My Eternal Sunshine

Dear Anon.

Apologies for putting this off for as long as I have but I wanted to thank you for helping me out all those months ago. I know it’s been a while, almost half a year but I only recently heard from Applejack that you came to Ponyville and helped Derpy out! That’s very sweet of you, and I wanted to thank you personally, as I’ve known her for a very long time and know she’s been struggling with a few financial things, but you’ve set her on a great path moving forward. I’m somewhat sad that I didn’t get to give you a tour of our town myself, but I now know you were on a date with Princess Celestia.

HOW DID THAT EVEN HAPPEN AND WHY DID IT TAKE ALMOST A YEAR FOR ME TO HEAR ABOUT IT?! She won’t tell me anything! I have to know how you two have gone so far in your friendship that now you’re dating! This is critical for my studies as the princess of friendship! So, please, write back in detail on how it all happened or come and visit so we may speak. I’m VERY interested in this development! I know you’ve also been ignoring all my letters! I get that things are hectic for you most of the time, but I know when you read them, and everything I contact you with is of great importance!

So, with that said, I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, Princess Twilight.

I set the letter down on my table with a long sigh. That mare, I swear...

“What is it this time?” Celestia asks looking over paperwork beside me in bed.

“Twilight wants a detailed report on how we moved from friendship to relationship.” I lean back to try and unwind. “You know she’s crazy, right?”

Celestia giggles, adjusting the glasses resting on her muzzle. “She can be at times, but it’s evidence of her devotion.”

“She should concentrate on her princess work or that weird map. What we’re doing is no concern of hers.”

Celestia writes something on her work, sets it aside and grabs another. “I’m like her second mother, Anon. Of course she’s interested in anything that involves me.”

“Does that make me a father? Should I give her a spanking?”

A smirk breaks out on Celestia’s lips. “That would be fairly amusing to see, but I’m not too sure if it would have the same effect you'd expect.”

“Ponies are gross.” I look over at the tall stack Celestia has on her nightstand. “Want some help?”

“If you don’t mind,” Celestia says floating half her stack to my nightstand. “It’s basic requests. Just accept or deny them based on what’s being proposed.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve done it before.” I take one from the pile and look it over. “Really? A permit to seize another ponies land to build something? Denied!” I write denied on the paperwork and grab another. “So, how has Luna been?”

“Doing better since she took time off.”

“Hmm? What’d she do?”

“She went to a brothel.”

My hand jerks and I curse under my breath at the long streak of ink over the page. “Really?”

“My sister is old-fashioned when it comes to stress relief.”

“Is it just me or are ponies becoming grosser the longer I stay here? Perhaps my human depravity is rubbing off on you?”

Celestia rolls her eyes. “How do you think we bear offspring?”

“I don’t know, budding? Vats of sugar, spice, and everything nice?”

“Where do you come up with this stuff?”

“It’s the power of my mind,” I say with pride.

“That wasn’t a compliment.” Celestia deadpans.

“I’ll take it as one.” I grab another piece of paper and look it over. “We have a few meetings outside of Equestria tomorrow. One is with the griffin king and another with Thorax.”

“Always so much on our plate.” Celestia for once looks away from her paperwork toward me with a tired smile. “Still content with being together?”

I don’t say anything as I lean forward and kiss her. Her eyes close as we exchange a tired but love filled kiss. I pull away, resting my hand on her cheek.

“Yeah, I’m content.” I look behind her to the clock on the wall briefly. “Get some rest. We’ll be flying to Griffonstone before sunrise.”

“What about you?” Celestia asks while slowly scooting into bed.

I just smirk as I pick up another form and show it to her. “I’ve still got work to finish.”

She’s already drifting off as she rests a hoof onto my arm. “Don’t stay up too late.”

By the time that left her, she already fell asleep. “I won’t,” I whisper.

I just take a minute to watch Celestia as she rests peacefully beside me. My heart swelling as I want nothing more than to hold her close through all hours of the night. However, I get up and walk to her side of the bed and grab the leftover paperwork she was working on and return to my side and set it on my pile. There’s work that still needs to be done, and I have to make sure Luna and Cadance are ready to take over for us while we’re at Griffonstone.

