Liam smiled and breathed in the salty Equestrian air as he stepped off of the ship. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, even if he was starting to grow tired of the taste of salt lingering on his tongue everywhere he went. Regardless of that, he quickly scanned the modest crowd gathered for his and the other ponies' return. It took him less than a minute to find the object of his affection, and he quickly broke into a trot down the ramp leading off of the ship.

Morning Star was quick to charge toward her stallion, her wings unfurling and beating to give her an extra boost of speed. The distance between them was crossed in seconds, and she leapt into his arms, her own forelegs squeezing him tightly against her barrel in the process.

"Oh, Star... I missed you so much." Liam mumbled, quickly planting a flurry of kisses on her neck and cheek.

"I missed you too, you big ol' cuddlebug." Star responded, pulling away just enough to plant a heavy kiss on his unsuspecting lips.

It had been so long since they'd kissed that Liam could scarcely remember the softness and texture of Star's lips as she pressed them against his, though those memories came rushing back with a vengeance as the intimate contact was made again and again. He felt her warm and moist tongue press against his lips, all but demanding entry like she always did. She could be so needy after going without for even a few hours. Liam shuddered to imagine what three months of time alone had done to her.

Gladly acquiescing to her request, Liam allowed her entry into his mouth, eagerly meeting her tongue with his own. The kiss was messy, charged with passion, but the months of longing and solitude made resisting her charms a Herculean task. All the same, the kiss ended abruptly, with Star pulling away and placing a dainty kiss on Liam's nose, much to his surprise.

"It's so good to have you back, love." Star stated, a warm smile on her face.

"It's great to be back. I'm surprised you pulled away so soon. I was expecting to have your face glued to mine until the carriage home." Liam chuckled.

"Oh, well don't you worry about that, stud. I've got some plans for you, tonight..." Star purred, gently rubbing her hoof along the side of Liam's cheek.

Liam laughed, "I can't wait. How's about we get home and you can show me what 'plans' you've cooked up?" he replied, standing to his full height.

"Actually, there's a little bit of a surprise here for you," Star replied, nodding toward the port entrance.

As if on cue, a royal pegasus-drawn chariot descended from the sky, coming in for a landing right at the front gate. After over three years in Equestria, Liam was well acquainted with the sight of Twilight's personal chariot, the sight of which nearly made him do a double take.

"Twilight?" He asked aloud.

"She wanted to surprise you... so, surprise!" Star giggled.

The regal and majestic form of Twilight Sparkle climbed out of her chariot, a bright smile on her face as the ponies around her instantly bowed in reverence. Her gaze swiftly swept over the crowd before falling on Liam, her eyes lighting up in excitement.

"Liam!" Twilight exclaimed, the excitement in her voice betraying the calm façade she tried to put on for the ponies around her.

The princess of all Equestria quickly trotted up to him and pulled him into a tight hug. While most ponies gawked at the sight, Star was well acquainted with how much her princess loved hugs. Liam, for his part, happily returned the gesture, even if he was still shocked by the sudden arrival of his friend and boss.

"Hey, Twilight. It's great to see you again." Liam greeted, releasing the hug.

"You as well. I'm so happy to see you back. These three months have really gone by like the blink of an eye, haven't they?" Twilight responded.

Liam nodded, "Well there were some spots that dragged on, but for the most part, things went surprisingly well. I'm gonna be honest, I didn't expect to see you down here to see little ol' me."

Twilight giggled behind her hoof, "Oh come now, Liam. I've been dying to hear all about your trip for practically the entire time you've been gone! Do you know how rare it is that something like this happens? I can't wait to hear all about it!" She exclaimed, her wings fluttering in excitement.

Star playfully rolled her eyes at Twilight's antics but said nothing as Liam chuckled at the display.

"Fair enough. Well, I really appreciate you coming out to welcome me back. Star and I were just about to take the chariot back home, but when I come back into work tomorrow, I can tell you all about everything that happened over there."

Twilight gave him a curious look, making Liam pause for a moment. Had he said something wrong? Before he could begin to ask, Twilight glanced over to Star and gave her a questioning look.

"Star, did you not tell Liam yet?" Twilight pressed.

Now thoroughly confused, Liam turned and looked at Star, the question already on his tongue but she beat him to the punch.

"Well, I was going to make it a surprise, but now I think the cat's just about out of the bag." Star shrugged.

Twilight flushed in embarrassment, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to steal your thunder. I just thought you were going to tell him first thing when he got here," she explained.

"Tell me what? What's going on?" Liam asked, glancing back and forth between Twilight and Star.

"Her royal highness here, has put together something of a celebration for your return, especially because of the good tidings you've brought back from the Griffon Lands." A new, masculine voice spoke out, drawing all eyes upward.

"Sky!" Liam exclaimed in happiness upon seeing his oldest Equestrian friend.

"In the flesh." Sky smirked, landing beside the tall man.

