After Dash had slipped out, Dusk tried in vain to get away from Barb's pressing questions on why he had ran off to change so quickly. Now nearing seven in the evening and so very tired of this day, Dusk had settled into his chair behind his desk in the library. Dusk took a moment to consider the outfit he had put together, stroking his fingers across the silk of the deep blue suit jacket. Princess Celestia had given him it a gift for some function she ordered him to attend last year. For a moment, Dusk let his fingers linger on the emblem of his cutie mark on the left breast, pausing to admire the twin stripes that matched the streak in his hair running vertically on the right side. "Rarity, will this be good enough for you?" The matching pants were clean and made a great replacement after the stressful day he had already gone through with the other pair, with matching dual streaks continuing the line from waist to ankle in line with the jacket's dual lines. Black dress shoes polished to a mirror shine finished it off, while a light purple silk dress shirt lay under the jacket's double breasted fold.

Tired as he was of the way this day had gone, Dusk allowed his chair to tilt back three tiny clicks, leaving his feet just slightly off the ground as his eyes began to droop low and his breathing fell off. In seconds, the young stallion was asleep once more, his mind slipping away from the waking world while his right hand lay on the armrest, a glass of water lightly held in his fingers.

“It is .. early summer?” Dusk realized he stood in the middle of Canterlot University's magicball court, the outdoor field set up so unicorns could compete while a shield spell, a recent addition thanks to Shining Armor's recent student thesis on the use of such spells to prevent accidents happening to those who watched such games. Dusk was running so hard, his lungs burned with the effort of keeping up so aggressive a pace. High overhead, many of the competing unicorn’s four balls floated, the one suspended the highest, a tiny brilliant pink ball had been crafted specifically for this game, ensorcelled to resist magic gripping it, instead forcing the unicorns to cup it and dance around opponents’ spells to avoid them stealing it with a simple slap.

Dusk supported that tiny ball now, and was already more than halfway across the field. The eight point ball was so hard to grip most didn't even bother to try to hold onto it; instead simply slapping at it to drive whoever had it back to their end. Breaking past another point guard who had managed to erect a wall spell in his way through raw force, Dusk bolted into the open field. He was so close now, there was only the goalie left before him now, and as harshly as his breath panted in this moment of stress, Dusk knew he had enough strength to get past any trick he might pull.

Then, everything froze. Luna placed a hand on his shoulder. This time, he couldn't even move as she softly traced a line across his tense back and pointed across the field to... Sunset Shimmer. Every inch the public image of a devoted marefriend, she was screaming at the top of her lungs while she cheered him on. "Today is important Dusk. You remember it quite well. You were the hero for one day. The champion of Star Swirl U, and the center of attention. And she was there."

Unable to move, his eyes shifted a little to roll around and look to the figure she had picked out to him. Sunset Shimmer, exactly as he remembered. A tall mare, around six feet in height and pressed hard up against the shield spell and pounding on it with both hands. Balled fists were bashing on the surface of the spell while she screamed at the top of her lungs to cheer him on. Her wild and vividly crimson hair was long, falling heavily on her shoulders, with yellow streaks offsetting the darker hue. Her horn glowed with an amber light. She was one of the unicorns picked out to help sustain the shield spell to protect those in the bleachers that watched.

And as he took her in, everything slammed back into motion again. His swift stride returned as he bolted across the field, and smashed the eight point ball past the goalie, throwing it hard into the net, the resounding echo of an announcer screaming out his victory. Before he could take three more steps the bell alarm rang out, ending the game with Star Swirl U up 38 to 34 over Canterlot U. The shield spell dropping, an excited crowd rushed onto the field and soon he was swept up and carried off by adoring fans, with Sunset planting a kiss on his lips.

Dusk's weight leaned slightly to the right, fingers still clutching at the glass, while a long, low breath was drawn... the weight of glass and angle of his chair began to drag at his hand, to pull it... then with a sudden twitch of a muscle in his sleep and his wrist rolled, breaking the final straw. His arm fell from the armrest, the glass of water he had been holding was lost from his grip and allowed to fall free of his fingers.

Two hours later found Dusk arm in arm with Sunset Shimmer. He waved to the Princess and all those who followed after her as they left the stadium. With his free hand lifted up to unlock the observatory’s door, and the hand upon the small of Sunset's back gripping gently on her far hip, he stepped inside, letting the door slip shut in silence behind him.

The observatory was silent. Barb was out for the night, on some duty the Princess had requested of her, if he remembered right. Releasing Sunset and turning to face her, Dusk let his gaze met hers. "It has been a great day, Shimmer." His pulse still throbbed so strongly, even while he swallowed a breath.

Shimmer's reaction was to give a grunt and step away, her voice sultry. "And you did very well for once, Dusk. See, just like I told you, once you stop pussyfooting around the norms, someone of your skill can really excel and be the proper star you were always meant to be." She said, her arms crossing over her chest as she leveled her glare on the wall just over his shoulder as if looking through him. She snorted lightly. "If you'd just done as I told you at the start of the season, you'd have been the star of the year, not just one last game."

