Chapter 136: Stuck in Manehattan

"Come on, Storm. Just a little bit more."

"I'm trying..."

"Just push," stated Twilight. "A little bit more."

"What do you think I've been trying to do?" exclaimed the boy as he grunted.

"That's it. Right there. Now breathe on the count of three. One... two... three."

The boy did what the princess said as he took a deep breath.

"And release. Okay, now pull back and stretch."

The boy leaned himself back as he sat up. He stretched his arm out as he felt some cracking. He rotated his head as he tried to relieve any remaining leftover tension.

"What's this called again, Sparky?" asked Storm as he did arm circles.

"It's called yoga. It's supposed to help you relax and improve your mobility," said the princess as she got down on the mat and breathed deeply.

She did a Downward dog position before transitioning to a straight handstand as she looked at her partner upside down from her view. She smiled, seeing her partner rotate his right arm before returning to her original position, transitioning into a child's pose, and leaning forward into an upward-facing dog.

"Now I see why you're so flexible," said Storm before giving a smile.

The Jedi finished rotating his arm as he did a few cracks to his head. Twilight had dragged the boy into doing a new exercise she'd been doing as of late and felt like it would help him. Safe to say, it was unlike any other exercises Luna had taught him, but he admitted that his mobility and flexibility were starting to increase. Not to mention, he was sweating, which was a good sign.

However, looking at the girl, the Jedi couldn't help but look at her. More specifically, the way she was dressed for this exercise. The young princess sported a bright pink training bra trimmed with black straps wrapped around her back under her arms. Around her waist were black running shorts that cut off nearly at the top of her thighs, and coming up her legs were pink high socks boating white accent stripes. Her athletic outfit exemplified the curves on her otherwise covered body, causing Storm's chest to twist into a pretzel.

The boy came back to reality with a wave of her hand. A little dazed, he shook his head, failing to notice that she was still talking. "Huh? Wh-What?"

Twilight scoffed at him and rolled her eyes.

"I said, are you okay to continue going?"

"Oh, y-yeah. I'm game, Sparky."

"You don't have to lie if you don't want to," said the girl.

"N-no, no! I'm good to go!" said the Jedi.

"Alright then. Then help me with some of my stretches?" asked Twilight, "Could you sit behind me? You know, like I am?" Her legs were crossed in front of her, and she patted the mat behind her. Storm understood and took his place behind the princess. "Good... Now, place your hands on my torso and keep me centered while I move."

Storm hesitated before carefully taking hold of her body, wrapping his arms around her sides and grabbing her torso as instructed. His hands sat below her breasts, partly touching her skin and bra. "Like th-this?"

He was certain she would correct him. She would tell him to mind his hands or move them herself, but no such correction came. "Yes, Storm. That's great. Now, keep me centered, alright?"

Then, she began to twist the top half of her body from right to left, all while Storm held on tight. Her movements caused her breasts to graze ever so slightly over the tops of his hands, but he said nothing, and neither did Twilight, for that matter. She continued to shift and twist, but there were soon problems. The sweat that had begun to coat his fingertips was causing his grip to loosen.

"Come a little closer, Storm. You gotta hold on tighter." Twilight scooted back into him until her hips were comfortably between his parted legs.

The position of his hands moved, too, having traveled up slightly as she moved further back into his embrace. He was nearly cupping her large breasts now, but she said nothing in protest. Now nervous about his hand placement, Storm's breathing had grown fast and shallow.

"Is this alright?"

Without looking over her shoulder, Twilight offered him a little nod. "Yeah, Storm... You're doing just fine. Just... hold on tight."

He did as he was told, and Twilight began to stretch again. This time, raising her arms above her head like she had done before, locking her fingers together before twisting. As she moved, so did his hands. Clammy, with sweat, he couldn't help but lose his grip, and as Twilight shifted again, his palms landed right on her bra, pressing into her mounds.

Storm froze in terror and released his grip, but no anger came, not even a sudden slap. Instead, Twilight's movements slowed a little, but nothing else changed. Fueled by curiosity, he pawed at her breasts again, pressing his fingers into her flesh through the bra. Twilight's lips parted, and she let out a sharp gasp, but no shouts or words of anger followed.

