//-------------------------------------------------------// Her Smile -by Diamond Dead- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 Twilight Sparkle walked up to the bridge that lead to the Carousel Boutique, but instead of continuing down the path right away, she halted and looked down into the river to see how she looked in her reflection. She tried messing with her mane a bit, but there was nothing she could to look nicer. Nopony could ever like me.... could they? She stared at the river, wishing that she had a special some-pony standing beside her, holding her hoof. Twilight looked to her side, and grabbed a flower that was growing through the crack in the wall of the bridge. She plucked off the stem so that all was left was the flower. "I wish I had a special some-pony, one that would never, ever leave me", she whispered to the flower. Then she let go, letting the flower catch the wind and fall into the river, floating its way along. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight raced through the forest, looking frantically for the pony. I must find him. Twilight halted in front of a cave as she saw a light moving around in it. Hesitating, she made her way in, following the light. She saw a pony’s shadow, so she ran at it to see if it was the one. The pony turned around, it was a white pony with the most perfect purple curls, and blue eyes with aqua eye shadow. She was amazing, beautiful, and perfect. But why a mare? It was supposed to be a stallion! She chased the mare, going everywhere the mare went. She needed her, a friend, a lover, a life with her. "Twilight, dear! Oh my, oh my! Please do wake up, you are scaring me, darling!" Rarity exclaimed at the now half-asleep Twilight Sparkle. **Huh? Maybe it's just my imagination...* Twilight said in her dream as she fell back into complete sleep.* Out of nowhere, a griffin fell from the sky, gobbling Twilight's true love. Heartbroken, Twilight screamed as loud as she possibly could, and ran at it, capturing it with her magic. Before she could destroy the griffin, she heard the cry again. "TWILIGHT!" She's alive! **"Are you there, mare?"* Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs, but she got no answer.* Before Twilight could continue with her dream, she was woken up by Rarity. Still very dizzy, she looked up and saw the beautiful mare she had met from her dream. "Hu... huh? Rarity? How long was I out? I remember staring at the flower floating down the river... and after that I can't remember. I fell asleep." Twilight said sleepily. But why was I dreaming about Rarity as my special some-pony? Maybe it was because her voice came into my dream... yes, that's it! Of course! Silly me... why am I even wondering about this? "Ok, but we really must get you inside. You were supposed to come at one o'clock, and now it's three! It's not like you to be late dear, so I came looking." "I was out cold for 2 and a half hours!? I tried to come 30 minutes early! I'm never late! I'm so sorry Rarity, if I had known I was going to fall asleep... Oh, I am so sorry." Twilight said as she stood up quickly. They started making their way to Rarity's shop, but they were both unusually quiet. "So...what were you dreaming about?" Rarity asked calmly. "Running through a forest, nothing much. Why do you ask?" "Oh, nothing really. Just that you were screaming "I love you, Rarity!" in your sleep." "Oh... well I'm really sorry to frighten you, Rarity. I don't love or even like you in that way. Even if I did, I would let it go because I never would want to ruin our friendship. The reason I was saying that, was because I was dreaming that I had a special some-pony that was a stallion. But then my thoughts changed to how I was going to help you out at the boutique, so it must have changed from a stallion to you. Sorry about worrying you." Twilight said with a nervous chuckle. "Oh, thank gosh! I thought I would have to deal with all that!" Rarity exclaimed as she put her hoof to her forehead and fell backwards. Rarity then put her hooves around Twilight's shoulders and pulled her close. "You will always be my friend Twilight." Rarity said replying to her comment. "No matter what either of us feel, I will always be here as your shoulder you can lean on." Rarity said making them both smile, and Rarity pulled her in for a hug before finally getting up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight sat down on the chair, and Rarity laid down on the couch across from her. It was getting warmer, almost 100 degrees and every pony in town was just about ready to die in the heat. Rarity used her magic and floated over a big pitcher of iced tea with a hint of grass for extra flavour. She floated a cup to her and Twilight. Twilight slowly sipped hers, and meanwhile, Rarity, not being her usual self in the heat, gulped it down. Rarity saw Twilight wide eyes looking at her. "Oh, hehe. I forgot about my manners, again. I really do hate the heat, darling, it makes me not usual self." Rarity blushed and quickly closed the curtains so that way nopony would see her act this way and also to get rid of the summer sun. "I thought that the pegasi would put up some clouds today! I should probably have a word with Rainbow Dash about this." "It isn't so bad, I