Written by: Mayhem Darkshadow
Edited by: psychohooves
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Chapter 5: First Heart's and Hooves Day
Luna and Twilight were glad that they had finally told their friends and family about their relationship. It was like they had just pushed a very large boulder off their chests. Before they knew it, though, a lot of other ponies knew about them as well. They figured it wouldn't take too long anyway. Nopony really bothered them about it in Canterlot, but Ponyville was a different story. A few ponies in Ponyville thought that Twilight was invading on the Royal family, and they started calling her rude names. To make things worse the Ponyville Enquirer wrote a very slanderous and horrible story about Twilight which had caused her to lock herself in the library and cry her eyes out. When Luna read this story she threatened to shut down the news paper if they ever printed something like that again. No other stories were printed, and they even sent out an apology.
None of these things compared to what was happening in Twilight's family life. Her father refused to speak with any of them. Her father's behavior made her mother so angry that she packed up all her things and was living with Cadance and Shining Armor. Twilight and Luna tried to go and talk to him, but he shut the door on their faces right after he had opened it, causing Twilight to cry for the next few hours despite Luna's attempts to cheer her up. Twilight gave up trying to talk to him after that incident.
**********
Before Luna and Twilight knew it, Heart's and Hooves Day was upon them. It was the first time that either of them had a special somepony to spend the day with. After a week of planning, they had the whole day mapped out. Luna would come to Ponyville, and they would go to Sugarcube Corner for breakfast. After that, they would take a lovely walk through the park and then would leave for Canterlot and have lunch on the train provided by the Royal cooks. Once in Cantlerlot, they were going to make a brief stop to see Twilight's mother before going back to the Castle to have tea with Celestia. Then they would get ready for dinner, which Luna had arranged to be at the best resturant in Equestria: Symphonia. After dinner, they would go back to the castle, and Twilight would stay for the night. Luna said she had a little surprise planned for Twilight.
**********
Twilight sat on a chair in her bedroom. It was Heart's and Hooves Day, and Luna would be over any minute to begin their plans. Twilight wanted to spice herself up a bit, so she had asked Rarity to come over and help her out. She showed up at six in the morning and it was now eight. The only reason it was taking so long was because Rarity kept changing her mind about how to style Twilight's mane, and it was getting annoying.
"No, no, no, that simply won't do!" cried Rarity out loud.
"Rarity, Luna is going to be hear any minute now," said Twilight with a slightly annoyed tone, "Could you please hurry up?!"
"Why Twilight, darling, style takes time," said Rarity with a gasp. "You cannot rush perfection."
They heard a knock on the front door followed by Spike's greeting of Princess Luna. It was then that Rarity realized she may have to bend the rules of style just this once. In no time at all she finished and let Twilight have a look. She had done a stellar job. Twilight didn't know much about mane styles; however, she knew that this was a simple plaited hairstyle.
"You look lovely dear. Now don't keep the Princess waiting," said Rarity.
Twilight thanked her and then made her way downstairs. She found Spike and Luna engrossed in friendly chatter that appeared to be about her. Moving very quietly Twilight sneaked up on Luna and then squeezed her sides playfully. Luna squealed and jumped a little.
"Happy Heart's and Hooves Day my very special somepony," said Twilight sweetly.
Luna turned around and faced Twilight and then gave her a quick kiss.
"You're looking especially beautiful today. I love what you have done with your mane," said Luna with a smile.
Twilight blushed a little. "My friend Rarity did it for me," she said quietly.
"And it was no problem at all dear," said Rarity as she descended the stairs.
"Thanks again Rarity. Now you don't mind taking care of Spike for me right?" asked Twilight.
"Of course not. I'm taking Sweetie Belle and Spikey Wikey to brunch later to celebrate the day. But don't worry about me you two, just be sure to have a wonderful day," said Rarity.
Twilight thanked Rarity one more time as Rarity pushed them out the door.
**********
The bell on the door of Sugarcube Corner rang as Twilight and Luna walked into the bakery. Plenty of couples were already there enjoying breakfast with their significant other. Some of them glanced at the two, but most of them didn't. Twilight walked up to the counter, which was being manned by Mrs. Cake. She was not looking at them, but Pinkie Pie saw them.
"Oh Twilight you're here!" shouted Pinkie in joy, "I already have a table reserved for you."
"Now Pinkie we don't reserve tables. You should know that by now," snapped Mrs. Cake in slight frustration.
Luna looked at Twilight with her "I'm going to have some fun face." "Do you think you could make an exception, just this once maybe?" she said while trying not to laugh.
