//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Give Me Something Sweet to Bite! // Story: Donut Nights 3: Nightmare Night Canoodling // by Azure129 //------------------------------// Luna moved across the dance floor, glancing around for Joe, when suddenly she paused as a burst of magic flashed before her. There stood Donut Joe now, wobbling on his legs as he wiped his brow. “Whoo…that really is harder than Twilight and Luna make it look…Luna!” His whole face brightened as his eyes focused on just the pony he had been hoping his magic would take him to. “Joe!” Luna’s face brightened too. “Oh Joe…I’m so glad to see you.” She came forward and wrapped a foreleg around him in a hug as she sighed happily. Donut Joe wrapped a foreleg around her too. “Me too…” His voice was warm and tender. Some light giggling and ‘awing’ came to their ears; the couple opened their eyes to see ponies looking on at their embrace with smiles. Donut Joe and Luna quickly separated with blushes. They laughed softly and looked at each other as the ponies went back to enjoying the party. “Joe…I was, um…talking to Discord…” Luna smiled sheepishly. “Funny, I was talking to Celestia.” Donut Joe rubbed the back of his neck. Luna raised an eyebrow. “Did she give you excellent advice about deciding to talk about the future and looking beyond limitations? And about remembering everything we’ve made work so far?” “Yeah.” Donut Joe nodded. “And did Discord give you excellent advice about taking our time and not worrying so much? And about how as long as we’re together, we can make something good together?” “Something like that.” She shrugged. They came closer. “It’d be a shame to ruin the best Nightmare Night ever all because we’re afraid of something.” Donut Joe smiled. “And a little ironic.” Luna smiled too, her gaze tender even through Nightmare Moon’s eyes. “Then let’s not. No more fear…not when we’re together. And not after all we’ve been through so far.” “I trust you.” “I trust you.” They smiled more as they talked over each other one more time this evening. Donut Joe’s voice lowered. “I love you, Luna.” Luna’s voice lowered as well. “I love you too, Joe.” He grinned, his eyes hazing, then held out a foreleg. “Want to dance, Luna Baby?” She giggled. “You read my mind, Joe of the Donuts.” She winked then suddenly cleared her throat and turned her head to make an announcement. “Attention, ponies! Tis almost midnight—let us get the evening in full swing! Band, play something with some passion!” She finished by using her magic to add flames of eerie blue and purple to the orange lights of the chandeliers. The ponies cheered! And Luna giggled as Donut Joe suddenly pulled her close with warm a chuckle. The band began a haunting upbeat number, and the happy couple proceeded to dance, leading the ballroom in a Nightmare Night celebration just as full of happiness and hope as it was full of thrills and chills. Meanwhile, outside in the cool night air, Celestia appeared over the roof of the ballroom. She glanced around and then saw a cloud below where Discord lounged. She dropped down and came to sit beside him. “Hello, Discord.” “You came?” He glanced at her, an eyebrow raised. “Of course.” She nodded, almost smiling. “You’re my friend. I’ll always come for you. And besides…” she blushed lightly, “I was starting to get a little lonely at the party without you.” He chuckled. She raised an eyebrow. The chaos master gave a small smile. “You know, half the reason I suggested a partners costume was so you’d maybe stick with me tonight even with all the Canterlot elite to mingle with.” He sighed. “I guess I was worried about getting lonely too.” The sun princess’s smile softened. “I’m afraid we’ve put ourselves through a lot of unnecessary loneliness so far.” “Yeah…” Discord nodded. “But maybe some of it was necessary. I guess we needed time to think, all things considered.” He shrugged. “Plus I had time to run into your sister and got some good advice.” Celestia laughed softly. “And I got some good advice from Joe.” Discord’s smile picked up on one side. “You know, I’m really starting to like that little stallion.” “He’s very surprising.” Celestia smiled more too. They nodded. Then they both let out deep breaths and gazed up at the night sky together. Celestia spoke. “Discord…I’m sorry for locking you out of my room and for running away. I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings.” “A little.” Discord kept his gaze dull. “But I think I understand why you did it. I came on too strong.” He cleared his throat. “Sorry for that. Friendship I’m getting a handle on—but I suppose I’m a little out of touch on the finer points of ‘more-than-friendship’, especially in this day and age.” Celestia shifted closer, her voice light. “Discord…I