The crimson pegasus reared back on his hindlegs and pulled Liam into another hug, which he eagerly reciprocated. Upon pulling away, he gave the pegasus stallion a curious look.

"So Twilight put together a little shin-dig for me after all? Misty had a feeling that she might." Liam smirked, his eyes slowly moving back to Twilight.

Despite her station and relationship with him, Twilight couldn't help but blush like a filly being caught with her hoof in the cookie jar.

"I... may have gotten a little excited when I got your letter and put something akin to the Grand Galloping Gala together for tonight..." Twilight sheepishly replied, twiddling her hooves together.

Liam owlishly blinked.

"With... Pinkie as the party planner and well... pretty much all the rest of the girls helped. There should be around five hundred guests tonight... hehe." Twilight continued.

Liam slowly blinked, "Uh... geez, Twi... you didn't have to do all that for me." He bashfully replied.

"Oh, it wasn't any trouble at all! It was supposed to be a big surprise welcoming party for you to thank you for your great work and patience with being away from home but... well, I kind of got a bit carried away... hehe... surprise?" Twilight offered, her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

Even if he had been upset with the change in plans for the night, Liam couldn't stay mad at the adorable princess before him if he tried.

"Aw, hell, Twi. Thanks for doing all this for me." Liam smiled, leaning forward and pulling Twilight into another hug.

"Oh, I can't wait! You're going to have such a great time tonight, Liam! Thank you again for your hard work," Twilight replied, returning the hug, "I have to return to the castle to prepare, but the event will be starting at eight P.M, sharp. I fully expect you to be there on time." She added, in a playfully stern voice.

"Yes ma'am." Liam snarked, giving a sloppy salute.

Twilight rolled her eyes in amusement before heading back to her chariot and taking back to the skies. As she departed, Liam and Star made their way over to their own chariot, Sky walking alongside them.

"So, looks like you're the big hero with a name that everyone around Equestria knows right now, huh?" Sky teased, elbowing Liam's thigh.

"Oh, I don't think it's anything quite that big. As far as spreading friendship across the planet, Twilight and her friends have done more than I'll ever do. I think this was just one of the final pieces of the puzzle. Now with the griffons on board for future integration, we'll have centuries of peace and prosperity between our two nations." Liam replied, nonchalantly.

"See, you're even starting to talk like a politician. You're going mad with power. I need someone to keep you in check. Star, you can put him in his place, right?" Sky joked.

"Oh, you know it." Star practically purred, her tail running up Liam's thigh until it swatted his tush.

While Liam went rigid from the blatant molestation, Sky doubled over in laughter. The sight and sound made several heads turn in their direction, but Star was so quick that nobody else saw what she'd done, leaving Liam to stew in the knowledge that she could still fluster him just as easily as ever.

"Come along now, Liam. We've gotta get back to the house so we can dress you up appropriately," Star intoned, trotting ahead to their carriage.

"I'll see you guys there. Mid's coming too. We got Tempest and Jason to watch Sable for the night, so Mid's all excited about getting to see you again and hearing all about your trip." Sky added, unfurling his wings to take to the skies once more.

"That's great! I'll see you both there, then." Liam waved his goodbye, before the crimson pegasus departed.

With that, the man and pony reached their chariot and swiftly made their way home. The ride back was smooth, as new pegasi chariots were known to be, though the constant shuffling and kissing in the back sometimes made it difficult for the pegasi pulling the chariot to keep it level. Regardless, they were quiet and professional, and didn't look back as the sounds of moaning and gasps of pleasure reached their ears.

Within the hour, they arrived back in Canterlot and with a slightly awkward 'thank you', Liam and Star bid their chariot farewell. The walk back to their house was quick and covered without incident, though several dozens of ponies on the street stopped them to greet or welcome Liam back to Equestria after so long away. Luckily, Star was able to steer them away from having to hold up and have a prolonged conversation with any of the curious denizens of the city, lest they run out of time and be late to their own party.

Upon entering their house, Liam let out an explosive sigh of relief, "Oh man, home, sweet home." He groaned, stretching his back in the doorway.

"Just like you left it, hun." Star cooed, nuzzling his thigh.

Liam reached down to scritch behind Star's ear, earning a purr of delight from the pegasus mare before she walked away, nodding toward their bedroom.

"I got you a couple things for the party tonight." Star explained, answering his unasked question.

"You went shopping for me? How thoughtful." Liam teased.

Star playfully rolled her eyes as she led him into the bedroom, finding his clothing already laid out on the bed before them.

"Oh wow. I didn't realize it was gonna be like, super formal and everything." Liam noted, glancing at his clothing.

"Well, Twilight did say it was going to be a party to rival the Grand Galloping Gala. Are you really surprised it's gonna be a black tie affair?" Star teased, flicking him with her tail.

Liam chuckled, "I guess not. Wow, you even got me new briefs." He pointed out, picking up the underwear.

Star smiled, "Only the best for my human."