Mrs. Cake, while still turned around, got slightly annoyed with them. "The only way we'd reserve a table for you is if you were a princess," she yelled with an annoyed tone.
Mrs. Cake spun around, and her jaw dropped when she saw who was standing at the counter. "P..P...Prin...Princess Luna?!" she stuttered.
Mrs. Cake immediately disappeared into the kitchen shouting to Mr. Cake that Princess Luna was here all while yelling at Pinkie Pie to find them a table.
"That was kind of mean of you Luna," said Twilight as they sat down.
Luna, however, didn't respond. She was too busy laughing with Pinkie Pie, so hard they could not speak.
"Oh Princess, that was so funny," said Pinkie Pie as she wiped some tears from her eyes.
Their laughter slowed to a chuckle and then Pinkie Pie left them to tend to other customers. Luna reached across the table and grabbed Twilight's hooves in her's.
"Happy Heart's and Hooves Day sweetheart," said Luna sweetly.
Twilight giggled and blushed. "Happy Heart's and Hooves Day to you too," said Twilight.
They looked into each other's eyes until a loud bang made them both jump. In fact they weren't the only ponies that had jumped. Some had even fallen out of their seats. The bang had come from the kitchen door being slammed open as the Cake's rushed out carrying lots of baked goods and other assorted things. They put them all on the table and then stood back smiling.
"I...I hope everything is to your liking Princess Luna," said Mr. Cake with a slight stutter.
"Yes...had...had we known you were coming we would have made preparations ahead of time," said Mrs. Cake nervously.
Luna laughed slightly. "Oh it is quite all right Twilight and I didn't want to make a big deal out of this," said Luna with a snicker.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other, then at Twilight and Luna. They both had very confused looks on their faces, like they were trying to process and comprehend something.
"Are...are you...both...together?" asked Mr. Cake nervously.
Twilight and Luna nodded.
"We...we hadn't...hadn't realized that the rumors were true," said Mrs. Cake quietly to them.
Twilight and Luna looked at each other. Twilight gave Luna the I'll explain in a second look.
"Well...con...congrats to the both of you," said Mr. Cake.
"If...if...if you need anything just...just let Pinkie Pie or us know," said Mrs. Cake.
They bowed and then went back to the kitchen, whispering to each other as they walked. When they were gone Twilight started to laugh. This time Luna did not understand what was so funny. After Twilight's laughing finally subsided, she explained.
"Wow. They are acting exactly like they did when Princess Celestia was here," said Twilight with a giggle.
Luna just had a confused look on her face. She waited for Twilight to explain, but Twilight continued laughing, so she just decided to trying some of the delectable sweets that had been brought to them. When Twilight finally stopped laughing, she went into explanation.
"I'm sorry. You really had to be at that brunch to understand why I find it funny. The Cakes were nervous when your sister was here for a special brunch and...well I guess they aren't use to catering to royalty," said Twilight calmly.
Luna still didn't understand so she just kept on eating and shaking her head at Twilight while she continued to snicker here and there.
"There is one other thing I don't understand," Luna stated after she swallowed a mouth full of coffee, "How have they not heard about us?"
Twilight put down the cupcake she was about to bite into and answered Luna's question. "Well the Cakes run this whole business by themselves, and they also have two little foals that they have to take care of. They very rarely leave Sugarcube Corner, so it doesn't shock me that they didn't know about us," said Twilight.
Luna nodded her head in understanding. Caring for foals was hard work, as Celestia constantly told her when she was young. Luna couldn't imagine what it would be like with two foals. She felt bad now for playing a prank on the two bakers. She told herself that she needed to apologize but only after she finished eating all this delicious food.
**********
After breakfast, and Luna's sincere apology to the Cake's for causing them stress, they headed to Ponyville park for a nice quiet walk through the park. It turned out they weren't the only ones that had though of this, for there were quite a few couples besides themselves walking through and relaxing in the park. Also, unlike Sugarcube Corner, all the other couples were looking at them. It looked like ponies in Ponyville had yet to get over the fact that Twilight was with a member of the Royal family. Twilight started feel tension and moved a bit closer to Luna.
"It's okay. I'm right here," Luna whispered in Twilight's ear.
They continued to walk. Nopony said anything to them but simply stared at them. Twilight had thought she had gotten over being uncomfortable, but apparently she hadn't.
"Maybe... maybe we should stop and take a break..." said Twilight timidly.
