A few uneventful weeks have passed since that day. Moonshine was indeed a bit sleepy for a few days, but otherwise rather active. Knowing that I won't mock her attempts at playing the synthesizer, she learned on her own using a book. And I say she makes some progress. She now knows some chords, some notes that sound good in a progression from one to another, and she can now play simple melodies. I didn't waste a chance and taught her how to play the simplified version of the Imperial March from Star Wars. Who would've not done that?

It's ninth of December now, and it's Thursday. The school ends in a few days for a large break up until March comes. That's a very long time, actually. I wish I had that back when I was a child.

Though, the break exists because it'll be rather cold during late December and most of January and February. I know it's done because ponies can get ill a bit easier than humans when it comes to the cold weather. Well, at least that's what was explained to us. Not the human part, of course, I just figured it out on my own.

So, I'll be having two and a half months of holidays. That's neat! The problem is, what will I be doing? Sitting at the apartment all the time will get boring eventually.

Well, at least some kind of comet will pass by. That's something interesting alright. They say it's a very rare occurrence. Though, I forgot what the comet's name is. I don't think it matters much. Comets just fly through the cosmos to... somewhere. I don't know, I'm not that interested in this kind of thing much anyway.

Also, my birthday comes in a few days as well. I don't know if it'll be any special since I don't really celebrate it or anything like that. I mean, I'll just get a year older. Not much of a celebration to make... Though, many people make a big deal out of it. Maybe I don't because my birthday parties were boring? Yeah... I didn't have many friends to invite and... What am I even supposed to do on a birthday party? It's just sitting with a group of friends, eating cake, and receiving presents. Even now I don't have anyone to invite.

I mean, Moonshine's living with me. Inviting Luna? Uh, I don't know. She's what, over a few thousand years old, right? If I ever get to see her birthday, I bet there is a fuckton of candles on the cake to create a small bonfire.
So, whom else would I want to invite? Maybe Blueblood... But as far as I know he's grounded until March because of participating in the Nightmare Night. Ouch, that's a punishment uncalled for. I hope he's hidden the money he got. His parents are likely we-know-what's-better-for-you type, and I'd hate it if my parents took my money. Well, I didn't have much money until I got work so, I don't know how is it to get robbed by your own family. That sounds harsh, but that what it is. But don't think I'll make a better parent. Raising kids? No way! I don't want to fuck up and end up with them becoming criminals or something like that. No, that kind of responsibility I'm not ready to take. Maybe much, much later.

Alright, what was I thinking about? Oh right, my birthday.

So, I don't know if I even want to celebrate it. I doubt I'll get any presents, too. Meh, I don't even care. However it goes. Whatever.

Anyway, right now I'm walking alongside Moonshine from the school. It wasn't much interesting today, having only two Physical Culture lessons and History. Yeah, not much of an interesting day.

Alright, what will I do? Moonshine will surely be learning, but me? I've no idea. Well, besides learning Art for the friday. Yep, I've nothing to do but that.

Might as well get to it and then try to figure out the rest.

***

After the work was done, I decided to take a walk through the city. I know that the New Year comes soon as well, and I thought about getting Moonshine something for it.

Also, I've learned about their version of this celebration. It's called the Hearth's Warming. It is more like our regular New Year without the Santa legend. Ponies just give each-other presents. This celebration happens annually to remember the Foundation of Equestria and what ponies have been through before they understood their errors and united.

I actually like this celebration more than Christmas. It's not centered around a person who possibly lived two thousand years ago. Celebration a person's birthday who died a long time ago is weird and is a sign of cult of personality. Well, believing in god is a cult of personality. Fake personality, yes, but still a cult of one. I like Russian New Year which is basically Christmas without religious bullshit. Actually, why is it called Christmas if it's Santa who brings the presents?

Alright, I think I went ranting about religion again. Anyway, I'm happy that this Hearth's Warming is just a celebration when everyone is nice without any reason. Yay ponykind, you don't need anything to be nice to one another!

Enough of that. I'm here to buy something that will make a great gift. But what would Moonshine like? Even after spending months with her, I don't really know what she likes. I think I didn't even bother to ask. Stupid me...

I'll have to figure out on my own. Well, now she's learning how to play the keys. She makes progress with it, too. Maybe I should get her her own synthesizer? Uh, I don't know... No, that's not a very good choice of a gift. What if she loses interest in this?

Hm, I wonder where did her money go from the Nightmare Night costume competition. It was five hundred bits, and yet I didn't notice her having anything new.

Dammit... I really don't know what to get her. I mean, I know what she wants... but that's not something that can be bought, though. Impossible to obtain as of now.

Maybe I'll go with something unusual. Perhaps a magical thing that looks cool and does stuff? Hm... Maybe. I'll consider it, yes.

Though... There's another option. Make something myself. I don't know, all I can do is music. Writing a simple song won't take much but I doubt it'll be a good gift. Hm... Damn, it seems I can do nothing but make music. That's a bit said since I could've made Moonshine something interesting if I had the skill.

Patience. I still can do something. Something...

