As you walk down through the entertainment district, you carefully use your peripherals to observe Luna. Her face was glowing similarly to a filly who was seeing something new for the first time as she admired the activities her little ponies indulge themselves in. Canterlot’s night time scene was a new sight for her to behold coming from a time when the night was only illuminated by simple lanterns.

“I still can’t believe my citizens enjoy my night. Before my banishment once night fell it was just pure silence and the guard patrolling the streets.” Luna said with a smile gracing her muzzle.

“Ponies and creatures everywhere spend their evening out and about, some of which don’t even return home until dawn. Your night has become the home of many new things the day cant provide. Just because most are awake during the day it doesn’t mean the night isn’t as important."

Luna galloped in front of you then skid to a halt. “But do you know what is important? The destination of our first date. We’ve been about for quite awhile now so how much longer until we arrive?”

Chuckling at your impatient mare, you point at a dimly lit neon sign .“Well you’re in luck we already are here. Behold the greatest place in Equestria, The Lucky Horseshoe, a run down bar to outsiders, but to the worthy it is known as their home away from home.”

“It’s a rundown tavern in an alleyway my love. Who would ever guess that something like this would ever exist.” Luna chirped in.

“That's the beauty of it, Luna. You see a rundown tavern since you haven’t been here. I see a magical retreat where ponies can relax and let out the stress of the day. This place exudes a magic only the common pony can feel. You wouldn't dare see any nobles come here due to its location and to my knowledge you’d be the first.”

“A place even my dearest sister hasn’t visited. At first you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention. Let us commence forth, I can't bear to wait any longer.” Luna shoved you through the door without a moment's notice.

Upon entering, a wet rag slaps you directly in the face followed by a hearty laugh that only one pony you knew was capable of.

“It's not your day off, whatever it is must be important if you're here now.”

A smug grin graces your vision as you see Moonshine use his magic to clean the mess he made with his little prank. “You're right but today isn’t about me. I got myself a marefriend now and decided to bring her to my favorite place in town”.

“So who’s the mare that managed to snag you up? You aren’t what I'd call a ladies man but at least somepony sees value in you.” He gave a quick stare down of your body before continuing to wipe down the counter.

“Well tis good to know I'm the one mare that sees his true value then isn’t it Sir Moonshine?”

An abrupt silence filled the entire bar as ponies' jaws dropped to see the Princess of the Night enter in the flesh.

Moonshine’s body began to shake uncontrollably after recognizing the voice. “P-p Princess Luna?! It’s an honor to meet you in pony! My apologies for not bowing before you.”

“No need to bow before me Sir Moonshine. I wish to be considered a patron tonight and if possible a friend. So please just call me Luna.”

Tossing aside all of his nervousness, Moonshine switched back into bartender mode. “Well thank you for visiting Luna. So if you don’t mind me asking, what do you think of the place? Been taking care of her for thirty years and not once has a princess visited.”

Luna’s eyes glossed over the establishment. The dimly lit bar was very reminiscent of her own room. The dark oak walls that were warped formed unusual yet alluring patterns that mimicked the ocean's waves. The floorboards creaked with every step and its color was slowly fading away. A hazelnut incense combined with the various different meals that ponies were feasting on filled her nostrils relieving excess stress she wasn’t aware of.

“Sir Moonshine, this is such a fine establishment you have here. The atmosphere brings peace to my mind. I wouldn’t mind coming back here for another date, or even after night court is adjourned.”

Murmurs of the other patrons slowly began rising in volume after realizing she was there for a visit and not handing out divine punishment to those who sat before her. Some of which turned into friendly gossip realizing the princess was there for a date, and just seconds later the entire bar became lively yet again and Luna received several warm welcomes.

“Appreciate the compliment princess. Now you two love birds go take a seat and I’ll be over there in a moment.” Moonshine shouted before attending to a different table.

“And you said ponies wouldn’t talk to you.”

“Yes but some also had looks of disgust upon them.” Luna muttered under her breath.

“No freaking way. Monkey Man is that you?”

Your mother always told you it took a dumbass to know a dumbass and she was right. Astral was your best friend after all and what's better than one dumbass, two.

“Fuck off liberal. You know I come here too, don’t start acting surprised now Astral.”

“Hey Astral, what's a liberal?” Lickity chimed in.

“Don't worry about it. Human reference.” You added before Astral could even lift his muzzle.

“You have me intrigued as well, what is this liberal you speak of.” Luna included.

Quickly glancing around you notice Moonshine heading towards the table you all were seated at.

"Why don't you look at that, a conveniently timed plot device that will get me out of this situation. Hey Shine, we are ready to order!”

“Ignoring that you called me a plot device, what can I get the Princess and her mare tonight? I don’t have access to any of those fancy royalty drinks since that's way above my price range.”

“I’ll take some Applejack Daniels and a Twisted Mare for my beautiful companion.”

“I can handle more than just a Twisted Mare, my love. Don’t start treating me like a fragile princess. You of all pon- people should know what I’m capable of doing.”