mean, on the bright side, Owlowiscious and Spike can have fun outside with Fluttershy at her cottage." "I sent Opalescence there too! Sweetie Bell isn't technically a pet, so Fluttershy wouldn't take her.", Rarity said with a grunt."Hehe, I completely understand. I had to beg Fluttershy, she is so overrun with animals lately. I mean, Spike would just be another to her, but Spike said he was an assistant, not a pet. And he could do errands for her, I think that won her over." Twilight said with a smirk as she polished off her tea. Rarity motioned Twilight to follow her up the stairs, to show her the guest-bedroom. Once inside, Twilight saw so many pretty colour shades, and she knew the names of all of them. Rarity looked curiously at Twilight. "I didn't know you knew all these colours’ names!! I thought I was the only one." Rarity exclaimed with a blush. "Where did you learn all of them?" "I read a book about fabrics, patterns and colours last week. I thought it would be helpful since I would be coming here." Twilight explained as she took out the stuff in her suitcase and placed it in the dresser. "Summery rainbow style, right? It would look good on Rainbow Dash." Twilight said happily. "Of course! I was actually planning on making Rainbow a hammock for her to hang up in her favourite tree for taking naps in the sun. Those clouds must feel good, but I think she would enjoy a hammock better." Rarity said as she brought out the sheets and covers for Twilight's bed from the closet. She carefully made Twilight's bed as Twilight got her quills and scrolls out of her bag. "I have to go do some errands now, Twi. Don't suppose you can keep an eye on the shop? It's really easy, just get them their order then put the money in the cash register, and don't sell the displays." "Of course, Rare." Twilight said as she hung up her satchel. "Good, I will see you later, darling!" Rarity said as she kissed Twilight's cheek then galloped off. Twilight just stood there in utter silence, with a drop dead look on her face. She felt the warm glow of where Rarity kissed her, still there. She whispered 10 words to herself. "I have to research what is wrong with me, now." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So, anybody stop by while I was gone?" Rarity asked as she made lunch for three; Sweetie Bell was getting out of school early. "No. nopony. Uhh... can I help make... the hay and grass lasagna?" Twilight stammered. "Sure, can you turn the oven on and cut the apple slices, dear?" "Of course!" Twilight said as she rushed to Rarity's side, surprising Rarity a little. "Is there something wrong, Twi?" Rarity asked calmly. "No, nothing at all." Twilight said with a creepy big smile. "Oh, come on! Before you fell asleep, I had seen you messing with your hair right before I left to do my errands. And I know you want a special some-pony! You want a makeover but don't know how to ask me! I've been waiting for this moment, you know. Darling, we simply must get you one after Sweetie Bell gets home." Rarity exclaimed and she spun in a circle before returning to her cooking. "A…makeover? That...that might be nice." Twilight stammered again. Maybe that will make me look nicer... but I still have to resear- Twilight's thinking was cut-off by Sweetie Bell coming through the door. "CAN I HELP WITH LUNCH!?" "Sweetie Bell! How dare you! We have a guest, and that means no screaming! Now, put away your things and I will think about it. Maybe you can make some wheat bagels using the wheat from Sweet Apple Acres as a side dish. Now, go wash up!" With that being said, Sweetie Bell made an angry face and went upstairs to put away her book-bag and wash her hooves. "I don't mind Sweetie Bell yelling. After all, if I am going to be staying here for a while to help out, might as well let her be herself. After all, it is her home. Plus, I'm used to her and her Crusader friend banging on the library door wanting a book about some random, dangerous thing." Twilight commented for the first time without stammering. "If you’re sure, darling. Now let's finish up making lunch!" Rarity said as she shoved the lasagna into the oven. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 Rarity's guest-bedroom was covered head-to-hoof in books, all of them being about emotion and feelings. Ever since the tiny little kiss Rarity left on Twilight Sparkle's cheek, Twilight couldn't sleep. Her eyes had bags and she hadn't brushed her hair, making her look like a lion. She was so tired, even tried taking sleeping potions from Zecora, but nothing worked. So, here she was, reading every book she could find on emotions and feelings. She had read very few romance books because Twilight didn't want to even think that she liked Rarity. I don't like Rarity. I don't like Rarity. It's just not possible, because even if I did, would that hurt the tree of harmony because we would no longer be friends? No.. no, it wouldn't. Don't act like that! You do like Rarity! Wait, what!? Did I seriously just think that!? At this last thought, Twilight facehoofed Because her mind had thought of that idea, she spent the next hour reading only romance books. During certain... 