1 - Room for more?

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"Are you out of your god damned mind? " Sam bellowed from the kitchen of his small house, located on the outskirts of Ponyville.

"Sam, please... " Luna sighed from the couch, not liking the idea herself.

"Wait, hold on, is your sister out of her god damned mind? " Sam emerged from the kitchen, his imposing figure twisting to the side a little so he could pass through, with a glass of orange juice for his friend, the Princess of the Night herself. He handed her the drink and slumped on the couch rubbing his eyes in frustration.

"She feels this is the best solution- "

"I will not be part of some social experiment that your sister cooked up. " Sam ran his hand through his shoulder length blonde hair before returning it over his face "Why didn't she come personally? "

"Tia believed I'd have a better time of convincing you to agree. " Luna drank from her glass and set it on the table. She then sat cross-legged on the couch and looked at Sam "Sam, you know I wouldn't ask you to do this if there was another way. My sister and I already owe you so much but trust me, you are the only one who can do this. "

"You do realize I have a marefriend, right? " Sam groaned, hoping this tidbit of information would get him off the hook.

"Yes. What's your point? " Luna tilted her head in confusion.

"What's she going to think? Me living with another mare under the same roof? An evil queen no less? "

"Oh, that. " Luna simply waved him off "Fluttershy has already been informed of the situation and she completely agrees. " Sam felt a headache coming on.

"Of course she does. Shy is too kind for her own good. " he then smiled a little "Don't know what I did to deserve her. " Luna smiled as well.

"She is not the Element of kindness for nothing. And like I said, things are way different here than back where your come from. " Luna scratched her cheek in thought "Not that we know where that is. "

"And let's leave it like that. " Sam added quickly.

"Anyway, herds are very common in Equestria and- "

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. You didn't say anything about a herd! " Sam jumped up from the couch and pointed an accusing finger at Luna "You said I'd have to help reform her and that's that! " Luna rolled her eyes.

"What I was trying to say is that Fluttershy won't be bothered by you living in the same house with another mare. In fact- " the sound of knocking on the door was too perfectly timed "-she's here already. "

"Oh come on! " Sam marched to the door, opening it to see Fluttershy with a travel bag and a green dress clinging tightly to her voluptuous frame "Hey Shy. Got something to tell me? " he asked with a smile before scooping up his marefriend in a hug, getting a surprised yelp in response. Before the mare could speak, Sam sealed her lips with a kiss, leaving the pegasus with tinted cheeks.

"Morning honey. Umm, yes. I'll be living with you from now on. " Fluttershy said timidly "If that's okay with you... " Sam smiled widely.

"Of course it's okay! Just you and me. Under the same roof. " he then glared at Luna "Alone. "

"Umm... " he looked back at his marefriend "There'll be somepony else joining us. "

"Of for the- How can you be okay with this? " Sam threw his arms up and Fluttershy smiled gently.

"I believe everypony deserves a second chance. " Fluttershy grabbed her luggage and walked right past him towards the couch where she made herself comfortable "We'd be doing a great service to Equestria you know. "

"This is Umbra we're talking about! " Sam groaned in frustration before slumping on the couch, right between Luna and Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus began rubbing his shoulder in comfort and from the corner of her eye noticed Luna was about to do the same but retracted her hand at the last moment. She smiled gently at the princess who merely averted her gaze.

"I know honey, I know. " she cooed gently "But look at the bright side. We'll be spending a lot more time together. " Sam's eyes snapped open, slowly turning towards his marefriend.

"Proceed. "

"We could cuddle more often. Have breakfast and dinner together. Be together. " she wiggled her brows suggestively to which Luna blushed lightly "You could read to me by the fireplace, under the blankets while I... " Luna didn't hear the last bit since it was barely a whisper but by Sam's reaction she had a pretty good idea what it was.

"Very tempting... " Sam said in thought, stroking his beard that was tied into a braid about six inches in length.

"I know. " Fluttershy giggled and snuggled up to her coltfriend "It's for the greater good. "

"And you will be payed handsomely for your services. " Luna added and Sam mulled it over. Have Umbra living under the same roof to reform her, while getting paid well and Fluttershy moves in as well.

"You do know she's dangerous, right? " Sam asked and Luna rolled her eyes.

"Of course we do. That's why we placed an enchanted ring o her horn to prevent the use of magic. " before Sam could interrupt she continued "It's heavily enchanted and can only be removed by you and it has to be done willingly. "

"Where will she sleep? " Sam asked and Luna's horn glowed, followed by thuds and cracks.

"Accommodations have been made. " she answered smugly and Sam rolled his eyes.

"Alright. Fine. " Sam rose from the couch and looked at the two mares on his couch "Let's call this a trial period and see how it goes. When will she be here? " another well timed knock echoed from the door "Seriously? " he groaned while Luna and Fluttershy giggled. Sam opened the door and there she was. Queen Umbra, mistress of evil, looking like she'd rather be in Tartarus than here. She also had a luggage bag with her and a very terrified guard as her escort.

"G-g-good morning sir! " the guard saluted "I-I present- "

"Go away already, you stammering buffoon! " Umbra snapped at the guard who jumped back in fright "Your presence is no longer required! " the guard didn't need to be told twice and made a bee-line back to Ponyville. Umbra then examined her new roommate with a critical gaze "Pathetic. " she shook her head and walked inside like she owned the place "I am Queen Umbra, the true ruler of the Crystal Empire and you will reffer to me as such! " Sam looked at her with wide eyes "I expect dinner to be served at 7pm sharp and breakfast at 8am sharp. " she began listing off on her fingers "I take my baths with scented oils from the Crystal Empire. My sheets are to be of the finest silk, though I doubt you can afford them- " she said with another glare "-but alas, I decided to play Celestia's little game so sacrifices have to be made. " Sam looked at Luna who observed the situation with mild interest, while Fluttershy tried to suppress her giggles at Sam's bewildered expression "By the end of this little experiment I expect you to give Celestia a report with flying colors, otherwise I shall bring my eternal wrath upon you! " she declared with a snarl, convinced her threat was well heard.

"Honey, you're not even in my top five. " Sam then slammed the door shut, leaving her luggage outside.

"Hey! " Umbra grabbed him by the collar and got in his face, her fangs dangerously close "You will not disrespect me, you worm! " then to her shock, Sam simply grabbed the arm she was holding him with and removed it from his collar. Even without her magic, Umbra was physically very strong but Sam made her strength seem like nothing. Just what in Tartarus was he.

"Like I said, not even top five. " Sam walked past her and back to the couch "Your room is- " he looked to Luna for help.

"Second on the right. "

"Second on the right. " Sam nodded and pointed with his thumb "I'll give you a day to get comfortable, starting tomorrow we have work to do. " Umbra scoffed.

"You don't actually expect me to work. Me? A queen? " she crossed her arms under her admittedly large chest.

"Everyone has to earn their keep. " Sam said calmly and felt a murderous aura come from the former queen.

"Why you- "

"Umbra, manners. " Luna warned with a stern glare, making Umbra snarl in anger "Introductions can be rough and I suggest you thank Sam and Fluttershy for taking the time out their busy schedule to help you. " Umbra continued snarling "Umbra... "

"Thank you for your hospitality. " she snarled through gritted teeth, almost tore off the door and grabbed her luggage. Stomping her hooves on the wooden floor she walked past the couch and gave Fluttershy a death glare "What are you looking at? " the timid pegasus, to her credit, merely hid behind her mane and said nothing "That's what I thought. " Umbra then continued her stomping towards her room and slammed the door shut behind her.

"That went well I'd say. " Luna said with a smirk.

"She can stay in there forever. " Sam rubbed his temples, a migraine in full swing.

"I'm sure it'll be fine honey. " Fluttershy pecked his cheek "I have to go but I'll be back soon. I still have to show Angel a few things around the cottage. And be nice to our guest. " after a quick kiss, Fluttershy waved goodbye and was off to her cottage.

"Things could be worse I guess. " Sam concluded and was followed with a nod by Luna.

"You have got to be kidding me. " the rest of the previous day went by pretty uneventfully. Umbra stayed in her room, though Sam did hear her sneaking into the kitchen late at night for dinner. He and Fluttershy abstained from their nightly activities for the sake of their new guest and quickly fell asleep in eachothers arms. And now it's a new day and there is Princess Luna, her ears flat on her head in shame, with an annoyed looking Chrysalis at her side.

"Sam. I am so, so, so, so- "

"Double the wage. Full access to the Canterlot library's forbidden section. " he said in monotone and looked at Chrysalis "Don't expect royal treatment, queen. "

"So I've heard. " Chrysalis snarled and marched into the house, leaving her luggage outside. Luna encased the luggage in her magic and gently floated it inside.

"-so, so, so, so- "

"Yeah, yeah I get it. It's not your fault. " Sam rubbed her shoulder in comfort and Luna calmed down "I assume her room will- " a flash and a creak followed "Yeah, that. "

"YOU! " both Umbra and Chrysalis could be heard from the hallway that lead to their respective rooms.

"I'll get the bucket. " Sam went to the kitchen to grab said item and hopefully prevent damage to his house.

It was dinner time at Canterlot castle and Luna and Celestia were enjoying the time they could spend together. Their duties often kept them apart so they cherished every moment together.

"So, how did Sam take to his new position? " Celestia asked before taking a bite of chocolate cake.

"As well as we expected. He's not thrilled but he'll give it a chance. " Luna answered, a strawberry muffin in her hand.

"And you? "

"What about me? " Luna raised a curious brow.

"Lulu, it's obvious you have feelings for him. And now he's living with three mares under one roof. " the younger alicorn didn't respond "Fluttershy is a wonderful mare and I understand you don't want to make them uncomfortable but burying your feelings is not healthy. " Luna remained quiet "His species is monogamous but I'm sure he'll accept your feelings. I dare say you two are best friends. Why not take that friendship further? "

"I assure you, dear sister, my feelings are purely of the friendship kind. " Luna huffed and returned to her muffin, though a blush was betraying her. Celestia looked at her sister when a smug smile spread across her lips.

"Is that so? Well, then I guess you don't mind If I make a move on him, do you? " a muffin barely missing her head splattered behind her. Celestia looked at her younger sister, a frown ethced on her brows.

"Don't you dare. " Luna said in a low, threatening tone.

"I see. " Celestia put down the slice of cake she was eating and rose to her hooves "You leave me no choice. " she pointed an accusing finger towards her sister "Princess Luna of Equestria! For your crimes as Nightmare Moon, and trying to hit me with a muffin, the most heinous crime of all, I hereby sentence you to the Villain Reformation Program! "

"But- "

"You will gather your belongings and leave at once for Sam's home! " once she mentioned Sam, Luna realized what her sister was doing and broke out in a huge smile "You shall stay there until you have learned the meaning of friendship, harmony, love and-HMPF! " before she could finish, Luna wrapped Celestia in a tight hug that left the Sun alicorn short of breath.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! " Luna then suddenly let go and cleared her throat "I mean, I shall take my punishment with honor and dignity. " Luna said with determination, trying very hard to keep her smile from spreading.

"Leave my sight, sister! " Celestia feigned disgust before leaning in closer "And make sure to pack that lovely night gown I got you. " two thumbs up was Luna's answer.

Fluttershy reacted to Chrysalis living with them pretty much the same way she did with Umbra. Sam managed to keep the damage caused by Umbra's and Chrysalis's fight to a minimum and the two former queens retreated to their chambers. They didn't come out until next morning and for one reason only. Coffee.

"You're worse than animals. " Umbra said with heavy bags under her eyes.

"It was too much, even for me. " Chrysalis added, a burp escaping her.

"I'm sorry... " Fluttershy hid behind her mane, alongside her furious blush, and Sam merely shrugged as he poured coffee around the table.

The two former queens didn't get any sleep last night since Sam decided to vent out his frustrations on Fluttershy, which she happily accepted, and couldn't care less if they heard them. They were at it for hours and the walls weren't very thick.

"You're sorry? You were at it for hours! Hours! Who in Tartarus can do that? " Umbra groaned and downed her coffee in one quick gulp, waggling her mug for more "There's some foul magic at work, I'm sure of it. Nopony can last that long without magic! "

"I'm not a pony, remember. " Sam poured her another mug.

"Trust me, it was all him. " Chrysalis really wanted to drink that coffee but felt like she would explode "I felt their emotions, there was nothing mixed in. "

"Um, we'll keep it down from now on. " Futtershy said timidly and returned to her own mug which contained tea instead of coffee "Sam is a little upset about this situation so I helped him, umm, relax. "

"I don't know how you can walk straight. " Chrysalis's comment made Fluttershy giggle.

"Pitiful. Falling victim to such primal urges. " Umbra said in disgust "I'll be damned if I ever stoop so low. "

"Aren't you a ray of sun- " Sam was interrupted by a knock on the door "Seriously? Again? " he stormed towards the door and the three mares peeked curiously to see who it was "I swear, if this is Tirek applying for a butler position I will- " Sam swung the door open and saw Luna, her ears flat, pouted lip and the destructive puppy-dog eyes of ponykind tearing away at his soul. There were two luggage bags behind her. They stared at each other for a moment before Luna spoke.

"I'm a bad pony. "

2 - Not the warmest welcome

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You could cut the tension with a knife. All five occupant's of Sam's home were sitting around the table in a deafening silence. That is not to say mean looks weren't thrown around. Umbra decided to take a long sip of her coffee, slurping loudly on purpose just to irritate Luna. The alicorn princess merely rolled her eyes before setting a glare of her own on Chrysalis who was still full from absorbing the love from Sam and Fluttershy last night. Her enchanted ring was modified so she couldn't drain anyone but last night's activities were sustenance enough.

Luna was concerned that Chyrsalis would do something similar to what she did to Cadence and Shining. It was also a good thing that she didn't have a magic suppressor on her horn like Umbra and Chrysalis. Fluttershy was watching carefully and tried to find a way to bring all of them closer together but it would be hard. Umbra, Chrysalis and Luna could barely stand to breathe the same air and Sam was not exactly happy about his new role. Speaking of, Sam was eating his cereal in quiet, completely ignoring what was going on around him.

"How come you get to keep your magic? " Chrysalis snarled at the lunar princess "No, wait, let me guess, friends in high places? "

"Because I won't try to kill Sam in his sleep. " Luna replied coldly and received a hiss from Chrysalis in return.

"I don't need magic to kill somepony in their sleep. " Umbra growled and sent a glare towards Sam who didn't seem to notice. That was some damn good cereal he was eating.

"Not with that face you don't. " and that started a whole new argument.

Sam was happy that Luna was here, she was his best friend after all, but something told him she had ulterior motives. At first he thought Luna was here to keep a closer eye on them and report back to her sister, but after explaining her situation, that theory flew out the window. He highly doubted Celestia would punish her little sister by making her move in with her best friend. Perhaps Celestia had some ulterior motives? She could be very sneaky if she wanted to. Sam decided it was best to ride this out and see where it goes. He could always use the extra bits he'll be getting from this job and put it into something useful.

"So, umm... " Fluttershy began and all glares turned to her "Eeep! " she scooted closer to Sam for support and he obliged by gently caressing her lower back. He felt his marefriend relax under his touch and offered her a reassuring smile. Fluttershy nodded in thanks and then addressed their roommates once again "I was thinking we could go into Ponyville today and- "

"A most splendid idea! " Luna concurred with a wide smile.

"No way. " Chrysalis waved her arms.

"Forget it! " Umbra slammed her mug on the table.

"It wasn't a question. " came the stern reply from Fluttershy, much to everyone's surprise "You're here to learn about friendship, harmony and love and I'll make sure you do it properly! " a hard stare made the three other mares a little uneasy.

