> A Glow Just Below the Horizon
>  by Dark0592
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Soft Glow, A Warm Bed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia groaned. She had a headache. This wasn’t all that unusual, but the fact that she had a headache after a night of drink was. Even more unusual was the fact that she didn’t quite remember the whole night. She opened her bleary eyes, and for the first time in centuries she cursed her own sun- if only for a moment.

“Oh sorry dear, you know I didn’t mean it.” She whispered to the blazing orb in the sky. She frowned at it, then. If it was that high in the sky then that means she’d missed her morning court. She racked her brain a moment, trying to remember the previous day at least, and smiled. Twilight had just had her 25th birthday, Celestia had signed a series of highly lucrative trade deals with the Dragons and Griffins, and Luna had offered to handle court for the week to offer her sister a vacation.

And so she took Twilight out clubbing. As she remembered that, exactly, she realized that she was partially entangled with another pony. This late it certainly wasn’t Luna, and the only other pony she’d ever share a bed with would be the student in question. The warmth was so familiar she barely even noticed it before, but now there was something… different.

Celestia couldn’t help but grin widely, despite her throbbing head and slightly churning stomach. Twilight looked like a wreck, but she was in innocent bliss at that moment wrapped in her mentor’s legs. Celestia realized what was different, this was the first time they’d shared a bed in years- since long before the lavender alicorn become just that. Even in the near rat’s nest, her mane was stunning. Her coat, somewhat sweaty with a near miasma of alcohol mixed well with her scent- or maybe that was just her. Her wings were nearly as impeccable as Celestia’s own, she was taught how to preen and take care of them by the best Wonderbolt since Spitfire afterall.

She leaned down to kiss the mare on the head like she always used to, but she froze halfway down. She wasn’t heading for the mare’s head. Her eyes almost crossed as she screwed her face up and she felt her wings shifting in surprise. That was… unintentional. Also an image she’s going to have to take a VERY cold shower to get out of her head. Her body must not have broken down the alcohol all the way yet. She refocused on the mare sleeping in her bed and let her soft smile return, even ran a gentle hoof through the nest of hair. She even used a bit of magic to untangle it a bit, those knots would be murder to brush out.

She frowned as the image returned to her mind, she really didn’t understand why she couldn’t remember much. She’d used cyanide mixed into toothpaste before and it barely gave her an upset stomach, alcohol has never been able to muddle her head so much. She shivered slightly as she realized what heavy intoxication used to do to her and quickly examined the room. It was in disarray, two drunk mares stumbling in would do that. There was a slight musk of sweat and the smell of alcohol in their breath- that would take some time in the bathroom to remedy. The musk wasn’t any stronger than that, though, and she was relieved that the conclusion she came to was certainly not the one she feared.

Her wings fidgeted at that thought, though, and she glared at the traitorous appendages. They only twitched like that when she was disappointed. Any further machinations were interrupted by the lavender mare in question groaning and nuzzling deeper into Celestia’s chest. She couldn’t help but smile again and nuzzle the younger alicorn back.

“Five… five more.. Hours…” She grumbled, earning a laugh from Celestia. Twilight looked up blearily and gave a gentle smile. Celestia kinda froze, that wasn’t a smile Twilight has ever given her before. It wasn’t raunchy or anything, she got those whenever the mare had drank far too much. It wasn’t some special smile, or a forced smile, or a happy familial smile they often shared… It was sweet, it was tender. It was loving. Celestia felt her heart practically melting at it, but it skipped a beat when the mare extended her head up to close the distance. It was almost like… what actually happened last night? Half of her body wanted her to shy away and ask just that. The other half wanted to intercept the mare, assuming she was coming in for a good morning kiss. She didn’t know where either of these thoughts came from, and Twilight took it out of her hooves a moment later.

She didn’t really know what to feel as the mare gently nuzzled her neck, but after a moment she chuckled softly and returned the embrace.

“You’re so… comfy…” Twilight mumbled, earning a much heartier laugh from Celestia.

“You know, I really could just lie here all day. Buuuut, we both need to freshen up. I also feel like I’ve been kicked by a mountain and accidentally used sulfuric acid as mouthwash again.” Celestia replied, squeezing the smaller mare a second before begrudgingly untangling them. Twilight didn’t seem too happy about the action, but assented regardless as they both got to their hooves. Celestia actually wavered a bit on hers, though Twilight seemed surprisingly steady.

“Are you ok Princess?” Twilight asked, her tone still bleary. She really was having trouble waking up.

“Not particularly, but nothing breakfast and a shower won’t fix.” Celestia replied with a smile. Twilight frowned.

“Maybe next time you’ll accept my hangover cure.” The lavender mare said with a snort. Celestia was a little confused at that.

“Hangover cure?” She voiced. Twilight looked back, confused as well, before surprise and a little concern marred her tired expression.

“Wait, you really don’t remember the night?” Twilight asked. Her tone was strange. There was worry abundant, as well as a bit of confusion. There was a hint of… disappointment, though. And not the kind of disappointment that comes with forgetting a good night. Well, not unless it was VERY good.

“Bits and pieces. I remember we took on disguises and started a pub crawl, then went to some clubs. Beyond that I’m afraid I can’t remember a thing.” Celestia recounted. She almost missed Twilight’s very quick break in attitude. The concern went to something entirely different. She barely caught the mare pawing the floor with a hoof, almost as if in embarrassment, but she just opened the door to the bathroom with her magic and smiled back at Celestia.

“Well then, since you refused my help last night I’ll just have to take care of you today. Whether you like it or not.” Twilight said with determination. Celestia chuckled and bumped her flank against the other’s as she passed.

“Well then, my caretaker, we are in desperate need of a shower.” The elder Princess said and turned to look at Twilight, who seemed to have blushed at the contact. They locked eyes for a moment and Celestia couldn’t help but wink, which caused an even stronger blush.

Ok, something definitely happened last night that she doesn’t remember and she will have to get to the bottom of it. Twilight wasn’t uncomfortable about it so it wasn’t terrible, on the contrary actually. Twilight seemed to have much less inhibitions concerning their closeness at the moment. Celestia had started the shower, opened up her wings to catch the water, and waited. She heard Twilight’s snort, but nearly fell to her haunches as she sighed from Twilight’s magic rubbing shampoo into her coat and mane. She was carefully but expertly massaging the princess with her magic as well, something she only had done on the rare occasions a diplomatic meeting took place in a spa. Last time that had happened was when the trade agreement was signed in Saddle Arabia over a decade ago.

“Wow, Princess, you really needed this vacation. You’re so knotted up I’m surprised you can even move without pulling anything.” Twilight said, almost in wonder. Celestia couldn’t even respond, she felt like nothing in the world could possibly feel this good. She was broken out of it as a tiny little pain in her wing startled her. She looked down to catch a bent white feather in the face, blown playfully by her acting caretaker.

“And your wings, I guess you must have rolled around in your sleep so much. They look like Dash’s after she negates a tornado!” She exclaimed before continuing, gently and expertly adjusting, bending, and every now and then plucking damaged or bent feathers. All this while continuing to massage shampoo into her coat and mane. Celestia was in bliss, she could only hum softly in response as her still tired eyes slid down into slits.

She then became loosely aware that she was leaning against Twilight, nuzzled into the smaller alicorn’s neck. They were both giggling, but Celestia noted a sultry hint in it. Both of their giggles. She opened her eyes and noticed Twilight’s blush. Why did she feel the strong urge to nibble the mare’s ear? That wasn’t like her. Maybe she really did need this vacation.

But Twilight… She had started her own cleaning while doting over the Princess, and hot damn there was something about her coat covered in the small layer of lather that made Celestia’s knees just a little weak. Unfortunately, they were already weak from the previous treatment and she did practically slip, though she landed on her haunches.

“Celestia, are you alright?” Twilight asked quickly, helping to steady her mentor. Celestia just giggled.

“Not every day I’m floored by a pretty mare in the shower.” She said with a mischievous wink. Twilight blushed but rolled her eyes. Celestia couldn’t tell if the poorly masked sincerity in the reply was heard, but at that moment she didn’t care. She continued down to the floor, lying down on the wet tile, and sighed heavily.

“Do I need to fetch your physician, Celestia? You really aren’t yourself today... I’m sorry. I should have insisted more on the hangover cure!” Twilight said, worry dominating her tone. Celestia stopped the torrent of apology by quickly extending a wing and pulling Twilight close.

“You’re right, I’m not myself today. Today I have a hangover and I can’t remember the night, which is concerning, but then I get you to take care of me. Which is elating. But… My dear, where in the hells of Tartarus did you learn how to do all of that? I feel like… well… I was so relaxed I couldn’t even stand.” Celestia explained. Twilight smiled sheepishly and tapped her hoof on the tile a few times before looking up.

“Well uh… I’ve read a lot of books about it. A lot of them aren’t really for this purpose but I u-uh… adapted it… I’m glad I can help you relax though!” The younger mare replied, her embarrassment causing her to stutter. Celestia was interested about the material she got this from, but now she was REALLY interested. She smiled and, the trickster in her coming out again, gave Twilight a big kiss on the cheek.

“Well, I think we’re going to have to learn just how far your new skills extend tonight then. I haven’t been treated like that in over a decade and I can’t believe how much I missed it.” Celestia said, though by Twilight’s little shiver and full blown blush she started to get an idea on what kind of books she read.

And then she flushed up herself.

Why did being hungover tear down so many inhibitions like this? She resigned to think on it later as she stood, helping Twilight to her hooves as well.

“For now, though, we should dry off and head to the kitchens. I haven’t been hungover in over a millenia and I need to make a particular breakfast to help abate it.” She said, looking at herself in the large wall mirror. She smiled and looked at her pink mane. She was on vacation, she never gets to wear it like this- the masses expect her usual multicolored aesthetics. She hadn’t been on a real vacation since Luna was banished, maybe she’d start a new tradition.

“Wait, you’re going to cook for yourself?” Twilight asked, levitating a towel to Celestia as she was drying herself off. Celestia nodded and accepted the towel.

“I never thought I’d have to deal with it again, and so I never taught the recipe to anyone else. It’s rather simple, not much fo a recipe at all, but making it yourself has a certain… power to it.” Celestia answered as they dried off and stepped back into the room proper. She didn’t even look twice at her regalia as she set to brushing her mane. She was a little surprised when the brush was taken from her magic by Twilight’s.

She wasn’t surprised by the fact that she took it as Celestia looked over to see the smiling Twilight holding it. She was surprised at how fluidly the object transferred into Twilight’s care. As the brush started through her mane with Twilight’s magic, she felt a pang of worry. It wasn’t uncommon for unicorns, or in this case Alicorns, that are close to be able to do things like transfer an object in telekinesis fluidly. She barely noticed it, however. Even she and her sister didn’t have that level of harmony together, and Twilight was no different before today.

She noticed Twilight’s frown before her own. Her face had fallen to a frown of concern, Twilight’s shortly after.

“Don’t tell me I’m hurting you, am I?” Twilight asked. Celestia immediately shook her head.

“Heavens no! I was just thinking… I really want to remember last night. I’ve never felt like we’ve been so close, and I must admit I’m quite enjoying it. I want to be able to replicate it.” Celestia explained quickly, ending with a sweet smile. Twilight smiled back, but there was a tinge of melancholy in there.

