Keep Out of the Everfree Forest

Emerald sat on her couch, her eyes scanning the text in front of her. Images of the Everfree Slasher and Mr. Cake’s remains swirled around in her mind, morphing together in a twisted reenactment.
Meanwhile, Sapphire thought about her troubled past. Trying to link together the story from the book and the story she knew. Her train of thought quickly derailed as she sank deeper into her hot bath.
Emerald was startled by a knock at the door. She quickly slid the book under the couch.
“Who is it?” she called out.
“It’s Slash,” called her visitor.
“It’s open!” Emerald shouted.
Slash came in, holding a box of chocolates.
“Thought I’d bring you something to cheer you up,” he said quietly.
Emerald walked over to Slash and gave him a hug.
“Thanks, Slash! You didn’t have to do this,” Emerald said.
“No, I had to. You see, I heard the rumors-” Slash explained.
Emerald butted in. “Not surprised, buddy. Everypony else has.”
“Yeah, but I wanted you to know that I don’t believe them,” Slash said.
“Are you telling me that you’re on my side?” Emerald asked cynically.
“Yes, Emerald. I’m on your side. You seem like a really nice mare, and I know Sapphire wouldn’t do such a thing,” Slash said, sitting down. “Where is she, by the way?”
“In the bath,” Emerald said. “Thanks, too. Not many ponies trust us at the moment. It’s nice to know somepony does.”
Emerald gave Slash a long hug. At that exact moment, Sapphire walked in, wrapped in a towel.
“Emerald, look at you!” Sapphire teased. “You’re growing up so fast!”
Emerald stuck her tongue out at Sapphire. Slash rolled his eyes.
Slash stood up. “I’d better be going, girls. Enjoy those chocolates. Good to see you too, Sapphire.”
“I will, Slash. See you!” Emerald said.
Sapphire frowned. “You mean ‘we’ will! Good to see you too, Slash.”
Slash waved goodbye and left the apartment, walking directly across the hall to his own home.
“So what was that about?” asked Sapphire.
“He was just trying to cheer me up. Nothing more,” Emerald replied firmly.
“Believe me, Emma,” Sapphire laughed. “It’s always something more.”