"You sure Fluttershy isn't the one you wanted? " Sam looked at Luna who appeared uncertain at how to answer.

"We're going to Ponyville so you can meet your new neighbors and let them know about your program. " Fluttershy then looked at Sam for support.

"Uh, right. It'll be good to let everyone know why you're here so they don't freak out when you go grocery shopping. "

"Grocery shopping? I am not a maid you can boss around! " Umbra growled at Sam who looked very unimpressed with her threat.

"Well I think that is a great idea! " Luna clapped her hands together in a decisive manner "I think it would be good if my subjects, I mean, former subjects, know why I am staying in their quiet little town. " Chrysalis snorted loudly.

"Of course you agree with him. You just want to get in his pants. "

"I do not! " Luna said a little too harshly.

"Moonbutt's got a crush on the monkey? Ugh. " Umbra rolled her eyes and returned to her coffee "I should've gone to Tartarus... "

"That's enough. " Sam looked at Chrysalis who grinned wickedly.

"Ohhh, you don't know, do you? " the former changeling queen leaned closer to Sam "Luna here- "

"Don't you dare- "

"-is in love with you. " she finished with a cackling laugh "Oh this is so precious! So romantic! And oh so disgusting! " Luna was ready to blast Chrysalis into oblivion.

"It's not nice to make fun of somepony's feelings. " Fluttershy scolded with a stern look.

"Quiet you! I still haven't forgotten what you and your... Your... " Chrysalis was gasping for air, Fluttershy not breaking eye contact "You think you're so... " the former queen pointed a finger at the pegasus "Listen here... " Sam could swear Fluttershy was trembling but from what he could tell, she wasn't giving Chrysalis the stare "Okay, I get it. You can stop now. " Chrysalis burped loudly "I'm serious Flutterbutt! " she put a hand over her mouth and dashed to her room, the door slamming behind her. Everyone looked at Fluttershy who let out a deep breath.

"What just happened? " Sam asked, clearly confused about the showdown.

"Well, you see, Chrysalis feeds on love, but she doesn't know how to share love with others. " the yellow pegasus was shuffling in her seat "So I thought I'd give her a repeat of last night's emotions and... " Sam and Luna oh'd but Umbra couldn't care less.

"Again, you sure it's not her? " Sam pointed to his marefriend who blushed slightly.

"Umm, honey? " she tugged on his sleeve "Can I use the shower before we go? " Sam knew she showered this morning, so why...

"Oh. Yeah, go ahead. " it finally clicked what emotions she was talking about.

"Thank you. " Fluttershy vanished in a cloud of dust. That's how fast she needed that cold shower. That left Sam, Umbra and Luna at the table in an awkward silence, the latter two sharing quick glances to one another. Umbra took this as a good opportunity to leave the kitchen and possibly avoid the fieldtrip so she simply stood up and left. Sam and Luna sat in the kitchen, not really sure how to approach Chrysalis's revelation. Both knew the truth was out, since the changeling could read emotions, but neither knew how to approach it.

"About what Chrysalis said... " Luna began timidly.

"Yeah, it's... " Sam scratched his head awkwardly "Huh... I don't know what to say. "

"I do. " Luna held her head high and looked Sam straight in the eyes "I love you, Sam. A lot, and, I can't keep burying my feelings anymore. " she inhaled deeply before continuing "You're my best friend, hay, probably my only true friend, but I want more. " Sam wanted to speak but Luna held up a finger "Let me finish. I know you're in a relationship with Fluttershy and trust me when I say I will not do anything to come between you two. I know your kind sees relationships differently than we do and I respect that, but, I would've told you of my feelings regardless of Chrysalis. "

"Is that why you're here? To be closer to me? " Sam asked, not annoyed but rather curious.

"Twas Tia's idea. " Luna admitted sheepishly and Sam rolled his eyes "I did speak the truth about the muffin incident. "

"I knew you had lousy aim but to miss a head that big? " Sam chuckled.

"Hey, that's my sister you're talking about! " Luna scolded before giggling "Though it is true. " both shared a laugh before Sam spoke up.

"Luna, I- "

"You don't have to say anything. This is how I feel and I wanted you to know that. " she smiled gently "Whatever happens, know that I will always be your friend, and, I hope you will be too. " Luna rose from her seat and put her mug in the sink "I shall dress myself and we can leave for Ponyville. Also, there is somepony I would like to visit, if that is okay. "

"You don't need my permission to visit someone. " Sam said with a raised brow.

"As long as I am part of this program, you are technically the boss. " Luna replied with a smirk.

"So if I tell you to sweep the house, you'll do it? " Sam asked with a raised brow.

"I would even wear a maid's outfit. " she replied with a wink and left towards her newly added room, which was in the same wing as Umbra's and Chrysalis's. Sam leaned back in his chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"If I stayed in Canterlot a little longer we wouldn't have had this conversation. " with a groan he then sat up and took to washing the dishes. Unknown to both him and Luna, Fluttershy heard the entire confession from the hallway that lead to their bedroom.

About fifteen minutes later, all five occupants were standing outside the house, with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

"This feels like a death sentence. " Chrysalis looked towards Ponyville with a frown. The changeling didn't have much in terms of clothes, so a gray tank-top and a black sheet wrapped around her waist, that served as a make-shift skirt, will have to do for now.

"Please. " Umbra scoffed and crossed her arms "These peasants aren't even worthy to look at us, let alone do anything else. " she then pulled on her red t-shirt that was a little too tight, clinging to her toned figure and generous chest "And I demand new clothes! These are not fit for a queen! "

"I assure you all will go well. " Luna, now without her royal regalia and in a simple light blue summer dress, waved her off "And if you two behave, I just might put up a barrier so you can get some sleep tonight. "

"How very kind of you. " Umbra growled before grinning "Will you be putting one up for yourself? Seeing as your love is bucking somepony else right next- "

"What did I say about making fun of somepony else's feelings? " Fluttershy got right into Umbra's face with the stare and Umbra bared her teeth in response but otherwise held her tongue "Good. " she adjusted the sleeves on her overly long sweater, that looked more like a dress, and put on a large summer hat. She looked up to her coltfriend with a timid smile "We can go now, if you're, um, ready. " Sam, being a good head taller than Fluttershy, looked down and kissed the tip of her muzzle.

"You're hot when you're bossy. " Fluttershy went beet red at his words.

"Oh, really? Then, I'll show you how bossy I can be tonight. " Sam looked at her in amusement "I mean, if that's what you'd like. " the yellow mare said bashfully and felt Sam clasp his hand around hers.

"Just be yourself and that's more than enough for me. "

"Ugh, so much love! " Chrysalis threw her arms up in frustration "It sickens me! Let's get this over with before I barf again. " she stormed past the two love-birds towards Ponyville, the thought of being chased by an angry mob looking very pleasing right now. Sam and Fluttershy chuckled and followed after her in case she got into trouble too early.

"What the hay happened to her? " Umbra said and slowly followed after them, with Luna "I distinctly remember her fainting the last time I remotely looked at her. "

"Sam happened. " Luna replied with a small smile "She got more confident since he's around and I think it did her good. " Luna then looked at Umbra who had a hard time believing this "That's what love does. It changes you for the better. "

"And pray tell, how did it change our amazing host? " Umbra asked sarcastically and Luna turned her gaze back towards Sam who helped Fluttershy over a muddy puddle.

"Into the stallion you see today. " Umbra tilted her head in confusion before snarling.

"What the hay does that mean? " Luna continued walking and kept her eyes forward, a small smirk on her lips.

The first stop they made was Roseluck's flower stand to pick up some snacks. The fact all eyes in town were glued on them and their companions didn't go unnoticed but they guessed as much. Ponies backed-up into walls or straight-up barricaded themselves inside their colorful houses. Umbra and Chrysalis felt a little better about their situation, seeing the ponies were still scared of them.

"Hey Rose. " Sam greeted the flower mare who was trembling in fear, Umbra and Chrysalis giving her nasty grin's behind Sam's back.

"M-m-m-morning S-S-Sam... " she barely stammered out but when Chrysalis revealed her fangs, Roseluck squealed in terror and ducked behind her stand.

"Um, Rose? " Fluttershy peeked over the stand to see the mare cowering behind it "It's okay, you don't have to be scared. They won't hurt you. "

"It's-s-s fine! I'll j-j-just stay r-right here! "

"Just get the damn flowers so we can go! This dirt hole is absolutely pitiful. " Umbra barked , making Roseluck yelp.

"T-take whatever you want! " she even threw her coin purse towards the former unicorn queen "H-here! Is this enough? " the bag landed in Umbra's hand, making her grin in satisfaction.

"Hmmm, It shall suffice for now-HEY! " faster than Umbra could see, the purse disappeared from her hand and she saw Sam handing it back to Roseluck "What in the- How did you do that? " Umbra growled but Sam ignored her.

"Look- " he handed Roseluck the purse back which she accepted with trembling hands "-I'm here to buy some flowers for my lovely marefriend and then we're out of your mane. "

"And don't worry about these two. They're here under special orders from my sister. " Luna peeked over the counter as well and Roseluck calmed down immensely.

"Princess Luna? " the mare quickly rose before curtly bowing.

"It's Princess Luna! We're saved! " random ponies began shouting from all sides before erupting into cheers.

"Wow. It's like I never saved their children from that school fire. " Sam said in wonder, though he knew how beloved the two sisters were. You could repel a dragon invasion, but if one of the two royal sisters makes an appearance to buy an apple, you better believe you will be ignored. And that was just fine in his eyes, makes life easier.

"Calm down my little ponies! " Luna said with raised arms "Tis' true that you have nothing to fear, however, I am no longer your princess. " this caused the crowd to gasp loudly "As you may or may not have heard, my beloved sister has created the Villain Reformation Program of which dear Sam here- " said human waved to the crowd "-is in charge. And... " the crowd eagerly awaited "To which I have been assigned as well, in the same manner as Umbra and Chrysalis. An evil-doer, trying to make up for her mistakes. " the uproar that followed is said to have reached the ears of Celestia herself all the way to Canterlot "Please! Calm down everypony! " Luna yelled over the roar of the crowd but to no avail. Fluttershy ducked behind the counter with Roseluck, the two mares having a bad feeling about the situation.

"This went about as I'd expect. " Chrysalis chuckled to herself before experiencing a searing pain on her temple. Reaching up she felt a warm liquid meet her fingers and her eyes narrowed to slits "YOU INSOLENT, PATHETIC-OW! " another rock hit her, this time on the arm, and while it didn't break her chitin it did hurt "I WILL BLAST YOU-" then she remembered the ring and her eyes widened in realization. She was without magic, without a way to defend herself, and in her mind, completely helpless against the angry mob. The crowd was aiming directly at them, some rocks whizzing dangerously close to Luna who tried to defuse the situation without a magical outburst. Glancing over to Umbra, the unicorn wasn't faring any better without her magic either and both were unconsciously making small steps backwards. All of this lasted for maybe ten seconds before both saw Sam step between them and the angry mob.

"PONYVILLE! " Sam's roar overpowered the crowd's and the mob stood frozen in place, none daring to move a muscle "Is this how you represent your beloved princess? " he gestured to the injured forms of Chrysalis and Umbra "By throwing rocks and insults towards those she has given a chance for redemption? At her sister, no less? "

"They're monsters! " the crowd pointed at the two former queens and began shouting once again.

"And yet you keep forgetting, so was she once! " Sam pointed to Luna and the crowd fell to silence once more. He gave her an apologetic look to which Luna nodded in understanding. She made peace with that a long time ago and still felt like she hadn't doe enough to earn her subjects forgiveness "It was with the aid of six citizens from this very village that you got princess Luna back! Is perhaps Celestia's trust in you misplaced? " the crowd began murmuring "Is Ponyville no longer a place for new beginnings? "

"She's an emotion sucking vampire! " one stallion yelled from the crowd and got cheers of support.

"Yeah! And the other's a ruthless tyrant! " a mare joined in and received the same response.

"Then what about Discord? " Sam countered, since everypony loved his occasional chocolate rains now "What about Starlight Glimmer? " the crowds murmurs got quieter "And what about me? " the last one caught Umbra's and Chrysalis's attention and the crowd went silent "Both princess Celestia and princess Luna put us in your care, trusting that you're the kindest of ponies in all of Equestria to show us how to live in harmony! These two are here for the same reason! " he gestured to his, well, charges "Do you trust your princess? " the crowd nodded in unison "Do you trust me? " the crowd nodded once more "Then have faith that her Villain Reformation Program will work!" the crowd gave u unified response "And remember this, Umbra and Chrysalis are under my protection and any attack on them is an attack on me. " the crowd looked uneasy by this statement but nodded slowly nonetheless "Good. Now, return to your lives and tomorrow, I expect a much warmer welcome! " Sam shooed them off and the crowd slowly dispersed. He immediately went back to the stand to check on Fluttershy "You okay? Did you get hit or- " Fluttershy placed a gentle hand on his cheek to calm him.

"A little shaken but otherwise fine. " she looked over at Umbra and Chrysalis who were shaking in rage "You should talk to them. I think they're more scared than angry. "

"What makes you say that? " Sam extended a helping hand to Fluttershy who stood up and dusted off her long sweater.

"W-well, If you think about it, this was the first time they couldn't defend themselves with magic. " Fluttershy pointed out "It must've been scary for them to face an angry mob like that. " the former queens were inspecting their bodies for wounds but luckily none were too serious, mainly cuts and bruises "Go. I'll be here. " Fluttershy kissed Sam's cheek and gently pushed him towards their charges.

"He handled himself well. " Luna commented as she stood beside Fluttershy who nodded in agreement.

"I must say, much better than the first time. " both mares chuckled at the memory from years ago. The yellow pegasus then turned to Luna "Um, Luna? " the blue alicorn was surprised Fluttershy referred to her without the title, but, in the end that's how it's supposed to be for now "Can we, um, if you don't mind that is, talk when we return home? "

"I don't see why not. About what? " Luna asked and smiled when she remembered that Fluttershy's home also meant her home.

"You and Sam. I heard your confession earlier. I'm sorry for eavesdropping. " Fluttershy looked at the ground in shame while Luna stood frozen. That was not how she envisioned things to go down.

Meanwhile, Sam approached his two new roommates who were inspecting their bodies for injuries.

"You two alright? " Sam asked and got scoffs in response.

"As if mere pebbles could hurt us. " Umbra rolled her eyes and Chrysalis nodded in agreement.

"That's not what I meant. " the two turned their heads towards him, not understanding his question "I meant how do you feel? Your magic is gone and you were facing an angry mob. "

"Please, why do you care? " Umbra asked in annoyance.

"Yeah, you want us gone as soon as possible! And we share that sentiment! " Chrysalis hissed at Sam.

"Gone, yes, Hurt, no. " Sam approached Umbra and the unicorn clenched her fists tightly at her sides.

"We didn't ask for your help! " she snarled in his face which was now very close to her own.

"And as long as you live under my roof, you will never have to. " he then plucked a tomato from Umbra's black mane and threw it aside, her eyes following Sam's every move "Look, I don't like this any more than you do but Celestia has given you a chance to turn things around. I suggest you take it. I'll do my best to help and who knows, maybe we even become friends. " Sam patted her shoulder to get rid of some dust that was swept up. Umbra swatted his hand away before getting very close, their noses practically touching.

"Don't. Touch. Me. Again. " she growled before storming off towards her new home.

"Such hatred... " Chrysalis licked her lips in delight and soon followed. The last thing that went through Sam's mind was the curiously sweet smell of lilac Umbra left floating around him.

