Love Letters

Chapter Seven:

As suspected, Twilight seen three ponies on her walk back to the library. She had little time to talk to them with all the pondering she had to do, Fluttershy, work, Spike... no, no, no.... Work, Friends, Spike, Fluttershy...... why is something so simple eluding me? Okay, I guess I should do this in order of distance.... so..... Spike, work, friends, Fluttershy. Okay, day plan ready! Well.... I guess I can switch friends with Fluttershy. Now, what about Spike? I guess I should start him off with basic relationships, or- he has most likely seen the 'X' rated section of the library, but I've told him that only I can re-shelve it....... should I just start with the birds and the bees? Should I do the birds and the bees at all?

Twilight best tried to grasp a talk that she had never been given because of her studies as the princess's personal protégé. She had discovered the act on her own while researching exo-Equestrian geography. The rows upon rows of bookshelves in the Canterlot library were, expectantly, very difficult to keep one-hundred percent organised. The purple mare happened upon an out of place book, one that wasn't educational, but purely for entertainment, pictures and all. Obviously the unicorn said nothing to nopony and it was a constant reminder to Twilight of how not to find out about sex.

'The talk' as a whole was something the purple pony had been dreading for a long time, because as Fluttershy said, Twilight was practically Spike's sister. Ughh, darn it all! I'll just do everything, if he knows about a part he can just ask me to skip it. The door of the library now in sight, the purple pony's mind made the morning seem moderately normal. She had talked with Derpy, was ready to have her breakfast, and, opening the door to the library, found Spike had done his morning duties. The dragon came through the kitchen door carrying two plates of toast and scrambled eggs, the table had a pitcher of orange juice and an assortment of small jars, jams and butters.

Twilight took her seat, she noticed a foreign spot in the centre of her chair before she did. Breakfast was eaten in total silence, the unicorn didn't even hear the crunching of toast. The dragon took a few blank stares at Twilight, as if he was expecting something, ''That was lovely Spike, thank you.''

''Uh, you're welcome.'' The dragon didn't look at his assistee, the purple pony had to make her move now, or else the tension would strangle her.

''Ummmm, is there something you would like to talk about, Spike?''

''I don't, I think you do though.''

''Oh, yes, yes I do....'' Twilight said, shocked at the hint of bitter resignment, ''Do you understand relationships, Spike?''

''Yeah....''

''And do you understand how really good relationships can progress?''

''Yeah... I guess.''

''Guess? Well, what are you unsure about?'' For a start, this is going really well, I should have had this talk with Spike years ago.

''Um, I don't really want to say it.'' Looking at the floor,

''Go ahead, I won't judge.''

''Well...... uhh...... I mean, is it before or after marriage you get to do anal?''

''SPIKE!''

''B- but- you said we were talking about relationships!'' The dragon defended himself, slowly backing off his chair and towards the kitchen.

''Yes! We are! But not in that way, and mind you language!'' The purple pony realised that she was shouting, and a face, even Discord would pity and want to brighten, was plastered on the dragon's face. Twilight sighed and continued as best she could, ''Spike.... so.... you understand deep relationships?''

''Yeah, uhh.... I'm not- uhh, I'm not really a baby dragon anymore.''

''Spike, I-'' Oooooohhhhhh..... lovely.... Spike..... ''Well..... now I know you- um, understand what I'm asking you, I'm glad we have that out of the way. You have to understand why I was so angry this morning. I just felt so betrayed, like such a wonderful night had been tainted, you- you know my history with special someponies....''

''Yeah, I had to sit through your teenage years too you know that?''

''Hush, that's just inconsiderate.'' She scolded, ''But you do know how much of a shock this is for me, especially with how fast things have moved, do you?''

''Yeah, I guess, I just can't believe you didn't tell me that you and Fluttershy were doi-, uhh, I mean, together....''

