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// Chapter 28: Surprising Guests 
// Story: The Most Chaotic Night Ever!!! 
// by Azure129 
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“Okay then, Celestia…” Twilight Sparkle smiled as she stood in Celestia’s bedroom doorway magically holding up a clipboard and proceeded to mark off items on a checklist with a quill, “I think we have everything Luna wanted. The staff is almost done making four dozen cupcakes frosted in the colors of each of the princesses, we have two full barrels of fizzy cider, the popcorn replication spell is ready to go, we have half a dozen big pillows in the ballroom for sleeping and pillow fights, the costume trunk is already down there too for dress up, and Luna’s put in a take-out order for all of our favorite foods—hay burgers and fries for you, Saddle Arabian spicy curry for her, and pizza with extra daisies for Cadance and me.” Twilight looked up from her list and smiled sheepishly. “That was always our favorite thing to order whenever she would foalsit me.” 

Princess Celestia laughed softly as she finished magically laying a few blankets onto her back. “It all sounds wonderful, Twilight.” She walked around her bed to join her former faithful student. “So, are Discord and Spike already over at the Apple’s farm for their own little get-together?”

“Yes.” Twilight nodded. “Discord left with Spike to head over there about an hour before I left for Canterlot. I asked Spike if he wanted me to come with them to see him off, but Discord said something about it being a guys night, emphasis on the ‘no pony princesses’, and then he flew out the window with Spike on his back.” She sighed, rubbing her temple. “I just hope he makes sure Spike gets something healthy to eat for dinner and at least a little rest tonight. He is still pretty young by dragon standards, after all.” 

Celestia laughed softly. “Oh I’m sure he’ll take good care of Spike, Twilight. Discord’s very good with children.” 

Twilight raised an eyebrow.

Celestia noticed and explained. “I saw him with Pumpkin and Pound Cake once. He managed to make his chaos very nurturing.” She lightly cleared her throat. “Anyway, it’s so nice Spike and Discord are making such a strong connection. I think their friendship will be very good for both of them.”

Twilight nodded, blushing slightly. “Oh, uh…yeah, I think so too.”

There was silence for a moment.

Then Twilight made her clipboard and quill disappear, and swallowed. “Princess Celestia? I…”

“Knock, knock!” A familiar (chaotic) voice suddenly announced from just out in the hall. “Tia, one of the guards told me you might be here. Do you have a second?”

Twilight watched as Celestia’s eyes went wide for a moment, but then she blinked a few times and nodded. “Oh, Discord…Yes, I’m here!” she called out as she trotted into the hall.

Floating there was the master of chaos of course, and he smirked as he laid eyes on her. “Oh good, so glad to see you haven’t started your slumber party yet. I wanted to have a quick word with you about Ca—” And then the chaos master noticed Twilight exit Celestia’s room just behind the sun princess. Discord’s eyes went wide, and a slight blush came to his features. “Oh, Twilight—hello.” He cleared his throat and resumed his normal smug smile and tone. “Just popping in for some attention from Celestia.” He held out his talon to glance at it. “Anyway, Tia dear, could I possibly have a word with you in private…about a certain somepony?”

Celestia nodded. “Yes, of course, Discord.” She blinked and then looked behind her, recalling Twilight. 

Twilight smiled and stepped back. “Oh, um…it’s all right.” She magically levitated the blankets off of Princess Celestia’s back and onto her own. “I think I’ll bring these downstairs. Have a good night, Discord. And I’ll see you soon, Celestia.” And then she trotted away.

“Toodles, Twilight!” The chaos master waved to her. As soon as the friendship princess rounded the corner, he landed before Celestia and shrugged with a small smile. “Sorry for interrupting your preparations. But I know we don’t have much time before our evenings start.”

Celestia shook her head and smiled again. “It’s all right, Discord. You wanted to talk about something regarding Cadance, I’m guessing. I just got word that her chariot is on the outskirts of Ponyville, so she should be here soon.”

Discord shrugged. “Yes. I just…well, just to clarify, no matter what Cadance might realize about my feelings if she gets near me, she’s also very discreet, right?” He swallowed. “I mean, just like with Luna—anything in her domain that she finds out about me has to stay confidential?”

“Yes.” Celestia nodded, her smile warming. “She’s very intuitive but also respects people’s privacy very much. That’s part of why ponies feel comfortable going to her for advice on matters of the heart—they know that along with being wise she’ll never tell their secrets.”

“I see.” Discord raised an eyebrow. “Do ponies often do that? Just…go to her about such private, personal matters.” 

Celestia nodded. “They’ve come to her ever since she got her cutie mark. Even the shyest ponies or the ponies with the most awkward feelings somehow feel comfortable talking to her. And I’ve never heard of a pony disappointed with her counsel.”

Discord nodded then smiled again. “So, managing Cadance shouldn’t be that bad for you and I then. And no matter what happens, at least nobody else has to know about it. I can live with that.” He floated up again, his arms crossed over his chest. “She’s an awkward hurdle, but I think that if we can make it through the love princess, we can make it through anything, Tia.”

“Yes, I think so too, Discord.” Celestia laughed softly. “Is there anything else you want to talk about?”

The chaos master sighed and shook his head. “No, just wanted to reassure myself about Cadance, and I wanted to make sure you weren’t panicking about her or anything.” He chuckled. “But since we both seem fine, I should get going now.”

“Are you sure?” Celestia took a step forward. “There’s still some time before the slumber party begins. We could talk for a little while in my room if you still need some comforting about Cadance.” She smiled sheepishly. “I’m afraid you’re right—I’ve been needing a little comforting myself about her arrival and getting through this night.”

Her eyes came up to see Discord smiling softly at first, but then he sighed. “Tia, you’re going to be fine with Cadance—trust me. You’re the most capable mare I know.” He cleared his throat. “Either way though…well…Celestia, listen, I’m all for spending time together, but for the time being could we refrain from holding any future private talks in your room?” He blushed, his eyes downward. “To paraphrase a point Fluttershy once made, I’m not quite there yet…about that place.” He swallowed and mumbled. “You wouldn’t get conversation out of me so much as awkward sighs and clumsy magic.”

His words sunk in until Celestia was blushing considerably. But finally she blinked a few times, smiled a little and nodded. “Okay, Discord. I understand. But, whenever you do feel like you’re ‘there’, my door is always open for you.”

“Thanks.” Discord smiled as he finally let his eyes meet hers again. “I’ll get going now. But I’ll see you soon, princess. Farewell.” He gave her a dramatic bow and then snapped up a door and disappeared through it in a burst of light.





Discord reappeared in the air above Sweet Apple Acres only to see a royal chariot just taking off from the ground below, which of course meant that Shining Armor must have arrived…and that Cadance was in the chariot.

Just as the chariot whizzed by him containing the princess of love, Discord quickly hid himself behind a cloud. Luckily the chariot passed by without incident, and he soon peeked out his head to watch it fly off toward Canterlot.

Discord sighed and pouted a little to himself. “Discord, you’re already skittish about looking ONE princess in the eye, you’re not getting skittish about TWO. Pretty, pink, sugary little Cadance cannot hurt you…even if she did prove pretty formidable when you accidentally tricked her and Twilight into fighting a tatzulworum.” He twirled his beard in thought but then shook his head. “Oh, forget about her for now; Celestia has her handled. All I have to do is enjoy a relaxing night of messing around with the guys—Spike and Big Mac and Shining Armor…” He blinked… “…Shining Armor…Shining Armor...” He swallowed and then snapped himself inside…

…and right near Spike, who happened to be standing by a corner of the snack table to grab a bowl of apple chips.

“Psst, Spike!” Discord whispered as he popped his head out from under the tablecloth.

“Ah!” Spike jumped but caught his breath and smiled. “Oh hey, Discord!” He turned his head and called out. “Hey guys! Dis—“ He fell silent as Discord put the tuft of his tail over his mouth.

The chaos master continued to whisper. “Shh—before I go out there, you told Shining Armor I’m going to be here, right?” He released Spike’s mouth.

Spike turned to him and nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

“And…he seemed okay with that? I mean, I suppose I apologized for everything with Tirek, but, well…I really did personally endanger his wife, make his sister lose her home, topple his empire, send him right to Tirek…” Discord shrugged.

Spike smiled and waved him off. “Oh, come on, Discord, Shining Armor’s cool. What are you so nervous about?” He raised an eyebrow. “After everything you went through with the reform and the Gala, I didn’t think anything could get to you now.”

“Well…it’s just…” Discord twiddled his fingers, “I don’t know—tonight is sort of important to me. I haven’t tried making guy friends yet…except for Tirek, and we all know how that turned out. What if I’m not good at it?”

Spike’s smile warmed. “You won’t know unless you try, Discord. And if it makes you feel any better, I hadn’t made any guy friends until I came to Ponyville, and now Big Mac and I do stuff all the time. And I think of you as a friend. So I’m sure Shining Armor will like having you for one too.” He smirked. “Or you could stay under the table all night. But you’re going to miss out on some really great apple desserts and a lot of fun guy talk.”

Discord sighed and finally smiled again. “All right, all right, I’m coming. Thanks, Spike.”

“Ah, don’t mention it.” Spike waved him off and turned around to head back over to the guys with his bowl of apple chips. He took a seat on the big sofa set up before a movie projector facing a large screen. On one end of the sofa sat Big Mac and on the other end sat Shining Armor.

Shining Armor smiled down at Spike. “Hey, what took you so long? We thought you’d eaten all the snacks.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac grinned.

Spike’s eyes hazed, and his smile grew. “You’ll see…right about now.”

Indeed, suddenly a big pink cloud appeared in the air, and the chaos master was lounging atop it. He grinned down at sofa. “Attention, gentlecolts and gentledragon, the party has arrived.” He placed a claw on the cloud. “This thing is full of chocolate milk, I’ve tapped it, and I’ve got glasses with crazy straws for everyone.” He snapped to put a tap with a hose into the side of the cloud and then made four oddly shaped glasses appear on the coffee table in front of the sofa. Then he appeared in a flash sitting on the sofa between Spike and Big Mac. He shared a high five with Spike. “Spike.” He looked to Big Mac and gave a nod. “Big Macintosh, excellent to meet you. Big fan of that honesty streak of your sister’s—I appreciate the bluntness.” 

Big Mac smiled and nodded. “Pleasure too.” 

And then Discord turned to Shining Armor. “And Shining Armor...” He held out his paw and gave a slight bow of his head. “Nice to finally see you under non-villainous circumstances. Good trip here?”

Shining Armor smiled and nodded as he shook Discord’s paw. “Great trip. And it’s nice to see you too, Discord. I was starting to worry you weren’t going to come.”

“Nah.” Spike swallowed some apple crisps. “Discord was just busy worrying way too much about seeing you. I told him you’re cool though, Shining Armor. You’re like the most relaxed stallion I know except for Big Mac.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded.

Discord sighed and rolled his eyes. “Oh, I was not that worried. I was just thinking about everything that happened during my reform, and what I put Cadance through with that blue flu thing, and how much time I dedicate to just bothering Twilight for practically no reason at all other than to amuse myself with her expressions of annoyance.” He smiled sheepishly at the crystal empire prince and shrugged. “I know I sent you an apology letter, but still…”

“Discord,” Shining Armor held up a hoof, “first, as for ‘bothering’ Twilight, right now you’re the closest thing my sister has to a body guard living in her castle since she doesn’t have a full staff of guards yet. And even though I know she can take care of herself, I still appreciate having you there.”

“Really?” Discord raised an eyebrow.

Shining Armor nodded. “Yes. And second, about any reform stuff or bothering Cadance…” he sighed and looked down, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof, “Discord, before I got married, I spent about two weeks hypnotized and doting on a changeling because I thought she was my fiancée. Meanwhile my actual fiancée was trapped in a dungeon. And then I kicked Twilight out of planning the wedding when she was trying to make me see the truth. Believe me, you’re not the only one here who’s royally messed up in a way he’s really embarrassed to remember.”

Spike sighed. “Yeah. You already know about what happened with me and dragon greed, Discord. I’d say that was my worst moment.”

Big Mac sighed too. “Got hexed by Twilight. Stole a stuffed doll that I fell in love with.”

Discord blinked a couple of times and glanced around. “So…I’m not the only one who messes up at this friendship thing?”

“Nope.”

“Definitely not.”

“Not at all, Discord.”

