> A Royal Affection
>  by Inactive Pone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Sister... Can I ask something?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's be honest here. Being a princess of Equestria is probably, the busiest job one can think of. You get praised, admired and all that... But behind their everyday smiles, they're dealing with massive pressure.
Of course, I, the writer, am talking about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
Everypony knows the two have gone through a lot of troubles together. For instance, the villains they had to face. Yes, even they had to deal with their own rivalry. That was surely an irreversible scar they brought upon each other. The day Celestia banished Luna, her dearest sister, both of their hearts were shattered- But it had to be done.
Since that day, a lot changed.
Being counterparts, the two royal sisters struggled to find balance among each other. They still had a lot of differences and they're still working step-by-step to cope with it. They had pretty heated arguments time to time. Thankfully, they never dared to fight again after that experience.
With pressure in both formal duties and their own personal problems, they never paid attention to relationships too much.
However, they wanted to change that.


After a long, tiring day, like any other day for her, Celestia was exhausted. That day, she had to attend meetings, do a bunch of formal stuff, and of course, keeping track of what she is responsible for- The sun, in the right place.
She was going to turn in for the night when something clicked in her head.
"Hearts and Hooves day...' Celestia said to herself, rubbing her chin with a hoof.
For whatever reason, she was actually thinking about doing something about it, for once. She never really paid attention to this traditional day of celebrating ponies' closest connections, since she never had a special somepony. It was, of course, no surprise; Because having one would bring nothing but distraction.
Tonight... She suddenly had somepony in mind, as she looked at stain glass paintings of the two princesses facing many foes in the past as a team in the hallway.
"Perhaps..." The princess wondered, smiling.


Before beginning her work at night as dream protector, Princess Luna likes to roam around the hallways of the castle. She switches out the bunches of lavender in the hallways (As you've seen in a recent episode, reader), it's a routine she does every night.
Only this specific night, something was on her mind.
"That's weird... Why do I feel something missing tonight?" She said, trying to recall what she had forgotten. "Was it a nightmare I forgot to drive away last night? Checking up on the guards while I was free today? Or am I forgetting about somepony for-"
After a while, she knew.
"Ohhhh!' She hummed. 'Hearts and hooves day! That's what I'm forgetting!
Luna, same with her sister, never paid attention to this time of the year, where pony couples are out and about being together with their soulmate. She may have been off duty for the day, but that's because she needed to get ready for the night shift.
Even though she was busy, she always had somepony in mind- Somepony very, very special to her. As she was considering deeply about the occasion, she felt the giant yet comfortable wings laid on her back.
"How are you doing, sister?" Celestia asked from behind. "Very well done with your routine lately."
Luna turned, and she blushed a little. "Oh, I'm doing great, like always. You must be tired after such a long day, right?" 
"Oh, very exhausted," She replied, sighing.
Both remained silent for a short while. Luna, who just thought of a pretty interesting idea just for the special day, was already blushing and was shy to talk about it in front of her big sister. Celestia, on the other hand, already had her heart set on whose heart she's going to win.
"Tia?" Luna asked sheepishly. "Can I ask something?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"You know today is Heart's and Hooves Day, correct?" She asked, and Celestia nodded in response. "Well... I know we both don't have somepony special to spend time with, not that we do have the time, actually. But... I'm just wondering... Maybe we could spend some quality time with our dear sister?"
Celestia blushed. It was exactly what she wanted to ask.
"I... I thought you have things to do in dreamland, sis?" She enquired, trying to hide her feelings.
"It's still around over an hour or so before I have to get into action," Luna said. "I just thought about this idea since it is a special time of year, after all."
Even though she knew she would be busy, hearing how she responded, Celestia gave a charming smile.
"I see. I guess I have some time to spend," She replied. "After all, it is quality time with my sister."
Luna chuckled and gave a playful nudge against Celestia's wing. "Aw, stop it. Anyway... You want to come over to my room in a bit, once you feel comfortable? I'll be waiting, but don't keep me in that condition for long."
Celestia thought for a bit and nodded gladly. "Alright. I'll see you in a minute, then?"
Luna started chuckling as Celestia lowered her head a bit to press it close to her sister's. "See you in a bit. I can't wait to begin."


