>The harsh winter winds blew across the parking lot of your apartment complex, whipping snowflakes around like dust.
>Despite the holiday lights littered about the complex, the winter night appeared more menacing than usual.
>You, having just parked your car, were ready to get to your apartment and just go to bed.
>Christmas was tomorrow, but it wasn't like you had anything to look forward to.
>To the world at large, you were nothing but a vagabond.
>Sighing, you opened your car door and let the stinging, cold wind hit your face.
>As you made your way to the stairs, snowflakes continued to fly around the parking lot, hitting you and spreading a chill on the parts of your body not covered by your coat.
>Getting up the stairs was a bit of a hassle, as there was a bit of ice on some of the steps.
>Your landlord really should get to that...
>Regardless, you have a safe trip to your door, entering and making sure none of the cold gets in.
>While your apartment was heated, it didn't exactly feel like room temperature to you.
>Not even taking off your coat, you toss your shoes to the side and head for your bedroom.
>There lies your bed, but you aren't ready for it yet.
>A quick stop in the bathroom and then a change into pajamas and you were in your bed.
>Not even a minute later, you were out.
 
>You wake up, and you're...not in your bed.
>And the ceiling is raised really high.
>And there's something poking your foot...
>Lifting your head, you find two weird horses staring at you.
>"Ah, sister, he is awake!"
>And they could fucking talk.
"What the Hell?"
>"He speaks!"
>The blue one points her horn at you and-
>Wait.
>Horn?
>"Luna, calm down. Being standoffish won't help the situation."
>The white one turns to you with a smile.
>"Hello, you must be wondering where you are."
"Among other things," you sarcastically retort.
>The blue one lowers her horn.
>As you continue getting up, you look around and notice the snow outside on the windows.
>Was this just some kind of high and you were still home?
>Did you sleepwalk to a drug dealer then come back?
>So many questions were forming in your head right now.
>"Well, this land is formally known as Equestria, and you are currently in its capitol, Canterlot." The white one extends her hoof to you. "I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of this land."
>"And I am Princess Luna," the blue one tells you, "I co-rule as well."
>That didn't really matter to you right now.
"How the fuck did I get here?"
>The blue one steps forward.
>"How for certain, I cannot tell, but you have somehow wound up here through the realm of dreams."
>Ain't that a bitch.
>Wait, what?
"Dreams? Realm? Huhhhh!?"
>"This world we live in is full of magic, which works in mysterious ways. There's a possibility it somehow brought you here."
>"Specifically, to my courtroom," the white one tells you.
>Magic.
>Dreams.
>Royal horses.
>This really was too much for you.
"I'm going to go back to sleep. I'm sure I'll just wake up in my apartment again."
>You close your eyes and lay back down, but sleep doesn't come to you.
>In fact, you feel more awake than ever.
>You try shifting around, switching positions to get more comfortable.
>What were you laying on, anyways?
>Opening your eyes again, you find you're laying on a plush, velvety blanket, stacked on top of a mattress.
>Fancy.
>Maybe they weren't lying about being royalty.
>"I cannot guarantee you'll be taken back with a quick snooze," the blue one says.
>You sit back up, irritated.
"Well if dreams got me here, why won't they get me back?"
>The white one waves her hoof downwards, trying to calm you down. "Luna is trying to find a way to get you back."
>"Correct. And to do so, I need your help."
>Great, you had to do something.
"What do you need me to do?" you ask unenthusiastically.
>The blue one speaks again. "Simply follow my tasks as I ask you to do them. Easy enough for you?"
"Whatever."
>You hop out of the bed, wearing only your pajamas.
>It'd be nice to get a tailor around here.
>"Before we begin, though, what is your name?"
>She blinks at you, her blue eyes filled with curiosity.
"Anonymous."
>"Anonymous?"
"Yeah. Were you expecting King Hannahbanana the Twentieth?"
>"The sarcasm is not needed."
"Whatever."
>There's an awkward pause as Celestia looks at you and, then her sister.
>She grins sheepishly.
>"I'll let you two work, then. Let me know if there are any major developments."
>She backs out of the room, watching for anything.
>Luna regains her smile and tries to be friendly with you.
>"So, are you ready to begin?"
"Sure. The sooner I get home, the better."
 