The chaos master grinned a little. “Does that mean I’m not the only one who gets a little intimidated sometimes about how capable the girls and the princesses are at friendship and love and sun and moon stuff and keeping this nation running?”

“Nope.”

“Twilight hatched me—I’m still getting over being impressed about that let alone half the other stuff she’s done.”

“I was so impressed, I married one of them.”

The guys all shared a warm laugh.

Then Discord grinned and held up his fingers. “Okay, okay, enough about mares—let’s get this guys weekend going. I heard something about starting with hoofball and snacks. Well, here are the food and drinks…” he snapped to bring several bowls of snacks from the back table onto the coffee table, fill all of their chocolate milk glasses, and to move one of the cider barrels right alongside the sofa. “And when we really want to have fun later, I’ll make pies rain up from the floor.” He chuckled then glanced to the red stallion at his side. “…In the meantime, Big Mac, will you do the honors about the game?”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac put his hooves on the projector, and the game started playing.

Soon the barn was filled with the sounds of laughter and cheering and chocolate milk and apple cider being chugged merrily by the new group of friends.





Meanwhile, back at the Canterlot castle…

When Discord had disappeared, Celestia had just stood there at first, still smiling a little and blushing very much. Then she had closed her bedroom door behind her and proceeded down the hallway, taking some time to herself to think. As she reached the bottom floor of her castle though, the sound of fanfare suddenly met her ears.

Celestia’s head rose up. “Cadance.” She smiled and then held her hoof to her mouth and called out. “Twilight? Luna? I think Cadance is—oh!”  Suddenly in a burst of light Twilight appeared beside her again with a big smile.

“Cadance is here! Come on!” Twilight took hold of Celestia’s foreleg and proceeded to dash toward the door with the sun princess in tow.

Celestia laughed as she followed along. “I’m very excited to see her too, Twilight.” Yet, as she said the words, she had to blush a little.

Twilight noticed out of the corner of her eye and finally slowed them down. She released the princess as they walked. “Princess Celestia…if you don’t mind, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“Of course, Twilight.” Celestia nodded.

Twilight smiled then swallowed. “Are you really doing well after everything that happened with you and Discord and your friendship?” She blushed a little. “I know everyone was worried about Discord, but…you’re okay too, right?”

Celestia’s smile warmed so much. “Yes, Twilight. Very. Discord and I have a special bond—one I wouldn’t trade for anything. And I’m happy we’re so comfortable as friends now.” 

Twilight nodded. Then…. “You like him a little…don’t you, Princess Celestia?”

Celestia blushed faintly, her eyes a little wide. Twilight had asked the question so softly, and now the purple princess just looked forward with a small smile upon her lips and her eyes downward.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me,” Twilight went on. “I guess the idea of sharing something like that with me must feel kind of strange…like how I would feel trying to talk about something like that with Spike.” She smiled sheepishly. “I’ll admit, until Luna brought up the idea to me, I never thought much about you wanting a special somepony. But there’s more to your life than just being a princess just like there’s more to my life and Luna’s and Cadance’s…so if you ever want to talk about any of those other things, I’m here for you. And even if I’m not here, you can always write me a letter.” Her eyes met Celestia’s. “After all the letters you let me write to you, accepting some from you in return is the least I could do.”

Celestia just looked back at her with wide, glistening eyes and a smile. “When did you grow up so very much, my faithful student?”

“Probably around when you gave me the wings.” Twilight blushed and shrugged.

The sun princess laughed softly and wiped a tear from her eye. “Oh Twilight…” she blushed lightly, her smile warm again. “Discord and I…we….” she swallowed, “I’m not sure what I want for that part of my life at the moment, Twilight. But Discord is very sure of what he wants, at least regarding me. That’s why we decided we work better as friends.” She lowered her voice. “But, yes…if you’ll keep it between us, I, um…I do like him more than I like most gentlecolts. And sometimes when he makes a silly joke or does something to show that he cares for one of his friends or blushes a little for whatever reason, then I even find him…well…” Her smile and blushing both grew.

Twilight bit her lip, then supplied (with a very awkward smile), “Cute?”

Celestia’s blush became complete as they rounded the corner and suddenly came upon the castle entrance. Guards stood at attention as the doors opened. And Luna stood nearby. She caught sight of Celestia and Twilight and waved them over.

Celestia sighed, and she quickly whispered under her breath: “Yes, Twilight. Sometimes I think Discord is cute. I just hope your sister-in-law doesn’t get carried away with that fact though.”

The friendship princess whispered in return, “Don’t worry, Celestia. Even if she does get carried away, she can be really helpful. She just wants you to be happy—remember that.”

Celestia let out a calm breath and nodded. “Thank you, Twilight.”

“Any time, Celestia.” Twilight nodded in return.

And then they came upon Luna.

“There you two are.” Luna smiled. “It wouldn’t do to only have one princess in the castle here for the arrival of…”

And then a steward came forward and blew a horn before announcing, “Princess Cadance of the Crystal Empire!”

Several guards entered followed by the Princess Mi Amore Cadenza herself, with her usual graceful poise and smile. 

She walked past her guards and gave them a nod. “Thank you all. You can feel free to have the rest of the night off in Canterlot. I’ll be attending a Princess slumber party until the morning while Prince Shining Armor attends his gentlecolt party.”

The guards all bowed and then turned and left.

Instantly, Twilight bounded forward and caught up Cadance in a big hug. “Cadance! It’s so good to see you.” She pulled back. “Shining Armor’s already with Spike and Discord and Big Macintosh?”

Cadance laughed and nodded as they separated. “Yes. The Apple farm was on our way here. He’s excited to see you tomorrow though, Twilight: he’ll meet us at your castle in the afternoon after the slumber party’s over. And speaking of slumber parties…” Cadance looked to Luna, “I’m very excited to be attending one lead by the princess of the night herself. Twilight told me how much fun your last slumber party was, and I’m so glad I can be part of this one, Luna.” Cadance bowed her head.

“Thank you, Cadance.” Luna bowed her head in return. “I am very glad to have you here as well.”

“Hello Cadance, it’s nice to see you again.”

Cadance turned as Celestia approached her with a smile.

The princess of love’s gaze grew warm, and she nodded. “Yes, Auntie Celestia, it’s very, very nice to see you too.  It’s been too long since we had a chance to spend time together—we’ll have to catch up.” 

Celestia smiled then quickly cleared her throat. “Yes, it’ll be nice for all of us to spend some time together.” She turned to Luna. “Is the ballroom ready?”

“Absolutely.” Luna nodded. “Let us adjourn there to commence our slumber party!” She held her head high and trotted proudly in the direction of the ballroom.

“We’d better follow her—the moon is up, and she is the princess of the night, after all.” Celestia laughed softly and followed after her sister.

Twilight looked to Cadance. “We’d better go if we definitely want to get some of the cupcakes.”

Cadance nodded (a special twinkle in her eye as she watched Celestia depart). “Of course, Twilight. Besides, the sooner we start, the more catching up we can all do.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at Cadance’s strange look and was about to say something when her sister-in-law laughed softly and then suddenly looked to her with her familiar smile. “Want to race—just like when you were little?”

“Really? Yes!” Twilight’s eyes brightened, and she nodded. Then a smirk of determination came to her features. “Ready?”

Cadance geared up. “Set?”

“Go!” both princesses yelled at once, and then they raced forward in a mad dash!

The princess slumber party had officially begun.





Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, some time had passed, and now the hoofball game was finished, and the guys were just lounging on the sofa eating snacks and discussing the sport while a highlights reel from old games played in the background.

“McHoof’s game has really gone south, don’t you think so, Big Mac?” Spike looked to his friend.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded with a dry look. “Should have been traded last season.”

Shining Armor sighed. “I’m so behind on what’s going on with Equestrian hoofball. I was actually surprised at how well the Riders did against the Trotters—Horseberg’s a strong defense player.”

“Eh,” Discord shrugged, “personally, I think both teams could use some work. Really, I’m with Luna—the rules for certain activities have gotten so soft in this day and age. A thousand years ago, no one would have been playing that game with helmets, and it would have been a battle royale with only one victor. Oh, you should have seen the insanity on the field in those days.” He chuckled. “Pure chaos.”

A laugh went around the table.

“I wish we could have nights like this all the time.” Shining Armor sighed as he finished a sip of chocolate milk. “I haven’t had this much of a chance to relax since I was a recruit in the royal guard.”

“Yeah, definitely.” Spike gobbled down an apple fritter from a platter. “I mean, I love Twilight and the rest of the girls, but sometimes its nice jut to kick back like this.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac chomped on an apple. “I’ve got two little sisters and a granny. This is a nice change of pace.”

The chaos master grinned as he swallowed a bite of cotton candy cloud. “Hey, you think you’ve got it rough—I’ve got the girls AND the sun and moon princesses to deal with. Fluttershy’s tea parties help me to relax, but even still it’s nice to cut loose like this.”

Shining Armor chuckled as he finished sipping some chocolate milk. “Tea parties?”

“Hey, don’t knock them.” Discord smirked. “It’s actually a very pleasant way to pass an afternoon. And you’re the only one here who’s married—don’t try and act like Cadance doesn’t bring you along for a lot of girly things.”

Shining Armor smiled and shrugged. “Oh, it’s not so bad. Though I could have lived without all the decorating she had us do to the crystal palace when we moved in.” His eyes went a little wide. “So many crystal curtain patterns to choose from, so many rooms to decorate…” He blinked a few times then smiled dreamily. “Still though, it’s been really cool to watch how focused she’s become ever since we took over running the empire. I don’t know how she does it all. She’s incredible…a little intense sometimes, but mostly incredible.”

“Aww…” Big Mac smiled.

Shining Armor blinked and blushed a little then cleared his throat and looked to Big Mac. “So, Big Mac, you have anyone in mind as a special somepony yet? I’m sure our sisters would love to plan another wedding.”

Big Mac cleared his throat and smiled a little as he poured himself more cider from the barrel. “Nope.” 

Shining raised an eyebrow and grinned more. “Anyone in mind?”

“Not telling.” Big Mac smirked.

Discord watched the exchange with interest, but now a sigh caught his ears and he looked to his side to see Spike frowning and looking down a little.

Discord raised an eyebrow and then cleared his throat and addressed the party again. “Yes, well, you know who we really should be asking about the ladies is Spike. You should have seen him as Rarity’s escort at the Gala. His dapper technique put me and the rest of the gentlecolts to shame, I’m afraid.”

Spike blinked and then blushed and smiled. “Oh I don’t know if I did that good of a job for Rarity.”

Discord’s smile warmed. “He led her around, he danced with her, he made her smile, and he even escorted her home. Really, by the end of the night I was taking pointers on his technique. He’s definitely not a baby dragon anymore.”

“Hey, good for you, Spike. I’m glad you had such a good time with her.” Shining Armor gave Spike a warm smile. 

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded. “You’re really growing up.”

“Aw, thanks.” Spike smiled sheepishly. “But Discord’s really the expert at this stuff. Just seeing him in action that night gave me a lot of confidence. He made Princess Celestia laugh and blush and everything.”

Discord blinked and then smiled as casually as he could. “Yes, well…I know how to be charming, and Celestia…she’s easy to have a good time with. We brought out the best in each other as Gala guests that night, that’s all.”

The other three guys each shared a look and a smile. And then the attention went back to Discord.

“So…” Shining Armor started, “Discord…speaking of the Gala and escorts…just what happened with you and Celestia that night? Cadance and I got an idea but never the full story. Are you two…?” His smile grew (and so did the smiles of Spike and Big Mac).

“No!” Discord blushed, his eyes wide. “I mean…” he cleared his throat and swallowed, “No, no, of course not. Really, Celestia and I—we’re just friends. I just...she’s not so bad, so that night, you know…. It was a complicated evening.” He buried his gaze in his glass of chocolate milk.

“Aw, come on, Discord, you can talk freely around us.” Spike smiled. “It’s just us guys. And if you tell us anything, we’re not going to get all giggly like the girls would.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded.

“Discord,” Shining Armor shrugged, “if you don’t want to, it’s okay. But if you do want to run anything by us, it’ll just stay between us. Guys code of honor.” The other guys nodded.

Discord looked to each of the guys. “Well...” a small smile came to his lips and he sighed, “…well, as long as we’re keeping things confidential…Celestia and I really are just friends. But, yes, maybe something did happen that night with her and I. But in my defense, I spent the evening with a very lovely, elegant, witty mare on my arm. I was bound to get a little smitten.”