Twilight could have said many things to that but she remembered that she had obligations to fulfil and fulfil she would. ''We can talk about this later-'' Flicking through her calendar, ''It started- it started yesterday. You have your chores and I have other things to do, I'll be back this afternoon, this evening if I get tied up with something. And Spike? Can you tell me you're okay with this, even if you aren't? I need just that small amount of comfort, it's all a lit-''

''Of course Twilight! What kind of number one, dragon assistant, best-friend-to-a-pony would I be if I wasn't supportive?''

''Thanks Spike.'' The unicorn grabbed her saddle bags and left the library for the streets of Ponyville. I feel a little better. Spike kind of has that tone which makes it everything sound so normal, he's so casual. He makes it out like myself and Fluttershy's.... hasty get together.... was something that happens every day. I should thank him too, how do you get a dragon to know you appreciate them? Twilight added yet another mental point to her long list of obligations. First off, Rarity's. As per usual, Ponyville bazaar was heavily trafficked, now that the day had opened up to more ponies. The unicorn offered friendly hellos to those she knew, some running stands, some leisurely strolling the stalls. Not a penny out of place.

Twilight soon arrived at the door of the boutique, hoping to get some work done, it was obvious her work associate had hive mind. There was a table set off to one side with two chairs, a pitcher of water and an assortment of parchment and different size quills. The fashionista, herself, was already jotting down bits and pieces, she looked up to greet the bell operator. ''Oh, Twilight! I can always count on you to be nice and early, hopefully we can burn through the boutique's façade and have the materials for doing so recorded, counted up and queried.'' Determined to match the white unicorn's very professional and long winded be afters, the librarian walked over and magicked the chair under her, peeking into Rarity's notes.

''Do you ever order your materials from different wholesalers? Do you have past invoices if you do?''

''Oooo, so our Twilight knows some business, I only called you so you could help me bring everything together.''

''Well, I have done my study.'' Twilight gave a giggle, ''Have you planned for rain and other bad weather?''

''Very funny, Twilight. And not yet, that's what you're going to help me with. Do you really think, in all my years and experiences, I'm going to forget about the weather for an outdoor display?'' Rarity said in a humours tone, but quickly returning to the messy lines and ink blots in front of her.

The two discussed the job before them, throwing around ideas and up-to-if-not-beyond-date fashion break throughs. Every inch of outside space was made into a problem, for the sole purpose of keeping sales at a maximum. The number of dresses on display, to the colour of the boutique, to how many corners each awning should have, everything was considered. The process took a good few hours; it was mid-late afternoon by the time the two decided to take a break.

''So I was thinking of planting Bluebeard shrubs in the flower bed, because they bloom late July, early August and their colour complements the chapeaus marvellously.'' Rarity said, wiping some cheese away from her lips.

''I'll talk with Dune Bug if I get a chance, and don't forget that you will need some extra soil.'' The purple mare checked the clock on the wall, five O' clock, ''Can we finish this tomorrow? I have to go shopping; there is no food in the library.'' Wrapping up a hastily made burrito.

''Soil! I would have completely forgotten, you are savoury, Twilight. I can go with you, I have a few buttons and different coloured threads to pick up, I'll have to catch up though, I need to file our ideas away.''

''Oh, I could wait if y-''
The white unicorn was already on her hooves, brushing the purple pony out the door of the boutique, ''Now Twilight, do you really think I would hold you up from your shopping? The market is going to end in a few hours, don't worry about me. I have much less to buy than you anyway, if you leave now we can finish at the same time.'' The damaged white door was closed behind Twilight, Rarity called from behind it once more, ''And I'll talk with Dune Bug, she's a darling and likes to give me discounts!''

''Um, okay, bye Rarity?'' No response, she won't let you do anything for her; she won't let you be generous to her! Kind of funny even. Being practically twenty steps from the shops, Twilight was quick to start browsing. The purple pony was among mainly sweet and treat stalls; from years of watching the vendor's migration habits, Twilight knew general food and supplies was a little north of her. The unicorn had just planned the optimal route only to be distracted by a pony she had seen but a few times, but still knew decently well. ''Pony Joe!'' Twilight called out.

