Chapter 18: A birthday bash

Today was a day of celebration. Today was my day of celebration! Turning 21 only happens once, and I wanted it to be the best day I could make it. I gave Luna, Shining and Cadence the day off so we could all spend time together. I tried to get Celestia to play one day of hooky, but she said that the kingdom never rests. Gotta respect that.

So, while my family rested up back home after their... little late night show, Luna, Shining, Cadence, Lilly and I spent the entire day together traversing Canterlot as a means of our own celebratory union. We saw all the sights we could see in one day, from the beautiful waterfalls, to the simplest places like the mall. It was probably the most fun I've ever had on any birthday. It was also a good way for Lilly and I to get to know each other more. She was ecstatic to be spending time with me, and I'm so glad she didn't find out about what happened during Chrysalis's short lived attempt to take Canterlot.

I'd be mortified if my new student found out about that...

The day was waning thin as the sun began to touch the horizon. We decided a good way to end a perfect day was to go out and eat. We headed towards the same restaurant I went to the day I got Luna's necklace. The poor staff went into a frenzy when they saw four faces of royalty enter their establishment. If this restaurant didn't have a five star rating before, it would now.

Once the staff had stopped having a freak out, the five of us were guided to the same booth I sat in before. The ponies around us were a little weirded out that two princesses and two princes were out and about on the town like everything was normal. I noticed the stares and whispers and smiled back at them.

"Today is my 21st birthday!" I tolled them, trying to alleviate some of the awkwardness. It worked, as everypony began to laugh happily and clap for me. Luna giggled and nuzzled into my neck as I raised my glass to the crowd in thanks. I loved when Luna showed these signs of affection towards me. It made me feel safe and loved.

"Thou art only 21." Luna mused, chuckling softly to herself. "Tis funny to think about when I think of my age." She looked up at me, smiling brightly. I raised a brow, curious as to how old she really was. She never actually said.

"And, how old is that?" I asked with a curious smile. Luna gasped and slapped my chest lightly, making Cadence giggle.

"Tis rude to ask a mare her age! But, since we are married, I feel it is alright. I am 1,156 years old. It would have been 2,156 if my time on the moon had not halted my aging." She informed me.

Lilly chirped in at that. "Wow! You're really old!" She gasped. I had to laugh at Luna's face at Lilly's comment. If Lilly wasn't a little kid, Luna would have surely banished her to the moon.

Luna composed herself quickly and turned to the filly. "Why... yes, I am, Lilly Blossom. Thank you for reminding me..." She muttered, shaking her head.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around Luna, hoping to make my mare feel better. "1,000 years old, or a million, I'd still love you, no matter what." I gave Luna's ear a little nip, making her gasp. "Why does your age turn me on?" I whispered low enough so only she could hear.

A blush formed on Luna's cheeks as she gazed back at me with those beautiful blue eyes. "Tis because thou art a... bit of a freak when it comes to that." She giggled, making Shining Armor laugh into his hoof.

I arched a brow and leaned in towards him, grinning mischievously. I think a friendly reminder is needed about last night. "Really? Do I have to remind you that-"

"NO!" He instantly yelled, but regained his composure, letting out a sigh. "No... No you don't." I chuckled and winked at him, making him blush awkwardly.

"Good." I smiled, making Cadence snort in laughter. It was a lot of fun pulling Shining's leg with this. If you aren't comfortable with yourself, then you can't live life to the fullest. He got the big picture last night, which I was glad for.

Lilly looked at me, raising a tiny brow. "Whatcha talking about?" She asked. I pat her mane and smiled.

"Just adult stuff, sweetheart." I chuckled, making her shrug as she took a sip of her drink. Luna raised a brow at my calling Lilly 'sweetheart'. I ignored it and continued to ruffle Lilly's mane.

"Ah, if it isn't my friend, Prince Nathaniel!"

I stopped playing with Lilly and looked over to see Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis standing there. "Oh! What a surprise! Come, join us! We're celebrating my birthday today!"

Fancy and Fleur saddled up in the booth smiling at me. "Well, happy birthday, old boy! How old are you today, hmm?" He asked.

"Twenty-one! The last age milestone back where I'm from." I informed. Fancy clapped his hooves together once and pat me on the back.

"Indeed. Well, I'm... glad I ran into you today. That means I won't need to send this letter." Fancy said, waving the envelope around.

"Oh? What was the letter for?" I asked curiously. Fancy looked to Fleur, then back to me.

"Well... I own one of the top photo shooting industries in Equestria, and, as you probably do not know, make some of the-" Fancy stopped talking when he noticed Lilly peaking at him over the table. "Oh! And who is this beautiful young mare?" He asked.

