Starstep laid next to Princess Luna's bed. Her hoof softly trailing through his mane as she nibbled on a black-raspberry muffin. For the last three evenings at dusk he had visited her chambers, bringing a fresh muffin and sweet apple cider. A breakfast in bed for his Princess, though it was the wrong time of day she seemed appreciative and rewarded him with gentle caresses and occasional kisses on the nose. Their duties kept them apart while he had shifts. His work hours devoured the time she was most active. So he made what little gestures he could to the mare of his dreams. A visit in the morning with a snack and a drink, and hot mint tea straight from the kitchens to help her sleep through the day.

He was thankful for how receptive she was being to his visiting her private quarters. If the other guards thought it amiss, they spoke not a word. He was even more thankful she had kept her pranks to a minimum. She had dyed his hair yellow yesterday for kissing her hoof without permission. Thankfully, it washed away. She'd also put a pink bow in his tail for a slip of the tongue, when he called her Luna, twice. Forcing him to swear to leave it in during a shift. Lighthoof had found it incredibly funny.

Her little punishments reminded him that she was still his Princess and she refused to allow him to become too bold. Though she would often humor his requests of kisses on her hoof or brushing her mane. But, when he asked to kiss her directly, she would always refuse. Yet before she had gone to bed yesterday morning, she graced him with a gentle kiss on the lips. Leaving him shivering in the hall.

“Princess?” He opened his drowsy eyes, fighting off sleep from her gentle mane-petting. She gobbled the last of her muffin and glanced down at him.

“Yes, my dear guardian?”

“I don't have duty tomorrow evening. I'd like to take you on a date.” He smiled and looked up at her hopefully.

She tilted her head, her teal eyes cool and considering, “May I ask, to where we would go? One must dress appropriately.”

“It's a surprise, but your normal regalia should be just fine, Princess.”

She narrowed her eyes with a mischievous smile, “Oh-ho! A surprise. I dost like surprises! I would only ask that thy plan not involve anything unbecoming. I am learning much of this new age, but...there art some things I still have difficulty understanding.”

“Such as?” The pegasus asked, genuinely curious.

“Oh, mimes, amusement parks and accordions.”

Star blinked, “I'll uh...keep that in mind.” He smirked, “But no, I assure you, you'll love this.”

The blue alicorn nodded with a smile, “Very well. I dost trust thy judgment.”

The rest of their scant time together passed quickly and his Princess caressed his ear affectionately before nudging him towards the door. “I dost look forward to our date, dear Starstep. Tis been an age since I hath partaken in such. I am most curious of modern courtship practices.”

He smiled over his shoulder at her, “Don't worry, Princess. It'll be fun.” He slipped out of her massive chamber doors, nodding a greeting to the current guards and went on his way to begin his final shift for the week.

________________________________________________________________

“Are you sure this is a good idea, dude?” Lighthoof glanced at his friend as they walked the halls of Canterlot. Sherry and Peach Blossom were on each side of the colt. Sherry between Light and Star. “I mean, it's your first real date with the Princess, and you want us along?”

Star nodded and returned a shy smile that Peach gave him across her lover's back. “Yeah, we haven't gotten a chance to hang out in a while. It's our first night off since Night-Guard duty started. Besides, the Princess is so new to court...er...modern dating, I thought a group outing would help her feel more comfortable.”

Sherry giggled softly and bumped her flank against Stars, “Well darling. I say it's mighty sweet of yah. Yah always try tah put 'er feelings first.” She leaned her neck over to give Lighthoof's neck a nuzzle, “Like ah certain colt I know.”

Lighthoof gave a soft chuckle, spreading his wings to drape over his two mare-friends. He nuzzled Sherry then Peach, “You both know I love you, right fillies?” They shared a giggled and returned his affections.

The blue-grey colt smirked, “So glad I'm not flying solo tonight. You three would drown me in the sweetness.” The friends shared a playful laugh as they approached the massive blue doors of the Princess of the Night. The two guards on shift eyed them curiously then nodded when Star stepped forward to present his blue-alicorn feather. He rapped on the door and cracked it so he could listen. “Princess Luna, are you ready to go? The moon is up and the night is young.”

The door swung open fully and the leggy blue alicorn stepped out. Her regal posture and grace were in full effect and the two mares bowed deeply, as her two off-duty guards dipped their heads in respect. “Thou art quite the flatterer this eve, dear Starstep.” She smiled down at him, eyes twinkling with merriment. “I must confess, I feel quite giddy. Tis been too long.” She eyed Lighthoof and his two fillies curiously, “Pray-tell, art thy friends here to see us off? Tis a new custom of which I am unaware?”