Pony Joe was sitting at a lavish stall, much larger than most others and professionally designed. There were long rows of an assortment of ring, glazed and filled doughnuts, and a coffee machine against the back wall of the stall. A very happy customer was walking away from the stall with a ring doughnut, white icing. The caramel pony took a glance at Twilight and quickly looked away. ''Pony! It's me, Twilight! How have you been?''

''Good, I've been good.'' Joe replied with a grunt, far from his stereotypical helpful-and-knowledgeable-barman tone.

''Uuuhhh, what- what are you doing here in Ponyville?''
The caramel pony crossed his forelegs on the stall's counter and leaned in on them, ''Well, I've got a friend that I'm visiting, you see. And I was thinking of expanding the business to other towns and such, so I took some time to set up this stall for some market research.'' The Boulanger still wasn't looking.

''Um, do you want me to leave? Am I-''
Joe whipped his head around to Twilight and looked right at the purple pony, ''Yes, please? You're driving away my business, sorry Twilight, but I can't have you here talking to me, I know what you do down here in Ponyville.'' Before, the stallion wouldn't take a peep, now he was glaring at the mare.

''What do you mean 'what you do'? What is- we've been fr-.....'' The unicorn flattened her ears against her head, ''O- okay, s- sorry. Bye Pony.....''

Pony Joe grunted a final time, Twilight left him to himself, she heard him great a customer as she walked away, ''Welcome to Pony Joe's Doughnut Store's Doughnut Stand!'' A very enthusiastic hello, ''..... oh, her? Ahhhhh, don't mind her. You, on the other hoof, look like you fancy the exotic tastes, those you can't find anywhere else, how 'bout trying my new.......''

The purple pony shakily found her way to the section of the market she wanted, what's gotten into that pony? We've been friends for years, and he just shoves me away? He could be stressed about his business plan, or- or his friends is giving him trouble, but what does he mean when he says ‘what you do’? The only secret I have is my secret teddy collection, and that’s hardly scandal, unless he has something against the princess and my study under her……. no, that doesn't make sense, I've seen him have chats with the princess. And he sounded all weird too, he sounded so… so bitter … Twilight thoughts wouldn't let her pay attention to the survey she put on the produce and caused her to bump into a pony who was inspecting a tangerine. ‘’Oh, I’m so sorry ma’am!’’ The purple pony quickly asserted.

‘’Oh, No, it’s quite alright, I wa-‘’ The lime pony began, very understandingly, but the mare quickly flipped her politeness when she seen who had knocked against her, ‘’I wouldn’t expect any less from ponies like you ’’
Twilight was horrified, she hadn’t a clue what she had just heard, ‘’W-what? I said I was sorry!’’ But the pony was gone, Twilight turned to the pegasus who was running the stand beside her, ‘’You- you seen that I apologised, right?’’

‘’Oh yeah, I seen it, I seen you almost killing that mare, what kind of pride do you take in yourself Miss Sparkle?’’

The librarian didn’t even respond, she confusedly turned around to head to another part of the market. She wanted to move but she couldn’t, most of the market kept taking looks at the unicorn, everypony kept taking looks at the unicorn, like they were concerned, but an angsty concern. And elderly earth pony was shielding her eyes, a mother steered her filly from the path of the purple mare. Everypony in Ponyville has come to me at least twice for help but now it’s like they think I'm evil or something. What is wrong with this town?

Twilight forced her legs into a walk; she ducked into a side street, somepony called after her, she moved quickly. The lane way arrived to a small square, it was a much more densely occupied area, she wouldn't be noticed as easily. The purple pony sat down on one of the benches at the edge of the square, contemplating that maybe that Discord had escaped his prison for five minutes, cast a spell that made everypony in the immediate area disharmonious, which Twilight happened to be immune to, and everypony just happened to direct all their anger towards her.

