Through Dusk's Eyesby TheRedBirdWhoTypesChapters1- How it starts1.5 - At First2 - Sleepy Memories2.5 - Snap Back to Reality1- How it startsIn the end. After all that heat, the passion, the drive and desperate kisses with hooves and magic that pulled the two of them closer until there was no choice but to pull apart for air- it would be silent. As the session ends, Nightmare Moon - Equestria's first ever empress - would give him one last squeeze before simply dropping and turning to her side. Her eyes, bright and blown wide, would hide behind her eyelashes before her face followed soon after by nuzzling deep into her lavish pillows. Her voice, one that chanted his name as if it were vows and prayers to a god- to him just a few minutes ago, would say nothing for the rest of the night. All that was left was Dusk to see her wings, a pair that he knew was so much warmer and softer than the blanket it laid under. What just happened were a series of events that happened like a routine every time Dusk Shine took Nightmare Moon to bed and just like always, tonight was no different. The lowly unicorn had already done his job and simply didn't exist after doing so. So, was it really his fault for him to glare at the form next to him like every night before this one? He never really meant for things to turn out this way. He had enough bits to sustain himself now, he didn't need to continue. He didn't need this mare and from the way Moon treated him, it was rather obvious that she didn't need him either. But even then- Even then; every time her letters would poof in front of him, he'd read. Every time she went and wrote words of how she was so so lonely without her dear Orpheus, he'd come running and every time, it'd end with him stuck in her sheets and a burning feeling in his chest. Every time, he'd hoped- Tartarus, you could say he wished and prayed for even a word, a look to be sent his way once everything was done. Anything to have hinted that it meant something. How could it not? Not when she's nuzzling up to him after a session, her wings holding him like he was her world and her eyes- Faust… her eyes. Looking at him like he mattered, like he was something. Something to her. Then once she regained her senses, the space that was practically nonexistent between them grew wide and he was left feeling like nothing even happened. Dusk grimaced at that thought, his brows furrowing as he glared at the Royal. Moon simply continued to sleep beside him, so unaware of just how vulnerable she is right now. She was tired, as she always was after a session and he knows just how easily it'd be for him to manifest a knife right now and plunge it right into her throat. But he doesn't do that. Instead he closes his eyes and sighs. When he opens again, anger laced with violence is long gone, instead replaced by a look of longing. He shouldn’t have let himself get so invested. He shouldn’t keep answering her calls. He shouldn’t keep waiting for something that would never happen. After all, this wasn't a fairy tale. He is no royal guard that could bag a royal like his family would've wanted. Instead he's a scrounger, a thief who fucks ponies over to survive. It just so happens that the latest Empress was one of those Ponies. Dusk knows that he should get up and leave, walk right those stupid ostentatious double doors with as much as he could and never come back. Anything to clear his mind of this horrible, beautiful and oh so torturous mare. He knows that he should hate her for putting him through all this. But, just like always. He did none of those things. A coward he is, especially when it comes to ponies he is so unfortunately tangled with. Instead he pulls away, slow and practiced as his horn glowed with magic. It wasn't bright, he made sure of it and it pinged around the desk beside the bed with a purpose. The familiar weight of his lighter was akin to an old friend and Dusk rose from the bed, making sure to not wake his… Lover? Partner? Business transactor? He didn't know. The floor was as unforgiving as the world and he winced at how cold it was, a sharp noise escaping. His head snapped back towards the place he just escaped and when it showed no movement, no showcase of arousal; Dusk couldn't shake the strange feeling of disappointment that pooled at his stomach. It wasn't so hard to step past Armor pieces that lay scattered along the floor, especially considering that it isn't his first time swiftly moving and scuttling to not be heard. A disgruntled look formed when Dusk found his pile. His cloak, the one that helps him blend in the night, was torn. The middle piece, the one that keeps it together, was ripped right off, probably because Nightmare Moon is one impatient whorse whenever she's in the mood. He scowled even more when the string that came with the middle piece was tangled with the cloak of her highness. He rolled his eyes at that and quickly untangled the two before throwing his own cloak over him, a much needed item in these cold nights. Now knowing that he wouldn't be shivering the moment he stepped outside, Dusk slipped out the balcony doors, making sure to keep it open just a crack because he did not want to be locked in once again. He felt a bit bad for letting the chill in, Moon had silk sheets, while very pretty did a shitty job in holding heat. Surprisingly, tonight's night was rather quiet. For a castle in Everfree, none of the usual monsters were loud. It was so calm that the light summoning of his cigarette or the lighting of it was practically deafening. A drag of it brought a familiar taste of ash and his lungs ached as smoke came in like a pleasant friend, soothing it with its presence, its attention. In that moment, all that existed was simply that. Dusk Shine with a lit cigarette in his maw, warmth pooling in his body like a hug against the cold and the very rare stillness of Everfree Then, softer than any stray wind, so much more tender than a chaste kiss of somepony who loves him, Nightmare Moon spoke that one word that Dusk Shine had craved more than anything else in this night driven world. “Stay.” How could he say no to that? Author's Note Dusk sat at the edge of Moon's bed, a cigarette hanging out of his maw. The royal herself just lay further in the bed behind him, the covers hanging for dear life from the mattress as her tail swished. It has been a while since Moon had told him that word that night and things seemed to be looking up. Now, instead of going to the balcony to be polite, the Nightmare didn't care and told him to do it in the room with her. After all, she told him to stay. Soft hair brushed against his own tail and Dusk was very aware of how it contrasted with the firmer and rougher touches from a few moments ago. It was a welcome feeling, like soothing ice against the bruises that he knows are already forming around his body. Dusk didn't need to be smart to know that it was an intentional move. Even when he stood in a breath from his cigarette, he could see Moon in the corner of his eye, watching him with a calm intensity. He was ecstatic the first time it happened, but now? It made him feel something else. It was like the Alicorn had two expressions nowadays. The first one was obvious, something he had long gotten used to. The pure, hungry and unbridled lustful stare that Dusk knows is just bottled up horny for how long she was sealed. It was the same look she'd give the moment he drops in the balcony after a call. The same look that lasts from the start to the middle of all their sessions. The very same look that'd make Dusk's limps quirk into a smile because he knows that it's how Moon looks when she's writing her 'invitations' to him. Then… there was the look. One