"Wha... What..."

"That woman. The one who was here just minutes ago. Who was she?"

Much to my surprise, there was yet another woman in my house. The first thing I noticed about her... was her long blue hair. Her face was beautiful, but her body wasn't as 'full' as Celestia's had been.

But that wasn't my main concern. Not in the slightest. Princess Luna was in this world once more.

I stared at her in shock. "Wh... L-Luna?" It was her. She was back. And that means...

"That Sarah Lockhart woman. Who was she?" she repeated herself.

Princess Luna had returned. She was standing in the middle of my front room with a bored look on her face. She was looking right at me. She was more than a foot shorter than me, but I was still just as terrified of her as when I first met her.

"Y-y-you... you're back!" I said, struggling to get out a coherent sentence, "You're..."

"You acted very... friendly towards her. For someone who's supposed to be shy, you certainly seem to be very open with meeting new people."

"I-I-I... Sh-She was just... just a..." I couldn't continue. My mouth just hung wide open in shock.

She smiled at me. Her voice softened. "You seem surprised to see me."

"Wh... I am surprised! I thought I'd never hear from you guys again! Why are you... here, why are... and not... I mean, not that I'm not happy to see you, it's just... why are... you..."

Her smile faded, but the warmth that came with it stayed in her eyes. "Calm yourself, please. I've had enough headaches today. My sister wouldn't stop talking about how excited she is to see you again. It was very nice to see her happy... but right now, it's rather annoying."

"Y-you mean that... She's..."

She smiled warmly at me once more. "That's right, Phil. My sister is returning to your world."

"Wha... Oh my god... This is amazing! This is..." I suddenly wrapped my arms tightly around her. She let out a surprised squeak, then awkwardly patted my back.

"My sister, as she returned home..." She paused until I let go of her. "Thank you. My sister was crying. I wasn't prepared for it. My sister doesn't cry. She rarely shows her emotions, especially around me. It made me think more about you and about what you meant to her. To think that such a man would catch the eye of my sister. It's... I don't know."

"Do you not like me?"

"You have caused problems for both myself and Equestria, but I harbor no resentment for this. I cannot blame you for our misfortunes. You had no ill intentions and no reason to believe that this would happen. In addition, you had no way to remedy the situation. As for you as a person... Well... that's part of the reason I'm here."

"Alright then. So... why are you here, then? I mean, I'm not unhappy to see you, it's just that I... Well, I would've preferred Celestia."

She chuckled. "Understandable. Before my sister returned, I wanted to speak to you myself. I wanted to see what kind of person you really were. You've no need to worry, though. I'm not here to decide for my sister whether she'll return to this world. No matter my opinion, I'm sure she'd come to see you just the same. Even if I found fault with you, I doubt that I could prevent her from doing so."

"So, when can I see her?" I asked.

"Soon enough."

"Soon enough isn't soon enough."

"It will depend on when she is ready." she said, "I doubt she wishes to stay away for longer than she has to, but there were many things that needed her attention. I decided to take this chance to meet you myself. The situation surrounding our first meeting was a rather unpleasant one, so I hope that this time, we can meet properly."

"Alright then. I'd like that, Princess."

"So tell me... Who are you?"

"Well..." I nervously rubbed the back of my neck. "There's not really much to tell. I mean, you know a lot about who I am already. I never have an answer for this question."

"I find that it can help if you repeat your name." she said.

"That so? Well... I guess. Yeah, alright. My name, which you know, is Phil. I'm someone who works for a living. I live a life that I can say I'm somewhat proud of. I'm almost always at home in my free time. I rarely go out. Luna, I don't see how this..."

"Keep going." she said to me. It seemed almost like she was encouraging me.

"Well... I just... I don't know what you want me to say."

She chuckled, then crossed her arms across her chest. "You could say that you're a loving, caring man who loves seeing the smiles of others. That you'll go out of your way to help those in need. That you're a strong man who isn't afraid to reveal his feelings."

"Is that... What you think of me?"

"You're more interesting than you let on. I've learned a lot about you these past two months. You're not a bad person by any means. In fact, you're one of my sister's more suitable candidates."

"Candidates?"

"Indeed. Many have tried and failed to win her heart. She has had many suitable candidates. Some of them were twice the man you will ever be." She paused for a moment. "My apologies."

I gave a quick shrug. "Understandable."

"At times, my sister became infatuated with them, as well. She loved them just as she loves you now."

I think that last line meant something...

