Love, Trust and Friendship

Chapters

Lunch for Two
Accidentally Overnight
Therapy Session
Date Night
Late Night Promises
Confession
Reconciliation
Epilogue
Trust Falls and Feelings

Lunch for Two

Twilight couldn't remember the last time she slept so well.

She woke to bright sunlight filtering through the windows of her library. Twilight closed her eyes and snuggled into the big, soft pillow she had fallen asleep on. This was the reason she had gotten the pillows made. Too many long nights doing research with a bedroom so far away through the halls. It was easier to sleep in the library when she needed to pass out from exhaustion.

She remembered laying down after Rarity left, intending to just wrap her legs around herself and enjoy the warm feelings Rarity's visit left coursing through her insides. She must have fallen asleep soon after, her muzzle buried in the side of the pillow were Rarity had been laying, her faint scent of fresh linen and berries still lingering.

She cuddled into the blanket she did not remember putting over herself. Spike must have come in at some point and covered her up like he had so many times before.

Oh no, she thought, guilt squeezing her heart. What is Spike going to think about this?

As if to answer her unspoken question, Spike wandered into the library carrying a cup of coffee. "Oh good, you're finally awake," he said, spying Twilight's open eyes. "So you and Rarity huh?"

Twilight blushed. "It would seem so," she said sheepishly. "Are... you OK with that Spike?" Twilight knew better than anypony how much he cared for Rarity, and up until just a moment ago, maybe a bit selfishly, she had put that fact out of her mind. She was terrified of his answer, but felt heartened that he seemed to be in a good mood.

Spike set the coffee cup down on the table (which was lacking the tea set from yesterday, she noticed) and plunked down on the pillow beside Twilight's. "Yeah. Rarity and I had a talk about it yesterday before she came to see you," he said.

Twilight breathed out a sigh of relief, "Well that's good to hear. I'm glad you're not upset with me, or Rarity."

Spike waved a dismissive claw in her general direction saying, "Sure Twi, no hard feelings. It's about time you found somepony anyway! And at least we can both agree about how beautiful she is!"

Twilight picked up the coffee cup from the table and took a sip, partly in a vain attempt to hide her blush, but also because it smelled delicious. Spike did make good coffee.

Spike laughed at her embarrassment, looked at his watch and said, "Hey, we need to get you going if you're going to make lunch at Rarity's. You slept in pretty good."

Twilight was wide awake now. "What? How long did I sleep?!" she asked frantically.

"It's past ten Twi," Spike said with his self-satisfied smile, hopping off his pillow. "With how hard you have been working, I figured you needed the rest. Come on, I have some leftovers from the dinner you were too tired to eat last night," he said with a smile, walking towards the library door.

Twilight got up and stretched, spreading her wings, wincing as a few joints cracked. She knew the little dragon was right, she had been working too hard lately. "What would I do without you Spike?" she questioned idly.

Spike looked back over his should on his way out of the library. "You certainly wouldn't eat, that's for sure," he shot back.

Twilight laughed and felt a giddy surge at the thought of seeing Rarity, her Rarity, again so soon. Big, goofy smile in place, she followed Spike to the kitchen, coffee cup floating beside her.

Once Twilight was fed, showered and properly caffeinated, she walked into her library and checked the clock. I've still got a while before I need to get to Rarity's, she thought. She decided to give the pile of discarded notes a glance. At the very least I can organize them.

Looking at most recent pile of messily scrawled notes, she decided organization was the least of her worries. Wow, she though pulling a wince, No wonder I couldn't make sense out of this spell. About half of the scrawl was almost completely nonsensical.

"I've got time," she said, nodding to herself. Using her magic she lifted the stack of parchment, straightened it, reversed the order so the most recent was on the bottom and set it to the side. Taking out a fresh sheaf of parchment from the stack beneath her the desk, she dipped her quill and got to work copying out a fresh (readable) set of notes.

After a solid fifteen minutes of note taking, she picked out the last few coherent thoughts from the remaining pages and tossed the old stack into the fireplace. Fresh notes complete, the rest of the spell practically wrote itself. Maybe I have been working too hard lately, she thought again.

Twilight glanced at the clock and huffed a disappointed sigh. No time to try this now, she thought. Her disappointment evaporated an instant later when she remembered why she didn't have time. "I need to get going!" she said aloud, prancing just a little on the spot where she stood, face split with a wide grin.

Thoughts of the feel of Rarity's lips flashed through her memory. My first marefriend, she thought giddily, and my first kiss, all in one day! Twilight could feel the heat rising In her cheeks. She couldn't wait to see Rarity again. She had to get going!

But what's the proper etiquette for meeting ones new sweetheart? she thought, stopping to tap her chin lightly with a hoof as she thought. Maybe I can find a book before I leave... No, Rarity said to just see how things went, and besides, I'll be late!

"Spike, I'm heading out!" Twilight called.

"Have fun Twi!" came Spike's response from some distant part of the castle.

"I don't think I'll have to try hard!" she called back.

Twilight strolled through town, a smile fixed on her face. She said hello to a few ponies she knew on the way, but didn't stop to chat like she would have normally done. She simply couldn't wait to get to Rarity's boutique.

When she finally arrived at Carousel Boutique she stopped, suddenly nervous. Why are you hesitating?? her brain screamed. The most beautiful mare in all of Ponyville is waiting just inside that door for YOU.

But that was just it. The last time she was here, she simply wandered in and started yammering at Rarity like nothing was going on, because at the time, nothing was. Now, everything was... different somehow. The old rules didn't apply anymore. She wasn't just visiting a friend for mane accessories. She was visiting her marefriend. Something I've never done before, she thought, her mind starting race.

I wish I had taken the time to find that book on etiquette, she thought, feeling thoroughly lost. She approached the door, still completely unsure of how to proceed. Do I knock? Do I just walk in? What do I-

The door opened, snapping Twilight back to reality

"Darling, why are you just standing there?" asked a perplexed Rarity. Twilight took in the white mare in front of her; measuring tape draped around her neck, fashionable glasses perched on the end of her nose. Even though she was obviously working, her mane was still perfect, no strand out of place, perfect indigo curls streaming down past her shoulders.

"I didn't read my relationship etiquette book!" blurted a frazzled Twilight before she could stop herself.

Twilight saw Rarity raise one elegant eyebrow and then smiled at her. "Come inside dear," she said, then teasingly added, "the sign does say 'Open', after all."

Twilight blushed furiously and gave a nervous, broken laugh, glancing at the "Open" sign hanging in the window next to the door. She stepped past the threshold and Rarity planted a quick kiss on her cheek, before leading her into the main room.

"Do excuse the mess, would you? I've been trying to get caught up on a dreadfully large order," she said setting the measuring tape and glasses onto the work table with her magic.

Twilight gazed at the piles of fabric that covered every surface, the racks of brightly colored dresses, suits and hats, "Rarity, what is all this?" Twilight asked, her anxiousness slowly evaporating. Her brain was working in overdrive trying to make sense of the chaos of colors she found herself in.

"Perhaps a little foolishly, I jumped at the chance to make all of the costumes for the My Fair Pony production happening on Saturday. This all has to be done for tomorrow night." said Rarity, gesturing a hoof at the racks of brightly colored outfits.

Twilight felt a pang of guilt, her ears laying back. She looked sideways at Rarity and said, "Are you sure you have time for lunch? This is an awful lot of-"

"Nonsense!" Rarity quipped, cutting her off. "I will always make time for my special somepony," she said, tapping Twilight lightly on the nose. "Besides," she said, "there's just fittings and alterations left, the rest is just cleanup."

Twilight relaxed. "Is there anything I can do to help with lunch?" she asked Rarity, trying to find some way to make herself useful.

Rarity flipped the sign from 'Open' to 'Closed' saying, "Other than eat it with me? No darling!". She giggled, flashing Twilight a smile. "I had Cafe Hay deliver lunch today. Their delivery menu is actually quite good. Come on up, everything is ready", she said walking to the stairs to the upstairs apartment she shared with Sweetie Belle.

Twilight had been to Carousel Boutique many times, but she had never been to Rarity's actual apartment. Like the rest of the boutique, Rarity's apartment was tastefully decorated. Twilight was lead into the dining room to a small table already laid out with their lunch. Rarity had transferred their order-in meal to lovely, delicate looking plates and set the table with elegant silverware. A simple vase with purple and white flowers sat in the center of the table.

Having just eaten a good helping of Spike's leftovers a few hours ago, she was relieved to see Rarity had ordered a daffodil and daisy salad and a few chocolate croissants for lunch. "This looks lovely Rarity," Twilight said as she sat down across from her marefriend. She picked up one of the lovely forks and stabbed at a dressing soaked daffodil.

"Thank you Twilight," Rarity said smiling. "I figured this almost counts as a date, so I wanted to make it a bit special."

Twilight's eyes popped open, her mouth full of daffodil. She tried to speak, and couldn't.

Rarity giggled at the little display, covering her mouth with a hoof.

Twilight swallowed hard and gasped, "A date??"

"Yes darling, a date. You know, what ponies do when they are in a relationship," she said batting her eyelashes at Twilight.

Sweet Celestia shes gorgeous, thought Twilight. Stop it brain, I'm trying to focus here. Out loud she said, "Well... yes, I know that... I'm just still wrapping my head around the whole thing. A lot has changed in the last day."

Rarity looked at Twilight sympathetically, "Its really only one thing Twilight."

"But its a big thing," Twilight said. This was not the conversation Twilight thought she would be having when she was on her way here.

"I'll agree to that, but we're still friends as well, Twilight. I'm not suddenly a different pony because we have feelings for each other. Everything you know about me is still the same. You are just looking at me differently," Rarity said reassuringly.

"I know," Twilight said, heaving a sigh. She cracked a small, lopsided smile, stabbing another flower with her fork, "Honestly, I think Spike is having an easier time adjusting to it than I am."

"I know you're worried about how things are going to change Twilight, but this isn't something you can think your way through or study for. Just confront every change as it comes up," Rarity said. She ate another bite of her salad. "Besides, Spike has known about my feelings for you for longer than you have. He's had time to get used to the idea," she said.

"Spike knew? How did that happen?" Twilight asked, a quizzical expression on her face.

"At Gummy's party, when I realized I had feelings for you. Apparently, I had a bad poker face that day," Rarity said sheepishly.

"Gummy's party?" Twilight asked, still looking confused.

"Yes Twilight, when you, literally, fell into my hooves during Pinkie Pie's 'Trust Fall' game. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest, " she said with a wide smile.

"Gummy's dentist party? That was months ago! You kept this inside that long?" Twilight asked with a hint of worry.

"Yes, which was foolish of me," Rarity said, looking down at her plate. "So did you get any work done after I left last night?" she said, changing the subject.

Twilight laughed, "Not a bit. I fell asleep after you left. Spike is right, I have been working too hard."

Rarity laughed and said, "That tenacity is part of what makes you who you are. But he is right, every now and then you need a break."

Twilight smiled. "I did get some good work done before I came over. Should be an interesting afternoon of testing," she said.

"Just don't blow up the castle," Rarity said.

"That was once! And it wasn't really my fault," Twilight said, pouting.

Rarity winked. "I'm just teasing you," she said, offering a smile that Twilight returned.

"So you really think you're going to get all those costumes done by tomorrow afternoon?" Twilight asked.

"It must be done, so I'll be working late tonight and early tomorrow. I'll take a break for dinner with Sweetie Belle tonight, then it will be back to work," she said, seemingly unconcerned.

"I still think you need some help," Twilight said incredulously.

"Honestly, I only took on such a big project so I would have too much work and no time to think..." Rarity said looking away from Twilight. Looking back with pained eyes, she said, "Now all I want is some free time, for us."

Twilight wanted to take Rarity's pain away. She felt the same longing, wishing they had more time together. She had an idea. "But you'll be done tomorrow afternoon right?" Twilight asked hopefully.

"I have to be, or I will be disappointing a lot of ponies," Rarity said, pulling a wince.

"Well, how about you come over tomorrow after you get the last costume sent off? I'll get Lotus and Aloe to make a house call and we'll have an at home spa night," Twilight suggested.

Rarity's eyes lit up. "That sounds absolutely lovely, I could use a quiet night in," she said. Then, "While we're making plans, I would like to propose an actual date! Given that I took on the costumes, I got a pair of tickets to the Saturday showing of My Fair Pony. We can go to dinner, get all dressed up, it'll be wonderful!"

"That sounds like fun Rarity, but..." Twilight started hesitantly.

"But what, darling?" Rarity questioned.

"Well, you know last night was my first kiss... and this is my first date. I guess I'm just a bit nervous. Especially because no one knows... you know... I like mares..." Twilight said, biting her lip, looking away from Rarity.

"I understand you're nervous Twilight, this is all a bit sudden, but I think you're making it out to be a bigger in your head than it really is," Rarity said reassuringly.

"You think so? I don't know..." Twilight said. She didn't feel convinced. They thought of everypony finding out something like this made her stomach feel twisted in knots.

"Yes I do, but I'll compromise with you. Let's go out, but just not make a big display of it. As far as anypony else will know, we're just out as friends," Rarity offered, adding, "But I don't want to make 'us' a secret-"

"Of course not!" Twilight cut in. "I'm not ashamed of 'us' or anything... I just need some time to get comfortable with it," she said, giving Rarity a pleading look. Was it getting hot? Twilight felt like the temperature went up a few degrees.

"It's OK twilight, I never assumed you were ashamed. We can do whatever makes you feel comfortable, but you need to realize that everypony will find out eventually," Rarity said.

Twilight smiled and stuck her tongue out at Rarity.

Rarity laughed, lit her horn and picked their finished lunch dishes with her magic. "I think you'll find Ponyville is much more accepting of this kind of thing than you think," she said over her shoulder on her way into the kitchen.

Twilight stood up from the table and walked towards the kitchen. "Alright. We'll go, as a... couple," she said.

Rarity poked her head out of the kitchen. "Really?" she asked, eyes shining.

Twilight nodded. "You're right, I can't hide it and I don't want to," she said. "I'm just afraid of what everypony will think when they find out I'm not exactly what they thought I was," she said looking down at the floor, rubbing her foreleg self-consciously.