that Dusk would've overlooked with how gradual it came. The one that once he noticed at first, nearly made his blood freeze at what it meant because of how subtle it was. The one that Dusk knows he dreams about, one he longs for and wonders whether or not he should get a camera just to take a picture of it. The look that he knows is just for him and Holy fuck does that make blood rush to his cheeks. It was also the look that was gracing the Alicorn's face right now. Just the knowledge of it made Dusk do his best to avoid eye contact because he knows that the moment he brings it up, it'll stop. The twitch on Moon's lips made him know that she was smiling a bit more and he can't help but duck his head a little, a light flush coming up. He knows that such an act makes Moon smile, describing such shyness as 'adorable' and 'cute.' (The fact that he had to walk out to stop himself from just… feeling made him question just how far in deep he is for this mare.) Dusk took another drag from cigarette, trying to disguise his actions before leaning across the bed and towards the table for the crystal ashtray just to douse it. He sat back, lazily watching as he blew out the toxic air that was just in his lungs before turning his head towards the still quiet Moon. He did his best to be casual, leaning back just a bit and making sure to now lie on her tail. Moon just lied there, her head pressed on one of her soft pillows, looking more relaxed and pleased than anypony should be in a castle living smack right in Everfree. She also had that look on her torturously beautiful face again. Dusk didn't need to be smart to know that he was mirroring it right back. 1.5 - At FirstAuthor's Note A lil drabble of the very first time. 1.5 - At First Dusk knew that it was supposed to be a one night stand and nothing more. He was but a humble job taker, presented with the opportunity to get his hooves around an expensive artifact that he knew would sell high in the market but when given a much better deal, he didn’t have to think twice about worming into the night Empress’ bed. After all, it was just one hot night with an ancient, entitled Alicorn. Ofcourse, Dusk didn’t stop to question why it happened in the first place, or why it still continued but it was none of his business. Maybe the alicorn had a thing for scruffy unicorns that try to steal from her, who knows. It didn’t matter, after all, he got paid and laid. If that isn’t a good deal, he didn’t know what was. It was a simple job and he accepted. But it didn’t turn out so simple in the end, as it always does with him. A one night stand was supposed to be short, sweet and as fleeting as the wind against his fur decided to suddenly turn into so much more than he bargained for. At first, it was nothing he couldn't handle. Just Nightmare Moon sending letters due to that hook of magic that he knows was pinned onto his. He sometimes wonders if she knew how special that action was. Dusk learned to not question it. And well... when she comes in so much stronger, Dusk Shine couldn’t bring himself to outright turn it away. Turn her away. He needs the money in the end and well, all things considered, fucking somepony isn’t the worst thing he could be doing to keep the gold running. (That’s what he tells himself, anyway.) Obviously it has nothing to do with the fact that, even with all the fuss that Nightmare Moon does in the public, Dusk can’t stop the fact that she makes him feel like somepony. Like someone. Wanted. Needed. Even if it's just like this, even if it's only through rough biting and hooves pressed against fur. Even if it's only temporary. Then Nightmare Moon makes that once a month arrangement with him, in the full moon and the already odd situation tilts a bit to the side when it becomes a little hotter, a little more heavier. Their meetings aren’t just scandalous stress relievers, quick and on the point. Now, Moon wants to have even more fun. She adds in costumes and toys, and more and more silly little things into their deal that Dusk’s not above or below in doing. He has always been a pleaser and it's good to know that he could please at least one pony. He spends the night and wakes up in Moon’s bed more times than he’d like to admit. Most of the time, he’ll leave before she even wakes up. But there are some days when he wakes up to her propped up and leaning over him, pretty and blown wide pupils that were heavy-lidded and bleary with something Dusk pretends isn’t there. He also pretends the rush of heat that surges up his spine doesn’t exist, and that it doesn’t count for anything because he knows that he wasn’t supposed to see this. That what just happened wasn’t something for his eyes, for him. In the end, As sleazy as it all is, it’s a good business deal and he wants to milk it for all it’s worth while it lasts - because he’s sure that it won’t. Nothing that burns this hot for too long is meant to last. 2 - Sleepy MemoriesDespite the fact that most of his darker nights were taken and busy by a certain promiscuous Alicorn, Dusk had a life outside the lustful Empress. That life being a rather.. Homeless one. Was it his fault? Maybe, but as a lesser known criminal, it wasn’t like Dusk had a choice with his new lifestyle. Besides, the constant movement kept him fit and in a world a lot less civilized than it was before, stilling and relaxing was a luxury. A luxury he doesn’t have. Honestly, looking back at it now; it was rather hilarious to remember that he was once a pudgy unicorn, stuck studying with books and quills scattered around him like some scholar nerd. Stuck lying down like prey, practically baring his throat out to anyone with authority. A sneer formed on his face at that thought, speeding up his gallop down the barren path. Ponies may whisper of his less than adequate appearance but fuck them! Moonie approved, so it didn’t even matter. His body was his business. Yeah, he looks like shit but he’ll let ponies talk when they understand how hard it is to live out in the woods like a feral animal outside of jobs. They’ll say that he could pay for a hotel, but no, absolutely not. What if he needs it for something else? What if he needs to pay somepony for sources and somehow comes up a bit short? He’ll simply shower when he needs to, which is not now. Hooves suddenly dug into the ground when a familiar burst of magic came and Dusk couldn’t stop his lips from tugging into a much more.. Something. Just something. A fancy smancy letter came from a puff of black and purple smoke and he knew that without a doubt Moon would’ve added in sparks like the showy exuberant mare she is. How considerate, maybe she knew that he could’ve been in a job? Dusk shook his head at that. Nah, most likely didn’t want to waste magic or something. He hummed, looking down at the letter as he wondered, even glancing behind him to see if it was worth it. Well… he already lost track of the ponies that came after him, so he was practically free for now. A contemplating look formed as he brought out his satchel, his magic carefully bringing out his recent steal. It was a simple thing, a simple chipped sphere with a gem carving popping out the middle. It was just a rock and he honestly had no idea why he upped and stole it. Well, maybe if ponies stopped encasing it with so much security, he’d stop himself from yoinking such things. “Sounds like a them problem,” he murmured, tucking it back in his bag and slipping it under his cloak. He’ll go look around and sell it, maybe to that rock family he’d heard trotting around. Or, he could crack it wide open and be disappointed. Let's see. He stared at the letter, wondering if he should open it and go meet her right now. Then, he looked back at his