Berry Punch was dreaming the most vivid dream she’s had in ages. Everything was dark, and there were stars all around her. She was in space, but she wasn’t floating. She walked through the void as if on some invisible path, but when she looked down, she saw nothing but stars. She walked for what could have been just a few moments when a dark blue spot appeared in the distance. She squinted her eyes, but could not make out the shape. Curious, she raced towards it, her hooves pounding on nothing as she ran. The spot gradually grew larger until she could make out a bright yellow mane.

“Sky Star?” Berry wondered aloud. What was he doing in her dream? She sped closer and closer until she had almost reached him. His golden eyes were fixed on her, a smile on his face. Just as she was about to reach him, he turned and sped off, into the white-flecked void.

“Wait!” She called, confused. “Where are you going?” Why had he run off?

“Follow me!” He replied, looking over his shoulder for a moment, though he didn’t slow down. He fixed his gaze back on the path, his speed increasing. After a moment’s hesitation, she dashed after him. She ran faster, trying to catch up with the stallion. Soon they were both going at top speed. Two ponies racing through the stars.

“Hey!” She called out. “Slow down!” Berry wasn’t tired, this was only a dream, after all. But she knew she could never catch him at this speed, not even if she chased him for a million years. He slackened his pace, but only a little. This, however, was enough for the pink mare to narrow the gap between them. Suddenly, he slowed down, his hoof beats becoming slower and slower until they stopped altogether. He turned and waited patiently for her to catch up.

When she finally slowed to a stop beside him, he gazed out ahead of them and indicated with one hoof that she should look too. She turned her head, wondering what was so important that he couldn’t tell her before. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened with surprise. Ahead of them, out in the distance, was a mass of stars and nebulas. But this was no ordinary mass, it was shaped like a heart. There were many stars, all different sizes, forming an outline, while different colored nebulas clouded and glowed on the inside, making the whole thing shine with a kind of light Berry Punch had never seen in the night sky of her waking world.

“Sky Star, it’s beautiful.” She told him, awestruck.

“I’m glad you like it.” He said simply. It all made sense now. The looks he gave her, the smiles, the way he acted, the way he sometimes stared at her as if aware of nothing else.

He loved her.

Berry Punch woke up, the images from her dream still all too real. She thought of Sky Star; His silky fur, those warm, golden eyes, his kind voice… A feeling seeped through her body, making her feel warm and giddy. She had never felt this before, but she knew what it meant. She loved him too.

She got up and made the bed, the realization making her feel light. She finished quickly, the bed perfect, the starry covers unwrinkled, and went down the hallway and down the staircase. She walked into the kitchen. Sky Star was sitting at the table, waiting bright-eyed until she sat down, his breakfast so far untouched. There were two bowls of dry oats on the table- a common breakfast for ponies- and on a napkin to the side of both bowls was a spoon, a brownie, and an apple. Sky Star smiled as she sat in her seat.

“I didn’t want to start before you got here.” He informed in his warm tone. Berry had to stop herself from giggling like a little school filly, but she blushed involuntarily. They both finished their meals, eating at an equal pace, with Sky Star stopping occasionally to look at her. She detected the stare and looked up, but he quickly snatched his gaze away awkwardly.

“So,” Berry Punch inquired slowly, trying to give away nothing. She tried her best to sound only genuinely curious “How did you sleep?”

“Huh?” Sky Star answered, nearly dropping his spoon. “Uh, fine. Fine.” His answer was quick and awkward, and he looked away. She wanted to know exactly how much he would say.

“I had a dream last night. It was kind of weird,” She began slowly, gauging his reaction as she talked. She saw him stiffen, still not looking at her. She had him right where she wanted him. “You were there, you talked to me.” This time he actually did drop his spoon, he bent down to get it and answered her quickly, still under the table.

“That’s impossible.” He said quickly, obviously hiding something. “There’s no sound in space.” He finally came up, spoon in hoof. “Hey!” He suddenly said, trying to change the subject. “Uh, let me take your dishes. Eheh.” He quickly walked over and scooped up her bowl and spoon, dropping them ungracefully in the sink in his haste. Satisfied, Berry decided she wouldn’t press him anymore. It was obvious he had the same dream.

It was afternoon and the sun was halfway down. Sky Star had spent the whole day showing Berry Punch the posters and diagrams in his home and explaining each one to her. She was tempted several times to bring up the dream again, but he moved from one thing to the next so fast, it was like he was intentionally keeping her from talking about it. Now they sat on the couch, he had given her a book on constellations to read. He had selected a book too, but Berry knew from the frequent stares that he never intended to read it, just use it as a decoy. It didn’t bother her- He liked her, and though she hadn’t told him yet, she liked him too.

“Hey, um…” Sky Star hesitantly broke the silence.

“Yes?” Berry asked, looking up from the book.

“I was… Uh… Wondering if I could… I-I mean if you would…” He stammered, rubbing the back of his head with his hoof.

“Yes??” Berry leaned in. Why couldn’t he just spit out whatever he was trying to say? He started to sweat.

“Can I take you out to dinner tonight?” He asked quickly. He was sweating profusely and shaking slightly, his eyes shut tight as he waited for a “No”.

“Yes.” Berry smiled. She watched Sky Star visibly relax. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, smiling with relief.

“G-great!” He stammered happily. He clearly did not expect a yes. He seemed pleasantly surprised. “Let’s go then, just let me get ready first."