“So you do like her?” Spike grinned up at Discord.

Discord leaned back. “I can certainly think of worse ponies to ‘like’, and I’m afraid that’s all I’m willing to admit. Though, if I may add one thing: with how she looked on Gala night, all dressed up and laughing and with the moonlight and candlelight shining in her chaotic rainbow hair, I don’t know how half the ballroom didn’t fall for her.” He chuckled as all the guys smiled warmly at him. “Now then, enough about me and Tia—”

“Tia?” Shining Armor grinned more and raised an eyebrow as he took an apple dumpling.

“We really are very, very close friends,” a grinning Discord explained. “But then again, that can happen when you dance with a mare on two hooves. I think that’s a story for another guys night though, or at least for later in the evening.” His smirk grew. “But for now, as I was saying, enough about Tia and I: let’s focus on Big Mac. That answer of his about whether or not he has a special somepony was awfully coy; I think he has his sights on someone. My personal bet is on Cheerilee, the schoolteacher. According to Applejack, Big Mac volunteers to go to an awful lot of parent teacher conferences on Applebloom’s behalf.”

Big Mac’s eyes went wide as all eyes turned to him.

“Really?” Spike raised an eyebrow at the red stallion, sipping some chocolate milk. “I always figured you’d end up dating one of the girls, Big Mac, like Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy.”

“Hey,” Discord finished a swig of cider and grinned more, “if anyone goes to date Fluttershy, they have to be screened by me first—as her best friend, I’m afraid I insist.” He chuckled. 

“I’d listen to him.” Shining Armor chuckled too. “I didn’t have a chance to check with Twilight about me dating Cadance, and she went a little nuts right before my wedding. I mean it was a good kind of nuts—kept me from marrying a changeling. But still…”

Big Mac sighed, trying not to smile. “I am not dating one of my sister’s friends.” He shrugged, looking down a bit. “But Cheerilee’s not so bad…”

The guys shared another warm laugh.

Discord wiped a tear of mirth from his eye. “Oh, this is great, I’ve never had guy talk before. I suppose this is what the princesses must be up to—I’m very familiar with girl talk from all the times I’ve been around the girls.”

“Tell me about it.” Spike rolled his eyes.

Shining Armor chuckled. “Yeah, but you know whatever they’re saying tonight is top level confidential stuff. Cadance says Luna has a strict rule—mares only at the party. And apparently she’s pretty intense about enforcing it. Getting into that castle ballroom tonight would be pretty much impossible.” His eyes narrowed just a little. “I don’t think anyone could do it.”

Discord scoffed as he took up a bowl of caramel apple pretzels to munch on (though not before decorating each bite he took with a little hot sauce for himself). “Well, maybe your average stallion couldn’t just pop in there, but trust me, Celestia and Luna’s security, even at maximum, is lax.” He chuckled. “Remember, I once snuck into Celestia’s secret vault, took the Elements of Harmony, locked the door behind me, and watched as Celestia opened the vault expecting to find everything hunky dory. I know someone as skilled as I am could manage Princess Night Shift and her ‘no boys allowed’ barriers.”

“Sure, Discord, whatever you say.” The crystal empire prince smirked a little.

Discord’s grin picked up on one side, and he tilted his head in his direction. “You know, I’m dangerously close to accepting this proposition as a challenge.”

Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you’re going to head over there right now and try?”

Discord leaned back. “I’m saying…I’ll give it a try. But I’ll need some time to strategize first. I’ve stored away quite a few secret plans for breaking into Celestia’s castle over the years, it’s about time I put at least one of them to good use, and I want to make sure I pick a good one.”

“Have fun trying, Discord.” Shining Armor shook his head.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac grinned.

“Say hi to Twilight for me.” Spike smiled. “Personally, I think you can get in there, Discord.”

The chaos master laughed warmly. “Oh, we really have to do nights like this more often. I never get dared to do ridiculous and risky things when I’m with the girls.” He grinned. “But now then, back to commenting on the hoofball game. I’m telling you, really, the problem with today’s teams is the very existence of plays. Plays are orderly, plays are predictable—if the Trotters came at opposing teams with a totally new approach each time, they’d do a lot better.”

Shining Armor smiled as he poured himself more chocolate milk from the cloud. “But Discord, no one can think up new things on the spot like that without following some kind of pattern.”

“No one who doesn’t think chaotically, you mean.” Discord held his head high.

“Eh, I just think the Trotters defense is a little weak this season,” Spike chimed in, sneaking a handful of the pretzels from Discord’s bowl (and smiling as Discord noticed and decorated them with a dusting a little rubies for him). “Right, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac gave an emphatic nod. “Weak quarterback, weak team.”

“Hmm, now that’s something we can all agree on.” Discord grinned as he finished scarfing down a fritter (that he had magically inverted to put the gooey apple filling on the outside). “That and the fact that the cheerleaders make all the bad calls and botched plays just a little more bearable,” he added. All of the guys nodded and chuckled.

The conversation then progressed to other games and other sports and news from the Crystal Empire and even a quick round of cards, and meanwhile Discord considered his different strategies for breaking into the Canterlot castle this evening.





In the ballroom of the Canterlot castle, meanwhile, four princesses had finished their dinner of fast food and were now sitting in a circle magically brushing each other’s hair and laughing while sharing snacks and sipping fizzy cider: their slumber party was well underway.

“Luna,” Cadance laughed more as she angled her head around the night princess’s mane to talk to her, “you really tried to scare Twilight as Nightmare Moon before your last slumber party?”

Luna held her head high. “Yes—fearful experiences are a classic part of slumber party festivities, after all.” She looked down with a sheepish grin. “Of course, I hadn’t counted on terrifying her quite so much. She really is quite an excellent shot with a crown.”

“I think I just learned a lot from aiming my spells using the elements of harmony,” Twilight added with a sheepish smile of her own from behind Cadance.

Cadance laughed. “I think it runs in the family. Remember how well Shining Armor aimed when he threw me to catch Spike and save the crystal heart from King Sombra?”

The three princesses laughed again.

And then finally Twilight glanced over her shoulder to Celestia. The sun princess was just brushing the friendship princess’s hair, smiling a little, but still being very quiet (as she had been for most of the evening so far). Twilight lowered her brush from Cadance’s mane and cleared her throat. “Celestia, once we’re done brushing each other’s manes, what do you think we should do next?”

“Yes, sister.” Luna glanced at Celestia and raised an eyebrow as she lowered her own brush from her sister’s hair. “You’ve been rather silent this evening about our plans. You’re not tired already, are you?”

Celestia blinked twice but then just smiled and shook her head. “No, no, I’m all right. I’m…just enjoying seeing the three of you having such a nice time. We can play whatever you want next.” She lowered her brush from Twilight’s mane.

“Why don’t we just talk for a bit, Auntie Celestia?” Cadance smiled as she lowered her brush from Luna’s mane, a little twinkle in her eyes again as her gaze turned to the sun princess. “I haven’t been in Canterlot much since my wedding. And I’ve barely had a chance to get to know Auntie Luna properly.”

“Auntie Luna?” Luna’s eyes brightened as she lowered her cider cup after a sip. “Yes, I think I like that title.”

Cadance laughed softly. “And of course I never feel like I have enough time to catch up with my ‘sister in law best friend forever’.” She winked at Twilight.

Twilight smiled more. “We miss you around here too, Cadance. And there’s been so much going on to tell you about, especially lately. I really hope you can make it to the Gala next year.”

Cadance nodded. “I hope so too. And speaking of the Gala…”

“Yes, um…speaking of the Gala…” Celestia piped up, doing her best to keep smiling, “you should have seen the ballroom that night. It was the loveliest it’s ever been, I think.”

Cadance smiled more. “So I’ve heard. The Crystal Empire ponies who could attend told me all about the beautiful decorations and the chandelier with the colors of the four princesses. And they mentioned something about a beautiful chaotic floor too…”

Celestia swallowed. “Yes, the whole effect of the decorations was lovely.” She quickly went on. “And then of course there were all of our charming guests. You remember Cher Rouge—she tutored you in Prench when you were in school. She attended.”

“Oh yes.” Cadance laughed. “She actually wrote me last week. She said she was so happy to see you enjoying the party and making new friends—one new friend in particular who almost never left your side….” She tilted her head to the side, her eyes lowering slightly.

Celestia sighed, doing her best to keep up her casual smile as she looked down a little. “Yes, well…it was a very full night.” She cleared her throat and looked up again. “And you know, of course, that this year was very special because this Gala was Luna’s first since her return and Twilight’s first as a princess. They both left quite an impression. And it really will be nice to have you as well next year, Cadance.”

Cadance nodded. “I’ll be looking forward to it.” She sipped some cider. “And of course don’t forget that this year was Discord’s first Gala too.”

Celestia let out a deep breath, and finally her look went dry. “Mi Amore Cadenza…”

Cadance blushed a little and lowered her cup. “Celestia, you know I prefer ‘Cadance’. You only ever used to call me ‘Mi Amore Cadenza’ when I got in trouble as a filly.”

Celestia sighed again (though some of her smile returned now). “Cadance…”

Twilight and Luna were just looking on with interest.

And then there was a knock on the ballroom door.

Luna blinked and stood up. She cleared her throat. “Pardon me, but unless there is a national emergency we are not to be interrupted.”

The door creaked as though someone was trying to open it (though it didn’t budge). “Hmm…” a familiar voice from the other side mumbled, “Hey…now really, why won’t this open? Come on!” Some snapping sounds occurred as well as the glimmer of a few bursts of magic behind the door. “Just…budge!” A strong push sounded against the (still closed) door. And finally there was another knock, and now the familiar voice spoke again (only this time it sounded a bit intentionally gruffer). “Erm, ladies? Special delivery. Someone ordered a pizza, right? I’ve definitely got that out here. I am definitely a delivery stallion bringing a pizza.”

Twilight Sparkle was the first to sigh deeply. “Oh for the love of…” She shut her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose with her hoof.

Celestia was just looking to Cadance with wide eyes, a slightly raised eyebrow, and a light blush in her white features, while Cadance just smiled brightly back at her.

“Discord.” Luna stood up. “First of all, as I have made very clear, this slumber party is mares only. Ancient rules. And second of all, really, you’re embarrassing yourself with how obvious this ruse is. Please just admit who you are and tell us what you really want. We may take pity on you.” She smiled.

A sigh came from behind the door. “Hey, it’s not my fault I’ve been reduced to this. And I’ll admit who I am if you’ll tell me what kind of spells you used to barricade this ballroom. I’ve tried to snap myself in three times, and each time I just ended up farther and farther from the castle, I tried opening a window but there are invisible force fields around them, I tried tunneling in but I hit a solid layer of magic as soon as I got near the castle foundation. And now I can’t even snap open the door or push it open myself! This is madness! Twilight guards books less irrationally!”

Twilight just rolled her eyes and smiled.

Luna grinned. “Discord, I’m afraid you are dealing with the princess of the night now. Darkness is my realm, and I know how to wield its magic well. I have turned this room into the perfect fortress: no boys allowed.”

“I’m getting into this ballroom, Luna.”

“What’s in here that you want to get to so badly, Discord?” Cadance couldn’t help herself.

Celestia blinked and stood up. She addressed the door quickly. “Discord? It’s Celestia.” She kept her tone calm. “Could all of us possibly just talk in the morning about whatever it is you need?”

“Oh, um…hi Celestia.” The chaos master cleared his throat. “Well…I don’t really need anything. This is just…sort of a matter of pride. Shining Armor informed me that getting into this ballroom was impossible, and the other guys agreed, so of course I bet I could prove otherwise. And now they’re all waiting for me back at Sweet Apple Acres. So really, if you’ll just let me pop in, I’ll be out of your ethereal hair before you all know it.”

“Luna,” Cadance turned to Luna (and kept her voice raised so Discord could hear), “as long as he’s already here, maybe we could let him in for just a second. It seems like the easiest way to get him to leave.” She gave Luna a wink.

Luna blinked and looked to her niece then to her sister (who blushed a little) then to Twilight (who had an eyebrow raised). The night princess considered deeply…and then she leaned close to whisper something to the princess of love who whispered something back to her. Luna pulled back and nodded with a satisfied smirk, then raised her voice again. “Er…very well, Cadance. Discord may enter.”