“Well, I’d tell you, but I think it’d be more fun if you tried to figure it out on your own.” The younger alicorn said with a hint of mischievousness in her tone. Celestia snorted.

“Using my own method of education against me I see? It would appear the student has become the teacher.” Celestia said, earning a little giggle from Twilight.

“Well, if that’s the case then maybe I should give you detention. You wouldn’t have this problem if you would have just taken the cure.” Twilight retorted. Celestia replied by sticking her tongue out, earning a snort from the other mare.

“Speaking of that, what exactly is it? I imagine I thought it wholly unnecessary at the time. I won’t make that mistake again.” Celestia promised halfheartedly.

“It’s an alicorn strength, at least advertised as alicorn strength, seltzer tablet infused with a clear of mind spell. It won’t stop you from puking your guts out if you go too far, but it’ll take care of the hangover afterwards. Tested by Rainbow Dash… extensively.” Twilight replied. Celestia nodded.

“A very potent combination, I should think. So, for this ‘lesson’ of yours. Is there a deadline, or will I never know until I jog my memory?” Celestia asked, getting back on subject. Twilight hummed, and Celestia only caught the slight blush through the mirror.

“I suppose there is a deadline. I have some things I need to figure out exactly, so you have until then.” Twilight said with a little smirk. Celestia snorted.

“Rather unlike you. I was expecting a time down to the millisecond.” Celestia said. Twilight snorted back and rolled her eyes.

“You’ll understand by then either way.” She said softly. Celestia looked at her then, there was more melancholy in her tone. This time it was prominent.

“Twilight, did I do something you didn’t like? Or that we’d regret if I remembered?” She asked just as softly. Twilight gave her a little smile and shook her head.

“That’s what I want to figure out. I don’t think so, though.” She replied. Celestia sighed in relief. She was a little startled when the brush moved from her mane and a smaller, finer brush came out and started brushing her coat. Her coat never really needed brushing, but she supposed after last night it would be for the best. She looked down and resisted the urge to eep slightly, the fur on her chest and around her hooves was longer than usual and it caught somewhat on the brush. She smiled and looked out of the window to see snow falling lazily. That’s right, her winter coat. Or winter ‘floof’ as many had started calling it recently. She looked back up to the mirror and couldn’t help but stare a bit.

It really has been a while since she’s taken this form. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d looked groomed like this. Her mane and tail weren’t a perpetual solar wind of chromatic energy, they were a soft sparkling pink with the texture of the finest silk. And it was brushed to perfection, and her coat seemed to shine where Twilight’s brush had been.

“Twilight, dear, you aren’t using prestidigitation on that brush are you?” She couldn’t help but ask.

“What? No, I didn’t feel the need. I’m just being super thorough. I’m taking care of you so I have to have you looking your best!” The younger mare replied happily. Celestia grinned and resumed looking at herself. Before long, though, she looked back at Twilight. The mare was focused on her work, clearly deep in thought as she did so. With a thought, Celestia raised the brush that had been going through her mane previously and began brushing Twilight’s. It took a few strokes for the mare to notice, but Celestia just giggled and gave the other alicorn a steel gaze. There was going to be nothing stopping her from returning the favor.

Ten minutes saw the both of them groomed and slightly pampered by the other. As they stood in front of the mirror, Celestia couldn’t stop herself from leaning her head into Twilight’s and giggling.

“Princess! You’ll rough up all your hard work!” Twilight scolded, but the giggle betrayed what she really thought about it.

“Oh, but my dear, we can’t look completely perfect for everyone else. That look of perfection is reserved only for us!” Celestia said. They both sighed in content at that, and the contact. Celestia had to stop herself from nibbling Twilight’s ear again, she really needed to get out of that mindset. Unfortunately, the moment was ruined by the deep rumble of both of their stomachs.

“Ok, but you’re letting me help you cook. I refuse to let you cook completely for yourself on your vacation.” Twilight said as they pulled apart and started walking. Celestia just giggled but nodded. She felt good today, really good. She didn’t even care that she was hungover, it was squashed by this feeling.

Needless to say the kitchen staff was surprised by seeing the two. For starters, they looked absolutely stunning in their natural beauty. No makeup, no solar aesthetics, no regal poise. It would have been deeply concerning to see their Princesses in such a state, but as they commandeered a portion of the kitchen and started to cook the good mood was infectious. The staff weaved around the two as they worked, and even played around a bit with batter here or there. It even got to the point where Celestia was stirring a few pots in her magic as she waited for her own to heat up. Someone was getting a meal aided in preparation by the Princesses, and they’d never know.

“What, I must inquire, is that deific smell coming from your station my Princess?” The head chef, Chef Iron, asked as Celestia and Twilight finished.

“Well these are just my home cooked pancakes. They’re mixed with syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, and a little garlic cloves in the batter. Made extra thick so that it fluffs up nicely, and big enough for an Alicorn!” Celestia started, showing the two pancakes as large as the entire pan on one plate.

“And the other is hot chocolate mixed with powdered sugar crystals infused with clear of mind and a heating spell to combat the cold and any headache.” She continued, pointing towards a very large pot. “We made enough for the whole staff, enjoy!” She said as she and Twilight levitated their massive pancakes and large mugs of the drink.

The staff all froze. Not only had the princesses cooked their own breakfast, they made some for them too? This was… well. This was a day they’d never forget, and a taste they’d never forget. There was even nutmeg in the cocoa, and the enchanted sugar battled the bitterness of pure cocoa- the kitchen refused to stock anything but- perfectly. The magic cleared the last dregs of weariness from their eyes in the still early morning and Chef Iron couldn’t help but peek out into the dining hall at the two. He smiled and laughed as he pulled back inside.

Twilight and Celestia had already started their pancakes, he didn’t hear what they were talking about. They had chosen a booth curved in front of one of the large windows showing the snowy streets of Canterlot in the morning sun. They were laughing as they both looked down at their muzzles, foam moustaches clinging from the hot beverage. Today was truly a day the staff would never forget. A day they saw their princesses in pure happiness.
> A Raging Inferno, Hiding Beneath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hm, I wonder why I haven’t been brought the morning paper yet… Even if I’m on vacation I’d still like to know what’s going on…” Celestia hummed after they finished their food and sat sipping their cocoa. Twilight shrugged and Celestia flagged down a passing servant.

“Excuse me, oh hello Scribble! Could you fetch me the morning paper please?” She asked, remembering the mare’s name. Scribble smiled and nodded, but took longer than expected to return.

“My apologies, your majesty, but your sister has ordered the front page be removed along with the corresponding article.” The servant Scribble said, returning with a slightly desecrated newspaper. Celestia raised an eyebrow.

“Censorship? Wasn’t it made illegal to censor news?”  Twilight asked, a little concerned.

“Princess Luna knew that would come up, and her reply was ‘I’ll censor what I damn well please if it comes to the dignity of our princesses’ and left it at that.” Scribble replied. Celestia’s other eyebrow joined the other.

“Lovely, I assume we must have dropped our disguises sometime last night as we stumbled around Canterlot.” Celestia said, mumbling incoherently as she opened up the paper. Twilight was staring at the table, though. The convenient hole in the paper letting Celestia see her student as the servant returned to her duties.

“Breaking news, two drunk princesses scandalously crawl on the cobblestone drunk off their flanks!” Celestia said in her best newscaster voice, poking her head through the hole. This earned a snort and a little giggle, which grew to laughter as Celestia started babbling in a feigned drunken stupor about nothing. She dug her hooves into the Princess’ side, causing her own laughter to join the younger mare’s.

“Princess, Sto~p! It wasn’t like that!” Twilight laughed. She had a particular knowing tone, though, and Celestia straightened out.

“I’m guessing you know what that headline might be. Hm, that means I can’t go to the publisher and demand the scoop myself. That’d be breaking the rules of your little lesson. Hmm, something so scandalous that my sister dearest would censor… Was I at least correct in assuming our disguises dropped?” Celestia asked. Twilight flushed up again.

“U-Um… mine did…” She said, but then shook her head and nudged Celestia. “But that’s too close to telling you! Stop fishing for information!” She whined playfully, earning more giggles from Celestia.

“Oh but getting you to reveal your own punchline is a challenge in and of itself. In the meantime, however, I do believe I have no idea what I wish to do with the day. It’s been so long since I’ve had a whole day to myself, what do you want to do my dear?” The older alicorn asked. Twilight hummed.

“Well, there was that new mall that just opened up. Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all have storefronts there but I don’t think any of them are in town.” Twilight suggested. Celestia nodded and sipped her cocoa.

“I do believe there is a Wonderbolts show this week in Cloudsdale, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash are going to be putting their teams up against each other. New blood against old. That’s in.... three days?” She added. Twilight’s eyes lit up.

“That would be great! We should invite the others too, I haven’t had a chance to head back to Ponyville with everyone around in months!” The younger mare exclaimed. Celestia giggled and they stood.

“So, lead the way my dear. Shall we take disguises again or no?” Celestia asked. Twilight nodded and used her magic to assume a simple disguise, how she looked as just a unicorn. Celestia smiled and followed her student’s lead, opening her eyes and giggling as she now met Twilight at eye level. She always hated hiding her wings, she loved using them too much, but she loved the utility of magic even more. She’d never understand how Luna prefered a Pegasus as her disguise.

“Right! It should be open by now, today was opening day.” Twilight said. Celestia nodded and followed her student in relative silence. They had conjured a white and lavender scarf respectively to go over them and they stuck close together in the streets of Canterlot. They had been sticking close all day, but at least they could use the cold as an excuse. A forty minute trot, involving a stop for more hot cocoa at Pony Joe’s, saw them to the new mall.

“This place has certainly come into its own, I remember approving the building permit. It used to be a Prison, you know, but we had it demolished a decade ago and it’s been an empty lot since.” Celestia said, dipping into teacher mode for just a moment. Twilight giggled and bumped flanks with the other mare.

“I know, I’m the one who suggested we build something here remember? Now come on, I’ve barely ever been in malls before!” Twilight retorted and took a step forward, though she didn’t seem to want to leave Celestia behind. Celestia just giggled back and followed.

“If it makes you feel any better I’ve never actually been to a mall. Never had the need, and any desire was often overshadowed by work.” She offered as they walked in tandem into the large complex.

“Then this is perfect! We both get to experience it together!” Twilight said. Celestia nodded and was happily dragged along to the various stores. Twilight would occasionally purchase something, usually little trinkets for friends or Spike. They even paused at the arcade for a good twenty minutes as they blasted away at zombie ponies in ‘Stable of the Dead 7: who cares anymore just shoot zombies!’. They stopped by Pinkie and Applejack’s storefront, which was really Pinkie’s bakery with an entire outlet dedicated to the Apple family apples.

“Oh my gosh, Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed, almost choking on her apple fritter as she galloped towards Rarity’s ‘Petite Boutique’ outlet. Celestia looked and saw the somewhat startled element of generosity quickly recovering and planting herself for Twilight’s alicorn sized hug.

“Twilight Darling, it’s been far too long! And my, who’s your beautiful new friend? OH I absolutely MUST find something for the two of you!” Rarity exclaimed as Celestia stepped in as well and Rarity recovered from her hug.

“Uh, Rarity, I have so many dresses from you I think I could wear one every day for a month and still have clean ones.” Twilight giggled. “And this is-” She continued, but Celestia cut her off.

