Changing Lanes 37: Uncommitted

>The door slams behind you as you enter Twilight's home, making you spin around.
>There is no one there as your heartbeat slows down a bit
"Hello, Twilight?"
>"At any point in your travel here, did you notice anypony following you or watching you?"
>You jump again as Twilight speaks up from behind you, holding a scroll.
"What? No."
>You look around the room, realizing how dark it is in here, considering the snow outside, in the middle of the day.
>"At any point in your travel, did you notice anypony suspicious, such as odd clothing like a trenchcoat?"
"Twilight, it's the dead of winter, there's a lot of ponies wearing coats."
>She doesn't acknowledge your answer, as she keeps her eyes on the scroll.
>"At any point in your tr-"
>You swipe the parchment from her, quickly perusing it as she fights to get it back.
>"Anonymous, this is important!"
"For god's sake Twily, Luna teleported me here, my travel was four steps and opening the door."
>Princess Celestia and Luna were on their way to an annual visit to Saddle Arabia, and felt it best you stay with Twilight.
>The idea was a little embarrassing, but considering a whole species wants your head on a platter, it is probably for the best.
"'Double-check the list after completion to confirm the answers given. If in doubt, go though all scenarios again.' Really Twilight?"
>She scrunches her face up in a sign of frustration.
>"You wouldn't think it was so funny if you had been followed, and this list had made you realize that!"
>You toss her list back to her, as she catches it with her magic.
"I think you need to lay off the spy novels."
>A sudden knock at the door silences any retort Twilight had for you.
>The two of you look at each other in uneasy silence.
>"Twilight, dear! Are you home?"
>You recognize the voice as Rarity, one of Twilight's close friends.
>Twilight is still motionless, as if unsure to trust what is on the other side of the door.
"Twilight, are you going to be this paranoid the whole week I'm here? Just open the door already."
>She narrows her eyes at you as you take the initiative, standing behind the door as you open it.
>"Twilight, are you alright? You look tense, darling."
>She perks up as Rarity walks in, trying to pass off her nerves.
>"Fine, I'm just fine! What are you doing here?"
>"Don't tell me you forgot about our spa day, Twilight."
>You slowly close the door as Twilight brings a hoof to her head.
>"Oh Rarity, I'm so sorry. You see, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are visiting Saddle Arabia, and they asked I keep an eye on Anonymous while they're gone."
>She motions to you.
>As Rarity spins around, you wave.
>You almost fall over as she runs up to you, hugging your waist with her forelegs.
"Uh, hi?"
>"Anonymous, I want to thank you for saving Twilight, she told us all about what the two of you went through with those dreadful changelings."
>You slowly raise your eyes, focusing on Twilight.
"She told you all about the changelings, huh?"
>You know from what others have said that Rarity is a big gossip.
>Well, now you know how the rumor of changelings began circulating.
>Another knock at the door silences the pleasantries.
>You eye Twilight as Rarity releases you, regaining her composure.
>"Oh, that must be Princess Cadence."
>Sure enough, the door opens with the aid of Twilight's magic, revealing the pink alicorn.
>"Hello everypony."
>She seems to take a moment to notice you.
>"Anonymous, it is a surprise to see you here. How is your shoulder doing?"
>She motions to the side that was injured when the two of you met.
"It's good. Also good to see you on a day where things aren't so..... dire, I guess."
>She nods, giggling before turning her attention to Twilight and Rarity.
>"Are we all ready to go, girls? A-and guy, I mean. I assume you are joining us, Anonymous?"
>Twilight speaks up before you have a chance to respond.
>"I don't know if it's a good idea, Cadence. You see, Anon is here beca-"
"Because she was telling me how awesome the spa is, and I wanted to experience it for myself. Lead the way, Cadence."
>Without hesitation, she heads for the door with the rest of you in tow.
>You suddenly find Twilight at your eye level, her wings lazily flapping as she grits her teeth.
>"If we run into any trouble, I swear to Celestia, Anon..."
