Starstep yawned, freezing in mid-stretch at the feeling of something stroking his chest and warmth cuddled up to his side. The fog of sleep dissipated and he cracked open an eye to find Scootaloo snuggled up against his body. She had her head tucked against his neck, one of her hooves was softly trailing through his chest fur. He smiled, reaching up to caress her cheek. “Morning Scoots.”

The filly remained quiet, continuing to run her hoof through his coat. There was some sort of tension in the air, a twinge of nervousness rooted in his belly. “Scoot?”

“Luna...” She whispered bitterly, nothing but her hoof had yet moved.

“I'm sorry, what?” He reached out to tilt her chin up so he could look at her. She had small tear streaks running down her cheeks from corners of her eyes, “Scoots, what's wrong?”

She bit back a sob and shook her head. She clenched her eyes tight as she took deep breaths. There was more calm in her voice as she met his eyes again, “Luna....you...called out her name last night.”

Starstep tilted his head in confusion, “What, when? I don't...” He was cut off as she put a hoof on his lips.

“When you came, you cried out her name. It's okay though Star. I understand.” She took a deep breath and nuzzled back into his neck, “I'm glad we did this, no regrets. I just hope I taught you something.” There was a long pause as Star came to grips with his slip-up. He didn't remember doing such a thing. Why hadn't she said anything at the time?

“Scoots, I'm so sorry if I did. You know I care about you.” She choked out a laugh and nodded, ruffling her cheek against his neck.

“I know you do.” She lifted her front to look down at him, "Maybe one day you'd love me like you love the Princess.”

“But Scoots, I do love you!” The colt protested before she planted a gentle kiss on his lips.

“You do, but as a friend.” She smiled down knowingly at the trapped pegasus. He looked away, unable to meet her gaze. A sinking feeling in his gut told him she was right. “Star, I'm not trying to pull you away from your dream. This was just a bit of fun. Maybe next time I'm in town, we can romp a bit. I told you before, I respect your dedication to this dream of yours.” She shrugged and sighed, “I guess some part of me wishes you would learn to love more than one mare. But, no matter what, I'll be your friend forever."

Star nodded, willing himself to meet her gaze and return her soft smile. “Yeah. I'm holding you to that.” The filly laughed and cuddled up to him. He gave a soft sigh and hugged her tight, “Are you sure this is okay?”

She nodded, “I have no regrets, Star. I loved every minute of the time we spent and I hope you learned a thing or two." When he gave a nod she smirked. "I look forward to spending time again. Okay?” She leaned up to kiss him lightly.

“Scootaloo, you are the most bucking awesome pegasus I've ever know. Thank you for this.” he grinned at her bright laughter.

“You're bucking right I am, and don't you forget it.”
__________________________________________________________________

The rest of the morning was fairly uneventful. They shared a playful shower, cleaning each other up and taking time to tidy up the room. Starstep put on his uniform for a short bit and explained the magic behind it. Scootaloo eyed him slyly and made him swear he'd wear it next time they rutted. Despite the earlier tension, it seemed the two were still fast friends. Starstep was incredibly grateful, treating his friend to a quick breakfast at Cloud Nine. After breakfast was over, she kissed him on the lips, whispered that she loved him, and promised to seek him out next time she was in town. Then, just like that, she took off on her broad orange wings, leaving him to return to his life as a guard.

As he approached the main gates, one of the guards held up a hoof, “Hey Star, bit of hop in your step this morning. Anything to do with that cute pegasus filly?” The other guard chuckled and they both shared a grin.

Star smirked even as he felt his cheeks redden, “Why fellas, is that jealousy I hear? Now if you'll excuse me gentlecolts, I have bedsheets to have washed.”

The two guards' jaws dropped and exchanged glances. They knew Starstep's usual demeanor, so his quip caught them flat-hoofed. “Hey-hey, Star. She musta really done a number on you. Good for you! We were getting a might worried.” They nodded to him as he trotted through the archway.

At the back of his mind, he realized that was not something he normally would have said out-loud. In fact, he felt light, as though a burden had vanished from his shoulders. The morning seemed brighter, his steps more firm. Even though he felt slightly tired, it was a fulfilling ache. He gave a soft chuckle as he wandered down the halls, making a mental note to thank Scootaloo next time she visited.

He came to a halt in front of Lighthoof's door. There was a blue sock over the handle. He raised an eyebrow, noting it was a different color from the night before. Even though it was the universal 'do not disturb' sign, he was concerned about his buddy. He gave a soft shrug and rapped on the thick walnut door. Nothing. He knocked his hoof harder, then pressed his ear to the door. He could make out faint shuffling then jerked his head back as the door unlocked.

Lighthoof blinked away the brightness of the hallway, staring up at his friend in confusion before his sleep-addled brain managed to form simple thoughts, “Ugg...damn dude, not see the sock? What's up?” Starstep noticed his friend had a light bruise around one eye.