“Cotton Candy, I’ve been meaning to come to your Boutique in Ponyville Miss Rarity, but I’m afraid the distance is a bit much for me.” She said fluidly, giving Twilight a wink. Twilight snorted, but Rarity caught the wink. Celestia had a feeling she’d regret this little deception as soon as she saw Rarity’s face.

Maybe tomorrow, at least.

“Oh how wonderful! Well, in this little Petite Boutique we focus on modern formal wear and casual wear. My heart is still on dresses and gowns, but I understand the needs of the masses. I was coming by to make sure the first impression in Canterlot is a wonderful one. As such, listed prices are half off for the day.” Rarity explained happily. Twilight looked around in wonder. Celestia was rather impressed as well, she never thought she’d see street clothes looking like a noble would wear them.

Twilight was off in the store before she realized it, and she herself was gravitating towards a few racks.

“Darling you simply must tell me how you met, I never thought anyone would catch dear Twilight’s eye.” Rarity’s voice startled her. She was giving Celestia a bit of a knowing look, it was a shame what she thought she knew was wrong.

Celestia seriously mulled over going along with it, but instead decided to mess with poor Rarity in another manner. She scoffed.

“Miss Rarity, I can’t believe you’d address your Princess so casually.” She said, poorly feigning offense. Rarity didn’t react at all.

“Hah, so I thought. But really, I’m a little curious. She’s absolutely smitten with you.” The fashionista said, dropping her voice low as she lowered her working glasses down her snout. Celestia stood stock still at that.

Shit.

Wait, did she really just think that? Luna is definitely rubbing off on her.

“Really now, I hadn’t realized…” She managed to stutter out softly. Rarity just chuckled and patted Celestia on the shoulder.

“While I’d normally be all about this with gossip, it’s honestly not the greatest shock I’ve experienced with her. And she’s one of my closest friends, I can’t help but feel it’s fitting that she falls for her darling princess.” She continued somewhat dramatically. Celestia laughed and shook her head.

“Now you’re just messing with me.” She said, though there was no sincerity in those words. Only confusion. Rarity just winked and turned to where Twilight was.

“Twilight, Darling, I’m afraid I’ve got to prepare a few things. Might I suggest a place for you to visit here? It’s on the ground floor, tucked away in the corner. Outlet number ninety-three if I recall. I think the two of you will have a fabulous time there.” She called out, drawing the lavender alicorn closer.

“Really? But I was thinking of buying something today…” Twilight replied.

“Oh don’t worry, I’ll be here at the shop! Other customers have come in and I’m afraid I gave the cashier an early lunch since I had arrived. I’ll be at the counter if you need me.” She said, quickly hugging Twilight and giving Celestia another wink. Celestia just rolled her eyes and joined Twilight.

Feeling mischievous, she wrapped her tail around Twilight’s when they stopped at the next rack. The mare in question squeaked and looked back, then immediately turned beet red.

“Celestia~ you’re evil!” She whispered. Celestia just playfully tugged, ever so gently, but that caused Twilight to shiver and her blush intensify.

“Ah ah~ I’m Cotton Candy. Rarity is convinced I’m your new marefriend.” She said, mischief still in her tone. Twilight just snorted and levitated over a nice royal purple hoodie with a lovely gold design not unlike the flares from the sun on Celestia’s normal flank along the edges.

“I don’t know, you’ve been eating so much sugar lately. We might have to get you an XXL size.” She said, trying to hide her blush behind the joke. Celestia noted, with no small amount of embarrassment herself, that Twilight made no attempt to disentangle their tails.

“Whaaaaaat, don’t say that! You’ll have to make up for it later~” Celestia teased back, practically whispering it into Twilight’s ear with a little breath. The way Twilight stock stock still as her ear twitched it seemed like she was about to bolt. Celestia started to worry she had gone too far, but Twilight laughed and nuzzled against her.

“Ok, deadline’s changed. You’ve got until tonight, and we are breaking open your not so secret stash if you fail to meet it.” The younger alicorn in disguise said happily. Celestia’s eyebrow went up.

“Drinking two nights in a row? I’m starting to think you’re a lush. Then again, you didn’t seem like your body cared much at all for how much you were drinking.” Celestia asked as they both picked out a few outfits to try on and moved to the fitting rooms. They dropped their disguises then, the fitting room more like an actual room thankfully, to make sure the clothes fit their actual bodies. Their tails were still intertwined though.

“Oh so you do remember more of last night?” Twilight retorted. Celestia grumbled at her disheveled mane after pulling the lovely hoodie on, but was soon delighted at how nice it looked and felt- it even had slits for her wings to fit through!

“Not all of it of course, but I remember up until the last bar. We were both fairly trashed at that point. I remember dancing with you, and I remember both of us finishing an entire bottle of Applejack Daniels together even in our state. Now that I think about it, I didn’t know you could even hold your liquor that well.” The older Alicorn replied. Twilight snickered.

“Well, Rainbow Dash has never lost a race before… be it in the skies or to see who goes under the table first. Pinkie pie is... well, Pinkie Pie. I’ve literally never seen her floored by drink. One time she passed out standing up, but that was it. And then Applejack. Applejack Daniels, you can put two and two together.” Twilight explained, earning a giggle from the other as she rolled her eyes.

“Yes I suppose you’ve had much more experience with the drink since your 16th. Oh, that looks absolutely magnificent on you!” Celestia admitted, before interrupting her train of thought as Twilight pulled on another hoodie similar to the one Celestia was wearing. This one had a marbled white primary color with a few little pink sparkles here and there, and a soft pink gradient towards the hem and ends of the sleeves- similar to the sky at Twilight. Fitting, really.

“I think we’ll have to officially endorse Rarity’s new work.” Twilight said happily, looking at the both of them. They shared a little laugh and Celestia intended to inject a little humor into the situation and reverted back to her disguise- expecting the clothing to be comically oversized. They both examined it in fascination as it shrunk to fit her.

“Oh wow, no wonder it’s so pricey. She used mana infused fabric… That makes me feel way better about buying these!” Twilight observed. Celestia nodded.

“Except I’ll be paying for these ones. I never get to buy you things.” Celestia said. Twilight gave her a look like she was going to protest, but Celestia wrapped their tails up again and the embarrassment stopped her from doing more than squeaking again. Celestia giggled in response and they walked back out, disguised again. Rarity gave them a look as they reached the counter but happily rang them out.

“And Twilight darling, do be sure the both of you come back if those wing slots get torn. An unfortunate side effect of their addition is their weakness- but I make repairs like that for free and magically reinforcing the fabric would make it cost too much to sell anything but special orders.” Rarity added as they were leaving. They both waved as they turned to leave, but Celestia snorted as Twilight froze. She heard it too.

“Wait, she-”

“Knew who I was? Absolutely.”

“And she thought-”

“That I was your new marefriend? Not exactly… but close.”

“A-And we’ve had our-”

“Tails scandalously intertwined this entire time? You bet.”

The exchange went, rather adorably if Celestia was honest, before Celestia shook her head and nuzzled the back of Twilight’s neck for a moment.

“Don’t worry, she promised not to gossip about us. Especially since I’m not actually your new marefriend or anything… though I admit my sense of humor with teasing you has been rather raunchy lately. If you’d like me to stop I will do so.” Celestia said. Twilight leaned into the nuzzle, and then answered with her own nuzzle into Celestia’s neck.

“Oh it’s fine, I don’t exactly have anyone to make jealous anyways. And I know you’re just teasing.” She giggled. They both had a particularly disappointed expression after that, though she only barely caught Twilight’s. This day was getting more and more interesting as it went on.

“Well then, what shall we do now? We’ve spent most of the daylight hours eating junk food and shopping, what now?” Celestia asked, suddenly wishing she could extend a wing over the other. Twilight hummed.

“Maybe some real food. I picked this outing, why don’t you pick where we go to eat?” The younger alicorn suggested. Celestia hummed in response before shaking her head with a giggle.

“No dice, I’m afraid. I haven’t gone out to eat in such a long time.” She actually replied. Twilight hummed again, earning a little snicker from Celestia.

“Oh, wait! There was that place that Rarity suggested. Outlet number ninety-three?” Twilight exclaimed. Celestia nodded.

“I suppose we can pick a place at random afterwards then.” Celestia mused as Twilight was already walking. She was forced to quickly step up and follow so as not to pull their tails.

Twilight immediately regretted remembering it.

‘Excess is Bliss’ was a very deliberately unmarked outlet, with a little neon sign that said ‘open’ in the darkened windows.

“Oooh no, we are NOT going into a sex shop. I swear to all that I hold dear I’m going to kill Rarity!” Twilight whispered very loudly as they looked at it. Celestia practically cackled at that. She’d never heard that expression before. She realized that most ponies use her name in Reverence like that, but Twilight said… oh now they HAD to go in. She just simmered her cackle down to a little humming chuckle as she started walking towards the outlet.

“Princess!” Twilight practically squeaked, cautiously following so as not to pull their tails again. Celestia couldn’t tell what was more adorable at this point. Twilight’s inhibitions towards the shop, her tone, or the fact that even though this clearly made her uncomfortable she apparently preferred it to separating again.

“Oh if you really don’t want to go in we don’t have to. Rarity was obviously poking fun at us, but I do admit it has been a very long time since I’ve seen anything that’d be inside. Last time I went into a similar establishment it was either a straight brothel or the sign started with ‘ye olde’.” Celestia said, ending with a little chuckle. Twilight grumbled a bit, but her head shot up after a moment.

“You’ve been to a brothel?” She asked. Oh, her poor innocent heart. Celestia chuckled as they stepped in. Twilight’s ears immediately flattened, the dim lights didn’t help the feeling of unease she was practically screaming with her body language.

“Well, yes. I may not have paid any mind to my.. Carnal desires… in centuries, but long before Luna’s Banishment I was actually quite the scandalous little princess. I had just ascended a year or two prior, being the ruler of Equestria made it a damn sight more fun.” Celestia recounted, chuckling at her student’s expression. A mix between fascination and horror.

“My, the Princess and her student are in my hidey hole of a shop in disguise? I don’t know if I should be enthused or worried.” A fairly gentle stallion’s voice came. They both shot looks at the counter. A very well groomed stallion with a grey coat and a dashingly silver mane and tail stood there, he had a little smirk and his eyes were a very handsome teal.

“We haven’t decided yet. I’m honestly a little surprised to find a place like this outside of manehattan or the red light district.” Celestia replied, ignoring the nagging voice in her head screaming at her she should be denying claims that she was Princess Celestia in a sex shop. It was far more fun this way.

“Hah, that’s because we’ve got class! There’s no peep shows or shady dealings in the back alley. We deal in Bliss, and of that we provide in Excess. Hence the name.” He retorted with an easy smile.

“Ah, a simple business plan with refined tastes. I like it.” Celestia giggled. The stallion threw a hoof out to the store, Celestia inclined her head and pulled Twilight along with a little ‘Eep!’ from the mare. “If you really want to leave let me know, but this does seem like a nice little shop.” Celestia continued idly.

“I-It is kinda n-nice… Just don’t expect me to b-buy a-anything…” Twilight stammered out, her cheeks flushing profusely as they passed a particular wall filled with… toys.

