Social Sins of a Young Thang Living 'Alone'by Regina WrightChapters~Twilight In Abstract~And First Came Cheerilee's GoodwillAnd Then Came Cheerilee's Good WordsAnd Then Came Cheerilee's Good Gesture~Twilight In Abstract~Twilight wasn't the most observant pony when it came to matters of social grace. She hadn't needed to be from since she was very young. But even that was a stretch because even as a child, she was a crazed brat of strange reasons and actions. The bulk of her childhood was spent getting into things and her parents chasing her down with her brother egging her on. In fact, Twilight couldn't remember half the things she accidentally got herself in but was aware her name was blacklisted at a couple libraries in Canterlot. (Of course, she was un-blacklisted after becoming the Princess's student but nobody working from back then would look her in the eye.) And the many trips to the doctor to have her stomach pumped. The smell of stale printing-press ink always made her remember her parents patting her stomach and her brother snickering in the background. But passed that singular point in her life, Twilight was above chit-chat and small talk. She had no need to interact. Not for friends or boys or teachers meaning well. There was no need for personal communication with anyone. And if she really needed it, she had Spike and her family that she could write to. Wasting time slacking and hanging out with her peers more than necessary... There wasn't enough time in the day for that. She didn't need to figure out the complex rules of maintaining social relationships and minding her words. She did not talk. She was talked to. Everyone wants to score points with the Princess by rubbing hooves with her personal student, after all. And with everything that comes with that position, she was used to having ponies slink their way through her presence and intrude whether she wanted them too or not. She was comfortable (to an extent) to ponies parading in and out, wanting this or that. It was normal to be dragged along with crowds of mixed students to whatever set her classmates ablaze with gossip and love until she had enough and fled back to their dorm tower. Upon officially moving to Ponyville and left to her own devices with a regular correspondence with the Princess, Twilight finally learned of a different way of life. The idea of lazy, peaceful days. The idea of having friends to talk to and spend time with for fun's sake. Ponyville was peaceful. Well... As peaceful as it could be besides being a weirdness magnet thanks to being so close to both the Everfree forest and the great Prison Tartarus. There was a reason why they were the only town settlement out here... It was quite different from her school in Canterlot with its hustle and bustle and shrieking and shouting of her fellow students tearing their hair out from the stress of it all. And she joined them in the chorus of frustrated scores, unexpected marks and the teachers plotting and plotting. The typical remarks of “We didn't cover this!” and “Where's the extra credit? I can't turn this assignment in like this!” filled her room as it did theirs as a disorderly song of student grievances. Thinking back on her school life, it was noisy and stressful and petty but Twilight could never say she was truly alone. Ponyville was much, much quieter. Almost silent in her daily routine outside the occasional outing with the girls. Sure, ponies got in her face from time to time... But that was because of her failure to read the situation. The ponies here talk differently. They said, “How are you doing?” What was the right way to respond? Twilight has tried many different responses and so far, the best one is “Fine, thanks.” Which, more than not, gets an unsatisfied look for the pony in question. But it at least moved the conversation on. In Canterlot, they also said, “How are you doing?” The correct answer can be the following: “Spell Spunk decided to raise the grading curve. We need to come up with another form of attack for the next quiz! He'll start filling his quota to unfairly knock out students from his class. I'm not losing my placement because Spunk wants to look strict!” OR. “I'm actually pretty weak in Siege Spell Theory. I'm looking to start a club for those of a like-mind for elite studying sessions. Are you up for it? We can learn great things from each other.” OR. “I already saw the scores posted outside of Ms. Jinx's classroom. These are a copy of my notes for Alchemical Rune 1. Let's do the trade.” All were acceptable responses because even though Twilight wouldn't call herself friends with any of them, they were her peers. They knew each other well and found kinship in the great pursuit of knowledge. Twilight didn't have time for pleasantries than any of them did. The ones who did, they just didn't have their priorities straight. Twilight knew the basic words for when she had to talk to ponies on the street. But being able to do more than that... She failed in some aspect. Her mind often came to a crashing halt whenever common questions were asked from time to time in her life. And maybe, maybe, it carried to the conversation. “How the weather?” “Fine.” She'd respond. “Um, from what I can see outside my window, it looks great.” Somehow, it always felt that she wasn't saying the right thing. “What are you up to?” It was the way those questions sounded. As if they were pointed at her neck. “Nothing particularly interesting. I'm finishing up some reports for my teachers back in Canterlot.” What was the right answer? Did the conversation have to sound so flat? “How's Spike?” “Oh, he's fine. Would you like to speak to him?” Was it wrong for her to push off all social interaction to Spike? She wasn't shy... It was just... Off... She was just used to a pony talking her ear off without pause but already knowing of her that she didn't have to go through the awkwardness of communicating. At school, talking was really a game of favors and grades. Yet here in Ponyville... Talking. Socializing. It was beginning to be a bit too much. It was if they were speaking two different languages... Maybe, she should be more opened with her answers? But she tried that route and would watch in stilted horror as the listener's eyes glazed over as she took too long in getting to the point. It annoyed her. Twilight would have to take her time and learn whatever the ponies of Ponyville wanted her to say. Or not. Why should she bother? She wasn't friends with those ponies anyway... She had the girls and as long as she stayed polite and welcoming, she wasn't hurting anyone. Let them call her standoff-ish, she didn't care. Author's Note Technically, a prologue. And First Came Cheerilee's GoodwillSipping lazily a cup of sweeten gray tea and watching the last of the readers leave her library, Twilight sighed. Spike was nearby on a ladder, dusting a shelf top as he hummed. It had been a slow day with Twilight flipping through her textbooks for something to strike her interest and waiting for the next shipment of books to be delivered. With the thick snow clouds and harsh weather taking up the streets, the books from Fillydelphia would be unreasonable slow to arrive. But they were due to show up any day now and she had to be ready to receive them. Even if she would have liked to be doing anything else at this moment. Twilight had half a mind to leave it up to Spike but the books were coming in her name and he certainly couldn't move all the books himself to be sorted. Maybe, she should've sneaked off earlier and took a nap and Spike could've wake her if any delivery ponies came by? If only it could have been so easy? Twilight liked to follow things in a certain order and today, she cleared her schedule for book watch. She just didn't know that book watch could become so boring. It had always driven her into a frenzy in Canterlot... Twilight leaned on her elbow on the table, sighing out a sleepy sigh. You know, she wasn't all that sleepy. Just tired of waiting here. There were thousands of things she could be doing. Like... Twilight struggled to think of something. She finished her packet of homework weeks ago. Practicing her spell work would mean she would have to leave her post and likely make another mess in the basement... And Spike had strong thoughts about her messes in the basement which he shouldn't because she'll clean them when she's good and ready. She didn't smell a smell. He was crazy. Spike climbed off the ladder and gave her a salute as he headed upstairs. Probably going to take a quick nap before dinner time. Technically, it was her turn but she was looking to get takeout for them tonight. It was for the best if they didn't want a burning stove to stink the treehouse for a couple of days. 