Rarity stepped closer to Twilight and tilted her head up with a hoof. "It doesn't matter what other ponies think darling," she said, "the girls and I will support you whether you like mares or manticores, that's what matters." Before Twilight could say anything, Rarity leaned in and kissed her. Twilight's heart gave a flutter and she closed her eyes. Twilight felt Rarity's mouth open just a bit just before she pulled away, leaving her breathless. Twilight hummed contentedly and nuzzled Rarity's cheek.

"Well Twilight," Rarity said, "I wish we had more time to talk, but my next appointment will be showing up any minute now."

"Just one more before I go," Twilight said, pressing her lips to Rarity's. This time, Twilight opened her mouth and was rewarded as she felt Rarity's tongue brush against her lips, sending shivers across her entire body. They broke away a few seconds later, both catching their breath, Twilight's heart was pounding in her chest. Twilight looked into Rarity's sapphire eyes, holding her gaze, feeling her cheeks burning.

Rarity leaned in and nuzzled Twilight's cheek. "You best get going Twilight, or I'm not going to let you leave," she whispered into Twilight's ear.

Twilight shuddered in pleasure, breathing out a sigh. Sweet Celestia I want her tongue in my mouth again, she thought. "But I don't want to go," she whispered into Rarity's ear.

Rarity pulled back with a low laugh, giving Twilight a sweet smile. "Now, you don't want to make me late for my customers do you?" she asked Twilight in a teasing tone.

Twilight was having trouble thinking of anything but the feel of Rarity's tongue in her mouth. "I suppose not," she managed.

Rarity brushed past Twilight, swishing her tail playfully under Twilight's muzzle. "Come along darling, I'll walk you out," she said.

Twilight turned and followed behind Rarity, her heart still hammering in her chest. The view she got of Rarity's smooth, white flank as she followed her down the stairs did nothing to help slow it down.

Twilight was walking, but she didn't really want to go home yet. I can't forget to stop at the spa before I go home, she reminded herself. She decided to take the long way to the spa through the park and enjoy the sunshine and think. An actual date! Imagine, me on a date, she thought. Rarity's tongue in my mouth, she thought, her heart skipping a beat. Twilight closed her eyes for just a few seconds, replaying the memory.

The more she thought about the kiss and Rarity whispering in her ear, the less she thought about how worried she had been about going out with Rarity in public. At least Rarity is being understanding, Twilight thought. But she's also not entirely letting me off the hook either. I don't want us to be a secret. Honestly I don't think we could. Rarity's a bit too gossipy for that, everyone would know soon enough. I can't wait for tomorrow night! To get-

Twilight was startled out of her thoughts when a voice shouted, "Hey egghead!" She looked up just in time to see Rainbow Dash land on the ground directly in front of her.

"Rainbow Dash," Twilight said irritably, "don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Pfft," Rainbow Dash huffed. "I tried to get your attention, but you were so wrapped up in here," Rainbow Dash said, tapping Twilight on the head for emphasis, "that you didn't hear me."

Twilight brushed Rainbow Dash's hoof away saying, "Sorry Rainbow, I just have a bit on my mind." Then she squealed, "Which reminds me! I have good news!"

"Awesome! Whats going on?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well.. its about me and Rarity. We decided to...", Twilight started and stopped. It's just Dash! This should be easy enough! Come on mouth, make words! her brain screamed.

"Decided to...", Rainbow Dash said slowly, making a circle in the air with her hoof, looking impatient.

"Well... MeAndRarityAreDating!" Twilight said excitedly, blushing a deep shade of red.

Rainbow Dash looked stunned, her right eye twitched slightly. "What?" she asked.

"Me and Rarity are dating! Isn't that great!?' Twilight enthused. Wow, its gets easier every time I say it! This date thing might not be so hard after all, she thought hopefully.

"You're into mares?" Rainbow Dash asked, her usually squeaky voice a bit higher than usual.

"Yeah... I mean... I haven't really told anypony, except you, just now. Although I think it's going to become common knowledge pretty soon." Twilight said.

"When did this happen?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Huh? Oh, last night. Rarity came over and told me how she felt, and I freaked out a bit," Twilight laughed, "but we decided we would be marefriends! I've never actually dated anypony before. Until last night I hadn't even had a first kiss. That's all taken care of now, and me and Rarity are going on an actual date Saturday!" Twilight stopped. She noticed Rainbow Dash was starting to look upset. "Dash? Whats wrong?"

Rainbow Dash looked away. "Nothing Twilight, I'm fine," she said.

"No, you're not. I'm telling you one of the happiest things I've had happen to me in, I don't know, forever, and you look like Tank just died!" Twilight said accusingly, her eyes narrowing. "Aren't you happy for me?" she asked.

Rainbow Dash winced. "Sure Twi, I'm happy for you and Rarity. I... I just have to go. Catch you later," Rainbow Dash said, spreading her wings.

"Dash wait!" Twilight pleaded, but Rainbow Dash had already rocketed off into the air, leaving a rainbow trail fading behind her. Twilight knew she wasn't fast enough to catch Dash if she didn't want to be caught. What the hay was that about? she wondered, Of all ponies, Dash should have been happiest for me.

I'll figure Dash out later, Twilight thought to herself. For now, I need to see how much it'll cost to get Lotus and Aloe to work late on a Friday night, she thought. She turned in the direction of the spa and got going, thoughts of kisses, soft white fur and sapphire eyes swirling in her head.

Accidentally Overnight

Rarity woke early the next morning, groaning at the alarm clock. She rolled onto her side, pulling off her sleeping mask. Six AM indeed, she thought blearily, tapping the alarm clock to silence it's call to wakefulness.

Out of sheer force of habit, Rarity flopped out of bed onto her hoofs, stretching and letting out a yawn. Eyes still half closed, she lit her horn and made quick work of smoothing her pillows and tucking sheets and blanket like she did every morning. First thing already accomplished for the day, she thought with a small, sleepy smile.

Last night had been absolute chaos. Between appointments, Rarity had managed to get in dinner with Sweetie Belle more or less on time, which had the little filly in a good mood and just bubbling over with chitchat. Rarity barely said a word as Sweetie Belle chattered on about her latest adventure with her fellow crusaders. The rest of the night was a blur of bodies and fabric that ended with Rarity practically falling into bed around midnight.

Now for the second thing; coffee and breakfast, Rarity thought as she trotted to the kitchen.

Rarity put the coffee on and decided on having a leftover chocolate croissant while she waited. So busy talking yesterday, we didn't even finish lunch. Poor Twilight and her over-analysis, at least it wasn't hard to pull her out of it. She must be as taken with me as I am with her.

The small kitchen had filled with the smell of fresh coffee while Rarity was daydreaming. Thank goodness, she thought, using her magic to pour herself a cup. I'm going to need a few of these today.

While she drank her coffee, she made some pancakes for Sweetie Belle. Her little sister wouldn't be up for another hour, so she put the stack of pancakes on a plate in the oven and stuck a note to the handle.

Rarity checked the time. Her first appointment would be in at seven and it was already half past six. Best get going, she thought.

Rarity headed to her bathroom humming a happy tune to herself, taking off her pajamas and throwing them into a white wicker hamper. She turned on the water to the shower and let it heat up while she brushed her teeth.

Once inside the shower, she leaned her tired head against the wall tiles, eyes closed, letting the hot water do its job of loosening her sore body. Thoughts of Twilight started to trickle through her mind; kissing, tongues intertwined, running hooves through her mane, nibbling her ears, pinning Twilight down and sliding down her body, kissing her way down her stomach-No time for that this morning! she thought, eyes snapping open.

Rarity made quick work of washing up and got herself out of the shower, hoping she hadn't spent too much time with her shower fantasies.

Twilight woke much later that morning. She eyed the rays of sunlight peeking through the cracks in the curtains. I could get used to this 'sound sleeping' thing, she thought idly. Best get up and get the day started.

Twilight slid slowly out of her bed, stretching her sleep-heavy legs and opening her wings as wide as they would go. she lit her horn and pulled her blanket more or less straight, giving it a little flap and letting it fall gently back onto her mattress. Good enough, she thought. She threw open the curtains, squinting into the full glare of the sun now streaming into her room. Fastest way to wake up in the morning, she thought, feeling the sun heat her coat.

Twilight turned away from the window. She could smell breakfast being made. Mmm, waffles! But shower first. She had spent quite a while fantasizing about Rarity last night, tossing and turning, mind filled with thoughts of caressing hooves, smooth white flanks and bodies pressed together. She felt a bit of a mess. No sense having Spike see me with my mane all tangled.

Twilight headed into her bathroom to get ready for the day.

Later that morning Twilight trotted into the throne room. She'd had a quick breakfast with Spike before he had taken off on his errands. He had assured her that she and Rarity would have some privacy tonight.

Twilight slowed her pace as she passed through the doorway, looking at the Cutie Map that dominated the center of the room. You've been quiet lately. Not that I'm complaining. I like having my friends home. Constantly sending her friends on missions across Equestria with very limited information was always stressful for her. I'd rather go myself, then at least my friends won't be in danger without me there to help.

Twilight looked up from the Cutie Map to the roots of her old library suspended from the ceiling, a familiar pang of loss prodding her heart. It really was beautiful though, the jewels her friends had hung glittered in the morning sunlight. Jewels filled with the memories they had shared before her library was destroyed. She sighed. At least I have been busy filling this new castle with memories, she thought with a small smile, like my first kiss.

Twilight hoped Rarity would be up for making a few more memories like that tonight. She remembered the feel of Rarity's lips on hers, her mind then wandering back to last night's fantasizing.

Well, I can think about things like that while I get the dressing room set up for Lotus and Aloe. Twilight turned around and headed back out the door. She smiled to herself as she walked through the halls, one of her favorite fantasies surfacing. She'd had fantasies about Rarity before she knew Rarity actually had feelings for her, she was gorgeous after all. This new knowledge had just caused the fantasies take on a more sensual quality.

Rarity did a lot more kissing in this fantasy as she lay on top of Twilight, pinning her to the bed. Too soon for that to actually happen yet, she reminded herself. But hopefully not that long either...

Not long before Rarity was due to arrive, Lotus Blossom and Aloe arrived carrying portable massage tables slung over their backs. "Evening Lotus, Aloe," Twilight said with a polite nod.

"Good evening Princess," Lotus Blossom said formally.

"I'll show you to the dressing room so you can get set up," Twilight said turning and heading into the castle, Lotus Blossom and Aloe following behind.

Twilight turned to look back at Lotus Blossom saying, "Thank you again for coming at such short notice. I really appreciate you taking the time."

"It's no trouble at all Princess," Lotus Blossomed assured her. "We don't mind doing special orders for our best clients. And you and I both know Miss Rarity is one of our best," she said with a wink.

Twilight chuckled. It was true, Rarity spent a lot of time at the Ponyville Day Spa.

Twilight pushed open the door to the dressing room with her magic, leading the spa ponies in. "I cleared the middle of the floor and found some comfy chairs. Matches are on the side table with the rest of the supplies," she said giving a glance around the room.

"Sounds good," Lotus Blossom said with a nod. "We'll just get everything ready and call you in," she added.

Twilight left the spa ponies to their work and headed back to the throne room, sitting in her place at the Cutie Map. Twilight was feeling a mix of nervous excitement at the thought of Rarity being here soon. She started pacing back and forth behind her chair, then, catching herself pacing, sat back down. I hope she gets here soon. This waiting is killing m-

Twilight looked up from the map when she heard the sound of hooves on the floor. "Rarity!" she called happily as she spotted her marefriend in the doorway, getting up to trot across the floor to meet her.

"Evening, Twilight," Rarity said, a smile touching her lips.

Twilight stopped in front of Rarity and leaned in, giving her a slow, but chaste kiss before pulling away.

"It's so good to see you," Twilight said, nuzzling Rarity's cheek, breathing in the scent of her mane, linen and berries again, why do you have to smell so good?.

"It's been absolute torture being away from you," Rarity said, leaning into Twilight, her voice shaking just a bit. "But I'm so happy to finally be all yours for tonight."

"You sound exhausted," Twilight said pulling away. "Come on and sit down," she offered, trotting towards her place at the Cutie Map.

"Thank you, darling," Rarity said. She followed Twilight, sitting down heavily in one of the chairs, leaning against the back. "I have a bit of a confession to make," she said not meeting Twilight's gaze.

Twilight's started, not sure what to expect. "Oh?" she said, trying to keep her voice from cracking.

"I spoke to Applejack when I dropped Sweetie Belle off for the weekend. I kind of told her about... us." She winced, looking down at the floor. "I know you didn't want to advertise our relationship right away, but it was really an accident... it just kind of slipped out, and I couldn't think of any way to explain-"

"It's OK, Rarity." Twilight says, cutting her off, feeling more than just a bit relieved.

"Are you sure, darling?" Rarity asked looked up, hope in her eyes.

"Yeah... Like you said, they're going to find out anyway," she said with a shrug. "Besides, I ran into Rainbow Dash yesterday and told her about us."

Rarity looked genuinely surprised. "You did? And here I was working myself into a fit thinking you'd be upset with me," she said with a laugh, smile returning. "So you told Rainbow Dash?"

"Yeah, but she was really weird about it. She took off before I could find out what was going on with her," Twilight said, brow wrinkling at the memory. "I figured she'd be happy about it."

"Well dearest, maybe she's just upset shes not not the only one who likes mares. She always did like the all the attention it garnered her," Rarity said flippantly.

"She does have quite the ego," Twilight said dubiously.

"Regardless," Rarity said, "Applejack was actually quite happy for us. She said she can't wait to actually see us together. When you're ready of course."

"Well that's going to be awkward," Twilight said with a snort.

"Well darling..." Rarity said getting up and crossing the short distance to Twilight's chair. "Given recent developments, can we say you're feeling better about 'us'?" she asked, her voice low.

"It does," Twilight breathed. She suddenly found it very hard to think with Rarity so close, not touching, but almost.

"I'm glad," Rarity said, giving Twilight another kiss. Twilight made a small noise, leaning into the kiss. Their lips parted, tongues brushing lightly against each other.

Rarity pulled away a few seconds later, lowering her chin and looking at Twilight with sultry, half-lidded eyes. She smiled and bit her lower lip. Twilight could feel heat flooding her face, her heart beating fast. So gorgeous... how did I get so lucky?