3 - New experiences

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True to his word, Sam let Luna go visit a friend in Ponyville which was about two hours ago. It was little Pipsqueak of all ponies and Fluttershy went to make sure Luna didn't do anything bad while there. It was jut protocol that Luna insisted was followed anyway so Sam and Fluttershy decided to play along. While that was happening, Sam escorted Umbra and Chrysalis home. Not a word was spoken as Umbra stomped the ground beneath her hooves and slammed the door to her room. Sam even offered to treat Chrysalis's injury but the former queen refused, insulted him just because and then locked herself in her room as well.

With not much to do until Fluttershy and Luna return, Sam lounged on the couch with a Daring Do book in his hands. He noted how there weren't books like these back home and thoroughly enjoyed them. Imagine his surprise when Sam actually met the author, went on an adventure with her and managed to defeat the infamous Sphinx by giving her an imposible riddle. Now that was an adventure worthy of a book! Daring Do, or rather, A.K. Yearling, promised to bring him the first draft as soon as it was finished. This was a few months ago so Sam thought it would be a while until she comes knocking on his door.

Speaking of knocking on his door, before leaving with Fluttershy, Luna swore by her Moon that nopony else will be joining them in the program. Which was perfectly fine with him, two nutjobs was enough. Sam was even thinking about asking Fluttershy to move in with him, or the other way around, he didn't mind, so this program just accelerated things a little. And now there was Luna. Granted, it was Fluttershy who found him in the Everfree before he was sent to Canterlot for evaluation but he did spend quite some time there and bonded with the Princess of the night. Luna became his envoy to this new world and checked in on a regular basis to see how he was doing. But Sam's words were true. Had he stayed in Canterlot their conversation from this morning would never had happened. Sam loved Fluttershy and he was happy with her. Luna was his best friend and he felt he loved her too for a time. And with Luna's confession it only got complicated as some old feelings began to resurface.

Ponies are a very emotional species, they stick close together and lean on each other. It was not uncommon that there were multiple ponies in a relationship, a herd they called it. It was even encouraged because of the male to female ratio so the population could keep growing. And finally, ponies are beings filled with love, a stark contrast to what he was used to. There was a reason he doesn't talk about his world, feeling as it would somehow taint this beautiful and peaceful land that he has come to call his new home. Luna saw glimpses of it during his stay in the palace, but luckily nothing horrifying, and from that point on he explicitly forbid her to look into his dreams no matter what. Sam even went so far that he didn't sleep for days and seeing his health deteriorate, Luna made an oath to never enter his dreams without permission.

"We're back! " Sam was roused from his thought's by Fluttershy's voice coming from the front door.

"In here. " he called and sat down the book down on the table just as Luna and Fluttershy entered the living room. Fluttershy plopped down next to him on the couch and pecked him on the cheek. Luna looked at the book and picked it up.

"Again? What is this, the fourth time? " she asked with a raised brow.

"What? It's a really good book! " Sam defended and snatched said item from her hands "And it's a signed copy. " he showed her the first page that indeed had Daring Do's autograph "Rainbow Dash would give anything to have it. "

"It's true. " Fluttershy nodded "She offered him her house in Cloudsdale just last week. "

"Wow. " Luna blinked in surprise "I've heard of collectors going to great lengths to obtain rare items, but a house for a book? "

"It's not just any book. " Sam flipped through the pages "It's the first one she wrote, on her personal... What's the thing called again? "

"Typewriter. " Fluttershy patted his shoulder and smiled.

"Yes, typewriter. And! It's way better than the official release, has some extra parts that really tie the story together and it's the only one in existence! "Sam held the book triumphantly as if it was an ancient relic "And that's why I decided to give it to Rainbow for her birthday next week. "

"That is very nice of you. " Luna smiled and took the book from his hands to examine it "I still can't believe you actually beat Sphinx and Daring gave you this book as thank you. That is no easy task mind you. "

"A warrior needs to train his mind and his body. " Sam said with a tap to his temple "I just hope she doesn't come knocking on my door to join the program. " all three looked at each other uncertainly "She's not, right Luna? " the alicorn remained silent "Absolutely n- " and when Luna burst into laughter even Fluttershy joined her, leaving Sam scowling at his friend "Not funny. "

"You should have seen your face! " Luna was laughing so hard her ribs hurt. Fluttershy wiped a tear away from her eye.

"Don't be like that honey. " she rubbed Sam's shoulder in comfort "And I'm sure Sphinx would be a lovely guest if she could, um, fit inside the house, that is. " oh yeah, Sphinx was big. Not fat big but generally big, at least 14 feet tall.

"We could use her as another couch! " Luna added before continuing to laugh and even Fluttershy giggled at the thought of Sphinx acting as their new couch. Their laughter was, however, cut short as there was a knock on the door. Both Luna's and Fluttershy's eyes reduced to pinpricks as they looked at the door.

"If that's her, you're- " Sam pointed at Luna "-on hairball duty. " he rose from the couch and walked to the door. Taking a deep breath and steeling his nerves, he opened the door "Oh thank the gods. " he exhaled deeply, feeling a weight drop from his shoulders. It was Depry, the resident mailmare.

"Hey Sam! " she greeted him with a smile, her one eye not looking in his direction as it should "Got some mail for you! Oh, and a muffin! " she dumped a hefty pile letters in his extended hands and set a muffin on top of them "I would like to stay but duty calls! " and with a quick salute she flew off, a little wobbly and uncertainly, towards Ponyville. Sam chuckled and used his leg to close the front door and returned to the living room.

"That's a lot of mail. " Luna commented as Sam dumped the pile on the coffee table. She took one and her mouth parted in shock "It's for Umbra. " both Sam and Fluttershy reached for more letters.

"This one too. " Sam said and went through the pile and found some more letters addressed to the unicorn.

"Oh my. " Fluttershy said while holding up at least a dozen letters "These are for Chrysalis. " all three stared at each other in disbelief.

"Should we open them? " Sam asked uncerainly.

"I... Don't know. " Luna answered in the same tone.

"That would be rude. I mean, the letters are for them. " Fluttershy looked towards the hallway that lead to their rooms "Should we call them? "

"Umbra! Chrysalis! " Luna's call startled both Sam and Fluttershy "You've got mail! " and for a moment there was nothing but doors soon began to open.

"What? " Chrysalis's voice could be heard "Mail? "

"Is this a joke? " Umbra's followed and soon both of them were in the living room. Sam handed Umbra her letters while Fluttershy did the same with Chrysalis.

"Who sent them? " the changeling asked while inspecting the envelopes, noticing there was no information on the senders "I bet it's hate mail. Ooh I love those! " Chrysalis opened one and began reading it.

"Figures. " Umbra scoffed and tore open one envelope "Spineless cretins fear we might seek vengeance and- " she stopped mid sentence, her eyes slowly opening wide.

"What's it say? " Sam asked but Umbra threw the letter to the ground and tore open another one. She continued this process until there were no more left "This can't be good. " Sam commented when he saw Chrysalis had the same shocked expression as Umbra. He picked up one letter from the wooden floor and read it.

I am sorry for throwing rocks at you.
Good luck with your program!

Sam blinked in surprise before picking up another letter, and another, and another until he got through all of them. They were all apology letters.

"This was not what I expected. " Luna commented once she read a letter on her own "This is a good sign I'd say. "

"Good sign? " all eyes turned to Umbra who was trembling in silent rage "Good sign?! " she stomped on the letters that littered the floor "They're just scared of what me might do to them! " Fluttershy winced at her outburst and Sam held quickly grasped her hand for comfort "Don't patronize me with fake apology letters! Trying to act sooo nice like they're any better than us! "

"Calm down. " Sam said with a calm tone but it only enraged her further.

"I will not calm down! " Umbra snapped at him and Fluttershy tried to make herself smaller by his side. Sam, however, remained calm "You! " she turned to look at Luna "You all think you're so good and you can do nothing wrong! But let me tell you something, princess, your little ponies are the real monsters! "

"Real monsters? " Luna barked in anger "It was you who enslaved an entire Empire! Brought it's citizens to the brink if starvation! It was you who almost killed me and my sister! You're the last pony to pass judgement on others! "

"Who do you think is to blame for that? " all eyes then turned to Chrysalis who held a crumpled letter in her hand. And without another word she threw it on the ground and stomped towards her room.

"You never asked yourself why things are the way they are? " Umbra began quietly and chuckled "I should've known you wouldn't. " and as Chrysalis did before, Umbra, albeit more gently, walked away.

"What is she talking about? " Sam asked and looked at Luna who had a perplexed expression on her face.

"I... I have no idea. " she sat down and stared at the apology letters, her brows scrunching in thought "It almost sounds like- "

"You're to blame. " Sam finished and Luna nodded slowly.

"Are you? " Fluttershy asked timidly.

"No. " the alicorn shook her head "At least... I think we aren't. "

"How long have you known them? " Sam asked and Luna shut her eyes.

"Ages. Ever since they came to power. " her eyes snapped open in realization "You can't possibly think that our- "

"Maybe. " Sam interrupted "But it's not our place to pry. They'll tell us when they're ready. " he sighed and stood up "If they'll ever be. "

Night had fallen over Ponyville, courtesy of Luna raising her moon, and things got quiet. As was custom, Umbra and Chrysalis remained in their rooms for the remained of the day. Sam was currently lying in his large bed, just about to finish that Daring Do book for the first time, and Fluttershy was in the bathroom brushing her teeth. Toothpaste was one of the things Sam didn't understand the use for but since Fluttershy insisted he brushed them it quickly became part of his daily routine.

He could hear she was done and closed the book before setting it on the night counter. Fluttershy came out of the bathroom holding a very familiar comb in her hand. Sam smiled and motioned her to come sit on the bed. It was also part of the daily routine for Sam to brush Fluttershy's mane before going to sleep. The process made her mane less messy in the morning and for Sam it was a therapeutic experience. She had even done it to his hair, silently mourning the day Sam decided to cut it down to half it's length.

She sat cross-legged on the bed with Sam behind her. Handing him the brush over her shoulder, Sam began the task of long strokes with the brush and untangling any knots he could find. Fluttersshy sighed happily as Sam gently went through her mane.

"Sam? " she called softly.

"Hm? " Sam replied, completely focused on the task at hand.

"I, um, have this friend- " and the brushing immediately stopped. Peeking over her shoulder she saw Sam with a bemused expression.

"Alright, spit it out. " he said with a chuckle.

"What? " she tried acting all coy.

"Honey, the last time you said I have this friend was when you told me you liked me. " Fluttershy blushed fondly at the memory of that night. Particularly at the part how she jumped him and the mess they made of her room.

"I... May recall something like tha-EEP! " she jumped on the spot when Sam poked her ribs with his finger.

"Let's hear it. " he spun the comb with his fingers and smirked "Time's wasting. "

"I heard your conversation this morning. With Luna, that is. " she answered softly and turned around to face him, Sam dropping the comb in the process.

"Oh... " all was good, he could explain.

"I had a talk today with her. "

"Honey, let me explain- " Sam raised his arms in a calming manner.

"I would like her to join us. Start a herd. " he did not expect that "If it's okay with you. " Sam remained quiet, a look of silent shock on his face "Sam, I know the concept is foreign to you but being in a herd is a wonderful thing! Especially when they all love each other. " he wanted to speak but Fluttershy slapped him playfully on the shoulder "Don't try to deny it, I know you love her. " Sam looked to the side, not really knowing what to say "A herd is about ponies who love each other coming together to support each other. Lean on each other. It's a wonderful bond that makes us stronger. Not many know this, but my family is part of a herd as well and it's a wonderful experience. "

"Fluttershy- " she put a finger over his lips to silence him.

"We're not forcing you to anything, it's up to you to decide. " she removed her finger and smiled warmly "If you agree, she will take us out on a date and we can go from there. Does that sound alright? " now there were a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. He loved Luna almost as much as Fluttershy but could he really do it? Could he love them both the same and not favor one over the other? Would it work? Well, they're already living together so that makes things simpler to handle.

"I guess... " Fluttershy looked at him expectantly "We could try? " she squee'd in happiness and tackled Sam to the bed "Whoa! Easy, easy! The date first, alright? "

"Oh, um, sorry. " she laughed sheepishly and returned to her mane combing position "Um, if you're ready. " Sam chuckled and got back up, resuming his combing duties "It does help that she has a cute butt. " the combing stopped and Fluttershy turned to look at Sam's slack-jawed expression "What? I look too you know. "

Umbra was restless. Those damned letters infuriated her more that she thought they could and she's been tossing and turning in her bed for hours but sleep eluded her. The more she thought about them, the more angry she got. What was she thinking? Villain Reformation Program? It was a joke! Tartarus would have been better than this!

"I can't stay here. " Umbra said decisively and got out of bed. Slowly opening the door she made sure the coast was clear before sneaking towards the front door. Slowly making her way towards it, she finally grabbed the door knob.

"Can't sleep? " she froze on the spot, Sam's voice crushing all hopes of escape. Without magic she was powerless against his strength. Umbra gritted her teeth in anger.

"I'm leaving. "

"Oh. Okay. " she blinked in surprise and looked at Sam who was leaning on the door frame to the living room. It was the first time she saw him shirtless and her mouth parted slightly. His body was littered with scars. And not just small scrapes, no, more like sword slashes, impalement's and other nasty injuries. She shook her head and glare at him again.

"You're not going to stop me? "

"You're not a prisoner here. " Sam shrugged "You were given a choice and came of your own free will. "

"It wasn't much of a choice. " Umbra replied with a hiss.

"Still, can't make you stay if you don't want to. " he turned and went to the living room. Umbra stood there with a confused look, wondering what his deal was. Against her better judgement, she followed him to the living room and soon into the kitchen where Sam was getting himself some juice from the fridge.

"Why are you even awake? " she asked as Sam poured himself some juice into a glass

"I got thirsty. " Sam replied as if it was the most obvious thing ever. He downed the drink in one go and sighed in delight "These refrigerators are the greatest invention ever. " Umbra raised a curious brow.

"You don't have refrigerator's where you're from? " Sam shook his head "What kind of backwater dump did you live in? "

"Exactly. " Sam put the glass into the sink and Umbra huffed in annoyance "Well, good night. " he smiled briefly and took one step, ready to leave.

"That's it? " Umbra asked in disbelief "You're not going to try and stop me? Ask me why I'm leaving? Why the letters made me angry? What kind of therapist are you? "

"Like I said, I can't make you stay. " Sam yawned loudly, making Umbra scowl "And I'm more like a guardian, I think, so if you want a therapist you'll have to look elsewhere. " Umbra was ready to give him a piece of her mind before Sam continued "But, If you want somebody to talk to, in a friendly manner, you know where to find me. " he yawned once again, stretching himself and giving Umbra a good look of his muscles.

"You're infuriating, you know that? " Umbra asked with a deadpan look.

"So I've been told. " Sam shrugged "Well, good night, oh queen. " Sam bowed curtly, making Umbra roll her eyes. Once Sam was out of earshot she smirked.

"Nice abs though. "

4 - Breakfast at Sam's

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Sam stared hard into the mirror, his blue eyes squinted hard in concentration. Thoughts weighed heavily upon him. Should he leave things as they were? Maybe try something new for a change? Change is good. Keeps things fresh. But then, you're already used to the present and it's nice, comfortable. What would Fluttershy think? She said it's fine but Sam wasn't convinced. He knew Fluttershy didn't like it either. Then why lie to him? Because she loves him and doesn't want to hurt his feelings? He needed an honest truth.

"Sam? Honey? " ah, the deceiver, come to speak lies to his face once more. No movement will be wasted on her, only a brief nod to acknowledge her presence "Are you alright? " she asked in concern, what a perfectly rehearsed question.