Lighthoof pulled his mares to his sides with his wings, giving each a comforting nuzzle. They seemed slightly awed in the presence of the powerful alicorn. Star stepped forward and nuzzled slightly at Luna's neck in greeting, “Neigh, my Princess. They are joining us on our outing. I thought a group date would help you learn more about modern customs and help you to feel more at ease.”

She tilted her head, a slight smile playing at her lips, “Indeed. Quite thoughtful.” She looked over the unicorn and earth-mare. “It appears we shalt not be flying this eve. If thou wilst give me a destination, I can teleport us at once.”

Star blinked, he wasn't expecting that, “Oh uh...well...I thought we could walk, plus, I have a favor to ask.”

The Princess raised an eyebrow, a quizzical smile. “Indeed, very well. Let us proceed. Tia hath agreed to allow me to extend the night by an hour or so if I so wish. But it dost not make the night last forever.” She used a wing to scoot Star into motion and fell into step at his side. The other ponies scrambled to catch up. The two mares walking slightly behind the Princess, Light and Star flanking the blue alicorn.

The group made their way through the halls of the castle. The two colts retelling of their evening patrols the last week. Luna nodded thoughtfully to their recanting, and praised them for quick action in dealing with the enforcer. She made special note to acknowledge Light's tactical prowess in their patrol method, though he shyly looked away and denied it was significant.

After leaving the main gates behind, Star stopped, halting the group as he turned to the Princess. “Luna, about the favor.” He smiled, “Can you disguise yourself as a normal pony for a while?”

The larger pony frowned slightly, “For what purpose dost thou ask this?”

“It's part of the surprise. You know how ponies act around you. You're their Princess. I'd like to show you what an evening in their horseshoes can be like. Not for the whole night, just for a while.” He smiled reassuringly at the blue alicorn.

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, yet a slight smirk lingered on her lips, “Very well. If I was not so intrigued, I would deny such a request.” Her horn glowed, the blue field of magic grew and enveloped her body, then a blinding flash of blue-white light and the alicorn was gone. In her place, was a leggy dark purple unicorn with a full moon symbol on her flank. “Is this sufficient?”

Star smiled and nodded quickly, “Wonderful, Princess. Though I already miss your beautiful wings.”

The mare blushed every so slightly and giggled, “Indeed, so I hath noticed thy lingering gaze. Worry not, dear. I choose a unicorn's form so as not to arouse suspicions if the need for magic arises. As it stands, simply call me Moon, until the ruse is complete.”

Her date grinned up at her, “Alright Princes-er-Moon. Let's get trotting.”

The five wandered through the quiet streets of Upper Canterlot, nodding to the occasional guards they passed on their way down to Old Canterlot. As they closed in on the club district, the crowds grew larger and the various night-life types were out in force. They passed groups of ponies, gambling under bright lanterns, street performers with instruments or various feats and even a few pleasure ponies. Luna seemed not at all phased by it. When asked if it offended her, she laughed merrily.

“Neigh, despite the passing of time, some things, dost never change. While the outfits shift, and the games and music changes, the street-life is an ever present creature within the city. Even in the first Royal City.” She did ask to pause at a mint green unicorn who played a lyre most beautifully. She gifted the mare a full gold bit, which lit up the mare's eyes in delight.

At last the group arrived at the heart of the club-district. Luna's ears wilted back at the intense bass driving from a nearby building. “Art they practicing war within? I've not heard such thunder since the charge of Briar-Run.”

Star laughed and nudged her playfully in the side, “Oh no, Pri-Moon. A lot of modern music uses heavy volumes. Enough to shake your bones.”

She grimaced, “What ever for?”

“...I...honestly, I don't have an answer for that. You might want to put a spell on your ears to muffle it some. Till you get used to it.” He cantered down the lane, his friends in tow. Luna taking up the end of the group with some hesitation.

At the door to a building, with a bright neon-sign declaring itself the 'Iron-Mare', the Princess found Star whispering into a large earth-stallion's ear. He looked vaguely familiar, but then, with her lifespan, many ponies did. She did note he had the body type of a pony from Trottingham, with white and brown spots, then she gasped and placed a hoof over her mouth to stifle an excited giggle. The two ponies at the door glanced her way, a broad grin on the bouncer's face. He lept over, as playful as a young foal, surpsing the purple unicorn with a tight hug.

