Wishful Lullaby

by FlutterPony4Life

Rating: mature
Tags: Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Sex, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Romance, Princess Luna, Rarity, Profanity
Length: 17348

Even princesses regret and dream of what might of been. The heros of Equestria are no different.

Twilight Sparkle had always been close to Princess Celestia but from past actions and lingering feelings they had drifted apart. Princess Luna's only companion was her sister Tia but with a thousand years separating them, she feels uneasy and unsure, even if determined. Princess of Friendship and ruler of Ponyville royal duty was to make sure all of Equestrian ponies were happy and learning friendship, with a nudge from Celestia, Twilight starts to teach Luna, the magic of friendship.
Elements of harmony and friends of Twilight Sparkle need their own help with friendship as they deepen into something more. Twilight might be teaching others of love, friendship and communications but her friends will show her how to accept it for herself.

Published 2017-11-21 23:50:06 UTC
Last updated 2018-01-15 04:53:04 UTC

Ponderings

Ponies were unaware of the thoughts that filled Twilight Sparkle's mind, and if they did, none would come to her for advice. Not entirely a lost opportunity; it had been some time now since the Princess of Friendship had gotten a day off. As much as she liked helping and guiding the ponies of Equestria, sometimes a mare just needed down time.

Although being shy of three years since Twilight had ascended; she was still uncomfortable with her wings and height growth. Constantly bumping herself into corners, stalls and other ponies, she frustrated herself to no end.

Princess Celestia kept assuring Twilight that once she was comfortable in her new body, she would stop being klutzy. Yet even now Twilight doubted that. She would probably always be clumsy.

Managing her wings was a daunting task. Twilight found it strange that besides a spa pony whom she asked for tips on preening and cleaning her wings properly; every other pony started getting... Weird.

Embarrassed even, and she couldn't understand it. So professional wing care was her way. Though Twilight got the impression that preening was a bit more intimate than anypony was letting on.

Not that she had any understanding on that topic other than the textbooks and scrolls she had read through in the Twin Sisters Library. Many depicted spells to enhance sexual pleasure.

Feeling her cheeks crimson, Twilight tried to concentrate on the new Darin Doo book that came out last week. Unfortunately besides Darin Doo looking for something to protect it from -insert villain here- she was lost on the plot. Sighing in disappointment, Twilight closed the book with an unhappy slap. It was almost midnight. The grandfather clock chimed in Twilight's bedchamber and a point clear. She should sleep.

Not that she wanted to. Every time she closed her eyes... Twilight's imagination ran wild and unhindered; dark and forbidden desires pushed to the surface of her unconscious mind and forced her to accept what she wouldn't even think of in the day. That she was lonely, and in need of company. Her friends only gave her so much, Twilight craved more and hated herself for it.

She should be happy, friendship was an important part of who she was. She couldn't help feeling like a repulsive mare, especially when she was in heat. Those bad dreams. The ones that were almost tangible; where every sound, noise, taste and feel was overwhelming and overpowering. They use to be nameless ponies, with no visible distinction. They would whisper naughty and explicit words to Twilight; telling her all the ways they wanted to rut her and plant their seed in her. She would wake up from those dreams sweaty, out of breath, with slickness staining her sheets and covering her inner thighs. She was always beet red when that happened, and made sure she cleaned the bedding herself.

Thank Celestia when she got her castle that it didn't come with servants. Knowing she needed to, but wishing for none of the aching loneliness, she pulled the sheets back and crawled in. Turning the magic run gems of light off, Twilight settled down. Hoping that any dreams would contain faceless ponies playing out her desires, and not one particular princess.
***

Duty held for the princess of night, set fast in watching over the dreams of Equestrian ponies. Princess Luna enjoyed protecting and maintaining order in the Dreamscape. Securing safety during the night when most slept was a crucial apex. The few ponies who did sleep during the day had little to fear. Shadows don't grow in the sunlight, while negative forces were at their weakest when the sun was risen.
Being the night princess was dangerous through. Luna was secluded and comfortable in the dark. Demanding a price to be pay. The nightmare.

Princess Luna considered herself a sponge. She wandered in between the doors of all sleeping thoughts. Becoming one with ponies deepest fears, desires, and shadows. Dark thoughts and intentions. Some sexual, others emotional, occasionally they were physical.

Most just desired.

Any who went through with those thoughts?

Either they had consent in some form from another pony, or...
They took what they wanted. Damn the consequence. It muddled her mind and tainted her soul. Although for now, she was fine.
Equestria was hale and safe. Breathing deeply, she grounded herself once more.

Luna tended to stay up in active duty. Held up in her bedchamber, sensing for any disturbances or nightmares in the night. By predawn she usually settled down and rested before sunrise. Drifting in and out of consciousness as she scanned the emotional wellbeing of Equestria.

This was how she calmed down and brought herself closer to actual sleep. True. She could sleep now and automatically she would be brought to a distraught pony's door and thrusted into their dream if they needed her. She just didn't like the control she lacked when asleep and on Dreamscape duty. Once she accidentally invaded Tia's dream. The closer Luna was to somepony the easier it was to slip into their dreams purely because Luna's thoughts had drifted towards them.

She regretted it and despised what she had witnessed. It shamed her and went against everything she had thought about her sister.
Free roaming in the Dreamscape hadn't been possible until Princess Luna had accepted her role in Equestria and had been healed by the elements of harmony. Luna had been only able to aid ponies if she was asleep, and only enter a door if a nightmare laid behind it before hoof.
Tia had been upset, but the dream hadn't been a nightmare, it had been a bad memory stuck on replay.

Years before Luna's return. A teenaged unicorn Twilight, on the cusp of her first heat cycle, stood before Celestia. Her face flushed under her lavender coat and hooves nervously tapping one another in front of her own body.

"I'm in love with you Princess. I know it's wrong, your my mentor, and will live much longer than me but I've never felt like this about any pony. I want to be with you."

Panic and dread washed through Celestia; she loved Twilight but to that degree? She wasn't willing to even walk down that path a little. Her heart ached as she stared down at Twilight.

"No. I'm sorry Twilight but your destiny is not with me. I can't accept your love." Face fell. Twilight's plum eyes filled with tears, biting her bottom lip, she quivered.

"Sorry. I should of known, your a Princess after all and I'm just a unicorn, a mare at that. I apologize, I'll never bring it up again!" With that said, Twilight turned and fled from Celestia's chambers, her tail tucked under her rump and pained sounds wracked her body.

Celestia wanted to, but felt unable to follow the sweet purple unicorn. How could she admit to Twilight that she wouldn't reciprocate her feelings? Celestia refused to interfere with her destiny, even if it emotionally ripped her apart. Her faithful little student would age and find herself. She couldn't risk that, even if all Celestia wanted was happiness for her student.

She couldn't be happy herself.

Celestia had many things to make up for.

Including ignoring and ultimately banishing her dearest sister Luna.

The memory dream faded as Celestia walked away, her head held down and a prickle of tears in the corner of her eyes.

She would never be able to make it up to either of the ponies she loved more dearly than her desire for peace and friendship.

She had failed as a teacher and as a big sister.

Disgust filled her and she accepted it.

No one would understand as she herself barely did.

Snapping back into the present, Princess Luna huffed.

It might be time to finally open up communication with Tia, even if it might be awkward and uncomfortable.

Musing with herself, she adjusted under her sheets.

Praying to Celestia that she could get a few hours of sleep.

As the sun creeped over the horizon, Luna's eyelids fluttered closed, wishing for comfort in the morning hours.
***
Princess Celestia stared off passed the line of Canterlot; watching as her magic gently raised the sun. Sensing Luna's decent into a fitful and thoughtful slumber while the moon slipped down the horizon, she sighed.

Pressing a hoof to her forehead, weariness seeping in. She caught sight of the gleaming elements of harmony castle. One that grew, and was controlled by Princess Celestia's now equal, Princess Twilight Sparkle.
Pride and affection warmed Celestia's heart, not to be outdone the pain thudded in the Princess. Sadden by the bond that had been shattered;

Celestia knew she should of been kinder. Comforted the young unicorn in her time of need and discovery, but she couldn't bring herself to. When all she wanted was to hold Twilight close and touch her in ways she know would be wrong.

Yes, Twilight was an adult, and she should of allowed her to make her own decision, but fear of Twilight's dwindling affection for the mentor she adored frightened her. Celestia couldn't risk her growing up and moving on to her true pathway. So even if it hurt, she pushed Twilight away and was alone ever since.

Celestia wished things had been different, pondering how she could make it up to the two mares that she loved.

A plan formed in her head.

Bits and pieces of a bigger picture; smirking at this train of thought, she turned around heading inside to begin her day.

She had a lot of work to do and one faithful student who's skill set was needed.
***
The day had began long before the sun had risen for Applejack of the Apple clan.

She had cooked breakfast for every pony in the household
and was just finishing up with the mornings chores when Applebloom trotted over. Nuzzling into her big sister, Applebloom put on her best smile.

"Applejack, my laundry is done and I've cleaned my bedroom. Can I go meet up with Scotoloo and Sweetie Belle?"

"Well AB, are they even awake yet? What bout Rarity? Did Sweetie ask permission?" Applejack was amused at the suspicious way Applebloom twitched her nose in concern.

"I don't know truthfully-" AB was cut off when the said ponies in question sped down the long entrance of Sweet Apple Acres and came to a loud harsh stop. Scotoloo on her scooter dragging along the small red wagon Applejack gave to her sister when she was younger. Sweetie gripping the side and laughing with a slight tremble to it.

"Some pony got impatient." Shooting a glare towards Scotoloo, Sweetie Belle raised her hoof at Applebloom.

"Ready?" AB glanced up at her big sister and once she had an affirmative nod, they were off. Back towards Ponyville, Applejack hoped anyway.

Knowing that many chances to see Rarity awake and alone were few and far in between she headed off towards the farmhouse intended to tell Granny she was going to town. She was. To Rarity's.
***
Saying that Rarity was in a bad mood, was an understatement. Resting well enough when she had gotten to sleep, it was the process of it that had annoyed her so. There were many orders, chores and social obligations she must attend to. And very little time to do it in. That may all be true, although she had no head for it at the moment.

One of her migraines was working up her neck and into her temples. It hadn't helped that Sweetie Belle woke up Rarity at the crack of dawn to let her know she was going out with Applebloom and Scotoloo. If that was the case... Maybe the day wasn't lost. If she could get something done, Rarity would go see Applejack.

A rush of tingles creeped up her spine and warmed her belly. She hadn't been alone with Applejack since two full moons ago when the girls had gone camping with Rainbow and Fluttershy.

It had been a long time.

A sudden knocking at Rarity's boutique door startled her, but she quickly composed herself to open it.

