3 Months Later

You cringed looking back at some of your screw ups since you began your job like the one time you threw a bucket of water at a wild phoenix since you thought the poor bird was on fire, or when you accidentally brushed into Astral’s horn causing him to buck you into a pond. How were you to know that a unicorn’s horn was sensitive and aroused them, you weren’t a pony anatomy specialist. Thinking back on it gives you shivers down your spine but it was a moderately enjoyable time nonetheless.

The blissful evening breeze wafted across your room relaxing your entire body. Since you had the night off there was only one logical thing to do, hit up the local bar with Astral and have some nice manly banter. Scheduling this night was a pain at first since your working times varied, but in a recent turn of events, the planets aligned giving you both the same days off. Work wasn’t difficult, just being primarily around two princesses, snobby nobles, and the occasional foreign dignitary, you really couldn't be ‘yourself’. Sure meeting new ponies and other creatures was cool, but a man has to have his manly time after all.

The streets of Canterlot were less crowded unlike the day, however it was still brimming with life. Ponies gathering about enjoying their night out on the town. Seems like gallivanting around at night is a universal thing no matter where you are. The smell of exotic pony cuisine fills your nostrils as you progress towards the bar, you make a mental note to swing by one of these places when you get the chance. They might be primarily herbivores, but damn some of these vegan meals you’ve tried put the earth's vegan food to shame. It was beautiful during the day, but at night it turned into a whole different place.

Your leisurely stroll finally came to an end once a golden glow came into view. The Lucky Horseshoe, the best bar in all of Equestria, at least in your eyes, not a single snobby noble would ever come here. This was the pinnacle of the common stallions Friday night out with the boys.

The scent of alcohol and peanuts drifted into your nose and hearing conversations of hoofball and mares as you opened the door. Sure it wasn’t like a bar back on earth but the energy felt exactly the same.

“How’s my favorite human customer doing?, been awhile since your last visit, anything new to share?”

You recognized that condescending voice from anywhere as you see the bartender and owner Moonshine signaling you to head his way.

“Pfft favorite, I'm the only one you have Shine. I’m fine though, just happy I can have a night out with Astral for a change. Dealing with nobles and randomly scattered villains really puts a mental drain on you.”

Moonshine was a bit of an older unicorn stallion. His mane was a weird mixture of grey and brown that looked quite nice on him, his faded tan coat makes you wonder how bright it used to be back in his prime. Sure he was old but he knew how to make one hell of a drink.

“Could be worse, you could be dealing with drunk stallions breaking everything when they have the Great Stallion Chug. It’s all fun and games until somepony is thrown through a window and I have to clean up the mess.” Moonshine stared deeply at the smooth wooden countertop he was cleaning off and let out a deep sigh. “They prance in here all confident in their drinking skills and lo and behold their knocked clean out on the floor being trampled upon by other drunkards, I’m not dealing lawsuits, making sure nopony sues me by making them all sign a waiver as soon as the night comes.”

“There you are, monkey man was looking all over the district for yah.” Yet another familiar voice graced your ears and a shit eating grin came across your face.

You turn around to see the “Somedays I swear your and actual fucking idiot Astral, but your my idiot, bring that flank on over here and let loose.”

“Hey Shine, how do you manage this place so well on your own? You're quite an older stallion than most bar owners here, what’s the secret?” Astral said with a confused look.

“Sure but a price. If I tell you what makes this place stay a float your first drink will be double the bits? Sounds like a fair deal if I do say so myself.”

Astral looked over towards you nodding making sure he wasn’t drunk off of the cider fumes in the air. “Fine I’ll do it, this better be one hell of a secret for double the price Shine.”

Moonshine signaled Astral with his hoof to get a bit closer and whispered something you couldn’t quite hear. Their little secret sharing conversation lasted quite a while before you saw a puzzled Astral and Shine had a shit eating grin upon his muzzle.

“So is that all? No magic, no anything, just some guy named Joe? Can you at least tell me who he was?”

You flicked your head towards Shine and smiled. You knew exactly where this was going and nodded your head. Shine took note of your gesture and returned it.

"Astral how do you not know about Joe, he’s quite famous here in Canterlot." You added.

“For Celestia’s sake WHO THE BUCK IS JOE!” Astral shouted at the top of his lungs.

Yet again you and Shine lock gazes and nod. Simultaneously you both shout “JOE MOMMA!!!”

Astral looked dumbfounded for a brief moment before taking in his surroundings watching you both turn red in laughter.

“I-I can’t believe you fell for the oldest trick in the book Ass, here I thought being a royal guard trained you for anything, guess I was wrong.” You barely managed to utter as your own laughter overwhelmed you after such a corny joke.

“You ask and you shall receive Astral, you wanted my secret and you got it, better pay up lad. Someone like you should be more observant to body language, seems like you're getting a tad bit rusty.

