Goodbyes had been going on a lot longer than Thomas had initially anticipated. The mares had begun idly chatting and catching up on family matters. While a little annoyed at having his date hijacked, Thomas remained silent as he listened in to the conversation, hoping to gleam some previously unknown details about the herd dynamic. With topics ranging from rent, medical issues, vacations, and so on, all in all it sounded just like a regular old family that just so happened to be polygamous. The familiarity of it all was rather comforting.

After a while, Celestia gave Thomas a quick glance as she donned a thoughtful expression, realizing she’d overstayed her welcome. “I’m sorry, Moony, but I think your stallion’s anxious to have you back to himself.”

My stallion? Moonlight thought with a blush. It had a nice ring to it.

“Although I’d like to say one last thing before I go.” Celestia leaned in close to Moonlight, whispering conspiratorially. With their bodies so close, she swiftly sunk her hand into her coat pocket and offered Moonlight a handful of prickly edged grass with horizontal red stripes.

“Is… is that…” Moonlight didn’t need to ask. It was bold grass, so creatively named for its impact on a creature’s adrenal glands; a confidence booster in laypony’s terms. Bold grass wasn’t illegal, but it wasn’t cheap either. In fact, some cities allowed you to pick some up from the local apothecary without even a prescription. In guard training they had learned that it was not only common, but encouraged for ponies to munch a few handfuls before a battle, but these days it was mostly relegated for those suffering test anxiety, and other day-to-day complaints.

“You’re stronger than this.” Celestia whispered, glancing quickly to make sure Thomas hadn’t noticed. “But everypony needs a helping hand now and then.” The Princess smiled.

Moonlight’s eyes darted between her aunt and her gift. It only took another second before she made up her mind and shook her head with a serene smile. “Thank you, Auntie, but no.” She gently pushed her aunt’s hand away. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think I really need herbs for this. If I’m to make this work, I want to do it on my own, without the aid of any substances.”

Celestia beamed down at her niece as she pocketed the grass. “I’m very proud of you, little Moony. You’ve come a lot farther than I’d expected and I wish you the very best of luck.”

“Thank you, Auntie.”

“But you’re still going to the zura birds, right?”

“Oh absolutely,” Moonlight replied matter-of-factly.

Glad to see her niece had both commendable character and a healthy appreciation for romantic aids; Celestia giggled and said her final farewells to Moonlight before calling Thomas over.

“Um, hey,” he greeted meekly, fearful that he was going to get the ‘take care of her or else’ speech.

“Try not to be too hard on her,” Celestia consoled. “Strange as it may seem, she’s actually not as experienced as you when it comes to romantic relationships. Or rather, it might be better to say that her experience is very different from yours. Just be patient and do what you can to ease her into things. Okay?”

“I… sure,” Thomas said with a relieved sigh. “I actually think she’s doing just fine on her own, right now.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.” Celestia nodded, only for her grin to take on a more sinister vibe. The look she gave seemed to say ‘if you break her heart, just remember that I know where you live.’

Thomas felt his blood run cold as he stared back at Celestia who had resumed her maternal smile.

“Oh. And one last thing.” Celestia cheered as she began nudging the pair off the main road and into a relatively secluded glade. Once she’d determined no one was watching, Celestia leaned in and whispered into Moonlight’s ear. “You ready?” After some initial hesitation, the unicorn mare nodded boldly and Celestia’s invisible horn lit as the familiar jingle of magic rang.

“Eep!” Moonlight yelped as her arms reflexively moved to cover her body. In a flash her armor had disappeared, leaving only her linens. Her furred body felt cool to the sudden exposure of the night air. Despite knowing it was coming, the sensation of suddenly losing one’s armor was still jarring. Meanwhile, Thomas had reflexively taken to looking at a tree in the opposite direction, only to look back when he realized that Moonlight was still covered in all the important places.

“Don’t worry, my-sister’s little human.” Celestia giggled at their reactions. “Little Moony’s armor is just in storage at the moment. She can have it back if she needs it," she explained casually. “I just thought it’d be nice if the two of you could have a little intimate moment without all that metal getting in the way.” Absentmindedly the Princess took to examining her nails as she slowly turned her back on the pair, but not before shooting Moonlight a look of encouragement and a wink.

