Chapter 17: Equilibrium

Helmuth opened the door to the bathroom and exited, clad in only a towel draped across his lower torso; steam following his leave after his more than relaxing shower. As he entered the room he spied Luna with her back to him, tying the knot of a bathing suit top before turning back towards him and exposing her frontside to him, donned in said swimsuit. He merely walked to his bed without giving it a second thought and the same went for Luna. Knowing each other for years and having that close of a friendship for almost the same amount of time had somewhat of an effect on how they viewed one another. That wasn't to say that neither party found the other unappealing physically… that would be a rather gross omission of truth. Even when Luna was much more… rigid, with the tree appendage stuck up her anus, she admitted to herself (and it hurt to do so at the time) that Helm was very attractive. Windfire had a different sense of attractiveness to him, that couldn't be denied, but it was one that was not entirely suited to her. Obviously, Celestia found solace in him.

But no, Luna had very much come to terms with that fact that PFC Nightwing more than easy on the eyes. Helmuth had also admitted that Luna was "one of the most beautiful girls he had laid eyes on; Equestria's hidden treasure." He was always the genuine charmer and when they had discussed this as friends her heart essentially melted. Was it conceivable that their chance 'partnership,' as Princess and Guard could have evolved into something more? Without certain restrictions, it was actually almost inevitable! There was no legislation that had forbid any open relationship between Princess and Guard, but her royal duties, especially after her return from banishment, were enormous. Getting back into the swing of things in terms of being a dutiful Princess took a massive toll on her, and she couldn't even hope to forge a true and healthy (that was the key word), relationship. Besides, in her current, 'non-updated' post-return state, it was hard enough for Luna to make friends, let alone muster the courage to pursue something with more depth.

That split second 'encounter' just now, out of the shower, got him to remember the first time Luna actually caught him passively checking her out, not in a sexual way but more so in the sense of "admiring beauty," as he put it. In all honesty, even in her current mindset, Luna would have happily accepted either reasoning:

*Canterlot Castle, Lunar Quadrant, ~5 years prior*

Private Helmuth Nightwing stood patiently outside the Grand Meeting Hall, adorned proudly in his Lunar Uniform. It had been a good six months since his chance placement as a Personal Guard to the Lunar Princess, and contrary to expectations, he had already become decent friends with Luna. She had ordered him to drop formalities with her and had been treating him and his partner (as well as now best friend), Windfire, more like actual friends than Guards… albeit in her own sometimes 'awkward' way of being friends. He understood, and it was tough for her to not seem like a heartless wench, but she was getting the hang of it. He couldn't be happier.

His thoughts were interrupted when the large doors opened slightly, Princess Luna exiting and clad in her usual royal regalia. She had an exhausted/irritated look on her face, but it brightened considerably when she found him waiting there for her. Windfire was off on personal leave at the time, so it was just him there.

"Helmuth… it doth be a pleasure to see a friendly face again," she addressed him kindly, her diction still not entirely up to modern standards, but that's what made her unique. He didn't mind in the slightest.

"Likewise, Luna. How was co-court?" he asked, inquiring about her day. Luna rolled her eyes.

"Ugh… remind me not. Come. Walk with me," Luna said, starting towards her room and beckoning him to fall into step with her. He complied immediately.

"Thou wouldst not believe the nerve that our own subjects may possess… most notably the nobles! As if they have the slightest inclination as to what is inherently necessary for a ruler to possess in order to successfully govern a nation! My word, Helm, it is of no…" Luna continued to talk to him animatedly about her time in court. He didn't mind at all, for he himself was usually of fewer words. He enjoyed listening to the plethora of stories and what not that he had the pleasure of hearing straight from Luna's mouth. Nevertheless, he was also genuinely interested about her day, and he would respond accordingly, always asking questions and offering input. After a while though, conversation died down a bit and the two shared a few moments glance at each other. They both grinned before turning forward once more.

Soon enough, the two reached her quarters.

"Come in. I wish thou to keep me company," she said, leaving the door open for him. She sauntered off towards her bed and he took up residence in one of the many armchairs that her room sported. Helmuth was always essentially ordered to make himself comfortable when in her quarters, so he started doing so without word from Luna, much to her delight.

"You look absolutely exhausted, Luna!" he commented with a playful edge to his words, noticing that she was slumping a bit as she walked. Luna chuckled under her breath as she removed her tiara and set it on a marble bust.

"Thou hast amazing attributes in the art of observation. Pray tell, is that how you achieved rank in the Guard?" she quipped over her shoulder, grinning at him. Ouch indeed, but they traded banter like this more often than not.