really did like what we shared…biology or no biology.” His eyes hazed a little and went to her; his tone lowered. “I’m still a fan too…” She blushed, her eyes glancing to him as well. “But I…really don’t know where to go from here.” “Well, I’ve been thinking about that actually,” Discord started, reaching out to her. But then he hesitated. “Would you mind?” He gestured to her hoof. “Or not. Whatever you want to do…” he added nonchalantly. Celestia raised an eyebrow but then smiled softly and nodded. “Yes, I’d like that, Discord.” She raised her hoof to him. Discord smiled a little again. He gently took her hoof in his paw and claw and continued speaking. “Anyway, as I was saying, I’ve been thinking and…why do we have to ‘go’ anywhere in particular? Just because that works for Luna and Joe doesn’t mean it works for us. And this isn’t the old days; social policy is so much freer. We don’t have to be in a relationship. We don’t even have to date. Perhaps we could just…continue on as we’ve been going but be a little more open to certain changes of a romantic…even biological…nature?” His eyes met hers. “As long as you’re comfortable.” Blushing lightly, Celestia’s eyes brightened. “You mean…we could just keep being very close friends, but if moments of more than that come up, we could explore them? No pressure… Just you and I learning what works best for us?” “Exactly.” Discord nodded, coming closer. “Think of it as lessons in ‘more-than-friendship’ for both of us. And as part of that understanding, maybe I’ll stop the endless parade of silly mares I’ve been seeing for now…and maybe you’ll be kind enough to continue politely ignoring all those stallions clearly on the cusp of flirting with you whenever you come with me to one of my parties. This way if something happens between us, there’s really nothing to worry about with anypony else.” Celestia giggled. “Well…I guess I’ll have to break a lot of hearts and so will you…but I think that could work.” Discord’s eyes brightened for a moment. Then he grinned in his usual charming way. “Wonderful then. Sounds like fun.” “So wrong that it’s right, you mean…” Celestia teased. Discord chuckled. “Something like that, yes…” “Thank you, Discord—for talking to me about this.” “Thanks for listening…and not running away again.” For a moment they just gazed into each other’s eyes. Then Discord blinked and looked down, realized he was still holding her hoof, and quickly let it go. He looked out to the night, appearing as aloof and distant as ever again (though with a light blush persisting in his features now). Celestia gazed at him in interest. She shifted a little closer. “I’ve never had a friendship like this before.” A chuckle escaped the back of Discord’s throat. “I didn’t realize friendships could be like this.” The sun princess smiled a little. “Discord…it seems like you put a lot of thought into this. …Do you really like me so much?” The chaos master blushed more but kept his aloof look. “I keep coming back to you in my mind…” She raised an eyebrow. He shifted a little. “We’ve been through everything and back again. You like me even though you’ve seen me at my worst. All those young, flashy mares I go after only like me if they’re seeing me at my absolute best. I’m almost relieved when I’m done with my time with them for the night. But…I’m always disappointed to see my time with you end. So I want to do this. I never felt so... But I never thought you’d actually…. And I never thought I’d actually… ” He paused then quickly cleared his throat. “Tia, I’m not very comfortable ‘talking about feelings’. It’s just not me. I’ll…express to you how I think about you in my own way. But I can’t do it by gushing about emotions.” “Then you don’t have to, Discord.” Celestia assured tenderly. “This isn’t just about making me comfortable—it’s about letting both of us find a comfortable place together. And I’m glad you told me all of that. I suppose I can have some trouble expressing myself too.” She swallowed. “I’ve just been trying to think of you as a friend all this time. But I’ve also liked having attention from a male companion very, very much, and I’ve liked our long evenings together alone, laughing and talking, and I’ve liked the new experiences we’ve had together. Luna says it’s like we’ve been dating all this time, and I think she might be right. And…” she sighed, “you know, I was…always sort of grateful that you never spent less time with me whenever you were dating other mares. I think I would have been a bit jealous if you had.” Discord finally smiled a little again. “We’re both ridiculous for all of the denial and secrecy we’ve put ourselves through. What are we, a couple of two hundred year olds?” Celestia laughed. “Well, we can’t change any of the past we’ve let slip