Well, I know one thing for certain. I remember she once told me that she likes princess Luna the most. Considering that I've also seen a stuffed doll of her in the drawers, it is certain that Moonshine adores Luna. Maybe I could get... Hm, maybe I can arrange a meeting between the two. I should talk with Luna about that since my idea might be shit.

*sigh*

What can I say? I think I'll just mess up again...

Since it's Friday, my training will start soon. Currently, I'm walking through the streets to the Canterlot Castle. I'm not taking any chances on teleportation going right. I might end up somewhere near Celestia again. Perhaps in her bed. Uh, that would be... No, just a big no. She'll definitely think that I'm some crazy colt that is obsessed with her and wants to be with her no matter what or how. Nope, I'm not letting that happen.

Also, Celestia appeared twice in our school. I've seen but a glimpse of her as she entered the director's room just a few days after her first visit, and she's also visited recently. We had Magic lessons, and she was sitting far in the back, observing us. Was she doing that will all the classes? What does she have in mind?

I almost forgot, I saw Moonshine levitating herself! That happened on one of those Magic lesson, the one when Celestia was watching us. I could definitely see a smirk on her face. On Moonshine's, too. She had so much fun with that. I guess that her magic developed rapidly during the weeks. I noticed that her horn became a bit longer. It seems she really enjoys magic now. She levitates stuff around and now plays much better on the keyboard. Well, she's passed the beginner tier, and is now moving towards advanced. That's pretty good seeing her doing stuff so well. I wonder what will my abilities be once I grow up?

So, I felt Celestia's eyes on me during the Magic lessons. I just felt her glancing too often at me. Then, I heard her asking my teacher why I'm sitting and doing nothing, and she was told that my magic is developed enough go not require anything other than advanced studies that'll begin in a few years. Hearing that answer, Celestia looked at me with a... look. A bit of a strange look I couldn't understand. I guess it was a mix of surprise, shock, and interest. Something like that.

Just what is Celestia planning? Is it something connected to me or is it something she'd do anyway? I might become paranoid soon, huh.

...

Yeah, I really shouldn't have teleported. I might've accidentally started a strange chain of events that'll lead to... something. I don't know, I can't predict the future.

So, the training. I've developed during the weeks, and now I can fly. A meter above the ground for about five minutes. Yeah, that's not suitable for any long journeys, but it is still awesome! Today is the last training for the month since Luna has a lot to do until the next year comes.

Finally, I've reached my destination. I entered the castle and walked through the hallways to the usual training place.

As I went, I felt eyes of the guards on me. Since that teleportation accident, I feel I'm watched more closely by them. I guess it is what Celestia ordered them to do. It's a bit creepy, honestly speaking. At least they aren't doing anything else but watch.

Alright, here's the hall I need. I entered it and saw Luna and Celestia talking. As the door closed behind me, Luna looked at me, and Celestia turned around to face me.

"Oh, forgive me sister, I almost forgot about him." Luna said. "I'm training him in magic, and I suppose we can talk later. Hello, Flame!"

"Good day, Flame Metal." Celestia greeted me with a smile on her face. "So, training in magic with my sister? She's one of the best in that, you've picked the right teacher. So, I'll take my leave so that my presence won't cause any nervousness from any of you." with that said, she walked past me and out of the hall.

As the doors closed, Luna sighed in relief.

"I think Tia knows I'm lying." she said. "That look she had... Ugh, I hate lying to my sister! I can never do it right. But you came here not to hear me talking about that, right?"

"Um, I actually have something to ask before we start." I said. "So, remember Moonshine? I want to get her a gift for Hearth's Warming. I couldn't really come up with anything, but... I have one idea. You see, Moonshine sees you as the best princess."

"Oh, I'm flattered." Luna giggled.

"So, um, I think I just want her to be able to talk with you. Casually, I mean." I rubbed the back of my neck. "It'll be really good if you could find time for her."

"But what will you give her?" Luna asked me. "A talk with me would be a gift from me."

"I... don't know. I mean, I didn't really ask what she likes, and she's not shown anything that would hint it." I replied. "I just... I rarely gift anything to anyone. I have no idea what to do, honestly speaking. I just want to... make Moonshine smile. That's the purpose of the holiday, to make ponies happy, right?"

"It is more than giving presents." Luna told me. "You said it yourself — you need to make ponies happy. It is not what you buy for them, it is what you give them from yourself. Feelings. No thing is good if it has no good feelings behind it. Don't feel obligated to get a thing for her. Cheer her up, spend a day with her making fun. What is better than that?"

A pause ensued in our conversation. I think Luna has a point about all of this. I mean, Moonshine is still a kid, right? We might just spend a day having fun playing in the snow, for example. Yeah, that sounds about right.

"You are right, Luna." I nodded. "I will do something more than giving stuff. But still, I think she'll be happy if she sees you, too."

"I will try to make some time for her." Luna nodded. "Those who admire the night shouldn't be ignored."

After that, the training started.

Well, what can I say? At least I figured out one important thing.

And got a bunch of problems with Celestia watching me. I hope she isn't anywhere nearby spying on me, seeing me in my full form.

That'd be bad.