“Yes!” came Discord’s voice from behind the door.

“But first,” Luna went on (now to the door again), “Discord, you must give us a few moments to freshen up and make the place proper.”

Discord sighed deeply. “Oh, fine…Really, liked I’m going to be so overwhelmed by the inner workings of your slumber party. But please hurry, I’d like to get back to our guys night.”

“Don’t worry, Discord, this shouldn’t take long.” Cadance spoke up again. “And we’ll do our best to keep you entertained.”

From this point onward, the princesses kept their voices lowered so Discord couldn’t hear.

“You’re really going to let him in here, Luna?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

Luna nodded, smiling more. “Oh, sort of…. He’ll step hoof in the room, but at a price thanks to a very excellent notion from Cadance.” She brought a hoof to her chin as her smile grew. “I think a nice, old-fashioned slumber party prank might be in order. I still have that spell that will turn any creature pink…”

Twilight smiled. “What do you need us to do?”

“Just follow my lead.” Luna winked. 

“I’m in!” Cadance beamed.

“Wait a minute!” Celestia scoffed, trying to smile. “Ladies, please, let’s discuss this first. Discord…”

“Are you ready to talk about Discord now, Celestia?” Cadance’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve been waiting for you to bring him up all night.”

Celestia cast a dry look Cadance’s way. “Actually, first I’d like to talk about your husband egging Discord into coming over here. Did you put him up to that, Cadance?” She almost smiled.

Cadance glanced away innocently. “No…. He offered, actually.” She shrugged. “I mean, it was helpful of him to offer, and he knew I wanted Discord to come over here so that I could see the two of you together as soon as possible, but still, all Shining Armor.” She smiled. “He really makes a great Prince of Love.”

“Wait,” Twilight blinked, “my brother tricked Discord?”

“Well,” Cadance’s eyes hazed, “he might have put into Discord’s head the idea of coming here, but Discord only went along with it for his own personal reasons.” Her gaze returned to Celestia. “I really have heard so many interesting reports about the Gala and your time there and Discord’s time there. Things about dancing on two hooves and being dipped back nearly to the floor and leaving early together never to return…”

Celestia blushed and glanced to the side, her eyes wide.

Luna sighed. “Cadance, I think your efforts here are going to be fruitless. I told my sister to relax and feel free to talk about recent incidents with Discord at our slumber party, but she seems determined not to do so. She is rather shy.” 

“I-I’ve just been waiting to feel comfortable,” Celestia stammered. 

“Oh yes,” Luna rolled her eyes to the side, “it’s very hard to get comfortable around your faithful student, your adopted niece, and your own flesh and blood.”

“If Celestia doesn’t want to talk about Discord, then I don’t think we should talk about Discord.” Twilight stepped forward now, a light blush on her cheeks. Her fellow princesses raised eyebrows as Twilight went on with a small smile. “I know Celestia, and if she’s doing something strange or strangely not doing something, she always has a good reason. And I also know that if she thought talking about Discord would be good for her, then she would do it even if she is a little shy and embarrassed.” She looked to her mentor. “We don’t have to prank Discord if you don’t want to, Celestia. I’m sure he’ll just go back to his own party soon if we keep him locked out. And then we can keep enjoying our private night together. “

Celestia smiled so warmly down at her former student. Then she sighed and glanced back up to Luna and Cadance. “Tomorrow morning Twilight gets first pick of the pancakes.” The blue and pink princesses smiled more, and then Celestia looked to Twilight again and put a leg over her in a hug. “Thank you, Twilight.” She released her as she went on. “But, you know, hearing such kind and logical words, I think I’ve had a change of heart. Maybe a little Discord would be a good thing for this slumber party…and for me. Let’s prank him and see how it goes.” Her smile brightened.

Twilight’s look softened. “Okay, Celestia.”

“We’ll need someone to go out there and distract him while we set things up.” Cadance’s grin grew.

“Yes,” Luna nodded with a little grin of her own, “somepony who can ‘chat him up’ so that he doesn’t suspect a thing.”

“I can go out there with you if you want, Celestia.” Twilight offered with a small smile of her own.

Celestia’s gaze warmed but she shook her head. “It’s all right, Twilight. You stay here and have fun helping with the prank. I’ll be back soon.” She turned and headed across the ballroom. 

The other princesses watched with interest as she opened the door, stepped out, and closed the door behind her.

Then, of course, the other three princesses raced toward the door to open it a little and peek through the crack to observe Discord and Celestia’s interaction.





As soon as Celestia stepped out into the dim hallway, a light draft made her recall that she was still without her yoke and crown and shoes. She considered popping back into the ballroom to get them, but then imagined Cadance looking on and giggling as she dressed for Discord. And so finally the sun princess swallowed and proceeded forward. Her eyes quickly found Discord resting on a seat beneath one of the tall hallway windows.

The chaos master smiled and waved. “Tia! Long time no see, heh…” He laughed, then blinked and blushed a little: the sight of her without all of her finery walking toward him through a hallway aglow from moonlight and torch light was a lot to take in. ‘Really, what force of nature gave her those legs? It’s like they were perfectly sculpted from soft marble. Wait a minute, did I just find the idea of ‘marble sculpture legs’ attractive? Okay, I definitely spent way too much time as a statue.’ He swallowed and composed himself.

“Hello, Discord.” Celestia sighed as she paused near him, her eyes down and a faint pout on her lips. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

“I didn’t expect to be here actually.” Discord shrugged. “Chaos—always spontaneous, never a dull moment right?” He chuckled. “Besides, someone was bound to crash someone’s party tonight, all things considered.”

“I don’t know if I’d say ‘bound’ exactly…” Celestia rolled her eyes to the side, and her pout deepened.

Discord raised an eyebrow. “Tia…are you trying to tell me something?”

“Discord, why did you come here?” Her eyes went to his again.

The chaos master tilted his head to the side. “I told you, because I wanted to prove I could get into your slumber party.”

“You wanted?” She raised an eyebrow. “Or Shining Armor wanted? As in Shining Armor, Cadance’s husband.”

Discord crossed his arms and pouted a little himself now. “Well, yes, he’s the one who mentioned how strict Luna’s ‘mares only’ policy is, but I don’t see what you…” Then Discord paused, considered, and blinked a few times. “Wait a minute—are you trying to tell me that little pony tricked me into coming here?”

Celestia sighed. “Discord, really, I thought you would be more on your guard tonight.”

“Why would I be on my guard at all?” He held out his arms. “It’s party night—friends, activities, hilarious conversation. I’m just going with the flow. So unless Cadance has some sort of cursed love dart she’s thinking of sticking you with now that you and I are sitting here together, I really don’t see the problem with me popping in.”

Celestia scoffed. “You do realize Cadance is probably watching us from the door right now—taking notes on how we are together?”

Discord rolled his eyes. “Well, Celestia dear, then she’s definitely not going to jump to any romantic conclusions considering the fight you’re picking with me.”

Celestia’s eyes widened.





Back in the ballroom…

“Uh, girls? Shouldn’t we be setting up the prank?” Twilight raised an eyebrow at her two fellow princesses.

Luna (still looking through the crack in the door along with Cadance) sighed and quickly used her magic to levitate a pail full of some sparkling substance overhead. “There. I have enchanted this liquid, and it shall fall upon Discord when he enters. But now let’s watch Celestia and Discord fight, Twilight—it’s a very interesting interaction to behold.”

“Fighting…” Cadance pulled back a little, and her brow furrowed. “It seems innocent enough but also like it might be too soon…”

“They have been through much, Cadance.” Luna smiled as she pulled back as well. “And besides, consider—who has Celestia ever fought with? And I don’t mean diplomatic debates or putting off a villain with banter. I mean, who has she ever passionately fought with?”

Cadance considered. “Well…it’s hard to think of anypony. Celestia’s so easygoing. But I suppose she would fight with me sometimes when I was little and I would get carried away with my love magic. And she fought with you once too, right, Twilight? When you were worried about not having your weekly friendship report in on time and you went a little crazy.”

Twilight nodded sheepishly. “Yeah, I definitely got yelled at then.”

“And then of course there’s you, Luna…” Cadance glanced to Luna. “…During the Nightmare Moon situation.”

Luna nodded, and her smile grew. “Exactly.”

Cadance considered more and then smiled as well. “She only fights with people she cares deeply for on a personal level. And, from our blue flu adventure, it’s pretty clear that Discord doesn’t mind paying a lot of attention to ponies he wants to get closer to, even if that attention is negative sometimes.” Her grin grew. “In that case, the fighting isn’t too soon…and it’s very good.” 

The three princesses resumed watching through the crack in the door.





Out in the hallway…

Celestia had been silent in surprise for several seconds, but now her brow furrowed and she looked down. “I am not picking a fight, Discord.”

“Well, what do you call this?” Discord scowled a little. “You’ve had an attitude ever since you came out here.” 

Celestia blushed and huffed. “Oh Discord…”

“Do not ‘oh Discord’ me when we are fighting. It’s a cheap cop out, and it’s beneath you.” He leaned closer, and then his gaze and tone softened. “Tia, forget about Cadance or me surprising you—what’s wrong?”

Celestia blinked again and her tone softened too. “I…” she lowered her voice and sighed, “I don’t know. I’m sorry, Discord.”

Discord frowned and patted the place next to him on the seat. Celestia came up to sit beside him and let out deep sigh. “It’s really not you, Discord. I’ve been like this all right. I just haven’t been able to relax, and especially about the subject of you. And now you’re here, and…I’ve just had a lot on my mind.”

“Oh.” He frowned. “Sorry.”

Celestia looked up and shook her head. “No, Discord, please don’t be.” She smiled a little. “This isn’t about you, it’s me. I…” she blushed, “…I don’t seem to be very good at opening up about the romantic part of my life, that’s all.” She swallowed. “I suppose I got very out of practice after Luna left, and now…it just feels strange. I’m not sure where to start, even at something as simple as a private slumber party. And I’m worried about sounding silly.”

“Then…why don’t you start with me?”

Celestia blinked and glanced at Discord.

The chaos master smiled back at her and shrugged. “I’m probably the most awkward person for you to talk about things like that with. So just tell me the first thing that’s on your mind about this, then maybe you won’t feel so strange when you go back to your party. I think you just need a little push; you’ve already started to relax even if you don’t realize it. I think the regalia only comes off when you do.” His smile picked up on one side. “Talk to me, Celestia—that’s what I’m here for.”

Celestia blushed slightly but smiled more, then nodded. “Okay, Discord. I’ll try.” She took a moment to consider where she wanted to begin.





Back in the ballroom…

Luna sighed. “I wish it wasn’t so hard to hear them now.”

“They could still just be friends,” Twilight observed at the door, watching Discord and Celestia closely. “They’re just talking privately: friends do that.”

“Oh, there’s not just friendship there.” Cadance’s eyes sparkled. “Even if we can’t hear them, look at their body language: how Celestia shifts her hips and glances to the side, and how Discord swishes his tail and leans in close to her.”

Twilight blushed.

Luna snorted. “And what does all of that mean, pray tell?”

Cadance smirked. “It means that the longer these two are left alone, the harder it’ll be for them not to wonder about being more than friends.” She giggled. “I’ve never seen Auntie Celestia flirt before; it’s so sweet. And Discord’s so sweet too. It’s like watching a little filly and a little colt: they’re so gentle with each other. It reminds me of me and Shining.”

“I’m…not sure if I should be hearing this.” Twilight smiled sheepishly. Then she swallowed. “Cadance, Luna…do you really think they could end up together? I mean…permanently?”

Luna and Cadance blinked and then looked to Twilight.

Luna smiled softly. “I have lived a long time, Twilight. I have certainly seen stranger things happen.”

Cadance looked down a little. “I’m afraid we’re getting very close to breaching some privacy about love. But I can say that I’ve seen many couples, Twilight, and Discord and Celestia certainly aren’t the least compatible pairing I’ve come across. They seem good for each other; that’s one of the foundations for friendship and for true love, actually.” She blushed slightly and moved her gaze back out into the hallway. 

The other two princesses likewise blushed, and their gazes followed hers. 





Out in the hallway…

Celestia and Discord continued to keep their voices lower as they spoke.