"Well, partially, yes," he came back. Luna giggled as she started unzipping the rear of her dress. This wasn't an uncommon sight for Helm, although it took some enormous getting used to, especially from one as rigid as Luna. Granted, she wouldn't bare herself nude to him, but still…

Ultimately it was a sign of trust from her to him. However recently, his passing glances at her were bordering on the lines of small stares. Luna tossed her dress aside; leaving her in what looked like a full torso-underwear like thing… it bore resemblance to a corset that covered everything necessary. It wasn't anything enormously revealing in the slightest, unlike modern underwear which was inherently two-pieced, but it still provided ample view of her lower backside. This was one of those times where he let his eyes wander, unrestricted by his common sense and clouded by subconscious bravery.

Luna sensed some eyes on her and she turned around. Their eyes locked at that instant and the blood from his face drained. Luna wore a stoic expression (underneath, however, she was blushing like crazy) but after several tense moments of what seemed like several lifetimes, it softened into a raised eyebrow with a grin.

"Admiring thy Princess?"

"Oh my god… I'm sorry Luna!" Helm apologized as he averted his eyes, his face becoming very red. Luna could only laugh out loud… very hard.

"OH my… Helm… thy facial expression was most priceless!"

Even though he knew he wasn't in any kind of hot water, he was still not proud that he got caught eyeing her up.

"But really, there is no need to be embarrassed. Actually, I am quite flattered. And thou are quite easy on the eyes, thyself," she remarked, slipping on more casual wear and finally covering herself up. Helm was put at ease with her words, but nevertheless, his pride would carry that wound for ages to come.

"Still, it was inappropriate of me," he remarked.

"I do not believe so in the slightest! Now come, let us go to the training room. I have new magic defense for thee."

*Present*

Helm was shaken from his remembrance when Luna addressed him:

"We're all going to relax by the enormous pool that this hotel sports. Also, make yourself somewhat presentable, we're going to have another guest arriving," she said as she put a cover-up on.

"Implying that I don't make myself presentable, taking up temporary residence with seven women," he replied sarcastically. She playfully socked him in the shoulder.

"You know what I mean, smartass," she said.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. By the way, who is your 'guest,' if I may be so inclined as to inquire?"

"A good friend who happened to be in the area on break. It has been a while since I have seen her."

Both their thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock at the front door. The two then immediately heard a shrill of joy:

"OCTAVIA!" the voice of Pinkie screamed out and much giggling was heard afterwards. Luna smiled.

"And here she is. Come out when you dress yourself so you can meet her. I'll see you outside," she said before slipping out the bedroom door. Helmuth sighed before he dropped his towel and slipped on boxers and a bathing suit.

Another girl. Celestia's, sake I'm going to fucking drown in estrogen.

He was about to fit a shirt on when something else drew him (violently) out of his stupor:

"Hi there!"

To say that he jumped was an understatement:

"AAAHH!"

He turned around to be met with the tall and slender black-haired beauty, staring at him with brilliant violet eyes and a beaming smile on her face. She was wearing a short-sleeved grey shirt that had a picture of a musical sheet on it, as well as jean short-shorts. Luna could be seen leaning in the doorway snickering to herself with a shit-eating grin. There was no denying that the cellist was absolutely gorgeous.

"Umm… hey?" he replied still somewhat stunned. Octavia walked forward.

"I don't recall meeting you before, which is odd considering how long Luna says you've been with her. I'm Octavia, cellist for the Canterlot orchestra," she said politely; her voice sounded as refined as one of high class, yet soft and down to earth at the same time. It was rather soothing to hear, actually. She extended her arm in a greeting and offered him her hand. Helm took it, of course.

"Helmuth, Lunar Guard, and the pleasure is mine," he replied politely as well. It was about that time when he realized that he still didn't have his shirt on, and Octavia's eyes were (subtly) all over him. He exchanged a knowing glance with Luna, as well as a nigh instant mind chat:

"YOU! What have you done?!" he asked accusingly.

"Something hilarious, actually," she replied with a mental smirk.

"I just contained the fire! Are you TRYING to disturb equilibrium?"

"Le Coltlier's principle at its finest, my dear Helmuth."

He shook his head clear of thoughts.

"I apologize, Octavia. Lost my train of thought there," he said. She giggled.

"Not at all! It happens to me all the time! Shall we join the others and head on down to the recreation area?" she asked, following Luna out of the door.

