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... "