"I don't like it. " he said bitterly, eyes never leaving his reflection in the mirror. Fluttershy sighed deeply.

"Fine, I'll tell Luna- "

"You don't like it either. " he continued.

"What? No! " Fluttershy said defensively "I like the idea of- " then she realized where he was looking at in the mirror "Oh Sam... " she smiled gently and rubbed his back in a comforting manner.

"I've seen the way you look at it. " he stroked his braided beard "You think it's weird. "

"It's just... Different. " she reassured him and ran one hand through his hair "I do miss your mane though. " Sam didn't respond, only kept inspecting the braid coming from his chin "You can just shave it off if you don't like it. "

"Fluttershy, my people don't just shave off their beards. " Sam straightened up and examined the rest of his facial hair "It's part of our culture! It's a status symbol! " then he looked to the side in shame "And I have no discernible chin to speak of but that's beside the point! " Fluttershy grasped his face between her hands, bringing him to meet her eyes.

"Sam, look at me. " she smiled, her eyes filled with love and understanding "I love you for who you are, not because of your facial hair. I'm fine either way, really. " she kissed him gently and let go of his face "Now, let's go eat some breakfast and decide what to do with our new... Roommates? " she nodded quickly "Yes, roommates. Sounds better than patients. " leaving Sam alone with his thoughts, the human turned to the mirror once more.

"Fine either way... " he scowled at his reflection "She hates it. "

Breakfast was eaten in silence once more. Umbra looked like she actually got some form of sleep last night, despite her escape attempt. For a brief moment she was thinking of making a run for it after Sam left but upon further thinking it was useless. Without her magic she would be caught very easily and then condemned to Tartarus. At least here she was sleeping in a bed as opposed to a cage and had actual meals, not the splatters they served them there. Choose the lesser of two crappy choices, she told herself.

"Do I sense some trouble in paradise? " Chrysalis grinned wickedly upon sensing the turbulent emotions coming from Sam. Fluttershy immediately dropped her spoon, mouth full with cereal, and shook her head furiously "Oooh, struck a nerve did I? "

"Is everything alright? " Luna asked seeing Fluttershy trying to steer the conversation in another direction "If it's about us, then I am sorry that- "

"It's not, Luna. Don't worry. " Sam reassured her and looked at his marefriend who finally managed to swallow "Go ahead, tell them honey. " now even Umbra was curious and decided to quietly observe while eating.

"Um, Sam, I told you it's fine. " Fluttershy said gently and caressed his cheek "Now let's continue- "

"What do you think of this? " Sam looked at Chrysalis and pointed to his braided beard.

"Oh no... " Fluttershy sighed and lowered her head. This will not end well.

"Of what? " Chrysalis looked at his beard "What even is that? "

"It's a beard. " Sam deadpanned.

"I know it's a beard, dimwit, but why is does it look like that? " she examined the braid and the short string that was holding it in place. Before Sam could explain, Luna piped up.

"Human beards represent a status symbol. Depending on the styling they could mean many different things. " Luna explained proudly, secretly happy Sam's foul mood had nothing to do with her talk with Fluttershy.

"So what does your mean? " Chrysalis asked, looking at the beard with a scrutinizing glare.

"What do you think it means? " Sam asked and Fluttershy's eyes shrank to pinpricks. This will definitely not end well.

"Hmmm... " Chrysalis rubbed her chin in thought "Let's see. It's short, which means it won't get in the way. And braided, almost like a tail. I know! " she clapped her hands together "Assface! " Umbra choked on her food and went into a coughing fit, Luna's mouth fell open in shock and Fluttershy buried her face in her hands. Sam's right eye was twitching, his jaw clenched tightly in silent anger.

"That's it! " he sat down his spoon and got up from the chair "I've put up with this long enough! " making his way to the counters he pulled out a knife and Chrysalis's grin was soon replaced with a look of horror. Umbra, finally catching her breath, was ready to jump at a moments notice. Then Sam turned towards the kitchen door "I'm cutting it off! " and stormed off towards the bathroom, leaving both Chrysalis and Umbra very perplexed.

"Did... That just happen? " Umbra asked in disbelief.

"For a moment there... I thought... " Chrysalis still felt her heart pounding in her chest. Fluttershy sighed deeply and got up as well.

"We have scissors for that! " she called after Sam and followed him to the bathroom.

"Did that really just happen? " Umbra repeated her question.

"Humans are sensitive about their beards. " Luna responded "At least, that's what Sam has told me. I don't know many humans apart from him. "

"Really? " Umbra asked with a raised brow "His body looks like a testing ground for blades and he's self-conscious about his beard? " Luna narrowed her gaze at the unicorn.

"And how do you know that? " the alicorn asked through clenched teeth.

"I got thirsty last night, so did he. " Umbra lied and smirked "Apparently he sleeps half naked. Nice abs. " Luna grinned and readied her response.

"Should've seen his- " then a clatter of a spoon got her attention. Both Umbra and Luna followed the sound and found Chrysalis frozen in place, her eyes staring into the distance "You can relax, he won't hurt you. " the changeling didn't respond.

"You there, Chrissy? " Umbra snapped her fingers in front of the changeling who blinked herself back into reality. With a hiss she smacked Umbra's arm away.

"I'm fine, idiot. " she collected her spoon and continued eating.

"Now that that's out of the way... " Sam re-entered the kitchen, his beard now trimmed down to about half an inch, and Fluttershy giggling to herself, they sat down at the table again "I've got another question for you. " Chrysalis raised her head, her brows scrunched in a frown "What do emotions taste like? "

"That is an interesting question. " Luna looked at the former queen who was eyeing Sam curiously.

"Why? " Chrysalis narrowed her eyes at the human.

"I'm curious. I've never heard of anyone feeding on emotions until I've met you changelings. " Sam shrugged and ran a hand over his beard "Yep, much better. "

"Oh Sam... " Fluttershy chuckled and pecked his cheek "Don't ever change. "

"Ugh. " Chrysalis groaned "That right there, tasted awful. " she pointed to the two of them "You might hear these reformed children of mine saying love tastes great but I find it disgusting. "

"You seemed pretty full yesterday. " Luna commented.

"It's the best food source but I hate the taste. " she hissed "It tastes sweet, juicy. Goes straight to my thighs. " Sam actually laughed at this one and Umbra even smirked briefly "If you're done with your questions- "

"How do you do that with your hair? " Sam squinted to have a better look "I mean, it has holes in it. "

"So does the rest of my body. " she put her right arm on display and sure enough there were holes in it. You could see right through them but there wasn't anything like ripped skin or bone showing "It's just how things are. Can I eat in peace now? " she glared at her host, daring him to continue.

"Yeah, yeah, go ahead. " Sam waved her off and the changeling resumed her meal. She didn't like the taste of it either but even changelings had to eat normal food on a regular basis. Silence fell upon the table once more. Until Sam opened his mouth "How come you have so many children? " Chrysalis rolled her eyes before dropping her spoon.

"They're not exactly my children. They're simple drones that hatched from eggs. " she answered and gritted her teeth in anger "Drones that decided to overthrow me and think for themselves, those treacherous, ungrateful- "

"You lay eggs? " Sam raised a brow and then smirked smugly "Like a chicken? " and once again Umbra choked on her food, Luna suppressed a laugh when she imagined Chrysalis roosting like a mother hen and even Fluttershy covered her mouth so she wouldn't laugh.

"You're hilarious. " Chrysalis said sarcastically "When this program is over, I'll have fun sucking you dry. " she said with a menacing glare.

"Fine, but you'll have to get permission from Fluttershy first. She has sucking privileges. " he answered with a grin and waited for the words to register with the changeling. Taking a glance he saw Fluttershy was beet red and even Luna looked a little flustered. Umbra just gagged.

"W-what? No! Eww! That's- " Chrysalis jumped to her hooves "That's not what I meant! " was there a little red on her cheeks too?

"Your words, not mine. " Sam shrugged and Chrysalis pointed a finger at him.

"You! You! " the right words just couldn't come out. She narrowed her eyes and bared her fangs "It is on. " Chrysalis took her bowl of cereal and decided to finish it in her room. Well, if anything else, Umbra thought this house arrest would at least be entertaining.

"Have you two talked about... Us? " and with Luna's question the moment was gone and Umbra decided to make herself scarce.

"We did. " Fluttershy smiled again and looked at Sam who scratched the back of his head sheepishly "And we would love to go on a date with you. "

"Really? " Luna's ears stood straight up, lips wide in a smile and her tail was happily swishing around.

"Calm down Luna. " Sam's words didn't even register "We'll see how it goes and- "

"How about tonight? " the lunar princess was bouncing in her seat.

"Oy. "

"That would be lovely, wouldn't it Sam? " Fluttershy nudged him with her wing "Right, honey? "

"Uh, yeah. Tonight would be fine- " a yellow wing gently slapped him upside the head "I mean, tonight would be perfect. " he smiled awkwardly and Luna squeed in glee.

"Huzzah! What a glorious occasion! " she promptly covered her mouth and laughed sheepishly "Uh, that- That would be fine with me as well. " Luna coughed before looking at Fluttershy "Fluttershy, I am honored that you, as the headmare of this herd, have given me the opportunity to take you and your stallion on a date. " Sam raised a curious brow and Fluttershy blushed slightly at being called the headmare of the herd "I hope that by the end of this date you will consider letting this humble mare join your herd. " then to Sam's surprise, Luna stood up and curtly bowed to Fluttershy, which the yellow pegasus returned. Sam watched the exchange curiously, another Equestrian custom that he was unaware of apparently "I shall go make preparations and come to pick you up come nightfall. Have a pleasant day. " and with that, Luna walked away to her room.

"Headmare of the herd? " Sam asked with a raised brow.

"Well, um you see, every herd consists of mainly one stallion and other mares. But the mare that caught the stallion first is considered the headmare of the herd. " Fluttershy explained and twiddled her thumbs.

"Caught? So I'm like a prize catch? " Sam asked teasingly.

"No! That's not what I meant by that! Oh my, that came out wrong. What I meant was- " she was interrupted by a kiss on the forehead by Sam.

"Relax honey, I know what you meant. " the yellow pegasus smiled bashfully before speaking.

"But to be the headmare of Luna... " she said timidly "I don't know if I can do that. "

"You'll be fine. " Sam hugged her and ran his hand through her pink mane "Besides, you can be quite bossy when you have to. It's kinda hot. " Fluttershy lowered her head to hide behind her mane.

"W-well, would you like New Fluttershy to wait for you in bed tonight? " she was suddenly pulled up and Sam stared hard into her eyes.

"Honey, I would rather face a dragon with nothing but a fork, than see New Fluttershy return. " both chuckled at the memory of the old days.

"Sorry! " Luna re-entered the kitchen and smiled awkwardly "Still have some cereal left. Carry on! " she grabbed her bowl and retreated to her room once more.

"We should really put down a carpet or something. " Sam mused "All these clopping sounds are getting kinda' annoying. "

"I thought you liked clopping sounds. " looking down at his marefriend, Sam saw her smiling smugly at him.

"You're a bad pony. "

5 - Date night

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Evening had come quickly at Sam's house. Lunch was uneventful, what with Umbra and Chrysalis refusing to join, Luna making preparations for the big date, and that left Sam and Fluttershy by themselves to enjoy a quiet meal. It's been a few days since Fluttershy left Angel in charge at her cottage so just as lunch ended she went to check up on the situation and get ready for the date. Most of her clothes, including the more fancier ones, were still back at her place so she told Sam she'll be back in time for the date.

So with Luna and Fluttershy gone, Umbra and Chrysalis in their rooms, Sam was bored out of his mind. He even went so far as to wish Chrysalis would come out of her room so they could exchange some insults. Or even Umbra to growl or yell at him. Anything!

With nothing much to do, Sam took a nap, did a little cleaning, balanced a spoon on his nose, quite successfully I might add, built a toothpick tower, which Umbra accidentally knocked over with her tail during a trip to the fridge but hey, at least something was happening. However, Umbra's appearance did raise a question in Sam's mind. Who will watch the two while they're out on a date? It completely slipped his mind! Guards were too scared to do it. Should they bring them along? Yeah, nothing says date night like having your roommates there scaring away the waiters. Sam hoped Luna thought about it at least and comes up with some sort of solution, otherwise date night would take place in the kitchen.

Seeing the Sun was slowly setting, Sam thought it was time to get ready. He pulled out the nicest, and only suit he owned, and got dressed. It was a black tuxedo with matching pants, white button-up shirt, shoes and a red tie. Rarity made him the suit for the first, and only, Grand Galloping Gala he attended. There was some trouble with the shoe design since ponies don't wear them so Rarity had to think of something by working with a pair of the worn boots Sam had on him when he arrived. Rarity also made Sam new boots for daily use but he rarely used them, preffering to be barefoot most of the time. And now for the tie...

"I curse the one who thought a noose could be used for clothing! " he grumbled to himself while trying to do the knot properly. He's been at it for ten minutes already before he crumpled the tie into a ball and threw it into the bin "Screw it. " Sam unbuttoned the top of his shirt and nodded in satisfaction. He looked through the window of his bathroom and saw the Moon was already up, which meant Luna would be here soon.

"Sam, I'm back! " he heard Flutteshy calling from the hallway.

"In here! " Sam hollered from the bathroom "I'm almost ready, just have to get... My... Shoes... " his jaw slowly hung open when his marefriend walked into the bathroom.

"Um... How do I look? " she did a little twirl and Sam was at a loss for words. Fluttershy wore a strapless, light blue dress with long sleeves. The front cut showed a generous amount of cleavage while the rear part left her back exposed all the way down to her tail. In length, the dress went almost all the way down to her hooves with a slit on the right side hat started at her thigh. There was an intricately design necklace that hung across her shoulders and went down over her chest. Sam could see her wings were preened, every feather meticulously put into place, making her look like an angel. His angel.

"Uh... Umm... You... " Fluttershy giggled at her coltfriends gob-smacked expression.

"Thank you. " she pecked him on the cheek and looked him over "You look nice as well. " Sam looked at the mirror and frowned. There he was, having a beautiful angel by his side, with another one on the way, and he looked like... Well, him. Sam's steel blue eyes still looked weary, despite living a peaceful life in Equestria for some years now. His nose had been broken a few times but you could only notice it if you lokked close enough. There was a thin, level scar just above his right brow. Unlinke pony manes, Sam's hair wasn't as smooth or flowing, sometimes he even compared the texture to straw. Overall, his appearance showed a ruggedly handsome male of the human species, not pony. He stood out, feeling he didn't belong even though he desperately wanted to. Sam was never overly concerned about his looks before. Heck, he went without showers, shaving and haircuts for weeks and it didn't bother him one bit. But Equestria had a strange effect on him. It changed him and not just his hygiene. He became calmer, more relaxed, balanced, harmonius with the world around him. This was home now, a home he felt he deserved after everything that happened. If only his old friends could see him now... "Honey, where is your tie? " Sam shook his head quickly and made a strangling motion like he was on the gallows "Let me do it. " Fluttershy offered with a smile and extended her hand.

"That vile garment has met it's maker. " Sam pointed to the bin and Fluttershy giggled.

"Well, you do look good like this. " she grabbed the collar of his shirt "And it makes kissing you easier. " pulling him down she kissed him deeply and lovingly, her wings wrapping around them like a protective barrier to make a world of their own. And as always, a knock on the door ruined the moment. The two lovers pulled back from the kiss, both a little heated, but happy nontheless as they knew who was at the door.

"Are you sure you want this? " Sam asked with a calm tone.