"Twilight, I'm sorry, I... I don't know why I did that..."

"It's okay..." said the girl.

"You know I would never do that. I'm sorry I did what I did. If you want to execute me right now, chop my head off, feel free to..."

"Storm!" shouted Twilight, the princess, making her partner shut up so she could speak freely.

She spun around to face him, and her eyes frightened him. It wasn't an angry look. Rather, she looked more like a hungry predator that had cornered its prey.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I know you didn't mean to do it on purpose. Besides, I... didn't mind it." said the girl, "Plus, I... didn't say to stop."

"Princess..."

"I... didn't say stop."

The girl put her hands on his face as she looked directly at him. The princess giving the Jedi her full consent to do what he just did to her again. Twilight removed her hands as her brain was on full autopilot; the girl was looking to cross her arms and pull up her sports bra to allow her partner "easier access." Before she could start, Storm stopped her by grabbing her hands.

"No," responded Storm with the most serious, stone-cold expression.

The Jedi kept his emotions and hormones in check. Knowing that this temptation would lead him down the wrong path. The boy got up and began to walk away, knowing that if he stayed, he'd tempt whatever devil was on his shoulder, trying to sway him to give in to his desires. Twilight was left sitting there as she felt hurt seeing Storm reject her needs. She could command him to do it; as his duty as her personal guard, he had to attend to her needs and desires. So... why didn't she order him to? Why?

Storm was walking in the castle halls, the boy trying to clear his mind after the small incident from earlier that Twilight was hoping he would do.

"Storm!"

The Jedi turned as approaching him was Coco.

"Sup, Coco. Need anything?" asked the teen.

"Actually... yes. See, I need to head to Manehattan to do some shopping. I was wondering if you could come with me."

"You want me to carry the bags, right?" said Storm, as he knew that whenever a guy went shopping with a girl, they tended to become pack mules for all the stuff they bought.

"No, I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out.

"After this morning, I think I need some fresh air," said Storm as he agreed and began to follow the girl to her room.

"By the way, how did the yoga session go with Twilight?" wondered the girl.

"Fine," was all the Jedi said sarcastically.

After a quick stop by Coco's room, the pair set off for the train station. They got on board and were off to their destination. Storm was leaning against the window as he was looking out of it; Coco arrived and sat across from him as the girl pulled out a small checklist from her satchel that she had brought.

"So, what's the deal with going to Manehatten?" asked Storm to the girl.

"I need to pick up some materials so I can create some new dresses for the Queen," said Coco, "And also because I received word that Rarity will be arriving in a few days and has asked, I pick up some fabrics for her."

"Great, looks like the girls will be here soon," said Storm, as he knew that if Rarity was coming back to Equis, then so would the others.

Twilight and he never told the others they would be going to the princess' home. So the fact that he found out the rest of the girls would be arriving soon meant that they must have planned to come to visit, unaware that the Jedi were there. Knowing Rarity, the girl would need new fabrics for all the outfits she would make.

"Say, Coco? You never told me how you came into service. How did you start working for Twilight's family?" asked the Jedi.

"Well, it all started with my father. See, me, Fleur and Shenran all got into the service of Twilight's family due to our parents. My father was a trader, so when he arrived, he met with Twilight's father and did business. Eventually, the King decided to help my father set up shop in the kingdom. As for me, I had a skill in creating outfits and organization. Something that my mother showed me."

"So, where are they now?" questioned Storm.

"They're living in Manehattan, actually. But they've been living their years in peace. After I entered service for Twilight's family, I sent some of the money they paid me to them, and now they can rest easy."

"How long have you been serving Twilight's family?"

"About 12 years," said Coco. "I didn't get to see Twilight myself when I was employed, but I often heard how her parents talk about her. Fleur has been there since she was six since her mother was the head maid before she took over. And Shenran has been there since he was three 'cause his old man was the blacksmith before he took over."

"Huh, so you three are a tightly knitted group," said Storm.

"I guess it's the same with you, Twilight, and the others."

"I guess," said Storm, looking back at the window and seeing the many things go by in a blur.

