Faulty Hoofcuffs

"Spike, come on, we will be late for our lunch!" Twilight yelled to her assistant. She signed, knowing that her sudden urge to research 5th century Canterlotian architecture had put them in this bind, but she couldn't help it, those books were not going to read themselves.

"Twilight, I've heard of some libraries that you just take one or two books at a time, then put them back," Spike said carrying a stack of books taller than himself and fighting for balance.

"Are you saying I should do that from now on?" Twilight asked in a rather innocent tone.

"Yes esssss oh whoa!" Spike said as gravity won the battle.

Twilight just laughed, using her magic to lift the books, and sorted them out as fast as she could to re-shelve them. In 5 minutes, the two of them were walking, or in Spike's case riding, to Sugarcube corner. Twilight was a little too excited, this would be their first meeting to help Twilight learn how to be romantic and in a relationship. And, most importantly, Rarity was going to be there. Twilight sighed thinking of her new marefriend.

"What's up Twilight?" Spike asked from atop his purple mount.

"Oh, nothing, it's just..." Twilight said before catching herself. She had to keep it on the down low, at least til Rarity's plan followed through. And what a plan. Twilight was proud to call the mischievous mare hers.

"Just..." Spike pressed on.

"This is a big change, and I'm ready to make it. It's even better with the help of my friends," Twilight said, banking on incomplete truth. Soon the dragon and pony were at the Corner. "It seems like we come here a lot..." Twilight thought out loud.

"Yeah, huh?" Spike noted, hoping off of Twilight's back and running to the seat next to Rarity. Twilight fancied the idea of magically moving him, but knew she couldn't, not with out good reason. So she sat opposite the lovely white unicorn. But upon seeing everyone, Twilight got a vibe that some thing was very different. Four were good, but one bad...

"Twilight! Oh my gosh, you will never believe it! Soarin pulled some strings for me, I have a try out with the Wonderbolts next week. My dream is coming true! This time next week I will be a Wonderbolt!" Rainbow said before Twilight could even make her round of hellos. Rainbow was so happy she was airborne, and causing quite a gust in the store.

"That's great, I'm so happy for you Rainbow!" Twilight said. She looked over her friends, all happy and congratulatory, except for Fluttershy. She was her normal, quite self. Head down. "Fluttershy? Is everything okay? Your best friend just said she has a shot at her dream..." Twilight was saying but trailed off seeing everypony mime and gesture to stop. But it was too late.

"Oh I'm thrilled," Fluttershy said, sinking further into the chair. "I'm really happy for you Rainbow Dash. Please, um, visit and all, once you're a Wonderbolt, if you don't mind that is..."

"Oh, Fluttershy..." Rainbow said, settling to the floor, "I'm sorry. I, I forgot... I was just so happy that I forgot what I mean to you. Fluttershy, when I'm a Wonderbolt, I will visit with you three times a week, no four! I will never leave my friends," Rainbow said hugging the yellow mare tight. Fluttershy hugged her back, pulling the multicolored mare close, almost in tears.

"You were the only pony to stand up for me in flight camp. You were the only nice one. Rainbow, please don't leave me, I..." Fluttershy said before Rainbow's hug silenced her, a look of dread and joy competing for top emotion.

"We should throw a party guys, to celebrate this, and cheer up Fluttershy. A sort of good luck but come back Party!" Pinkie said, much to the enjoyment of the group.

The gang all settled over gossip and news, not much had happened in the day they were apart, other than Rainbow's news and Twilight and Rarity's secret relationship. But nothing worth mentioning...

"So my sister tells me that yesterday, she spotted two low down, dirty deviants," Applejack said eventually, ruining the useless news streak. "Apparently she saw two mares, acting romantic with each other!" She said it to the group, but Twilight was sure eyes were on her and Rarity. Both mares thought of explanations, but Applejack continued before they could speak. "Yep, I know girls," She said looking at Twilight and Rarity's faces of panic, fear quickly rising in them, "It's horrible to think. Bon-Bon and Lyra, out front of their house, sharing a kiss. What in tarnation has Equestria come to!?!"

Twilight visibly relaxed, which given the groups reactions was not the best move. "What? I'm from Canterlot, public displays of affection are common."

