The Two Between

~~~~A week and a half later...~~~~

Morning again. Just like yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that. Sunset Shimmer hadn’t had a routine since she’d been Princess Celestia’s student, and she liked having that consistency back. Today was Thursday, or so she thought. She wasn’t really all that awake yet. She blinked her eyes several times in rapid succession, holding them open at the last. A yawn escaped her, as did a desire to stretch. It was only when she sat up that she became fully, or at least semi-alert, to the morning world around her.

Mistress wasn’t sleeping next to her. And Sunset knew that wasn’t right. Even if Mistress woke before her, she would still wait in bed for Sunset to wake so they could go eat breakfast together. Sunset’s second instinct was to the eye the clock. Noon! Already! She’d slept until noon! It was outright embarrassing for her, and she couldn’t understand why Mistress hadn’t woken her at some point, even if she had eaten breakfast without her.

Sunset pelted for the shower, washing and adjusting her mane and shaking the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes. It was only after having shampooed herself three times over (she never did think the smell of late sleepers came out easily… and truth be told, she liked hot water all over her pony form) and stepping from the shower with her senses now somewhat soothed by the warm water that she noticed the note. Scrawled in Mistress’ horn writing were simple enough words. “Wear what I have for you in the closet. Love you, little one.” It brought a small grin to Sunset’s face, and she tucked the note behind her ear as she used magic to dry her mane and tail.

Once it had returned to its voluminous self, Sunset peered into the closet. The outfit hung alone, as her outfits always did. Mistress stored everything else in a basement cupboard, preferring only to take what she would need the night before. But, to Sunset’s mild disappointment, the attire was decidedly less erotic than many of the other things Mistress told her to wear. There were some sheer stockings, and the dress itself did cling fetchingly to her curves, but it was the sort of thing one would wear to a party to attract the eye of a stallion (or mare, as was Sunset’s case). And it was certainly not working decoration, even if the corset built into the dress was very fetching on her. Mistress was quite adamant about work clothes remaining work clothes, no matter how frilly and cute.

But Mistress obviously found something pleasing about it, and Sunset would not make her upset over something as silly as a dress. Besides, she reasoned to herself, maybe she’s taking me out and wants to follow Princess Cadence’s advice about being a little more discreet in public. If that were the case, Sunset would do her best to have her figure shown to be very much belonging to Mistress.

So with thoughts of brunch and hip-swaying occupying her mind, Sunset ventured out of Mistress’ room. And into an explosion.

Well, that was a generalization. She had stepped into a noise and confetti explosion. And there were a few balloons too. Ponies were everywhere in the lobby, all talking and drinking amiably. The balloons, all in Mistress’ favorite shade of violet, had been tied to every conceivable surface, and confetti littered the floor like a light dusting of rainbow colored sand. The lobby had become home to several tables with cookies and salad, and a small gramophone played a soft record that… It was Sunset’s favorite album from Missy Two-Tone and Lady Melody.

Why were all these ponies here listening to something so, admittedly, old? Was it a get together of some of Mistress’ Canterlot friends? That still didn’t explain the smooth jazz. She had known she was different among the fillies her age for liking it all those years ago. Sunset slinked down the stairs, not wanting to make a scene if this was an official or business party. It didn’t look like one to her, but if Pinkie Pie had done up the place, it wasn’t all that surprising. Mistress was a princess after all, so it would make sense she would be need to meet with important royalty from time to time. But… wait, why were Lyra and Bon-Bon here?

Gaaaaaaaasp “THERE YOU ARE!” Her vision was filled with pink, fluffiness, and manic energy a mere instant later, and before she could do more than open her mouth with surprise, she found herself tumbling ass over teakettle as Pinkie Pie literally glomped her. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUNNY!” Pinkie crowed at the top of her voice.

“What? Who’s birthday?” Sunset asked, her eyes adjusting to the odd shadow cast by Pinkie’s erratic mane. “No, no, no. Not mine Pinkie. Who is the party for?”

“Why, you, Sillyface!” Pinkie giggled, wiggling her tail enticingly back and forth. “I was just putting together your party finally, cuz I got so busy with the Cakes’, and Rumble’s birthday was a week ago, and that took forever to plan and there was so much frosting to clean up and-” gaaaaasp “Then I got a letter from Princess Celestia, which was so cool and she told me your birthday was gonna be like TODAY, and I was all like no way! And she was all like Yes, way! You should totes do something for her and so I was all like Okie-dokie-lokie! And so I talked to Twilight and Lyra and Vinyl and Big Macintosh and Cherry Berry and Davenport and Mr. Cake and-”

Princess Celestia does not say, “Yes way…” Oh! “It really is my birthday isn’t it?” she asked Pinkie, a shred of lingering confusion and doubt coloring her excitement. “I… I don’t even know how old I am to be honest.”

“NO WAY!” Pinkie nearly exploded, her face coming inches away from Sunset’s. “We have to fix this!” She hopped off Sunset and offered her a hoof before yanking her up and dragging her to the only round table at the party. “Everypony! Let’s get a good ol’ fashioned, super loud happy birthday for Sunset Shimmer here! She needs to count the candles!”