Lilly leaned over and held out a hoof. "My name's Lilly Blossom! I'm Prince Nathan's personal student." She said proudly. Fancy shook her little hoof and chuckled.

"Really now? My, my! That is quite an honor!" He beamed. He turned to me and whispered "Um... Prince Nathaniel, is there any way we can talk without... little ears?" He asked. I nodded, turning to Cadence.

"Hey, Cadence? Think you can take Lilly to the front and get her a nice little treat?" I asked, passing her a few bits. Cadence smiled and nodded, shuffling her way out of the booth.

"Of course. Come on, sweetie. You get to spoil your dinner." She giggled when Lilly let out a tiny cheer and chased after her. With the little ears gone, Fancy leaned up to me.

"So, as I was saying, I own one of the... sauciest calenders in Equestria." He boasted as Fleur wrapped herself around him, giving me lidded eyes. This... was going somewhere dirty.

"And... You're telling me about this because..." I trailed off and rolled my hands, signalling him to go on. He pulled out the dirty newspaper of Luna and I as opposites. He kept his smile all the same.

"Many Stallions have expressed an interest in your... feminine form. You are absolutely stunning! Breathtaking even! I decided to give the population what they want and... ask you to pose for the calender?" He asked hopefully.

I was stunned! Ponies were... liking the feminine me?! H-How... WHAT?! I looked to Luna, who was trying her best to contain her laughter. My mouth barely began working again. Shining leaned in, intent on seeing where this went. I bet he was just barely holding back his laughter as well.

I composed myself from that bit of shock. "So... You want me... to pose in sexy positions for your hot calender. Is that what you're getting at?" I asked. Fancy nodded and smiled.

"You have no need to worry about the law that says it's illegal. If you sign the right paperwork, I can assure you anything is possible. So, old friend. What do you say? Should we give the stallions what they want?" He asked, bumping my shoulder. I turned to Luna.

"So, what do you think?" I asked. "Should royalty subject themselves to that?" Luna was giggling and snorting into her foreleg now, unable to hold back the dam of laughter.

"I... dost not know!" She strained to say. "Do whatever you wish. Just know that... I support you!" And then she let loose a torrent of laughter and tears, making me roll my eyes, but smile nonetheless.

I grinned and shrugged. "Well, why not!" I laughed. "What do I sign?"

Fancy pulled out a form, which I read over carefully. Our food was brought to us, but I paid it no heed as my eyes scanned the document furiously. I really wanted to read over the form, look for loopholes, see if I was signing my soul to the calender devil...

Everything appeared to be okay. I could refuse any offers in the future, but I probably wouldn't. Being Natasha is just too much fun. I gave the form my John Hancock and handed it back to Fancy, who was smiling happily.

"Oh, most marvelous! Come by the studio next week at three o'clock. We'll be ready and waiting." He and Fleur stood and began to leave. "Well, Fleur and I have some business to attend to. Ta-Ta. It was lovely seeing you all. Enjoy your birthday, Sir Nathaniel."

"Thanks! Have a good evening." I called out as we all waved. As soon as Fancy and Fleur left, Cadence returned with Lilly, who was levitating a large, pink frosted cupcake next to her as she grinned from little ear to little ear. I smiled and helped Lilly back into the booth. "What did you get?" I asked.

"Strawberry cupcake!" She beamed, taking a large munch out of the top. I chuckled and pat her mane as Shining just chuckled at me.

"I can't believe you're doing that." He said in disbelief, still focusing on what just happened. Cadence stared at Shining curiously, then back to me with a look of, 'what have you gotten yourself into now'.

"What is Nathan doing now?" She sighed, shaking her head. Shining whispered it into her ear, making her gasp and gawk at me. "Really?! Y-You're actually doing that?!"

Lilly looked up at me. "What? What are you doing?" She asked. I gulped and shifted in my seat, trying to think of something to tell Lilly.

"Um... I'm... just doing some... magic training! As a Prince, I have to learn in order to protect the kingdom." I was lying through my teeth, but I didn't want Lilly to know that I was really posing for a porn calender. Too much explaining to do...

Lilly seemed a little crestfallen. "Oh... So, when are ya gonna teach me stuff? I've been your student for a week, and I haven't learned much..." She sighed, a bit disappointed.

Lilly was right. I hadn't been doing my part in the student/teacher training. She was relying on me to help her learn how to become smarter, more powerful, and how to be a better mare for her future.

