastern Gate Garden, known to the servants of Canterlot Castle as ‘Luna’s Garden’, contained a series of flowers that only bloomed during the hours when most ponies slept.

Hunched over a small pond near the center of Luna’s Garden, Silver Script leaned over and stared into his reflection. The sweet scent of the moon flowers, combined with the spicy aroma of the gladiolas, caused the stallion’s nostrils to flare. On the surface of the pond, water lilies opened their petals, mimicking the appearance of the glistening stars above them.

Silver Script leaned in further, glaring into his own reflection. “You ruin everything, don’t you?” he murmured as he watched the ripples in the water tear his reflection apart. “I know what you’re going to say,” he said with a dark chuckle. “You aren’t good enough for him.”

He continued to stare at his reflection, his anger growing until he punched the surface of the water.

“Partner,” he muttered. “Some partner you are.”

Even through the ripples, Silver Script could see the figure of Princess Luna descending behind him. Fighting every instinct within him to turn around and bow to the princess of the night, he remained where he was, staring into the waters.

“Silver Script, why do you turn from me?” she asked.

Silver Script stared at a water lily as the blooms opened against the pond. “Because I broke my promise, Your Highness.”

He gazed into the pond as the reflection of Princess Luna drew nearer.

“And what promise was that?” she asked.

Silver Script turned his head ever so slightly so that the princess was in his periphery. “I promised I would be there for him.” He kicked a pebble into the lake. “And look what I did.” He finally rose to his hooves, though he kept his head low. “I nearly assaulted Trenderhoof. I embarrassed myself in front of all those ponies. And worst of all, Starry—” A sob escaped from his lips. “I can’t imagine how to fix this.”

As his body trembled, Silver Script began to cry. His mind raced with thoughts of the week how so many times he had let his husband down. Every moment that he was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to be with Star Bright. You’ve ruined everything, he thought.

“Silver Script,” Princess Luna said. “What matters most is how to heal and learn.”

The stallion felt a heaviness in his body that he couldn’t let go of. The wind blew past, sending shivers through the tree branches and causing the leaves to rasp against one another. A nearby orchestra of crickets chirped. Silver Script looked down at the ground once more.

“What if I don’t deserve to be healed?”

Suddenly, he felt a hoof beneath his chin lift his head up. Princess Luna stood before him, her wings outstretched, with an expression on her face even he couldn’t identify.

“Silver Script,” she said. “Everypony makes mistakes.” She glanced to the side, as though recalling a memory. “Some of us worse than others.” Her eyes focused back on him. “But we cannot keep punishing ourselves for those mistakes. Just like any other wound, we must leave it and let it heal. That is how we grow.”

Silver Script’s lip trembled, but he still nodded weakly to the princess. She smiled and began lowering her wings, but as she did, he noticed the figure standing by the gate. Instinctively, he backed away and lifted his wings to cover himself. He felt his husband’s magic on his wings, forcing them to grow heavier and heavier until he had no choice but to lower them again. He sobbed once more, slowly lifting his head so that he could he Star Bright standing in front of him, his horn glowing.

“No,” Star Bright said, his voice gravelly. “You do not get to hide from me this time.”

“I’m sorry.” Silver Script grabbed Star Bright’s leg, lifting it in the air, and kissed the bottom of his hoof. “I can’t even kiss the ground you walk on, and—”

“Don’t you use your poetic expressions here,” he replied, yanking his hoof away. “Look at me.”

Tears fell down Silver Script’s cheek as he craned his head to look at his husband. Star Bright’s eyes were red, and he could tell that the stallion had been crying as well. Princess Luna simply took a step back and raised her eyebrow.

“I didn’t mean to make you upset,” Silver Script said, choking back tears. “I just—”

“I’m not upset,” Star Bright interrupted. “I’m angry.”

Silver Script’s ears perked and he quirked his head. Star Bright took a deep breath and rocked his head back and forth.

“I’m angry.” Star Bright reached out and grabbed Silver Script with both hooves. “You made a vow to always be there for me.”

Silver Script fought with all his might not to use his wings to hide himself from his husband.

“And I made a vow, too. That I would always be there for you.” He continued. “You took that from me. We could have worked through this together.”

Star Bright leaned in to give Silver Script a hug. The stallion fought the urge to leap back, and instead allowed Star Bright to pull him in to a crushing embrace.

“How long have you known?” he asked.

Silver Script hesitated for a moment. “The same day you got your letter.”

“I figured.”

For a moment, the two stallions simply rest in each other’s embrace. Silver Script pressed his muzzle into Star Bright’s shoulder and sniffed his fur. You smell of wood and fire, he thought.

The pair were interrupted by a gentle coughing, and immediately separated, Star Bright looked down and pawed at the ground while Silver Script scratched the back of his neck.