The Princess waved her cheery goodbyes and departed, leaving the partially clothed awkward couple to their own devices. However, she quickly ducked behind a corner to reexamine her coat. Somehow the perception filter spell had worn off, which was how she had been seen in the first place. Recasting a double just to be on the safe side, the beloved and universally trusted Princess of the Sun resumed stalking her niece. It’s not like she had anything better to do at this time of night anyway.

Once her aunt was gone, Moonlight’s spark was rekindled as she vowed to make up for the awkwardness the alicorn had wrought as she stared at the human with newfound determination. She had never been this meek in any of her past relationships and concluded that her behavior thus far was downright embarrassing. To make matters worse, Princess Celestia of all ponies had been going through so much to make this happen, even if a lot of it was ethically questionable. Come to think of it, a lot of Talon’s past antics and suggestions suddenly made a lot more sense in the context that she was apparently the last pony in the castle to not know about her crush on the human. Damn it, Moonlight! You’re a mare, Celestia be praised. Act like it already and show this cute stallion what you really think of him.

Thomas had reached a similar conclusion as he hardened his expression at Moonlight, trying not to focus on her chest. I’ve been treated with kid gloves since day one. Logically he knew that the ponies and griffon had just been doing what they felt was right to help the seemingly helpless foreigner adjust, but right now all that coddling just felt patronizing. And while he knew he could never change completely, he could take a stand for what he wanted. A man is defined by his actions, so it’s about time I took some. “Moonlight!” he blurted.

“Thomas!” Moonlight barked right back, clenching her fists at what felt like a challenge.

Staring up into Moonlight’s eyes, Thomas took a long step forward until his chin was touching the soft linen of her blouse. With purpose in his heart and breasts nearly in his face, the human inhaled deeply and spoke the first words to come to mind. “You smell really nice,” he said with gritty forcefulness.

Moonlight blinked in surprise at the compliment and its unusual delivery, but wasn’t about to turn back now. “I’ve always really liked the way you smell too,” she growled, matching his ferocity. “I swear you could probably bottle that up and make a hit perfume.”

“Well you smell like cookies fresh from the oven,” Thomas sneered through gritted teeth. “And I swear it’s a miracle I haven’t started drooling all night. Is that a new shampoo or something?”

“It is,” Moonlight snarled, baring her flat teeth like she was a predator. “I bought it a while ago, but this is the first time I’m using it. How do I look?”

Celestia was ready to blow her cover and burst out laughing. There words were mildly romantic, but their tone suggested a rather serious fight. Perhaps Talon had had an unexpected influence on the pair, as this sort of posturing was reminiscent of how griffons typically flirted. No matter the cause, the Princess remained vigilant against any who might interrupt this awkwardly cute moment, which she would take great satisfaction in later retelling to their embarrassment.

“You always look nice,” Thomas asserted. “But now your fur almost shines when the light catches it right.”

“That’s very nice of you to say,” Moonlight huffed, her façade beginning to break down as her heart thudded away in her chest. “Would you like to feel it?”

“I’d love to,” Thomas said in the tone of someone declaring ‘pistols at dawn’.

Nodding firmly, Moonlight slowly bent her knees. Her eyes transfixed on his as their noses inched ever closer together, only to veer left at the last minute. The gruff momentum they’d been building up had suddenly dissipated as they eased into each other’s touch. Pressing her cheek into his, Moonlight released a low moan at just how smooth his bare skin was. There was a mix of amusement and excitement at the thought that, no matter how much clothing he wore, he was still more naked than any other pony out there.

No stranger to a mare’s touch, Thomas nevertheless savored the feel of Moonlight’s fur. Her texture was different from Luna’s, but not less pleasant. Hearing her inhale deeply beside him, the human returned the gesture and took a deep whiff of her scent. Beneath the smell of sugar, there was an aroma he couldn’t quite place. Concluding that this was the mare’s natural scent, Thomas nuzzled with all the more vigor.

In time the pair pulled back, silently mourning the loss of warmth on their chests. However, all negative feelings quickly evaporated as they gazed into one another’s eyes. Before anything else could be said, Moonlight leaned forward and pressed her snout against Thomas’ forehead. It wasn’t exactly a kiss. She was just taking in his touch a little longer.

**********

Previously, on the eve of the hero’s party:

Celestia had just pulled Moonlight off to the side where they could speak with relative privacy.

“Yes, Princess?”

The Princess frowned. “You are my niece,” Celestia said sternly. “You shall call me your Aunt just as you did in the old days, or I will be forced to teach you a level of discipline you will never forget.”