'heating up' chapters, every once in a while Twilight made a little... "Awwwww" noise. Every time she finished a book, she craved more. Wanted more. She wanted love for herself, like the characters in the books. She then realized something... Pinkie Pie was dating Big Mac, Rainbow Dash had Fluttershy, Applejack had eyes for the mayor, everypony who had an element had a special some-pony except for her and Rarity! Maybe she just craved a little romance, so she thought she liked Rarity. This is the best thing, ever! This means I don't like Rarity, it just means we both don't have a special some-pony, so I felt a little, tiny, ity-bitty connection when she kissed my cheek! This is perfect! Twilight was just switching to the next book (to make sure it was just because they both didn't have a special some-pony), when she started hearing footsteps. She picked up every book with her magic and shoved them into the closet. Luckily Rarity was fond of clothes, which made her have closets almost the size of bedrooms. Sweetie Bell peeked inside the guest-bedroom through the door, seeing Twilight using her magic against the closet door. She looked around, noticing a book called emotions, feelings and romance: how to tell if you're affected on the bedside table. Twilight had just finished closing the closet door when she saw Sweetie Bell, now in the doorway, staring wide-eyed and happy faced towards the book on the bedside table. Buck! I forgot about that one! Twilight thought to herself as she teleported it into the closet, and to her luck, all the books fell out. Hearing the noise, to Twilight's surprise, the 2 other crusaders popped their heads out into the room. Finally, Sweetie Bell said something. "We gotta tell Rarity, guys!" Sweetie Bell exclaimed. "Ah think you are a little over ya head, Sweetie Bell." Applebloom said timidly. "I agree with Applebloom, but I personally think crushes just aren't cool." Scootaloo said as she posed like Rainbow Dash. "But Rainbow Dash, your idol, likes Fluttershy and they are dating." Sweetie Bell teased, which made Scootaloo blush. "FINE! We can tell Rarity!" Scootaloo said, sounding extremely bored. "Tell me what?" Rarity asked as she popped into the room as the Cutie Mark Crusaders ran away. Her popping in made both Twilight, and herself blush. "Dear, I know you want a special some-pony. But it doesn't mean you have to read all night about..." Rarity picked up one of the books that had burst out of the closet in her magic and lifted it up so that she could read the title, "'Feeling Feelings'?, darling. I think you are a 'little over your head.'" Rarity blushed as she quoted Applebloom, but with a little more elegance. "You.. are so pretty.." Twilight said dreamily, not even listening to one word Rarity said. "What?!" Rarity exclaimed. Twilight mentally facehoofed. "Darling, you really need some sleep... usually I wouldn't turn down a compliment, but you... really need some beauty sleep." Rarity said as she shoved Twilight in the guest-bed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She flashed on-top of trees, for the mare was escaping. She teleported more and more as the chase went on, like a never ending loop. The beautiful mare looked backwards, and time seemed to go into slow motion. The beautiful mare's purple hair slowly turned with her head ever so elegantly. With a devious smile from the beautiful one, everything stopped, except for the mare. She galloped through the forest, and Twilight couldn't move. Her hooves stopped, everything stopped. She couldn't control it. Life had stopped, except for the mare. It had been an hour, still no sign of the mare, and Twilight was still frozen, and she was getting a bit stiff. But then, a creature appeared. But, it wasn't just one creatures, it was a bunch. But together, they made up one. Twilight had recognized it, but she couldn't remember it's name. "Hello, Twilight Sparkle. I see you are feeling something for that pretty mare." He said as he motioned his head behind him. The mare came out from behind him, still with the devious smile. Twilight tried to move, but still was stuck in place. "Now, this pretty mare wants to make a deal, with you, Twilight." He said as he snapped his fingers and 2 jars filled with something steaming appeared. The green liquid bubbled and popped, which made the creature smirk. "One is poison, one is not. Choose correctly, and you will have your beautiful mare. If you choose incorrectly, you will die." He snapped his fingers again and a cage appeared around Twilight and the jars. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight sat up quickly. She looked down at her hooves and saw she was drenched in sweat from the nightmare. She looked to her right and saw the sun shining through the window. It was almost noon: time for lunch. She slowly got up, and made her bed. Noticing a note on the table, with "Rarity" printed on it. She opened the note, also noticing that her satchel was missing. She set the note down and looked all around the room, but then slowly turned her head back to the note and read it. Dear Twilight, I am deeply sorry if I am not home when you read this, I hope to be home by noon, maybe sooner. I went into your room to check how you were doing, and on my way out I saw your satchel. It was completely ugly, and I just had to make you a new one. But, I was completely out of the fabric that fit you so well, so I had to go out and get some supplies. If you would be a dear and start lunch, that would be lovely. Thank you, darling! Yours Truly, Rarity Smiling, Twilight went downstairs to make lunch. She got out the ingredients and made fried hay and cheese sandwiches, with a side of Sweet Apple Acres apple slices. She poured 3 glasses of milk, because Sweetie Bell would be coming home soon too, so, she decided to wait 'till Rarity and her sister came home before she ate. So, she sat down and waited. And waited. ....And waited. They never came. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3 Twilight searched all over the Boutique for Rarity or even Sweetie Bell, until she found another note with Rarity's writing on it. Dear Twilight, Sorry about that other note. Knowing you, you have probably been looking all over for me, so I am deeply sorry. Please forgive me. I decided we could meet at "The Hay Burger" for lunch. Even though it is not my type of food, I would like to try it if you do not mind. Thank you, darling. Love you! xoxo ~Rarity Twilight pranced around the room after reading and rereading the note over and over again. She loves me, she really loves me! Wait, what am I saying?! Twilight halted before finally realizing what was wrong with her all this time. I guess I got my wish, but why her? It can't be her! I can't... I can't love her! We're best friends! What would happen? The 'Defenders of Equestria' dating? Well, the rest of the 'Defenders of Equestria' are dating... I guess I could give it a try... Ugg.... Why does this have to be so complicated!? Twilight gathered up her things and threw them into her satchel. Looking up, she noticed a picture of her and Rarity together on a wall. I never knew she kept that picture... It was Hearts and Hooves day, and they had accidentally slammed into each other, and when they stood up, they accidentally kissed each other. Pinkie was there, saying they had to spend the rest of the day together. It was when Rarity made a promise that she would always be there for Twilight, no matter what. On the picture, someone had written something with a black marker. I love you, forever and always. Even if only friends. "Rarity!?" Twilight screamed before rushing out the door to meet Sweetie Bell and the mare from her dreams: literally, her dreams. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight galloped to 'The Hay Burger', she had to find out what Rarity meant by that. Does this mean she loves me to? Can we go on dates? Are we going to get married someday? Wait, you're getting a little ahead of yourself there, Twilight. Twilight said to herself, making herself blush. When she got to the restaurant, she halted. Looking through the window, she saw Rarity talking to Sweetie Bell. Twilight put her head up the wall, trying to hear what they were saying. "Yes, yes. I do like Twilight, Sweetie Bell, give it a rest! And no, this is not a date. This is a friendly.. get-together. Besides, even if it was a date, she would say no. Also, because you are here." Rarity said before glaring at Sweetie Bell. "On a date, it's just supposed to be just the two ponies on the date." Rarity paused for a moment, thinking, "Unless it's a double date." she added "But I want an Aunt!" Sweetie Bell pouted. "Oh my, Sweetie Bell! Even if we did go on a date, it doesn't mean we would just get married just like that. You need to go on a lot of dat-" Rarity was interrupted by a smiling Twilight walking into the restaurant. "Oh, uhh... Twilight." Rarity stammered. "You didn't happen to hear what we were just talking about, did you?" Rarity blushed as she put her hoof up to her mouth to chew awkwardly, but then realized what she was doing and put it down. "Not a lot.." Twilight said to Rarity before turning to her own thought's. Just enough. "Good... so... Want to order? They have some good burgers here. I haven't eaten here before, but I know you ha-." "YES!" Sweetie Bell interrupted before Rarity could talk more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The rest of the 'get-together' was fine, but then it started getting interesting when Sweetie Bell had to use the restroom... a little awkward, if I do say so myself. "Rarity, I have to use the little filly's room! LET GO OF MY HOOF!" "Don't scream! Behave... and don't go... uhh... I need you." I just don't want to be alone with Twilight, I still don't know how much she heard... Rarity thought to herself. Sweetie Bell gave Rarity an annoyed looked before escaping and galloping off to the restroom. Meanwhile, Twilight tried to start up a conversation. "So, I know the subject is awkward, but we are best friends, so it shouldn't be too bad. Uhh... which gender do you like?" Twilight said with a smile, one that couldn't be broken after hearing what Rarity said to Sweetie Bell. "What?" Rarity said with huge eyes before replying with another question. "How much of that did you hear, earlier? Tell me the truth." Rarity said with a glare. "Not much..." But this time she blurted out what her mind was thinking. "Just enough." Twilight said before putting her hooves up to her face. Before she knew it, she was lowering them. Because the mare from her dream was getting closer, and