>"You sleep for a total of seven hours a day?"
"I think that's about the time, yeah."
>Luna writes something down on a scroll.
>If this is info you need to get back home, you don't see how it'll help.
>"And what are your dreams mostly about?"
"Usually nothing. It's just me going through the same cycle as when I'm awake: monotony."
>"That's...sad."
"Like you would know."
>She drops the scroll and quill.
>"As a matter of fact, I would. I am not only the princess of the night in Equestria."
>Oh boy, here we go.
"Let me guess, 'The Princess of Dreams'?" you say in a mocking tone.
>She gives you an unamused glare.
>"Correct. That mockery is unnecessary, Anonymous."
>She clears her throat.
>"This means that, with enough time and research, I may be able to send you back to your world!"
"Can't wait."
>She brings the scroll and quill back out.
>"Now, when was your first nightmare?"
>These questions just got dumber.
 
>Day two.
>You had actually been here for a full day now.
>Quite frankly, you wanted to be home sooner.
>But here you were, in your new room, sitting with Princess Moonass yet again.
>"How are we doing today?" she asks with a friendly smile.
"Same as yesterday."
>"If that's a negative answer, worry not. I will make this interview quick, and then we shall be having pancakes for breakfast!"
>She licks her lips, then brings the scroll to her face.
>"To begin, what did you dream of last night?"
>Oddly enough, you had a new answer for her.
"Last night was...different. I didn't dream about my boring life at all."
>You can see her wearing a grin behind that scroll.
>"Do tell."
"I was in a snowy field. Nobody was around except for you and your sister..."
>You pause, trying to recollect the rest of the dream.
>The scribbling Luna does barely registers as a sound.
"You two started throwing snowballs at me, laughing, and then I was back at my job in my world, how my dream usually goes."
>She stops her writing, looking at you with a sly grin.
>"Is this world, mayhaps, rubbing off on you?"
>You scoff.
"I welcome it. Better to have something different and exciting instead of the same boring routine."
>Luna hums in thought.
>"The more information we get, the closer we'll be to getting you home."
>Getting up from her chair, she beckons you to follow.
>"Now, let us go feast on pancakes! I am famished!"
>You get out of the bed and go with her.
"I wonder if you like pancakes a lot."
>"They are undoubtedly the best breakfast food available! Come, come, we must get there before Celestia receives the first serving!"
>On the way to the kitchen, you take a look at your surroundings, something you hadn't bothered to do yesterday.
>Festive decorations litter the halls of the castle, making the place look as ready for Christmas as your apartment complex was.
>Was Equestria in the same timezone as your home?
"So, you guys celebrate Christmas too?"
>The moon pony looks at you with a raised eyebrow.
>"Christmas? I have never heard of such a thing."
>What?
>But the decorations were right fucking there!
"Then what's with all of the decorations?"
>"Those are Hearth's Warming decorations. It is a holiday when we celebrate the founding of Equestria."
"Looks a lot like Christmas to me."
>As you two enter the kitchen, she shoots you an inquisitive look.
>"What is this 'Christmas'?"
"A holiday we celebrate back where I come from."
>Both of you take a seat, with Celestia greeting you with a warm smile.
>"Good morning, you two! Did you sleep well, Anonymous?"
"Like a baby."
>"Anonymous here was just telling me about a holiday he celebrates called 'Christmas'."
>Celestia waves her hoof at you.
>"Do tell."
>Before you can say anything, the food is brought out and served.
>The pancakes were shaped as hollies.
>If this wasn't Christmas, they sure as Hell weren't trying to make it any different.
>While the three of you eat, you tell the princesses about Christmas and its background.
>In return, they tell you all about Hearth's Warming.
>Interesting how these horses have managed to build an entire society, let alone holidays to go with it.
>When breakfast was finished, you went off to read more about this place.
 