'Takes far too long out air out.' Twilight though. She saluted back and dropped her head on the table after she pushed the cup a safe distance away. The books weren't coming today. Twilight glanced at a window, showing the dark sky and hail pounding the outside streets. Hardly any ponies were out there too. The books really, really weren't coming today. There was absolutely no reason why she couldn't up and leave. Just go. If it's boring, why couldn't she just leave? She could go and get something from upstairs and- Twilight tried to get up but only shook the table. Her hindquarters were too tired to move. This was it for her. She slid the tea back to her and took another slow, pleased sip. She had caught the 'lazy'. She was a goner. Twilight levitated three tomes of Intensive Runic Lore of the Pre-Classical Era from the shelf they sat in and considered if she was going to spoil herself now or later. She had saved a pretty amount of coin to get these books in her hooves. They were supposed to be a rainy day treat but... Today was kinda rainy if one remembered that hail was nothing but frozen rain. The first volume drifted closer to her face and Twilight inhaled the sweet stench of old history and ink. Her mouth watering, she allowed the other two to return resting as she examined the tome still in her magical grip. Twilight cracked the book open to its first page and her eyes quivered as she readied herself to gulp down her meal. But then the door busted open with Cheerilee tumbling in as the wind swept the papers and quills from her saddlebags onto the floor. Twilight dropped her book in her surprise and steadied Cheerilee in her magical grip. She then got up, helping the teacher pick up her papers and letters as Cheerilee went to close the door behind her. “What brings you to the library, Ms. Cheerilee?” Twilight asked as she quickly stacked a pile of graded test papers and parental letters of the foals in Cheerilee's class. The sight of the red ink gave Twilight a flashback to her first set of double zeroes on a returned test. She shuddered as she continued talking. “We were about to close but if you need something, I'll be happy to help.” Cheerilee quickly grabbed the papers and stuffed them back into her saddlebags that was looking to burst. Twilight took a nervous look at it as she waited for Cheerilee to respond. But the mare in question seemed distracted. She kept digging through her bags and muttering, “Oh, I must have lost it.” as she searched. “Ms. Cheerilee?” Twilight tried again. “Twilight!” Cheerilee sputtered as she got on four hooves and abruptly turned to her. Twilight blinked as she gained Cheerilee's undivided attention. It was not pleasant. “Don't tell me you are going to wait for the last moment. The paperwork still has to process through the system regardless of when you do it. We can get it out of the way as soon as I-” Cheerilee trailed off as she resumed searching her bags. “Where is it? I always make three copies!” “Last moment?” She asked before snorting loudly. If only Twilight was a pony who waited to the last moment, her day could have went entirely different. Cheerilee sighed from her seat on the floor. Eeep. Twilight might have snorted too loudly. The earth mare tugged at her two-toned pink locks with her hoof before getting up. When she spoke to Twilight again, she sounded oddly professional. Did Twilight offend her somehow? “Twilight, I know that it's the middle of the year and you were thinking of having Spike come to school next year... Lots of parents think that's a good idea to miss a year due to unplanned traveling but I think that Spike is smart enough to handle the second semester.” Cheerilee glanced at her bags and shook her head. “It seems I don't have them with me but I've made notes and study guides to ease Spike for the transition. We wouldn't want Spike to be left behind after all.” “Wait, what is this about?” Twilight thought over the mare's words. Cheerilee was concerned about Spike's schooling? Twilight looked around the room as she wondered on how to answer. Cheerlilee started staring at her, baffled. Twilight mentally groaned. She looked around again, still stalling and hoping that Spike heard the commotion and decided to come down from upstairs. No such luck. Her gaze met the floor as she tried to sound just as professional and serious. “You don't have to worry about Spike being left behind. He keeps up with his lessons at home.” “Oh... You home-school? I see.” Cheerilee's face grew troubled and another sigh slipped free as if the mare was remembering something. Twilight winced. “Ah,” Twilight waved her hoof. She cleaned her throat and her eyes wandered back to the textbooks waiting on the table. If Cheerilee had come couple days ago, Twilight would have had several stacks of paperwork and suggested reading to put Cheerilee at ease. “Self-study.” She clarified. “Nonetheless,” Cheerilee stated. “I think that Spike would get some well needed social interaction from being in my class. We would be happy to have him.” “No, really. We self-study.” Twilight said, trying to think why Cheerilee would be so interested in Spike all of the sudden. Was it because he was a dragon and she wanted her students to learn from him? “Once or twice a month, we'll get a large packet of study work from Canterlot to finish and send back out before the month is through.” Cheerilee seemed distracted. Twilight must've not gotten to the point fast enough. Cheerilee was worried about Spike, right? “Spike was really cutting it close last month.” Twilight continued, watching as Cheerilee's ears perked up. “But then again, he's always been cutting it close. He thinks finishing the packet in a week misses the point of doing classwork without a deadline but I always remind him waiting for the last week to do it isn't right either. He could do it too if he didn't let the time slip by. There are only so many hours in the day, right?” “You're still pursuing education for yourself, Twilight?” Cheerilee asked, catching Twilight off-guard. “That's good.” She nodded to herself. “Maybe, I should bring some work for you if you need anything extra.” “Yeah. I love learning and books. Err... Um...” Twilight lamely stated. Somehow, the conversation got awkward. Like it always did when she kept talking. “I appreciate you coming, Cheerilee. Would you like to stay for some tea?” “No. I have to pass.” Cheerilee moved from her and slipped her saddlebags back on. “I have to make my rounds to the homes of my other students. Are you sure you wouldn't want Spike to come to my class?” “Yes, I'm sure.” Twilight already imagined the conversation with Spike. He'd go on and on that he isn't a little kid and throw a fit about being stuck with real babies all day. “He'd probably be embarrassed to speak in front of so many foals.” “I see...” And Then Came Cheerilee's Good Words“-And I don't even think she's bothered to read any of the letters I sent.” Cheerilee muttered into her glass of smooth cider. She hiccuped once. Twice. And then remembered that she had more to say. “I thought if I could make a personal visit, I could get a feel on how things were in there.” “Remember what you said about self-study?” Her drinking companion and beloved big sister, Berry Punch snorted. “That's a new one.” “She refused to call it home-schooling. Just refused. She started getting all nervous like I was going to start yelling at her.” Cheerilee slammed her hoof down, bouncing the glasses on the counter and gaining the barkeep's ire. She chuckled nervously under his gaze and went back to her drink. “What do you think happened in Canterlot? I mean, what did they do to her up there?” “Who knows?” Rose's voice chimed in behind Cheerliee, causing her to fall off her stool. “Thanks for the warm seat, Saint Cheerilee. Feels nice and toasty.” Rose stepped over her and had the nerve to rub her rear three times into her seat for good measure. Cheerilee growled as she struggled onto her shaky legs with a hoof ready to teach a Rose a good lesson. She softly bopped Rose on the head and took the seat on the other side of Berry. Rose pounded on the counter for the bartender's attention and demanded the all the strong stuff in a tiny martini glass with a pink umbrella. Cheerilee and Berry shared a look and rolled their eyes. While she waited, Rose did what she did best. “So this Twilight you two kept on gabbing about, you think she might be another nutter.” Rose paused for dramatic effect. “Another... Daily Daisy?” With that name uttered, all three off them shuddered as the bartender gave free drinks at the sound of that name. The entire bar quieted down for a spell before rising back up to its merry volume of clinks and slurps. Cheerilee groaned, shaking the horror out of her mind. Daily Daisy. Rose just had to bring up that demented mare. Her school granted therapist had gone out of his way to remind her not every parent was a Daily Daisy and that there was a legal limit to as far as she could interfere with her students' lives. But it was crystal clear to her that she had the chance, the absolute opportunity to step in and guide Twilight and her child. What parent wanted to really become a Daily Daisy? If they had only given the mare help when they saw the signs of... The words of her therapists rippled through her thoughts. Cheerilee fought against them. She wasn't gaining a hero complex. She didn't have any guilt issues. She was just doing a teacher's duty. Cheerilee took another swig from her glass and whirled her head around the bar, The Drinking Hole. With the holidays starting up and the bulk of her grading pushed out of the way, she finally had some time to spend with her sister and of course, Rose. Cheerilee sighed, the sweet tang burning her throat as she licked her lips. Berry swore by the bar's finely mixed cider and Cheerilee could see the appeal. Good liquor always had Cheerilee quaking like a duck. With another annoying hiccup, Cheerilee waved the barkeep down for another hit. She probably wasn't doing the mysterious Twilight Sparkle any favors about blabbing her woes here and near Rose. “She is a unicorn.” Berry added, making things even worse. Daily Daisy was a unicorn too. “The inbreeding up in Canterlot is pretty fierce. Might have scrambled her brains on how to properly ask for assistance. All unicorns think they're too good for it...” Cheerilee's mouth opened and closed as she thought of the best way to scold her sister. Then she hiccuped and decided to ignore it. Berry was just trying to help in that mean-spirited drunk way. “Remember how they had to drag that psycho away in chains... Did any of you see the massive tunnels under her house? The basement where she did her 'work'.” Rose rattled off, spinning on the stool. “She was one crazy basket-case, that freak. So obsessed with magic that she would even-” Rose paused to make a spazzy imitation of a pony being sucked through Daily's machine. The terrible sounds sent chills down Cheerilee's spine. She heard that thing, that wicked machine in action... Oh Celestia... “That's