She paused for a short while. "You're a special case. You are my sister's first lover from a different world. Tirelessly, she worked to find a way back to you. At times, she went without sleep for days. She fell asleep drooling atop her books more than once." Luna gave a small chuckle. "Sorry. I know that this is not a joking matter."

"I'm special, huh?" I said, almost to myself.

"You're a lucky man." she said to me, "The love of a Princess is not something that every man can say they have."

"I don't think I see it that way. Her love is just as special as any other woman's." I said, "It makes no difference if she's a Princess or not."

"Hmm..." She paused for a brief moment. "Perhaps you're right. It's certainly not my place to decide, at least."

"Well, I mean, you are a Princess."

"Love is a strange thing. I can't claim to be in control of any aspect of it.

I shrugged at her.

She sighed. "It always seemed like her potential suitors were in it for money, fame, or power, or sometimes all three. It was disgusting. I chased many of them away. Few impressed me and fewer still impressed Celestia. The vast majority of her relationships were short lived, but some blossomed into things of beauty spanning many years."

"That doesn't happen very often, does it?"

She shook her head. "No, it doesn't. That's one of the reasons I'm so shocked that she feels this way about you. I mean no offense by this, but you are not a particularly special person."

"Yeah, I guess I'm not exactly the most exciting person there is."

"But... you're exciting enough to capture my sister's heart."

"I don't even think it's about being exciting. I think she actually liked how I wasn't exciting, you know?"

"Perhaps. I wouldn't know, myself. Do you really believe that you are not exciting?"

"Well you've been watching me, haven't you? I don't do anything. I wasn't much different before she got there. That's how it's always been. I wake up, I go to work, I come home, I relax, then I sleep. That's every day for me. That's not exciting, is it?"

"No, I suppose it isn't."

"I barely changed after Celestia got here, and even then, I went right back to my old habits. I don't know. I guess at times I can be exciting or spontaneous, but most of my life is just boring. And it made me feel like Celestia didn't like it here."

"My sister and I did little in Equestria, as well. We Princesses don't have much free time and what time we may get can't truly be considered free. I know you spoke with her about her feelings concerning her limited freedom."

"Yeah. At least that's one thing she liked about this place. She was more free to be herself. So, what about you, Luna? Are you happy with your freedom in Equestria?"

She sighed. "There isn't a pony in the world who doesn't enjoy acting like a carefree child. My sister and I are no exception. We tolerate these rules because we have to. We're supposed to be role models. If a Princess were to act immature, how would it look to the children of Equestria?"

"I couldn't imagine doing what you do."

"It's not as bad as you may think. I'm proud of my accomplishments as Princess. I wouldn't want it any other way." She was smiling warmly. It felt nice to see someone like her smile like this.

"I bet Celestia feels the same way."

"I have no doubt. Unlike my sister, I found my life in Equestria to be rather interesting. There's paperwork, yes, but my sister exaggerated the amount of it. Only rarely are we stuck inside signing forms and speaking with ponies of interest. Our lives are peaceful."

"Sounds fun."

She smiled at me. "From what I've seen, this world is more peaceful than our own, and yet, I feel nothing but conflict when I'm here."

"Equestria is way more peaceful, Luna. I mean, at least in general. In specific parts, you could say it's more peaceful, but the same could be said about anything. Least my part is peaceful, though. That's really all I can ask for."

"That's a good thing to ask for."

"So... Luna?

"Yes?"

"With you here and not Celestia... Did you really just want to know more about me? Was that it, or was there more?"

"Your concerns are understandable, but I assure you that I have no ulterior motive. I wish to meet those who... date my sister." She seemed to dislike saying that. "As it stands, Phil... I do not think you are worthy of her love." She sighed. "I'm sorry, but if anything were to happen to her... I don't know what I'd do. That's why I'm here."

"Yeah... Yeah... I get it. Luna... I get that I'm not worthy of Celestia's affection... That I don't deserve the love of somebody as perfect as her... Hell, I don't even deserve to look her. But I do have it. And I just can't believe that someone like me could... could be with someone like her. For more than one reason. She's perfection. You are perfection, in my eyes. Both of you. And you, you're here speaking to me casually like a neighbor saying hello."

Luna chuckled. "It can be overwhelming, at times. As I watched your relationship grow, I became confused. 'Why would my sister become infatuated with this human?' I would ask myself. I can't answer this on my own. That's another reason why I am here, I suppose. I want to know why my sister fell in love with somebody so... You."

I gave her a joking look. "Would you believe me if I say it's my charming personality and dashing good looks?"

She chuckled. "I'm just interested."