"Uhhh… sure. I'll be out momentarily," he replied with some edge of uneasiness. Tavi nodded and left him alone. He put his shirt on before opening up another mindchat:

"I just want you to know that I absolutely hate you right now," Helm said with an irritated tone. He could hear Luna's mental giggles.

"No you don't."

"Yeaaaah, I know."

"And as you can see, gentlemen, the firms risk factor is relatively low should we decide to go ahead with the acquisition. I ran the numbers over four times and left a seventy-five page report on Silver's desk. If you want my personal opinion, green light the operation," the fair skinned, blue-haired (with a stripe of red) man said, concluding his presentation and smoothing his hair a bit. The others around the table looked on, clearly impressed with what they saw. One of the seated men stood up and gave a nice bout of applause, which the others around the table soon followed suit.

"Mr. Cyclone, excellent work!"

"Indeed, Seafire! I think you have us convinced!" another said, shaking the young man's hand. Others passed by and gave their approvals before leaving the meeting room.

"I certainly hope so, Dusk! It's been a hellish week, not to mention I couldn't take vacation time with my lovely girlfriend," he mused, spacing out slightly at Luna's thought. His coworker, supervisor, and friend chuckled lightly.

"Ah, yes, your Princess… literally," he joked. "I honestly don't know how you managed to snag the Princess of the Night and so quickly, nonetheless!"

"I ask myself the same question every day of my life. In fact, I think I'll take the rest of the day off and give her a magic call," he stated, making his way towards the exit of the room.

"Actually, Seafire, I have a proposition for you," Dusk said, adjusting his suit. Seafire stopped in his tracks and turned around with a curious expression on his face.

"I'm listening…"

"There's no doubt in my mind that this acquisition will be approved across the board. As a result, we're going to need someone to finalize preparations at our Las Pegasus branch in two days' time."

"Really now? And that's where Luna and everyone currently are…" he thought out loud once more. Dusk nodded.

"Precisely, my friend. I figured I'd ask you first to see if you were up to it. So, what do you say? I can have you flown out in the afternoon on Thursday. You'll be in Pegasus by three in the afternoon," he concluded his offer.

"You know, I think I'll skip on that call and make it as much of a surprise as I can… and you know I'll take any time to spend with her. Work related or not. Done and done," Seafire said with a determined grin, shaking Dusk's hand.

The sun was blazing but enormously comfortable since the expansive pool provided a sense of cooling even without being in it. The large group of 8 estrogen plus 1 testosterone took in its glorious sight before lightly walking to the brim of the water, searching for ample sun chairs and benches. The girls were having casual conversation and Helm was trailing a bit towards the rear lost in his own thought.

Three other guys were leaving the pool area and were immediately drawn to the large display of women that was walking by. Their mouths dropped, but they soon spied Helm, who was just casually strolling by them.

"Dude… rock on! Get some!" one of them said enthusiastically, nodding his head in approval. Helmuth only gave him the stare of incredulity before continuing onwards. The group all found suitable seating arrangements and began claiming sun chairs. Soon enough, cover-ups were shed, and instead turning into the scene that was one of the epitomes of wet dreams for boys and men alike. Most of the girls already began indulging themselves in the pool.

"You coming in with us?" Octavia asked as she shed her shirt and shorts, revealing one of the eight wonders of the pool-room. Tavi sported a grey bikini that concealed yet accentuated her curves perfectly. How a cellist was blessed with such a figure was a complete enigma to Helmuth. The gray contrasted perfectly with her fair skin tone, not to mention her long, perfectly straight, and flowing black hair (when she let it out of a hair tie) that fell to her lower back. Her stomach was not toned like Rainbow Dash's or Luna's, but it was perfectly flat… creating a smooth and continuous plane of skin with little to no pudge out of the bikini bottom, which concealed a more toned but smaller posterior. Her chest wasn't large, but it wasn't small either. If he had to make a comparison, probably a few numbers smaller than Pinkie. Why he was thinking all of this in his head instead of answering Tavi's question was also a complete mystery to him.

"Maybe in a little while. I'm going to catch some sun and relax a bit. You all have fun though," he finally replied, slipping his shirt off and donning some sunglasses before laying down on the sun chair.

"Aww very well then. Won't be as fun without you!" she said as she excused herself to join Luna and the others, waving as she left. Helm mumbled under his breath.

Depends what your definition of 'fun' is.

He soon was able to relax considerably under the hot sun. Sunning was not really something he normally did on his own (most men don't), but he found it quite… rejuvenating. After a while, he was able to make out wet footsteps from the pool heading in his direction, over the constant playful white noise. His eyes never opened once.