"No Twilight, it ain't the kissin that's the problem, it's the fact that it was two fillies," Applejack said, hotly, "And in front of my sister too."

"Well yeah, I guess explaining that is kind hard..." Twilight reasoned.

"I know, but Granny Smith and Ah set her right," Applejack said. Twilight's heart sank, fearing that telling her friends now would surely result in a falling out.

"So speaking of kissing," Spike said, "I'm getting curious about that stuff now. What's it like?"

"Um..." Everypony said, not making eye contact with the dragon.

"Have any of you even kissed?" Spike said.

"Yes..." Twilight said.

"Well, you know about me, I've kissed a colt, several times... But they were all very serious relationships." Rainbow Dash said, looking up from her chest.

"I got my first kiss thanks to seven minutes in heaven... Oh it was wonderful. I dated the colt for about two years after that, and we used to..." Pinkie said, being stopped by Applejack's hoof and a stern glance. "Oh, hehehe, sorry Spike," Pinkie said embarrassed of her near faux pas.

"I am a horrible pony. I, I wanted to kiss this one colt at flight camp..." Fluttershy said, looking about ready to cry again. For some reason, Rarity thought she could see the subtle hints of a lie, but ignored them, Fluttershy would never do that.

"Um Shy, that doesn't count," Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy blushed deep crimson, and then corrected that yes she was a complete virgin after all.

"Well I have had a very wonderful, private love life," Rarity said, a sly smile on her face.

"Ah guess I never did tell y'all, huh? Ah used to be engaged. My coltfriend back in high school and I were gonna get married, but then we called it off. But we did some things, like what we were talking about yesterday..." Applejack said looking a little hurt.

"I'm old enough to know what you mean by that," Spike said, but was rather ignored, as grown ups tend to ignore the young on this matter.

"AJ, I had no idea. May I ask?" Twilight posed, knowing not to push this issue too far.

"He didn't want to live in Ponyville, but my home and family are here. So Ah choose family. A true love will never ask you to give up whats important," Applejack said. Though she sounded fine, Rarity could read her body language like Twilight could a book, and knew that Applejack's loss still weighed heavy upon her.

"Thank you for sharing that with me, I know it means a lot to you," Twilight said, to a tip of the hat from Applejack.

"So Darling, speaking of love lives, we need to help you with yours, no?" Rarity asked, smiling at Twilight.

"Oh, um, yes. Please," Twilight said, mentally shifting to the new topic as she remembered and color coordinated her mental notes of the last conversation.

"So tell me, what are you looking for in a partner?" Rarity asked, leaning in to the table, her face supported by one hoof as she smiled to Twilight. Rarity took a little pleasure in making Twilight blush here, knowing Twilight was not terribly fond of this. Twilight was enjoying the game though, she knew she would get Rarity back later, when she least expected it.

"Well, haha, um..." Twilight started, and the rest of the group was now rapt to her every word. Even Spike, who normally tuned out romance stuff. "I want somepony that loves me, for me. Some pony that will be there for me after a hard day, just talking sweet nothings as we relax. I would like a creative type, that would mesh well with my personality I think."

"I think so as well, some pony that could fuss over a project or piece as you study it, make notes, and give insight. It would be very rewarding for both of you," Rarity said, much to Twilight's satisfaction.

"I want some pony that is giving, but has their own dreams..." Twilight said, losing her self in the moment.

"Uh, sugar cube? Why are you making googily eyes at Rarity?" Applejack asked. Busted, Twilight thought, think fast!

"Um, I was just enjoying the romantic talk, day dreaming a bit." Twilight said.

"Ah Twilight. Are you sure you are not part pegasus, you always have your head in the clouds?" Rainbow Dash teased. Twilight laughed too though, it was a good cover. But she had to be more careful now. Suddenly, Twilight felt a hoof rubbing up and down on her leg, a hoof that Twilight knew belonged to Rarity, though her face betrayed nothing. So much for careful.

"Where were we dear?" Rarity asked, as the hoof on Twilight's leg edged slowly up and down, sending shivers of joy through the purple mare.

"I want a partner that can teach me, and wants to learn from me and my experiences," Twilight said, as Rarity blushed a little bit, remembering their conversation last night. Twilight would do this battle between them with words, Rarity with actions. Both would win in the long run.