“And I surely don't want the pony who can control the sun seeing her drunken sister waddle about the castle with a hangover. Sorry Luna but rules be rules.”

As Moonshine departed to retrieve the drinks, Lickity finally asked a question that was eating her on the inside. "Soo… Who made the first move? Which of you had the confidence to confess? Tell me pretty please? I'm dying to know.”

You and Luna glance between one another before she takes the initiative. “Twas I who asked him to be mine. I was getting anxious after overhearing other mares becoming interested in him. So I summoned him to my quarters and poured out all of my feelings which led him to accept my proposal of being my coltfriend.”

Lickity and Astral took a moment to whisper quietly between one another. After separating, they burst into a fit of laughter that could even rival Pinkie Pie herself.

“May I ask what is so funny?” Luna said with a tilted head.

Lickity let out a long sigh. “Princess, the entire castle staff knew about your crush on him. It was pretty obvious.”

“Yeah we all figured it out after about a month” Astral included. “The royal guard and maids were even making bets to see who would crack first. The two of you spent so much time together already so it was bound to happen. We were so tempted to get involved but decided to let fate run its course.”

“Speaking of bets, it would seem you owe me 50 bits. “ Lickity gently nudges Astra’s withers.

“Does paying for this night out count? You already know how old man Moonshine treats me. Don't want my own marefriend hopping on my case either."

“I’ll let it slide this time, but you better pay up next time we bet on someponies love life. I already know a way you can pay me back if you play your cards right loverboy.” Lickity commented with a wink.

As the flirting couple continued to spew out all sorts of innuendos, your eyes drifted back over towards Luna. She stared at you and poked your thigh but never said anything.

“Something wrong Luna? “You ask with a hint of concern in your voice.

“I was just wondering when we will speak to one another like those two. It seems like a way to bond between one another that I'd like to try.” Luna responded.

Scratching your head nervously upon her request you respond. “I wasn’t in too many relationships back home but I can give it a shot. Uhh… is that a moon on your flank or are you just happy to see me?”

Laughter broke out from your partner as your attempt at flirting went down hill immediately. After a moment of catching her breath, she finally was able to speak yet again.

“You gave it a valiant effort so I commend you for at least trying.”

"Hey! I’d like to see you come up with a compliment to the co-ruler of a county on the fly. Hell, after all the compliments she’s gotten over the years I'm sure I wouldn't be able to come up with something she hasn't heard before.” You replied with a hint of pain in your voice.

"If my knowledge does not deceive me back when we were in my chambers we had a little moment we both were quite into it." Luna added.

"But you asked me to do it in the heat of the moment. Guess I'm better at giving compliments when we are alone instead of in public."

As history loves to repeat itself, another rag slaps you on the face bringing your attention to the old stallion who threw it at you.

"Here's your drinks scum of Tartarus and his Princess. Luna, I made sure to give you something that isn't weak like your boy toy over here suggested."

"Why thank you Sir Moonshine, it would seem some stallions know what a mare wants." Luna said smirking at him

Throwing yourself upon the ground dramatically, you entered acting mode. "Do my ears deceive me, my own marefriend already cheating on me. It hasn't even been a whole day and her heart has found another. Whatever shall become of my fragile heart. Why does the Mistress of Fate forsaken me so in my time of happiness."

A tan hoof to the chest stopped your little show. "No need to be such a drama queen. I'm too old for her as it is and I'm married. Take my advice though kid, better listen to what she has to say. Thirty years of marriage and the biggest lesson ive learned is the mare is always right. Now y'all take care, I got to get back to work."

Lickity's curiosity peaked yet again after the little engagement between you and Moonshine. "Alright then I have another question for the two of you. Y'all gonna get down and dirty once your back in the castle?"

You and Luna spit out your drinks from her unorthodox question.

"What? Did I say something wrong. Astral and I got busy the after our first date. For a guard he really knows how to use those hips. Princess mind letting me in on that training, my sex game could grow with hip movement like that."

.......

Not a word was uttered. The table was completely silent, all eyes were on Lickity after her comment. Nopony or even yourself knew how to react in the slightest. Astral's jaw looked like it unhinged itself nearly slapping against the table, while Luna just sat there with her forelegs covering her face hiding the deep blush on that laid underneath.

"Said a little too much didn't I. Never really knew how to keep it simple but that's what makes me the pony I am and why Astral loves me so."

"... Anyway to answer no we haven't. I'm might be a man but even I know not to rush into that. Luna might be a beautiful mare and I've known her for a while but even I know not to rush into things like that." You said trying to keep your composure.

"If it makes you feel any better we didn't. Somepony thought she could be funny and it clearly didn't work." Astral added.

You go into a hoof bump with your good friend. "This is why we are friends Ass. Always keeping things real with me no matter what."

"The two of you get along quite nicely. I'm happy to know that I have coltfriend who has such a reliable friend to count on."