Dusk's breath grew sharp and his eyes wide as he looked up into her own. A hand lifted to squeeze down on the bridge of his nose while a pained groan turned into an unrestrained rant of frustration, a powerful migraine forming at her words. "I just... Damn it Sunset. We were having a good day, why do you have to keep bringing this kind of stuff up? I do not want to be some silly sports star. Leave that for the egomaniacs like Blueblood! You saw him today. Seven damn goals with the two point ball. That's not strategy, that is just showboating to say he got the most goals, like he did to his aunt the second he got her attention. The fact he was the second star of the game drove him nuts." Throwing his arms into the air, Dusk turned away from her, his disgust coming forth, thick with bile.

Shimmer's attitude changed almost immediately, her arms wrapping around his shoulders as one hand slipped under his shirt. Her flat palm stroked his still sweaty chest and across the toned muscle of his abs. Her lips were on his right ear, biting down and giving a small tug, a purr whispering forth with quiet desire. "Oh, don't be like that, Dusk." She gave a sharp tug to the lobe’s flesh, before her tongue danced slowly up and across the curve of his ear. "We both know Blueblood couldn't hold a five point ball to save his life, let alone the eight. It's only ‘cause the two point sticks to his magic that he gets any goals at all. Besides, you were the real star. Now, all the others at SSU will really understand why they should respect you properly. Why, you're the proper leader for next year’s team. My big Mister MVP."

Dusk shivered at her continued attention, releasing a murmur as his ear’s flesh was tormented by those attentive nibbles and tugs, the drag of her tongue only furthering the distraction. Her fingers teased and soothed his tense muscles, and for a moment, he let his shoulders slump. "So tell me your only reason for caring is not simply so you can lord my new found stardom over Lula and the other mares? That I am more to you than another trophy to hold above them?"

Her fingers stopped, and a grunt escaped those warm and pouting lips. "Oh come on Dusk. You know you're not a trophy. You're my colt. Soon, I'll make you a stallion." She hissed a groan into his ear, but her words afterward were far from as sweet. "If I brag to those other mares, it’s only because I'm better than them. I'm smarter, I've the highest grades in the school, not you, not even Lula can beat me in any class. I'm stronger too, Dusk. I bet I could break Shining’s shield spell if I wanted to. I've been studying it at the magicball games. It's not that strong you know, I've been helping with the games already and nobody ever noticed. A foot gripped here, a little extra weight behind Silver Spade's tosses of the five point ball because he always goes after the extra points that heavy ball is worth." She gave a snort as her nails raked up his abs, her free hand gripping his head and pulling it sharply to the side, so she could nip at the tender flesh of his now-exposed jugular.

Dusk's reaction was instantaneous. Revulsion poured forth from the depths of his throat with that same strong bile. Disgusted by her touch, he threw her off of him, pulling away and taking a few steps away, a heated glare leveled at her. "You... you have been cheating? You have been sneaking a second spell though the damn shields? How long, Sunset? How many games? And why? It is just a damn game!" She leveled a glare at him in return as he grasped the bridge of his nose in two pinching fingers trying to fight back the bile in his throat.

Sunset only snorted, her glare making her opal-colored eyes hard. "Oh come on Dusk, we shouldn't have to put up with those scrubs at Canterlot U. Unicorns so weak and lazy they couldn't get into SSU. Who cares if I cheated to help the team out a little? It's not like anyone will ever know. Now remind yourself that I choose you to be my colt from all the silly boys who wander this school and you should be happy I even give you the fucking time of day, understand?"

His voice was suddenly calm. "That night in low-court. When you and Lula had your little fight. It was not an accident when that spell back-lashed on me, was it? You were just angry you could not best her and took it out on me, did you not?" When all he got was a sneer, he knew it was time; knew it was over. "I am going to Princess Celestia now, Sunset. You can lock the door when you are done here, but leave the key. I am not a trophy, and you have never treated me... treated anyone as anything but another tool to make you look better, look more important, look stronger than anyone else. Enjoy working on your thesis, I am sure you will do great. What was your topic again? The Elements of Harmony, like Princess Celestia asked? That is a laugh. You do not want harmony, you just want control." Storming out, Dusk slammed the door, and never saw Sunset again.

It was odd. This time, he floated above the memories that followed that angry fight. His only relationship with a mare, and he had ended it by turning her into the Princess. Floating in the sky above this reenactment of himself running to catch up to the Princess and the rest of the team, Dusk lifted his gaze to Princess Luna, and he asked, "And why should I want to remember this part of that day? The one mare I trusted treated me as nothing more than a trophy; not exactly my shining moment, there. She was more interested in getting the other mares to dance to her step than our relationship. Time and time again, I tried to make her proud of me instead of just being proud of myself. Why make me relive today, of all days?"

Luna's response was to tap the air between them, shifting the scene that played out in the void of dreams they floated in together, this time flashing though the events of his present day. Breakfast with AJ. Shaving with Apple Bloom. Plotting out lunch with Pinkie Pie. That soft way Fluttershy looked into his eyes when she stopped trying to run from him. And Dash's teasing moment in his lap. He blushed hard, waving a hand at the image to try to dispel it, realizing only now that he had no power in this place. At last, Luna spoke. "’Tis true, that day was not a happy one, but this? It has already been a busy one. Yet doth it show thou something, Dusk? These five mares do care for thee. Each in a unique way, and all far more than Sunset Shimmer ever did. Even Dash, who claims her attraction is only physical, admires your strength and caring. Thou cannot let thine past experiences with Sunset prevent you from seeing the love that stands right before thee."