Astral began to shake his head. “You're not the only person who said that to me either. Reading you is difficult since I’m learning more about humans but ponies are different. Guess I might as well tell you guys about somepony special that entered my life.”

Moonshine sat the glass he’s cleaning down and gave a bit of a chuckle. “Heh a stallion in love, cherish these moments my boy. Best take care of your mare Astral, somepony who found love in you must be worth it.”

Astral and Moonshine continued to chat back and forth while you were pondering on who was the lucky lady that conquered his heart. Sure Astral was quite the handsome stallion compared to most, but his typical attitude to most things might just shake them away. Most likely the mare in question was a member of the guard since they spent plenty of time with one another but who knows, might as well get the answer out of him.

You clear your throat and begin to speak. “ So Ass, who’s the lucky lady and when are we going to meet her? Can’t be holding out on us man.”

“You of all people should know her already you bucking idiot, but Lickity and I have been a thing for about a month now. Before you ask, she asked me out and the rest of the guard pressured me into giving her a shot. A few dates and drinks later I discovered she and I clicked and I enjoyed spending more time together.”

Your jaw dropped after hearing his statement. You knew Lickity liked him from the start but the sheer fact Astral didn’t utter a word about this to you until now kind of hurt.

“Damn Ass, didn’t tell your own best friend about your lady. Sure you don’t gotta tell me everything in your life, but something like this is grounds for celebration my man.”

“I have to agree with him on that Astral.” Moonshine included. “You’ve been a great friend of mine and a generous customer for some time now. Let’s have this first round of drinks in your honor, obviously you’re paying double for your drink also.”

With an annoyed sigh, Astral nodded his head. “Shine, bring out the strongest stuff you have and let’s enjoy ourselves tonight.”

Moonshine walked out from behind the bar with a crimson red bottle labeled Solar Eclipse. “Hope you're ready for this gentleman. Finest liquor on Equis, most won’t dare to give it a taste but in honor of Astral’s new found love let’s give it a run shall we boys?”

The strong scent of the drink knocked you out of your stupor. It smelt quite similar to vodka but toned down quite a bit. Glancing over toward Astral, you notice that the smell took quite the toll on him as he rubbed his muzzle with his forehooves.

You slide them their drinks and lift yours into the air. “ To Ass and his new marefriend.” They followed suit and chugged it in tandem.

3 rounds of drinks and pointless dialogue later…

Astral was probably one drink away from drunk to just plain incapable of any intelligence level of speech. You take note that he was a weak drinker compared to yourself and Shine and that leaving him alone long enough might make him spill any national secrets he may know.

You stood up and attempted to wake him up but to no avail. Only more drunken rambling and occasional neigh’s came from his muzzle. Moonshine went to begin closing up shop leaving you to take care of the sack of potatoes you call a friend.

Placing him upon your back, you wave toward Shine and he nodded in response before leaving the bar. Astral kept shaking and nuzzling your back as you walked the city streets. The lights within homes slowly began to turn off as most were settling down for the night.

“Hey Monkey Man, you should find some mare of your own, even if someone like me could find love, sure you can too.”

Astral’s little drunken spiel caught you off guard before you looked over your shoulder before seeing him fast asleep yet again.

The thought of dating a mare has come across your mind often but from the few you did know they were already taken or were royalty. Sure dating a princess would be an interesting venture, but you already knew Celestia saw you as a good friend and reading companion while Luna stayed to herself unless she needed you.

She was quite the mysterious mare after all. Being banished to the moon for a thousand years really can change someone, well in her case somepony. Luna did have her adorable moments though especially when it came to pulling small pranks on her sister. It was one of the few things she kept on to even after all those years. Her laughter was quite contagious and even you helped out in some of her shenanigans..

Shaking the thoughts of Luna and romance aside, you continue your trek towards the castle barracks to drop off the pain in the ass known as Astral. He was right though, it's about time to give some mare a chance but it was all a matter of who.

Author's Note

Well here it is everyone. Pushed it out before letting it sit on hiatus for a bit as I gather my thoughts on how to reorganize this as a whole. It was kind of rushed a certain points so if there is any clear errors please comment and let me know.

I do know how I want this to end but I'm confused on where to take it from here. I ironically have the ending done already and quite like it but as of now trying to get everything together to lead up to it.

Well until I can figure what I'm going to do from there I'm leaving it marked as hiatus and hope I don't take too long to get it done. Gaming and reading kind of are big distractions so I'll do my best to make more time to get everything done.

10/3 Edit: So I completely forgot I do have small short stories in the works and a possible in-depth one as well. Going to finish this one 1st before putting more attention on the others.

10/5 Edit: Alright Going to leave this here for anyone new who hasn't seen the blog post. I actually kind of have a good vision on how to progress. The next chapter is going to have a little song made by myself in it just to see if I'm any good at it .

With even more love,
Lunar Hymn