enough, Rose.” Cheerilee interrupted. Who knew what went on in Rose's head? “Anyways, I know and know that Twilight is trying to do what's best for Spike, being that he's a dragon and needs special attention... But I think if we got him into my class, we could work something out!” Cheerilee raved longer than she meant to but to make her note clear, she knocked the rest of her drink down. Rose whistled and Berry glared at her. “Dose she really think if she shuts him and herself in that library, that it would change things? What is she going to do when he gets old enough to ask the right questions?” “Cheerilee...” Berry said softly, sounding sober. Cheerilee glared at her. Nobody wanted to hear her sister sound reasonable. “She is Spike's parent. She's well within her rights to do what she thinks is best for her brat.” She side-eyed Cheerilee's flushed face and sighed as if seeing something she didn't like. “When all of this hits the fan, do you really want to have your name mentioned with hers? She might be another Daisy and you a Mrs. Primp?” “Or she could be a Slate.” Rose mentioned, wagging her head and trying to stick up her hair. Her bright red hair reminded her of that strange stallion obsessed with student-parent meetings. Thank Celestia, she decided not go on that house call on that fateful day. “Don't forget, Slate Tip. Uni~corns...” All three shuddered again. “How is his wife?” Rose wondered aloud. “I mean, did she ever get of that self-induced coma?” “Here's that drink.” The bartender interrupted, dropping a pristine glass of petal pool wine with a pink umbrella like Rose ordered. “Are you sure you that you should be drinking something-” Cheerilee started to say as Berry demanded that Rose buy her one too. Cheerilee switched gears. “Berry, come on. You've been drinking willow sap pints for the last hour or so. Changing to something floral will not do your stomach any good.” “Cheerilee,” Rose snickered. “You're talking like I was going to buy her anything. I haven't forgotten what you did to my sofa, Berry!” “I am not responsible for anything I did sober.” Berry sniffled. “My lawyers said so.” She insisted. “It's a genuine condition. You saw the paper I got from those docs.” “I also remember tearing that paper in front of you!” Rose snarled before gulping down her glass and shouting for another. “But getting back to the point, Bum-Berry. What if this Twilight is THE Twilight Sparkle? Cheerilee, what are you going to do about that? Cheerilee...” “Come on, Rose... You know, I'm good for it. I won't even call you Lucky Thorn anymore.” “You just did, you bint!” “I just think I should go at it in a different way.” Cheerilee rambled, ignored as Rose and Berry started shouting louder. “I don't want to be like my predecessor, letting things go unchecked until it gets too big to ignore.” She tried to push herself up and used the counter as a balance but her hoof slipped. Cheerilee fell off her stool and went into a hiccuping fit. “-And to answer you question, Rose. There's no way in Tartarus that Twilight could be the same Twilight. Do you know how many Twilight, nothing mind how many Twilight Sparkle are out there? Just this morning, I was in a small, competitive drinking contest with a Twilight Twinkle-Spark and he said-” “I was too subtle.” Cheerilee hiccuped. “I can do better than that.” And Then Came Cheerilee's Good Gesture“Twilight.” And so Twilight blinked. Her ears twitching at the familiarity of the voice and her mind, formerly considering a clever quote to catch Spike off-guard, became like ooze. With her back angled from the front door, she couldn't see the mare who called her name with such insistence. That was a godsend. She had time to mentally prepare herself for social interaction. Twilight considered the tone of her name being called. It didn't sound like a question or cry for attention. What it really sounded like was a demand, a barking order with the promise of whipping if she didn't obey. Of course, she was over-thinking it. She over-thought everything but she heard the call all the same. It heralded a conversation, a awkward conversation that that would only lead to her feeling bad at the end. Bitterly she thought, why did she and Spike leave the door unlocked? This would have been the perfect time to test the lock in its usefulness. It was already ten in the morning and none of the usual library goers had arrived nor would they today. It was exactly two days before Hearth's Warming and if she and Spike weren't dealing with snowfall and late deliveries destroying her plans, they would have been on their way to Canterlot on the quickest train there. Twilight talked plenty yesterday. Why did she have to do the same today? Twilight dragged her hoof along the table, acutely aware of Spike and the seconds that passed as she didn't respond. But did she want to respond? That was the question. If she chose not to respond, would the mare leave? In her heart of hearts where a foal sat surrounded by books and flowers, the child said, “Go away! I don't want to play. Leave me alone, you big dummy head. You make me feel bad about myself. I hate you!” Twilight cringed, hating herself even more. Oh Celestia, she hadn't even turned around yet and she was already making things weird. Her mind roared as she tried to think of a dismissing response and she was swept away in the tide. “Twilight, we have company.” He said suggestively, reaching over and snapping his claws in front of her face. Twilight blinked and the sight of Spike's reassuring face knocked some sense back into her as he pointed at the unwelcome mare. “I don't even know why you're thinking so hard.” Spike threw her a life-line. “It's my turn, you big cheater.” But luckily for her, here was Spike. Couldn't he let her drown in her misery in peace? Twilight tried to relax and remember that Cheerilee was just a pony. They were both ponies, highly educated with a love of learning. The two of them could have a simple conversation. It was not completely in the realm of 'never talk to me, you anti-social freak'. Yet. Somehow, she knew she would mess this up. But not to waste what opening Spike left for her, Twilight quickly added. “I don't cheat, Spike. It takes a long time to think of a counter-argument and we didn't set a rule saying we couldn't read ahead.” Didn't she sound carefree and confident! All Twilight had to do was take it slow. She was normal. She could do it! “In book club, that's considered cheating and you know it.” Spike noted, wagging a single claw at her before his eyes returned to the book at hoof. Somehow it felt easier to talk and Twilight took a moment to ready herself for her social debut! “If you need help, I'm sure Twilight here would be happy to assist you as she waits for me to finish the chapter.” This was it! “That's true. Is there anything I-” But before Twilight could properly greet her guest, she heard hooves crossing the creaky floor and felt subatomic pressure pushing all coherent thought out of her head. “Leurgh-” Twilight managed to say, forcing her head to turn and look absolute despair in the face. It was just Cheerilee, after all. Cheerilee the teacher. Only a teacher who's been catching each and every one of her social flukes and got sadistic pleasure in torturing her with her presence! Was drinking the tears from foals too boring for Cheerilee? Was designing horrific tests for her cold satisfaction too boring for Cheerilee? Was having a life too boring for Cheeri-teaching-lee? Did she detect in the earth that Twilight wasn't hating herself enough this morning and decided to come by and remind her? Well, great job Cheerilee! If only she leave and let Twilight go lick her wounds in a corner! “Cheerilee... Go home...” Her inner foal sobbed, running under a large book and calling for Celestia to make everything feel better. Peering up into those green eyes, Twilight saw unfathomable horrors. Deep within the thin cornea of those gateways to oblivion, Twilight caught a flicker of the true Cheerilee in some dark, crooked place of torment. A classroom! And there Cheerilee was, obscenely bellowing like a madmare. Spittle flying everywhere as she hunched over bottles and containers of foul liquids, writing Twilight's name on a slip of paper. But worse still, right next to her name, the word inadequate was circled three times. Twilight shrieked within her head, her sniveling voice ricocheting against her collapsed temple of common sense five times before she realized that Cheerilee was still here and still expecting her to finish her sentence. Her mind growing blank as her inner foal wailed, Twilight resorted to reading the lips of Spike. “What brings you to visit?” Twilight struggled to keep her voice leveled as her nerves boiled. Her voice cracked half way through and Twilight winced, secretly praying to be struck down and made into ash. Death would be infinitely better than to suffer through another minute of small talk. Spike made a sipping motion. He was going to rub all of this in her face later, she just knew it. Twilight felt even worse, depending on him to make it through this plague of random socializing. “That tea...” Twilight croaked. “ I didn't have any tea this morning. Wow, it is doing a number on my voice.” She nervously laughed. “ I need to start drinking more of it.” She coughed, ducking her head from the amused eyes of Spike. He must be cracking to pieces on the inside. Some part of her wanted to come clean. Grow a back bone and just tell Cheerilee that she wasn't up for talking but- Too much time had passed. She couldn't exit the conversation without looking weird and likely offending Cheerilee. The thought of Cheerilee thinking that she had a freaky condition... Twilight just needed time and practice. She wasn't a freak but what if Cheerilee was telling other ponies about it and they were laughing behind her back. “Well...” Twilight shrunk as Cheerilee pulled