"Welcome to Carousal Boutique..." Rarity halted on the business voice she used and barely had a breath to whisper,

"Applejack..." Nudged her way passed the fashionista, Applejack pushed closed the door after switching the sign to closed.

"Applejack, what-" Rarity was silenced when Applejack had pressed her muzzle against hers, robbing a moan from her throat.

Applejack always made her feel safe and secured, like she could be who she truly was in front on the farm pony.

Pulling their lips away, AJ smiled. Her hoof tucking a strand of Rarity's amethyst mane behind her ear.

"Ah've missed spending alone time with ya, Rare." The nickname was an endearment coming from Applejack, she never liked any pony calling her by a shorten name, even Pinkie tried her patience when she called Rarity something equally ridiculous. But from AJ...

Anything was okay.

"I missed you as well darling. I had planned on coming over later after getting some errands done."

Applejack's smile was enticing and intense, almost a growled admission,
I'm not going anywhere.

Rarity swallowed. Applejack always got like this after a long time apart.

Rarity couldn't help feeling anticipation crawl through her. She knew that this was going to be one satisfying morning.

"Rarity?"

"Oh you know the answer, sugar cube." Rarity tossed back a mild interpretation of AJ at her and snickered.

Applejack's face softened, gathering the other mare in her hooves, kissing her hard.

Melting under Applejack's tender caress, her hooves wrapped themselves around her neck to steady herself.

"AJ." Rarity pulled back, her mouth dry and breathless. "Take me to bed, you silly pony."

Applejack started nibbling down her neck and tugging them towards the staircase. Stumbling up the stairs and down the hall, their hooves touching every bare inch. They tumbled into Rarity's bedroom, barely catching themselves before falling onto the ground. Applejack pulled and Rarity followed until she was thrown back and on the bed.
The rest of her breath was knocked out as Applejack straddled her hips.

A triumphant smile etched across her face, one which was a lovely shade of tangerine and a spattering of cream colored freckles on her cheeks.

'Truly,' Rarity thought 'Applejack was stunning.' Her wide and strong hips, generous waist and rump made her well toned body never lack for... Favor from the colts and the mares.

It had been nerve racking trying to figure out which way her barn door swung as she rejected every pony. Well. A smirk dancing on Rarity's face. Every pony but her.

Applejack cupped Rarity's cheeks in her hooves.

"Y'all doin' alright down there, hun?" Rarity blushed, no pony had been as gentle or as rough like Applejack was.

Affection danced with lust heated Rarity to her core. Her hooves tracing down the taunt lines of Applejack's figure and bottom, trailing back up to wrap around her neck. Tugging Applejack closer, Rarity kissed the freckles marking her checks, nuzzling her flesh with tenderness, she whispered into her ear,

"I'm perfect, darling." Applejack started by sliding her hooves down to grasp Rarity's hips, hitching them closer together. Pressing their lower bodies to one another Applejack leaned forward rubbing a quiet gasp from Rarity. Lowering her head, Applejack tasted the soft underbelly that was marshmallow white, licking where she knew her nipples were. Moments ticked by as Applejack lovingly touched every inch of Rarity, making sure pleasure noises came from her quiet lover.

Finally tormented enough Rarity squeaked out,

"Please, Applejack..."

At once Applejack stopped, and pulled away from Rarity, eliciting a ragged whimpered from her.

Applejack opened the side dresser and pulled out a small harness that looped around Applejack's waist. Tugging it into place, she placed the toy in the hoop, tightening the straps.

"Applejack, quick being such a tease, I'm feeling faint." Repressed laughter rumbled and through Applejack, touching her hips once more and inching closer had hushed Rarity for the moment.

"You only fainted the first time." Squirming underneath her, Rarity huffed and lifted her waist and hips up. Requesting.

"Darling..."

Swooping both forelegs behind Rarity's haunches, she slid her lower half down. Barely parting her aroused sex, Applejack stalled; devil may dare grin plastered on her muzzle.

"What did you want again darlin?" Applejack's drawl thicker and meaningful, her mischievous smile telling all.

"Don't you dare make me-" Applejack pulled away, still between her thighs, Applejack's toy wet from Rarity's excitement.

Brushing her hooves up to catch Rarity's head, she made eye contact, her emerald eyes blazing with desire.

"What was that Rare?" It was a question, a taunt and a threat, all wrapped in gorgeous citrus flavored paper.

A groan left the marshmallow pony as she said low and darkly,

"AJ, fuck me."

"That's all you had to say, sugar."

Plottings

Chapter Two

Twilight being cooped up inside her castle researching and experimenting wasn't new by any means, but the desperation, the intent, and attention she was putting herself into was.

Spike had been assisting; Helping her find the books and supplies she needed to do her work, but besides that was left to her own devices.

No matter what, Twilight Sparkle was an introverted mage at heart, but what magic was worth could only be determined in the friendship one had.

Which is why after a long stint of calculating and note taking she decided that was enough.

"Spike, do me a favor? Scribe a letter to the girls asking if they want to meet for lunch tomorrow. It should be a nice day so why not at the park and we can all bring something. I'll bring some hay fries and dandelion sandwiches."
Spike went to gather the paper and quill for the letter, but Twilight was sure he mutter something about how he would be making the hay fries, since Twilight's cooking wasn't amazing.

Taking that for what it was Twilight went back to reading, her nose wrinkled in concentration as she lost herself to the complex algorithms of genetic recoding.

***
Rarity hummed to herself as her newest order came together.

Silk and lace; the bodice held tight to the barrel with a subtle flaring at the hip reign to give illusion that the bottom was curvy than in actuality. Pale cream and gold would be perfect for her client in Canterlot.

What was her name again?

Rarity fiddled with the dress; tucking, hemming and trimming any imperfections out of her design. It's intention was rather clear, to get attention, the right kind.

Oh. That's right. Twilight's friend, Lemon Hearts.

Satisfied that the dress would draw a besotted glance from Lemon Hearts’ special somepony; she finished up her last touches and sighed.

Sure the dress was perfect, it met all of the rules of Rarity, but that wasn't what was troubling Rarity.

A special somepony…

Applejack's stubborn and dirt smeared muzzle came to mind, her lazy country drawl (the only thing inert about her) and her natural honesty that cleared any doubts she ever had.

Pausing she shook her head.

All but one.

What they meant to one another for starters.

Being a romantic, her heart rested on her sleeve and only the knowledge she had of romance was books.

Most books don't tell what to do when your bestfriend becomes your lover and they happen to be a mare.

Not that Applejack being the same sex as Rarity even registered.

Sure. She had fantasized about her stallion clad in fancy armor coming to her rescue or her prince strolling over during a Canterlot party and asking for a dance, but life wasn't a fairy tale or a book.

Feelings for Applejack had steamed from a long time mutual disagreement of each other that began in foalhood. Both coming from different lifestyles and family structures, it was hard to get along with somepony who seemed so different from yourself.

Rarity finally recognized what her turmoil and perceived opinion over Applejack had been.

Admiration and lust.

Laying next to Applejack after they had gotten the tree out of Twilight’s library and went back to bed, Rarity’s eye caught sight of Applejack, her breath stilling. AJ was beautiful and Rarity was jealous of her effortless beauty, even while toiling on the farm all day, she was still gorgeous.

And Rarity had tried to take Applejack down a peg, forcing her to defend her cleanliness and intelligence; ashamed at her actions she even had gone out of her way to apologize to Applejack by mending her hat and taking her out to brunch.

Really that had been a sly one, she used the time to really get to know her and to assess her own feelings about AJ.
She came to the conclusion that Applejack had really pretty eyes and she wasn't any more sure of herself.

The Gala had been awful and embarrassing while laughing over the whole ordeal helped tremendously it still had depressed her.

Although burying it under a false pretense until when the night was over and the girls started to split to their each respective places to stay in Canterlot; Applejack had offered to walk her to her hotel room.

They talked.

Applejack's calming voice and understanding mindset put Rarity at ease more than anypony had.

She told Applejack what happened in detail, how Blueblood had treated her, what she felt like it meant, how she didn't know what she did wrong.

And Applejack listened until Rarity had no more to say and they were at her hotel room door.

Rarity remembered the words that solidified Applejack's standing in her life.

“Sugarcube, you are a beautiful, strong and savvy business mare.Your worth is what you make of yourself and you can do that and then some. Don't let another soul tell you otherwise.”

Scarlet flushed her cheeks, Rarity saw an opportunity and even being emotionally distraught and not fully sober, it clicked.

“You think I'm beautiful, Applejack?”

She had been flustered but couldn't deny the truth.

She opened the door to Rarity’s room and nudged her inside saying how they were both tired from a long day and needed sleep.

Rarity stalled Applejack by leaning into her, sniffing her scent of apple smoked wood and then kissing her chastely on the cheek.

“Goodnight, Applejack.”

That had been the begin of their flirtatious endeavors, then almost a year ago Applejack had ended up at her doorstep in the middle of the night drunk and admitting that Rarity was the prettiest little filly she had ever seen.

Apparently hard cider was the only thing that gave her enough courage to express herself intimately.

Rarity’s multiple near death experiences during the Stormking invasion had given Applejack the insensitive to finally tell Rarity that she liked her more than in a friend way.

That was the first time they made love, Applejack's coat and mane soaked from the outdoors, Rarity's gentle coaxing and guiding to her couch as they comforted and acquainted with one another's body.

That's how it always had been.

No words, just action.

Never before had that left Rarity with anything other than elation, she trusted Applejack and knew that AJ cared about her but as time went on, she craved more.

Without knowing when or how, Rarity had fallen in love with Applejack.

Panic consumed her when she thought of that and the possibility that Applejack felt nothing more than desire and friendship for her, making Rarity nauseous.

She needed some insight and some advice.

As if Celestia herself answered her thoughts a swirling smoke of purple and green hovered above her face before a scroll dropped and landed on the floor.

She opened it and smiled.

A picnic with the girls?

Perfect.

***

Applejack was just finishing up with the market. Closing up the stand and counting the days earnings when Pinkie came bustling out of Sugarcube corner a cheerful squeal leaving her lips.

“Aaaapplejaaack. Guess what?! Twilight invited everypony to a picnic tomorrow and I was told to let you know since you'd be right out my door. Did you wanna pick up something to bring?”

Applejack chuckled, and thought on it. She could whip up a nice apple Brown Betty and some cider, but she knew the extent of Rarity's tolerance to overloading apple flavor, she was hoping to stop by there tonight anyhow.

“Nah, Pinkie Pie, Ah think Ah can manage but do y'all have any cookies and cream pie?”

“Sure do Applejack! Follow me!” She giggled and started to trot back towards Sugarcube corner. Once they entered the store, Pinkie flipped the sign to ‘closed’ and came around the front counter.