"Howdy there, partner!" Applejack greeted as she took the sun chair next to him.

"Hey Applejack, you're out of the water a bit early. You alright?" he asked, turning his attention to the orange-bikini clad girl. He didn't fail to notice that her hair was not held by any tie anymore; it was now long, blond, and still wet due to the pool, thus sticking to her skin, which was also wet.

"Ah'm mighty fine. Just never been the pool type'o gal. Still fun though," she commented, sitting down comfortably and retracting one of her legs to her other knee, effectively flexing her leg. Under the guise of wearing sunglasses and having his eye movements concealed, Helm was able to eye the contours and curves of her toned legs… most likely formed from years of farm work.

"Same. Love the water, but more being around it than in it."

Applejack turned on her side to face the Lunar Guard, her chest being squeezed together between her arms under the new distribution of weight. She rested her head in her palm.

Oh boy…

"Yeah?"

"Guard training kinda ruined it for me. Getting up at four in the morning to practice aquatic defense and insertions; involving ice cold water," he explained, shuddering at the thought.

Applejack couldn't resist.

"Insertions… yah say?" Applejack said with a smug grin and the sultriest voice she could hope to muster with her southern drawl… it worked flawlessly.

Wow… that was kinda hot… wait… oh no. No no no no not now not now…

"Y-yeah. Covert operations to protect the Princesses by water insertions," he said, scrambling to think of something less enticing as he burned up. Applejack picked this up immediately and found teasing the poor guy a bit more fun than she should have.

"You don't say… sounds mighty interestin'" she commented as she sat up and 'adjusted' her top. Unfortunately, for Helm's sake, he just had to find the most appealing part of a woman's anatomy their breasts.

"You okay there, Helm?" she asked innocently, noticing that he was a bit nervous.

Think of dead kittens… ummm… burning orphans… dead kittens in a burning orphanage!

"Y-yeah I'm fine! Peachy!" he replied.

"Yah look might tense. Ah think ah can help yah there," she said, shifting herself and moving to his chair.

"Ummm yeah I'm not so sure that's a good—"

"Just relax and ah'll take care'o everythin'," she interrupted his protest with a softer voice and proceeded to massage his back.

Woooah… damn that feels nice.

"See? Not so bad, huh?"

"EEe-yaa" he replied semi-coherently. A ton of knots in his back becoming undone was exactly what he needed. He was blissfully unaware of anything else right now as the euphoria of having millions of back knots come undone at once was shooting through him. That is… until he felt two soft flesh-like things that were covered in fabric pressed against his bare back. That definitely brought him out of his stupor. He said nothing though… what was there to say?

Hey AJ, your tits are buried in my back?

He let it slide. And personally, he had little issue with that.

"Ah have to admire your back muscles, Helm. I could use you on the farm every now and then for some extra help!" she continued.

"I… don't MIND… that at all…" Helm spat out as AJ hit a really tight knot. Applejack giggled a bit.

"Pinkie was right, yah are a good sport… puttin' up with us gals. We may be hard workin' but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy a bit'o fun once in a while. Not tah mention all the random talk."

"It's… quite alright. THANK, you… by the way!"

"Not at all, partner!" she replied back dismissively.

The two continued to talk to each other about random things, such as work on the farm, what it was like in the Guard, and surprisingly the two found quite a bit of common ground, especially in the area of work ethics. Helm had to admit, even though some of these girls were a little more… playful than others, that didn't make them any less of good company. Time flew by and he really did enjoy talking to her, but it was about time to head back and prepare for lunch and some later activities. It was in the afternoon already.

Everyone gathered their things and after each of the girls' own personal passing acknowledgement to Helm, AJ waited behind.

"Thanks for waiting, Applejack. And thanks for the massage once again," he stated with sincerity.

"Aww shucks. Nothin' to it. But if yah don't mind, if you'd like tah have a drink or two tonight after everyone's gone to bed, we'll Ah'd be mighty honored," she replied with a blush. Helm smiled. More time for him to get to know the girl, as if she read his mind.

"Yes, I'd like that a lot. I was actually going to ask you the same thing," he answered. AJ gleefully embraced him.

"Don't worry, we'll have a good time!" she commented before walking after the others. Helm only chuckled as he walked after.

Depends what your version of a 'good time' is.

He also noted that Octavia was only a temporary stay, and didn't disturb the balance of things right now. That was the last thing he needed right now… another heart to potentially wound. He shook his head at these thoughts, not wishing this scenario on any of his fellow men.

Confound these girls, they drive me to drink.