“Oh, really? I thought you said you had class!” Celestia called lightheartedly as they passed a shelve of cards that were horrifically inappropriate or lewd for the situation they’d be given. Celestia gave a rather unladylike snort at one.

“I never said we didn’t have a damn good sense of humor, your majesty!” The shopkeeper called back. Celestia just rolled her eyes and snorted again. She levitated one out to show to Twilight.

“Oh come on, Twilight! I know it’s tacky, but you have to see the humor in it!” She nearly cackled. It was a depiction of a mare lying on her back. The front of the card looked as if the picture was made from a side perspective, and the back the other side. When opened it revealed a rather explicitly detailed front view with the caption ‘now come eat your cake’. It even had some party streamers in the background!

“Wow, that is NOT the kind of card I’d want on my birthday.” Twilight said, though there was some mirth in her tone. There was even a little snicker.

“I fear it might be my sense of humor as of late, but I can’t help it. This is going in Luna’s inbound box for her birthday.” Celestia said. Twilight snorted loudly at that.

“Seriously? I have to make sure I see her get that mail!” Twilight laughed. Celestia joined in and Celestia kept the card. That seemed to break Twilight out of the shell she’d built to block this place out and was soon joking around with Celestia almost as much as she was the other.

Celestia took note of how Twilight’s eyes ran over the leather more than the others, but ultimately they only left with the card- though she almost convinced Celestia to buy the phallic shaped candy at the counter.

“Ah well, it’s so hard to sell the good stuff to couples nowadays. Nobody is experimental in the bedroom anymore.” The shop’s owner, appropriately named Excess, mused as he rang out Celestia’s one purchase. She giggled as Twilight paled, but was ultimately surprised when Twilight didn’t even try to deny the comment. Celestia promptly teleported the little black bag into her ‘important documents’ tray in her office for later and they left the mall. It was silent, but there was a certain feeling about it that felt… something more than companionable at least.

“Twilight, dear, I must admit I’m surprised. You didn’t even try to sputter anything out back there.” Celestia cautiously prodded her student as they walked around the area until a restaurant caught there eye. Twilight seemed to shrink a little bit before quickly glancing at their still intertwined tails.

“I mean, at this point the only thing we’re missing is the public displays of major affection. I don’t know about you… but in there, the only thing I could think about when looking at all of that stuff was… well… you. It was kind’ve embarrassing since we were standing right next to each other, tails all wrapped up.” Twilight finally said after they had walked into the first place they found and perused the menu.

“Normally I’d aplogize for dragging you along in there, but you seemed to be having a good enough time. And that doesn’t answer my question, even though it wasn’t really phrased as a question, which isn’t like you…” Celestia said carefully. This conversation was going to go one of only a few ways and she didn’t want to damage the relationship she has with Twilight- even if it would only be temporarily.

“Well, I was having a fairly decent time. Because of you. If I would have stumbled upon the place on my own and had the courage to walk in I probably would have bolted right back home and had a panic attack! All of this day so far really! It’s… I’ve been so open… I’ve been having fun… I’ve crossed so many lines I never thought I’d really cross so casually, especially with you. I… I have to ask, what do you think about it?” Twilight explained, the last part she almost couldn’t get it out she was so nervous. Celestia blinked a few times before it ticked what she had just been asked.

Well shit.

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at herself for thinking that. Again.

“I… You…” She started. Wow, that left here wholly flabbergasted. She’s stared down ancient dragons, gods of chaos, her own rioting people, her corrupted sister… and she was blindsided by a simple question from her student? Twilight’s expression sunk a bit, but Celestia shook her head. No, that’s not how she wants this topic to end.

“I think a great many things about it, Twilight dear… So far I can’t quite envision anything particularly terrible in those thoughts though… but perhaps that discussion should wait until tonight. I still can’t meet your deadline, afterall.” She replied a lot more confidently than her stammering before. Twilight seemed to physically elate as she nodded.

Normally when they had a fancy meal like this, they’d savor it and talk extensively about their goings-on. They were in public, though, and they were in disguise. That’s what they’d tell themselves, however Celestia knew that she at least was more anxious to have that talk than anything else. It didn’t stop her from having the restaurant blow the dust off their most expensive wine though.

They made their way back to Celestia’s chambers in a warm silence, their tails intertwined again and an absurd amount of bits in wine feeding the fire in their stomachs.

“Oh…” Twilight said when they closed the door and she saw something on Celestia’s desk. She recognized the hornwriting to be Luna’s and the material it was on top of to be that of newspaper.

“Oh? Is she playing another prank?” Celestia asked, not expecting that to be the answer at all. Twilight just laughed softly and held the clipped piece of newspaper up.

“‘Hopefully this will jog her memory’ it says.” The now undisguised lavender mare said. Celestia could only stare in surprise at the front page of the newspaper clipping. It was a picture of her disguised form kissing Twilight. She would have giggled at it if it was anyone else but her there. Twilight had a look of utter surprise on her face, her wings splaying out in surprise. Yeah, I guess that’s what she meant by her disguise fell.

‘Princess Twilight Sparkle has one wild night!’ The headline stated. Celestia couldn’t help but laugh when she finally got over her own shock at seeing it. Of course Luna would censor that, at least in the palace. She of course would have recognized Celestia’s favorite disguise- as would most of the staff. It was basically just her if she was a unicorn afterall.

She laughed a little more as she finally remembered what happened last night. In her drunken state, she had taken Twilight’s offer of the hangover cure as a challenge and infused her drink with mana like mana water. She had then proceeded to down the entire thing in one go, which explained her loss of memory and hangover.  She only distantly remembered after that, but it was enough.

She looked at Twilight now as she did the previous night, examining the younger mare with impunity. The beauty she radiated, and the warmth between them even when they weren’t touching. She couldn’t help herself any better sober than she was drunk… She leaned in and kissed Twilight. Again, apparently.

This was decidedly different, however. Twilight squeaked slightly in surprise, and her wings shot out again, but this time Celestia was *mostly* sober. She would definitely remember this. It quickly became far more memorable as Twilight recovered from her surprise and kissed her back.

And there was fire in that kiss. She stepped closer to Twilight and was surprised and somewhere between horror and bliss as her next breath let out the smallest of moans- barely more than a squeak herself. She immediately pulled back, reluctantly breaking the kiss, and almost started it right back up again when she saw Twilight’s face immediately fall from bliss to concern.

“I-I…” Celestia could only stammer. Once again, she had been floored by her student. Left completely speechless.

“That… wasn’t me just daydreaming… was it?” Twilight asked. Celestia almost giggled at the bit of hope in her tone. She was too busy staring, almost incredulously, at the other.

“I certainly hope not… otherwise I may have to go steal Luna’s secret of entering dreams to do it again.” Celestia said, finally shaking the feeling away, and managing to sheepishly smile. Twilight’s relief was palpable as she leaned into Celestia. She clearly wasn’t done with that kiss, but she seemed to sense that something wasn’t quite right. Afterall, she wouldn’t have stopped that for the world unless something was amiss.

Though, amiss wasn’t the right word for it.

“Twilight, dear… When I told you that I hadn’t cared for my carnal desires in centuries, I meant that I hadn’t even felt them in centuries. That’s why I stopped going to places like that… It became… boring. But… but that… That was something I fear I had forgotten how to feel… That was passion… that was pure fire...It may be the warmth of the wine adding to it, but the warmth I feel when I’m just touching you has been… different, lately… but that… gods…” Celestia explained swiftly, almost stumbling over her words to get them out. The last part was even accentuated by an involuntary shiver.

Twilight interrupted anything else by practically crashing into Celestia to start another kiss. This one was far deeper than the other, and she could feel that fire again. Twilight could hear that fact as she let out another little noise with her breath. She looked a little disappointed as Celestia cut it off there again.

“I-I’m… sorry… This is going way too fast for us isn’t it?” The younger mare said with a shaky voice, looking at the ground.

“For you, perhaps… I’m just… worried… about you. I know that wasn’t your first kiss but… heavens… it feels like it was mine! I’m a very old and very experienced mare, Twilight… but never have I truly burned like I am now… I don’t want you to be actually burned in the process. Metaphorically speaking of course.” Celestia said, her voice wavering slightly. It wasn’t because of nerves, though. It was something much closer to the fire she spoke of than nerves. Twilight looked up at her then.  Celestia’s unsure eyes softened then. She saw the fire she felt in those eyes.

“Well maybe I want to be burned… I can handle… a little heat.” The lavender alicorn said. Was that a raunchy tone? That thought was cut off as Twilight kissed her again, but this time she kept leaning. Celestia squeaked into the kiss as she tripped on the side of her bed and they both plopped onto it. They separated again because of it, and they stared at each other. With a little sultry giggle, Celestia flicked her mane out of her face with a wing and swiftly leaned forward and bit Twilight’s ear.

That earned a surprised yelp, though the breath afterwards was something that made her flush up completely.

And the fire burned.
> A Thundering Storm, A Warm Candle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia let out a content sigh as she vaguely became aware of the waking world once more. They hadn’t actually gotten into Celestia’s stash like Twilight had suggested, they got… distracted… which was good, it meant that she remembered the night in vivid detail.

Celestia was sore, but it was the good kind of sore. She wasn’t an achy old mare by any physical definition, but there were certain things even regular exercise and the occasional yoga session couldn’t use. It was also like an itch had been scratched that she didn’t realize she had for centuries.

And one in particular that she’d been trying to scratch for millenia. That passion wasn’t just random, it was nurtured from other forms of love that had finally coalesced and grown into the raging inferno it was. Just like the mare it was focused on. Celestia has, of course, loved in the past. She’d even loved a student or two similarly to Twilight, though there was never that fire. This time it was less a desire for companionship, and more of a smouldering need for it. With Twilight in particular.

It was concerning, if she was honest, but the ball of warmth she was wrapped around hadn’t stirred yet so she just snuggled closer. She didn’t care that they both nearly reeked of sweat and musk. She couldn’t really fall back to sleep because of it, though, so she simply watched Twilight sleep. It wasn’t long before Twilight’s nose wrinkled and she groaned lowly as she tried to bury her face into her comfy pillow to escape the smell. Unfortunately for her, that was one of the sources. At least of some of it.

“I don’t want to get up, but we really need a shower.” The younger mare mumbled out with a fairly weak tone. Oh yeah, she was sore too. Celestia giggled and carefully pushed herself to her hooves, supporting Twilight as she herself got up on shaky legs.

“Whoa… is it always like this afterwards?” Twilight asked, earning a laugh from Celestia.

“Only if it’s good. And I have to say, this is the most sore I ever remember being.” The older alicorn replied. It took Twilight a few seconds to parse the meaning, but she smiled tiredly and leaned into Celestia a little heavier in response. The bathroom was just how they left it the previous morning, though to Celestia’s chagrin she wouldn’t be able to relax under Twilight’s hooves again. It was a tradeoff she was happy to make, though. It wasn’t every century she had a chance to feel that level of passion.

“Celestia… not to be super cliche like every romance story out there, but what does this mean for us now?” Twilight asked, her exhaustion fading in the slightly chilly shower before the water heated fully. Celestia hummed as she doted over her student, rubbing soap into her coat and tail especially.

“Well, what did you have in mind? I’m content to spend the rest of our lives as it had been, or like last night. I will not force anything upon you, nor do I wish for you to think you are forcing something upon me. As long as we are in each other’s good graces, I will be happy.” Celestia replied, kissing Twilight on the head for effect before starting on her mane. Twilight giggled and kissed Celestia along the jaw, earning an involuntary flick of Celestia’s tail.