I smiled at her, then rubbed the back of my neck. "Can't imagine this is a pleasant change for you, though. Sorry about, uh... everything, I guess. I guess she must just like it here or something."

"Perhaps. I suppose I will have to like it here, as well."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"I imagine my sister has more than a day's worth of work ahead of her. There was much for her to do. With the night as late as it is, I have a... favor to ask of you." She seemed to dislike whatever her favor was. "My assumption is that I am going to stay in this world for a number of nights. I would like to ask for your hospitality during that time."

"You... want to stay here?"

She nodded. "As I said, my sister will be busy in Equestria for a few days. This should give me ample time to learn more about you."

"Well... I guess that's alright. I can't exactly provide the same level of comfort that you'd get at your castle, but at least the bed's comfy."

"You'd have me sleep on your bed? Where you and my sister..." She stopped herself, seemingly insulted.

"It doesn't matter where you sleep, Luna. Do what you want. It's not like it's permanent. I can't change my house around every time someone new shows up, you know."

"What if I asked you?"

"Hmm? I mean... I guess... but..."

"I've noticed something about how you treat my sister." she said to me, "You act as though you're merely doing her acts of kindness, but it's more than that. You would do anything she asked without question."

"I..." I stopped. I didn't really understand what she was saying.

"You respect her and you respect me."

"Well... yeah. Should I not?"

"My sister and I are still Princesses to you. So, my question is, why? We're normal women here. Even less than that, we're homeless, jobless, and you hardly know anything about us. None of these are worth the respect of another."

"Luna, you are Princesses. You and Celestia lead an entire nation with kindness and compassion. And you're nice to me and pleasant to be around. What's more to get?"

She crossed her arms over her chest. "Alright."

"Just alright?"

"Your answer is acceptable."

"Acceptable, huh?"

"I'm not here to have a great philosophical debate with you, although I'd almost prefer it. If you wouldn't answer, then there'd be no point to my being here. I'd like to think that my reasoning was justified."

"Well... alright. Glad I could be of assistance. So... can I ask you a question, Princess?"

"If you wish."

"What's the point of questioning me like this? Is it fun?"

She chuckled. "To an extent. You're somewhat of a special case to me. Something so mundane catching the eye of my sister. You'll know why I'm doing this soon enough."

"I hope you don't mind if I ask some of my own questions."

"As long as they're kept within reason."

"Of course, of course." I smiled at her. "It's nice to see you again, Luna." I stretched out and yawned. "You did show up kinda late though. How about we get you settled in before we worry about any more questions?"

She smiled back at me. "That sounds fine. I'm certain that what you choose will be adequate for me. You couldn't properly provide for one such as myself if I were here permanently, but a few days seems tolerable." She paused. "My apologies. I've grown too accustomed to the life of a Princess."

"Just pick yourself out a toothbrush and grab some blankets."

She chuckled again. "It's as simple as that, isn't it..."

"Home sweet home." I shrugged, then walked away. My destination, the kitchen. I grabbed the bowl of three-day-old spaghetti from the fridge and started to eat it right out of the bowl. I was hungry. It was a long day.

"You're not going to make sure I'm comfortable?" she asked me, standing in the doorway.

"No." I spoke with a half full mouth. "'Cause I know you're not. You'd rather be back home. Which is fine, you know, I understand."

"What makes you assume that I would rather be back home?"

It sounded like she wasn't asking because I was wrong, but because she was curious. "Well, I certainly wouldn't wanna be hangin' around this dirty, little place if I were you. Your only company is me and that can't be too good."

"You're decent company."

"Really? How so?"

"How... you're decent company?"

I shrugged. "Then you can ask one."

"Are we going to ask questions one at a time, then?"

"Hey, it's not your turn."

She let out a small laugh. "I suppose it isn't. Alright, I'll play your little game. You're interesting. You're interesting enough to capture my sister's heart, at least. You're also very friendly and kind. As long as you remain this way, a day or two with you will be no problem."

"Hmm... Alright then. Your turn."

She nodded. "Why did you fall in love with my sister?"

"That was a bit sudden." I said, a little surprised.

She simply stared at me.

"Well..." I rubbed my neck. "She's a nice woman who pays attention to me. Luna... I'm... I'm an introvert. I love anyone who pays attention to me."

"Is... Is that it? Because you're shy?"

"And she's... she's beautiful. She's just beautiful. She's amazing."

She seemed confused. "Are you really that shallow?"

"I'm 25, Luna. I don't know what love is. That's how all guys are at my age. I might not know what it is, or how to explain it, but I know it when I feel it."

"So... Why do you love her?"

