He woke up feeling good, which was a good feeling since he had to sleep by himself this time and didn't have a nightmare this time. Though he had to wonder if that was Luna's doing mostly because he had a vague image of her in the background of a dream. But his thoughts were interrupted by a knocking at his door.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" He called out, getting out of his bed and walking to the door. "Who is it?"

"Lt. Bait, I was sent to fetch you by Princess Celestia." The guard said.

"Alright, just give me a moment to get ready." He said giving a sigh, wondering what Celestia wanted.

"Do you mind if I come in?" Bait asked.

"Uh, sure just let me unlock the door first." He replied undoing the chain lock and opening the door.

"Thanks, this will actually be my first break and I needed it." Bait said walking into the room.

"Guess you got stuck pulling a triple shift then?" He asked going over to his luggage.

"Yeah, and it's been a bit stressful." Bait said.

"I know you are a guard and all, but why don't they give you breaks again?" He asked.

"Because of the Changeling invasion that happened a little while ago, they've tripled security in the city." Bait answered.

"No offense, but wouldn't that be a bad thing when it comes to Changelings? I mean the more guards there are the more chances of them being able to infiltrate. After all, wasn't that the problem during the wedding, too many guards?" He asked.

"Tell that to the Princess, I mean she's been pulling newly trained soldiers and guards out right after they graduate the academy and positioning them around the city." Bait said, snorting a bit.

"Well that would make sense if the city didn't come under attack once, but if she's worried about another attack it's not exactly tactful. It would make more sense if she positioned more experienced ponies around the city." He said, and Bait nodded.

"So, you ready yet?" Bait asked.

"Yeah, and I'll bring up your concerns if possible with Celestia. Don't worry, I won't tell her it was you that brought the subject up." He said.

"Don't worry about it, it'll eventually calm down. Some of us are just getting a bit grouchy because we have to make up for the slake for the rookies." Bait said. "Now, let's get going."

They left the hotel, and Brandon made sure to have everything that he brought before he officially checked out of his hotel. As they walked, he couldn't help but wonder why Celestia would want to talk to him, after all, there were some trust issues between them. Though that made him wonder if that's the reason why.

"So, why did Celestia send you to get me? Or did she not tell you the reason why?" He asked.

"Said something about clearing the air with you, and seeing if you two can be friends. Something like that, though don't know why she would be concerned about that." Bait said.

"A few reasons first is because I'm the first human here. Though I think the main reason is that I'm dating Luna." He said.

"Didn't know Princess Luna was dating, then it makes sense now." Bait gave a laugh.

"Let me guess, been at work too long and couldn't find the time for gossip?" He asked.

"You've guessed it," Bait replied. "Now I know it's none of my business, but how is the Princess?"

"Um, she's pretty great in terms of personality, and she's a bit protective." He replied.

"I think you know what I meant." Bait said.

"I wouldn't know because we haven't gone that far, and even if we did I wouldn't just go around telling others." He said, giving a slight glare at the guard.

"Alright, fair enough. As I said, I know it's none of my business." Bait replied. "But anyways, I was wondering why I heard some of the nobles talking about a strange creature who was dating a small herd of mares. Though can't see why they would have a problem with it, I mean a good amount of them at least have a close retaliative whose married to a Griffon, or some other race."

"It's because I'm a new thing, and sometimes people and from what it sounds like, ponies have problems with new things that might change things. I try to not let it bother me much, shoot if I did I wouldn't be as happy as I am right now." He said.

"Well, that's good to hear. If it means anything, I've noticed Princess Luna is happier now then when she first came back." Bait said. "Looks like we're almost there."

"That's good to hear, and I mean that more towards Luna being happier." He said though he had to stop for a second to rub his temple.

"You okay back there?" Bait asked.

"Yeah, just a slight headache. Must have not gotten that much sleep or something." He replied. "Anyways, like you said we're almost there so let's get going."

"If you want we could stop at a pharmacy real fast and get something for that." Bait suggested.

"Nah, I'll be fine, it already went away." He said, his wings fluttering out of reflex as a guest of wind was brought in.

"You know, I may not know a lot about humans, but from what I heard they don't have wings." Bait said.

"You'd be correct on that, but for whatever reason, I ended up growing them. Don't really know why, though I guess some magic got into me somehow." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Hm, well guess that makes sense in a way. But it looks like we're here, and this is where we part. Princess Celestia wants to meet you in her private quarters, you know where that is?" Bait asked.

