Archmage Chapter 6 - “The Difference Between Lust and Love”

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Twilight was cumming again. Her back arched from the bed, her walls pulsing around the invading tongue. It wriggled around inside of her, stirring her up in ways that she thought were downright criminal. Nopony should ever be subject to such a sensory overload.

Not that she was complaining… Quite the opposite, in fact. With a loud cry, Twilight’s eyes clenched shut and she surrendered to the rushing wave of pleasure.

“Haah… That good?” Twilight sagged into the damp sheets, her chest heaving as the exhaustion and fatigue returned, taking place of the sense-robbing pleasure.

“V… Very good…” Twilight managed to whimper, smiling down at the mare between her legs. Slowly, Luna worked her way up Twilight’s body, their lips meeting for a deep, tongue-filled kiss that very nearly made Twilight wet again…

And then she woke up.

“Ugh…” The buzzing of her alarm clock infuriated her so very much… She rolled her head to the side, glaring at the offensive, ringing beast. “Oh the things I would do to you if I didn’t have to replace you.” She grunted, flicking the alarm off with a quick twist of magic. In the late-evening sun, Twilight slowly rolled out of bed, stretching tight muscles with a slight groan. Something about sleeping during the day still seemed alien to Twilight… Like she couldn’t quite get used to it. Whenever she went to sleep with the rising sun, the light bothered her, keeping her awake and red-eyed for several hours before she could finally fall asleep. Then, waking in the evening, she felt fatigued and tired.

“Here’s to hoping I can finish studying with Luna in time to keep my sanity…” If the Archmage can keep her sanity at all… History had more than one report of an Archmage gone mad with power, or depressed with the burden of responsibility. Heaving a soft sigh, Twilight left her rumpled bed behind and plodded into the bathroom. She always set her alarm two hours early. One hour to prepare, and one hour to arrive at her lesson. It didn’t take her an hour to get there, but she always preferred being early. Not by ten or fifteen minutes, but by a half an hour or more. Having an early start tended to free up Twilight’s schedule later in the day. And if they started on-time, she wouldn’t be impacted anyways.

Not that her schedule consisted of much, anyways… These days, it was practice with Luna, then attempt to find somepony to lose her virginity to… One of these was almost always successful. The other, it seemed, was met with failure every night since she had undertaken the task. Somehow, Twilight had the feeling if she pursued this particular objective in Ponyville, she would have met with somepony suitable already. There were a few stallions around town that she had been caught looking at on more than one occasion… And the occasional mare. All of them were far better than even a single pony she could find in Canterlot.

Sighing once more, Twilight cranked the water in the shower on hot and stood under the scalding stream. She ignored the tendrils of pain, focusing instead on the dream… It had been surprisingly vivd and realistic… But, like many dreams, the details began to fade away like sand through gripped hooves. Her eyes remained shut, trying hard to keep that face in her memory, to hold it there as long as she could…

Slowly, Luna’s beautiful face faded away, leaving only a grey image of an anonymous mare behind.

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“Is something bothering you, Twilight?” Luna’s question was more loaded than a powder keg in a mine. Twilight’s heaving breath stilled for a moment as she raised her head.

“What? Augh!” Another blast of dark magic erupted underneath her hooves, throwing her through the air. She grunted and flipped over, landing on her hooves expertly. The snow slid under her for a few inches before she found purchase, springing forward and charging Luna. “Dirty trick!” She called with a smile. Luna’s own lips spread before she cast another bolt. Too late. Twilight teleported behind the princess, opened herself to the night, and enveloped them both in her powerful shield.

“Oh f- URGH!” Luna sagged under the considerable weight of Twilight’s next spell. Even the lunar princess couldn’t handle the force of the dark shadows that formed around her wings. To finish it off, Twilight mixed in a fatigue spell, and the princess was on the ground. Twilight pounced, seizing the opportunity before Luna could raise herself up. Her horn glowed as it pressed to the side of Luna’s neck. “Hmm. Good job, Twilight…” Luna muttered, grinning up at her.

What? Yield already, Luna! You’re subdued and I’ve got you at my horn! Twilight’s mind raced. Here, beneath her hooves, Luna lay on a snowy mountaintop with Twilight’s horn pressed against her throat, under the weight of a powerful fatigue spell and an even more potent snare trap. Anypony would be completely tapped! Even Luna!

“You forget one thing…”

“AUGH!” Twilight suddenly collapsed under an incomprehensible weight, grunting as the wind was driven from her lungs. It felt as if the entire weight of the moon itself rested on her shoulders, grinding her down into the snow, grinding her to bits. She was barely able to draw a breath, her muscles flexed tight to keep from getting crushed. Luna stood up smoothly, smiling down at her as her own horn began to glow.

“Shadow magic can just as easily be reversed.”

“Y-yield.” Twilight croaked, her chest sagging. Luna’s soft smile came at the same time as the relief, making Twilight gasp and pant. She coughed raggedly a few times, her muscles singing with joy at being released from the crushing weight.

