Author's Notes:

I can not begin to say how sorry I am for not posting any stories for such a long period of time. I've been experiencing some tough and trying times at this point in my life, and I know it can't compare to what some people endure, but I'm not one with a strong will. This story had been sitting in my docs for ages, and I finally got the will power to finish it with some guidance. Also, I've become an editor for someone's story which we're collaborating together, so that's another reason as to why I haven't written much on FIM.

This had at first started as a comical story that I wrote to make myself happy when I wasn't feeling jubilant, but it somehow took a serious turn. Go figure. I hope it's enjoyable enough to make up for the time I was away, and many apologies if it's not.

Night had fallen over Equestria, and all was calm and quiet. The crickets chirped their songs which seemed to annoy those who slept while night dwelling creatures pranced and follied in the darkness of the night. Like the day was meant for people, the night was their domain. The stars, Luna’s true pride and joy, shone so bright they put the most expensive diamond in all of Equestria to shame. It was like an illusion. For such a show of starlight should not have been remotely possible. But for Luna, it was. She was an artist, and the stars were her clay; sculpting them into whatever form she deemed worthy of display.

Inside the royal castle, a dark figure crept along the corridors. Their onyx coat the perfect camouflage for creeping among the shadows and avoiding detection. Green slitted eyes glimmered within the dark as pearly white fangs glistened, as the figure bit into their lip, trying to remember the location of their destination.

“Curses! I forgot which wing her room was on,” came the frustrated voice of the one and only Queen Chrysalis, her multi-toned voice vibrating in the vast corridors. Her wings buzzed with irritation, trying to remember which way Twilight’s room was. “To Tartarus with that doctor, if only he’d been quick about my ‘weekly check-up’ I would’ve been able to meet with Twilight sooner!”

“Hm, if I remember correctly, Twilight told me Luna’s was in the south wing and Celestia’s room was in the west wing...Ah, now I remember, her room’s in the west wing. Leave it to Celestia to make sure her star pupil would always be near her.” Chrysalis grumbled, unknowingly brushing against a vase and causing it to tip over and fall with a loud crash. She grimaced as the noise echoed in the hallways.The night guards patrolling the area were quick to abandon their post and sprint in the direction of the noise.

“Damn it!” Quickly, Chrysalis retreated into the shadows, closing her eyes so they would not reveal her position. The guards’ footsteps got louder as they drew closer. They came to a halt directly in front of Chrysalis as they looked around the corridor for any sign of an intruder. At one point, Chrysalis thought she would have been discovered when a guard came rather close to her face before he continued down the hallway, resuming his pursuit.

Chrysalis exhaled, releasing a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

‘I, a changeling, master of disguise and stealth, nearly discovered because of carelessness. Mother would be so disappointed in me.’ She groused, embarrassed at having almost being caught. Quietly, she slinked back into the shadows and resumed sneaking along the halls towards the east wing.

Meanwhile in Celestia’s room

“Cake, check. Books, check. Tea, check.” Celestia ran through her list once more, confirming she had everything she needed.

She’d chosen to wear the sleek, black cat suit which Luna had given her for Nightmare Night last year for her little venture. She chuckled when she remembered how vehemently she’d denied the somewhat salacious suit when her sister gave it to her, but had quickly changed her mind when Luna made a comment about Twilight possibly liking the suit.

“Oh, what a pity. Here was the opportunity for you to display your...bodacious figure to our dear, Twilight Sparkle. And who knows, she might have appreciated such a sight.” Were the exact words that came out of Luna’s mouth, a sly undertone lacing her speech; if Celestia remembered correctly. The suit had clung to her like a second skin, enhancing her curves and other assets, leaving nothing to the imagination.

“Okay! Operation: ‘Riparare’ is a-go.” Carefully, she wrapped the desserts in a large cloth and fastened the clothed treats around her neck. Celestia pulled the hood of the suit over head, covering her billowing mane. Her magenta eyes were slightly visible through the visored lenses of her goggles.

“Hm, I’m surprised this thing still fits.” She tugged at the outfit, feeling how tight it was in some places. In Celestia’s case, it was very constricting due to her generous...proportions. ’Kinda tight though.’ Shrugging, the solar monarch prepared to leave her room when a pair golden eyes made her pause.

