Just a Bet (Part 2) [Anon x Celestia]

>It's been a week since your bet with Rainbow Dash

>You really didn't think kissing Princess Celestia's cheek would be so easy

>The song and dance wasn't really part of the bet, but it was the best thing you could come up with to make sure Celestia's guard was lowered

>And you hadn't been banished to the moon, so that seemed to have worked

>You were just now getting back home after another long and exhausting day doing odd jobs around Ponyville

>...And there were Royal Guards stationed outside your house

"Uh, hey guys."

>"Greetings, citizen."

"Whatcha doin' standing around out here?"

>"We are the Princess' personal detachment."

"So... why are you here, th- Oh. Nevermind."

>They just gave you an annoyed look as you opened the door

>Once inside, you found Celestia laying on your couch, watching some cooking show on TV

>At least, you thought she was watching it

>You approached, but she didn't seem to take notice of your presence

>You sat down next to her

>Her eyes were closed and her breathing was even

>She'd fallen asleep, apparently.

 

>You gently nudged her awake

>She yawned and blinked a few times before she realized you were there

>"Anonymous, what are you doing here?"

"Uh, well... it's kinda... my house?"

>Her eyes widened in surprise, and then she started blushing

>"Oh, y-yes, so- *ahem* so it is... Anonymous, um, I..."

>You waited for her to continue, but she had fallen silent and didn't seem to feel like continuing

"Is... something wrong, Princess?"

>She stared off into nothingness

>You nudged her again

"Hey, are you alright, Celestia?"

>That had apparently snapped her back to reality

>"Oh- yes. Yes, I'm- I'm fine. I should probably- I need to get back to the palace. It's nearly time to lower the sun."

>She got off the couch and headed for the door

"Well... alright, then. I suppose I wouldn't want to keep you from your duty."

>"...Indeed."

"Hey, Celestia... do you think you could do me a favor?"

>She glanced away from the opened front door to look at you

"Next time you're going to stop by, let me know in advance, alright?"

>She turned her gaze to the floor

"I just want to be a better host next time. Offer you something to eat, make sure we have time to... talk. Sound good?"

>She looked at you with a smile, again

>"That... would be nice. ...Until next time, then, Anonymous."

"See you later, Princess."

>And with that, she left, closing the door behind her

 

Meanwhile...

>Celestia silently berated herself.

>Not only had she fallen asleep in his house, she couldn't even bring herself to ask him.

>Why was it so hard?

>What was she afraid of?

>Rejection?

>...Acceptance?

>A familiar sensation of warmth returned to her face...

>How she wished it would stop doing that.

>She lowered the sun, and watched Luna raise the moon.

>She bade her sister good night and retired to her chambers.

>Next time, she would ask.

>She had enough regrets for one lifetime, already.

>She didn't need to add one more to the pile.