Learning To Live Again

by Speedy Quill

Happily Ever

I walked around the gardens, checking every bow. Everything needed to be perfect today.

The ceremony was set to start in a little over an hour, but it felt like it was ages away. I wasn't sure if I was shaking from nervousness or excitement.

I found myself up at the altar, looking over the seating. Everything was in place. I felt a smile growing on my face.

And then a fog started rolling in. My smile disappeared instantly, replaced by a look of panic.

"No, no, no!! Not today! The pegasi promised a sunny day!"

The temperature dropped rapidly, causing a shiver to run down my spine. What in Tartarus was going on?!

Your time has come.

I froze, looking down the aisle.

A tall, hooded figure stood at the end, a scythe in hand.

Have you made peace?

This couldn't be real, right?

"Wha...what's going on here?"

The figure moved forward, gliding down the aisle.

"I've come for your..."

The figure arrived at the altar, towering over me.

"Bachelorhood!"

I stopped shaking, my panic turning to anger.

"Discord!!"

Discord pulled back the hood.

"Surprise!"

He snapped his claws and the fog rolled away. He snapped again and his cloak turned into a tuxedo.

"Much better. Cloaks are so last century."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my heart.

"Of all the days to pull a stunt..."

"Would you prefer I'd waited until the ceremony?"

I looked up at him.

"Do you want to incur Rarity's wrath?"

He thought for a moment.

"Good point. I don't need a bunch of ponies mad at me right now."

I sighed.

"Well it's nice to see you here. I wasn't sure you'd want to come."

He rolled his eyes.

"I didn't. But Fluttershy asked me to be her plus one."

I smiled.

"Really? Because I remember filling out that invitation myself. I believe I wrote Fluttershy and Discord."

"Nice try."

"Check the invitation yourself."

He looked at me for a moment before snapping his claws. The invitation appeared and he read it over. He frowned.

"What are you implying with this?"

I couldn't help but grin.

"I thought it was obvious."

"We're not-"

He looked around to ensure our privacy before leaning in closer.

"We're not a couple!"

I rolled my eyes.

"Come on, Discord. Don't you think she would have found a nice stallion by this point if she wasn't interested in you?"

"Like Tartarus! I would have snapped any stallion into the next dimension!"

"I can believe that. Let's look at the facts; you see each other at least twice a week, you help her out whenever she asks, and let's not forget that it's painfully obvious that you're in love with her. And it's obvious she loves you too! Sounds like the start of a relationship to me."

I didn't have time to react as I was lifted off the ground, raised to eye level with the draconequus. His eyes looked as if they were on fire. He just glared at me for a minute before allowing the fire to die. I was lowered to the ground, a brush appearing to dust me off.

"Consider me letting that slide your wedding gift."

I smiled.

"Why do you still act so defensive about this? We can all tell you two love each other. Why won't you just admit it?"

He looked down at me, his expression changing from annoyance to uncertainty.

"It's...it's not that easy."

I raised a hoof and pat his side.

"It could be."

"There you are!"

We turned to see Fluttershy coming down the aisle. She was wearing her bridesmaid dress already. I glanced up and saw Discord actually turn a little red. I smiled and looked back at Fluttershy.

"Looking for me?"

"Oh. Sorry Shade. I was looking for Discord. I wasn't sure where you’d wandered off to!"

She climbed up to the altar and looked up at the draconequus.

"You look very nice."

Discord smiled down at the pegasus.

"And you look absolutely beautiful."

That got her blushing.

"Hey!"

We all looked down the aisle to discover Pinkie. She looked confused.

"Isn't this Rarity and Shade's wedding?"

The three of us looked at each other. That's when I saw it. Discord and Fluttershy were in the appropriate spots. And I was right where the officiate should be. Discord and Fluttershy seemed to connect the dots just as fast as me as they both started blushing.

Discord took a step back.

"I completely forgot about that...thing...I have to do...right now..."

He snapped his claw and disappeared. I chuckled, looking at Fluttershy.

"You two are adorable."

She was still blushing.

"Oh. Well..."

I jumped down from the altar.

"Don't second guess yourself Fluttershy. You'll just delay your happiness."

I walked over to Pinkie and smiled.

"Was there something you needed?"

She smiled back.

"I just thought you'd like to check the cake before everything starts."

I put a hoof to my face.