Behind her, a pair of golden eyes watched her every move.

Slowly, Celestia turned her body to face the owner of the smoldering gold eyes. She was met with the disbelieving gaze of her loving companion, Philomena.

Philomena had observed every move her mistress had made, every facial expression formed on her face; ranging from joy to sadness, confusion to doubt and so on. Frankly, Philomena felt a form of shame towards her mistress.

Silence permeated throughout the room as pet and owner stared at each other, a word yet to be spoken.

Celestia, feeling somewhat self-conscious under the gaze of the phoenix, broke the silence.

“What?” asked Celestia.

No answer.

“Is there something wrong with my choice of clothing?”

Again, she recieved no answer.

“Come on, work with me here, Philomena.” Celestia was once again met with silence as Philomena stared at her with a deadpan look in her eyes. ‘Hm, some guards have complained about Philomena’s stare being disturbing because they somehow peer into your very soul.' Celestia mused in her head.

“I don’t see it though…” She muttered aloud. ‘They’re probably just exaggerating again.’

Philomena flew from her perch and landed on the back of a chair. Her supposedly soul piercing gaze now staring Celestia directly in her face.

“Is it really so wrong for me to want to spend time with my dear stu-friend?” Celestia sighed as she sat in the chair by her desk.

Philomena hiked a feathery brow at the question. Of course it wasn’t wrong for someone to have a desire to spend time with a close friend, but it was far different in Celestia’s case. It was quite simple how her feelings differed. Celestia had developed a crush on her once faithful student who was now her very dear friend.

She held no such feelings for her as a young child, for it would have been wrong and quite immoral in her books. It would’ve only given the paparazzi the fuel they needed to resume the accusations of her being a mentor who seduced her students to make them her play toys. With those rumors would also return that name she dreaded.

No, these feelings which raged and swirled like the fiery magma of a volcano deep inside her heart became even stronger as Twilight grew to become the astonishing girl-woman, she was today. Both in her studies and physically.Years passed, and her beloved student had matured in ways she’d never fathom. She was no longer that antisocial bookworm who preferred to lock herself away in her room and practice new spells while shutting out the outside world. She still did those things, yes, but now she had friends and people who loved her a considerable amount and some even more so, to enjoy these activities with. She chuckled as she recalled how reluctant Twilight was when she was first sent to Ponyville to help with the preparation of the Summer Sun Celebration, and hopefully, make some friends. However, she’d never planned on being kidnapped by her sister and held hostage. In the end, Twilight, with the help of her new found friends, were the ones to rescue her and bring back her sister. That was something she’d always be indebted to them for.

Defeating Nightmare Moon and returning Luna to her was only the stepping stone to Twilight’s ascension in grandeur. The longer Twilight remained in Ponyville, the more feats she had accomplished, each one greater than the other. She triumphed against Discord, the god of Chaos, albeit with some difficulty at first, but she triumphed nevertheless. Then came the whole Canterlot Wedding fiasco. Celestia would never forget one of her greatest screw ups and she’d never forget the look of utter betrayal and hurt that had filled her former student’s eyes when she belittled her.

Celestia felt her heart clench at the memory. Her stupidity and carelessness had almost led to her officiating the marriage of Queen Chrysalis and Shining Armor and the near destruction of Canterlot. But most of all, her foolishness put together with her pride, led to a great strain on her and Twilight’s relationship. After the commotion, many were injured; Twilight being one among the multitude, nothing too serious, though. When she had gone to visit Twilight with her friends in the hospital wing, Celestia was certain her heart broke into tiny fragments when the lavender unicorn announced she didn’t want to see her nor her friends. Furthermore, she didn’t even wish to see her own brother. The only people who were exempted from this request were Luna and Cadence, as they were the only innocent parties in the aftermath of the event.

Celestia had spent a solid week locked up in her room, bawling her eyes out as she replayed Twilight’s words in her head, and the frigidness that laced her words as she spoke. If only she had listened, if only she’d given Twilight a chance to explain her theories on why Cadence was fake; then, maybe...maybe that awkward tension they felt around each other whenever they were in the same vicinity would have never existed.