Twilight was walking about the castle, the girl trying to find her partner so that she could talk to him about what had gone down during their yoga session. She scanned and even went to the home his mother had built for him, but to her surprise, she didn't seem to find her partner.

"Where is he? I just want to talk and... apologize for..."

"Twilight!"

"Dad."

Night Light was shown approaching his daughter, as behind him were some guards.

"Glad I found you. We need to discuss some things."

"Dad, I need to find Storm."

"Don't worry about the Jedi!" stated Night Light with sternness in his voice. "He's gone. He's off with Coco in Manehattan. He won't get in the way."

"Dad. What do you mean get in the way?" asked Twilight as she began to follow her father with the guards following the pair.

"I'm talking about what he's been doing as of late. It started with Lord Shade arriving last week. And since that day, every suitor that has arrived has told me that they are no longer interested in marrying you. And I know he's to blame."

"Dad. That's not true," stated Twilight.

"One I can buy. Two is confidence. But 27!" stated Night Light. "I know he's either threatening them or using his Jedi powers on them."

"Dad. Please... Storm isn't doing anything," pleaded Twilight to her father.

The pair exited the castle and approached the stables. They got on the horses waiting for them and began to ride off with a few guards following them. They were walking along the path from the castle to the town.

"Twilight," sighed Night Light as he took a deep breath before saying what he wanted, "You need to understand. One day... I won't be here. Nor will mother."

"Dad, please... don't say that," responded Twilight.

The girl knew what her father was trying to say. She would take over when it was time to step down, and they would live out their days in peace until it came time for them to pass. But the girl was still scared... hearing her father talk as if tomorrow he would die. She didn't want to lose her parents, not yet, anyway. The princess started sniffing as Night Light had his arm reach over and wipe her tears. The King assured his daughter that he wasn't going anywhere.

"I know. But I'm just saying. One day, I won't be here. And I need you to carry on in my place." said Night Light as they arrived in the middle of town and got off. "You're a part...

"Part of a long-lasting dynasty. I know," said Twilight finishing her father's sentence as it was something he constantly said to her.

"Exactly. You need to remember that. As future Queen..."

"But dad, what if... what if I don't want to be queen," said Twilight as they walked.

"Twilight, don't say that," spoke Night Light.

"That's not the way I meant it. I just... it just sounds like me being Queen means that it's not gonna be fun. It sounds like it's a chore." said Twilight.

"Twily. That's like saying you don't want to be a part of this family. It's in your blood. As am I." said Night Light as he put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "We're a part of each other."

Twilight sighed as she looked to the side while grabbing her arm. Before the girl could think about what her father had said, she was shoved forward and fell into the small fountain. The girl popped out as she sprayed out some water; she looked up at her father as Night Light was smirking, seeing that he had pushed his daughter into the water. Twilight smiled as she got out, and with one snap of his fingers, Night Light dried off his daughter as he hugged her before they began to walk with music playing.

[Night Light - The pair began walking through town, seeing the many people before them going about their lives. Night Light used some of his magic to help a family carrying stuff into their house as they bowed in respect to the royal family and waved as he returned the gesture. The King then sent his guards to go about town and help those in need. The royal pair came across a small kid looking to go with his friends, but his mother told him to come back and clean up his mess. The kid sighed as he entered as Twilight could relate to the kid obeying their parents.]

As you go through life, you'll see
There is so much that we
Don't understand
And the only thing we know
Is things don't always go
The way we planned

[The pair passed a woman who was begging for some spare change. Twilight had a face as Night Light snapped his fingers as a bag of money appeared before her. The woman gasped at seeing it before looking at the King. She dropped to her knees and began thanking and kissing Night Light's hand for his help in her time of need. The King smiled as he returned the nod and began walking with Twilight following behind, seeing how her father helped another one of their people.]

But you'll see every day
That we'll never turn away
When it seems all your dreams come undone
We will stand by your side
Filled with hope and filled with pride
We are more than we are,
We are one

[Chorus]
Family, family
We are one
We are one

[Twilight - The girl was walking with her father, seeing him use his magic to help their people as they bowed and expressed gratitude to their King. The girl wondered if they, too, would give her this same respect when she would be their ruler. She passed a shop window as the owner waved at her and gave her something to show his love for the royal family. The princess looked at the window as her reflection showed two halves of her face, one of her being a princess and the other a Jedi. Two different sides of her and how they could never coexist. She sighed as she kept on walking.]