Pulling from its display was the vanilla cream and chip cookie pudding pie with chocolate graham cracker crust, Pinkie started to package it, singing a melody.

“So, heading over to Rarity's for the night?”

Applejack being who she was didn't faze with answering honestly.

“Yup, Ah figured after all her dress makin’ today she'd want…”

Applejack trailed off, her throat constricting and her pulse beating like a jackhammer. Pinkie still continued to wrap her cake up, but now with a smug little smile in the corner of her lips.

Applejack gulped.

“How did y'all know Ah was goin’ ta Rarity's?”

Pinkie finished boxing her pie and gave Applejack a wide grin.

“Rarity's favorite treat is cookies and cream pie, she also comes into Sugarcube everyday you visit her to get a small box of coconut and marshmallow mallow puffs; she only started to order those within the past year and only when she's happy. If she isn't she gets something full of dark chocolate like fudge or brownies. You never use to get anything other than Applebloom’s birthday cake every year but ever since Rarity started buying the mallow puffs, you've been buying the cookies and cream pie and I noticed when you buy her favorite pie, she comes in the next day to buy the mallow puffs, so I put two and two together and got four. You're seeing Rarity. And you guys like like each other.”

Never had the pink curly haired pony surprised Applejack into stunned silence before, but there was a first for everything.

Coughing, Applejack tried to process but all that she kept thinking of was Rarity and her reputation. How Applejack tried to keep her distance from Rarity so she wouldn't ruin her career. How Applejack ached with longing for the nights she got to hold Rarity while she slept and how she couldn't lie to her friend even if it might make Rarity upset.

Thinking of Rarity always twisted Applejack up on the inside, having her so close yet so far away hurt her. And not being able to openly be with her was more painful than that. She was coming closer to when she would need to say the thing she dreaded to say.

That they had to stop seeing each other, because having her only half way hurt more than not having her at all.

Applejack would never push the issue to have Rarity become emotionally involved with her. There was too many social issues for her and her fashion business but she still wished she could voice the words that hung so close to her lips, it was torment.

I love you.

Applejack knew Pinkie was waiting on her, and she sighed being unable to deny it.

“Alright you caught me, I'm heading over to Rarity's but what makes y'all think we're a couple?”

Pinkie cocked her head to the side confused.

“I mean two ear flap, one twitch of my tail and three eye flutter usually means somepony has developed romantic feelings for somepony else and how intense it was I assumed it had to be one of my friends so I just waited for somepony to act weird. Besides, it's hard not to tell Rarity gives you that far off stare when you're not looking and you're always making sure she's safe and calm when we're out on adventures more so than typical Applejack does.”

Applejack couldn't believe Pinkie figured all that out with only her Pinkie sense and her knowhow of her best friends.

“Okay, Ah’m gonna level with ya Pink. Rarity and Ah have been kinda seeing each other, but not in the romantic sense, ya
know?”

Pinkie falter for a moment before understanding dawned on her, she then giggled, a light blush staining her cheeks.

“What like sex? Applejack I knew that, that's what the Pinkie sense told me, I'm not as innocent as you think besides you have to of been seeing each other romantically, you care about Rarity, don't you Applejack?”

Applejack chuckled embarrassedly, rubbing the back of her neck nervously and frowned.

“Ah think a lil’ too much Pinkie. In any case, could we keep this between the two of us? Rarity and Ah haven't told anypony about us or even talked about what us even is. So?”

Pinkie smiled and hugged Applejack, handing over the pie, she nodded and spoke her Pinkie oath and stuck a metaphorical cupcake into her eye.

Leaving Sugarcube Corner to head to Rarity’s filled with dark thoughts, she didn’t noticed that Pinkie covered the pie’s expense.

Or that she was plotting of ways to get her best friends to smile their very best smile.

***

Tia was fast asleep, the moment the sun had dipped below the horizon and they had their evening tea together; her elder sibling swayed off to bed, smelling of blackberry and apple whiskey with a fond, “Pleasant night, Lulu.”

Noting that Tia was losing up a tad, she wondered if such a thing was good or bad. Sometimes when Tia let loose, she becomes…The most devious prankster and plotter; making those schemes and tricks work in favor of the other ponies, but also giving Tia the best entertainment she could have.

Sighing into her tea, Luna stared out at the moon, her charge and prison all in one. Here in Equestria she had freedom, sure responsibilities and lack of social interaction was similar to the moon’s thousand year banishment, but she tried not to dwell, tried not to think that Tia was once again, ignoring the issue at hoof.

Luna wanted to explore and make friends, Twilight Sparkle had been instrumental in helping her connect to the civilians of Ponyville and she felt a sort of serenity when she was there. Twilight could be called a friend.

A blush stained her royal blue cheeks.

If she didn’t find the Princess of Friendship so beautiful and logical, her hips lush, her lips full and her stare so mind numbing, she might of stood a chance of having a normal relationship with her.

Knowing that was a lie.

Twilight was an alicorn created by ascending through the power of friendship’s wisdom and inner growth, she was similar to her sister and self in biology, although just like Cadence having been created, she too responded to the closeness of a viable alicorn mate.

That had been a surprise when Celestia had introduced Cadence to Luna and promptly had to tear a sex crazed alicorn wanting to rut with another alicorn off.

Months of research went by before the answer had been found.

She snorted in derision.

Basically because of all the magic pulsing through their bodies since birth and the alicorns that are ascended are trained at a young age to retain and grow their magical reservoir; their bodies react to one another without either's desire. Trying to find ways to become compatible and breed.

She acted like a young colt in front of his very first mare in heat and might as well bucked poor Cadence into submission if
Tia hadnt been there. Cadence was no more of a match against the insane magical surge than Luna was, if they had been alone…

Things might have progressed very strangely.

Thank the gods it only seemed to be a one time incident with Cadence so when Twilight became an alicorn; she didn’t pay
much heed to her burning lust and insatiable imaginations of a purple princess. For the first six months.

Then she knew something more was going on and couldn’t handle the implications.

That Twilight might just be made for her.
***

Celestia was laying in the middle of her feather stuffed bed, her hooves at her sides and wings tucked under her back, her eyes closed, she tried with little success to sleep. That was typical, her mind was very hard to shut down and allow rest to happen, but tonight was especially hard.

Not only had Luna barely talked but she wouldn't hold eye contact with her, the soft teal gaze of hers never staying in one place for very long. That hadn’t been a good sign, her plan must start tomorrow if she had any hope of saving Luna and making amends with Twilight.

Twilight…

Forbidden thoughts flooded to Celestia’s mind and she groaned with the severity of it. Heat rushing to her loins and chest; she shouldn't, she needed to put it away. The desire she felt for her faithful student, so her sister could learn to live and love somepony worth her.

Who other than the one that captured my own heart?

Needing closure, but feeling nothing but dirty for it, her hoof slithered down her body until she found her bundle of nerves wet with her excitement. She started slowly, almost lovingly, imagining smooth lilac hooves caressing her and a gentle probing in the center of herself had Celestia shuddering as she arched towards it. Warmth slipping inside of her as Celestia imagined Twilight’s tongue slipping in and out of her, the pleasure over turning any terrible emotions, she quivered before seizing up in an orgasm that was both relief and sorrow.

Releasing control of her magic, the warmth left her and she became chilly once more. Blanket pulled over her head, Celestia buried her muzzle into the pillow, shutting out reality.

Sobbing herself into a restless slumber.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading. I have a lot of this already written out in my head, hope you like and criticism for plot or character use is always appreciated. ~FlutterPon

Encouraging

Chapter Three

Twilight’s eyes blinked in response to the blaring sunlight, the crisp air warmer than it had been in the past few weeks since winter wrap up had ended. The ground softer and accepting of the sun’s heat as she trotted towards Ponyville park.

A subtle grin spread across her lips as Starlight caught up from behind, slightly huffing as she carried a picnic basket and a journal with a fountain pen. Twilight loved it when she could multitask; a friendly outing with Starlight’s redemption and friendship lessons being the benefit for both of them.

“Twilight, I still don’t understand the point of this. It's not like I haven't casually hung out with you and the girls before.”

Twilight giggled, her amusement at Starlight’s less than pleased expression.

“You have and done well Starlight, but still, the thought of seeing everypony makes you nervous. Trust me, once you really get to know us as deeply as we know each other, going out on a picnic will be exciting for you.”

Starlight sighed, but nodded, keeping pace with the Princess of Friendship, she followed her mentor and wished she could get a day where she could pleasure read instead of have another friendship or research lesson.

It didn’t take long for them to end up at the meeting spot. There on the checkered red and white blanket was a bright pink curly mane pony, her joyous whoop of laughter could be heard across the park. Starlight grimaced but pressed on, wanting to make her mentor proud.

“She can be a little much, but you’ll notice she can calm down and make any pony smile.”

“Hey Twilight! Starlight! Girls! I have great party game we can play and it will be fun and a way to teach Starlight about us!”

They settled down on the blanket and placed their basket in the middle next to Pinkie’s.

“Sounds great Pinkie. How are the cakes and the twins?”

“Fantastic as usual, but I think I should stay away from the Cakes for a few days, I dont think they liked my caramel apple bombs, they uh blew up all over the kitchen!”

She giggled and licked her muzzle, imaging the taste once more. “Yes sir indeedy, but no worries I cleaned it up! Even if my tummy hurt a little afterwards.”

Starlight blanched, stammering out,

“How did they explode?”

“OH! Easy silly, Zecora gave me a potion that’s suppose to when cooked and then cooled will expand the items size and pop open like a present. But I think I used too much, probably the whole bottle was too much. Then boom, hollowed out apples and warm caramel sticking to everywhere.”

Starlight shook her head, a slight snort coming through, she wondered why she asked when it was in fact Pinkie Pie.

“Hey guys! Look out below!” An enthusiastic cry from up in clouds as a colorful smeer dove towards the picnic area before looping a few times to slow down and land next to Starlight. “Was that awesome? Or was that awesome?”

“Rainbow it was great, next time bring me along, it looked fun!” Rainbow Dash chuckled, and dropped down on the blanket next to Starlight, her basket joining the others.

“Sure thing Pink. So Fluttershy should be here soon. I um stopped by this morning, but she said she would be a little late ‘cause of some of the critters from last week's flood needed her help.”

Pinkie gave Rainbow Dash a raised eyebrow, but other than tucking her curl behind her ear, did nothing.

“Does anypony know when Rarity and Applejack will get here?”

Rainbow previously muzzle deep in her wingspan to do a quick preen, pulled up, a loose feather between her lips as she blew it out.