Or would it?

Who was she kidding. Celestia, though she was loathe to admit it, was known to have made quite some disastrous mistakes in the past. The first was banishing her precious sister to the moon, courtesy of her selfishness when she was younger. And now…

‘And now, this.’ The alabaster alicorn sighed, petting Philomena on her head which earned her a pleased chirp. “I’m a real screw up, aren’t I, my dear, Philomena?”

The phoenix cooed, as if to say: “Yes, you are.”

“Which is all the more reason for me to fix this.” Celestia said with sure determination. “If I sit by idle, there is a significant probability that this wound will fester and become something worse.”

With her resolve now fortified, Celestia rose from her seat and marched over to her, hand ready to turn the knob until she heard another squawk.

“What is it now, Philomena?” Celestia groaned in exasperation.

Philomena lifted a feathery limb and pointed at her attire.

The monarch glanced down at her clothing. “Hm, I suppose you’re right. This wouldn’t exactly make a good impression if I wore it over there, would it.” She walked to her wardrobe and opened it, picking out a nightgown before she entered her bathroom. A few minutes later, Celestia exited the bathroom sans the sinful catsuit, and instead, wore a sheer white négligée over an equally as white lacy lingerie.

“I have to give her some incentive, don’t I?” Celestia defended, strolling over to the door as Philomena shook her head. “If all goes well, I won’t be back until morning, so don’t wait up for me.” She practically squealed before she disappeared from sight.

‘And she’s the all mighty monarch of the Sun? May Faust help us. She’s blessed that I love her.’ Philomena thought dryly.

Hallways

Chrysalis slowly licked her fingers clean of the frosting that covered them. ‘This is undoubtedly the west wing. Only Celestia would put the bakery on the same floor as her room.’ Chrysalis mused to herself. ‘I see you like midnight snacking, dear Celly. Though I can’t blame her, those cakes were delicious.’

“Back to the task at hand, I suppose.” The Changeling placed her hands on hips as she trudged down the hall to Twilight’s room. “Is that...Is that who I think it is?” Chrysalis hid behind one of the columns, peeping to make sure she was seeing right...

A good distance off from her stood the one and only, Princess Celestia, clad in a flimsy gown and lacy underwear, standing right in front of her destination. Peering a bit closer, Chrysalis noted how nervous she looked as she wrung her hands together. It looked like she was trying to work up the nerve to knock on Twilight’s door.

‘It appears poor Ms. Sunshine is scared to knock on a simple door.’ Chrysalis chuckled and grinned, that grin soon slipping off her face once she realized the situation. ‘Wait, what is she even doing here this late. Don’t tell me...’ The queen was snapped from her thoughts when a loud crash sounded behind her. Turning around, she saw the broken pieces of a vase scattered across the floor. ‘For Faust sake! What is wrong with me and these accursed jars?!’

“Who goes there?” Celestia’s voice called, the noise capturing her attention. “Come out now and I promise you I won’t hurt you.” Her horn glowing with a bright light, not bright enough to illuminate the whole corridor, but enough to see in the dark.

“I don’t think you could even if you tried, Celly.” Chrysalis’ multi-toned voice stated, making her presence known as she came into view of Celestia’s light.

“Chrysalis?” Celestia muttered in confusion before a sneer pulled at her lips. “What do you think you’re doing here?”

“Since when has it been a crime to take a midnight stroll?” Chrysalis answered her question with a question of her own as she inspected her claws.

“It is when you’re taking a ‘midnight stroll’ in my castle,” Celestia motioned with air quotations.

“Yes, yes, but explain to me this; why are you here, this late at night, at this specific door, acting so nervous.” The darker of the two jeered.

“Like I said, it’s my castle. I can explore its confines whenever I wish to do so, unlike a certain bug.” A loud snarl escaped the Changeling’s throat as she marched straight over to the alicorn and stood right in her face.

“You did not just call me that, you overgrown calf.” She snarled, spittle flying from her mouth.

“You heard me, pest.” Celestia fired back.