Princess Luna stepped through the images, wrapping her arms around his neck and drawing him into a strong and powerful hug. Dusk could only stare up at her, his eyes glazed over while a whimper whispered free of his lips. "Princess Luna... Thank you. You... you are right. I will consider these words, this has certainly been eye opening..." a sigh escaped his lips while he lifted his arms to gently hug her in return. "Thank you Princess, and..."

The glass smashed to the floor of the library, shattering into a dozen pieces and ripping him back to the real world once again. His breath hissing through clenched teeth, Dusk forced his eyes open and snorted to clear his throat, sitting up and rubbing an open palm across his face. "By The Light! Why is she visiting me every time I close my eyes these days?"

Barb came running at the sound of the shattering glass, her eyes wide with worry. She hesitantly asked in quiet concern, "D- Dusk? Are you Ok? I heard the glass breaking and..." then her eyes spotted the drool on his cheek and the fact his other hand still hung off the end of the chair, dangling just above the broken glass. "You fell asleep while taking a sip!" The little dragoness admonished, slapping her face, and turning to walk from the room. "If you're that tired, I'll tell Rarity tonight is off, I'm sure Nurse Redheart would never sanction it."

Shifting to struggle and sit up taller, Dusk gave a grunt and attempted to shake off the sleep, his voice still heavy with its pressure. "It is not like that Barb... I think Princess Luna is trying to ambush me or something. She keeps giving me these dreams that are always flashbacks to bad memories. I do not know if she is trying to learn more about me, or trying to teach me something." With a groan of annoyance, he moved to stand up, glad for the strong leather of his dress shoes, so he needn’t worry that the glass might cut his feet.

Stopping as she started to bend down and sweep up the shards, her eyes went wide as she looked up to him. "Princess Luna? Really? Maybe she just finds you interesting after that whole incident with the Elements of Harmony."

Now Dusk's eyes went wide and he looked up again, a secondary memory springing forth. "The Elements of Harmony? Sunset Shimmer's thesis was on the Elements. Princess Celestia requested she study them personally. How could I have missed that before?" Sweating, he began to pace the room, his eyes cast about the room while he plucked at his lower lip. "Was she grooming Sunset for the duty of saving Princess Luna? No wonder she wants into my memories so bad."

Barb laughed at this and shook her head. "Really? Sunset Shimmer as the Element of Magic? As the symbol of friendship? Don't make me laugh, Dusk! I'm just glad you finally listened to me and stood up to her!" The glass cleaned up, Barb wandered to the kitchen laughing to herself while ranting gently about the bad days when he was Sunset Shimmer's colt. "A foul day when Princess Celestia introduced you two."

Dusk stormed back to his desk as she wandered off and snatched out another note, scribbling sharply across the page, the note blunt and to the point. This time he wouldn't wait for Barb to send it. He had seen the dragon fire spell more than enough times before and lit a match, focusing his magic until the flame grew into a towering inferno, shifting from the normal yellow to a raspberry hue from his magic aura's powerful influence. He thrusted the letter into the flame, a whisper of magic sending it off... and suddenly he felt as if he had been punched in the gut. It was shocking how much magic so small a spell took. His eyes crossed and his breath dropped to a wheezing gasp. Fingers clutched the desk, even as his body fell across the desktop, and his strength flagged further, cheek resting on the wood as he tried to find something to stop the room from spinning.

A burst of flame flared up from the match's ashes, forming a new letter before his eyes. It was not fast like Barb's spell, the slow materialization took what felt like painful hours though it was actually just a few short seconds. This note was small, a scribbled corner of the page that had been ripped off from another letter. When the spell at last ended, Dusk felt the pressure sucking at his magic, ending at last and his breath finally drew in again without that crushing pain on his chest.

With fingers half-numb from the way his magic had drained from him all energy, Dusk forced the seal open and pinned the page down with the tip of thumb and pinkie. The words made him hiss with pain. The strength to burn the note up was not responding to his summons, and in the end, he shoved the note into his mouth, chewing it slowly to destroy the evidence. Two sentences were all she sent him and he’d remember them.

"Never cast this spell again Dusk, ever! Sunset Shimmer has been gone for four years."

It took ten more minutes before Dusk could stand and walk again. The fact that Rarity was now late no longer came to mind, he was simply glad Barb had stayed in the kitchen and let him be. At last drawing a deep breath, he shifted to stand up and shake off the fatigue that still tried to send him crashing to the floor. As he straightened the jacket and turned to stroll stiffly towards the door, a quiet sigh escaped his lips. "Barb is right. This night is over." A knock upon the door pulled his attention up and his gaze turned to it. "And now I have to break Rarity's heart. Fantastic."

Cold sweat beaded down across his temple while he took the last few staggering steps to the door, clutching the cold metal while a sigh hissed free. His fingers turned the knob and...

Rarity stood in the doorway, her back turned towards the door while one hand was lifted, her voice bright as she addressed her younger sister, Sweetie Belle, in hushed tones. "And please darling, smile. He is such a nice man and you needn't worry about me. I'll care for you, I promise... I love you, Sweetie Belle."

The sight of Rarity before him flooded his heart to help him stand taller, lift his shoulders and square them as he faced her. A vision in sheer white silks that hugged her fine figure in such a suggestive way, hanging off her shoulders and only just hiding the top of her ass. Her tail hung down over the fragile silken dress, forming a vibrant purple spiral that hung close to her left hip. On the right, three diamonds had been stitched into the fabric, a fantastic sapphire blue to contrast the flawless white. The massive gap in the back put the whole of her back on display for his wandering eyes, from those shapely shoulders to the curve where the small of her back met her pert derriere.

