Don't stare.

Don't stare.

Don't- I'm staring!

“Hello Toxic Shield.”

A weak squeak was all Toxic could utter as he bent on one hoof in respect. His mind accepted what his eyes were seeing, but still couldn't process it.

Luna smiled gently, shaking her head.

“No bowing is necessary. We come here as Luna, not as a royal Princess.”

Apparently there was a difference? Toxic wasn't sure what to think.

She turned to briefly look out across the lake.

“We can see why you come here. 'Tis beautiful.”

Toxic finally worked up the courage to simply sit, rather than bow. Then, he slowly levitated the parchment to write, and that alone took almost all the courage he had.

Yes, it is. It shows off your beautiful night sky very well. Princess Luna, if I may ask, why are you here?

Luna turned to look at him, the same gentle smile on her face as she beamed at the compliment.

“Please Toxic Shield, just Luna will suffice. And...”

His own magic was overpowered as the quill and parchment were gently lowered to the ground.

“We know that thou can speak with thy voice.”

Toxic's eyes widened with shock. Surely she didn't expect him to speak to her like that!

“I am serious, Toxic Shield. Will just Toxic do?”

Well, time to venture it then.

“Y-yes. Y-you do-n't m-mind my v-voi-ce?”

Luna's smile grew wider as she leaned down slightly.

“THOU FORGETS, WE TOO HAD SPEACH ISSUES UPON RETURNING TO EQUESTRIA!”

Toxic's mane was blown back briefly by the Royal Canterlot Voice, a smile twitching past his shocked expression.

“T-hank y-you. T-toxic is fi-ne.”

“Ahah! Success! Mine sister though we could relate on such a matter!”

Toxic's eyes widened.

“Yo-ur s-sist-er?”

Luna nodded briefly.

“Yes. Celestia and I have been watching your progress for a time, actually. She seeks to eliminate rumors of our royal distancing, and suggested various means to get to know our subjects better. Your situation provided us with a unique opportunity.”

Toxic was overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy. He had messed up on so many things...

“To answer your question, Toxic, I am here, because you asked me to be here.”

Rarely had Toxic been speechless, or textless for that matter. But for a moment, his mind went blank.

“W-what?”

Luna held up the parchment, indicating it with a nod. Her expression then faded to sympathy, laced with genuine sadness.

“We have read your letters, Toxic Shield, or at least those you addressed to us. Tonight though, you wrote something this night that we could not ignore.

Regarding the changing of family.”

It was as though a switch had been flipped in Toxic's mind. One minute, he was sitting next to Princess Luna, the being who had the power to raise the moon and paint the heavens with stars. The next, he was sitting next to a friend.

He had written every week or two, long and short letters to either Luna or Celestia, for well over a year. Never anything extremely personal, but always about his troubles, his mindset, and just his overall life.

And she had read them. They both had read them.

Toxic wanted to cry, both from happiness and just being overwhelmed, but, of course, couldn't.

“Y-you re-ead them?”

Luna nodded, and Toxic was amazed to see some dampness in her eyes, as well as an outpouring of compassion.

“Yes. We asked you, a few times, in thy dreams, if such was allowed. You of course, said yes.”

Toxic couldn't help but blush. In a few of the nightmares, he vaguely remembered someone speaking with him- but nothing more.

He did, however, remember giving said figure a hug.

“We know thy feelings on the matter, regarding family. My sister and I are on...different terms. One thousand years does change anypony.”

Luna's eyes then looked up at the moon briefly.

“I too yearn for a past that which I cannot get back.”

The Princess of the Night shook herself from her memories, turning back to Toxic.

“Unfortunately Toxic Shield, our time here is brief. We do wish to relay a simply message. Thou art invited to a lunch with my sister, for, sadly, business steals us away. 'Twill be at noon tomorrow, at the 'Hay-and-Barrel,' does thou knowest of the place?”

Toxic nodded, still in shock.

“Y-Yes. B-but a lunch?”

Luna laughed, the cheerful sound echoing across the lake, lifting the otherwise melancholy mood.

“Indeed! Celestia will explain more, for we have an assignment for you. Thy performance a few days ago was commendable, and helped Equestria more than you realize. Therefore, we deemed a thanks to be in order.”

Toxic could only stammer two words in reply.

“T-thank yo-u!”

Luna stood, nodding respectfully to Toxic as she trotted over.

“I know thou is curious as to why we go through all this trouble for thy sake?”

Toxic nodded. He could understand the royal sisters wanting to get to know their subjects more. So often they were put on a pedestal, yet Toxic had a feeling they just wanted casual interaction and friends, just like any other pony. He didn't think, however, that was the only reason for all of this.

Luna didn't move for a moment, but a mischievous glint sparkled in her eye briefly. She leaned down, hooking a foreleg around Toxic in a brief hug.

“We did not forget thy gesture in the dream.”

Cheeks burning, but returning the gesture nonetheless, Toxic could feel the emotions bubbling up. For a moment, he felt safe, as though held by a caring mentor.

Luna then stood, looking down at Toxic a final time.

“Toxic Shield. The last question thou asked us was difficult for you perhaps, but not us. We cry, and to answer your other question, in regards to yourself and friendship, among other things...”

Luna locked gazes with him, and Toxic was powerless to look away.

“Know this, Toxic Shield. Thou art a fine stallion. If we can return from exile, and find friendship, then surely, thou is worthy of such. As for more than that, thou has heard it spoken before, as did we long ago. Good things come to those who wait. We wish thee well Toxic, and perhaps in a night or two, we shall talk again?”

“T-that wo-uld be n-ice, Prin-Luna.”

The Princess then spread her wings, and jumped into the air, quickly fading from view.

Toxic stared at the sky for a good minute or two, her final words echoing in his mind. A strange warmth blossomed in his chest, perhaps because he believed her. Parents were suppose to tell their children that the future was bright. To hear it from someone else was comforting, especially someone as special as Luna.

After another minute, he came to the startling realization of the dilemma presenting itself tomorrow.

What in the world would he wear to a sandwich parlor with a meeting with royalty?

Back at the palace, Celestia nodded in greeting to her sister as the younger alicorn landed on the balcony.

“Did all go well?”

Luna nodded, still a bit distracted. It was not often she discussed her uneasiness about re-learning the culture of this time.

“Yes. He will meet thee tomorrow at noon.”

As they walked back to Celestia's personal study room, Luna couldn't help but grin slightly.

“Be nice 'Tia. I think he is still amazed, and rather terrified, that we take interest in him.”

“No exploding sandwiches?”

“Thy idea was extremely amusing, at least we though so. The fellow politicians did not seem to share our sentiments.”

Author's Note

Making up for the extremely short previous chapter!

Feedback EXTREMELY appreciated for this chapter in particular. I want to keep Luna in character.

Also...maybe was it all moving a bit fast? I'm trying to convey a semi-established relationship of sorts through Toxic's writing, but not a complete 'oh that makes sense' feeling.