by. But we can change the future…” Discord grinned. “Like a fresh start? Very well. Hmm…” He turned to her and held out his paw. “Hello there—my name’s Discord. I enjoy taking long walks on polka dot beaches, singing in the chocolate rain, and making fantastic jokes. And you are?” “Discord…” Celestia laughed. “No, no, no—that’s my name. And now it’s your turn to introduce yourself, strange, beautiful mystery mare.” He winked. Celestia blushed then put her hoof in his paw to shake. “Hi. My name’s Celestia. I like adventures, teaching, smiling with friends and staying up past sunset. It’s a pleasure to meet you. So, what do you do for a living?” Discord shrugged as he released her hoof. “Chaos master. Bit of a full time job. And you?” She shrugged too. “Princess of a pony nation. Technically only a half time job. I get nights free. And apparently I’m using this free night to meet a very charming eligible bachelor.” Discord chuckled. “So, you’re in a position of immense power too, huh? Well, it’s nice to meet such a refined, seasoned mare with some deeper interests that I can actually relate to. And who’s had the chance to appreciate me in my prime of chaos all those years ago.” Celestia sighed, smiling more. “Well, now you’re just trying to charm me.” “Is it working?” He raised an eyebrow, and his grin picked up on one side. Celestia giggled softly and narrowed her eyes playfully. “We’ll see.” Discord grinned. “You know, as long as we’re hitting it off so well, want to do something together sometime?” “Like a date?” Celestia tilted her head, eyes a little hazed. “You mean an official one instead of all the implied ones we’ve been on so far? Perhaps…” “I see. What did you have in mind?” And then, from the ballroom, they heard the distant sound of the band striking up a loud tune and ponies cheering. Discord held out his paw. “We could head inside and dance for starters. There’s still time for us to win the costume contest. And besides, I think it’d be good for you and I to show these little ponies how it’s done. Oh, and to give Luna and Joe a taste of a real power couple—those two have gone unchallenged for far too long.” Her eyes bright, Celestia put her hoof in his paw. “I’d love to dance, Discord. Let’s go!” Discord nodded and snapped them away. In an instant, they were on the dance floor cutting a rug just like Luna and Donut Joe, and having the most sensational Nightmare Night time of their lives with everypony! A little while later, Twilight, still among her friends, was smiling as she looked out to the dance floor and now saw Luna and Donut Joe dancing and Celestia and Discord dancing as well. The four of them were smiling and so full of friendship it practically made her heart beam inside. And friendship continued to pervade the ballroom as the latest song ended and the two couples stopped dancing to approach each other and laugh and talk together. At that point, it was finally time for the winner of the costume contest to be announced…and, much to the surprise of the pony sisters, their companions, and especially Twilight and her friends, the winners were the group of maids who had dressed up like Princess Twilight and her court. Yet, the girls couldn’t help but laugh to themselves as they observed the perfectly accurate costumes and how happy the maids were to have won. They even made sure to go up and personally shake the hooves of their Nightmare Night doppelgangers (Applejack with gusto, Rarity with elegance—while a blushing Spike stood between her and the second Rarity, Fluttershy with a shy smile, Pinkie by pouncing on the Pinkie Pie maid with a hug, Rainbow Dash by giving her double an aerial high five, and Twilight by sharing a bow with her double). Soon the final song of the night began, and everybody went right back to dancing the evening away—no more strife or misunderstandings our doubts. Just a room full of happy ponies reveling in friendship and (especially in the case of a certain moon princess and her baker beau) love. Nightmare Night went on. The party long since over now, Luna and Donut Joe burst into Luna’s room upstairs, laughing together as Luna’s magic finally took away her Nightmare Moon guise and left her the night princess everypony (especially Donut Joe) knew and loved. “Oh Joe, twas the grandest Nightmare Night in all of history!” Luna announced, holding a hoof high. “I’ll bet.” Donut Joe nodded. “And the ones in the future’ll just keep getting better and better.” He put a foreleg around her, pulling her close. Luna laughed more, her eyes sparkling. “Oh yes. I know they will too, my Joe…dearest love.” She kissed him. He returned the favor. They pulled back to gaze at each other. Then Luna put a hoof under his chin. “Joe…my only regret is that we cannot spend the whole night