The librarian sat for up and around twenty minutes, she wasn't really concerned with time, I wish everypony would stop looking at me and just tell me what they're looking at, it's just a nuisance now! How can I do my shopping with all this...... this! Around me? The occasional pony would turn their heads and give Twilight that same look, every time they did made Twilight want to give up, return to the library and send her assistant out to do the job she had failed to do twice in the last two days. A ray of hope shone through the otherwise dim and dark crowd, Rarity was approaching, magically knowing exactly where the purple mare was. ''Twilight! What are you doing just sitting there?'' Twilight stood up, the two unicorns hugged each other in greeting, the voice of the crystal white pony was beautifully distracting from the eyes of the market, ''And why haven't you bought any food? Surely you haven't just been looking at the other ponies in the market for all this time?''

''I wish I wasn't just looking at the other ponies, or more that they weren't looking at me.'' Rarity gave a very lady-like laugh,

''Oh, Twilight, whatever do you mean by that?'' The purple pony found it hard to place the right words,

''Has anypony.... uhh... you know, refused you sale today? Or has anypony given you weird looks?'' Twilight gave a look both ways, feeling a small nugget of paranoia. Rarity opened up her saddle bags, completely blank expression, to show an assortment of spools, buttons and fasteners, fair enough answer. ''I haven't been able to buy anything because the stall keepers just won't sell me anything; they would say weird things and give me looks. At one stage everypony was staring at me.'' Two more peeks over shoulders, ''I'm starting to get really scared that this isn't a once off thing.''

Rarity didn't move a muscle, mouth agape, she was speechless. A solid sixty second silence endured before the fashionista spoke up, ''Twilight, what's the first thing you have on your list of shopping?'' What? Bread, what ar- oh yeah, talking...

''Bread, why?'' The white unicorn started looking around the square then started trotting in a random direction, Twilight reluctantly followed, ''Rarity? Where are you going?'' The purple pony took eye on the approaching bread and pastry stall, ''No, no, no, no, Rarity! what are you doing?!'' Twilight shouted under her breath, looking every which way.

''Ooooo, these bread rolls smell simply divine!'' The white unicorn said, seemingly mesmerized by the aroma of the adjacent stall.

''Why thank you! I bake them fresh, every day, back at my shop, Rye's Pastries.'' The stallion proudly stated. The purple maned mare squished the rolls, contesting the bread pony's claim,

''They are fresh baked! These rolls are soooo soft! Buuuuut, I think I will just have a loaf of bread, whole grain, please.''

''Of course! That will be six bits please.''

''Six bits? Three bits is a reasonable price to me.''

''Three bits is reasonable for your run-of-the-mill bread, but would you get the out-of-the-oven heat and freshness from another vendor?''

The two began the ceremonial haggling process. The owner of the stand superlatising his products and playfully down talking his competitors, Rarity charming and smooth talking the price in her favour. Attention lifted from, Twilight had some time to think, less shaken by her previous encounter with the entity of antagonism that had a stranglehold on the market. She searched her mind for any incriminating memories or past experiences, particularly from foalhood. Pony Joe was the only pony she encountered from Canterlot, which is where, as a foal, Twilight got up to most all her tomfoolery. I never done anything bad, I tripped the princess once but that was by accident and in the castle. I done some stupid stuff with my dad but I only really done that stuff when I seen him, on our holidays.

''Well,'' The white pony began, ''I could simply go down to Stone Baked's stall and get two loafs for fives bits, we are friends and all, but this is simply convenient. I personally think four bits is generous given the alternatives, don't you Twilight?''

''Um, yeah, I gu-''

''Why are you asking her? I was starting to wonder why she was just standing there, don't you know tha-''

''Excuse me,'' Rarity counter-interrupted, '' 'She', as you call her, is my friend. And I would rather you not speak to her in such a barbaric tone around me, or at all for that matter. I do not wish to know why you don't like my friend but I assume it is petty, and unimportant, something you may have done yourself and are simply too embarrassed to tell.'' The unicorn put four bits on the stall board and ended softly, ''Thank you very much for your services.'' The stallion was shocked, but took the bits, shoved a loaf of whole grain bread at the duad and glared their way.

