A steady knocking against the door to her room gave Celestia a reason to look up from the piles of paperwork cluttering her desk. She had been holed up her room for several hours now, carefully scrutinizing various requests for additional funding, proposals for new or altered laws and regulations, and various other workings and going-ons around the city that needed her attention.
As much as Celestia adored her little ponies and everything they had accomplished over the centuries, paperwork was one invention she could have done without.
“One moment.” Plucking her reading glasses from her muzzle and setting them aside, Celestia blinked the after images of barely decipherable text from her eyes as she climbed down from her seat, her half asleep legs trembling as they touched the floor. Ignoring the pain in her legs, she arced her back and spread her wings, producing a very un-princess like groan of relief at the satisfying crack of her back and shoulders. Making a quick mental note to schedule an appointment with the royal masseuse, she reverted back to the proper posture for a princess as she turned to face the door. “Come in.”
The door opened wide enough for one of the guards stationed outside her room to stick his head through. “Princess, Miss Fluttershy is here to see you.”
One of Celestia’s eyebrows quirked up. It wasn’t often that she got a visit from Fluttershy, the skittish pegasus usually too busy taking care of all the animals that called her cottage home. Usually their only correspondences were progress reports on how Discord had been doing in learning about friendship, but to come in person to see her was highly unusual.
Not that Celestia was complaining, far from it. She always enjoyed any opportunity to see Twilight and her friends, having informed the guards long ago that they were all welcome guests in the castle and could see her at any time.
Especially if it gave her an excuse to avoid doing paperwork for a while. “Thank you, let her pass.”
Nodding his head, the guard stepped aside to allow Fluttershy to enter, the butter yellow mare jumping in fright as the door shut behind her.
“Fluttershy!” Celestia greeted with a smile. “It’s so nice to see you. To what do I owe this visit?”
Right away, Celestia could tell something was wrong. While Fluttershy’s default disposition could often be best described as “timid”, right now she appeared too timid. Her wings twitched at her side, her legs trembling slightly with each step. Her ears were pinned tightly against her head and her eyes were fixated on the floor, refusing to look Celestia in the eye.
As delicately as she could for fear of scaring her off, Celestia asked, “Is everything alright?”
Fluttershy didn’t reply at first, standing still as a statue. If not for the steady rise and fall of her chest, Celestia would have worried if she was even breathing. Just as Celestia prepared to take a step forward, she heard a tiny squeak come from Fluttershy.
Fluttershy opened and closed her mouth, seemingly trying to work up the courage to speak. With great effort, she began to say, “Princess… I… I was wondering…”
“Yes?”
“I… I…” Her shoulders sagged as what little courage she had ultimately deserted her. With a disappointed sigh, she turned back towards the door. “I’m sorry I bothered you, Princess.” Her wingtips almost dragged against the floor in defeat as she trudged back to the door to show herself out. Maybe I’ll try another day…
“Would you like some tea?”
Fluttershy froze in place, her hoof inches away from the door. Glancing over her shoulder, she was met with a smile from Celestia, a smile that was as warm and soothing as the sun. “It would be rude of me to not at least offer you some tea after coming all this way.”
Fluttershy was at a loss. She should just leave, foolish to have even come here when the princess likely had important matters to attend to. She could make herself some tea when she got home, back in the comfort and safety of her cottage, surrounded by her animal friends who wouldn’t judge her and her silly ideas.
And yet…
“… Do… do you have cherry blossom tea?”
Minutes later, Celestia and Fluttershy were sitting on opposite ends of a table while they waited for the kettle to boil. Lucky, Celestia had all the necessary supplies to make tea without leaving her room, so she had at least prevented Fluttershy from fleeing in terror. Even then, Fluttershy hadn’t said a word the whole time, sitting perfectly silent while she traced circles onto the table with her hoof. Any other pony might have lost their patience already.
But Celestia was nothing if not patient. This wasn’t the first time a pony had been too shy or afraid to speak in her presence, so she had learned long ago to be careful lest she accidentally scare them. The first thing she needed to do was make Fluttershy feel more comfortable to draw her out of her shell, and she knew just the way to do that.
“So… how are your animals doing?”
Fluttershy jumped a little from the sudden question, finally looking up if only for an instant to meet Celestia’s eyes before looking down again. “Oh… they’re doing well. Mr. Otter hurt his tail the other day trying to impress his girlfriend, but he’s doing much better now.”
“That’s good to hear. I hope Discord hasn’t been too much trouble either, has he?”
“Oh, no. He’s been very well behaved lately. Well…” Fluttershy began to fidget. “There was an… ‘incident’ in the market last week…”
“No one was hurt, I hope?” Celestia was very careful to keep any hint of anger out her voice.