"I want a partner that is smart, clever, kind, strong of heart and body, and determined to see their dreams through," Twilight said. She had described Rarity well, but not to the t in the white mares eyes.

"What about Beautiful?" Rarity asked. She might be losing, her voice was sure to have given something away, but no pony said anything.

"I think they will exceed my wildest dreams," Twilight said, again with the eyes as Rarity's leg brushed the inside of her thigh now.

"Easy Twilight, no need to get all riled up now, we just reigned ya in," Applejack said. "Now the hard part, compromise. Pick the traits ya would be willing to part with first." Applejack said to a now stunned Rarity and Twilight.

"No, Darling, Don't give up your love. Or standards..." Rarity said rather hotly at first, then calmed to a much more manageable level. Everypony but Twilight chalked it up to Rarity's love of romance.

"You should. You may not meet perfection right away, so you should be ready to give a little," Rainbow Dash said.

"Rainbow, that is the smartest thing I have ever heard you say..." Twilight said, new respect dawning for her friend, "And I see you point." Rarity pouted at the comment, but a quick look from Twilight told her everything, just play along. "And I would give up the creative type. That was a real limiting factor I guess..." Twilight said, guessing the best sounding idea for the group.

"Wow Twilight, it sounds like you put a lot of thought into this," Fluttershy said with a large smile, clearly enjoying the conversation, even if she was not participating much. Neither was Pinkie... Where was Pinkie?

"Ohmygosh!" came the pink pony's voice from under the table, making Twilight and Rarity freeze. But Pinkie came up fast, a happy look on her face, holding something "Two bits, just sitting on the floor! It's my lucky day!" Both mares relaxed a little, but only just.

The conversations worked about for a bit, til Mr Cake came by with a jade cupcake, the same shade as Sweetie Belle's eyes actually, Rarity thought, and placed the treat right before Spike.

"Oh boy! That looks delicious! Thank you Mr Cake," Spike said.

"No problem, but credit goes to somepony else, they asked us to make this for you. The wifey could not resist such a sweet gesture, she thinks it is too darn cute," Mr cake said smiling.

"Who was it? Rarity?" Spike said turning to the white unicorn next to him.

Rarity giggled, "No Spike, I do believe you have a secret admirer."

"A secret admirer, how cute! Spike I am so jealous!" Pinkie said. Every pony enjoyed giving Spike a little bit of grief, but they all thought it was truly the cutest thing ever. Rarity knew, and Twilight guessed, that Sweetie Bell had been behind the confection, but said nothing. They had to let the love bloom naturally. As the gang was leaving,Twilight and Rarity were stopped by Pinkie.

"So why were you two so scared earlier, is it because I caught you two playing hoof-sees?" Pinkie said, making both mares blush and stammer.

"Oh, well Darling, it was just..."

"I guess we should..." Twilight started but was cut off.

"You two were so funny, being all serious while trying to get the rise out of the other!" Pinkie said with a smile.

"Is that what you think was going on?" Twilight asked.

"Yepperunnie, what else could it have been?" pinkie said still smiling, not connecting a and b.

"Not much, I guess..." Twilight said. In truth that was their little game, just they were a little more romantically inclined.

"Tehehehe, I love playing that game, but I never win. You two are champs though," Pinkie said walking past them outside. before returning a second later. "Where the hay am I going? I live here."

Twilight, Spike and Rarity walked along for a block before Rarity had to split off to her home. It hurt both mares, the knowledge that their love was right there, and they could not go and be with them for fear of scrutiny from their own friends and neighbors. So Spike rode on Twilight, happily talking about the jade cupcake, when all of the sudden with a loud wet smack, he was gone.

"Spike?" Twilight asked, turning around and finding Spike buried in a small drift, groaning.

"Oh my gosh Spike," Sweetie Belle said running up to them, "I'm so sorry. I saw you riding Twilight there and I... I just thought maybe I can get him with a snow ball. I never meant to knock you off. Please don't be angry with me..." She said, her eyes misting over as she neared tears, and looked down. With her head down, she was soon knocked off balance by a snow ball from Spike's own claw.

"Take that Sweetie Belle! I'm gonna get ya," Spike said, rising up and chasing a now laughing Sweetie Belle, who would crouch, and leap at the dragon, wrestling for a second playfully, then bounce up and run off again.

