>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.