“I. Hate. Snare traps.” Twilight panted, her breath coming in gasps as she tried to make sense of all that had just happened.

“Hehe. Come on, Twilight.” Luna lifted her up. “You actually managed to subdue me, if only for a while. This is cause for celebration.” Luna’s horn erupted in yet another dark glow, filling Twilight’s mind with the void. She gasped as they landed atop the observation tower back in Canterlot. After the mild panic caused by Twilight’s massive shield two nights prior, they had taken to teleporting off to a nearby mountaintop, so their duels and practicing wouldn’t affect the citizens of Canterlot negatively. Out here, against the biting cold and the crunchy snow, Twilight didn’t have to hold back…

While it was marginally warmer atop the observatory back in Canterlot, it was windy. And the biting wind was making the snow on her coat feel even colder. She began to shiver as the two of them made their way towards the nearby door. “C-cold,” Twilight whimpered, thankful for the warm embrace of the tower. Nevermind the fact that she was dripping melting snow everywhere. She needed a shower.

“Go warm up, get cleaned, and meet me at my quarters in half an hour.” Luna said. Twilight nodded, glancing downward… Luna, it seemed, was a little dirty herself. That practice session had probably taken a lot on both of them. She woodenly walked to her quarters, barely managing to turn the water on warm before collapsing on the tile floor. She groaned as the warmth flowed into her bit by bit. Rather than being stained with dirt and mud, her hooves wet and her belly soaked from collapsing into the snow, she was now completely drenched, and slowly cleaning herself.

Since Twilight was obviously a failure at finding a mate, she and Luna had been sparring the past two nights. Twilight felt like she needed to practice shadow magic even though Luna reassured her up and down that shadow magic was natural; no amount of practice would determine her skill. The power of the spell she requested was determined by the night, and not by her own volition. Still, Twilight had her own agenda. As she had just done maybe ten minutes prior, she wanted to practice swinging from opening herself to the night, and harnessing the power all around her.

When Luna had thrown her through the air, Twilight had charged forth. She had summoned her own strength in the teleportation spell, and then as soon as she appeared behind the princess, she opened herself to the night with a shield. Inside said shield, Twilight’s magic was amplified. The night had greater sway, and she could allow it to do much more for her. So she had used one of the few shadow spells made available to her, a snare trap. That spell was made for escaping, normally… One would lay it in the path of pursuers, and they would be crushed by a considerable weight. Lesser ponies would die from the crushing, but Luna was more than able to handle it.

After that, for practice, Twilight had cast the fatigue spell. Not being of the night, or the shadow, Twilight had to switch her psyche, try to command the incumbent energies around her, rather than open herself up. Doing so was tough, but the situation warranted it. She succeeded in casting a quick, moderately powerful spell, and as such, subdued Luna. At least, until her sparring partner had turned the snare trap around on her. The shield was still in place, and Luna likely still suffered from the fatigue spell, but with a simple motion, she had turned the fight around in her favor.

Twilight hoped she would learn the secret to reversing shadow magic. Still though, she had done more against the princess than ever before, and that was most definitely cause for celebration. Twilight turned the shower off and dried as quickly as she could, leaving herself fifteen minutes to style her mane and make it up two stories to Luna’s private quarters. The doors opened as she approached, inviting her in without the need to knock.

“You’ve improved immensely, Twilight.” Luna’s voice carried from the far desk she sat at. She was, once more, clean and looking as regal as she ever did. Her back was turned, but Twilight could see her hooves were absent of the mud and wetness from the snowy mountaintop, and her mane floated ephemerally about her shoulders. The recent dream came to mind yet again, and Twilight fought the blush that threatened to rise to her cheeks as she strode forward.

“I at least managed to snare you. For that, I am happy.”

“Indeed. Not only that, but you recovered in a flash, and turned around with some brilliant misdirection. I may have to stop holding back in our duels.”

“H… holding back?” Twilight whimpered. Luna just grinned over her shoulder at Twilight.

“You don’t really think I’d go all-out on you, do you, Twilight?”

“Ugh… I guess I’ll never be a match for you.” Twilight realized that her words were likely blasphemy, but she couldn’t stop them anyways. Luna, however, just laughed light-heartedly and beckoned Twilight closer.

“Come on. We’re celebrating tonight.” Set on the table were two glasses and a tall bottle of some clear liquid. Twilight knew it was alcohol, which she wasn’t entirely familiar with, but not a complete stranger to either.

“By drinking?” She scrunched her nose. Twilight didn’t like alcohol that much. It was fine in social situations, but she was studying. Had been for the past two weeks straight.

“Mmhmm. You might find your stallion troubles not so much of a bother after a few drinks. I dare say there are others who find you a touch… Uptight.” Luna’s teasing smile punctuated the sound of the seal breaking and the cap twisting off of the bottle. Twilight could smell the acrid scent from where she sat, and grimaced as Luna filled both the cups to the brim. She took one, looking up at Luna, who raised the other to her lips. “Cheers.”