“Those ponies are always late. I expect it of Rarity, that pony spends more time washing and combing her hair than what I use to get ready in the morning, but Applejack? Its just weird.”

Twilight spoke up.

“Not really, I mean Applebucking season will be happening in a few months, so she probably getting ready for that.” Rainbow grunted but looked unconvinced.

No sooner than Twilight directed the conversation to what Rainbow had been doing to prepare for the next Wonderbolts meet that Fluttershy came cantering up the hill, a small basket on her back and Angel bunny atop her head.

“Sorry everypony. I got caught up at the cottage, I’m not too late, am I?”

“Nah Shy, you're here before Buck Rogers and Diamond Butt, you're doing fine.”

Starlight couldn't help it, she threw her head back and laughed, her mirth catching in the corners of her eyes. So everypony was just as weird as she was, go figure.

Twilight couldn’t help the smile that graced her muzzle, Rainbow’s humor when unchecked like her ego could be unbashful and politically incorrect, but then again she wasn’t a princess, so standers for her manners were lower.
Shy blushed and went to settle down in between Starlight and Rainbow.

“Be nice Dashie, their a little caught up in their own lives.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, mutter under her breath,

“Or in each other…” Starlight understood the implications of that statement, but sadly that left Twilight full of more questions than answers.

Finally, an orange colored pony with a Stenson came trotting over the hill with a cream colored mare with luscious purple mane following right behind her, wearing just sunglasses and a summer hat. Both baskets being carried by Rarity’s magical aura as they made their way to the picnic.

“Sorry darlings, a mare must look their best, as you are aware.” Applejack chuckled.

“Time mighta slipped by...Work on the farm, an’ all.”

Starlight, finding that things didn't add in her mind, she asked coyly,

“How did you meet up? Isn’t your boutique on one side of Ponyville while the farm’s on the other?”

A flush stole up Rarity’s neck as she laughed, trying to hide her nervousness, Applejack’s eyes roaming everywhere but on Starlight.

“We only met up right at the park silly. Anyhow, who’s up for my delightful cucumber toast and white cheddar?”

Starlight remained suspicious.

***

After all the food had been eaten and digested, Pinkie clapped her hooves together.

“Okay. So. Party game. Its pretty easy. It’s like truth or dare, but instead of dare its truth or pass. So if somepony doesn’t wanna answer a question they don’t have to.”

The girls groaned, Starlight felt like she was missing something, wasn’t the point to get to know one another?

“The rules though, each pony will ask a question and each pony either truths or passes, simple, right?”

Starlight nodded, her brain was already coming up with a question she could use to figure out just what was going on with Rarity and Applejack.

“Starlight, why don’t you ask a question, but remember, if you ask it, you gotta answer it, only fair.”

That was slightly uncomfortable but if she wanted to get to know the girls like Twilight wanted her too, plus her curiosity was killing her…

“Do I ask the question, then answer it? Or…”

“Eh, ask away, start with Twilight and then end with you.”

Hm.

“Who was your first crush?” Twilight and the group groaned, Pinkie however snicked, biting into an apple with a twitching smiling.

“You just had to ask that one, didn’t you Starlight? Ugh, okay if I want you to answer, I should be a good example…”

Twilight struggled with her words for a moment, before she sighed. “I might have had a crush on a certain sun princess when I was a teenager.”

Rarity’s gasp and stuttering echoed around the circle, Rainbow waggled her eyebrows suggestively, Pinkie giggled, her excited questions of whether the princess really did eat as much cake as the tabloids said, Applejack quiet acceptance, Fluttershy’s meep of embarrassment and Starlight’s own slacked jaw.

“Applejack?” Starlight pressed, trying to help Twilight with her own blushing cheeks.

“Ah, uh, like to pass, Starlight.” Chicken.

“Rarity?”

“Probably a tie between Prince Blueblood or Trenderhoof, I did like both of them at the same time.”

Pinkie tapped her hoof on her chin, humming in thought.

“Lyra and Bon-Bon, they sure know how to have a good time with frosting!” Twilight’s breath caught in her throat before she started to cough and choke, Starlight, not being surprised just chuckled with Rainbow.

“Pinkie, darling? How... Does that work?”

“Well you see, frosting is tasty and smears really easily and when you make sure its at the right temputure it stays where you put it and-.” Twilight yelped, waving her hooves in front of Pinkie’s face, her throat constricting around her words,

“Pinkie please! I’m not sure my heart can handle this much sharing!” The girls laughed at Twilight’s reaction, Starlight feeling a crimson stain flare in her face as the imagine of Pinkie covered in frosting looming over two other mares, flashed in her mind.

“Alright, Rainbow, you’re turn.” Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck.

“Oh I hate to even say it after all this time but Thunderlane when I was a filly, he was cute okay!” Rainbow started to defend herself when Shy started giggling and Rarity made a comment of Rainbow not doing what Rainbow’s are made for.

“Fluttershy, your turn.”

“Oh! Um, pass.” Another blush flushing up her neck and into her muzzle.

“My first crush was Sunburst, although compare then to now, eh Sunburst more of a friend.”

“Cool! Your turn to ask a question Twi!” Twilight snickered.

“Fine, might as well torment the rest of you after that embarrassing question. Who was your first kiss, Applejack?”

Applejack blushed.

“Oh come on y’all, aint none of these questions are fair.”

“You could pass Applejack.” Twilight tried to sooth the irritated mare, but Starlight being Discord’s advocate chirped up,

“Come on Applejack, how am I suppose to get to know you girls if you keep passing…” Applejack groaned, her eyes darting over to Rarity as the fashionista tried not to sip her tea with tension, paying mind to desperately acting casual.

“No, bucking way.” Twilight’s eyes widened, her sight holding to both mares as they squirmed under her gaze.

“Pass! Ah uh pass, Starlight.” Too late Applejack, I got your number and you got Twilight’s attention.

For now Starlight let it go.

“Rarity?”

“Pass darling, a lady never kisses and tells.” If that wasn’t admission by omission by Starlight and Twilight’s standards.

“Pinkie?”

“Cheerilee. She was buying a cake on her birthday, I asked her what she wanted for a birthday wish and she said a kiss. Though come to think of it, not sure if she wanted a kiss from me or not…”

Twilight cocked her head to the side.

“Pinkie, how can you be so...intimate with ponies so easily?”

“Silly filly, I love to see my friends smile, so if Lyra and Bon-Bon want a chocolate frosting covered aniversity or Cheerilee a smooch or even one of you needing some comfort in the lonely night,’ she wiggled her eyebrows to emphasis her intent “then that's what Pinkie will do, it doesn’t change friendships, only makes them more fun.”

“Oh my.” Rarity breathered, Starlight wondered if she started something that the girls wouldn’t be able to handle.

“Soo, Rainbow Dash?”

“Fluttershy.” Fluttershy herself almost fainted, her squeals mixed with quiet embarrassed mutterings, she grabbed onto Rainbow’s foreleg and blushed. Her own offered answer,

“Dashie.” The group was silent.

“Wait! What does that mean? Have you guys been marefriends this whole time?” Pinkie asked, her bubbly voice raising in octave as she vibrated with energy.

Fluttershy sighed, and spoke up after a moment.

“No. Just. Um.” She took another breath and looked at Rainbow.

“Flight school wasn’t so kind to Fluttershy, so when she found her cutiemark in the edges of Ponyville, she dropped out and started to sell her knittings and small saddlebags before she was able to build her cottage. I stayed behind in flight school to graduate and get a steady job while I tried out for the Wonderbolt. The time and place hadn’t really been right until the past few years for us to...Express our relationship to you girls, sorry about that.”

“I also wasn’t certain how you girls would take it, I didn’t want to risk any of your friendships.”

Twilight frowned.

“Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash. There is no way in all of Equestria that you girls being involved in each other is going to threaten your friendships with any of us, right?”

Everyponies murmured agreement was music to their ears.

“Now tell us…” Pinkie asked, her grin widening. “What kind of frosting do you girls use?”

It wasn’t a surprise when Fluttershy fainted.

***

My dearest faithful student, Princess Twilight Sparkle. I seek your guidance and knowledge, I am requesting your attendance to Canterlot castle to discuss in private about Princess Luna.

No, she isn’t becoming Nightmare Moon and she isn’t close to being her again, I worry about her development and adjustment to Equestria. She seems lonely and I know you soothed her strife and hardship with the ponies of Ponyville during Nightmare Night a few years back.

Being the Princess of Friendship, I know you could bring Luna out of her shell and show her what Equestria and friendship is really like. Please. I hope to see you soon.

Your mentor,

Princess Celestia.

Executing

Chapter Four

She didn't trust Tia for one second, there was to many signs that pointed to her sister being up to something.

One thing. The housekeepers and scullery maids were at full speed, scrubbing, dusting, washing and replacing linens.

The kitchen was packed, hardly leaving room for Luna to sneak in and take her lunch to her chambers.

Though most importantly?

Tia was nowhere to be found which meant only one thing.

Luna was in for it, whatever it was.

Somepony clearing their throat behind her gave her a start as she spun around.

Tia’s attendant and scribe Flare Script stood there, a warm if not secretive smile stretched across her muzzle.

A dark stable colored coat and fiery red and yellow maned earth pony; Flare was beautiful and unorthodox in her coloring. Her eyes were bright emerald, covered by wired glasses on her snout and a scroll being surrounded by white light as her cutie mark.

“Flare Script, thou should halt this sneaking up upon us. We fear what we might do from a fright.”

Flare chuckled, her hoof pushed her glasses closer to her face as she shook her head.

“Princess, you are the night goddess, I highly doubt you could be scared that much by my presence. Celestia requests your company for dinner tonight at six sharp. She does have a guest so she hopes you'll dress appropriately.”

Luna snorted, she hated playing dress up for the dignitaries or for ponies of the court. It never made her feel comfortable.

“We shall be there. Go now Flare, we will keep our word.” With a nodded, Flare Script was gone a moment later.

Wandering her way back to her royal chambers, she stepped inside and made her way into her private washroom.

Maybe a long soak would put her in a better mood.
***

As the gods were favoring her this day, Luna strolled out of her bedchamber. Dressed and ready for whatever Tia had planned, she smiled. Nothing was perfect, but so what? Sure, Tia was doing it again…

Pushing aside quality time for royal duties. As much as she understood the importance of running the nation, she also remembered who’s punishment it had been when her feelings had taken the best of her and she had become jealous and resentful of all the attention and adoration that her sister had gotten instead of her.

Pushing that away for the moment, she made a mental note to tell Tia this when the timing was appropriate, and made her way into the private dining area.

Knowing that with only one guest dining with them tonight, Tia would use the smaller room that seated six ponies, instead of twelve. She grabbed the handle in her light blue aura and pulled it open with ease and confidence.