If there's so much I must be
Can I still just be me,
The way I am?
Can I trust in my own heart,
Or am I just one part
Of some big plan?

[Night Light - Twilight made it to where her father was as Night Light looked up at the sky. The King looked at the heavens as he reminded his daughter that they were never alone as their ancestors were always with them, watching over them. Especially for Night Light, he could see his father, whom he had to take the throne at a young age due to his passing away because of illness. He let out a tear, showing that he missed his father. The King looked back at his daughter, showing that even though they may lose loved ones along the way, it would only strengthen them in keeping their people safe.]

Even those who are gone
Are with us as we go on
Your journey has only begun
Tears of pain, tears of joy
One thing nothing can destroy
Is our pride, deep inside
We are one

[Chorus]
Family, family
We are one
We are one

[Night Light - The pair got on their horses and began to take off. They were racing through town, passing by their people before entering the forest. Racing through the dense scenario, animals spotted them, with a few birds flying above them. They leaped over logs and ditches, all while Night Light was smiling at his daughter. They exited and into some meadows as butterflies spread out, galloping over a river as water splashed. They soon arrived back at the castle and entered. Twilight saw her father as they walked by a castle section with every family portrait member. The girl almost felt like the pictures came alive, all looking at Twilight, each ancestor looking at the current heir, watching her every move. They arrived at a set of doors as it opened, and they arrived at the throne; the princess looked ahead and saw it and her father standing next to it, reminding her that it would soon be hers.]

We are one, you and I
We are like the earth and sky
One family under the sun
All the wisdom to lead
All the courage that you need
You will find when you see
We…are…one

Twilight looked at her father as she still had an uncertain look. Night Light sighed as he approached his daughter with a smile. He hugged her and lifted her up on his shoulders as he used to when she was little.

"As long as you live here, it's who you are," said Night Light as he walked to a window and stepped onto the balcony. The view gave them a good layout of their castle, town, and surrounding areas.

"You'll understand someday," stated the King as they kept looking at the view before them.

Twilight looked on as she now had another perspective to consider involving her destiny.

While waiting for the train to arrive, there was an announcement. Due to safety concerns with the engine, a team examined it, and the train would not arrive in Manehattan until the next morning. It was disconcerting that there was a delay and that the train destined to take Storm to his destination was now stuck there. However, assuming the train was repaired quickly, he would still make it with plenty of time.

"Storm?"

Upon hearing that, the Jedi twisted his head as Coco approached him. The girl had found the last bit of her stuff as she met her friend at their destination when they broke up about an hour ago.

"Did you find everything?" asked the boy.

"Yup. I even managed to get the stuff Rarity needed," responded Coco.

"Great. The only problem is that the train is delayed," stated the Jedi.

Coco was about to respond when suddenly a voice said. "Excuse me."

The pair turned to see a man ways down the platform approaching them. He was sporting a tuxedo jacket, black with two long tails and a purple bow tie. At his side was a tall, thin, white woman wearing a red glittery dress.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," he said, "and I'm terribly sorry about what happened with the train. I know it won't get you to your destination, but perhaps I could offer you something to make your stay in Manehattan worth the time. Do you both enjoy the theatre?"

Coco's eyes lit up. "Oh! I love plays!"

Reaching into his jacket, the man removed a pair of tickets from a pocket.

"I have two tickets to a production of Hoofchestershire. I'd like you to have them."

"Really?" said Coco.

The noble smiled. "Please, I insist. Besides, I already have another engagement I was thinking of attending tonight. Now I know that these seats will not be going to waste." He held the tickets out to the pair, and each took one and gave their thanks.

"I do hope you two enjoy yourselves." The man gave a light bow. Then he and the woman accompanying him left.

"Well, that was awfully nice of those two," Storm said.

"It sure was," said Coco, a big smile on her face. "Hoofchestershire is one of my favorite plays!"

"I've heard about it from Twilight. The only thing I know about it is that it was written over a thousand years ago."