Rarity put the loaf in Twilight's saddlebags and took point down a random street, ''What's next?'' Did she really just buy bread for me? For four bits a loaf?! And she wants to keep going down my shopping list? She didn't even care why everypony is so... angry with me!

''Why are you doing this? Why don't you care why that stallion was such a jerk to me?'' The white mare was ducking and craning her head to get the best look at the foods,

''What greens do you usually buy?''

''Oh, uhh, leaks, lettuce, broccoli, water cress, but never cabbage.'' The fashionista had managed to side track the purple pony astronomically, ''W- no- why are you buying everything for me?'' Rarity didn't listen; the purple maned pony dived right into a crowd in front of a vegetable stand, battling for both the best produce and the best price. Twilight sat back, once again, Just like shopping with mam.... the unicorn let out a small 'hmf', that reminds me of that rumour about Green Trail suggesting she was an alicorn, she was always very odd, odder than I....... oh! The librarian had an epiphany, What if somepony is spreading rumours about me? Twilight scoured her mind for nil-accusations, false secondary source's retellings and blatant mockeries of truth. Where does Five-Point live again? Didn't she move to Ponyville for two years? No.... no that was Rage heart, and he was always really nice to me... Bitter-sweet luck had the entire purple mare's past rumours too old to explain the shift in Ponyvillian behaviour. Rarity returned with brown paper bag with a few leaks sticking out of it, she put the bag in Twilight's bag. Once again,

''What's next?''

For the rest of the afternoon, Twilight was dragged around Ponyville market while Rarity slowly filled bags and shopping list. Fruits, maybe it's a rumour I spread about somepony else, or about my family? No, I don't spread rumours and rumours about my family are just ludicrous... Herbs and Flowers, have I stopped doing something? Sending letters to ponies I should?..... have I changed my personality? ''I hear petunias are delicious this time of year!'' Rarity said in exitment. Drinks, jams and miscellaneous, It has to be something recent, could I have offended anypony? Or hurt them without realising? No, anything physical I would have known about and I'm one-hundred percent sure my magic hasn't done anything without my permission..... there is nothing I can think of, I wish I was dreaming, or if I am I knew I was. A muscular stallion hauling a cart shouldered Twilight, breaking her concentration, and probably her sternum, that really hurt!

''Hey! Excuse me, can I have an apology? That was quite painful!'' The purple mare called, the red stallion turned around a flared his nostrils, a raving ire in his eyes, a burning, Bi- Big Mac?

The unicorn's throat bubbled, the hostilities of the common and garden pony were tiring and confusing, a hateful friendship was painful. Big Macintosh dragged his cart away from the purple mare, throwing a small fit while doing so. Twilight wanted to cry, she had suffered what was equivalent to a day of magic school where your bag breaks and you have to carry all your books around by hoof and horn, childish acts of de-gaiety, but they still singed the unicorn. Rarity had just finished a lengthy deal for a half-kilo of coffee beans, the purple mare's saddle bags were over filled, ''Is that it? That didn't take long now did it? It cost seventy-two bits, you can pay me back later, cheaper than your average shop wouldn't you say? Oh, and the fabulous Rarity has managed to finish right outside the library!'' The white unicorn gave Twilight a long hug, ''Thank you for coming over Twilight, you were a grand help, we should chat more. Bare in mind, I hate gossip that the entire town is in on, and especially if it involves my friends.'' A small wink, the librarian had to smile, Rarity had always had a way of answering questions without ever addressing them, which the purple pony appreciated. I almost understand you Rarity, Thank you, again. How do you get a friend to know how much you thank them? Twilight, being slightly pulled from the day, caught how the fashion pony's ladylike gait made her hips move. Whoa, okay, not in that way, you've discovered something in yourself but that doesn't mean you can't be faithful. Ugghh It's still all so confusing though! Perhaps I cast a spell that backfired and sent me to a different universe where Fluttershy loves me, everypony else hates me and Rarity is harder to understand than Pinkie Pie.....