A little shocked, Dusk realized she wore no jewelry at all tonight, and only the lightest amount of makeup, eyeshadow of sapphire to match the stitched cutie mark in the dress’ fabric. Her hair was as dolled up as ever, massive heavy locks of rich dark purple falling in streams across her shoulders and down over her back, the heavy curl at the bottom leaving a bare spot at the small of her back between her hair and tail.

Somehow this simple sight of an elegant woman, dressed up so fine just for him... it plucked at his libido and demanded he stand tall once more. Taking one or two more steps forward, he gently cleared his throat and let a hand slip out to touch the wrist she kept behind her back. "Good evening Lady Sweetie Belle, Lady Rarity. It is a pleasure to have you here."

While Sweetie Belle might have been shocked as she gasped at the words, Rarity was a world of grace and calm. Turning slowly, Rarity lifted both hands to draw up Dusk's in response to his touching her wrist. Holding it in the soft blue gloves that canvassed her fingers, she leveled her eyes on his own. Her voice was softly purring as she said, "Why Lord Dusk Shine, you flatter us. Now may we come inside? Or do you plan to keep two ladies waiting on your doorstep on a cold night?" Sweetie Belle simply stepped in behind Rarity but from the giggles that issued forth, it was clear she enjoyed the banter going on between Dusk and her sister.

Never one to leave a lady stranded and in need, Dusk bowed with care and took three steps back and to the side. "Then enter, dear ladies, and escape the night’s cold air." Offering them his warm grin, he waved his hand towards the library, shoulders shrugging. "Just head into there, ladies, and find a seat. I will get Barb and have Sweetie on her way." He paused, eyes on the short filly, grinning a little despite himself.

Before they had a chance to get any further into the house, he touched Sweetie's shoulder and dropped to one knee, his hands slipping to cup the little mare's while a steady gaze looked deep into her eyes. Tapping her gently on the nose, he said, "Sweetie Belle, I need to ask you a favor. While Rarity is with me tonight, I need you to take good care of Barb. She is like a daughter to me and I could not stand it if any harm came to her."

The serious tone of his voice was heavy with responsibility and confidence, a reassurance for the little mare that he had faith she could manage what was asked of her. Soft eyes looking up into his as the soft grey-mulberry and pink haired mare gave a giggle but locked eyes with him. Her hands shifted to clasp up his holding firmly and nodding with deep and serious meaning. "No problem, Sir Dusk Shine! It is an honor to be given such a major duty as protecting a baby dragon!"

Laughing a little at the game they played together it wasn't until Barb herself spoke up from the kitchen door that anyone realized she had come to watch the show they were putting on. With a thumb pointing over her shoulder to the kitchen, she said, "Your dinner is delivered and set up properly on the table, Rarity. Me and Sweetie had better be off before it gets too cold. I don't wanna get a cold and force Sweetie Belle to have to nurse me back to health."

Her sarcasm clear as day, it left all three deep in laughter until Rarity stepped up and cupped Barb's jaw, affection upon her wondrous eyes. Her lips whispered softly across Barb's cheek. "I know you will take good care of my dear Sweetie Belle, Barb. She means the world to me, and any harm to her would simply... shatter my heart." Her gaze lowered and she drew the dragoness into a strong hug, nuzzling deeply across her cheek.

The stunned silence this left Barb trapped in lingered until just as her and Sweetie Belle headed out the door, and Barb's voice called back over her shoulder. "Don't get too crazy, lovebirds. Remember who cleans up around here!"

Barb had really pulled out all the stops in taking advantage of Rarity's fine dishes and decorations. The kitchen now looked more like a proper dining room, and Dusk made a silent mental note to get her some of those candied sapphires she was always requesting, as the price he remembered the sweet shop owner in Canterlot quoting felt suddenly very reasonable.

With a soft grip, he guided Rarity to her chair, the blue silk of her glove resting daintily in his hand. As she moved to sit, he pulled her chair out for her, earning him flash of a warm smile. He said with an air of cordiality, "I would like to thank you for loaning us these fine dishes. Princess Celestia said she was going to have some proper hosting dinnerware sent soon in case she had need of me to entertain some dignitary or another for her, thanks to Canterlot being so close and all." The silverware set on the table gleamed with a fine polish recently done with care taken to make each piece stand out.

Rarity smiled warmly in return and lightly patted his hand before answering. "My pleasure, Darling. And really, it’s no rush at all! I've got two or three sets of different table settings for guests. It's all just in a silly collection cabinet though, and rarely gets used except for silly h'orderves from time to time." Flashing him her grin, she leaned back, gently lifting a wineglass from beside his plate and setting it down beside her own. With ease, her magic picked up the corkscrew and lifted it to draw across the tip of the bottle working with silent and carefully measured grace, at last popping the bottle open and slowly pouring the two glasses, softly humming.

Enchanted by her actions, Dusk hardly noticed when she pushed the glass before him as he sat down. Fingers curling around the glass, he drew it to his lips and sipped with quiet delight, the rich bouquet of the crisp wine made him turn his gaze to the bottle, inspecting it with one eye and a brow raised. "Viognier? I'm far from a drinker but it is nice... subtle fruity hints really make it a pleasure."