on the e, making her word sound so sing-song. So delighted was Cheerilee's voice as if she wasn't plotting Twilight's end. Carelessly rejoicing in the buckets of shame that Twilight was sweating out of her body. “I wanted to ask if you would like come with me on a quick stroll around town. If I'm not interrupting anything...” “Wow, look at that.” Spike leaned forward to whisper into Twilight's ear, holding his claws to cover his lips. Being so close, Twilight worried that Cheerilee could hear his every word. “You're making even more friends. Of course, I had more friends than you at the age six.” “They weren't your friends, Spike.” Twilight furiously whispered back, making sure Cheerilee couldn't read her mouth. “They were lackeys looking to get in my good books by being in your good books.” She sniffled, despairing the fact that he did have more friendly slackers willing to engage in idle talk than she did hers. But she wasn't the one keeping score here. Spike needed to get his priorities straight. “Potatoe. Potato.” Spike muttered, shrugging as if she didn't rattle him. In the end, all of his friends he had from age six to now were mostly glorified babysitters and he knew it. “You're just jealous that I'm more of a joy to be around.” Glaring, Twilight was about to correct him on exactly why ponies back at home thought he was a joy to be around when Cheerilee loudly cleared her throat. “It seems that you are in the middle of a game.” Twilight deflated, she almost forgot Cheerilee was here. There went all of Twilight's good cheer... “It's called Literary Itinerary.” Spike kept the conversation going as he pointed at the note cards, game sheets and the two copies of the Evening Tide classic, The Romance of The Three Queens. “A book game about predicting the plot and subplots off common character types and genre.” Actually, since they both read the door-stopping historical fiction account of life during the Glass Occupation dozens of times, they weren't sticking to the rule set. Instead, they were coming up with hypothetical situations where all the main characters lived but keeping with tension filled circumstances of that era. “Archetypes.” Twilight corrected, finding his lack of proper word use to be terribly typical. “We been over this, Spike.” As it was Spike's turn to find evidence for his theory of, “If Broth wasn't captured and publicly executed before he could give his warning to Princess Elixir, she would have accepted the terms of surrender that Sombra The First offered...” Which was crazy theory because there was plenty of historical documentation that she wouldn't be able to resist the chance to decapitate his head and place it on a pike. There was a reason why she was given the title, Queen of Corpses. “Character types. Archetypes. They're both the same thing. You just like saying complicated words to sound smart.” Spike rolled his eyes, completely missing her point. “But I was going to win, anyways.” He winked at Cheerilee, causing Twilight to groan. “You girls can go have your fun.” “Honestly, I was going to win...” Twilight trailed off, her ears miserably taking in Spike's casual tone. How could he do that as if Cheerilee wasn't there, breathing her judgmental breath and ruining their fun. But Twilight thought, what if she was the only one seeing it like this? Despite her trying to get through this minor conversation, she already felt bad about herself and that was the very thing she was trying to avoid. Was there some trick Spike knew that Twilight didn't? Was that how he was able to sound like that? “No, you weren't.” Spike said, tapping at his score card and reminding her he was twenty points ahead. Twilight gave up, releasing a bitter sigh. There was no way she could feel any worse. She had to get over her feelings and not let them rule her. Cheerilee did nothing but ask some question. The mare just wanted to get to know Twilight better! What was so bad about that? Did Twilight deserve friendship? If Spike could do it, so could she! To become as out-going as Spike, she needed social experience. She had to... Twilight gulped. Get a life... “Seeing that Spike is so convinced that he was going to beat me next round, I guess I do have the time.” Twilight tried to add pep to her words but her dreary, unhappy tone slipped out instead. Oh well, she was making baby steps. Still, she was committing to a social activity, so there! “Fifth chapter, third paragraph. That puts a hole in your Broth Saves Everyone theory. I'll be back, mister.” “I almost thought you didn't wanted to come.” Cheerilee smiled as she stepped back and watched Twilight put down her book and get on her hooves. Twilight looked into herself and found that she was happy to go. Really. Who knew what Ponyville looked like cradled in soft snow and brisk breezes nipping at the heels? And it was just a walk, not a confrontation. What could go wrong? “If said that you were busy,” Cheerilee added, staring down at the Twilight's copy of The Romance of Three Queens and mumbling to herself. “I would've understood. Hmm, isn't this some heavy reading material? I had to do a paper on this when I was up at university. I can't remember the plot but it's certainly not for everyone... What was my thesis, I wonder?” Twilight nearly dropped to her knees and begged Cheerilee to leave without her but she took a calming breath instead. Twilight couldn't aggressively ignore ponies until they gave up. Even if Cheerilee just taught her such a thing was a viable prospect and require further study. “Before we head out, is there anyone who we can ask to watch Spike on such short notice?” Cheerilee asked, her concern well-noted but unnecessary. “It wouldn't feel right to-” Oh no, Spike... Twilight dragged her eyes to look behind her, carefully considering the possibility that Spike had toned down his reaction towards ponies making quick judgments about his age. Nope. It was still a sore spot for him. Hot green smoke greeted her as it poured out of his flared nostrils. His eyes became lit in indignant fury as his shoulders shook. If only Spike could have been able to pick and choose his battle, this wouldn't be such a big issue... But Spike believed in educating one 'ignorant' pony at a time because how else could he put the world in it's place... Twilight heard the spine of the book creak as his claws bent both sides until it was screeching. Most teenagers his age would be concerned about their height. But Spike here hated any reference of him being unable to take care himself when it came from the common pony. Goodness knows, why it drove him up the wall. He should've just enjoyed the fact ponies liked to squeeze his chubby cheeks and called him cute for all it lasted. Spike jutted his chin up before opening his mouth. Smog ran free as he spoke, stinging her eyes as she snatched the book from him and set it down on the table. “Excuse me...” He growled, baring his teeth and sliding a forked tongue across his fangs. That new toothpaste was really doing wonders for him. She should use some herself. Cheerilee, on the other hoof, squealed and backed away. Her eyes became the size of pins as she started hyperventilating on the spot. Should Twilight do something? Was it normal, Twilight examined Cheerilee's panting form and her hooves flailing as she tripped, to start doing that? Spike hadn't even started yet. “I've decided that I don't like you.” It was time to go. “Did you... Did you just imply that I'm some invalid who can't take care of-” “Oh boy! Cheerilee, I can't wait to see what's outside! We need to pick up the pace!” Twilight rushed, already magically opening the door and shoving the non-cooperating and non-responsive Cheerilee through it. “He can handle the library, Cheerilee. There's nobody coming today.” She reassured then turned around and shouted. “I'll be back, Spike. Remember your breathing exercise and eat a ruby once you calm down. You don't want to wake up with a sore throat tomorrow!” “Oh no, you don't! Twilight! Twilight! Bring her back!” Spike screeched, his voice a demonic howl and rattling the windows. “How dare she make such an assumption! Who does she think she is? Does she have a certified degree? I have two! And Twilight, you have another thing coming if you think I'm going to let some teacher in some backwater hick town spread her ignorance to the masses! Clearly, she doesn't know a thing about common courtesies. I'm from the capital, born and raised. I look down at you ponies when I go to p-” Twilight slammed the door before strutting away, still dragging the shell-shocked Cheerilee down the pavement until they were out of harm's reach or the max of Spike's shouting distance. “I didn't know I said something to set him off. That was just terrible. His eyes, oh Celestia...” Cheerilee gasped, seeming a little spooked. “I don't know how you handle those tantrums with such grace. The moment I saw that smoke and fangs glinting in the light... It felt like I was about to be eaten.” Cheerilee shuddered, knocking her forehooves together as she trembled. “I forgot that was Spike.” “He can just be a big old bundle of nerves sometimes but that's Spike for you.” Twilight said freely, watching her breath turn to steam in the cold air. “I wouldn't call them tantrums though. He just really, really dislike being talked down to. He's won awards off his old-school fire as the Princess calls it.” She admitted, remembering the award ceremony for the Canterlot Lower-East Debate Championship. Spike was the reigning champ for the last two years, even if his personal insults were often uncalled for. “I supposed you can say he really learned it from me.” She herself was a three year winner. “I didn't hear a word he said. All I saw his teeth go up and down.” Cheerilee murmured before abruptly asking. “Does that mean you have a stubborn streak in you too?” “Doesn't everyone?” And that's when Twilight realized despite Cheerilee being so close, she could speak normally. Maybe this whole out-going thing wouldn't be so bad.