Not long after that, Celestia walked into the familiar bedroom of none other than her sister. It was pretty much the same, as it had always been. She didn't notice anypony when she opened the doors, though. She suspected Luna must be in the middle of an intense gaming session before work, since she always caught her doing so, but she wasn't on the couch either. Taking another few looks around carefully, she still can't find her.
"Alright, you win, Luna," Celestia giggled. "Come out, now. I know you're hiding from me."
But even after a minute, there doesn't seem to be any response. She sat on the couch patiently, waiting for her sister. That is, until a sound ringed in her ear.
"Ha! Got you!" Luna jumped out from behind, making Celestia fall off with a laugh.
"Wh- Where did you come from!? I checked pretty much all the places you could've been hiding!"
The lunar princess couldn't help but giggle. "Oh, I had an invisible spell on."
"You little cheater, Luna..." Celestia giggled as Luna helped her to get up. She rubbed her little sister's cheeks playfully. "You never did that before when we were fillies."
"*laughs* I haven't learned the spell yet then," Luna explained, wagging her tail a bit from side to side. "Speaking of which... We used to have lots of fun while we're young, didn't we?"
"Oh, definitely," Celestia said, smiling. "I used to tease you a lot when we play hide-and-seek by trying to cheat, just because I know more about magic." Her cheeks turned a bit pink.
Luna rolled her eyes, with a smirk. "I'm still mad at you about that one time, by the way."
"Remind me of it?"
"You got way too overboard with switching locations, I didn't know where you were in the castle! I was so worried!"
The two had a short laugh. But they didn't want to waste any time- Since it was a special night and all. They both wanted to ask each other something special. Something... That has been on their mind for a long, long time. Both princesses blushed- They never thought they would bring up anything about it, let alone to somepony with the same sex.
"Big sister?" Luna asked, winking. "Can I ask you something, if you don't mind?"
Celestia let out a little hum of amusement. "I have something to tell too. Why don't you go first since you're the younger one."
The princess paused for a moment as her big sister was patiently gazing into her beautiful navy eyes. It only made her more nervous. But, she has been waiting to confess about it for far too many years to even count.
"I know we've always been at each other's throats and all, Tia," Luna began, blushing more and more as she carried on. "But I think that as princesses, we should always keep our tenderness towards those that are close to us. And, we're sisters. I know it's common for siblings to fight time to time. However... Don't you think they hurt our bond really deeply, as we're two ponies who have known each other for so long?"
"Very true, sis,' Celestia replied, giving a gentle grin.
She carried on. "It's just... I'm getting more annoyed about the two of us bickering about little things. Every week or two, we're bound to be pushing each other back and forth. I'm tired of that. Perhaps... We should start to reconnect with each other, Tia. You remember a while ago? We were mad at each other because we don't know each other well enough. It was definitely a surprise and a lesson I took note of. I think it's about time we start to learn what love is again."
Hearing her honest opinions, unlike a thousand years ago, Celestia nodded. She obviously did not want to spark off another big quarrel.
"Thank you," She said. "I really do appreciate your honesty. And it's only fair for me if I confess my honest opinions too." Celestia continued as she held Luna's head with a hoof.
"Huh? Is something wrong? You seem... A bit shy..." Luna said as she looked at her sister.
Celestia just shook her head. She looked out of the window, looking at the glamorous moon, shining with wonder in the night sky. "The moon is especially bright tonight, isn't it?"
"Thanks. I didn't expect it either." Luna replied as she too walked over. She leaned a bit, resting her face beside the princess. "Tell me, what's on your mind?"
"Well..." Celestia stuttered, covering her mouth partly with her hoof. "I know we never pay attention to having  a special somepony and all that because of how busy we are. But tonight... I don't know why, but I have a little change of heart. For someone special."
She stopped to look at her sister, standing a few feet away.
"*gasp* You're not talking about me, are you?"
"Let me tell you something, dear Luna. When I knew I was gonna have a little sister, even though I was still so young and still a bit of a baby at the time, I was so overjoyed. Before you, I felt a bit lonely. When you came, I found somepony that I could share my feelings with, someone to love and snuggle with at night, and of course, just a little pony for me to have some fun with, even if it was a fight. You mean so much to me."
They both had a wide smile as they both looked at each other.
"*giggling* You mean a lot to me too," Luna confessed.
There was a bit of silence- The two wanted to get their thoughts straight before confessing the real thing. That was just a build up for the confession. But now that they are face-to-face, hearing what they thought about each other, and actually seeing each other react to the things they've said... All they could do is just turn and try not to look at their sister in embarrassment.
Both of them took a deep breath, turned around, and told the other the same thing together.
"I love you, sister." They finally said.
They felt their face turn red- They didn't expect each other to say it at the same time. Both of them breathed in and out several times in nervousness.
"You... You mean it?" Luna asked, covering her mouth.
Celestia was still trying to calm down but wasn't one to simply ignore her sister. "Y-Yes... I really, really, absolutely love you, Luna. All this time we've been with each other, even though we have once been apart for a long time, you have always had a very significant place in my heart. You are not just my sister, you're my best friend."
"*sniff* Awww... Tia..." Luna was about to cry.
Yes, even the princess of the freaking sun has the right to cry too. "*sobs* Oh, Luna... I..."
Before she could finish, Princess Luna squealed with happiness, and tackled Princess Celestia, falling on her aqua-colored bed. The two rolled over to get a good position while they snuggled, and Luna gave her sister a big kiss.
"*laughing* You really are a cheeky princess,' Celestia commented.
Luna smiled as she closed her eyes, pressing her body against her friend's. "Oh, please. You should've known."
The two sighed in relaxation, as they wrapped their wings around each other's backs, keeping them cozy and warm. The Solar and Lunar princesses just cuddled playfully and blissfully with their counterpart, beaming with joy.
"Hey, Lulu..." Celestia whispered into Luna's ear.
"Yes, Tia?" Luna giggled the moment she heard her little nickname.
"You remember how we used to sleep together at night? When we were fillies?"
"Of course."