“Tell me, is your body craving a repeat of what happened at the wedding? Or are you just a masochist for being beaten into the ground?” Chrysalis snarked.

“You caught me unaware the last time, don’t think it’ll happen again.”

If it was possible you could see lightning sparking betwixt their eyes as the two imposing figures sized each up, smooshing their ample bosoms together.

“Why is there so much noise out here?!” A sharp voice bellowed. “Cherilee, I swear if that’s you again with another attempt at wooing me, you’ve got another thing coming.” Twilight Sparkle flung open the door and nearly choked when she saw the sight before her. “P-Princess Celestia?! Chrysalis?!”

The alabaster alicorn broke the war between her and Chrysalis the moment she heard the voice of the objection of affection, retreating with lightning speed that almost made the Changeling topple over.

“T-Twilight, this isn’t what it looks like!” Celestia sputtered.

“Oh, that is so original.” Chrysalis mocked, dusting herself off. “”T-Twilight, this isn’t what it looks like!” Spare me, would you.”

“Don’t you ever shut up.” Celestia swivelled on Chrysalis.

“Maybe, I would-” She started to say, but was interrupted when a soft, cool voice spoke.

“Is everything alright, dearest Twilight?” Celestia nearly broke her neck when she whipped her head around to see her sister standing beside the lavender alicorn. “Sister...and Chrysalis? I was not aware Equestria acquired two new rulers of the night. Why hast thou come here at this witching hour?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one to ask that question, Lulu?” Celestia wondered, her eyes narrowed.

“Luna came to me earlier today and asked for my assistance in mapping out some new constellations that appeared in the sky recently. That’s why she’s here so late.” Twilight chimed in.

“Yes, and we were half way through when we interrupted by the commotion.” The blue alicorn crossed her arms across her torso, eyeing her sister and the Changeling up and down. “Prithee, sister, Chrysalis, what business do you have here?”

Chrysalis cleared her throat. “I simply wished to spend some time with Twilight, but certain...events prevented me from getting here earlier.” She sniffed, silently cursing the doctor in her head for making her tardy.

“Interesting,” Luna hummed before she stared at her sister, “and you, Celly?”

“Oh, um..I-I was..” Celestia stammered helplessly under the scrutiny of Luna’s gaze. Not wishing to look anymore foolish, she shut her mouth and kept quiet, but Celestia couldn’t stop the flush that heated up her cheeks.

Luna’s brow rose in surprise at the reaction from her usually unshakeable sibling. Never had she seen her sister look so flustered from a simple question, nor did she ever think she’d be so speechless. Luna almost laughed aloud when she looked at her eyes. They kept darting to Twilight, before they would look elsewhere, their gaze always ending up back at Twilight, who remained oblivious to the situation.

‘Oh my, what a wonderful development this is.’

“If you wish to keep your silence, I understand. We are all entitled to our own personal issues, of course.” Luna turned to Twilight. “I fear it is time I take my leave, dearest Twilight Sparkle, morning shall soon be here and I prefer to take that time to rest.”

“Oh...alright.” Twilight sighed, disappointment present in her voice.

“Fret not, dearest, we may continue our research tomorrow if you would entertain me further.”

“Of course, Prin-I mean, Luna, that won’t be a problem at all!” The little alicorn gushed, all traces of disappointment gone.

“Then I must bid thee, farewell and a restful night.” Luna proclaimed, laying her hand on Twilight’s head and placing a soft kiss on her forehead, below her horn. She lingered for a while longer, sneaking a glance at Celestia, who looked absolutely livid, and Chrysalis, who appeared amused more than anything before she pulled away.

Twilight giggled from the contact. “Rest well too, Luna.” She waved as the alicorn walked down the corridor and disappeared from sight.

“So,” she began as she faced the immortals standing in front of her, “was there something you two needed?”

“Why did Luna just kiss you?” Celestia blurted out. You would have to be blind to miss the jealously abundantly clear on the monarch’s face.

“It’s nothing, really. It’s just how she shows her affection for me and I her. Really, it’s nothing.” Twilight defended.

“I see…”

“You still haven’t answered my question...both of you.”

“I just came to see my favourite Princess in all of Equestria.” Chrysalis cooed smoothly.

