Waking up in the morning I groan as I slowly sit up in my bed, I'm thankful that I've finally got a proper bed to call my own but the only problem is that it's too damn comfortable so I don't want to get up in the morning. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes I slump out of bed and look to the clock to find it's still early morning, after last nights paper work I decided to have an early night before resuming with the rest today. I can't stand fucking paperwork, I miss the old days of only doing basic intelligence reports and profiles for known bombers. I never figured at twenty-five I would be the commanding officer of a military unit, I figured that would happen when I couldn't fight for shit.

Not really wanting to continue with my paperwork I try to find something else to do, at least I can delay it for a few hours. Opening my wardrobe I look over the various clothes I now have, it's nice that I actually have a selection rather then the few pieces I usually pack when I go away. Pausing I try to think of what to do for the morning, deciding Chaser was right about spending too much time on my ass whilst in Canterlot I decide to spend the morning doing various exercises. Taking out my MTP combats I put them straight on before leaving my bedroom and office.

Strolling down the corridor I pass a number of guards as the shift rotation begins allowing those on nights to get some sleep whilst the morning team come on. They all give me formal greeting as I pass them which I return, I suppose I better get used to having people address me constantly by rank when I'm here. Reaching the main barracks doors I move around the building to a walled off courtyard to the rear, I never thought to check back here on my first tour but it turns out that a small parade square and exercise yard was constructed for training purposes for those stationed here.

As I close the gate behind me I rub my hands together to try and keep them warm from the cold air, winter is right around the corner as we're now in early December. I should see Rarity about getting some winter clothes made, I haven't even got a winter coat. Well there's one good way to warm up the body and that's to move around like an idiot.

I carry out a number of exercises throughout the morning, bleep test, push ups, sit ups, a selections of weights which had been provided and pull ups. I carry out the various exercises over the course of a few hours, only taking the occasional break between activities to hydrate. By the end of the exercises my body feels slightly worn out.

Sitting back against a bench I run my hand over my sweat matted hair as I rest my head back against the main wall of the barracks. The gate to the courtyard opens up causing me to lift my head to see who entered. I find Sunny as she makes her way up to me and joins me on the bench, "You've been out here for hours, what are you doing?"

Putting down my canteen I flick my sweat covered hand at her causing her to flinch with a disgusted look on her face, "Exercising."

"Gross! I don't want your sweat on me," She runs her hood quickly over her face wiping it away.

Chuckling I close my eyes again, "Are you sure? It ain't so bad."

"I'm pretty sure," Sunny looks off to the distance.

"Is everything alright? You seem distracted."

Sunny turns back to face me, "I'm fine, just thinking."

"...About?"

Her eyes momentarily dart away before they meet mine again, "What are your thoughts on Chaser?" She seems to shy away slightly as she asks this.

"Chaser? Why do you want to kn..." I pause as it suddenly hits me, I can only guess that Chaser has tried asking her out, "...Oh, I see what you're getting at. Chaser is a good guy, a bit of a pain in the arse at times but at the end of the day what guy isn't? I take it you two hit it off at the Gala?"

Sunny nods with a slight blush on her face, "Yeah... he's asked me out but I can't help but feel a bit-"

"-Nervous?"

She shakes her head, "I wouldn't say nervous, he's always been nice to us all and I don't think he'd do anything stupid but when we all met up again after returning from the Griffin Empire he tried going on about how many mares he'd been with. I guess it's just got me feeling a bit... iffy that he may just but trying to 'roll in the hay' with me."

I slowly nod my head as I listen to her, "He was obviously bullshiting about how much tail he had."

"How do you know?"

"Rule of three," She looks to me confused, "If a guy says he's slept with a certain number of girls you divide it by three to get the true number, for girls you multiply the number by three."

"Why do you multiply it for girls?"

I shrug, "You just do, for guys though since they tend to over exaggerate the rule of three tends to work quite well. For example I could brag and say I've slept with six girls while I've been here."