side, right where his recent steal was. Well, Moonie can wait, he got a rock to bust open. Dusk couldn’t help the tiny amount of disappointment churning in his gut as he watched it split in two just to reveal… Nothing. He sighed, leaving the two halves to lay on the overgrown table he just found. Honestly, why was he even surprised? Sure, it looked a touch promising but it was simply just that. His face pressed against his hooves as he wondered just what he was doing with his life. Breaking rocks for no reason other than simple curiosity, it was a touch sad the more he’s thinking about it. A chill made his fur stand a little on end and he was reminded that it was starting to get darker. Well, that was his sign to get a move on. Rather not loiter around when monsters crawl around during this time. Dusk stared at the two halves, wondering if he could salvage enough for him to scam somepony. Surely they’d agree after a particular sales pitch? He shook his head, withers slumping a tad as he bundled the two up in his arms to store away in his bags. Whatever, that’s someone his future self will deal with. Right now, he is a stallion who sees that he is late and; His brow furrowed as a glint of something shining struck his eyes. He quickly tucked away his old focus and instead made his hooves carefully push back the vines and weed that covered a crystalline- Dusk didn’t stop his brows from shooting up in shock. Crystal? Out in the forest? How in Tartarus does that work? He understands random furniture and even a food or two but nothing about crystals of all things. Something that could easily catch you a steady supply of income with enough. He stepped back, glancing around with narrowed eyes. Were there others? Holy faust, how could he not have seen this sooner? Imagine the amount of bits he could get right now by chipping at a chunk and selling it for a good price? A grin pulled at his lips as he examined the rich table. Yeah, maybe that rock wasn’t so useless after all, it led him here to a goldmine after all. Well, time to start working Dusk Shine. With a burst of magic, he watched as he made his magic solidify into something akin to a pickaxe. Hopefully it’ll be enough for a chunk. Just enough to go and get it measured before grabbing some more. It may look fancy but he’d rather not risk it being fake and waste his time in the process. Soon, Dusk got used to the noise of ‘tink’ that came with every dig of his pickaxe. He had to occasionally move once in a while because of the sparks but it could just be his magic screwing with crystals. He remembers studying about that once. Tink. Before.. All of this. Tink. He shook his head at that. Tink. Whatever, the past is the past. Forever unchanging, no matter how much he dreams for it too. Tink. Tink. But does he really? Tink. Tink. Tink. Life was hard nowadays but it was alright. It was something he was used to actually. A routine you could say he even enjoyed. Even if it was dark and so jarringly different compared to before. Even if he stood here alone, with barely anything to his name. Even if he wished to go back to that plush life, with a family. With ponies that wouldn’t look at him like that- like he was nothing. Tink- Dusk stilled, frowning a tad when he realized that he accidentally dug his pickaxe a little too hard and couldn’t easily pull it out. He groaned at that before realizing that he barely even made a dent at the thing, just a tiny little chip but nothing deep enough to bring out a chunk. He slumped over the table as his magic dissipated. An annoyed groan came as he stared at the vines crawling around him, a heavy feeling pressing against his chest as he sighed. Whatever, it didn’t matter. He wasted enough time as it is. Faust, he bet that Nightmare Moon is going to bitch at him about how late he is, he just knows it. She never liked it when he’s late. A thought randomly came into mind and he can’t help but wonder if it’d be worth it. Maybe a gift would help save him from her paranoid ire? And well… His eyes turned towards the somehow wellkept table. Mares like shiny things, don't they? Wouldn’t be a bad idea to just grab the whole thing with his magic and present it as an excuse. She’d understand. Hopefully. Welp, once again. Future him problem, his present problem is grabbing the whole thing. Which he is doing right now. Mhm, he’s so good at magic. He bet that he’ll amaze Moonie so much with a probably years old table that she’ll let him be with a look over this time. With a heave, he pushed himself up and charged up his horn. Lets just quickly remove the dirt and grime first, just to show how much he worked to grab such a meaningful gift. As Dusk blasted away any large weeds or vines, he wondered if something he read once was true. It was a little magazine he read once, back when his.. Father was worrying about what to grab for his anniversary. A little snippet was there, talking about how any crystal that seemed to naturally shine was due to the magic kept inside. Whether it was a natural or artificial occurrence, he didn’t know and well, no harm in trying. Dusk winced, remembering the last time he charged up something. But that was before, he was better now, a lot better and it was a simple crystal. It had no life, what happened then, will not happen now. With a deep breath and closed eyes, he did a simple thing that most unicorns know what to do since foalhood and charged the table. If only he had opened his eyes, he would’ve known that the wind rustling through his fur was not just that. If only he could see the sudden rippling of reality as a hole in time opened right above him. But Dusk did not see, nor did he know. Instead, he just felt so… so sleepy. And sleep he did. 2.5 - Snap Back to RealitySomewhere, deep within him. Dusk knows that what he felt for the empress was not right. If he looked even deeper, he'd be reminded that the bumbling and burning feelings stuck in him had no lines in his business. And yet. Dusk still can’t help but steal glances. Does not help but look over whenever he thinks - and hopes - that she isn’t looking. In these moments, he allows himself to wander just a tad more, to look with intent that isn’t so dark and sensual like usual. But well, how likely it was for their relationship to be more than what it is right now was practically nonexistent. Just completely not feasible, not because of the fact that he was probably the lowest of the low in the hierarchy of.. Something but also because- Nightmare Moon wasn’t looking for somepony. He knows that much. (His mind burns with the image of her staring towards Canterlot and he wonders about the past. He wonders about that lil golden box he found once too.) Even then, his mind was one tortuous fuck and so in days where his body moves but his thoughts wander, he can’t help but ponder what could be. All while those eyes of hers seemingly stare right through him as their owner speaks with words that Dusk likes to pretend is his and his alone. It's odd, it's unnerving and it is frustratingly intoxicating for him to admit it. That seemingly aloof arrogance mixed with an air of uncaring somehow kept hooking itself around Dusk’s heart, pulling him deeper and deeper in. While he did his best to keep his head from submerging in distasteful feelings he can’t even begin to comprehend, he knows that it was slowly becoming a losing battle. Everything the mare does - from that tilt of her head as she reads and talks about her night, to the way her lips turn into such a breathtaking smile whenever it crinkles those eyes of hers and Dusk can’t help but wish he could have them for more than a few fleeting moments. Then when the nights where Dusk finds himself so sensually