********


Once, when they were fillies, Luna was returning to their room to sleep. She felt alone that particular night- It was that moment where Celestia was a bit too playful and Luna couldn't find her while playing hide and seek. So, she didn't expect to sleep with her on the bed that night.
"*sniff* Where is my sister?" She cried. "Oh well..."
She went in, closed the door behind her, and was flying up weakly with her little wings to her bed. She had already learnt to fly at that age. She was eight, and her sister was eleven at the time.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of the door bursting open from magic. 
"Luna!" Celestia giggled, flying straight for her sister.
Luna turned, and on one hand- Shocked, but on another- Delighted.
"*gasp* Celestia! There you are!" She squeaked happily.
The joyful filly flew up to catch her incoming sister in her hooves, but Celestia flew so quickly the force just made them fall on their bed, hugging tightly. The two both exchanged giggles and cuddles as they 'reunited'.          
"*cries* Where did you run off to, Tia!?" Luna yelled, laughing a bit as she squeezed her sister. "You got me so worried!"
Celestia couldn't stop giggling as she rubbed her hoof on Luna's mane and head. "Haha, did I get too carried away with hiding everywhere?"
"Yes, you did!" Luna yelled. "I couldn't find you! *gasp* You cheated again, didn't you!?"
"*giggles* Gotcha, Lulu~" Celestia giggled hysterically.
Luna immediately became annoyed. "Hmph! Why do you always do this, Tia!?"
She playfully slapped her sister. "Ow! Luna, stop!"
The two fillies had a little slap fight with each other. A minute later, they started pushing and feeling a bit mad. But of course, it was a joke.They smiled at the same time, laughing.
"Aw, you poor thing..." Celestia teased, grinning. "I won't do it again. I promise, okay?"
The two's horns touched at the tip.
'Okay, I forgive you,' Luna finally said.
She proceeded to wrap her sister in a loving embrace, not letting go. She even pecked her on the forehead with a kiss.
"*gasp* Awww!! Luna!" Celestia smiled, blushing.
She laughed as their heads touched. "I love you, Tia. And I always will."


********


Recalling the memory, the two princesses had a little laugh.
"Oh, the things we do as fillies," Celestia chuckled.
"I know," Luna replied. "You know... I wish we can do that again, even though we're fully grown at this point."
Kindly, they both held each other's front hooves.
"We already are," Celestia sighed happily, with her wing around her sister. "It really did relieve the stress I had. I'm glad you don't have a problem cuddling with me."
"Of course not," Luna said. "You know... Being a Dream defender is tough. You gotta be pretty strong at magic, like me."
Celestia rolled her eyes, with a chuckle. "What? Of course, I have better magic, don't you remember that time where I... *Sigh* Not gonna bring it up."
The two let go of their embrace. Smiling coldly, both of them played along in this little feud.
"Come on, Tia," Luna teased, nudging her sister. "You weren't able to do what I do in dreams, even though you should know more magic."
"*chuckles* Hey, who's the big sister here?" Celestia said, doing the same. "They say older ones are usually wiser."
"That doesn't really mean anything, now does it?"
"Hmph, of course! Just face it, I'm better at magic than you."
"I don't think so, Tia. Of course I'm better."
"No, I am, Luna!
The two turned and pushed against each other heads, with a bit of anger. Their horns clashed. And you know that symbol- It means they want to fight. The princesses just stared into each other's eyes, feeling a little annoyed.
"Hey, I don't want to cause another fight between us here..." Celestia said.
"*chuckles* Oh, I am not going down without one." Luna replied. "Hey... I need to go to dreamland in a minute anyway... Why don't we settle this quarrel in our dreams, once I've checked everything is fine?"
The sisters both nodded, with a slightly cold and mischievous grin.
"It is on, then," Celestia giggled. "But for now... A bit more cuddles, if you don't mind?"
The princess smiled. "Okay, Tia."
As they flew into dreamland, the two were holding each other in their hooves, keeping each other warm with their wings wrapped around them. Luna started nuzzling closer to her sister, so she could get herself more comfortable as she prepares for her shift.


********


It was still a good couple of hours before Luna was done with all the nightmares in dreamland. After all, she had to do this for all the ponies in the land. Luckily, for some odd reason, there were significantly less ponies who had troubles in their dreams that night. She suspected it must be because they had a fun time during the day and it followed into their dreams, but she can't be sure.
Nonetheless, she finished up the last few nightmares and exited the dreams.
"Phew," Luna said. "Even with fewer nightmares to face, I still have trouble with it. Perhaps I should practice more on the spells for unique situations."
She trotted over to a specific dream door- One that she rarely enters: Princess Celestia.
"It's been a while since I had to go into her dreams," Luna thought. "I wonder what she's up to?"