"You're right... Starting tomorrow, we'll begin your training. What do you want to learn first?" I asked. It was now Lilly's turn to be put on the spot.

"Um... Well, what is a personal student supposed to learn?" She asked. Shit, now it was my turn back in the spotlight.

"Um, what is a personal student supposed to learn?" I asked, turning to Luna. If anyone knew, it'd be her. I saw her knowing smile form. Luna always loved it when she could show me up. Which she was able to do a lot.

"Well," Luna began, resting a hoof on Lilly's shoulder. "A personal student learns very important lessons in magic, life, and friendship. They must take their studies very seriously if they are to succeed in that roll." Luna's eyes rested on me now. "Love, are you up to the task of teaching young Lilly Blossom the lessons she wishes to learn?"

I nodded. "Yes. Yes I am." I said, rubbing Lilly's mane again. Luna smiled and pressed into it as she took another bite of her cupcake. Her lips were now coated in pink frosting as she beamed up at Luna.

Luna chuckled and nodded. "So be it. Tomorrow, Lilly's lessons officially begin. I hope you both are up to the challenges that lie ahead. If you two need more information, I'm sure my sister will be happy to instruct you."

Lilly hugged me tightly, ecstatic that she was finally going to do what she wanted to do for a while. "Yay! Finally, I get to learn things! What are we gonna learn first?" She asked, beaming up at me.

"How about my home? I can teach you Earth history, which is something nopony around here knows about." I offered, which made Lilly open her mouth in awe.

"Y-Yes! That sounds awesome! I can't wait!" She giggled, continuing on her cupcake. Well, now it was official. Lilly's training was going to start tomorrow, and I'd have to make sure these lessons were what was going to make Lilly a great mare.

"Alright. Then tomorrow, we'll begin learning."

So, with the sun just a few hours from setting and our dinner done, we made our way back to the castle, getting a few waves, weird looks and hushed whispers. I heard a few of them as we walked by. Apparently the sex change scandal was still fresh on some ponies minds, not that I cared. Luna and I had a great time that night, and that's all that mattered.

We arrived back at the castle, which seemed to be alive with music coming from the ball room. All five of us were a little curious and made our way there first. I only wondered if it had to do with my birthday. I hoped so!

"What do you guys think is going on in there?" I asked. They all shrugged and we continued on.

"I dost not know. Who else knows it is your birthday?" Luna asked.

I shrugged. "Just you guys really. It's not like I told the whole world. Well, except at the restaurant. But, who could throw a party so quickly?"

We made our way to the ballroom doors and the music instantly ceased. Okay, this had to be a surprise party! I readied myself and opened the door. The room was pitch black as we walked in. I waited and waited for what seemed like an eternity of them to yell surprise. Huh... That's odd, usually they yell-

"SURPRISE!

And, that's when I died of fright. I fell to the floor, clutching my chest like I had just been shot. "Holy ass berries!" I screamed. "Yes, let's give the new prince a heart attack! Ha ha ha!"

I looked up to see the ballroom filled with friends and family. Twilight and her friends were there, as was my family. A few ponies I had met from around were also here, including Fancy Pants and Fleur. Also a couple of high up ponies, who stayed away from the surprise part of the party. Typical snobs.

Pinkie Pie bolted over and hugged me tight. "Oh! Happy birthday, Natey! Did I surprise ya, did I? Did I?!" She asked happily. Of course, only Pinkie could throw a party this quickly. Celestia must have tolled them about it today while she was here working. That sneaky Princess.

I grinned and nodded, hugging Pinkie back. "Yeah, you really did! Thank you, Pinkie Pie. This is the best birthday ever."

Pinkie awed and hugged me tighter. "Well, I'm glad I was behind it! Now, let's get down with the party!" She yelled, running over to the DJ stand in the back where Vinyl was waiting in. The music began to play as everyone began to mingle with one another.

Luna excused herself to go talk to her sister, while Lilly and I walked over to Cory and Samantha, who were enjoying the hard punch in the back. "Hey you two." I smiled, bringing them in for a hug. "Enjoying a Pinkie party?" I asked.

Cory nodded. "A little childish, but as long as there's alcohol, I'll manage. So, when do you start your job as a teacher? Don't think I didn't hear about that one." He chuckled. Sam smiled at me.

"That's pretty nifty, huh? From hating school, to teaching! What are the odds of that?!" She asked in a scary low voice. I chuckled and shrugged.

"Well, I've already been a teacher for over a week for Lilly here." I informed. Lilly shuffled over shyly, looking up at Cory and Samantha.