A small, polite noise came from the back of the room. Twilight and Rarity turned to look for the source, finding Lotus Blossom standing in the doorway. "We're ready for you now, ladies," she said in a low, soothing voice.

Twilight hopped out of her chair as she and Rarity broke into giggles, following the spa pony out of the throne room. Lotus Blossom led them down the hall to Twilight's dressing room which had been re-purposed for their evening.

"Oh Twilight, this is wonderful," Rarity gasped as she entered.

The lamps along the walls had been turned down, candles scattered around the room offered a soft orange glow, casting flickering shadows as the spa ponies moved quietly around the room. Soothing music played on the gramophone in the corner. Lotus Blossom closed the door behind them, shutting out the world beyond.

The two massage tables had been set up in the center of the room. Lotus guided Rarity to her table, while Aloe motioned Twilight to hers.

Once Twilight was comfortable on her table Aloe quietly asked, "Anywhere in particular Princess?"

Twilight gave an experimental shift. "Wings and shoulders, please," she replied settling her face into the hole in the table. Aloe stretched out Twilight's wings beside her on the table.

She faintly heard Rarity request neck and shoulders before Aloe's skilled hooves went to work and drowned out everything else.

When Aloe was finished working all the knots out of her body, Twilight flopped gracelessly off of the table. Her entire body felt loose and slightly sore. Aloe helped her into a fluffy white bathrobe.

"Princess," Aloe said quietly, "you need to fly more often. Your wings will stiffen and get sore if you don't use them."

"Thank you, Aloe," Twilight whispered back, "I'll try to get a flight or two in a day."

"Just try flying for your errands," Aloe suggested. "When you're not with Miss Rarity of course," she added.

Twilight blushed and glanced at Rarity who was wearing a sleepy looking smile and a bathrobe.

Lotus Blossom and Aloe led their charges over to a pair of overstuffed chairs and had them lie back. The spa ponies went to work applying facial masks to Rarity and Twilight. Twilight's world went dark as cucumber slices were applied to her eyes.

Aloe brushed Twilight's hoof with her own to let her know she was going to start her hooficure.

As the spa ponies went to work, Twilight and Rarity sat in comfortable silence enjoying the soft music and smell of scented candles. Twilight broke the silence first, "So did you get all of your fittings sorted out?"

"Oh yes," Rarity said smiling to herself. "It was fabulous! All the cast were so happy with their costumes. Some were even practicing their dances while I was finishing up others. It was quite the scene in the boutique for a while," she reminisced. "The director was also very pleased with the results," Rarity said with just a hint of smugness, "but I dare say I'll be hiring an assistant before doing another commission like that again."

Twilight chuckled. "You should have just let me help you, I would have loved to play assistant."

"Yes, but then you'd have had no time to test your spell. How did that go by the way?" Rarity inquired.

"Complete success!" Twilight said triumphantly."In that, the simulated flames did not turn into real flames again... and catch the library curtains on fire... Like last time..." she admitted a bit sheepishly.

"Excellent news," Rarity said.

"I'll say," Twilight agreed, "It took forever to get the smell of smoke out of the library last time..."

"Mmmhmm," Rarity responded.

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the soothing music and the soft hush of the files on their hooves. Twilight wasn't sure, but she thought Rarity might have dozed off for a while.

After a while Lotus Blossom announced quietly, "All finished ladies, let's get you cleaned up."

Aloe pulled the cucumber slices from Twilight's eyes and began to clean the mask off her face with a warm cloth. Twilight enjoyed this part the most. She loved the feeling of the warm cloth against her face and the cool, fresh feeling after the mask was wiped away.

Twilight got up from her chair and stretched, enjoying the feel of her freshly filed hooves on the floor. She trotted over to Lotus Blossom. "Thank you for coming tonight," she said. Lighting her horn, Twilight magicked a small purse of bits from a side table drawer, dropping them on the nearest massage table. "For your trouble," she said with a smile.

"No trouble at all Princess," Lotus said with a small smile. "We'll show ourselves out after we tidy up. You ladies have a nice evening," she said with a nod of her head.

Twilight took off her bathrobe and draped it over the arm of the chair she had been sitting in and started towards the door. Rarity followed suit and met Twilight at the door.

"Come on," Twilight said, giving Rarity a mischievous smile and heading down the hall.

"What are up to Twilight?" Rarity asked following close behind.

"You'll see..." Twilight said opening the door to the library.

Trotting into the library, Rarity chuckled, saying, "You really have been busy haven't you?"

Candles glowed around the library. The couch had been moved in front of the fireplace, the over-sized pillows from the other night were nowhere to be found.

Twilight lit her horn and, using her magic, set the old notes and firewood in the fireplace alight. "I did have some help," she said pushing the door closed.

"It's perfect," Rarity said, turning her head to give Twilight a kiss. Twilight's heart fluttered. Why did I go so long without this, she thought.

Twilight opened her mouth against the kiss, again feeling Rarity's tongue slide just past her lips. Tentatively, she probed with her own tongue, sliding it over Rarity's.

A low moan escaped from Rarity's throat as she leaned into the kiss.

Twilight let out a little squeak as she pulled out of the kiss, breathing hard as she tried to catch her breath. Her legs feeling a bit wobbly.

"Why don't we sit," Rarity suggested, sounding as shaky as Twilight felt.

"Mhm," was all Twilight could manage.

They trotted around the couch, Twilight sat down by the arm while Rarity climbed up beside her. Twilight turned her head towards Rarity to come in for another kiss. Her lips found their mark and she was rewarded when she felt Rarity's tongue slide into her mouth again. Twilight closed her eyes, giving in to the glorious feel of Rarity's kisses and the soft noises her marefriend was making.

Rarity pulled back from the kiss leaving Twilight breathless, tearing her back to reality with a jolt. Twilight tried to go back in for another kiss but was stopped by a delicate white hoof. Rarity giggled. "Ah ah," she chided, putting her hoof under Twilight's chin and gently turning Twilight's head forward.

Twilight wasn't sure what was happening until she felt Rarity lean in and start to trail kisses down her jawline. Twilight closed her eyes, mouth opening slightly at the wonderful feeling. Rarity stopped just below Twilight's ear, sucking and nibbling the sensitive skin. Twilight bit her lip. She loved the feeling of Rarity kissing her like this, it was so different from a regular kiss.

Rarity stopped her nibbling, trailing her tongue up to Twilight's ear. Rarity ran her tongue along the edge of her ear, breathing gently as she did so. Twilight gasped in pleasure, shivers running down her body. A small moan escaped her lips when Rarity gently bit the tip of her ear, sucking gently. "Rarity," she breathed.

"Do you like this?" Rarity whispered into her ear. She began tracing a line with her lips down to Twilight's jaw again

"Mhm," Twilight managed, eyes still closed.

Rarity began to kiss and nibble her way down Twilight neck. Shivers wracked Twilight's body again, she couldn't wait anymore. Twilight turned her head, pulling away, searching for Rarity's mouth. She kissed Rarity, tongues probing each other's mouths. Twilight's head was spinning with pleasure, she'd never felt anything so amazing, so beautiful as what she'd shared with Rarity tonight.

Twilight didn't want the kiss to end. She opened her eyes as Rarity broke away, breathing hard. They looked into each eyes, violet reflecting in sapphire, faces flushed. Rarity leaned in and kissed Twilight again. Twilight's world turned into dark bliss as she closed her eyes, feeling Rarity's mouth on hers. She felt Rarity's hooves running over her shoulders, one hoof hooking behind her head, pulling her into the kiss.

Twilight mirrored the gesture, running her other hoof through Rarity's curling indigo mane. With her hoof still behind Rarity's head, Twilight broke the kiss and kissed her way down Rarity's jawline. She was rewarded with a sigh from Rarity lips. Twilight brushed her lips against Rarity's neck and back up towards her ear.

"Mmmm, nibble right there," Rarity all but moaned.

Twilight nibbled the edge as Rarity's ear as instructed, and was rewarded as her entire body shook and she let out a little squeal. Twilight wrapped her hooves around Rarity, pressing their bodies together while she nibbled her ear. Twilight's heart hammering as she felt Rarity's body continue to quiver. Twilight stopped nibbling, loosening her grip on her marefriend, and began to kiss her way down Rarity's neck. Rarity leaned into the kisses, sighing.

Twilight brought herself back up and their eyes met again. Rarity leaned in for another long, deep kiss, tongues swirling. They broke the kiss, lips still touching, ragged breaths mixing together. Twilight pressed her lips to Rarity's in a long, slow kiss.

Rarity pulled away a few seconds later and nuzzled Twilight's cheek. "Hold me?" she whispered.

Twilight leaned against the arm of the couch, pulling Rarity to lean against her neck. She wrapped her forelegs around Rarity, tilting her head to snuggle her marefriend. They sat like that, warmed by the heat of the fire and their own desire for a while. Twilight enjoyed the feel of their bodies pressed together, the smell of Rarity's mane, the heat from the fireplace. Twilight found her mind quiet for the first time in ages. Replacing the near constant chatter of her own thoughts was a calm, quiet hum of happiness and contentment.

"Thank you for tonight Twilight," Rarity said sleepily "It was absolutely perfect."

"It was", Twilight agreed looking into the fire. The flames reflected in the glass of the candle holders scattered around the library. When she blurred her eyes they almost looked like twinkling stars.

"I wish we could just stay right here," Rarity whispered dreamily.

Twilight squeezed her in response.

A short time later, or maybe it was a long time, Twilight wasn't sure (she was having difficulty gauging time with Rarity), she heard Rarity's breathing deepen and become more regular. Twilight's heart fluttered again. She fell asleep, she thought happily. Well, I'm certainly not going to wake her.

Twilight lit her horn and used her magic to grab a blanket from the back of an overstuffed chair. She gently spread it over herself and Rarity, feeling the familiar soft tingle of her magic as it brushed against them. She then used her magic to flick the candles out, one by one, until just the fire was left burning.

"Goodnight love," she whispered to Rarity, brushing a gentle kiss against her mane. Twilight settled herself into a comfortable position, careful not to disturb Rarity. Relaxing against the couch and her marefriend, Twilight closed her eyes and let her thoughts sail through a sea of nibbles and kisses as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Therapy Session

Rainbow Dash landed heavily on the cottage steps. She could feel the weight of the last day pressing down on her. She was exhausted mentally from chasing the same thoughts around her head all night. The one thought that kept coming up was how she had ran from Twilight. She knew she shouldn't have bolted like she did when Twilight told her, but she hadn't known what else to do. Twilight probably knows something is up, she thought for what was likely the hundredth time since yesterday. But then, she can be a bit dense sometimes...

Rainbow knocked on the door. I can't believe she's dating somepony! I should just tell her how I feel... But what if that bucks everything up? I just don't know what to do...

Rainbow sighed heavily. head hanging.

I hope Fluttershy has some ideas...

Fluttershy always knew what Rainbow should be doing. Not that I always listen to her all the time, but she is usually right.

Rainbow felt the sting of tears in the back of her eyes as the loss crept up on her. She should have been mine, she thought in frustration, but I missed my chance.

The door opened and Fluttershy peeked her head out. "Yes? Oh, hi Dash-" she started happily until she saw the look in Rainbow's eyes. "Are you OK?" she asked worriedly.

"No..." Rainbow said looking down, feeling a tear run down her cheek.

"Oh dear," Fluttershy said opening her door and coming out on the step. She wrapped Rainbow in a warm hug. Rainbow hugged her back with a foreleg, resting her head on Fluttershy's shoulder.

"Come inside Dashie," Fluttershy said, pulling away. "Tell me what's going on."

Rainbow rubbed her eyes and followed her friend inside. Fluttershy closed the door behind them and lead her to the table.

Rainbow collapsed into a chair, Fluttershy sitting down beside her.

"Now, tell me what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked, a concerned look in her eyes.

"It's Twilight.." Rainbow croaked, her throat threatening to close around the words.

"Oh no," Fluttershy gasped. 'You didn't tell her did you?"

Rainbow was startled out of her misery. "No Shy!" she protested. You've already told me a hundred times not to...

Fluttershy flinched at the outburst. "Well then, what happened?" she pressed.

Rainbow felt her misery settle back on her. "Twilight... she's seeing sompony."

"Oh, Dash... I'm so sorry to hear that..." Fluttershy said with a sympathetic look.

"Shes seeing Rarity..." Rainbow added.

"What?" Fluttershy gasped, wide-eyed.

"I know right... I mean, it's bad enough that she's seeing somepony, but she seeing a mare and its Rarity!" Rainbow said, pressing her hooves into her eyes in frustration.

Fluttershy, a shocked expression still on her face, asked, "When did this happen?"

Rainbow lowered her hooves and thought back to her encounter with Twilight, trying to recall the details, "I don't know... I guess Wednesday?"

Fluttershy looked at Dash, "OK, just tell me what happened."

Rainbow took a deep breath, trying to calm the quivering feeling she felt in her voice. "I saw her walking through the park yesterday when I was flying over town, so I tried to get her attention, but she was all head in the clouds while sitting on the ground like she usually is, so I dropped in front of her." She took another breath before continuing. "She said she had news, and that her and Rarity were dating... it was the last thing I was expecting... I probably should have handled it better..."

"Did you say anything?" Fluttershy asked with a serious tone in her quiet voice.

Rainbow started, "What? No!"

"Dashie..." Fluttershy said, almost a question.

She doesn't believe me, Rainbow thought. Yeah, okay. I wouldn't believe me either...

Rainbow met her gaze. "No Shy, I didn't. I hardly said anything before I took off."

Fluttershy relaxed. "You just took off and left her there? Oh my..." she scolded.

Rainbow looked down at the table, one hoof tracing the grain of the wood. "Well... I didn't know what to do... I was kinda shocked, Shy. She said I was acting weird, and I didn't know what to do, so I made a lame excuse and took off before she could get anything out of me."

"So what are you going to do?" Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow looked up from the table, "I don't know. That's why I'm here, you always seem to know what to do. Like, should I just tell her my feelings and everything?"

Fluttershy jumped in her seat, "No Dash! You shouldn't do that... she just started seeing Rarity. Telling her now would just upset her."

