Artist’ Description
 
Morning light poured in through the window, rousing a tired and spent Daniel from his sleep. He groaned as he opened one eye before sitting up and rubbing his face. Even after pulling a longer than average shift for the night, he still only slept a few hours in total after getting home. As much as he wanted to stay in bed, he knew he wouldn’t fall back asleep so easily. Dragging himself out of bed, he pulled the curtains back to let the sunlight into his apartment bedroom, hearing a startled squeak from behind him. He turned and saw his pet bat, Dewberry adjusting and turning her body to face her back to the light so she could sleep. Daniel let out a soft hum as to chuckle at her before checking his phone for messages. To his surprise, he saw one from Bubble.
 
For a couple months or so, Bubble had not sent him messages, as she and Mako had taken a sudden vacation not long ago. It was good to hear from her again. She simply asked how Daniel’s job was going, having heard he and his squad had been made a part of the Special Ops division. He began explaining how his recent week had been, how he had rented out an apartment in Canterlot and started making trips back home to Ponyville whenever able. He carried on the conversation as he got breakfast and coffee, asking Bubble how it felt to be back at work now that her vacation was over.
 
Bubble: Heh, I honestly feel more exhausted then when I left, but I suppose that’s not a bad thing.
 
Daniel: It sounds like you could’ve used a month.. Did it not suffice..?
 
Bubble: Uhh… It was.. fine. Just a little stressful at times. Hehehe, you know how accident prone your uncle can be~
 
Daniel: Mmhmm.. Can I assume that a good portion of your work involved him..?
 
Bubble: It wasn’t entirely his fault but… That’s besides the point. I’m just glad to be back in one piece. letting out a tired chuckle into the phone
 
Daniel: ears fold back Mm… Well, workload aside.. How has everything else been for you..? It’s been a while since we last spoke..
 
Bubble: Oh, everything is fine… Same old same old really.. Uh… How is Canterlot? I was just talking with Nighty the other day and she was telling me how clear the night skies are this time of year.
 
Daniel: Can’t complain too much, apart from the nobles it’s ver- … Wait, Miss Night Owl..?
 
Bubble: Oh yeah, she’s up in Canterlot for the next couple of weeks, pet sitting I think.
 
Daniel: Really…. Did she, happen to say where she was, exactly..? claws tap on the kitchen counter
 
After a bit of scrambling to find the address she wrote down on a piece of paper, Bubble relayed the message to Daniel. Making sure to write down the address, Daniel put the piece of paper in his pocket to remember to go looking for Night once he was out and about. It had been even longer since he heard from the violet maned beauty that captured his heart when Bubble was still in college. He still carried a torch for her since then, and now he wanted to make his feelings better known. And seeing as he was no longer the short, thin teenager he was back then, it felt like now was a good time to make a move. After all, Orpheus did say that mares like a stallion with… “macho” prowess.. At least as much as Daniel could show when not wearing a white sundress with berries printed on it..
 
After saying his goodbyes to Bubble over the phone, Daniel changed into casual attire to head out. Making sure Dewberry stayed put where she slept, he locked up his apartment and went straight towards the northern side of Canterlot. Although calm on the outside, his heart was racing as he trotted through the normal everyday crowd of ponies that wandered the streets. The closer he got, he made final checks on his appearance. His mane wasn’t messy, his shirt was buttoned the right way and his fur was sleek and brushed down nicely. As he messed with his bangs for a moment he slowed down his trot, giving a heavy sigh.
 
Daniel: I’m overthinking this.. Look at me, I’m doing what Orpheus does when he spots a mare in the distance…
 
The sudden barking of a few dogs pulled him away from his thoughts and he turned quickly, his tail frizzing up slightly. A small group of five dogs on leashes were walking down the street, and the one guiding them was a pretty blue and pink haired bat pony-pegasus. Daniel froze for a few brief seconds as he recognized her as Night Owl. His tail started to wag as he looked her over, his cheeks turning light pink. She looked even more beautiful than the last time he saw her. He started walking towards her calmly, trying to stay calm despite wanting to run up as fast as he could to give her a hug. Reaching out an arm, he gently tapped her shoulder… once close enough he realized how much taller he had gotten in comparison to her.
 
Daniel: Night..?
 
Night: ears perk as she turned and looked up at Daniel, instantly recognizing the two faced stallion Daniel…. What a pleasant surprise…
 
Daniel: Indeed.. I recently talked to Bubble and she said you were here.. I’ve wanted to see you for some time now..
 
Night: Is that so? I almost didn’t recognize you. How have you been?
 
Daniel: Pretty good.. I have a job now in the castle, actually.. What about you?
 
Night: Oh really? That’s quite impressive, especially at such a young age… Maximillion, down boy. as she pulls at the great dane’s leash when he leaned in to sniff Daniel, letting out a growl
 
Daniel: fur fluffs up a little as he looked at Maximillion, scrunching his muzzle a little Mmm.. He’s just curious… Good boy…? reaching out to let the big dog sniff his hand
 
Night: Indeed. He’s one of the more behaved dogs I walk. This is only a temporary job until I find an animal clinic open for hiring. gently patting the great dane’s massive head
 
Daniel: It can’t be too hard.. I’m sure with your special way with animals, you’ll find one soon enough.. You have a very unique magnetism… tail wags a little
 
Night: Hmhmhm, there you go again, being the little charmer.
 
Daniel: blushes lightly and rubs the back of his neck Heh, some things never change… Uhm, Night.. I was wondering, perhaps you’d like to catch up over lunch..? If you have the time, of course..
 
Night: ears perk slightly Sure. I’ll be free after I bring these dogs back to their owners. How does 1:30 sound?
 
Daniel: That’s perfect.. Why don’t we meet up at that small diner near the center of town.? They have really good pies and sweets..
 
Night: I’m not really a big fan of sweets myself but that sounds tolerable. I know the place.
 
Daniel: ear twitches a little Great, I’ll see you then..
 
Night: gives a small smile I look forward to it, Daniel.
 
Daniel: cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink, the corner of his mouth twitching but fails to smile back
 
[Rest of story at the source]
 
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