The unicorn dashed inside the thankfully nearby library, magicked the doors and windows into fortress mode and gingerly flipped the sign on the windowsill to read 'closed'; Twilight was ventilating heavily. They found about Fluttershy and I, but how did it get around so fast? It's the only explanation, I've never seen anything like this before and it explains why Fluttershy was so jumpy about kissing at her door. Oh god, I hope nopony has talked to Fluttershy, I have to go over right now, I'll need to take a moment to charge up my teleport spell. Going into the kitchen, a very wet purple dragon, who was hand washing dishes, immediately took notice to the water guzzling Twilight. ''Hey Twi, I'm guessing you got tied up? I kinda had a weird day, only two ponies came into the library, both of them were asking for you. Oh, uh, what's got you so worked up? You look really stressed.'' Calmly asked the dragon, always a yang when Twilight holds yin.

''They know, Spike, they know.'' Clutching the dragon,

''Who knows what?!''
The unicorn put her glass into the soapy sink, and started clearing a space in the kitchen, ''I don't know how but everyone in Ponyville knows about Fluttershy and I's relationship, maybe my soundproofing spell faded and a pegasus got a look through the window or something like that. I'm teleporting over to Fluttershy's house, you might want to stand back, I've never teleported over an entire town.''

''Wait, why do you have to go?!''

''Because if people start saying things to Fluttershy that will really, really, really affect her!''

''But what if Fluttershy doesn't know? If you come running up a exploding her door to save her and she doesn't know it might make things worse than if she did know!'' The unicorn was about halfway to casting her spell, and she let the magic fizzle out, ''And you can't just go around Ponyville magicking up the place!'' Reasoned Spike, Twilight thought for a second, she was still unsure.

''Do you really think I shouldn't go?''

''Yeah, it's not like she won't be there tomorrow!''

''But what if she isn't?! What if she leaves me all alone? and with this whole screwy town?''

''Hey look, I'm not the one kissing her but even I know that Fluttershy is not the kind of pony to do things like that. All your friends have a little bit of Rainbow Dash in them, if you know what I'm sayin'.''

''Yeah.... yeah I guess...''

''And like I said, you can't be shooting magic everywhere, not in this town.''

''What do you mean?''

''Ponyville is one of the smallest and out of place towns in Equestria, even though it's close to Canterlot. You know Light in August? Yeah, I read that, and you know the way it's a really kinda... kinda stareeo- stryao-.....'' Spike shrugged his shoulders,

''.... Stereotypical?''

''Yeah, it's a really stereoplitical trashy town? Like, it's a bad town. Ponyville is the closest thing to Yo- Yow, what ever its name is, you can get. You can't rush into things, you have to wait to see if things aren't as bad as you think. Yeah sure Canterlot isn't open to that kinda stuff but you wouldn't have ponies coming out with pitchforks and potato sacks on their heads. Sure think about it, I still get weird looks because I'm a dragon, I'm an outsider, and always have been. Pinkie Pie is the only pony who openly accepts new ponies and without her all new ponies wouldn't make any friends. I know how important this new, thing, is to you, but you gotta slow down and do things slowly.''

The dragon was right, Twilight couldn't do anything. The mare let out a heavy sigh and put back the unused kitchen table and chair set. Late afternoon and evening went along pretty normally, two ponies, who supposedly hadn't heard about the news and hadn't seen the closed sign, came in and out of the library. Both taking out books, one returning a book. Spike tried at conversation on more than one occasion but Twilight couldn't focus on one thing fro very long. The unicorn lay down in her bed for an early night, refusing supper. Even with way-too-heavy-for-summer blankets, the unicorn felt cold, lonely. Lonely not because Spike set up a permanent bed downstairs but lonely from the feeling that something very important was missing, or that something very important would soon disappear forever.