"Absolutely. " Fluttershy smiled back, gave him another peck and took his right hand "Let's go, wouldn't want to keep our date waiting, she is a princess after all. " they walked out of the bathroom in their bedroom and made their way towards the door.

"I just hope Luna thought about what to do with our new roommates. " his comment stopped Fluttershy in her tracks.

"Oh my, I completely forgot about them! " she looked to him in panic "We can't leave them alone! But, I don't know if we should take them with us. Should we? " they reached the door and Sam smiled reassuringly.

"We'll think of something. " he opened the door and was awe struck for the second time tonight. Much like Fluttershy, Luna looked absolutely beautiful. Her dress looked similar to her royal one, albeit a lighter blue in color, though still a few shades darker than Fluttershy's. Luna's dress tied behind her neck, with the cloth coming over her breasts, forming a long V-neckline all the way to her bellybutton before it wrapped around her waist and continued further down to her hooves. A long slit that went up to her thigh showed the barest glimpse of her cutie mark, a crescent moon on a dark night sky. In terms of jewelry, a simple platinum necklace with a simple gem that matched her dress hung down and rested just above her chest. While Fluttershy decided to have her mane as she always did, Luna's was tied into a high ponytail and left the bangs in front that she always had. And as a nice change of pace, she released the magic that made her mane look ethereal and it returned to it's natural blue color that matched that of her dress. Tonight, there was no Princess Luna, ruler of the night and watcher of dreams. There was only Luna.

"Hiya! " and Pinkie Pie who popped up behind the alicorn and waved happily "Ooooooh you look so pretty! " she hugged Fluttershy and the yellow pegasus returned the embrace.

"Pinkie? Um, why are you here? " Fluttershy asked her pink friend.

"Well d'uh! To watch over Umbra and Chrysalis while you three go on your date! " Pinkie proclaimed and saluted "I am ready to serve! " Fluttershy giggled and turned to Sam.

"It would seem we have solved the problem of- " she saw Sam had the same expression as when she walked through the door. Fluttershy smiled warmly, already feeling this date will end well, and gently nudged her coltfriend "Tell her how beautiful she looks. " she said softly.

"You look beautiful. " Sam's words made the alicorn blush slightly "I, uh... " Fluttershy giggled and looked at Luna.

"Good evening Luna. " she curtly bowed and the alicorn returned it.

"Good evening, Fluttershy. I humbly stand before you tonight and hope you will grace me with your presence for dinner. " Sam looked curiously at the exchange and decided to keep his mouth shut. Luna was thousands of years old and as such, some traditions still remained with her that weren't really practiced today. He was thankful Fluttershy gave him a brief run-down of what to expect on this date and it seemed pretty simple. Luna will pick them up, they will go to dinner where Luna will make a case for herself as to why they should take her into their herd and by the end of the evening Sam and Fluttershy will make a decision. The entire process sounded too complicated and unnecessary to Sam but if it made things easier for Luna he will play along "I present you these gifts in hopes they will appease you. " Luna pulled out two small packages and handed one to each of the two. They accepted the small gift and on Fluttershy's nod, they opened their respective boxes. Inside of them was a blue feather. Already knowing what to do, they both took the feather and tied them into their hair. One would usually bring jewels or other items of great value but Luna's was more personal. By gifting them each a primary flying feather, Luna showed them how serious she was about this relationship. Sam still remembers when Fluttershy gave him one of hers and he still keeps it in a nice wooden box with proper padding so the feather doesn't get damaged.

"Thank you, Luna. " Fluttershy smiled once she tied the feather to her mane "They are beautiful. " she looked over at Sam who simply nodded in agreement. Luna smiled brightly, her smile matching the moon in her shine. She was truly happy in this moment and nothing could rui-

"There's too much love going around! Knock it off! " Chrysalis yelled from somewhere inside the house before a door was slammed shut.

"Perfect timing as always. " Sam sighed and looked at Luna who was still smiling.

"Roommates, am I right? " all three of them chuckled lightly before Luna returned to the matters at hand. Since Fluttershy was holding Sam's right hand, Luna took hold of the left "If you would kindly follow me. " but before they left she looked at Pinkie who was recording the whole thing with teary eyes "I trust you will be able to handle them? " Luna nodded towards the house.

"Y-yeah. " Pinkie replied with a sniffle "That was beautiful. " she wiped away her tears, put the camera away and saluted "I will not fail you, friend Luna! " Pinkie then rushed inside the house "WHO'S UP FOR SOME JENGA? " before slamming the door behind her shut.

"She'll be fine, right? " Sam asked uncertainly.

"I know she will. " Fluttershy replied more confidently.

"She was the only one who volunteered. " Luna added somberly "It is progress I would say. "

"I remember my first angry mob. " Sam sighed wistfully "I also remember you standing up to them. " he said looking at Fluttershy "I never thanked you, did I?"

"And you will never have to." the yellow pegasus replied and nuzzled his cheek affectionately. Luna watched the exchange between them and hoped that one day she and Sam would be this close. Her heart swelled when Fluttershy actually agreed to try and start a herd with her, even more so when she found out that Sam was considering being with her while back in Canterlot. But now was not the time to dwell on the past and what could've been. It was the present and Luna had a chance to be with the one she loves. Nothing will hold her back this time.

To their surprise, the three reached the reastaurant just fine. Sure, some ponies whispered amongst themselves when they saw them walking through Ponyville, Sam in the middle and a beautiful mare on each arm, and photos were taken to be sent to the tabloids as soon as possible. Let them. This was their night and nothing-

"Good ev'ning!" they looked up from their menus and saw a familiar looking maitre d' with a very fake prench accent "I 'vill be your 'ost t'night!" and a very fake looking moustache above his lip.

"Discord?" Fluttershy asked in disbelief. Sam groaned and face palmed. It was no secret the prince of chaos disliked him and the feeling was mutual. Luna just felt her heart plummet to her hooves. This will surely be a disaster.

"'Vaaaat? Who iz 'dis, Diz' Cord you speak of? " the dracaneqous asked, putting a clawed hand dramatically over his chest "I am, uhhh... Pierre! Yes! Pierre the prench wai'ther!" he bowed down to Fluttershy's ear and whispered "Psst! It's me, Discord! " the entire table heard it "Don't worry Fluttershy, I will get you out of this fiends clutches!"

"Fiend?" Sam looked at the draconequs with murderous eyes "You tried to-" Fluttershy simply raised her arm to stop Sam's oncoming outburst.

"Discord, we're on a date with Luna who is very nervous about it so please don't make it any harder for her "Please?" she asked politely and Discord squinted his eyes towards Luna. After humming he nodded.

"I shall free her too!" he said decisively before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

"We didn't order anything. " Sam said to noone in particular "Should I be scared? " he asked and looked towards the kitchen "He's not exactly... Fond of me. "

"W-well, I don't think Discord is going to poison you." Fluttershy's tone betrayed just a hint of uncertainty.

"I will deal with him at once! " Luna stood up and glared towards the kitchen "That foul creature will not ruin this night! "

"It's fine Luna, really." Sam took her by the hand, her glare softened as she looked to him.

"He is just a little protective of me. " Fluttershy said apollogetically.

"A little? Honey, Discord made it rain axes on my house! " Sam pointed upwards to make his point "You know how long it took me to fix the roof? "

"He made it rain axes? " Luna asked horrified.

"They were rubber toy axes, honey." Fluttershy reminded him and Sam rolled his eyes.

"Well I didn't know that, did I? " Fluttershy giggled at her coltfriend's misfortune and even Luna cracked a smile and sat down.

"What else did he do? " Luna asked out of curiosity and also found it to be a good way to pass the time. And so Sam went on about the plagues Discord sent his way. They were mostly pranks that were perfectly harmless but drove Sam nuts. One time Discord dyed all his clothes pink and he had to ask Rarity to do something with them. Suffice to say the white unicorn was fuming when she saw what was done to her creations. Then there was the time Discord made Sam believe Ponyville disappeared when in actuality he just transferred his house to the other side of town. Not a proud moment for Sam when he found out what Discord did since it took him about three hours to figure it out. On certain days, Sam was not the sharpest tool in the shed. By the end of the stories he shared, Sam was looking rather embarrased while Luna and Fluttershy tried not to laugh at his misfortune.

"Dinner iz' served!" sighing in relief, something he didn't think he'd do when Discord was involved, Sam looked at the draconequus with a cart and covered plates "For our favorite princez', ze' smoked salmon a la' royale!" he presented the plate to Luna and removed the cover to reveal a delicous looking, and rather large, salmon. Pegasi ate fish on occassion and Luna, being an alicorn, was no different "Four' our lovely Fluttershy, only ze' best Prance has to offer! Ratatouille!" Discord placed the dish in front of Fluttershy who smiled in appreciation. The combined smells of the salmon and vegetable hung around the table in perfect harmony, creating an irresistible aroma of flavour " And finally, for ze' moufette-" somehow Sam doubted that meant gentleman "-pickled eggs wrapped in sauerkraut with a side of pickels!" and just like that, Luna and Fluttershy had to cover their noses, as did much of the other patrons of the restaurant "Ooh! I forgot ze' sauce! " a bottle of vinegar appeared in Discord's hand and he poured a very generous amount over Sam's... Food... "And your drinks of course! " while poured Luna and Fluttershy nice wine that went well with their food, Discord simply emptied the rest of the vinegar into Sam's glass "Bon appetit!" before dashing off into the kitchen.

"Joke's on him though. " Sam simply shrugged and picked up his fork "I've eaten far worse things than this. "

"Like what? " Fluttershy asked, nose still covered to keep away the intensive smell of Sam's... Sourly goop.

"I'm not at liberty to reveal that information. " Sam's eyes darted from one side to the other.

"Here. Let me." with a snap of Luna's fingers, and a little magical glow, Sam's glass and plate were now empty and completely clean. Luna picked up her knife and fork, cut her salmon in half and handed one to Sam. Even his glass had been refilled with water. Seeing what Luna did, Fluttershy gave up half of her portion as well and put it on Sam's plate.

"Thank you. " Sam smiled at the two beautiful mares in his company and the three began eating. Sam didn't know if Discord made this himself but it was actually really good.

"So, Luna. " Fluttershy said in between bites "You want to join our herd, is that correct? " Sam observed quietly, interested to see how the conversation will go. Fluttershy looked very serious, probably to make things easier on Luna since the alicorn was somewhat old-fashioned.

"That is correct. " Luna said firmly, her posture straightened and eyes filled with determination.

"And, what do you have to offer? " Luna smiled victoriously at Fluttershy's question.

"I am a former princess of Equestria and therefore have excellent leadership skills. "

"As headmare I am not looking for leadership skills. " Fluttershy said flatly and Luna's smile faltered for a moment.

"W-well, I have fought in many wars during my life and I excell in multiple forms of combat. " that should be a good answer, right?

"Do we plan on fighting any wars, honey? " she turned to Sam who shook his head. To him this started to feel more like an interrogation than a date "As I thought. Next? " Luna's smile vanished again, but she was not done yet.

"Over the many years of my life, I have devoted myself to the study of magic and I dare say I am very skilled in the arcane arts. "

"That is impressive. " Fluttershy twirled her glass, the wine going in circles in a hypnotizing manner "Tell me, can you cook? " this question caught Luna off-guard and even Sam was surprised at how imposing Fluttershy felt in this moment.

"Uh, no, I cannot. " Luna replied shamefully.

"And why is that? " Fluttershy asked with narrowed eyes.

"B-because I lived in a castle all of my life and the staff did everything for me. " the alicorn hung her head "I have no household skills whatsoever. "

"We expect everypony to pull their weight in our herd, no exceptions. " Fluttershy took a sip of her wine and looked at Luna again "I must say, things are not looking good so far. " Luna's ears fell flat and she looked generally miserable. She did not expect to be asked these sort of questions and felt like she should've prepared better instead of taking Sam and Fluttershy on a date so soon.

"Um, honey, do you really have to bum her out like that? " Sam felt genuinely bad for Luna. She was really looking forward to this date but this strange custom they have could very well ruin it.

"I-It's alright Sam. " Luna said and held her head high again " I asked her to do this. I want to prove that-"

"You don't have to prove anything to us. " Sam motioned between Fluttershy and himself "I've been at the castle so I know you can't cook. " the memory of rock hard pancakes flashed through Luna's mind and she smiled lightly "And I don't know what this is-" he then motioned between Luna and Fluttershy "-but it's completely unnecesarry. I'm sorry if it's some kind of old custom but I don't like it. It makes you feel bad and I know Fluttershy doesn't like being mean. "

"It's true, I don't. " the yellow mare said timidly "But since you asked me to do it I thought it would make this easier for you. After all, it's an ancient custom from your time, and honestly, I don't like it either. "

"But, if I can't cook or clean, what good am I in a household? " Luna looked down again.

"Luna, we're not looking for a maid. " Sam took one of her hands in his own as did Fluttershy.

"We're hoping that a lovely mare we both love and hold dear, just as much as she loves us, would join us so we can all be happy together. "

"And who cares if you don't go through some ancient interrogation custom? " Luna cracked a smile again "Or skip a few steps along the way? " Sam looked at Fluttershy with a sly smirk "She did that too. "

"Oh my... " Fluttershy quickly retracted her hands and covered her blushing face "Please don't. "

"What happened? " Luna's smile was forming again.

"Well, she asked me to brush her mane and preen her wings." Sam answered, still looking at his flushed marefriends face.

"But that is completely normal for somepony as close as you. It is considered an intimate gesture shared beween very close friends and lovers. " Luna's brows schrunched up in thought before suddenly shooting up in realization "No... " a wide smile spread on her lips.

"It started weeks before we got together. " at Sam's words, Fluttershy tried to hide her face even more.

"That is a very bold move, Fluttershy. I must applaud your courage. " Luna clapped lightly.

"Thank you... " the timid pegasus replied barely above a whisper.

"Would you like to hear more? " Sam asked with a smug grin and Fluttershy looked up in horror.

"Oh no... "

The rest of the date was spent with Sam telling stories of things Fluttershy conveniently forgot to mention about romantic gestures of ponykind. Suffice to say the pegasis's face was heating up more and more during that time. In the end, all three were laughing and finally enjoying the date in full. Once time for dessert came, and Discord presented Sam with a ball of mud, they decided to call an end to dinner. Luna insisted paying and after that was settled, Luna, as was custom, escorted Sam and Fluttershy home. Which was her home as well but they ignored that little detail.

"It was a wonderful dinner. Thank you Luna. " Fluttershy nodded curtly.

"The staff gets one star from me. " Sam huffed and the two mares chuckled at his antics.

"It was my pleasure. " Luna replied with a warm smile "And, I hope I made a good enough impression. "

"Y-you did. " Fluttershy tucked some stray mane behind her ear "And, I, um... " before Luna could react, Fluttershy kissed her. Not a friendly kiss on the cheek but a full on the lips lovers kind. Which only meant one thing...

"Y-you approve of me? " apparently that was the seal of approval from a headmare. And the kiss wasn't bad either. It made Luna feel warm inside, feel accepted, loved.

"Wholeheartedly. " Fluttershy said, still flustered at what she just did, but it felt right. It felt good "And I think Sam agrees too-" when she looked at him, Sam's eyes were wide as saucers, for obvious reasons "Umm, honey?" Fluttershy nudged him gently and giggled "You're supposed to kiss her too. " blinking a few times, Sam was brought back down to Equus.