"Yeah, it's one of Equis' oldest plays still performed." Coco looked at the ticket to see what time the play started, but then her smile became a look of confusion.

Seeing this, Storm asked, "What's wrong?"

"These seats. Look at the numbering."

Coco held the ticket toward Storm, and the Jedi looked at it. After a moment, he said, "I'm sorry, I don't go to many plays. What's the matter?"

"They're not normal seats. They're in a box."

Manehattan's Circle Theatre was a historic location. The interior of the theater's hall was still made of wood, although the seating had been upgraded to plush red chairs that would have been in the right place in a more modern venue. Still, it was the perfect setting for such a classic production between the large chandelier at the center of the hall and the beautiful original crown moldings throughout.

When they arrived at the theater, the pair were shown to their box by an usher. It was much fancier than either had anticipated. Something fitting of royalty and high society people. The pair was even more surprised that the box only held their two seats. It was formal but intimate.

"I can't believe someone gave these seats away," said Coco, looking down at the stage. "This is amazing."

"Yeah," said Storm, sitting down and pulling out his program. "I've never gotten to sit in a private box before."

"Excuse me." The usher had returned and knocked on the wall inside the pair's box. "I also have a delivery of flowers for the girl in this box."
Coco and Storm looked at each other. "It must have been for that man's special someone," said Storm.

"I'm sorry," Coco said to the usher. "We got these tickets from someone else. They couldn't make it tonight."

The usher frowned. "Huh. Well, the flowers were already paid for. I'm just here to deliver them." He showed her the bouquet. It was a gorgeous arrangement of red and purple carnations tied with a cyan bow.

"Oh, carnations! Those are my absolute favorite flower."

The usher smiled. "Then they're yours." He held out the bouquet, and Coco gladly took it.

"Thank you!" she said.

"No trouble at all," said the usher. "Enjoy the show." And he left.

Coco held the bouquet to her nose and inhaled deeply, enjoying the complex yet delicate, spicy-sweet aroma. It reminded her of summer days in her grandmother's flower garden. She remembered one time when she had made a bouquet for herself from those carnations. She found one of her grandmother's dresses and made a veil by taping together some coffee filters. Then she stood in the garden and pretended it was her wedding day. It had been such a silly little girl's dream.

She didn't have time for those sorts of dreams anymore. She had a career. She had a social life. She had clothes to design and organized community events for the royal family. Still, sometimes it was nice to pretend that life wasn't so complicated. To enjoy the simple things. To stop and smell the flowers.

Pressing the carnations to her nose, she took another deep breath.
As Coco appreciated her bouquet, Storm took some time to look through the play's program. It gave a nice introduction to the story. It explained some of the history and the setting. However, when he got to a particular line, he said, "Uh-oh."

"What is it?" asked Coco, breaking out of her thoughts.

"It says here the play is being performed in the original Olde English," he said.

Coco nodded. "It usually is. But don't worry, you'll still be able to understand most of it. The actors always do a good job of displaying what's happening through tone and gestures."

"Oh, well, if you're fine with it, then it's no problem. I understand Old English. I was just worried that you wouldn't understand."

"You understand Old English?"

"I may be a Jedi, Coco, but that doesn't mean I don't have a proper school education. The Jedi make sure that they teach their younglings so that they have an education. Like Math, History, Science, Language, and even Sex Ed. I have the same learning as I would in a regular school setting." stated Storm.

Coco was impressed as she learned more about the Jedi. Soon the lights around the theater began dimming, and a spotlight struck the center of the curtain. It soon opened, and a lone person stood in the light wearing an old-fashioned outfit with large shoulders and a feathered cap. She began to speak in Old English, her gestures very grandiose as she explained the story's setting.

Storm smiled as he enjoyed the introduction. The actor's pronunciation was good, and he had no trouble understanding her. However, he soon felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked back to Coco.

"Everything okay?"

Coco looked back at him, a nervous expression on her face. She whispered, "Sorry. I know it's a lot to ask, but could you translate for me? I've always wanted to know what they're actually saying."

