A few peaceful hours later I awoke to find Luna in my arms with her face nuzzled into my chest, her light snores tickling my bare chest. I lay there with her for a few more minutes, lightly running my hand over her soft fur as I took in her sweet smell, before a knock interrupted me.

“Sir, it is time to get up,” I heard Velvet say, “the queen wishes to see you.”

“Ah, right… that,” I sighed as I released Luna and left the pit to get dressed. When I was dressed in some business clothes, I stepped out of my room and greeted Velvet before having her walk me to Chrysalis’s room a few halls away. Upon arrival, we found two of her Changelings standing guard outside of her room and after looking at me like they had no idea who I was, they stepped out of the way and the door opened. With a wave to Velvet, I entered the dark room before the doors were closed behind me.

“…Uh,” I muttered as I stood in total darkness, waiting for something to happen, “you in here, Chrys?”

“Don’t call me that,” I heard her voice say as a few green flames suddenly brightened the room. Looking around the room that seemed to be as big as mine, I could see that she definitely made herself at home with all the windows covered, sconces that held the green fires, and… What’s that smell?

“Are you smoking in here?” I asked as I spotted her lying on her bed and taking a hit from my pipe, “How do you keep taking my stuff?” I walked over to the bed and stood next to it as I watched her expertly blow a smoke ring into my face.

“You were so out of it, you didn’t notice me take it, huh?” she said with a smirk as she patted the spot next to her, “Sit.” With a raised brow, I listened and sat right next to her as I watched her float my stuff away.

“So,” I started as I folded my arms, “as you know, over the past week, I’ve been sleeping with pretty much every mare in town. Because of that, I’ve got a whole bunch of my, essence, sitting somewhere around here. I’ll give that to you and you can do whatever you want.”

“What?” she said exasperatedly as she flopped over onto my lap and prodded my bits, “I thought the plan was for you to fill me with your seed.”

“No, the plan was for you to just get my seed. Besides, I don’t really feel like having sex today.” That’s something I never thought I’d say.

“Hmm…” she hummed for a while as she stared up at me through squinted eyes, “I think I’ve let you have your way long enough. You will do as I say and satisfy me.” With her magic, she pushed me down and held my hands over my head as she undid my pants. Not caring enough to fight back, I let her slide my pants down and feast her eyes on my flaccid dick. She stared at it for a while, as if expecting it to spontaneously become erect, and any other time she would have assumed correctly, but not this time as my dick stayed the way it was.

“Is there a problem?” she asked as she nudged the tip aggressively.

“Ow, no,” I said as I finally a broke out of her magic and got out of the bed, pulling up my pants as I headed for the door, “I told you, I wasn’t feeling it. If you’re really set on this, we can try again tomorrow.”

“…I guess I’ll spend the day with you then,” she said as I heard her hoof-steps follow me, “I’m sure you’ll be in the mood at some point.” I turned and glanced at her stupidly smug face before shaking my head and opening the door.

“Whatever,” I said as we stepped out of the room and met up with Velvet before heading down the hall.

“So, what’s on the agenda today?” I asked her as we walked.

“Is your business with the queen finished?” she asked as she looked through her papers.

“More or less,” I answer as I looked at Chrysalis and saw her take a hit from the pipe floating in her magic, “Jesus, would you calm down with that?” Without waiting for her response I snapped my fingers, making the pipe disappear and Chrysalis scowl at me.

“Well, do you remember that pony that asked for you to approve their business?” Velvet asked.

“Oh yeah, the sex shop,” I said as I remembered how weird that letter was.

“Well, he wants you to go see it in Canterlot.”

“I guess I can do that,” I replied as I took the train tickets and a letter out of her magic before pocketing them, “and I know I’m being a terrible host, but please keep the princess company, Velvet. With any luck, I’ll be back tonight.”

“O-of course, Sir,” she stuttered, but her blank expression didn’t show any fear.

“Oh, and I guess I’ll bring some stuff that he can sell too.”

“It has already been taken care of,” Velvet replied, “I hope you do not mind, but I looked through your… collection, and chose the items that seemed the most appropriate.”

“Nah, I don’t care, and feel free to take some stuff for yourself if you want,” I said as we approached the front doors.

“I am fine, Sir.”

“Ah, that’s what you say now, but once your cycle rolls around, you’ll need some relief too. So unless you want me to help you out personally, go ahead and use whatever,” I replied as I petted her head for the first time and gave her a real smile. She looked at me for a second before dropping her head and mumbling something.

“Well, see ya. Come on Chrys, and don’t forget your disguise,” I said as I stepped out of the castle with the Changeling queen following close behind.

“I told you to stop calling me that,” she said in an almost annoyed tone as I felt a surge of magic before her disguised form came up next to me.

“Well, what am I supposed to call you while we’re out?”

“…I guess that’s fine,” she said with a roll of her eyes after a moment of thought, “but only you can call me that. The second others start saying it, they and you, are dead.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I replied dismissively as we headed for the train station. A few hours later and we were walking down the busy streets of Canterlot with the two of us getting a lot of attention. As we walked, only a few ponies recognized me and stopped to say hi or try to get me to remember them, but to both, I just smiled my fake smile and kept walking. Eventually, we found the address and approached the discreet shop.

“Naughty by Nature,” I read the sign aloud, “not bad.”

“Why are the windows covered up?” Chrysalis asked as she looked over the bland exterior of the stand-alone building, “Last time I checked, you’re supposed to put the things you’re selling on display.”

“I guess the owner thought ponies wouldn’t come in if they knew others knew what they were coming in for… or something,” I said as I opened the door and walked in to the rather spacious store. Like I expected, adult items of all kinds were stretched across the walls and many shelves as the place was bathed in a dim light. As I was looking at an impressively sized dildo, I heard a polite cough behind me.

“Hello, Prince,” a voice with a familiar accent greeted, “I’m glad you could come down to my humble shop.” Quickly turning around, I found a pony that I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised to meet at some point.

“Fancy Pants?” I said as I looked over the fancy pants-less stallion as he pocketed his monocle and smoothed out his moustache.

“Ah, so you do know who I am,” he said with a pleased smile.

“Uh, of course. I did invite you to my banquet the other day,” I said as I suddenly remembered that fact.

“And I am terribly sorry that I nor my sister could attend.”

“No problem, my ego’s still intact. But uh, who’s your sister?” I asked, not knowing he had one.

“Did somepony call for me?” a sensual voice practically purred as another pony trotted up gracefully next to Fancy Pants.

“Prince, meet my sister, Fleur De Lis,” Fancy introduced as I took in her beautiful form. Similar to the princesses’, her two-tone pink mane seemed to sway in a non-existent wind, that I found out was just a fan, and her half-lidded light-violet eyes looked right back at mine with a desire that wasn’t exactly lust.

“Hello, Prince. As I’m sure my brother has said, thank you for coming to see us,” she said as she leaned and posed on said brother.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” I said as I kneeled, took her hoof, and kissed it, “had I known such a beautiful mare lived around these parts, I’d have come over sooner.”