“Sorry Light, I was worried about you.” He grinned and tilted his head, “I see you're sporting a shiner. I'm guessing that's from Rowdy? I expected you to have broken limbs.” He laughed.

Lighthoof glared at the other pony for a moment. He glanced over his shoulder into the room then stepped out into the hallway, pulling the door ajar. “Actually, Sherry gave me this.” He smirked and rubbed the side of his face, “Rowdy and I had a bit of a sit down. He was furious, but I explained that I really liked her and would fight him over the right to date her. Well. Sherry's face went all red and she bucking clobbered me.”

Starstep raised an eyebrow, “What the tartarus happened?”

“Ah well, when I came to, she apologized and told me no one threatened her father. In the end, Rowdy said his piece, warned me not to break her heart and then Sherry and me... kinda made up.” He grinned and motioned his head towards the door.

The blue-grey colt grinned broadly, “Oh yeah? What's it like with a unicorn anyway?”

Lighthoof blinked, worked his jaw speechless for a few moments before tilting his head quizzically, “I... dude... are you drunk this early? I never thought I'd hear you ask a question like that.” He paused, narrowing his eyes at his friend, “Wait...it was that orange filly from yesterday, wasn't it?” Starstep blushed faintly and fluttered his wings, “OH DUDE, wow. Props, she was a looker!” He lifted a hoof and his friend hoof-bumped. “Anyhoof, I need to get back. See you on shift this afternoon.” With that, the light tan pegasus slipped back inside and closed the door. The sounds of a lock falling into place echoed in the hallway as Starstep trotted along humming merrily to himself.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon went quickly. He took time to wash his bedding, making a mental note of just how messy sex really was. Nothing at all like those articles in PlayColt. After a quick lunch, he polished up his armor, suited up and looked at himself in the mirror. He looked good, damn, he felt good. He had a proud strut as he made his way towards the gardens where his new assignment would take place. As he walked the halls, he caught glimpses of some of the mare maids and servants giving him the once over. Was it because he seemed more confident in himself, or had they always stared and he never took time to notice? With his armor on, he knew he looked like every other pegasus guard, but he couldn't help feeling the eyes on his flanks. While the thought reddened his cheeks a little, it made his wings flutter and chest puff out.

As he exited the main halls into the gardens, a soft voice interrupted his internal contemplations. “Starstep , how are you my dear?” he halted and spun his head to find Princess Celestia relaxing on a long stone bench. She smiled warmly at the pony as he turned and trotted over to give a quick bow.

“Princess. I'm doing well. Anything I can do for you?”

The white alicorn tilted her head, a curious expression flitted across her face before a grin broke across her muzzle, “Perhaps another time.” Her pastel mane flowed in the air around her head as she quietly regarded the pegasus, “You appear to have certain happiness about you this afternoon. Am I to assume your friend from Ponyville assisted in this more positive outlook?” The colt blushed and looked to the ground.

“Er um...Princess, I'm not sure it's proper...” His weak protest was dusted away by her merry laugh.

“Starstep, my dear. I am thousands of years old. It would be foalish to assume I am not aware of such things.” She beamed a smile, “Love comes in many forms and through many acts. It's okay to share such things.” She paused, “As long as you remember there's a time and a place.” She nodded before rising to her feet. She towered over the smaller pegasus, standing so close to her tall regal form caused Starstep to shiver slightly in awe. She leaned down to nuzzle softly at his cheek, “My little pony, it gladdens my heart when one can share a part of themselves with others. Never forget that feeling.” She nodded and wandered deeper into the gardens, leaving one very stunned pegasus.

An hour passed, the sun reached the start of it's twilight hours and Starstep took his place in front of a small fish pond. Just as he got into a comfortable stance, Lighthoof scrambled up, snapping to attention beside him. His friends chest heaved with his gasps. “Sorry Dude...buck, I couldn't get away.”

Starstep smirked at his friend, “Paybacks a bitch.”

“What do you mean?” Lighthoof was readjusting his helmet, and glanced at Star under the edge of the golden metal.

“You made Sherry late, I think this was her way of getting back.” The words struck home as Lighthoof grimaced

“Yeah...probably right. It was kinda my fault. So...Uh...how was it with, you know?”

Starstep raised an eyebrow at his friend and cleared his throat. “We're kinda on duty now.”

Lighthoof snapped the latch on his helmet back into place and settled at attention, “One, we're guarding a bucking fish pond. Two, we're not on the main pathways anymore. Three, she was cute, it was your first, so bucking spill it.”

Starstep gave a soft sigh, “One, these bucking fish are older than either of us combined. Two, we can still get occasional visitors, and three...lets just say those wings aren't just for show.” He blushed faintly, remembering the favor Scootaloo did for him. His buddy nodded, content with the reasoning.

“Alright...fair enough. How about after work. I'll explain how to make a unicorn mare putty in your hooves if you buy the rounds. Deal?” The two shared a grin and Starstep hoof-bumped with his friend, “Deal.”