"So you've been with two?" I nod to her,"Who was the second pony you've been with?"

I fold my arms, "I'm not saying, that's staying private between me and her."

"Oh, come on, you've got to tell me now."

I pat her playfully on the head, "No I don't," I lean back against the wall, "For you the main thing to do is go slow, take your time and see if it feels right. After what he said to me I doubt he's just after a quick shag."

Sunny's eyes widen, "He's spoken to you? What did he say?"

"Sorry, doctor patient confidentiality and all that."

"You're not a doctor."

"I could be a psychologist for all you know."

Sunny just glares at me before getting up, "If anyone needs a psychologist it's you."

Oh, you don't know the half of it, "Trust me when I say this, I can guarantee you if he is after something, it certainly isn't sex."

"Thanks, John."

I smile to her, "No worries. Is that the only reason you came out to see me?"

"No, I initially came out to tell you that we've just received the first shipment of rifles, they're currently being booked into the armoury now."

"How many have we got?"

"I believe they've sent us fifty rifles along with plenty of ammunition, each rifle has also come with five magazines."

Getting up I grab my canteen, "Come on, let's get all this kit sorted out then."

As we walk Sunny looks to me, "What do you intend to do with all the rifles?"

"Well I want every guard in our unit to be issued with a rifle as part of their standard equipment, based on the number of magazines they've produced every guard will have five magazines giving us all fifty rounds as standard. They'll still keep their swords as standard but I want them to get used to using their rifles, any spare rifles can be kept here as replacements and for spare parts if required."

"So you want them to lug around a rifle whilst on guard duty here? Doesn't that seem a little... excessive."

Stopping I rub my jaw line, "Shit, I suppose you're right. How about when they're on guard here only half the shift will have their rifles, if we need it the others on shift can retrieve their rifles if they think it's necessary."

Pushing open the main door Sunny nods her head, "That's probably for the best," As we make our way down to the basements she stops momentarily on the stairs, "Why don't you make pistols like the one you use? Surely it would be better for guards to have that instead of rifles."

That's actually a good point, I could probably make a pistol of sorts which could be used by the Equestrians. The main problem I see with it though is operating it with a hoof, for the rifle I made the trigger guard larger and part of the main body of the rifle, I don't think I can really do that for a smaller pistol. It could at least be issued to Unicorns though, question is, what type of pistol would be best to produce? Would it be best to try and develop a semi-automatic like my Glock or a SIG P226, or perhaps a revolver like the Webley or Smith & Wesson since they would likely be easier to manufacture with the current facilities we have.

"I'll look into it," As we step through the first armoury door I start to think of other potential weapons we may be able to develop. We would probably have difficulty manufacturing automatic assault rifles such as the SA80, M16 or AK47, but perhaps we could develop some sort of automatic weapons for heavy support such as a Vickers machine gun or a Browning. Individual automatic weapons may be out of our reach at the moment but I can at least look into it.

Other then that there is the possibility of a shotgun, a double barrelled shotgun would be relatively easy to manufacture compared to our current rifle. I'd wager that Sure Strike would appreciate a shotgun for getting up close and personal. There's also the potential of pump action shotguns from there, if these are out of reach we would just design a new internal mechanism for the rifles to fire a single shotgun shell to make a single shot shotgun.

Opening the armoury door I walk up to Lieutenant Venture as he pries open a wooden crate. Removing the top he rests it against the box before saluting to me, "The first shipment of rifles has arrived, sir. Fifty in total, two-hundred and fifty magazines, three-thousand rounds of ammunition and sixty cleaning kits. Should keep us afloat for a while at least, according to the invoice we shall receive an additional shipment of ammunition later in the month."

Taking the full delivery invoice I look through it, at least we have enough ammo to give every guard fifty rounds along with additional being kept in storage. Passing the invoice to the Lieutenant I look to Sunny, "Get everyone from our fire team and bring them down here as soon as you can."