“Oh my,” she replied with a small blush.

“So what do you think of the shop, Prince?” Fancy Pants interrupted.

“Oh, uh… it looks good to me,” I said as I stood up and glanced around again, “to be honest, we have a few of these where I’m from, but I’ve never actually been in one. So, however you set it up, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Thank you, Prince,” he said with a small bow, “hearing that puts me at ease.”

“Alex!” Chrysalis called from somewhere in the shop, “they have these potions that can help you get in the mood! You should buy some!” I pinched the bridge of my nose as I sighed before putting on my fake smile.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you brought somepony with you, Prince,” Fancy Pants said as he seemed to not react to Chrysalis’s outburst.

“Uh, yeah. Hey Chrys? Come over here,” I called and a few moments later she trotted up behind me.

“It says they work immediately and- oh,” she said before noticing the two ponies in front of her, “who’re they?”

“Chrys, meet Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis, the owners of this fine establishment. Fancy and Fleur, my friend: Chrys.”

“A pleasure, madam,” Fancy greeted with a nod of his head. He and I looked to Fleur and waited for her to say the same, but all she did was stare blankly at Chrys who was still looking over the potion floating in her magic.

“Forgive me for asking Prince, but,” Fleur started as her gaze changed to an innocent one as it turned to me, “what is your relationship with this mare?”

“Relationship?” I repeated as we watched her go back to perusing, “I wouldn’t even really call it that. Because of some… mishaps and a little guilt, she’s living with me in the castle.”

“I see,” she murmured into her hoof before going silent.

“…Right, well it seems like you’ve got everything under control here Fancy. If you ever need any more products, let me know. Otherwise, I’ve got places to be.”

“No, that’s all Prince. Once again, thank you for stopping by,” Fancy said with another bow.

“Cool. Well, see ya. Come on Chrys,” I said before heading to the door. I only waited a moment before she joined me outside of the shop and we started down the road. We didn’t get very far before my name was called and we stopped.

“Prince, where are you headed?” Fleur asked as she trotted up on my right.

“To the castle. Just want to stop by and say hi to the princess,” I answered with a raised brow, “Why?”

“Would you mind if I joined you?” she asked as she batted her eyes at me.

“Not at all. I don’t mind walking around with a beauty like you, but what will the others think?” I replied before I started walking again.

“Let them think what they want,” she said with a smile as she followed closely. A snort from Chrysalis made me glance at her and see her sporting an amused grin that made me shake my head. As we walked I kept a hand on Fleur’s back, her silky fur doing a good job of soothing my nerves as we walked among the nobles the closer we go to the castle. When we approached the large doors, the guards crossed their spears in front of the two mares, asking who they were, even though I could feel that the two stallions knew exactly who Fleur was.

After a brief confirmation that they were with me, I led the way to the throne room where Celestia was supposed to still be having court. Walking right past the long line of ponies standing outside the door to the room and receiving a nod from the guards next to it, I opened it and sauntered in as some mare was pleading the princess to let her do something.

“Hey, Celestia,” I greeted as I walked past the distraught mare and up the steps to the throne.

“Alex!” she exclaimed after she looked up from a paper she was reading. Quickly dropping the paper, she got up and glided from her throne down the stairs and met me halfway where we hugged. The hug only lasted a second before she pulled back and kissed me with her usual passion. As I returned the affection, I heard several gasps and whispers behind me, primarily from the mare that was groveling a second ago.

“I’ll- I’ll just go, Princess,” the mare said meekly before I heard her quick hoof-steps retreat. After a few more moments, Celestia and I separated before she laid her head on my shoulder.

“I missed you, my love,” she sighed, “I seem to have spoiled myself by being with you over the past week.”

“That’s exactly what I said,” I replied as I rubbed her neck.

“Well, I’m glad you came when you did. That…” she faded out as I felt her body go stiff.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as I pulled out of our hug and looked into her eyes that stared right past me.

“What is she doing here?” Celestia asked as her eyes narrowed.

“Who? Chrys? Uh, she just-”

“No. I mean Miss Fleur De Lis,” the solar princess interrupted as she stepped around me and trotted down the rest of the steps to said pony, “last I checked, you were not supposed to be within one hundred yards of the castle, let alone in it.”

“That’s only without an escort,” Fleur corrected with a sly smile, “and Prince Alex was kind enough to let me join him.” Celestia stared at Fleur silently as Fleur just held her smile with ease.

“Alex? How did you meet Miss De Lis?” Celestia asked as she turned away from Fleur with a small huff.

“She’s one of the owners of that sex shop I approved,” I answered as I put my hands in my pockets and Chrysalis stepped up next to me.

“I see. Well, I’m sorry about making you leave so soon, but can you please escort Miss De Lis off the castle grounds?” she asked with a straight face.

“Uh…” I muttered as I looked between the two mares and got no answers from their expressions, “sure.”

“I’m sorry, but I’ll write you later tonight,” she said as she approached and kissed me before climbing the steps back up to her throne. With another glance between the two, I shrugged and walked out of the throne room with Chrysalis close behind and Fleur taking a second to catch up. As we were walking down the halls, I noticed the mare that was crying at Celestia’s hooves peer around the corner of another hall and wave her hoof at me. Glancing at the two on my sides, I told them to keep walking while I go and grab something. Luckily, my shitty lie was good enough for both of them to believe and keep walking as I turned down another hall and quickly met the somewhat frantic mare. She was a noble for sure, with her expertly done blonde mane and matching shiny coat covered by a fancy saddle, but her slightly running make-up made her look a little crazy.

“Can I help you miss?” I asked once we were in a relatively dark part of the hall, “You look a little out of it.”

“Oh, I’m fine dear,” she replied with a small smile that only reinforced my feeling, “but you’re Prince Alex, right?”

“The one and only.”

“Oh, thank Celestia… Or Luna in this case since she wasn’t that helpful,” she sighed to herself, “may I ask a favor of you?”

“Well, if you need me to do it now, I’m afraid I can’t help you. I’ve got a train to catch,” I answer regretfully.

“Oh no, you don’t need to do it right this minute. I had planned on having this done at your castle, but the princess… was less than accommodating,” she said uneasily.

“Alright, what’s up?”

“Well, you see, it’s my daughter. She’s getting, or has gotten, to the age where she’s interested in colts and incidentally, has started her cycle a few days ago. Tomorrow should be her last day, but I can hear all the pain she’s going through.”

“Why don’t you get a stallion to help her out?” I asked.

“We don’t trust any of the local stallions to treat her as she should be,” she said sadly.

“Okay, what about letting a mare-”

“That is simply out of the question,” she interrupted with conviction.

“…Okay,” I said as I scratched my head, “what do you want me to do?”

“I want you to be her first,” she said simply.

“…Wait, what?”

“Being the Prince of Lust, I figured you could show the respect and romance my daughter needs and wants and luckily, she’s interested in you as well.”

“…I mean, I guess that is my job,” I muttered, “but why’d you go to Celestia?”