He reluctantly, he released her to beaming a smile, “Star said you were undercover tonight, so I wont spoil it. Just so you know, you're still my favorite.”

Luna giggled and reached out to give her own hug to the large stallion, “Oh, Pip, quite a delight.” She looked him over and smirked, “I see thy rump is still whole and ungobbled?”

“Only when Dinky is too tired.” He winked and held the door open for the group, the blasting music of hard-rock roaring out. “Please, enjoy yourselves.” The friends passed through, thanking Pip for his courtesy, trying to ignore the angry glares from the large line of ponies still waiting to get in.

Luna was thankful she'd used a muffle spell. The very ground seemed to shake, she could feel the vibrations in her body. Though, it did leave a rather...interesting feeling in her horn. Slightly pleasurable, quite peculiar. The club was dark, lit with neon strips and moving dance-lights. She followed close on StarStep's heels, doing her best to take in all the sights while keeping her footing along the slightly sloping ramp. She bumped into the pegasus' rump when he stopped at the bottom, apologizing as best she could over the roaring music.

Star leaned close to her ear, shouting over the tunes, “Take a good look around, what do you see?” He nodded to Light as his buddy and his mares passed by to find a little spot in the dancing crowd of ponies.

Luna flicked her eyes from one side of the club to the other. The neon bar, the rather dexterous bar-tending unicorn, the raging four-peice band rocking on the stage, the crowd of ponies, bouncing, swaying and shifting. It all seemed like such chaos. She was certain Discord would enjoy such a place. She leaned her muzzle down to Star's ear, “I am afraid, I dost not see what thou wishes mine eyes to see.”

He chuckled, though she could not hear it. He slid up beside her and nuzzled at her cheek before shouting in her ear, “What do you notice about the ponies here?”

The Princess hesitated, then returned his nuzzle lightly. She was still quite unused to public displays, but being in disguise did alleviate some of her reservations. So she took a slower look around, focusing on individual ponies across the room.

Even as she worked, the bar-tending mare was smiling, pleasantly serving her patrons. Though some of those hunched over their drinks seemed out of sorts, the majority chatted with those next to them, or in small groups at tables nearby. The band, though their song was of anger and wild passions, and their expressions intense, gave off an aura of sheer joy at having the crowd respond to their craft. She studied the ever shifting, ever moving dancers filling the floor under the moving lights and steady neon-glow of floor-runners. Smiles, joy, laughter, pleasurable exhaustion. Even a couple of colts, slow dancing together, oblivious to the sea of writhing bodies. She took special note of Lighthoof and his two mares. Sherry was wiggling her rump in Light's face, laughing as Peach danced around him, distracting him with nips to his flanks and neck.

Luna found herself grinning ear to ear. The pure joy of the moment was overwhelming. She was shaken from her moment as Star unfurled a wing to drape across her back. He nuzzled into her cheek and shouted in her ear, “Follow me.” He slipped from her side and into the crowd. Curious, she followed, losing sight of him a few times, despite her leggy form. The ponies around her danced, and occasionally bumped into her. Beaming smiled at the purple unicorn. One colt asked her to dance, but she politely shook her head and wove her way across the floor. Her hooves felt light, she was high-stepping across the dance-floor to the beat. She couldn't help it. Even her rump betrayed her, swaying ever so slightly in time to the deep bass. At last, she arrived at the other side, joining Star. The blue-grey colt was talking to a security pony standing guard at the stairs to the stage. He gestured to Luna as he talked into the colt's ear. There was a reply and the colt nodded.

Luna grinned at Star and laughed delightfully, dancing about on her hooves, “Tis splendid! So exciting!”

Star returned her grin, playfully bumping his flank to hers as the song came to a close. The ponies in the club cheered loudly as the band paused to check a set-list. The security pony wandered onto the stage, whispering into the lead-singer's ear. The pegasus mare nodded, giving a wink and gestured across the stage to Star.

“Stay here for a sec, Moon.” He bound up onto the stage, and over to the mic the other pegasus offered, “Hey everypony! Band's just taking a quick five. So before they launch into another kick-flank song, I wanna ask y'all something.” All eyes were on him, somewhere in the audience a pony shouted 'Free-Pegasus'. Always one in every crowd. “How many ponies here, love Princess Luna's night?” There was a loud cheer. “Oh come on. I know you love it more than that. Most of you practically live from dusk till dawn. Now, I'm gonna ask again. How many of you think Princess Luna is the best?” The cheer was much louder, a dull roar. “Oh yeah? How many of you would love to dance next to her, and thank her our kick-flank night-life?” The cheer was a much louder roar. Even the band gave a loud shout.