~Twilight In Abstract~Twilight wasn't the most observant pony when it came to matters of social grace. She hadn't needed to be from since she was very young. But even that was a stretch because even as a child, she was a crazed brat of strange reasons and actions. The bulk of her childhood was spent getting into things and her parents chasing her down with her brother egging her on. In fact, Twilight couldn't remember half the things she accidentally got herself in but was aware her name was blacklisted at a couple libraries in Canterlot. (Of course, she was un-blacklisted after becoming the Princess's student but nobody working from back then would look her in the eye.) And the many trips to the doctor to have her stomach pumped. The smell of stale printing-press ink always made her remember her parents patting her stomach and her brother snickering in the background. But passed that singular point in her life, Twilight was above chit-chat and small talk. She had no need to interact. Not for friends or boys or teachers meaning well. There was no need for personal communication with anyone. And if she really needed it, she had Spike and her family that she could write to. Wasting time slacking and hanging out with her peers more than necessary... There wasn't enough time in the day for that. She didn't need to figure out the complex rules of maintaining social relationships and minding her words. She did not talk. She was talked to. Everyone wants to score points with the Princess by rubbing hooves with her personal student, after all. And with everything that comes with that position, she was used to having ponies slink their way through her presence and intrude whether she wanted them too or not. She was comfortable (to an extent) to ponies parading in and out, wanting this or that. It was normal to be dragged along with crowds of mixed students to whatever set her classmates ablaze with gossip and love until she had enough and fled back to their dorm tower. Upon officially moving to Ponyville and left to her own devices with a regular correspondence with the Princess, Twilight finally learned of a different way of life. The idea of lazy, peaceful days. The idea of having friends to talk to and spend time with for fun's sake. Ponyville was peaceful. Well... As peaceful as it could be besides being a weirdness magnet thanks to being so close to both the Everfree forest and the great Prison Tartarus. There was a reason why they were the only town settlement out here... It was quite different from her school in Canterlot with its hustle and bustle and shrieking and shouting of her fellow students tearing their hair out from the stress of it all. And she joined them in the chorus of frustrated scores, unexpected marks and the teachers plotting and plotting. The typical remarks of “We didn't cover this!” and “Where's the extra credit? I can't turn this assignment in like this!” filled her room as it did theirs as a disorderly song of student grievances. Thinking back on her school life, it was noisy and stressful and petty but Twilight could never say she was truly alone. Ponyville was much, much quieter. Almost silent in her daily routine outside the occasional outing with the girls. Sure, ponies got in her face from time to time... But that was because of her failure to read the situation. The ponies here talk differently. They said, “How are you doing?” What was the right way to respond? Twilight has tried many different responses and so far, the best one is “Fine, thanks.” Which, more than not, gets an unsatisfied look for the pony in question. But it at least moved the conversation on. In Canterlot, they also said, “How are you doing?” The correct answer can be the following: “Spell Spunk decided to raise the grading curve. We need to come up with another form of attack for the next quiz! He'll start filling his quota to unfairly knock out students from his class. I'm not losing my placement because Spunk wants to look strict!” OR. “I'm actually pretty weak in Siege Spell Theory. I'm looking to start a club for those of a like-mind for elite studying sessions. Are you up for it? We can learn great things from each other.” OR. “I already saw the scores posted outside of Ms. Jinx's classroom. These are a copy of my notes for Alchemical Rune 1. Let's do the trade.” All were acceptable responses because even though Twilight wouldn't call herself friends with any of them, they were her peers. They knew each other well and found kinship in the great pursuit of knowledge. Twilight didn't have time for pleasantries than any of them did. The ones who did, they just didn't have their priorities straight. Twilight knew the basic words for when she had to talk to ponies on the street. But being able to do more than that... She failed in some aspect. Her mind often came to a crashing halt whenever common questions were asked from time to time in her life. And maybe, maybe, it carried to the conversation. “How the weather?” “Fine.” She'd respond. “Um, from what I can see outside my window, it looks great.” Somehow, it always felt that she wasn't saying the right thing. “What are you up to?” It was the way those questions sounded. As if they were pointed at her neck. “Nothing particularly interesting. I'm finishing up some reports for my teachers back in Canterlot.” What was the right answer? Did the conversation have to sound so flat? “How's Spike?” “Oh, he's fine. Would you like to speak to him?” Was it wrong for her to push off all social interaction to Spike? She wasn't shy... It was just... Off... She was just used to a pony talking her ear off without pause but already knowing of her that she didn't have to go through the awkwardness of communicating. At school, talking was really a game of favors and grades. Yet here in Ponyville... Talking. Socializing. It was beginning to be a bit too much. It was if they were speaking two different languages... Maybe, she should be more opened with her answers? But she tried that route and would watch in stilted horror as the listener's eyes glazed over as she took too long in getting to the point. It annoyed her. Twilight would have to take her time and learn whatever the ponies of Ponyville wanted her to say. Or not. Why should she bother? She wasn't friends with those ponies anyway... She had the girls and as long as she stayed polite and welcoming, she wasn't hurting anyone. Let them call her standoff-ish, she didn't care. Author's Note Technically, a prologue.
And First Came Cheerilee's GoodwillSipping lazily a cup of sweeten gray tea and watching the last of the readers leave her library, Twilight sighed. Spike was nearby on a ladder, dusting a shelf top as he hummed. It had been a slow day with Twilight flipping through her textbooks for something to strike her interest and waiting for the next shipment of books to be delivered. With the thick snow clouds and harsh weather taking up the streets, the books from Fillydelphia would be unreasonable slow to arrive. But they were due to show up any day now and she had to be ready to receive them. Even if she would have liked to be doing anything else at this moment. Twilight had half a mind to leave it up to Spike but the books were coming in her name and he certainly couldn't move all the books himself to be sorted. Maybe, she should've sneaked off earlier and took a nap and Spike could've wake her if any delivery ponies came by? If only it could have been so easy? Twilight liked to follow things in a certain order and today, she cleared her schedule for book watch. She just didn't know that book watch could become so boring. It had always driven her into a frenzy in Canterlot... Twilight leaned on her elbow on the table, sighing out a sleepy sigh. You know, she wasn't all that sleepy. Just tired of waiting here. There were thousands of things she could be doing. Like... Twilight struggled to think of something. She finished her packet of homework weeks ago. Practicing her spell work would mean she would have to leave her post and likely make another mess in the basement... And Spike had strong thoughts about her messes in the basement which he shouldn't because she'll clean them when she's good and ready. She didn't smell a smell. He was crazy. Spike climbed off the ladder and gave her a salute as he headed upstairs. Probably going to take a quick nap before dinner time. Technically, it was her turn but she was looking to get takeout for them tonight. It was for the best if they didn't want a burning stove to stink the treehouse for a couple of days. 