Shadow, Love and Pride

XIX

Confessions and Risks

“Pinkie that was just a regular cupcake?” Twilight asked Pinkie as they walked from Sugarcube Corner back to the library.

“No it wasn't it. It was super extra special.” Pinkie said.

“How so?”

“It had exactly seven sprinkles more than the average cupcake.”

“Oh Pinkie.” Twilight decided not to argue and started to open the door. “Well anyways I should read that new book the princess sent me...” She realized her other four friends were inside waiting. “Oh hey girls. What's up?”

“Pinkie ya were suppose to just distract her for a minute.” Applejack protested.

“I was, but then I got hungry.” Pinkie replied.

“Never mind that. Twilight what's up with you!?” Rainbow Dash flew into Twilight's face confronting her.

“What... What's going on?” Twilight felt cornered.

“Twilight I hope you don't mind but we haven't really talked at all this week, you're always busy and even Spike is worried.” Said a worried Fluttershy.

“Spike said that?”

“He kept going on about how ya been disappearing some nights and show up in the morning as if nothing happened.” Applejack said.

“All this week you've had a bigger smile than Pinkie on your face. No offense dear.” Rarity said.

“It's not just the nights, like Spike said, you run off somewhere and we don't see you for hours.” Rainbow said.

“Girls I promise, everything is just great.” Twilight smiled.

“Sugarcube were just worried is all. If what Rarity said is true...” Applejack was interrupted.

“Rarity what did you say?” Twilight questioned.

“I merely suggested that you like a certain somepony.” Rarity said nervously.

“That's not true... well... not really?” Twilight blushed.

“Twilight what if he isn't a good pony and you end up hurt? Or lost in the woods because he's actually eeeeeeeeeeeeeeviiiiiiiiiiiiilllllll!” Pinkie said.

“For Celestia's sake.” Applejack pushed Pinkie aside. “But in all seriousness, are you sure this fella won't turn out sour on ya?”

“I'm sure. You don't have to worry. And besides were just getting to know each other.”

“I'll say, if your spending nights at his place.” Rarity said.

“RARITY!!!” Applejack saw that Twilight gave an embarrassed look. “Were not here to judge. But Twilight, don't you think you're moving too fast. Just put yourself in our shoes. Remember when I wouldn't open up about not winning the rodeo competitions and started working at the cherry farm?”

“Yeah.” Twilight knew where this was going.

“Y'all tracked me down and then pushed me.” Applejack continued. “You, like the rest, were hurt and saddened by how I didn't trust you with what was going on in my life.”

Twilight frowned and saw things from her friends point of view. “Okay. But this stays between us and nopony else will know.” She walked to the nearby couch and sat. “You all have to promise.”

“We promise. Right girls?” Applejack looked to her friends. They all nodded.

“You Pinkie promise?”

The girls all poked their eyes with a hoof.

“I'm serious, you can't tell...”

“For crying out loud, we do!” Rainbow got anxious.

“Okay... I... do like... a certain... resident of Ponyville... but it's complicated.” Twilight said nervous.

“Like?” Rainbow asked.

“He's had a rough life and is dealing with some situations. So we made an agreement... because he asked me to be his girlfriend.” Twilight said.

“Go on.” Applejack encouraged.

“He's a recovering Alcoholic.” Twilight closed her eyes prepared for the barrage of complaints from her friends.

“OH GOOD GRAVY TWILIGHT!” Applejack put her hoof over her face. “For how long?”

“Since last week when I asked him to quit.” She closed her eyes again.

“Goodness gracious dear, you can't be serious.” Rarity said.

“What were you thinking!?” Rainbow yelled.

“I believe in giving second chances, but quitting an addiction is something you have to do for yourself.” Fluttershy said.

“And you've already given yourself to him. That's not good Twilight. Not good at all.” Applejack said with disappointment in her voice.

“We haven't even kissed yet.” Twilight said.

“Beg your pardon.”

“Like I said. We had an agreement.”