“But Pinkie, you wouldn’t know how many -” The rest of her words were drowned out as the crowd of ponies focused first on Pinkie, then her, before raising a shatteringly loud, “Happy Birthday, Sunset Shimmer!” She blushed and rubbed her leg with her hoof a little. Attention from Mistress suited her just fine, but this many ponies was a bit more than she was used to.

“Now hurry up and see how old you are!” Pinkie urged her closer to the cake (a five layered beast with smooth vanilla icing, chocolate ganache, and raspberries on top). And sure enough, a very particular amount of candles were arranged in a spiral pattern on top. Sunset noticed they were in the same blue as Mistress’ favorite outfit for her…

Twenty-seven. Pinie had placed twenty-seven candles on her cake. She didn’t feel that old… and how in Equestria did Pinkie know? She didn’t even know herself anymore. But then, it was Pinkie, and Sunset had learned one simply did not question Pinkie Pie. She just was. “I’m… I’m twenty-seven I guess,” Sunset said.

“HAPPY TWENTY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY, SUNSET SHIMMER!” the crowd roared again, taking up a cheer at the end. “For she’s a jolly good pony, for she’s a jolly good pony! For she’s a jolly good PO-NY! That, nopony can deny!” they chanted at her in a traditional earth-pony sort of way. Which was odd, but actually kind of nice.

“I’ve got all the presents over in that corner!” Pinkie gleefully said, directing Sunset’s attention to one portion of the library, but before she could see anything, Pinkie proceeded to attempt to show her where the games, other food, music, and most importantly, the booze were all hanging out.

Fortunately, midway along this whirlwind tour of the party, the pair of them ran headlong into… “Morning, sleepyhead,” Mistress said in a gentle, loving tone. Sunset was instantly glad that it was Pinkie that had taken the brunt of the crash, because the way Mistress was dressed up in that shimmery dark blue dress she’d worn when Cadence had arrived was… She gulped a little, swallowing the thought. “C’mere and give a birthday morning hug,” Mistress gave her permission, and Sunset was in her waiting hoof within seconds, nuzzling contentedly against her neck.

She nearly jumped when she felt a firm pair of lips nip at her neck and felt a shock race up her spine. She was… shocked that Mistress was getting that intimate in public, except- “Oh, my goodness. You were right, Twi. She looks so cute like that…” The vaguely familiar voice snapped her out of her reverie, revealing a broadly grinning Lyra Heartstrings, dragging her marefriend Bon-Bon along with her. “Oh, please. Don’t mind me,” she cooed, twisting a lock of her spiky mane somehow around her hoof.

“That’s mean, Lyra,” Bon-Bon half scolded her with a gentle thwap across the back of Lyra’s head. “They were having a moment.”

“Come on, Bons. Don’t be such a killjoy. I’m sure they’ll get plenty of ‘moments’ later this evening,” Lyra quipped back. Nopony said anything, Bon-Bon rolling her eyes and Sunset doing her best not to blush too heavily. Lyra glanced back and forth between the three of them twice, paused, and burst into heartily amused laughter. “You guys are great! For real though Twi, she’s cute.”

“Pet, I’m certain you’ve met Lyra and Bon Bon before,” Mistress quipped dryly. “Girls, do be nice to her, would you? We’re still...” She shifted a little, so Sunset could look up at her… and see Mistress smiling down at her. “Adjusting. I was wondering if you two would be willing to help her meet some other folks in town tonight?”

“Adjusting my sexy flank!” Lyra said frankly. “You two’ve got it goin’ on!” She proceeded to dance a small jig, as if this somehow emphasized her point.

“Of course we’ll help her, Twilight,” Bon-Bon said more evenly, with a kind smile for Sunset. “But she seems to get along with all of your friends well enough. And she’s been by my shop once or twice.”

“That’s where I got the candies for you, Mistress,” Sunset added perkily.

Mistress chuckled softly, nodding. “Yes, but we’ve got some ponies here outside my usual circle, and you two know most of them much better than I do. Two in particular.” Her eyes focused across the room, with a slow smile on her face. “I’ve actually been wanting an introduction myself. I don’t suppose you could assist?”

“Oh, you mean Vinyl and Octavia?” Lyra asked, the realization dawning in her eyes. “You sure your, um… pet, Oh Celestia, it’s so cute! Sorry. No, like, you sure Vinyl won’t be too intense for your pet, Twi?”

Mistress grinned a little. “Rainbow Dash assured me she would be ‘cool’. And since I would trust Dash to know what we can’t handle or not, given that she’s been my very best tutor…” She paused and giggled brightly. “Oh, how incredibly absurd that sounds, but so true! To think, Rainbow Dash as my tutor in something other than flying.”

“She’s very talented, Twilight,” Bon-Bon said with her own small grin. “And she really is a natural teacher, even if she doesn’t want to admit it. Foals just gravitate toward her.”

“Shall we find Vinyl then?” Lyra piped up. “She’ll dig that getup on Sunset for sure.”

Mistress nodded, and the little knot of them began to move through the party. All around her, ponies smiled and waved at her and Mistress, who was keeping her very close by. Touching, most of the time, side by side as they walked. Gradually, Sunset began to notice an odd pattern in the room. The couples were all… well, not unconventional, there were plenty of stallions and mares together, but there were quite a few pairs of mares and stallions too. Likewise were there ponies in odd forms of dress, forms that she recognized as being of a distinctly kinky slant thanks to the exhaustive research she’d been doing. And everypony in the room seemed… comfortable with one another, in an odd way. She couldn’t quite put her hoof on it yet, but…