'Takes far too long out air out.' Twilight though. She saluted back and dropped her head on the table after she pushed the cup a safe distance away. The books weren't coming today. Twilight glanced at a window, showing the dark sky and hail pounding the outside streets. Hardly any ponies were out there too. The books really, really weren't coming today. There was absolutely no reason why she couldn't up and leave. Just go. If it's boring, why couldn't she just leave? She could go and get something from upstairs and- Twilight tried to get up but only shook the table. Her hindquarters were too tired to move. This was it for her. She slid the tea back to her and took another slow, pleased sip. She had caught the 'lazy'. She was a goner. Twilight levitated three tomes of Intensive Runic Lore of the Pre-Classical Era from the shelf they sat in and considered if she was going to spoil herself now or later. She had saved a pretty amount of coin to get these books in her hooves. They were supposed to be a rainy day treat but... Today was kinda rainy if one remembered that hail was nothing but frozen rain. The first volume drifted closer to her face and Twilight inhaled the sweet stench of old history and ink. Her mouth watering, she allowed the other two to return resting as she examined the tome still in her magical grip. Twilight cracked the book open to its first page and her eyes quivered as she readied herself to gulp down her meal. But then the door busted open with Cheerilee tumbling in as the wind swept the papers and quills from her saddlebags onto the floor. Twilight dropped her book in her surprise and steadied Cheerilee in her magical grip. She then got up, helping the teacher pick up her papers and letters as Cheerilee went to close the door behind her. “What brings you to the library, Ms. Cheerilee?” Twilight asked as she quickly stacked a pile of graded test papers and parental letters of the foals in Cheerilee's class. The sight of the red ink gave Twilight a flashback to her first set of double zeroes on a returned test. She shuddered as she continued talking. “We were about to close but if you need something, I'll be happy to help.” Cheerilee quickly grabbed the papers and stuffed them back into her saddlebags that was looking to burst. Twilight took a nervous look at it as she waited for Cheerilee to respond. But the mare in question seemed distracted. She kept digging through her bags and muttering, “Oh, I must have lost it.” as she searched. “Ms. Cheerilee?” Twilight tried again. “Twilight!” Cheerilee sputtered as she got on four hooves and abruptly turned to her. Twilight blinked as she gained Cheerilee's undivided attention. It was not pleasant. “Don't tell me you are going to wait for the last moment. The paperwork still has to process through the system regardless of when you do it. We can get it out of the way as soon as I-” Cheerilee trailed off as she resumed searching her bags. “Where is it? I always make three copies!” “Last moment?” She asked before snorting loudly. If only Twilight was a pony who waited to the last moment, her day could have went entirely different. Cheerilee sighed from her seat on the floor. Eeep. Twilight might have snorted too loudly. The earth mare tugged at her two-toned pink locks with her hoof before getting up. When she spoke to Twilight again, she sounded oddly professional. Did Twilight offend her somehow? “Twilight, I know that it's the middle of the year and you were thinking of having Spike come to school next year... Lots of parents think that's a good idea to miss a year due to unplanned traveling but I think that Spike is smart enough to handle the second semester.” Cheerilee glanced at her bags and shook her head. “It seems I don't have them with me but I've made notes and study guides to ease Spike for the transition. We wouldn't want Spike to be left behind after all.” “Wait, what is this about?” Twilight thought over the mare's words. Cheerilee was concerned about Spike's schooling? Twilight looked around the room as she wondered on how to answer. Cheerlilee started staring at her, baffled. Twilight mentally groaned. She looked around again, still stalling and hoping that Spike heard the commotion and decided to come down from upstairs. No such luck. Her gaze met the floor as she tried to sound just as professional and serious. “You don't have to worry about Spike being left behind. He keeps up with his lessons at home.” “Oh... You home-school? I see.” Cheerilee's face grew troubled and another sigh slipped free as if the mare was remembering something. Twilight winced. “Ah,” Twilight waved her hoof. She cleaned her throat and her eyes wandered back to the textbooks waiting on the table. If Cheerilee had come couple days ago, Twilight would have had several stacks of paperwork and suggested reading to put Cheerilee at ease. “Self-study.” She clarified. “Nonetheless,” Cheerilee stated. “I think that Spike would get some well needed social interaction from being in my class. We would be happy to have him.” “No, really. We self-study.” Twilight said, trying to think why Cheerilee would be so interested in Spike all of the sudden. Was it because he was a dragon and she wanted her students to learn from him? “Once or twice a month, we'll get a large packet of study work from Canterlot to finish and send back out before the month is through.” Cheerilee seemed distracted. Twilight must've not gotten to the point fast enough. Cheerilee was worried about Spike, right? “Spike was really cutting it close last month.” Twilight continued, watching as Cheerilee's ears perked up. “But then again, he's always been cutting it close. He thinks finishing the packet in a week misses the point of doing classwork without a deadline but I always remind him waiting for the last week to do it isn't right either. He could do it too if he didn't let the time slip by. There are only so many hours in the day, right?” “You're still pursuing education for yourself, Twilight?” Cheerilee asked, catching Twilight off-guard. “That's good.” She nodded to herself. “Maybe, I should bring some work for you if you need anything extra.” “Yeah. I love learning and books. Err... Um...” Twilight lamely stated. Somehow, the conversation got awkward. Like it always did when she kept talking. “I appreciate you coming, Cheerilee. Would you like to stay for some tea?” “No. I have to pass.” Cheerilee moved from her and slipped her saddlebags back on. “I have to make my rounds to the homes of my other students. Are you sure you wouldn't want Spike to come to my class?” “Yes, I'm sure.” Twilight already imagined the conversation with Spike. He'd go on and on that he isn't a little kid and throw a fit about being stuck with real babies all day. “He'd probably be embarrassed to speak in front of so many foals.” “I see...”
And Then Came Cheerilee's Good Words“-And I don't even think she's bothered to read any of the letters I sent.” Cheerilee muttered into her glass of smooth cider. She hiccuped once. Twice. And then remembered that she had more to say. “I thought if I could make a personal visit, I could get a feel on how things were in there.” “Remember what you said about self-study?” Her drinking companion and beloved big sister, Berry Punch snorted. “That's a new one.” “She refused to call it home-schooling. Just refused. She started getting all nervous like I was going to start yelling at her.” Cheerilee slammed her hoof down, bouncing the glasses on the counter and gaining the barkeep's ire. She chuckled nervously under his gaze and went back to her drink. “What do you think happened in Canterlot? I mean, what did they do to her up there?” “Who knows?” Rose's voice chimed in behind Cheerliee, causing her to fall off her stool. “Thanks for the warm seat, Saint Cheerilee. Feels nice and toasty.” Rose stepped over her and had the nerve to rub her rear three times into her seat for good measure. Cheerilee growled as she struggled onto her shaky legs with a hoof ready to teach a Rose a good lesson. She softly bopped Rose on the head and took the seat on the other side of Berry. Rose pounded on the counter for the bartender's attention and demanded the all the strong stuff in a tiny martini glass with a pink umbrella. Cheerilee and Berry shared a look and rolled their eyes. While she waited, Rose did what she did best. “So this Twilight you two kept on gabbing about, you think she might be another nutter.” Rose paused for dramatic effect. “Another... Daily Daisy?” With that name uttered, all three off them shuddered as the bartender gave free drinks at the sound of that name. The entire bar quieted down for a spell before rising back up to its merry volume of clinks and slurps. Cheerilee groaned, shaking the horror out of her mind. Daily Daisy. Rose just had to bring up that demented mare. Her school granted therapist had gone out of his way to remind her not every parent was a Daily Daisy and that there was a legal limit to as far as she could interfere with her students' lives. But it was crystal clear to her that she had the chance, the absolute opportunity to step in and guide Twilight and her child. What parent wanted to really become a Daily Daisy? If they had only given the mare help when they saw the signs of... The words of her therapists rippled through her thoughts. Cheerilee fought against them. She wasn't gaining a hero complex. She didn't have any guilt issues. She was just doing a teacher's duty. Cheerilee took another swig from her glass and whirled her head around the bar, The Drinking Hole. With the holidays starting up and the bulk of her grading pushed out of the way, she finally had some time to spend with her sister and of course, Rose. Cheerilee sighed, the sweet tang burning her throat as she licked her lips. Berry swore by the bar's finely mixed cider and Cheerilee could see the appeal. Good liquor always had Cheerilee quaking like a duck. With another annoying hiccup, Cheerilee waved the barkeep down for another hit. She probably wasn't doing the mysterious Twilight Sparkle any favors about blabbing her woes here and near Rose. “She is a unicorn.” Berry added, making things even worse. Daily Daisy was a unicorn too. “The inbreeding up in Canterlot is pretty fierce. Might have scrambled her brains on how to properly ask for assistance. All unicorns think they're too good for it...” Cheerilee's mouth opened and closed as she thought of the best way to scold her sister. Then she hiccuped and decided to ignore it. Berry was just trying to help in that mean-spirited drunk way. “Remember how they had to drag that psycho away in chains... Did any of you see the massive tunnels under her house? The basement where she did her 'work'.” Rose rattled off, spinning on the stool. “She was one crazy basket-case, that freak. So obsessed with magic that she would even-” Rose paused to make a spazzy imitation of a pony being sucked through Daily's machine. The terrible sounds sent chills down Cheerilee's spine. She heard that thing, that wicked machine in action... Oh Celestia... “That's enough, Rose.” Cheerilee interrupted. Who knew what went on in Rose's head? “Anyways, I know and know