I chortle on the inside. I’m practically an overworked husband, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Huh?

My eyes gently open and I find myself lying in bed with Celestia in my arms. She cuddled up close at some point in the night with a content smile as she snores loudly. Did I fall asleep? I look at the clock and find it’s close to three in the morning. I glance over my shoulder to my nightstand and see all the paperwork is finished. Must’ve been more tired than I thought last night and passed out.

I yawn quietly before gingerly moving away from Celestia. I have a few more things I need to get done before we leave. My entire body seems cumbersome, and as I get out of bed, I stumble heavily before catching my balance. When did it get so hot in here? My entire body has a thin layer of sweat, but I can feel how cold it is in the room. Not only that but my stomach hurts too.

My eyes widen as I bolt to the bathroom and spew my guts out. Oh crap, that’s not a good sign. My head is hammering as my stomach continues to churn but I manage to keep some of what I had last night down. I already know what the problem is, but this can’t be happening, not now. I push myself up to my feet and shuffle over to the mirror.

Studying my current pitiful state, I can’t help but be reminded of when I first met Celestia. Still, I’ll have to continue to ensure we meet our schedule. I splash some water onto my face before clearing the creases on my jacket. I don’t need to do much today: Speak to Luna and check on Cadance about what they need to do while Celestia and I are gone. I swallow deep to keep myself from running back to the toilet. This is going to be difficult.

I march out of the bathroom and see that Celestia is still resting peacefully, albeit loudly due to the snoring. Good, I’ll talk to the other two and wake her up when I come back. That should put us at the perfect time to leave. I open the door and cast one last glance at Celestia before closing the door behind me.

I knock several times on Luna’s door, and moments later it swings past my face. There she stands, her mane tousled and mood aggravated.

“Hey, Luna. Today’s the—”

“I know!” She yells before slamming the door.

“Should I have breakfast brought up to you?” I call past the door.

“Please!”

“See you in a few hours!”

With that said, I turn on my heels and head towards Cadance’s room. She arrived earlier this week in Canterlot to take a break and also watch over the kingdom on this day. I'm somewhat concerned for Shining Armor, as he was left to watch over the crystal empire in her absence. Certainly not a task he is used to, but one Cadance said he should become accustomed to.

With each step I make towards Cadance’s room I can sense how sluggish my body is growing. Not to mention I’m burning up in this suit! I loosen my tie just a little if only to give my neck some breathing room. This is undoubtedly influencing my performance, but I can’t give up just yet. At some point, I make it to her room but my perception of time is becoming hazy.

I lift my hand up and place two slow knocks. I’m panting slightly as I wait for her to answer. Soon Cadance comes to the door and opens it. She’s smiling as she always does, but soon that glee disappears once she looks at me.

“Anon, are you alright?”

“N-Never better,” I answer but turn away as I cough.

“That cough doesn’t sound good.” She steps towards me, but I move back.

“It’s fine. Honest. Just something in my throat is all. Anyway, I’m here to wake you up.” I force myself to stand steady and tall. “Do you want breakfast?”

She’s not swayed easily. “I’ve already ordered breakfast, thank you. Now, how about you rest? You’re obviously sick.”

“I’m not sick.”

Cadance shrugs. “Very well. It’s almost time for my aunt to raise the sun. Better hurry and wake her up.”

“What?” I look at my watch and curse under my breath. “When did it get so late?”

I give Cadance a quick bow before walking off. I reach into my breast pocket for my tissue and clear the sweat on my brow. I have to hold it together! It’s just a four-day trip. Nothing I can’t handle.

My eyes are closed as I stand beside Celestia’s bed. I never thought my head could hurt as much as it does right now but I have a job to do, and I aim to do it. Celestia is on her back, snoring away and a line of drool running down the side of her face. I rest my hand on her withers and give her a shake but feel my strength suddenly fade with each push.