Rainbow glanced away from Fluttershy. Great. There goes the best thing I've thought of... She sighed. "Well, what should I do? I've been trying to figure it out all night, and the only things I can think of are things you will probably say are bad ideas!"

Fluttershy gave Rainbow a sympathetic smile. "You need to leave it be Dash," she said quietly.

Rainbow smacked her hoof on the table. "Dammit Shy!" she yelled, making Fluttershy wince. But she didn't back down, Rainbow thought with annoyance. The hurt, frustration and the loss came crashing down on her. She could feel the tears coming again, burning her eyes. "I.. I just can't believe... I missed out, ya know? She's with Rarity now... and you're saying I shouldn't tell her how I feel. But I want to... so much..." Tears were blurring her vision.

Fluttershy frowned. "Telling her now would just hurt her, and complicate her relationship with Rarity."

"They've only been together since Wednesday!" Rainbow pleaded, squeezing the tears out of her eyes.

"Yes, but Twilight isn't like other ponies Dash," Fluttershy explained. "She just started seeing Rarity, and it's probably turned her whole world upside down. You know she's never dated anypony before."

That made Rainbow pause. I keep forgetting how... inexperienced Twilight is. Compared to me she's practically a saint, she thought dejectedly. "Well yeah... I know that.... I dunno Shy... I mean, I really like her. I just didn't know how to tell her... she's so awkward... I wanted to be sure I'd say the right thing and not just buck it all up 'cause I didn't know if she liked mares or not, and I could never figure it out... I was even thinking about the whole settling down thing for her..." Rainbow rambled. Catching herself, she closed her mouth, looking down at the table again.

"Dash," Fluttershy said in a soothing voice, "if you're going to talk about settling down, there's another mare you should be thinking about, not Twilight."

Rainbow stiffened, fresh pain turning into a wave of old regret. "Don't even start with that."

"You know I'm right," Fluttershy said simply. "I think you're misplacing your feelings."

Rainbow sighed heavily. Somepony is being bold today, she thought as regret gave way to anger. "What I feel is for Twilight, and I would appreciate it if we could not talk about all the things I've screwed up in the past. And I don't want to just let it be, I want to tell her, and I want her to dump Rarity and choose me."

Rainbow felt a little guilty as Fluttershy hid behind her mane. The guilt vanished a second layer. "That's not going to happen Dash," Fluttershy said quietly.

"Yeah... But it might," Rainbow said, feeling much less hopeful than the words sounded.

"No," Fluttershy said lifting her head, a hint of rare exasperation creeping into her voice. "It won't. It can't. Because for that to happen, you'd have to tell her how you feel, and you're not doing that because of all the pain it could cause your friends."

Rainbow thumped her head down on Fluttershy's table. "It's not fair!" She complained against the smooth wood.

Fluttershy raised her hoof and began rubbing Rainbow's back long, slow strokes. "No one ever said it would be," she said sympathetically. "But this isn't just about your feelings anymore."

Rainbow lifted her head off the table. "But... I mean... Rarity can't even fly! How is Twilight supposed to be with somepony who can't fly?" she said, knowing how petty it sounded.

"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy gasped, removing her hoof from her friend's back. "That's a horrible thing to say!"

"Well it's true," Rainbow sulked, knowing she was reaching for any excuse to counter Fluttershy's advice.

"Rarity doesn't need wings to love Twilight and it's unfair for you to say so," Fluttershy chided her friend.

Rainbow closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath. Quiet tears rolled down her cheeks as another wave of sadness rolled over her. It's too hard, she thought. I can't do this. I can't not do anything!

Fluttershy's expression softened again. "I know you're hurting Dash, and I wish I could do something for you, but this is something that is just going to take time and acceptance," she said, wrapping a foreleg around her friend, squeezing her tight.

Rainbow leaned into Fluttershy. "Why does everything have to take time?" she asked quietly.

"You can't rush the heart," Fluttershy said, letting her go. "Look, why don't you stay here tonight? We can have a sleepover and talk about this. We'll get you through it."

Rainbow didn't want to listen to anymore of Fluttershy's good advice. I don't want to listen to her talk about how I shouldn't do anything, she thought. It's even more depressing than losing Twilight... Out loud she said, "I don't know Shy. I think I just need to go get some air. I'm gonna go fly around a bit... Clear my head." She got up from the table and started to trot towards the door.

Fluttershy's eyes narrowed. "Dash, don't go and do something..." she said, trailing off.

"Stupid?" Rainbow finished for her, voice thick with sarcasm.

"Rash." Fluttershy corrected.

"I won't Shy," Rainbow said with a small laugh. "Thanks for the talk."

Fluttershy trotted up to Rainbow and gave her another hug. "Anytime." Fluttershy released her. "Take care of yourself."

"I will," Rainbow said as she opened the door and stepped out. Closing the door behind her, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. So I'm just supposed to do nothing? she thought with irritation. No sense in sitting at home doing nothing...

Rainbow Dash spread her wings and launched herself into the air, spiraling up into the sky. The wind in her face, Ponyville shrinking below her, for just a moment, everything felt OK again. I can't just do nothing, she thought pulling a wide arc across the countryside. Maybe I'll see if Spring Step wants to go out. She's been making eyes at me lately. Maybe she'll finally take me up on my offer.

If nothing else, she'll give me a distraction from the whole Twilight business. Feeling a bit better at having a plan in place, she changed direction and headed towards Cloudsdale.

Date Night

Rarity woke the next morning to sunlight peeking through the library windows. The library? she thought blearily. She was wrapped in a blanket, snuggled into a pillow that smelled of parchment, ink and... violets. Rarity's heart sang, her mind buzzing with joy, I'm waking up next to Twilight! Please let it not be a dream.

Rarity heard a yawn from slightly above her, followed by a sleepy, "Good morning," from a voice she knew very well.

"Good morning," Rarity replied, nuzzling her lavender pillow. "It would appear I dozed off... rather heavily..."

Twilight chuckled. "You could say that," she said, "and it seemed far too cruel to wake you. You looked so adorable curled up with me."

"I'll bet I did," Rarity said, shifting so she could look at her marefriend. She gave Twilight a kiss on the cheek. "There's no shame in wanting to get me into bed," she said teasingly.

"That's not what-" Twilight started until she noticed Rarity's smile. She growled and reached her hooves out, pulling Rarity into a hug, nipping playfully at her ear.

Rarity closed her eyes snuggling in, "It's too early for that, darling," she groaned struggling gently against Twilight's hold on her, not really wanting to get away."Besides, I am in desperate need of coffee and a shower. My mane must look dreadful," she said dramatically.

"You look beautiful," Twilight said releasing Rarity's ear. She stroked her back, tracing the curve of Rarity's spine.

Rarity snuggled back into Twilight with a happy sigh. A shower can wait for a little while, she thought. They lay together for a while longer, slowly waking up.

Twilight lit her horn, using her magic to throw open the curtains. Rarity closed her eyes against the sudden flood of sunlight into the library. "Why in the world would you do that?" she moaned.

"The quickest way to wake up in the morning is to get as much sunlight on your body as possible," Twilight said brightly.

"But I don't want to wake up right now," Rarity pouted. "I want to stay here."

"Come on sleepy head," Twilight teased. She lit her horn, grabbing the blanket with her magic, but Rarity grabbed the blanket as well, and they dissolved into giggles, fighting over pulling the blanket off.

Eventually Rarity gave in, letting Twilight pull the blanket off. She knew Twilight's magic was stronger than hers. She could have just ripped the blanket off of them if she had wanted to. Rarity also knew she had to get up anyway.

Rarity climbed off the couch, stretching out the cricks gained from sleeping snuggled on a couch.

Twilight did the same, and Rarity felt a little flutter in her chest as Twilight spread her wings to their fullest.

Twilight folded the blanket and floated it onto a nearby chair. "Come on," she said. "I can smell Spike making breakfast. I'll show you to the guest room, you can use the shower there," she said, pulling open the door to the library.

Rarity followed Twilight out the door, trotting up beside her. She admired the crystal walls as she always did. I could get used to waking up here... with her... she thought happily. The sunlight shining through the windows seemed a bit brighter at the thought.

"Here we are," Twilight said opening the door, bringing Rarity back from her thoughts. The room looked like many of the other rooms in the castle; crystal walls, a bookcase (full of course), a four poster bed and a small fireplace with two chairs sitting in front of it. "Bathroom is through the door at the back," she said, motioning with her hoof.

"Would you like to join me?" Rarity teased, a mischievous smile on her lips. Well, half teasing anyway, she thought.

Twilight laughed. "I think it's a bit soon for that," she said with a playful smile, flicking Rarity with her tail. "I'll get ready and see you in the dining room," she said turning down the hallway, heading off to her own room.

Rarity gave Twilight an admiring glance as she trotted off. One day, she thought smiling to herself. She trotted into the guest room, pushing the door closed with her magic. She headed straight to the bathroom, turning on the water to the shower. She looked around, finding a packaged toothbrush in a cup on the sink along with plenty of towels. She brushed her teeth while she waited for the shower to heat up.

Mouth feeling fresh, Rarity hopped into the shower. Closing her eyes, she felt the familiar loosening of her body under the hot spray, water soaking mane and tail, her coat slick. As she soaped her coat her thoughts drifted to Twilight, imagining her getting into her own shower. Why couldn't you just take me up on my offer? she thought longingly, leaning against the shower tiles. One day...

Rarity's thoughts drift further, Oh the things I will do to you when I get you in here... At least there are no clients waiting this morning, she thought biting her lower lip, sliding her hooves further down her body.

Rarity trotted merrily into the dining room to find Twilight and Spike already seated at the table, an empty place set for her beside Twilight. "Good morning Spike," she said, taking her seat at the table.

"Morning Rarity," he replied, looking up from his plate.

Twilight looked sideways at Rarity. "What took you so long," she asked taking a bite of a muffin.

Rarity tossed her mane, batting her eyes at Twilight. "Looking this good takes effort darling," she teased.

Twilight rolled her eyes as she swallowed. "I said you looked gorgeous when we woke up."

"Actually, you said I was beautiful," Rarity corrected with a cheeky smile.

Rarity was rewarded as Twilight blushed brightly.

Spike groaned. "Enough with the lovey-dovey stuff until I'm done eating. At least then I'll have something to throw up," he complained.

"Oh Spike, I do apologize, I will try to contain myself," Rarity said with mock authenticity, giving Twilight a wink. "So what's for breakfast this morning?"

After breakfast, Twilight saw Rarity to the main doors of the castle.

"I have a few things to take care of at home today. You're still up for our date tonight I trust?" Rarity asked.

"Can't wait!" Twilight replied enthusiastically.

"Excellent. If you don't mind, I took the liberty of picking out a dress for you. I'll have it sent over this afternoon." Rarity offered.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I have dresses Rarity."

"Yes darling, but this is an evening gown, something for a more casual night out, simple, while still being incredibly elegant. I know you'll just love it." Rarity said, a smile plastered on her face.

"You're sure it's nothing too fancy?" Twilight asked dubiously.

"Yes, it's nothing like your last Gala dress if that's what you're thinking," Rarity said reassuringly.

"Alright," Twilight conceded. "If it'll make you happy, I'll humor you."

"Oh good!" Rarity said sounding pleased. "That's all I ask. I'll see you at seven and we'll head to dinner."

Rarity stepped in and kissed Twilight. Mouths opening, tongues sliding languidly against each other. The kiss broke, but neither pulled away. Twilight kept her eyes closed, brushing her lips gently against Rarity's.

"Till tonight then," Twilight whispered against Rarity's mouth, opening her eyes.

"Until tonight," Rarity whispered back. She smiled, biting her lower lip as she turned away.

Twilight watched the smooth swaying of Rarity's flank as she trotted away. How does she do that? I'll have to get her to show me one day...

Twilight turned back into the castle turning her mind to more practical matters. As I recall, there are a number candles to be collected from the library.

"Spike!" Twilight called trotting back through the doorway. "We have work to do!"

Later that afternoon, Twilight sat on her bed in her room looking at the dress Rarity had sent her. She had laid the dress out on her bed beside her, but that was as far as she got. Rarity was right, she really did like the dress, and it wasn't too fancy. It was a simple black evening gown, just like had Rarity said. There were some small, delicate looking clear stones sewn around the neckline and sprinkled around the hem of the gown, but the effect was subtle.

Certainly not Rarity's usual style. She usually sews large gems into everything.

Just try it on. Rarity knows your size, it's going to fit fine.

But trying it on makes it more real. It means I'll be out with Rarity, on a date, with everypony to see us together.

And you know that fact is inevitable, so stop stalling. If you want to be with Rarity, it's going to be public knowledge. And stop arguing with yourself, it's embarrassing.

Twilight huffed out a sigh and got off her bed. After her initial excitement about her first date, some of the anxiety had crept its way back into her mind. The closer it got to seven, the more nervous she got. It felt like butterflies were throwing up in her stomach. She had tried to keep herself busy, Celestia knows she had enough work to do, but she was having trouble focusing with the anxiety pressing down on her.

Twilight picked up the dress with her magic, lifting her forelegs and slipped it on. She used her magic to gently close the single zipper up the back and fasten the button just under her tail.

Examining herself in the mirror, Twilight was immediately struck by how pretty she felt. No, not pretty... sexy, she thought. The dress was thin and hugged her flank in a very flattering way, the hem flowing almost to the floor. Her hind leg peeked out every now and then from a slit in the side as she walked in front of the mirror. Twilight was used to large, fancy dresses for the various functions she had to attend as a princess, but she had never worn anything like this.

I feel like a proper mare in this, not some overdecorated cake.

Twilight made a few more passes in front of the mirror just for good measure, tiny stones twinkling in the light. Looking at herself, and liking what she saw, a thought occurred to her: I wonder what Rarity will be wearing?

That thought, and the possibilities it presented evaporated Twilight's anxiety. She gave herself one more pleased look in the mirror before turning away and tapping her chin with her hoof. Now what to do with my mane?

Rarity arrived at Castle Friendship promptly at seven to find an overly excited Twilight practically prancing in place, chattering at Spike, who was looking particularly bored. Don't worry Spike, she thought. I'll happily take her off your claws.