“I mistakenly thought she spoke on your behalf and that consulting with her would save me the time of going to see you and possibly being turned away.”

“Ah, well for future reference and be sure to spread the word, she doesn’t speak for me. If you need my services or advice, come see me and only me, but I guess you could talk to Princess Cadence if you wanted.”

“So will you help her?” the mare asked with worried eyes.

“Sure,” I sighed as I flashed her a genuine smile, “I’ll take care of her.”

“Thank you, Prince!” she exclaimed as she jumped on me and squeezed my neck as she kissed my face over and over.

“No problem,” I said as I tried to avoid her lips before prying her off of me and setting her down, “just have her come to my castle tomorrow night.”

“I can’t thank you enough, Prince! She’ll be there!” she said happily before bowing and galloping off. With a snap of my fingers, I summoned a piece of parchment and a quill from somewhere in the castle and wrote a quick letter to myself before sending it. When that was done, I walked the rest of the way to the doors where the guards were drooling on themselves over both Fleur and Chrysalis. As I passed them, they quickly followed after me down into the busy streets.

“So,” I started once we were a ways away from the castle, “what was that about with the princess?”

“Oh, nothing,” Fleur answered with a smile as she leaned against me, “there was just a small misunderstanding involving me and Prince Blueblood a while back.”

“Oh,” I simply replied as I led the way to the train station.

“Forgive me if I’m prying, but what is your relationship with the princess?” Fleur asked after we walked silently for a few blocks.

“Uh,” I muttered as I tried to think of how to phrase my answer.

“I heard what she called you, but do you feel the same?”

“More or less,” I answered with a sigh before putting on my smile, “at the very least, she’s a really good friend.”

“I see,” she muttered to herself.

“What about you?” I asked.

“Excuse me?” she asked as she flashed me a confused look.

“Do you have a special somepony?” I reiterated.

“Uh, u-unfortunately, no. Fancy is a tad overprotective,” she answers with a nervous smile.

“I can see that,” I replied as we walked onto the train platform right as ponies started to get onto the train headed for Ponyville, “well I’m sorry, but I have to return to my castle. I have a guest waiting for me.”

“I do hope I can see you again,” she said sadly as she put a hoof on my chest.

“You can come visit me at the castle if you want,” I replied as I patted her hoof, “my doors are open to everypony.”

“I just might do that,” she said with a smile before leaning up and kissing me on the cheek.

“Cool. See ya,” I said with a wave before getting on the train and heading to the princess/prince car.

“She was annoying,” Chrysalis said as soon as we were alone.

“I guess,” I said as I threw myself on a couch, “but she couldn’t have made her intentions any more obvious by asking about my relationships. To think she thought she could fool me with those beautiful eyes and slender figure. I’m sure I’ll be seeing her pretty often after this.”

“Yes, yes. Your life is horrible because all the mares throw themselves at you,” she said sarcastically as she floated some alcohol from behind the bar, “now shut up and let’s drink.”

“For a queen, you pretty irresponsible,” I said as I took the full glass she floated over to me, “makes me worry about my kids.”

“Well, it’s because of that that I’m doing as I please,” she said as she sat next to me, “especially since I’ll have to raise them all myself.”

“I think this goes without saying, but I’ll help. I won’t mind changing a diaper or two.” With that, Chrysalis exploded with laughter as she rolled around on the couch.

“What?”

“Y-you think hatchlings wear diapers?” she chuckled, “Yes, you definitely won’t be helping me.” A few hours after her laughing fit, we were back in Ponyville and I carried a drunk Chrysalis back to the castle where a few of her Changelings met us at the door and took her to her room. Once they disappeared around a corner, I stood in the lobby for a moment as I thought about what I needed to do. Guess I should plan out tomorrow evening, and a woman’s touch will definitely be needed.

“Velvet?!” I called out when I realized she wasn’t at the door to greet me like usual. Taking another moment to think, I scanned my internal map of the castle and found three ponies in the game room. Assuming that two of them were Velvet and Luna, I couldn’t begin to think who the third was, so I made my way down to the room. When I was right outside the door, I could hear strange grunts and gasps along with the loud sounds of some game. As soon as I walked in, my ears were raped by the sound of three voices screaming in unison. After taking a minute to recover, I found Velvet, Luna, and Silver Spoon sitting on a couch facing the biggest screen in the room that had the stats screen for Halo on it.

“I won!” Sliver Spoon exclaimed as she threw her hooves in the air.

“Second is not too bad,” Velvet said as a controller floated in her magic.

“Tis the device that hinders thy true abilities! We demand another round!” Luna exclaimed as she tossed her controller across the room.

“That’s what you said last round, Princess,” Silver pointed out.

“Nay, last game it was the location on which we battled that ruined our strategies,” she corrected as she pouted and turned her head, causing her to see me out of the corner of her eye, “oh, Alex. You have returned.”

“Yo,” I greeted as I walked up behind the couch.

“Oh, I am sorry Sir,” Velvet said as she quickly hopped up and stood next to me, “I did not hear you come in.”

“No problem. You were keeping the princess company like I asked,” I said before turning my attention to Silver Spoon who was looking down at her hooves like usual, “hey, Silver Spoon. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to hang out.”

“It’s okay. The princess kept me company,” she said with a smile as I rubbed her head.

“Well, I don’t mean to sound like a parent, but how long have you three been in here?” I asked as I spotted the large assortment of snacks and drinks on the table in front of them.

“A few hours,” Velvet answered.

“Alright, well time for a break. We’ll have a little dinner and if you three don’t mind helping me with something, I’d really appreciate it.”

“Of course, Sir.”

“You do not even need to ask.”

“E-even me?” Silver asked.

“Especially you, Silver,” I answered as I picked her up and headed for the door, “I’m sure these old mares are too out of practice to help me plan a date.”

“Well, excuse me, Alex,” Luna huffed as she trotted up next to me with Velvet, “I will have you know it has only been…” She started confidently, but faded out towards the end.

“What?” I asked teasingly as I held an ear to her, “Were you going to say it’s only been a few hundred years since your last date? Yeah, I’m sure the rules of dating haven’t changed since then, but I’m sure you know a thing or two about romance.” She pouted again as she turned her head away from me.

“I am sorry Sir, but you are correct,” Velvet sighed as she hung her head, “I have never been on a date. I never got the courage to ask a stallion out.”

“Oh right, gender role reversal,” I mumbled to myself, “well, I’m sure you still have some ideas about what you wanted to do on a date.”

“…Maybe,” she mumbled before picking up her pace and rushing to the dinning room.

“Why do you need to plan an outing?” Luna asked after she recovered from my poke.

“I met this mare after seeing Celestia and she wants me to show her maturing daughter the ‘respect and romance she needs and wants.”

“I… I do not follow.”

“She want’s me to take her daughters virginity,” I answered plainly with a slight hint of disgust, “why she chose the scummiest guy she could think of, I don’t know, but I’ll try my best to do right by her.”

“Alex, who called you that?” Luna asked seriously.