Luck is on my side as she jerks lightly and begins to wake up. She smacks her lips a few times before looking around the room. It’s dimly lit due to the moon, as she rubs her eyes with a yawn.

“Good morning,” she says groggily.

“Morning,” I reply with a horse tone before clearing my throat. “Time to raise the sun, then we need to get ready to leave.”

“Are you alright?” She asks before looking up at me, but the darkness does well to hide my sickened state.

“Just fine. Let’s hurry before we’re late.”

“Alright.” She gets out of bed and walks over to the bathroom. “I’ll be out in five minutes.”

“Take your time,” I say as she closes the door.

I walk over to my dresser, strip my sweat soaked clothes off and put a fresh pair on. I then pull a small stack of parchment similar to sticky notes from my pocket. I write down what Celestia usually orders for breakfast and, as I tear it away from the stack, it bursts into flame and disappears. A handy little invention Celestia made for me to communicate with whoever I needed to instantly.

By the time she’s done with getting ready then breakfast will be here. I walk over to the bed and fall onto it. Five minutes of rest will help, then I need to concentrate.

“He doesn’t look well, Sister.” Luna’s voice speaks from the edge of my consciousness. “I doubt he could make the trip that lies ahead.”

“As stubborn as he is, he’d probably try.” That’s Cadance’s voice. “He and Shining are alike in that regard.”

I continuously drift in and out of consciousness; my eyes open slightly to see the three of them at my bedside talking to one another before my eyes close again.

“I have an unreasonable request,” Celestia speaks. “Go in my sted as I watch over him.”

“Are you certain?” Luna questions.

“If you two cannot do it, then reschedule the trip. I will not leave his side.”

There’s prolonged silence before Cadance speaks up. “I can go on these trips. Aunt Luna, can you hold the throne?”

“Easily. Are you confident you can take on these tasks?”

“No worries. I think it’s high time Twilight got first-hoof practice with things like this.”

“Not a bad idea, Cadance,” Luna compliments.

“Thank you.”

“Then it’s all settled,” Celestia declares. “Thank you two for granting me this selfish act.”

“You don't need to thank us for wanting to take care of your special somepony.” Cadance giggles. “I can feel how much love you have for each other. I’m sure I’d be the same way if it were Shining and me.”

“As she said, Sister. You two care deeply for one another. I’m not bothered by withering some work while you take care of him.”

“Alright. Here is what is planned.”

I try to listen more, but that’s all I can manage before drifting off back to sleep.

I wake in a coughing fit, and my heart begins to race as I know deep down that we’re already late. I urge my body to get out of bed but find myself pinned to the bed by something. I look down, vision still hazy but notice the golden glow.

“T-Tia?” I weakly call out.

“Relax,” She states, coming into view beside me.

“We have to go now. If we don’t, we’ll be late for—”

She rests a hoof on my lips. “Shhh. Don’t worry about that. All you need to do is relax.”

“Relax? Tia, I can’t relax! We have so much on the schedule as is.”

I try once again to get out of bed but find her aura is quickly replaced with her body as she lies on top of me. While she’s not heavy, in my current state, she might as well be an immovable object.

“You’re not going anywhere,” she says sternly this time. “I’ve already made the proper arrangements to ensure everything is taken care of. Until you are better, I’ll be taking care of you.”

My eyes widen. “W-What? You can’t take that much time off... What about the kingdom?”

She smiles sweetly. “What is a kingdom without you?”

I cough to the side for a moment. “Tia, this isn’t the time for sappy things like that. Seriously, what about the kingdom?”

“I told you, I have made arrangements. No matter how long it takes, you will stay in this bed, and I will be by your side. You’re my special someone, and I would never put work before you while you’re in such a state.”

As much as my body wants to protest and get out of bed so we can return to our task, I know I have no chance of holding myself together for an extended period of time.

“Even if Luna and Cadance descend the kingdom to anarchy?” I ask.

She smirks. “Even then but my sister is well versed in snuffing out such things.” Celestia tries to lean in for a kiss, but I turn my head; however, she moves with me and still kisses me. “Before you say anything, I’m casting a quarantine spell to ensure no others or myself will get sick. I love you.”