Twilight was wearing the gown she had sent, the fabric clinging to all the right places like she knew it would. Twilight's mane was styled in slowly curling locks, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. "You look simply lovely tonight, Twilight," Rarity said trotting up behind her.

Twilight turned as Rarity spoke, a blush touching her cheeks. Her jaw hung open as she took in Rarity, her simple dark blue dress hugging her flank, tight indigo ringlets piled atop her head. Small pearl earrings just peeking through the curls. "So do you," Twilight managed, her blush deepening.

Spike, who had gone all glassy eyed at the sight of Rarity, mumbled something that sounded like a hello.

"I'll be sure to get Twilight back in one piece, Spike," Rarity said to the little dragon. To Twilight, she gave a gentle kiss on the lips. "Shall we then?" she asked, half turning.

"We shall," Twilight said, smiling brightly.

Rarity's heart melted at the delight that sparkled in Twilight's eyes. All that joy because you're taking her out on a date. And to imagine less than four days ago you didn't even think you had a chance.

"Good night, Spike!" Twilight called back as they trotted off. "Don't wait up!"

If Spike replied, nopony heard him.

Rarity and Twilight walked side by side on the way into Ponyville. Twilight was showing none of her previous anxiety about going out Rarity noted happily. We'll still be discreet for tonight, no need to push the dear too far out of her comfort zone. There were more ponies out tonight than a typical Saturday evening Rarity noticed. Looks like the show will be quite the attraction.

"So where are we going tonight?" Twilight inquired, bringing Rarity out of her thoughts.

"We are going to the Portly Goose," Rarity said.

Twilight laughed, "The Portly Goose? What kind of a name is that for a restaurant?"

"Well, darling, these culinary types always like to call their restaurants something unique. It helps make sure ponies remember the name," Rarity replied.

The Portly Goose, despite the name, was a small, intimate affair a few blocks from the theater. Tucked into the basement unit of a small building, the only indication that it was even there was a tiny sign above the door sporting a plump, white goose.

Rarity and Twilight went in and were greeted at the door by the hostess. Rarity gave their reservation, and the hostess led them to a table near the rear of the restaurant. There were only five small tables in the entire restaurant, but it was tastefully decorated and dimly lit. Only two other couples were seated.

As they say down Twilight said, "Rarity, I didn't even know this place was here, you'd miss it if you weren't actually looking for it."

"That's the idea," Rarity explained. "The chef is taking a break from the Canterlot culinary scene and has extended invitations to his regulars from Ponyville. Its a small clientele, of which I am privileged to be one."

Twilight and Rarity placed their drink order with a solomn grey unicorn waiter.

"So where are the menus?" Twilight asked, looking around.

Rarity chuckled. "There are no menus. The chef makes a new set of dishes every day based on what he finds at the market. Everyone who comes in get the same thing, but you never really know what it is!"

Twilight's brow wrinkled. "What if I don't like it?"

"Darling, that's not going to happen," Rarity said waving a dismissive hoof. "You may have to be a bit adventurous sometimes, but the results are always fabulous."

As if on cue, their drinks and appetizer arrived and their waiter started into a description of the dish. Rarity watched with some amusement as Twilight eyeballed the four neat stacks of food amid a swirl of sauce with some wariness as the waiter finished his script.

Twilight and Rarity emerged from the Portly Goose an hour later onto a darkened street. The sun had set and the moon shone high overhead. Lanterns lit the streets, casting a soft orange glow over Ponyville.

"That was so good!" Twilight enthused. "We need to go back again soon!"

"I knew you would enjoy it," Rarity said smiling at Twilight. The food had been nothing short of amazing and she had a good time with Twilight. The quiet atmosphere had worked quite well at getting Twilight to relax.

"Adventurous was the right word to describe it though. I don't usually go for such... artistic food, but I think I could get used to it." Twilight said. "And you could have at least let me pick up my half of the bill."

"Nonsense!" Rarity huffed. "I'm taking you out tonight. You can get the next date," she said looking sidelong at Twilight, who blushed on cue.

They trotted side by side down the street, turning down a quiet street on their way to the theater. Rarity took a quick look around for prying eyes, finding none, she stopped Twilight with a raised hoof. "Nopony's looking," she said suggestively, turning to her marefriend.

Twilight blinked. "What?" she asked, looking confused.

Rarity stepped close and kissed Twilight. For a second, she didn't respond, but as Rarity brushed Twilight's lips with her tongue, she took the cue, parting her lips, letting Rarity's tongue slide into her mouth. Rarity pulled away suddenly, leaving Twilight sucking in a ragged breath.

"You're terrible," Twilight said with a smile, looking at Rarity with sparkling, half-lidded eyes.

"And unrepentant," Rarity stated, smiling back. "Come on, we don't want to be late for our show."

The pair trotted up the street towards the theater and into the crowd of ponies.

A short while later, Twilight and Rarity were seated in a box on the right side of the theater. They had an excellent view of the stage and the box offered a fair amount of privacy, having only three older couples in it. As they sat down, Rarity turned to Twilight. "So how are you doing, darling?"

Twilight smiled. "I'm having a really good time." Which was true, she was really enjoying her first date. Dinner had been fantastic, Rarity's secret kiss on the way to the theater had been exciting and she was really looking forward to the show.

"No, Twilight," Rarity pressed, her eyes showing a shadow of concern. "I mean your... anxiety. Are you doing OK?"

"Oh," Twilight said, blushing. "I think I'm good actually. Being out makes this feel more normal" she said.

Rarity patted her hoof, "Good, darling. And again, I'm not going to push you tonight, but I'm glad you're warming up."

Twilight felt just a little relieved. Well that's good, she thought. I'm trying not to overthink this whole dating thing. But it's a bit scary when you don't really know what to expect.

A hush fell over the crowd as the lights went down, interrupting Twilight's thoughts. Rarity glanced towards the stage. But just because she doesn't want to push me too hard doesn't mean I can't push myself...

Twilight slid her hoof under Rarity's. Rarity looked at Twilight out of the corner of her eye, giving her a sly smile, turning back to the stage as the curtains opened. Just a bit more, Twilight thought as she glanced around. They were pretty much out of sight of most ponies. Twilight leaned into Rarity, resting her head against Rarity's neck.

Twilight heard Rarity's quiet gasp as her marefriend realized what had just happened. She smiled triumphantly to herself. I did it! I'm snuggling with my marefriend, in public! Sure we're more less hidden, and it's dark, but still! Twilight closed her eyes, feeling Rarity lean into the snuggle. This is how we're supposed to be, she thought happily, feeling Rarity stroke her hoof gently.

Twilight didn't pay much attention to the actual show. She had read the play before, so she remembered most of how it went. Twilight was enjoying just being with Rarity. Every now and then the audience would laugh at some scene and the couple would laugh belatedly to themselves, knowing neither were really watching the show.

During the end of the second act, Rarity let out a small squeal when she saw Eliza come out in her dress for the Embassy Waltz. Twilight giggled at her marefriend's excitement.

"Oh, she looks perfect!" Rarity whispered gleefully. "Just look at how her gown flows, and the jewels! I made her a few dresses for tonight, but this one is my crowning achievement," she said with just a hint of smugness.

Rarity started commenting quietly on the dresses she had made as they came on stage. Twilight listened and agreed that they were all quite beautiful, which they really were. She's so talented, my Rarity, Twilight thought, a feeling of pride in her partner's accomplishments swelling slightly in her chest.

Twilight removed herself from her place against Rarity's neck only after the final scene ended to clap her hooves with the rest of the theater patrons. What she had actually saw of the play had been quite good, after all.

After the play, they worked their way through the crowd and out the main doors of the theater. The lamp-lit streets outside were starting to fill with all the ponies coming out of the show, but Twilight felt better getting out of the crush of the crowd inside. She sucked in a breath of fresh, cool night air, letting it out in a happy sigh.

"Let's go for a walk and get some air, darling," Rarity suggested.

"Sounds good," Twilight agreed. She trotted side by side with Rarity to the park a few blocks away, Rarity chattering about Eliza's dresses. The park walkways were lit by softly glowing lamplight, competing with the light of the full moon overhead, turning the park into a mix of twilight and shadow, peppered with softly glowing flowers.

Rarity lit her horn and removed several pins from her mane, shaking her curls free. She floated the pins into a small purse at her side. "Much better," she said with a glance at Twilight. Twilight ran her eyes over Rarity as she shook out of her mane, catching her breath at the moonlight caught in the shining ringlets.

"Nopony's looking," Rarity said suggestively, leaning towards Twilight.

Twilight caught the hint this time, leaning in and kissing Rarity. Twilight closed her eyes as their tongues swirled together. She probed her tongue greedily into Rarity's mouth. Rarity moaned against her lips before pulling away. She gave a look around before smiling back at Twilight.

Twilight let out a giggle and started heading down the path, looking back at Rarity with a smile.

Rarity chuckled, trotting up beside Twilight. "Going to make me chase you are you?" she teased.

"Maybe..." Twilight said, a glint in her eye.

Rarity hopped in front of her. "Then you're going to have to run faster," she said. "Or it will be too easy to catch you," she whispered against Twilight's lips. She kissed Twilight again. Twilight closed her eyes. She loved the feel of Rarity's kisses, But the game has been declared! she thought. She pulled away from Rarity and galloped around her heading down the path. A laugh of delight came from her lips as she heard the clop of Rarity's hooves as she raced to catch her.

Twilight realized she couldn't really gallop in an evening dress, although apparently, Rarity could. She was caught in short order as Rarity jumped in front of her again, stealing another deep, probing kiss from Twilight's lips as her reward. Twilight pulled away again laughing and galloped off down the path.

Twilight could hear Rarity gaining on her again, Stupid dress! she thought. Then she got an idea. Rarity caught up and jumped in front of her again. As she did, Twilight teleported in a flash.

"Hey! No fair!" Rarity protested, stamping her front hoof and looking around. Twilight appeared in a white flash beside Rarity, still travelling at speed, and tackled her, toppling them both to the grass at the side of the path. Rarity let out a squeal and they collapsed into giggles as they rolled to a stop.

Recovering from her giggles, Twilight looked into Rarity's shining sapphire eyes and reached out a hoof to stroke her mane. "I'm glad you said it first," she said, repeating her words from the first night.

Twilight saw something shift in Rarity's gaze. The laughter and joy of the last few moments were still there, but Twilight could see the ache of the last few months surface behind them. Celestia! How I wish I could kiss that ache away, she thought, feeling just a little guilty at bringing it out. Rarity didn't say anything. She reached out her forelegs and wrapped them around Twilight, kissing her instead.

Twilight wrapped her own forelegs around Rarity, pressing her close. Their kiss became more insistent, small moans escaping both of their throats. Rarity started to stroke Twilight's back, tracing her spine towards her flank.

Twilight giggled against Rarity's lips, pulling back reluctantly, "Not here!" she laughed, lifting her head from the grass. She left a trail of kisses down Rarity's neck, giving her a small nip before pulling away.

Rarity leaned her head back into the cool grass and laughed, the sound reverberating in Twilight's head. I want to remember that sound forever, she thought. Or make her laugh like that all the time.

"You dear," Rarity said looking back at Twilight, "are a dreadful tease!"

"Come on," Twilight said as she flicked a blade of grass from Rarity's mane with her hoof, "let's try to make each other look respectable again."

Reluctantly they pulled themselves up from the park lawn and shook their manes and tails free of grass and leaves. Rarity helped Twilight readjust her dress so it looked like they hadn't just been rolling around in the park. Then they trotted off, side by side, towards the park entrance.

Leaving the park, Twilight was feeling light on her hooves. The gallop through the park had the blood singing in her veins. She stopped short when she caught sight of Rainbow Dash's multicolored mane from across the street. She nudged Rarity, motioning with her hoof. "Hey it's Rainbow Dash, let's go say hi!" Twilight said, already crossing the street, leaving Rarity to follow behind.

"Hey Dash!" Twilight called happily.

Rarity followed as Twilight took off across the street. As Rainbow turned to face Twilight, the mix of emotions scrawled across her face told Rarity something wasn't quite right. The momentary flash of hurt that crossed Rainbow's eyes as she caught sight of Rarity told her the rest. Twilight didn't appear to notice.

Oh Twilight, you can be so oblivious sometimes! This is a bad idea, Rarity thought. Let's just hope we can get out quickly...

"Hey guys..." Rainbow said looking just a bit awkward as Twilight and Rarity trotted up.

"Dash, are you going to introduce me to your friends?" asked a cheery opal colored pegasus with a pink and white mane standing beside Rainbow.

"Uh.. sure. Guys, this is Spring Step. Spring Step, this is Twilight and Rarity" Rainbow said recovering a bit.

"Princess Twilight?!" Spring Step gushed, eyes wide as she pushed past Rainbow. "Princess, its so nice to meet you!" After a moment's hesitation, she glanced at Rarity adding, "And you to Rarity."

"Pleased I'm sure," Rarity replied with just a hint of sarcasm.

"It's nice to meet you to," Twilight said. "Are you two..." she started, obviously trying to find a tactful way to continue.

Spring Step laughed. "Yes Princess, Rainbow and I are out on a date. We've hit a few spots for drinks, the last place had a great band playing!" She looked at Rainbow, "What was the name of the place?"

I think someone has had a few too many drinks by the sound of it, Rarity thought. Rainbow Dash up to her old tricks.

As Rainbow opened her mouth to answer, Rarity spoke up, "Well actually ladies, we were just on our way home. It was-"

"Wait Rarity," Twilight interrupted. "Rainbow Dash, I actually wanted to ask you about the other day. You took off and you seemed upset... I just want to make sure everything is OK."

Rainbow got an irritated look on her face. "Like I said, everything is fine, Twilight. I just had somewhere else to be."

"You were obviously upset," Twilight pressed, "and I haven't seen you since. I just want to know whats wrong."

No, no, no, not the time, Rarity tried to break it off again, "Twilight, I don't think now-"

"I said I'm fine," Rainbow said through gritted teeth, ignoring Rarity.

"No you're not!" Twilight pushed, her brow creasing in frustration, "Why are you lying to me?"

"Twilight..." Rarity said pleadingly, but Twilight was fixated. She had found a problem that she thought needed to be solved. Oh dear, you beautiful, oblivious thing.