The pegasus grinned, gesturing with one hoof to the purple unicorn at the edge of the stage. “Well, here's your bucking chance.” Confused, Luna stepped up onto the stage and joined Star, looking out at the puzzled audience. He leaned up to whisper in her ear, “Drop the disguise.”

The Princess blinked, this was all very strange, but, she trusted Star, and was curious at his intentions. So she let the magic fade, and after a brilliant blue-white flash, stood before the stunned crowd in all her regal glory.

There was a hush, the crowd was bewildered, eyes bulging on many faces. “Well ponies, are you going to tell her how bucking much you love her and her night, or what?” Star grinned at the crowd.

Somewhere, Lighthoof and the two fillies gave a roaring shout, it startled the crowd into echoing the noise. Soon the room was trembling with the stomping of hooves, shouts and cheers for the Princess. Even the band was hoof-slamming the stage with as much passion as they were playing moments before. Not a pony in the club was silent, every eye on the blue-alicorn of the night, every muzzle open in shouts of acknowledgement or roars of delight.

For the first time, in many an age, the Princess of the Night, felt tears of joy trickle down her cheeks. She wept openly, unashamed as she humbly accepted their praise and adoration. They were her subjects, her reason for being. And they were all so beautiful to her.

At last, she raised a hoof, the crowd slowed it's roar to hear her speak. Choking back a sob that snuck up on her, she beamed a smile out at them, “It dost warms mine heart, to see thou embracing the evenings through song and dance and love. And so, I shalt join thee in merriment, and we shalt dance under the stars together!” The crowd cheered, then gasped as she used her magic to cause the roof to become transparent. Her shimmering moon hung high overhead, the faint twinkle of stars just pin-pricks against the lights of the stage. They roared again as she bowed her head to them and retreated to the stairs of the stage, Star at her side.

The band broke out into an upbeat, passionate song, giving it all they had as the crowded danced with abandonment under the crystal roof. True to her word, the Princess walked to the middle of the dance-crowd, the ponies parting way and giving her a slight respectable space around her as she began to dance about, waving her rump and fluttering wings in her best mimic of the other dancers around her. Star laughed as he danced at her side, careful to not interrupt any pony who was brave enough to dance closer to their Princess. His heart filled with joy, to see her eyes so full of laughter and delight. Gone was that hint of sorrow, hidden in their depths. For now, she knew happiness, reveling in the adoration and love of her subjects.

Three songs later, to the disappointment of the crowd, Luna bowed herself out of the dancers to seek a rest. She leaned against Star, giggling lightly as the band started another upbeat groove. He added in directing her towards the bar, two of the mares kindly offered their seats to the pair. Princess Luna fought the urge to pant, it would be most unladylike like. She'd not exerted herself in such a manner in ages.

Dinky trotted up to the pair as she finished an order and beamed a smile, “Hey, Star. Evening Princess Luna. I'm so glad you joined us tonight. By the way, the see-through roof is a nice touch.” She laughed. “What can I get for you two?”

Luna glanced at Star, allowing the colt to lead. “Hmm...Rum and Coke for me please.”

“I must confess, I am new to many of thy refreshments. I often indulged in mead. If that is not available, I shalt have the same.” Luna gave the unicorn mare a smile as she set a gold bit on the counter. Dinky at first refused, but a glare from the Princess and a stubborn push of the coin towards her ended the argument. The unicorn quickly mixed up the drinks, setting them before the couple with a smile.

“Enjoy you two. Let me know if you need refills.” She nodded to Star before attending the other bar-patrons.

Luna lifted her glass with her magic, sipping curiously, “Tis not a bad flavor. Sweet, with a slight burn. Tis not mead, but tasty all the same.”

Her colt-friend chuckled and sipped his own in reply. They finished their drinks and ordered a second. Enjoying each others quiet company as the crowds and band continued to rage. As the couple finished the beverages the lead-singer announced a ballad, to let ponies cool-off.

Star slipped from his stool and wing-bowed to the alicorn, “Princess Luna, would you do me the honor of this dance?”