“No, though a few ponies were pretty angry about it. After I explained it to him though, Discord was quick to put everything back into place. He was even nice enough to fix Mr. Davenport’s cart for him, isn’t that sweet?”
Celestia nodded. “Yes, it is. I’m glad to see Discord’s making strides in learning about friendship.” Almost… Celestia thought, taking note of Fluttershy’s more relaxed posture. Time to switch gears a little… “You know, Philomena’s been kind of lonely lately.”
This finally made Fluttershy raise her head, her eyes filled with concern. “Really? Oh, the poor dear.”
“Yes. I’ve tried everything to try and make her feel better, but she’s being awfully finicky right now. She’s taking a nap right now, but I think she’d like to see you while you’re here.”
Fluttershy positively lit up with excitement. “That would be lovely!”
Bingo.
Right on cue, the loud hiss of the kettle cut through the air. Glancing across the room, Celestia used her magic to shut off the burner before delicately levitating the kettle and pouring the contents into a teapot already set up on a tray alongside a pair of cups. Switching her magic over to the tray, she brought it over to them before pouring a cup for Fluttershy and herself, the smell of freshly bloomed cherry blossoms wafting into the air. “One sugar cube or two?”
“One, please.” After stirring the sugar into her tea, Fluttershy carefully picked it up with her hooves, gently blowing on it while also flapping her wings to cool it down slightly. Taking a sip, she sighed as the taste of cherry blossoms danced across her tongue.
Celestia did her best to hide her smirk. “Good, isn’t it?”
“Mmm.”
What little conversation there was stalled as the two enjoyed their tea. With each sip of her tea, Fluttershy could feel some of her confidence returning. Come on, Fluttershy, you can do this! It might have taken a while, but you’ve managed to get this far, just ask her! The worst thing she can do is say no… right?
“Um… Princess?” Fluttershy finally managed to say, “Can… can I ask something?
“Certainly,” Celestia was quick to reply, adopting the same calming smile as before.
“It’s just that… the reason I came to see you was… I… I was hoping I could ask you for a favour?”
“A favour? But of course!” After everything Twilight and her friends had done for her and the ponies of Equestria, Celestia had been more than happy to offer them all a boon for anything they desired. Yet, every time she had offered, they had politely turned her down, intent on fulfilling their dreams on there own, a pursuit Celestia respected. And yet, Celestia was ecstatic to finally have the chance to reward one of the ponies who had done so much for her. “Just let me know what it is, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”
“Well, I mean if it’s not too much trouble…” Having finally reached the moment Fluttershy had been both dreading and hoping for, she found it hard to form the right words. “I was wondering… if I could sleep with you.”
Celestia’s ears perked up. At the last second, Fluttershy suddenly became as quiet as a mouse. “I’m sorry, could you speak up a little bit? I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch that.”
Nervously gulping, Fluttershy tried again to ask, “If… if… I could sleep with you.”
“Sorry, one more time, please?”
“IF I COULD SLEEP WITH YOU!” The moment the words left her mouth, Fluttershy clamped her hooves over her mouth in horror, her eyes wide as dinner plates and her face redder than a tomato.
Over the course of her long life, Celestia had though she had heard and seen everything. And yet, hearing Fluttershy of all ponies loudly expressing a desire to sleep with her still managed to take her by surprise, her cheeks blushing to match Fluttershy’s. “Oh…” was all Celestia could say at first, her mind still reeling. “Oh… Well, I’m … flattered that you would want—“
“No! No, no, no!” Fluttershy frantically waved her hooves as she desperately tried to correct herself. “I didn’t… I didn’t mean it like that! I meant just sleeping together in the same bed! No, wait, I mean… Ugh!” Throwing her hooves over her face, Fluttershy sunk to the floor, wishing more than anything she could just disappear. She probably would have made an attempt to scurry away then and there if Celestia hadn’t spoken up, taking a second to refill Fluttershy’s cup of tea while she did so.
“Fluttershy, I’m not mad, “ Celestia began, being extra careful to not upset the poor mare, “Just confused. I can see that this couldn’t have been an easy thing to ask, but I can’t help you if you don’t help me understand. Can you do that for me, please?”
Slowly picking herself up off the floor, Fluttershy grabbed her teacup with shaking hooves and took a long drink. Once she had drained the cup, she set it back down on the table before taking a deep breath to collect herself.
“When… when I was a filly, I had a lot trouble sleeping at night. Sometimes, on really scary nights, my mother and father would let me sleep in their bed with them. I still fondly remember those nights, nestled next to my parents while wrapped tightly in my mother’s wings. It was so… heavenly.” Fluttershy smiled at the memory of those nights. Yet, her joy was short lived as her smile slipped from her lips. “I didn’t get to enjoy that for very long though. I was a bit of an early bloomer, so I ended up being taller than the other ponies my age before long. Flight School was… unpleasant because of this. But even worse, I was now too big to crawl into bed with my parents anymore. I was a big filly now, and big fillies could be brave and sleep in their own bed,” With the help of a nightlight and a plush bunny of course.