I sigh. “I love you too. Still, I kissed you before I knew I was sick. There’s a more than likely chance you’re sick too.”

“Perhaps but you’ll take care of me should that be the case, right?”

All I can do is chuckle. “Wouldn’t that be a sad end? We perpetually get each other sick for eternity?”

“I wouldn’t mind it that much. However, I’ve already made sure to take the precaution to fortify my immune system beforehoof to ensure no sickness would take hold.”

“If you say so.” Another round of coughs leaves me. “Sorry, Tia.”

“No need to be sorry. You’ve taken care of me since coming here. It’s about time I’m given a chance to return the favor.” Her smirk comes back. “Now, you’ve not taken a proper bath this morning. So, I’ll be assisting you with that.”

My face covers in a blush. “That’s completely unnecessary.”

Her playful attitude is there as she pulls me from bed in her aura. “Nonsense! Worry not, Anon. I will refrain from any improper actions.”

“Are you in heat again? Do I need to call for help?”

Now it’s her turn to blush. “I told you I was sorry about that.”

“If it weren’t for Luna saving me, I would’ve been most likely tied to the bed for who knows how many days.”

“Again, I am sorry.”

“Not to mention the schedule I made was ruined because I didn’t even know you ponies went into heat.”

“I SAID I AM SORRY!”

I chuckle. “I know, you explained it to me. Still, I can wash myself just fine.”

“Please, Anon. Let me do this for you.” She says not looking at me while we walk to the bathroom. “You’re always doing everything for me, so just this once, let me take care of you. No funny business.”

The tone she’s using puts into perspective how worried she is about my wellbeing. I should accept my fate. My entire body aches, and while I may have sounded confident, I’m not too sure if I can wash myself. So, if only until my sickness passes, I’ll let Tia take care of me.

“Alright. Don’t push yourself too hard.” I say.

She looks back at me with a smile. “That’s rich coming from you.”

As I’m floating in the bathroom, Celestia is already filling the large tub with warm water. She’s diligent with checking the temperature with her hoof before giving a nod.

“All ready,” she says to herself. “Alright, Anon. As unpleasant as this may be, I’m going to disrobe you.”

I sigh. “Yeah, I get it.”

She sets me down on my feet facing the bath as she stands behind me and starts to remove my jacket. I’m helping as much as I can by unbuttoning my shirt, and it promptly levitates off me along with my pants and underwear. My face is completely flush. This is the first time Celestia will have seen me naked. While I’ve seen what she has on more than a few occasion, especially when she went into heat, I’ve been diligent in making sure she never got a peek at my goods.

“I so rarely get to see any part of your skin,” She states as her hoof glides over my back. “It fascinates me that despite how alien your body appears, I have an urge deep down to claim you for my own.”

“Should I call for Luna now?”

She scoffs. “I’m not in heat. Can’t I admire your body?”

“I’d be a lot more open to that if I didn’t feel like death.”

That snaps her back as she shakes her head. “Yes, of course. Apologies.”

I’m lifted from my position and placed into the bath. I grit my teeth slight as the hot bath feels close to scalding and I know it’s not due to the sickness. Ponies have a higher body temperature, so her idea of warm is rather hot. After a few minutes, my body adjusts, and all my aches drift away.

“How is it?” Celestia kneels at the edge of the bath beside me.

“Great,” I answer.

“What would you like to eat once you’re done?”

However unlikely, there is one thing that springs to mind. “Chicken noodle soup.”

She tilts her head. “Chicken soup?”

“It’s simple. Boil chicken in a large pot of water until it’s cooked, remove meat from the bone and add the meat back in; lastly, add some noodles and let them boil until soft. Salt to taste. That’s about as basic as it gets.”

“I’ll be sure to relay that to our cooks.” Her horn glows as she sends her message. “All done. Now, let’s get you cleaned up.” She floats over a sponge and various soaps.

“Tia, are we really doing this?”

“Of course.” She dips the sponge into the water before adding the soap on. “Now raise your arms.”