Slightly giddy from the joy and drink, she hopped off her own stool and nosed at his ear, “Why, Star, I would be most delighted.” The colt led her to a spot off the side as the band began a slow ballad song. Many of the other ponies had coupled up to nuzzle close and dance, swaying softly. The loaners retreated to the bars to seek refreshments.

Star smiled at Luna and glanced at the various forms of slow dancing. “And preferences, Dear Luna?”

The alicorn looked at him through narrowed eyes and a mischievous smirk, “Dear Luna? My, my, thou art becoming quite bold.” She nuzzled at his cheek with a giggle, “Thou art lucky that I approve of such this evening. Take the lead, I shalt follow.”

Star stepped closer, resting his chest to hers, his neck curling around so his chin rested at the back of her neck.. She mimicked as best she could, being a slightly larger pony. Necks entwined as they were, the two rocked slowly back and forth in time to the music, feeling each others breath wash across their wing-bases. Star closed his eyes, enjoying her closeness for the length of the song. Yet, soon it was over, and reluctantly he pulled back from her soft blue coat.

The Princess looked away, her cheeks flushed. He'd never seen her act so shyly, it was rather endearing. Hesitantly, she leaned her head out, her nose rubbing against his, sending shivers down his spine. Then she tilted her head, her lips firmly locking with his. Not a gentle peck on the lips as it was before, but full of affection and warmth. There was no tongue, and Star refused his instincts to press her further. The kiss ended, and the world came back into focus. The band was once again roaring and nearby ponies cheered at the the pegasus and alicorn. He blushed hotly at the attention and stepped forward to bury his head against her soft blue neck. He could feel the vibrations at her giggle.

“I believe, tis time to depart. The moon will soon set, despite my desires. Come, let us gather thy friends and retire.” She said into his ear. With a nod of agreement, he sought out Lighthoof and his mares. They were cuddled up on a couch, sipping the last of their drinks when the Star pulled them away. Together, full of warm drinks and merriment, the group staggered their way up to the castle. Thankfully, Luna was still steady in her footing, offering a solid body to lean against to prevent stumbling.

As they approached the castle gates, Star's ear perked to an odd sound. Flapping wings he thought, but heavier than normal. Then there was a yelling, growing louder as the source approached at high-speed.

“SssssssssttttttttAAAAAARRRRRR!” BLAM, Star went tumbling as an orange mass grappled him as it dived, sending him tail over hooves. He blinked up at Scootaloo's grinning face, “HAH, I knew it was you!”

“Scoots!” He laughed and hugged her tight.

“Am I to assume, this is thy other young lover, Miss Scootaloo?” Luna stepped near, looking down at the two pegasi with an amused smile.

The orange mare eeped and fell over in her scramble to bow before the alicorn, “OH, I'm sorry Princess, I didn't see you!”

“Tis quite alright, dear.” She looked from Star to Scoot. Star could feel his gut clench as he recognized the sly smile the Princess was wearing. “Scootaloo, didst thou know, thy friend is now courting me?”

The pegasus blinked, looking at her with wide eyes then down at her friend, still recovering from the assault. She noticed the blue feather on the necklace and gasped, “Oh! Star, wow!” She hugged him tight, “Congrats!”

The Princess glanced over her shoulder to Lighthoof and his fillies. “Run along Lighthoof, enjoy the rest of thy time off. I thank thee for the pleasant company.”

Light smiled and nodded. His eyes flicked from her to Star. He shot his guard-buddy a concerned expression before leading his tired mare-friends into the gates.

“Now.” The Princess began, her eyes narrowing, her smile broadening, “Tell me, Scootaloo. Wouldst thou relinquish thy claim on StarStep?”

The orange pegasus blinked in confusion, cuddling closer to her friend, “No, why should I? I know he belongs to you...but...I still love him too.”

“I see...then we must talk. Mare to mare.” She tightened her lips and gestured to the filly to follow her. “Come, Scootaloo, we must have words. Good night, dear Star. Thank you for the splendid evening.”

Confused, Scootaloo looked to Star for help. The colt sighed and hugged her tight, “Go with the Princess. I have the next few days off, I'm sure we'll get to talk soon.” She nodded, and warily followed after the alicorn.

“StarStep.” The Princess called over her shoulder before they had gone far.

“Yes, Princess?”

“Arrive at the garden knoll at dusk. We shalt have words then.” She laughed, a terrible, mischievous laugh. And Star could only wonder what he was in for.