that Twilight is trying to do what's best for Spike, being that he's a dragon and needs special attention... But I think if we got him into my class, we could work something out!” Cheerilee raved longer than she meant to but to make her note clear, she knocked the rest of her drink down. Rose whistled and Berry glared at her. “Dose she really think if she shuts him and herself in that library, that it would change things? What is she going to do when he gets old enough to ask the right questions?” “Cheerilee...” Berry said softly, sounding sober. Cheerilee glared at her. Nobody wanted to hear her sister sound reasonable. “She is Spike's parent. She's well within her rights to do what she thinks is best for her brat.” She side-eyed Cheerilee's flushed face and sighed as if seeing something she didn't like. “When all of this hits the fan, do you really want to have your name mentioned with hers? She might be another Daisy and you a Mrs. Primp?” “Or she could be a Slate.” Rose mentioned, wagging her head and trying to stick up her hair. Her bright red hair reminded her of that strange stallion obsessed with student-parent meetings. Thank Celestia, she decided not go on that house call on that fateful day. “Don't forget, Slate Tip. Uni~corns...” All three shuddered again. “How is his wife?” Rose wondered aloud. “I mean, did she ever get of that self-induced coma?” “Here's that drink.” The bartender interrupted, dropping a pristine glass of petal pool wine with a pink umbrella like Rose ordered. “Are you sure you that you should be drinking something-” Cheerilee started to say as Berry demanded that Rose buy her one too. Cheerilee switched gears. “Berry, come on. You've been drinking willow sap pints for the last hour or so. Changing to something floral will not do your stomach any good.” “Cheerilee,” Rose snickered. “You're talking like I was going to buy her anything. I haven't forgotten what you did to my sofa, Berry!” “I am not responsible for anything I did sober.” Berry sniffled. “My lawyers said so.” She insisted. “It's a genuine condition. You saw the paper I got from those docs.” “I also remember tearing that paper in front of you!” Rose snarled before gulping down her glass and shouting for another. “But getting back to the point, Bum-Berry. What if this Twilight is THE Twilight Sparkle? Cheerilee, what are you going to do about that? Cheerilee...” “Come on, Rose... You know, I'm good for it. I won't even call you Lucky Thorn anymore.” “You just did, you bint!” “I just think I should go at it in a different way.” Cheerilee rambled, ignored as Rose and Berry started shouting louder. “I don't want to be like my predecessor, letting things go unchecked until it gets too big to ignore.” She tried to push herself up and used the counter as a balance but her hoof slipped. Cheerilee fell off her stool and went into a hiccuping fit. “-And to answer you question, Rose. There's no way in Tartarus that Twilight could be the same Twilight. Do you know how many Twilight, nothing mind how many Twilight Sparkle are out there? Just this morning, I was in a small, competitive drinking contest with a Twilight Twinkle-Spark and he said-” “I was too subtle.” Cheerilee hiccuped. “I can do better than that.”
And Then Came Cheerilee's Good Gesture“Twilight.” And so Twilight blinked. Her ears twitching at the familiarity of the voice and her mind, formerly considering a clever quote to catch Spike off-guard, became like ooze. With her back angled from the front door, she couldn't see the mare who called her name with such insistence. That was a godsend. She had time to mentally prepare herself for social interaction. Twilight considered the tone of her name being called. It didn't sound like a question or cry for attention. What it really sounded like was a demand, a barking order with the promise of whipping if she didn't obey. Of course, she was over-thinking it. She over-thought everything but she heard the call all the same. It heralded a conversation, a awkward conversation that that would only lead to her feeling bad at the end. Bitterly she thought, why did she and Spike leave the door unlocked? This would have been the perfect time to test the lock in its usefulness. It was already ten in the morning and none of the usual library goers had arrived nor would they today. It was exactly two days before Hearth's Warming and if she and Spike weren't dealing with snowfall and late deliveries destroying her plans, they would have been on their way to Canterlot on the quickest train there. Twilight talked plenty yesterday. Why did she have to do the same today? Twilight dragged her hoof along the table, acutely aware of Spike and the seconds that passed as she didn't respond. But did she want to respond? That was the question. If she chose not to respond, would the mare leave? In her heart of hearts where a foal sat surrounded by books and flowers, the child said, “Go away! I don't want to play. Leave me alone, you big dummy head. You make me feel bad about myself. I hate you!” Twilight cringed, hating herself even more. Oh Celestia, she hadn't even turned around yet and she was already making things weird. Her mind roared as she tried to think of a dismissing response and she was swept away in the tide. “Twilight, we have company.” He said suggestively, reaching over and snapping his claws in front of her face. Twilight blinked and the sight of Spike's reassuring face knocked some sense back into her as he pointed at the unwelcome mare. “I don't even know why you're thinking so hard.” Spike threw her a life-line. “It's my turn, you big cheater.” But luckily for her, here was Spike. Couldn't he let her drown in her misery in peace? Twilight tried to relax and remember that Cheerilee was just a pony. They were both ponies, highly educated with a love of learning. The two of them could have a simple conversation. It was not completely in the realm of 'never talk to me, you anti-social freak'. Yet. Somehow, she knew she would mess this up. But not to waste what opening Spike left for her, Twilight quickly added. “I don't cheat, Spike. It takes a long time to think of a counter-argument and we didn't set a rule saying we couldn't read ahead.” Didn't she sound carefree and confident! All Twilight had to do was take it slow. She was normal. She could do it! “In book club, that's considered cheating and you know it.” Spike noted, wagging a single claw at her before his eyes returned to the book at hoof. Somehow it felt easier to talk and Twilight took a moment to ready herself for her social debut! “If you need help, I'm sure Twilight here would be happy to assist you as she waits for me to finish the chapter.” This was it! “That's true. Is there anything I-” But before Twilight could properly greet her guest, she heard hooves crossing the creaky floor and felt subatomic pressure pushing all coherent thought out of her head. “Leurgh-” Twilight managed to say, forcing her head to turn and look absolute despair in the face. It was just Cheerilee, after all. Cheerilee the teacher. Only a teacher who's been catching each and every one of her social flukes and got sadistic pleasure in torturing her with her presence! Was drinking the tears from foals too boring for Cheerilee? Was designing horrific tests for her cold satisfaction too boring for Cheerilee? Was having a life too boring for Cheeri-teaching-lee? Did she detect in the earth that Twilight wasn't hating herself enough this morning and decided to come by and remind her? Well, great job Cheerilee! If only she leave and let Twilight go lick her wounds in a corner! “Cheerilee... Go home...” Her inner foal sobbed, running under a large book and calling for Celestia to make everything feel better. Peering up into those green eyes, Twilight saw unfathomable horrors. Deep within the thin cornea of those gateways to oblivion, Twilight caught a flicker of the true Cheerilee in some dark, crooked place of torment. A classroom! And there Cheerilee was, obscenely bellowing like a madmare. Spittle flying everywhere as she hunched over bottles and containers of foul liquids, writing Twilight's name on a slip of paper. But worse still, right next to her name, the word inadequate was circled three times. Twilight shrieked within her head, her sniveling voice ricocheting against her collapsed temple of common sense five times before she realized that Cheerilee was still here and still expecting her to finish her sentence. Her mind growing blank as her inner foal wailed, Twilight resorted to reading the lips of Spike. “What brings you to visit?” Twilight struggled to keep her voice leveled as her nerves boiled. Her voice cracked half way through and Twilight winced, secretly praying to be struck down and made into ash. Death would be infinitely better than to suffer through another minute of small talk. Spike made a sipping motion. He was going to rub all of this in her face later, she just knew it. Twilight felt even worse, depending on him to make it through this plague of random socializing. “That tea...” Twilight croaked. “ I didn't have any tea this morning. Wow, it is doing a number on my voice.” She nervously laughed. “ I need to start drinking more of it.” She coughed, ducking her head from the amused eyes of Spike. He must be cracking to pieces on the inside. Some part of her wanted to come clean. Grow a back bone and just tell Cheerilee that she wasn't up for talking but- Too much time had passed. She couldn't exit the conversation without looking weird and likely offending Cheerilee. The thought of Cheerilee thinking that she had a freaky condition... Twilight just needed time and practice. She wasn't a freak but what if Cheerilee was telling other ponies about it and they were laughing behind her back. “Well...” Twilight shrunk as Cheerilee pulled on the e, making her word sound so sing-song. So delighted was Cheerilee's voice as if she wasn't