“Sorry, Your Highness,” Star Bright mumbled. “We just tend to get emotional—”

“True as it may be, do you not have a speech to give?”

“Oh for the love of Luna’s night!”

Silver Script covered his muzzle, only to become more embarrassed when the princess chuckled.

“And here I thought my sister was the only pony who was an expression.” She smiled and winked at the two. “Interesting.”

Silver Script grabbed Star Bright’s hooves and gazed into his eyes.

“I’ll do anything,” he said. “Anything to make it up to you. What can I do?”

Star Bright lifted a hoof to his chin and wondered. He glanced over to Princess Luna before smiling.

“I think I may have an idea.”

Dancing Star Theory

“I don’t like this idea.”

Silver Script peered from behind a column at the crowd of ponies. There must be at least a thousand ponies here, he thought. His gaze narrowed as he scanned the front row—Derpy and Roseluck were seated near the podium, as were Star Bright’s coworkers, Blue Moon and Chocolate Sun, but many of the ponies present at the interview were there as well. He could only begin to imagine what would happen if they saw him.

A tap on his shoulder caused the pegasus to squeak and leap into the air. He spun around and saw both Star Bright and Princess Luna. Taking a deep breath, he slowly allowed himself to float back to the floor.

“Why are there so many ponies here?” he asked.

“Well, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Princess Luna replied.

“Besides,” Star Bright added, a wicked smile on his muzzle as he levitated a scroll in front of him. “I already have your script.”

Silver Script gulped as Princess Luna made her way from behind the column and onto the stage of the main hall of Canterlot Castle. As she arrived, the bat ponies in front of the podium began playing the Equestrian Anthem on their horns. The ponies in the audience stomped their hooves in approval, and Silver Script couldn’t help but notice the look of serenity on the princess’ face. She strode to the podium, her smile growing brighter with each passing step. Finally, she reached the microphone and turned towards her subjects.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” she began as she waved at the ponies. “It is an honor to stand here before you. Not just as Guardian of the Night, not as Princess of the Moon, but as a pony amongst all of you, who have come from all across Equestria to witness this event.”

Her horn glowed, and an orb of light appeared in front of her. The light dissipated, leaving behind a series of cards. She smiled, then tapped the cards together to put them in file.

“An astrological event like this has not occurred in over a thousand years. We are on the verge of witnessing a new type of star formation. This is no easy feat.”

Princess Luna paused to allow the hoof stomping to die down before she continued.

“But before I create it, it is my privilege to announce the discoverer of this star. The stallion who broke a millennium of tradition. A stallion whose work has created a new understanding of how the night sky should be formed. I present to you, Doctor Star Bright.”

Silver Script, still shaking from what he knew was to come, embraced Star Bright.

“You can do it,” he said. “You’ll be great. You always were.”

Star Bright smiled weakly at Silver Script, but took a deep breath and calmed his nerves. He kept the rolled scroll by his side as he approached the stage to greet the princess. Silver Script watched as his husband waved to the crowd and smiled.

“Thank you, Equestria,” He said into the microphone. He waited until the crowd quieted before beginning. “I was given a few speeches from the Canterlot speech offices to give to you this evening.”

His horn glowed and a series of scrolls appeared. The stallion shook his head, and the scrolls disappeared in a burst of fire.

“I am not going to read from them,” he continued. “Because so many ponies want to know where I was inspired.”

Star Bright turned and stared at Silver Script, a scroll of paper levitating next to him.

“And so I will let my part—” He stopped and gazed at Silver Script. “My husband tell you of where I found my inspiration.” He turned back to the audience. “My husband, Silver Script.”

Silver Script’s hooves turned to metal and his legs turned to rubber. He tried to move, but couldn’t. But then, he looked up and saw Star Bright’s face, and felt immediately drawn to him. As he emerged from the shadows, he could feel the stares of the ponies in the front row upon him. Still, his focus was on the stallion in front of him.

As Silver Script emerged in front of the podium, Star Bright leaned in to give him a tight hug.

“You are greater than you think you are,” Star Bright whispered before letting him go. “Are you ready?”

“What do you want me to read?” Silver Script asked, leaping back as the stallion produced the scroll.

As he turned towards the podium, Silver Script saw the numerous faces in front of him. He grinned and waved as the scroll hovered before him. He reached out, grabbed the scroll, and unrolled it. His eyes narrowed in confusion as he read the beginning, and he turned towards Star Bright to make sure that what he was reading was correct. When given the nod, he leaned in towards the microphone and cleared his throat.