In the dream, Celestia was just casually sleeping above the clouds under the starry night. But it was no surprise to her, for most of her dreams are like this. If she dreamed about anything else, she would surely know something is wrong, as those kinds of dreams will most likely become real. It's her special ability. The worse the dream is, the more likely it will happen.
She was stirring on the soft, huge and fluffy clouds, when she felt somepony right beside her, lying down and nudging her a bit.
"Hi, Tia~ It's me, Luna!"
Celestia opened her eyes and turned. Her sister was next to her, smiling.
"*chuckles* About time you showed up," She responded jokingly. "So, how was dream duty tonight?"
"Pretty easy, to be honest," Luna answered. "They weren't as many nightmares to deal with, for some reason."
Celestia nodded. "I see. Any interesting stories?"
Luna blushed a bit. "Well... *chuckles* Twilight sure had a strange dream when I checked on her."
"Why so?"
She whispered what she saw to her sister. They both started giggling.
"Anyway," Luna said, getting up. "I hope you're ready for our little duel, Tia?"
She insisted on helping Celestia get up. Grabbing Luna's hoof, her face started to turn pale pink.
"One problem," She said. "I can't use magic in the dream realm, did you forget that?"
"Of course I didn't, I had a plan," Luna laughed. "I know it brings back... Pretty harsh memories, I'll admit, but if you don't mind, I'm just doing it to spice this up a little, and it gives you magic at the same time."
Celestia thought for a minute. Then, she realized exactly what Luna was bringing up.
"Oh, that moment," She sighed, rolling her eyes with a grin. "Well, if you want to, I'll be fine with it. So... What exactly are you going to do, Luna?"
She giggled. "I think you'll really like this."
As the location changed to their old castle throne room, the two felt magic wrapping around them, magically changing how they looked. As their transformation began, both of them, especially Celestia, were a little bit scared. In one way, Luna has never tested the spell before, and in another way, Celestia didn't know what she was turning into.
After a few minutes, the process was done, and the two princesses looked at each other, filled with surprise and interest, yet a little bit horrifying.
"Did you just transform us into our evil selves, Luna!?" Celestia yelled in curiosity, as she looked at her fiery mane. "Wow, I didn't know you could do that!"
"*laughing* I know, amazing, right?" Luna replied.
Both of them took a second to admire just how dazzling they looked, even though it gave pretty bad memories.
"So, Nightmare Moon..." Celestia walked slowly towards her arch-nemesis.
Luna did the same too, swinging her sapphire mane back. "Mhmm, Daybreaker?"
The two stopped right in front of each other, their horns clashing. Both of them lightly held each other's head with a hoof as they made contact.
"I think it's long overdue that we find out who the true stronger sister is," Celestia teased.
Luna giggled in excitement, though it sounded like more of an evil one, due to the transformation spell changing their voice a bit too.
"Oh, you are so on. Counterparts never change, now do they?"
The two spread their majestic wings and flew up a bit, still keeping the gap small as they narrowed their eyes and bowed to each other.
"I am genuinely looking forward to seeing how you do," Celestia said. "Good luck."
"Same. Can't wait to see this battle of Solar against Lunar," Luna responded. "Good luck to you too, sister."
The two shook each other's hoof, with a little forceful grip.
A second later, Celestia got the first hit- Knocking her sister far with a force field spell. Luna did not back down easily, however. She backfired the flaming magic with her own. Trying to tempt her to rise up, Luna broke through the top with a spell and wooshed off. As soon as Celestia got up, Luna already had a big attack going for her. But it barely missed.
The two kept flying around, trying to shoot each other with their magic shots. Thrusting with force, the two rivaling princesses collided- With bright magic glowing red and blue around them.
"*grunts* You really are something, Luna," Celestia growled a bit. "I've only just begun, though."
"Really, now? I'm surprised you're struggling so fast," Luna teased as their foreheads pressed close. "Seems like our fight will not be disappointing, at least for me!"
Hearing the teasing, she did not want to bow down to her younger sibling this quickly. Celestia was really getting into the spirit of the battle now, the same way how she battled the real Nightmare Moon. Of course, Luna did not want to get cocky and make a mistake foolishly. Even though she was the younger one and more shunned by others, she was determined to show she was really a strong one and not one to be messed with.
The two sisters battle continuously, seeming to forget the act of mercy upon their counterpart. They were somewhat actually hurting each other with their magic. But still, they both knew- It was just a dream. They can do whatever they want in their dreams, right?
As they both clashed again against each other, they were starting to get tired out.
"I won't... *growls* I won't let my little sis just beat me like this!" Celestia cried.
"*grunt* Nor will I, big sister!" Luna yelled back.
They released a shockwave spell at the same time, knocking them far apart. Both of them were hurt- But didn't want to give up. They tried to build up whatever magic inside them and unleashed a giant beam of magic towards the other.
Celestia was having the upper hand as the two beams met, but the second before Luna was defeated, she suddenly recalled a memory- A similar scene and scar she was never able to patch.
Banishing her sister to the moon.
"No... Nonono... I can't... I can't do this..." She cried. "*cries* I promised her, I would never make this mistake again... I would never, ever do this again!"
It was that tiny timeframe window, that Luna found her sister's magic weakening. She smiled with glee and pushed her force all the way back, sending Celestia flying back to the ground.
She wanted to throw her hooves into the air- But she realized what she had just done.
"Wait... Uh oh..." Luna cried in a small voice. Turning back, she gasped in horror. "Tia!"
