Tuesday 7th July 2014
16:39
Ponyville town square

The new transferees were able to finish their training within the two weeks, as planned. The course they underwent was challenging, especially with cramming a longer regime into a couple of weeks, but they were able to succeed. With their training completed, they were granted leave until the Sunday prior to deploying, giving them a week to spend with their families. There would be no telling how long we'd be in the Badlands for, but it could take a few tours to restore stability to the region.

During our training, we were given the occasional bits of news and reports from those who were already deployed. A section of the Imperial Pegasi was injured during a Diamond Dog attack on a train supply, but they didn't sustain any fatalities. The Crystal Guard weren't so fortunate. Numerous Platoons had taken casualties during skirmishes, particularly with clearing out the occupied mines of Coltchester.

Diplomacy was at a stalemate, both the Diamond Dogs and various Ridge Cat tribes were refusing to sit down and discuss compromises to end the feud. With diplomacy hitting a dead end, it would likely be a long time before the region returns to any sense of normality. It was quickly turning into a situation which I didn't want to see myself in again.

With training over, I have nothing to occupy my mind, causing me to worry about tomorrow; The Gala. Tomorrow is the day that Luna and I are to make our relationship public. Despite my previous insistence of our relationship becoming public so we wouldn't have to hide from the public's eyes, I was beginning to feel nervous. Soon, it would likely become common knowledge that the Princess is dating her Captain, her Captain who also happens to be a different species and an entirely different world.

Strolling through town, I keep thinking about the news that Luna had given me. We are soon to have our very own child, to begin a family together. Was I happy? Of course. Was I scared? I was shitting myself. I'm not certain if I'm ready to become a father, but at the end of the day, who is?

Becoming a father will be a lot of responsibility, duties which I've never even considered. I've been used to having responsibility, being the one who is responsible for maintaining a strong team and keeping them alive, but a baby, a baby was another thing. I'd have to raise them, teach them everything I know about life, to prepare them for the world. A world which seems to have changed since my arrival.

Then there is the fact that I'm naturally a different species to my child. Humans live differently to the ponies of Equestria, that much is obvious, so I'll likely need to learn more about Equestria's society in order to properly raise my child. Luna would be able to teach me more about Equestrian society to ensure that I would be able to teach our child, but her duties will also be split with running the nation.

Then there's the matter of how we go about raising a baby. Luna will obviously remain in Canterlot, that much is certain, she has too much responsibility as a Princess. But I also have my responsibilities as Luna's Captain and as an officer of the Equestrian Army. With myself being sent on deployments, that'll leave me away from Canterlot for periods at a time, along with the risk of never returning.

I'm determined to do the best that I can, for Luna and my child. I'd do anything to keep them safe, to ensure that no harm comes to them. I love Luna and would do anything for her. The next step is for is to go public, but it won't be long till everyone learns of her pregnancy.

I trust Luna more than anyone I have ever met, in this world and from Earth. She has given me a purpose in Equestria, has supported me throughout my time here and has done nothing but accommodate my needs. She has given me emotional support, standing by my side through the difficulties that I've faced. I'd be more than happy to spend the rest of my life with her and our child. To have a family, to support her through my life, to protect her.

Stopping outside a store in town, I lift my head to look at the sign overhead. Feeling nervous, I timidly lift my hand and rest it on the handle, preparing to push the glass door open. "Ahh, if it isn't my favourite human."

Releasing the door, I quickly turn to find the Lord of chaos himself stood before me. "Discord, what do you want?" I ask in annoyance. Ever since his actions with Tirek, I'll never find myself able to trust him. The others may be quick to forgive, but I'm not.

"Why the sour look?" Discord asks innocently as he strolls up to me, resting his paw on my shoulder. "I have simply come to ask a favour from yourself. One friend to another."

I release a sarcastic laugh as I swat his paw away, "We are not friends."

"How aren't we?" Discord retorts as he leans against the door, keeping it sealed. "I gave you a gift, a peace offering, and helped you regain control of the influence."

"A peace offering for you stabbing us in the back," I respond through clamped teeth. "Returning my SA80 and fixing it was to make up for your shitty actions. Curing the influence that Tirek set over me was not a favour, it was you cleaning up the shit that you helped create."