laughing and dancing and talking.” She sighed. “Though ponies release many of their fears and concerns in Nightmare Night activities and tend to have less-pressing needs in their dreams, there are still some things I have to tend to before sunrise in the dream world as well as regarding my castle duties.” Donut Joe just smiled at her. “You go do what you got to do, Luna Love. You’re an amazing mare, and it’s worth it to me to miss out on seeing some of that amazingness personally as long as it means other ponies are getting the chance to experience just how dynamite you are for themselves.” Luna’s smile was so complete. She came forward and hugged him very tightly. Donut Joe braced himself managed to remain standing and to hug her back. Eventually Luna released him. “And I’ll see you for brunch here tomorrow, yes?” “Absolutely.” Donut Joe glanced down at himself. “And it’ll be nice to be out of this fancy jacket tomorrow and back in my usual apron.” He looked up sheepishly. “It was fun pretending to be a prince for the night, but I know I’m better at being a baker.” Luna’s smile warmed. “You were a most admirable prince, Joe, because your personality and your heart are princely. My princely baker. And you don’t need a stiff fancy jacket to capture that quality about you. And speaking of which…” she used her magic to lift Joe’s saddlebag from earlier off of her nightstand, “…here is your apron—do not forget it.” Donut Joe nodded as he took the saddlebag. Just then the castle clock tower chimed—two bells, two o’clock in the morning. Donut Joe yawned. “Yikes, I’m going to have a rough time getting back into downtown Canterlot. Every taxi in the city’s probably packed already with party guests. I might not get home until sunrise.” “I’d suggest a chariot…but I know you don’t like being in the air unless it’s with me.” Luna smiled. Donut nodded with a sheepish grin. “Yeah. I know it’s silly, but you’re the one I trust the most to keep me up in the air. Luna considered with a soft smile. “You could teleport.” He had to shake his head though. “I’m definitely not powerful enough to make it that far. Besides, teleporting long distances still makes me queasy.” She nodded. “Very understandable. Even Twilight still gets a little dizzy from doing long distances. You really have made excellent progress in magic, Joe.” Luna shuffled her hoof on the floor. “But you don’t have to try so hard to impress me with such advanced skills… You already amaze me just by existing and being in my life.” Donut Joe moved closer, his smile warm. “I don’t just want to impress you, Luna. I want to be part of the different parts of your life. You’ve been learning baking from me and about what it takes to run a shop. And besides learning about your royal duties, I can learn about advanced magic and all that stuff that interests you. I like it—it makes me feel like we’re closer.” Luna smiled again, blushing lightly. She came forward and nuzzled him. Donut Joe nuzzled her in return. Then she said softly, “Joe…you’re coming back here tomorrow anyway. Would you like to just stay here for the night?” As they pulled back, he smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t want to put anyone out—are you sure you have a spare room ready?” Luna’s smile grew a little. “There’s one right here.” Donut Joe raised an eyebrow. Luna blushed more. “I don’t sleep in here at night, Joe. I have to head off now for my duties. My bed is free if you would like it.” The baker pony’s features flushed a warm, cherry red, and his green eyes went wide. “I…uh…” “I spend many evenings sitting up with you upon your bed, talking about your dreams. This would not be much different,” the night princess explained. The baker pony swallowed. “I don’t have anything to sleep in though.” Luna held back a giggle. “Joe, you do know most ponies don’t sleep wearing anything. I don’t, for instance.” “Yeah, but…” he looked down a little, “you know I’m a little more comfortable in clothes usually; day or night.” Luna nodded. “Yes, I do. Let me see…” Her horn glowed, and now a dark blue nightshirt and nightcap appeared on Joe in place of his prince costume. “Better?” Donut Joe smiled, looking down at the garment, and nodded. “Yeah.” He looked up at her. “Thanks.” “You’re quite welcome, love. Besides…” she moved closer, “you do look very cute in clothes.” She kissed him, a little more deeply this time, lingering. He kissed her in return, pulling a hoof through the flowing waves of her hair. They separated. Luna’s voice was quiet. “Keep my bed warm for me, Joe?” Donut Joe blushed lightly and nodded. “Sure, Luna Baby… It’d be an honor.” She used her magic to light a fire for him in the hearth and then to open her window. “I’ll be back after by sunrise. Sweet dreams, dearest love.” “Have