She flew back down to the castle in a hurry and stopped beside Celestia, who passed out a bit. Luna felt the tears going down her eyes as she looked at her sister, unconscious.
But a second later, they changed to happy tears.
"Wow... That was... You fought so brilliantly!" Celestia said, waking up.
"*gasp* Tia? You're okay!" Luna nuzzled her head under her big sister's happily. "Oh, I'm so sorry I did that... Did I-"
Her mouth was shut by Celestia's hoof. The two looked at each other- They were both a bit scarred and full of bruises on their light and dark skin. Their wings were exhausted, and their horns were so heated up, it felt like fire.
But even so, Celestia just brought her dear sister close to her heart with her wing.
"*laughing* You didn't do anything bad, Luna," She said proudly. She didn't have to hold up her head for her little sis to look at her since they were now the same height. "You have definitely changed since we last fought, haven't you? You have to tell me how you got so good soon, pretty please?"
Luna smiled- A nice one. "I didn't even think I was going to win, to be honest. I held back a little, because why would I want to fight my best friend?"
"*giggles* Me too, Lulu. I was going to defeat you, but... I guess that scene still rings in my head," Celestia confessed.
"Let's not talk about it, since it makes us both sad," Luna replied. "In all seriousness, though... We really did put up an intense and close fight, don't you think so?"
The princess nodded. "Very close. But, I guess in the end, you really did prove yourself. I'm delighted to crown you as the better royal sister now."
Luna blushed, and made a gesture with her hoof that she didn't agree. "You know what, Celestia? You did an amazing job too. We're both just as strong in magic. Also, I don't want us to actually fight over who is better anymore. So, why not make it equal. I call our little quarrel as a draw."
They both nodded in agreement. They knew only balance among them can bring the two different princesses close together.
"Really, though..." Luna sheepishly said. "I'm sorry for being so harsh on you."
"So do I," Celestia responded. "I still love you, of course."
"Me too, big sister."
At first, the two were a bit shy, since they were still Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon and all that. It just looked so awkward picturing the two villains being cheesy with each other. Still, after some blushing, they gladly wrapped each other in a warm embrace. As they slowly clutched their sister tighter, they wagged their tails toward the other, and levitated their manes to resemble a beautiful heart, one side being Celestia's bright orange and red one, the other being Luna's navy and blue one.
As their heads moved to plant a forehead kiss on each other, they skillfully tied the ends of their manes together, successfully forming the heart as they held each other's hooves. They both smiled.
"*giggles* I know this sounds a bit awkward," Celestia confessed, creating a bouquet of beautiful flowers with magic, and allowing Luna to hold one side as she held the other. "But..."
She sighed blissfully.
"Princess Luna, my dear sister... Will you accept my deep affection for you?
Luna gasped. Even though she knew the two of them together would be super weird, especially because they were sisters, she beamed so much she almost cried.
"*sniff* Princess Celestia..." She said in response. "Of course I will, sister."
Dropping the flowers, they both closed their eyes. As the gap between them shrunk, they smiled a bit. Slowly, Luna planted her lips on her sister's, as Celestia mirrored her action. Pressing close, they both enveloped the other with their wings.
It was their first kiss with somepony they loved.
As they were still absorbed in the pleasure of that brief moment, the magic that made them look like their evil selves faded, leaving the true form of the two sisters, still content in happiness.
But a second later, they broke the kiss in surprise as they opened their eyes.
"D-Did we... Did we just..." Celestia stuttered, feeling bashful.
Luna's mouth was wide open in surprise. "Uhh... Tia? Did that... Did that just happen?"
Both of their faces turned pink. They just kissed their sister! On the lips! They started groaning a bit in grotesque as they kept recalling the moment their lips touched.
"Ugh, my goodness!" Celestia squeaked, wiping her mouth. "You put on way too much blue lipstick, sis. I don't get why ponies do that when they kiss."
"I could say the same," Luna giggled. "Red is so not my type, not to offend you."
They untied the knot on their manes, so they don't get tangled.
'Sorry, sister," Celestia apologized. "We got... A little carried away, I suppose?"
Luna just shook her head, laughing. "It's fine. After all, we love each other the most out of anypony we have met in Equestria."
"Aw, stop with the lovey-douby talk," Celestia giggled, nudging her friend.
"You know what..." Luna tilted her head. "That was really adorable. Can we... Can we do it again? Just on the cheek this time."
The princess giggled, and they both kissed each other again. But Celestia wasn't done yet- She smooched her little sister quite a few times, from her cheeks to her ear. Yes, even on the lips again. She didn't hold back now that Luna said it was alright.
"Oh no you don't," Luna giggled as Celestia tried to let go.
She squeezed her big sister tighter, falling on the floor. Playfully, the two princesses took turns to roll over the other, cuddling and kissing as they went along.
"*giggles* Oh, Luna," Celestia laughed as she gave the last smooch before they sat up and stopped the cheesy moment.
Celestia and Luna looked at each other, bashfully blushing pink as they looked at their faces, which have been covered by the marks of the kisses from their dearest companion.
"*laughs* Aww, Tia," Luna squeaked, proceeding to snuggle her sister. "I'm glad I have a sister like you to love."
Celestia just grinned and brushed her soft, blue mane. "I'm glad too. Only I get to pick on you, my sweet Lulu."
They let go after a minute. Then, they both realized the time.
"Oh, it's going to be Day soon," Luna reminded. "I'll be on my way now."
Celestia hummed a bit. "Alright. Love you, little sis."
"Love you too, big sister."
They both blew a kiss to each other as Luna exited the dream through the dream door.