"The cake! How could I have forgotten!"

Pinkie giggled.

"You've got a lot on your plate. So...what did I walk in on?"

I chuckled.

"Young love."

"Those two have been circling each other for years now. It's about time they settle down."

She giggled again.

"What would a pegasus/draconequus baby look like?"

"I don't think we need any spawn of Discord in Equestria."

"Good point."

We arrived at the kitchen. The cake was front and center on the counter. I had to keep myself from drooling.

"That looks delicious Pinkie!"

"Thanks! Some of my best work yet!"

"You're on par with the Cakes."

She blushed.

"I don't know if it's that good."

"I'm sure it is!"

I looked around, trying to pin the new voice. A stallion appeared from behind the cake. He had a big, goofy grin on his face.

"Tasty enough to eat right here and now!"

Pinkie smiled.

"You'd better be talking about the cake silly."

I looked at her in surprise. The stallion came cartwheeling over, landing a few steps away.

"It's nice to meet you!"

Pinkie beamed.

"Oh yeah! You've never officially met! Shade, this is Cheese Sandwich! He's a party pony just like me!"

"Really? I never would have guessed."

I looked between the two of them. Pinkie kept looking up at Cheese, a small smile on her face.

"So...how long has this been going on?"

Pinkie giggled.

"We've known each other for a while, but this is kind of our first official date."

"You thought a wedding was a good first date?"

Cheese chimed in.

"Well it is a party. Though you seem to be missing a cannon or two."

Pinkie shook her head.

"Rarity specifically said no cannons."

She narrowed her eyes as her grin turned playful.

"Maybe her next wedding."

I turned red as Pinkie giggled even more.

"It's a joke Shade!"

I sighed, choosing to examine the cake closer. It really was a wonderful looking cake. Pinkie had outdone herself this time. I looked up to ask about the frosting only to find that I'd been abandoned.

"Seriously? Where could those two have- I don't even want to know."

I left the kitchen, heading to my old room. It was time to throw on my tuxedo.

As I turned a corner, I nearly ran into Twilight.

"Oh, my goodness! I'm sorry Shade."

"No, no. That's on me. I'm all kinds of distracted."

She smiled.

"Wedding jitters?"

I shook my head.

"To say the least. It seems love is spreading through this castle like a wildfire."

She rolled her eyes.

"Tell me about it. Shining Armor and Cadance keep giggling to each other. Not to mention I saw them coming out of a broom closet."

A shudder ran through her body. I put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Ouch. That must have been scarring."

"Scarring doesn't even begin to describe..."

I needed to distract her.

"Hey! How's your speech looking for the ceremony?"

She shook her head, clearing out unpleasant thoughts, and smiled.

"I'm all ready! You won't regret having me as the officiate."

"I don't think we can go wrong with having the Princess of Equestria as our officiate. Although..."

I held a hoof up to my head, moving it over to Twilight's head.

"I don't appreciate you getting taller. It hasn't even been a year yet and you've already grown two inches!"

She blushed.

"Don't bring it up! I already feel self-conscious about this alicorn stuff as it is."

"Okay, but can you admit the hair thing is kind of cool?"

She smiled as she looked at her mane. It was starting to flow on its own. Not as much as Celestia's or Luna's, but I'm sure that would change with time. Thinking of those two...

"Have you seen them yet?"

"Who?"

"Celestia and Luna."

"Oh! They just arrived a few minutes before I bumped into you!"

"That's good. They'd better behave themselves."

"I'm sure they wouldn't cause trouble!"

I gave Twilight my best smirk.

"Really?"

Her wings flattened against her side as she blushed again.

"Well, I'm mostly sure."

"Uh-huh. With my luck one of them will be the next one somepony walks in on."

Twilight covered her ears.

"Ah! Don't say that! I don't need that picture in my head too!"

I gave her a hug.

"There, there. The wedding is the important thing right now. We don't want to stress out Rarity."

Twilight looked at me.

"What about you?"

I chuckled.

"I'm already stressed. I just know how to hide it."

"Did Cadance teach you that trick too?"

"Luna actually."

We chuckled at our shared stress. I nodded down the hall.

"I need to get dressed. I'll see you down there."

She smiled.

"Good luck today. I'm so happy for both of you."

"You're just happy that your matchmaking worked out."

She flashed a proud smile.

"That too."