preoccupied with her highness comes around, with sharp teeth pressed against his fur as the room starts to get heated with their needs; Dusk allows himself to slip into the feelings his soul and heart hopes to display in the open. He knows - oh how he knows - that it doesn’t go beyond their sensual activities, beyond the surface but does such knowledge stop the way his chest seems to tighten everytime they interact? Does it stop the way his lungs stop working whenever she looks at him? Nope, of course not. He tries, he really does try to not let the sweet words the empress whispers into his ears - into his heart - affect but no matter how he acts like it didn’t matter to him, he can’t help that part of him that looks at her for company and he truly can’t help the sickening twist in him at such thoughts. There are so many things Dusk wish he could say, wish to speak whenever they are like this. But he doesn’t, he closes his eyes and pushes down feelings he long since accepted and swallows any doubt and insecurities he could have and indulges like a stallion who never had anything in the first place. He lets himself slip, allows his actions and eyes to try and convey what he truly wants as he leads Moon onto the plush bed. He understands that what he feels is not right and he really does try to hide how he wishes for it to be the opposite. But such longing thoughts had no business in his line of work and when that familiar frustration comes stirring within him at what's happening, he does not resist. Sometimes, he wonders why he gets so self aware of how he's acting around her when they get like this. Wonders why he knows of the way his blood rushes and heat burns at his skin as he keeps his maw shut and his mind to himself. It's kind of funny to think this but… wouldn't this be such a fitting place to confess? Dusk vaguely remembers books with such context. Where the lead and his love interest stood in a dark room, with bated breath and looking so fitting together. Then the irony would hit him and he can't help that sardonic smile from forming in his face. Ha, who is he fooling? He isn't some main character who got with the mare. This isn't some fairytale where he'd go through suffering yet come out unscathed with ponies ready for him on the other side. "Darling?" Dusk's fur stood on end and a sigh came when Moon's hoof reached up and brushed against his face. The furrowing of her brows and that little scrunch of her muzzle showcased that she was mostly likely wondering why he stilled. Dusk didn't say anything, instead leaning forward and watching as the creases on his lover's face fade as her eyes closed for the kiss that she thought would come. It works every time. There was always a rush of warmth everytime this happens, when they get so close that you practically share breaths. A crooked grin grows as he lets himself fall into a stallion that Nightmare Moon wants as he regards the mare with an almost predatory stare. It was exciting to see how easy it was for such a tall mare to bend for him. He could slap her like a common peasant and her breath would stutter instead of banishing him to the dungeons like she would with most. Actual thought flies from his head as he dips and crushes his mouth against Moon's eager lips. Dusk lets himself go, let's himself forget as he runs his tongue against the inside of her mouth before deepening the kiss and pressing his hooves by the side of her head as she pulls him closer. Time flies and Dusk knows that he is losing himself to the intoxicating feel of the mare he loves around him and he can't help but move just a touch faster when her once coherent words bumble into random babbling. Obscenities spill from his lips when he lets their rhythm turn into one with no beat as hunger crawls at his stomach and he buries himself as deep as he could with every thrust as her sounds continue to ring across his ears and the walls around them. The way her hair, usually mist with magic, would flicker into an actual mane before settling made pride fill in his chest. He knows, oh how he knows that he’s the only one that sees her like this. He traces the marks that he leaves on her body that would not last but he does so anyway because tonight, she is his and no one else's. He drinks it all in like a colt without water for months and slows down a tad, just to press his lips onto that tantalizing face of hers. He can’t help it, no matter how hard he tries to deny it, no matter how hard he tries to hide it in his face. Dusk finds he can’t simply stop and look the other way like he has been for so long, he finds he can’t continue to ignore the way his mood seems to take an uprising whenever he is with Moon. He tries but well, like his past, he fails anyway. It may be one sided, and it may be a lost cause, but damn it all if Dusk can’t fuck a goddess’ brains out to the false lives he’s thought for them. He understands there can’t possibly be an intimate space held for him inside of Moon’s heart because he is but a mortal, a tiny speck in her life but so much greater in his. It’s painfully comforting to believe otherwise and if Dusk allows himself to drop into the whirlpool that is her, he’s afraid he might never come back up the same. That part of his life where he ducks down without thought is done and over with. All he wants is to have Moon splayed out beneath him, her face aflush as he thrusts up into her. All he wants is the entirety of Equestria to be nothing but himself and his lover — without the reality that this will never grow whispering over his shoulder. How could he listen to such dark words when something even better laid below him? “Oh Shiny…” Such a siren call brought his attention back and her lidded eyes just made his fur stand at end. A rush of breath with teeth biting into damp fur managed to scratch an itch Dusk didn’t realize had been festering. His lips quirk up into a genuine smile as an unfamiliar warmth rushes straight to his chest and he tries to smother it as he feels his own need for release creep closer and closer. It’s just the sex he craves, simply the rawness of it all is what he wants out of it. Nothing more nothing less. Atleast, that's what he tries to convince himself but in reality, Dusk finds he can’t shake Moon from his thoughts in an increasingly more intimate way. He wants to be able to wake up next to the Empress, to be able to feel her curl near him and feel the warmth of somepony once more; To nuzzle onto her comforting scent that makes her her. It’s all too much, too intimate and too personal because all Dusk should care about wanting is kinky sex. And then- He slowly regains consciousness, a dull ache coursing through his body as he slowly opens his eyes. He didn’t need to wake up fully to understand what happened and so he turns a bleary gaze towards a fluffy mass, a soft snore coming that shape of darkness and he frowns as post-nut clarity slams onto him once more. Dusk swallows, so very aware that it's morning. That he overslept. (That he doesn’t belong.) And so, he gingerly peels himself up from the warm cocoon he had fallen asleep in and gathers up his items. He escapes from the washroom, parts of his fur damp from a light washing but just before he decides to bolt out the window once more; Dusk couldn’t help but trot a touch close to the bed and stare down at the body of ~~his lover~~ Nightmare Moon. Her face is relaxed, such a sharp contrast to the tensed jaw he had right now. She looked so free from worry and Dusk couldn't help but reach out and brush his hoof against her cheek. “I can’t help it…” The unicorn whispers. “I can’t help but feel this way about you”. (and how I hate you for it, is left unsaid) Author's Note I know that i'm just repeating things but it'll come up in later chapters.