She would make Tia proud tonight, then she would finally tell her everything that had been bottled up inside of her for over a thousand years.

Wearing her crown, but not her regalia, she stood out against the warm gold colored silk, adorned with pearls and cream ribbons that criss crossed her barrel through the silver ringed corset front, trailing behind her, the dress’ lace trail just barely touching the floor. Luna worn no coverings for her hooves, she wanted some kind of freedom.

When her eyes caught on to who Celestia had invited to dinner, she wished she just worn her normal attire.

Never knowing herself to be nervous, her cheeks puffed out as she stumbled out a failed hello.

“Greetings Twilight Sparkle, dear sister.”

She drawled on a tad for emphasise, for Celestia’s sake, her sister was aware that Twilight was a young and prime alicorn mare and she knew her sister’s less than perfect control.

Then there is also Tia’s past with Twilight to consider.

What the Tartaros are you up to, sister of mine?

Twilight blushed. Somehow she had embarrassed the other alicorn princess with her tone towards Celestia, not knowing how that had occured, she cleared her throat.

“You look lovely, Luna.” Twilight smiled at Luna in a funny way, sliding her eyes towards Celestia, almost desperate for a sign of acceptance or of rejection, Tia just smiled softly, her golden aura lifting a teacup to her lips as she sipped with no other show of emotion.

Even after all this time, she could never read Tia when she did that.
Luna’s own cheeks lit up in realization, Twilight had just complimented her in such a way that almost convinced Luna that she meant it and wasn’t making jest of her appearance or feigning polietness.

Twilight was…Gorgeous.

Her purple and pink hair neatly braided and tied up into a loose bun with her delicate gold and gem encrusted crown resting above her straight cut bangs. Little make up, that made her plum eyes lighter and her lavender cheeks darker, she wore a gown of royal blue and lilac, bright white diamonds threaded into the fabric to create a sparkle that was fitting for her.
She stuttered,

“A-as are you Twilight Sparkle.”

Stunning. She was more stunning, why did her mouth have to run away with her and make her sound like a moron. Tia barely hid her amusement behind the tea she was still nursing, wearing only her crown and regalia, she knew for a fact she had been set up, but for what?

She didn’t know.

“Please Luna, we talked about this, call me Twilight.” She motioned towards Luna, then the empty seat across from her and next to her former sister, now traitor, Celestia.

“Come sit. Food should be here soon. So. How would you like to be my student?”

Twilight almost held her facial expression still, but she cracked a smile, a light giggle leaving her muzzle. “That was more fun to say than I thought. Come Luna, tell me what your thinking.”

Luna was nothing if not honest.
She trotted over to the seat, placed herself down and then pursed her lips.

“We think that perhaps we are dreaming or else every pony has gone crazy. No offense Twilight Sp-” she stopped herself and then went on, “but why would we need to be under your supervision?”

“Lulu dont be daft. You know as well as I that you haven’t made friends or connected with anypony really since returning.”

Surprise, Luna arched a brow at Tia. So, she was paying attention.

“Twilight was able to help you become more comfortable with modern pony culture and you’ve even eased on using the voice for every little thing, so…” Twilight saw an opening and took it.

“So, we talked it over and decided that it might be best if you took a sabbatical. You would come to Ponyville where I know you have had some connections with other ponies and learn about them. See if you can find meaningful friendship. We can start with the girls, but I’m most excited for you to meet Starlight! She’s been doing so well with her magic and friendship studies, I imagine you two could have a lot to talk about.”

Having no idea who Starlight was, but finding it impossible to gather the energy to delay Twilight long enough to ask, she let her carry on, hating that she found Twilight’s rambling to be most...Adorable.

“You’ll still be responsible for the lowering and rising of the moon but your court and other royal duties will be taken care of by Celestia and your attendant Lunar Letters. You will pack tonight and we will take the train back tomorrow, it will be a good test run for you. My castle is plenty big enough, and with the amount of times I’ve stayed here over the years… You’ll be staying with me, erm in one of my guest rooms! Starlight lives in one of the rooms herself, so you will have some companionship. What do you think?”

Luna looked between Tia’s incisting face and Twilight’s eagar one, she sighed. She wasn’t getting a choice, they didn’t play fair, and somehow she had lost the game before it started.

“When’s the food getting here?”

Luna asked, her answer being begrudged quiet acceptance, she was going to throw another coup when she came back to Canterlot, just to get back at Celestia for this.

Tia smiled in triumph and Luna groaned once more.

Plan B then. She glanced back at Twilight happy and gentle expression, her heart fluttering in her chest.

You give me no choice Tia, its like your gift wrapping your student to me and I can’t help but rise to the bait. I’ll mend Twilight’s broken heart and maybe if I’m lucky…

Twilight’s scent wafted over the table and into Luna’s nostrils, she smelled of blueberries and sea salt, Luna’s body twitched, wanting to bury her muzzle into Twilight’s flesh.

I’ll get to bend her back and take her as mine.

Razor sharp eyes filled with intent and lust met Tia’s, she nodded at Luna and mouth the words,

Friendship comes in all forms, my little sister.

Difficulty with accepting her loss in control over her own life, she sat back and snorted. Even being a princess didn't mean you always got your way.

Except if your Celestia. If she puts in any effort for something, she got what she had intended for all along and had it seem easy.

When the food finally arrived, Luna wasn't hesitant about immediately pouring herself a full glass of red wine and drinking it down.

She was going to need it.
***

Rarity's mind couldn't seem to stop whirling around, which was most unfair as her sweet farm pony was tucked up under her foreleg, head and mane splayed across Rarity's chest and belly. Her soft snoring was delightful and charming, normally lulling her into deep sleep, but many things were hovering on her mind.

Sweetie Belle and the crusaders were over at Fluttershy's having a bonfire and camp out, so there wasn't a need for sneaking or before sunrise morning trot to the farm. Applejack had given her one of the most passionate nights of their time together and was currently knocked out from it.

Affection and lust swirled inside of Rarity, she couldn't believe how in short of a time a pony could become so important and needed in another's life.

Doubts were rushing into her ruthlessly.

She had recently become unsettled in what her life was like, she wanted more of Applejack, in many ways. She always was the needy type, desiring selfishly but never unfairly. She thought a sexual relationship with Applejack would solve her needs and wants for the farm pony, but all it had done was intensify them.

Rarity wanted all of Equestria to know that AJ was hers, she wanted AJ’s attention, care and her love. That simple country pony’s sweet honest heart and smile was all Rarity really wanted.

She just wished AJ would ask her to be her marefriend already.
It's not like Applejack was inclined to the feminine fancies of romance, but then again she did have to be the one told that she found them attractive as more than a friend.
It's like it was yesterday.
Applejewel had to be the prettiest name. Even though it was just AJ. Her friend. She shouldn't be feeling these emotions towards her friend. They desperately didn't get along and everything that was important to the farmer was hardly placed in Rarity's mind.

Yet.

She cared so deeply for the mare that she took what Applejack said seriously, even if AJ felt silly in her marvelous outfit that Rarity had created herself the previous day.
Rarity had never taken Applejack more seriously than in that moment.

A few weeks went by, the twisting heat in the pit of her stomach didn't falter as Rarity gathered her stomach and courage to truly find understanding in AJ’s work.

Soon, she couldn't believe she didn't get it to begin with. They were so similar it was oddly terrifying. They woke up early, got a good meal into them selves and then start with house and then work chores before having lunch then back to work until dusk.

Sure they did entirely different lines of work and AJ was sure to be physically stronger but they we both hard headed, stubborn, and fluid in business.

One day, while Rarity had been helping Applejack with some of the chores, AJ cleared her throat, nervously chewing her bottom lip.
Rarity finished feeding the pigs when she glanced up at Applejack.

“Cat got your tongue darling?”
Seeming frustrated, she huffed, wiping sweat from her forehead.

“Rare, how do y'all turn down other ponies when they keeping on asking you out? Ah didn't do so well with Trenderhoof, and ever since Ah have had more trouble with that department. Did you know Carrot Cake came to me yesterday and asked me out on a date?”

Rarity laughed good naturally, placing a hoof on Applejack's shoulder in sympathy.

“Applejack I swear, the longer you don't go out with anypony the more ponies you are going to get asking you out. Just purely to figure out if you even like other ponies that way. Not to be a nosy pony but I can state that we are close friends yet I can't clearly say if you like stallions or mares. You never talk about which way your um barn door swings, so all of Ponyville being the nosy busy ponies that they are, try to find out for themselves.”

Applejack sighed in exasperation.

“Well even if Ah was to say who Ah liked it wouldn't matter much, her barn door swings no where near mine.”

Excitement filled Rarity, well at least she knew that AJ liked mares.

“AJ, please. I want to help you, you should tell her how you feel!” AJ gave me a sardonic glance, before shaking her head.

“Ah ain't worth it, she won't like me back, besides Ah can't call myself pretty, Ah look like a fool next to her.”

Rarity wouldn't stand for such a statement, she whirled Applejack around to face her and pressed them nose to nose, a blush stealing across her orange cheeks.
“Applejack. You are beautiful. No pony is as strong or as dependable as you, whoever this mare is, if she doesn't take you for who you are, that is her fault. Not yours. And well, see. I haven't been honest fully. I'm a little jealous. Who could get little Applejack so down on herself? Some pony has your affection? It's hard, I suppose. I can't explain it, but maybe I can show you…”

The next moment, a burning inferno swept through Rarity as her lips were firmly pressed against Applejack's.

Sliding hooves and twirling tongues met each other as both mares tried to feel every inch of one another.
When the lack of oxygen was finally too much, they pulled apart, gasping, and embarrassingly warm.
An apology was on Rarity's lips when Applejack chuckled and said with brutal bluntness,

“My day dreamings must of finally become lucid or else the mare of my dreams just kissed the stuffing outta me.” Rarity blushed. Finding comfort in knowing that she hadn’t miss read the situation and AJ’s desire for her, she stepped closer to Applejack.

She shivered as AJ’s grassy green stare was hard with confusion and compassion.

“Applejack. Do you think I'm attractive?” AJ shook herself out of her stupor, her cheeks lighting up in embarrassment.

“Ah have always thought you were the most gorgeous mare in all of Equestria and honestly Ah want to be able to put my hooves all over you.”

Rarity was not naive to think that if she allowed AJ access to her body she would love her, but if she could get even that much closer to Applejack… it was worth the risk to her own heart.

“Meet me at my boutique tonight after sunset. Applebloom and Sweetie have plans to go with Scootaloo to one of Twilight's friendship sleepover lessons. If you plan on walking the talk I suggest you show up on time. I'm am not opposed to having you touch me in ways that are not in friendship.”