"I think you need more relaxation than anyone else, Twily."
>You ruffle her mane with your hand as you stride ahead, causing her to growl.

>As you sink into the jets of the hot tub, you close your eyes, feeling the stiffness from the cold leave your body.
>"So Anonymous, how is living in Canterlot with Princess Luna?"
>Rarity's voice drifts from the other side of the tub.
"It's an adventure every day, I'll say that much."
>"Oh? Do tell more."
>You open your eyes, finding the unicorn leaning forward in anticipation.
>Unable to help yourself, you chuckle a bit before answering.
"Well, behind the scenes, Luna and her sister aren't quite as regal and serious as they seem to be. But I think if I said any more than that, Luna might have my head."
>Rarity groans as she leans back.
>"You don't have to tease us, Anon."
>You glance over to Twilight and Cadence, who have just finished up with a hooficure.
>If they are still awake, the two of them aren't saying anything.
"Sorry. But really, it's been good. Hard to adjust to such a massive home, but I'm figuring out how to get around."
>The next question is one you've been expecting for a while.
>"Twilight said you saved her from another encounter she had with those horrid changeling creatures, but she wasn't much clearer than that. What did happen, if I may ask?"
>You shrug.
"I don't really know what the plan was, but one went after me impersonating Luna, and one went after Twilight, posing as me. We, uh, have a close sort of brother-sister bond, me and Twilight."
>Rarity gives you a funny look as you continue.
"Anyway, I didn't fall for it because.... well, Luna and I are super close, I just know her. Twilight did, but we snapped her out of it."
>You don't know how much Twilight has told her friends about the strange magical bond you share with Luna, so you try to keep it vague.
>Rarity seems to suspect you aren't telling the whole truth either.
>"I don't mean to be nosy, but how exactly did you know that impostor was not Luna? The previous encounter anypony has had with these creatures, Twilight's brother could not tell that his wife-to-be, Princess Cadence, had been replaced."
>Scratching the back of your head, you find yourself in a corner with no way out.
"Look, Rarity. I don't really think I should be talking about it in the first place, so can you please keep this a secret? It might endanger my own life if it comes out into public knowledge."
>"Yes Anonymous, I won't tell a soul."
"Luna and I share a sort of mental link. It's hard to explain, it happened not long after I arrived in Equestria."
>She blinks, trying to decide whether you are joking or serious as she speaks.
>"Well, we are all very glad you managed to break her from the spell. If you desire any updates to your wardrobe in the future, it's on me, dear."
>You feel a bit better as she seems to avoid the subject further.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
>"Perhaps a tuxedo for a special day that I assume is nearing?"
"Special day? I'm afraid I don't follow."
>She laughs, waving a hoof.
>"You know. You, Luna. The two of you have been a thing for a while now."
>Your eyes snap wide as you realize what she's asking.
"Rarity, we've been together for barely a year. I don't think either of us has given any thought to..."
>She gasps.
>"Anonymous, it is every mare's dream to meet that special somepony and be joined in body and soul! Just think, Luna has had to wait well beyond a thousand years for her chance."
>You do your best not to gag at her sappy speech.
"I uh.... wow. No, I can't say anything like this has come up in conversation. She hasn't mentioned any desire to make our relationship formal, anyway."
>If her dramatic words weren't enough, Rarity looks as if she is about to faint.
>"Anonymous dear, of course not! She is waiting for you to propose. Just think, Princess Luna and Prince Anonymous..."
>Finding this conversation to be a bit much at this point, you begin to climb out of the tub.
"Apologies, but I think I've been in here too long. I'm starting to get pruny."

>"I have waited so long, and now you stand here, denying my desires because you are afraid of responsibilities?"
>Luna wails from her bed, holding back tears as you stand in her room.
>Your stomach churns endlessly as you try to explain yourself.
"Luna, no. It's not like that at all. It's just-"
>"You don't love me as much as I thought you did. I understand."