1- How it startsIn the end. After all that heat, the passion, the drive and desperate kisses with hooves and magic that pulled the two of them closer until there was no choice but to pull apart for air- it would be silent. As the session ends, Nightmare Moon - Equestria's first ever empress - would give him one last squeeze before simply dropping and turning to her side. Her eyes, bright and blown wide, would hide behind her eyelashes before her face followed soon after by nuzzling deep into her lavish pillows. Her voice, one that chanted his name as if it were vows and prayers to a god- to him just a few minutes ago, would say nothing for the rest of the night. All that was left was Dusk to see her wings, a pair that he knew was so much warmer and softer than the blanket it laid under. What just happened were a series of events that happened like a routine every time Dusk Shine took Nightmare Moon to bed and just like always, tonight was no different. The lowly unicorn had already done his job and simply didn't exist after doing so. So, was it really his fault for him to glare at the form next to him like every night before this one? He never really meant for things to turn out this way. He had enough bits to sustain himself now, he didn't need to continue. He didn't need this mare and from the way Moon treated him, it was rather obvious that she didn't need him either. But even then- Even then; every time her letters would poof in front of him, he'd read. Every time she went and wrote words of how she was so so lonely without her dear Orpheus, he'd come running and every time, it'd end with him stuck in her sheets and a burning feeling in his chest. Every time, he'd hoped- Tartarus, you could say he wished and prayed for even a word, a look to be sent his way once everything was done. Anything to have hinted that it meant something. How could it not? Not when she's nuzzling up to him after a session, her wings holding him like he was her world and her eyes- Faust… her eyes. Looking at him like he mattered, like he was something. Something to her. Then once she regained her senses, the space that was practically nonexistent between them grew wide and he was left feeling like nothing even happened. Dusk grimaced at that thought, his brows furrowing as he glared at the Royal. Moon simply continued to sleep beside him, so unaware of just how vulnerable she is right now. She was tired, as she always was after a session and he knows just how easily it'd be for him to manifest a knife right now and plunge it right into her throat. But he doesn't do that. Instead he closes his eyes and sighs. When he opens again, anger laced with violence is long gone, instead replaced by a look of longing. He shouldn’t have let himself get so invested. He shouldn’t keep answering her calls. He shouldn’t keep waiting for something that would never happen. After all, this wasn't a fairy tale. He is no royal guard that could bag a royal like his family would've wanted. Instead he's a scrounger, a thief who fucks ponies over to survive. It just so happens that the latest Empress was one of those Ponies. Dusk knows that he should get up and leave, walk right those stupid ostentatious double doors with as much as he could and never come back. Anything to clear his mind of this horrible, beautiful and oh so torturous mare. He knows that he should hate her for putting him through all this. But, just like always. He did none of those things. A coward he is, especially when it comes to ponies he is so unfortunately tangled with. Instead he pulls away, slow and practiced as his horn glowed with magic. It wasn't bright, he made sure of it and it pinged around the desk beside the bed with a purpose. The familiar weight of his lighter was akin to an old friend and Dusk rose from the bed, making sure to not wake his… Lover? Partner? Business transactor? He didn't know. The floor was as unforgiving as the world and he winced at how cold it was, a sharp noise escaping. His head snapped back towards the place he just escaped and when it showed no movement, no showcase of arousal; Dusk couldn't shake the strange feeling of disappointment that pooled at his stomach. It wasn't so hard to step past Armor pieces that lay scattered along the floor, especially considering that it isn't his first time swiftly moving and scuttling to not be heard. A disgruntled look formed when Dusk found his pile. His cloak, the one that helps him blend in the night, was torn. The middle piece, the one that keeps it together, was ripped right off, probably because Nightmare Moon is one impatient whorse whenever she's in the mood. He scowled even more when the string that came with the middle piece was tangled with the cloak of her highness. He rolled his eyes at that and quickly untangled the two before throwing his own cloak over him, a much needed item in these cold nights. Now knowing that he wouldn't be shivering the moment he stepped outside, Dusk slipped out the balcony doors, making sure to keep it open just a crack because he did not want to be locked in once again. He felt a bit bad for letting the chill in, Moon had silk sheets, while very pretty did a shitty job in holding heat. Surprisingly, tonight's night was rather quiet. For a castle in Everfree, none of the usual monsters were loud. It was so calm that the light summoning of his cigarette or the lighting of it was practically deafening. A drag of it brought a familiar taste of ash and his lungs ached as smoke came in like a pleasant friend, soothing it with its presence, its attention. In that moment, all that existed was simply that. Dusk Shine with a lit cigarette in his maw, warmth pooling in his body like a hug against the cold and the very rare stillness of Everfree Then, softer than any stray wind, so much more tender than a chaste kiss of somepony who loves him, Nightmare Moon spoke that one word that Dusk Shine had craved more than anything else in this night driven world. “Stay.” How could he say no to that? Author's Note Dusk sat at the edge of Moon's bed, a cigarette hanging out of his maw. The royal herself just lay further in the bed behind him, the covers hanging for dear life from the mattress as her tail swished. It has been a while since Moon had told him that word that night and things seemed to be looking up. Now, instead of going to the balcony to be polite, the Nightmare didn't care and told him to do it in the room with her. After all, she told him to stay. Soft hair brushed against his own tail and Dusk was very aware of how it contrasted with the firmer and rougher touches from a few moments ago. It was a welcome feeling, like soothing ice against the bruises that he knows are already forming around his body. Dusk didn't need to be smart to know that it was an intentional move. Even when he stood in a breath from his cigarette, he could see Moon in the corner of his eye, watching him with a calm intensity. He was ecstatic the first time it happened, but now? It made him feel something else. It was like the Alicorn had two expressions nowadays. The first one was obvious, something he had long gotten used to. The pure, hungry and unbridled lustful stare that Dusk knows is just bottled up horny for how long she was sealed. It was the same look she'd give the moment he drops in the balcony after a call. The same look that lasts from the start to the middle of all their sessions. The very same look that'd make Dusk's limps quirk into a smile because he knows that it's how Moon looks when she's writing her 'invitations' to him. Then… there was the look. One that Dusk would've overlooked with how gradual it came. The one