"Spike, come home soon. I don't want you catching a cold," Twilight said with a laugh. Then she was struck by an idea of her very own. "Sweetie Belle, would you and the Cutie Mark Crusaders like to come to a good luck party for Rainbow Dash?"

"Rainbow Dash party, count me in!" Scootaloo said popping up out of nowhere.

"Where did you..." Twilight started but was cut off.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS PARTY AT SUGAR CUBE CORNER, YAY!!!" The Three fillies said grouping together in front of Twilight.

"How? Where? When?" Twilight bubbled over with questions, so many that she forgot to ask Apple Bloom what she told Applejack.

"Twilight, can I play with the Crusaders?" Spike asked, as Sweetie tackled him in to a hug from the side. How could Twilight say no to that? So she let the dragon play, giving him her scarf to keep warm while she went home to get ready for the party... Ok, she admitted to her self, to finish my research.

The party was going full force now, a true Pinkie Pie party for the ages. Twilight was being taught how to dance, she had tried to start, but every pony and dragon stopped her, for decencies sake. Thankfully, Rarity was her teacher. And the two of them were enjoying the dance.

"Twilight, you look fantastic tonight," Rarity said, quickly leaning in to whisper " My love." The words were sweet, better than Twilight could have ever hoped. She hoped she was not forgetting the room though. She was amazingly aroused, and feared the she would slip up, get caught. But it was worth it, and luckily no pony noticed. They danced for a few minutes more, then took a break and watched as Pinkie came out and announced a game of pin the tail on the pony. Every pony was having a blast, except Fluttershy.

"Hey Shy, whats wrong?" Rainbow asked, taking a seat next to her friend.

"Oh R-Rainbow, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to drag down your party..." Fluttershy said.

"Hey, you're my best friend, if there is anything troubling you, tell me, and I will make it better," Rainbow said puffing up her chest, placing her hoof on it rather regally for the athlete.

Fluttershy smiled at Rainbow, and just pulled in to a hug, burying her face in the multicolored mane, "I'll be okay, I just want to enjoy my time here, with you..."

"What?" Rainbow asked, unsure of what her friend meant. But Fluttershy was happy, so she let it slide. All of the sudden, the record player started to skip horribly. It proceeded to make the worst noise ever heard in the name of music, til Pinkie cut the tunes.

"Sorry everypony. Guess this one is shot now..." Pinkie said looking at the worn out machine, "Oh well, lets do some karaoke!" To a majority of 'yeahs' and 'lets' from the gang. Sweetie Belle shrunk into the corner though.

"Hey, come on Sweetie Belle. Sing for us," Pinkie asked the little filly.

"No, I...I couldn't..." She replied to a round of encouragement. But one shot through all the others.

"Please sing for us Sweetie Belle. I really love hearing you sing, when ever I get the chance..." Spike said, and Twilight was sure he was blushing. Could things really be going this well? She asked herself.

"Okay," Sweetie said, steeled by Spike's words. She hopped up on a table and took Pinkie's toy microphone before clearing her throat, still a tad bit nervous. Rarity walked up and whispered to her.

"Go ahead, he'll love it," She pressed.

"Thanks, you're the best sister ever," Sweetie said with kindness pouring from her eyes. She turned to the assembled ponies, and started her song. "I wrote this for Rainbow Dash, a good luck song. Ohhhh, Rainbow, high into the Sky you go. Wonderbolts look out, it a Rainbow finish today..." She started, the beautiful melody and tempo were perfect, and even Scootaloo and Apple bloom helped, making music with drums and maracas Pinkie gave them. Every pony enjoyed the song, Rainbow almost in tears.

"That... was... so... AWESOME!" she yelled, taking the little singer into a hug with the other CMC members, "Thank you girls," She said, "I have never felt more ready to rock!"

"Girls, it's getting late now, you best say good night, Spike you too. Pinkie, do you have a spare bed they may sleep on?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, this way guys," Pinkie said leading the four up stairs.

"But Ah ain't *yawn* even tired..." Apple Bloom protested.

The party picked up a bit now, Applejack pulling out some Sweet Apple Acres Cider she had saved for a special event like this. But one drink lead to a rather pleasant discovery.

"Um, Applejack, this taste different..." Fluttershy said, wrinkling her nose at the new bitter taste, not bad, but unexpected.