Luna, while really enjoying the scenery, didn't like seeing Twilight uncomfortable, so she agreed. They stopped at a shady area underneath a large oak tree and sat down. Fewer ponies were staring at them now that they weren't moving.
"Still uncomfortable Twi?" asked Luna sweetly.
"Mhmm..." whimpered Twilight, "I thought I had gotten use to it... but a lot of ponies were staring at us and that hasn't happened in a while..."
Luna gave Twilight a soft kiss and then nibbled on her ear affectionately. "It's alright I'm here for you," said Luna quietly.
Twilight felt better, but she still couldn't believe that she was nervous about them. She had really hoped that by now the citizens of Ponyville would have forgotten their relationship or gotten over it, but this didn't seem to be the case. She wondered how same sex couples like Lyra and Bon Bon managed things like this.
"Okay, I think they've stopped staring," Luna whispered in Twilight's ear, "But walk close to me if you still feel nervous."
"Okay..." said Twilight quietly, "We should probably make our way to the train station anyway."
**********
The train ride up to Canterlot was pretty uneventful. They were met by a small group of Luna's personal guards, who said that they would be patrolling the train as they went along. Luna had arranged for them to have their own private car so that they could have lunch together followed by an uninterrupted nap. A few of the Royal Chefs had prepared them an amazing lunch of portabella steaks in a light cream reduction and a exquisite dandelion salad. Luna and Twilight were so full by the end of it that they passed out together on the large couch and didn't wake up until the arrived in Canterlot. Luna dismissed her guards after they exited the train. She told Twilight that they had not been her idea, but in fact her sisters. Twilight said that she didn't really care that much. After the guards left they walked through Canterlot towards Shining Armor and Cadance's house. Twilight noticed that, unlike in Ponyville, very few ponies were even looking at them.
"They are all still scared about how I reacted after the newspaper printed that awful story about you," Luna said to her.
"But that was a Ponyville news paper," said a confused Twilight, "Why are people in Canterlot scared about that?"
"Well I guess that little Ponyville newspaper started selling in Canterlot. My guards spent three days running around the city destroying all the papers. I told them I didn't care if they broke into ponies homes if it meant destroying those papers," said Luna seriously.
"Luna that's unjust!!" cried Twilight, "Breaking into ponies homes over a paper!"
Luna's ears fell and she looked away from Twilight. "We...I'm sorry... I didn't like seeing you sad..." she said timidly.
Twilight gently rested a hoof on Luna's back. "It's okay Luna. It's behind us anyway," Twilight told her lover.
Luna perked back up, and just in time. They walked up the steps of Twilight's brother's house. Twilight knocked on the door and it was answered by Cadance.
"Happy Heart's and Hooves Day!" screamed Luna and Twilight as they pulled Cadance into a big hug.
"Eeep!" squeaked Cadance. Twilight and Luna had manged catch her off guard, just as they had planned to. "Twili...Auntie Luna...too tight...can't...air," stammered Cadance as she tried to break free of the vice grip of a hug. Luna and Twilight giggled and let her go. It took Cadance a couple of seconds to catch her breath and then she started laughing.
"You two are a couple of silly little fillies," Cadance laughed.
They walked inside, still laughing. They sat down in the living room and chatted. Cadance wanted to hear about what they had done so far.
"Well we had a wonderful breakfast at Sugarcube Corner," Twilight told her sister, "Followed a by a walk in the park."
"Where Twilight clung to me like a little baby filly," laughed Luna.
Twilight's cheeks turned bright red. "I...I did not," she said bashfully.
Luna snickered a bit. "You did sweetie, but it was cute and under the circumstances completely okay," said Luna comfortingly.
"What happened?" asked Cadance curiously.
"The ponies of Ponyville are still bugging Twilight. They were all staring at up as we walked through the park," Luna told her niece.
"Well that's not fair to either of you," said Shining Armor as he came down the stairs. He looked a little flustered.
"What's wrong Shining?" asked Twilight and Cadance and the same time. Shining Armor slumped down into a chair and groaned slightly.
"It's mom..." he groaned loudly.
Twilight still didn't understand what was wrong. "Should I go talk to her? She's not upset is she?" asked a still confused Twilight.
Shining Armor looked at his sister. "Go talk to her if you want to..." he said with yet another groan.
Twilight, still confused, walked upstairs to the guest room and knocked on the door.
"Come in," said Twilight Velvet.
Twilight opened the door and found her mother sitting at her dresser, doing her make up.
"Hi sweetheart," said Twilight Velvet to her daughter.