A few hours past, the two guard ponies standing at their posts in front of the ornamental fish pond. It was no bigger around than small house, but with sparkling blue water near the top, which faded into an inky blackness at it's depths. Neither of them knew exactly how deep it was, only that it was forbidden to touch it. Occasionally, ponies would catch glimpses of one of the ancient fishes as they crested the surface to snap up a waterbug. The rest of the time, they seemed enjoy the darkness below.

Twilight came and went, the last glimmers of the sun disappearing over the horizon and Luna's moon cresting into the sky. Full and beautiful, shimmering it it's soft silvery light. Starstep busied himself by picking out the planets and reflecting on the stories of the various constellations. Lighthoof on the other hoof, hummed a few songs and swayed ever so slightly to keep himself occupied. Guard duty was boring. No pony would deny it. While in the public eye, they were forced to represent rigid figures of authority. When tucked away like these two were, a little lee-way was allowed.

“Hey Light?” Starstep whispered to his guard buddy, halting his song mid-tune.

“Hmm?”

“What's your favorite constellation?” Star was looking up adoringly at the glimmering heavens as Lighthoof considered his question and joined his upward gaze.

“Hmm...Thunderwing the Wise.” Starstep glanced at his friend in surprise as Lighthoof chuckled, “Yeah, yeah. I know what you're thinking, but what's not to love about a pegasus girl who defeats her foes with quick wits? Wings and hooves and horns are all well and good. But I got a soft spot for smarts.”

“Oh yeah? What about Sherry?”

“Hey now, that whole bar act is just that. Turns out she's quick as a whip.” He smiled to himself.

Starstep glanced about to ensure they were still alone in the lantern lit gardens, “Think she'll be your special somepony?”

Lighthoof raised an eyebrow, “Wow, dude. I haven’t used that phrase since school. But uh, I dunno. I'd like to think so. I'm not gonna stress over it. I'm just going to enjoy my time with her and see what happens.” he nodded to himself, still watching the heavens with his friend.

“It's funny. Before today, I don't think I would have understood. But now...yeah...I can see the wisdom in that.” He nodded softly.

“Look at you, dude, Getting all philosophical after one good rutting. Tartarus, dude. I should have locked you up with a filly in heat a year ago.”

Starstep laughed lightly and flicked his gaze to his friend, “Look at you, using big words.” They shared a quiet chuckle.

Quiet moments passed till Lighthoof spoke up, “So, how 'bout you? What's your constellation?”

Starstep pondered for a moment, his eyes dancing from one end of the heavens to the other. “You know...I like them all. Each has their own story with wisdom to take from each. In the end, I don't think I could pick just one. If I absolutely had to...hmm...Goldwing the Champion.”

Lighthoof rubbed his chin in though, “Goldwing...wasn't he the first Knight or something?”

Starstep nodded, “Yeah, first Equestrian Knight. Supposedly also a consort to the Princesses though those stories are a little obscure.” Lighthoof rolled his eyes as Star continued, “During the first Griffon wars, he died taking a spear that was meant for Princess Celestia. Duty and honor til death.” Both pegasus saluted across their breastplates while gazing up at the constellation of Goldwing the Champion.

“A pardon.” A soft angelic voice said behind them. “That spear was meant for me.”

Starstep and Lighthoof spun there heads towards the fish pond to find the intruder. The dark blue Princess of the night stood upon it's sparkling surface, her ethereal blue mane billowing non-present breezes. They both bowed their heads in respect to Luna. “Evening your highness.” Starstep began, “Apologizes if we interrupted your evening stroll.”

The moon goddess smiled and shook her head ever so softly, “Neigh, thou hath not. Tis I who interrupted thy reflections upon mine sky.” She glanced them over, first Lighthoof then Starstep. She lingered longer on him, tilting her head slightly, “Ah, tis my new lost puppy.” She giggled as the colt blushed slightly. “Pardon, I do not mean to offend, it was a rather... endearing gesture.” She stepped from the pond, the sharp clack of her crystal shod-hooves ringing on stone. She began down one of the garden paths and looked over her shoulder, “Wouldst thou wish to accompany me on mine stroll? I am quite certain Lighthoof the wise can protect the fish?”

Lighthoof nodded and nudged his friend with his wing, “Of course your highness. I'm sure Starstep can ensure your evening walk goes unmolested.”

The night princess smirked faintly, turning her head as she continued down the path. Starstep stood stunned till his friend punched him in the shoulder with a hoof, “Dude, if you don't bucking go I will end you.” He hissed through his teeth. “Now go, GO!” He shoved his friend, causing Star to stumble a few steps, his mind kick-starting into gear.

Starstep's legs took him towards the princess of their own accord. He was practically dancing on his hooves, tail and head held high as he cantered up to her side. Slowing to match her regal pace, he glanced over his shoulder at his buddy and mouthed, “Thank you.” before the two ponies rounded the corner out of sight.