"Ah know, I let this batch ferment. This is a new product, Sweet Apple Acres Hard Cider. Whaddya think?" Applejack asked with raised eyebrows, almost on her tippy hooves.

"It's..." Pinkie started, looking quizzically at the bottle she had, and Applejack began to fear, "Terrific! I have never had anything like this before!" Pinkie said, but quieted down remembering the 6 little ones up stairs. Applejack was relieved, and brought out enough hard cider for a truly fun evening. Soon the magic of booze worked up courage in all the mares, and questions were being asked.

"So Twilight, you kind of surprised me a couple of days ago," Rainbow Dash started, "Why were you sexually active if you didn't want any relationships?"

"Well, I guess it was my time with the Princess," Twilight said placing a hoof to her chin as she lay on the floor, "I was with her from a very early age, since I was 7. I grew up being allowed to ask any questions, so when the time came that I got curious about the facts of life, Celestia didn't hold back. She told me all I wanted to know, and let me read as I saw fit. When I turned 18 four years ago, I was allowed to date, but I just wanted to experiment with what I had been studying for the past three years then. I found it was easy to get a colt in Canterlot, and I found I enjoyed it..." Twilight said with a blush.

"Huh, guess we never thought of that. You would follow what you read, and all the books talked about how it was natural, but you probably didn't read the dating books, did ya?" Applejack asked from her spot on the floor.

"Hehehe, ah no, no I didn't. The Princess magically protected me, so I never thought much about it what I did, and that meant I never cared for the same partner twice. But I guess her concern for my... aloofness, was what prompted the whole study friendship thing," Twilight said. Rarity giggled, and hiccuped at the statement. "You okay, Rare?" Twilight asked.

"I think I have had a bit too much hard cider... Twilight, could you please help me to a spare bed?" Rarity asked with her pleading eyes and pout.

"Okay, okay. Come on Rarity," Twilight said helping her up and to a back room Pinkie had set up when they started drinking.

"So Applejack, you really think that two fillies were kissing?" Pinkie said, looking at the orange mare now that there was just the four of them.

"I don't know why, it can't be nice like a kissin' a colt..." Applejack said looking a little perplexed.

"Lets find out!" Pinkie said and rushed Applejack, placing her lips to her friends. Applejack's eyes shot wide open at the turn, and tried to protest, but found that, oddly, her body didn't want to resist. She kind of liked the feel of the soft lips against hers, the taste of the cider coming across. She opened her mouth a little out of reflex, not meaning too, just doing it. Pinkie slide her tongue into the work horse's mouth, making quick little licks that tickled Applejack, making her lift a hoof to pull Pinkie in more. But right as she was about to, Pinkie broke the kiss. Pinkie looked into Applejack's heavily lidded eyes and giggled. "Mmm, that was good. Why is it bad to kiss a filly? You were much better than any colt!" Pinkie said as Applejack snapped back to.

"Ah- y'all just- Pinkie!" Applejack said, rather flustered. What in tarnation just happened? Applejack thought, her head spinning.

"Um..." Rainbow Dash said, summing up what her and Fluttershy were thinking, "What that bucking hay just happened?"

"Nuthin' happened!" Applejack said.

"Dashie, you watched. I kissed Applejack. OH we should kiss! No wait, you have a colt friend. Fluttershy! Pucker up!" Pinkie said, trying to kiss the laughing and resisting yellow pegasi. The cider had made Fluttershy really open up, so she was just happy go lucky right now.

"Pinkie, you just redefined Random," Rainbow said laughing.

"Hey, I'm surprised myself, I thought Applejack would be a bad kisser, but she was great and got 'cha!" Pinkie said as she feigned right and stole a kiss on Fluttershy as well. In Fluttershy's mind, everything was wrong. This was not right, this was not who she wanted her first kiss from! But... but... oh my, She thought, feeling the pink mare's soft lips on hers, the smell of sugar and fresh baked bread filling all of Fluttershy's senses. Fluttershy's eyes danced for a second, then closed as years of romance novels told her to act, she opened her mouth just slightly, letting Pinkie's tongue in as it danced a flirted about the inside of her mouth. She instinctively began to suck on the tongue, and didn't even realize she had wrapped her legs around the pink earth pony, using her right hoof to pull Pinkie's head to her, delighting in the fervor of the kiss. The kiss was the best felling Fluttershy had ever known, next to earning her cutie mark. She felt Pinkie grabbing her too, and was over joyed at the feeling of two hooves pulling her into such a passionate kiss. But again, as much as Fluttershy wished it could last forever, Pinkie soon broke the kiss. Fluttershy pulled though, and their lips met for just a second, but only just.