Celestia took a breath and began as best she could, her gaze forward and down a little. “Now that I think about it, I’d sort of like to be more open about stallions and my experiences and my feelings and preferences. I’ve started a little with Luna, but Twilight’s so young and Cadance is so…knowledgeable: the idea of talking to all three of them at once makes me a little nervous. But I prefer to seem calm around other ponies—they’ve always found it comforting. And the idea of not seeming calm makes me even more nervous.” She glanced to Discord and smiled sheepishly. “Have you been having better luck spending time with the guys?”

Discord (blushing slightly) nodded. “Oh, uh…yes, actually. We watched the hoofball game, and since then we’ve just been sharing snacks and chatting. When the subject of mares came up, I admitted I was a little partial to you, but then pretty soon we were just smiling and watching some game highlights and making jokes about other things. I even worked in some commentary on the cheerleaders—put them off the scent.” He smiled and shrugged.

“Cheerleaders?” Celestia raised an eyebrow and smiled a little more. “So you can be superficial?”

Discord waved her off. “Oh, chronically. You’re the first one I ever wasn’t mostly superficial with actually.” He blinked a couple of times then cleared his throat. “Anyway…see, you just talked to me a little bit about the romantic stuff on your mind, and you were a little nervous, but everything’s fine. The whole nation didn’t fall apart or anything just because you felt a little vulnerable for a moment.” As her look softened more now, Discord’s tail brushed back the piece of hair over her eye as he leaned closer. “And there’s that Celestia smile I’ve come to find so pleasant. Oh, you’re going to be brilliant once you go back into that ballroom—a tour de force of girly wisdom.”

Celestia giggled at his words and at the feeling of the tuft of his tail shifting near her ear. “Discord…”

His tail lightly tickled her shoulder, and she giggled more. “I’m not stopping until you assure me that you’re feeling all better.” The chaos master smirked.

“Oh really?” Celestia managed with a smirk of her own between giggles. She moved forward to let her mane envelope his side.

“Hey!” Discord started laughing out loud. “Come on, you know that tickles a lot more than my tail! Ha!” 

His tail tuft tickled her more as she let her hair tickle him more, and soon they were both lost in laughter.





From the door, the three princesses all watched with their jaws dropped. Twilight’s eyes were wide, Luna had an eyebrow raised, and Cadance’s eyes were practically shimmering in excitement.





“Discord!” Celestia’s eyes were closed, she was laughing so hard as their tickle fight continued. “We should stop this. I told you, Cadance and Luna and Twilight are probably watching us right now.”

“Let them look!” he managed between laughs. “I told you, Tia—relax in front of our friends. Have fun with this!”

“Discord! Oh!” Celestia had shifted closer and stumbled over his tail while Discord was leaning toward her, and suddenly they both heard a sound that made their eyes pop open and their laughter subside a little…especially as they looked up and realized what had indeed just happened.

“Well, well, well, you got your horn in my horns, Celestia.” Discord stopped tickling Celestia to look up at this predicament with a small smile: indeed her horn was lodged through both of his.

Celestia shifted her hair back to stop tickling him and looked up too with a small smile. “Or you got your horns in my horn, Discord.”

“Oh yes, it’s my fault that you have a two foot bayonet sticking out of your head.” Discord rolled his eyes. “Well, all we should have to do is—hey!” He shifted back, but their horns remained locked together.

“Hmm…” Celestia shifted back too, but could still feel her horn wedged tightly. She smiled sheepishly then blinked and raised an eyebrow. “Discord, couldn’t you just take off my horn—you know, like you did with Luna’s? Then I could slide it out from your horns.”

“Nope, won’t work.” Discord sighed. “I make that trick look easier than it is. I can’t just take your horn off if I can’t see what I’m doing, Celestia: it could hurt you.” He tried shifting their horns again.

“Ow!” Celestia flinched.

Discord instantly paused. “Are you okay?” All the mirth fell from his tone.

Celestia nodded, smiling softly. “Yes, I’m okay.” She softened her voice. “You don’t have to worry so much about me getting hurt, you know, Discord.”

“I’m always going to worry about you being safe. I can’t help it. …You’re my dear friend,” he added softly in return. Then he cleared his throat. “I won’t pull so hard again. Maybe if we just gently shift like this…”

Celestia tried to move with him (her light blush steady). “You mean to the left—well, my left, your right. And up like this…”

“Yeah.” Discord moved back. “Now, wait, you brace your hoof against the wall behind me, and then I’ll try to…Ha! Celestia, your hair again!” Her mane had come right over him.

As Discord laughed, Celestia blinked in surprise and then accidentally shifted her weight too far forward as she tried to move her mane back, which caused her hoof to slip,.. 

And then there was silence. Because now Discord was on his back on the window ledge seat and Celestia was lying right on top of him, her forelegs over his shoulders, their faces close, and their horns still locked. The two friends remained still, looking into each other’s wide eyes. They breathed lightly while the dim light and silence of the hall and magic of the night and friendship and love surrounded them. 





Back in the ballroom…

Twilight blushed darkly.

Luna glanced away with a small smile.

Cadance…frowned.

Twilight noticed the odd reaction. “Cadance?”

The love princess stepped forward, her horn glowed, and then there was a light sound of gasping in the hall.

Twilight looked to see that Discord and Celestia’s horns had suddenly unlocked, and now Celestia was sitting up and off of Discord.

Twilight looked back to Cadance. “Cadance, why did you do that? It almost seemed like they were about to…well…you know.” She blushed more.

Cadance sighed. “If something like that happens for them in the heat of the moment, they’ll just hide behind that as an excuse. That’s not what they need right now, Twilight. Each couple is different, and they are very, very different from most couples.”

Luna considered and nodded. “I believe I understand, Cadance.” She glanced to Cadance. “Still, situations could arise in the future that no one is there to monitor.”

Cadance nodded. “I know. I’ll have to advise about this relationship very carefully.”

Twilight sighed. “And I used to think friendship was complicated…”

Luna and Cadance smiled again. 

Then Cadance turned away from the door. “Come on, ladies, let’s give them a little privacy.”

The other two princesses turned away as well and followed her.





Out in the hallway…

The sun princess and the chaos master were sitting together on the window seat but with several feet between them now. 

Discord let out a breath. “Celestia…do you want to talk about what just…”

Celestia took a breath too. “I don’t think there’s much to talk about. It, um…it was just an accident, really. Anyone would be flustered by that.”

Discord considered. “So, in the future, the very occasional odd situation like that will just be something to look out for between us.””

“I suppose, yes.” She nodded.

Discord nodded too, then smiled. “To be fair, we probably should have realized the risk in a tickle fight.”

A laugh escaped Celestia. “It was worth the risk to me. I haven’t done anything like that with anyone in ages, not since Luna and I were little.” A warm smile came to her features, then she shifted her hoof over to touch his paw on the window seat. “Discord, you’re not going to have many chances for a guys night, and I don’t have many chances for a princess night. Maybe we should get back to our parties before we’re missed. We can always spend more time together later.”

Smiling, Discord nodded. “True. I still have to get into that ballroom though. It’s the principle of the thing.”

“Of course, Discord.” Celestia smiled more then sighed. “Discord…Luna probably won’t be happy with me, but I think you deserve to know something…”

“They’re planning something for me in there, aren’t they?” His grin picked up on one side.

“Yes.” She smiled sheepishly. “Just a small prank, I think.”

Discord chuckled and shrugged. “Eh, I’ll go along with it, give them a thrill. How bad could it be?”

“We’ll see, I suppose.” Celestia stood up and turned toward Discord. “Let’s go then.”

Discord nodded and gave her a gracious bow as he came to stand too. “You lead, my princess, and I shall follow.” He smiled more as Celestia did too.

The two headed down the hall together. Celestia knocked on the ballroom door. “Ladies, I have Discord. I hope you’re ready.”

“Yes, sister,” Luna’s voice sounded. “Send him in.”

And on those words, Discord busted through the hallway door with a proud smile. “Hello, ladies! Let the record show that I, the master of chaos, have gained entry into your mares only slumber party. Take that Lun—AH!” 

A bucket of magic suddenly spilled out over Discord’s head, there was a bright flash of magic, and now Discord stood there…totally pink.

Twilight and Cadance leaned against each other chuckling, while Luna dropped to the floor in laughter. Celestia did her best to keep a straight face but had to giggle softly now as she entered behind him.

The chaos master blinked a few times and looked down at himself and then back up at the ladies. “Oh ha, ha, very cute trick. Just let me get cleaned up.” He snapped…but suddenly found his shade of pink even darker. “Hey!” He snapped again, and the pink darkened once more. “Okay, this is starting to become not funny.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Discord.” Cadance stepped forward with a smirk. “Is it really so bad being pink?”

He rolled his eyes. “Nice to see you too, Cadence.” He looked to Luna. “Luna, this is your doing: it’s too on the nose for Cadance, Twilight’s too mature, Celestia was out there with me, and this seems like just the type of thing you’d pull. So how do I get out of it?”

Luna shrugged. “You can’t—it lasts about two weeks.”

Discord’s eyes widened. “Luna, be serious, I have to go back to a barnful of guys: I’m not doing it pink.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Well, if you get at it right away with a hot bath, most of it might come off. And for the future, I hope you’ve learned not to crash mare only events held by the princess of the night.”

Discord rolled his eyes. “And on that dramatic note, I do believe I’ll leave you mares to your giggling and gossiping and cutie mark comparing or whatever it is pretty ponies do at slumber parties. Farewell, moon princess, love princess, and friendship princess.” He turned to Celestia. “And Tia, my princess…” he took her hoof and bowed low, “a pleasure as always.”

Celestia blushed rosy but managed to keep her eyes on Discord and not pay attention to the other princesses. “It was nice to see you too, Discord. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”

“And I hope you do as well. Ta ta.” Discord winked and then snapped himself away with his tail.

Celestia watched his disappearance with a giggle.

Then she turned to her fellow princesses.

They were all watching her with warm smiles.

Cadance said it, of course, and with a grin. “Tia?”

Celestia knew she could have stepped away, avoided the topic, kept quiet for the rest of the night. But instead she held her head high and shrugged. “What? He likes to say goodbye with a little flair…especially to me. And he likes to call me Tia. Frankly, the name’s starting to grow on me.” She headed back over to their pillows and snacks.

The three princesses followed her, and they all came to settle down on their pillows again.

Cadance smiled. “Does this mean you’re finally ready to talk about Discord, Celestia?”

“I’m afraid there’s really not much to talk about, Cadance.” Celestia poured herself some more cider. “We spent a lot of time together leading up to the Gala, and it seems Discord grew a little smitten with me. We talked though and decided just to be friends.” She smiled a little more. “Discord really has turned out to be a very surprising creature now that he’s reformed.”

“I think it’s nice that Discord cares about you so much, Princess Celestia. And it’s nice he’s more comfortable showing it.” Twilight blushed and smiled as she refilled her cider now too. 

Celestia nodded. “Yes, he’s more comfortable in front of our friends. But in public, we’ve decided to just sort of play things off as a joke. Discord would rather not have his feelings known by many ponies, and I’d prefer to keep the matter between us as well.”

“Of course, sister.” Luna nodded, pouring some cider for herself. “And you are among close friends here, and fellow mares. And this is our special slumber party. Anything shared here will be kept confidential.”

“Yes, Auntie Celestia.” Cadance smiled softly as she finished the round of refilling their glasses. “If there’s something on your mind, please feel free to share. We all love you and want to be here for you.” 

Celestia sighed and looked down a little. “Well…I suppose some recent events have just started making me think about what I might be looking for if I ever decided to…er…find a…gentlepony companion. That’s all.”

“Well, I think it’s good that you’re putting yourself out there, and it’s good to know Discord is doing the same thing.” Cadance smiled. “Your friendship is probably very good for both of you: if you’ve both haven’t dated for a while, working through Discord’s crush together might be a good way to prepare yourselves. In fact, if you could think about what traits in Discord you find appealing and combine that with what traits you’ve found appealing in males before, I think you might have a very clear idea of what you’d like in a companion.”

“I’m afraid that won’t help much.” Luna’s smile picked up on one side as she finished a bite of popcorn.

Cadance blinked. “Why not?”

The night princess explained. “Because many of the things my sister likes in Discord are almost exactly the same things she liked in the last male I know of that she truly took a shine too. Her type is very clearly set even if she doesn’t care to admit it: very powerful magically, intelligent, witty…sturdy if not physically strong…a beard doesn’t seem to hurt…”

“Luna…” Celestia sighed deeply as she brought a hoof up and shook her head, her eyes closed and a smile upon her lips she couldn’t help. 