She walked off, leaving me alone in the hall. I found my room and got dressed. Several minutes were spent admiring myself in the mirror.

"Not bad."

Once I was satisfied, I left the room and made my way downstairs. As I walked through the halls though, I had to pause at Celestia's old study. I suppose it would be Twilight's study now. Either way, I was hearing noise from inside. Very specific noises. I shook my head.

"What is it about this castle today?"

I knew I shouldn't intrude, but curiosity got the better of me. I knocked on the door.

"Is somepony in there?"

I heard two gasps and a bunch of movement. After a few seconds, it was silent. I opened the door and entered the study.

Papers were on the floor, a couple books had fallen off a shelf, and I could see a pair of blue ears peeking out from behind the desk. I couldn't help but grin.

"Oh there you are Rainbow Dash."

Her head shot up over the desk.

"Uh...hi. I was just...taking a nap."

"Gotta be well-rested for the ceremony, right?"

She stood up fully.

"Uh...yeah!"

I shook my head.

"Has anypony ever told you you're a bad liar?"

She grinned.

"Why would I lie to you buddy?"

I smiled.

"That's true."

I turned as if to leave and called over my shoulder.

"I'd better go. I think Big Mac mixed up the apple supplies again."

"Dammit Big Mac"

Rainbow Dash flinched. I smiled, turning back into the room. Rainbow looked down next to her and sighed.

"Damn."

I chuckled.

"You going to keep hiding Applejack?"

Applejack slowly rose over the desk, her embarrassment clear.

"I uh...we..."

I held up a hoof, looking at Rainbow.

"I'm glad to see that Hearts and Hooves card went over well. But it's been two years! Have you two have been sneaking around that long?"

Applejack looked at Rainbow.

"You told him about that card?"

Rainbow scowled.

"I didn't tell him! He just saw it!"

I chimed in.

"After you dropped it on the ground."

She glared at me. I smiled as Applejack rubbed her neck.

"Well...now what?"

I sighed.

"You know the girls would be ecstatic to hear about the two of you, right?"

Applejack shrugged.

"We just didn't want things to change. It's been kinda...excitin' sneakin' around."

Rainbow nodded.

"What she said."

I nodded.

"Trust me, I understand. Rarity and I used to sneak around this castle too."

Rainbow smiled.

"Did you ever get caught?"

"There were a few close calls, but luckily Celestia and Luna never caught us in the act."

I turned to leave.

"You should tell everypony. That's just my opinion though. But I'll kill both of you if you upstage the wedding."

Rainbow laughed.

"Yeah. We wouldn't want to steal all the thunder."

I left the room and continued toward the throne room. All the love in the air was making me a little light-headed. Ever since I'd grown my fangs back at Everhoof, I'd been able to taste emotion again. And the castle, apparently being ground zero today, was making me feel overstuffed.

I entered the throne room to find Celestia and Luna talking to Twilight. Luna raced over as soon as she saw me, pulling me into a hug.

"Congratulations! It's your big day!"

I hugged her back.

"I'm glad you two could make it. I was afraid you'd be halfway around the world by now."

I parted from Luna as Celestia came in for a hug.

"As if we'd miss this. You're our little brother after all."

I returned the hug and looked at the two of them, beginning to notice small things. My eyes dimmed a little. Before I could say anything, Celestia turned to Twilight.

"You'd better make sure everything is ready. I'm sure everyone will be in their seats soon."

Twilight nodded. She went to pass me, giving me a small smile, and left the room. Celestia turned back to me.

"You noticed?"

I sighed.

"You...look older."

Luna chuckled.

"What gave it away?"

I looked between the two of them.

"You've got wrinkles. Not to mention I can see it in your eyes. You're aging again."

Celestia nodded.

"We decided it's time."

Luna chimed in.

"It's not like we're going to turn into dust or anything. But the initial break with the ethereal plane was a little tougher than expected. We'll probably look better in a few weeks. And we're young! I'd say we still have a good seventy or eighty years in us!"

I smiled. The love I'd been forced to gorge on was subsiding as something bittersweet took hold. My smile faded and I sighed.

"I guess I should have figured you'd eventually want to move on."

Celestia pulled me into a hug and Luna joined in.

"You're not going to lose us Shade. We're your family."

Luna nodded.

"And we like having a little brother, so you're stuck with us."