"Well, hey there." Cory said, holding out his hand. "My names Cory, and this is my fiance', Samantha. So, you're the tyke who we met at the wedding." He said, remembering her. Lilly beamed shyly at them and shook.

"M-My name's Lilly Blossom... Yeah, I was one of the flower mares..." She said, shuffling her hooves. Samantha's heart looked like it melted when she spoke.

"Oh, you're just a gem! So, how old are you? Five? Six?" She asked. Lilly giggled and shook her head.

"No, I'm eight." She said. Wow, even I grossly underestimated her age! Maybe I should have found out these things earlier... Now I just felt like a complete fool for taking Lilly in without knowing anything much about her. Well, tomorrow would be a good day for learning. For the both of us.

"Well, you certainly are a cutie pie." Sam said, giggling when Lilly blushed. "So, anyway, a teacher at the university, huh?"

I nodded. "Yup. Starting in a few weeks. Should be a good job, keep me occupied. Then, I'll come home and teach Lilly personally about our world." Lilly grinned from ear to ear at the mention of her studies. It was great to see such a young pony, who had been in such a terrible home, cling to knowledge as something she could use to escape.

"Awesome!" Corry smiled. "Hey, your parents are looking for you. I think they're over with Princess Celestia. And, I think they're still a bit, um... mad about last night" He said, gesturing to the far end of the room. Typical... leave it to them to bring their anger over to my birthday party...

I sighed and nodded, looking over to where my parents were. "Alright. I'll go see how they're doing. I'll see you guys later." I said waving as I made my way through the crowd. I spotted my parents and the Princesses talking. Wow, mom and dad talking to royalty. Pretty nifty to see, considering they thought it was weird that I like My Little Pony in the first place. Now, here they were, talking to the Princess from the show. Life is just so silly.

"Hey everyone. What's up?" I asked, joining the group with Lilly. Princess Celestia smiled at Lilly, but stared at me a little harshly. Crap... She knew about last night.

"Your parents and I were just having a lovely chat is all." Celestia said a bit harshly, gesturing to my parents who still didn't look too thrilled about what they saw last night. And, I bet they learned it was illegal, too... Crap.

"O-Oh? Um... what about, exactly?" I asked a little concerned. Celestia leaned close to me and whispered in my ear.

"You're lucky you're easily forgiven. I know about last night and I'm sure Luna knows it, too. Don't let it happen again." She said the last part slowly, hoping I'd get the point. I was ramrod stiff as she pulled away, her eyes as cold as ice. Well, this put a damper on my plans with Fancy... I couldn't just blow him off after having a deal... Damn it...

"U-Um... Yeah..." I stuttered, still trying to get my body out of lock down mode. Seriously, Celestia can be very threatening with her words when she wanted to be. I just about shit my pants when she whispered her warning. Jesus that was... wow, she's good.

I felt a slight tugging at my pant leg and thanked God that Lilly was going to get me out of this. I looked down to she Lilly holding my pants in one hoof as she rubbed a tired eye with the other. "Nathan? Can you bring me to bed? I'm sleepy." She said, yawning cutely at the end.

"Of course. Come on, you." I smiled, picking her up. I turned to my parents, who were giving me a strange look.

"Um... Who's the kid?" My mother asked. I really didn't formally introduce Lilly at the wedding, since we were in a rush. Maybe now would be a good time to do so.

"Mom? Dad? You remember Lilly Blossom from the wedding?" They nodded. "Well, now she's my personal student, and she's a bit tired. I think it's time for her to go to bed. Be back in a bit."

I briskly made my way out of the ball room with Lilly still in my arms. I could feel the edge lift away the farther I got from Celestia's glare. Seriously, that mare had power and weight to her words and expression. I feared for my life. I really did.

"Why did Princess Celestia look mad at you?" Lilly asked me as I rounded the hall to the guest wing. Lilly's voice came out very tired. She was just barely staying awake.

I smiled and opened her room's door. "It's just boring adult stuff. I just... broke a rule and the Princess wasn't too thrilled about it is all. It's nothing to worry about." I assured, getting her into her bed. I tucked her in tightly, watching as she snuggled up into the bed with a sigh.

"Oh... Well, I hope you don't get in trouble. You're too nice." She yawned as her eyes fluttered. "Can you tell me another story tonight?"

I scooted over to Lilly's side in the big bed, laying down next to her. "Sure, squirt. What do you want to hear?" I asked, resting my hands under my head to relax.

"Something I haven't heard yet. Something I wanted to hear for a while." She said, looking up at me.

I looked at Lilly curiously. "Oh? And what might that be?" I asked. I found her wording odd, seeing as how she didn't know any earth stories to look forward to.