Nodding she leaves the armoury to hunt for the others. Picking up one of the new rifles I run my hand along the body as I inspect it, pulling the bolt to the rear I check the internals to ensure everything appears to be in order. Closing the bolt I fire off the action and activate the rifles safety. Before I place the rifle back with the others my eyes catch something new on the side of the buttstock. Tilting the rifle I find Chasers cutie mark etched into the rifle, taking out another rifle I find Sunny's cutie mark on this one. Instead of serial numbers it seems they've added everyone's cutie marks to the rifle to allow them to be identified.

Once Sunny returns with the others they all line up in front of me as I finish placing the last rifle from the crate onto one of the free tables. Lifting my head I look to them all, "You're all going to be issued your own rifle, fifty rounds of ammunition, five magazines and one cleaning kit. As I've said before you must keep these rifles in working order, it is nobody's responsibility other than your own. Feel free to adjust the sights if need be, everyone's vision is different after all. When I call your name step forward," Picking up the closest rifle to me I glance to the stamp on the rifle's buttstock, "Night Chaser."

Stepping forward to me I pass him his cleaning kit, five magazines and a small box of ammunition. When he goes to reach for the rifle I pull it back. Smirking I look back to everyone, "One last thing, just as my Sergeant told me in basic training you must name your rifle, it is your baby after all. So Chaser, what are you gonna call your rifle?"

"Do I really have to name it?" I nod my head. Looking off to the side he tries to think of a name, "How about... Storm?"

With a small grin I hold the rifle to him which he takes hold of before stepping off to the side. Grabbing the next rifle I look to the mark and find Silver Spark's mark. Pointing to him he steps forwards and grabs his kit, taking hold of the rifle he looks to me, "Inferno," I cock an eyebrow as he takes it and steps back. He is a bit of a pyromaniac... I guess it makes sense.

I repeat the process until everyone has all their kit and named rifles in front of them. Since Janine and Georg don't have cutie marks the buttstock of their rifles didn't have a stamp, I told them that they could etch one of their choice onto their rifles to make up for it. Since mine doesn't have one either I'm tempted to have the Union flag stamped onto mine, nobody would exactly mistake it as theirs. Looking back to the Lieutenant I step towards the door, "I trust you can distribute the rest of the rifle to the guards when they begin their shifts?"

Taking hold of the next crate he begins to open it, "Will do, sir."

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After a hot shower I throw on some clean clothes and make my way down to the canteen, stepping up to the food stand I take a selection of toast, hash browns and a small bowl of fruit along with a cup of tea. Looking over the room I find Janine sat at the end table reading a newspaper alongside her breakfast. Stepping up to her I join her at the table, "Anything good in the paper?"

Lowering the paper she looks to me, "Not much, a small segment on the new barracks in town, preparations for Hearth's Warming and some listings for upcoming movies at the local theatre."

"What do they say about the barracks?" I look to her as I shovel a spoon full of fruit into my mouth.

"It just goes on about the number of guards now stationed in town, the facilities they think we have within the building and what they think our role is here. Apparently we have a secret research facility locked away in the basement along with a secret training facility."

Cocking a brow I swallow my food, "I suppose the research lab is true. Where the hell did they come up with a secret training facility?"

Janine shrugs as she passes the paper to me, "Probably just somebody making a guess after seeing us train out at Sweet Apple Acres. Not that it makes a difference anyways, nobody but us is going to get down to the basement to find out."

Taking the newspaper I start to flick through the pages, "You said something about upcoming movies?"

"I did, it should be on page twelve, why? Planning on catching a movie or something?"

Lifting my head I glance to her, "I may as well do, I don't think they'll be anywhere near as good as the ones I had back home but it's worth a shot," I could see what films are playing on Wednesday for when me and Luna spend the night together, I reckon she's be up for that. But what genre? I could go for a romantic comedy although I hate that shit, maybe just a comedy?