Spring Step had started to look uncomfortable, eyes wide as she watched the scene unfold in front of her.

Rarity watched Rainbow's anger surface in a flash, feeling helpless to stop what Twilight had set in motion. "Fine!" she shouted at Twilight. "You want the truth? I've liked you for a long time and now you're with Rarity and I missed my shot."

Twilight cringed under Rainbow's words, her ears flattening against her head. There it is. Rarity thought looking around. A number of ponies had stopped what they were doing to look at the scene.

Spring Step recovered her confusion. "Excuse me?" she huffed at Rainbow, eyes narrowing. "Is this a conversation you really want me to hear?"

Twilight looked confused, "Dash, what are you talking about?"

Rarity had to get Twilight out of there, quickly. "Girls, this is not the time or place to be having this discussion."

Rainbow didn't seem to hear Rarity, her gaze was fixed on Twilight. "You shouldn't even be with an earth pony!" she all but spat. "You've got wings, you should be with a pegasus."

Despite her better senses, Rarity gave into irritation. "Excuse me, but I am not an earth pony, I'm a unicorn," she said glowering.

Rainbow looked at Rarity. "Same thing, you can't fly and you'll just hold Twilight on the ground. She deserves to be free, to fly free," she said contemptuously.

Rarity tried to control her temper. "Twilight was a unicorn first Dash, and shes still getting used to her wings. I would do nothing to 'hold her down' as you suggest."

Her stand off with Rainbow momentarily broken, Twilight seemed to notice the loose crowd at that gathered to gawp at them. "Rarity..." she squeaked, "everypony is looking..."

"And how is she supposed to fly trotting on the ground next to you?" Rainbow continued.

Spring Step broke in, apparently having had enough, "Dash, I'm leaving and you better be coming with me." She turned on her hind hoof and trotted off.

Rarity had to get Twilight out of there. "Rainbow Dash, calm down, you're making a scene," she said, trying to soothe her own anger and bring Rainbow down to somewhere she could be reasoned with.

But Rainbow Dash wasn't playing along. "No I won't calm down," she shouted, "Twilight wanted the truth. You're not good enough for her!"

Rarity couldn't fight the anger. "And you think you are?" she threw back incredulously.

Rainbow tilted her head back, looking down her nose at Rarity. "Obviously. At least you can be sure I won't switch teams and go back to stallions," she said, her tone oozing smugness

Rarity's anger flared again and she clenched her teeth, about ready to tear a strip off of Rainbow, when she heard a strained voice behind her.

"Rarity..." Twilight pleaded quietly.

Rarity felt guilt crash on her like a wave of cold water. Giving into baiting while Twilight was suffering. I need to get her out, now!

"We're leaving Dash," Rarity quipped. "If you insist on continuing this foolish scene you may do so on your own." She turned back to Twilight.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash yelled at her.

Rarity looked at the fear stamped on Twilight's face. "Twilight," she said, "let's go." But Twilight wouldn't look at her. Horse Apples! shes panicking. "Twilight!" she said again, more forcefully, but Twilight was looking at Rainbow Dash. Rarity became vaguely aware of Dash shouting something behind her.

All at once, Twilight's horn lit and in a flash she was gone.

Rarity, eyes wide, took two quick steps to where Twilight had been. "Twilight!" she called, even though she knew Twilight was gone. Nowhere nearby I'd bet. Rarity stood very still as she felt her rage ignite. Eyes flashing, she turned on Rainbow, closing the distance between them. "Now you've really done it," she spat in Rainbow's face.

Rainbow pulled back slightly, "Me? Hey-ow!" She was cut off as Rarity seized her mane with her magic and dragged her into a side street.

Rarity turned seething eyes on Rainbow Dash, releasing her mane. "Yes you!" she exclaimed, stamping her front hooves on the ground in frustration. "If you had any regard for Twilight's feelings you would not have went completely off the rails in public like that. She was nervous enough about going out tonight as a couple, she hasn't told anyone Dash! Only you and Applejack know about us for bucks-sake!"

Rainbow Dash wilted under Rarity's anger, pulling back from her as much as she could with a wall behind her. "Well... she said she wanted the truth-"

Rarity cut Rainbow Dash off angrily, "Yes, Dash, the truth! Not an angry, jealous rant!" She poked Rainbow Dash in the chest with her hoof, "You can say whatever you want to me if you somehow think I've stolen her from you, but Twilight did nothing to deserve what you just did."

"Hey, I-" Rainbow Dash started, once again trying to defend herself.

"Dash, you pretty much outed her in front of half the town!" Rarity scolded.

"Well it's not like she could keep it a secret forever!" Rainbow Dash threw back, finally getting a word in. "Everypony would find out eventually."

"Yes they would, as I've been telling her," Rarity scoffed. "But if you gave a damn about her, you would respect her trepidation. She doesn't know what to expect. Twilight needs reassurance and patience, not a Luna-damned sign pointing at her in the town square!"

Rainbow cringed, ears folding against her head. Finally getting through to her, Rarity thought.

"I'll share some small part of the blame for tonight," Rarity said, some of the acid leaking out of her tone. She fixed Rainbow with a level gaze. "I shouldn't have given into your baiting. I'll assume, for the sake of our friendship, that you didn't actually mean any of those things you said." She poked Rainbow in the chest once more, saying "But sometime soon you and I are going to have a talk about how we're going to deal with this."

Rainbow looked away. Silent for the second time in one night, it must be a special occasion, Rarity thought bitterly.

"Now if you'll excuse me," Rarity said turning away, "I have to go find her and see if I can undo whatever damage we've done."

Rainbow found her voice again, "OK, fine, I'll help you look, it'll go faster-"

The last thing Rarity wanted right now was to spend any more time with Rainbow. "No, you've done quite enough tonight. Why don't you go find your date and see if shes willing to keep you company."

Rainbow's eyes went wide. "Oh buck... Spring Step is going to be pissed..." she said, looking towards the street. "Rarity..." she started.

"Just go Dash," Rarity said wearily. She suddenly felt very tired, her anger fading.

Without another word, Rainbow Dash took off straight up into the sky, a gust of air and rainbow trail fading behind her as she curved over a building and out of sight.

Rarity closed her eyes and took a deep breath, shaking off the last of her anger. Focus, Rarity, you need to find Twilight. She needs you. Darling, you better have teleported back home, or its going to be a long night...

Rarity headed back out onto the street, meeting the eyes of a few awkward bystanders who had likely heard some of what just transpired between her and Rainbow. To their credit, they quickly turned away, but Rarity could hear the gears of the rumor mill starting to turn.

Teleport all you want darling, but the truth will find you eventually.

Late Night Promises

Twilight materialized in her bedroom with a brilliant flash of white light. She stood still, not daring to move. The only sound her rapid, shallow breathing. The sudden silence pressed in making her ears ring.

After a moment of quiet, the panic started to lose it grip and her breathing slowed. Rainbow Dash was no longer in front of her. The eyes of the townsponies weren't on her. Rarity wasn't there. She was alone. The post-panic numbness started to settle in.

Twilight absently noticed her cheeks were wet. Turning her head, she looked in the mirror to see tears running down her face. Looking into her own, wide eyes she suddenly felt the weight everything crashing like shards of broken glass through the numbness. Her legs went weak and she threw herself onto her bed, sobs wracking her body. The fear, anxiety and shame came pouring out as she curled into herself.

Everything was going so well... and now... It's all a mess...

Despite trying to hold them in, more sobs escaped her throat. Twilight squeezed her eyes shut against the tears that continued to flow.

How can Rainbow Dash like me!? We're so different! It doesn't make any sense! And why would she freak out like that? Why would she say those horrible things about Rarity? And in front of everypony!?

The sobs slowed as Twilight started trying to put the pieces of her broken evening back together. Did I miss something? That was why she acted weird when I told her about Rarity. And then I pushed her... And she told half of Ponyville she had feelings for me... And said Rarity wasn't good enough for me...

In front of everypony...

Twilight felt her shoulders tighten at the thought of all the townsponies looking at them as Rainbow and Rarity had it out.

All those eyes looking at us...

Everypony knows...

The panic threatened to well up again and Twilight felt fresh tears. She squeezed her eyes shut again, tears falling as another sob escaped.

Well, not everypony, the logical portion of her mind tried to argue. But everypony will know soon enough. This wasn't how I wanted everypony to find out. I wasn't sure how I wanted them to find out... just not a big public spectacle like that!

Twilight felt a knot twist in her stomach. Oh no... Rarity. The thought of leaving her marefriend caused a rush of guilt. I left her there! I didn't even say anything. She must be worried sick...

Twilight buried her head in her hooves as fresh sobs came, her body shaking. She wasn't sure how long she lay there, face pressed against her blanket, crying uncontrollably, the events of the night swirling over and over through her mind.

A long while later, Twilight lifted her head from the tear-stained bedspread. Her eyes burned, her throat and head ached. You wanted to just sit here and keep Rarity to yourself and just not tell anypony, she thought dejectedly. You were afraid of changing the way things were.

Because it's scary... Ponies will look at me differently... They'll judge me.

But what about Rarity and Rainbow? They're out, and they don't appear to suffer because of it. Maybe Rarity is right, maybe I'm making a bigger deal out of it than I need to...

But they never hid it...

But Dash still mucked everything up, she thought bitterly.

Twilight pressed her hooves to her red-rimmed eyes, trying to dry the last of the tears. She felt so tired. She wanted to curl up under her blankets, cover her head and hide from the world for the next two days.

Twilight started as she heard a gentle knock at the door. Rarity's muffled voice came from the other side. "Twilight?"

Twilight felt a mix of joy and guilt as she heard Rarity's voice. "Come in," she said, her voice hoarse.

The door opened, and Rarity came in, mane slightly disheveled, a relieved look on her face. She trotted over to the bed. "Dearest... are you alright?" she asked gently, putting her hoof on the bed next to Twilight.

"I think so," Twilight said quietly, shifting to face Rarity. She covered Rarity's hoof with her own and looked down at the bed. She couldn't look Rarity in the eye.

"I was hoping it wouldn't take me long to find you," Rarity said, a small smile tweaking the corners of her mouth.

"I'm so sorry Rarity," Twilight said, feeling tears pricking her eyes again, her voice cracking. "I panicked... I didn't know what to do-"

"It's OK," Rarity interrupted. "No need to apologize, it was an awful thing that happened, and I'm partly to blame anyway."

"Rarity..." Twilight said, looking up from the bed.

"No," Rarity said, "I shouldn't have risen to her baiting. I knew I had to get you out of there... There was no good way for that conversation to go..."

Twilight frowned. "I just don't know why Dash flipped out like that."

"Twilight," Rarity said, "I think she's been keeping it in too long. When you do that, things can boil over in the most... Inappropriate ways. Her finding out about us likely just set her off..." Rarity bit her lip and paused. "And being pressed about it probably didn't help..." she finished reluctantly.

Twilight looked down, staring hard at the bedspread. "Yeah... Looking back it's obvious I should have let it go..." She could feel embarassment burning in her cheeks. She had been working hard to identify when she was chasing answers with too much focus. Here she knew she had failed.

Rarity frowned. "Well... What's done is done," she said with a sigh. "I'm sorry your first date had to end this way."

Twilight gave a sad chuckle. "It did turn into quite a mess, didn't it?" She asked rhetorically.

"You know," Rarity said, a smile touching her lips. "The date really ended after the show, so the park was technically the end..."

Twilight blushed remembering making out with Rarity in the grass. "We'll call that the end of our date then," she said, peeking up at Rarity, a lopsided smile on her face. She still felt cheated that her night had been ruined, but she appreciated Raritys attempt to salvage the good in it.

"Agreed," Rarity said as she leaned in, nuzzling Twilight's cheek.

Twilight closed her eyes, leaning into the contact. They stayed like that for a moment until Twilight lifted her head, a quizzical expression on her face.

"Everything alright, darling?" Rarity asked.

"Umm... I was just wondering..." Twilight started, trying to think how to phrase her thought properly. "Not to say I'm interested in Rainbow Dash, but if she was interested in me... Why didn't she just say so?"

"Her and I likely wrestled with the same question of approaching you," Rarity said, patting Twilight's hoof. "Neither of us really knew you liked mares."

Twilight wrinkled her brow. "But you were willing to take the chance..."

"I was," Rarity admitted. "But honestly, I also felt I could repair things if you didn't share my feelings. Rainbow Dash may not have."

"Oh..." Twilight said. In a small way she was grateful that Rainbow Dash had never expressed her feelings. She had no idea what she would have done to politely turn her down. Knowing me, I'd probably have freaked out... and things would have devolved from there.

"Yes," Rarity said. "It's no small thing to risk a friendship when you don't know your feelings will be returned."

After a moment's silence Twilight said, "It never would have worked anyway.".

"What wouldn't have?" Rarity asked.

"Dash and I," Twilight replied. "We are just too different in the wrong ways."

Rarity blinked. "It sounds like you've given some thought to this."

"Well, yeah," Twilight said with a shy smile. "Years ago when I found out she liked mares I thought about it, but we're just not compatible. Our differences don't compliment each other, and the things that make us the same are not the things they should be."

"Some serious thought then," Rarity said smiling.

"I mean, look what she had with Midnight," Twilight continued. "Their relationship was... intense."

"Now that's putting it politely," Rarity said sarcastically.

"But their similarities held them together and their differences complimented each other. Polar opposites don't always attract. I mean, they're both headstrong and never shied from confrontation, which is why they could always work through everything. But Midnight had a tenderness to counter Dash's brashness." Twilight had a thoughtful look in her eyes. "And they always managed to meet in the middle, despite the sparks and the arguing, there was always love."

Rarity looked down at the bedspread. "But we all know how it ended..." she said quietly.

"How Dash ended it," Twilight corrected.

"True," Rarity conceded.

"I don't see myself like that," Twilight said. She looked into Rarity's eyes. "I don't see us like that."

Rarity returned her gaze. "How do you see us?"

Twilight looked away, her thoughtful expression returning. "I see us as quieter and more understanding, willing to listen rather than arguing everything," she said. "Passionate, but without burning down the castle or smashing all the plates while we scream it out."

Rarity laughed, the sound making Twilight's heart flutter.