The teen nodded. "Sure. I'd be happy to." He looked back to the stage and listened for a moment, then said, "Our tale begins in the county of Hoofchestershire. It is a simple place where the shepherd people live simple lives. None of them expected the events that would occur to them on that fateful day when the Lady of their kingdom passed through, only to be kidnapped by the enemies of the King! It was up to a brave Knight, Sir Percheval, to rescue her and restore harmony to their land."

The play was well performed. Storm could see why the rest of the audience had no trouble understanding what was happening, even without knowing the language. Still, he faithfully translated everything for Coco.

Well, almost everything...

At one point, Storm stopped mid-sentence, his face turning red. Several people in the audience laughed at the line.

Coco looked over at the Jedi. "Every time I see this play, some people laugh at that line. What did those two actors say?"

The boy gulped. "It's... uh... it's a joke."

"But what's the joke?"

"It's uh... not exactly appropriate..."

Coco gently pushed on the Jedi's shoulder. "Storm, I'm a grown girl. Besides, I've heard way worst from you of all people. I can handle it."

The boy smiled sheepishly as he rubbed his neck, turning away a bit. He knew that Coco understood that, at times, he could say some vulgar things, part of which he learned from the streets of Coruscant, which Luna was not happy to know.

"Y-Yeah, I guess that's true," responded the boy. Storm looked around. Even though the two were in a private box, he still worried about people in the nearby ones. "Let me whisper it to you. I don't want anybody else to hear." The two leaned toward each other, and Storm whispered something into Coco's ear.

"Oh my!" Coco's cheeks immediately reddened, and she covered her mouth with a hand. Her pupils had shrunk as her eyes went wide.

At the sight of Coco's extreme reaction, Sunburst began to laugh. Coco looked back at him and couldn't help but start laughing herself.

By the time the play ended, the stars had dominated the sky, and the streets of Manehattan had emptied of people, except those making their way out of the theater. This included Coco and Storm smiling and talking to each other as they exited the building.

"Thanks again for translating," said Coco.

"It was my pleasure!" said the boy.

Coco nodded. Then she held up her bouquet of flowers like a sword and said another of the lines from the play in Old English. "I accept this quest for not riches nor glory, but for My Lady. Her safety is worth the treasures of a dozen kingdoms."

Storm grinned. "That was really good." He then said the next line, "If, in pursuit of mere gold, I would grow weary from the task. My hands can carry me a thousand leagues in pursuit of her rescue."

The two laughed together, and each yawned amid the laughter.

"Speaking of being weary," said Coco. "Where are we going to sleep tonight?"

The Biltmare Hotel was one of the nicest hotels in Manehattan. The lobby's walls were a mix of beautiful white and speckled marble. Large square wooden pillars held up a ceiling decorated with intricately patterned wrought iron. A large, lit abstract sculpture simultaneously reminiscent of a tree and a seashell sat at the center of a fountain of water just to the side of the reception desk.

Letting Storm go first, Coco walked over to inspect the sculpture, admiring the handiwork and thinking about ways to incorporate a similar feeling into a dress she had been working on. With the right stitching, she could make a summer dress that would be appropriate for both a stroll on the beach and a walk in the park while feeling like it matched the scenery. She smiled as she thought of the possibilities.

"Hi. I need a room for the night, " Storm said to the man behind the desk.

The receptionist nodded and went over to a small cabinet. Opening it up, he pulled out a key and said, "Wow! You arrived just in time."

"What do you mean?" asked the Jedi as the receptionist returned and placed the key on the desk.

"Well, with the train being fixed, everywhere is totally booked. We're the biggest hotel in town, so they've all been sending their customers to us, but now we're full too. It looks like you're gonna have the last room in Manehattan."

Upon hearing that, Coco's smile evaporated, and her attention returned to the desk. The last room in Manehattan, she thought to herself. Her head and ears drooped.

Not noticing the girl, Storm said, "Wow, I guess that is pretty luck-" He stopped. Looking toward the fountain, he saw that Coco was completely crestfallen. He turned back to the receptionist. "You're sure it's the last room?"

The receptionist was frowning at Coco but looked back to Storm. "It's the last key we have."

"I'll be alright," said Coco, putting on a fake smile. "I'm sure there has to be a hotel somewhere in town that still has a room." She turned to leave. "You have a good night, Storm. I'll see you tomorrow at the train station."