“An Epithalamium for Stars,” he said as he began to read without even glancing at the scroll, for he already knew it by heart:

They said that for me to catch a shooting star
Could never happen. Because their light, as bright
As many suns, would burn me beyond repair.
But this star’s light shone beyond the darkest night.
I wanted it for my own, inside of me.
The bright powers of Luna, astriding me.
I only wanted to control my darkness.
But the star which I caught said that it could see
A light within that it wanted to possess.
He stroked my cheek, and I lovingly stroked his.
All I knew was how much I longed to be his.
We can never be one, but still I can see
We will inevitably become as one.
Neither him, nor I, but somewhere in between.
It was due to the forces of gravity.
All that was inside of him now became mine
And he embraced me, both our souls intertwine.
Our love is outside us, but also within.
The souls of our being between us now spin.

His brow furrowed as he set the scroll atop the podium and looked out into the crowd. The entire room was silent, and with each passing moment, Silver Script felt his pulse quicken. It was only a few seconds, but the stallion could feel his chest tighten and his throat run dry. This is why, he thought as he backed away from the podium.

Near the front of the audience, he heard the sound of a pair of hooves stomping. He looked around until he saw Trenderhoof standing from his seat, applauding him. Instantly, more hooves stomped their approval. Silver Script’s lip twitched, and when he felt Star Bright’s hoof on his shoulder, he turned towards his husband and smiled.

As the stomping died down, Silver Script saw Derpy tapping the empty chair next to him. With a wing wrapped around Star Bright, he leaned in and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“You did wonderfully, Silvy,” Star Bright whispered.

“I’m curious to see where this is going,” the stallion replied before heading down to take his seat.

Derpy leaned towards him. “That was amazing.”

“Thank you.” Silver Script looked up to his husband, who was now looking around the room at the audience.

“Since antiquity,” Star Bright began. “Gravity was seen as a force within objects. As each object comes into contact with one another, the reaction was always assumed to be based off of the size of the object. The gravitational force of the larger object would, in turn, affect the smaller one. Two objects of equal size would either nullify their effects, or, in the case of stars, would absorb one another.”

He’s not stuttering at all, Silver Script thought with wonder. As he was about to lean in, he suddenly sensed a pair of eyes staring at the back of his neck. He turned around and scanned the audience until he found Princess Luna staring at him. He gave a small smirk and winked at her before turning back, only to see Star Bright now staring at him as well.

“My husband’s use of the word gravity always confused me,” he continued. “And his poem struck me ever since the wedding, until one day, I was at my desk, thinking about stars.” He tapped a hoof against the podium, as though still contemplating the words. “Silver Script viewed love as a force both internal and external. When two bodies come together, their size is irrelevant. The two bodies don’t become one, they become as one.”

Star Bright’s eyes widened, and he looked at Silver Script and nodded for him to come back onstage. Puzzled, the stallion slowly rose from his seat. Seriously, he wondered, where are you going with this?

The two stallions stood on either side of the podium. Star Bright pointed to himself.

“My love for you, Silvy,” he said, Silver Script’s wings ruffling at the sound of his pet name. “Is within me, but it is also within you. It is both of us, and it is each of us.”

Silver Script nodded as he took a step closer. “And gravity is within each of us, but also flowing through us.”

“Our center of gravity between us, locking us together, sending our souls in a dance for all time.” Star Bright took a step forward until they stood muzzle to muzzle.

The two stallions stared into each other’s eyes until a single sob tore through the audience. Silver Script snapped his head to attention and turned back, only to see that the sobbing came from none other than Trenderhoof.

“Please,” he said as he reached into his sweater and grabbed a handkerchief. “Just ignore me.” He waved a hoof. “Carry on.”

Star Bright returned to the podium. “Everypony keeps congratulating me on my discovery.” He gazed back at Silver Script for a moment before continuing. “But I couldn’t have done this without my husband. He instinctively knew something that the best of science hadn’t even considered. You cannot thank me without thanking him as well.”

As the audience began to stomp their hooves again, Star Bright turned to Silver Script. “Don’t put your wings up this time.”

“What?” he asked. “Why would I—”

Star Bright launched towards him and pressed his lips against his own. He fought the instinct to cover their heads and instead, simply closed his eyes and let his husband take over.

“Whoo hoo! Somepony gimme some popcorn!”

The two stallions’ eyes shot open and they immediately separated. Knowing right away who said it, Silver Script glared at Derpy, whose muzzle was turned up into an evil grin. Still, he couldn’t help the urge to chuckle at his friend.

“Your friend is incorrigible,” Star Bright said.

“I don’t know,” Silver Script replied, nudging against him. “I like how she encourages us.”

Silver Script beamed with pride at the pun, ignoring the way Star Bright raised a hoof to his muzzle and shook his head.

*****

Everypony stood on the grand balcony, awaiting the arrival of Princess Luna. The stars long since appearing, everypony turned to one another, whispering about why they were asked to come there.

“Do you know why she wanted us to come out here?” Silver Script asked, receiving only a confused shrug from the unicorn.

There was a commotion behind them, and the two turned to see Trenderhoof making his way through the crowd towards them. The moment he broke through, the stallion turned to Silver Script and smiled weakly.