"Uh... is there a reason for this... circle?" Liam asked, rotating the underwear so Star could see a bright blue circle right where his package would be, were he wearing the clothing.

"It's just the brand. Three-sixty degree comfort. They brand all their clothing like that. I had to get that custom made, you know? There aren't many creatures in Equestria that have a body shaped like you." Star chuckled.

Liam smiled and tousled her mane, "Well, I'm glad that you know my size. Thanks for doing this, Star. I really appreciate it." He replied, leaning down to plant a loving kiss on Star's lips.

Star happily returned the kiss, though much to Liam's surprise, she snaked her tongue into his unsuspecting mouth. Unlike the previous kisses he'd shared with her, he could've sworn her tongue felt longer than before. However, before he could question it, she pulled away and broke the kiss.

"Get dressed, stud. We've got a party to get to in just over an hour and you know how Twilight gets about anypony being 'tardy'." She snickered.

Liam laughed, "Fair enough. We wouldn't want to be late for a Pinkie sponsored party, now would we?"

With that, Liam set about dressing himself for the party while Star changed into her own dress. While Liam's outfit consisted of a standard black suit with a white undershirt, Star wore a dress of pure white. Laced sleeves ran down her forelegs to her hooves, and a sheen of small gems filled the hems of the trail of the dress as it trailed behind her. She tied her mane into a ponytail, while her actual tail was hidden just beneath the nearly transparent trail of the dress. The design was slim and hugged her barrel tightly in all the right places, giving Liam a downright salacious view of her figure as she stepped out of the closet and posed for him.

"So? What do you think?" She asked, no shortage of smug charm in her voice.

"Hell, Star... you're the sexiest thing I think I've ever seen." Liam dumbly replied, almost too lost in his appreciation of her body.

"Oh trust me... you haven't seen anything yet..." She purred, before turning on her hooves and heading to the doorway, "You about ready?"

"Yeah. Just a sec." Liam replied, quickly donning his coat and heading after her.

The duo left the house and made their way along the admittedly short journey to the castle. The benefit of living so close to their place of work was the ease of travel, no doubt. Even if the crowds of Canterlot's top district were nightmarish during rush hour traffic, there was something serene and beautiful about the streets bustling with ponies all adorned in their fanciest garbs or clothing.

Tonight was no exception as the crowds of ponies heading toward Canterlot were dressed in their very best. Crowds of mares and stallions made their way to the massive gates of the castle, their heads held high as they approached the most important event of the evening. Despite being nearly twice as tall as most ponies, Liam found himself fitting in well even after three months away, and both he and Star soon found themselves nearing the front gate among the hundreds of other guests.

Unlike the last time he'd seen it, Canterlot Castle was in a state of utter jubilation and mirth. Streamers were flying everywhere, fireworks went off in the sky every few seconds, airships flew in to deliver important or rich creatures coming from all over, and the air was filled with enough color to make a rainbow look dull by comparison.

Soon enough they were met by the greeters at the gate, who swiftly allowed them entry upon seeing who they were. From there, it was a short walk through the castle foyer until the duo arrived at the proper entrance into the ballroom where Twilight was standing, adorned in a beautiful silken dress colored a soft baby blue. Standing beside her, was her protégé, Luster Dawn, wearing a magenta dress of her own, and also greeting guests.

"Well, long time no see." Twilight teased as Liam approached.

"It's been far too long, Princess." Liam replied in a fake posh accent.

The two held a straight face for all of a minute before breaking into a fit of giggles.

"I hope you have a wonderful evening, Liam. This party is all for you, after all." Twilight smiled.

Liam dismissively waved a hand, "Oh, I hardly deserve all this, Twilight. It was a team effort, through and through."

"Au contraire, I heard you pretty much carried this entire operation on your back." A new, yet very familiar voice spoke out from behind, redirecting Liam's attention to the mare and stallion standing behind him.

"Midnight!" Liam smiled, leaning down for a quick hug with the charcoal colored mare.

"It's so good to see you again, Liam! I'm so proud of you." Midnight beamed, happily returning the hug.

Both Sky and Midnight were dressed in their best, the former wearing a simple black suit like most stallions, while the latter wore a stunning, form-fitting, black dress with short sleeves and a short train.

"You look great. Both of you." Liam replied, smiling to his friends.

"I could say the same about you. Star really picked you out a nice suit for tonight." Midnight replied, winking to Star.

"Oh, I only pick the best for my human. Tonight is going to be a night that he won't ever forget." Star replied, hooking a foreleg around Liam's waist.

"Well, we've taken up enough of Twilight's time. There's a line still behind us so how's about we head inside and catch up there?" Liam suggested, noticing the growing and impatient line of ponies behind them all.

"Good idea. Come on, you three," Midnight instructed, strutting ahead and turning to Twilight, "We'll see you at the party, Twilight." She waved goodbye.

"I'll see you all there. Have a wonderful night." Twilight called after them.

Author's Note

What's in store next for our little group? Only one way to find out.