“Yes, Pr-Auntie,” Moonlight grinned nervously. It was an unusual threat, but one she felt best left unchallenged. “Is there something you wanted?”

Celestia gave a pleased nod before motioning across the hall. “Do you know who that is?”

Moonlight looked over to where Celestia had indicated. “Sir Thomas and Lady Talon.”

“No,” Celestia shook her head. “There is only Thomas and Talon and, given the nature of your relationship, I sincerely doubt they would be any more accepting of titles than myself. Do you understand?”

“I think so, Auntie,” Moonlight said hesitantly. “T-Thomas has said as much in the past.”

Celestia nodded. “In that case, while you continue in your duties, as your Princess and your Aunt, I ask that you perform a little favor for me.”

“Anything,” Moonlight said eagerly.

“Be mindful of your feelings, little Moonlight.”

“Mindful of my… Auntie?”

“Of your feelings,” Celestia continued, “and of his. Thomas is a very meek stallion, but he has come to trust in you as he has come to trust in my sister.” Celestia’s smile grew. “I trust you know how much your continued friendship means to him and to Luna.”

Moonlight straightened up to attention and saluted. “I think so, Auntie. I won’t let you down,” she declared confidently, though she really had no idea what she was promising.

“Good. Then I also trust that you will not be too rough on your first time,” Celestia said with a shit-eating-grin.

“First… what?”

And then the Princess suddenly changed the subject without elaborating further, no matter how much her niece pressed her.

**********

Back in the present, Moonlight’s arms had moved of their own accord to engulf the human in a firm embrace. Thomas, in turn, reciprocated by wrapping his arms around the mare’s waist. Both parties took great pleasure in feeling the texture of one another’s bodies. Moonlight, as Thomas knew full well, had a respectable layer of muscle all across her relatively vast body. Her breasts weren’t as head-consuming as Luna’s, but they were still a size most women back home would kill for and they felt heavenly against his face.

On the other hand, Thomas had lost virtually all of his pudge since Moonlight had first been assigned to him, although his plot looked as temptingly squishable as ever. Despite his improvements, he still felt rather frail in the mare’s arms, but that just made her want to hug him all the tighter to keep him safe. He was hers, after all. Wait… no he isn’t. At least not yet.

Riding the high of his new confidence, Thomas decided on something daring.

“Eep!” Moonlight squealed as she felt his hands tightly grip her plot.

“This is mine,” Thomas declared boldly as he stared into Moonlight’s bulging eyes. “Whatever else we may be, this,” he squeezed, eliciting another yelp, “shapely mare’s plot is the property of Thomas Collins, Senior Concubine to Princess Luna."

There was only one thing a mare in her condition could think to say. “C-Collins?” She whispered in a high pitched tone.

“Family name,” Thomas stated plainly, reveling in the feeling of control as the mare squirmed in his grip. “Most humans have at least two names.”

**********

Silver had been busy cementing her friendship with Talon as they sat at the foot of the griffon’s bed. She’d never kissed a griffon before, but she imagined her lips would ache anyway after how long they’d been making out. After returning from a summons from Luna, the griffon had practically tackled the bat pony to the bed, pinning her down.

“You like that?” Talon moaned as she fluttered her eyes down at her helpless victim.

After their initial more vanilla making out, the griffon had flipped the bat pony onto her belly and began teasing her marehood with her claw. It was the naturally submissive pose of mounting. And after what she’d just been through with Misty, Silver felt she could be forgiven for her wings shooting out the moment she felt a warm body against her back.

“Y-yes, Mistress,” Silver panted. Talon had suggested the name and the poor mare could find no willpower to resist.

“Say it,” Talon urged, halting her movements until she got what she wanted.

“P-please,” Silver begged.

“Say it, bitch.” It had taken some practice, and though Thomas had difficulty explain it, Talon was reasonably confident that the term was suitably derogatory for their session.

“I… I love the way your claw feels inside my… b-bitch cunt.” Silver cried out. “Just… just don’t stop.”

“Ordering your Mistress around, are you?” Talon growled threateningly, trying to ignore the mood-threatening snoring of the sleeping Pegasus at the other end of the bed. “Oh, you’re gonna pay for that.”

And so she did.