that once he noticed at first, nearly made his blood freeze at what it meant because of how subtle it was. The one that Dusk knows he dreams about, one he longs for and wonders whether or not he should get a camera just to take a picture of it. The look that he knows is just for him and Holy fuck does that make blood rush to his cheeks. It was also the look that was gracing the Alicorn's face right now. Just the knowledge of it made Dusk do his best to avoid eye contact because he knows that the moment he brings it up, it'll stop. The twitch on Moon's lips made him know that she was smiling a bit more and he can't help but duck his head a little, a light flush coming up. He knows that such an act makes Moon smile, describing such shyness as 'adorable' and 'cute.' (The fact that he had to walk out to stop himself from just… feeling made him question just how far in deep he is for this mare.) Dusk took another drag from cigarette, trying to disguise his actions before leaning across the bed and towards the table for the crystal ashtray just to douse it. He sat back, lazily watching as he blew out the toxic air that was just in his lungs before turning his head towards the still quiet Moon. He did his best to be casual, leaning back just a bit and making sure to now lie on her tail. Moon just lied there, her head pressed on one of her soft pillows, looking more relaxed and pleased than anypony should be in a castle living smack right in Everfree. She also had that look on her torturously beautiful face again. Dusk didn't need to be smart to know that he was mirroring it right back.
1.5 - At FirstAuthor's Note A lil drabble of the very first time. 1.5 - At First Dusk knew that it was supposed to be a one night stand and nothing more. He was but a humble job taker, presented with the opportunity to get his hooves around an expensive artifact that he knew would sell high in the market but when given a much better deal, he didn’t have to think twice about worming into the night Empress’ bed. After all, it was just one hot night with an ancient, entitled Alicorn. Ofcourse, Dusk didn’t stop to question why it happened in the first place, or why it still continued but it was none of his business. Maybe the alicorn had a thing for scruffy unicorns that try to steal from her, who knows. It didn’t matter, after all, he got paid and laid. If that isn’t a good deal, he didn’t know what was. It was a simple job and he accepted. But it didn’t turn out so simple in the end, as it always does with him. A one night stand was supposed to be short, sweet and as fleeting as the wind against his fur decided to suddenly turn into so much more than he bargained for. At first, it was nothing he couldn't handle. Just Nightmare Moon sending letters due to that hook of magic that he knows was pinned onto his. He sometimes wonders if she knew how special that action was. Dusk learned to not question it. And well... when she comes in so much stronger, Dusk Shine couldn’t bring himself to outright turn it away. Turn her away. He needs the money in the end and well, all things considered, fucking somepony isn’t the worst thing he could be doing to keep the gold running. (That’s what he tells himself, anyway.) Obviously it has nothing to do with the fact that, even with all the fuss that Nightmare Moon does in the public, Dusk can’t stop the fact that she makes him feel like somepony. Like someone. Wanted. Needed. Even if it's just like this, even if it's only through rough biting and hooves pressed against fur. Even if it's only temporary. Then Nightmare Moon makes that once a month arrangement with him, in the full moon and the already odd situation tilts a bit to the side when it becomes a little hotter, a little more heavier. Their meetings aren’t just scandalous stress relievers, quick and on the point. Now, Moon wants to have even more fun. She adds in costumes and toys, and more and more silly little things into their deal that Dusk’s not above or below in doing. He has always been a pleaser and it's good to know that he could please at least one pony. He spends the night and wakes up in Moon’s bed more times than he’d like to admit. Most of the time, he’ll leave before she even wakes up. But there are some days when he wakes up to her propped up and leaning over him, pretty and blown wide pupils that were heavy-lidded and bleary with something Dusk pretends isn’t there. He also pretends the rush of heat that surges up his spine doesn’t exist, and that it doesn’t count for anything because he knows that he wasn’t supposed to see this. That what just happened wasn’t something for his eyes, for him. In the end, As sleazy as it all is, it’s a good business deal and he wants to milk it for all it’s worth while it lasts - because he’s sure that it won’t. Nothing that burns this hot for too long is meant to last.
2 - Sleepy MemoriesDespite the fact that most of his darker nights were taken and busy by a certain promiscuous Alicorn, Dusk had a life outside the lustful Empress. That life being a rather.. Homeless one. Was it his fault? Maybe, but as a lesser known criminal, it wasn’t like Dusk had a choice with his new lifestyle. Besides, the constant movement kept him fit and in a world a lot less civilized than it was before, stilling and relaxing was a luxury. A luxury he doesn’t have. Honestly, looking back at it now; it was rather hilarious to remember that he was once a pudgy unicorn, stuck studying with books and quills scattered around him like some scholar nerd. Stuck lying down like prey, practically baring his throat out to anyone with authority. A sneer formed on his face at that thought, speeding up his gallop down the barren path. Ponies may whisper of his less than adequate appearance but fuck them! Moonie approved, so it didn’t even matter. His body was his business. Yeah, he looks like shit but he’ll let ponies talk when they understand how hard it is to live out in the woods like a feral animal outside of jobs. They’ll say that he could pay for a hotel, but no, absolutely not. What if he needs it for something else? What if he needs to pay somepony for sources and somehow comes up a bit short? He’ll simply shower when he needs to, which is not now. Hooves suddenly dug into the ground when a familiar burst of magic came and Dusk couldn’t stop his lips from tugging into a much more.. Something. Just something. A fancy smancy letter came from a puff of black and purple smoke and he knew that without a doubt Moon would’ve added in sparks like the showy exuberant mare she is. How considerate, maybe she knew that he could’ve been in a job? Dusk shook his head at that. Nah, most likely didn’t want to waste magic or something. He hummed, looking down at the letter as he wondered, even glancing behind him to see if it was worth it. Well… he already lost track of the ponies that came after him, so he was practically free for now. A contemplating look formed as he brought out his satchel, his magic carefully bringing out his recent steal. It was a simple thing, a simple chipped sphere with a gem carving popping out the middle. It was just a rock and he honestly had no idea why he upped and stole it. Well, maybe if ponies stopped encasing it with so much security, he’d stop himself from yoinking such things. “Sounds like a them problem,” he murmured, tucking it back in his bag and slipping it under his cloak. He’ll go look around and sell it, maybe to that rock family he’d heard trotting around. Or, he could crack it wide open and be disappointed. Let's see. He stared at the letter, wondering if he should open it and go meet her right now. Then, he looked back at his side, right where his recent steal was. Well, Moonie can wait, he