Nothing more had been said. Rarity and Applejack had been intimate ever since, stealing kisses and bedtime cuddles whenever they could.

At the time it had seemed like a sound plan, enticing Applejack into her bedroom and showing her what true affection could be.
Rarity could make love in her sleep, the adoration she felt for AJ guided her hoof and tongue wherever it needed to flee to. But Applejack?

She could destroy a mares mind and lady bits in mere minutes, her dominating attention and attitude overshadowed any doubts or reservations Rarity should of been thinking of during her first time.
Applejack had been with a few other mares but had refused to mention any names. As much as she respected AJ for that, she resented the fact that she couldn't be allowed to feel a ting of jealousy because she had no one to direct it to.

Though Rarity felt flattered. Even if she wasn't the first for Applejack, she was the only one who had been this close to AJ prior to becoming physical with one another.

Applejack shifted in her sleep, mumbling about a runaway apple tree and settled back down, her snoring back to normal.

Rarity laughed quietly, sometimes she didn't understand why AJ dreamed of such weird things but she supposed her mate got a pass. Since every once in a while a dream about her dress’ dancing the night away and ripping any non animated dress’ apart came up.

She felt silly for silently judging Applejack's dreams.

Closing her eyes Rarity tried to sleep once more. She just hoped she could figure out a way to tell Applejack that she wasn't as generous as she claimed to be and wanted more of her.

Determination straighten her spine as she made a decision.

She was going to tell Applejack that she loved her and wanted to be mare friends. She just prayed she wasn't going to be making a total mess of her heart.
* * *

Luna awoke to a pounding at her door, Celestia’s voice rang out, full blown volume, shaking her walls, her own royal wee coming forth.

“If thous flank is nah up within a moment so help me Luna Dia Crest, I will march in thou chambers and flounder you with thee pillows!”

Luna peeled herself from her bed, her eyes barely open as she shuffled towards the door, which still was producing Tia’s presently loud banging.

Pulling the bedroom door open quick enough with Luna’s aura that Tia fell forward, her open hooves catching her just in time. Bringing a smile to Luna’s sleepy expression.

“Dear sister, tis not like we were ignoring thee or avoiding anything, did thou find it necessary to call us by our full name?” Wincing at the memories that brought forth, layered with dust and age, she pushed her pain back, trying to stay in the moment.

Tia stood back up, her face covered in a light stain of pink, she cleared her throat.

“Sorry sister, it, uh has not been an easy morning or night before. Breakfast should be ready soon, though I suppose you wish to talk?”

Luna snorted, and held a hoof out towards her bed chamber. Tia finished walking inside as Luna shut the door again.

Facing back towards Luna, she took a deep breath, head down and then asked,

“So. What are you thinking?”

That your a control freak, manipulative, irrational in the most rational sense and somehow think that giving me the love of your life will repay some kind of debt you think you owe me.

“Truthfully? Things that aren’t nice Tia and things that are so very far from our realm. What in Equestria’s world do you think your doing sending us to be so close to Twilight of all mares? We won't last a week! Do you wish to punish us or theeself? It boggles the mind. Don’t you have feelings for her?”

Seconds ticked by. Luna wondered if Tia would ever speak, but slowly she raised her head back up, tears gleaming in her fuchsia colored eyes.

“I have come to an understanding with Twilight, she doesn’t feel that way about me anymore, and it's only been until recently that I had been able to listen and accept my feelings for my student. It’s too late for past mistakes, but I can help the future. Sister.”

She stopped a moment to gather herself, tears spilling over, but she went on.

“You care about Twilight and myself, if not you wouldn't hold back on getting a potential mate, we both know that you haven’t taken one since before your banishment. Besides. I think I can tell after all these years when somepony has an attraction to another, disregarding my own love life of course. Luna.”

She grabbed onto Luna shoulder with her hoof, smiling at her with love.

“You deserve to be happy and if nothing else, Twilight will help you open up to the idea of friendship and furthering relations down the line. Please Luna I do ask one thing. Just dont hurt her, she is my precious student as you are my precious little sister, I care for both of you deeply.”

Luna couldn’t have been more shocked if Pinkie Pie herself had crashed through the windows demanding somepony find cake and decorations for an all night party bash.

“You jest Tia! Furthermore, how are we supposed to promise not to hurt her when all we want to do is...is rut her! Surely we do care for her and she was the only pony to understand us when everypony during Nightmare night turned against us and she was the most stubborn and determined to turn us back from the edge of darkness multiple times… Yet tis not right, you had her first! Why do we get to be selfish and get what we want, yet our sister wants and gets not.”

Tia pulled her into a full embrace, tightly squeezing the air out of Luna, she sniffled, chuckling before saying,

“Luna. I never had her. I was a fantasy, an illusion to her. An infallible goddess who could never waver from my podium, yet with you Twilight sees your flaws and your struggles and she doesn't feel disappointment cause her mentor is failing. She feels pride and affection for one of her friends making their way through life, trying with everything in them to be the best they can be. Your image in her mind is true and genuine, she could never see you as anything other than what you were. A simple pony. Placing her in the mentor role for you allows the control to be given to Twilight, so she may come to understand what she feels for you in her own time and in her own way.”

“What makes you think she could ever care for us in that way?”

“I’m not always right Luna. I am not a goddess as much as our subjects proclaim it to be so, I am a simple pony with simple desires and wishes. I know both you and Twilight all of your lives, you have a connection between one another, whether it be friendship, mentor and student relations, physical attraction or love, it doesnt matter Luna. I want you to try something new, go out there and stretch your wings, you may find the freedom, actually freeing.”

“Coming from the queen of structure herself.”

Tia pulled back, eyes still wet, but her muzzle was tugged into a sincere grin.

“You really don’t know my student. Come, she will be your mentor and she will teach you well. Trust in me. I basically raised her myself, she is good at what she does.”

As Tia opened the door of the bedroom and trotted out, Luna’s playful taunt could be heard down the hall.

“What being narotic like her mentor?” Tia’s delighted laughter was all the answer she needed.
***

Luna couldn’t believe that she had agreed to be a passenger on the express train. She wished she had protested with anything, admitting her fear of crowds in close quarters or her disagreement with her staying in Twilight’s castle. Though her words would of fell on deaf ears irregardless.

So she took a deep breath, and tried not to notice the stares of every pony, outright curiosity buzzing from their faces. The princess of the night was rarely seen, especially during the day time hours.

Seeming like an eternity went by before they pulled into Ponyville’s train station. Ponies filed out, still glancing sideways at not one but two alicorns in the same space.
Once the main group had left, Twilight guided Luna towards the exit and onto the platform.

The train hissed as the engines start to cool down, steaming rising around them as Luna squinted in the sunlight.

Sudden confetti exploded in Luna’s face and a loud welcoming hello came from none other than the pink party pony herself.

“Pinkie! I told you not to make a big deal.”

Pinkie huddled over to Twilight, her hooves grabbing on to her shoulders and shaking her. Wearing a saddle bag with two portable confetti cannons attached.

“Twilight this is of top priority, serious friendship matters. Luna must feel like she belongs.”

With that Pinkie let go of the rattled princess of friendship to stare back at Luna. Feeling awkward, Luna looked away from the pink pony and tried not to meet eye with any other pony.

“Luunnna.” Pinkie Pie hummed at her, trying to draw back her gaze.

“Whats with that upside down smile, miss sour pony?”

Before Twilight could chaste the pink pony, Luna sighed and caught Pinkie’s sweet and meaningful eyes.

“We are just worried leaving our sister to carry out our duties as well as her own alone will prove to be too much after doing it for a thousand years. Tia doesn't have anyone she is close with-”

Luna stopped as Pinkie bopped her on her nose, silencing her.

“Does she need a friend?” Pinkie asked, her face serious.

A tad more than that, I think.

Luna chose her words carefully.

“She needs companionship and has to learn to loosen up a little…”

Twilight gaped at her as the pink mare bounced up and down, an excited noise escaping her.

“Twilight!” Pinkie exclaimed with a semblance of authority in her tone. “Keep Luna smiling. My mission is elsewhere!”

A grin a mile long, Pinkie turned on her hooves and dashed off deeper into Ponyville.

“That was strange.”

Luna glance back as her companion to see her reaction.

Twilight sighed, a small smile touching her muzzle.

“That was Pinkie Pie.”

Author's Note

Thanks for reading, any advice (besides gramtical) is appreciated.
---Flutterpon

Calming

Chapter Five

Watching from her chair, Celestia witnessed the slow and gentle rise of the moon over the darkening sky; moments after she tucked the sun below the horizon.

The tiny reassurance of Luna's well being, was a relief to the princess of the sun. She trusted Twilight as much as Luna yet she always felt wrong when alone without her sister.

Besides the thousand years of banishment from her sister, she couldn't remember a time without Luna.

She was after all, only two minutes older than Luna.

Memories of their past always gave her a terrible migraine, washed and faded with time and pain.

She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the bothersome thoughts when a rapping at the door brought her attention full force.

Placing her royal stoic expression on her face, she bid the guard entrance.

“Sorry to disturb you at this time your majesty, but there is somepony here to see you and she doesn't take no very well…I think I just barely made it here before her.”

Celestia did take note that the guard Spear Aim was panting, his breathing shallow and was starting to sweat.

“Who could have put you in such a state of exhaustion, my humble Spear?”

When the sound of laughter and cheer came echoing down the hall.

Ah. Now that's a surprise.

“I see. You may go Spear Aim, tell Sargent Tact Motions that I’m sending you home for the night. No worries, I can handle our guest.”

She nudged him out, and rounded her head around the door to peek down the corridor.

One moment nothing.

The next?

Total chaos.

“SURPRISE CELLY!”

Startled, Celestia sat back on her haunches, staring down at the upbeat party pony. Confetti spouted from her sides, two small cannons strapped inside her saddle bag.

She had balanced in her hooves a beautiful white and galaxy colored cake, decorated in a similar color scheme as Celestia herself.

Celestia felt herself get weak in two ways. She didn't know which was worse.

“Are you okay down there silly filly? Do you need help?” Celestia shook herself, shame filling her for being so moved and taken off guard all at once.

“Ah-Yes. I'm fine.” She stood back up and laughed, although lacking sincerity. “Please, come in Pinkie. That cake looks delicious, what flavor is it?”

Pinkie followed behind Celestia back into her personal chambers.

Closing the door after Pinkie crossed the treshold, she sat back down indicating the seat across from her.

Pinkie sat the cake to the side of the rounded table and smiled.

“It's strawberry and cream cheese cake, I tried to color it after you but I think I got the shades all wrong.” Pinkie sighed, as if almost sad. “Guess my memory can't remember all that beauty at once.”