“Why not both?” The younger mare giggled as Celestia’s face went red. Gods, it hadn’t been this easy to rile her up since she hit puberty!

“Are you suggesting you wish to court me, my faithful student?” Celestia asked with a sly tone, grinning wide. Twilight simply shrugged, which earned a surprised snort from the alabaster alicorn. So casual about the topic!

“I mean, whenever I think about it like that it feels like I’ve been courting you for years… just without the public- or private- displays of major affection. I mean, the night before last wasn’t even the first time I’ve kissed you! It was the first time you kissed me, though, and I was sober enough to remember it and not excuse it to me not being able to hold my liquor.” Twilight explained. Celestia hummed, she had a point. In fact, Celestia had all but forgotten about the two… no, three? Yes, three times Twilight has kissed her while drunk.

“I hope you aren’t proposing to me, dear.” Celestia said in response, her tone teasing. Twilight just rolled her eyes.

“I might be, but I have no idea. I guess what I’m trying to say is… I can’t really think about this like I normally do things. I try to put things into lists, charts, analyze it like an experiment. Every time I do, though, more feelings pop up when I don’t expect it and I have to start over and over and… well…” Twilight continued. Celestia was a little shocked, something that even Twilight Sparkle couldn’t analyze? To be honest, Celestia herself was feeling a similar type of feeling. She was just very good at hiding it. She waited for Twilight to speak, she was obviously trying to figure out what she wanted to say.

“I guess I love you? Like, in every way. I don’t think even that covers everything, but words can only go so far I guess.” Twilight finally got out. Celestia blinked, and then she chuckled. And then she started laughing sweetly, even ending in an unladylike snort at the end of it. Twilight looked like she didn’t know whether to be disappointed or worried about the sudden laughter.

“I guess you are correct, my dear. It is rather difficult to put it into words. I love you as well, of course, but saying it just sounds so casual. But, luckily, we had last night to feel the fire we felt for each other.” Celestia replied with a smile. Twilight smiled as well and leaned in to kiss her. There was definitely love and fire in it, but mercifully the intent behind it was for it to be just a kiss. Celestia actually had to physically resist the urge to deepen it and go further again.

“Am I really that good of a kisser?” Twilight giggled. Celestia rolled her eyes and held the shampoo bottle in front of Twilight. A nonverbal ’your turn!’. Twilight giggled again but took it, returning the favor.

“I haven’t felt these urges in centuries, and now they’re back in overwhelming force. Every time you touch me, or even give me a sultry glance, the heat fights to smoulder and I have to physically simmer it down… I wouldn’t dare smother it however.” Celestia explained.

“Really? To think, after all the things we’ve faced, our true weaknesses would be each other.” Twilight mused. Celestia giggled and nuzzled the other fo a moment.

“If that’s weakness then I will be but a foal.” Celestia said, earning a laugh from Twilight. A companionable silence followed as they finished bathing and returned back to the bedroom. A few simple spells had the room back to its pristine condition, no need to bother the maids with it, and they were walking to the dining hall for breakfast. Their tails were intertwined again, though the few guards and servants that saw didn’t seem to react much to it.

“So… What do we tell the public? Two princesses ‘dating’ is kind’ve a big deal.” Twilight asked as they sat down to eat across from each other. They paused the conversation as one of the cooks came out to ask what they wanted. However much Celestia wanted to cook again, she was still a little sore. She was allowed to be lazy, it was her vacation after all.

“Well, nothing really. Let them figure it out on their own, it’s not a secret. The only reason we’d need to address it is if someone asked or started spreading terrible rumors. Unless you want to see who folds first, unable to hide the truth.” Celestia answered, ending in a bit of a mischievous whisper. Twilight giggled in response and they once again paused as their breakfast was brought out.

“Nah, now that I’ve spent most of a day unable to wrap a wing around you I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself even if I tried.” The younger alicorn said with a little smile. Celestia smiled back and was going to move closer, but they were interrupted by a night guard. He bowed, to which Celestia and Twilight inclined their heads in return, and he spoke.

“My apologies for interrupting breakfast, my princesses, but Princess Twilight’s presence has been requested in the morning’s court.” The guard explained. The two looked at each other and Celestia spoke first.

“Why would Luna request Twilight’s presence?” She asked as they both stood and started walking with the guard.

“Luna has requested that Princess Twilight Sparkle come to court at her earliest convenience in order to defend herself. There are a great many nobles who have much to say about yesterday’s paper, and today’s. To be perfectly frank, they’re being right bastards.” The guard explained. Celestia and Twilight shared another look, this one somewhere between concern and mischievousness.

“What was in today’s paper?” Twilight asked, her tone betraying her concern. The guard retrieved a page from his armor and Twilight levitated it over. She deadpanned at it. It was a picture of her and Celestia at the mall yesterday, luckily nowhere near Excess is Bliss.

“There are also reports that the two of you have become much too close as of late, nobles on the grounds or loose lipped staff have seen the two of you abnormally… affectionate.” The guard continued. Celestia didn’t sit well with what that particular comment insinuated but she chose to let him continue.

“Permission to be honest?” He asked after a moment. They both nodded. He stopped and looked at them, their tails still intertwined, and smiled.

“It’s obvious, and you’re perfect for each other. Don’t let any of those old fools tell you otherwise. They’re under the impression that you are having an affair, and it’s a stain on the crown that our newest princess is cheating on her marefriend with the oldest. Not to mention all of the things that brings up on its own… Princess Luna decided it would be best to get you in there to lay things out, and I’m glad you came Princess Celestia. Nobody can out shout the nobility like you can.” The old guard explained as they started walking again. Celestia laughed, but Twilight seemed worried.

“Oh don’t worry dear, worst case scenario we get thrown out of our own kingdom and go make a new one. Only with blackjack and hookers. At least I think that’s how the joke goes…” Celestia said, trying to inject a bit of humor. This earned a little chuckle from the mare, but the old guard nearly fell over laughing.

“Alright, you better recompose yourself. We’re here.” Celestia said good humoredly as they neared the doors to the throne room. The ones next to the throne, not the main gates. They unwound their tails, considering the reason they were here, and pushed through with light smiles.

They immediately fell to neutral frowns at the mass of ponies in the room. The second they entered the room exploded, and were almost immediately quieted down by Luna’s royal canterlot voice.

“SILENCE. I WILL NOT HAVE THIS COURT DEVOLVE INTO A MOB OF BABBLING IMBECILES!” Came the royal decree. Luna cleared her throat and motioned for the two to come over with a hoof.

“Now, if we are going to behave like a civilized people then let’s get this over with. Otherwise I will personally kick your flank out of this room with my own hooves!” The lunar triarch continued. She nodded her head to a rather frazzled looking herald, who announced the first noble in line.

“Princess Celestia! Are you aware that your student and co-ruler is going out in disguise to meet with a mare she is believed to be romantically inclined with?” The older stallion asked. Celestia rolled her eyes.

“My student is an adult, and as such she may do whatever she pleases. And all three of us are forced to take disguises if we want to leave the palace without making a scene.” She answered him. He kinda paled and nodded.

“Yes, well, there are also rumors circulating from reliable sources that you are, in fact, romantically inclined with your student…” The Stallion continued. She shared a quick glance with Twilight, who decided to speak up then.

“Didn’t she just say I may do whatever I please?” She said with a snort. Celestia almost couldn’t hold back a laugh, she had gotten good with her snobbish noble voice. The room was silent for a good five seconds before it exploded again. Luna was taking in a breath to yell again, but Celestia simply raised a hoof.

“Enough!” She said, not even needing to dip into the royal canterlot voice. Most of the nobles quieted down at that, but a few stepped up in response. The herald threw his list of names up and leaned against the wall. Nobody was following protocol anymore.

“Auntie, while it may be expected that the young mare would fall for you… you… allow her to take advantage of you?” Blueblood asked, a mix of disgust and anger in his tone. Celestia groaned and rubbed a temple with her hoof.

“It was actually my idea.” She said simply. That got a stunned expression from her nephew.

“But she’s so young! Barely out of her teen years!” One of the older nobles called.

“And she’s another mare! It’s an abomin-” Another had started, but the room raised a couple degrees as she glared at the noblemare. Blueblood scoffed and interrupted Celestia’s interruption.

“No, those don’t matter. You can’t seriously be the matriarch of this affair, though. This ‘Cotton Candy’ mare will surely have a broken heart when she finds out her new marefriend is going behind her back- even if it is with you.” The normally ignorant and obnoxious stallion said. Celestia hummed, that was actually a pretty respectable problem to have all things considered.

“First, if age is the issue then do remember that I am a millenia older than even my sister dearest. The only creature near my age that isn’t still currently a mortal enemy is Discord, and that didn’t work the first three times we tried it. That leaves the other immortal beings. There’s my sister dearest, which would be even more scandalous than anything you’ve thought, Cadence, who is already happily married and would be an actual affair I don’t currently have any interest in, and my most faithful student. You tell me which sounds like the best option.” Celestia started, earning expressions of awe from everyone. Luna had a raised eyebrow, but Twilight didn’t react. She had, of course, known about those escapades with the god of chaos in Celestia’s younger years. They made rather amusing drunk stories.

“Secondly, homosexuality is very common in Equestria- especially in the last century. Mares outnumber Stallions nearly three to one, and there’s now even an entire branch of arcane study devoted to safely conceiving a child through magic.” This got much less of a response, so she continued without pausing. “And lastly…” She started again with a sigh. She really didn’t want to let any of the nobility know about this disguise, it was her favorite, but she could always make them swear an oath that it never leaves this room. In fact…

“As this is a matter that could potentially concern national security, the knowledge of this disguise is to never leave this room under persecution of the crown and of myself personally.” She said quickly and took her disguise. The masses generally gasped. Blueblood shared the shock, but snorted and smiled even.

“So you’ve been sneaking around for some time then. I apologise for my personal intrusion on both of your privacy then, my concerns have been put to rest.” The pompous stallion said with what even sounded like a respectful tone. And with a quick bow he left. Some nobles followed his lead, but a good amount stayed as Celestia reverted back to her usual look.

“What’s left to say?” Luna called, obviously beyond frustrated with the group. Another stallion stepped up, this time Twilight recognized him. He was from the university of arcane study.

“Princess Twilight, I know you are enjoying your vacation with your… teacher… but I do implore you don’t forget about us. As the Princess to come to concerning magic, we only ask that you take time out of your relaxation to continue your work.” The stallion explained. Twilight seemed surprised for a moment before facehoofing.

“Riiight, I keep forgetting to have this sent to you. I’m so used to having my assistant around… Here, before I forget.” The young alicorn practically groaned. With a flash of magic, a very large stack of mismatched papers bound together in a leather cover appeared and levitated over to the stallion. “My complete analysis and notes on the glyphs and other studies I’ve gotten to, that should be enough for now.” She explained. The stallion flipped through it and his eyes widened.

“This… This should keep us busy for months! A year even!” He exclaimed. Twilight snorted. Wow, she’d gotten a lot more casual in court. It reminded Celestia of Luna and she couldn’t help but smile.