"Pinkie," Fluttershy said as she opened her eyes, brethless from the kiss, and hot all over, especially down there.

"Am I the only straight pony left here? Where's Twilight, I need back up..." Rainbow said jokingly, looking around for the Lavender mare.

"MMMMM hmmm, just as good the second time. You are a great kisser Fluttershy," Pinkie said as Applejack gawked.

"Pinkie, that wasn't right, that was her first kiss, and y'all just did it random. I'm sorry Fluttershy," Applejack said.

"Don't be. It was... nice," Fluttershy said with a contented grin.

"Oh Luna," Applejack said.

"Oh you liked it AJ, you kissed me back as well. You had more experience if it makes you feel better," Pinkie said. Applejack's mind was lost. She had enjoyed the kiss. Did this mean everything Granny Smith had said about fillyfoolers was wrong, or was it just the booze and good, trusted friends? They all talked for a bit, Fluttershy seemed very happy, but other wise they just enjoyed the evening. Applejack would talk to Twilight about it tomorrow, she felt the city pony with loose morals could help.

In the back room, Twilight and Rarity were laying on the bed, having a discussion of all things, but a needed one, they could not meet up daily, not yet.

"Twilight, I have been helping Sweetie Belle, I told her I knew about her crush, and coached her into action. Do you think it's working?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, I do. So Rarity, do you remember when you asked me to spill my dream in front of every pony? May I ask why you love me," Twilight said.

"No sexy times?" Rarity said, pouting.

"No, you're a screamer love. We don't want our friends to find out that way," Twilight said with a giggle.

"Mmm, question for question then?" Rarity invited.

"We'll see," Twilight said. She had a good tolerance for the drink, while Rarity rather not.

"Okay. I have ever since I laid eyes on you. Even after Rainbow Dash pranked you with the whirl dry. You were so poised, so polite. But you had an aloofness to you, you were different. As I watched you, I realized I cared about you more than the rest of the group. I tried so hard to make your first slumber party a success. I would give you dresses whenever. I soon came about to teaching you my prized spell, the gem finder, just to spend more time with you. After the Discord incident, when you used the memory spell, I felt everything in you wash through me. I was so proud to have you as a friend. But what really won my heart was the royal wedding a few months ago. I was upset with you for trying to ruin my chance at helping in a royal wedding. Then when I saw you after you were imprisoned, I could never do justice to how I felt. You were dirty, banged up, but still carried that fire in your heart. I was blown away. I realized I loved you more than I had any pony ever before right then. Hearing you sing for your brother, it was the best thing ever. I vowed that night I would tell you at the very least, but I secretly hoped for the best. We were at a wedding after all, I had it on the mind. That's why I was so forceful about the bouquet, to be honest..." Rarity said to a chuckle from Twilight.

"Wow, I never knew. I was still too busy to notice," Twilight said as she nuzzled Rarity to a soft purr of joy from the fashion icon.

"So my turn, I wanna know about the young you. Little Twilight, student to the sun goddess," Rarity said, laughing and laying on Twilight now.

"Well, when I started school, I was the youngest pony there. I was so alone, being away from Cadence and Shining. But I had my books. My parents kind of went crazy when I was taken in by the Princess, They blabbed on and on about their daughter, royal protege to the Princess, member of her majesties court, yadda yadda. They began to hang out with the upper crust, leaving me alone most of the time," Twilight said.

"Just like mine and Sweetie's. They are always off at some soiree, heck, I can't even remember the last time I saw them," Rarity said a little cold. She felt no love lost for those two, " So your parents, do they?" Rarity asked, a little hesitant.

"Do they ever ask to visit? Spend holidays? Wonder about my life? No. I think I was so aloof back then because I wanted nothing to do with some pony that would use me and leave me when they got to where they wanted," Twilight said stroking Rarity's mane.