"Can... you tell me about how you almost died? I... heard about it around the castle and... I'm just really curious is all." She said, giving me a pleading look. "Please tell me?"

I was a little taken aback by her request, thinking it as something a filly shouldn't ask, or even hear about for that matter. Could she handle violent things like that? Would she understand them? Well, Lilly was quite mature for her age and could handle this one I think.

So, I told her everything that happened during the assassination attempt (leaving out the saucy bits). Lilly laid there and listened to it all, not uttering a sound. She was enthralled and maybe a bit shocked that anybody could just try and kill someone like that. I finished telling the story and waited for Lilly to ask her questions. Nothing. She was dead silent as she stared up at me. It was a long moment before she finally spoke.

"Thank you for telling me, and..." She paused for a moment as she got up quickly, planting a tiny kiss on my cheek. "that's for taking me in... You're the best." She snuggled back into the blankets, blushing a bit.

If Lilly's previous interest in my assassination caught me off guard, the kiss on the cheek she gave me certainly did ten times more. Granted, it wasn't unwelcome. I saw Lilly as part of my family and for her to do that means she feels the same. I smiled happily and tucked her back in, kissing her on the forehead to the right of her horn.

"You don't need to thank me, Lilly." I assured, walking to the door. "Just remember, you're family now. Family always looks out for each other, no matter what."

"No matter what?" She asked back hopefully. Lilly hadn't had that kind of love and trust from her real family and I'd be damned if I didn't give it to her now. She deserved that much.

I shut off the lights and turned back to her as I shut the door. "No matter what, Lilly. Sleep tight, okay? I love you." I didn't even mean to say the last part. It just came out on its own, forcing mine and Lilly's relationship to go even further.

She smiled and shut her eyes, sighing happily. "I love you, too... Goodnight..."

I slowly shut the door and stood in the room, totally shocked. "Did I-"

"Yes, thou did."

I jumped back in fright, clutching the wall like a lifeline. "GAH! Luna! Don't sneak up on me like that!" I chastised, making her smile. "So, you heard all that?"

Luna nodded. "Yes, we did. Thou art very attached to young Lilly. Do... you really consider her part of your family, even though you met not but over a week ago?" Luna's tone was more of shock than anything else.

Of course, it would be wouldn't it? I was probably the only person she's trusted sine she got back from banishment on the moon. It wasn't surprising to think that she would be distrusting of Lilly, too.

"Luna? What would you have me do? She was abandoned by her mother here and... I don't know, I feel responsible for her! It's just... She's too sweet and innocent to be treated harshly by others. I don't want her to get subjected to the harsh reality of the world at such a young age."

Luna walked over to the couch in the living room, beckoning me to take a seat at her side. I obliged, sitting there as I ran my hands through my hair in nervous anticipation as to what she had to say.

"Nathaniel, I know the pain that ails your mind. I have seen it in your dreams." I was going to ask how she saw my dreams, but I just let it go as Luna being Luna. "You were not given the chance to grow and flourish as a youth, and thus, your upbringing was a painful one." She leaned in and nuzzled into my neck. "We know what it is like to be pushed by the world and not being able to push back. It is frustrating, more so than anything I have ever known. But, just remember; the world changes, ponies change, and Lilly doesn't need to be sheltered her entire life."

I stood up and let out a pent up sigh. Luna had just laid it bare for me, and even I didn't know why I had been holding on to Lilly so tightly. It was because I didn't want he to suffer the world like I once had. To be treated like an outcast or a freak. I knew in my heart that she would never have those problems, but... I didn't want to take the chance. I didn't want her to be hurt the same way I was. I wanted to keep her safe.

She was family.

"Luna? I know what you're saying, I get it. But, Lilly is as much a part of my life as you are. I can't just... send her off into the world after promising her so many things. That wouldn't be fair to her at all." Then I asked the question I was the most curious about. "Why are you so... cautious about my caring for Lilly?" I asked.

Luna was taken off guard, staring at me silently for several moments as she thought about it. Then she did something I didn't expect her to do under the circumstances. She hugged me tight around the waist, burying her nose into my neck.

"Tis because thou gets hurt too easily. I dost not know what you shall do if anything should befall Lilly." Luna let go and sighed. "But, I fear it is too late for that. I am just scared for you, that is all." I looked away, contemplating her words. She put a hoof on my cheek, bringing my gaze back to her. "Hey..." Luna, who gave me the most comforting smile I had seen on someones face. "I love thee. With all my heart. And I promise, no matter what, that will always be true. Okay?"