This had Rarity laughing gently and shaking her head. "Now, Dusk. You're not into wine? Hm... I take it you're not a big drinker at all. Far more interested in your books than a strong drink. Don't worry, I picked this because of its softer flavor and low alcohol levels. It shouldn't go to your head too quickly, Darling."

Laughing gently and drawing the bottle over he inspected it, he held it close while fingers stroked the bottle’s surface, a slow sigh issuing forth. Sipping deeply at the rich drink, Dusk found he was growing more aware... more awake with every sip he took. Sitting up, he lowered his glass, serving out cuts of bottom roast beef, roasted diced potatoes and mushrooms, not to mention the carrots, onion and a whole bulb of garlic.

Indulging in the richly seasoned meat, Rarity whispered with pleasure, drawing fingers to gracefully to pull her wine glass back, she sipped quietly and cooed. "It's a pleasure, Dusk. I was looking at the sheet Barb said Princess Celestia wants you to fill out. I even answered most of them while the two of us were sorting all this out." When he sat taller and started to try and speak out, she cut him off just as fast. "Don't worry, we didn't send it and I'll let you double check all the details later, if you really care to see it."

Nervously grunting, Dusk shook his head and resorted to laughter, shaking his head lightly with his amusement. "So I could sleep more? You are too kind, I really am not that worn out, Rarity. It's just been a crazy day, is all." At her deep pout, he lifted a hand waving it softly as he relented a little ground. "Besides. I have a visit with Nurse Redheart tomorrow. And I have written to Princess Cadance, asking her to come visit in a few weeks. I will get her to give me a checkup while she is here."

Now it was Rarity's turn to be the one who was rather confused. "Pri... Why bother a visiting Princess like Cadance for a checkup? Is she a doctor? I mean, I know she was going to try something crazy with you back when Nightmare Moon had killed you..." Cutting herself off, she swallowed, and set down her cutlery while correcting herself and calming the underlying fears Dusk only now realized she must have. Clearing her throat, she sat up taller. "She is a specialist of some kind, I take it? It's so lucky you're so close with her that you can request she come visit."

Dusk laughed at this, but kept it soft to avoid appearing to dismiss what was really worrying her. His hand slipped forward, softly squeezing her while he spoke, "It's nothing Rarity. I promise you that. She got a double major from Canterlot University even while studying at Star Swirl University and foalsitting me in her free time." He grinned, trying to set her at ease. "And I asked her to come visit to see... Do you know the little mare Scootaloo? A filly a year or so older than Sweetie Belle?" When she nodded, he smiled and then fell silent, sipping at his wine for a while before at last continuing, "She has what appears to be wingrot, but the weakest form of it I've ever seen. Cad..." stopped and swallowed again sharply his eyes lifted again to look to her. "Princess Cadence did a second thesis after she had already graduated. Specifically on the Canterlot outbreak of wingrot that struck ten years ago."

Eyes wide, Rarity began to take in the enormity of just what was going on in Dusk's world. The hidden depths he went to in life made her heart go out to him in that sudden understanding of just how much more he was thinking about than she. Now, it was her turn to cover his hand with her own, and gently squeeze his fingers. Her eyes lifted to watch him closely even while her breath hissed through half parted lips. "S... Scootaloo. Yes, Sweetie Belle told me she joined their class just a week or so ago. Apparently, she has a bit of an attitude. But wingrot? Isn't that something that appears with molting and muscle pain? I've seen her running around town on that scooter, her wings work fantastic... It’s a shock to hear."

Drawing his hand free and shaking it warmly before her, Dusk made quiet, soothing noises. The whole time he spoke in calm tones to reassure her as best he could, "It is ok, Rarity. I do not even know if it is really wingrot. It is just something I think she can look into; something with which I think she might be able to help the girl. Do not worry about it, we are here to have a good time, not to worry about things neither of us can help with." He drew back the wine glass and emptied it, quickly realizing it was his second glass, and his head started to feel a little fuzzy and he put the glass back on the counter, before he broke a second glass in a single day.

Rarity smiled, finishing her chunk of roast as he spoke to calm his fears, yet she was more than happy to support him by relaxing and offering him a warm smile. "I understand, Dusk. Let's talk about other things, instead. You've attended Star Swirl University since you were... what, seven? Eight? Isn't that a little young for even a talented unicorn like yourself?"

The topic changed, Dusk laughed and sat back, rolling his head back to look at the kitchen roof. "It's not that simple. I passed an entrance exam for SSU's youth prep school. I excelled so much, they promoted me into SSU at the age of fourteen. Only two or three others who really specialized were able to graduate as young as I did." He swallowed, the action helping his mind focus and concentrate on memories that kept swimming away on him. "Shining Armor graduated from SSU's military program at twenty one, but they are less about general study and more about a unicorn’s specific powers. Cadance, Lula, and Shimmer all graduated around 21 or 22. They only make a big deal about me because I'm the youngest stallion to ever graduate from SSU."

Holding back her laughter, she gently stroked a hand across his before she replied in a suggestive tone. "You're so modest, Dusk. You really shouldn't feel like you need to explain things in such detail just so it doesn't look like you're bragging." As she turned her eyes to the empty glass, she picked up the bottle with her free hand, drawing it before him. "Another glass, Dusk? You look like you could use another."

Dusk's next breath was drawn slowly as he tried to level his mind out and settle the swimming thoughts that were messing with his world. Still, it was a gentle wine, and he had enjoyed the taste. Lips curling in a grin, he replied, "I would like... to lay down, Rarity. I think... I think the wine has gone to my head a little too fast." Dusk gripped the table to stand, stiff legs resisting his attempt, even while he watched her eyes. "I... Yes... Could you help?"