a good night, Luna.” Donut Joe waved to her with a warm smile. Luna waved back. Then she flew out the window, which closed behind her—she was gone. Donut Joe stood in silence for a moment in Luna’s room—dark and mysterious and smelling of moonflowers, and even the flames of her fire flickered closer to silver and purples than yellows and reds. And then there was her bed; so large and inviting with those pillows that really did look just like nighttime clouds arranged for two. He approached and finally climbed on the bed and settled in under the covers. His coat brushed against the silk and cotton blankets that felt cool and yet comforting, his head sunk deeply into the pillow that held her head so tenderly each day, and his eyes came to the sight of the moon though her window set against the glowing inky sky. His last waking thoughts were of his lovely Luna out there making the night a better place for everypony in the way only she could. Soon his mind faded into gentle darkness and sleep gently guided him from this world for a little while. Discord and Celestia, meanwhile, took full advantage of the end of the night in their own way. After the party let out, they had gone to Celestia’s room (a frequent friendly pastime) and, out of costume finally, they sat on her sofa by her fireplace and talked and laughed about their evening and having yet another fun holiday as friends. But on this evening they were sitting a little closer, making jokes that were a little more playful, gazing at each other with a little extra warmth. But still, every night had to end. And Celestia really did have a full day tomorrow. And so finally as the fire grew dimmer they decided it was time for bed. “We haven’t left each other’s side in the past twelve hours—that’s a new record for us.” Discord grinned. “How in the world are you going to have the energy for working tomorrow—or rather today since it’s already past midnight?” A yawn escaped him. Celestia, smiled eyes a little hazed in sleepiness but otherwise bright. “Well, normally I suppose I’d ask Luna for help with my first few tasks after raising the sun, but I have a feeling tonight will be a special one for her and Joe. So I’ll send a message to Twilight instead…” She used to magic to make a scroll appear, magically penned a few words, and send it off. “She’s gotten very good at covering for me.” “Using your perfect former student to play princess hooky? Nice, I approve.” The chaos master chuckled. “Did you mention you need the favor because you’ve gone out of your royal mind and you’re busy flirting with me?” Celestia’s smile picked up on one side. “I mentioned that you needed some extra friendship lessons from me. I think that’s the best way to put it to her and the other ponies for now. Luna likes official announcements about her courtship habits…and I like my privacy. As long as you’re okay with that too, Discord.” Discord’s eyes brightened, and he smiled more. “Sneaking around? Oh yes, I’m quite up for that. This little ‘thing’ we have for each other is going to be very interesting, isn’t it? I like it already.” “Do you know what I would like?” Celestia’s eyes hazed. For just a moment, Discord’s smugness wavered: his eyes widened and he lightly blushed. “What?” He cleared his throat and put on an aloof look again. “I mean…what?” He shrugged. Celestia giggled at the little display. Her voice softened. “A hug goodnight?” He raised an eyebrow. “Really? That and not one of our ‘daze-inducing’ kisses?” “You’d be surprised how powerful hugs can be.” She smiled more. Discord sighed but couldn’t help smiling a little too. “All right, Tia, as long as we’re having a sappy night, let’s make it complete with a goodnight hug.” He held out his arms. His eyes then went wide and his features flushed as Celestia came forward and carefully wrapped her forelegs fully around him. Then she buried her head against his chest and nuzzled deeply and slowly into his fur as she let out a content sigh. With a swallow Discord slowly put his arms around her to hug her in return as best he could. His small smile returned. Eventually Celestia pulled back to look up at him. He tried to keep his grin and blush contained. “You’re a good hugger. And a good kisser. That’s rare.” “A sincere compliment from the chaos master? I really must be special.” She just gazed into his eyes as he gazed into hers. “You’re…different. It’s interesting.” Discord’s paw came up to touch a few curls of her hair. He sighed. “We can probably say goodnight now though. Don’t want to overdo it on the first ‘date’.” “Yes.” Celestia nodded. “Now seems like a good ending point. But…maybe tomorrow you could come by for brunch with Luna and Joe and I? We’d like to have you.” “Sure.” Discord shrugged. “I think I can fit you into