********


Luna stirred in her bed as she woke up, feeling a bit tired from her night shift but felt very cheerful.
"Ahhh," She hummed, smiling as her eyes opened slightly. "A new day!"
She hoped that she would be able to wake up with her sister and give her a proper morning greeting to start the day. Unfortunately, Celestia seemed to have woken up way earlier than she did, as the blankets seemed messy on her side. Sighing, Luna stretched for a bit, refreshed and awake for another busy, yet wonderful day.
After doing her usual morning routine, she wanted to find Celestia for the morning meal, as she does often. Only this time, she's not gonna be walking into the dining hall with an annoyed frown on her face, but rather a pleasant smile.
As she passed by outside, she could hear her sister talking to somepony familiar.
"You two really are best buds, aren't you?" Celestia giggled.
"*giggles* I didn't expect how fast our friendship has grown either, to be honest," The charming princess replied. It was Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's personal student.
Luna came in, with a surprised face.
"You and who are best buds now?" She asked curiously, looking at Twilight.
At the sight of her sister, Celestia beamed. "Morning, Luna!"
"Good morning, Tia," Luna came over and joined the two. "Had a good sleep last night?"
"Why, of course!" She replied. "Fancy for some pancakes I made?"
Luna just smiled as the plate levitated in front of where she sat at the table, just next to her sister and opposite Twilight. Freshly made with delicious berries as decoration.
"Thank you so much, sister," She said.
As the two shared giggles while she devoured her tasty breakfast, Twilight was curious, pleased yet confused all at the same time, as she looked at the princesses. She had never seen them act this friendly.
"Sorry for the interruption..." Twilight cleared her throat after swallowing a bite of her pancakes. "Something happened between you both?"
"Why do you ask, Twilight?" Celestia asked politely.
"Well... I've never seen you both being this nice and friendly towards each other before. Probably a few times, but today... You both seem to be feeling especially good about each other." She explained. "Oh, and sorry if this is too personal to talk about."
The two royal sisters looked at each other, grinning.
"It's a long story," Luna chuckled.
Celestia chuckled too. "Long story short..." She looked around to make sure nopony else was around, and whispered to her pupil, "We did some really adorable things for Heart's and Hooves Day last night."
Twilight gasped, her eyes sparkling. For the first time, not only did she hear that the princesses did something with the special day, but also the fact that they celebrated it with each other!
"Really!" She squealed with cheer, at least until Luna covered her mouth, laughing.
"Shhhh," Luna said softly. "You tell anypony that, and you're fired. Got it?"
Twilight just sheepishly smiled, pretending to be innocent. "Okay... But you gotta tell me the whole story soon!"
"Alright, alright," Celestia blushed as she calmed down the naive princess. "But on another day."
"By the way... Did you say something to Tia about your new best friend or something?" Luna asked, taking in the last few bites.
Twilight immediately blushed, and covered her face.
"Aw, looks like somepony has a crush on her friend," Celestia playfully teased. "Come on, tell Luna more."
Twilight took a deep breath, driving her nervousness away. "I'll just say this: Thanks for not throwing her into deep punishment. It meant a lot."
Luna thought for a second, and it clicked as she wiped her mouth. "Ahhh, Tempest Shadow!"
The three all had a good laugh.
"Let's leave the storytelling on another day, shall we?" Celestia suggested. "Then we'll both talk about what we did for the special day of love."
Twilight nodded. "Sure! I'll tell you when I'm free soon, princess."