“Down the hatch.” Twilight blocked her sinuses, suppressed her gag reflex, and tossed the liquid back. It hit her like a hammer, but she swallowed the entire glass. “Ugh.” Smacking her lips, Twilight worked to get the disgusting, oppressive taste off her tongue. “Do we have a chaser?”

“Hmm… I think I have some… Hang on…” Luna padded away, leaving through an archway that Twilight knew led to the kitchen. Despite her better judgement, she poured a second glass for herself and Luna, and once the princess returned with a bottle of amber-colored fluid, Twilight levitated Luna her second shot. “Don’t worry, it’s apple juice. We can share.”

“Thanks. Cheers.” Twilight clinked the second shot together before tossing it back with another grimace. This one made her shudder and cough twice before she could even get at the apple juice. When the sweet liquid touched her tongue, though, it was the greatest relief. She swished it around her mouth several times before swallowing, feeling the tendrils of burning warmth begin to radiate from her stomach.

“Good, no?”

“I hate vodka…” Twilight grumbled.

“Oh, lighten up.” Luna chuckled, sitting next to Twilight at the table. “Truth be told, I didn’t call you here just to celebrate. I found a book you might find useful, given your current… Predicament.” Twilight perked up in that moment, suddenly very interested. Books? Studying? Progression? Luna had her undivided attention now. Her horn glowed and Twilight looked up as she pulled a new book from a nearby shelf. This volume was much more thin than any others Twilight had read since… Well, since ever. It appeared to be markedly more colorful than most books, and was a paperback… The flimsy pamphlet of a book settled on the table before them. Twilight glanced at the title, and suddenly, her cheeks were on fire.

“Oh… Oh, I know this book…” Twilight whimpered.

“Good. You’ve probably only studied the kama-sutra from a scientific standpoint before. Now, knowing what you need to do, I want you to study it earnestly.” Luna’s horn glowed again, and she flipped the page open to the index. “Choose.” She said solemnly, indicating the table of contents and their respective page numbers. “And we’ll discuss one.” Twilight whimpered, her eyes scanning the names. Vague memories of when she was a teenager, sneaking into the restricted sections of the Canterlot library, or perusing catalogues of books to be ordered for the library in Ponyville… This particular one had been found on a top shelf, hidden between two other large tomes.

“I… I guess… This one.” Twilight pressed her hoof to a name high on the page. It was actually third, beneath two that she had never been able to pronounce, though she knew what they entailed.

“Congress of a Crow? Do you know what that consists of, Twilight?” Luna asked, chuckling to herself.

“N… No, that’s why I asked…”

“It’s… Well, it’s no normal sex act.” Luna turned to the next page. Both pages had a name and a detailed diagram at the top, one of them depicting a mare performing oral sex on a stallion, and the other with the same stallion, his head buried between a mare’s thighs. “Congress of a Crow is a combination of Fellatio and Cunnilingus performed at the same time. By both parties.” Twilight frowned at the pronunciation. She had never heard it said before.

“F… Fell-ay-shi-oh?” She said slowly.

“Correct. Fellatio. This one,” Luna tapped the picture on the left, with the diagram of the stallion. “The other, Cunnilingus…”

“Cun-ill-in-gus.”

“Right. Goodness, you really don’t know anything, do you?” Twilight shot the princess an apathetic look, as if to say ‘never even kissed a stallion before.’ Luna chuckled and tapped the page once more. “Read, Twilight. Congress of a Crow consists of both of these performed at the same time.” Luna smiled and pulled away, leaving Twilight to read the text with a surprisingly eager sense of curiosity.

To assist with arousal, using a fore hoof to cup the stallion’s testicles or massage his sheath slowly works wonders. Alternatively, one could resort to peeling the slit at the entrance of his sheath aside and licking the exposed tip. When aroused, the stallion’s member will slide forward from the sheath. Full arousal is achieved when the flared base is exposed, leaving only the testicles inside.

Begin by licking the underside of the shaft, alternating between long, pointed licks and quick flicks with the tip of your tongue. When the stallion emits pre cum, that is a good sign to begin. To stimulate this effect, pulling both testicles into your mouth and sucking gently is a good tactic, or rubbing your tongue rapidly around the flared glans, located halfway down the shaft, can help produce this effect.