I laughed as I felt a tear roll down my cheek. Celestia reached up and wiped it away.

"No tears unless they're happy. It's your wedding day after all."

I nodded as the doors burst open. Spike came flying in.

"There you are! Twilight's on my tail about getting you to the altar. And you two should be in your seats already!"

We all laughed as the young dragon herded us outside to the gardens. The seats were filled! I hurried over to my spot as Celestia and Luna took their seats. Twilight gave me a stern look as I brushed off my tux.

"Not very good to keep your Princess waiting."

I returned the look.

"Not very good to be without your crown."

She reached up in a panic, only to discover her crown was in place. I smiled as she gave a short huff toward me.

"Your sense of humor still needs work."

I spoke out of the corner of my mouth as I turned toward the seats.

"Take it up with Celestia. I learned from her."

The music began and everyone turned to the aisle. I watched as the procession came.

Discord rolled out a red carpet for him and Fluttershy to walk down. I rolled my eyes at his showmanship.

After them came Applejack and-

Twilight leaned over to me.

"Why is she with Rainbow Dash? I thought we got them escorts for the walk."

I couldn't help but smile.

"They decided to walk each other. After all, the other couples are doing the same."

"But they aren't..."

The Princess trailed off, her eyes growing bigger. I let out a soft chuckle and shook my head at the two mares. Rainbow Dash winked at me. Applejack mouthed 'sorry'.

After them came Pinkie and Cheese. I held my breath, waiting for something to happen.

Nothing.

Somehow Pinkie and Cheese were the normal couple today. That was a surprise.

They all took their spots as the music changed over. Everyone turned to the back.

I took a deep breath as Rarity came into view. She was in a dazzling, white dress that trailed behind her several steps. Her mane was in it's normal style, falling down one side of her face. All I could do was stare at her as she came down the aisle.

"Your jaw's dropping a little."

I glanced at Twilight. She tapped her chin and I mimicked the motion. Sure enough, my mouth had been hanging open slightly.

Rarity arrived at the altar, turning to me. She gave me a smile. It was the same sort of smile that had made me realize I loved her years ago.

We both turned to Twilight and she smiled.

"Are you ready?"

I glanced at Rarity, my own smile growing bigger. She met my gaze and nodded.

"I'm ready if you are."

I looked at Twilight and nodded.

"Take it away Princess."

'HONK!!!'

Everypony flinched. I spun around to find Fluttershy comforting Discord. She smiled.

"Sorry. He gets...emotional at weddings."

I had to keep myself from laughing. Of all the things that could have happened, Discord being emotional was at the bottom of the list.

I nodded to Twilight again.

"You'd better start before he cries us into a lake."

Twilight smiled and looked out over the crowd.

I wish I could remember everything Twilight said. In all honesty, her words faded into the background for me. All I could do was look at Rarity. And she looked right back at me, putting her hoof in mine as we took the first step into our future.

Comments

[THERDSTORYWHISPERER]

Nice chapter!

[Ninjadeadbeard]

"I don't think we need any spawn of Discord in Equestria."

That feels like a personal attack...

[Ninjadeadbeard]

Also, I noticed the story’s still incomplete...

Very excited to see where this goes next!

[Speedy Quill]

10047117
Definitely not meant that way! I had no idea!

[Ninjadeadbeard]

10047139

[ForestTrails482]

I left the room and continued toward the throne room. All the love in the air was making me a little light-headed. Ever since I'd grown my fangs back at Everhoof, I'd been able to taste emotion again. And the castle, apparently being ground zero today, was making me feel overstuffed.

Does that mean that he still has his fangs now?

'HONK!!!'

Everypony flinched. I spun around to find Fluttershy comforting Discord. She smiled.

"Sorry. He gets...emotional at weddings."

At least Discord waited for the wedding to start.

Loved this chapter. 👍

[Speedy Quill]

10068267
Yes he does still have his fangs. He grew them back under duress and it's too much effort to get rid of them again. He did shorten them slightly, with the help of the Princesses, so they don't hang out of his mouth.

[Silent_Knight]

Somehow Pinkie and Cheese were the normal couple today. That was a surprise.

DON'T TRY TO UNDERSTAND PINKIE U WILL LOOOOOSSSEEE UR MIIINNNNDDDD WOOOOOOO OOO oooo oo ... No? Oki Doki Loki buh bye