“Well, I think you know who, but it’s kinda true for reasons I can’t say right now,” I replied vaguely as I rubbed Silver’s ears and she relaxed in my arms, “anyway, I’m hungry.” The princess and I walked the rest of the way to the dinning room in silence as I felt her cool gaze on the side of my face. When we got there, I sat in my usual seat with Silver in my lap while Luna took Celestia’s seat next to me. A minute or two later, a unicorn stallion that I’d never seen before trotted from the kitchen with a bunch of food in his off green magic. I stared into his empty eyes for a moment before recognizing the emptiness and letting it leave.

Dinner was less than entertaining as a certain awkwardness set in as I’m pretty sure Luna remembered what happened last night and tensed up because of the memory. Keeping myself distracted with feeding Silver, we were able to get through it relatively painlessly. Once everypony had their fill, we headed to my study where I sat at my desk with Silver still in my lap, Luna on the couch, and Velvet standing front of my desk with a quill and paper ready.

“Alright, so,” I said as I ran a hand through Silver’s mane in thought, “what do ponies do for dates?” We sat in silence for a while as nobody had any answers.

“Alrighty, I guess I’ll just throw out some ideas and you all tell me what sounds good,” I said before taking another second to think, “…Movie?”

“What is that?” Luna asked.

“Okay… dinner at a fancy restaurant?”

“The only place like that is where I used to work,” Velvet said, “and I doubt I will be able to get you a reservation.”

“… A walk in the park?”

“T-that sounds nice,” Silver said.

“Finally. See, I knew you’d be more help than these two,” I said as I ruffled her mane, accidentally undoing her braid, “oops, let me get that. Anyway, it’s been a long while since I’ve been on a proper date, so I’ll just do all three of those here at the castle. Velvet, be sure to prepare a nice meal for tomorrow.”

“Yes, Sir,” she replied as she wrote something, “anything in particular?”

“Eh, I’m sure whatever you like will be fine,” I said as I magiced a comb into my hand and smoothed the knots out of Silver’s mane, “and Luna, if you’d be so kind-”

“I already see where you are going with this,” she sighed.

“Yeah. Just, if you could get the light to come through my window just right, I’m sure it would be romantic in some way. Though, how could it not? Your moon is the most beautiful thing in the sky after all.”

“R-really?” she asked meekly, making me look up and into her eyes.

“Of course,” I answered with a smile, “back home, the moon was my favorite thing to look at, but it doesn’t even compare to yours.”

“…Well, you are my dear friend, so I will do my best,” she said as she broke from my gaze.

“Thanks,” I said as the comb disappeared and I started braiding Silver’s mane, “do you have any more ideas, Silver?”

“Hmm,” she hummed in thought, “w-why don’t you get her a gift? That’s what my mommy did for daddy.”

“Hmm, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but wouldn’t you usually only do that if you’re looking for a relationship? This is just a one night sta- I mean, we’re just going on this one date. She’s not going to be my marefriend or anything,” I said making Silver sigh, “…but I guess it wouldn’t hurt. Would you help my look for one tomorrow?”

“Sure!” she replied happily as I finished her braid.

“Cool. Well, it’s starting to get late, so let’s get you home,” I said as I stood up.

“Aw, do I have to?” she asked with a pout.

“Yeah, sorry. I’m sure your par-er, dad, is worried about you,” I said as I headed for the door. She mumbled something to herself that I didn’t catch, so I just shrugged and headed down the hall. Within a minute, we were outside and headed towards the empty and quiet town. As I walked, the cool night breeze tickled my wings and I spread them reflexively.

“Prince?”

“Hmm?”

“Can you fly me home?”

“Uh,” I murmured as I looked down at the cute filly in my arms, “well, technically I could, but I’m not the best flyer.”

“That’s fine. I always wondered what it’s like to fly,” she said as she looked up at the night sky.

“Yeah, me too, but uh… I’m afraid of heights,” I said unenthusiastically, “like, really afraid.”

“It’s okay. Everypony is afraid of something,” she said with a smile, “I’m sure the princesses are afraid of stuff too. Besides, I’ll be here with you.”

“Uh,” I mumbled as she wrapped her little hooves around my arm and squeezed me. Guess you can’t beat that logic.

“Alright, let’s do it,” I said before closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. With my nerves actually calmed quite a bit by Silver, I started to flap my wings and with only a few flaps, we were floating off the ground. Satisfied with how easy it was to move my wings now, I continued to take us higher until we were up in the clouds. With a reassuring squeeze from Silver, I tilted my wings forward and flapped a few times until I caught a draft and glided forward towards town.

Since I was so focused on flying and making sure I didn’t drop Silver Spoon, it took me a moment to notice just how cool flying really was. The weightless feeling I got as the wind kept me afloat and the sound of the air rushing past my ears made me want to do a few laps around town, but I quickly remembered what I was in the middle of doing.

“So where’s your house?” I asked Silver as I glided to a stop over the town.

“That one,” she giggled as she pointed a hoof at a fancy house in the middle of a row of regular houses. Stopping my hovering, we quickly fell towards the ground as I carefully steered us toward the house. A few seconds later, the giggling filly and I touched down in front of her door.

“That was fun!” she exclaimed as she wiggled in my arms, “We should do that again!”

“Yeah, that was fun,” I replied breathily with a wide smile, “we’ll totally do it again tomorrow.”

“Yeah!” she exclaimed as she hugged my neck. I returned the hug as much as I could without squeezing the life out of her before she suddenly went stiff.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as I pulled her away and looked at her red face. “You alright?”

“Y-yeah,” she mumbled as she pointed her hoof at the ground and I set her down, “… I-I should go inside.”

“Oh right. Well, good night Silver,” I said as I gave her ears one last scratch that she leaned into. With that, she quickly trotted up to her door and went inside without looking back.

“Alright. Time to see what I can really do,” I said before launching myself off of the ground and back into the air. The euphoric feeling that went through my body as I pumped my wings and climbed higher above the town, made me lose myself for a moment. And in that moment, I failed to notice the cloud house I was about to fly into. Only noticing it after I flew through the first floor and bashing my head into a solid something on the second, I became disoriented and fell onto the floor.

“Ah, Christ,” I moaned as I curled up and held my head, “what the hell was that?”

“What the hay was that?!” I heard a voice yell as I waited for the pain to fade, “Alex? What are you doing here?”

“Wha?” I mumbled as I sat up and looked around the cloud house and found Rainbow hovering a few feel away, “Oh, hey Rainbow. Sorry, I was just flying and kinda lost myself for a second.”

“Really?” she asked skeptically, “I thought you were afraid of heights?”

“Yeah, I guess I’m getting over it,” I answered as I stood and actually looked around her somewhat messy living room, “pretty cozy in here, huh?” There was a confused look on her face for a split second before an embarrassed one replaced it and I suddenly couldn’t see.

“Don’t look!” she exclaimed as her furry hooves covered my eyes, “I wasn’t expecting anypony!”

“It’s cool,” I said as I moved her hooves, “I did crash in here, but since I’m here, wanna have a little race?” Before she even answered, I saw a brief spark in her eyes as a smile spread across her face.