I look down the list of upcoming films which are showing on the Wednesday, most of them are in the afternoon but a couple start shortly after Luna said she'd come. I've got the choice of three films, either a romantic comedy, a thriller or a crime drama. I personally can't stand romantic comedies but they usually do well for dates, some comedic elements can get a chuckle from me and girls tend to enjoy the romance side of it. The thriller will surely provide more entertainment for us, but from experience a few thriller movies tend to be far fetched. I don't really care for crime dramas, you can usually tell who the criminal is early on so it takes the fun out of the film.

Thankfully all three start relatively close to one another so we can decide what to watch when she arrives. Lowering the paper I rest it on the table, "How good are films here?"

Janine looks to me with a confused expression, "What do you mean?"

"Is the video and audio quality good? Are the special effects a pile of shit or top notch? That kind of stuff."

"The audio is good, everything that is said in them can be heard clearly. I hope you enjoy black and white though since video recordings don't have any colour in them. As for special effects it depends on the film but generally they're bad. I saw a horror about a serial killer but when it came to him throwing his victim through a window it was clearly a mannequin. Why? Are yours any better?"

"By the sounds of it ours are a lot better, though I don't know how good the writing or directing is for your films. All of ours have perfect colour, video and audio quality. Special effects can involve computer generated images which allows you to insert almost anything into a film and make it look real, however sometimes the CGI can make a film really cringy . Some directors love it and some don't, there's one ass who is obsessed with slow motion, and explosions which just makes his films unbearable."

Finishing off her food Janine gets up from her seat, "Well they sound a fair bit better then ours. Are you going with anyone or just by yourself?"

Pausing I think through my next words in my head, I can't exactly say I'm going with someone otherwise she'd ask who, "I don't know yet, I'm just curious as to what type of films you guys have. I may go if something takes my fancy."

"Why are you calling them films? They're called movies."

I roll my eyes, "They're just called films where I'm from, they can be refereed to as movies but I call them films."

"Fair enough, I'll see you later, John. I've got to check over my rifle, I don't exactly want to go against the Children of the Motherland to find out it doesn't work."

I wave her off as she leaves the canteen to go about her day. As I finish off my breakfast my mind decides to regularly run off to try and think about my upcoming date, I have no idea how it will go and that worries me. Fucking pathetic... you happily joined the army and run into combat head first endangering your own life, but when it comes to going on a date you start to piss yourself? Grow a pair!

Snapping out of that train of thought I enjoy the last of my breakfast in silence as I idly browse the other segments in the newspaper. Once I'm finished I decide to disappear once again into my office for the day in order to get all of my paperwork complete, I've still got a fair bit to do but if I focus on it all day I should be able to get it all done either today or tomorrow giving me some free time.

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Wednesday 11th December

Changing into a fresh set of clothes I pocket my phone and some money as I inspect myself once again in the mirror, I've gone for a basic pair of jeans with a white buttoned shirt with the black shoes I wore to the Gala, following the first snowfall the previous day I purchased a number of winter clothes from Rarity including a long black coat which I have on in an attempt to keep me warm. Running a hand across my freshly shaven face I move away from the mirror and make my way out of the room.

Moving through the corridor I look to one of the clocks on the wall to find I have another ten minutes before I'm due to meet Luna by the courtyard, seeing as I have some time to kill I make my way upstairs to the common room where I find a number of guards along with some of my team enjoying a few drinks.

Making my way to the bar I grab a shot glass and select a bottle of gin from the selection in front of me and fill the glass. Securing the bottle cap I place the bottle back in its home as I keep hold of the shot glass.

"What are you doing?" Turning my head I find Silver Spark standing alongside me, "You're dressed up a little more than usual."

Looking over my shoulder I can see Chaser and Sunny also looking at me from an adjacent table, "I'm having a drink, is that a crime?"

"That doesn't explain why you're dressed up."

Looking to Silver I lean against the bar, "Am I not allowed to dress smart? Do you expect me to live in a uniform every day?"