"And it left you stronger than you were before. Nopony can influence your mind, finally giving a human some defence against magic." Sighing contently, Discord turns his gaze to the town hall in the distance. "Now that would be chaos, humans in Equestria. You're already opposites, one a peaceful race whereas the other can't seem to satisfy its bloodlust. I'd just have to sit back and watch the fireworks." Throwing his paw out to the side, a collection of fireworks erupt from his paw and soar towards the sun, detonating overhead.

"What is this favour you want?" I ask with an irritated tone, already knowing that I'll likely deny his request.

"Oh, it's simple, really. You're going to the Gala, aren't you? Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, you are."

"...Yeah. What's your point?"

"That means you'll have a 'plus one' available for the Gala." Discord states with a sly grin. "And I doubt you'll be taking anyone as you're going to be spending the night in the company of your secret lover. So why don't you invite me, and I'll keep everypony out of your hair." Smirking triumphantly, he holds his talon out to me in an attempt to seal the deal.

I let out a single sarcastic 'ha' as I shake my head. "You're taking the piss? I'm not bringing you to the Gala; Get your own ticket."

"So, you'd just let it go to waste," He asks in annoyance.

Pretending to give it some thought, I rub my chin with over exaggerated movement. "Yes. Yes, I would. I don't need you there, inevitably cocking up what Luna and I have planned."

"What could you possibly have-" Discord's eyes slowly drift towards the store I was preparing to enter. "Oh... I take it she isn't aware of this part of the plan?"

I follow his gaze to the store, an unwelcome feeling arising in my gut. "No, she's not." Stepping towards the door, a bell hanging overhead rings as I open the passage. "Find another way into the gala, cause I can't have you cocking up my plans." Stepping into the store, the door slowly seals shut as Discord disappears in a white flash, grunting in annoyance as he does so.

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Wednesday 8th July 2014
20:11
Canterlot Castle

Pacing through the castle halls, I adjust the golden cufflinks on my shirt as my eyes drift to the windows. Looking to the floor below, I watch as various ponies and griffins make their way into the main castle courtyard in order to attend the Gala. Since I'm officially here as Luna's escort, I was able to sneak in through one of the Guard entrances and make my way through the halls undisturbed.

Stopping in front of a mirror, I examine my own reflections and the outfit that Rarity had designed for me. I would have been happy in the same suit I wore last year, but Rarity insisted that I needed an entirely new outfit. Over the top of my chest, I have a long burgundy jacket, hanging low on the back of my legs yet not obstructing my movement. All of my military medals are fixed to the front of my jacket, leaving them all on display for all to see. A silk shirt clings lightly to my body, the soft and bright material reflects in the light of the halls, giving it the impression of being silver.

Not wanting a tie this year, I was instead provided with a piece of clothing I've never worn in my life as Rarity insisted that I must make some attempt to appear respectable. In the opening of my shirt is a golden cravat tie, matching the cufflinks on my wrists. A tight-fitting burgundy pair of dress trousers rests along my legs, a dark brown belt hugging my waist. Attached to my belt is the scabbard for my sword, connecting it to my left hip since I'm technically acting as a guard I'd have to have a weapon available to me in emergencies. Not being satisfied with just the sword, I also have my Glock tucked into the rear of my trouser waistband sitting in a makeshift holster.

Satisfied that I'm at least semi-presentable, I continue down the hall until I come to the bottom of Luna's tower. Before I even begin to climb the steps, one of the Thestral guards stretches out his wing. "The Princess has requested that you wait for her here, Captain. She should be down momentarily."

I look at the guard initially in confusion before responding with a weak shrug. With nothing to do, I instinctively reach for my phone, only to remember that I don't have it on me. Twilight had asked for it earlier in the week in order to provide some alternate music for later in the evening, in order to provide the musicians a break or two. Leaning against the window, I look back and forth over the private garden and the various flowers that litter it.

Minutes tick by until I finally hear her coming downstairs. Slowly pivoting on the spot, my body comes to an immediate halt as I look to Luna in astonishment. The main body of the chest is a pale purple, numerous patterns and small gemstones lining the material as it hangs loosely to her frame, the necklace I gave her for Christmas resting over the front of the dress. The main skirt is a thin black material, remaining partially see through as it clasps to her body, the bottom of the lining layered with a mixture of jet and amethyst.

Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, she smiles nervously at me as her eyes scan over my outfit. "John, I hope your travels here were pleasant."

"They were," Stepping alongside her, we both begin to pace down the corridor. "And you look absolutely beautiful in that dress."