Luna noticed the smile and went on. “Discord has demonstrated that Celestia has a preference for tall males though, so at least that’s one new thing we’ve learned about her type.” She glanced at her sister with a cheeky grin. “But her other preferences were established long ago, at the start of our reign actually. You remember, Celie…. Of course, it can just stay between us if you’d prefer to keep the conversation on Discord instead.”

Celestia rolled her eyes with a smile then looked to Twilight and Cadance (who had eyebrows raised, Cadance with an intrigued grin). The sun princess explained. “I…had a small infatuation once; that’s what Luna’s talking about. I just admired somepony a little too much for a brief time when I was very young: he taught Luna and I a great deal about magic, and he encouraged me a lot as a young princess, and we went on adventures together sometimes. I grew out of my feelings after barely more than a couple of years as a princess though, especially when I took Starswirl as my personal advisor and—”

“YOU LIKED STARSWIRL THE BEARDED!” Twilight’s shout echoed through the room (and nearly knocked over the bowl of popcorn she had just been reaching for).

Celestia blinked then sighed. “I just had a childish crush from a student to a mentor. He was really quite a character. I think he might have realized too—it was so kind of him not to embarrass me by bringing it up, especially after it was over and we started working together side by side as friends.” She cleared her throat. “So maybe Luna’s right, maybe I do have a type—magical and clever and a strong…and now tall, if possible…and maybe a beard doesn’t hurt.” Her smile grew into a smirk. “Luna sort of has a type too, you know…”

“Come again?” Luna raised an eyebrow.

Celestia glanced to her. “I’m surprised our conversation and Cadance being here from the Crystal Empire hasn’t reminded you, sister. You remember? A thousand years or so ago…we were about to ‘storm the castle’…a particular somepony’s castle…”

Luna’s eyes went wide and then she rolled them to the side. “Oh thou must be jesting with us, sister…”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Luna, Celestia, what are you two talking about?”

Luna cleared her throat. “Celestia is referring to a slight notice I may have made once about a thousand years ago during a visit to the Crystal Empire regarding, er…King Sombra.” She shrugged. “Really, all I did was remark on how sad it was that the one of the few kings around had been corrupted so much.”

Celestia smiled more as she finished some popcorn. “Actually, if I recall correctly, your exact words were: ‘Tis a shame to vanquish so bold and dusky an embodiment of a stallion. We hath ne’er seen such a prominently horned regal specimen before. He would have made a most engaging and commanding and aesthetically pleasing addition to our night court.”

“Luna!” Cadance turned a big smile in Luna’s direction.

“KING SOMBRA!” Twilight’s jaw fell.

Luna blushed and waved them off. “Oh, I was young and impetuous. And he looked very regal standing upon his ramparts awaiting us in battle. And I prefer dusky coats. It’s not like I abandoned our plans to vanquish him and tried to bring peace to the land by arranging our matrimony or something.”

“This is…” Twilight’s eye was twitching, “I’m sorry, this is a lot to process. The idea of Discord and Celestia actually took me a few weeks to grasp—just ask Rarity. But now Luna and Sombra, and then Celestia and Starswirl…” She took a sip of cider to calm herself.

Luna chuckled as she took a cupcake for herself. “Not all of us can be dalliance free, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twilight is not dalliance free.” Cadance smirked as she took a bite of popcorn. “By the way, Twilight, Flash Sentry says hi.”

Twilight’s cider actually came out of her nose.

Celestia tilted her head to the side. “Flash Sentry? Who is that?” Though the question was asked to Cadance, she looked to her former student (while Twilight was busy looking every place else).

Cadance giggled. “I won’t tell if you don’t want me to, Twilight. But we are all sharing tonight…”

“I, uh…. “ Twilight swallowed, “if it’ll help princess Celestia feel more comfortable, then I guess…I, well… I’m not really sure how to put this, heh…” And then she sighed deeply and just said it. “There’s this guy in Sunset Shimmer’s world. Sometimes when I go there, I see him, and he smiles, and I smile…and then things get complicated. And then it sort of wears off when I come back here. But there’s a pony Flash Sentry here, and that’s where things get really complicated.”

“Well, that is certainly something you left out of your reports regarding your experiences in Sunset’s world.” Celestia couldn’t help herself as she smiled warmly at Twilight. 

Luna laughed. “So Cadance is the only princess who fell for and married a nice, normal stallion.”

Cadance shook he head. “Oh, I’ve rebelled a little too. After all, Shining Armor wasn’t a prince.” She gave Celestia a dry look. “Remember that time before I started dating him when you invited Prince Blueblood here for a week to see me?”

Celestia blushed and had to smile. “You said you wanted to be married one day, and I wasn’t sure what your type was, so I picked the first prince I thought of who was your age.”

Cadance rolled her eyes and took a cupcake. “I lasted about an hour with him talking about himself. Then I left early for foalsitting Twilight and helped Shining Armor organize his trading cards. That was the first night I asked him out; after being around a prince, I was sure more than ever that my sweet, goofy, loveable Shining Armor was the one I wanted.”

Celestia’s gaze warmed. “So Blueblood did do you some good. By realizing how much you didn’t like him, you realized how much you liked the pony you really cared for.”

“Yes.” Cadance nodded. “And that’s what’s good about dating and talking, Celestia: you learn more about what’s important to you in love.”

“Yeah.” Twilight sighed as she took a cupcake (though she couldn’t help smiling a little). “Like I’ve definitely learned that I don’t like being confused about whether I like the human version of someone or the pony version of someone or none of them at all and I’m just being oddly affected by interdimensional mirror travel.”

The other princesses shared a laugh.

Luna shrugged. “And I’ve learned that I’d prefer to court royalty, though perhaps a gentler version of royalty to balance out my own bold tendencies.”

All eyes turned to Celestia.

The sun princess blushed and spoke. “And I suppose, so far, I’ve learned that…I’d like to be friends with someone first before I consider being more with them.”

Cadance’s smile softened. “Does that mean that one day maybe you and Discord…”

Celestia smiled more as she finally took a cupcake for herself. “That means that I don’t know what the future holds, Cadance. But I’m glad Discord’s a part of it in some way for me.”

The three other princesses shared a warm look.

Luna spoke up again. “Speaking of Discord, the dare for him to come over here was a bold move by the guys. Perhaps we should retaliate.” She looked to Cadance and Twilight with a little sparkle in her eye.

Twilight raised an eyebrow but Cadance nodded. “Yes. After all, it’s almost like they were challenging us. Maybe one of us should go over there and teach them a lesson.”

All eyes turned to Celestia.

Celestia sighed. “I am not getting involved in a prank war tonight. I just got through Gala season, I am over a thousand years old, and I’m already sleepy from being up this late.”

“Oh, it won’t be a prank war.” Cadance waved her off. “Just think of it as a quick dare, like truth or dare. They dared him to come here and now we’re daring you to go over there. And then you can come back here, and we’ll all just finish enjoying our snacks and cider.”

Celestia smiled a little. “But even if this was truth or dare, Cadance, I haven’t picked dare yet.”

“Do you really want to pick truth?” Cadance raised an eyebrow, her eyes bright.

Celestia blinked and blushed a little. Then she sighed again. “All you’re daring me to do is go to the barn, right?”

“Well…” Luna considered, “perhaps we could make the situation a little more interesting—after all, their barn is not enchanted to keep out mares, so it should take you no effort at all to get in there.”

“Yes. Let’s let you have some fun, Auntie Celestia, just like Discord did.” Cadance’s eyes sparkled. Suddenly she looked to Twilight. “Twilight, you know Celestia very well: what could we dare her to do besides just going to the barn?”

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Uh…I…well…”

Celestia sighed and smiled softly. “Twilight, it’s okay. Just say whatever you think is best. I promise I won’t be angry with you—just with Luna and Cadance.”

Luna and Cadance rolled their eyes.

Twilight considered more and then sighed and nodded. “Okay…”

And then she announced the other thing that Celestia had to do once she went to the barn (which Cadance and Luna ‘enhanced’ a little though of course).





Speaking of the barn…

“Uh, guys?” Spike put down his hand of cards on the coffee table and glanced to either stallion at his side. “Do you think Discord’s okay? He’s been gone a while.”

Shining Armor smiled a little as he used his magic to gather the cards back into a pile now that their game was done. “I think he’s all right, Spike. He’s probably just having fun teasing the princesses.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded as he refilled their cider glasses. “Probably making their party chaotic.”

“…Or dealing with their wrath,” a familiar disembodied voice suddenly added.

Then in a flash, Discord appeared sitting on the sofa between Shining Armor and Spike…and he had several pink spots on him that he was trying to wipe off with a chequered rag. “Prank by Luna—don’t ask. Thankfully, three quick hot showers later, I finally got most of pink out of my fur, but I’m afraid I’m going to have pink spots on my scales for at least another week or so.” He snapped away the rag, used his tail to get fill his glass with some more chocolate milk from his pink cloud still overhead, and smiled. “Still, it was all worth it though: I got into the ballroom.” He turned to Shining Armor, arms crossed over his chest and an eyebrow raised. “But either way, me getting in there really wasn’t the point, was it, Prince? The point was to get me near Celestia so Cadance could make her little love princess observations of us…”

Shining Armor rubbed the back of his neck and grinned sheepishly. “Yeah, sorry about that, Discord. She’s been dying to see you two together, and I think she knew that Celestia would try and avoid it. And believe me, I talked Cadance out of some more extreme things before we got here.”

“Mmm hmm.” Discord smirked. “Well, don’t worry about it, the whole thing wasn’t nearly as awkward as I thought it would be. But I will be keeping a closer eye on you: it takes a special pony to trick me, after all.”

“I’m sorry you got turned pink though, Discord.” Spike frowned.

Discord shook his head. “Don’t worry, Spike. It was…worth it.” He looked down a little with a blush. “Before the prank happened, I got to spend a little time with Celestia…and we both sort of got into a tickle fight out in the hall. She has the best laugh.” He chuckled as he sunk back against the sofa.

“No way! You got into a tickle fight with her!” Spike blushed.

“Seriously?” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow and smiled more.

“Wow…”Big Mac tilted his head to the side.

“Yes.” Discord’s grin grew. “I honestly can’t blame Cadance for wanting to watch Tia and I together. Our interactions have gotten…interesting.” He cleared his throat and lowered his arms. “But we really are still just friends.”

Shining Armor considered and was about to open his mouth and reply when suddenly there was a burst of magic, and instantly Princess Celestia appeared standing before the three boys.

Most of her regalia was gone, though she wore her crown (as well as a light blush on her features and her usual poised smile). “Hello, gentlecolts, I’m sorry to arrive so suddenly like this. I hope you’re all having a fun evening.”

Big Mac’s jaw dropped, Spike’s eyes went wide, and Shining Armor raised an eyebrow though he did manage to clear his throat and reply. “Oh, uh…yeah, we’re having a great time, Princess Celestia. It’s nice to see you.”

Celestia turned her sights to him. “It’s nice to see you too, Shining Armor. And please, you know you can just call me ‘Celestia’ like Cadance does. And speaking of Mi Amore Cadenza…” Shining Armor’s eyes went wide as Celestia went on, “…she’s the one whose idea it as to dare me to come here. So when you two return to the Crystal Empire, please be on the look out for my declaration of war as retaliation.”

Shining Armor grinned, his gaze warm. “Sorry, Celestia…you know how Cadance can be about, uh…certain things.”

“Yes, I do.” Celestia blushed, looked down, but then finally looked to Discord again. “Hello, Discord. I’m glad to see you’ve gotten most of the pink off of you.”

The chaos master just watched her with his head tilted to the side but then cleared his throat and nodded. “Oh, er…yes. Thanks” He raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Celestia, you let Cadance trick you into coming here? I thought you’d be more on your guard tonight.”

The sun princess almost laughed. “Very funny, Discord. I’ll admit, getting pushed into coming here was easier than I’d realized it would be.”

Discord chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, if all she dared you to do is to come into our barn to make up for me coming into your ballroom, I believe you’ve succeeded, Tia.”

Celestia smiled and blushed more. “That’s not all. She and Twilight and Luna talked, and…the first part of my dare was to come here. And the second part is to let you know that you’re the one in charge of what the rest of my dare is.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I’m confused.”