"Y-you sure? I mean, if that's-MMPF!" he felt Luna's lips on his own, soft, sweet and enticing. Luna wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer, hee wing spreading out and wrapping around them in a protective manner. Sam held Luna around her slim waist, his strong arms making her melt against him. The kiss lasted as long as each had breath and when it was over, Luna's wings spread out and let he fresh night air cool their heated faces. All the while Fluttershy was smiling, happy for Luna and happy for Sam and herself. They have officially started a herd, something that Fluttershy hoped would happen someday since she lived in a herd herself. Like her mother once said, sharing is caring and-

"GET YOUR FAT FLANK OUT OF MY FACE, BUG! "

-and they apparently had children already...

"THAT'S RICH COMING FROM SOMEPONY WHO FLATTENED A CHAIR 5 MINUTES AGO!"

No words were spoken as Sam, Fluttershy and Luna exchanged quick glances with eachother and nodded in understanding. They rushed inside the house to find a peculiar sight. Umbra, Chrysalis and Pinkie Pie were contorted in all sorts of ways on a white mat with circles of variius colors on it. Sam remeembered that it was a game... Hurricane? Tornado?

"Right hand yellow Chrissy!" Pinkie yelled out in her usual cheerful tone. Sam watched as Chrysalis made a go for a yellow circle, her arm sliding between Umbra's breasts.

"HEY WATCH IT!" Umbra shouted and sent a death glare towards Chrysalis.

"Oh relax, I barely felt them." the changeling rolled her eyes and finally reached the yellow circle.

"Let's see if you feel this! " Umbra grinned wickedly "RIGHT HOOF FACE!"

"HEY YOU'RE BACK!" Pinkie suddenly stood up and save Chrysalis a painful kick in the head, the two former queens loosing balance and crumpling to the ground "So, how was your date?"

"It was... Good. Pinkie, what happened here? " Sam asked with a confused expression. How did Pinkie get Umbra and Chrysalis to, never mind, it's Pinkie we're talking about.

"We're playing games, silly!" she slapped his shoulder playfully "Chrissy is really good in musical chairs! Oh, and Umbra broke one chair but don't be mad! "

"I'm not mad, I'm-" Sam couldn't find the words. Pinkie actually got Umbra and Chrysalis to play together. He leaned in closer to Pinkie "Tell me your secrets. " Pinkie merely laughed.

"There are no secrets, silly nilly! All you need is a little-" she spread her arms as if making a rainbow "-imagination!"

"I need a drink. " Chrysalis, finally untangled from Umbra, made her way to the kitchen

"I second that. " Umbra followed her, relieved to be released from the care of the hyperactive pink pony.

"Thank you, Pinkie Pie, for if not for you, this date couldn't have happened. " Luna bowed curtly only to be caught in a tight hug by the pink mare.

"Awww, don't mention it, Woona-" Sam stiffled a laugh "-I'll gladly watch the two rascals again!"

"NO THANK YOU! " came the unified response from the kitchen.

"Oh would you look at the time! " Pinkie looked at her left arm, no watch was present "It's gotten pretty late and you three must be tired! " Pinkie yawned loudly "Whoops, looks I'm ready for bed as well! " she pulled out an umbrella from somewhere and opened "I want all the details tomorrow, Shy! Good night!" as if carried by a draft, Pinkie was swooped up and passed through a window on the roof that may or may not have been there.

"My brain hurts." Sam rubbed his temples in slow circles and Fluttershy rubbed his back in the same manner.

"Don't question it honey. Just let it happen."

Luna was nervous again. The date went great, Fluttershy and Sam accepted, and returned her feelings, and now there was one more thing to do. She stood in front of Sam's room, wearing a black night gown with matching panties. It was that nice one her sister got her, though it looked liked it was more aimed at heating up a stallion rather than sleep in it. It was a see-through design but with her dark colored coat it was barely noticable. With her comb in one hand, she used the other to knock on the door. She heard shuffling from inside and it was Fluttershy who opened it.

"Luna? What brings you here? " she asked coyly.

"I have come for the customary brushing of mane and preening of wings!" Luna blurted out quickly and held up her comb. Her cheeks were tinted red and her hand was slightly trembling. Fluttershy chuckled and took Luna by the hand, gently pulling her new herdmate nside.

"Honey? I have this friend... "

6 - Friend for life

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Darkness surrounded her. Weak flickers of light were scattered in the distance, small torches that looked like torch-bugs in the distance. But she was not alone, she could feel it. Luna tried to make her way through the dark, treading carefully as if the next one could be her last. Then she heard it, a scattering sound of legs, each one resonating with a loud thud and echoing to the distance. Something was coming for her. She looked around, blinded by the darkness, and clutched her weapon tightly. She couldn't even see what it was but held onto it for dear life. Then in front, a pair of red glowing eyes, almost 15 feet in the air, lowered their gaze upon her. She wanted to run but her body wouldn't respond. Fear swept through her entire being as whatever monster was there with her came closer with murderous intent. She felt something forming in her throat, words trying to get out.

"Time to die you son of a bitch. " when the words left her she realized it was Sam's voice coming from her. Luna was in his dream, in his body, living the dram through his eyes. That's why she couldn't run away when she desperately wanted to. Against all her protests, she could feel Sam's body make a step towards the beast, and another, and another until he was in full sprint. Something glinted in the darkness. A blade being drawn perhaps? Suddenly Sam jumped and brought his arms back, the handle of his weapon creaking in his tight grasp. The blade emerged from the darkness, aiming straight towards her stomach. She braced herself for the inevitable...

Luna jolted awake to a sitting position, breathing heavily and covered in sweat. She looked at her trembling hands, still felling the weapons handle on her hands. She looked to her left to find Sam still sleeping and sighed in relief. Another nightmare she was dragged into. There was something strange about Sam's dreams. Luna couldn't control them and was only there for the ride. It was even harder to resist the pull of them and the few times she ended up in Sam's dreams was accidental. To her surprise, Sam appeared to be sleeping peacefully, his right hand only slightly twitching every now and then. The small light provided by her Moon, illuminated the bedroom just enough so she could see his bare torso. Lingering a bit longer than she deemed appropriate, Luna saw a circular scar, at the exact same place the blade almost pierced her in the dream.

"By the stars... " she covered her mouth in shock and gently touched the wound on Sam's abdomen. For a wound like that, the blade must have pierced deeply into his body. Luna wondered how anypony could survive such an injury.

"Luna? " her eyes met the tired ones of Fluttershy, the yellow pegasus rubbing the sleep out of them "Is everything alright? " she saw where Luna's hand was and placed her own in Sam's right "Another nightmare? " with only a look, Fluttershy knew what was going on which left Luna impressed. It just showed how long they've been together and how deep their bond was.

"I was pulled in. I-I couldn't control it... " Luna said shamefully, her hand still resting on Sam's wound.

"I know. " Fluttershy smiled warmly before leaning closer to Sam, cooing softly in his ear "It's okay honey, I'm here. The monsters can't get you. " kissing his cheek softly, Fluttershy felt Sam's body relax and his hand gently encased her own "It's alright... " she gently ran her free hand through his hair, all the while cooing soothingly to him. When Sam let go, Flutterhsy retracted her hand and kissed his softly once more. Sitting up on the bed she used her left hand to softly stroke his hair "There were time when he would wake up screaming and wouldn't sleep until the next night. " even through her smile, Luna could hear a hint of sadness in her "Thankfully, that was a long time ago. "

"Does he ever tell you about his dreams? His world? " Luna asked, even though she knew the answer already.

"I asked him many times but... " she sighed "Well, you know how he is. "

"Why? Why is he hiding it so much? "

"Sam feels that somehow the mere mention of his world would taint Equestria and he doesn't want that. " Fluttershy responded, giggling quietly when a stray hair tickled Sam's nose and it scrunched up a little "I'm sure he'll tell us once he's ready. "

"Fluttershy, he's been here for years. I don't think he'll ever be ready. "

"Then we will never know. " Fluttershy shrugged before continuing "But, even without him saying anything, I can see by his behavior and injuries it was a violent world. So if he doesn't want to share, I will not force him. He deserves that much. "

"I suppose you're right. " Luna lowered her head and straightened her night gown "I am sorry for falling asleep like that. "

"Don't be. You're with us now. " Fluttershy reached over and placed her hand on Luna's shoulder. The alicorn looked at the pegasus mare who was regarding her with a warm smile "I'm glad you're here, Luna, and, I would've invited you to sleep with us anyway. " Luna cracked a smile.

"I'm sure Sam would be all for it. " the two mares shared a silent laugh so they don't disturb their sleeping stallion.

"Although, it was Sam who suggested we let you sleep. " Luna raised a curious brow before looking down at Sam's sleeping form.

"Really? "

"Mhm. " Fluttershy nodded and smiled mischievously "He said you looked so cute like that he couldn't bring himself to wake you. " Luna felt her cheeks heat up.

"H-he said that? "

"It's true. " Fluttershy yawned before speaking again "We should go to sleep, we have a long day ahead of us. "

"I suppose you're right. " Luna yawned as well "Good night, Fluttershy. "

"Good night, Luna. " as Luna laid down, her back facing Sam, she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. She didn't have to look for who it belonged to as she felt butterflies in her stomach. Before she closed her eyes, Luna saw a yellow wing drape across her and Sam like a blanket and heard a faint voice from behind.

"The monsters can't get you here... "

"Where are we going this early in the morning? " Umbra growled as the group walked on the outskirts of Ponyville towrds an unknown location "Tell me at once! "

"Keep it down, will you? My head still hurts. " Chrysalis groaned and rubbed her aching head. She won the fight for the bottle of wine she and Umbra found in the kitchen.

"We're almost there. " Fluttershy said timidly and quickened her pace.

"Isn't this where- " Luna began but Sam shushed her.

"Don't spoil the surprise! "

"What surprise? " Umbra asked irritated.

"W-we're here. " Fluttershy announced and dashed forward. In front of them was a small cottage, overgrown with moss, plants and multiple animal dens attached to it "Welcome to my home. "

"Goodbye. " Chrysalis turned around, ready to walk away, when a bluish glow surrounded her and lifted her into the air "HEY! "

"We talked about how we can properly start your program and this seemed like a good way to do it. " Sam said as the group was slowly nearing the small cottage, Chrysalis banging on the magical barrier with her fists.

"And that would be? " Umbra asked with a raised brow.

"Well, um, Sam and I thought you three could get... " she gulped before smiling awkwardly "Pets. " Chrysalis stopped her barrage of the magical orb she was imprisoned in.

"Say what now? "

"Pets. You know, animals you keep at home and- " Sam was interrupted by Umbra's growl.

"We know what pets are you dimwit. " the unicorn glared at him and Sam rolled his eyes.

"Interesting. " Luna said to herself "In order to care for others you should start small. And pets require lots of attention so it will be a challenge. "

"What if it dies? " Chrysalis asked with a grin.

"You get a one way ticket to Tartarus. " Sam replied, making Chrysalis's grin fade instantly.

"Each one will pick a pet they will care for during their time with us. " Fluttershy made sure to look at Luna as well which brought a smile to the alicorn. Just then, a white bunny hopped towards them.

"Fine, I'll take the rabbit. " Umbra reached for the bunny only to have her hand swatted away with some angry squeals coming from the bunny "You dare? " she snarled at him but the bunny put up it's little paws, ready for a fight.

"Angel! Be nice to our guests! " Fluttershy scolded the bunny but he only scoffed in return.

"So, we meet again, rabbit. " Sam stood before Angel and the bunny crossed his arms, puffing out his tiny chest "This one's mine. " Umbra and Chrysalis were confused at the scene unfolding and even more so as the bunny hopped up on a stump and Sam crouched in front of him.

"What are they doing? " Luna asked with a confused look and heard Fluttershy sigh.

"They have this... Competition. " she explained as both Sam and Angel closed their eyes.

"You're joking. " Umbra said in disbelief "He is competing against a bunny? In what? " then both Sam's and Angel's eyes opened, the two staring at each other intensively.

"Staring contest. " Fluttershy said with a small smile "It's been going on ever since I found Sam in the Everfree forest. "

"Who's winning? " Chrysalis asked while observing the white bunny. There was something strange about it...

"Angel is the undefeated champion. " Flutterhsy answered and Umbra snorted.

"I can see why. He has- " her eyes went wide when Fluttershy clamped a hand over her muzzle and shushed her.

"Don't say it! " she hissed at the unicorn who glared in return.

"I can't believe it! " Chrysalis was ready to burst "Does that idiot not see that-MMPF! " a strand of magic from her prison made it's way around her muzzle and sealed it shut. Luna looked at Umbra with a leveled gaze.

"Will you keep quiet, or do I have to shut you up myself? " she asked coldly, a strand of magic getting dangerously close to Umbra. The unicorn pulled back from Fluttershy with an annoyed look.

"Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut. " she said angrily and resumed watching the staring contest. It lasted for about three minutes until Sam's eyes burned so badly that he couldn't keep up anymore. He began blinking rapidly to soothe the pain and Angel just nodded in a simple manner, as if saying Learn your place.

"Next time, rabbit. " Sam pulled out one bit and gave it to Angel, the bunny biting into the coin and holding an approving thumbs up. Sam rose to his feet, scratched the bunny behind his ears and turned to the group "Shall we? " he pointed towards the back of the cottage and went ahead. Umbra and Chrysalis looked at each other in utter amazement.

"I fear for our future. " Umbra said before following Fluttershy who was hot on Sam's heels.

"I'm sure you'll get him next time, honey. " Fluttershy rubbed Sam's arm in comfort and he smirked.

"He is a worthy opponent. The day I defeat him a feast will be made to honor that victory! " he said theatrically making Fluttershy giggle. They soon reached the back of the cottage where numerous holding pens were located. Fluttershy stood in front while the others gathered around her.

"Um, behind me, there are many kinds of animals, and- "

"Let's just take one and get this over with. " Umbra rolled her eyes in annoyance before being smacked upside the head by Luna's wing "Hey! "

"You can't just take any animal. It has to, um, like you as well. " Fluttershy rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.

"Oh this will be easy! Make two villains find a pet that likes them. " Chrysalis said sarcastically.

"W-well, you see, um, animals are very good at judging character. And, I think there is a pet for anypony. " Fluttershy added before picking up Angel "For example, Angel here is my pet but also my friend. You have to treat them as an equal. "

"That's why we thought this would be a good idea. " Sam continued "You need to learn to help and care about others, instead of just yourself. And what better way than having a pet. They require attention, care, grooming and can become loyal companions. "

"Well, go ahead and find a little friend to take back home. " Fluttershy said uncertainly, an awkward smile on her face.

"Huzzah! A royal companion shall be chosen today! " Luna's enthusiasm was in full swing. Umbra's and Chrysalis's? Not so much. The two were practically stomping the ground while looking for an animal that would even come close to them.

"It'll be fine, right? " Fluttershy said from the corner of her mouth. Sam just shrugged and watched as Luna went about finding a pet. Sure enough, and strangely enough, a bat flew past her.

"Too obvious. " she shook her head and looked further "An owl perhaps? No, Twilight did that one. Hmm... " a skunk streaked across her path "Too pungent. " Luna's nose scrunched up in disgust "A mole? No... Too visually impaired to enjoy my visage. " she noticed Sam was looking and playfully slapped her rump "Luckily, you aren't. " Sam looked to the side innocently and Luna felt good about herself. Her head still turned to Sam, the alicorn didn't look where she was going and bumped into something soft. Her eyes then landed on an opposum, hanging from a tree branch "Hmmmm... " she eyed the creature with a scrutinizing stare before squeeing "Eeeeeee! I will name you Tiberius and you shall be mine ickle-diddy-widdle-tibble-kins! " she scoopped up the little rodent and nuzzled it's furry cheek. Upon realizing what she did, Luna's cheeks turned red and she lookd to Sam who was stifling a laugh "I mean, I uh, yes. This one will suffice. "

Meanwhile, Umbra was just trying to get this over with and go back home- I mean, to prison. She stomped through the fields around the cottage, her frustration rising by the second. She was just about to grab some random poor critter when she felt something bite her leg.