I suppose I didn't actually answer her. "She made me happy and I made her happy. And her... her beautiful smile... It made me so happy to see her happy. That's all love is to me. Just being happy to be around someone. It's not complicated to me. But... In a way, it is complicated. You know?"

She chuckled again. "I understand how you feel."

"So... what about you?" I asked her.

"Me?"

"I answered your question. Now I have one of my own."

She crossed her arms across her chest.

"I've just been a bit curious about this. Have you ever been in love with someone?"

"I have."

"What, no details? What was he like?"

"My past romances are not your business." She was notably calm as she said this.

"Oh... Right... Sorry."

"Why do you think my sister fell in love with you?" she asked me.

"I don't... I don't really know. If I really had to guess... I would think that it's because I treated her like I would treat any other woman. I mean, she's a Princess. She doesn't get a chance to speak with others on an even surface. I gave her that chance. I... I think I was acting as if I was her guardian, and by that, I mean that I wasn't just somebody that wanted to protect her, but somebody who believed that she couldn't protect herself. She was in my world, alone and powerless. I just wanted to protect her." I chuckled to myself. "Pretty cheesy, huh?"

"It's honest."

"In truth, I... almost had a hard time seeing her for the Princess she was. To me, she was my friend. When I met her, I wanted her to like me. When I heard her talk, she seemed more fragile than I had imagined. I was open with her and she was open with me. We just... connected. Am I right? Did... she tell you?"

"I doubt even she knows the reason. All I know is that she was far too heartbroken for a simple friendship."

I shrugged again and ate some more spaghetti. Then, another question. "Hey Luna, when I was talking about you to your sister..."

"You were talking for me." she corrected me.

"Yeah... I... Really, I just wanted to cheer her up. I gave my honest opinion. With that, I felt like I overstepped my bounds... So..."

"Of course you were right." she said, "I love my older sister. She had to do what she did and we've come to accept it. I've forgiven her and she's forgiven me."

"I just didn't like seeing her like that, you know? If someone's sad, I'll want to help them. 'Cause it makes me feel nice when I can make people smile. And Celestia... I guess I just liked her smile more than everyone else's. I suppose it's just who I am."

I couldn't really think of anything at the moment and she wasn't saying anything. I think we were done. For now.

"I'm gonna go to sleep, soon." I said, "Are you gonna use my bed or what? If you're not, I'd like to."

"I..."

"Hey, it's not like I don't clean my bed. Bed day was a week ago. Once a month."

"I will have no problems sleeping on your bed."

"Alright."

"Once a month?"

"Yeah, once a month."

"Our beds are cleaned much more often than that."

"I'd imagine so."

"Sorry." She chuckled.

I covered the bowl and set it back in the fridge. After my food was away and the kitchen was clear, I started getting ready for bed. Luna seemed to be a bit interested in what I was doing, but got bored with me quickly.

I saw her in the bathroom holding a toothbrush that was still in its package. She opened it and examined it, then mumbled something under her breath.

Tonight, I slept in the basement. It was nice and cool down there right now. It was very comfortable.

I felt like the night went well. I was excited. I would get to see Celestia again.

A few minutes after I laid down on the couch, my phone started to ring. It surprised me.

Probably just Trevor or something.

I picked it up and looked at the number. The area code was local, but I didn't recognize the number. I briefly thought about just letting it ring so I could sleep, but I ended up answering.

I put the phone against my head and grumbled out a tired, "Speak."

"Hello... Phil? Uh... S-sorry, this is Sarah."

"Sarah? What's up? Did you forget something?" I didn't give her my number. How did she get it?

"No... I... Sorry about calling like this, but... uh... I, uh... I have a favor to ask."

"What? Alright, I guess. What's up?"

"My, uh... parents... um... They..."

"You alright?"

"Y-yeah I'm... Can you... c-come to... my house again? I may have told my parents that you were... my..." She stopped.

That I was her... what? "What did you say?"

"I... I said that you were my... my... b-boyfriend..."

"What? Really? Seriously?"

"I... I made a mistake. I made a big mistake. Th-They really want to meet you now. They want me to bring you in for dinner."

I sighed a long sigh. "I'll get back to you on this. Don't get your hopes up."

"Y-yeah."

"I'll see you at work."

I hung up and let my phone rest on my head for a small while, thinking about what just happened. After a while, I picked up the phone and looked closer at the number. It was a cell phone, so I wrote her name down in my phone and added her as a contact, then tossed my phone back onto the floor.

"Oh, what has my life become?" I asked myself before finally laying my head on my pillow.