Celestia glanced to the side. “Twilight suggested I do something for all of you when I got here, and Cadance and Luna narrowed that down to me doing something just for you. You’re supposed to ask me to do one thing, Discord—anything you want. And apparently to keep my slumber party honor among the princesses, I’m supposed to do it, no matter what it is.”

There was quiet for a moment.

Celestia looked up just in time to see Discord watching her with wide eyes, his features rosy. 

As soon as her eyes met his though, Discord cleared his throat and looked away. He considered deeply, even twirling his beard around his fingers (Celestia blushed more and glanced away again when he did that). Then finally he smiled and looked to her with a mischievous grin. “Okay, Celestia…”

The three other guys looked on with wide eyes (Big Mac and Shining Armor blushing a little).

Discord continued. “I dare you…” he snapped to make an empty plastic bowl appear, “to make us some popcorn. I’m starved.” He floated the bowl right in front of her.

Celestia looked at the bowl with wide eyes for a moment and then looked up at Discord with a blink. “That’s all?”

Discord nodded. “Yes, that’s all. What more could I want from you?” He blushed a little and looked down.

Celestia blushed too but then let out a breath and used her horn to fill the bowl with fresh, hot popcorn. She floated it to Discord. “There you go, Discord.” She stepped back. “I’ll be going now.”

“Uh, uh, uh…” Discord shook his head, eyeing the popcorn and then looking to Celestia with a grin. “I’m afraid this is unacceptable, Celestia.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “But I made you popcorn.”

Discord explained. “But you didn’t make it chaotically.”

Celestia tilted her head to the side, smiling a little. “You never said anything about ‘chaotically’”.

“I’m the master of chaos. It was implied.” Discord shrugged. “Just do your best based on what you’ve seen me do. I’m very interested to see where you take this and just how much chaos you can manage.”

Celestia considered very carefully. Then she looked at the popcorn, powered up her horn, and fired.

In a bright flash, the barn was filled with huge bowls of popcorn in all sorts of colors and flavors.

“Whoa!” Spike looked around with a big grin as he licked his lips.

“That is definitely chaotic popcorn.” Shining Armor had to smile too.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac nodded.

“Well, well…quite beautiful, actually.”

The three guys turned to see Discord looking around with an amused grin before his sights finally set back on Celestia.

The sun princess grinned too and leaned closer. “Satisfied, Discord?”

The chaos master smirked, his eyes a little narrowed as he used his tail to pop a piece of popcorn into his mouth and swallow. “Only if it was as good for you as it was for me.”

Celestia blushed and looked down a little.

Big Mac’s jaw dropped and Shining Armor, eyes wide, actually put his hooves over Spike’s ears.

“Hey!” Spike squirmed. “What—they’re just talking about popcorn.”

But now Celestia looked up again and gave a soft laugh. “Goodnight, Discord.” Her eyes hazed a little. “Sweet dreams…”

The guys raised eyebrows as, strangely, Discord’s smug look fell and a distinct blush entered his features. “I…” he cleared his throat but then couldn’t help smiling a little again, “Thanks…you too.”

Celestia blushed more. Then she looked to the three other guests. “Goodnight to you too, Shining Armor, Spike, Big Mac. Take care.” And then, with a nod, she teleported away.

“Okay, guys,” Spike’s look was dry, “she’s gone—Shining Armor, you can stop covering my ears now.”

Shining Armor blinked and let Spike go. “Oh, heh, sorry, Spike. Overprotective Big Brother reflex.” 

Spike rolled his eyes but stopped frowning. “It’s okay, I just don’t see what the big deal was about them talking about popcorn. And speaking of popcorn…” he grinned, “last one in is a rotten dragon’s egg!” He dashed off the sofa and dove into a bowl of orange flavored and colored popcorn.

The other three guys watched him go.

Then Discord sighed and addressed Shining Armor and Big Mac. “So…yeah, that’s how Celestia and I are together now. Very different from the old ‘Have at you!’ ‘How dare you?’ ‘I’ll banish you for this!’ days, I suppose.”

“Discord…” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow, “I’m only the prince of love by marriage, but even I can see…and you do realize that you…and she…I mean…”

“Yup. What he said…” Big Mac added, still blushing.

Discord sighed. “We’re just friends. That’s what she wants. And it’s…an odd friendship, but it’s what works for us. We talked about it a lot. And I’ve accepted it.” He smiled a little. “Besides, some of what you just saw was a little act we put on—teasing each other about the idea of being more than friends. Seems to calm everyone down about the notion. And it works off some of the awkwardness for us.”

Shining Armor and Big Mac shared a look, but then they both turned back to Discord and smiled and nodded.

“We understand, Discord.” Shining Armor added.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed.

“Thanks.” Discord’s normal smile returned. “Now then, enough about mares. Let’s get back to our party and especially to this popcorn. I still can’t believe I got her to make this for us.” He chuckled as he snapped himself up some snorkeling gear. “Dive in, gentlecolts!” And then the chaos master launched himself into the air and dove into a bowl of berry-flavored, red popcorn.

Big Mac and Shining Armor watched him go.

Then Shining Armor sighed. “They have chemistry.”

Big Mac nodded. “Eeyup.”

“And they have no idea how to deal with it.”

“Nope.”

“And we’re going to end up at their wedding someday aren’t we?”

“As long as they get married this century.”

Shining Armor chuckled and shook his head. “Good point.” He grinned and glanced to Big Mac. “Want to just accept that everything’s going to work itself out eventually and spend the rest of the night eating junk food and drinking cider and chocolate milk?”

Big Mac grinned back at him. “Eeyup!”

The two stallions got up and proceeded to join their friends in the chaotic popcorn.





Late in the night, Luna walked through the land of dreams, sensing the needs of her ponies. For her, this land was like a hallway full of doors, and each door led to another pony’s nighttime thoughts. 

Of course, other creatures besides ponies could have doors: Discord had a door (a large set of double doors, actually—rather gaudy but fitting his personality). And, as Luna passed by Discord’s doors now, as usual they were closed with a sign hung on them saying, ‘Please Do Not Dist—’

Luna paused, blinked, and looked to the sign again…and she read aloud its surprisingly different contents. “Come In, We’re Open. Night Princesses Especially Welcome.” Luna raised an eyebrow and then pushed open Discord’s doors with her hoof to enter his dream.

She quickly found herself standing on a pink cloud while chaos filled the air around her. She blinked a few times and then set sight on Discord sitting on his chaos throne and lounging back as he admired all the madness.

Luna flew up and landed on a cotton candy cloud facing him. “Discord, hello.” She smiled. “It is nice to finally completely see you in your dreams instead of having to yell to you from the real world.”

Discord looked to her with a smile of his own. “Luna! Perfect, just the pony I wanted to see. And yes, I figured this would be a less dramatic way for us to communicate at night.” He chuckled, but then he took a breath and clasped his hands together. “Anyway, Luna…I need to ask you a favor.” His tone was more serious.

Luna nodded. “Of course, Discord. Anything.”

“I need you to let me share a dream with someone else. Tonight, please.”

Luna hesitated, her brow furrowed. “With…Celestia?”

Discord shook his head once. “No. With somepony else.”

Luna raised an eyebrow…but then as he explained, her look softened and she nodded. She then proceeded to do the magic to fulfill Discord’s request.





Soon, Discord found himself outside of a large dream door made of gold and crystal. He knocked, and the door opened a little. “Hello? Cadance? It’s Discord—the real Discord, not a figment of your imagination. I asked Luna to bring me here. I need to talk to you, and this was the most private place I could think of. Sorry. Cadance?”

“Um…” Cadance’s voice came from beyond the door, “just a moment, Discord.” There was a long pause, and then the door magically opened. “Come in, please.”

Discord stepped inside and found himself in a pretty place full of pink and white clouds that all shimmered like crystal. And at the center of it all sat Cadance (with a glittering, gauzy curtain behind her hiding something). The chaos master smiled. “Thanks, Cadance.” He cleared his throat. “I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice.”

“It’s all right, Discord.” Cadance’s smile softened. “I’m just glad Luna was able to help you and that you feel comfortable enough to come to me. What’s on your mind?” Her eyes hazed.

Discord drifted closer then landed. He swallowed, looking down. “You’ve seen me and Celestia together now. And I’m guessing you talked to her about me at the party. And you saw what almost happened out in the hall…and you fixed it. I can sense different kinds of magic; I know it was you who got our horns unlocked. My point is, you must have formed some opinion of our situation.” He looked up. “So, Cadance…I need to know—am I doing this right?”

The love princess tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. 

Discord sighed. “I mean…look, whenever I mess up with friendship, Twilight lets me know. And I mess up a lot because it’s new for me. And this thing with Celestia is new for me, and you’re the princess of stuff like this. So before you go, I need to know—everything with admitting to her how I feel and trying to still be friends and us getting close even if we’re not planning to get too close—am I doing this right?” He swallowed. “I can be selfish, and sometimes I don’t realize I’m doing things wrong until something bad happens. But I don’t want anything bad to happen with this.” He looked into her eyes.

Cadance’s smile warmed. “Discord, you are doing brilliantly at this. I’ve rarely seen someone handle themselves so well in a situation like yours. First love is a powerful experience, after all.” Her eyes went wide as the tuft of Discord’s tail suddenly came over her mouth.

The chaos master looked back at her with wide eyes but then took a breath and removed his tail. “Cadance…I don’t like to talk about the fact that I’m actually in…you-know-what.” He shrugged and almost smiled again. “But…thank you. I value your opinion about this a lot.” 

Cadance smiled more and moved closer. “Discord, just give yourself time. You don’t have to magically ‘fix’ this. Let it run its course and be okay on its own. And you be okay too.”

Discord nodded. “Okay, Cadance.” He grinned a little. “Sheesh, you princesses: always acting so wise and mysterious and like you know that a happy ending is just waiting for everypony.”

Cadance laughed softly. “That’s our job, Discord.” She stepped back. “Is there anything else you needed? And if you think of something later, you can always write or visit me you know.”

Discord shook his head. “No, nothing at the moment. But I’ll keep the writing or visiting option in mind. I should get going anyway. I didn’t mean to interrupt your dream.”

Cadance smiled sheepishly and blushed. “Oh Discord that’s all right, don’t worry about it.“

And then, from behind the gauzy curtain near Cadance, there was the sound of a baby’s cry.

Cadance’s eyes went wide, and her blush grew rosy.

Discord’s eyes widened too.

And then Cadance smiled softly and pushed open the curtain to reveal a crystal and silver colored bassinette with a little white bundle inside making gurgling noises. The love princess used her magic to raise up the bundle and bring it into one of her forelegs to hold. She smiled down at the baby, rocking it gently. And then she glanced to Discord again.

The chaos master was looking at the baby with pure wonder. And then he looked to Cadance. “Cadance, are you—”

“No,” the love princess quickly corrected. Her voice lowered as did her eyes. “But I’d like to be…. And Shining would like it too.” Her eyes came back up to Discord. “I’d prefer you didn’t tell anyone about this, Discord—not even Twilight or Celestia or Luna. We don’t want anyone to know until it happens.”

He flew closer now and smiled, looking down at her and the bundle, his own gaze warm. “Now, dear Cadance, if you’re not going to tell my silly secret about being in love, why would I tell your lovely secret about wanting a foal, hmm?” He chuckled softly.

Cadance laughed softly too.

Discord swallowed. “Can I come see the baby one day when it’s born?”

She nodded. “I’d like that. You and Celestia should both come.”

Discord blushed a little. “We’ll see.” He flew back toward her dream door. “I’ll leave you two alone then. Goodnight, Cadance.”

Cadance smiled more. “Goodnight, Discord.”

The chaos master paused as he opened the door, glancing at her over his shoulder. “And…thanks again.”

“You’re always welcome.” She nodded once.

He nodded in return and then departed.

Cadance went back to her dream baby.

And Discord went back to his own door to dream about Auntie Celestia and Uncle Discord taking care of that baby one day.





“Auntie Celestia?”

Sunday evening was full of bustle after a long weekend of everyone spending time together following the slumber parties. Indeed, the few days of the long weekend had flown by, and now the chariot to take Cadance and Shining back to the Crystal Empire was waiting out in front of the Canterlot castle.