Celestia marginally ended up with her tea splattered all over her as she dropped the cup back down hastily.

“Beg pardon?”

What in the Equestria was going on?

Pinkie tilted her head to the side and just smiled, her eyes light and joyful.

“Let's try some cake. Then, maybe we could talk?” She asked, oh so sweetly. Celestia couldn't help but nod, as the pink mare plopped herself down.

She started to cut the cake into slices with a butter knife. Lopping a generous slice for herself and Celestia, she doled the dessert out and began to dig in.

Celestia followed suit, not sure what else she could do. For once the loud and rambunctious pink pony was silent and calm.

She wondered about that.

Pinkie looked up after she had finished her piece, Celestia wasn't far behind as she stopped to take a sip of tea.

“Did you want me to have a hot chocolate sent up for you Pinkie?”

The mare shook her head, and indicated the tea pot filled with steaming jasmine and lilac tea.

“I can pour myself a cup.” So she did with little struggle. The extended quiet should of been unsettling but in that moment it was peaceful. Even with the party pony as her guest.

“Is everything alright Pinkie? I know I don't know you as well as Twilight but you aren't usually this quiet.”

A soft sigh came out of the pink mare, she lifted her face up, an indistinguishable expression across her face.

“I was hoping you wouldn't notice that. See I came here with all the intention to give you a big smile but I have something on my mind that's not helping.”

Celestia leaned over the table, she placed a hoof onto Pinkie’s and smiled, she genuinely cared for the pink mare before her. Yes, she was the polar opposite of Celestia herself yet that was something that had always intrigued her about Pinkie.

How no matter what, even now, when she thinks she wasn't making Celestia happy, she was just from sitting across from her.

That scared her more than any realization that she had feeling for her faithful student.

“Please Pinkie, I would love to lend my ear to you, what's troubling you so, my little pony?”

Sniffing.

Was Pinkie crying?

“The thought of you being here all by yourself without anyone as a friend or a companion makes me very sad. Just cause you're a princess doesn't mean you don't get lonely and upset as well. Luna told me that you don't have anyone besides her. I can't be here all the time because of Sugarcube Corner, but if you'd like I can visit you every evening. I don't sleep much so the two hour train trip both ways is enough sleep for me. What do you say? I promise I'll be more lively next time.”

Stunned, Celestia held on to Pinkie’s warm hoof, not sure how to proceed. She wanted to be angry at Luna for getting her back in her own way, but at the same time…

She was grateful and touched all at once.

She really was in trouble with this one.

“Pinkie, just be you. You're already making me smile. Even if we sit in silence...I don't mind.”

That was good enough for Pinkie. She didn't feel like she needed to fill the quiet anymore with useless chatter, if either wanted to say something it would be important and meaningful.

“Celly?” After a long time with no sound, Pinkie finally broke the silence.

“Yes, Pinkie?” She looked down at their still clasped hooves, and smiled.

“Why haven't you let go of my hoof yet?”

When Celestia went to tug away, Pinkie held on harder.

“Please, don't let go. I don't mind. If you don't wanna answer that's okay too. But personally I like holding your hoof, do you like holding mine?”

Celestia sighed, there would be no secrets with this mare clearly.

“Yes, Pinkie.” That made Pinkie smile so big that Celestia couldn't help but smile back.

Oh yes, she was in trouble.

***

The next morning Celestia watched from her balcony as the first express left for the day heading from Canterlot into Ponyville.

A sleepy, yet awake pink party pony had been safely escorted by her personal guard Feather Blade.

That would surely stir up rumors within her royal guard and staff, not to mention if any pony talked to a paparazzi reporter.

Did it matter?

So what if rumors floated around about her and Pinkie? Nothing even occurred. They spent most of the evening talking rarely but enjoying each other's company nonetheless.

Was there something to be talked about anyway?

Celestia would of scoffed at that thought had not what the pink pony said flashed through her mind.

“I like holding your hoof, do you like holding mine?”

More than she wanted to admit. But she did. She said it to herself. With no one but herself as witness, she sighed, placing her chin on the railing of the balcony as the sight of the train disappeared into the tunnel.

“I like to hold you, Pinkie.”

Celestia knew she was delaying, having not much sleep besides the few hours just before sunrise when Pinkie had nodded off to sleep in her chair, she rubbed her face.

Falling back into the past.

She had carried the sleeping party pony to her personal bed and tucked her in, deciding to rest above the covers next to Pinkie.

She didn't want to make her uncomfortable although she doubted as to the ease of accomplishing that.

She awoke to the warm mare snuggled to her side, forelegs wrapped around her barrel and a gentle apparent snore ruffling her chest fur.

A knocking at her door, she had slipped away from the party pony and opened the it quietly.

Pressing her hoof to her lips, she nodded towards Holly Bale, a earth pony with pale orange fur and blonde mane tied up in a bun, tangerine colored eyes wide with surprise as she took the sleeping form behind the princess.

“Send up some chocolate chip and fruit pancakes please, tea for me and some fresh juice for our guest. Within the hour have Feather Blade come up and escort Pinkie to the train station. Make sure the ticket is to be paid on my behalf. Please and thank you Holly.”

Celestia was sure that Holly Bale had already told half the serving and cleaning servants in the castle that she had an overnight guest in her own bed.

She wondered dryly what the newspaper header would be.

Princess and Element Caught Post Party.

Princess Celestia and her Sweet Tooth?

What Makes You Smile?

Element of Laughter leaves Princess’ Chambers with early morning guard.

Celestia head was swimming with poorly written out headlines and badly made innuendos when Flare Script knocked and entered.

She caught eye with her scribe and personal attendant, knowing she was going to have a rough morning ahead of her.

Celestia rose from her leaned over position on the balcony and came back into the bedchamber; closing the doors behind her with a flick of her magic.

“Flare, good morning. What brings you here so early?”

Flare’s eyebrows furrowed and her intense forest colored eyes squinted at Celestia suspiciously.

“Was there something you would like to share with me, Princess? I've been hearing tall tales all morning and I can not get the same answer out of any pony.”

Oh no. Celestia had hoped she was projected her anxieties, but clearly that was not so.

“W-whatever do you mean, Flare Script?”

Now. Luna was right in one area, she was terrible at lying, but she was not completely alone and friendless. Flare had been with her for over a decade and she had not only shown growth and maturity, but proven herself to be true and faithful.

“May I be frank Princess? Your full of it.” Celestia couldn't help but let a snort come through, then an outright laugh.

Once settled, she caught Flare’s serious gaze and she sighed.

“Okay. It's really not what it seems like.”

“So, you didn't have an element of harmony visit you late in the night and then spend the night in your own personal bed, for which you then didn't have breakfast with and didn't send her to the train station with Feather Blade?”

A long moment.

“It's what it looks like I suppose.”

“Celestia…” Flare stopped, looking up at her to reassure herself it was alright to speak personally.

“Do you know how long it's been since something like this had gone around the castle? Since my great great grandmother held this position when you were seeing Star Swirl. What am I supposed to do to combat the rumors?”

Celestia sighed again.

“Exactly what are the rumors stating?” Flare glanced back at Celestia, a pained grimace on her face.

“That the element of laughter is your new bedmate.”

Celestia groaned this time, not knowing how or where to start.

“We could always do what we normally do with a false proclaim, just ignore it and let it burn itself out.”

As much as a false statement that rumor was, Celestia was not entirely sure if it was to stay that way.

Something about the pink party pony called to Celestia, more than anything she had felt for Twilight or Star Swirl.

She couldn't hope to stay away, not when every moment with Pinkie felt like the lightest she had been in a millennia.

“Do me a favor Flare? Have the staff keep their thoughts to themselves for the time being.” Flare face lifted in surprise at Celestia, but nodded a moment later.

“As you wish Princess.”

***

Pinkie stumbled through the front door of Sugarcube Corner, less than ten minutes to opening. She found the coffee pot that Mrs. Cake kept warm on top of the hot plate on the counter.

Pulling open the upper cupboard she found her tall sparkling pink cup, filled it up halfway and went to open the freeze to grab a tub of vanilla ice cream.

Once her coffee was swimming with the ice cream, she trotted out to the back where the full kitchen was.

Finding Mr. and Mrs. Cake finishing up with the morning bake, she put on her best Pinkie smile and greeted them.

“Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Cake! Sorry I'm late, I can help with putting the baked goods out.”

Mr. Cake chuckled and nodded towards the pile of gooey cinnamon buns in front of him.

“Take those and the corn muffins out, then these coffee cake bars should be cooled enough to cut and set out as well. We can bring out the rest of it so long as you open shop after Pinkie, please?”

“Yeppers! Can do.”

The morning went by fairly quickly. Pinkie’s caffeine intake was by far higher than she should ever have it, but she kept herself to a respectable level of hyper.

Zipping by other ponies three times their speed was so much fun, although not the mess she made by crashing into Mrs. Cake and throwing brownie batter everywhere.

She toned it down before she got booted from Sugarcube Corner for the day. She normally got out at one, but on days when Pinkie was just too excited for one reason or another. If she made too much of a mess or wasn't focused, she was always kindly told by Mrs. Cake that she should find something fun to do.

Always with a sugary treat and a pat on the head, Pinkie was so thankful for the Cake’s patients that she tried to have less days when she came in and needed to leave early.

It was nearing one and it had been slow for the past forty minutes, Pinkie felt her hind leg start twitching in boredom, slightly shaking the counter.

Leaning up from the counter so she wouldn't harm any of the sweets, she tied her apron on better and hoped for some pony to come in.
Mrs. Cake popped her head out of the kitchen, catching eyes with Pinkie.

“If you want, you can head out early dear, it's been dead for a while now.”

Forty four minutes to be exact, but who’s counting?

“I'll be alright Mrs. Cake. I could use a dozen cupcakes to perk my energy up, but other than that…”

Mrs. Cake chuckled.

“I'll box up some chocolate and strawberry frosted cupcakes for you then.”

She went back into the kitchen humming.

A few more minutes went by before the front door rang with a cheery jingle as some ponies stepped in.

Luna looked tall and awkward in the small bakery, wearing just her crown.

Twilight came in behind her. A red smear staining her cheeks, as she took a deep breath and greeted Pinkie. Herself only wearing her crown when important events happened.

“Hiya Twi, Luna, what brings you about?”

Luna walked up, looking intensely at the selection of goods before gazing back up at Pinkie.

“We’d like a piece of thou triple chocolate brownie and whatever the princess normally gets.”

Twilight tried to speak up.

“Oh Luna I can get my own-” Luna waved her off with her hoof.

“You are allowing us to stay in thy humble home and are teaching us ways to socialize better. 'Tis the least we can do.”

Twi blushed harder, but nodded.

“Do you want the fruit tart or the moon pies?”