"Thank you," Luna responds with a soft blush. "I must say, I approve greatly of your suit. I would never have thought that burgundy would have been your colour. Though... those trousers seem to make you... flank stand out a bit."

Turning my head back, I notice a small lump at the centre. "That's not the trousers or my ass. It's my Glock."

"Your Glock?" I respond with a small nod as Luna looks at me curiously. With her magic, she lifts the rear of my jacket up, allowing her to see the grip protruding from the top of my waistband and holster. "I suppose you are acting as my guard, though surely the sword would have been enough."

"Maybe, but with the recent events in the Badlands, I figured some extra security could go a long way." I look to Luna with a slight grin, "Besides, what are you doing looking at my arse?" I ask with a soft chuckle.

"What?" Luna asks defensively. "You mean to tell me that you've never had a look at my flank at occasions like this?"

"Not yet." This earns a small chuckle from Luna as she playfully swats me with her wing. The two of us pace down the hall in silence as we make our way to the main entrance. As we begin to approach an opening, our pace begins to slow as I look to Luna. "So, how are we doing this?"

Luna sighs as she looks to me, "I have an idea, but it needs to be right."

"Are you going to tell me?"

Luna shakes her head, "Trust me, you'll know when it's time. But I need everything to be set before we do this. I can't just stroll into the ballroom and exclaim, 'my Captain and I are in a relationship'." Stopping at the opening, Luna and I peak out to look at the main entrance below. The stairs lead down to a lower level before turning onto the main floor and doorway. "Strange, where has my sister and Twilight gotten to?" Luna asks herself.

"Who knows. If they're prepared for the Gala to be the same as last year, then they've likely done what I did and have gone to get twatted."

Luna rolls her eyes, "As usual, you have to use your typical dialect."

"There are many words in the English language. We just have a few funny ones too."

Mentally preparing herself, Luna softly exhales as she puts on a forced smile for the public down below. "I suppose we should make an appearance."

As we make our way down the stairs, a pair of greeters begins to play a small fanfare on trumpets before addressing the crowd whose eyes quickly snap to us. "Announcing, her majesty, the Princess of the Night, Princess Luna and her escort, The Liberator of Griffinstone, Captain John Davies." Fucking hell, is that crappy title still sticking?

As we reach the main floor, I quickly become bored as Luna is forced to interact with a number of nobles who are practically begging for attention. Quickly spacing out as I stare into space, I feel someone lightly pressing against my back. Turning my gaze, I look to Cadence as she stands before me. "So, today is the big day, John. Are you nervous?"

"Of course I'm bloody nervous. It's like taking your new girlfriend home to meet your folks... except neither Luna or me have parents around." Sighing, I rub my face. "I've wanted to make this known for some time, but I still can't help but feel a little apprehensive."

"You've got nothing to be nervous about," Cadence reassures me with a comforting smile. "The two of you clearly love one another. Who cares what anypony else thinks. As long as the two of you are happy together, that's all that matters. If you’re this nervous about telling ponies that you're together, then you must be really nervous about having a" -Turning her head to make sure nobody can hear her, Cadence lowers her voice- "foal."

"Well, the military isn't really the line of work you want in order to pursue a happy family life."

"You don't have to stay in the military, John. You were an engineer, surely you could retire and make a good living as an inventor."

I release a soft chuckle, "By plagiarising everything from Earth. Nobody will even know its plagiarised. I could become a film director and just copy out films you'll have never seen or heard of. Make Star Wars or some shit."

"Isn't that cheating?" Cadence asks with a coy grin.

"Try and prove I stole my ideas," I respond with a mirrored expression.

"Well, you just told me that you'd be copying this 'Star Wars', so that's proof enough."

"One conversation with no type of recording and no witnesses is not sufficient evidence." I turn my gaze back to Luna as she continues to make pleasantries with the nobles. "Cadence, Luna tells you nearly everything about us, right?"

"She comes to me for advice and she does tell me her concerns, why?" Cadence asks with intrigue.

"And you're the 'Princess of Love'," I state her title with a little distaste for the sappy title.

"Yes? John, you're not making much sense here."

Extending my arm, I guide Cadence off to the side and out of the view of others. My own heart beginning to beat rapidly as nervousness begins to fill my body. Opening my jacket, I reach into one of the inner pockets and pull out a small box, the main case layered with a soft purple velvet.