What was with all the mushy stuff all of a sudden? Granted, it wasn't unwelcome, but Luna's demeanor had changed quite a bit. Maybe it was her pregnancy hormones acting up or something.

I nodded, kissing Luna, burying my face into hers as far as it would go. We stayed locked for a few moments, enjoying the taste and feel of each others lips. I pulled away, wrapping myself around Luna and enjoying the embracing warmth of her soft body. Luna; the mare who would love me no matter what. It was the greatest feeling in the world to know that I had affected someone so positively and gotten the same in return. I could understand why Luna was so cautious of my quickly forged bonds to ponies and people. Someday I might make a mistake in trusting someone, only to get stabbed in the back for it. Quite literally if the trend keeps up.

"I love you, too, Luna. And you have nothing to worry about, okay? Now, let's get back to the party. I'm itching for some birthday cake!" I clapped my hands together excitedly as I ran out the room, Luna giggling behind me as she followed at her own pace.

Luna and I rejoined the party in time for me to blow out the candles on my cake and open a few gifts. You know when you're younger and you hate getting clothing and stuff as a gift? Well, when you're an adult, it's like Christmas morning. Seriously, I nearly squeed at a package of socks. Once we were done with that, some of my family began to head for home, saying their goodbyes and love yous. So, with the party beginning to wain, Luna and I decided to mingle around a bit. I talked to some nobles, Fancy and Fleur, and then I was finally able to make my way to the mane six, who were talking to Cory and Sam in the back.

"Hey, everypony." I smiled. "What's going on?"

Twilight turned to me. "Oh, nothing really. Just talking to Cory and Samantha. How are you enjoying your party?" She asked happily.

"Quite well." I informed, turning to Pinkie Pie. "You sure do know how to throw one hell of a party."

Pinkie giggled and waved a hoof. "Stop it! You're gonna make me blush." She teased. I looked to the five mares and- wait, five? Where's Applejack?

"Hey, where's AJ?" I asked. The mares faces turned to those of concern and embarrassment as they looked behind me at the punch bowl. I turned to see Applejack, as drunk as David Hasselhoff with a cheeseburger. "Oh, boy."

"She's been ranting about how she let you get away all night." Rarity sighed. "It might be best to avoid her."

I sighed. Luna just raised a brow as the girls just stared at each other uncertainly. Well, I guess the sex did mean something to Applejack. I have only been in this boat once before back in high school. And, even back then, I managed to make the situation worse. I didn't know how this one would work out. "Okay. Thanks for the-" I heard the sniffling behind me, then came the bone crushing hug on my waist. "Oh shit... This is only going to end badly.

"Hey...." Applejack sniffled into my back, nuzzling into my shirt. I turned around, getting to where I could see her. The mare was a wreck. Her eyes were bloodshot, her nose was runny, and her mane and tail were missing their scrunchies. She looked pretty good with her hair down, I had to admit.

"AJ? What's wrong?" I asked. She looked at me with those bloodshot eyes, but looked away a second later.

"I-It's nothin'." She said, wiping her eyes. I turned her back to me and gave a caring smile.

"Applejack? I can tell when the element of Honesty is lying. Do you need to talk?" I asked. She nodded slowly, looking away again. I nodded and turned to Luna, who was still giving us an odd look. "Mind if I sort this out with her?" I asked. Luna hesitantly nodded as I led Applejack out into the gardens.

The two of us made our way to the small pond in the center, which looked breathtaking at night. We took a seat on one of the benches laid about as Applejack continued to sob to herself. I couldn't stand to see this mare this way. I pulled her in and hugged her tight, hoping to comfort her. "The girls tolled me what was going on, Applejack. Care to talk about it with me?"

Applejack sniffled again and shrugged. "Ah just miss ya... That's all. Ah never should have let ya get away from me. It was the dumbest mistake of mah life."

I turned her towards me, frowning. "Hey, don't say that. Applejack? What happened to us was very special, and I'm glad you were the first mare I ever got the chance to spend time with like that. You are truly special to me, and one day you'll make somepony as happy as a king."

"But ah want you! No stallion has ever come close to you!" She sputtered, nestling into me more. "You're perfect in every sense o' the word. Ah miss you and Ah need you."

I sighed and looked up at the stars. "Applejack? Truly I mean what I say; I do love you, so much. But, that love is going to have to stay in the form of friendship. You will always hold a special place in my heart, but, you have to understand that I'm married now, and having a kid. You can't expect me to drop all that, can you?" I asked sweetly. Applejack's reply was anything but sweet.