my schedule.” Celestia just smiled more and shook her head. “Discord…” She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and then pulled back, left the sofa, and headed toward her bed. Discord watched her go. He hesitated then cleared his throat. “Tia…as long as I’m coming back tomorrow, could I just spend the night? I mean…if it’s still all right for that to happen sometimes, all things considered.” He blushed slightly though his look was casual. Celestia glanced over her shoulder with a smile. “That can still happen. You’re always welcome to my sofa or to snap up a bed of your own.” He smirked a little. “Even the bunk beds?” He held up his fingers to snap. Celestia nodded as she used her magic to finish removing her regalia for the evening. “Yes, even the bunk bed—Oh!” Discord snapped, and in a flash she now found herself in the bottom bunk of what had been her bed. The chaos master leaned down from the top bunk with a grin. “Goodnight then, Celestia. And try not to pine for me too much until morning. Oh, and I’ll stick to our ‘extra friendship lesson story’ if I bump into Twilight or the girls…except Fluttershy. I sort of have to tell her about this—best friend and all. But don’t worry, she can keep a secret.” Celestia smiled. “That’s all right, Discord. And I’ll explain it too Twilight eventually. But I might need you there with me.” Discord nodded. “I’ll be there and taking bets on her reaction. My money’s on her trying to free you from whatever ‘love hex’ she thinks I put on you, but that’s just me.” He chuckled. “Trying to turn me to stone, passing out, or being surprisingly okay with it since she seems to have the patience of a pony saint are also viable options.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” Celestia settled under her covers. “Now goodnight, Discord.” With a final chuckle Discord went up into his top bunk and settled in as well. “Until morning, Tia.” He snapped his tail, and the light of the fire dimmed. There was only quiet for a moment. Then a low voice whispered in the semi-darkness. “Celestia?” “Discord, I'm not going to Las Pegasus with you for a Nightmare Night after party. I really am tired.” “Hmm...no, no, no--none of that. I'm a little tired myself." "Hmm. Then how can I help you?" “I…think I want to do something for Joe and Luna.” “What do you mean?” “I don’t know…. They’re both worried about the future and making their lives work together. I’d like to help.” “That’s very noble of you, Discord.” “Don’t rub it in.” “I think it’s a good idea.” “Okay…but whatever I do…it’s probably going to bend the rules a little. I don’t think there’s any other way. Are you going to be okay with that?” “Discord…” The chaos master heard her sitting up in bed. He sat up as well and craned his body down the side of the bed to look at her once more. She was sitting among her blankets, smiling. “I trust your judgment. And…you wouldn’t be the first one in this room to bend the rules a little. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you. Just think it through carefully before you act to make sure it’ll be the best thing for them. And if you need help, please let me know.” A gentle smile came to Discord’s features. He nodded. “Very well. You’ve gotten so delightfully rebellious these days, you know.” Celestia’s smile grew, and she blushed slightly. “Discord…?” Her voice was soft. “Hmm?” He yawned, blinking his eyes a few times in sleepiness. She came forward and pressed her lips to his in a sudden kiss simpler than the ones they had shared earlier but somehow deeper and more full of warm emotion. Eventually, the sun princess pulled back to see the chaos master’s eyes wide in surprise and his features flushed even in the dim light. She smirked just a little. “Well, well...I suppose ‘daze-inducing’ kisses really can be just as powerful as hugs sometimes.” Discord blinked a few times, finally processing her reply. “Oh…shut up.” He tried to look aloof again but his blushing was crimson. Celestia held back a giggle. “Happy Nightmare Night, Discord.” He cleared his throat. “Uh…yeah. Happy Night…Uh, Nightmare Night.” He quickly retreated to his bunk. Celestia finally giggled as she settled back under her covers. “Cheeky Princess…” met Celestia’s ears from above her. “Charming chaos master…” met Discord’s ears from below him. With smiles the two closed their eyes and finally settled in for the evening. Gentle sounds met Donut Joe’s ears, and faint light met his eyelids. Something was different—were ponies here, was it sunrise? He needed to get up and put on the first batch of donuts, wipe down the counter, open the shop and… Donut Joe opened his eyes, which went wide as he found himself strangely sunken in an unusual display of dark blues and blacks and silvers until her recalled