"Since you've got that coat on I'd say you're about to go out," Chaser calls out. Pulling a sly grin he raises an eyebrow, "Has the Captain got a date?"

I'm silent for a second before I respond, "I'm heading out to see a film."

Sunny smirks alongside Chaser, "That delay means 'yes'."

"Shows what you know, I'm just gonna catch a film and relax after doing constant paperwork and training exercises. As entertaining as you all are I do need a break from you every now and then," Lifting the glass I drain the liquid before slamming it down on the bar. A little dutch courage to steady the nerves, "Now if you don't mind I need to get going otherwise I'll miss the start."

As I move to the stairs Chaser shouts after me, "Have fun on your date!"

Flipping him off I head down the stairs and leave the barracks, stepping into the cold winter air I immediately rub my hands together to try and keep them warm. Pocketing my hands I move around the building and reach the gate of the courtyard, peering through the gate I can see a black Unicorn mare with a pale blue mane looking around the courtyard. Who the hell is this? Slowly opening the gate I sneak in and try to move closer, however due to the snow my feet crunch against the surface alerting her to my presence. Since she knows I'm here I hold my ground, "Can I help you?"

She just looks to me for a moment before slowly stepping up to me. Stopping directly in front of me her teal eyes lock onto mine, "John, it's me," She say's in Luna's voice. How the hell did I forget she would be changing how she looked? Grinning she shakes her head, "You forgot about the spell, didn't you?"

"...No, of course not, I was just testing you."

With a confused expression she steps around me, "How is this testing me? Shouldn't I be testing you? Clearly you failed as you forgot about our previous discussion."

Joining alongside her we leave the courtyard, "Obviously not, otherwise I wouldn't have remembered that we were meeting today and the time we were doing so, not to mention the letter you sent telling me to meet you in the courtyard."

With a soft chuckle she glances to me, "I suppose that's true, congratulations you passed."

As we walk I have a quick look over her temporary form, her wings aren't visible on account of her spell, I'm guessing that since she's used to using her magic it makes sense for her to appear as a Unicorn so she could still use her magic without raising suspicion. Her cutie mark has also been altered, in it's place is a small star constellation alongside the moon keeping the theme of the night. Her usual flowing mane is now relaxed against her body, her pale blue mane reaches her shoulders and has been curled at the back as it rests against her neck. Her height has also been altered making her appear the same height as most the other mares I came across.

Luna's head turns to me, "John?"

I shake my head and smile sheepishly to her, "Sorry, I guess I must have zoned out."

She rolls her eyes, "Clearly you did. I asked what the plan was for tonight?"

"I figured we could go to the cinema, there's a few films playing shortly so I thought I'd let you chose. I haven't seen a film here so I'm curious to see what they're like."

With a soft smile Luna looks forward again, "That actually sounds pretty relaxing, after dealing with nobles all week it would be nice to simply relax and watch a movie. Why did you call it a film? Is it another one of your terms?"

I shrug, "Pretty much, get used to lot's of British phrases whilst I'm around. How did you manage to get out of the castle anyways? Did you need to give an excuse to Celestia?"

"Normally I wouldn't have to but after Nightmare Night she doesn't want me to leave the castle without an escort. She sent a small guard body with me but I told them to remain on the various roads around the barracks, I told them I would be discussing plans for Equestrian involvement in the Griffin Empire with your second in command so they wouldn't be suspicious if they saw you leave the barracks."

"I take it they don't know about this other form you can take."

She shakes her head, "Only Celestia and Cadence know that I can assume this form, it's allowed me to experience how Equestria has changed."

Moving around the corner on the street I see the cinema up ahead, "Have you seen any films?"

"Only the one, it was some sort of adventure movie but it was fairly enjoyable. It would be good to see some other movies."