Luna raise her eyebrow at Pinkie.

“What are these moon pies?”

“Their delicious. It's two rounded pieces of chocolate cake with a marshmallow and vanilla filling, made into a sandwich. I just call them moon pies cause it's a funny name.”

Luna looked back at Twilight expectantly, before she answered to Pinkie,

“Two orders of moon pies please Pinkie.”

Pinkie snickered. She began to box their order up and feel a prick of happiness flow through her as her best friend started to explore the world of intimacy.

Once she rang it all up and Luna paid for it, she gave the box over for Twilight to carry in her aura. Luna cleared her throat.

“So, did thou go and see my sister last night?”

That question filled with many in one made Pinkie stop and think on how to answer it.

She shrugged, the truth she supposed.

“I did. We stayed up late eating cake and drinking some really yummy tea that I need to get the name of. I think I fell asleep cause when I woke up, I was being roused from the bed with chocolate chip pancakes, which were so good! Celly got me some orange juice and we talked more before I got walked to the train station by one of her guards pony. I tried to pay for the ticket back, but wasn't allowed. I'm suppose to go back tonight, I promised I'd keep Celly company.”

Twilight started to stutter behind Luna, her magic wavering just a hair with the box in its aura.

Luna threw back her head and laughed joyously.

“We did think thou would have such a hold on Tia so soon, what in the world did you do to her?”

Luna asked, her eyebrows cocked in a way that meant business.

“Pinkie?” Twilight asked, her face and voice tentative. “Did, uh did you and Celestia use um any frosting?”

Twilight's question was obvious and hilarious all at once. She started to giggle, her sleep and caffeine strained mind taking very little to make her lose herself.

“Oh Twilight! If I slept with Celly I would of just said we went to bed in a fun way and left it at that. Besides,”

Pinkie blushed. “I like her too much to scare her away with kinky frosting play.”

Twilight swayed, and had to be held up by Luna's strong wing as Luna just stared at Pinkie intently for a moment.

“Okay. We trust thee Pinkie Pie. Tell our sister we send our regards. Oh and Pinkie? Her favorite flowers are daffodils, to receive not to eat.”

Pinkie laughed and bounced around the counter to throw herself around the dark princess.

Hugging her tightly, she said,

“Thank you Luna, I Pinkie Pie promise that I’ll make your sister smile brighter than any pony has before.”

Luna after a moment's hesitation, hugged the pink mare back and nodded into her curly mane.

“You do that.”

***

Luna walked back to Twilight's castle in silence. She worried for Tia, but Pinkie was generous, caring and chaotic, a perfect match for her. She knew she could trust Tia’s happiness in her hooves, now Twilight’s was in hers.

“Twilight? Is something the matter?”

She stopped, turning around to meet Luna in the eyes, her lavender gaze penetrating and seeking.

“Doesn't it make you feel weird?”

“What does?” Luna asked, generally confused.

“I mean, Pinkie and Celestia. I'm all kinds of twisted up on that. On one hoof I'm happy, Pinkie lacks guidance and Celestia could use to lighten up a bit, but on the other… I’m angry? No? Resentful? Not that either-”

“Jealous. Twilight you are jealous of Pinkie and Celestia’s relationship. You've never had to share either of them before, besides Pinkie with the other elements and Tia with us. Not only with recent opening and closing of past wounds, no wonder you are sore.”

Twilight gapped at Luna.

“Did, Celestia tell you about…”

Luna nodded, extending her hoof to place it on Twilight’s shoulder.

“It's okay Twilight, we are here for thee. In whatever manner you need us in. If we had been Celestia, we wouldn't have been as foolish to turn thee down. She's a stubborn foal, who lost out on an amazing and strong mare as thyself.”

Twilight swallowed, stepping closer to Luna, her height having her met the middle of Luna’s throat, it tightened as she tried to keep her mind and body separate and clear from one another.

“Do you mean that Luna? I don't mean hypothetically, I don't mean if you were Celestia. I mean, you as Luna, Princess of the night, right in this moment in time. Would you turn me down?”

Luna’s entire body heated and clenched as the word tumbled out of her.

“Never. We would never turn thee down Twilight.” Twilight smiled up at Luna.

“You don't know how good it feels to know that. I’m not good with explaining things I don't rightly understand, all I know is, that I like to be with you Luna. That you make me happy. I like showing you how to express yourself, and the more I get to know you, the more I care about you. I know it's not entirely right, given, um that I'm your mentor but if you’d like. I would want to pursue a more intimate relationship with you.”

Luna pulled back to stare back into her fathomless lavender eyes, feeling more desire and compassion well up inside her than she had even felt.

She wanted to keep making Twilight happy. She loved that soft and gentle smile that held true in her warm gaze as well. Her rambling and her scientific mumble that even Luna found difficulty in keeping up with.

“Twilight Sparkle, did thou just ask us out on a date?”

A blush stole across her cheeks once more, she looked down at Luna's hoof still on her shoulder and then back at her.

“Yes.” She said, back straight and her mouth slightly quirked. “Was I out of line?”

Luna couldn't help herself. She was so adorable, alicon accession had really done well for her confidants. And that smile, her lips were a pale lilac, seeming to be pliable and inviting.

Before she knew what she was doing, Luna's muzzle was pressed up against Twilight’s.

A mixture between a moan and a gasp escaped Twilight’s lips as Luna's tongue invaded her mouth, a searing stroke of her flesh inside of Twilight’s.

Twilight lowered the box of treats to the ground in her aura before she dropped them and wrapped her forelegs around Luna's neck. She clutched onto Luna, as the kiss deepened, eliciting a fire in the pit of her belly.

Stretching on her hind legs, Twilight quivered as the strain of standing and being so immensely pleasured at the same time took its toll. This was nothing like the books she had read, but twenty times better.

Time seemed to finally catch back up with the two of them. Luna pulled away, setting Twilight gently back on all four hooves.

The space between them was charged and heated, sparks of electricity coursing through each other's veins.

“Luna…I don't know what to say. That was incredible. Books always made it seem so ridiculous, the whole body stilling, heating up and jeez just about exploding from only a kiss. I think I understand now.”

Luna laughed sensuously, wrapping a foreleg around the innocent mare.

“Thys first kiss meet thee expectations then?”

Twilight blushed, and nuzzled her neck, murmuring against her.

“Exceeded it.”

***

Later that night Twilight lay in the middle of her bed. Spike, in the next room over, asleep. She glanced out the window, the full moon bright and beautiful high in the night sky.

Luna was just a few doors down.

So close.

What was stopping her?

She wanted to be with Luna. Had ever since the night princess returned to her former self and came back to Ponyville intending on her subjects loving her.

That didn't go so well at first, but in the end Luna was able to connect with herself and with the citizens of Ponyville.

And with her.

Twilight sat up in bed, frustrated. Maybe she wasn't ready to become fully intimate with Luna, but damn if she’d stay another moment in this bed, in this room, alone.

She went to her door and pulled it open, stopped when she found Luna, hoof raised as if ready to knock. She lowered her hoof.

“Light, your awake. We weren't expecting thee to be.”

Light. I've never liked that shorted form of my name, but coming from Luna? It was heavenly.

“Yeah, I couldn't sleep. Did you wanna come in?”

Twilight stepped to the side as Luna brushed past her and into the bedroom.

Closing the door, Twilight hovered near it, not sure how to proceed, Luna was in her room, so close to her bed; and all she could think of was that heat that blazed through her with their earlier kiss.

What would making love to you be like?

Luna turned around, a soft smile touching her muzzle as she came back up to Twilight and tenderly nosed her cheek.

Heat flared up inside of Twilight, a low whimper escaping her as Luna slid back and kissed her slowly.

Twilight swam in pleasure, becoming a slave to it, she curled herself around Luna and moaned against her; Luna's hooves trailing down her back to grasp her near her dock.

She cried out again and whispered Luna's name with a desperation she didn't know she could feel.

Luna yanked away, her breath ragged and her teal eyes heavy with lust, she chuckled darkly.

“Thou should be careful of teasing us, Light. We won't be merciful if pushed to far, and your heat is already doing that to us.”

Twilight flushed, she didn't know Luna could smell her desire for her; she squeezed her thighs shut, receiving another chuckle from the princess of the night.

“That won't help, but nobel effort notwithstanding. Would it be wrong of us to ask if it's permissible to stay with thee tonight? It's almost time for our rest and we find it soothing to be near you.”

Luna leaned forward and whispered into Twilight's ear,

“We won't touch thee unless thou asks.”

Twilight was going to agree before that statement, but that sentence had imagines of all sorts flashing in her head; making her ache all over.

“Luna…”

Twilight went to reach out for Luna, intent on showing her all the ways she wasn't a child when a loud pitched scream echoed through the castle.

Luna jumped.

“What was that?!”

Twilight was out the room and down the hall in a moment, busting through Starlight’s door to drop beside her bed.

Holding her shaking form, she held onto her as Starlight muttered and yelled through her night terror.
It was over as soon as it came, Starlight settled back down to sleep, barely noticing anything that transpired.

When Twilight was sure Starlight was asleep for good, she pulled away, tucked the blanket around her, and left quietly,

Coming back into the room, Twilight was surprised to see Luna still there, settled down on the bed, her hooves rubbing her head.

“Starlight again?”

“Yes, it's gotten less frequent as she's progressed the past couple of months, but it still crops up.” Luna nodded.

“Is the offer to sleep here with you still sound? We don't want to impose on your privacy Light.”

Twilight smiled and indicated her chin towards the bed.

“Crawl under, I'll shut the door once I'm back.”

Twilight took the bathroom to relieve herself and to allow a much needed mental breakdown.

So what if Luna is spending the night in my bed, she knows it's going to be sleeping, she didn't even know my plan when it got interrupted!

She had lost her nerve the more she thought on it. Twilight couldn't compare to experienced lovers from centuries of love making Luna had been previously a part of.

Splashing cold water on her face, she took deep breaths and calmed herself down as best as she could.

Returning to her bedroom, Luna was under the covers, facing away from Twilight and the door. She closed it, turned off all the light gems, and crawled into bed.

Luna rolled, meeting her eyes, Twilight stilled, her heart hammering in her chest relentlessly.

Smoothly, sweetly Luna kissed her, allowing her to pull back if need be.

Twilight never felt like she needed to.

Luna was once again, the one to pull away, she laid down on her back and glanced over at Twilight.

“Does thou know how to cuddle, dear Light?”

Theories. Everything she knew were those. She placed her head on Luna's chest and her foreleg around her belly, Luna's foreleg molded around Twilight’s hip and waist and held her tight to the princess of night.

Falling asleep happened to both without either noticing.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading, questions or comment I always love. ---Flutterpon