"Yeah, Luna showed me both of their rooms before we started dating." He replied.

"Okay then, well got to take care of some paperwork and then I can finally get a small vacation." Bait said, walking off.

He gave a small laugh and began walking into the castle, where many of the staff stopped and said hi. Though as he was making his way to Celestia's room, he couldn't but help overhear some of the rumors that were already spreading. Like for example, apparently he and Luna did it right there on the floor in front of the nobles, and one rumor went as far as to suggest that they had a threesome with a pregnant Griffon.

Shaking his head, he just kept making his way up to his meeting with Celestia wondering if she was going to bring up some of the rumors going around. Though that didn't actually make him nervous, maybe because he knew she would see through them, and she did show up. He did hope that all she wanted was to really become friends.

"Come on in," he heard Celestia say, and he looked up to see that he had already made it to her room.

"Oh, hey sorry I was a bit distracted." He said.

"I could tell, please come in and have a seat," Celestia said, giving him a little smile, and he did as she suggested. "So, I'm assuming Bait told you why I called you here?"

"He mentioned that you wanted to clear the air and try to be friends, though I thought we already cleared the air." He replied.

"Yes, we did, but I just wanted to make sure you know I don't hate you, or dislike you. I don't even distrust you, in fact, I admire you for being able to adjust here, even if you do still have a few issues." Celestia said.

"Yeah, a few issues." He muttered.

"Sorry, I know quite a few ponies have given you problems. I am sorry for all of that," Celestia said.

"It's fine, nothing a human isn't used to." He said slight tension spread across the room.

"Yes, well I do really hope what I did didn't put to much strain between us," Celestia said.

"Not gonna lie, it did. Though I am all up for giving second chances." He said.

"I'm glad to hear that," Celestia said giving another little smile. "Especially since I wanted to see if you would like to hang around so that we can get to know each other better."

"Wait, you wanna hang out? What about all of the work that you need to do?" He asked.

"I asked Blue Blood to do it, and before you say anything I know he's a spoiled brat and all, but he does have a gnat for paperwork and things like that. So don't worry about that, or me passing all of my duties to Luna. The question is, what do you want to do?" Celestia replied.

"No offense, but I feel like I could punch Blue Balls every time I'm around him." Celestia gave a small laugh and roll of the eyes. "As for what I guess we could do is go for a little shopping trip?" He suggested.

"Planning on buying some gifts for your herd? Maybe I can suggest some special things for them? I mean I do think I know my sister enough to get something like that." Celestia gave a hearty laugh as he reddened up. "Just relax, I was only joking, besides there are worse rumors going around about you my sister. That and I heard you had magic fingers, at least according to Derpy."

"Wait, how did you hear that from her?" He asked, the room getting hotter by the second.

"Let's just say Twilight has her ways, though don't worry the letter she sent me didn't explain what that meant. But your reaction told me all I needed to know, and before we go I must know, how far did you get?" Celestia asked with a mischievous grin.

"I don't think that's any of your business." He replied.

"So, nothing past a little happy ending huh? Well, I'm sure you'll be able to convince one of them to go further. Anyways, let's get going, don't want to lose any daylight." Celestia said getting up and walking to the door. "Are you coming?"

"I rather not now," he muttered.

"What was that?" Celestia asked.

"Nothing, let's just go." He heard her give a slight chuckle as he walked by. "You should be this relaxed a bit more often you know?"

"Even if it means embarrassing you?" Celestia asked.

"Maybe focus on somepony else if you want to embarrass someone." He replied.

"Nope, not gonna do that considering you are dating my sister. But, what are you planning on buying for her and the others?" Celestia asked.

"Don't know, I figured I could look around today at the shops." He answered.

"Hmm, well I know I'll be able to help with Luna, but for the others, I guess I could make some suggestions," Celestia said.

"I think I'll be fine picking stuff for them," he said. "So, any good places to actually shop around?"

"Plenty and I'm glad you decided to take me up on the offer of hanging out," Celestia said.

"Well, I need more ponies to hang out with anyways, and to be honest you really shouldn't feel guilty about wanting to keep an eye on me. Though how you did that I'm still a little upset about, and also you need to give the guards a break. They're feeling a bit overworked after the whole wedding thing." He said.

"I figured as much, I'll get on that and I really am sorry. You are right about how I should have gone about keeping an eye on you. Well, anyways here we are, this is mine and Luna's favorite places to window shop." Celestia said, making him look around.