Looking over at a nearby clock you saw that it was approaching 1 A.M.

“Guess it’s about time we head out... Don’t want to keep you out too late and get sent to the dungeon by your sister. We all know what happened the last time I was late, never again.” A chill crept up your spine recalling the memory. You never knew a chocolate cake could be used as a dangerous projectile if need be.

Lickity sauntered over to Luna and gave her a hug. “Bye you two, don’t do anything we wouldn’t do, and if you do, make sure to go over the top with it. "

“And between you and I princess it would be great to have someone to talk about mare stuff with. Sure Astral is a great lover but he wouldn't understand mare talk.” She said in a hushed tone that you couldn't make out.

The two mares shared a giggle before departing for the night.

The return trip was silent and uneventful. The streets of Canterlot began dying down since the early morning hours would soon begin. The Lunar guard was actively patrolling the streets escorting drunken ponies to their homes before sunrise.

The long corridors of the castle were illuminated by Luna’s moon giving it an eerily calm feeling. The blinding gold trim of the day became a dull shimmer during the night but didn’t take away any of the beauty of the castle's interior.

Your footsteps were the only sounds present but a certain someponies hoofsteps were absent.

Glancing backwards you notice that your newfound lover became a sentinel at a nearby window. Her eyes were glued onto the moon, the very place she loved and was subjected to be her own prison. You knew she still felt the guilt of what she's done and it was still weighing down on her.

“Luna, it’s time to move one from the past. Sure you and Nightmare Moon were two halves of a whole, but now it’s all you. Take me for an example, dragged into a new world without any way to make it back. I had to cope with knowing everything I had was lost but I’ve accepted that being here is a new chapter of life. Now look, I have such great friends, and even a princess to call my own. I’ll always want to get back to Earth but this is my home now and I’m here to stay.”

"But how could I forget the atrocities I've committed? Somepony like myself shouldn’t be allowed to atone for her past transgressions. I almost killed my own sister just because of my jealousy.” Tears slowly began to form in her eyes.

Wiping the tears from her face you recall the two words that got even a king through his toughest of times. “You don’t have to forget. Painful memories can help motivate you to become better than ever before. Just remember Hakuna Matata.”

“Hakuna Matata?” Luna giggled. Seems like quite a peculiar phrase if you ask me.”

“It means no worries for the rest of your days. You don't need to worry about what has been done. It's time to look forward to a better future. You have your sister, Twilight and her friends, and even me to be there for you."

As you began to walk away from her door, you felt a small tug on the back of your shirt. Luna’s magic held you firmly, preventing you from leaving.

She was mumbling something under her breath but it wasn’t audible at all. Her eyes darted back and forth between you and the ground.

You wondered what was going through her mind until a soft sensation upon your lips. She kissed you. She kept her eyes closed and the blush on her cheeks grew even stronger.

Knowing it took all of her courage to do what she did, you fell victim to the soft lips of the pony princess and melted into her kiss. Kissing a pony really didn't feel that much different than a human rather than the mouth size and the fuzziness of her fur. It slowly became a feeling that you would grow attached to.

Breaking apart to take a breath you notice everything about Luna was different now. She seemed much brighter then ever before after the kiss. It was like a whole new aura encompassed her entire being and you were proud to know the catalyst of her change.

"Tia was right, I do love you. Thank you for being there for me. I enjoyed our little night out and can't wait for the next. I'm happy to call you my own, now go forth and sleep.

Looking out of a nearby window the moon crept out from behind the clouds. "Goodnight Luna." You whisper before walking away.

A lingering thought took over your mind. She tasted like blueberries.

Author's Note

I really didn't proofread this that much cause I had to drive somewhere before published it. So if there is any problems please let me know in the comments and I will fix it as soon as I can.

So I’d like to give a genuine apology for being months late on updating. Life got a tad bit interesting at the start of the year which made me have a bit less time to work on this. This chapter more or less would've been out earlier but life happens and so does procrastination. Then I had some computer problems that I ignored at 1st which led to me having to order new parts and such which got delayed longer than expected. All inspiration to write straight up disappeared for a bit which made me stray even further away from finishing this. Since I now have more free time, I decided it was best to start working back at it since I’ve seen a decent spike of interest. The final chapter will be released hopefully soon and not several months later.

Major procrastination and lack of inspiration is the sole reason why this is out so late. Trying to find a better way to manage time since I do like writing but my time management skills aren't the best. Any suggestions on how to help manage time will be greatly appreciated.

In other news, I have 4 other additional stories being worked on.3 will be short 1 shots while another will be longer and possibly have a sequel. Not too sure which one will be out 1st but it shouldn’t be too long after this is finished or even before I release the last chapter. Who knows. But what I do know is that I’m grateful to have seen so many people put it on their bookshelf or even track it. I was honestly scared at first going in but it has been well received so far and I appreciate everyone who has gone along for the ride.

Thank you for sticking around for me this long and I hope to see more of you in the future.

With all the love in the world,

Lunar Hymn