“Ayo, Lyres! Bons! And- Whoa-ho-ho-ho, izzat the birthday girl?” Sunset turned around to come face to face with a pure white coated unicorn with a pair of extremely expensive designer shades hiding her eyes and a wide smile across her face. “Daaaaaayum, Princess. Where in the world did you fish this sweet filly out of? She is all kinds of fly.”

“Vinyl Scratch, I presume?” Mistress held out her ever polite hoof.

“Yeah! That’d be the one,” Vinyl replied, firmly hoofbumping Mistress instead. “DJ, party pony, an’ music genius extra-ordinare, at yer service.” She waggled her eyebrows at Mistress suggestively. “So, c’mon. Spill the beans. I gotta get over to the pond you found this hot stuff in.” Though she couldn’t see Vinyl’s eyes, it wasn’t hard to tell she was drinking in every possible curve Sunset had. She found herself rubbing her foreleg again.

Mistress’ smile was faintly amused. “She’s one of a kind, I’m afraid. Though I suppose you might be able to meet other strong magical unicorns in Canterlot,” her tone drawled out, almost teasingly. “Though I’ve already snatched up the very best of them for myself.” Her hoof curled around Sunset possessively, pressing her against her side. Sunset leaned into it, adoring every little touch between her and Mistress’ silky dress.

There was a brief moment of silence, and Vinyl gave off a low rumbling chuckle. “And here I thought Pinks and Dashie were pulling my leg.” She cocked her head to one side, and with a fearless grin lifted up her shades to reveal bright, almost pure red eyes. A shockingly rare eye color in any pony, but especially in unicorns. “Nice to see they were right.”

“Did… were you bitten by a vampony?” Sunset asked, her inherent curiosity blurting the words before she could reign them in. Mistress gave her a warning glare, with her hoof curling in tightly against her shoulder, squeezing it to the point of pain for just a moment before releasing.

Vinyl laughed heartily, a deep, almost baritone sound that rumbled out of her chest. “Oh, Faust no. Born this way, I’m afraid. My madpony love of staying up all bucking night and seducing pretty young fillies notwithstanding. Though being a vampony? Man, that’d be totally boss.” She bared her teeth and affected a ludicrous accent. “Vant to suck your… Vell, everything!” she chuckled brightly again, slapping the ground with her hoof. “Hah! Still, I’m glad to see you two are immune to the usual bullpuckey. Means I can be easy with ya.”

“Easy? What’s hard then?” Sunset asked. She was never one to back down from a challenge unless of course it was Mistress, but she couldn’t fathom why Vinyl would phrase it so awkwardly.

The cultured voice that rolled out of the crowd in response was a shock then. “What she means is she was testing to see how you two reacted to her getting a touch fresh with you.” Sunset turned her head to regard… The grey coated mare that waltzed out of the crowd in an absolutely stunning red gown, done up in glittering sequins and tailored so tightly to her body that when her hips swayed it gave off a little shower of light.

She wore a bright white collar with a cute coral-pink bowtie, and if Sunset wasn’t very good friends with Rarity, she would have been tempted to call her the single most elegant and classy pony she’d ever met. There was a certain grace about her. One not learned and practiced, but natural and instinctive. Her walk was some pure mixture of that grace and sensuality that was enough to make even Sunset gape at her a little. The mare lifted a hoof to place gently on Vinyl’s shoulder and smiled beautifully. “My dear DJ here is not always as subtle about her little games as she ought to be, but I forgive her anyway.” She leaned in to plant an oh-so-gentle kiss on Vinyl’s cheek. “You ran off on me, you brute,” she whispered teasingly at Vinyl. “You think I can move quickly in this thing?”

"Maybe she should have a leash like me?” Sunset proposed, and she noticed she still needed to get one properly fixed onto her collar. Mistress couldn’t truly keep her at her beck and call without one.

The pair instantly burst into giggles, and the pure ease they were with one another was actually making Sunset a little envious. “Oh, goodness! Now that would be a sight.” The gray mare - Sunset was certain that had to be Octavia - giggled.

“I’d probs end up tearing her leg off or something looking for booze!” Vinyl guffawed.

“Not everypony is like you, little pet,” Mistress whispered to her, brushing through her mane a bit.

But then Octavia grinned wickedly at them both, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Yes, dear. I’d much rather be the one wearing the leash, if we are to be honest with each other here.” She eyeballed Vinyl, who had a slow smile of her own. “Which is what we agreed upon, yes, beloved?”

“Totes. Tavi gets the leash. I get the stick,” Vinyl agreed, but with a sly look to Mistress, added, “Most of the time…”

“You guys are great,” Lyra laughed. “I don’t think Bons and I would ever be up to it though. I like my mare just like she is.”

“What? Covered in chocolate sauce?” Bon Bon retorted, getting into the spirit of things. “Perhaps I ought to borrow some of Vinyl’s toys to get you into line!”

“Hey! That whole desert thing was completely your idea,” Lyra rebuffed in a fake huff. “And it was a pain to clean up afterward too…”

“Everypony doesn’t mind… me and Mistress?” Sunset said, a note of appreciation and awe filling her tone. Never had she known there were so many ponies in Ponyville alone so accepting of her particular desires. Pinkie must have really searched far and wide to find them all.