>The dams burst as she sobs, turning away from you.
"Luna..."
>"GET OUT! LEAVE THE CASTLE AT ONCE, AND DO NOT RETURN!"
>Despite her booming voice, you stride towards her fighting to keep your own emotions in check.
"Luna, please.."
>"Anonymous?"
>You awaken with a jolt, sitting upright.
>The room is quite dark, as the glow of the full moon outside Twilight's home is the only light source.
>Apparently you fell asleep not long after getting home from the spa, as you don't remember much of anything.
>The four of you spent the whole day there, and for the most part, it was enjoyable.
>Aside from the rather uncomfortable conversation with Rarity.
>As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you spy Twilight sleeping next to you, and Rarity beside her.
>All of you are on the floor, amidst an impressive collection of pillows and blankets.
>Where did that voice come from?
>It definitely wasn't part of your nightmare.
>You jump as you feel a slight nudge on your left side.
>Twilight groans and rolls over in response to your sudden movements, but remains asleep.
>You turn your head to find Cadence looking at you, concerned.
>"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. But you were talking in your sleep."
>You rub your eyes, trying to calm your heartrate down.
"I was? I don't remember anything."
>You see no reason to explain your nightmare, especially considering you normally control dreams.
>Slowly, Cadence slips out from underneath the sheets and stands, beckoning you to follow her as she climbs the stairs to Twilight's room.
>Gingerly, you crawl out of the makeshift bed and tiptoe upstairs, sitting on Twilight's bed next to Cadence.
>"I happened to overhear you and Rarity talking in the hot tub at the spa, and I couldn't help but notice you seemed a bit flustered. Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, I'm good. The topic just caught me off-guard, I guess."
>Luna's moon shining through the windows casts enough light to see Cadence's face, her concern evident despite her warm smile.
>"You know, while I enjoy her company, Rarity is quite the dramatic romanticist."
"Yeah, I kinda got the gist of that the first time I met her."
>Your response receives a hushed giggle from Cadence.
>"I suppose what I'm trying to say is, her fantasies aren't what everypony here in Equestria believes."
>You feel rather confused by the advice.
"Thanks, but I'm fine, really."
>You stop, before slowly continuing.
"What was I muttering about in my sleep?"
>She gives you an uneasy smile.
"Okay, I *thought* it wasn't bothering me."
>"Maybe you should consider talking to Luna. It can't hurt to see what her desires are for the future, can it?"
"Yes. It's only been a year, there's no way I'm ready for something like that, even if she is. Why does everything always have to lead to marriage when it comes to relationships?"
>"Your biggest fear is the responsibilities concerning marriage into royalty, isn't it?"
"I'll admit, that's part of it. I don't know, it just..... What if she has been waiting for me?"
>"I think that's a question you need to discuss with Luna. I don't know her as well as you do, but I think you'd be surprised how alike the two of you are."
>Cadence stands, heading towards the stairs.
>"I hope I was at least some help with advice. You seem like a really nice guy, and Luna is always talking about you. Talking to her about this is the only way you can get any peace of mind, as far as I can see.  But for now, I think we should get some rest, huh?"
>You rise to your feet slowly, as the floor quietly squeaks.
"Thanks Cadence. You're probably right."
>You follow her silently down the stairs, both of you taking time to get back to bed, to try to leave the other two undisturbed.
>As your head hits the pillow, you close your eyes and focus your mind, honing in on Luna's unique energy in the dream world.
>Why wait to talk to her when you can do it now?
>The black void you are in soon fades to the familiar night sky of the dream world.
>You can sense Luna is in someone's dream, which you are not keen on invading.
>Luna is likely helping another pony deal with his or her nightmare, so you decide to wait.
[Oh Luna, guess who?]
>Within a minute, the brightest stars in the sky begin to shift, converging into a form which glows brightly.
>When the searing white light clears, Luna hovers before you, smiling.
"You always have to make a grand entrance, don't you?"
>She giggles, snatching a quick kiss from you.