Cadence's eyes widen with glee, the smirk of an overjoyed child appearing on her muzzle. "Is that what I think it is?"

I tentatively nod my head. I quickly look over my shoulder as I return the box to the pocket, looking to see if Luna is still distracted. "Now you can see why I'm nervous."

"John, you've got nothing to be nervous about." Cadence looks to me with soothing eyes, "Trust me when I say that she'll say yes."

"But how do you know? And don't give me a childish answer like 'because I'm the Princess of Love'."

"Do you see yourself with anypony else?" I shake my head. "Do you really think that Luna would want to be with anypony other than you? You're the first pony..." Cadence can see the slight irritation in my eyes before correcting herself, "Individual that she has trusted in such a way. You've already influenced her greatly and will soon be having a foal; even is it was unintentional. I can see that deep down, she's excited to be doing it with you."

I slowly exhale as I look to Luna, "It doesn't exactly make it feel any easier though."

"You both love each other, and you'll stand by one another through anything Equestria can throw at you. Love is a powerful thing John, don't underestimate it."

I scoff as I roll my eyes, "That sounded really sappy."

Cadence giggles to herself as she begins to walk away, "Choose your moment and you'll be fine." Stopping momentarily, she turns her head back to look at me. "Oh, and when you do go to the Badlands, please try to play nice with Shining. You're supposed to be working together, so try and get along. Please?"

Adjusting my jacket, I slowly nod my head, "I suppose I can try, as payment for all of your advice to myself and Luna. Just tell him not to act like a total Rupert."

"I have no idea what that means, but I will convey the message." As Cadence steps away, I look to Luna as she finishes talking to the nobles. My eyes scan over her as the nervous feeling inside me begins to slowly subside, not fully, but enough to make me feel at ease with what I was soon about to ask her.

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The hours passed by similar to that of the last Gala. Luna and I would spend the entire day in one another's company, conversing as I had my fair share of drinks to calm my nerves. While we were busy at the entrance, it turns out that Discord and his guest, The Smooze, had caused a bit of a scene. Flooding the room in green goo as Discord acted like a three-year-old having a temper tantrum.

I had taken to calling The Smooze 'Flubber' when I tried to make some sort of pleasantries, seeing as it was a green blob of goo. Turns out, a green ball of slime does not make for an interesting conversation, he was only good at somehow seeping into my shoe.

As Luna and I sit together, I take a long sip of my rum before placing the empty glass on the table. Finishing her own virgin cocktail, Luna looks to me with a timid expression. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine."

"Are you sure? You'd normally be living up to the title of a casual alcoholic by now," Luna states with a slight smirk.

"I know," I respond as I look to her. "I'm just not in the mood to get drunk."

Luna feigns a horrified gasp, "The horror."

Chuckling softly, I shake my head, "I know. Something must be really wrong with me."

As the main band finishes performing in order to take a short break, a number of the guests slowly begin to filter out of the bar room and make their way to the bar and buffet in the adjacent room. Looking at the stage, I notice that Twilight has my phone as she begins to connect it to a number of speakers. As the glow of her magic fades on my phone, music begins to play through the speakers.

"John, no matter what everypony says after tonight, I do love you. I don't care about what they say anymore, so long as we can be together. If they don't like it, then they can cry about it all they want." Reaching across the table with her forehoof, Luna slowly presses it against the top of my hand.

Smiling, I turn my hand over and take hold of her hoof. "I love you too, Luna. I will always be here to support you. Everyone else will just have to bitch about it; though, it won't get them anywhere. We care for each other, so who gives a shit what they say?"

"We may get a few disapproving looks after today. Some nobles may not be too thrilled with our news."

"Though the longer we delay it, the worst it'll be. Eventually, they will begin to notice... your condition," I gesture towards Luna's belly with my free hand. "Are you sure you'll be okay dealing with that while I'm away?"

Luna slowly nods her head, "I can't bring you away from deployment just for me. It's not fair, considering there are other soldiers and Guards who are leaving their own families and friends. Your duty must still come first, even if it means I have to send you away." Luna's gaze lowers slightly, "I don't want to lose you, but I can't give you preferential treatment."

"Give it some time, I may retire."

Luna chuckles softly, "And what would you do?"

"I don't know," I state with a weak shrug.

Luna rolls her eyes as she slowly stands, "Great answer. Now come on."

"Come on?" I ask in confusion as she turns to face me.

"Come on," Luna repeats herself. "You owe me a dance."

