The Tale of Lady Hoofwise

Waking up the next morning...I can't describe my thought process. For one thing my head felt like it was about to explode and two: I'd slept with my best friend. I was uncertain how to feel, I liked her, there was no question of that; but how would our relationship be affected by last night's adventure? Of course I didn't think that at the time. I believe that can be accurately summarised with:

"Oh fu-!"

Not wanting to wake her, I suppressed the urge to shout and moved into the bathroom, took one look at my mane and went for a shower. The water beat in tandem with  the harsh pounding on my head; I couldn't help but think What do I do now? It tossed about in my head as I washed my hair. I was thinking in that way ponies do when they weigh up a potential love interest: I liked her, we made each other laugh, we lived together, liked the same things, could confide in each other...I gave a frustrated groan.

"We'll see how it goes" I said to myself and the rising steam.

I wasn't upset, but more...anxious: "Am I doing the right thing? Why did i do that?" All these questions assailed my brain. The pounding headache having reduced to a dull throb, I got out of the shower and dried myself off. After a while, I sighed and entered the room again.  Miriam was sat up smiling shyly, I smiled in return and busied myself in the mirror by my dresser. She waited patiently until I was done before breaking the ice.

"Hope... about last night."

"Yes?" I said, still pretending to fuss over my appearance, not wanting to face her.

"I meant to tell you earlier...I just" She stopped for a moment and her tone made me feel a twinge of Guilt? no...sympathy? I can't think. Anyway, I turned and looked her in the eye. "Go on Miriam. It's ok."

She looked at me with those doe's eyes of hers "I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same way. That you would want me to leave.Then I drunkenly thought I'd act on it. I'm sorry... If I've upset you..." She trailed off and I went to sit beside her, giving her hoof a reassuring squeeze.

"Miriam, you could never upset me. These last few months you've been the pony I leant on. I never would've gone to all these events without you, I doubt I would've done anything. "

She sat up and held my hooves in hers as I continued.

" I do like you, I mean i've always liked you, but I didn't know just how much until last night. I've wrestled with these feelings for a while and i'm still nervous, but I think I love you."

I started staring at my lap, but gradually came to look at her. She gave a little laugh then kissed me. I'll admit I blushed; It was a wonderful moment.

After some time, we ended it. "I'm glad I'm with you." she said and I echoed it. This was my first real relationship and I wasn't about to muck it up.

We chatted then, as we usually did; talking in excited and girlish tones of the trip to Canterlot. We were going to mix with the creme de la creme, the top brass of the social sphere. We were going to have the best time ever!