I let out a sigh but do as I’m told. She’s very thorough with the sponge. Making sure every part of me is clean before moving on to the other side of my body. She even pours shampoo on my head while all of this is happening. She’s so proficient at magic that I could swear multiple ponies were washing me.

“Eyes closed,” she commands. I close my eyes just as a bucket load of water falls onto my head but is swiftly pulled away from my eyes with her magic. “There, the top half of you is clean. Now for the bottom part, worry not, I know you’d rather do it yourself.”

She floats the sponge in front of me, and I take it from her magic and quickly clean myself. I can’t believe I’m doing this in front of my special somepony. Sure the whole heat thing was a learning experience for the both of us, both physically and mentally but that was mostly out of her control. Since then we’ve never done anything even remotely sexual.

Mostly due to the fact we’re both so busy but also Celestia’s hesitance after what happened. Thus, the point I’m completely naked and this close to her, it’s bizarre.

“I thought your first time seeing me naked would’ve been more romantic,” I remark.

“I find this romantic.” She leans close and nuzzles me. “Taking care of my special someone when he’s at his weakest. Returning all of the dedication he shows me. Not having to worry about anything other than getting you back onto your feet. This means so much more to me than I could ever put into words.”

I lean my head against her’s. She’s right, this moment right now, it’s unlike anything we’ve ever shared. So much of our time is dedicated to her running the nation, but from the outside, this scene must look as normal as any mare taking care of her sick stallion. Something the two of us seldom get to experience. I don’t regret picking her, not for a moment, but despite feeling like shit, I can’t deny enjoying this experience.

“I know what you mean, Tia. Rare as these moments are, it’s something to be cherished.” A small smirk breaks across my lips. “Even if I feel like dying.”

She kisses me on the cheek. “Alright, time to get back in bed.”

I’m raised from the bath as towels wrap around my naked form. While it’s strange being handled by magic, I trust Celestia enough not to panic. She’s quick to dry me off and even teleport some pajamas on. While still in her aura, she brings me over to the bed and sets me down. Before she can say anything, there’s a knock on her door.

She walks over and finds a waiter there. “Your soup, Princess.”

“Thank you.” She takes the bowel from him as he gives a bow and walks away. She turns to me with a smile. “Soups here.”

She trots over happily and sits me up before she gets to my bedside. Sitting on her rump, she pulls the lid off, and the aroma lifts my spirits. Nothing like soup when you’re sick. Celestia lifts the spoon up, dips it into the thick broth and lifts it out, floating it in front of me.

“Say ah.”

I’m not going to argue with her, so I roll my eyes as I open my mouth. She places it in, and I get my first taste. Cooked to perfection. Despite the cooks being ponies, they picked up the art of meat cooking quickly.

“How is it?” she asks.

“Perfect.”

“Great.” She offers me another spoon, and I eat without complaint.

After a few bites, I started to feel my stomach churn.

“I think that’s enough for now. Thank you, Tia.”

“Very well.” She sets the bowel onto the nightstand before resting the back of her hoof onto my head. “Starting to run a fever.” She pulls out a small envelope. “This should help. Just a forewarning, it tastes awful.”

“I'm sure it is,” I respond with a heavy sigh before opening my mouth and tilting my head back.

She pours a powder into my mouth and offers a glass of water. She was right; it tastes like poison. I try to shake away the taste as my face involuntarily scrunches up. Celestia is chuckling but leans in and gives me a kiss.

“You’ll feel better after a few hours. Get some rest.”

“What are you going to do?” I ask as fatigue starts setting in.

“I will help my sister wherever I can but, if you need me, I’m only a note away.” She smiles, setting my sticky notes beside the soup with a quill.

“Alright, have a good day.”

“Rest easy, my love.”

With that said, I close my eyes and let sleep take me.

I groan as I start to come back to the waking world. How can doing nothing in a bed make me feel like I’ve run a marathon? Not only that but something is poking my back. I reach under myself and find the culprit as I pull it from under me and look at it. My heart stops as I come to realize what I’m looking at. It’s a cell phone. There’s no mistaking it.