Now she was worried again, as Dusk's breath was fast even though he had only had two small drinks. Pushing his chair back as he pushed off the table, his steps were weak and slow as he tried to walk across the room. Rarity moved surprisingly fast, wrapping him up in her arms and holding him close. "I... I'm sorry Dusk. I shouldn't have pushed the wine. It's just been such a good night." Swallowing and biting back the tears, she looked up at him, guiding him slowly around the house. It wasn't until they arrived at the stairs she realized he had passed out in her arms. Now getting him up the steps was a real challenge, but this was her fault, and she knew it. All she could think of at this moment, was the stallion that hurt her all those years ago. She was angry, sad, or maybe simply depressed by the situation at hand.

Dusk realized he was lying in bed as he felt a hand stroking a wet cloth across his cheek. Swallowing a breath, he tried to open his eyes while his voice failed him the first time. Another attempt saw better results, as he leaned into the touch, questioning the shape before him. "I take it... Rarity called for you, Redheart?"

A laugh whispered from her lips as Rarity drew the cloth from her face, her eyes lingering on his as she wiped at her cheeks. Dusk realized she had been crying... and wasn't Redheart. His cheeks darkened with a blush as she spoke, "No, Dusk. It's just me. Wh... when I realized you were just sleeping, I didn't call her. She doesn't need to stress about something like this. But... I had to stay, Dusk. I had to apologize."

He drew in a slow breath and let his fingers lift to stroke her jaw, wiping a tear from her eyes as he flashed his warm smile. "Do not apologize Rarity. I was the one who kept refusing to relax, I could have asked you to go home at any time. But you looked so good in that dress, I just could not resist asking you in just to spend some time..." and as another of her tears hit his cheek he paused. At last looking into her eyes again, voice soft. "What is it Rarity? What has hurt you?"

She had to say it, her head resting on his shoulder and her breath drawn in slowly she put a finger to his lips. "Until I'm done. No more words. I need to say this so you understand everything." The glare behind her words held with him, and slowly he gave a nod. Drawing a deep breath, she took the wet cloth from his face and wiped it over her own, swallowing. "Many years ago... here in Ponyville, a rather talented unicorn spent extra time teaching the fillies and colts about magic. He was a dashing and handsome fellow, only in his late twenties. A rogue of sorts, he seemingly refused every mare and the one or two stallions who made an advance upon him. It was only..." she swallowed returning the damp cloth to his cheek and stroking softly. "I was only thirteen or so when he came over for a class, and to check up on me, with my parents out of town for business. It was late and I had done so well with the magic he was teaching me. He offered me some wine to go with the dinner I'd made for him even said: 'You earned it. You're improving so well.'"

As he raised a hand she swatted it, harsh glare digging into his eyes until he relaxed and relented, dropping the hand and nodding softly. Swallowing, she continued. "I wasn't a silly filly. I knew what he wanted. So I let him get me drunk because the older girls had told me how much it hurt. But he was handsome, and I figured I could have what the mares claimed was impossible if I just batted my eyelashes at him enough times. Af..." Again she drew a harsh breath and shook her head to clear her eyes before at last starting once more, voice low, ragged. "Afterward, I thought I was the star of the town; the one to be with a stallion no mare could claim as her own. But a week later he was caught by another girl's parents. I was crushed. Then... When I..."

Now Dusk interrupted her, sitting up and drawing his arms around her own, pulling her softly into his lap and stroking a thumb across the curve of her jaw. "You do not have to say anymore. I understand. It is not like you were trying to do that to me, Rarity. I am no child with stars in their eyes. And anyway, it’s not like you were the only foal to have an older pony take advantage of you."

Still softly crying, she swallowed and her gaze lifted, her hand trying to touch his lips to stop him. "Dusk I... " The look in his eyes stopped her, and she nodded slowly. "I thought I was over that mistake. Go on. I want to know."

Glad she had relented, and well aware his story was far from as painful as hers, he swallowed and offered a soft smile. "In SSU it is common for a younger student to be mentored by their seniors. Princess Celestia assigned me one nice mare, Moon Dancer, in my first year. She figured that being so far ahead of me, it would not be a problem even though I had entered at such a young age. When I passed the same tests as Moon Dancer in less than two years to her four... there was a fight, and Princess Celestia chose her brightest star to be my mentor instead; Sunset Shimmer." The name drew a soft gasp from the mare and he looked down at her. "They wrote of her in the gossip rags back then?" When she simply nodded he laughed a little, but smiled. "She was ... gosh. Three? Three and a half years older than me? When her heats started, Princess Celestia suggested she should ask me for help with them. But she never did, and I could see her straining with them some days, painful tears running down her cheeks, yet she never let anyone help her."

Rarity blushed, shaking her head. "A mare who refused any relief, even just being alone while in heat? That's... it's shocking how driven she was, but if she didn't force herself on you Dusk... then why? What did she do to you instead? Take her pain out on you?"

Dusk laughed, and shook his head. "No. Like your teacher, she told me she cared about me and for three more years I was pampered and polished by her to be shown off in public. See... to Shimmer I was a measure to show how good she was. If I passed a test? It was because she had grilled me on it. If I scored a point? It was because she made me jog five miles that morning. Yet for those three years she constantly claimed she loved me. She wanted me to do better, to try harder. It took her admitting to cheating during a game for me to really see what she was doing to me. I was not a person. I was a trophy."