“You sure?” she asked as she folded her hooves, “You’ll probably lose.”

“Won’t know unless I try, right?” I said as I returned her smile. Half an hour later, I was lying on the roof of my castle, flat on my back as I desperately sucked in air while Rainbow stood triumphantly over me.

“What I tell ya?” she asked with a shit-eating grin.

“You… you said… said,” I panted.

“I said you’d lose!” she giggled as she pranced around me.

“Yeah… you did,” I continued to pant as I watched her gloat.

“Aw, don’t feel too bad,” she said as she laid on my chest, “you might win next time.”

“Yeah, we’ll see,” I replied as I glanced down at her, “but I’m going to need more practice.”

“Obviously,” she said as she laid her head on my shoulder, “I can keep training you, if you want.”

“I’d love that,” I said as I patted her back and went quiet.

“Mind if I ask you something?” she suddenly asked after a few silent minutes.

“What’s up?”

“Who was that mare that was chewing you out yesterday?”

“Oh, uh… she was just an old friend, but don’t worry about her. She obviously isn’t going to be bothering anypony now.”

“Aren’t you mad?” Rainbow asked as she sat up, “At how mean she was to you?”

“Mad? No, I think her reaction was justified for the most part,” I answered with a shrug that made her brows furrow, “I mean, I don’t have a right to be mad at someone just because they don’t like the same things I do.”

“I mean, sure, but aren’t you mad at how she talked about us? Calling us animals,” she grumbled, “if anything, she’s the weird animal! No offense.”

“I… I guess that was rude, and I do love you girls… but, I don’t know. I just can’t get angry at her.”

“Why not?!” Rainbow exclaimed as she floated off of me with a frustrated look, “You say you care about us, but then don’t show it in a swee-er, I mean, cool way! Leading all of us on with the way you talk and how cool you look… Uh, my point is, you say stuff, but you don’t back it up!” I stayed silent as I sat up and stared at Rainbow who was fluttering over me with her hooves crossed and pouted face turned away.

“…I guess you’re right,” I sighed as my head dropped, “I do talk a lot… I’ll work on that.” With that, I stood up and turned away from Rainbow.

“I’ll let you know when I’ve got time to practice, if you don’t mind,” I said as I stepped up to an edge of the roof and looked over towards the dark and quiet town.

“I’m the one who offered,” she replied with her usual bravado, as I heard her wings pump, “but next time I see you, you better not still be all sad. If you are, I’m gonna have to knock some sense into you!” When she finished, I felt a wave of air hit me in the back as her presence disappeared, leaving me on the roof by myself. Sad? I’m not sad… Right? Not letting that train of thought gain any speed, I dropped off the roof and onto the balcony outside of my room. Walking through the glass doors, I found Luna curled up in the pit with her back to me as her horn glowed with magic.

“Whatcha doin?” I asked as I approached her. Apparently, the 3DS she found had absorbed all of her attention and caused her to jump with possibly the cutest shriek I’d heard since I’ve been here.

“Oh, Alex! Do not frighten me like that,” she sighed as she held a hoof to her chest, “but to answer you question, that game room of yours is filled to the brim with all kinds of fun artifacts! This one I found is a little smaller than the one Velvet Note, Young Silver Spoon, and I were enjoying earlier, but it is just as fun!”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying your time off,” I said as I walked over to the bar and poured what looked like the Equis version of Jack Daniels, which had a punny name I’m not ever going to repeat, “sorry I left you earlier.”

“No worries, Alex. You are here now,” she said as she floated the second cup I poured over to herself, “now, explain to me what exactly these Po-key-mon are.” I didn’t get much sleep that night, as a matter of fact: I didn’t get any, as there was no end to Luna’s questions that only had to do with video games. Thankfully, over the last week, I found out that alicorns could go a few days without sleep, if Celestia’s constant care of me every night and still seeing her trotting around during the day was anything to go by.

At some point in the middle of the night, I got the letter Celestia said she’d send. In it, she explained her deal with Fleur, adding a lot more detail than Fleur herself did. Apparently, she tried to seduce Blueblood a few years back and get in good with the royal family. Already having assumed that much from the little bit I was already told, I read on and was surprised to discover the lengths the mare went just to become royalty, some of which had to do with manipulation, a lot of stalking, and empty promises. Suddenly feeling sorry for the stallion I hadn’t even met, I quickly wrote a reply saying how she wouldn’t have to worry about any of that now that I knew and already had too many mares in my life. I expected a quick response, but when one didn’t arrive, I figured that I probably shouldn’t have added that last part.

Early the next morning after a hearty breakfast, courtesy of one of Chrysalis’s Changelings that was a chef at Canterlot Castle before the attack, and reading a few humbling fan letters, I flew my way over to Silver Spoon’s house. After knocking and waiting for a few seconds the door was opened by a golden coated and grey maned stallion that had an air of sophistication around him that made me feel bad just being in his presence.

“May I help you?” he asked with voice as smooth as my bald face.

“Uh, h-hi. I’m Prince Alex, maybe you’ve heard of me,” I greeted with a smile as I stuck a hand down towards him, but his gaze was the only thing that touched me, “uh… *Ahem*, I’m here for Silver Spoon?” Why is this guy making me nervous? It’s not like I’m taking his daughter out on a da- oh…

“Daddy? Who’s at the door?” I heard Silver’s little voice call along with a set of hoof-steps behind him, “I’m expecting somepony today.”

“So you know the Prince?” he asked, making the little clip-clops stop.

“It’s the Prince?” she asked and for a split second I saw her head pop out behind her dad before the clip-clops became quick and distant. Silver’s dad just stared at me as the genuine smile I had failed and I put on my fake one as I held his gaze. Exactly one minute later, Silver came trotting up behind her dad wearing a cute little red and white polka-dot dress. It took quite a bit of self-restraint to not grab and cuddle her, but I managed.

“Where are you going, Pumpkin?” her dad asked in a kid friendly voice as he leaned down to her with a soft smile.

“I’m helping the Prince find a gift for a mare he’s seeing later tonight,” she answered with a smile, “I shouldn’t be gone long.”

“Alright, Sweetie. Have fun,” he said as he kissed her on the forehead before looking back up at me and his stern neutral face returned; he didn’t need to say anything, as I understood what his look meant. Even if there was literally nothing he could do to me, I knew he would be willing to try anything if I did anything to his little filly.

“Bye, Daddy,” Silver said before turning and trotting away from her home. Giving the stallion a small nod, I followed after the little pony as she led the way into town.

“So, what do mares like?” I asked Silver once we got to the market.

“All kinds of stuff,” she answered as her head spun around and looked at all the different stalls and stores.

“Okay, well what do you like?” I reiterated.

“Well, uh,” she muttered as she stopped walking and looked down at her hooves embarrassedly.

“What?” I asked I stood in front of and kneeled down to her, “Is it a secret?”

“N-not really, it’s just kind of embarrassing and lame,” she said as her cheeks became red.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” I said as I rubbed her head, “I won’t laugh.”