“A year? Well, I won’t let you off the hook that easy. I’ll have the next batch ready by next month.” She said confidently. The stallion just nodded and a good portion of the remaining nobles left. One of the few remaining stepped up.

“Princess Celestia, is this really the reason you decided to take your vacation?” She asked. It seemed more curious than anything. Celestia laughed.

“No, it honestly wasn’t. It was merely my family and friends, as well as nearly every member of my staff, convincing me that I should finally take a vacation in most of their lifetimes. It really has been centuries... “ The solar triarch replied. The mare just smiled and bowed before leaving herself.

“Are the rest of you here for actual business? I won’t tolerate any more negative assumptions about my sister and her student.” Luna asked. They all nodded, one of them even had a presentation that was miraculously untrampled.

“Luna, go ahead and get to bed. You get cranky when you’re tired. We can manage the rest of this court.” Celestia said, walking over to the thrones. Luna hummed.

“I suppose after that mob I am feeling rather spiteful… Alright, just be sure to get back to your vacation before long. I’d hate to keep you on my account when I’m the one who offered.” The lunar triarch replied and stood. Celestia and Twilight took their respective thrones, Twilight somewhat cautiously.

“I’m sorry, I suppose I should have asked your opinion first.” Celestia said with an apologetic smile. Twilight almost never used that throne, even when she was in court she had a tendency to pace or investigate presentations closely. Even then, she didn’t have an official court of her own since everything besides emergencies concerning magic was usually discussed directly and personally rather than in court. And magical emergencies usually meant Twilight immediately leaving to stop something from blowing up, or repairing whatever had blown up.

“I would have stayed anyways, I don’t really feel like doing anything else.” Twilight replied with a smile, finally finding a comfortable position to settle in. They both nodded to the remaining nobles, and one business pony, and the first one stepped up and introduced himself since the Herald had left with the others.

“I am Lord White Winds and I apologise for bringing it up again, I do promise I have actual business to bring up afterwards, but I’d like to know what the two of you plan to do with this arrangement you’ve created for yourselves.” The stallion asked. Celestia hummed, she recognized that name.

“Ah, White Winds! I know that name. You’re the grandson of the royal archivist are you not?” The triarch asked. The stallion smiled and nodded.

“Yes indeed. While I am proud of my grandfather’s work, and my father’s work with him, I must admit I’ve taken a different path. I plan weddings, to be exact.” The stallion replied. Celestia nodded, that’s why he wanted to know. A little noise from her right told her that the thought of marriage was one she wasn’t ready to have yet. She snuck a glance and almost lost it at the sight of Twilight sinking in her chair, face beet red, trying to hide behind her wings.

“We’ll be sure to let you know if that becomes an option.” Celestia said, unable to keep the laugh out of her voice. White Winds smiled and nodded before beginning the topic he came here for. It was actually a plea to repurpose an old building for his business. He had asked on the city level, but they denied it on the basis that the building was protected by the crown and couldn’t dig up the reason why. It was a decently sized building, mostly just an old warehouse, that nobody was using. Celestia actually facehooved in front of the court.

“Heavens, I totally forgot about that. I had intended to turn it into a laboratory and gift it to my student, but she has free reign of the best now… I’ll forward the notice to the city and you should be sorted out by the time I return from my vacation.” Celestia said. Winds bowed and let the next one pass.

The rest of the court went by as it usually does, mostly nobles looking for tax reforms or various projects looking for funding from the crown. Celestia was almost lulled into the uniformity of court as she always was when she was startled by Twilight. The young mare hadn’t spoken for a while, and the last noble was preparing a presentation and taking a while. She was sitting straight and proper like she always did when a weight and a warmth on her chest forced her to look down and see Twilight nuzzling into her.

“Sorry, couldn’t help myself.” The mare whispered with a giggle. Celestia quickly glanced over to the noble setting up a wooden easel to put a chart on, and then snuck a kiss in. She saw some of the guards drop their jaws, a few older ones roll their eyes, and the noble in front of them finally turn around. He started talking about restructuring one of the walls surrounding the city as it had been showing signs of wear when he stopped. Celestia was confused for only a moment as she felt a warm wing wrap around her.

“Don’t worry about us, we are actually listening.” Twilight said, urging him to continue. Celestia just giggled and snuggled into the appendage, though as Twilight said she was giving the stallion her attention.

“Very well… It’s more of a time sink than money, the architectural community has already funded the project. We just need your approval and perhaps a little encouragement to get it done quicker. We have the full plans and timeline here…” The stallion started and continued. Celestia smiled as she listened and leaned just a little further into Twilight, court just got a whole lot less boring.
> Rising Up, Above The Clouds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Celestia, joined by Luna, were staring at the cloud city of Cloudsdale as their carriage brought them closer. Luna seemed almost giddy with excitement, matched only by Twilight’s.

“I’ve never seen a wonderbolts show with the new team! I’m so excited, Tia!” Luna practically bounced in her seat.

“And I get to see the girls again, all together! We’ve been writing and we have an outing planned. Both of you are invited of course, Pinkie is going to be throwing a private party for all of us!” Twilight replied with just as much excitement.

“A Private party? A strange change of pace for Equestria’s number 1 party animal.” Celestia hummed. Luna seemed to brighten even further at the reminder of the elements attending the show. Twilight didn’t seem to notice but Celestia made a mental note to watch her sister closely when they met up with the others.

“Are we meeting them before the show? I do admit it’s been far too long since I’ve seen heads or tails of any of them.” The lunar princess asked. Twilight nodded.

“Everyone except Rainbow Dash, she’ll be practicing and rehearsing with her team until showtime. As the second in command under Spitfire, though, she won’t be participating in the whole event and will join us in the VIP box for most of it. The after party was her idea, which is why I brought these.” Twilight explained, ending with a smile as she pulled a tin out of her bags. Celestia recognized that tin. The hangover cure tablets were in there.

“Oh, what are these?” Luna asked, which spurred an explanation that lasted until they finally arrived. Twilight was immediately buried under four different ponies, and one dragon, the second she stepped out of the carriage. Celestia smiled at them all, she always loved seeing her student happy with her friends. They were all practically clinging to the younger alicorn and bombarding her with questions about how she’s been and the likes, though she noticed something about two of them.

First, Fluttershy and Luna hadn’t broke eye contact for a good ten seconds. Second, Rarity was giving her the most peculiar look.

“Princess Celestia, Darling, we are graced by your presence as always!” The clothier said when they finally all stood and gave a little bow. The rest of the elements followed suit, to which she waved them off. Before she could mention the lack of need for formalities at the moment, though, Rarity continued.

“I heard a rather peculiar story around some of my circles in Canterlot yesterday, and even saw a few newspaper clippings.” The unicorn continued with a little smirk.

“So? It’s news! News that has nothing to do with us, otherwise I’d have already known about it!” Dash exclaimed. Rarity rolled her eyes as Celestia gave Rarity a little smirk back. Nobody seemed to notice the sudden appearance  Rainbow Dash.

“Oh? Do tell, I’m afraid I’m on vacation and I haven’t had the chance to keep up with the gossip of the country.” Celestia said, deliberately laying a wing on Twilight as the younger mare walked over. Twilight seemed to realize what was happening and tried to hide. Unfortunately for her situation, the nearest thing to hide behind was the source of her embarrassment.

“Wait, something happened with Twi?” Applejack asked, a little concerned. Luna snorted.

“That would be an understatement.” The lunar triarch said humorously. They all kinda looked at Rarity then, who just let the smirk turn to a grin.

“I Dare say I’ve seen some papers concerning your time together when Twilight gets drunk, but I do believe the story about court yesterday morning didn’t involve a drop of alcohol.” Rarity continued beating around the bush. Fluttershy made a noise, she must have figured out what the unicorn was talking about and was looking between Celestia and the younger alicorn trying to smother herself under her wing.

“You would be correct. It’s been a very… unique… vacation. I dare say the best I’ve ever taken.” Celestia said, adding the smallest of hip wiggles in to accentuate the unique part. Rarity’s eyes flashed before she almost looked too embarrassed to continue. Twilight made a noise too, probably intending to scold Celestia for her implications, but it came out as little more than a squeak.

“Oh for the love of… get on with it!” Luna said with a laugh, betraying her amusement at the situation.

“Girls, I believe our little Twilight has finally grown into a proper mare, with a proper suitor to match.” Rarity said. Celestia rolled her eyes, she still didn’t want to directly say it. Pinkie was taking in air for the largest gasp Celestia had ever seen and Applejack had a completely flabbergasted stare. Dash looked so confused.

“Whoa she got a hot date? Nice! Who’s the lucky stallion? Or mare? You’re probably a mare kind of pony I think…” Dash started. Celestia blinked, when did she get here? After a moment of confusion she decided to cut the train of thought before it got too far off track and take matters into her own hooves. The faintest flick of her still pink tail and Twilight’s head shot up. It wasn’t much of a crack, but Twilight’s hindquarters were certainly not ready for that.

“You really shouldn’t be hiding from your friends, love. Especially since Rainbow Dash still doesn’t seem to get it.” Celestia said, halting any embarrassed scolding with a quick kiss. Twilight’s face just continued to redden. They all looked at Dash, who had a similar expression to Applejack’s, as her wings shot out in surprise.

“Reel it in girl.” Applejack laughed, snapping out of it first. Dash shook out of it next, getting her surprised appendages back under control. Fluttershy seemed to be smiling happily rather than surprised at this point. Rarity shook out of her surprise next. Spike broke the silence that formed first, though.

“About time! I swear, she was either going to adopt you or kiss you! I couldn’t really tell which.” The dragon, who was now the size of a pony with wings of his own, blurted out.

“I guess we have always been… really close.” Twilight said, rubbing the back of her head. Luna snorted.

“Once again, that’s an understatement. I admit when I first returned I was very jealous of you, Twilight. I wasn’t keen to the idea of sharing my sister. After that first nightmare night, however, the magic of friendship prevailed.” Luna said. Celestia noticed that she had glanced at Fluttershy, who was now standing next to the lunar princess, when she said it.

“Lulu~ when were you going to tell us about your little secret?” Celestia asked, prodding her sister to confirm her suspicions. Both Luna and Fluttershy paled at that. Bingo.

“Oh you might as well say it, Darling. It can’t be any more stunning than Twilight and Celestia’s ‘reveal’.” Rarity said. Fluttershy squaked and hid behind Luna, but Luna just shook her head with a laugh.

“We’ve been seeing each other since that first nightmare night, and things may have escalated from there.” Luna simply said, smiling at the memory. The rest of the group, except Rarity of course, gawked at the two.

“Aw man! Everyone is getting frisky with princesses! Who knew Flutters and Twi would have the guts to go after the most important ponies in the world.” Dash said, breaking the new silence.

“Well, you’re not very far behind us I daresay.” Celestia said. Most of them, sans Pinkie who was still concerningly gasping the same breath of air, seemed confused.