Focus on the head at first, as many stallions find it arousing to be cleaned of their pre cum. When properly prepared, orgasm can be achieved within minutes. This varies, as unicorn stallions are confirmed to be more sensitive than earth ponies, and pegasi too eager to wait for very long anyways. If performing fellatio on any one of these races, consider the following tips:

-Earth Ponies take very long to achieve orgasm, and will require devotion and skill if this is to be done orally. In most situations, it is safer for both parties to begin with oral as a prepatory routine for penetration, rather than a finisher. If so desired, it is advisable to alternate between oral stimulation, and using hoof strokes. For unicorns, a sheath of magic that pulsates up and down the shaft can be effective as well

-Pegasi are, inherently, quick on the draw but recover well. Fellatio is traditionally used for the first one or two orgasms, to warm them up, and prepare them for longer sessions of lovemaking in the future. Alternatively, it can be used to help stimulate and arouse inbetween sessions, along with other methods

-Unicorns are notorious for large amounts of emission upon orgasm, and have been known to choke and/or drown their partners. Exercise extreme caution when performing fellatio on unicorn stallions, as it may be advisable to finish outside of your mouth. (The author assures any and all readers that from personal experience, the mess is worth the extra caution.)

“Wait a second…” Twilight finished the section on fellatio, turning the book to it’s cover again. “Wasn’t this written by a stallion?”

“Indeed it was.” Twilight was shocked to see Luna hadn’t moved. She had been engrossed in the text, as she normally was, but had assumed Luna would leave her to read. Instead, the princess hadn’t moved an inch. Twilight was almost painfully aware now that Luna had, in fact, been reading over her shoulder. “Love is not gender-specific, Twilight… Trust me on that.” Twilight’s already-present blush intensified as she returned to the text, focusing instead on the page detailing cunnilingus. She tried not to think about Luna hovering over her.

Ultimately, she failed.

It’s advisable to begin with simple strokes, covering the entirety of the vagina. Beginning from the Posterior fourchet, or even the perineum, lick upwards towards the mons pubis, steadily increasing in pressure. For anypony aside from unicorns, spreading the labia majora or minora can prove a difficult task with hooves. Unicorns are advised to use magic to separate the labia, to allow better access to the vaginal entrance and vestibule.

Females will produce a fair amount of clear or milky-white emission, to serve as lubrication for penetration. It varies from individual to individual, but many mares find it arousing to be cleaned up completely, while others enjoy letting the juices flow freely. The taste varies depending on vaginal hygiene, but may be dependent upon other (possibly even hereditary) factors, including but not limited to sexual familiarity, muscle tension, or even diet.

When these fluids appear in volume, (a good ‘tell’ being when there is enough to make the licks audible,) one should begin focusing on clitoral stimulation. Not unlike a stallion’s erection, female arousal includes the clitoris being exposed. Without looking specifically at it, the prepuce and glans of the clitoris may be difficult to differentiate. For skilled purveyors of cunnilingus, the difference is able to be told, and exploited, effectively. For amateurs, stimulating the general area with quick, flicking motions works well.

As with stallions, mares differentiate between species, but not quite so much as Stallions.

-Earth pony mares may take a long while to reach orgasm from Cunnilingus, but find the lack of penetration in favor of clitoral stimulation leads to a different brand of orgasm, and some prefer it to traditional sex.

-Pegasus mares can orgasm as many as a dozen times from cunnilingus before being even ready for normal sexual activities… Sometimes more, sometimes less… Orgasm is achieved quickly and many times, with very little space inbetween. (The author would like to include on a personal note that they prefer pegasus oral sex to any other species, given the intensity and volume of orgasm.)

-Unicorns are notorious for large volumes of emission upon orgasm from the urethral opening. This fluid is not urine, but instead similar to the fluid used to check for tumor markers in prostate cancer. It is not a risk to consume, but may vary in taste from regular arousal. Again, it changes from individual to individual. This act is commonly referred to as ‘squirting.’

“Well,” Twilight cleared her throat as she finished reading the second page. “That was… Eer… Informative.”

“Heh. I’m glad you think so.” Luna’s voice was markedly more husky, and as she leaned over to turn the page, her soft breath wafted past Twilight’s ear. Given the subject matter and the alcohol, Twilight couldn’t help herself.

“Aah…” She gave a soft gasp, her entire body shuddering as a wave of chills spread through her.

“Hmm? Are you okay?” Luna asked. Again, her breath teased Twilight. She gasped a little louder, whimpering near the end.

“F-fine… You just… Breathed on my ear.”

“Oh?” Luna’s tone was far beyond professional now. She was downright teasing Twilight. “Like… this…?”

“Aahn!” The pointed moan was very loud, and couldn’t be stopped. Twilight immediately shoved her hoof against her mouth, hoping to muffle further gasps. Luna chuckled, and as she pulled away, her lips made a very tantalizing, teasing motion… Just barely, so they caught maybe a dozen hairs on her coat, Luna brushed her lips against Twilight’s neck.

She groaned even louder than before. Her vision stretched into a tunnel, and she whimpered from the throat.

“Continue reading, Twilight.” Luna said, her breath now safely away from Twilight’s sensitive ear. Twilight curled her tail closer around her haunches, praying she wasn’t dripping onto Luna’s floor. She fought to focus on the text at-hoof, though as Luna had said, she most definitely viewed it in a different light.

Congress of a Crow is a combination of the previous two techniques, but performed at the same times. Refer to ‘Fellatio’ (P. 4) and ‘Cunnlingus’ (P.5) for techniques and tips.