>Day three.
>Luna's come in with her scroll and quill.
>"Anonymous, good morning. How are we today?"
"Won't lie, I've been worse off. Things are pretty decent."
>"Wonderful! In that case, I'd assume I'll have no trouble finding out what you dreamed about."
"Last night's dream was interesting. I dreamt that I was celebrating Hearth's Warming with you and Celestia."
>Her jaw is slightly agape.
>"Really?"
"Yeah."
>"I had a similar dream, but instead, I celebrated that 'Christmas' you told us about yesterday!"
"Well isn't that a thing."
>She seems excited to tell you this.
>Calm down, horse.
>"I even met an Equestrian version of that 'Santa Claus'!"
"Pony and all, huh?"
>She nods.
"Neat."
>She brings the scroll back up to her face, calming down.
>"I'm sorry, I was sidetracked. Please, continue."
"Right, well..."
>The next part would be a bit embarrassing for the both of you, but she needed all she could get, right?
"Remember those 'mistletoes' I told you about?"
>"I do."
"Well, weird thing is, while we were celebrating the holiday, you and I got caught under one together."
>A pink tinge spreads across her cheeks.
>"O-oh. Did we..."
"I woke up before any of it happened. Don't worry."
>"I-I am not implying it is a bad thing-I-I mean, not that I would want to-"
"Luna, it's okay. I get it."
>The frazzled princess looks at you for a moment before taking a deep breath.
>"Right. If that's where the dream ends, then I think we can adjourn this interview."
>She gets up a little quickly, opening the door to your room.
>Believe it or not, your eyes actually find themselves wandering over her ass.
>Why are you checking out a horse, Anon?
"Don't worry, Luna. You're looking good anyways."
>Is it weird that you meant it?
>"U-uh..."
>She scurries out before you can say anymore.
>These horses are weird.
 
>Day 9.
>Hearth's Warming was about a week away.
>You wondered how much time had passed back home.
>Or if you even wanted to go back.
>As much as you didn't want to admit it, this place was nicer than home.
>You had company, a nice bed, and an endless supply of food.
>Not like home, where you were alone, struggled to sleep on a rickety mattress, and barely had a day when your fridge wasn't almost empty.
>Not to mention-
>The door creaked open.
>You were attentive as the dark blue pony walked in, sat down, and brought out her scroll.
>"Good morning, Anonymous. How are we today?"
>Every time.
"Feeling great, princess. I think I'm ready to go out and explore this Canterlot place."
>"It shall be done after breakfast."
>That got you excited.
"So, right, my dream. I dreamed about some game I used to play back home, and about playing it with you."
>She scribbles something down as her eyebrows arch upwards.
>"This is the fourth time I've been in one of your dreams, Anonymous. Note that I myself have still not been visiting them."
"I know, weird right?"
>Not really.
>What you were thinking on before Luna came in was, well...
>You think you're starting to like her.
>Yes, in that way.
>Insane that it was only after nine days and through small talk, but Goddammit, you were starting to find horses here sexy.
>And Luna was no doubt the prettiest of all of them.
>Must have been the absence of human women that did it.
>Whatever it was, you found yourself attracted to her.
>How she'd take it, though, was one of your biggest concerns.
>Would she be comfortable dating what was essentially an alien?
>Even then, was it allowed?
>You'd have to tell her at some point, though.
>Or maybe she was getting the hint through the dreams?
>"Was there anything more?"
"No, I think that's all there was."
>She puts away the scroll.
>"Very well. After breakfast, I will accompany you out to the city."
>She gets up, opening the door.
>You get out of bed yourself to follow her.
>Your new set of pajamas, custom made just for you, kept you warm even outside the bed.
>After breakfast, you'd bundle up in a set of clothes and a heavy coat made for you by a royal tailor.
>A pretty good deal if you do say so yourself.
 