“Yeah, we’re chill,” Vinyl waved a nonchalant hoof. “Now, we gotta have us a chit-chat with Lyres and Bons about some important stuff for you two.” She grinned. “An’ don’t ask, it’s a surprise. We’re gonna make some plans to get together regular, so you two can get to know the in-crowd in Ponyville. Send that dragon of yours over to Bons’ place for the details tomorrow.” She waved, her hooves grabbing Lyra and Bon Bon around the neck and dragging them away with a softly giggling Octavia.

Mistress gently tugged at Sunset’s shoulder, leading her off into the party to meet more of the ponies, or at least the ones Mistress knew. She really needed to get a leash for her collar. All of the ponies they met were of a less extreme variety than Vinyl and Octavia, but all of them shared the single glowing acceptance of them as a couple. In a way, Sunset had almost prepared herself to be hated again for whatever reason, be it being a pervert or seducing the newest princess. Princess Cadance hadn’t exactly banished those thoughts, instead building upon them with her warnings of the coming heat. But everypony in the library now were more than open to the relationship Mistress and she displayed, many even going out their way to compliment them both and even asking Mistress if they could pet Sunset. It was the world Sunset had dreamed of, but one she’d never thought she’d see, let alone be allowed to be a part of.

Part of that world of course, was friends. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy trotted toward them in cute synchronization, and for the umpteenth time since that fateful meeting in Fluttershy’s cottage, Sunset resolved to see them both happily paired off. She had already devised a number of ingenious strategies and was currently working on how best to deploy them. It was the very least she could to do repay them for what they’d given her… and Mistress. “Hey you two!” Dash said first, coming to a halt with a cute little dance of her hooves. Her eyes traveled across their outfits, and she chuckled. “Geeze, I really gotta get Rarity to fix something like that up for us. Only, you know. Twe-” Fluttershy fixed Dash with a stern look, and Dash smiled sheepishly. “Um. More my style.”

“Actually, I got my pet’s dress from Canterlot this time,” Mistress surprised the three of them. “It was supposed to be for me I think. A gift from a noble. But I liked the look of it and wanted to see it on her.”

“We have a gift too,” Fluttershy said, a genuinely cheery smile lighting her features as she pulled the parcel from under her wing.”It’s um… Well, we thought you might like it. It was our first, too. We think it’s appropriate to pass it on.” Her eyes crinkled a little in the smile, almost misty eyed in nostalgia.

“Handing off of the torch,” Rainbow affirmed with a smile of her own. “Yanno, next generation and all that.”

Mistress blinked and took the box, then glanced at Sunset. She nodded once, and Mistress carefully used her magic to unwrap the slim little box. Beneath the paper was what looked like a white jewelry box, plain and unadorned, but long like it was for a dragon’s cane. Mistress lifted the lid and revealed… “Oh…” Mistress murmured softly, the sleek black cord of heavily braided fabric, leading from a simple hoof loop to a glittering steel ring-clip brushing her hoof. “This was yours?” she quietly asked the pair, who both nodded at her happily, and Mistress blushed brightly. “Girls…”

“Well, what are ya waitin’ for?” Dash said, wiggling her hooves in excitement. “C’mon, Twi. I know she’s got a collar ring on that thing.” Mistress gave a little start, and Dash fixed her with a look. “Cuz I know you, egghead. You plan for everything even if you don’t admit it. Now c’mon. That filly wants that thing on her, or my name’s not Rainbow Dash.”

“You can’t have such a good pet getting lost in this crowd,” Fluttershy said, nodding her head at Mistress’ suppressed delight.

“Well, sit down then and lift your chin up like a good filly,” Mistress said to Sunset sternly, though there was a distinct twinkle in her eyes. Sunset did as she was told, waiting to hear the resounding, sharp clink and the unique pressure around her neck. Click “Okay, up you get now,” Mistress commanded and a tug against her collar sent wave upon wave of bliss through Sunset. She was certain she was visibly shaking from excitement. “You look gorgeous,” Mistress said, stroking her mane. Her magic was gripping various parts of the leash, experimenting with the best way to hold it. “I want you to promise to obey me when I pull on this,” she said. “And also promise you’ll tell me when you feel uncomfortable with it.”

“I will, Pinkie Pie Promise,” Sunset replied, making all of the appropriate gestures for the promise. “But I’m going to always feel comfortable with you holding onto me, Mistress.” Really, it was a silly thing to ask of her… but she supposed Mistress had her reasons.

“Silly filly,” Mistress chuckled, ruffling Sunset’s mane. “Thank you girls,” Mistress turned her attention back to Dash and Fluttershy, both of whom had positively huge smiles on and were holding one another’s hooves. “It means a lot that it was your first one. And you’re right Fluttershy… I don’t want to lose such a beautiful pet.”

“Keep it tight then!” Rainbow insisted earnestly. “And give her a good pull if she tries to get punch without your permission.” She mimed the gesture, and Sunset was amused to see Fluttershy almost instinctively pull herself closer to Dash.

“Don’t worry about the punch, Dash,” Mistress said. “I have rules about when my pet can drink.”

“Oooh! Nice!” Dash breathed, impressed. “Well, I don’t, so Flutters and I are going to go grab a few shots. See ya round I’m sure!”

“Come by some time Sunset, if its okay with your mistress,” Fluttershy said as she began trotting after Rainbow.