"Then why are you with me? I told you a while back all I wanted to do was marry into Royalty. Back with the Gala tickets," Rarity said, her voice inflected by self loathing.

"I know you too well Rarity. You want the best, but you would give it all up to help your friends, or even a stranger. Like the sea serpent, or my dress for the Gala, which I still love. I actually keep all the dresses you give me, and now have quite the collection," Twilight laughed.

"Mmm, I wanted you to feel as beautiful as you look to me...Darling..." Rarity said lazily. moving her head into a more comfortable place on Twilight's chest. She let out a sign of content.

"Rarity, I want to make your dream come true. I want to make you as happy as you make me," Twilight said, looking down to the slumbering mare. "Hmm. Rarity, I love you."

Even in her sleep, Rarity heard her, and responded with a sigh and saying "I love you too Twili...zzz"

Apple Bloom was tired, but she stayed up and talked with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Spike. They decided it would be fun to play a game, so they settled on truth or dare.

"Okay, Apple bloom, my turn, truth or dare?" Spike asked the little filly.

"Truth, ya always go truth for yer first," Apple Bloom said.

"Okay, do you have a crush on any pony at your school?" Spike said. the room was too dark to see Sweetie Belle next to him blush and panic What if he likes Apple Bloom?

"Nah, Ah just don't have any interest in any pony, dragon, griffon, zebra, what ever," Apple Bloom said.

"Really?" Spike said.

"My sister is honesty, Ah would not tarnish her reputation by lyin," Apple Bloom said. "My turn. Scoot?"

"Truth," Said the flier, too comfortable to get up right now.

"We've known each other for years, but Ah ain't never met yer parents. Whats up?" Apple Bloom asked.

With a sigh, Scootaloo accepted her fate, that was what she got for choosing truth. "My parents are locked up for foal abuse and neglect," She said rather devoid of emotion. " That's why I can't fly. I live with a foster home now, but they don't care much more than my folks did. I want a new family..."

"Oh, dang Scoot. Ah'm sorry. Ah didn't know," Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah, I liked it that way, no pony pitied me," Scootaloo said.

"Hey, I'll check, but I think Twilight is a registered guardian, you could come live with me. Then I could see you guys all the time," Spike said. Sweetie was scared again, What if he loves Scoot?

"That's not what I wanted..." Scootaloo said, but looking at Spike then Sweetie, she sighed, "But thanks. So Sweetie, what'll it be?"

"Huh, oh, dare?" Sweetie said after not paying much attention.

"Dare huh?" Scoot said leaning up, this was good enough to make her sit up, even Apple Bloom perked up at the news. "I dare you, the dare of all dares. A Cutie Mark Crusader dare." Scoot said, making Apple Bloom gasp.

"I... I accept," Sweetie said.

"Wait you don't even know what it is," Spike said.

"That's the point of a CMC dare, you don't know, but you must do it, no matter. It goes for all present too..." Sweetie explained.

"I'm in then," Spike said.

"Double, now spill," Apple Bloom said.

"I, Scootaloo, dare you Sweetie Belle and Spike, to... Kiss."

"What?" Both said, looking at each other. Sweetie is really nice... Spike thought. Sweetie rallied her thoughts, summoning up all of her courage. She leaned in, lips puckered, and a second later felt Spike's scaled lips on her's. She had no idea what to expect, but found his lips to be soft, like velvet almost. It was just a peck really, but it was nice. A perfect first kiss for a little filly. She sighed, all of her fear and stress gone. She looked at Spike, who just smiled back.

"So Spike..." She said. Her friends had not said one word, not moved an inch til they knew how it played out.

"Dare..." Spike said as he just leaned in and kissed her again. Both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were giddy as school fillies, but didn't make any noise, they wanted to keep the moment special. This kiss was longer this time, but just a little. When it was over, Sweetie was ecstatic.

"Spike, I..." She started.

"Yeah?" Spike asked, hopping he hadn't gone to far. Sweetie just replied by jumping on him, wrapping her forelegs around the little dragon. Spike was happy, and kept the feeling as they all decided they had enough for one night and laid down to bed. Spike was sleeping outside the bed, on a couch in the room. But he would wake up in the morning with Sweetie cuddled up to him, his tail wrapped around her as he slept curled up.