got a rock to bust open. Dusk couldn’t help the tiny amount of disappointment churning in his gut as he watched it split in two just to reveal… Nothing. He sighed, leaving the two halves to lay on the overgrown table he just found. Honestly, why was he even surprised? Sure, it looked a touch promising but it was simply just that. His face pressed against his hooves as he wondered just what he was doing with his life. Breaking rocks for no reason other than simple curiosity, it was a touch sad the more he’s thinking about it. A chill made his fur stand a little on end and he was reminded that it was starting to get darker. Well, that was his sign to get a move on. Rather not loiter around when monsters crawl around during this time. Dusk stared at the two halves, wondering if he could salvage enough for him to scam somepony. Surely they’d agree after a particular sales pitch? He shook his head, withers slumping a tad as he bundled the two up in his arms to store away in his bags. Whatever, that’s someone his future self will deal with. Right now, he is a stallion who sees that he is late and; His brow furrowed as a glint of something shining struck his eyes. He quickly tucked away his old focus and instead made his hooves carefully push back the vines and weed that covered a crystalline- Dusk didn’t stop his brows from shooting up in shock. Crystal? Out in the forest? How in Tartarus does that work? He understands random furniture and even a food or two but nothing about crystals of all things. Something that could easily catch you a steady supply of income with enough. He stepped back, glancing around with narrowed eyes. Were there others? Holy faust, how could he not have seen this sooner? Imagine the amount of bits he could get right now by chipping at a chunk and selling it for a good price? A grin pulled at his lips as he examined the rich table. Yeah, maybe that rock wasn’t so useless after all, it led him here to a goldmine after all. Well, time to start working Dusk Shine. With a burst of magic, he watched as he made his magic solidify into something akin to a pickaxe. Hopefully it’ll be enough for a chunk. Just enough to go and get it measured before grabbing some more. It may look fancy but he’d rather not risk it being fake and waste his time in the process. Soon, Dusk got used to the noise of ‘tink’ that came with every dig of his pickaxe. He had to occasionally move once in a while because of the sparks but it could just be his magic screwing with crystals. He remembers studying about that once. Tink. Before.. All of this. Tink. He shook his head at that. Tink. Whatever, the past is the past. Forever unchanging, no matter how much he dreams for it too. Tink. Tink. But does he really? Tink. Tink. Tink. Life was hard nowadays but it was alright. It was something he was used to actually. A routine you could say he even enjoyed. Even if it was dark and so jarringly different compared to before. Even if he stood here alone, with barely anything to his name. Even if he wished to go back to that plush life, with a family. With ponies that wouldn’t look at him like that- like he was nothing. Tink- Dusk stilled, frowning a tad when he realized that he accidentally dug his pickaxe a little too hard and couldn’t easily pull it out. He groaned at that before realizing that he barely even made a dent at the thing, just a tiny little chip but nothing deep enough to bring out a chunk. He slumped over the table as his magic dissipated. An annoyed groan came as he stared at the vines crawling around him, a heavy feeling pressing against his chest as he sighed. Whatever, it didn’t matter. He wasted enough time as it is. Faust, he bet that Nightmare Moon is going to bitch at him about how late he is, he just knows it. She never liked it when he’s late. A thought randomly came into mind and he can’t help but wonder if it’d be worth it. Maybe a gift would help save him from her paranoid ire? And well… His eyes turned towards the somehow wellkept table. Mares like shiny things, don't they? Wouldn’t be a bad idea to just grab the whole thing with his magic and present it as an excuse. She’d understand. Hopefully. Welp, once again. Future him problem, his present problem is grabbing the whole thing. Which he is doing right now. Mhm, he’s so good at magic. He bet that he’ll amaze Moonie so much with a probably years old table that she’ll let him be with a look over this time. With a heave, he pushed himself up and charged up his horn. Lets just quickly remove the dirt and grime first, just to show how much he worked to grab such a meaningful gift. As Dusk blasted away any large weeds or vines, he wondered if something he read once was true. It was a little magazine he read once, back when his.. Father was worrying about what to grab for his anniversary. A little snippet was there, talking about how any crystal that seemed to naturally shine was due to the magic kept inside. Whether it was a natural or artificial occurrence, he didn’t know and well, no harm in trying. Dusk winced, remembering the last time he charged up something. But that was before, he was better now, a lot better and it was a simple crystal. It had no life, what happened then, will not happen now. With a deep breath and closed eyes, he did a simple thing that most unicorns know what to do since foalhood and charged the table. If only he had opened his eyes, he would’ve known that the wind rustling through his fur was not just that. If only he could see the sudden rippling of reality as a hole in time opened right above him. But Dusk did not see, nor did he know. Instead, he just felt so… so sleepy. And sleep he did.
2.5 - Snap Back to RealitySomewhere, deep within him. Dusk knows that what he felt for the empress was not right. If he looked even deeper, he'd be reminded that the bumbling and burning feelings stuck in him had no lines in his business. And yet. Dusk still can’t help but steal glances. Does not help but look over whenever he thinks - and hopes - that she isn’t looking. In these moments, he allows himself to wander just a tad more, to look with intent that isn’t so dark and sensual like usual. But well, how likely it was for their relationship to be more than what it is right now was practically nonexistent. Just completely not feasible, not because of the fact that he was probably the lowest of the low in the hierarchy of.. Something but also because- Nightmare Moon wasn’t looking for somepony. He knows that much. (His mind burns with the image of her staring towards Canterlot and he wonders about the past. He wonders about that lil golden box he found once too.) Even then, his mind was one tortuous fuck and so in days where his body moves but his thoughts wander, he can’t help but ponder what could be. All while those eyes of hers seemingly stare right through him as their owner speaks with words that Dusk likes to pretend is his and his alone. It's odd, it's unnerving and it is frustratingly intoxicating for him to admit it. That seemingly aloof arrogance mixed with an air of uncaring somehow kept hooking itself around Dusk’s heart, pulling him deeper and deeper in. While he did his best to keep his head from submerging in distasteful feelings he can’t even begin to comprehend, he knows that it was slowly becoming a losing battle. Everything the mare does - from that tilt of her head as she reads and talks about her night, to the way her lips turn into such a breathtaking smile whenever it crinkles those eyes of hers and Dusk can’t help but wish he could have them for more than a few fleeting moments. Then when the nights where Dusk finds himself so sensually preoccupied with her highness comes around, with sharp teeth pressed