**********

Everypony learned the social cues from peers and parents. This is what went through Moonlight’s mind after they’d realized this secluded spot had a nice bench for them to sit on. If Thomas had been a stallion, she reasoned, something like this would have been long overdue to the point where she’d assume he had no real interest. But because he was a human, not a stallion, the timing felt right somehow, especially with how good his lips looked right now. Thomas was nice. Though quiet, he was also sincere and had a good mind about him, all traits she found attractive. He could be brave when necessary, but he could also match her love of writing. In fact, the more the mare thought about it, the more she realized these were all descriptions that matched her dream stallion. There was only one thing missing, and she gave him an expecting smile in the hopes he’d reciprocate.

For Thomas, gone were the feelings of hesitation and doubt. Instead, he focused on what he knew for certain. Ponies were polygamous by nature and Luna had expressed an eagerness to one day meet a herd he formed outside the harem. Moonlight wanted this, if the expectant look she was giving him was any indication. This much Thomas couldn’t deny and he leaned forward once more, closing the distance between himself and Moonlight by about eighty percent, leaving the rest to her.

Moonlight needed no further invitation as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a kiss. His lips were small, like a colt’s, but that thought only excited the mare as she enjoyed his taste. When he wrapped his arms around her back, she remembered the shirt that kept on for the sake of not embarrassing him. Although she felt they were probably past this, it still didn’t feel quite right yet to press her bare chest against his. As Celestia had instructed, Moonlight trusted her feelings. And right now, the mare felt like what they were doing was just fine, for the moment.

As she watched from around the corner, which would look incredibly suspicious and creepy without the perception filter, Celestia wanted so badly to tell them both right then and there. It made sense to just get it out there so they could deal with it. And while it might help Moonlight, who would go along with it through a mix of herd instincts and it matching her personal beliefs, Thomas would probably freak out by the implications. Even her own concubines needed a bit of a grace period before divulging the truth. For now, it was best if she kept the secret and these two figured themselves out on their own, but at least they seemed to be making some good first strides.

**********

“Four times,” Talon congratulated as she gently ran the sharp tips of her claws down Silver’s back. “Not bad, for a rookie.”

“Th-thank you, M-Mistress.” Silver panted.

“Might need to work on getting in and out of character.” Talon advised with a chuckle. “Not that I really mind, but folks’ll be turning heads if you start talking like that outside the bedroom.

“Let the commoners’ heads turn.” Silver raspingly declared, unable to summon the strength to lift her head. “I’ve been mounted by the sexiest griffon in Canterlot and I don’t care who knows.”

Talon leaned forward until the mare’s ear flicked from the hot air pelting it. “What about Moonbutt?” She whispered. “Do you care if she knows?”

Silver thought on this a moment, only to chuckle. “If this were a test, I’m fairly certain what we just did would count as credit towards my final grade.” It was a statement, but she looked questioning up at Talon, who grinned all the wider.

“Ya know, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were destined to have this job.”

Silver’s heart swelled with pride as she beamed back at Talon. Throughout her young life Silver had heard stories about Princess Luna and the way her family had served her. Needless to say, a fair amount of her free time had been spent fantasizing about what it would be like to carry on the family tradition. And now, being here, and hearing those words from a genuine concubine; it was all just too much. The mare succumbed to the embrace of the bed sheets and fell asleep with a goofy grin on her face.

**********

At last they came to the aviary. Past the main gate and gift shop was a short hallway of doors designed to keep the birds from flying out. The air became noticeably warmer as they entered the miniature jungle beneath the bird cage. Even the dirt had an unusual texture as he felt the clumps shift between his toes. The trees were illuminated by the occasional magical lantern, which was just soft enough for visitors to see but not disturb the day birds. Thomas’ jaw fell agape as he beheld birds of every size, shape, and color he could imagine fly about, perch, sing, and occasionally doing birdy dances. It was no exaggeration to say that this place put all past zoos he’d ever visited to shame.

“Amazing,” Moonlight gasped in a similar state of awe.

The aviary tour guide held out her hand and whistled. Not five seconds later a half dozen of birds took perch on her extended limb and began singing in perfect harmony. The guide then began her lecture on details regarding each species of bird currently perched on her arm.

“Disney Princesses, eat your hearts out,” Thomas joked.

“What Princesses?” Moonlight asked.

“Disney’s the company that made that version of Robin Hood,” Thomas informed. “That,” he gestured at the guide, “is kind of the thing most people think about with how the company depicts Princesses. But enough of that.” Thomas waved his hand dismissively, not wanting to get into the long history of Disney’s cultural impact on the world. “Weren’t we looking for a particular kind of bird?”