~~~~~

The party was going so much better than she had imagined it would. Pinkie had insisted she knew exactly who to invite, and so far hadn’t disappointed in the least. Everypony present seemed to either understand, or be into some kind of strangeness of their own, and it was a comforting thing to know that even if things got heavy, Ponyville would still be a welcoming place.

It was kinda funny too, as she felt her magical grip slowly run down the upper length of the braided leash, how so simple a thing could have such a profound effect on a pony. Sure, she had been protective and even affectionate for Sunset before now, but… something about holding the thing made her feel much more than just that. There was a sense of responsibility, of pride in the pony who was trying so very hard to better herself. Certainly, she’d focused a lot of that energy into being submissive toward Twilight, but… well, foal steps. Nopony could instantly improve themselves, and if this is what Sunset needed to focus herself on her task, then Twilight was very okay with that.

She just had to be careful to make sure it didn’t get out of hoof. Go to her head, so to speak.

Fortunately, so far that hadn’t happened, and she was determined not to let it ruin her good mood. So she focused instead on other things, positive things. LIke how wonderful it felt to have Fluttershy and Dash firmly behind them, or how touching it was that Pinkie had instantly understood the kind of boost they needed to get on firm hoofing with this thing. She had to think up some way to thank all three of them later. Of course, that did leave…

As though her thoughts summoned her, there stood Applejack. And not far from her was Big Macintosh, who appeared to be ‘guarding’ her back as it were… but was only succeeding in being eyed by a pair of mares in sleek dresses that only barely concealed the fetish nature of their clothing. In fact, they were starting to kiss one another and make inviting glances toward the farmpony… and he was doing a very poor job of ignoring them.

Applejack on the other hoof, was very much focused on Twilight. The silence was a little awkward, but… Applejack sighed and fidgeted with her hat. “I ain’t gonna pretend t’ understand it,” she began in a rueful voice. “But I don’t rightly understand Pinkie Pie much either. Doesn’t mean I don’t love that silly pony fer alla’ that.” A faint smile crossed her face then turned serious again. “Jes’ tell me one thing, Miss Sunset. I want t’ know that you love this filly as much as Dash think’s ya do. No fancy language, jes’ plain speakin.”