I let out a faint groan as I rise to my feet, "Just like last year?"

"Trust me, John," Luna insists with a supportive smile. As the second chorus of the song begins, Luna and I reach the centre of the dancefloor by passing through a few others who are dancing. Similar to the previous year, many of the others in the room begin to watch us.

Leaning closer, Luna presses her left forehoof against my torso as she moves her left forehoof to rest in my left hand. Mimicking her action, my right hand slowly begins to run over her dress underneath her foreleg. We begin pace around the dancefloor as the music continues, a number of eyes remaining locked on us as other also continue to dance. Quickly flicking my eyes to the side, I notice the girls and the other three Princesses watching the spectacle.

As we continue to dance with one another, Luna tilts her head to the side before resting it against my chest, allowing her to hear my heartbeat. Lowering my own head, I rest it alongside hers as we sway softly from side to side. Our movement begins to gradually slow as we embrace one another, her forehoof dragging back and forth over my body. I'm able to pick up the faint sound of murmuring from the sidelines, yet don't even bother to pay it any attention as I focus on Luna.

As the second chorus begins to play, I quietly begin to sing out loud into her ear. "Tonight, we are young. So let's set the world on fire, we could burn brighter than the sun." To my surprise, Luna lifts her gaze to look directly into my eyes. Despite having never heard the song before, she begins to sing with me. "Tonight, we are young. So let's set the world on fire, we could burn brighter than the sun."

Luna's position changes against me as she steps closer, her chest pressing firmly against mine as my arms keep her in the new position. Smirking, I press my head against Luna's and whisper into her ear. "You should sing more often. Your voice is gorgeous."

I can feel the heat radiating from Luna's cheeks, "It's not very often that I do it. Though this song is pleasant, not to mention the chorus just repeats itself."

Chuckling, our swaying becomes more controlled as we gradually pivot together, "That's kinda the point of the chorus."

"Is the Captain of the army really giving the Princess a music lesson?"

"Hey, believe it or not, I can play an instrument."

Luna pulls her head back slightly, "Pray tell, what instrument would that be?"

I adjust my grip slightly as my eyes dart to the side, noticing the mixture of shocked and surprised expressions looking our way. I can't help but laugh slightly as Cadence seems to be watching us with anticipation, almost as though she's going to burst with joy. "I can play the bass guitar. Stanley taught me when we were sat around on our asses."

"Hmm, you'll have to play for me some time."

As we move in rhythm with one another, I notice Luna's eyes flicking from my eyes to my lips. We continue to embrace one another as the final chorus begins to come to an end, my eyes watching her as she begins to slowly lean closer. So this is it? This is how everyone is going to learn about us? What Luna had been planning if the 'right moment' came along?

Not hesitating, I close the distance as she presses her lips against mine. The kiss is filled with a sense of passion that I've never felt before. The thrill of the moment mixed with the nervousness of everyone's reactions seems to make the kiss feel more emotional, more loving and more intimate. She's showing a public display of affection that I'd never thought she'd be comfortable to do. Yet here she is, kissing me in front of a hall of other ponies.

It's Luna who is the first to pull away, her cheeks a heavy scarlet red as she seems unable to tear her eyes away from mine. Eventually, she regains control as she looks to the side, likely trying to gauge everyone's reactions. Slowly, I follow her gaze and begin to look at the small crowd before us.

Twilight is frozen with her mouth hanging wide, her eye twitching. Rarity seems to be on the verge of fainting, her body swaying slightly. Fluttershy is smiling softly at us, her large eyes showing her approval of our display. Rainbow is looking at us in shock, incomprehensibly stammering to herself. Pinkie is being her usual cheery self and jumping on the spot, trying her hardest not to scream at the top of her lungs. Applejack seems to be watching us with a mixture of support yet hurt, approving of us but still showing that seeing somebody that she has feelings for being with somebody else hurts.

Then there is Cadence, who seems to be practically jumping over the moon with joy at our performance, clearly approving of our actions. Celestia gives the two of us a comforting and supportive smile, clearly happy that her sister has someone that she can be with and announce a relationship about. However, Celestia also seems nervous, likely contemplating what effect this news will have on the support of the nobles for her sister and herself.

Speaking of the nobles, not too many of them look too pleased with our little display. Some of them begin to reluctantly change their attitude when they see the approval of Fancy Pants, showing that Luna's plan of winning him over was a good thing to get some nobles on side. But there are others who seem less than thrilled, such as Prince Blue Blood and General Sunstreak.

