The Best Night Ever (Private with The_Pariah)

"Um... why did you resign?"

"Cause I screwed up big time. I failed you, again." He sighed. "I am, after all, mortal."

[Gotta sleep. Seeyah]

"You may be mortal, but you're loyal. To the death." She smiles at him. "Don't leave me again."

((Goodnight))

"Why's that Cell? You have plenty of guards who are loyal to the death."

"Well you don't see me asking all of them to resign, do you?" Celestia asked with a smile. "Either way, you're particularly loyal."

"Well, I'm not that loyal... But I do know all your little character traits..." He chuckled at the thought. "I can't believe you still sleep with a teddy bear, or that you like honey, peanut butter and lilly sandwiches."

Celestia blushed and looked away. "I trust you with my secrets, Paladin... That's how loyal I know you are to me."

"I know, I know... Or how you like... Nah, I won't say that one aloud." Paladin chuckled. "Are you going to eat? Or is it a wasted effort?"

Celestia gazes at the food. "No, I'm hungry. Really hungry." She begins to shovel the food into her mouth. "Mm. Thish ish nicshe. Very nicshe."

"I should hope so. I had it made to your favourite flavours." He watched her eat quietly for a moment. "You don't love me, do you?"

Celestia swallowed her food hastily. "Now, Paladin... well, I'm sorry."

[Is that supposed to be no?]

Paladin sighed quietly. "I understand of course... I guess I misunderstood our relationship."

((Yes. As in yes, it was a no.))

"It's just..." Celestia threw up her hooves in frustration. "What else can I say? I love you as a friend, Paladin, but... Not more."

"What else can you say?" He chuckled dryly. "Not a whole lot."

"So, um..." Celestia scratches the back of her head awkwardly, lost for words.

He sits down, shaking his head gently.

Celestia looks at him sadly, still silent as she continues to eat her food, albeit at a slower pace.

"Damn it!" He exclaimed suddenly.

Celestia flinched backwards, nearly spilling the food. "What?"

"Why?" He asked, glaring at her. "Why did you have to be a princess?"

"I..." Celestia faltered. "I... don't understand."

"Why did you have to be born as a princess?" He growled. "Why? I would never had met you then."

"'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.'" Celestia murmured under her breath. "Paladin, we can't change the past. Only deal with the present."

He laughed and gestured to the sign. "I'm done Celestia. I... I can't deal with this. Why do you even need a private guard?"

"Why? Why?" Celestia stiffened. "I need protection, don't I?"