As there are three configurations, this section will provide tips and tricks for all of them, to allow for greater ease-of-access.

1- Stallion and Mare (Traditional)

This should almost always be undertaken with the mare in the dominant position, particularly if the parties involved are not unicorns skilled in levitation. Even then, partake with great caution, as during orgasm, magical influence can fluctuate and cause the dropping of your partner.

“Was the author a unicorn?” Twilight asked idly, marking her place as she glanced back at Luna.

“Indeed. Celestia knew him herself, but he passed away before we had the chance to meet. Nevertheless, I’ve studied this, and other works by him very well. I dare say I could… Ahem… Get into his mind.”

“Oh…” Twilight blushed again and continued reading, curling her tail tighter.

Keep in mind the tips laid out on P. 4 and 5 when performing the act, as this position could lead to serious lack of air on part of both parties, even though the mare has control over her height. It is advisable for the mare to stand, or at least crouch, as a dominant gene in many stallions may cause them to roll over and take the top position.

Thrusting downward into an open mouth should only ever be partaken when the mare knows full well she will be short of breath, and signs or tells should be established between consenting partners to allow the mare a chance to recuperate before continuing. The author would like to stress that being the mare on bottom is almost never advised. Particularly with earth ponies, who are notorious for ignoring subtle hints and small tells in favor of difficult-to-achieve orgasms.

A few things to keep in mind are this: The position for Fellatio and Cunnilingus are swapped, meaning a difference in technique may be called for. Clitoral stimulation is chief for mares, while stallions may find that the different angle allows skilled fellatio practitioners to fit more in their mouths.

2- Mare and Mare (Lesbian)

Unlike with traditional positions, this one calls for much closeness. The length of even a moderately-sized stallion allows the mare to remain at a stand-off distance, keeping her height regulated and the depth of penetration into her mouth controlled. With this position, that is not true. It is advised to partake with both parties stretched fully out, their legs spread as wide as possible, and their chests and/or bellies touching.

This is a difficult position and is recommended to be tried, not for results, but for the novelty or fun of giving and receiving simultaneously. For pegasi, doing this anywhere but airborne is difficult, as they either have to keep their wings tucked very tight, or not partake at all. It is recommended the partners take turns, or while one mare pleases another, the receiver can use her hooves or possibly even magic until it is her turn to give.

Keep in mind that the new angle means clitoral stimulation is chief, and should be focused almost immediately. Attempting to insert the tongue into the vaginal entrance could lead to a muzzle being pressed into the anus, which is considered uncomfortable for many mares, while others may prefer it.

3- Stallion and Stallion (Gay)

As tricky, if not trickier than lesbian Congress, both stallions should partake this positions solely laying on their sides-

“I think that is enough.” Luna said, closing the cover of the book. Twilight blinked when she realized she was venturing into the realm of impossibility… Being a mare, she didn’t need to know about two stallions and what they did in bed… Still, the scientific curiosity remained. She made a note in the back of her mind to inquire about the kama-sutra with a trusted party in the future.

“If you say so.” Twilight grumbled… She fought the urge to whimper as her crotch began to throb with the need for release.

“Informative?”

“Debilitating.” Twilight quipped, blushing deeper.

“Tell me about it…” Luna heaved a sigh, but smiled down at Twilight. Unless she was mistaken, Luna was… Was she blushing? It had to have been the alcohol. With a warm smile, Luna reached a hoof out, caressing Twilight’s mane.

It felt so good she very nearly collapsed, but fought the urge. She nuzzled into Luna’s hoof, thankful for the warm bit of pressure. Her eyes closed and she gave a soft moan, feeling warmth from something more than just the alcohol.

“Twilight,” Luna whispered softly. She opened her eyes, looking up just in time to see Luna’s face moving nearer. Before she could stop it, Luna pressed her lips firmly against hers, making her eyes go wide.

Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no… Oh nooooooooo, nononono! This can’t be happening! Twilight’s heart hammered in her ears, deafening out any other sound even as her mind raced a million miles an hour. Luna moaned into her lips, the gentle vibrations turning Twilight into a whimpering mess. This is wrong. So wrong. I can’t be having these thoughts about her… Luna’s my teacher, my friend… She’s… She’s…

She’s kissing me, and it feels so RIGHT.

“Haah!” Twilight pulled away with a hot breath, panting in exasperation. Luna grinned and moved in for another kiss, but Twilight ducked her head down. Which was a mistake. Luna’s mouth opened to take Twilight’s ear inbetween her lips, tugging on it with just the slightest bit of pressure.

“Princess!” Twilight gasped, pulling away. Luna blinked at her several times, even as Twilight panted and whimpered. “Please-”

“Oh… Oh! Twilight, I didn’t-“

She was gone. With a loud crack and a glimmer of magic, she teleported out of the castle… She nearly teleported out of Canterlot. With a quick correction, Twilight instead arrived half a block from her destination. Grumbling, she attributed such a gross oversight to the alcohol, and made her way to the newly-relocated Carousel Boutique.