The boy looked between the key and the girl as she walked away. Closing his eyes and sighing, the Jedi picked up the key and said, "Wait." He held out the key toward the girl, whose eyes went wide. "You take it."

She immediately shook her head and pushed the key away. "No, Storm, I can't do that. What if you can't find another room?"

"What if you can't find another room?"

Coco bit her lip.

"Please," said Storm, holding out the key again. "I'll be alright."

For about twenty seconds, Coco just stared at the key. For most of her life, Coco believed that the world was everyone for herself. Looking into Storm's eyes, she could see their sincerity as clearly as their vibrant brown color. "Twilight is a lucky girl to have you," she said with a smile. "But I just-"

"Um, excuse me," said the receptionist. The pair glanced back at him. "I know it's not my place, but you could always share the room."

Coco and Storm burst looked back at each other.

"I suppose it's better than one of us wandering the streets of Manehattan all night," said Coco.

"I guess so," said the boy. Then he said to the receptionist, "We'll take it."

The room was simple but elegant. The walls were a warm, burnt orange, and the lights from Manehattan were shown gently through the two windows to the left. A queen-sized bed on the far wall was flanked by bedside tables and a desk and chair to the right.

"I thought for sure there'd be a couch or something in here," said Coco. "I guess I can always sleep on the floor."

Storm was taken aback. "What? No, no. You can have the bed. I'll take the floor."

"Oh, Sir Knight, how very chivalrous of you," said Coco, laughing at her joke. "But this was supposed to be your room. If anypony has to sleep on the floor, it should be me."

"It's not a matter of chivalry. I just know I won't be able to get any sleep if I know you have to sleep on the floor," responded the Jedi.

The two stood for a minute, looking around for a solution. Coco was ignoring the mattress-shaped elephant in the room. She wasn't comfortable with the idea of sharing a bed with a stranger. However, as she thought about the matter, she started to justify the idea to herself. Storm wasn't a stranger; he was a friend. Plus, he didn't seem like the kind of person who would take advantage of another person. He even offered to sleep on the floor to ensure she was comfortable. He certainly seemed trustworthy.

"The bed is pretty big," Coco finally said. "We could probably share it. Then no one has to sleep on the floor."

Storm scratched at his neck. It was a solution that brought a great deal of cognitive dissonance. On the one hand, it was obvious, utilitarian, and perfectly logical. On the other, he'd be sharing a bed with Coco, a girl whose soul was so innocent and pure that he didn't want to ruin that.

"Sharing the bed would seem logical," Storm said, more to himself than to Coco.

"If you're worried about Twilight, don't be. I won't say anything."

"It's not that. It's moreso that the only reason a boy and girl share a bed is if they're doing a certain action," Storm explained his uncertainty about agreeing to Coco's idea. Then he added, "How about this? I'll go back to the desk and get some extra pillows. We can put them between us, so we each get our own side to sleep on."

Coco nodded. "Sure. That'll work."

Storm returned to the room a few minutes later. He brought a few pillows with him and a glass vase. "I also asked for a vase and some water while there," he said, "for your flowers."

"Oh, thank you! I set them on the desk."

Storm nodded and levitated the pillows over to Coco, who began to arrange them on the bed. While she did that, the Jedi put the flowers in the vase. After finishing his task, he saw Coco removing her collar and hair clip. He then glanced back to the carnations.

"I gotta say, these flowers match your outfit perfectly. And the bow matches your hair. And they're your favorite flower to boot! It's like the bouquet was made for you."

"I know! I was thinking that. It's a crazy coincidence. That other woman must like them too. I guess liking old plays and carnations goes hand-in-hand.

"Must be."

As Coco got into bed, Storm felt a slight tightness in his chest. There are pillows, he told himself. Taking a deep breath, one much deeper than he had intended, the boy made his way to the bed. There are pillows. Storm slid back the sheets and got into bed.

Once settled, he said, "Have a good night, Coco."

For a few moments, the girl was silent, lost in thought. Storm was about to ask if everything was okay when she said, "Storm?"

"Yeah?" he said, looking over.

"I just wanna say thank you for being such a gentleman tonight."

Storm smiled. "You don't think I was being too chivalrous?"