“We may be your rulers, Twilight included now if you remember, but you are her closest friends. Even before my vacation this elevated you to great importance to me personally. Not to mention the deeds of valor and harmony you’ve accomplished, your status as the elements of harmony, and each of you individually have garnered your own individual importance. Rainbow Dash, you’re starting to surpass even Spitfire as a Wonderbolt. Pinkie Pie can make even the hardest of creature laugh with joy and has garnered quite the following in Manehattan. Rarity is practically beloved in the highest circles of Canterlot Nobility for her generosity and perfect tastes, not to mention her business success. Applejack and her family supply equestria almost exclusively with the finest apples in the country, and even Fluttershy has spearheaded a great many movements and policies to maintain Equestria’s flora and fauna. Spike of course has his exploits as Twilight’s assistant, but recently his success in aiding diplomacy with the dragons near and within Equestria.” Celestia explained, each of them puffing up slightly in pride as she spoke of them. She was about to ask pinkie what was wrong as she managed to do so while still taking in breath, but then she let out the one thing she knew was coming.

“THE PRIVATE PARTY IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Pinkie yelled loud enough for probably all of Cloudsdale to hear. Before she could dash out, however, Rainbow Dash grabbed her.

“No, Pinkie, the show is happening now. The party happens AFTER.” The wonderbolt said. Pinkie just happily nodded.

“So, those cloud walking talismans work I see.” Twilight said with a smile, walking over to examine the pendants hanging from Applejack and Rarity’s necks. Pinkie, for some reason, wasn’t wearing one.

“Yup, they gave us extra strength too! Should last 48 hours.” Applejack said happily, stomping on the cloud under her hoof for effect. It dented significantly, to which Dash laughed as she scrambled backwards from it, but she seemed satisfied. She’s cracked floors like that.

“Pardon the interruption, but aren’t you supposed to be rehearsing?” Celestia asked the wonderbolt. Dash shrugged.

“Show doesn’t start for an hour, we finished our routines. I decided to come meet you guys here. I DO have to head back in like 10 minutes for sure, but for now I can at least walk you to the stadium.” The wonderbolt replied happily. “I’m glad I did, I got to find out about TWO lovebirds in our group! But wait, Fluttershy, what about Moonshadow?” She continued, stopping and looking at the shy pegasus walking next to Luna. Luna snorted.

“Moonshadow? Oh you devilish little thing you.” Celestia laughed. Dash was, once again, confused.

“That was me.” Luna said, though the way she flushed up told Celestia that something happened with this group. Her raised eyebrow was enough for Twilight to pick up on it, and Luna glared at her sister with a special look that said ‘don’t you dare say it’. Rainbow Dash took that out of her hooves though.

“OHHH! Wow, that’s cool. Wait! That means that we…. With the princess!” The speedster slowly came to the conclusion. She looked at Luna, who looked somewhat amused. Then to Fluttershy, who looked like she was about to explode.Then to Twilight and Celestia, who had somewhat knowing but confused looks. Rarity got right in her face before she could look at anyone else however.

“Rainbow Dash, Darling, please don’t utter another word about it in public or you will find just just how cruel I can be with my punishments.” She said lowly with a very serious tone. Applejack snorted.

“Even got me to call it quits once or twice.” The farmer said. Rarity froze upright for a moment before slowly turning to the earth pony who spoke those dastardly words out loud. Applejack just smirked at her and turned to Twilight and Celestia.

“Since you’ve been honest with us, I’ll be honest with you. We’ve had some experience with polyamory while y’all were gone. Flutters started bringing a sweet pegasus with her a year ago, guess that was the Princess.” She explained. The group kinda looked uncomfortable at that being explained right to Celestia of all ponies, but she just laughed.

“My, close friends both in public and behind closed doors. I would have done anything to have friends like you in my days.” Celestia said. She looked down at Twilight, who seemed more curious than appalled at the knowledge of what her friends have been doing in her absence. Celestia decided to tease her again, because that was what she always decided. She leaned in real close, just enough for the mare’s ear to flick from the breath on it, and she whispered.

“Sounds like fun, maybe we should join in sometime.” She got out in the raunchiest voice she’d used in a long time. She expected Twilight to sputter something out, but her response made Celestia’s tail flick ever so slightly.

“Celestia? I was about to suggest the same thing.”

The rest of that particular conversation was drowned out as the group started moving and they all started chatting about their weeks. It seemed it had been some time since all of the elements had been together in one place. Celestia let herself fall slightly behind, as did Luna, and they both shared a look.

“Moonshadow? Really?” She asked.

“Cotton Candy? Really?” Luna replied. They both snorted simultaneously.

“Point taken.” They both said and let themselves be integrated back into the conversation.

The event itself was spectacular, it had been a long time since Spitfire’s team of stunt fliers had ever been challenged, let alone by nothing but new bloods. The difference here was that they were hoof picked by Rainbow Dash, trained by Rainbow Dash, and coordinated by Rainbow Dash. That’s three injections of awesome right there. In the end, the crowd gave the two teams a tie.

The VIP box had been a little awkward before the event started in full, nobody possibly expecting three princesses to be joining them. Let alone the three of them there cuddled up to someone else. The news had circulated already, of course, but it seemed until now it had been discounted as rumor. Celestia couldn’t help but grin at the baffled expressions around them as she was practically sitting on top of Twilight. Luna and Fluttershy had a much more tame setup, simply throwing a wing around each other, but they had apparently been an item for years.

“Alright, party time. We go get some real food in us, preferably with a lot of bread to be a good base, and then we get smashed.” Dash announced as she rejoined the group in the VIP box after the show.

“You aren’t planning on having another session tonight are you?” Rarity asked, almost appalled. Dash shrugged.

“I don’t plan a goddamn thing when we get smashed. If that’s the way the cookie crumbles, then I won’t mind. I’ll probably bring the milk to dunk it in.” The speedster said. This earned somewhat flustered expressions from everyone, save Celestia and Luna, who just burst out laughing.

“Well shoot, if I would’a known you wanted to get smashed I’d’a brought some good stuff.” Applejack said as they left the box in their fairly large group.

“Oh please, this is Cloudsdale. I may live in Ponyville now but I still have an apartment here. And it’s stocked. That’s where we’re heading.” Dash explained. The group shared looks with each other. There was no way all of them could fit inside of an apartment right?

Well, Dash failed to mention it was a penthouse suite in one of the most recent apartment buildings in the city. It was a massive tower, they tried to call it Wonderbolt Tower but could never get the copyright privileges from the crown. Now they just tried to make it a colloquial name by housing as many wonderbolts as they could. They gave Dash a huge discount on the suite for that reason, and hell if she was going to deny it. At least that’s how she described it.

The party was rather tame since it was just their small group. Well, tame by Pinkie’s standards. Dash’s selection of wines and liquors, however, were the opposite of tame. She even had dragon liquors! Spike was particularly happy about that. The magically aged liquor was fermented with gemstones, which were then powdered into the liquid to drink. This was some high quality stuff too, no chunks or anything. A pony could drink this, which Dash certainly did.

Things did get decidedly raunchy with most of the group, however it never went much further than sweet words and sweeter kisses. When they were all properly smashed, they decided to call it quits. Dash commandeered Applejack and Pinkie and headed for the bedroom, Rarity and Spike were getting cozy on the loveseat, Luna was carrying Fluttershy to her own home in Cloudsdale, that just left Celestia and Twilight still awake.

“What’re you thinking about?” Twilight asked, surprising Celestia with the break in silence. She almost replied ‘you’ by instinct, but even in her drunken state she knew better than to get that cheesy.

“How I’ll ever get back to my normal routine.” She said instead. It was true, she was starting to dread the end of her vacation. It was only three days away afterall. Twilight hummed and nuzzled deeper into Celestia’s jaw.

“If Luna can manage to sneak off for years without even you knowing, for days at a time even, then I’m sure we can manage.” Twilight said in a little playful whisper. Celestia snorted.

“If only. The only reason she has so much time to do it is that not much is expected of her within the palace, and her courts are usually weekly rather than nightly.” The alabaster princess mumbled. She may have been a little jealous, and in her intoxicated state she wasn’t able to mask it. Twilight just giggled and kissed her jaw.

“It sure was nice of her to take on some extra work then if she has so little.” The younger alicorn mumbled. Sleep was starting to take her as she snuggled into her favorite snuggle buddy. Celestia smiled and quickly pecked her on the lips, eliciting a tired smile, before the mare drifted off. She could feel sleep nipping at her own consciousness, but her mind was a little overactive at the moment.

What would this mean for them? What would it mean for Equestria? Hopefully it’d guide it into an even happier time of peace like she hoped, she’d never been happier to be honest. That had to bleed through to her country, right? Twilight too, maybe she could get her to come to court to get her more into the swing of politics again- as well as making her at Celestia’s side a normal occurrence. She was startled out of her thoughts by a voice from the corner.

“You seem happier than I’ve ever seen you, Princess.” Spike said, his R’s rolling like a reptilian fantasy villain in his drunk state. Celestia giggled slightly for effect and looked down at Twilight’s sleeping form. Even in unconsciousness, she had that sweet little smile that told her she was as happy as could be.

“I have your big sister to thank for that, my dear.” She replied, noticing some time must have passed. Her abnormally fast metabolism was already deconstructing the alcohol and she was sobering up quite nicely.

“Yeah, I guess so. I have to wonder what it’ll be like telling Cadence and Shining, or even Twilight’s parents. Last time Twilight tried to date, Shining almost made the colt wet himself with just a stare.” Spike reminisced. Celestia snorted.

“I’d like to see him try.” She said, almost threateningly. Ok, maybe not as sober as she had thought. Spike just chuckled and gently ran a talon through Rarity’s mane as she slept.

“I’m afraid I haven’t heard much from Ponyville aside form what Twilight tells me, have I missed something between the two of you?” Celestia asked as she noticed. Spike stuck out his forked tongue at her and shifted to get more comfortable.

“I may have been joining in their sessions lately, and ever since I was big enough for her not to see me like a little kid anymore she gave me a shot.” Spike explained.

“He’s the perfect gentleman, Darling, and you have no idea what a forked tongue can do.” Rarity’s tired voice mumbled, earning a chuckle from the two. Celestia smirked. Spike knew that smirk and suddenly felt like he should plug his ears.

“And you have no idea what a forked tongue can do when it’s half as long as you are.” She retorted. Rarity looked up at at her at that, earning a little giggle. Then she looked back at Spike, who was giving her an awkward grin, and finally resigned to snuggle back into her scaly companion.

“I’m going to have strange dreams tonight…” She mumbled, fading back into sleep. Twilight shifted under her, causing Celestia to look down again and meet a set of very tired eyes.

“Can you guys please not have this conversation when we’re supposed to be sleeping? When you talk it makes my horn vibrate, and when you laugh it throws my head around.” The groggy mare groaned.

“Oh I’m sorry, it wasn’t my inten-” Celestia started, but was cut off as a very tired kiss was planted on her lips.

“Ahhshshshhhshhhhhh.... No talky… more sleepy…” She said afterwards, resting her head alongside Celestia’s on the large sofa and smiling with mostly closed eyes. She peeked over at Spike, who just waved a claw, and then looked back at Twilight. She was already back asleep. She could lie here staring at Twilight all night, and she probably would have if that sweet little smile and the rise and fall of her breathing against her didn’t lull her into sleep so quickly.
> Twilight to Dawn, Dawn to The New Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike’s words the night of the party rang through Celestia’s mind as she and Twilight sat in the carriage rolling through Canterlot. It was the last day of her vacation and the two of them had been invited to Twilight’s family home for dinner. Celestia knew that Cadence and Shining were going to be there, since they were technically foreign dignitaries entering the city, but she had managed to keep that fact from Twilight all day.