Rarity stared at him for a few minutes, slowly shaking her head, but at last realizing the depth of his words, her fingers cupping his cheeks while her voice dropped softly. "I... am as bad as her, Dusk. The night before the Summer Sun Celebration, I might as well have called you one." She swallowed and looked down and away from him. "I even told AJ a shallow list of reasons you were a great trophy to claim... I... I'm sorry, Dusk. I never even thought of it that way."

His response was tender, fingers stroking the curve of her jaw and pulling her gaze softly to look up once again into his eyes. "You thought of me that way Rarity. Past tense. But what do you think about me now? I think you have better reasons than showing me off. I think you and I connected last week in a way I have not felt before." He gazed deeply into her eyes as his slow breath sighed out.

Her lower lip trembling, Rarity looked into Dusk's eyes, really looked, and slowly, in the depths of his gaze she saw it: a spark that tugged at her heart, made her cheeks darken in a warm blush and in a pleasant way she hadn't felt in years, making her long to say more. Nodding slowly, she leaned up, her lips parting to seal his in the softest of lingering kisses. At last, her voice returned to her. "You were so strong for those who can't do anything for themselves. You cared more about their lives than your own, and you'd hardly even gotten more than an hour in to talk with anyone of us before Nightmare Moon arrived."

Dusk dragged his nails across her jawline with great care, his warm smile spreading even while he laughed out with delight. "I... was obsessed. I knew with Princess Celestia gone, it was only a matter of time before Shining and Princess Cadance tried to take her on again. When they fell, nopony would be left with a chance against her. I could not let that happen to my brother or Cadance." He sighed, then swallowed and shook his head. "I saw it in you, too. When you picked me up before I could collapse, even though you could hardly walk under my weight. You pushed yourself to protect others who only you could protect."

She shook her head and attempted to speak up, but his finger touched her lips. "Rarity. I know we both have had bad relationships, but let us start this one with some honesty on both sides. I find you attractive, and think we both agree that we work well together." At her blush and shy nod, he grinned. "Then, let us start from here and build up from that basic fact." He leaned in, softly kissing her again, deep and gentle. His lips pushed into hers while his free hand stroked across her neck.

Deeply enthralled by how simple he made the situation, her eyes fell closed. Her hands settled on his shoulders and her body turned into his while a knee shifted across his hips so she could slide into his lap. When at last they had to come up for air, she shifted on her knees, rolling them back and adjusting her weight to her hips instead. With her open palms resting on his shoulders to help balance herself, his hand shifted to rest on her hips, caressing her sides. "Dusk... You’re right, you know. A basic fact we can both agree on is a fantastic starting point. Like, when I say you're the kindest of stallions. Your company can make me smile, whatever my mood."

Dusk still remembered Dash's teasing earlier in the day. His hands firmly grasping her hips, and his tone was serious as he prevented her from starting what was likely on her mind, at least until he set some facts straight. "Rarity, today I had AJ's heat start while she was showing me her cutie mark. Pinkie pushed her tits in my face just to see if I liked the look of them. Then, Rainbow Dash spent her interview in my lap grinding me like a whetstone. I care for you, but I cannot take another round of blue balls today."

His eyes closed as he waited for the slap he was sure he had just earned, so he never saw the soft kiss coming. Breathing in a gasp of surprise, he returned it, eyes opening to stare into hers. As their lips started to part, he tried to form words, but she simply put a finger on them and interrupted him. "Dusk, I'm not mad the others are after you, too. Most stallions have at least two mares. Some even three. I'm glad you were honest though. I'd hate it if my friends were pursuing a stallion who hides his other relationships." She fell silent for a moment, then tilted her head a little to the right. "W... What about Fluttershy? Did sh- Oh, who am I kidding? Of course she wouldn't."

Now it was Dusk's chance to brag, his grin warm while he lifted a finger to softly poke her on the nose. "She held my hands and smiled at me... she even thanked me for lunch." When she gasped in shock he laughed warmly. "I swear. If you do not believe me, ask Pinkie or Barb, they were both there." Smirking warmly with pleasure he lifted arms from her hips again, crossing them behind his head.

"Ohhh. Well I think that earns you some relief Dusk. No mare or stallion has ever gotten Fluttershy to look them in the eye and admit she had a good time, most of all while holding hands." Her touch was soft she slipped her weight up a little, fingers moving under the weight of her thick locks and to the two thin straps that held up her dress. Slipping both of them from her flesh the dress dropped from her body and piled up around her hips, revealing her slender frame, an hourglass figure with only her ample breasts covered by her arms. She lowered them, letting him watch as she lifted her breasts and squeezed the flesh together, winking and blowing him a soft kiss even as she sat tall in his lap.

He was enraptured. The flawless unicorn mare was a sight that made his heart ache so much. Hands lifting he cupped them when she drew her arms away, his soft grip drawing up from below, cupping their weight up and together with one another while he remained lying back, thumbs drawing together to tickle over the perky nipples erect tips. The pale brown flesh being teased quickly made the mare on top of him call out her pleasure, yet before he could settle in to torment her a any more, she drew back, and with gentle but direct force, pushed his hands back, until they were under the pillow beneath his head. Only when he had both trapped behind his head did she let go and slide her weight from his lap, her voice soft. "You are exhausted, so we will get you some proper relief, and then let you get some real sleep. Alright, my darling stallion?"