Twilight let the leash slacken for the moments Sunset spoke. And she very determinedly did not look at Sunset. How her pet answered this question should be hers and and hers alone. “I love my Mis - I love Twilight more than anypony I have ever met. I wouldn’t want anypony else even if they offered me the world to give her up,” Sunset said, resolute. And Twilight could not help her face beam.

Applejack tilted her head a little, then nodded and turned with a stolid look to Twilight. “An’ I want t’ hear the same from you, Twilight. Not that I don’t trust her, or you fer that matter, but it’d do my ticker good to hear it straight from the pony’s mouth.” Applejack’s hoof came up again to nervously adjust her hat, but there was a raw determination there that Twilight knew well.

“I… I can’t say the same thing as Sunset, Applejack,” Twilight began, and she cringed at the horror and hurt she could feel radiating off Sunset. “But that’s only because I’ve never had a special somepony before. You want my honest answer Applejack. I don’t want to have another one. She’s the first and only.” And just where the fear had been moment’s before, Twilight could sense the pure relief and joy rolling from Sunset.

Applejack’s mouth turned into a faint grin. “Reckon’ I can’t fault ya that, Twilight.” She nodded once, firmly. “Alright then. That’s all this ponygirl needed t’ know. You’ll both always be welcome on the farm, no matter what shakes down the tree. But, if ya do stop by, try not ta…. ya know… be obvious ‘round Granny. I’d like to keep mah hide fer a coupla years more.” Applejack’s grin was a little sheepish then. “An’ I don’t need Applebloom gettin’ any funny ideas. She’s got enough of those already.”

Twilight felt her cheeks go a little red. Yes, they really did need to be careful about the Crusaders. “Agreed,” she said fervently, trying to imagine what Rarity might do to her if Sweetie Belle started asking about being spanked.

“Just the leash?” Sunset pleaded, her eyes turning up to Twilight in that special way that Twilight found so hard to resist. With those big, glittering eyes and that cute smile and… Oh, Celestia damnit.

She eyeballed Applejack, who was rubbing at her chin. “We’ll manage,” she concluded with a faint smile. “Look… Twilight, Sunset, I ain’t a terribly complicated pony, but I know the real stuff when I see it. You two got it.” She reached out with her hooves, taking Sunset’s hoof in one, and Twilight’s in the other. “Treasure it. Hang onto it. An’ don’t let nopony tell ya different about it.” She winked and tipped her hat. “Now, I’m gonna go get me some of Pinkie’s treats. Y’all have a great party. We’ll break out the whisky an’ talk about the nuptials later.” And then she was gone into the crowd, leaving poor Big Macintosh to be slowly cornered by the pair of mares.

“Mistress?” Sunset asked, Twilight noting a hopeful but confused tone in her pet’s voice.

“Yes, little one,” she turned to her, taking up her grip on the leash again.

“We… can we… Ponyville will let us get married?” Sunset asked, almost disbelieving.

“Of course,” Twilight replied, cocking her head. “Why wouldn’t they?”

“... wouldn’t in Canterlot,” Twilight barely caught the tail end of her pet’s mutter.

