Shine and Celestia's relationship didn't really change much after their confession of love; They shared the same activities they did before, only with a lot of kissing and cuddling on the side. Though they did indulge in some double-dating with Luna and Gothic.

Though they tried to keep their relationship clandestine, word somehow got out, and a picture of the two together graced the cover of the Canterlot Gazette. Shine, who never had much of a taste for the spotlight, was mortified.

"Oh, this is so embarrassing." He groaned one day, as he set the Gazette down on the table, it's headline reading in big bold letters 'CELESTIA IN NEWFOUND RELATIONSHIP WITH UNKNOWN PEGASI'. "Everypony knows who I am, and what I'm doing..."

"It's okay, Shine." Celestia soothed, "It was bound to happen eventually. You just have to deal with it."

"How?" Shine asked. "How do you handle being the center of attention?"

"It's not easy, I'll admit." Celestia sighed. "But I learned it's only a problem if you let it be. Ponies may talk about you, but that doesn't mean you have to listen to what they're saying, not if you don't want to."

"I guess I could give it a shot." Shine declared.

"Of course you will." Celestia nuzzled him.

It wasn't easy at first, but Shine learned to accept and overlook the media attention, and his relationship with Celestia continued apace. However, there was a thought burning at the back of his mind, concerning a certain somepony he'd left behind in Dodge Junction. One night, as he and Celestia were sitting on the balcony, he decided to bring it up.

"Celestia, ya recalled when I said I had a little sister?" He asked.

"Yes, I do." Celestia nodded. "Mist, right?"

"Right." Shine nodded. "I realized that in all the things that happened over the three months, I had forgotten all about my life back in Dodge Junction. Ya see, I only told Big Red and Ms. Jubilee where I was going, and told them to tell no one else, especially Mist. My sis must be worried sick about me."

"Do you wish to visit her and set those worries to rest?" Celestia asked.

"Actually..." Shine confessed, as he scratched his mane. "The thing is… I don't want my sis growing up without her big brother being there. I was hoping that maybe… maybe that Mist could come live here… that is, if it's fine with you."

"It's perfectly okay." Celestia chuckled. "I'll have a carriage sent to pick her up first thing in the morning."

"Great." Shine smiled. "Trust me, you're going to love Mist. She's the sweetest little filly you'll ever meet. I must warn you though… she has this problem with her immune system, so she is pretty prone to illnesses. A cold breeze could easily sent her into shivers."

"Anything you say, she will be in good hooves." Celestia nodded. "I'm looking forward to meeting her."

"Great!" Shine smirked, as he gave his marefriend a quick peck on the cheek as he trot off. "I'll send her a letter right now!"

Celestia was true to her word, sending the carriage off right after breakfast the following morning. As it was being pulled by Pegasus guards, it returned by the afternoon. Shine and Celestia stood ready to greet Mist. The little filly stepped out of the carriage, awestruck by the castle around her. Then she caught sight of Shine. Her face lit up with glee, and she charged into his waiting hooves.

"Shine!" She cheered.

"Mist!" Shine beamed, trying not to tear up from seeing his filly sister again, "Sorry I've been gone so long, kiddo. Things kinda got away from me."

"I'm just glad to see ya 'gain, bro." Mist smirked.

"Hello, Mist." Celestia stepped forward.

Mist's jaw dropped.

"Oh. My. Gosh." She gaped. "You're Princess Celestia!"

"Last I checked." Celestia joked.

"Oh my, it's an honor." Mist bowed as she let go of Shine. "So… Shine, why are you at the castle? And when did you become friends with the princess? You weren't exactly clear in the letter."

"Well, actually... it's quite a long story." Shine smiled. "Me and the princess are a little more than friends..."

"Huh?" Mist tilted her head quizzically.

"What Shine is meaning to say is he and I are now... dating." Celestia revealed.

Mist froze in place, her brain processing the incredible statement.

"No. Way!" She cheered. "My big brother's dating a princess! This is amazing! No wonder you've been gone so long!"

"Well, that's not all there is to it." Shine chuckled. "I'd be happy to tell you all about it over dinner."

"Yes, please!" Mist smiled. "I'm starved!"

"I'm not surprised." Celestia declared, amused. "It was no doubt a long trip."

After the attendants had placed Mist's belongings into her new room (located next to Shine's), all three of them sat down for dinner. Luna, Gothic and Constell were at a stage show, so it was just those three. As they ate, Shine and Celestia relayed the story of how they came to be together.

"So ya really got your cutie mark, Shine?" Mist asked.

"See for yourself." Shine chuckled as he showed off his sun-shield crest-like mark. "Turned out I been lookin' in the wrong place for the longest time. But I believe it was well worth the wait." He cast a loving glance at Celestia.

"Oh, you charmer." Celestia giggled as she nuzzled Shine.

"How romantic." Mist cooed. "Does this mean Celestia will be my big sister one day?"

Shine and Celestia quickly stiffened up as they both blushed viciously.

"Let's not go and jump the barrel there, Mist." Shine said nervously. "There's no need to rush things."

"I agree." Celestia nodded. "For now, we'll just take our time and enjoy each other's' company."

"No argument there." Shine quickly accepted.

"Fine." Mist sighed. "But when you do get married, I get to be the flower filly, okay?"

"Okay." Shine and Celestia chuckled together.

That night, while Shine was putting Mist to bed, Celestia was writing a letter to Twilight Sparkle.

My dearest Twilight,

You and your friends have often written to me of your discoveries of love. Well, now I can finally return the favor. I have met a wonderful stallion named Shine Paladin. He and I are in love. I finally know how you feel when you're with Flash. I would be quite happy if you could come and meet him sometime.

Your dear friend, Princess Celestia.

At her library home, Twilight reread the letter for the third time.

"Unbelievable." She gasped. "Congratulations, Celestia."

Author's Notes:

Just in case you're wondering, this isn't the end. There's more to come soon!