After Twilight left, Luna was going to turn in so her sister could continue on the day shift.
"Hey... Luna?" Celestia called from behind.
"Hm?" Luna hummed, turning around.
The two walked up to each other, smiling.
"Thank you," Celestia said gratefully. "For being my sister and my best friend."
Luna just grinned. "Same to you, Tia. Have a nice day being on duty today, alright?"
She planted a gentle kiss on Celestia's cheek. The princess smiled and returned a delightful hug.
"Of course," Celestia responded. Then realizing something. "Wait a minute..."
"Huh? What's the matter?" Luna asked, worried.
"I just realized... I was dreaming about that. It wasn't a normal dream... Doesn't that mean it'll actually happen?"
Both of them went speechless. Not only did they had a big fight with each other in that dream, but they also did so many cheesy things. Just thinking about it, makes them want to die of giggling.
"I don't think it'll be real," Luna assured her sister. "It's a dream that was artificially changed by me, but you've never had an artificially made dream become real before.
"That's the point. It has never occurred before."
Luna sheepishly tittered. "Well, it would definitely be adorable, wouldn't it? Just don't let anypony see it."
"*laughs* I guess so. Well, I'll see you around soon, sis?" Celestia asked.
"Okay. If you need me for anything, don't hesitate to ask me," Luna said.
After a little hug and another blissful kiss goodbye, the two went opposite ways to where they need to be. As they walked further apart, they would constantly look back at each other, smiling and sighing joyfully.
They realized- Their minds were filled with affection towards each other.
"*sigh* Tia is so adorable," Luna thought. "Finally, I won't be alone, because she's always there for me."
Celestia couldn't help thinking about her sister. "Oh, I wish we can be so much more... *sigh* I love her so much..."


Since that day, the two princesses were drawn closer than ever before.
Celestia and Luna gradually helped each other more frequently in terms of princess duties and started becoming more cooperative. Whenever they had time, they would chat with their sister about things on their mind, a few plans on work and maybe just some casual things. Yes, they still had a few little quarrels and still fight a bit, but they are working on embracing their differences and lowering the amount of arguments between them.
Every day at night, both of them occasionally get a bit sidetracked on their work. Of course, most of the time they are serious, but probably once or twice a day, their loving sister hung on their thoughts.
It became somewhat a tradition soon, that the two would celebrate Heart's and Hooves day together.


A few years after that, another day for pony love came. This time, it was Celestia hosting their little hangout. So, that evening, Luna sneaked over to her sister's room.
Lightly knocking on the door, she was anticipated. A touch of magic opened the doors, and the pony her eyes met was none other than her best friend.
"Tia!" Luna said happily.
Celestia smiled as she rubbed her sister's cheeks playfully and kissed her. "So glad you came, Luna. Come on inside."
Her room was much the same as Luna's, only pretty much everything decorated with a different color to match the sun, which was what she represented.
"I brought these for you too," Luna said, blushing as she gave Celestia a bunch of roses. "From the Canterlot Gardens."
"Wonderful," Celestia said happily as she put them in a nearby vase, on a table close to her bed. "Thank you, sister. Now, chatting time, yes?"
Luna nodded gladly. Much like before, the two shared a few giggles and laughs as they talked about some cute stories of their childhood and a few gossips on what some of their relatively close subjects are up to on this day. Yes, they're talking about Twilight and her friends. It has been a while since their first time celebrating, and some of the ponies in the group now have a special somepony.
"Actually..." Celestia asked, winking with a smile.
"Mhmm? What's up?" Luna mirrored the action.
"I'm going to lower the sun in a bit," Celestia briefly explained, her face slowly turning red. "Can we... Can we watch the sunset together, sis? And I get to see you raise the moon, too. I... I never really paid attention to you raising the moon since I was busy."
Luna smiled. "I'll love to, Tia."


