Hivemind Control

"That's it, that's it," smiled Dip. "You're almost there. Only another twenty metres."

Celestia felt about ready to burst. She'd swum upwards of ten laps in a single session before, but she'd never done it without wings or magic. Swimming had never been quite this hard. Through a combination of only being able to use her hooves and her body being stricken by a sudden shockwave of pleasure every time her chest sank low enough to touch his hoof beneath her, this fifth lap was riddled with panic about not being able to make it.

"Ten more, you can do it."

It was Dip's words of encouragement that kept her going. If it were anypony else, she probably would have stopped at three, but at his request, she'd taken two more laps. She didn't know why, but she wanted to impress him. It was a strange feeling that she didn't quite understand.

"Watch your hooves, it's right in front of you."

As Celestia's hooves touched the wall, she pulled her whole body against the side. She'd never been so happy to have a stable connection with the edge of the pool. She clung to it, panting and sore. "How was that?"

Dip paused for a moment, considering how best to put it. Celestia knew she hadn't done a good job, but he couldn't tell the princess that she had no career in the water. "As this was your first time in regulation gear, you did a fantastic job. With some practice, you could do it even easier."

She certainly hoped it would be easier in the future, or she was screwed. But she could feel that he was holding back. "Please, be honest with me."

"You want the truth? There are schoolcolts that train here after school that can outpace you. But you tried, and that's what matters most."

She turned away from him and looked out the tinted window. Twilight had handled the sunset exquisitely with Luna's guidance, and the moon was out in full force. "It's a beautiful night," she remarked. "I'm sorry to have chosen tonight for your help. It would have been a phenomenal night for a date with your marefriend."

"I don't have a marefriend."

Celestia had to hide her excitement. She wasn't done yet. "You prefer stallions, is it?"

"No, I don't have a problem with mares, I've just been so focused on being a better swimmer than my dad that I spend all of my time in training or preparing for contests. I'm not against the idea of stallions, either, by the way. Just wanting to put that out there."

"I find that a little hard to believe."

"No, really, I would probably be okay with dating a stallion. I don't know if I'd sleep with one, but I would have no problem with a platonic and healthy relationship."

"That's not what I meant." Celestia turned around and moved closer. "I find it hard to believe that nopony has snatched up a stud like you. I thought for sure that you'd have your pick of the litter, but it seems not. It's baffling."

"I mean..." Dip scratched the back of his head and blushed. "I might, and I just haven't met a pony I liked. Even then, I'd want them to show me some kind of interest, first, to let me know that they're wanting to start something."

"What kind of show?"

"You know, normal stuff. Showing an interest in my hobbies, wanting to spend time together, especially alone time. After that, perhaps some physical contact would be preferred. Something that's not quite sexual, but shows a definitive and indisputable attraction. But nopony's done that sin--"

He was cut off as Celestia grabbed his shoulder and pressed her lips against his. He was shocked at first, but as the surprise died down, he began to enjoy the kiss, even going to far as to reciprocate. It didn't last long, as both of them tasted lightly of chlorine. As they pulled apart, Celestia smirked and flashed her bedroom eyes. "Let's say that there's a mare that's interested enough to do all of those things. Are you an item now?"

Dip sheepishly nodded. "If she wants to be, yeah."

"She does."

He leans in to kiss her again, just a quick peck this time. "I suppose we should become better acquainted," he chuckled. "We should move to the benches to make ourselves more comfortable. I know you've been having trouble with staying afloat."

"Do you want to stay in the water?"

He scratched the back of his neck again. "I mean, I like being in the water, but--"

"Wait here." Taking a deep breath, Celestia submerged. Dip watched and she rolled and kicked a few times, then rose back to the surface, her suit removed and her wings spread out. She tossed her soaking wet suit up on the rim of the pool. "Much better. Now we can both be comfortable."

Dip was resisting the urge to look down. Celestia had just declared them as being together and he didn't want it to end as quickly as it had begun. Still, knowing that she was completely nude right next to him was creating strain on the fabric of his suit. "So, uh... What now?"

"I wouldn't mind watching you swim some more," she admitted. "Have you ever done any synchronized swimming or water ballet?"

"I'm afraid not, princess."

"Just Celestia's fine when we're alone. That's alright, I just thought you might be able to show me some elegance and grace alongside your speed and power."

"I'm sorry, but it's not something I know."

Celestia waved her hoof, as if to tell him not to worry about it, but being in the pool, she splashes some water on his face. "Oops," she chuckled.

Gaining a mischievous grin, he splashed back at her. This quickly devolved into a harmless, giggly splash fight between the two, with Dip having the advantage of being able to submerge all but his front hooves below the surface for protection. When it finally came to a close with Celestia admitting defeat, they swam up to each other, looked deeply into one another's eyes as Dip pulled off his goggles, and kissed one more time. This one was more drawn out, their bodies firmly pressed together.