"Well, why not?!" She yelled, slurring her words. "Why tha buck can't ya? Ah would drop everything for you! Don't be so selfish!"

"Applejack!" I yelled, not to be mean, but to get her attention. She snapped her lips shut and tried to hold back the tears. "I am not the one being selfish here. I know you wouldn't give up on the farm just for me."

"Yes ah would!" She said defiantly. "What's so great about Luna anyway? Ah bet you only like her 'cause she's a Princess! What, just because Ah don't have any money makes me unlikeable?"

"Do you even here yourself?!" I shouted. Applejack snorted and crossed her forelegs. Her anger continued to rise to new heights.

"Yes Ah do! I hear me sayin' that Ah'd give you everything Ah could! But, yer just too selfish to accept it!" She yelled, glaring at me. "What, am Ah not good enough for you?!"

I stared in disbelief, trying to think of something to say. See? It was just like the last time I mentioned. That dispute went down like the Titanic. Cold, fast and not enough lifeboats. "Applejack! What in the hell is the matter with you?!" Dumb question; she was drunk. "I can't leave Luna, who is pregnant with my child! How fair is that to her?!"

Applejack scoffed. "Fair to her?! FAIR TO HER?! What about me?! What about what happened between us in tha fields?!" She pointed out.

I crossed my arms and glared at her. "If I recall correctly, you were the one who said. 'Ah can't make anythin' out of this'! Who's fault is it there?!"

I wish Applejack would have continued to use her words, because she did the last thing I expected. She slammed her hoof down onto my balls. Hard.

"Fuck!" I squeaked, falling to the dirt. Applejack got up and walked back to the party, grumbling to herself angrily. Well, that could have gone a hell of a lot better. I slowly got up, clutching my pride in my hands. I laid in the dirt, trying to find my mommy daddy button.

The music in the ball room suddenly ceased, which drew out all the fears of what I didn't want to happen. "Oh, please don't let it be Applejack causing a scene!"

I hobbled my way back to the party with great difficulty. Limping uphill is really, really hard. I reentered to see everyone standing around AJ and Luna. Luna stood there, too shocked at what to do, while Applejack gave her a tongue lashing. Cory saw me enter and ran over his face a mixture of concern and awkwardness.

"What's going on?" I asked, even though I knew full well what was. I was just hoping Cory had something to say to help alleviate the mood. But, he didn't say a thing. He just opted a shrug in response.

"You know. Two girls fighting over you. Teach me your ways?" He mused jokingly. He looked down, noticing I was clutching my junk and chuckled. "Applejack got you again, huh?"

"Yup. Now, if you'll excuse me, I got a fight to break up." I said, brushing past him and pushing through the crowd of people and ponies.

"-and another thing! I was there for him when he first got here! Ya didn't do anythin' for him! Just showed up and flaunted your stuff like some floozy!" Applejack shouted. Luna's jaw was unhinged.

"A-Applejack! What has come over thee? We cannot help that he chose us over thee! The heart wants what it wants." She said, trying to cool the enraged mare down.

"Oh yeah? Well mah heart wants ta kick yer flank up and down these halls! Yer nothin' but a no good stallion stealer!" She yelled.

This got a few of the party goers to ooh like she just got royally burned. Luna began to snort in rage as she leaned into Applejack's face.

"Oh? I was not the one who said work first, relationship second! Thou used him and threw him away like yesterdays waste! It is your fault he did not go for a relationship with you!" She yelled.

"Yeah? Well ah had mah priorities, and they're in check now! Him first, work second!" Applejack yelled back, getting closer to Luna's face. Luna returned in kind.

"Thou art but a drunken buffoon! Young Nathaniel would never be with a horrid mare like you! Thou only thinks of thyself when it comes to matters of the heart! He and I are happy together! We are married and with child! Thou wishes to throw his happiness away because of thine petty jealousy!?" She shrieked.

Applejack growled. "Ah know Ah'd make him a hundred times happier than you! Yer nothin' but a show boatin' floozy, with nothin' but a big bit purse to pull the stallions in! I bet that's the only reason he liked ya in the first place!"

"BE STILL THY TONGUE, OR WE SHALL MAKE IT STILL!" Luna shouted in the Royal Canterlot voice.

"MAKE ME!" Applejack shouted, not even fazed by the ear shattering yell Luna just gave her. She quickly reared around, doing exactly what I didn't want her to do.

Luna didn't have time to prepare for the hard buck in the face she received. She flew across the floor, landing in a heap on the ground. I pushed and shoved through the crowd violently, running over to her.