"I see our differences as being complimentary," she continued. "You're far more social and outgoing than I am, even though I enjoy being out around other ponies. Like tonight, I had a really good time but it's not something I would have done on my own."

"Well dates are done with two ponies," Rarity teased.

"Seriously Rarity," Twilight said, "this whole relationship thing is scary and new. The last few days have been.. exciting... but I'm glad I have someone patient and understanding like you to help me along. I don't think I could do it with anypony else."

"You'll get through it, darling. Every relationship has an adjustment period, and the first is always the biggest," Rarity said climbing onto the bed. Twilight shifted and they laid on their sides facing each other. Rarity wrapped her forelegs around Twilight pulling her close.

They lay there, holding one another. Twilight could feel all the stress of the evening melting away as she clung to her marefriend, breathing in the scent of her mane, tiny ringlets tickling her nose. For Twilight, the rest of the world disappeared, kept at bay by the embrace of a gorgeous white mare.

Hopefully there won't be anymore adjustment periods, she thought wistfully.

After a moment, Twilight's eyes flicked open as an unpleasant thought intruded on her happiness. She pulled back enough to meet Rarity's eyes. "I want you to know..." she started, "what Rainbow Dash said about you holding me down... It's not true."

Hurt flashed briefly in Rarity's eyes. "I didn't assume it was, darling," she said. "Besides, you've given me wings once before, remember?" she said, smiling at the memory.

Twilight smiled, Rarity's wings had been quite an accomplishment. "I know," she said, her tone serious, "but those weren't permanent. And I really do have to fly more, I've been avoiding it, I'm just so used to being on the ground."

"It's Ok Twilight," Rarity said warmly. "I knew there were going to be challenges dating an alicorn princess, and that's OK. We'll deal with it if it becomes an issue."

Twilight held Rarity's gaze, not fully convinced. "Are you sure?"

Rarity reached out a hoof and stroked Twilight's mane. "All I ask is that you come back down for a kiss once in a while," she said giving Twilight a wink.

Twilight blushed, giving Rarity a chaste kiss on the lips. "Of course."

Rarity dropped her gaze, her expression serious. "I do have another thing to ask though..."

Twilight felt a twinge of anxiety. "What's that?" she asked, not really sure she wanted to know.

Rarity looked back at Twilight. "When something like tonight happens, I want you to promise me you won't bail on me," she said looking pained. "I don't want to have to come searching for you every time we run into a problem."

Twilight felt her earlier guilt burn in her cheeks, a sick feeling in her stomach. She couldn't look at Rarity. She really had been upset that I took off, she thought biting her lip.

"I care about you, a lot Twilight," Rarity said reassuringly, putting a hoof under Twilight's chin and turning her head until their eyes met, "but we need to face things together. I know it's new and scary and the emotions can run high sometimes, but I need to know I can trust you to stick by me if things get rough."

Twilight felt tears pricking her eyes again. "I'm sorry Rarity," she said, eyes squeezed shut against the tears that wanted to come through. "It's just... I wasn't expecting it... And I didn't know what to do..." She could feel a tear running down her cheek. Guilt squeezed her heart.

Rarity pulled Twilight into her embrace, stroking her mane. Twilight clung to her, face nuzzled into Rarity's neck. "Twilight, we only learn to deal with these things by actually facing them," she said in a low soothing time. "You can't read your way through dating one of your best friends while the other has a crush on you," she chuckled. Something between a sob and a laugh escaped Twilight, muffled against Rarity's coat. "You never do it right the first time, but every time gets easier, and you get better at dealing with these things."

Twilight took a deep breath. Trying to stop the tears that wanted to keep coming. She felt a little more in control of herself. She rolled onto her back, looking up at the ceiling, one foreleg still trapped under her marefriend. "I'm suddenly reminded why I avoided dating for so long..." she said weakly with a sidelong look at Rarity.

Rarity smiled at Twilight. "Yes, but the cat's out of the bag now, so there's no going back," she said snuggling up next to her. "We'll get through this, and while things won't be the same, they'll settle down... for a while. You'll see."

Twilight closed her eyes and took another deep breath. "OK. I promise. I won't bail on you again."

Rarity nuzzled Twilight's cheek. "Good."

"Just make sure that if I really start freaking out you pull me out..." Twilight said hopefully. "Or give me some support, OK?"

"I promise," Rarity said sweetly, propping herself up so she looked down at Twilight. She sealed the promise with a long, slow kiss.

The events of the night melted away for Twilight again. The vice of guilt around her heart loosened as Rarity's tongue slid against hers. The feel of her weight on the bed ensuring Twilight wasn't dreaming. Rarity's mane brushed against her face, bringing the faint smell of berries and linen with it. I'm making out with Rarity on my bed! her mind squeaked. A small moan escaped her throat.

Twilight rolled back towards Rarity, hooking a hoof behind her head, pulling her down.

Rarity leaned across Twilight, propping herself up on a hoof. She broke the kiss, slowly trailing kisses down Twilight's jawline, pausing to suck and nibble the skin below her ear. Twilight sighed happily. She's almost pinning me down... she thought absently, enjoying the feel of Rarity's lips on her skin.

Rarity continued kissing her way down Twilight's neck. Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Rarity, pressing her close, burying her face in her marefriend's mane. She sighed again as she felt Rarity gently bite down and then begin to suck the tender skin of her neck. She let go as she felt Rarity pull away.

Rarity settled down beside Twilight again. Brushing Twilight's mane out of the way, Rarity traced a line up Twilight's ear with her tongue, breathing gently as she did so. Twilight shivered.

"As much as I'd love to stay," Rarity whispered, "I must really get going soon."

Twilight turned half-lidded eyes on Rarity. "Now who is a dreadful tease?" she asked playfully.

"Oh indeed," Rarity said laughing. "But darling, I really must get going. I should get a decent night in my own bed before I pick up Sweetie Belle from Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow."

Twilight looked at Rarity with wide eyes, putting on her best, saddest looking pout.

The sight of Twilight trying to keep Rarity in her bed using a pouty face cause Rarity to laugh so hard she rolled onto her back, forelegs wrapped around herself. Twilight, unable to hold a straight face, laughed along with her.

Recovering her senses Rarity wiped a tear from her eye with a hoof. "You, darling, are something else," she said as she righted herself. Stepping off the bed, Rarity shook her mane back into place. She cocked an eyebrow at Twilight, "See me out?"

Twilight sat up. "Of course," she said smiling. She stood up and hopped off the bed, opening the bedroom door with her magic.

Twilight and Rarity trotted through the brightly lit crystal halls towards the main doors. Twilight was feeling much better about the night's events, but she wasn't sure how she was supposed to proceed, or what she should actually do about Rainbow Dash. Might as well ask Rarity.

"What should I do if I see Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked.

Rarity blinked at her. "Talk to her," she answered simply.

"Huh... Yeah, I guess so," Twilight agreed. The simplest solution is usually the best one, she thought.

"Really darling, just talk to her. Get through all the messy stuff and figure out how to make it work," Rarity elaborated. "As I said, there is no book on this. You and Rainbow need to figure it out between yourselves. I'm here for you, but this is a conversation you will need to have on your own."

"Well..." Twilight said, taking a deep breath, "it can't be any worse than it was tonight,"

They stopped at the doors, Rarity turning to face Twilight. "You'll be fine," Rarity said, lifting a hoof to stroke Twilight's cheek. Twilight leaned in, closing her eyes to savor the contact, a sleepy smile on her face.

Twilight opened her eyes, looking at Rarity. "Thank you for tonight," she said.

"I'm glad you enjoyed your first date," Rarity said, pulling Twilight into a hug. They held each other for a few seconds, Twilight basking in the warmth and faint smell of berries.

"Goodnight, darling," Rarity said pulling away.

"Goodnight," Twilight replied.

Rarity leaned in and gave Twilight a long, chaste kiss before turning and heading out the doors and back to Ponyville. Twilight watched her go, sleepily enjoying the swaying of her flank she as she left before gently closing the doors with her magic.

Twilight trotted back through the castle halls to her bedroom. Now that Rarity was gone, she felt very tired again, her hooves heavy. She fought to keep her eyes open. On reaching her bedroom, she lit her horn, turning down the magic lamps on the walls and allowed her eyes to close. She lit her horn again and pulled her dress off, letting it to fall to the floor.

Twilight climbed into bed, snuggling under the covers. Too tired to form coherent thought, her mind a blur of kisses and the scent of berries, she quickly drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Confession

Rainbow Dash woke feeling horrible. No... Not horrible... like death. This is what death feels like. I'm going to die. Her stomach was in knots, her head was pounding and she had an awful stale taste in her mouth. She cracked her eyes open and was rewarded by the morning sunlight lancing her retinas. She closed her eyes groaning, rolling on her bed away from the sun... her face meeting the back of a couch.

What? Rainbow thought, trying to comprehend why she was not in her bed. The hay am I?

Now starting to feel awake, she could hear what sounded like somepony in a kitchen.

She braced herself and opened her eyes. Facing the back of the couch lessened the blow. As her vision cleared she recognized the fabric pattern of Fluttershy's couch. Oh thank Celestia I'm not waking up at Spring Step's! Wait... what happened to Spring Step?

Rainbow tried to remember what happened last night. The gears of her mind turned slowly in the morning at the best of times. Today the gears felt completely ceased.

I don't remember coming to Fluttershy's... Obviously I did though... She desperately scraped the remains of her brain for what happened last night. Last thing I remember... Taking off from Rarity... The ceased gears broke free as the previous night came back in a rush. "Twilight!" she gasped. She turned, not expecting the dizziness that accompanied the quick movement, and fell gracelessly off the couch tangled in a blanket.

Rainbow laid on the floor groaning, eyes squeezed shut, waiting for the world to stop spinning and her stomach to go back where it belonged.

Rainbow heard light hoofsteps coming near followed by the sweet voice of Fluttershy as she said, "Good morning, sleepy-head!"

Rainbow groaned in response, still not wanting to open her eyes.

"Come on, let's get you up and get some food into you," Fluttershy said pulling the blanket wrapped around Rainbow, dumping her, once again, unceremoniously onto the floor.

Rainbow's world started to spin again and she clamped her mouth shut against whatever horrible things were in her stomach that suddenly wanted out.

After a moment's battle with her stomach, Rainbow slowly got to her hooves. She peeped an eye open. OK... Sun's not too bad now. She opened her other eye and looked into Fluttershy's sympathetic, although slightly amused, face.

"You're looking a little green around the edges," Fluttershy said with a grin

Green... Rainbow clamped her mouth shut again, her stomach heaving, and ran to the washroom down the hall trailed by the twinkling sound of Fluttershy's laughter.

By the time Rainbow had finished emptying her body of what felt like everything but her bones, she came back out to Fluttershy's main room and plunked heavily onto a chair at the table. She looked around seeing her friend had made a pile of muffins and a pot of fresh coffee for her. Bless Flutters and her hangover breakfast, she thought.

She looked up at Fluttershy who was seated at the table, still wearing an amused grin, eating a muffin. "Thanks Shy. Sorry about crashing last night..."

"Oh, that's OK. You know you're always welcome," Fluttershy said hiding behind her mane. "And you were... a little out of sorts last night. There was no way you could have flown home."

Rainbow let out a laugh and regretted it as pain lanced through her head. "Judging by the shape I'm in... I can just imagine..." she said, taking a tentative sip of her coffee. Thankfully, her stomach approved it. She slathered a muffin in a healthy helping of butter and took a few small bites. Coffee, accepted... Muffins... Pending approval, she thought as her stomach clenched and relaxed.

"So what happened last night?" Fluttershy asked. "When you got here you were not making a lot of sense." She smiled at Rainbow from behind her mane, eyes dancing.

She really enjoys seeing me punished after a night of partying...

Last night rushed up on Rainbow again and she felt her heart sink. I really messed up. I really said all those things...

Rainbow took another swallow of coffee. "I think I messed some stuff up last night."

"I got that much out of you last night, but you passed out before I could find out what," Fluttershy said. "Come on," she said, motioning to Rainbow's muffin, "you need to eat."

Rainbow begrudgingly ate another bite. Thankfully her stomach seemed to accept it.

"So what do you think you messed up?" Fluttershy asked softly.

Rainbow looked at the table, feeling shame burning in her cheeks. "I... I told Twilight..."

Fluttershy sighed. "Well that's not so bad..." she said hesitantly.

Wincing, Rainbow continued. "Well.. I kind of yelled at her..."

Fluttershy's eyes went wide. "Oh!" she gasped.

"While she was on a date with Rarity..." Rainbow continued.

Fluttershy shook her head eyes still wide. "Rainbow Dash!"

Not done yet Fluttershy. "...while I was on a date with Spring Step," Rainbow finished. She squeezed her eyes shut as if expecting to be struck.

Fluttershy covered her mouth with her hooves. A small eep escaping her lips.

Rainbow looked back down at the table, a strained chuckle slipping out. "Yeah... it's as bad as it sounds... from what I remember anyway." She took another swallow of coffee.

Fluttershy recovered from her horror, her face becoming stern. "We talked about this!" she scolded. "You weren't going to get between Twilight and Rarity!"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "I know, I know! I just... well..." Rainbow trailed off as her hangover-addled brain couldn't come up with an excuse.

Fluttershy sighed in exasperation. "So after our talk you went out and 'ran into' Twilight and told her you had feelings for her?"

Rainbow snapped her head up to look at Fluttershy, wincing at the pain the motion caused. "No! It's not like that!" she protested. "I was out with Spring Step, just trying not to be home alone, and we ran into Twilight and Rarity, and Twilight was asking why I acted weird the other day and she accused me of lying, which I was, and it all just kinda... came out..."

"What did you say?" Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow looked at her half-empty coffee cup. Meeting Fluttershy's stern gaze was more effort than she expected. "That Twilight should be with a pegasus... Not an earth pony..." she said, cringing at the memory.

Fluttershy's eyes went wide again. "Rainbow Dash!"

"And that Rarity wasn't good enough for her," Rainbow continued, covering her face with her hooves. "And that Rarity was going to hold her down... because she didn't have wings." The memories were coming back, clear and vivid now. Rainbow wanted to sink under the table and hide from the horrified look Fluttershy was giving her. "And I may have said something about Rarity leaving Twilight for a stallion..."