“W-well… I-I like to collect fancy spoons,” she muttered before covering her eyes with her hooves, “you know, those little decorative ones?”

“Hmm, that’s interesting, and the kind of hobby I would expect an old mare to like,” I said as I scratched my head, “but to each their own.”

“…That old mare was my mommy,” she whispered just loud enough to hear. She let out a little sigh as her blush faded and her eyes went back and forth between the ground and mine.

“My mommy like to collect them before she died, so I collect them for her now,” she explained sadly before looking up at me with a small smile, “she said that’s how she met my daddy; looking for them in Canterlot one day.”

“I see,” I said as I glanced around for a second before noticing something and standing up, “well, I’ve got a feeling that the mare I’m meeting later also likes decorative spoons. Oh, and would you look at that: A little knick-knack shop. Maybe they’ll have some.” With a small tilt of her little head, Silver looked between the shop and me for a second before shrugging.

“I guess it’s not as weird a hobby as I thought,” she said as she trotted over to the door. With a small chuckle, I followed after and opened the door for her. As soon as the door closed behind me, a stallion from behind the counter greeted us, but had a few kind words for Silver who apparently came here often. Expertly compacting my wings and ducking under hanging ornaments, I navigated the small space as Silver led me right to a display case that had a few shelves of small, decorative spoons. As we looked at them, the shopkeeper noted that he just got the one on the top shelf yesterday, and not being able to see up that high, I lifted her and watched as her eyes grew bigger than their usual size.

“That’s… that’s the one!” she said as she pressed her face up against the glass and stared at a spoon that had an end piece that was shaped like Luna, posed in the shape of a crescent moon.

“Is that one special?” I asked as I felt the filly shake with excitement in my arms.

“Yeah! After Princess Luna returned, Iron Smithy, one the ponies that makes the spoons I collect, only made one set in her honor! But if I remember right, when he gave them to her, she didn’t like it, but they’re rare! I need it for my collection! Hey, how much is this one?” Without even needing to turn to the shopkeeper to ask her question, he answered with what seemed to me to be a ridiculous price for a single spoon. Silver didn’t think so though as she quickly pulled a small purse from nowhere and opened it, only for all her excitement and happiness to fall into the empty pouch.

“Aw, I forgot I spent all my bits on a spoon a few days ago,” she sighed sadly as she closed and put the purse away.

“Why don’t you just ask your dad for some more money?” I asked, pretty sure she didn’t have that name and fancy house for nothing.

“He says that working towards something makes it more worthwhile or something,” she sighed as she leaned her head on my chest, “it’s fine though. We’re not here for me anyway.” I petted her head as she let out another sad sigh and I thought very little about what I was about to do. Glancing at the shopkeep who was looking at me with a knowing smirk, I nodded and he nodded back with a quiet chuckle.

“Well, what else looks good to you?” I asked Silver as I put her back down. We perused the shop for a good half hour before deciding on an admittedly lame choker that was put in a bag with the spoon unknowingly to somepony. After handing over practically all the money I brought with me, we left the shop and walked around looking for a place to have an early lunch. As we walked through the market, I spotted Applejack’s stall a ways away with her and Applebloom standing behind it. Looking over the large assortment of apples, I spotted a small sectioned off part of the stall that had a familiar potted plant in it along with small bags of green stuff.

Stopping right in my tracks and completely forgetting about Silver Spoon, I launched myself up and over to that side of the market and landed right in front of their stall, scaring the two off their hooves.

“What the hay, Alex!” AJ exclaimed, taking a second to compose herself while Applebloom quickly got up and jumped on my neck.

“Hey, Alex!” she greeted as she hugged me.

“AJ, what’s that?” I asked her as I pointed to the little display she had.

“What, that? That’s one of the plants ah grew from the stuff ya gave me,” she answered as she stood and shifted the leaves on the plant affectionately, “I was thinkin that since you and Pinkie liked it so much, maybe other ponies would want to try some. I wasn’t too keen on havin to smoke it, but ah’m thinkin of other ways to make it.”

“Wha- you can’t just put this stuff on display!” I exclaimed as I quickly looked around us before taking the plant of the counter, but AJ quickly snatched it out of my hand.

“And why not? Ah made it, so ah should be able to do what ah want with it,” she said with a raised brow before replacing it on the counter, but kept a hoof on it.

“It’s… wait, you’re right,” I muttered as I stood up straight and took another look around me at all the ponies, “never mind, just forget I said anything. How’s it been going though?” As my nerves calmed, I finally hugged Applebloom back before setting her down to tend to a customer.

“Not too great. Ah think the smokin part turns a lot of ponies away,” she answered with a sigh as she took her hoof off the plant, “is there any other way to take it?”

“Oh, yeah sure. Actually, you can-”

“Prince Alex? Where’d you-oh, there you are,” I heard Silver’s voice say before I turned and saw her trot over with a confused look on her face, “why’d you leave?”

“Oh, sorry,” I said with an embarrassed smile, “I thought I saw something. Anyway, let’s find a place to eat.”

“Hi, Silver Spoon!” Applebloom greeted from behind the counter, “Why ya got that dress on?”

“Uh, I…” she mumbled before dropping her head and drawing circles in the dirt with her hoof.

“We’re on a date,” I answered simply, making Applebloom gasp excitedly and Applejack squint at me.

“N-no! I-I was just helping him look for a present!” Silver quickly exclaimed before her face became bright red and she dropped her head again. Chuckling inwardly, I winked at AJ and she seemed to understand what was going on as a smile replaced her skeptical look.

“Well Sugarcube, you know the Prince is a pretty popular stallion,” Applejack started as she leaned on the counter and gave the little filly a sideways glance, “if ya don’t claim him now, ya might miss yer chance.” Silver quickly looked up at the cowmare like she was about to say something, but looked at me before her face became even redder and she dropped her head again.

“Alright, that’s enough,” I chuckled as I picked up the embarrassed filly, “we’re supposed to be having lunch right now. I’ll see you two later.”

“Don’t be a stranger, now,” AJ said as I started to walk away.

“Ya, and when are ya gonna come crusadin with us?!” Applebloom shouted.

“Sometime, I promise,” I said with a wave as I turned down a street, “let’s just go to Sugarcube Corner.” Silver only nodded into my chest as I headed towards the gingerbread building and stayed quiet the whole time.

“Hey, Ally!” Pinkie greeted the second I opened the door, “Hey, Silver Spoon! You guys having lunch? What a coinkydink, cause I was just about to go on break! Mind if I join you?” We hadn’t even taken a step inside the place and a table was already covered in what had to be every single thing the place made and Pinkie started eating a whole pie by herself. With a laugh, I walked in and took a seat next to the pink pony that seemed to bounce with every chew. I handed Silver a cupcake before taking a sip of the milk Pinkie poured and waiting for her to ask me anything else. When she didn’t, I went ahead and started for her.

“How ya been, Pinkie?” I asked, making her break away from her pie.