that he had spent the night in Luna’s room. The next thing he processed was the sky outside Luna’s window becoming a slightly paler blue—sunrise must be approaching. And then as another sound met his ears, he turned his head to see Luna at her vanity. She magically pulled a brush through her mane a few times as she used her magic to remove her crown, her yoke, her horseshoes… Donut Joe rarely saw her this way. However partial to the modesty of clothes he was, Luna was equally partial to the formality of her regalia. She removed her crown sometimes in front of others (and himself of course) but usually that was all. He admired her for a peaceful moment. Then Donut Joe smiled and spoke, his voice gentle. “You’re the most beautiful mare there ever was, you know. Even if you weren’t born to be a goddess of the moon, anypony who saw you like this would want to make you one.” Luna paused in her brushing and blushed. She set down the brush and glanced over her shoulder with a small smile. “Thou art quite the flattering paramour. We feel most beautiful with you.” Donut Joe smiled more and covered a yawn. “Did you have a good night?” “Oh yes.” She turned and approached (and he blushed and smiled more at the sight of her like this from the front). “I assisted many ponies and took care of many Equestrian issues. All of this Nightmare Night has truly been a success.” Donut Joe nodded as he sat up a little. “Well then, after a night like that, you probably need a good rest before our brunch later. I’ll make your bed and then get going. I’m sure other bakers in the castle are up for a bit—I can talk to some of them until you wake up again.” “But you are tired still…I can tell.” Luna blushed lightly as she came to stand at the side of her bed. He shrugged and yawned again. “Eh, I’ll be okay. I might not be royal or an alicorn or some immortal sprit of something like Discord is, but I’m still pretty tough.” He grinned. Luna laughed softly. “I did not mean to suggest you could not match Discord or anypony else for endurance. I meant…” her voice softened, “I meant…thou could stay in our bed until later in the morning…with us.” He was quiet at first, and she didn’t say anything further. The little baker pony just blushed with his brow furrowed in thought. And the night princess waited. Finally Donut Joe sighed. “Luna…we, uh…we really do have to talk about…things we want for the future and how we want to, well…go about them. I…” He blushed and sighed again. Luna moved closer, her voice soft. “Just stay next to me for this morning. And we can talk more in a few days when we have had time to fully accept our love for each other. That’s all I want to end our night.” They looked at each other’s eyes, communicating quietly, waiting… …And then Luna couldn’t help but add, “If it would make you more comfortable, I could snap up a matching nightshirt and hat for me. I have seen in magazines that such matching outfits exist for couples—Rarity claims they are tacky, but I think they are quite cute.” Donut Joe had to chuckle a little. “Luna, you said you don’t normally wear anything when you sleep—that’s how you’re comfortable. So you don’t have to wear anything when you sleep next to me.” He blushed and shifted back to one side of the bed and then pulled back the blanket for her. “It’d be nice to have you…and we could always try matching outfits for working at the shop one day or something if you wanted.” Luna’s eyes sparkled as her smile beamed. She let out a breath though and kept herself calm. “Thank you, Joe—both for agreeing to spend the morning with me and for the offer about the matching outfits.” His smile warmed. “You are eternally welcome, Luna Love.” Gingerly, Luna climbed into bed beside Donut Joe and pulled the blankets up around them. They gazed at each other, eyes hazed in both love and sleepiness. They let their hooves touch. “Joe?” “Yeah, Luna?” “You’re good for me. I hope I’m good for you too.” “You’re everything to me, Luna.” She nuzzled closer. Her voice was a whisper. “I know we have to talk more later, but…I would like you to stay with me like this some mornings. Please. I have so much comfort with you…and after so many years of pain, I…” “Shh…” he touched her mane and the side of her head with his hoof. “I know. I’m not even sure how I got on without you myself. Something about my life felt dull and grey until you came along. We’ll enjoy everything we can together.” She nodded and released a deep sigh of relief. “I love you.” “I love you too.” He nestled closer to her head on the pillow. They gazed at each other for one more moment and then closed their eyes in the dim darkness of early morning. Luna and Donut Joe fell into a deep, good sleep together; the first of many they would share. A new day came for them.