"Ow! Who dares to- " looking down, Umbra saw a black panther cub gnawing at her leg. It wasn't all that painful but still annoying "Get off, vermin! " she tried to shake it off but it only bit down harder "Ow! Quit it! " she grabbed the cub with her hands and brought it to eye-level "Feisty little kitty, aren't you? " the cub was trying to bite one of her fingers but when that failed it began to claw at them "Hmmm... " Umbra inspected the cub from all sides "A black panther. They grow to be mighty beasts, striking terror into the weak. Truly, a companion worthy of a queen! " Umbra laughed triumphantly as the cub was doing his best to tear Umbra to shreds, looking adorable while doing it "A female. Temperamental and ferocious. " Umbra looked at the cub, deep in thought "Listen here! From this day on you are under my care and once you've fully grown you shall stand by my side as the most terrifying beast this pathetic land has ever know! And just as mine, your name shall strike fear into the hearts of our enemies, Thana! "

On the other side of the cottage, near a small pond, Chrysalis was looking for anything that wouldn't run away in fear.

"I'm not going to eat you, I promise!" her forced smile sent the critters running for their lives "Horsefeathers... " she cussed in frustration and kicked a pebble with her hoof straight towards the pond. Just then, a mother duck with twelve little yellow ducklings in tow made their way into the water. One by one Chrysalis watched the ducks go for a swim until she saw a thirteenth join them. It was gray in color with a dark beak and fairly larger than the rest. Just as it dipped it's little leg into the pond, the yellow ducklings ganged up on it, pecking it with their beaks and scratching with their tiny feet "Hey! " this struck a chord with the changeling and she rushed to the little birds defense "Shoo! Go away!" Chrysalis scooped the gray bird and the ducklings fled in terror upon seeing her fangs "You better run! Picking on someone just because they're different!" she raised the little bird to eye-level and inspected it closer "Sheesh, what the hay happened to you? Your egg got scrambled or something? " the little bird quacked in her hands "Hey, Butterfluff! Get over here! " Chrysalis yelled towards the yellow pegasus who came running.

"I-I'm coming!" Chrysalis rolled her eyes.

"All of Ponyville knows you're coming. " Fluttershy stopped dead in her tracks and turned red head to hoof "Seriously though, what's wrong with it? " Chrysalis showed her the birdie and Fluttershy's ears drooped sadly.

"Awww, poor little guy. Are they still picking on you? " she cooed and gently scratched it on the head.

"Why? Because he's different? " Chrysalis hissed menacingly and sent a death glare towards the ducks who promptly left the pond.

"Because he's not a duck but a cygnet. " Fluttershy explained but upon seeing Chrysalis's confused expression she elaborated "Baby swan. "

"Swan..." Chrysalis said and looked at the small bird in her arms.

"Mhm. And in time, this little baby will grow into a beautiful swan." Fluttershy petted it again "Won't you little cutie? "

"Just like me... "

"Hm? " Fluttershy looked at Chrysalis.

"Uh, nothing. I said nothing. " she crouched by the pond and lowered the cygnet into the water "There. Now you have whole pond to yourself. You're welcome. " getting back up, Chrysalis began walking away "Let's go find a damn pet so we can return. " however, Fluttershy remained standing by the pond with a knowing smile. Sure enough, the little cygnet rushed out of the pond and waddled behind Chrysalis. The changeling felt something was following her and turned around to look at the cygnet "What do you think you're doing? " the cygnet quacked happily.

"He likes you." Fluttershy said and giggled once the cygnet quacked something.

"What's so damn funny? " Chrysalis growled at the yellow pegasus.

"He's calling you mommy. "

"W-what? " the changeling looked from Fluttershy to the little cygnet "I'm not your mommy! "

"You are now. " Fluttershy walked to tuhe cygnet and picked it up "He needs you. " and then promptly dropped into Chrysalis's hands. The changeling eyed the little bird with some trepidationuntil she sighed.

"Alright, listen up, Pintsize! If you want me to be your mommy there are some rules we need to establish!" she turned on her hoof and began the short walk back to the cottage "Rule number one, we're staying at this Sam guys place, so make sure you poop all over the house. Rule number two, no sugar before bed time. Rule number three, see rule number one. Rule number four, Umbra is a bitch. Rule- " Fluttershy giggled to herself as she watched the fearsome changeling queen have a conversation with a little cygnet that decided she was his new mommy. She also had to crack a smile upon seeing Umbra getting viciously attacked by her adorable little panther cub. And lastly, Luna was fawnig over her new possum. Which only begged the question, where is-

"EEP! " strong arms lifted her up bridal-style and carried her over to the pond. Sam carefully sat down and maneuvered Fluttershy to sit with her back to him. They were on the very edge and their feet and hooves were soaking in the refreshing water.

"Things went better than expected." Sam commented and hugged Fluttershy, being careful to not hurther wings.

"You worry too much." she rubbed his arm affectionately and Sam rested his chin atop of her head "We haven't been here for a while."

"And I have feeling it will some time before we can come here again. " Fluttershy hummed in response "I say we treasure the moment, because I have feeling-"

"UMBRA! KEEP THAT FLEA INFESTED FURBALL AWAY FROM PINTSIZE!"

"Yeah, that feeling. " Sam groaned and fell on his back in exhaustion. Fluttershy giggled and stood to her hooves.

"Duty calls. " she extended a helping hand which Sam gladly took.

"YOUR PIDGEON IS PREY AND THANA IS PREDATOR! IT'S NATURE! "

"MOONBUTT DO SOMETHING! "

"Who's my widdle-tibble-kins? Yes, you are! Yes, you are! "

7 - Inspection

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Five days passed since Umbra, Chrysalis and Luna found themselves a pet. After the choices were made, Fluttershy made sure to equip their guests with everything they need to properly take care of their new little friends. To Sam's surprise, Umbra and Chrysalis showed actual care towards little Thana and Pintsize. Though their methods differed, Umbra was practically training Thana to be a war beast while Chrysalis made sure Pintsize had everything he needed to grow up into a beautiful swan, the results were already showing. Thana was very obedient and loyal to Umbra, the former queen even siccing the panther cub at Sam in some sort of act of defiance, while Pintsize viewed Chrysalis as the best mother ever and followed her around like a little puppy.

Fluttershy was also happy with the results and even laughed at the antics Chrysalis and Umbra caused with their new pets. Since she understood animals to a degree nopony else did, she often translated if Umbra or Chrysalis didn't understand what their wards wanted. Even Sam didn't mind that Thana used him as a scratching post since he barely felt her small teeth and claws.

It turned out that Tiberius was the oldest among the new arrivals and, like Luna did with Umbra and Chrysalis, had to separate Thana and Pintsize when an argument broke out. All things considered the three got along just fine.

And so we find ourselves five days after the adoption and Sam's first interaction with Pintsize, one with unexpecting results.

"He said WHAT?" Chrysalis screamed in outrage while Sam stared at Pinsize with wide eyes. Fluttershy was trying very hard to stiffle a laugh.

"He called him daddy." the yellow pegasus repeated once more and Chrysalis was ready to tear Sam apart. Umbra showed no restraint and was laughing her flanks off on the couch while Luna sat in the armchair and petted Tiberius in her lap.

"That is not your daddy Pintsize!" Chrysalis pulled on her hair in frustration.

"Oh this is priceless!" Umbra said between laughs."You and the monkey a happy family!" and then broke out into laughter as Chrysalis tried to atmoze Umbra with her glare.

"Umm, I wouldn't laugh if I were you." Fluttershy said timidly and Umbra's laugh was replaced with a piercing glare.

"What do you mean?" the unicorn leaned towards Fluttershy over the table, the pegasus mare shuffling in her own armchair. Fluttershy pointed to Thana who was staring and Umbra and mewled something. "What is it?"

"She says Don't be mean to big bro." Umbra's eyes were the size of saucers and it was Chrysalis's turn to laugh her head off.

"What? Thana! He is not your big brother, he is your enemy!" Umbra stood to her hooves, trying to bring some sense into the panther but the feline stood strong. "You dare to defy me? Treason!"

"Thana says Sam helped her get stronger and that one day she wants to be as strong as him." with every word Fluttershy said, Umbra's fiery gaze tried to reduce Sam to ashes. The human was blisfully unaware of what was going on around him. Next thing you know, Pintsize is on top of Sam's head quacking happily and Thana is hanging on his pants like they were tree bark. The two former queens stared in shock and horror at their two companions and then slowly directed their gaze at Sam.

"What does Tiberius think?" Sam asked and looked at the possum in Luna's lap and got a possum sounding reply.

"He says you're a pretty cool guy and can date his mommy." Fluttershy said with a smile directed at Luna who blushed before smotherin her little Tibbykins with hugs and kisses.

"Thank you for the honor." Sam gently tipped his head, mindful of the cygnet on top of it.

"Pintsize, get back her right now!" Chrysalis stomped her hoof (leg? Help!) and pointed at the spot beside her.

"I had high hopes for you Thana. You will face severe concequences for your actions! No treats for a month!" Umbra tried to act tough but she already admitted to herself she couldn't do that to the little cub. And as it always has been in this house, there was a knock on the door. Finding this situation rather amusing, Sam ignored the knocking until it got so loud that it couldn't be ignored any longer. Gently picking up Pintsize he handed the cygnet to Chrysalis.

"Take care of mommy while i get the door." Sam the looked at Chrysalis and smirked."Son." the changelings jaw almost hit the floor. Then it was time pry Thana off his pants and hand her to Umbra."We'll play later." he also smirked at Umbra."Little sis." the reaction was the same and now Luna was the one laughing hystericaly. Sam then went to the accursed door."Alright, alright! I'm coming!" he swung the door open and found Ponyville's resident princess Twilight Sparkle standing before him. Her mane was tied into a bun and she wore her glasses along with her teacher outfit, a white bluse and brown knee-high skirt along with a matching bag. There was parchment and a quill already floating beside her.

"Good morning, misterrr... Sam?" she said while eyeing him and the human inew this tone well. It was questioning time.

"Good morning, Miss Inquisitor." Sam said with a deadpan look.

"Sarcasm. Minus one point." Twilight squinted and scribbled something on her parchment."I was sent here by Princess Celestia to assess the situation of her VRP."

"VRP?" Sam asked with a raised brow.

"Villian Reformation Programme."

"Twilight, you do-"

"That's Miss Sparkle to you, sir." Sam rolled his eyes at her tone."Minus one po-" he slammed the door right in her face.

"How many points is that?" there was silence on the other side for a while.

"I'm sorry." Sam opened the door again and found Twilight sheepishly looking at the ground.

"What did we learn last year?"

"Don't agitate the grumpy human." Twilight said timidly, one of her hooves boring into the ground.

"Excellent. Now let's get rid of this." Sam quickly snatched the scrunchy that held her bun in place.

"Hey!"

"And this." the glasses were next as he folded them and slipped them inside her bag."And what did we learn recently?" Twilight's ears drooped down.

"Don't pretend to be something you're not." the purple alicorn answered, remembering the time she tried to be a strict principal and it backfired badly.

"Excellent. Plus one point." Sam patted the top of Twilight's head and moved to the side."You may enter." Twilight nodded and stepped inside.

"I really am here to check up on you." Sam just shrugged.

"It's fine. That whole inquisitor act was unneccesary though."

"I'm sorry. Again." Twilight scratched her cheek sheepishly."It's just, Princess Celestia asked me personally to complete this task and I want to do it right."

"Personally? Then why didn't she come here?"

"She's a busy pony." Twilight replied quickly.

"Really?" Sam asked with a raised brow.

"And she may or may not be a little scared of you right now." she pulled him down and quietly added. "You didn't hear this from me."

"Hear what?" he winked and Twilight nodded in satisfaction."Besides, it's not all bad." the duo entered the living room to find find Umbra and Chrysakis telling their pets how horrible Sam was but the little ones wouldn't budge."Also-"he lowered his head"-tell Celestia knight to D3." the alicorn nodded, scribbled something on parchement and it vanished.

"Twilight! I'm so happy you're here!" Fluttershy greeted her friend and the two hugged.

"It's good to see you too, Fluttershy."

"Twilight! What a joyous visit!" Luna hugged the younger alicorn tightly.

"G-good to see you as well Luna." gasping for breath once regaining freedom she looked over to Umbra and Chrysalis who were snarling in her direction."Um, hi." she offered a little wave but all it got in return were "humphs" and a quick retreat to their respective rooms. Meanwhile, a letter popped up in front of Sam and he opened it.

I demand a rematch!
In two days.
Canterlot castle.
Six p.m l. sharp.
Bring cake.
Celestia.

Sam folded the letter into a plane and expertly tossed it towards the thrash can. He'll stop by Pinkie's before leaving, maybe even get himself something tasty.

The girls settled on the couch and began chatting so Sam retreated to the kitchen to prepare some drinks and snacks. He pulled out four glassess and placed them on a platter. Opening the fridge, Sam took out a bottle of orange juice and smiled.

"If only you could see me now, Garen..." Sam quickly shook his head to dispel the memories of the past and took the platter with the glasses and juice to the living room.

"So, a herd?" Sam almost tripped as Twilight shot off her question as soon as he was in view.

"I'm still getting used to it." he sat the platter on the coffee table and plopped down into an armchair. "It doesn't exist where I come from."

"Well, if you would be so kind and tell me, maybe I can make a scientific and psychological explanation for you." Twilight said but already knew his answer.

"Who wants juice?" Sam cut that conversation in the bud and proceeded to pour the juice into the glassess. Twilight sighed deeply.

"I understand your frustration, young Twilight-" Luna placed a hand on Twilight's shoulder."-I, as well as Fluttershy, would very much like to know more about Sam's past, but-"

"But why all the mysteries?" Twilight jumped to her hooves. The purple alicorn didn't like unknowns and Sam acting so mysterious and defensive has bothered her since day one."Is it true you know nothing?" she asked Fluttershy who sank a little into the sofa.

"I-I know very little." She glanced at Sam, fearing he was getting angry but he seemed perfectly content pouring juice all around.

"Doesn't it bother you?" Twilight received a negative head shake from the pegasus.

"Twilight, sit." Luna forcefully sat Twilight back down and looked her straight in the eyes."Sam will tell us when he's ready. Even if that never happens I-, we-" she looked at Fluttershy who nodded with a smile."-we will love him all the same." Luna then looked at Sam who accidentaly overspilt one glass and quickly ran to get a towel to clean it up.

"I know you will but what if-" Luna put a hand over Twilight's mouth and looked at her head mare.

"Permission to speak freely." Fluttershy knew what Luna was about to say. The same thing he told her once her friends talked her into prying on Sam's past. Fluttershy nodded, going along with some of Luna's old fashioned habbits. The lunar princess locked Twilight with a gaze that demanded the utmost attention from the mare and spoke with a tone that was only used in the most serious of times. "I have seen but glimpses of Sam's past through his dreams and I will say this-"Twilight's eyes were wide in anticipation"-imagine a world where the Everfree would be considered a beautiful garden and a manticore no more than a small pest, roaming through it's flora." the young alicorn's ears suddelny drooped and her eyes shrank to pinpricks."A world where Umbra and Chrysalis are naught more than annoyances and just a few nights ago, I witnessed another terror." Twilight was regretting asking now."A terror that would make Tirek cower in fear." at the mention of Tirek, Twilight's entire body froze and Luna removed her hand. Twilight knew that Luna wouldn't lie just to to get her off Sam's case so whatever Luna saw must've been terrifying.