Resting at the highest balcony of the royal castle (The one the episode ended on), the two princesses watched side by side as Celestia carefully lowered the sun. She did it at a slower pace than usual, so Luna can witness the romantic moment and they can cherish it well.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Celestia said, keeping a bit of her focus on the sun.
Luna blushed. "It sure is. It's not as pretty as you, though."
Celestia giggled, nudging her sister. "Aww... You're so sweet."
The two both went silent for a moment, embarrassed. Why so? They both had a little question.
"Hold on a bit," Luna said. "I have an idea."
"Oh?"
Luna's navy horn glowed, and slowly, as the glow of the sunset was fading, the glow of the moon came from beyond the horizon, creating a glorious view called a twilight, which happens after a sunset.
"Now that's what I call amazing," She said proudly.
Celestia snickered, rolling her eyes as her sister boasted. "Yeah. The stars are really pretty tonight."
The moon was raised slowly, and the glitter of stars brightened the night sky.
"So... Celestia?"
"Yes, Luna?"
The two looked away for a second, collecting their thoughts.
"I... I have a little something to tell you," Luna said.
Celestia recalled her memory of them together a few years back. Things have definitely changed since then.
"So do I," She responded. "A very familiar scene, if I recall correctly. Go for it."
Luna closed her eyes, and sighed happily. She took her sister's hoof.
"Celestia..." She began, smiling. "I know we have always loved each other dearly and I know we both had a lot of fun memories together. All these years... It was so surprising to think we only found our true love a few years back. I know we're sisters and I get that the two of us together would be... A little bit awkward, but I don't mind at all, because all that matters is how much I love you."
The Solar princess grinned. "Awww, that's so sweet of you. You know, I have always- And I do mean always had really big feelings for you, Luna. *sigh* At least, until that happened. It divided us a lot, don't you think so? But I'm just glad we know just how to love each other again."
Luna nodded. "I know. It was heartbreaking to be banished by you... I didn't want to cause any trouble."
"It's okay."
"*sigh* You know what..." She continued. "Since we're so close again... Maybe... It's time we put our rivalry behind us? Just maybe?"
Celestia thought for a bit, and nodded with glee. "We should've came to that conclusion a long time ago, to be honest. Love and friendship really united us together, didn't it?"
"Definitely," Luna said as she snuggled under her big sister's head. "And that is exactly the one thing I wanted you to promise me before I ask it."
"Wait..." Celestia was intrigued by her words. "You don't mean..."
Luna giggled, pulling out a small, black box. She was ready to bring it up, after so long.
"I know, we've been through a lot of rough times together as sisters." She said. "But recently... I finally found who my perfect soulmate is. The years I've been alone, without you, on the moon... It felt so, so painful... After we secretly became lovers a few years back, I found myself unable to avoid thinking about you, dreaming about you... And of course, loving you, Tia. So, tonight... I ask you this, with all my heart."
Celestia started crying a little in utter joy. "No... Are you... *sniff* Really?"
With magic, Luna opened the box- Inside, revealed an amazing and beautiful diamond ring. As a tear rolled down her eye from how nervous she was and how excited she was for the answer, she finally brought up the question.
"Princess Celestia... My dearest sister..." She said, with the biggest smile on her face as she looked at her sister with sparkling eyes. "Will you marry me?"
Celestia gasped, and was speechless, with her mouth dropped open. Beaming with happiness, there was only one thing she wanted to confess, after being together with her royal sister for so long.
"Oh, my sweetheart... My dear Luna..." She cried, nodding with tears. "Yes! Yes yes yes! I will!"
Luna helped to put the ring on her sister's horn, as she continued to cry.
"*sobs* Actually..." Celestia confessed, wiping her eyes. "I wanted to ask you the same thing."
She too, revealed the ring she prepared. And the Lunar princess could not have been any happier.
"Do you promise me, that no matter what trials hit us, we'll still love our dear sister, Luna?" Celestia asked with the same expression on her face.
She nodded. "Oh... I'll absolutely love to be with you, big sister..."
After both rings were placed, the two princesses gave each other the best hug they could give, their engagement being a success. Crying, they clutched their lover tighter.
"*sniff* I don't want to let you go..." Luna whispered to Celestia's ear. "I love you..."
Celestia smiled. "I love you too. Tonight, without a doubt, is a delightful night we'll never forget."
They both moved their heads a bit, still in the embrace. They looked at each other, with nothing more they could ask for besides that.
"Kiss me, sis," Luna whispered again.
Nuzzling her nose, she nodded. "Oh, of course. But, you'll have to kiss me first."
She didn't go halfway- Luna gladly kissed Celestia several times around her cheeks, and a little peck on her hoof as well.
"Now?"
"*giggles* Alright, you got me."
Under the silver, magnificent rays of the moonlight- The royal sisters just gave each other a charming smile. They unfolded their wings, wrapped them around each other, and had a blissful kiss as their lips touched.
"Mmm, yes..." Celestia hummed, pulling them both down as they broke and reconnected the loving smooch.
"Oh, stop it," Luna giggled. "You're making me blush so bad."
They got up, and both had an idea.
"Wanna make it more cheesy and special?" Celestia said, flapping her wings.
"*laughs* Why not, since I still have a couple minutes."
They flew high up into the sky together, holding each other's hooves. They both shared giggles as they spun around, holding onto each other.
"One more thing, before I really agree to marry you," Luna continued.
"Ask away."
"I make this promise to you: I will never spark off another fight between us. Do you promise me?"
"*giggles* I do."
Pressing close and wrapped in each other's hooves, they both swore that they will forever love their sister, and they will never, ever fight again, and ruin their happily ever after.
"Tia... My love," Luna whispered. "Come here, big sis."
"Aww... My dear Lulu..." Celestia whispered back.
They both kissed each other, without the slightest bit of regret, like they once did. The two stayed in mid-air, smiling with their lover. They had only one thought on their mind- But they both knew they were thinking about the same thing.
"You'll always and forever be my sweetest pony in all of Equestria, my sister."