"Maybe." Coco laughed a bit. "But it was really sweet. I'm not used to someone being so... well, selfless. Then again... I've never met a Jedi. Especially one like you." After hesitation, she reached over the pillows and touched one of Storm's hands. "So, thank you."

The boy was taken aback. He stared at the girl's hand resting on top of his. At first, all he could think was saying, "you're welcome," but then an idea struck him.

Turning his hand to hold hers, Storm said, "Anything for you, My Lady." He then lifted her hand to his lips and gently kissed it.

When he looked back at Coco, Storm could see the smile on her face. The two then burst out laughing. Laughter carried on, and Coco wiped tears out of her eyes at the end. The pair smiled at each other again, and Coco said, "Goodnight, Storm."

"Goodnight, Coco."

The first rays of the sun made their way into the hotel room as Storm and Coco slept. When the light touched Coco's eyes, she opened them to a wall of blue. However, it was not the wall of her hotel room but instead the shirt of the Jedi sleeping next to her. She found that she had shifted in her sleep. She had begun to hug one of the pillows in the middle of the bed, and her head now rested against Storm's chest.

For some reason, she had no problem with this.

Instead of moving away, Coco gently closed her eyes, listened to the beating of the boy's heart, and felt the rising and falling of his chest as he breathed. A part of her thought she should be concerned, but she felt comfortable here. It felt nice to be close. She unconsciously nuzzled her hair into Storm.

The princess is a lucky girl.

The act caused the Jedi to open his eyes. He could feel Coco's hair on his body before he looked down to see her. She was somewhat blurry at first before it cleared up as he got a clear image of the girl.

So much for the pillows, he thought.

He expected his anxiety to kick in and wanted to move away from the girl leaning against him.

Yet the feelings didn't come.

Instead, he felt a different impulse. As if by instinct, he reached up his hand and placed it on Coco's shoulder. Coco's eyelids winced slightly in surprise, and she took a breath in, but then she let out a gentle sigh, and her face relaxed. Her smile grew ever so slightly.

Checkout had given the two yet another pleasant surprise, as the manager met them at the desk to apologize for what had happened and insisted that the two not pay for their room. Of course, Coco and Storm objected, but the manager stood firm.

"I want the Biltmare to be seen as the finest hotel in Equis," he had said. "That means our guests' satisfaction is paramount. And besides, your circumstances, both in sharing the room and being here to share it, were out of your control. On behalf of the Biltmare, and the residents of the city of Manehattan, giving you this night for free is the least we can do for the inconvenience."

The streets of Manehattan were becoming busy as Storm and Coco headed to the train station. The two entered the platform at the train station. They continued talking as they approached the train. It wasn't long before everyone got on board, and the train began to chug along the tracks. Soon the train arrived in the Kingdom of Equis as it pulled into the station.

Storm and Coco were approaching the castle when Twilight came rushing at them.

"You're back!" said the girl as she ran to Storm and wrapped her arms around him.

"Nice to see you as well, Sparky," said the boy, removing the girl's arms from his neck.

"I heard the train was delayed. I hope it wasn't too bad."

"We were fine, Princess," said Coco to Twilight. "Me and Storm were able to have a fun time. Now, with your permission, your highness, I need to get to work."

"Of course," nodded the girl.

Coco bowed in respect to Twilight before leaning into her ear.

"I see why you chose him. He's a keeper. I wish nothing but the best for you two." whispered Coco to Twilight's ear.

The girl left as Twilight took in what was said and had some red appear on her face. Storm walked past her as the princess followed behind. Up on his balcony, Night Light had seen the teens arrive. He sighed when he saw Twilight flung into Storm's arms as he prayed that she would make the right decision for their bloodline when the time came.

Author's Note: A small unplanned situation has allowed for Storm to grow closer and bond with Coco. Learning how she came into service for Twilight's family as well as the others. And as for Twilight, after the events of last chapter, nearly every suitor that has arrived in an attempt to woo her has left saying that they were no longer interested. And it seems Night Light is not a fan of that, given how many have just up and left in the past week alone. Still, Twilight has a duty and obligation to fulfill. And let's not forget the small steamy session at the beginning. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.