"Twilight." Fluttershy began softly. "Sam fears that by mentioning his world too much would bring his past here. And, umm, he says he loves it here and wants to protect our world from his." Twilight was looking down at her hands, ears flat on her head and a feeling of great shame going through her.

"I... I don't know what to say..."

"We are all curious, Twilight." Fluttershy took the lavander alicorn's hands into hers. "When Sam is comfortable, I am sure he will tell us everything we want to know."

"Until then, stop pestering me." Sam plopped down into his armchair and wiped off the spilt juice with a towel."I'm not mad or anything, but it gets annoying after a while. I know you ponies like to know everything but I'm not sharing." Twilight let the words sink in before taking a deep breath and then exhaling.

"Alright. No more questions about your past."

"Thank you."

"However, I do have questions about the programme." Twilight pulled out a parchment and quill at the ready."First of, is everything under control?"

"More or less." Sam replied with a so-so wave of his hand.

"Fluttershy is an excellent teacher." Luna added, making the pegasus laugh giddily.

"Why thank you Luna."

"Right." Twilight said a little confused and wrote something down."Alright, um, how long do you think they should stay in the programme?" Sam blinked a couple of times.

"Until they learn the lesson I guess? What kind of question is that?"

"What I meant was, how long do you think it will last?"

"Oh... Um, decades? Centuries?" Sam shrugged and was met with a deadpan look from Twilight."What? You're trying to reform two evil queens who wanted world domination and absolute obedience. You're asking me to make a stone turn to sand on it's own."

"It can't be that bad." Twilight said flabergasted.

"Some progress has been made with the pets." Luna joined in. "Both Chrysalis and Umbra are showing an uncharacteristic affection towards their respective companions." Twilight looked at Luna with a raised brow.

"Aren't you part of the program as well?"

"She gratuated this morning." Sam said with a smirk. "Luna's a good pony now." Luna blushed a little but felt her heart flutter.

"Yes she is." Fluttershy gently nipped Luna's ear and the blue alicorn felt even warmer inside. Fluttershy then leaned closer and whispered in Luna's ear."But I'm thinking we'll let her be bad tonight." you could literally see steam coming from Luna's ears as her coat turned a shade of red. Sam snickered while Twilight shot him a dirty look.

"You're a bad influence." Fluttershy quickly retreated from Luna and hid behind her mane in embarrasement."But, I've never seen Fluttershy this happy so I can't really complain."

"Thanks." Sam nodded curtly before gulping down his glass of orange juice."Best drink ever." Twilight raised an amused brow.

"It's just ordina-aaaaand you didn't have it before." Twilight finished with an understanding nod."Right. Anyway, it seems you have everything under control." Sam made another so-so gesture."Now that that's done, let's talk about you three." Twilight pulled out another piece of parchment and prepared herself to write down all the details of her friends newfound relationship.

The rest of the afternoon was spenty by telling Twilight all the details about how they formed a herd and the lavander mare tried to put a scientific angle to everything. Once she got carried away and started asking "adult" questions, the conversation was put on hold by Fluttershy who was to embarrased to answer Twilight's questions and shortly after the young princess left to tend to her other duties and wished them all the best.

The rest of the day went by pretty uneventful and Umbra and Chrysalis only made quick stops to the fridge. Sam, Fluttershy and Luna lounged on the couch, cuddled, engaged in small talk and the ocassional flirt and generaly enjoyed eachothers company. Soon night arrived and Luna found herself once again before the door of Sam's room in that nice night gown. From that first time she slept with them, like actualy sleep, Luna opted for normal pj's but today was special. Tonight was the night she will share the love of her herdmates with both body and soul, if all the flirting and teasing of the last few days was anything to go by. So, taking a deep breath and steeling her resolve Luna raised a hand for a knock before the door suddenly opened and revealed Fluttershy in a similar, albeit light green, nightly gown.

"I-" before Luna finished, Fluttershy pulled her inside, a very cheeky smile on her lips.

8 - Surprise!

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Fluttershy stirred awake and found herself cuddling with Luna, the blue mare fast asleep. The pegasus smiled gently and slowly untangled herself from her herdmate. Noticing a lack of warmth beside her, Luna's muzzle scrunched up but otherwise stayed asleep. Fluttershy decided to let Luna sleep since last night was exhausting to say the least. It amazed both her and Sam how different sex was for ponies and humans. Sam was Fluttershy's first so she just assumed that's how sex should be and she didn't discuss that particular part of their relationship with her friends nor did she read about it. Shy as she was, the mare avoided anything related to sex in a wide, wide radius.

Luna, on the other hand, had experience in that particular field and was pleasantly surprised by the things Sam did to her last night. Even more so when Sam managed to pleasure her in the way only ten stallions could do before and then keep going. Turns out humans turned sex into an art form that ponies could only dream of. It was also a surprise to Sam when he found out ponies only had one position they do it in, doggy style he called it, while Luna called it normal style. Sam's ego almost went through the roof when he found out stallions could only last a couple of minutes and that was it for the night. The look of sheer lust on Luna's face when she heard how virile Sam was, made Fluttershy realize how lucky she was in that aspect. Not only did she have the kindest stallion as her coltfriend, but he was probably the best lover in Equestria. Fluttershy decided to keep that information very contained, lest she risk every mare from Ponyville breaking down their door.

The pegasus noticed a distinct lack of human in their bed and decided it was high time to get up. There were early birds and then there was Sam, getting up even before the Sun peeked over the horizon. She worried about him since Sam barely slept over four to five hours tops. He assured her it's normal for humans but Fluttershy knew that it was because of nightmares and what she presumed a life on the run.

Shaking away those dark thoughts, Fluttershy leaned down and kissed Luna's cheek, getting a soft hum and smile in response, before getting up from bed. Gathering her underwear from the floor, Fluttershy got dressed in a simple light blue sweatpants and white tank top. Feeling a bit cold, she put on her comfy pink house coat and quietly exited the bedroom.

Sure enough, Fluttershy found Sam in the kitchen preparing breakfast. With a pep in her step, Fluttershy approached Sam from the back and hugged him tightly.

"Good morning, Sam." she said, her voice muffled, what with her mouth pressed into Sam's back. He smiled and put a hand over Fluttershy's.

"Mornin', honey. Sleep well?" he used his free hand to flip the pancake he was making.

"Mhm." she nodded into his back before pulling away and coming to his side. The scent of fresh pancakes hit her nose and she hummed contently. "Luna is still sleeping."

"That's fine." Sam put the finished pancake onto the stack and poured the mix for a new one into the pan. "I remember the first time we slept together." Fluttershy went beet red when the memory resurfaced but a smile graced her lips nontheless.

"I-it was pretty exhausting." She then raised herself on the tip of her hooves and pecked Sam on the cheek. "I slept till noon that day." Both chuckled fondly at the memory.

"Ugh, I hate the smell of love in the morning." Heads turned to see an annoyed looking Chrysalis standing at the doorway, Pintsize nestled comfortably on tip of her head. "I nearly barfed last night. Tell Moonbutt to put up some sort of shield or something." She turned around and plopped down on the couch.

"Good morning to you too." Sam said with a roll of his eyes and turned to his marefriend. "Go sit down. I'll be done in a minute." He planted a kiss on her forehead and the pegasus made her way towards the couch.

"So, Flutternut, had fun last night?" the changeling tried to get a rouse out of the yellow mare, but the latter just blushed slightly.

"Very much so, yes." this tame reaction caused the former queen to frown and tsk.

"It's not fun if you don't get all fidgety." Chrysalis crossed her arms and huffed. Pintsize began quacking happily when sam entered the living room with breakfast and the small cygnet jumped right into Sam's lap. "Oh for the-" Chrysalis threw her arms up. "He's not your daddy!"

"Morning, squirt." Sam scratched Pintsize just below his jaw and the cygnet quacked happily once more. Chrysalis facepalmed and just then Thana came rushing in, jumping on Sam's lap while pushung Pintsize off. It was time for her morning belly rub.

"Umbra! What did I tell about your flea ball?" Chrysalis screamed towards Umbra's room but got no response. Meanwhile, Thana laid on her back and meowed expectantly. Pintsize then jumped back to Sam's lap and the two began their tussle for affection. Sam observed their squabble with a chuckle until Tiberius showed up out of nowhere, grabbed the two by their scruffs and dragged them away to a corner and presumably gave them a lecture on behavior. After that he turned to Sam, giving him a little thumbs up before going to the kitchen, leaving Thana and Pintsize in the corner, heads hung low, to reflect on their actions.

"Uhh, thanks." Sam said awkwardly while Fluttershy giggled. The small opposum nodded in return and jumped onto the coffee table to get some breakfast.

"It's too early for this crap." Chrysalis didn't have the strength to intervene and just rubbed her temples, trying to suppress the oncoming headache.

"Let's just eat breakfast. We have a lot of work today." Sam gestured to the generous spread on the table and took some pancakes.

"Really? Like what?" Chrysalis groaned and leaned back in the couch.

"W-well, today is Rainbow Dash's birthday, and we thought-"

"Let me stop you right there." Chrysalis raised a finger and opened her mouth to talk but Fluttershy continued.

"Both of you are going." Fluttershy said sternly and Chrysalis blinked in disbelief. "A lot of ponies will attend and Sam and I thought it would be a great opportunity to socialize."

"We don't socialize, we conquer." Umbra decided to make her presence known and entered the kitchen. "If you think we'll attend this little celebration of yours, then you are out of your minds."

"Oh well, you tried honey." Sam patted Fluttershy's head gently. "Guess we'll call Pinkie to watch them again."

"Stupid shaved monkey." Umbra growled as she stomped after Sam, Fluttershy and a very giddy Luna.

"It was either this or games night with the pink... I can't even think of a good insult." Chrysalis shuddered at the thought of another night of charades.

"You do know Pinkie organizes every party in Ponyville, right?" Sam's question got the two queens to freeze in place. "And I plan to stuff myself with brownies."

"I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends." Fluttershy then looked at the present in her hands. "I hope Rainbow will like her gift. How about you princ-,I mean, Luna?" the dark alicorn barely registered the question and simply hummed in response, her mind still on cloud nine.

"Ew." Chrysalis gagged and Umbra rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"And I want you two on your best-" two raised brows made Sam rethink his words. "-polite-" pointed looks. "Umm... Nice?" he sighed and rubbed his temples. "Don't bite anyone."

"No promises." Umbra replied with a grin and Chrysalis bared her sharp fangs.

"We're here." Fluttershy pointed towards Sugarcube Corner and there was a party alright. Ponies stood outside as there were too many of them to fit inside and the music could be heard all through Ponyville. Balloons and confetti were thrown all around and everypony seemed to have a good time. That is, until they saw Umbra and Chrysalis. It's like someone pushed pause on the party.

"Hey! What gives?" Sam could see a rainbow colored mane trying to break through the crowd. "Is it the fuzz? I already told Mayor Mare that-Fluttershy!" in a flash, Rainbow Dash tighty hugged her friend and lifted her off the ground a little.

"H-happy birthday, Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said a little out of breath and tapped RD on the back with her present. Wasting no time, Rainbow let her friend down and quickly unpacked her present.

"No way! An autographed original Wonderbolts uniform!" another tight hug caused Fluttershy to squeak. "Thanks, Shy!" letting her friend catch her breath, Rainbow turned towards Sam.

"Happy birthday Rainbow." Sam held out his fist which Rainbow gladly bumped.

"Thanks Sam. So, what'd ya get me?"

"Oh nothing special, just an old book." Sam handed the wrapped book to a confused looking Rainbow Dash but as soon as she unwrapped the book, Sam thought her head was gonna split in half from the huge smile. "I thought you might like it."

"I LOVE IT!" Rainbow's hug would squeeze the life out of any other pony but Sam was built different.

"Thought you might." Sam patted the pegasus on the back and Rainbow pulled back, her star-filled eyes glued to the book in her hands. "So, about those brownies?" Rainbow's wings pointed towards a table in the back, her hands too busy holding on to the book in case it decides to disappear. Sam weaved his way through the crowd, greeting ponies left and right before finally reaching the chocolaty destination.

"Best wishes, Rainbow Dash." Rainbow almost dropped her precious book when she heard Princess Luna.

"Princess? What are you doing here?" the pegaus asked in awe. It's not everyday a Princess attends your birthday.

"Celebrating your birthday ofcourse." Luna handed Rainbow her present, neatly wrapped in dark blue paper.

"Yeah, but why?"

"You are Fluttershy's friend and as part of Fluttershy's herd I was invited to join her and Sam."

"Oh. Well I guess that makes-HERD?" Rainbow yelled and looked at Fluttershy in complete schock. "WHY DIDN'T I HEAR ABOUT THIS?"

"It's still fresh." Fluttershy said before taking Luna's hand in her own.

"B-b-b-but... A HERD?"

"Oh would you knock it off." Chrysalis groaned. "Just point us to the booze so we can forget this day ever happened."

"Oh no. No, no, no, no." Rainbow stood between the door and Chrysalis and Umbra. "You're NOT invited."

"Oh noooo..." Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "Guess we'll have to go home.

"Umbra! Chrissy!" the mentioned mares froze when they heard Pinkie's voice. Sure enough, the pink pony leaped over Rainbow Dash and hugged the former queens. "Oh my gosh we're going to have so much fun!"

"We will NOT!" Umbra protested as Pinkie dragged them off inside.

"I WILL NOT PLAY PIN THE TAIL!" Chrysalis's screams were in vain.

"Why are they here?" Rainbow asked her butter colored friend.

"I'm sorry Rainbow, but we don't have anypony else to watch them."

"Do not worry Rainbow Dash. We will keep an eye on them." Luna assured the cyan pegasus.

"DON'T PIN THE TAIL ON ME DUMBASS!" the changeling queen roared at Umbra who was holding the donkey tail.

"WELL IF THE HORSESHOE FITS!" Umbra shot back.

"They're loud." Rainbow sighed and rubbed her temples.

"It takes some getting used to." Fluttershy smiled as she watched Chrysalis trying to catch a laughing Umbra. Come to think of it, this was the first time she saw Umbra genuinely laughing. "At least it's never boring at home."

"That's another thing!" Rainbow looked at Luna. "How did this even happen? I want all the details!"

"And details you shall get." Luna smiled. "For now, let's find our stallion, lest some mare takes him away."

"WHO ATE ALL THE BROWNIES?" somepony screamed in horror as Sam tried to escape with a mouthfull of brownies.

"Nah, I think you're good." Rainbow snorted and lead Fluttershy and Luna inside. "Now, details. Who goes first?" she asked with a knowing smirk.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy blushed. "That's really none of-"

"First?" Luna looked at her in confusion. "We all do it together. It's called a threesome-"

"Luna!"

"What? There is no shame in-"

"But she doesn't need to know that!"

"This is priceless!" Rainbow laughed.

"Then what about Sam's-"

"Not if you want every mare chasing him down!" Fluttershy responded.

"Not even-"

"Especially not that!" Fluttershy was now red as the baloon she was standing next to. "I need a drink."

"Alright. But what about when he used his fingers to-" the rest of the question was drowned out by the music in Sugarcube Corner. But it wasn't enough to silence Rainbow Dash.

"BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!"

Reforming the evil

by SkarinOfAtmora

1 - Room for more?

2 - Not the warmest welcome

3 - New experiences

4 - Breakfast at Sam's

5 - Date night

6 - Friend for life

7 - Inspection

8 - Surprise!