“Rarity! Cross Stitch!” She called, pounding on the door with all her might. She could just as easily have teleported inside, but that was a violation of privacy… Such an offense was subject to disciplinary action from the magic board. Even she, the Archmage, had to obey laws. Lights came on inside, and she tapped a hoof with anxiety.

“Who in the blazes is pounding on our door at three in the mo- oh. Twilight.” Cross Stitch answered the door, his cheeks flushed as he fumed down at the short unicorn. “Come in,” He stepped aside, suddenly very awake and very apologetic. Twilight smiled weakly before stepping inside and lighting the rest of the candles about the room with her magic.

“I’m so sorry… I need to talk to Rarity. Please.”

“No problem. I’ll go get her… Is it… Urgent?” Twilight gnawed her lip in thought. She prayed she didn’t smell like a drunk, rutting mare…

“Very. Please.”

“O-of course…” Cross Stitch looked her up and down for a few moments before scrambling up the stairs that led into Rarity’s personal apartment atop the boutique. After a few moments and a hushed conversation, Rarity appeared on the stairs, her mane unstyled and hanging straight down her neck. She gasped at the sight of Twilight, rushing the rest of the way to embrace her friend.

“Darling, you look horrible! What’s wrong?” She wailed, holding Twilight close.

“I’m… Fine.” Twilight grumbled. “I think. I… I don’t know! Rarity!” Twilight broke down, all the mix of confusing emotions suddenly bursting forth. Tears streamed from her eyes as she collapsed against her friend, sobbing. Something caught her attention, though, when Rarity spoke.

“Stitch, love… Please, can you go to Pinkie Pie’s, and tell her to come over? Rainbow Dash, too, if you can…”

“Eer… Sure. No problem.” Twilight sniffled and pulled away from Rarity, looking at her with teary eyes.

“Pinkie Pie and Dash are in Canterlot?”

“Mmhmm! You must have been so busy with your studies you didn’t hear… Pinkie Pie opened her shop just two days ago, and Dash’s transfer went through with a little help from Celestia… Applejack and Fluttershy have visits planned in two weeks… It’s good you came by, since I was going to try and reach you tomorrow to tell you… Come on, darling. I’ll make you some tea.” Rarity smiled warmly at her, pulling Twilight upstairs.

All my friends will be here in two weeks… Oh, my goodness, I haven’t even sent them a letter… Twilight’s frown intensified as she glumly followed Rarity upstairs and into the dining room. Rarity busied herself with the tea while Twilight sat at the table, focusing intently on the frilly tablecloth. Anything to keep her mind distracted from the thoughts raging through it in that moment. Rarity, she could trust… But Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash? She wasn’t so sure…

No, I can trust them… They’re good friends. Always have been. If I ask them to be discreet, they will be… And besides… Twilight would do anything to be able to smile right then. Pinkie Pie was the pony for the job.

“Here you go, darling… Chamomile to calm your nerves. You look a wreck right now…” Rarity levitated a steaming cup of tea over to her, and Twilight offered a brave smile as she sipped at it gently. “Now… Tell me what happened.” Rarity sat next to her, laying a tender hoof over her own as she leaned close.

“Well… Ugh, I don’t even know where to begin…” It was all muddled over. The alcohol didn’t seem to be liking the tea very well, but it went down easy and she needed to feel warm. The chill night had robbed her of even that, it seemed… “I was… Well, I guess I haven’t told you yet. It’d be best to wait for Cross Stitch to get back, then…”

“Okay, darling. You just drink up. In fact, I think I hear him now… Yes, he’s here. I’ll go meet them. You stay here and enjoy that.” Rarity smiled and patted her shoulder before slipping away to fetch the small party that Twilight heard enter the boutique downstairs. Muffled words were shared, and she thought she heard Pinkie Pie gasp, but they soon enough entered the dining room.

“Ohmigawsh TWILIGHT!” Pinkie Pie bounded across the room and tackled her from the chair, wrapping her in a fluffy, pink hug.

“Twi! You okay?!” Dash’s concerned voice carried through the muffling pink coat covering her face, and even though her side smarted from landing on the floor and she was smothered, Twilight smiled. In the background, she heard Rarity speaking with Cross Stitch.

“That was awfully quick.”

“Pinkie’s shop is just down the street, and Dash was flying by on her way home anyways... I got lucky.”

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“Wow… Who’d-a-thunk-it.” Pinkie Pie said, cupping her chin with a hoof.

“That’s… Really surprising. Sheesh, I never knew Luna was… Like that.” Twilight had just shared everything that had transpired over the past few days with her friends, from conversing with the night and casting shadow magic, looking for somepony to share herself with, all the way up to teleporting halfway across Canterlot to escape a very confusing and heated kiss.