Twilight walked over to her mother and wrapped her hooves around her. "What are you doing?" Twilight asked her softly.
"Getting ready for a date," said Twilight Velvet quietly.
Twilight perked up a bit. "With daddy?" she asked curiously.
Her mother patted her hooves softly. "No sweetheart. Do you remember Mr. Nighthooves, our old neighbor?" asked Twilight Velvet.
"I do," Twilight told her
"Do you remember how his wife passed away a few years ago?" asked Velvet.
"How could I forget? I spent that whole day crying," said Twilight.
"Well he's in town for the weekend and heard about what happened with me and your father and asked if i wanted to go to dinner tonight. And just as friends may I add," said Velvet when she saw the look on Twilight's face.
"So...does that mean that you and dad are...you know...getting a divorce?" asked Twilight.
"If he keeps up how he's acting, maybe. For now, I'm going to let him figure this out and maybe man up a bit," said Velvet with a snide tone.
Twilight watched as her mother finished getting ready. She couldn't believe that her family was falling apart because of her. Her mother noticed that she appeared distraught and tried to cheer her up.
"So do you have anything special planned for Luna?" she asked.
"Yeah we are going to have a nice dinner and then spend the rest of the night at the castle," Twilight told her.
"Sounds like fun," said Velvet. "Just be careful with whatever you do tonight."
When her mother was finally done they went back downstairs. Luna was sitting on the couch talking with Cadance. They didn't see where Shining Armor was. Luna got up from the couch and walked over to say hello to Velvet, but was surprised when she was pulled into a big hug.
"It's...good to see you Mrs. Sparkle," said Luna awkwardly.
"Oh don't sound so confused dear. You're part of the family now, and family members get hugs," Velvet told her.
Luna was still in a bit of shock but awkwardly hugged Velvet back.
Velvet let go of Luna and then grabbed her coat from the closet. "Well I need to go so I'm not late. All four of you have fun tonight and don't do anything crazy."
Velvet left and then everyone let out a huge sigh.
"Well...that was not how I was expecting to see her..." said Twilight with relief, "I was worried that she would be moping."
"I'm glad that your mother is happy Twilight. Anyway we should get up to the castle so we can get ready for dinner," said Luna.
Twilight and Luna said goodbye to Shining Armor and Cadance and then headed for the castle.
**********
Dinner was great, and Luna had used it to give Twilight her surprise. Well it was more like a surprise package. First was a beautiful amethyst and sapphire necklace. Twilight joked and said that she would have to keep it away from Spike or he'd eat it. The second part of the surprise was...something Twilight didn't expect at all. Luna sang to her and not simply singing a melody to Twilight. Luna got up on the band stand, played the piano, and full on serenaded Twilight. Twilight was blown away and completely speechless. She had to resist the urge to jump up on stage and kiss Luna all over. Before they created a scene at one of the most prestigious eateries in Canterlot they paid for their meal and went back to the castle. Twilight was still waiting to give Luna her surprise. Twilight had spent a month planning it and waited until they were in Luna's room.
"Sweetheart, before we do anything I need to freshen up a bit," said Twilight carefully trying not to give herself away.
Luna looked at her and wasn't fooled, so she played coy with her.
"Okay then. I'll get out this dress and get more comfortable," snickered Luna.
Twilight, oblivious to the fact that Luna had caught on, disappeared into the bathroom. Luna did what she said she was going to do and got out of her dress. She climbed in bed and got comfortable while she waited for Twilight. A few minutes passed by and no Twilight. Five minutes passed by and still no Twilight. Finally, after quite a bit of time, Twilight came out of the bathroom, wearing some very scandalous lingerie.
"Oh my," giggled Luna, "Don't we look sexy?"
Twilight smiled and climbed into the bed. She got on top of Luna and began kissing her passionately all over. Luna let her keep going but she was also laughing. Twilight stopped after Luna spent a straight minute giggling and laughing.
"Why are you laughing?" asked Twilight slightly annoyed, "Aren't you aroused?"
Luna stopped laughing and smiled at Twilight. "I mean I am sweetie, and I'm not," said Luna with a smile.
Twilight got off of Luna and hung her head. Luna felt bad for laughing and gave Twilight a hug from behind. "You've never done this before have you?" she asked.
"No..." said Twilight quietly, "I read a book... but I guess not well enough..."
Luna chuckled. "This isn't something you can learn from a book sweetheart. This is something you learn by practicing."
Luna then flipped Twilight around and got on top of her. "Here love. I'll show you," she said quietly.