>Canterlot was as busy as you'd expected it to be, with ponies hustling to get from store to store.
>No doubt shopping for the holidays.
>The similarities to Christmas just kept piling up.
>The snow on all the buildings just really solidified the whole picture.
>"Here we are, Anonymous," Luna said as she came up to your side, "What did you want to do first?"
"Take a general look around, I guess."
>The moon princess led you around a few streets and some blocks, showing you a few bits of the city.
>It was just today that you'd seen your first form of Equestrian currency.
>The bit; little gold coins that looked like they were worth a lot more than your measly currency.
>Seeing as you didn't carry any of these, though, shopping was limited to what Luna felt was okay to use what she felt was the nation's money on.
>So you got a bit of food here, and a couple books there.
>Along the way home, you passed by a jewelry shop, and something caught Luna's eye.
>"Oh, Anonymous, look at this!"
>You took a few steps back to get with the princess.
"What is it?"
>She points at a bracelet adorned with a few diamonds.
>"I am not normally one for jewelry, but that looks magnificent!"
"What's the price?"
>You both read the sign next to it.
>"Hearth's Warming sale! 300 bits!"
>"Too hefty a spend for Equestrians. Besides, is not to be bought with national money, but..."
>She looks at the bracelet longingly.
>"It would be nice to have."
>You find it odd that, being a princess, she'd probably be able to get whatever she wanted.
>Maybe she was just more conservative then you thought.
>"I'm sorry to drag you over for such a minuscule thing. Let us head back, Anonymous."
>As she moved forward, you kept your eye on that bracelet.
>Seeing as none of these ponies looked at you differently for being human, you could probably talk business with them.
>You'd find some way to make money to get that bracelet for her.
>If you weren't man enough to admit you were into her, you could at least buy that.
>Luna, more than a few feet ahead of you, didn't notice you hadn't started moving yet.
>It'd be best to get going.
>Just remember that bracelet...
 
>Day 14.
>With luck, you'd been able to do a few odd jobs around Canterlot, and each one paid twenty bits.
>It was a lot of work, but you managed to make it to that coveted three hundred.
>You'd hidden the money in your dresser, so as to not make Luna suspicious.
>Since you'd already spoken to Luna about your dream and had breakfast, all you really thought about today was going down and getting that bracelet for the lunar pony.
>Your coat was put on immediately after you'd eaten, and your trek down to the city was accompanied by falling snow.
>More power to it, it just set the mood better for you.
>Remembering your way to the shop after passing by it on your several trips to the city, you got to it in no time.
>The bracelet, still on display, was now wrapped up in a gift bag and ready for Hearth's Warming.
>The day before it, Hearth's Warming Eve, was tomorrow.
>You couldn't wait to give this to her.
 
>Day 15.
>"Good morning, Anonymous! Happy Hearth's Warming Eve! How are we today?"
"Fantastic, Princess. I'm ready to see what Equestria has to offer for a holiday."
>"I quite like your enthusiasm. Now, without further ado," she brings out the scroll yet again, "What did you dream about last night?"
>This was something you didn't exactly want to tell her.
>Because, well, it was about what her reaction might be to your present.
>Maybe you could make something up.
"Uh...I had a dream about...the snow."
>She looks at you quizzically.
>"The snow?"
"Yeah."
>She wears a confused frown, but jots something down nonetheless.
>"Interesting...I would have thought from the previous dreams you have been experiencing that this one would be more..."
"Exciting?"
>"I suppose that term works. Regardless," she gets up from her chair, "I have news for you, Anonymous! I think I have gathered enough information and done enough research to be able to send you back home!"
>Your heart skipped a beat.
"Really?"
>"Indeed. All that you need to do is go to bed tonight, and I shall do the rest. How lucky that you were at least able to stay for Hearth's Warming Eve!"
"Uh...yeah," you say in between a couple nervous chuckles, "Real great..."
>"Until then, I hope you enjoy what festivities we have planned out!"
>She leaves the room.
>Your mind started racing with thoughts.
>Either everything comes out tonight, or you're getting sent back home.
>As you get out of your bed to get dressed, you think of when to confess.
>There was no way in Hell you were going back home.
>Not after how much life had improved for you here.
>A quick shower gave you time to think on how to handle this.
>A decision was reached.
>When you gave her the bracelet, everything would come out.
>Staying here and your feelings for her.
>Leaving the bathroom and going to the dresser in your bedroom, you bring out the gift bag with the bracelet.
>Might as well start practicing what you'd say.
 