"Wow, did you teleport us or something?" He asked.

"Yeah, and then we walked for a little bit, did you really not realize that?" Celestia replied.

"Um, not really, but I guess that saved us from walking all of this way, so thanks I guess." He said shrugging his shoulders.

"You do have wings," Celestia said.

"That I don't know how to use in order to fly." He reminded her.

"No pony even taught you the basics for flying yet?" He shook his head. "Well, I'm sure they'll get around to it, by the way, how sensitive are your wings?"

"Well, they're very sensitive to touch, why?" He asked.

"Oh, because somepony is gonna have to teach you how to properly preen them, so that'll be fun for them," Celestia said.

"Yeah, fun for them." He muttered. "Oh, let's look in here."

"A Jewelry shop, what are you planning on buying here?" Celestia asked.

"Well, a little while ago Lyra said she wanted a locket for a picture of her and her Dad." He replied.

"Aww, isn't that sweet of you. Do you have an idea what to get Derpy?" Celestia asked.

"She really wants a new side bag to help carry stuff around because her old one is to torn up." He answered. "Though it's Luna I can't figure out and that's why I'm glad you came to help with that."

"So, you wanted to get Derpy a designer bag? That's nice, and as for Luna she can be tough to shop for." Celestia said nodding her head remembering her younger days with her sister. "But, lucky for you I know what she likes."

"Well, I know a little bit about what she's into but anything you can suggest will be great." He said giving her a little smile of thanks.

"You could always buy her one of the new games that came out, but those things are expensive." He gave a nod in agreement. "Something you could give is a good night, though I think it might be a little too early in your relationship, and she won't go for that either. Oh, I know but we can finish up here before I tell you." Celestia said.

"Why not tell me what it is now?" He asked.

"Because it's one of those things you have to see for yourself. That and I can't remember exactly what it's called, only where you can buy it and what it looks like." Celestia answered.

"Hmm, well that's a bit funny. Well, I think this one will be just fine, so let me go pay for it and we can get a going." He said picking up the locket and taking it to the counter.

"So, you want to get Derpy her bag first? I mean it'll be a bit faster, and the fashion shop is closer anyway." Celestia suggested as they walked out of the jewelry shop.

"Still not gonna tell me your idea for Luna huh?" He asked.

"Nope, you're just gonna have to wait. That and like I said, it'll be a bit quicker to get that bag first." Celestia said walking in front of him, and he couldn't help but see her sway her hips. "I don't think Luna would appreciate you staring at my flank you know?"

"I wasn't staring at your flank, at least not by choice." He muttered his face beet red.

"What, you saying I have a fat butt?" Celestia asked giving him an evil eye.

"No, you're just tall is all." He replied., though Celestia couldn't help but give a laugh.

"I'm sorry, but you really should look at your expression, it's hilarious!" Celestia said catching her breath.

After that, it took a bit before Brandon felt comfortable talking to Celestia again, but they did start to have a good time. Brandon managed to find a side bag that he thought Derpy would really like. Though Celestia still wouldn't tell him her idea and insisted that they go window shopping first.

"You know, I never really looked at the shops here. I mean I've looked, but never paid attention." He said.

"Really, find anything interesting?" Celestia asked.

"Actually I did, that neat little chest in here. It reminds me of something back from my world." He said.

"Do you know exactly what it reminds of?" Celestia asked.

"Yeah, I think I had a chest like it. I think I got it from my mom, and if I remember correctly my great- great grandpa actually hand carved it." He said giving a sigh. "Though it's missing the designs that he put on it, other than that it looks like it."

"Hmm, well I'm feeling a bit hungry. How about you get us a table at that little sandwich shop over there." Celestia suggested.

"Umm, okay but why does it sound like you won't be joining me at first?" He asked.

"I just wanted to go see about the gift for Luna, you know if they still have it in stock," Celestia said.

"Okay, well let me know when you get back. Anything you want to drink?" He asked.

"Oh, orange juice, they have the best there," Celestia replied.

Brandon went over to get a table, which he got a nice shady spot and ordered their drinks. Celestia made sure he wasn't paying attention and made her way to the nearby shops. After a little bit of time, she finally made her way to the table, and made small talk and ordered her usual.

Author's Notes:

Hey guys, been awhile hasn't it? Sorry, I've very busy. But I hope you all enjoyed and remember to smile, smile, smile!

(P.S. If you have suggestions for Brandon's favorite drink please leave a comment.)