“Normally, my dear, I would blame this on the alcohol. Trust me, you’re not the type of mare that can handle her liquor… One shot was enough for you, let alone… What, four?” Twilight had taken an extra two while they had read the four pages of the kama sutra. Thanks to Luna, it seemed. “I’m surprised you haven’t passed out.”

“I’m okay… I think.” Twilight certainly felt tipsy, but the sobering experience had helped allay the full effect of alcohol. And the tea was helping more than she’d like to admit.

“I think I know what’s happening, Twilight.” Cross Stitch said gently. The four mares looked at him, the one and previously-silent stallion amongst them. Despite the topic at-hoof and the company, Cross-Stitch spoke boldly. “You need stress relief. And not just via masturbation, you really need to get it out. I’d say, more so than your studies of shadow magic, you need to have sex to clear your thoughts.”

“Darling!” Rarity fumed. “How could you say that?!”

“Think about it!” Cross Stitch cut her off before she could continue. “She’s been so flustered over it lately, it’s all she can think about! Trust me, if I was the stallion I was ten years ago- before I met you, of course- I’d have jumped on Twilight in an instant. I can tell she’s dying over here. Look at her!” He waved a hoof at Twilight, who straightened up being the new center of attention. “Her cheeks are flushed, her breathing is irregular, her expression isn’t vacant and spacey like Twilight normally is. Instead, she seems to be shifty. Constantly looking around. And-“ Cross Stitch sniffed the air. “AND She’s aroused.”

“Phoo… So that’s what that is…”

“I’m… I’m sorry,” Twilight’s blush intensified as she stared straight at the ground. “The book, and the kiss-“

“And your thoughts, Twilight. You can be candid with us. At least, I’d hope so.”

“You can shower after this, darling.” Rarity glared across the table at Cross Stitch. “I want to hear what my ‘fiancé’ has to say for himself.” Everypony looked between Rarity and Cross Stitch for a few moments as silence reigned.

“F-fiancé?!” Dash sputtered. “When were you planning on telling us this?!”

“I was saving it until we were all together, but depending on his answer, that might change.” Twilight thought she could hear Rarity grinding her teeth from where she sat.

“I stand by it. Twilight is so preoccupied with sex and her studies that it’s all she can think about. Trust me, from the perspective of a filthy, unworthy, disgusting stallion who would take advantage of mares in Twilight’s position... She’s ready to buck.”

Silence reigned for a few long moments, but Rarity slipped from her chair and pulled Twilight with her.

“You need to shower, darling. And you,” She glared at him over his shoulder. “Will talk to me later.” Cross Stitch just gave a stoic nod as Rarity and Twilight left the room. Rarity led her to the modest bathroom, nothing like the one she kept in the castle, but still well-appointed and warm.

“Rarity, I don’t want to come between you and Cross-“

“You’re not coming between anything, darling.” Rarity bubbled happily, levitating spare towels and toiletries out of a nearby cabinet. “I love that stallion to death, even if he can be crude sometimes… Well, I suppose elegance must have it’s balance… I’m not going to leave him. Not now, likely not ever.” Rarity chuckled as she set them on the counter next to the sink. “If anything, my dear, you’ve only helped our relationship. So, I guess I should be thanking you.”

“Wh… how?”

“Hmm? Oh, you’ll understand when it happens, darling. Trust me.” Rarity nuzzled her affectionately. “For now, clean up, get sober, and come find us when you’re ready. You’re welcome to stay here for the night, if you’d like…”

“No…” Twilight sighed. “I’m on a different schedule for now… Like it or not, this is like… Mid-day for me.”

“Hmm. Cross Stitch worked the graveyard shift before, so I can identify. Well, we’ll be waiting for you in the dining room. Get cleaned up, my dear.”

“Thank you, Rarity. I owe you.”

“You owe me nothing, darling. What else are friends for?” Rarity smiled and left Twilight alone in the bathroom. With a sigh, she turned on the water and stood under the hot shower for a few moments, letting the heat sap away her stress and arousal. It seemed she had both in about equal measure…

When she finished, she was clean, her mane styled, and her coat gleaming thanks to Rarity’s designer conditioner. She re-entered the dining room, feeling composed and relieved for the first time since the practice session that morning.

“There she is! So, Rarity just said something WAY crazy-important!” Pinkie Pie bubbled. “And Crossy here-“

“Cross Stitch. Or Stitch.” The earth pony mumbled.

“Said that your pipes are clogged up! Soooooo, what do you do to unclog pipes?” Twilight tried to think about the analogy, and not the implications.

“Call… A plumber?”

“Bingo! You need somepony to get it all out of your system, and get you thinking right again! Somepony skilled, who’s like, a super-dooper expert at this sort of thing!” Despite her words, and the sickening implication behind them, Twilight immediately thought of Luna. ’He passed away before we had the chance to meet. Nevertheless, I’ve studied this, and other works by him very well. I dare say I could… Ahem… Get into his mind.’