“Oh hell, I hope they like you. I mean, of course they like you you’re the Princess, but I mean the pony you are behind the crown!” Twilight fretted. Celestia noticed that a hair or two of her mane were starting to fray out of place and quickly kissed her on the snout. That at least paused the tirade.

“Twilight, your parents and I have had extensive conversations in the past, both before and after your time as my student. They still work at my school for gifted unicorns so we have regular correspondence. Your mother actually sent me a rather dashing bouquet yesterday, didn’t you see it on the desk?” Celestia explained. Twilight seemed to snap out of her paused panic attack at that.

“That was from mom?” She asked. Celestia nodded.

“Your father even had a ridiculous hoof written card. ‘I have a princess as a daughter, and now I have two as daughter-in-laws. Is Luna up for adoption? I’d love to complete the set!’” She laughed at the memory of reading it.

“Oh, so that’s why you were still laughing at breakfast…” Twilight said, as if a mystery had finally been solved. Celestia chuckled and peered out of the window. The Sparkle estate was coming into view, and Twilight apparently caught her mischievous grin as she noticed the carriage with a very particular crest on it. It was a crystal heart with the backdrop of a dark blue shield. It was the symbol of Cadence and Shining Armor’s design, a personal crest that combined their cutie marks. The little gasp from Twilight was worth the surprise being found out early, however.

They didn’t even have a chance to knock on the door, let alone step up the first step to it, when it shot open and a pink and vanilla blur impacted Twilight so hard Celestia was almost dragged with the tumbling mass of alicorn.

“Ooh Twilight, it’s so good to see you! You feel so much brighter now than ever before!” The alicorn of love practically squealed. Shining’s head poked out of the door and shared a look with Celestia before they both shared a little laugh. Twilight finally hugged Cadence back after getting over being bowled over by the alicorn-turned-projectile.

“I’ve been both dreading and dying to see you guys all week!” Twilight said, not sure if she was happy or mortified they were here.  Cadence just giggled and helped the youngest alicorn up, quickly wrapping a wing around her and Celestia as they walked up.

“I’m so happy for you two! I almost didn’t believe what I heard on the news, so when Mom and Dad invited us here to dine with you two with them I couldn’t say no! Now that I can see you though I can literally feel the love you guys have. Super strong stuff, might even be more than Shiny’s.” The alicorn of love continued. Twilight and Celestia shared a quick glance before the stallion in question coughed.

“We’re going to be here all day if we try to have the ‘who loves who more’ argument. Come on Twily, Mom and Dad are waiting for you.” He said with a warm smile. They nodded and quickly entered the dining hall. Dusk Sparkle, Twilight’s father, was sitting at the table when they entered. He had been watching the door and was now standing as they entered. The two pushed out chairs to one side of him, one of them on the floor, told them that Cadence and Shining were probably with him before coming out to meet them.

“Twilight! Princess Celestia! I’m so glad you could make it!” He said, giving a quick but respectful bow.

“Oh come now, I’m almost your daughter in law at this point. Maybe that’ll finally get you to stop bowing at me in your own home?” Celestia said with a slightly teasing tone. Dawn, Twilight’s Mother, stepped in from the kitchen with a table’s worth of trays in her telekinesis.

“He still insists on calling me Dame in normal conversation, don’t get your hopes up princess.” The mare said with a little smile as she set the table. Twilight rushed over and hugged them in turn. She gave Celestia a particular little smirk. The same smirk Celestia always gave when she was messing with someone.

“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet my new marefriend. We were just out clubbing one night and really hit it off. She’s kind of important though. Maybe if I’m lucky she’ll even want to spend the night!” The young alicorn said in the voice of a somewhat rebellious teen. Dawn rolled her eyes while Dusk snorted trying not to laugh.

“Oh Dearie, I knew this day would come. Our little filly is all grown up! And she’s dating mares now! What else has she done when we weren’t looking?” Dawn said, feigning something along the lines of shock at the ‘news’.

“Beats me dear, Our little Twilight would never do something like save the world, become the element of magic, ascend into godhood, save the world some more, or I suppose go out clubbing and find a saucy mare to take home.” Dusk replied. The last comment earned a blush from Twilight, a snort from Celestia and Cadence, a deadpan from Shining, and a smack on the back of the head from Dawn.

“Hey! It was funny!” He complained, earning a little giggle from Celestia. He seemed satisfied by her reaction.

“Speaking of, I never thought I’d be scared to give my usual hazing of anyone trying to get smoochy with my little sister.” Shining said, though by his smile he didn’t seem like he was intending to actual go through with it.

“Hah! Yeah, even though she isn’t your boss anymore that must have been a fun mental image.” Cadence laughed. Twilight snickered at that.

“Alright, are we going to start dinner or are we going to keep teasing us?” The younger mare asked. That seemed to settle everyone down a bit. They chatted a bit while they ate, but the conversation Celestia was both anticipating and dreading didn’t start until they had moved to the foyer afterwards with a few bottles of wine.

“So, the ruler of this glorious country or not, I have to ask you Princess Celestia. What are your intentions for my daughter?” Dusk asked. Celestia hummed as she sipped her glass.

“We are both going to hopefully live a very long time. And, hopefully again, we’ll be living that time together. It… I apologize, it must be strange when I speak of my age… but after living as long as I have I’ve learned to be content with what I have. If this development never progresses any further than this, I will be happy. If She decides that she’d rather give her heart to someone else, I’d be disappointed but ultimately happy as long as she would remain my faithful student and dearest friend. And if the idea of marriage should cross our minds, I would certainly hope you’d be alive to see it.” Celestia explained. She felt a little uneasy telling this to Twilight’s family, she hadn’t even had this discussion with Twilight, but it seemed like as good a time as any.

“Celestia! I would never leave you for someone else!” Twilight exclaimed, looking almost appalled. It certainly put a smile on Celestia’s face as she leaned a little closer to the mare she already had a wing around.

“I feel exactly the same way, my dear, but time changes many things. People included. You may or may not remember that my frist romp with Discord lasted nearly two centuries. I must admit, however, I’m anxious to see his reaction if we beat that record.” She retorted. Twilight hummed lowly at that, obviously not liking the idea of them growing apart.

“At least you get to spend eternity together! I only have another seventy years with Shiny!” Cadence pouted. Dawn seemed like she wanted to coo, but the particular subject hit a little hard for the family it seemed.

“Seventy? Not even giving me past a hundred now love?” Shining said with a snort. By his playful tone this was a subject that came up a lot.

“Not with the way you still refuse to relax half the time. You have no idea how much I have to keep him out of the Crystal Guard’s business!” Cadence retorted. It spawned more conversation for a few minutes before Dusk stopped that particular train.

“So, you never answered my question Princess.” The stallion said with a smile. Celestia almost facehooved. Woops.

“Ah, my apologies. It’s a simple answer, really. I wish for her to be happy, and as long as I don’t destroy myself or my kingdom to do so then I will be happy.” She said with a smile, looking at the mare in question beside her. Twilight pecked her on the lips and nuzzled into her neck at that.

“That’s probably the best answer I could have gotten.” Dusk said with a lopsided grin. Dawn rolled her eyes but patted him on the head lovingly.

“It is what we want for our daughter as well so I can’t help but approve wholeheartedly.” The older mare agreed with a little smile. The room fell into an easy silence then as they all sipped their glasses. Dusk once again broke the silence.

“So, Shining, since we’re not going to see any grandchildren out of your sister I sincerely hope you’ve put some thought into it.” He said. The blunt-ness of the comment nearly caused Celestia to spit out her wine with laughter, and Shining in surprise. Celestia was about to add in a jab of her own directed at Cadence, playing off of her being an avatar of love without a child of her own, when the alicorn started giggling like mad.

“Oh!” Celestia could only say, catching on right away.

“Oh?” Twilight asked, confused. It took her only a moment to realize what the oh was for. “Oh!” She repeated. It took Dusk and Dawn a moment or two longer before they stared at Cadence.

“Twins.” The alicorn of love said simply. All of their faces lit up at that. The next hour consisted of questions, congratulations, and advice. They stayed and chatted a little while longer after that before Cadence and Shining retired to their room in the estate. Twilight and Celestia were returning to Celestia’s room in the palace when Celestia noticed something on her love’s mind. She didn’t ask her of it though, Twilight would bring it up when she was ready. As they lay snuggled into Celestia’s bed, Twilight apparently decided that was the time to bring it up.

“Celestia, do you want to marry me?” Twilight asked. It was much more of a serious question out of curiosity than a proposal, but it still caught Celestia by surprise. She took a few moments to think of her response. Her first thought was an immediate ‘yes’. The next couple ranged between ‘sure, why not?’ and ‘Aw hell yeah’. She finally settled on a thought before long though.

“In the sense that I wish to spend the rest of my life committed to loving you, absolutely. When it comes to everything else, though, I honestly couldn’t care less. I don’t need a ring or the descriptor of wife to tell you that I love you, or tell the world for that matter. For them, they will see how I can’t even keep my eyes from meeting yours. Or the little pecks and kisses when we think nobody’s watching, the little nuzzles when we don’t care if they are. I can’t fairly say that you are my everything, as I do have a kingdom I care quite deeply about as well, but if given the choice between the two I think I’d have to just freeze time forever so I wouldn’t have to make that decision.” Celestia explained carefully. She had gotten somewhat off track in the end, but she stopped herself from going much further down that road of nonsensical hypotheticals. She hummed, trying to sum it up into a few words. She opened her mouth to start trying to speak the thoughts aloud, but the words never made it past the kiss.

And there was fire in that kiss. Again.

“And what about for me?” Twilight asked after finally breaking the kiss. She was tired, but she obviously had enough energy left to give Celestia a saucy look. She couldn’t help but giggle and boop Twilight’s snout with her own.

“For you, my dearest, we have the fire we share. The passionate inferno of the sun itself bending to your will and desire. Beyond that, though, we have the times we spend alone together. You tucked into my side as you study or we read together, these nights with you all to myself, everything. The fact that I can look at you right now and I can see, beyond the lust even, the pure love you have for me. It almost brings a tear to my eye, it certainly makes my knees weak sometimes, that I can see just how you love me with a casual glance. And, judging by your expression whenever we gaze into each others’ eyes like a lovey dovey couple, you see just how much I love you in mine. Words don’t quite do it justice I think.” She explained. When she was finally done she could feel those tears she had mentioned threatening to fall. They had already formed. Twilight wasn’t so lucky with her self control, however, and Celestia could see the little drops falling down her cheeks. They practically glowed in the moonlight.

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” The young alicorn said, her voice full of emotion. There was still that fire, deep down, but now it was far more than just lust.

“Hey, that’s my line.” Celestia giggled and pulled Twilight close.

“I love you. I hope I never stop.” Twilight practically whispered into her neck. Celestia just held her closer.

“You and I both, my dearest. I sure have fallen the absolutely batshit insane level of in love with you.” The older alicorn replied, earning a little tired giggle from Twilight.

“But guano isn’t insane… it’s rather versatile… actually.” Twilight started saying, probably intending to joke a little. The night caught up with her before she could finish, though, and Celestia kissed her on the head as she drifted off to sleep.

“For the both of our sake, I hope you never stop loving me either. I don’t think I could ever stop loving you at this point…” She said to the sleeping mare. She readjusted to get a little more comfortable and let herself drift off along with her partner.