Moonlight’s ears stood on end as she surveyed her surroundings. Her tail gave a brief twitch when she found her target.

Thomas followed her line of sight until he found a pair of birds that vaguely resembled the show’s depiction of phoenixes in overall size and shape. The most notable differences were the blue-green coloring and the crown of feathers upon their heads.

The guide, realizing what all the others had noticed, decided to get to the real attraction of the evening. She explained how the zura birds really did have a beautiful song that caused ponies feelings of arousal. As such, the zoo had arranged for special stalls in the back in case ponies found themselves unable to control their urges.

More excited than ever, Moonlight stealthily approached her potentially easily-frightened targets. She was followed by Thomas, who also ducked down, and was totally not taking the opportunity to admire the way her trousers clung to her backside. After a while, the guide gave a low hiss, which Moonlight and Thomas took as the signal to stop. There they stood in silence, along with their group, all waiting for the coveted moment as they watched the birds preen each other.

“I’ll bet the lady bird isn’t the only one looking for a preening tonight,” Celestia muttered to herself.

Giggity. A nebulous consciousness opined.

In no time at all, the clouds parted to reveal a waxing moon looming above. The zuras ceased their previous activities and froze as if they were in a trance. When a ripple of feathers shot up their bodies, the birds threw their heads back and began their song.

I guess it’s kinda pretty. Thomas thought in mild disappointment. The melody was nice and all, but after the way Celestia built it up, he’d expected something… more. Exactly how is this supposed to get mares into a false... Thomas thought was cut short when he noticed Moonlight, still bent over backing up into him. The base of her tail was bouncing all over the place while the end refused to stop batting at him. Oh... Thomas glanced back to beseech the tour guide for advice, only to find the spot vacant, save for the birds who seemed rather irate at the sudden loss of their perch. Deserter! Thomas swore before feeling Moonlight’s back press into his chest. He tried stepping back, but she only pressed all the harder.

Moonlight’s mind felt like it was in a fog of arousal as her inhibitions seemed to melt away, not unlike when they first learned about the aphrodisiac qualities of Thomas’ scent. A heat surged in her loins as she glanced back to find that Thomas was now pressing himself against her back. He’s mounting me! She mentally cheered. Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh! I didn’t even feel him come up to me, but he’s really on my back. I guess these birds’ song affects stallions too. A silly grin grew upon her face as she felt the human grind his hardening shaft into her plot.

“M-Moonlight!” Thomas called as he grabbed her hips in an effort to stop her grinding against him. As he did, he realized that there were only a few thin sheets of fabric between her buns and the tent he was now sporting.

Moonlight blinked, snapping out of her trance. “Y-yes?” She asked irately as her tail flicked about.

Thomas quickly glanced around to survey the other ponies. The mares were semi-glass-eyed as their hands began roaming across the mare’s and stallions they’d come in with. And while the stallions seemed entirely immune to the song’s effects, they were not so resistant to the mare’s eager flirtations. A couple security guards began moving in to intervene with couples or groups who were getting a bit too friendly with one another, asking them to stop or directing them to the stalls in the back. The mares seemed irate at the disruption, but were still coherent enough to realize that bending over in the middle of an aviary was not in their best interests.

“At least they planned for this,” Thomas sighed in mild relief, though that still didn’t change the way Moonlight was looking at him. She was making the most unbearable puppy-dog eyes at him while her tail continued to swat at his chest. She wanted him, and with the smell she was currently wafting his direction, he was losing all desire to refuse her as her raw musk tapped into his more primal nature.

“They’re not the only ones,” Celestia practically sang. Bearing a shit-eating-grin, the Princess’ invisible horn grew increasingly brighter until her companions were temporarily blinded by a flash of light. When it passed, the guides, guests, and security staff had all been too busy dealing with the aftermath of the birds’ song to notice that three ponies had vanished from sight.

This chapter went through heavy revisions as originally Celestia was to play a bigger part, but then I realized her presence just kind of derailed the progress these two were making on their own. Sorry for the clunkiness.
More awkwardness, but it was probably mostly at my end. I started making the characters a little meek again, but I think I like how I resolved it. Both have made a wordless yet solemn vow to stop pussy-footing around and just give in to trying to be a couple. Not hurting this endeavor were Celestia’s efforts, along with the zura.