The gears in my head start to turn as all the little details I’ve come to know have been replaced. I glance around what I assumed was Celestia’s room and instead find a small bedroom with white walls. I frantically sit up to see the single bed I’m resting in. My heart is racing in my chest as I try to understand where I am and how I got here.

“T-Tia?” I call out hoping this is nothing more than a nightmare.

However, no one answers. I’m still sick, but it appears as if I’m all alone. I launch myself out of bed and run to a nearby window to look out. Humans, humans everywhere. I-Is this earth? Did I somehow get magically teleported back? I fall into a coughing fit, trying to catch my breath but I tear the door to this room open and decide to explore this home.

I stumble into a hall and make my way to the living room. I instantly recognize this as an apartment from the size. I can barely even think coherent thoughts of what to do as I run around searching for any signs of life inside this home. I don’t even know what I was hoping to find, but there was nothing here. No people, animals or ponies.

Was this my life before going to Equestria? Despite being sick, the thought is sobering. Have I lost everything that I hold dear in the blink of an eye or was that all in my head to begin with? I clench my teeth as tears start to fall. No, I love her, I love Celestia. There’s no way she was just in my head, but now, now I’m alone.

“Shhhh, it’s alright,” I whisper to Anon as he rests.

He violently jerks awake and tries to push me away, but I hold onto him tighter to keep him from harming himself.

“Tia!” He shouts with a thousand yard gaze into the wall. My heart is racing as I wasn’t expecting this reaction from him, so I quickly turn him to face me. What I find brings me so much pain, he’s terrified as tears roll down his cheek. “W-why... You.”

He looks so confused as he looks at me, examining my face carefully and even peers off to his surroundings, which have darkened since the sun started to set.

“Anon,” I whisper gently, and he jerks again as he faces me. “You’re safe. Everything is fine.”

He must be delirious because my words aren’t getting through to him. “I-I was home. I couldn’t find you. Did I go back to earth?”

Hearing him say that makes my heart wince. “Such an awful nightmare,” I say as I use a hoof to force him to look at me. “It was nothing but a fever dream, Anon. I’ve been here with you for hours.”

He rests his head against my barrel like a foal would that’s terrified and wanting nothing more than their mother's protection. I can sense his heart hammering in his chest as his grip on me tightens.

“I was there,” He whispers over and over to himself before gritting his teeth. “Don’t let it take me away. I don’t want to live without you.”

I rest my head on the back of his. “Anon, listen to me carefully. If anything took you away from me, I’d find a way to bring you back. Do you hear me?” He doesn’t respond, but I notice his heart rate going down. “I’d find you no matter how difficult the path or fruitless the endeavor. I will never allow you to be taken away, that I can promise.”

He pulls away from me, and for the first time, I can see consciousness in his eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I bring him back to my barrel. “You need your rest.”

“W-Will you be here when I wake up?”

Hearing him ask that with such worry is painful, but I give him a reassuring smile nonetheless. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Just as soon as it leaves my mouth, he’s out like a light. It must’ve been frightening for him to have dreamt of such a thing but what I promised him is true. If something were to take him from me, nothing would stop me from finding and destroying whoever dared to try before reclaiming him. I close my eyes as I rest my horn onto his head and cast a spell, one that links us together, no matter the distance.

“I always keep my promises,” I whisper before finishing the spell and allowing myself to rest alongside him.

Like waking up from a rather long and bizarre dream, I look up to the same old familiar ceiling I’ve come to know over these past six months. I turn to my right and see a restless; disheveled Celestia beside me. How long have I been out? I sneakily get out of bed and poke my head out to find a guard. Two of them are stationed at the door.

“How long have I been sick?”

“One week.”

Whoa, time sure does fly by when you’re sick.

“Thank you,” I say before walking over to the bathroom.

Taking a moment to look myself over, I certainly look like someone who’s been sick. While Celestia is resting, I’ll take this time to get cleaned up. I draw myself a quick bath and get in. Lost over what’s happened during my time sick. The memories are hazy, but I recall a few things, like the first day and a sense of dread, but everything after that is missing.