"Hey I'm not complaining, the last one I watched before coming was quite shit since we had little choice on base," Opening the door to the cinema I keep it held open so Luna can enter before I follow her in. Moving into the small lobby there is a small board hanging on the wall displaying the films which will be on show over the next few hours, since the cinema is fairly small there are only four screening rooms along with the lobby and a refreshment stand, "So what do you feel like watching?"

Stepping closer to the board Luna looks over the three films which will be starting shortly, closely examining the posters she steps alongside them, "I honestly don't know, since I have only seen the one I'm open to view any type. How about this one?" Raising her hoof she points towards the one poster.

It shows a collection of six ponies all looking to each other with sly expressions from various windows of a house with the title 'That's love for you'. Looking back to Luna I can't help but smirk, "I never expected the Princess of the night to be into romantic comedies."

With a mild blush she pushes me back, "I heard this one is supposed to be pretty good."

"From who?"

"...Cadence," Luna smiles sheepishly.

I roll my eyes, "Of course candy mane would be into these sorts of films."

When we step up to the counter the member of staff looks up to me and smiles, "Hello, can I help you?"

"Yes can we have two tickets to see... 'That's love for you'," Taking out some money I place it on the counter, "Can we also have a large bag of popcorn and two drinks."

With a grin the attendant provides two ticket stubs and provides our drinks and popcorn, "Enjoy yourselves," She says with a slight suggestive tone.

Taking our popcorn and drink, Luna takes hold of the tickets with a slight annoyed expression, I'm guessing she isn't too fond of people making assumptions about us. As we enter into the screening room I find several rows of curved steps with cushions spaced out to act as seating, a number of seats have already been taken by others who are here to see the film. Wanting to have a bit more privacy, not to mention the fact that I want to have a back rest I move straight to the back row and wait for Luna to join me.

Once she takes a seat I sit down on my cushion and rest my back against the wall as I rest our drinks and food between us. With a slight grin she looks to me, "You know, most ponies who seek courtship with a Princess would take them out for a fancy meal or to a formal function, not a theatre."

Realising that the seats are spaced fairly far away I shuffle my cushion closer to her, "Well I seem to recall that you liked the fact that I treated you like anyone else and not a Princess."

"You may be paraphrasing a bit, however you are correct."

The lights in the rooms soon die down as the projector switches on from a small window overhead as it projects the image onto the screen. Must like the cinema back home a number of adverts begin to play advertising numerous holiday destinations throughout Equestria and other films which are currently available in cinemas, it turns out they also have their own version on Las Vegas, I always wanted to go there so it puts a tempting thought in my head. Once the adverts come to an end the film begins to roll.

The film begins with a mare moving to an apartment complex in Manehattan living alongside various other characters. On the weeks leading up to Hearth's Warming Eve the story delves into the relationships of everyone within the apartments as they inevitably fall for one another, they often end up in embarrassing situations in their pursuit for romance. To be fair it isn't all bad, the romance sections are as sappy as any romantic comedy back home but I'm able to get a few laughs from the comedy aspects.

Glancing to Luna she seems to be enjoying it as well, It's a bit strange seeing her in this form but I suppose it is for the best. As the film progresses she seems to relax a lot more, leaning towards me she lies down and rests her hoof over my leg as she watches. When I look to her I can't help but grin, moving my arm I rest it along her back and slowly start to run my fingers through her soft coat.

With the film coming to an end the lights in the room turn back on illuminating the way to the exit. As everyone leaves the room myself and Luna stay seated as the credits roll, I was quite surprised by the sound quality however the video was quite poor making it look like a film from the 1950's, "It wasn't that bad, I've seen much worse back home."

Stretching her forelegs Luna looks back up to me, "I though it was quite good, I can certainly see why they've become popular."

Getting up from our seats we start to head down the steps as I stretch my arms, "Fancy heading to the pub?"

Luna smirks as she joins alongside me, "Well seeing as you are a 'casual alcoholic' I suppose we should have at least one drink."

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Leaning back in my chair I lay my fourth tankard of ale down on the table, "So what's the most fucked up dream you've been into?"