“They would if we asked Celestia,” Twilight said with a firm, determined voice. “And I know she would do it, too. And knowing Celestia…” She grinned slightly. “She’d make a huge public event out of it. Cadence could even do the ceremony, and there wouldn’t be a single pony amongst them who’d be able to doubt her judgement on love.” She winked at her pet, feeling a fierce fire in her veins. “But to be honest? I’d rather do it here. This is home.” She gently stomped her hoof into the rough wood of the library floor. “And it always will be.”

~~~~~~

Mistress was over at the table where the cookies had been set up (or moved, at this point Sunset wasn’t sure), and she was chatting with somepony Sunset didn’t know. But the stranger wasn’t why Sunset was not at Mistress’ side. Just a few hoofsteps away from her, a table held a variety of flavored shaved ice cones. She wanted one desperately, but she just knew the leash wasn’t exactly long enough. So she just stood there, staring at the sugary treat and debating whether she should pull against her leash or not.

In the end, the part of her gut that wanted the cone won out, and she began straining against Mistress’ firm hold ever so slightly. Her hoof… She could just barely touch the table… a little more… You have a horn dummy, her analytical side pointed out, so still leaning against the leash, she lit her horn. A paper cone floated up, dollaped up the ball of ice, and was just beginning to squeeze the first flavor on.

“Sunset! Get back here!” Mistress’ frustrated voice laid into her ears, and before she could even lower them guiltily, her leash yanked her back, sending her rolling across the floor in a heap. Only to roll headlong into somepony else midway to Mistress, the sudden impact causing her to send the flavor-laden ball of ice careening through the air above her head. Sunset stared at the ice almost elegantly soaring through the air toward disaster.

Except it was plucked out of the air by a faint blue glow of magic. “Goodness, Darling! Are you alright?” It was Rarity. Rarity whom she’d crashed into, Rarity who was wearing a… a… Sunset stared at it. The outfit was sleek and tight around her waist with a built in and fully laced up corset, a perfect mimicry of Mistress’ coat color with gold trim. A split skirt enticingly showed off her flank, and she wore a broad brimmed narrow hat with a high class feather. And, Sunset idly noted, the sleeves of which were carefully tightened around the ankles of her legs, with what looked suspiciously like cloth loops for… but no, she couldn’t possibly have intended those for that purpose. Even if it looked like she was wearing a garter and lacy stockings under the dress, too, and were those the same panties as… “Darling?” Rarity said again, gently waving her hoof before Sunset’s eyes. “Oh dear, Twilight! I believe she’s gone dazed!”

“What! No! Everypony outta my way!” Sunset heard Mistress’ voice shouting at the party, but she didn’t completely register it. She was intently staring into Rarity’s eyes, and an odd set of events and things said began to fall together with Rarity’s dress as as the backdrop. “Sweetie!” Mistress’ hoof snapped her out of the mental puzzle as she directed Sunset’s head to her. “Sunny, talk to me. Are you okay? Do want to lie down upstairs? Should I send somepony for the doctor? Can… can you hear me?” Mistress’ voice was beginning to run into its panicked state, and that alone was enough to jolt Sunset out of her daze.

She shook her head vigorously to clear it, then nuzzled Mistress’ cheek with her nose. “Just a little bump on my head, Mistress. I’m fine.”

“Oh, Celestia!” Mistress sighed out in relief, grabbing Sunset into a strong embrace. “I’m sorry for yanking you like that. I’ll be more careful next time.”

Sunset patted at Mistress’ foreleg gently, trying to soothe her. Rarity, it seemed, had other ideas. “You need to take a breather, Twilight,” she said, her voice quite firm. “I’ll make certain Sunset here will be fine.” Rarity gently squeezed Twilight’s shoulder and smiled warmly. “It was not your fault, dear. I really ought to have been looking where I was going.”

Mistress nodded once, taking in a deep breath and exhaling. “You’re… thanks, Rarity,” she finished with a sheepish smile. “Sunny… Stay with Rarity while I cool down, okay?” She gently unhooked the leash from Sunset’s neck, her other hoof gently rubbing along her shoulder. “I won’t be gone for long.”

“I love you, Mistress,” Sunset giggled. “Would you save some punch for me later please?”

Mistress gave a soft giggle in return.. “I’ll ask Pinkie to set it aside.” And with one more look she swept off into the party, leaving her alone with Rarity next to the sweets tables. Which is when something rather unexpected happened.

“You’re so very lucky, Sunset,” Rarity whispered, the emotion thick in her voice.

“I don’t really deserve Mistress,” Sunset half chuckled. “She’s done more for me than I’ve done for her anyway. But I think Mistress is like that to everypony. She just wants to be a good help.”

“Is she allowing you to drink at all Sunset, dear?” Rarity asked, though her voice had a strained quality to it.

“No, not right now,” Sunset giggled, smiling at Rarity. “I’m apparently a real lightweight, so Mistress likes to keep an eye on me when I do.”

“Well, at least you can tag along while I get myself a little tipple.” Rarity put on her best smile, brushing her coat absently and getting to her hooves before offering a hoof-up to Sunset. “I’d like to talk to you a little, filly-to-filly so to speak. It’s been a while since you dropped by the shop for a chat.”

“Well, to be honest, Rarity, Mistress has been finding a lot of ways to put me to work, and I don’t think my drawers could hold any more sexy things,” Sunset mused. “When are you not busy though? If Mistress gives her permission, I’d love to come see you sometime.”

