Heat Week! All that Glimmers

The halls of Canterlot Castle were always their most peaceful in the late hours of the night to the early hours of the morning. A fact not lost on any of the staff, guards, or the Princesses themselves. Luna always found some kind of solace just wandering the halls. A fact becoming more apparent to her as of late. Over the past few years she has wandered the silent corridors of her home. Most of the time it's usually by her lonesome.

Most of the time.

Tonight seems highly unusual however. Luna had interrupted her Night Court duties for a request. Under normal circumstances, she'd decline such a request. After seeing how made it, she felt the need to accept as a means to escape the almost boring draw that is her Night Court. If the Princess of the Night is to be honest, the hearing as of late have been driving her up a wall. Both in the metaphorical and literal sense. Yet she feels this small break will be well worth the trouble. A smile crosses her face while in the main hall that leads to the throne room. The impending footsteps are reaching her ears and she turns to face the incoming guest.

"Ah, Justin! It's so nice to see you, old friend!" Luna exclaims before throwing her arms around the man.

Justin, for his lack of his own alicorn strength, does manage to hug the princess back. "Hey, Lu. I'm surprised you found the time to meet."

"Oh I didn't." Luna beams at him. "I'll always make the time for my closest friend."

"I.. uh... Feel honored but you really could've just sent for me when you didn't have court in session." Justin is let loose from the almost vice grip of the night alircorn's grip.

"Nonsense! Why would we not have time for the very human who helped us acclimate when we returned to Equestria?!" Luna seems to challenge with her own grin.

"Well... could you at least get the guards to stop calling me 'Lord Justin?' It's a little embarrassing."

"Absolutely not! You've earned that title, my dear Justin." Luna tells before striding past him. "Now come, I wish to catch up with you while we stroll."

Their strolling starts off rather quiet. More in part to Luna just basking in the comforting silence they follow in. Reminding her of a much simpler time all those years ago when they first met. Though much of her power has returned and in turn her former stature. She never forgotten the first day she was placed in his charge....

Canterlot Castle Spire, Five Years Ago

Luna is staring at the closed door before her, unsure of what to do or about to happen. All she knows is that her sister wants to meet a pony. A comforting hand lays itself on Luna's shoulder courtesy of her older sister. Luna looks up to her sister, her stature being far smaller than she's used to being. As always, Celestia is wearing that warm smile that she always has lifting a small amount of weight off her shoulders. The smaller alicorn returns her sister's smile with a shy one of her own.

Celestia then kneels down to be eye-level with her sister. "Lulu, you're about to meet somepony I feel you'll get a long wonderfully with. Like you, he's a bit out of place for the time."

"H-he?" Luna looks a little surprised.

Celestia just nods once before standing up and turning towards the door, placing a hand on the knob and turning it until a click is heard and it gives way. "Justin? I brought a visitor."

Such a strange name for a pony. At least that is what Luna thinks until movement from the desk catches her attention. The creature she spies as it stands at a baffling towering height that almost meets Celestia's own. No coat to speak of anywhere on its body, just a shaggy mane sitting on top of its head. It was skinny, very skinny. The muzzle is flat, but not unpleasant to look at. The creature regarded both Luna an her sister with a friendly smile.

"Tia, lovely to see you as always." Then its eyes fall to Luna, a sparkle almost came to them. "Who's this?"

Luna figures it probably only heard Celestia's voice and not her words. She's about to introduce herself until her sister cuts in.

"This is Luna, my sister." The larger alicorn replies in a rather chipper tone.

"Ah! So this is what she looks like!" The creature chuckles as it approaches. "Though... isn't she a little short to be a princess?"

Luna puffs out her cheeks and glares at him as he kneels down in front of her.

"Tia has told me about you, very fondly I may add."

Celestia just chuckles as she softly pats her sister's shoulder. "I was hoping you'd help my sister adjust to current Equestria life since you were brought here almost a year ago."

Justin takes a moment to look up to the solar monarch with a little more than surprise. In fact quite a few emotions flashed in his eyes as he started to stand full. One of his hands finds itself scratching the back of his head through somewhat lengthy hair. Uncertainty starts to set in as he continues to gaze at Celestia.

"Are... are you sure about that?" He asks.

"My sister has been gone a while, she may be an outsider and I feel you would be perfect for her to connect with. Maybe even become her first friend."

Present Day

Her first friend.

Her BEST Friend.

Luna isn't afraid to admit that Tia may have been on to something some time ago. At the time, they were both outsiders. One in a world they were gone from for over 1000 years and the other a stranger in a strange world. Who knew they would fit so well? Celestia, apparently. A smile had formed on her lips from the fond memory. Her gaze then falls upon the human.

"Justin, tell me, how is Twilight?" Luna seems to casually ask.

"She's fine." Justin replies as he continues to stride alongside the lunar princess. "Excited and running herself into the ground about the wedding."

"Have you been helping?" She raises a brow his way.

He just chuckles and pulls her in to a side hug. "Of course I have, we've split the duties. You know how Twi gets though."

"She should be thankful she's marrying a stallion like yourself to keep her grounded." Luna chuckles.

"Right! That reminds me!"

Justin lets her go and reaches into the pocket on the back of his pants. Luna only watches as he produces a small envelope with her name on it. The lunar princess' eyes seem to sparkle as she looks upon the envelope and gently takes it from him to open it. Slowly pulling out an invitation to their wedding. A small squeak escapes her lips while her eyes widen in excitement.

"Tia also got one when I arrived but I don't think I could do it without my best mare." Justin tells her with the slyest wink he can muster.

"You want me... to be your best mare?" Luna asks with just a hint of hesitation

The human just nods as his ever-knowing smile grows. "Well of course. I couldn't imagine any other pony in that place."

"I'm... Honored you would even consider me to be your best mare." Tears well up in the corner of her eyes. "I'll be glad to accept."

"Good, cuz we decided to have a private ceremony."

Justin gives her his signature warm smile that has melted the hearts of six mares. Even when the spine shattering hug of Luna encompassing his body. He gives her back a pleasant pat while returning her rather excited embrace. There was still quite a bit of time before the wedding. He is currently tasked with getting the invitations out. Location has been picked, guest list made, and decorations under way. All was coming together for this soon-to-be prince and now he has his best friend on board as his chosen best mare.