closer, her lips were the closest. Twilight opened her eyes, and they were kissing. Sweetie Bell, who had just come back to the table, was watching with the biggest smile Twilight ever saw. Twilight gave a glare to Sweetie Bell, and the filly galloped off, but then she looked back to the white mare with a smile, even though Rarity was blushing like mad and backing up. "Hey, Rarity?" Twilight calmly asked her. "Y...ye...yes, darling?" She stammered, getting redder. "What would you say if I gave the gift back?" "What-" Rarity tried to say, but was kissed. Again. Rarity and Twilight payed their bits and Sweetie Bell ran off to her friends. Rarity grabbed Twilight's hoof and rushed her out the door. "Where are we goi-" Twilight was interrupted by Rarity's hoof shushing her mouth. "I am taking you everywhere! Somewhere! I want a date! Just kissing isn't a date, darling!" Rarity said with a smile. Before either of them knew it, they were all over town. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4 Twilight and Rarity were just heading home from their long day of... well, pretty much everything. They had went to almost every market, every store.  They even visited all their friends, except, they didn't tell any of their friends what had happened at "The Hay Burger", they just acted like everything is normal, but failing horribly. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were on to them, meanwhile, Fluttershy just made dinner for her and Rainbow Dash because those 2 were actually dating, so she kind of just went with what-ever Twilight and Rarity said. "Why can't we tell them, Rarity?" "It isn't the right time, kitty cat. Ooo, yay! I found a pet name for you!" Rarity squealed. "Anywho, let's at least see how things go first, ok? Love you, kitty cat!" Rarity exclaimed as she entered Sugarcube Corner to get her and Twilight some cupcakes. Twilight sat down on the nearest bench and started looking from her bags to Rarity's. Rarity definitely had more bags then Twilight, but that was because Rarity worked at a shop and needed more supplies, while Twilight just needed to get more books for the library. Maybe I should get books more often.. Twilight's thought were interrupted by Rarity coming back out from Sugarcube Corner with amazing-looking cupcakes, and a note from Pinkie Pie. Dear Twilight, , IknowyouandRarityaredatingandthatRaritydoesn'twanttellanyoneyetbutcanIthrowyouguysa"Surprise, we're dating!"partyplease? ThankssomuchTwilightSparkle! -Pinkie Pie P.S. PleasetellthereadersomeS5spoilersforme,thanks! "I thought you said we weren't going to tell them!" Twilight exclaimed as Rarity sat back down in front of her, "And what reader? There is a 5th season? I thought there were only Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring! I seriously need to study Pinkie more, but not just her 'Pinkie Sense' but also herself!" Twilight told Rarity as she handed Rarity the note. "Darling," Rarity giggled. "one day you will realize Pinkie... well, she is Pinkie. Just ignore her whenever it doesn't make sense to you, it's what I do. Trust me, dear. Now then, what's this about a party? And I didn't tell her, it was probably Pinkie just being Pinkie, kitty cat."  Rarity looked at the paper and started to imagine what the party would be like. "Well, Pinkie is obviously going to tell all our friends, so we might as well enjoy a party for us as there's no stopping her.  Come on, let's go help with the party invitations." Rarity said as she picked up their bags with her magic. "Are you sure you don't want me to carry some of them? Magic is my talent, and it does mean I have a stronger aura. I'm not trying to offend you, by the way." Twilight said as she eyed the bags. "You'll never offend me, darling." Rarity said as she handed the bags to Twilight's aura and kissed Twilight on the cheek. Twilight smiled as they walked inside Sugarcube Corner to help make invitations. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What this about a 'dating' celebration? It's not like I won't come, because it is a Pinkie party, but still... What exactly is it? Is it gonna be cool? Are the Wonderbolt's coming!?" Rainbow Dash said from her cloud as she wiggled her flank in the air like she was about to take off. "No, they aren-" Twilight tried to say before Rarity started talking to Fluttershy. "Oh, you simply must come, darling! It's going to be so fun! This is a big deal for Twilight and I! Please, please, please make it!" Rarity exclaimed as she moved a couch behind her with her and fell onto it. "Well.. if you really want me to.. Dashy, can we go?" Fluttershy squeaked. "Of course!" Rainbow Dash said as she nuzzled her marefriend. "Yay!" Fluttershy squeaked again. All of a sudden, Applejack came into view, and trotted up to her friends happily. "Pinkie told me about the party ya'll are throwing, congrats by the way, Twi. Mayor turned me down, but I invited another mare to come as mah date, and she said yes!" Applejack explained happily. "Yay for Applejack!" Pinkie squealed from a tree, and everybody finally noticed that she was there all along. "So, who's the mare?" Twilight asked with confusion. "Ah think you all already know her, after all, Pinkie buys from her all the time. Her name is Bon-Bon." Applejack said with a growing smile, while Pinkie Pie screamed and jumped all over the place. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Oh, no! Oh, no! This simply won't do!" Rarity said as she fell backward dramaticly. "What is it, Rarity!?" Twilight asked as she raced up to the beautiful mare. "Well, Applejack wanted to be extra pretty for tonight, because the Bon-Bon said she would come. But, Applejack never gets fancy, so she doesn't know what to wear. So, that's where I come in! But the problem is, I still have to make our dresses since we are the guests of honor!" "I'll help you then, just tell me what I have to do. Remember, I will always help you when you need it." Twilight said as she nuzzled Rarity, who was still on the floor. "Thank you, darling." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rarity and Twilight got dressed up in their fancy dresses, did each other's hair and accessories, and were all ready to go until the crusaders came crashing through the door. "CAN WE COME!?" screamed the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Rarity thought about it for a moment.  "Fine, but if you start to misbehave, you're all going home." she warned them. "Ok!" The 3 fillies exclamed as they galloped off to Sugarcube Corner, leaving Rarity and Twilight alone again. Twilight and Rarity set off along the path to Sugarcube corner, walking side by side.  As they walked, Twilight thought of a question that she hadn't asked her marefriend yet. "Hey, Rarity?" "Yes, kitty cat?" Rarity replied as she kissed her marefriend on the cheek. "How long have you liked me?" Twilight asked, looking into Rarity's eyes, but Rarity kept her eyes on the path ahead. "A long time, Twi." She said, with a neutral face. "How long is that?" "Do I have to answer?" Rarity asked Twilight, finally facing her, but with a straight face. "Depends on the answer." "Remember when we defeated Discord?" "…Yes.." "Since then. I fell in love with you, Twilight. In love. When we accidentally kissed on Hearts and Hooves day, I almost died of embarrassment. Sorry, darling. This is really hard for me to say." Rarity said with a blush. "I understand, Rare." "I could ask you the same question, you know. How long have you liked me?" Rarity asked with a playful shove to Twilight's shoulders. "I don't know." "What do you mean?" "I really do not know. I wished I would have a special somepony on that bridge, but now, here I am with one. But the thing is, I do not know when I fell in love you with you, Rarity. I just don't know. I could say during the dream when I fell asleep in the bridge, but that could have been from you talking to me while I was asleep. I'm sorry Rare, I just don't know." Twilight explained sadly. "I do know when I realized that I loved you though. It took me forever to believe it. It was when I saw your note this afternoon." "Really?" Rarity asked with a smile. "Yes." Twilight said before kissing Rarity. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5 Twilight and Rarity were almost at Sugarcube corner when Twilight started wondering about Bon-Bon and Applejack. She halted, and Rarity didn't realize at first because she was so happy, she had her eyes close and was on the edge of skipping. At least she finally noticed, because she could arrived at Sugarcube Corner by herself, without Twilight! "Hey, Rarity?" Twilight asked, making Rarity turn around and trott back to Twilight. "Yes, kitty cat?" "I thought Bon-Bon was with Lyra..." Twilight said worryingly. "Oh my.. you're right! In fact, they are almost on their 5th wedding anniversary, right!?" Rarity exclaimed. "I believe so! Rarity! We have to tell Applejack!" Twilight said, running towards the bakery. "Stop!" Rarity screamed, making Twilight halt again. "What!?" "We can't tell Applejack. Maybe there is something up with Bon-Bon. Maybe she and Lyra had a divorce! Could be anything, kitty cat. Darling, let's find out more, before we tell Applejack." "But, bu-" Twilight couldn't finish her sentence, because Rarity's hoof came up to her lips. Rarity slowly removed her hoof, and put her forehead against Twilight's, and they both stared wide eyes. "No buts. Now then, are you going to kiss me before we get going or are you just going to stare at me like that, kitty cat?" Rarity said with a small playful groan. They kissed each other with adorableness, and trotted up to the bakery. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It had been already an hour after they started the party, and Bon-Bon was talking to Applejack. The whole time, whenever Applejack blushed (which was a LOT), Bon-Bon looked at her with a confused look. What did I say? Bon-Bon thought to herself. The rest of the party seemed pretty normal, with Pinkie Pie drinking all the alcoholic beverages, and Scootaloo begging Rainbow Dash to watch her drink as much alcohol as she could. But of course, since Scootaloo was a filly and Rainbow Dash looked out for her, she wouldn't let anyone even offer her a drink, so definitely no contests. But yet, Applejack was having a little too much.. And eventually, AJ noticed how much Fluttershy was having too. "What's.. up with ya, Flutter..sh.. hi? How do you have su...such a tol... tolerance.. nce?" Applejack asked her, while falling over. "I really don't want to talk about it, AJ." Fluttershy squeaked before hiccuping and glugging down another mug. "Apple, you really shouldn't be drinking this much.. How about some ginger ale instead?" Bon-Bon offered, but instead Applejack refused and fell over. "I... I challenge you.." AJ started to say as she slowly got up, still very tipsy. "To... to a drinking... contest, Flutter." "I really, really, really don't want to." Fluttershy squeaked again. "Fi... fine then! I will go challenge... mah self." Applejack triumphantly said before getting another cup full of alcoholic cider. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So, Applejack, assuming you have so much of this beverage at your farm, I would also assume you drink a lot of this cider and would have a high tolerance and not be so.... tipsy?" Bon-Bon asked cautiously, mostly because Applejack was starting to lean her in direction just a little bit too far.. "I don't... don't drink in front of Granny. She... she don't like Apple cider like this... She don.. don't like how it makes ponies act.. So, ah try to stay clear from it.." "I see.. but what about Applebloom? I thought you wouldn't want a filly seeing ponies like this." Bon-Bon asked while motioning her head to the crusaders in the corner. "Ah... I really don't wanna talk about it, Sugarcube." Applejack said with a playful nudge on the shoulder. "I see... well, what should we talk about?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Bu.. Bun... Bon-Bon?" Applejack asked, with her face as red as her farm's apples, but at least sitting in a chair so she wouldn’t fall over so easily. "Yes?" Applejack suddenly kissed Bon-Bon, leaving a very surprised, yet angry Bon-Bon. "What is wrong with you?! You are worse than Berry Punch, Applejack! I thought we were just FRIENDS! And here you are trying to kiss me! I accepted your invitation to come as a FRIEND, not a DATE. Oh, what am I going to tell Lyra!? I'm out of here!" Bon-Bon screamed to Applejack before exiting the bakery, making her way into the darkness of the night. Applejack puked, and then Twilight started rushing out the door to apologize to Bon-Bon, but Bon-Bon wouldn't hear a word of it. She was mad at AJ and wanted to hear an apology from AJ herself. But even when she heard it, she still wouldn't forgive her. Meanwhile, the very drunk Applejack slowly curled into a ball and wept. She wouldn't let anyone come near her, or else she would growl like Opalescence.  Until finally, Fluttershy went up to her and whispered. "Applejack.. we are deeply sorry for you, and we are all sorry about forgetting that Bon-Bon was married, we don't talk to her a lot.. so we kind... umm.. forgot... sorry!" Fluttershy squealed before running behind Rainbow Dash. Applejack finally got up, and when everybody saw her face, they were all scared (except for Rainbow Dash, she was just worried). She had tears dripping from her face, and her face was pink instead of red now, staggering to keep herself upright, and she wouldn't stop crying. "Ah.. ahm real.. sorry for what ah did, guys. Can.. can ya forgive me? Ah.. ah didn't know about Lyra. I didn't know Bon-Bon was married. Please forgive me, and can ya not tell Granny Smith or anyone else about this?" She said with a fake smile, but it didn't last longer than 3 seconds because she cried harder. Twilight had seen Applejack cry before, but not this much. "I.. I won't, Applejack." Applebloom said, while rushing to her sister's side, giving her a shoulder nudge. "We won't either!" The other 2 Cutie Mark Crusaders said as they rushed to the other side of Applejack. "None of us will." Twilight said as everyone gathered around her for a group hug. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight and Rarity slowly walked home, neither of them saying a word about what had happened with Applejack and Bon-Bon, until finally, Twilight spoke up. "So... Rarity? Everyone knows we are dating.. so... want to go some place tomorrow?" Twilight asked nervously, still worried about the awkward silence. "I wish I could, darling. But.. kitty cat, I have to work on 5 dresses tomorrow. I promise we can on Friday thought, kitty cat." "Well, I can help with the dresses! Please! Pretty please? I will help as soon as I write to Princess Celestia!" Twilight said happily. "Sure, I guess. But... what are you going to write to her about? Have you decided yet? What have you learned about friendship? You've mostly learned about dating, darling." Rarity pointed out. "Oh sweet Luna! You're right! What am I ever to do!?" Twilight said dramatically, dragging a couch behind her to catch her fall. Rarity giggled. "I've taught you well, kitty cat. But really... Why don't you write to her about comforting your friends when they go through a heartbreak?" She said suggestively. "You're right! It's perfect, Rare!" Twilight kissed her marefriend, then screamed before running ahead to Rarity's shop. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight rubbed her eyes and trotted to the private bathroom in Rarity's guest-bedroom in the middle of the night. She turned on the light and looked at the sink tiredly, noticing an Opal curled up in the sink's empty bowl. She rubbed her eyes some more, not believing the cat would do that. Slowly, she picked up Opal with her magic, and carefully put her in the basket on top of the toilet. The cat twitched, which made Twilight wince, but she seemed to stay asleep. Twilight washed her face, brushed her teeth and hair, and ate a mint. She looked at herself in the mirror, messing with her hair, trying to make little adjustments to make her look prettier. **What* does Rarity see in me? What's so great about me?* Twilight thought to herself with such sadness. Twilight trotted back into her bed, not noticing the giant lump in it right away. She flipped over, facing the lump, before screaming her head off. The lump quickly jumped up, and turned into a Rarity. For the first time ever, Twilight actually saw Rarity with messy hair. "Twilight!? What's wrong? Did you see a bug!? Is Opal trying to claw your face?" Rarity said frantically, looking all over the bed for a bug or the cat. "No, no. I'm fine. I just didn't notice you... in my bed.." Twilight explained awkwardly. "Oh.. about that, hehehe... Well, I was really lonely, and Sweetie Bell was with her Crusader friends at Sweet Apple Acres having a sleepover... And I thought I'd just crawl in and you wouldn't notice..." Rarity blushed, slowly trying to get up out of the bed. "No! Don't go.. I mean.. you can stay... but uhh.. If you could... umm... nevermind." Twilight said, laying back down. "If I could, what?" "Well..." Twilight replied, slowly moving her hoof in a circle on top of the covers. "I'm.. I'm a little bit of a.. cuddler." Twilight admitted, blushing more and more. "Oh.. hehe. Then, come here you!" Rarity said playfully, and grabbed her and pulling her close. "I love you, Rare." "I love you too, kitty cat." Rarity said as she nuzzled Twilight's chin. "I love you too..." //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6 Twilight galloped, running faster. Something was chasing her, but she didn't know what. She looked back and saw 2 mares. The beautiful mare, and one that was orange with green eyes and a cowgirl hat. She halted and turned around to face the mares. **"A... Applejack? Rarity? Is that you guys? Where is Rainbow Dash? And Fluttershy? Do you know where Pinkie Pie is? Are you guys ok?"* Twilight yelled to them, running closer to the mares.* **"We are fine, but are you? Why do you keep having nightmares?"* They both said at the same time creepily.* "Wha.. What's wrong with you guys!?" **"It is not them, Twilight Sparkle. It is I, Princess Luna. Hello, Twilight."* They both said at the same time again, but this time slowly turning into a dark blue sparkly smoke before finally turning into Princess Luna. "I noticed thou kept having nightmares about Rarity, but now having nightmares about Applejack, too? Is everything fine at home, Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Luna asked Twilight, while trotting around her.* **"Fi.. fine? Everything... is wonderful, Princess!"* Twilight stammered at Luna.* **"It is obviously not! Why have thou lied to m- Oh, I am sorry, Twilight."* Princess Luna said before taking a deep breath, returning to a normal tone. "Remember, I am always here. If thy ever need me, just think about me before falling asleep. Goodbye, Twilight." Princess Luna said before turning into smoke again and flying into the sky.* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As soon as Luna was gone, Twilight woke up. She rubbed her eyes and looked across the room to the window, noticing that Princess Celestia was rising the sun. Suddenly, a scroll poofed in front of her, and obiously she was surprised, because she was used to Spike having them delivered. Still very confused, she surrounded the letter in her magic aura and opened it. It had only one word on it. Remember. Twilight had a look of horror on her face, realizing that something was wrong with her. Because the note was from a Princess, she carefully used her magic to place it on top of the dresser across the room. She looked to her side, seeing the lump from last night was still there. Smiling, she wrapped her hooves around the lump. Wearily, the lump sat up and revealed a Rarity. Except, Rarity didn't look so perfect. "Wha tim is wit?" Rarity mumbled slowly, not using her usual Canterlot talk. "Sunrise, Rare. Why can't you come back to bed with me? Oh and I really do love that little talk you have." Twilight said playfully, wrapping her hooves around Rarity's waist. "Oh!" Rarity exclaimed before realizing it was just Twilight, so she didn't have to talk all fancy. "Hmm.. I guess your right, kittycat. It is only sunrise, back to bed..." Rarity surrendered and came back into Twilight's cuddley arms. "You are so much nicer than" Rarity yawned quietly. "Opal...escence.." She said while falling back asleep. Twilight smiled and looked back at the note. She started thinking about all her friends and Rarity. How much she loved them, cared for them, and- Twilight stopped her trail of thought. She heard crackling from what sounded like the Everfree Forest, and the crackling woke Rarity up quickly. Rarity flashed her horn and her hair looked like it usually did when she was in public, beautiful. They both ran to the window, seeing rainbows flash everywhere, they couldn't believe what was in front of their muzzles. The tree of harmony was dying.