“Great!” she answered simply before going back to eating.

“Just ‘great?’ Not, ‘super-duper awesome,’ or something?” I asked, throw off by how calm she was being.

“Well,” she started as she pulled her face out of the empty pie tin, “to be honest, what your friend said the other day, really bugged me. I was like, ‘how can somepony say such mean things to their friend?’ But then I was like, ‘she must not really be Ally’s friend.’ But then I thought, ‘Ally says she’s his friend, but why would he still think that after what happened?’ And then I went back to ‘how can she say those things if she’s Ally’s friend?’ And then I thought-”

“Don’t worry about it, Pinkie,” I interrupted with my fake smile, “she’s gone now. You won’t see her again.” When I said that, her mane deflated a little as she shoved a cookie into her mouth.

“Aw, I didn’t get to throw her a party,” she whined playfully before looking at me, surprisingly serious, “and Ally, what’s with that smile?”

“What do you…” I started but faded out knowing I wouldn’t get around her, “I don’t know. I can’t help it.”

“Well, I think I know just the thing!” she said as she started to get out of her seat, but I grabbed her sticky tail and held her back.

“I’m kinda partied out, Pinkie,” I said, making her pout as she sat back down, “I… I just need some time, that’s all.”

“Well, you know what they say, Ally! Don’t keep a whole bunch of mares that care about you waiting!” she said quickly and incoherently through a mouthful of food.

“What?” I murmured to myself as I thought about her words, but quickly chalked it up as Pinkie being Pinkie. With the surprisingly serious talk out of the way, I brought my attention back to Silver and kept it there for the rest of our meal as Pinkie entertained her. When we left, I kept her in my arms as I took to the air and flew around town until I got tired and touched down at her front door.

“Thanks, Prince!” she squealed as she squeezed my neck, making it harder for me to catch my breath.

“No problem,” I panted lightly with a small smile, trying to save at least a little face in front of her, “and thanks for helping me. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“Heh, you’re welcome,” she replied bashfully as she let go of me and I set her down, “well, I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah… Oh, wait,” I called after she opened the door, “I forgot to give you this.” Pulling a small, rectangular white box from my pocket, I handed it to her and watched as she looked it over with a tilted head.

“What’s this?” she asked without opening it as she looked up at me.

“It’s a thank you gift,” I answered simply as I pointed to it, “open it.” I folded my arms and kneeled down as she sat on her haunches and carefully undid the lace bow on top. A gasp that threatened to suck all the air of Equestria was heard as her eyes landed on the spoon she fawned over not too long ago.

“B-but you took me to lunch,” she mumbled as she rubbed the smooth metal with her little hooves.

“Yeah, but I also didn’t pay for it; Pinkie kinda just shared,” I replied with a shake of my head.

“B-but… mares are supposed to give the presents,” she said as she turned her still wide eyes on me, sending a wave of cuteness through me.

“So I’ve heard,” I said simply with a smile. She stared at me for a few seconds before her eyes shrunk and started to water.

“Uh, wait-”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she exclaimed as she jumped on me, knocking me to my back as she rubbed her teary face into my chest, “Thank you, Prince!”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said softly as I rubbed her head, “just take care of it. It cost a pretty pen-er, Bit, and I’m sure your mom would appreciate it.” We spent a few minutes outside the open door as Silver slowly calmed down and her tears eventually stopped. When they did, I sat up and held her in my lap as I wiped the tear streaks from her cheeks.

“…Why are you so nice?” she mumbled, most likely to herself, but was loud enough for me to hear.

“I’m not,” I said as I smoothed out her bangs, “apparently, I’m sad and make mares wait.” Silver only sniffled in response as I stood her on her hooves and looked towards the door that had a neutral faced stallion standing at it.

“Thanks again, Prince,” she said as she hopped back on me and gave my neck another squeeze.

“Ya know, I think we’ve known each other a while now, so you can call me Alex from now on,” I said as I rubbed her back, “I’m still not used to anypony calling me that.”

“Okay, Alex,” she said as she released me. I gave her a smile as she stared at me, and was only mildly surprised when she planted a light kiss on my cheek before galloping off into her home with her gift in her mouth. After standing up and dusting myself off, I gave a small nod to Papa Spoon before taking off back towards the castle. As I landed at the front doors, I checked my phone and saw it was only a little after twelve, which gave me plenty of time to get ready. When I walked in, I found Velvet waiting for me along with Luna.

“Is everything ready?” I asked as I started to head for my study.

“Yes,” Velvet answered as she looked over a paper, “the movie you requested is prepared, the food is ready to be cooked, and your room is spotless.”

“Great,” I replied blandly as the two followed.

“I recommend that you start preparing yourself,” Velvet said as she quickly stepped in front of me and pointed a hoof towards a hall, “I suggest taking a bath.”

“Alright, Mom,” I sighed as I turned and headed down the hall.

“Would you care for some company?” Luna asked as she followed me anyway.

“Sure,” I answered. Within a few minutes, were in the large and steamy room, both as naked as the day I woke up here. Once we were sitting next to each other in the warm water, Luna let out a contented sigh as I just sat still and starred at nothing. My mind was somewhere else when the Lunar Princess sat in front of me and floated a bottle before my eyes, making them focus on it.

“Could you?” she asked simply as she looked innocently over her shoulder at me.

“Of course,” I replied as I took the bottle, squirted its contents into my hands, and lathered them up. As I scrubbed and lightly massaged her back and wings the exact same way as last time, unlike the last time, she didn’t stay quiet. She hummed and moaned in pleasure as my hands moved about and actually caused a small stirring below my waist. Just as quickly as my arousal emerged it was quickly subdued, partly out of respect and partly because it only lasted for that split second.

“Shall I do you?” she asked after rinsing off.

“Sure,” I said as I turned around and leaned on the edge of the pool, not reacting at all to her suggestive words. I spread my wings to their full length as I continued to stare ahead at nothing and let Luna scrub my back with a sponge.

“Have you preened your wings recently?” she asked suddenly.

“Uh, no,” I answered as I looked over my shoulder and saw her eyes scanning my wings, “I’ve never done it before, actually.”

“Shall I take care of it for you?” she asked with a smile.

“If you don’t mind,” I said as I faced forward again.

“Of course not,” she said before I felt her muzzle dive into my feathers, making me jolt slightly. Only jostling my feathers for a few seconds at a time before pulling back to assess her work, I was surprised by how well she was able to take care of my new appendages, even if it did take half an hour because of how big they were.

“There,” she sighed when she finished.

“Huh?” I mumbled in my half asleep state as I rubbed my eyes.

“It seems you’ve fallen asleep,” she giggled as I turned and faced her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said lazily as I splashed my face, “but thanks; that felt great.”

“You still have plenty of time before your appointment, correct?” she asked as she stepped out of the pool.

“Yeah, why?” I asked as I followed her out and watch her form a makeshift bed out of a bunch of towels on the floor.