Luna shakes her head as she raises her own tankard, "I've seen many dreams which the individual clearly never intended for anypony to see, it's difficult to say."

I tap the table with my hand, "Come on... You've got to tell me at least one."

Taking a sip of her drink Luna give a small smirk, "Well let me put it this way, what do you normally dream of?"

"You've seen my dreams when I first came here, I seem to regularly have nightmares of the war back home."

Luna's head lowers slightly, "You've certainly been through a lot, more that anypony here has experienced. But I meant other then that, what other dreams have you had?"

I shrug, "The usual ones that anybody else has I guess, happy things, memories of friends and families."

"Not sexual ones?"

I'm initially taken aback as Luna looks to me, "Not that I can remember, no. Is that what you've seen? You've seen dreams of people living sexual fantasies?"

With a small shudder she nods, "Let's just say some ponies have very... active imaginations."

I let out a laugh, "No fucking way! You've got to tell me some!"

Luna glances around at the patrons who look to us following my little outburst, once they've lost attention she leans closer to me, "I've seen ponies engaging in fantasies involving large groups, domination, whipping... unfortunately even some who has sexual feeling towards myself and my sister."

I try to contain a laugh as Luna glares at me, keeping some control I cleat my throat, "You've seen people fantasising about having sex with you? That must have been weird."

"That's putting it mildly, let's just say that they seem to think I have certain tastes."

"If anything you're a voyeur."

Luna blushes as she looks to me, "I am not!"

I smirk, "You're watching them dream about banging you and others, that screams voyeurism to me."

"You know nothing about what interests me," Luna lifts her mug to hide her face.

I just look to her momentarily, "So it seems. Let's move on from this conversation, got any plans for New Years?"

Luna looks to me confused, "New Years? What are you referring to?"

Now it's my turn to look to her with confusion and shock, "You're taking the piss, right? Surely you celebrate New Years Eve."

"I've heard that Griffins use it as an excuse to stay up all night drinking. New Years Eve isn't celebrated here in Equestria."

"Well that's gonna change from now on," Draining the last of my drink I slam the tankard down, "You wanted to learn more about human culture and traditions, well then you'll need to experience New Years Eve."

Luna joins me in finishing her drink, "You want us to spend the entire night drinking and getting drunk together?" I nod causing a small grin, "Tempting, I shall have to see about having you arrange that."

Leaning closer I push my tankard slightly across the table, "That will be our opportunity to get Celestia drunk."

Luna chuckles softly, "I'm sold, you are now required to hold this event here in Ponyville for us all to experience."

"Deal, it will be a good way to celebrate before we leave for the Griffin Empire, a night of nothing but drinking and making an ass of myself."

"Oh, you don't need any help with that."

Chuckling I get up from my seat, "Cheeky, fancy one more drink before we head off?""

Luna glances to the clock before slowly shaking her head, "I should probably return to my guards before they get suspicious, they're probably wondering what's taking me so long."

"Fair enough," I hold out my hand to her which she happily takes, helping her out of the seat she releases my hand as we walk towards the door, "It's probably for the best, we can't get drunk every single time we meet."

As I go to open the door it's instead opened it a magical field, as I stop on the spot both Sunny and Chaser walk in and halt in front of me. Looking from me to Luna, Chaser can't help but pull a mischievous grin, "John, what a surprise to see you here. Who's your companion?"

I look back to Luna for help, thankfully she gets the hint and steps alongside me, "I'm Moon Glow. John was assisting me with a dissertation I am conducting on his species."

Chaser and Sunny both glance to each other before looking back to her, "You sound familiar. Have we met before?"

Luna laughs nervously, "I get that a lot, I guess I just have that kind of voice."

Luna steps past us and leaves the tavern. With a smirk Chaser steps up to me, "Hope we didn't interrupt anything."

I fold my arms, "You heard her, I'm helping her with a dissertation."

"I bet that's not all you're helping her with," He wiggles his eyebrows as Sunny rolls her eyes.