Celestia had been planning to head downstairs to see off her niece and nephew-in-law as soon as she had finished lowering the sun. And so she was surprised, as the last of the solar magic left her horn, to hear Cadance’s voice behind her.

The sun princess turned to see the princess of love standing upon her bedroom balcony and smiling (with a rolled up scroll magically floating beside her).

Celestia smiled too and raised an eyebrow. “Cadance, what are you doing up here? They’ll be looking for you out front. I was just about to head down there.”

“I know, Celestia.” Cadance nodded. “But I wanted to have a moment alone with you. I have something for you.” She floated the scroll forward.

“What’s this?” Celestia tilted her head to the side as her magic took the letter.

“It’s my advisements for your relationship with Discord.” Cadance’s eyes lowered.

Celestia blushed a little but then smiled again. “I see.” She placed the letter inside on a table by her balcony doors. Then she addressed her niece. “Cadance…I’m sorry I was so skittish when you first came for your visit. I know it sounds silly, but I was sort of worried you’d cast a spell or something, and that Discord and I would end up…” She cleared her throat with a sheepish smile. “Well, you know what I mean.”

Cadance laughed softly. “Oh Auntie Celestia, come on—I only cast spells like that when I see two ponies who are already together but have forgotten how much they love being together.” Celestia’s smile took on a relieved look…until Cadance came closer and went on. “No, no, no…I’ve got a much better plan for you, Celestia. And Discord too.”

Celestia’s smile fell, and her eyes went wide. “What are you talking about, Cadance? What are you going to do?” she managed with a swallow.

Cadance grinned. “I…am going to wait and do absolutely nothing.” She pulled back and held her head high.

Celestia tilted her head to the side. “What?”

“I’m going to wait and do absolutely nothing.” Cadance beamed a little. “Even if I did cast some sort of spell on you and Discord, you’d always think about how it was my magic that got you together and use it as an excuse to try and stop the relationship. But I’m not going to let you do that. Instead, I’m going to step back and wait and observe…and enjoy watching you two stay friends or become something more all on your own. So if you two do get together, you’ll have to face the fact that it’s entirely because you want to be with him just as much as he wants to be with you. I’m going to let time do my work for me.”

Celestia just stood there with wide eyes for a moment and her features flushed. But then she blinked a few times and managed a small smile. Her eyes went to the sun. “Time. Well, it’s certainly something I have plenty of…and so does Discord. And that is quite the clever plan, Cadance.” She cleared her throat and looked down. “But I think Discord and I are more likely to just…make mistake and forget our friendship for a moment in favor of something else.” She blushed more. “You saw what happened out in the hallway the other night. I know you were watching…”

Cadance moved close, her voice lower. “That’s what the letter’s for. Trust me, it’ll help you both.” She winked.

Celestia’s smile picked up on one side as she met her niece’s gaze again. “I do trust your advice, Cadance.”

Cadance nodded. Then she smiled sweetly. “And will you do me a favor?”

“Of course, Cadance. What is it?” Celestia raised an eyebrow.

“Will you come visit me in the Empire sometime?” The love princess shrugged. “I’ve missed you a lot. And…I need advice too sometimes.” She looked down with a warm smile.

Celestia smiled more and nodded. ”I would love to visit you, Cadance.” She laughed. “We can get milkshakes and compare Prince Blueblood stories.”

Cadance laughed too. 

Celestia moved forward toward her room and put a hoof on Cadance’s shoulder to lead her along. “Come on, Cadance. The sooner you get home, the sooner I can come see you.”

“Or we could see each other all of the time if you just ‘declare war on the Crystal Empire’.” Cadance smirked.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “You and Shining Armor really do share everything, don’t you?”

Cadance nodded and smiled more. “Everything, thanks to love.”

“The idea of that always made you happy, Cadance. I’m so proud of how your life’s turned out…” Celestia gave her a light nuzzle on the forehead.

“And I’m proud of you too, Celesta.” Cadance nuzzled her lightly in return. “You’re embracing love in your own way, and you’re helping someone else embrace love too. It’s a good thing.”

The two princesses shared a warm smile and proceeded downstairs to the chariot.





The next night, after such a long weekend and such a long Gala planning season and such a long several months of changes and challenges ever since she had become a princess, a yawning Twilight Sparkle finally found herself with the rare opportunity to turn in early with a good book, a cup of hot cider, and no pressing issues on her mind.

Indeed, she was just heading down to her throne room in her crystal castle to reach the kitchen…when she suddenly came upon her five closest friends sitting in their thrones with a large supple of cupcakes and bottles of cider nearby.

“Girls?” Twilight blinked, her sleepiness forgotten for a moment. “What’s going on?”

“Spike invited us.” Rainbow shrugged and grinned.

“Yeah, sugar cube.” Applejack nodded. “We’ve all been so busy lately with Discord and Celestia and the Gala, we haven’t had any time to have one of our meetings about the Rainbow Power.”

“Indeed.” Rarity nodded. “The Gala was the social event of the year, so it really had to be our priority. But now we can finally get back to unraveling the mysteries of your castle, Twilight.”

“Plus, I brought cupcakes to eat while we work! Can’t solve the mysteries of mysterious magic on an empty stomach!” Pinkie beamed.

Fluttershy nodded. “And we don’t mind the late hour—it was actually nice and peaceful walking here together at dusk.” She smiled.

“Oh, Twilight!” Spike suddenly appeared (coming from the direction of the kitchen with a bowl of gems that he put down on the floor now next to his little throne). “Sorry, I almost forgot to tell you—I know you’ve felt bad about getting off schedule with meetings about the Rainbow Power, so I figured out when your first free night would be, and I scheduled the girls to come by all on my own. Are you surprised?” He beamed up at her.

Twilight blinked at first but then smiled warmly and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Spike, I’m very surprised. And thank you for caring so much about my schedule and the Rainbow Power.” She looked to her friends. “And thank all of you for coming tonight. I’ll do my best to let us have a good talk but…” she held back a yawn, “I might not be able to last for too long. I’m a little sleepy.”

“It’s okay, Twilight.” Fluttershy smiled. “We’ll talk for as long as you want, and anything we don’t get to we can talk about at the next meeting.”

The girls and Spike nodded. “Yeah, Twilight—we’ve got plenty of time for once.” Spike headed to his throne. “There aren’t any major threats to Equestria, and we’ve got Discord on our side now.”

Twilight nodded as she followed after him. “Getting to have a relaxing talk about our options on a quiet Monday night instead of a frantic debate in the middle of battle really might be nice for a change.” She sat in her throne as Spike sat in his and then cleared her throat and raised her voice a little with a smile. “Attention, girls—this meeting about the Rainbow Power can come to order.”

Suddenly, with a poof of magic, a huge banner appeared floating above Twilight’s head bearing the message: ‘Welcome to the Chaos Castle! With Your Gracious Host Discord!’ And then in smaller letters on the bottom, ‘Oh and Twilight lives here too, I suppose’.

The girls couldn’t help some stifled laughter.

Twilight blinked and raised an eyebrow. “What?”

Some familiar disembodied chuckling was heard. And then in a flash Discord appeared floating in the air and grinning down at the friendship princess. “Oh come, Twilight, like I was going to be able to help myself with a full, fresh audience suddenly in the throne room.” 

Twilight turned to see the banner and then smiled up at Discord, an eyebrow raised. “I thought we were past you trying to put your mark on my castle, Discord.”

“Nothing wrong with emphasizing chaos in every place it dwells.” The chaos master winked and then looked to the other girls. “Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, excellent to see all of you as usual. And Spike too naturally.” Then he flew closer to his best friend. “And of course it’s wonderful to see you as well, dear Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy smiled up at him. “It’s nice to see you too, Discord.”

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash flew up and grinned. “By the way, we should have a racing rematch soon, Discord.” She winked.

“Discord, what a flashy entrance.” Rarity smiled. “I approve.”

Applejack grinned up at him. “Are you planning to join our meeting? There’s plenty of cider to go around.”

“AND ARE YOU PLANNING TO BRING THE ESPRESSO MACHINE?!” Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened, her smile beaming.

Discord chuckled. “Ladies, ladies, however much I would enjoy sticking around and filling your lives with clever mirth and bothering Twilight as usual, I’m afraid I must be off.” He snapped up a blue and purple plaid sports coat for himself and his polka dot Vespa to ride on. “I’ve got plans.”

Rainbow Dash, with a cheeky grin, couldn’t help herself. “With Celestia?”

Discord rolled his eyes with a smirk. “No, unfortunately our sun princess will be deprived of my charming company for this evening.” He held his head high. “I’m going out all on my own for some fun—it’s about time I put some serious effort into learning more about who the good Discord is and what he likes. Might as well enjoy myself as long as I have some free time now, see some modern Equestrian sights, bring a little chaos to the nightlife of this nation. Pinkie, you’re in charge of chaos around here while I’m gone, by the way.”

“Fantastic!” Pinkie suddenly pulled out her party canon, set off a blast of confetti, and gave a salute. “I won’t let you down!”

Discord chuckled and then leaned down toward Twilight. “And by the way, Twilight, really, why didn’t you tell me in the first place that I’d have the opportunity for so much personal time if I came to the side of good? It would have saved so much strife and drama.” He chuckled more as Twilight rolled her eyes.

Spike’s eyes shimmered with excitement. “Wow, Discord, it sounds like you’re going to have a lot of fun!” He glanced to Twilight. “Hey, Twilight, can I—”

“Spike,” Twilight shook her head with a small smile, “you can’t stay out all night like that. You’ll fall asleep.”

Spike sighed but nodded. “Yeah, I guess…”

Discord snapped up an ascot for himself and a riding helmet. “Oh, Spike might not be old enough for all-nighters yet, but I’ll make you a deal, Twilight—how about you sleep in tomorrow morning, and I’ll swing by early and take Spike out to breakfast. And we’ll bring you back something when we come home.”

“Yes, definitely!” Spike beamed at Twilight. “Please?” 

Twilight smiled and nodded. “Okay, Spike. As long as you bring me back some waffles with crystal berry syrup.”

“Excellent!” Discord chuckled. “I’ll see you in the morning, Spike. And I’ll see the rest of you ladies later then. Take care!” He made a glowing portal disappear, drove through it, but then popped his head back out. “And Fluttershy, I’ll bring you back a souvenir if I go anywhere fun.”

Fluttershy smiled more. “Okay, Discord. Thank you!”

He winked and then disappeared through the portal again.

But then he reversed back into the room once more. “Ladies? Spike?”

The girls (and Spike) all looked at him with smiles and raised eyebrows.

Discord swallowed, his gaze forward. “Thanks for, uh…everything lately…about stuff we don’t really need to mention specifically. I’m…glad we’re friends. Have a fun night.” He gave them a small smile then cleared his throat and drove off again. The chaos master and the portal disappeared entirely this time.

The girls watched him go and then turned back at each other.

“So, he and Celestia really aren’t dating?” Rarity looked to Twilight.

Twilight sighed. “They’re…working on their friendship. But they’ll be okay.”

Fluttershy’s smile warmed. “I think so too.”

“Okay, okay. Enough mushy stuff.” Rainbow Dash sat in her throne again and grinned. “Discord and Celestia are tough, they’ll be fine. For now let’s get to this meeting.”

Applejack gave a nod and took up a bottle. “And to drinking cider.”

“And to eating cupcakes!” Pinkie beamed as she zipped around the room, placing one on the armrest of each girl’s chair. “And a special one for me—jalapeno icing!” she announced as she popped a special cupcake with light green icing into her mouth. Her face turned red and smoke came out of her ears as she sat at her throne. “Mmm, yummy!” 

The girls all shared a laugh.

Then Rarity looked to Twilight. “Darling, shall I help you remove Discord’s banner before our meeting begins, or will you just have him take it down in the morning?” She smiled and powered up her horn.

Twilight smiled back. “Actually, let’s keep it up, Rarity, and for as long as Discord wants.” Twilight used her magic to move the banner so that it was strung up over Discord’s throne. “Chaos helped make this castle just as much as friendship did. And I think that fact deserves to be remembered as much as possible.” She admired the banner for a moment longer before turning back to her friends who all nodded with warm smiles and gazes.

Twilight’s smile warmed too. And then their meeting began as the six ponies and one dragon tried to sort out everything friendship was coming to mean in this era of Equestria and to understand better the new, exciting, and rather unexpected places toward which that special magic was leading them all.