Must’ve been severe if I can’t even remember what happened. Once clean, I get out of the bath and dress in my usual suit before walking into the room to check on Celestia. Now I can see that half of her body is hanging off the bed as her top half was there beside me. I walk over and pick her up into my arms. She’s always been a heavy sleeper, so I walk her to the bathroom and set a bath for her next.

Once it’s the right temperature, I gently place her in and with that she jerks awake, glancing around frantically. Once she locks eyes with me, she seems surprised.

“A-Anon? What are you doing out of bed?”

“Don’t worry; I’m not sick anymore.” I take a nearby cup, fill it with water and dump it on her head. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Her face is completely red. “That isn’t necessary; I can do it myself.”

“That so? Well, I don’t mind. It’s the least I can do after you took care of me for a week.”

“It’s been a week?” She asks just as surprised as I was.

“It has.” I now add some shampoo to her mane and gently massage. “We’re going to be very busy to make up for all the time away. So please enjoy this moment while we have the time.”

Celestia lets out a long sigh but relaxes in my care. “I guess you’re right. Do you remember anything while you were sick?”

I shake my head. “Not a single thing. Did I do anything embarrassing?”

“No. However, you did have a rather unpleasant dream.”

“Did I?”

She nods. “You returned to earth.” I feel my heart seize at hearing that. “You were terrified and believed it actually happened.”

“That so?” I move from her mane to her neck and chest.

“Is that something you fear?”

“I think about it from time to time. I appeared here suddenly, what’s to say I won’t disappear again?”

She rests a hoof on my hand as I stop. “If it ever happened, I’d find you.”

“How would you do that?”

“I’ve cast a potent spell on you. No matter where you are, I will always know where that is. You need not fear ever leaving this home.”

I feel a breath I wasn’t aware I was holding escape. “Well, that certainly takes a load off my mind.” I lean to the side and kiss her cheek. “I love you, Tia.”

“I love you too, Anon.”

It doesn’t take much time to get Celestia clean as she gets out of the bath on her own and is drying off.

“Well, I guess it’s time for us to return to the usual,” I announce with a smile.

She smirks and nods. “You are correct. We’ve been away for far too long. I’m sure my sister and Cadance are at their wit's end.”

“More so Cadance,” I add.

Celestia and I chuckle as we look at one another. Like an unspoken conversation, we move closer and embrace one another with a kiss. After a few minutes, we break away with a loving smile.

“Tia.”

“Yes?”

“Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be ready too.”

Her eyes widen some. “Do you mean–”

“Yup. But for now, let’s focus on work.”

She pouts at that. “Such poor timing to play with a mare’s heart.”

I chuckle. “Sorry.”

She shakes her head. “I’m used to it. So, what’s on the schedule today?”

“First: Figure out if Luna and Cadance have descended the kingdom into anarchy.”

“After that?”

“We’ll play it by ear.”

“Fair enough.”

We’re about to leave her room, but I rest a hand on her wither to stop her.

“One last thing,” I say before pulling her into a forceful kiss.

She’s surprised but soon relaxes in my arms. With this week having gone by, it’s like I haven’t seen her in years. Once satisfied, we pull away from one another with a content smile.

“Now we can start this morning proper,” I adjust my jacket and straighten my tie.

“You’re right about that. Hurry now, wouldn’t want to be late, now would we?”

“Right!”

With that all said, we walk out of her room ready to take on our daily tasks. Everything is as it should be, but deep down a weight has lifted from my shoulders. I no longer need to fear anything taking me from my home because, while I may be the only human here, I’ve found the one I want to be with for as long as I live. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I’m content knowing she will always be by my side.

Sincerely, Anon.

Twilight sets the long letter she just received from Anon. She never knew how much Anon worried about the prospect of being taken back to his world and never seeing her mentor again. A smile grows on her face as she pulls out a piece of parchment to send as a reply.

“Thank you for taking the time to reply to my letter,” Twilight dictates. “So... When’s the wedding?”