 
>The castle was alive with ponies visiting for a special Hearth's Warming Eve dinner, with the party mostly populated by Canterlot's elite.
>Celestia mingled with some of the guests, doing her job of being a good host.
>Luna was eating at the moment.
>Perfect time to strike.
>Taking a deep breath, you approached the table she sat alone at, your heart beginning to beat faster the closer you got.
>Here goes.
>Her eyes move from her food to you.
>"Anonymous," she greets, putting down her fork, "Good evening."
>Getting a closer look, you noticed she was wearing a long, purplish dress, similar to something her sister was wearing.
>God, it made her look beautiful.
>More then usual.
"Uh, h-hey Luna."
>You take the seat across from her.
>"Enjoying the party?"
"Yeah, yeah a little, yeah..."
>She takes another bite of her food, then swallows.
>"I hope that is the case. I certainly will miss you when you are gone, so get as much of this party as you want!"
>Strike.
"Uh, actually, I wanted to talk to you about that."
>She sets her fork back down and looks at you curiously.
>"Oh? What did you want to tell me?"
"Could we move somewhere a little more private first?"
>She looks around, then back at you.
>"Certainly."
>Both of you get up from the table and head out of the dining room, unnoticed by the crowd of ponies present.
 
>After a little wandering, you'd found the perfect room to talk to Luna alone in.
>A small study with a fireplace.
>Lighting it up, the fire gives the room a dim glow, setting the mood.
>"Well, we are alone now, Anonymous. What did you want to tell me?"
>Somehow, you're able to keep your cool and reach into your pocket.
>When she sees the bracelet she wanted, her eyes go wide.
>"A-Anonymous...this is-"
"The bracelet you were looking at the other day. I worked pretty hard to get the money for it."
>"You...worked? To get me this?"
"I-uh...I did. Because, well, Luna, I'm going to come out and say this now."
>Do the easy one first, Anon.
"I don't want to go back home."
>She's taken aback.
>"Why not? Weren't you yearning to go back?"
>As you shake your head, you take Luna's hoof gently and slip on the bracelet.
"Not anymore."
>She admires the bracelet as it rests on her hoof, her eyes sparkling as much as the diamond that was embedded in it.
>She comes to and turns her attention to you once more.
>"But why?"
>You mentally steel yourself for this one.
>Three.
>Two.
>One.
"Because Luna...I'm in love with you."
>Nothing is said for what feels like a solid hour.
>She stares at you, jaw dropped.
>Unfortunately for you, it's hard to tell how she feels from that expression alone.
>Hopefully it was just shock, and not disgust, too.
>"I..."
"Yes?"
>She looks back at the bracelet, then you again.
>"I think I feel the same way..."
>You were doing internal backflips at the moment.
>"Sharing dreams, speaking to you each day, and now this..."
>She smiles fondly.
>"I am glad you made the choice you did, Anonymous."
"And I mean it. All of it."
>"I've...never had a lover."
>Your hand softly grabs her chin and brings her face to yours.
"Now you have."
>Your head twists slightly as you lean in to seal the deal with a kiss.
>Luna, understanding, does the same herself.
>When your lips meet, the world goes black.
 
>You feel something...soft.
>Luna?
>Is that her coat?
>You open your eyes and are met with...
>The mattress.
>Not the one you woke up in on your first day in Equestria.
>Not the one you'd thought you'd been sleeping in for the past fifteen days.
>The one in your apartment.
>A sense of dread begins to overcome you as you realize the implications of this.
>This couldn't be true.
>This wouldn't be.
>You wouldn't let it.
>Turning to your left, you find-
>The nightstand with your alarm clock.
>The date read 12/25.
>Looking forward, you see the apartment hallway that lead to your kitchen and living room.
>Tears begin to form in your eyes, but you don't care.
>How?
>You'd been there for fifteen days, yet it was all just...
>A dream.
>Like the ones you'd been having those past fifteen nights.
>Like the ones you'd been describing to Luna.
>The ones you'd remembered so well.
>None of it was real.
>None of it happened.
>Luna wasn't real.
>She never would be.
>She was just some girl from your dreams.
>It was all just some sick Christmas joke from your subconscious.
>You get into the fetal position, letting the tears drop onto your pillow as you sob.
>The only Christmas gift you would receive this year, and it wasn't even real.
>What a cruel thing to receive.