“And what exactly did you agree to?” Rainbow questioned.

“After he asked me to be his girlfriend I said I would do it if he would get help for quitting the alcohol, sought therapy to handle it and not to wear his mask anymore.” Twilight explained. Her friends more confused now.

“Who the heck wears a mask?” Rainbow looked to her friends they all shrugged their shoulders except for Applejack.

“Oh what the hay Twilight!? You don't mean... ?” Applejack asked. Twilight stayed silent and nodded uncontrollably.

“Oh sugar cube... This... I don't know what to say.”

“He's different, I know. And it's been hard for me too.” Twilight felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. “He drank because he was alone for so many years. He said he didn't need it anymore. I don't know if you can call it love, but I do love being around him. And when I do spend the night at his place. We just talk all night long till we just fall asleep. I sleep in the couch, he sleeps in his hammock.” She giggled and smiled. “I love waking up to the smell of his cooking, I love his stories, I love how loyal and committed he is, to everything he sets his mind to.”

“Twilight I'm afraid to say it. But you're in deep girl.” Applejack stated.

“Maybe I am. But right now, I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything.” Twilight smiled.

“Stop talking like we aren't here, who's this mystery pony?” Pinkie demanded.

“Well don't keep us in suspense?” Rarity added.

Twilight looked at Applejack and frowned. Applejack realized her friend was too nervous to say it. She sighed.

“It's Kido.” Applejack confessed for Twilight.

“Oh my.” Fluttershy said. “Twilight, how did this happen?” The other friends were speechless so they waited for Twilight to talk.

Twilight told them about how since the first day they met she felt a strange attraction for the eccentric werewolf. At first she thought it was merely a friendly interest, but she didn't even notice what it was developing into. And continued on to the night a week ago she first stayed at the station and this past week how she sneaks into the station to be with him.

“What do I do? Is this wrong? Is there something wrong with me?” Twilight desperately asked.

The five friends didn't know what to say. They merely looked at each other.

“I support you Twilight. He's a great guy and he cares about his job and Ponyville. I'm sure he cares about you too. Frankly I'm more worried about the booze.” Rainbow spoke out since she knew a few things about what it is to feel different and to want different things.

“Dashie's right. He's been nothing but nice to us since we first met him.” Pinkie stated. The others nodded.

“Well I guess that's settles it. Twilight, your boyfriend is okay by us. And no more secrets please.” Applejack said.

“Thanks guys. It means a lot.” Twilight said. At that moment they all patted Twilight but suddenly the door to the library flew open.

“Twilight! Twiliiiiiiiiiiiiiight!” Derpy came in calling. The girls went to see.

“Derpy?” Twilight asked.

“Oh hi everypony.” Derpy smiled and waved her hoof at the six friends.

“Derpy why did you come in hollering and calling?”

“It's Kido's birthday tomorrow!”

ZZZ

Bellz was walking at a slow pace to the Ponyville Plaza, where she remembered she fought with the werewolf. She was covered in a gray cloak and walking on all fours trying to pass as a pony. Lucky for her, the residents thought she was Zecora the zebra. She hated feeling so weak, it's been a few weeks since she last ate. She walked up to a a passerby.

“Where may I find the werewolf that defended the town from the Bat Witch?” Bellz asked, taking the passerby by surprised.

“Oh hey there Miss Zecora. You're looking for the Guard Station that's right over there.” The friendly stranger pointed to the station, which was right behind Bellz. Without saying another word she started to walk to the the door. “Well, take care Miss Zecora.”

To her dismay the door was locked. She grew frustrated. She took the risk of exposing herself in broad daylight to increase her chances of encountering the werewolf. She was too weak to keep walking so she just sat next to the door to conserve energy. Her own mind kept her occupied wondering if the wolf's offer of friendship was true. On one hand when he offered mercy to let her live and leave after he defeated her in combat, he did tell the truth. On the other, Bellz attacked his friends.

It was too late to turn back now. So she simply tried to rest without falling asleep and wait.