“I could feel how tense you are. Allow me to give you a massage,” she answered as she sat next to the towels and patted them with a hoof. With squinted eyes, I walked up and kneeled down to her height. Starring into her eyes for a second, I tapped her on the head before holding a hand on her chest and feeling her heartbeat.

“You’re not Chrysalis are you?” I asked as I held and looked into her ear. With a giggle, she pushed my hands away and patted the bed again.

“I assure you, I am myself. I simply want to help you like I said I would.”

“Hmm,” I hummed before shrugging and laying down, “okay, but next time, it’ll be your turn.”

“As you wish,” she said as I unfurled my wings again. Not expecting much, I let her tough but soft and furry hooves work along my spine and lower back as she stood over me. Slowly but surely, the knots in my back gave way and I could feel myself relax a little, but that didn’t last long.

“How fascinating,” she muttered as her hooves did their best to work my shoulders.

“What is?” I asked as I cracked an eye open and was only able to see her mane hanging limply over us.

“How different yet similar you are to us, both inside and out.”

“It’s funny you say, cause I think it’s the opposite,” I sighed as I closed my eye again, “I’m not the same guy I was when I first showed up here. And if I’m honest, you ponies make better humans than I do.”

“Considering the only other human I have to compare you to, I would say you are the best,” she said before her hooves suddenly stopped, “I-I am sorry. I should not have said that.”

“…It’s alright,” I said flatly, “you’re just being honest, and despite there being a pony whose main thing is honesty, I love you for it.” If only she knew how shitty humans were, she, and every other pony, would be singing a different tune. Compared to everyone else, Trish would look like a sa- My thoughts were interrupted by Luna’s damp body laying on top of mine, and my mind focused on her warm and soft figure. Opening an eye again, I could see less than before as her mane lost its usual ethereal look and completely covered my head.

“You alright?” I asked as I started to shift, but stopped when I felt her hooves quickly snake under my arms and around my body, “uh…”

“Forgive me, Alex,” she whispered into my ear in a slightly pained voice, “I know you are experiencing troubles of your own, but… I cannot help but find comfort in knowing somepony else has experienced a similar pain to mine; as terrible as that may sound.”

“Hmm…” I hummed thoughtfully, “I can’t really explain it, but I think I understand what you’re saying. When I’m with you I do feel a kind of, attraction, I guess. I think I felt ever since I met you that first time in my dreams.”

“…Is it the same attraction you feel for my sister?” she whispered as her grip on me tightened.

“No,” I answered curtly, making her tense up, “but I think it’s on the same level. I’m not about to call it love, but it’s certainly a feeling, and if you’ve taught me anything, it’s to trust your feelings.”

“…I did say that, did I not?” she chuckled lightly as she got off of me.

“Yep,” I confirmed as I got up too, “and I think I’m getting a feeling right now. Come on.” Not bothering to ask what I was up to, Luna followed me to the dressing room where we dried each other off and got dressed before heading down a few halls and ending up at a door that looked just like all the others. On the inside though, was a room that would have made more sense to use at the party the other day, what with its lounge like setup, small stage, and karaoke machine on said stage.

“What is this contraption?” she asked after following me up and onto the stage.

“Well, at the time of that party, I didn’t know this room existed and since I have no idea how your music magic works, this was the next best thing,” I explained as I watched her look over the machine curiously.

“Why would…” she muttered before her face brightened up and she flashed me a huge smile, “You remembered my request!”

“Yeah, sorry I forgot the first time,” I said with an apologetic smile.

“It’s fine,” she said as she picked up a mic, “you were appropriately distracted, but enough about that; select a song!” Only taking a second to grin from her eagerness, I stepped up next to her and started a song with the snap of my fingers. A long six minutes later, the song ended and I wiped a bead of sweat from my head as Luna beamed at me.

“That was wonderful, Alex!” she exclaimed before she rearing up and hugging me.

“Yeah, you’re not too bad yourself,” I replied as I held her, “I know it wasn’t the best song, but it was something.”

“It was perfect,” she sighed as she rested her chin in my shoulder and lightly nuzzled me, “it may be selfish of me to say this, but… I envy my sister for you belonging to her.”

“I don’t belong to anypony,” I chuckled as I rubbed her back, “and despite my new title, or not, I know next to nothing about how relationships work around here. So there’s hope for you yet.”

“What are you implying?” she asked as she suddenly pulled her head back to look into my eyes.

“I mean, I don’t know if herds are a thing around here and-”

“Are you proposing I join you and Tia’s herd?” she asked, confirming my assumptions.

“Well,” I muttered as I thought for a second, “I… I guess so. I did at one point tell you you were my favorite pony, and I meant it.” Her big eyes became slightly bigger as she stared at me, but they quickly went back to normal before becoming sad.

“I’m sorry, Alex. I do not think I can be in a herd with my dear sister,” she said sadly as her gaze left mine, “while we have shared many things over the years, I do not think a stallion is one we can.” Is this what being objectified feels like?

“…Well, I can keep a secret,” I said casually, making the princess look up and see my small grin as she grew her own.

“So can I,” she said slyly before leaning forward and locking her lips with mine in our first real kiss. Unlike the false impression Chrysalis gave me, Luna wasn’t a bad kisser by any means and the small taste of blueberries I got in my dreams, was very real. As we kissed, I could feel her heart beat furiously against my chest and the feeling managed to rub off on me and make mine beat a little faster. When she pulled back, I could see a faint blush on her dark cheeks as she looked at and swirled a hoof on my chest.

“W-well then. I should let you finish preparing for your guest.”

“Huh? Oh, right. I forgot about th-”

“Sir?” Velvet’s voice and knock interrupted, making Luna and I let go of each other before she walked in.

“What’s up?” I asked casually.

“The mare is here.”

“Wow, she’s extremely early,” I said as I looked at my phone and saw I had at least another two hours before it could even be considered the evening, “let me go get dressed then. See ya, Lulu.” With a small boop of her nose, I left the room along with Velvet and headed to my room where I put on some casual clothes before having Velvet lead me to a sitting room down the hall. When I walked in, I easily spotted the mare in question, though it took her a while to notice me. With a color scheme similar to her mother’s, her more orange mane was done up just as extravagantly and the dress she wore was also just as fancy. There was one thing about her that bothered me though, and that was the disinterested face she made while reading one of my books.

“Hey there, Miss,” I greeted as I approached her. It took her a good two or three seconds to acknowledge my presence as I stood right in front of her with a warm smile. She then took another few second to look me up and down with a raised brow before speaking.

“About time,” she said in what I can only describe as being a typical high school girl voice. In the split second after she spoke, my smile was replaced with a fake one as I let out a small, but forced chuckle.

“Sorry about that,” I said as I motioned to the door, “shall we?” With a roll of her eyes, she got off the couch she was laying on and headed out of the room, while I took a second to let out an uneven breath before following the mare. Fucking teenagers.

Author's Notes:

Oh my god. I feel like it's been forever since I've put anything up, and it has. Fuck writing schedules, am I right? Had writer's block for a while and I'm sure it's obvious, but I guess a 420 miracle happened and some ideas came to me. Praise Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson!