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Dreamscape: Worlds Apart

-o-O-o-

Chapter III: A Day In The Life

"Across the void of time and space, A call to love's sweet warm embrace."

-o-O-o-

Frustration gnawed at the back of Luna's mind, bitterly reminding her of her impotence and leaving her feeling more than a little sour. Unfortunately, the time to sleep was the other side of what she was sure would prove to be a day that would drag its heels and make her wait a short eternity. Even though she was fairly certain that they could recreate the Dreamscape, and at least reasonably sure she could then use that as a stepping stone to getting in contact with Equestria (or more specifically, Celestia), she also knew that it would require the pair of them to do it.

That meant sleep; natural, night-long sleep.

Irritatingly for the princess of the night, Graeme was fully rested, as was she.

But then again, that also presented certain... Opportunities.

Luna's curiosity regarding Graeme's world had been piqued more than once by the things he'd chosen to bring with him into the Dreamscape. Now, being there herself, there were a few questions that she may actually be able to seek the answers to whilst she had the chance.

Opportunities to experience certain things. To explore what it was like in Graeme's world. To learn what it was to be human.

To follow him to work.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Graeme asked her, all but wearing his uncertainty. Luna's first exposure to the world, all within hours of arriving... Sure, she had some experience with him to fall back on. But she didn't know any of the social norms, and Graeme couldn't completely allay the concerns he had, uncertain as to precisely how she would handle things.

And yet somehow she'd convinced him to take her this far. He must've been out of his mind to agree.

Graeme pulled his car into the allotted parking space outside his work building and killed the engine, turning to face Luna even as he slid off his seatbelt.

Luna mimicked his actions only a few moments later, freeing herself of restraint, "Yes." She was curt and unapologetic, "'t'is better this way than being restricted to your home in solitary confinement."

"Well... There's some logic in that... I guess?" Though Graeme wasn't entirely comfortable with Luna's almost accusatory tone. He hadn't wanted to actually lock her up.

"Besides," something almost akin to glee seemed to sparkle in her eyes, paving the way for unbridled eager enthusiasm, "this shall be an excellent learning opportunity for Us!"

Us indeed... Graeme sighed inwardly as he opened the door and climbed out of the car.

Luna quickly emerged from the passenger side, casually straightening the pleats in her dress once she was on her feet. Graeme held some concern over how her attire would be received, seemingly better suited to a formal dance or some such function - thankfully, he'd been able to convince Luna to leave her crown at home - rather than day to day casual wear. But there hadn't really been much he could do about that. It wasn't like he had anything else he could offer to her.

And really, the ensemble was thoroughly becoming of the princess.

"Will your work-master take any issue with Us being here today?" Luna roused Graeme from his thoughts. It was the first sign of trepidation he'd heard from her; a slight uncertain waver in her voice, though she hid it well.

"You mean my boss? Shouldn't be an issue," he reassured, "We're an open office - lots of clientele coming in and out regarding work and commissions. Anybody asks, you're here to see our work; to figure out if it's right for your needs."

Luna seemed to nod almost imperceptibly as she took it all on board, "Yes... I believe We can play along to that." Graeme nodded slowly, then led the way into the building.

To Luna's inexperienced eye, the building's interior appeared almost overly clinical, as if its designer had gone out of their way to make it appear as sterile as physically possible. The floor was smooth and polished, much akin to marble, yet the sounds of both Graeme's and her own footfalls were not quite right, and that left her guessing. Some kind of artificial faux marble? Clean, barren walls enclosed the corridor that Graeme led her down from the entrance-way, the unblemished white giving the impression that the building could well have been brand new, perhaps only completed that morning. An absurd notion, of course.

And yet, it didn't entirely feel that way, either.

The corridor itself wasn't completely devoid of life. As Graeme escorted her along, they passed other people. Each and every one seemed to give Luna a prolonged sideways glance as they went about their own business, and the whole experience only made her feel unsure of herself.

"Graeme?" she whispered, still keeping pace by his side but drawing in a little tighter, "Why are they all looking at me like that?"

Even from the side, Luna could see the smirk that worked its way across Graeme's lips as it lifted his cheeks, that simple gesture alone putting her better at ease.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Luna, but you're beautiful."

Luna felt a sudden heat rise in her cheeks, "Thank you, Graeme, but I... We..."

Graeme turned to look at her, shaking his head slowly but still smiling, "I mean, that's why they're looking. Look around; what do you see?"

Luna looked. The people all around her, they were dressed plainly, casually. They were tidy, and it wasn't for Luna to say that they were unattractive - by human standards, she was sure, they were all delightful people. In contrast, she herself was dressed in a manner that could only have been considered "making an effort". A dress, after all, was anything but casual.

Insecurities began to take root in her mind and grow. As a princess she was used to standing apart from the crowd. But this was different. Being the centre of attention wasn't necessarily what she wanted or needed to be.

Graeme felt her slip an arm through his, fingers wrapping around the inside of his elbow as if she were holding him for support or guidance. Or perhaps reassurance?

He didn't begrudge her that much. She was no longer the mystical, mythical mare with an ethereal starscape flowing through her mane. But he hadn't been lying when he'd said she was beautiful.

Radiant.

It was obvious she was going to get at least a few glances from people. She stood out.

It wasn't too long until they came to a set of double swing doors, Graeme simply pushing them aside and leading the way into a room that was completely empty of people. Graeme could feel the tension fall away from Luna as the doors swung shut behind them.

The room itself was moderate in size, Luna noted, a dozen or so desks aligned irregularly throughout. Two of the walls comprised solely of floor-to-ceiling windows which welcomed bright, natural morning sunlight into the room.

Each desk seemed to be in a varied degree of disarray, or perhaps better termed as organised chaos, some strewn with paper, art supplies, and a variety of doodles, drawings and paintings, whilst others seemed to have been kept deliberately and meticulously tidy. The chemical scent of paints and cleaners filled the room, but it wasn't at all unpleasant.

The scents of creativity.

"Welcome to the Arts Den."

Luna looked to Graeme, not having realised that whilst she'd been studying the room, he'd been intently watching her. "This is where you work?"

"Well, over there." He pointed across to one of the tidier desks close to the windows.

Luna moved towards the desk, taking the lead, Graeme falling in behind her. Before he could utter a word of objection she'd sat down at his desk, sunk back into the comfortably padded faux leather of his seat and placed her palms flat on the desk's lacquered surface.

"So, this is where the magic happens."

Graeme chuckled gently, "Well, I wouldn't call it magic..." Standing behind her, he leaned in over her shoulder and began sifting through the papers that were strewn across the desk. Luna noted silently to herself the different pencil sketches at various stages of completion.

Some were clearly never to be finished, more reference pieces than anything else, giving rise to other works entirely. Others, she recognised, showed skill and promise. One in particular caught her eyes.

"Was that last one an alicorn?" Luna raised an eyebrow in piqued curiosity as Graeme kept sifting through.

"One in particular."

A frown tugged the corner of Luna's lips downwards as she missed the unspoken implication, "May we see-"

The sound of the doors swinging freely on their hinges behind them interrupted Luna's question.

"Hey, Graeme, you're in-" Graeme turned around, Luna spinning in the chair at the same time, both of them to regard the room's latest occupant, "Oh, who is this?"

Luna regarded the woman curiously. She was a slight little thing, shorter than the lunar princess herself, and clearly much more svelte, bordering on athletic in build. A tied back length of sunny blonde hair framed a rosy-cheeked face and a pair of deep hazel eyes behind framed lenses. A healthy natural-looking tan shadowed her skin tone.

The contrast between this woman and the lunar princess was almost stark. Luna, for reasons she couldn't quite fathom, found it quite intriguing.

"Sam, this is Luna. Luna, this is Sam." Graeme's voice drew Luna away from her thoughts, "Technically my boss." Luna rose respectfully to her feet to her feet, "Hello, Sam. We have heard much about thee."

Graeme's eyes widened in a moment of surprise. Luna had spoken with all the respect and reverence of one diplomat professionally introducing themselves to another. It was... unexpected. Was she trying to make a good impression?

Well, of course she was, he chided himself. She's a princess. Decorum is her thing.

"You're Luna." Sam simply blinked.

"Yes..."

"The Luna." She clarified.

"...We are." Luna hesitated.

"Princess Luna," Sam went on, "Mistress of the Moon, Guardian of the Night, Overseer of Dreams?"

"Indeed."

Silence.

"I am such a huge fan!" Sam suddenly stepped forwards, taking one of Luna's hands between her own and shaking it in a rigorous greeting.

For some reason, Luna suddenly imagined the excited woman with long curly fronds of pink, frizzy hair.

-o-O-o-

The day came and went at an almost overwhelming rate. Through the entire day spent in the office Luna had found herself doing little more than while away the hours in the company of Sam and Graeme. Samantha's initial over-exuberance had quickly passed from the doting adoration of a wayward fanatic to that of a warm, welcoming host.

Luna had explained to the young woman that she was well aware of the "unusual mode of entertainment" that had given rise to Sam's outburst, largely thanks to the details Graeme had shared with her during one of their many nights together in the Dreamscape, and from there they had spent literally hours mulling over the accuracies, inconsistencies and implications that obviously followed.

Graeme had found the whole experience hugely draining, and yet strangely enjoyable. He hadn't been a huge fan of the show himself - only having checked it out at Sam's prompting, back when Luna and he had first met - but he knew Luna well enough to at least contribute something and not be left struggling on the periphery of the discussion.

Funnily enough, though, with Sam distracted Graeme found that he could actually plough through some of his workload. He couldn't fault her as a manager and a co-worker. But as she'd demonstrated over the course of the day with Luna, and countless times in the past with himself, she could talk about anything until the cows came home! It wasn't always conducive to maximising productivity, but it made her a pleasant colleague to work with.

In the end, it was they who had gone home, work day over and behind them, leaving Sam to her own devices.

-o-O-o-

A wan crescent moon climbed lazily into the night sky long after the stars had chased away all thoughts of twilight. The hour was so late it could almost have been called early by any strict observer of the clock. As far as Graeme was concerned, it was the end of the day, and he was content to let it pass unmarked and clamber under his sheets in the hopes of quickly dozing off.

He'd taken the time to make up the spare room for the princess. Technically it was actually the master bedroom, as the ensuite facilities attested, but he'd never much taken to it himself, so it was typically left for storage or guests. In this particular case, a guest far more accustomed to the splendour of a regal palace... Well, it was the best that he had to offer.

He'd left Luna to relish in her own private little bathroom, ensuring she had everything she needed from toiletries to nightwear, before making his way to his own bed. Now, as he settled in and pulled the covers snugly about himself, duvet soft and warming, Graeme felt the subtle shift of his mind as staying awake began to take up more willpower than allowing himself simply doze off.

The sound of his door's hinges creaking in protest, followed by the gentle pad of bare feet across hardwood flooring, quickly changed all that. To a distant mind, the first thought might be intruder, but the rational part of his mind was quick to assert itself over that kind of nonsense. It was too dark to see any details, but the contoured silhouette of Luna was unmistakable.

Who else could it have possibly been, anyway?

Graeme was more than a little taken aback when she drew back his duvet and climbed into the bed beside him.

"Um... Luna?" he questioned as she made herself at home.

"We wish to be comfortable." she stated flatly. Graeme felt the bare skin of her outer thigh brush against his own as she settled down in his bed.

"Well, then," he sat upright in a dash, "you can have the bed, and I'll take the floor."

Luna had her arms entwined around Graeme's elbow before he could move another inch, "Thou shall do no such thing! We refuse to abide it!"

Graeme was surprised by her brash assertiveness. He turned to regard her questioningly, but even in the darkness the determined glimmer in her eye was visible enough to ward off any protest he could've mustered.

"This is no different than when we relax together in the Dreamscape." Luna carried on, barely louder than a whisper.

"This is real." Luna couldn't really tell if Graeme was assuring her or himself of the fact, "And you're in your human form. And you're only wearing one of my t-shirts and a pair of-"

Gods, he hoped she was wearing a pair of...

A firm prod from Luna right to the middle of Graeme's forehead completely derailed his thoughts and forced him back down to the pillow, "Idiot." He could hear the word roll off the smirk that parted her lips.

Graeme let any reply he might have considered fall to silence as he felt Luna pull herself close to his side, the warmth of her body welcome and comforting despite any misgivings he may have had. He just tried to not think of the softness that currently enveloped his upper arm...

Sleep found Luna some time before it found Graeme.

-o-O-o-

When Graeme reopened his eyes it was to an entirely different reality. The darkness was still present, but the cool touch of a breeze and the twinkling points of light overhead made the familiar outdoors setting of the meadow all the more apparent.

The deepest midnight sapphire coat of the alicorn princess standing in front of him was something of a clue as well.

"Well, that was easy." Graeme chuckled to himself. Between what Luna had told him about the lack of magic in his world and the dramatic tumult that had expelled them from the Dreamscape the last time they'd been there, he had expected it to be more of a struggle to return.

"Because we are close together." Luna explained, looking around thoughtfully, "We will need an Equestrian anchor. That requires strong magic." Her pause was heavy, filled with contemplation, "Wait here."

Much to his surprise, Graeme suddenly found himself alone beneath the stars when Luna simply faded into the darkness like a shadow.

He was barely offered the chance to wonder where she'd gone, though, when a sudden flash of darkness, then light, saw Luna return. She wasn't alone. A marginally larger alicorn of an almost pure pearl white was by her side; an alicorn Graeme recognise all too readily.

"Princess." he fell to one knee, bowing his head.

"Goodness. He's much more polite than I expected." There was the thin edge of playfulness to Celestia's words. But it wasn't until Luna began to speak that Graeme allowed himself to look up.

"Indeed. He did not grant Us such overt respect when first we met." Luna teased through feigned displeasure.

Graeme met her mischievous gaze with a roll of his eyes before rising to his feet. He tried to hide his embarrassment, but no small part of his mind registered that he'd pretty much made a fool of himself with such a theatrical overreaction.

Celestia stepped closer, each pace a gentle muted clop against the soft earth under hoof, so she could look him over, her mere presence seeming to cut through the darkness and cast a little bit of warm light upon Graeme's features. Whilst the darkness seemed to hold Luna close like a comforting blanket in a warm embrace, it seemed to simply submit itself and part respectfully for the elder alicorn sister.

"He's taller than I expected too."

Graeme found himself at a loss for words beneath Celestia's careful gaze, "And your... Horn, is... Pointier?" he replied lamely.

Luna rolled her eyes. Celestia gave a short hearty chuckle that seemed to make the night air itself dance.

"So," she began as her laughter faded, adopting the tone of somebody who already knew that something well out of the ordinary was going on, "I understand you have a little problem?"

Luna smirked knowingly. Graeme simply scoffed.

"Well, you could say that..."

They began to explain their predicament.

-o-O-o-

Chapter III: A Day In The Life