“I see,” Taking a sip of her tea, Celestia took a second to consider all this. “If I understand correctly, you want me to help you relive that experience from your childhood, correct?”
“Y-yes. I mean, I suppose there are other ponies I could ask, but you’re the only one I know who’s… uh…”
“Tall enough?” Celestia finished for her, chuckling as Fluttershy meekly nodded her head. “Yes, I am quite aware that I am a ways taller than most ponies.“ It can make walking through doors a literal headache some days.
Fluttershy looked away, her blush from before returning in full force. “I know it’s a silly thing to ask—“
“Not at all,” Celestia said as she set her teacup down, her smile never leaving her face. “Wanting to recapture a cherished moment from your past is a wonderful thing, and I would be more than happy to help you.”
“R-really?!” Fluttershy almost leapt up in joy, having feared for the longest time that her silly request would only end in rejection and ridicule.
“I did promise, didn’t I? Besides, it’s the least I can do after everything you’ve done.”
“I… thank you, Princess.”
“Think nothing of it. However, my bedtime is still a few hours away, so in the meantime…” Turning her head and using her magic to open a window, Celestia pursed her lips and sharply whistled, the sound echoing across the castle courtyard.
When nothing happened after several moments, Fluttershy curiously asked, “…Um… Princess?”
“Wait for it…” Was Celestia’s only reply as she held out her hoof expectedly. Suddenly, a blur of red and orange feathers flew through the open window, cawing loudly before lofting down onto Celestia’s hoof.
“Good evening, Philomena,” Celestia greeted her ever faithful, if fussy friend. “Did you enjoy your nap?”
The phoenix cawed happily as she nuzzled her owner, her fiery plumage glowing in the evening light.
“That’s good to hear. There’s somepony here I think you’ll be happy to see.” Philomena followed Celestia’s eyes as she glanced at Fluttershy. The moment Philomena caught sight of the pink-maned pegasus, she let out a happy caw as she leapt across the table, flying up and landing in Fluttershy’s mane.
“I’m happy to see you too, “ Fluttershy replied with a smile as she held up her hoof to allow Philomena to hop onto it before lowering her to eye level. “I hope you’ve been keeping out of trouble?”
Philomena answered with a series of chirps and caws, Fluttershy nodding her head in understanding as Celestia watched the one-sided conversation between the pair. “You did?” Fluttershy abruptly replied with a giggle, unable to keep herself from asking, “Is he cute?”
“Oh?” Celestia’s ears perked up as she leaned across the table, a mischievous grin plastered across her muzzle. “Are my ears playing tricks on me, or is my dear Philomena in love?”
Philomena’s response was to let out an indignant squawk before hiding her face behind her wing, prompting both mares to laugh at the flustered phoenix.
***
Celestia stood out on her balcony, staring up at Luna’s moon. She had lowered the sun to make way for the moon shortly before dinner, though the sun had been quick to fight her like a rambunctious foal wanting to stay up another five minutes. Having spent a millennium shepherding both the sun and moon, Celestia was almost jealous of how much easier the moon was to command, having to fight with the sun almost every night.
Shortly after dinner, Fluttershy had excused herself to use the bathroom, leaving Celestia to wait with her thoughts. As she stared up the moon, Celestia felt uneasy. As much as she truly wanted to help Fluttershy relive such a treasured experience, now that the moment was upon her, she couldn’t help but feel nervous, anxiety forming in the pit of her stomach. How long has it been since I laid in bed with another? Years? Decades even?
Like Fluttershy, she held fond memories of nights Luna and her spent curled up against their mother. Even after they bested Discord, there were still nights where Luna would sneak into her room and crawl into bed with her. Even if this was just something between two friends, Celestia feared doing something that could do irreparable damage to that friendship.
“Okay, I’m ready.”
Celestia turned as Fluttershy stepped out of the bathroom, though the princess was rendered speechless at the sheer sight of the mare. Fluttershy was now dressed in a pair of leaf green footed pyjamas covered in prints of pink butterflies, and clutching a well worn plush bunny to her chest, the traces of countless repairs clearly visible on the stuffed animal.
In spite of how nervous she was, Celestia had to restrain herself from running over and scooping Fluttershy up into a hug. She looks so adorable!
Realising she had been staring for far too long, Celestia loudly cleared her throat. “I must say, that’s a cute outfit, Fluttershy.”
Blushing at the compliment, Fluttershy clutched her plush tighter as the faintest trace of a smile graced her lips. “Th-thanks, Rarity made it for me. It’s the same kind I wore when I was a filly.”
“And I see you brought a friend with you as well,” Celestia said with a smile, pointing at the plush rabbit. “Aren’t you going to introduce him?”