“Nonsense, darling. No such thing as too many lovely things for a mare to wear.” Rarity flounced her mane artfully as they passed the punch table, drawing a draft of the stuff. “I must presume Twilight’s approved of it all?”

“She likes to dress me up in at least three kinds every morning before deciding on one,” Sunset murmured. She had no problem telling these things to Rarity per say, but she didn’t want anypony outside of her friends knowing so much. And there were things she wanted to keep in her heart alone.

Rarity drank deeply of the punch. Twice. That was more than merely odd, Rarity never heavily indulged in alcohol. The delicate cup she set down next to the other used ones, and leaned against the table, facing away from Sunset. “Life’s funny, isn’t it?” she asked, almost no one in particular, but Sunset knew it was for her. “One day you think you’ve got it all figured out, and the next…” She waved her hoof in the air, airily. “Poof. Gone. I suppose you know that even better than I do though.”

“I think I know what you’re talking about,” Sunset replied, tilting her head as she stared at the back of Rarity’s. “I kinda caused it myself though, instead of it all just happening.”

Rarity took another drink of the punch, and that was more than enough to cause Sunset some concern. That was three cups, and there was no telling how much she’d had before. “I’m not a terribly brave pony, myself,” she murmured, turning half-glazed eyes on Sunset. “I suppose it makes sense, given what’s happened to me before. Blueblood. Suri.” She gave a little hiccup. “Others. I can’t seem to take a step out of the box without the box exploding.”

“You took a step out of the box for me, and that hasn’t come back to bite you in the flank yet,” Sunset tried to be encouraging. Obviously, buried emotions normally kept in check by Rarity’s organized mind were slipping out through the cracks created by the liquor.

Rarity gave off a half smile, her eyes softening. “Not entirely, I suppose.” Rarity lifted a hoof and rubbed it across her eyes suddenly, taking in a deep breath. “Goodness, look at me. I’m…” She shook her head, slowly as though trying to clear it, then walked deliberately over to Sunset, almost too close for comfort. “I don’t… deserve that love,” she half whispered, then leaned up to kiss Sunset’s cheek almost… sisterly. “You do.” She withdrew, and her eyes were full of obvious tears... Then she whirled and ran pell mell for the door.

The guests parted around her, and Sunset, still slightly numb from shock, stared as she shouldered bodily past the door. “Wha… Rarity, wait!” Dash’s voice cut through the silence and she followed in a blast of wind and wing, Fluttershy hot on her hooves.

Sunset couldn’t think. She tried. Her mind refused to rationally consider what had just happened between her and Rarity. Too many different and varied emotions swirled in her heart, permeating and infecting her thoughts. At one moment, she wanted to feel one, but before she had fully grasped it, another stray scrap of raw feeling would take its place. She wasn’t angry, Rarity was her friend. But at the same time, Rarity had willingly broken a trust Sunset had placed in her. And with that, all of the rage, confusion, and shock coalesced into a single feeling pulsing deep in her chest. It was hurt, of a kind only to be felt like a needle driving into the soul. Sunset coughed then, trying to hold back the silent tears as her head fell and her rump hit the ground.

A firm hoof hit the ground behind her. Another. Then they stopped. Familiar hooves. “Up.” Mistress Twilight’s voice was way beyond firm now, it was almost as hard as a rock and twice as unyielding. “And turn around and face me. Now, Sunset.”

“I… “ she sniffed, hesitating for the first time. “Yes, Mistress,” Sunset rallied herself, standing and rotating around to face Mistress. It certainly wasn’t easy, and her shaking legs were proof enough. “I… will you… “ Sunset couldn’t even finish asking before she buried her face in Mistress’ chest, sobbing.

Mistress sighed heavily, hooking a foreleg around her shoulder and pressing her in close. “What in Equestria am I going to do with you,” she half asked, but probably not seriously. A dab of magic lifted a kerchief from the table to let Sunset cry into something that could dry her eyes, and Sunset could feel her waving her hoof toward the crowd. “She’s alright, she’s just overwrought. Give her some air,” Mistress firmly commanded the crowd, without even a moment of hesitation. A few moments later, her voice dropped to a quiet tone meant only for her. “I am not going to ask you, right this moment, why one of my best friends just ran out of my library crying. Nor am I going to ask what has set you to sobbing your heart out. We will discuss those things another time. Right now, we are going to help you put yourself back together. Okay?”

“Y-yes, M-mistress,” Sunset’s voice shuddered as she repressed the urge to cry more. “Do they have to stay?” She didn’t think she needed to elaborate. She didn’t think she had in it her to string anything longer together anyway.

There was a pause, and… “Pinkie! Code Four!” she called out into the party. Whatever it meant, she heard a sudden decrease in the noise around her. Within mere moments, the library had gone completely silent. “Thanks, Pinkie. We’ll make this up later,” Mistress continued, and oddly enough, Pinkie made no noise of her own, only shutting the door, likely behind her. “There. Nopony else in the library except us. Not even Spike.”

“Do… do you really love me, Mistress?” Sunset asked the first thing that came to her head. She sniffed heavily afterward, likely ruining any earnestness she had tried putting into her voice.

“Of course I do, little one,” Twilight murmured softly, her hoof stroking down her mane slowly. “But if you’d like, I can say it again for you.” There was a gentle tease in Twilight’s voice, and she lifted Sunset’s head up to smile gently at her. “I love you, Sunny.”

“Then… then there’s something I need from you, Mistress.”