Able to only nod with his hands trapped behind his head, he was forced to watch as the elegant mare slipped down the bed, until she lay between his knees. A hand upon his groin, she stroked it delicately with the tips of her fingers, lightly tracing back and forth across his trapped cock with tender loving attention. Her voice was light warm and loving, "Such a fantastic stallion we have found to keep our company this night, not to mention his cock! Why, already it's so hard at a little teasing touch." Fingers lifted, and his belt buckle was peeled open, the button and zipper of his pants very quickly following under her deft fingers’ assault, each relenting quickly to her demands. That left only the loose boxers that lay across his thighs protecting his manhood.

Unashamed, she leaned in, dragging her tongue over the surface of his boxers, until she found the tip of his trapped cock, erect beneath her attentions, she suckled it in though the silk of his boxers and circled the head with the tip of her tongue, wetting the fabric for the pure joy of teasing his meat. Gasping for breath as she tormented him, he at last spoke up. "Please Rarity, you are very good at that but it is also driving me crazy. I really do not know how much longer I can hold back."

She pouted for a moment, but finally gave a nod. Fingers dove under his waistband and pulled the boxers down, past his knees and at last free of his body. She took a few extra seconds to let her dress fall to the floor and join his boxers, revealing that all she had worn under it was a white silk thong that matched her dress. Climbing up and into his bed again, she curled up between his knees, her cheek stroking across his naked flesh and nuzzling him in loving care as both his sweat and scent rubbed into her perfect skin. Lips parting a little, she shifted lower, releasing her tongue and letting it drag over the weight of his balls, a single long slow drag that started at the bottom of his sack, dragging it up and over their sensitive flesh. Soon enough her lips dragged over the deep blue vein that ran from the base of his cock, following it until her lips arrived at his moist cock's head.

Shifting her weight to place one shoulder on his hip, her mouth wrapped around the tip of his hard shaft, sucking it in between two plush lips that suckled upon the heated tip. A harsh groan whispered free from Dusk’s lips at the rich pleasure of Rarity’s continued attention to his hot member, the mare drawing more of its length into her mouth and applying light pressure to rake over the surface. At the same time, her tongue moved in to push across the trapped head, swirling across its tip and attempting to lap up any hints of moisture he might gift her.

Far too soon, Dusk again found himself pushed to his limit, her lips’ attentive pressure to his cock and balls making him shiver, and moan out in hot lust. His willpower was overwhelmed as he felt her suckle up his rich pre. Breaking her rule and pulling his arms free of the pillow, one moved to stroke the woman's jaw line as the other went to stroke her cheek. At last he spoke up. "I... cannot last any longer Rarity..." All he received in return was a deeper pressure and a warmer suck at the hot flesh of his hard shaft, her fingers joining the act. They drew down to cup his balls and stroke them in small circles, teasing and tormenting the twin orbs inside with masterful precision.

Unable to hold back any longer, Dusk came inside her mouth, a hot release of four or five heavy bursts of seed plastering the inside of her mouth with the hot cream. For her part, Rarity continued to milk his balls with the steady twirling and pressure of her fingers over the sensitive orbs. At the same time she continued to swallow, sharply sucking back any cum that attempted to escape from her lips while Dusk shuddered in pleasure and broke the perfect seal she had formed over his cock.

When at last he stilled, she released the tight suction her lips had upon his now-flaccid member, letting it fall against his belly. But she was not done yet, leaning down she dragged a soft lick over his balls, her voice low and loving. "Such a tasty cock, and rich cum to top it off. You’re a keeper, Dusk. I can't wait for round two." When he gasped for breath and started to draw back she shook a finger, voice easy. "Don't worry, not tonight. Maybe... in the morning?" She offered a teasing wink and nuzzled his balls one last time before drawing the blankets back and curling up against his belly and nuzzling heavily into the firm flesh of his toned abs.

A tired groan whispered from his lips but he let her curl up on his belly, his fingers stroking at her jaw's curve as he let his eyes close one last time. A slow sigh whispered free of his lips, limbs going limp as he let sleep overtake him at last. “Such a long day, it is finally done”. His voice whispering free one last time. "Thank you Rarity. You are the nightcap on a fun day. I love you, my dear mare."

Her giggle was gentle and she kissed his belly once in return for the kind words, eyes gazing longingly up at him. "Thank you my noble stallion. I hope you will find me just as worthy tomorrow and after."

In the other realm Princess Luna was alone, yet enchanted by simple, young love. Unable to help herself, she simply had to smile, floating free of the world and all its cares. Her voice was soft as she whispered to herself. "Tonight, I don't think I need to watch. You will dream well, Dusk. Keep your mares close. You will need them in the days to come."

Author's Notes:

Dear god its finally over. Clocking in at over 26201 words this is my largest single story so far and has been a huge project. I hope you guys enjoyed it, and I can't wait to see what you think of all that their is to come! Please let me know what you think, what you predict and what I got wrong in the comments below! Thanks so much again for reading my shlock, I love you all!

Version 2 uploaded August 10th, 2015 - Massive thanks to Wrabbit and our newest editor, Shawkthorian!

Version 3.0 posted April 29th, 2016. Focused on removing improper use of 'own' and 'would', as well as major formatting changes that have happened across the series.