>"What, I can't have any fun?"
"Fun? Isn't that what you're having in Saddle Arabia?"
>She smirks.
>"It's not all fun and games, Anon. But their capital city is beautiful, and the food is exquisite. Someday you and I will travel there for a day or two. How is your stay at Twilight's? I assume she has seven or eight padlocks on the door and a magical barrier up around her home."
>You find it scary how much she knows everyone's habits and mannerisms.
"Well, you aren't far off. But I forced her to get out and about, we spent the day at the spa with her friends."
>Luna's smile fades.
>"Yet you seem like something is bothering you. What's wrong?"
"What makes you say that?"
>"The way you ended your sentence, that tone."
"Okay, you really need to lay off observing people. It's creepy."
>You get the sensation of falling, as you and Luna find yourself sitting on the side of a grassy hill.
>She unfurls one of her wings behind you, the soft feathers gently pulling you next to her.
>"Come on, you can not hide anything from me. What's on your mind?"
>You take your time thinking out how to start to explain yourself.
>Luna's concern only grows with the delay, pulling you tighter against her with her wing.
"Well, what's your feeling on marriage?"
>Her expression snaps from one of worry to one of absolute confusion.
>"What?"
"Like, you and me."
>"Yes, I understand that. Anon, where in Equestria did this idea come from?"
>She holds a hoof up as you attempt to respond.
>"Let me guess. You said you were with Twilight and a few of her friends, I have a hunch it is the white unicorn, Rarity."
"Okay seriously, this is why ponies think you're weird. How did you know?"
>"Rarity is a frequent socialite in Canterlot. On a couple of occasions, she has made a few passing comments of designing a dress for me for 'that special day' ever since our relationship has become public knowledge."
>She rolls her eyes, then smiles at you.
>"Let me ask you, what is your opinion on the matter?"
>Your stomach knots up as you try to decide how to answer.
>Luna just chuckles.
>"Anon, I know you know what such a binding would entail. By our laws, you would be royalty as well upon our marriage, and I know how you feel about that."
>She abruptly stands, pulling you up with her forehooves in an embrace and flapping her wings.
>"I don't need official documentation to know you love me, nor do you need the same. To Tartarus with anypony that disagrees or thinks otherwise, Anonymous."
>You feel as if a weight has been lifted from you as Luna sets you back down, as she continues to hover.
>"So, does my answer help you at all?"
"You tell me. You seem to have all the answers tonight."
>She giggles, before snatching another kiss from you.
>"Well, not all the answers. But a good deal of them. I regret having to leave, but somepony needs help dealing with nightmares tonight."
"Oh, who's that, if I may ask?"
>Luna bites her lip, trying to keep a straight face.
>"My sister decided to ignore my warnings of eating excessively spicy delicacies before bed, as I know what it does to her dreams. And I do not wish to have to deal with a grump tomorrow."
>You laugh.
"Better you than me. Have fun."
>"Take care of yourself Anonymous. Try not to let Twilight drive you up the wall."
"That's a tall order. See you tomorrow night?"
>Luna nods, her smile growing wider before disappearing in a burst of stars.
"Showoff."

>"Anon, are you going to sleep all day?"
>You groan, throwing a pillow over your head.
"Shut up Twilight, you know me and mornings are not on speaking terms."
>"You do realize more than eight hours of sleep at a time is bad for you, right?"
"You know what else is bad for you? Waking up someone that can give you nightmares for the rest of your existance."
>The pillow over your head is yanked from your grasp, as you are pulled upright by Twilight's magic.
"Fine, I'm up."
>"That's better."
>As you glance around the room letting your eyes adjust to the sunlight of late morning, you spot Spike's tail under a heap of blankets.
"Aren't you going to wake him up, too?"
>Twilight doesn't even glance over as she begins putting away the linens making up your bed.
>"He's a baby dragon, he needs his rest."
"Is all week going to be like this? I think the changelings might offer better hospitality than you."