House of Parker

Featured Characters - Princess Luna and Peter Parker

Rating - K

Chapter Twenty-Two “Cookies ‘n Cream”

    “Slow night,” Spider-Mane murmured as he swung across the skies of Manehattan on a strand of webbing.

    The city was quiet under the moon’s milky gaze, most of its inhabitants asleep or indoors. Even during the hours of the day, Manehattan was a peaceful city. It was a welcome change from New York, where crimes occurred every hour, but Peter sighed, admitting that such serene settings were boring at times. A part of him missed the neverending excitement, but the rest of him reveled in the peace, for it never lasted as long as he hoped. Releasing his webbing, Spider-Mane soared through the air gracefully before landing on the edge of a building’s rooftop.    The stallion stood on his hind legs and lowered into a squatting position.  “Manehattan’s in the clear. Let’s call it a night.”    Materializing in a flash of light, Luna appeared next to the stallion, floating. “I suggest another sweep of the city.” The wind ruffled her sky-blue mane. “One must remain vigilant, even during times of peace. Evil can strike at any--”    Peter’s hoof fell over the mare’s shoulder. “Take it easy, Batmare. We’ve been on patrol for five hours. Can we lighten up a tiny bit?” Luna glared at the stallion, particularly at the name that escaped from his mouth. Despite the mare’s shortened stature, she was still as intimidating as ever, her bemused glare causing Peter to chuckle nervously. “Fine. We’ll do a couple more sweeps of the city, but we have to get something to eat first.” Removing his hoof, Spider-Mane leaned over the edge of the building and pointed at a neon-lit shop down near the street. “I scream for ice cream!”    Luna blankly stared at the stallion. “You are undisciplined. We mustn’t pause while we work.”    “We can’t focus if we’re malnourished,” Spider-Mane quickly replied, stretching his hooves high over his head before waving dismissively. “Think of this as a lunch break.”    Luna sighed, shaking her head in defeat. “Unbelievable.”    Peter chuckled victoriously. “Sweet!”    “Why did I fall for one so childish?” Her question was clearly rhetorical, mirroring her inner voice, but Luna smiled as Spider-Mane eagerly dove over the edge of the building. It was strange, seeing one so powerful act so youthful and immature. Spider-Mane spun at the last moment, landing perfectly on his hooves, and Luna vanished, materializing a few hoof-lengths from the shop. Peter walked up to the door and held it open for the princess, earning a small smile from the mare as she accepted the gesture. “I thank you for having a chivalrous heart.”    Spider-Mane followed the mare inside, grinning as he removed his mask. Equestria had its perks over Earth.    The shop was empty with the exception of the cashier. “Welcome to the Parlor, can I take your order?” the mare behind the register greeted, never looking up at her customers.    Peter pulled out a stool by the main counter, sharing a glance with Luna. “Do you want anything? I’m buying.” The princess merely closed her eyes and scoffed, accepting the seat despite initial protests. Peter shrugged, hopping into the next available seat with a smile. “I would like a large helping of cookies n’ cream. Two spoons, please.”    Nodding, the mare grabbed a container and dropped three scoops inside, never lifting her gaze. “One large cup of cookies n’ cream. That’ll be…” she trailed off, finally looking up, “six... bits. Oh.”    Peter took the container and nonchalantly dropped over a dozen bits on the mare’s hoof. “Keep the change!” The cashier’s eyes never stopped widening, and her mouth hung so low that it nearly hit the counter. Peter, with his spoon in hoof, shoved some of the cold treat into his mouth, sighing contently. He edged the container closer to Luna, pausing until the mare reluctantly lifted her spoon with her magic and joined in the ice cream’s consumption. Both ponies continued to eat in comfortable silence in spite of the cashier’s gawking stare. Peter chuckled. “We should get something to go.”    “This is going to be a very long night,” Luna exhaled, shaking her head.    Peter grinned. “Only if you want it to be.” The stallion smirked. “Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Spider-Mane and Princess Luna walk into a bar…”    Luna rolled her eyes. “Stop.”