"You're just jealous," I step between them and leave the tavern, looking around the snow covered streets I find Luna as she moves around a corner. Running through the snow I try to catch up to her as she continue to walk back towards the barracks. As I pass a bench I get an idea, scooping up the snow in my hand I compress it into a ball and take aim before throwing it.

Impacting the back of her head she quickly turns around as I continue walking to her as I whistle nonchalantly. Her scowl quickly changes to a smile as I watch her horn illuminate, I wait for the inevitable but it never comes. Suddenly a shadow falls over me from above, tilting my head up I find a large blob of snow hovering overhead. Once she releases it I have no time to react as the cold substance envelopes me reaching down my shirt sending a cold shiver down my spin. As I hop around like an idiot trying to shake it all off Luna laughs in amusement, "I think I won that."

Shaking some snow from my hair I step towards her, "No fair, you cheated."

Shrugging she turns to continue walking, "There's no rules in warfare, John."

"No rules, eh?" Smirking I sprint towards her from behind. She hardly has enough time to face me before I wrap my hands under her body and hoist her up and over my shoulder.

"John!" Luna shouts out before breaking out into a laugh as I start to tickle her chest, "Stop that!"

I ignore her request as I continue prodding and ticking her as she tries to wriggle free, "No rules in warfare, I have an advantage and I'm seizing it."

Kicking and squealing Luna's horn lights up propelling numerous snow balls at my back and chest. Trying to shield myself I move her body in front of mine making the snowballs impact with her as I continue to get bombarded from the rear. Luna's magic fades as she pushes at my chest, looking to me she occasionally chuckles, "You used me as a shield?"

Smirking I lower her to the floor, "You're a pretty good shield."

Stepping back an evil grin appears on her face as her horn once again glows, "Now you're unprotected," Turning around I'm immediately met with a large clump of snow as it impacts my chest knocking me back onto the floor. Remaining on the cold floor Luna steps over me with a triumphant smirk, "Give up?"

I lift my head slightly to her as she lowers her body slightly, "Brits never surrender!" Wrapping my arms around her body I roll to the side bringing her down into the snow with me as she lets out a scream. With her on the floor I use my one hand to shovel snow onto her exposed chest as she tries flailing her legs.

"Stop it... I surrender!" She manages to force the words out as she giggles.

Keeping my body over hers I look down at her and grin. She slowly raises her forelegs and wraps them around my back as we look to one another, "So... was this a good first date?"

Luna lifts her head and lightly kisses me on the lips before pulling back, "It's certainly a good effort."

Pushing forwards I place another quick kiss on her lips, "I doubt you would have done anything like this with a snobby noble."

Luna shrugs, "I suppose that's true," Her hooves lightly trace over my back as we look to one another. Tilting her head to the side she lets out a sigh, "I should be going now, I shouldn't keep my guards waiting."

Getting up from the floor I help her off the snow, "I guess you're right. Goodnight, Luna."

As her horn glows she leans forwards and places a kiss on my cheek before another clump of snow hits the back of my head, "Night, John," With a bright flash she disappears from her position, pivoting on the spot I try to look around for her but find nobody in view. Placing my hands in my pockets I start to slowly trudge through the snow back towards the barracks.

As I walk I think over the night and how it went. I don't think it went too bad, It certainly could have gone so much worse. She may be a Princess and everybody treats her like one but she seems to appreciate the fact that I don't change how I act around her based on her official title. Stepping up to the barracks the door opens as Luna steps out in her normal form alongside one of her Thestral guards, "Good evening, John. Have you been playing in the snow?"

Grinning I brush some snow off my jacket as I look to her, "It certainly looks that way."

Stepping past me she gives a smile, "I'd love to stay and chat but I'm afraid I must be off, farewell."

I look to her as she steps away and another guard surfaces from an alley way to join her, "Farewell."

That was an interesting first date, that probably went better than my first date with Jess.