“Pinkie, I don’t think… That’s a wise decision.” Twilight said softly. Now, she couldn’t help but see Luna in a new light… Before, she would be appreciative of a smile or maybe a stray embrace from her new teacher. They were platonic, though. At least to Twilight. Despite the topic, Luna always struck Twilight as a knowledgeable sort of mentor… A teacher, not unlike Celestia. A friend, sure, but a teacher first and foremost.

“Twilight.” Cross Stitch spoke again. “Have your dreams changed at all?” She froze.

M… My dreams? Have they changed? She remembered the dream she had had just the last time she slept. The grey figure that slipped through her memory.

“Oh no…” Twilight groaned. “I think I’m in love with Luna.” She wailed helplessly, collapsing onto the table. Her friends were immediately there to comfort her, the three mares embracing her gently, patting her back, wiping away her tears.

“Shh, shh. It’s okay, darling. Relax.” Twilight sniffled, barely managing to control herself. It was the alcohol again, she told herself. “Just… Take it easy. Are you sure you’re not… You know… Just lusting after the princess?” Twilight blinked. She had never thought about it like that…

“Am I?” She asked herself, thinking hard. Luna was a friend and a mentor, but the subject matter had definitely sparked something in Luna… Spurred her on to action. After they had read the erotic passages about technique and positions and… All of that. Anypony with even a drop of libido in them would have reacted similarly…

But then the thought struck her. Luna had been the one to pick the book out. After their sparring, she invited Twilight back to her quarters, had given her the drinks, had picked the book, and even the passage for her to read.

Inversely, Twilight was dreaming erotically about Luna before they had even met that day. No, Twilight was not just lusting after Luna.

Twilight was beginning to develop feelings for her.

“I’m… I’m really falling for her, girls.” Twilight looked up at her friends with tears in her eyes. “I’m falling for… For…” She broke down again. The last thing she saw before her eyes closed was Cross Stitch, his disapproving glare… His stocky form as he left the dining room.

----------

“Twilight! Thank goodness. I suppose you came to talk?” Twilight was, very thankfully, not hungover. She slipped inside of Luna’s quarters, gently shutting the door behind her.

“Yeah… We need to talk.” Twilight said gently. Luna nodded and offered them both to sit in front of the roaring fire. The weather team was orchestrating a rather large winter storm over Canterlot today, and the fire was a welcome relief from the cold. She curled up atop a comfortable pillow, while Luna did the same opposite her. The princess’ expression was hard to read, a mixture of embarrassed, apologetic, and concerned…

“I never should have made you drink. For that I am sorry.”

“Okay, apology accepted.” Truth be told, the drinking was probably the furthest thing from Twilight’s mind.

“And… I probably shouldn’t have picked that particular book to start you out on-“

“That’s… What I wanted to talk to you about.” Twilight said gently, cutting her off. “It… May not have been… Entirely unwelcome.”

“Twilight?” Luna asked. She could see it in her eyes. Luna was excited to hear that. Even if only marginally, as a shred of hope, but she was.

Twilight didn’t intend on letting her down. Slowly, Twilight rose to her hooves, walking across the warm carpet towards Luna. She pressed her lips against the princess’ smoothly, catching her almost completely by surprise. She could feel Luna, rigid against her, shuddering just a little as Twilight deepened the kiss with a soft whimper.

“Haah… Twilight, I don’t-“

“I…” She cut her off again. “I’ve been having dreams… Last night, the night before…” She blushed, settling on her haunches. “About… Sex. About you. Sex. With you.”

“Oh…”

“And… I never should have left last night.”

“Uh huhn…”

“I should have kissed you back,”

“Go on-“

“And… And…” Twilight whimpered as Luna’s lips met hers once more. She flushed bright as the kiss stretched on for a minute, her heart thundering a million miles an hour. It felt like her chest was going to burst. The anxiety flooded through her, melting her muscles, making her quiver from anticipation and excitement as she shyly pressed her lips back. Luna moaned in approval, wrapping a foreleg around Twilight, drawing her into a gentle, tender hug.

“Twilight,” Luna groaned as the kiss ended abruptly. The unicorn’s chest heaved as she panted for breath, her own hooves rising to wrap around Luna in return. “I don’t… I don’t want you acting solely out of duty…”

“Stop.” Twilight whimpered. “Don’t… Don’t bring… That part into it. Please.” She fought tears, her eyes welling up. “I… I won’t lie when I say this is for my studies. But this is also for me. I... I won’t call it love, but so help me... Luna, my dreams tell me, my thoughts scream at me, for the love of everything I hold dear, my own body wants it. Please.” She nuzzled into Luna’s neck, two tears sliding over her cheeks. “Please… I want it to be you.”

“Okay, Twilight.” Luna spoke after a very long silence. “Okay… “ Her hoof gently slid through Twilight’s mane, relaxing her, caressing away the stress. The next words she spoke made Twilight’s breath catch in her throat.

”Open yourself to me.”