“I’m sure you did.” Twilight rolled her eyes good-naturedly before looking to the Princess. “Celestia?”

Celestia cleared her throat, any traces of anger washed away before she spoke. “I...was simply wondering if it would be...alright to spend some...time with you, Twilight.” She worded carefully. “However, I understand if you don’t wish to.” She quickly added, even though she honestly hoped Twilight wouldn’t turn her away, because if she did, all that sneaking and planning would’ve been all for naught.

Twilight studied her former mentor closely, from the way she wrung her hands nervously together (that was becoming a nervous habit of hers), to the way she chewed her lip. Celestia was the epitome of nervousness as she stood before her. However, when Twilight’s eyes met hers, she saw a multitude of emotions swirling in those magenta eyes. Sorrow, regret, anger (at herself?), hurt, and...hope.

‘These...emotions, they’re because of me, aren’t they. Whatever I say now seals the fate of our relationship...or what’s left of it. I can’t keep shutting her out all the time, or staying far away from her. It isn’t right...nor is it healthy. I have to forgive her at some point if we ever hope to work together. Forgiveness is the needle that knows how to mend after all. And...it does hurt to see her so wound up like this.’ Twilight finished her internal monologue, deciding it was time to ‘bury the hatchet’ as they say.'

“Sure…” She whispered.

“Pardon?” Celestia asked.

“Sure...Celly.” Twilight gave her a smile, a real smile with teeth and gum.

Celestia nearly sobbed at the mention of her nickname. It sounded so sweet coming from those lips. She couldn’t contain herself anymore as she lunged forward and wrapped the lavender alicorn up in a bear hug. A string of ‘thank yous’ falling from her mouth. Twilight simply wrapped her arms around Celestia’s waist in response, letting the taller alicorn have this moment to herself. Celestia eventually released her hold on Twilight and wiped her eyes.

“Sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” The monarch apologized.

“It’s okay. Come on, let’s go.” Twilight took hold of an alabaster hand and moved back into her room until she suddenly stopped and looked over her shoulder. Her gaze falling on the changeling who looked strangely out of place in the hallway after having witnessed that moment of hidden intimacy.

“Chryssie,” she called.

The changeling looked up at the sound of her name, her eyes landing on the limb extended out to her.

“When I said let’s go, I meant you too. I can’t exactly leave my favourite Changeling all on her own, can I?” Twilight joked as she kept her hand opened to Chrysalis, waiting for her to take it. The queen looked at the hand before she glanced at Celestia, expecting to see fury in her eyes, but instead, she was met with a small smirk and nod, telling her it was okay. Finally, Chrysalis smiled and took hold of the proffered limb and entered the room with Twilight and Celestia.

Twilight’s Room

Upon entry of her room, Twilight let go of the hands she was holding and walked over to her bed, picking up a book that laid on her bed before she turned to face Celestia and Chrysalis.

“I was reading, ‘Creatures Hidden Among Us’ by Mystia Types, a book on rare mythical creatures that blend in with society earlier today when Luna came and asked for my help, so I never got to finish it. Would you two like read it with me?” She asked, shyly as she sat on her bed.

“Hm, Mystia Types, I’ve heard of her books. They’re quite accurate when it comes to mythical creatures.” Celestia hummed.

“Indeed, they are. She’s the first author ever to have so many authentic facts about Changelings.” Chrysalis agreed.

“You’ll read it with me then?”

Twilight received no response when emerald green and golden magic encompassed her form and gently placed her on the bed. Celestia and Chrysalis soon following as they clambered up beside her.

“Read to your heart's content.”

A few hours later, Celestia heard the sound of soft snoring beside her. Twilight and Chrysalis were fast asleep, the Changeling’s arms wrapped her around wasit and the book falling from the lavender alicorn’s hands as shifted onto her side, moving closer to the warmth of Celestia and burying her face in the crook of her neck. The monarch giggled quietly as she placed the book on the nightstand beside the bed before she reached down and pulled the covers over them.

‘I might not have gotten the alone time I wanted with Twilight, but I suppose this is the first step to her forgiving me. One that I will gladly take.’