plotting Twilight's end. Carelessly rejoicing in the buckets of shame that Twilight was sweating out of her body. “I wanted to ask if you would like come with me on a quick stroll around town. If I'm not interrupting anything...” “Wow, look at that.” Spike leaned forward to whisper into Twilight's ear, holding his claws to cover his lips. Being so close, Twilight worried that Cheerilee could hear his every word. “You're making even more friends. Of course, I had more friends than you at the age six.” “They weren't your friends, Spike.” Twilight furiously whispered back, making sure Cheerilee couldn't read her mouth. “They were lackeys looking to get in my good books by being in your good books.” She sniffled, despairing the fact that he did have more friendly slackers willing to engage in idle talk than she did hers. But she wasn't the one keeping score here. Spike needed to get his priorities straight. “Potatoe. Potato.” Spike muttered, shrugging as if she didn't rattle him. In the end, all of his friends he had from age six to now were mostly glorified babysitters and he knew it. “You're just jealous that I'm more of a joy to be around.” Glaring, Twilight was about to correct him on exactly why ponies back at home thought he was a joy to be around when Cheerilee loudly cleared her throat. “It seems that you are in the middle of a game.” Twilight deflated, she almost forgot Cheerilee was here. There went all of Twilight's good cheer... “It's called Literary Itinerary.” Spike kept the conversation going as he pointed at the note cards, game sheets and the two copies of the Evening Tide classic, The Romance of The Three Queens. “A book game about predicting the plot and subplots off common character types and genre.” Actually, since they both read the door-stopping historical fiction account of life during the Glass Occupation dozens of times, they weren't sticking to the rule set. Instead, they were coming up with hypothetical situations where all the main characters lived but keeping with tension filled circumstances of that era. “Archetypes.” Twilight corrected, finding his lack of proper word use to be terribly typical. “We been over this, Spike.” As it was Spike's turn to find evidence for his theory of, “If Broth wasn't captured and publicly executed before he could give his warning to Princess Elixir, she would have accepted the terms of surrender that Sombra The First offered...” Which was crazy theory because there was plenty of historical documentation that she wouldn't be able to resist the chance to decapitate his head and place it on a pike. There was a reason why she was given the title, Queen of Corpses. “Character types. Archetypes. They're both the same thing. You just like saying complicated words to sound smart.” Spike rolled his eyes, completely missing her point. “But I was going to win, anyways.” He winked at Cheerilee, causing Twilight to groan. “You girls can go have your fun.” “Honestly, I was going to win...” Twilight trailed off, her ears miserably taking in Spike's casual tone. How could he do that as if Cheerilee wasn't there, breathing her judgmental breath and ruining their fun. But Twilight thought, what if she was the only one seeing it like this? Despite her trying to get through this minor conversation, she already felt bad about herself and that was the very thing she was trying to avoid. Was there some trick Spike knew that Twilight didn't? Was that how he was able to sound like that? “No, you weren't.” Spike said, tapping at his score card and reminding her he was twenty points ahead. Twilight gave up, releasing a bitter sigh. There was no way she could feel any worse. She had to get over her feelings and not let them rule her. Cheerilee did nothing but ask some question. The mare just wanted to get to know Twilight better! What was so bad about that? Did Twilight deserve friendship? If Spike could do it, so could she! To become as out-going as Spike, she needed social experience. She had to... Twilight gulped. Get a life... “Seeing that Spike is so convinced that he was going to beat me next round, I guess I do have the time.” Twilight tried to add pep to her words but her dreary, unhappy tone slipped out instead. Oh well, she was making baby steps. Still, she was committing to a social activity, so there! “Fifth chapter, third paragraph. That puts a hole in your Broth Saves Everyone theory. I'll be back, mister.” “I almost thought you didn't wanted to come.” Cheerilee smiled as she stepped back and watched Twilight put down her book and get on her hooves. Twilight looked into herself and found that she was happy to go. Really. Who knew what Ponyville looked like cradled in soft snow and brisk breezes nipping at the heels? And it was just a walk, not a confrontation. What could go wrong? “If said that you were busy,” Cheerilee added, staring down at the Twilight's copy of The Romance of Three Queens and mumbling to herself. “I would've understood. Hmm, isn't this some heavy reading material? I had to do a paper on this when I was up at university. I can't remember the plot but it's certainly not for everyone... What was my thesis, I wonder?” Twilight nearly dropped to her knees and begged Cheerilee to leave without her but she took a calming breath instead. Twilight couldn't aggressively ignore ponies until they gave up. Even if Cheerilee just taught her such a thing was a viable prospect and require further study. “Before we head out, is there anyone who we can ask to watch Spike on such short notice?” Cheerilee asked, her concern well-noted but unnecessary. “It wouldn't feel right to-” Oh no, Spike... Twilight dragged her eyes to look behind her, carefully considering the possibility that Spike had toned down his reaction towards ponies making quick judgments about his age. Nope. It was still a sore spot for him. Hot green smoke greeted her as it poured out of his flared nostrils. His eyes became lit in indignant fury as his shoulders shook. If only Spike could have been able to pick and choose his battle, this wouldn't be such a big issue... But Spike believed in educating one 'ignorant' pony at a time because how else could he put the world in it's place... Twilight heard the spine of the book creak as his claws bent both sides until it was screeching. Most teenagers his age would be concerned about their height. But Spike here hated any reference of him being unable to take care himself when it came from the common pony. Goodness knows, why it drove him up the wall. He should've just enjoyed the fact ponies liked to squeeze his chubby cheeks and called him cute for all it lasted. Spike jutted his chin up before opening his mouth. Smog ran free as he spoke, stinging her eyes as she snatched the book from him and set it down on the table. “Excuse me...” He growled, baring his teeth and sliding a forked tongue across his fangs. That new toothpaste was really doing wonders for him. She should use some herself. Cheerilee, on the other hoof, squealed and backed away. Her eyes became the size of pins as she started hyperventilating on the spot. Should Twilight do something? Was it normal, Twilight examined Cheerilee's panting form and her hooves flailing as she tripped, to start doing that? Spike hadn't even started yet. “I've decided that I don't like you.” It was time to go. “Did you... Did you just imply that I'm some invalid who can't take care of-” “Oh boy! Cheerilee, I can't wait to see what's outside! We need to pick up the pace!” Twilight rushed, already magically opening the door and shoving the non-cooperating and non-responsive Cheerilee through it. “He can handle the library, Cheerilee. There's nobody coming today.” She reassured then turned around and shouted. “I'll be back, Spike. Remember your breathing exercise and eat a ruby once you calm down. You don't want to wake up with a sore throat tomorrow!” “Oh no, you don't! Twilight! Twilight! Bring her back!” Spike screeched, his voice a demonic howl and rattling the windows. “How dare she make such an assumption! Who does she think she is? Does she have a certified degree? I have two! And Twilight, you have another thing coming if you think I'm going to let some teacher in some backwater hick town spread her ignorance to the masses! Clearly, she doesn't know a thing about common courtesies. I'm from the capital, born and raised. I look down at you ponies when I go to p-” Twilight slammed the door before strutting away, still dragging the shell-shocked Cheerilee down the pavement until they were out of harm's reach or the max of Spike's shouting distance. “I didn't know I said something to set him off. That was just terrible. His eyes, oh Celestia...” Cheerilee gasped, seeming a little spooked. “I don't know how you handle those tantrums with such grace. The moment I saw that smoke and fangs glinting in the light... It felt like I was about to be eaten.” Cheerilee shuddered, knocking her forehooves together as she trembled. “I forgot that was Spike.” “He can just be a big old bundle of nerves sometimes but that's Spike for you.” Twilight said freely, watching her breath turn to steam in the cold air. “I wouldn't call them tantrums though. He just really, really dislike being talked down to. He's won awards off his old-school fire as the Princess calls it.” She admitted, remembering the award ceremony for the Canterlot Lower-East Debate Championship. Spike was the reigning champ for the last two years, even if his personal insults were often uncalled for. “I supposed you can say he really learned it from me.” She herself was a three year winner. “I didn't hear a word he said. All I saw his teeth go up and down.” Cheerilee murmured before abruptly asking. “Does that mean you have a stubborn streak in you too?” “Doesn't everyone?” And that's when Twilight realized despite Cheerilee being so close, she could speak normally. Maybe this whole out-going thing wouldn't be so bad.