“So,” he said with uncertainty. “I felt it best for me to apologize for my actions earlier today.”

Silver Script waved a hoof in front of him. “No, it was my fault.” He sighed. “I lost control.”

Trenderhoof’s cheeks burned red, causing the pegasus to cock his head.

“No, you definitely looked like a pony in control,” he whispered with a sideways glance.

Silver Script quirked an eyebrow. “What was that?”

“Nothing.” Trenderhoof’s horn glowed, and a card levitated from his pocket. “Please take this.”

Silver Script grabbed the card floating in midair. “What’s this?”

“If your other poetry is anything like what I heard this evening, then I need to see it published.” His gaze narrowed. “You mentioned you were rejected. Who did you submit it to?”

“…The Manehattener.”

“Well there’s your problem,” Trenderhoof scoffed. “Their publishing house is much to small to be bold in their decisions. I know a pony in Vanhoover.” He leaned in. “I do hope you will be in contact. Your work is too beautiful to be so unappreciated.”

Star Bright’s mouth dropped. Silver Script began to stammer, but was cut off by Trenderhoof.

“I…” he said. “I don’t know what to say.”

Trenderhoof leaned in again and whispered. “It’s what I do.” The stallion leaned back and gave Silver Script a wink before turning around and disappearing back into the crowd.

The two stallions stood motionless, until finally Star Bright brushed up against him.

“He’s… odd.”

“I don’t know,” Silver Script replied. “He’s kind of interesting.”

“Am I going to have to puff my chest out at him now?”

Silver Script responded to Star Bright’s laughter with a snort in the direction of the stallion’s muzzle. The two turned back to the edge of the balcony as a crackle of sparks appeared. An orb grew, and a moment later, Princess Luna materialized in front of the crowd.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts,” she said with her wings outstretched. “I have called you out here to bear witness to how I have decided to celebrate this event. It is a rare event, indeed, that can influence so much of ponykind’s thought. One usually associates those events with wars, battles, fights—however, there are times when scientific breakthroughs cause a massive change. This is one of those events.”

Silver Script glanced up at the night sky, then over to Star Bright. He remembered what he saw on the walls of the cage.

“Starry,” he whispered. “Do you realize what’s about to happen?”

Star Bright shook his head.

“I had planned this before,” she said before turning to Silver Script. “But, with the information given to me today, I have had to make some changes.”

Silver Script felt his chest seize. Nevertheless, Princess Luna continued, turning away from the audience and to the night sky. Her horn glowed, and the stars in the southeast side of the sky began to spin. Both stallions stared in shock as the stars began to rearrange.

“There are constellations for the Pillars of Equestria,” she said. “And there are constellations for navigating. This one, however, is meant for love, and how it is always flowing.”

Silver Script’s eyes burned as tears streamed down his muzzle. There, in the night sky, was the image of a pegasus and a unicorn facing upward. In between their stationary bodies was a pair of stars, spinning.

“Though the stallions are separate, their love is one.” She sighed and turned to the audience. “Always remember their love. For it is their love that has pulled ponykind forward.” She closed her eyes and nodded. “Thank you all for coming.”

The audience began to disperse, but the pair stood still as they tried to process what had just happened. They didn’t have long to wait, though, as they were soon surrounded by four ponies.

“You two are a constellation,” Blue Moon said.

The pair stood still.

“Ponies will look at you and think you are the example of love,” Chocolate Sun added.

The pair slowly gazed into each other’s eyes.

“You two are literally a part of history,” Roseluck said as she waved a hoof in between them.

Silver Script and StarBright simply looked into each other’s eyes. They were both still dumbfounded at what had just happened. To be given such an honor was more than they could have imagined. Their lips twitched as they wondered about the honor they had been given.

“Ponies are going to think of you two as some sort of sex gods.”

The other ponies glared at Derpy.

“What?” she asked. “They are.”

“Would everypony mind giving us some time alone?” Star Bright asked.

The other ponies nodded, and slowly made their way back into the castle. Soon, only the two of them remained. They stared silently up at the sky, at that pair of stars spinning in the night. Silver Script wanted to say more, but found that them being there was enough. He snickered.

“What’s so funny?” Star Bright asked.

“This is enough,” he replied with a nod. “Our love is here.” He pressed a hoof against Star Bright’s chest. “And our love is all the way out there.” He pointed to the constellation. “The center of gravity of our love is everywhere. There is now no way that we cannot feel it, even in our dreams.”

Silver Script felt a hoof against his chin pulling him towards Star Bright.

“I didn’t need to see the stars to know that.”

The two stallions stood at the edge of the balcony and stared at the newly created constellation. Silver Script slowly lifted a wing over Star Bright’s back, and the two became silent as they watched the pair of stars dance in the night sky.