against his fur as the room starts to get heated with their needs; Dusk allows himself to slip into the feelings his soul and heart hopes to display in the open. He knows - oh how he knows - that it doesn’t go beyond their sensual activities, beyond the surface but does such knowledge stop the way his chest seems to tighten everytime they interact? Does it stop the way his lungs stop working whenever she looks at him? Nope, of course not. He tries, he really does try to not let the sweet words the empress whispers into his ears - into his heart - affect but no matter how he acts like it didn’t matter to him, he can’t help that part of him that looks at her for company and he truly can’t help the sickening twist in him at such thoughts. There are so many things Dusk wish he could say, wish to speak whenever they are like this. But he doesn’t, he closes his eyes and pushes down feelings he long since accepted and swallows any doubt and insecurities he could have and indulges like a stallion who never had anything in the first place. He lets himself slip, allows his actions and eyes to try and convey what he truly wants as he leads Moon onto the plush bed. He understands that what he feels is not right and he really does try to hide how he wishes for it to be the opposite. But such longing thoughts had no business in his line of work and when that familiar frustration comes stirring within him at what's happening, he does not resist. Sometimes, he wonders why he gets so self aware of how he's acting around her when they get like this. Wonders why he knows of the way his blood rushes and heat burns at his skin as he keeps his maw shut and his mind to himself. It's kind of funny to think this but… wouldn't this be such a fitting place to confess? Dusk vaguely remembers books with such context. Where the lead and his love interest stood in a dark room, with bated breath and looking so fitting together. Then the irony would hit him and he can't help that sardonic smile from forming in his face. Ha, who is he fooling? He isn't some main character who got with the mare. This isn't some fairytale where he'd go through suffering yet come out unscathed with ponies ready for him on the other side. "Darling?" Dusk's fur stood on end and a sigh came when Moon's hoof reached up and brushed against his face. The furrowing of her brows and that little scrunch of her muzzle showcased that she was mostly likely wondering why he stilled. Dusk didn't say anything, instead leaning forward and watching as the creases on his lover's face fade as her eyes closed for the kiss that she thought would come. It works every time. There was always a rush of warmth everytime this happens, when they get so close that you practically share breaths. A crooked grin grows as he lets himself fall into a stallion that Nightmare Moon wants as he regards the mare with an almost predatory stare. It was exciting to see how easy it was for such a tall mare to bend for him. He could slap her like a common peasant and her breath would stutter instead of banishing him to the dungeons like she would with most. Actual thought flies from his head as he dips and crushes his mouth against Moon's eager lips. Dusk lets himself go, let's himself forget as he runs his tongue against the inside of her mouth before deepening the kiss and pressing his hooves by the side of her head as she pulls him closer. Time flies and Dusk knows that he is losing himself to the intoxicating feel of the mare he loves around him and he can't help but move just a touch faster when her once coherent words bumble into random babbling. Obscenities spill from his lips when he lets their rhythm turn into one with no beat as hunger crawls at his stomach and he buries himself as deep as he could with every thrust as her sounds continue to ring across his ears and the walls around them. The way her hair, usually mist with magic, would flicker into an actual mane before settling made pride fill in his chest. He knows, oh how he knows that he’s the only one that sees her like this. He traces the marks that he leaves on her body that would not last but he does so anyway because tonight, she is his and no one else's. He drinks it all in like a colt without water for months and slows down a tad, just to press his lips onto that tantalizing face of hers. He can’t help it, no matter how hard he tries to deny it, no matter how hard he tries to hide it in his face. Dusk finds he can’t simply stop and look the other way like he has been for so long, he finds he can’t continue to ignore the way his mood seems to take an uprising whenever he is with Moon. He tries but well, like his past, he fails anyway. It may be one sided, and it may be a lost cause, but damn it all if Dusk can’t fuck a goddess’ brains out to the false lives he’s thought for them. He understands there can’t possibly be an intimate space held for him inside of Moon’s heart because he is but a mortal, a tiny speck in her life but so much greater in his. It’s painfully comforting to believe otherwise and if Dusk allows himself to drop into the whirlpool that is her, he’s afraid he might never come back up the same. That part of his life where he ducks down without thought is done and over with. All he wants is to have Moon splayed out beneath him, her face aflush as he thrusts up into her. All he wants is the entirety of Equestria to be nothing but himself and his lover — without the reality that this will never grow whispering over his shoulder. How could he listen to such dark words when something even better laid below him? “Oh Shiny…” Such a siren call brought his attention back and her lidded eyes just made his fur stand at end. A rush of breath with teeth biting into damp fur managed to scratch an itch Dusk didn’t realize had been festering. His lips quirk up into a genuine smile as an unfamiliar warmth rushes straight to his chest and he tries to smother it as he feels his own need for release creep closer and closer. It’s just the sex he craves, simply the rawness of it all is what he wants out of it. Nothing more nothing less. Atleast, that's what he tries to convince himself but in reality, Dusk finds he can’t shake Moon from his thoughts in an increasingly more intimate way. He wants to be able to wake up next to the Empress, to be able to feel her curl near him and feel the warmth of somepony once more; To nuzzle onto her comforting scent that makes her her. It’s all too much, too intimate and too personal because all Dusk should care about wanting is kinky sex. And then- He slowly regains consciousness, a dull ache coursing through his body as he slowly opens his eyes. He didn’t need to wake up fully to understand what happened and so he turns a bleary gaze towards a fluffy mass, a soft snore coming that shape of darkness and he frowns as post-nut clarity slams onto him once more. Dusk swallows, so very aware that it's morning. That he overslept. (That he doesn’t belong.) And so, he gingerly peels himself up from the warm cocoon he had fallen asleep in and gathers up his items. He escapes from the washroom, parts of his fur damp from a light washing but just before he decides to bolt out the window once more; Dusk couldn’t help but trot a touch close to the bed and stare down at the body of ~~his lover~~ Nightmare Moon. Her face is relaxed, such a sharp contrast to the tensed jaw he had right now. She looked so free from worry and Dusk couldn't help but reach out and brush his hoof against her cheek. “I can’t help it…” The unicorn whispers. “I can’t help but feel this way about you”. (and how I hate you for it, is left unsaid) Author's Note I know that i'm just repeating things but it'll come up in later chapters.