"L-Luna?! Luna, are you okay?!" I asked quickly, lightly patting her cheeks. Nothing; she was out like a light. The girls had since rushed over to Applejack's side to try and control her, but she was way, way out of control. The guards began to rush in, but I held up my hand, stopping them cold. That... actually felt kind of cool to do, despite the circumstances.

Applejack was barely being contained by Twilight's magic. She thrashed and bucked glaring at Luna and me. I knelt down and picked Luna up in my arms, walking over to Celestia, who looked like she was at a loss for words.

"Bring her back to our chambers for some rest. I'll handle this." I said, turning back towards the enraged mare. Celestia nodded and took her little sister.

"Please, remember who you are." She whispered, walking away. I stormed over to Applejack, who was grinning mischievously.

"Ha! Seems yer little Princess was no match for me!" She said proudly. "Ah bet that makes you wish you were with me, huh?"

"Shut up!" I yelled, making her wince.

"W-Wha? How can ya-"

"I said, shut. Up!" I seethed. I turned to the girls behind her, who were looking a bit scared. "Applejack? You were my friend; perhaps my closest friend here! And you ruin that in some stupid drunken escapade! What in the hell were you thinking?!" I shouted.

Applejack hung her head and shuffled her hooves. "A-Ah just wanted yah to love me..." She sniffled. Goddamn it... the fucking guilt trip. I ran a hand down my face as I knelt down to eye level with her.

"Applejack? I do love you! I love you like a best friend; someone who I can talk to about anything. You're the one who let me go, and you just have to accept that our friendship is going to stay just that. Friends. Now, I know you're drunk off your flank, so I'm going to let time heal this wound. But, right now, you're going to remain locked in one of the suits until you're sober enough to officially apologize to Luna. Do I make myself clear?" No answer. "DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"

"M-Mhmm..." She stuttered, looking away. I sighed and wrapped her in a hug, which no one was expecting. I let go and turned to the guards.

"Guards? Take her to one of the spare rooms. She needs time to think." I ordered. The guards flanked Applejack and walked her out of the ballroom. I looked to everyone, who was just staring at me. I was too pissed to continue the party, so I just stormed out without another word. My parents called out to me, but I ignored it. I didn't give a damn if it was my birthday, or if I was expected to make appearances because all I could focus on was my own stupidity in what had just happened.

How could I have expected there to be no consequences between Applejack and I? The sex meant something to her, though she tried to play it off as just fling at first. I was dumb, naive to think that I could just come into this land and do whatever I wanted and say, 'to hell with the consequences'. Being part of the royal system for as long as I was has made me realize, even the smallest things can have big repercussions.

I arrived at my bedroom doors and entered. Luna was sitting up on the bed with an icepack on her left cheek. She had tears blooming her eyes and her face was quite swollen. I scooted into bed beside her and the two of us laid down together.

"Hey you." I said, trying to cheer her up. "How are you feeling?" Luna moved the icepack and I could see the welt. "Oh... she got you good."

Luna huffed and put the pack back on her cheek, wincing in pain. "Indeed. But, what art thou doing here?" She asked. "You have a birthday party to attend."

I sighed and held Luna tight, nestling into bed with her. "It's not a party without my wife there beside me. Besides, I'm not in the mood to party." I pointed out. Luna nestled closer and kissed me. I could tell she was happy about that. After what just happened, I'm sure she needed some TLC from her husband.

"Well, then I guess we shall spend our time together. What did you do with Applejack?" Luna asked.

"I had her locked in one of the spare bedrooms to think about what she's done. And, more importantly, to sleep off her drunken rage." I chuckled.

Luna shook her head. "I cannot believe fair Applejack would act so violent." She said disbelievingly. "Tis not like her."

I shrugged and blew out the candles by the bed, shrouding us in nothing but the light from the stars and moon above. "That's the curse of the drink. Sometimes it makes you more fun to be around, other times it makes you into a complete and utter asshole." I sighed. "But, I'm sure she'll feel really bad about it tomorrow. Why don't you and I just get some sleep, huh?"

I looked down to see Luna already snoring lightly as she dug her nose into my chest. I smiled and kissed her horn lightly as I shut my eyes. I let out a long, heartfelt sigh.

"Happy birthday to me..."

Author's Note

And, another one bites the dust. So sorry for not getting this out yesterday. My friend came down from college and wanted to chill before work. He called me as I was editing, and since I haven't seen him since winter, I had to take him up on his offer to chill. And, then I had work which is 6-10, and then I got home and my computer crashed... again... -.-
So, better late than never, I hope you enjoyed chapter 18. :p