“Oh! Sorry…” Fluttershy held up the stuffed animal for Celestia to see. “This is Angel Bunny the 1st. My mom gave him to me when I was a foal and I’ve had him ever since. I… I thought it might help make things easier…”
Celestia just nodded, silently noting that Fluttershy now looked the part of a scared filly braving the dark to ask her parents if she could spend the night with them. An awkward silence began to set in as neither pony made a move, both of them unsure who should make the first move.
Eventually, Celestia turned and began walking towards her bed, Fluttershy following her. Using her magic to pull back the silk bed sheets, Celestia gracefully climbed into bed, worming herself under the covers until she was comfortable. Glancing over at the other side of her bed, she saw that Fluttershy was still standing there, seemingly having second thoughts. “Don’t be afraid, dear,” Celestia reassured her, reaching over and patting the spot next to her. “If it helps, just think of this as two friends having a sleepover.”
Right, just two friends having a sleepover… I can do that. Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy eventually climbed into bed alongside Celestia, holding Angel Bunny the 1st so tight his button eyes threatened to pop out. Despite having climbed into bed, she made no move to get any closer to Celestia.
Come on, Fluttershy! The Princess promised to help, so she won’t mind if I scoot a little closer. But… but what if— “Eek!” Fluttershy was unprepared for a huge wing to reach over and scoop her up, pulling her closer until her head was resting against Celestia’s chest, a soothing warmth radiating off the princess’s body.
“Comfy?” Celestia asked as she readjusted the sheets, to better cover them both.
“Y-yes, “ Fluttershy stuttered as she tried to bury her face in Celestia’s fur to hide her blushing face. As the initial awkwardness began to wear off, however, Fluttershy felt it being replaced by a sense of peacefulness. Nights spent fantasizing about this moment were nothing compared to the actual experience, of being nestled against another pony, knowing that they would protect her from any and every danger.
And yet, it still felt like something was missing. “Uh, Princess?”
“Please, just Celestia is fine, Fluttershy.”
“Right… Celestia. Can… can I ask you to do one more thing for me?”
“Anything, dear.”
“Can… can you sing me a lullaby? Please?”
With a smile, Celestia breathed in deeply and began to sing;
“Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to lay your sleeping head.
Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to go to bed.”
As Celestia’s velvet voice began to wrap around her like a comforting blanket, Fluttershy felt her eyelids start to grow heavy. Every last uncertainty and fear drifted away like sand on the wind, leaving a quiet calm behind.
“Drifting off to sleep,
Exciting day behind you,
Drifting off to sleep,
Let the joy of dreamland find you.”
For a moment, Fluttershy was transported back to her parent’s home, a young filly terrified of the thunder and running to her parents for comfort. Wrapped in the soft down of her mother’s wings, she felt safer than ever before, secure in the knowledge that they would protect her.
“Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to lay your sleeping head.
Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to go to bed.”
As she finished singing, Celestia glanced down to find Fluttershy fast asleep, the very image of peacefulness as a smile spread across her face. The sight caused all of Celestia’s previous anxieties to melt away, unable to help but smile in turn at the pony curled up against her. Bending down ever so careful as to not disturb her, Celestia lightly kissed the top of Fluttershy’s head, her ear idly twitching yet remaining fast asleep. “Sweet dreams, my little pony.” It wasn’t long before Celestia was fast asleep as well.
***
Celestia groaned as she slowly woke up, her internal clock buzzing away in her head. Blinking the sleep out her eyes, a lock of her mane hung in front of her face, no doubt due to her spectacularly legendary bed-mane. I need to raise the sun, Luna will be lowering the moon any minute. However, as she moved to get up, she felt something press up against her, causing her to glance down at the pony cuddling up to her.
Oh. Fluttershy, right. The proper thing to do would be to wake Fluttershy up in order to carry out her duties… except Celestia couldn’t bring herself to disturb her. One look at her peaceful face and she knew she didn’t have the heart to wake her up from such a sound sleep.
Her horn tingled as she felt Luna’s magic latch onto the moon, signalling the sun to take its place. Great. Time to get creative. Craning her neck to she could just peer out the window, Celestia lit her horn and cast out a magical tether towards the sun, cursing under her breath as the sun fought back. So not in the mood for this! Gritting her teeth, she sent a pulse of magic through the tether, magically slapping the sun like it were a misbehaving child, demanding it get up already. Shakily, the sun rose above the horizon, taking its proper place in the morning sky.
Not my finest sunrise, but it’ll do. Turning away from the widow, Celestia sighed as she rested her head back against her pillow, shifting her wing as she cuddled up to the sleeping pegasus. Celestia knew that she had about ten minutes before somepony would come knocking on her door to see if she was up, which she intended to make use of every second of.
Equestria can wait another ten minutes.