Despite the crowd looking at us, judging our display, I find myself not caring about what they think. As I look at Luna, I find myself feeling surprisingly calm in this situation. Just being near her makes me feel as though she has got my back, to support me through anything that comes my way. The way she looks at me makes me feel a level of comfort I've never felt before, her eyes clearly showing the love that she feels for me. In fact, I feel so calm that my nerves about what I intended to do seem to swiftly subside.

Looking at John, I can see his expression promptly relax as his eyes lock onto mine. Clearing his throat, he begins to softly speak. "Luna, I don't see myself being with anybody but you. You make me feel accepted in such a way that I've never felt before, not even back on Earth. You've been by my side through everything I've faced here, giving me the strength to carry on and to keep going."

I can't help but smile as John continues to speak, my cheeks burning up as I watch him intently. "I love you. You've been there to support me, and I want to be there to help you through any challenges you face. I want to stand by your side, not as your Captain, but something more."

My heart rate begins to increase as I look into his caring eyes, every word he says striking deep within me. Is he doing what I think he's doing? I find myself unable to speak as he fidgets nervously. He finally begins to move, his grip on my forehoof finally faltering as he slowly releases his hold. Taking a step back, he lowers his body and comes to rest on his knee before reaching into his jacket and retrieving a small velvet box.

As a number of surprised murmurs and gasps break out through the room, my heart races out of control as I stare at the box with wide eyes. He's doing it! He's actually doing it! As he looks up at me with hope, he adjusts the box in his grip and opens the lid. Inside is a large platinum ring with gold wrapping around the main base, numerous small diamonds glisten as they rest on the main body. A single large gemstone sits comfortably on the top of the ring, reflecting the light of the room. The ring itself has a silver necklace threaded through it, allowing the wearer to display the ring around their neck.

"Luna, will you marry me?" John asks tensely as he looks up at me with anticipation.

He wants to marry me? He wants to marry me!? I would never have imagined myself getting married before my banishment, or even after my return, yet John is kneeling right in front of me, asking me to marry him. I can't picture being with anypony else, especially since my return. He seems to have clicked with me on a level that nopony else has, allowing me to confide in him with ease.

I've had many ponies try to proposition me for a relationship, just because of my position. I've had too many in the past try to use me as a way to get power, status and wealth. With John, it's clear that he doesn't care for any of that. He's never requested money, promotion or titles from me. He has earned his position and wants to continue to make a name for himself, not to use me in order to get it.

Then there is starting a family with him. We are already going to be having a child, so why shouldn't we get married? We could have a proper family. He could stay with me in the castle to raise our child, to begin a traditional family. He'll do anything to keep us safe and to support us. I know I can trust him to be a good father and husband.

But, what if I lose him? He's a soldier first, going to a conflict to risk his life in order to complete his job. I can't raise a foal by myself. If he was to die, I don't know what I'd do. I'm immortal and he's not. In several decades, he'll likely pass away leaving me alone, again. But... I won't be alone. I'll still have a family, a family that we started together. He'll always be in my heart. I'll never be alone.

Slowly blinking, I can feel a tear of delight slowly trickling down my cheek as I try to force myself to speak. Cracking an extensive grin, I frantically nod my head as I'm finally able to speak. "Y-yes! I will!"

John's smile instantly increases in size as he seems to breathe a sigh of relief. Standing up, he removes the rings and necklace and tentatively lowers it over my head, allowing the ring to rest against my neck and chest. Dragging his hand up my neck, he places it carefully on my cheek and leans in to exchange the most passionate kiss I've ever felt in my life.

As we remain embraced with one another, the sound of the ponies around us begin to stomp the floor around us and cheering begins to fill the room. Despite the mixed expressions I witnessed earlier, it seems that nearly everypony is cheering for us, I swear that I can hear Cadence and my sister over the rest of them.

As we finally break free from the kiss, I can feel tears of joy running down my cheeks as John quickly pulls me back in for another hug, his hands caressing my back as he holds me close to him. I find myself unable to stop smiling as I feel his body pressing against me, knowing that I'll have a partner who'll be around to support me for the many years to come.

I can't believe it! John and I are getting married!

Author's Notes:

More fan art by Zintenka disolaying the scene from this chapter.

A fantastic piece of art, if I do say so myself.