Rarity's never going to forgive me for that one...

"Twilight teleported out when I wouldn't back down. Rarity was really angry..." Rainbow said continuing her tale. "She tore a strip off me before she went after Twilight."

"You should have gone after her yourself," Fluttershy said.

"I tried!" Rainbow exclaimed throwing her hooves in the air, planting them firmly on the table again as a wave of dizziness hit her. "Rarity told me to get lost, so I went after Spring Step." Rainbow took another bite of her muffin hoping the food would stop the world spinning. She was starting to actually feel hungry, although she wasn't sure if it was her empty stomach or the topic of discussion that was causing the sick feeling..

"You have to fix this," Fluttershy said firmly.

"You're telling me," Rainbow said bitterly, still avoiding Fluttershy's gaze.

Fluttershy fell silent for a moment, taking her eyes off Rainbow to look out the window. Rainbow peeked a look at her friend, instantly wishing she hadn't. The face Fluttershy made when she was angry was a rare sight. But she was making it now. Rainbow looked away, wrapping her forelegs around herself, bracing for what was coming. She deserved it after all.

"Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said looking back. "You know that I am always here to help when you need it... and you've needed it quite a bit lately."

Rainbow kept her eyes on the table, but she nodded. Lately, she'd crashed at Fluttershy's more often than she cared to admit.

"But I don't think the help I've been giving you has been actually helping," Fluttershy continued. "I'm worried about you. You haven't been yourself since you left Midnight Strike."

Rainbow closed her eyes. "Do not start with Midnight again Shy..." she said pleadingly. Rainbow felt in no shape to deal with more of Fluttershy' pushing the subject of her ex-marefriend.

"I am, and you're going to listen," Fluttershy said evenly. "Since you left, you've been running around chasing mares all over Equestria. You've got yourself all mixed up about Twilight and you're passed out in my home more often than you are sober. You must see there is a problem."

"I'm sorry I'm out enjoying myself," Rainbow said impetuously.

"You're not enjoying yourself, you're avoiding the one thing you should be doing. You haven't even seen Midnight since you left," Fluttershy said accusingly.

How does she know that? Rainbow thought. True, she hadn't seen Midnight since the night she left. She hadn't looked back. The things Midnight wanted from her were too much to ask and she had wanted out. She wanted her freedom, and now she was enjoying it... Wasn't she?

"Midnight wanted too much, I couldn't be what she wanted, what she deserved," Rainbow shot back.

"That wasn't your choice to make. You threw away the best thing in your life instead of trying to work it out because you were scared. Now instead of swallowing your pride and trying to get her back, you're just trying to replace her," Fluttershy lectured.

"You're not you anymore. This bouncing from mare to mare is not the Rainbow Dash I knew," Fluttershy said sadly. "At least you weren't hurting anypony other than my couch before, but now you're starting to affect your friends with your behavior."

The sick feeling in her stomach was getting worse, and Rainbow knew it wasn't the muffins. Fluttershy was hitting much closer to the mark than she was comfortable with. She felt a tear running down her cheek. She's right. How could I do this to my friends? I should be happy for them, not trying to tear them apart... my feelings be damned...

Fluttershy's expression softened. "You need to stop this self-destructive path you're on. You need to go back to Midnight."

Tears fell from Rainbow's eyes onto the table. The decision to leave Midnight had been hard, but she always thought it had been for the best. Midnight deserved somepony who could be everything she wanted.

But Fluttershy was right, she has to go back. Maybe she has made the wrong choice for the both of them when she left. "When did you talk to her last?" she asked, feeling defeated, her voice a whisper. Fluttershy had never told her Midnight had come by, but she assumed it had happened.

"It's been a few months," Fluttershy replied. Her tone told Rainbow it hadn't been a happy conversation.

Rainbow swallowed hard. "And... you think she'd... take me back?' she asked, forcing the words out around the lump in her throat. The tears were running down her cheeks. She didn't have the energy or the will to wipe them away.

"She might," Fluttershy said sympathetically.

"That's not a 'yes'," Rainbow said, feeling her heart slump.

"If you had asked earlier, then it would have been..." Fluttershy said. "But it's been eight months..."

"So at the end of all of this... I may end up with nopony?" Rainbow asked, knowing the answer to her question. I missed out on Twilight, and I may have missed out on getting Midnight back. I should have just gone back. I should have said I was sorry for leaving. How could I have been so stupid? She's perfect... that charcoal coat and yellow streak in her mane. We even have matching Cutie Marks... I made a mistake...

"Don't talk like that," Fluttershy said getting up from her chair to stand beside Rainbow, wrapping her forelegs around her friend. "We'll get this figured out. I'm sorry I had to be so hard on you. But you can't keep going on like this."

Rainbow hugged herself tighter, leaning into Fluttershy's embrace, and began to cry in earnest. Nopony? How could I end up with nopony? Midnight... she was my other half... Her thoughts started to run into each other as the cost of the last few months of freedom started to sink in. After a while, her sobs began to quiet. She didn't blame Fluttershy for being hard on her. I've put myself here... she's just helping me see that. I need to fix this mess... but what am I supposed to do?

"I don't know what to do..." Rainbow choked out. She felt the sting of fresh tears admitting it out loud.

Fluttershy squeezed Rainbow tighter. "First you're going to talk to Twilight and Rarity and set things right. You're going to tell them you aren't going to try and get between them," she said. "Do you think you can do that?"

Rainbow nodded, feeling a pang in her heart at the thought of letting go of Twilight. "Yeah... I can," she replied weakly. She had no idea what she was going to say, but she was going to do it anyway. She had to.

"Good," Fluttershy said, sounding pleased. She let Rainbow go saying, "And when you're done that, you're going to come back here and get some rest. We can talk about what to do about Midnight tomorrow,"

"I'll see Twilight first, make sure she's OK," Rainbow offered. In truth, she wanted to avoid seeing Rarity for as long as possible. I don't imagine Rarity is spending the night yet, so I should be able to put that off till this afternoon.

"Just make sure you get around to Rarity as well," Fluttershy said. "I'll stop by your place and pick up Tank and bring him over here."

Rainbow wiped the tears from her eyes. She had stopped crying, and now she felt hollow and numb. "Thanks Fluttershy," she said.

"It's no problem," Fluttershy said from behind her mane. "Now get some more muffins into you." Fluttershy picked up the coffee pot from its trivet and topped up Rainbow's coffee.

Rainbow did as she was told and buttered another muffin as Fluttershy disappeared into the kitchen. She propped her elbow on the table and leaned her head against her hoof as she chewed, letting her eyelids droop. She was feeling very tired. Day's not even begun yet and I already want to go back to bed. But my friends need me... even if it's only to hear me apologize... Rainbow felt a little less hollow at the thought of being able to do something to fix the mess she caused. Even if it does mean that my feelings for Twilight are off the table... Rainbow took a swallow of fresh hot coffee, trying to banish the thought. She winced as the black liquid burned her tongue.

Fluttershy emerged from the kitchen, a small bag over her barrel. "I'm off to get Tank. You head out once you've eaten." She narrowed her eyes, looking serious. "And don't dawdle around either," she said opening the front door.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. I'll be out of here in five," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

"OK, I'll see you this afternoon." Fluttershy said. She closed the door, leaving Rainbow alone. Rainbow could hear the chorus of chirps as the birds in the trees around the cottage greeted Fluttershy as she stepped outside.

Rainbow gave a chuckle. Always gets me how she literally talks to the animals, she thought, a small smile touching her lips. Rainbow was starting to feel better as she finished muffin number two. That's probably enough for now, don't want to push my luck.

I better get a shower in before I go see Twilight, she thought. A quick one, she reminded herself. It wouldn't be good if Fluttershy came back and she still hadn't left yet. I feel guilty enough after one lecture... I don't need another one.

Rainbow frowned as thoughts of Midnight came unbidden to her mind. Laughing and kisses under the mistletoe on Hearth's Warming Eve, Midnight's eyes flashing during one of their many arguments, the feel of charcoal coat against her face in the dark... "Please Dash... don't leave me like this..."

Rainbow shook the memories away, but the raw pain they caused in her heart remained. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. Come on, focus! You have something else to do first, she told herself, but the ache wouldn't dull.

Rainbow heaved her body off of her chair, head hanging, thankful that the movement only made her a little dizzy. She slowly headed back to the washroom. Her stomach gave a squeeze as she recalled the horror of what had happened not quite a half-hour ago in that very washroom.

I hope it's had time to air out, she thought glumly as she plodded on heavy hooves down the hallway.

Reconciliation

After the night she'd had, Twilight decided to pass the morning in the quiet of her library, getting her things ready for her next project. Usually Spike would help her with the preparations, wearing out his claws writing checklists, but Twilight felt the need for some quiet time to herself. Collecting quills, sorting inkwells, stacking parchment and organizing her books seemed to effectively occupy her mind while she processed the events of the night before.

She had just finished stacking the first twelve thick, leather-bound books on the table beside her desk when a quiet knock sounded at the door.

"Yes?" Twilight asked, without looking away from the shelves as she used her magic to pull out another volume.

Spike poked his head in the door. "Hey Twilight, I know you said not to disturb you..."

Twilight rolled her eyes, dropping the thirteenth book onto the stack. "But?" she asked.

"Uhhh... Rainbow Dash is here..." Spike said, looking just a little awkward.

Twilight blinked wide eyes. "Oh," she said. She knew Rainbow was likely to show up, but now that she was here, Twilight was completely unsure of what to do with the information. And somehow, Spike had found out what had happened the night before. He hadn't said anything, but Twilight noticed a distinct lack of teasing from his typical demeanor.

"Want me to get rid of her?" Spike asked puffing up his chest, giving his best brave face.

Twilight laughed. Spikes display helped to clear the fog of indecision out for her head. "No Spike! I'm pretty sure she's just here to talk," she said as she trotted past him out the library door.

Spike fell into step behind her. "She's in the throne room," he said. "I'll make myself scarce. I want nothing to do with your mushy business," he said sarcastically.

"Thank you Spike," Twilight said giving the little dragon a warm smile.

Spike broke off and headed towards the general area of the kitchen.

Twilight trotted alone towards the throne room, stopping outside the door. The familiar anxiety was creeping back, and she could feel her shoulders tightening. Come on, you know she's not here to freak out. She's probably just here to apologize. Like Rarity said, you need to work this out on your own.

But what if she's not? What if she's here to profess her feelings again!

Well, you're not interested in her, so it's not a big-

What if she wants you to leave Rarity and won't take no for an ans-

STOP ARGUING WITH YOURSELF!

Twilight shook her head and took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind and slow her quickly beating heart. She closed her eyes, counting slowly to five, and pushed open the door with her magic.

Rainbow Dash was indeed seated at the table, but Twilight thought she looked a little worse for wear. Rainbow sat with her head hung and the dark circles under her eyes, her mane slightly disheveled. Twilight felt an unexpected flutter of sympathy for her friend.

"Hey Rainbow Dash," Twilight said uneasily as she trotted up to her seat. So many times they had sat in this room, so many happy times as they made memories together. Now it felt... strained. I don't want to do this, she thought. I want to go back to my library and snuggle with Rarity in front of the fire...

"Hey, Twilight," Rainbow said quietly, her voice sounding hoarse.

"You OK?" Twilight asked, concern coloring her tone.

Rainbow let out a single harsh "Ha!" shaking her head, a small bitter smile touching her lips. "No... Not really, but I think I owe you an apology anyway."

"Rainbow..." Twilight started. She wasn't sure what to say. Things were not progressing as she had hoped. And we've barely said anything, she thought anxiously.

Rainbow sighed. "Sorry about that... Its been a rough morning."

"Rough night to I suspect," Twilight said sitting down next to Rainbow.

"Yeah... S'why I'm here... But you figured that." Rainbow said flicking her gaze at Twilight.

Twilight chuckled. "It was my first guess."

"Look..." Rainbow started. "I'm really sorry about what happened last night. I haven't... been myself lately. It's not an excuse, just an explanation."

Twilight smiled. Finally things were on track. "I accept your apology Rainbow Dash," she said with a bit more formality than she intended.

Rainbow Dash looked up, meeting Twilight's gaze. "Really? Just like that?"

Twilight looked at her friend's tired eyes saying, "Yes. Just like that."

"Wow, thanks-" Rainbow started.

Twilight interrupted, "But we still have to talk about it... if I understand this stuff correctly. Which I don't, but we'll figure it out."

Rainbow groaned, leaning back in her seat. "I'm not very good at this kind of thing..." she said.

Twilight laughed. "Don't worry, I'm not good at it either. I'm the Princess of Friendship Rainbow Dash, not the Princess of Love... and I hesitate to ask Cadence for help so early on in my first relationship."

Rainbow chuckled. "Yeah, I'm not sure we need that much help..." she said wearily.

Heartened by the conversation finally being on track, Twilight rallied her courage. "So!" she said brightly, trying to cover her discomfort. "Elephant in the room... You say you like me?"

"Horse apples!" Rainbow exclaimed sitting bolt upright in her chair, wincing at the motion and rubbing her head.

Twilight gave Rainbow a sympathetic smile, feeling relieved she got the question out. "Sorry, but I'm pretty sure we have to talk about this item in particular."

"Ok..." Rainbow groaned. "Well I did... I mean... I do, but... Dammit!" She put her hooves over her eyes, taking a deep breath.

Come on Dash, we're just getting started, Twilight thought. She briefly entertained the idea of giving Rainbow a hug and simply pushing her out the door. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't fix anything though...

"Just slow down," Twilight said quietly.

Rainbow took another deep breath and lowered her hooves. "It's complicated, and my brain feels like it's been through the wringer..." she explained. "Last night was a bit of a disaster..."

Twilight got an idea. "Alright, let's work backwards then."

"Huh?" Rainbow grunted, a confused look on her face.

"How do you feel about me right now, at this moment?" Twilight asked.

"Ugh..." Rainbow groaned again. "I like you... Just not the same way I did last night." She hung her head, not meeting Twilight's eyes. "More of a 'really-good-friend-I-think-is-cute' kinda way..."

It was Twilight's turn to look confused. "What's changed since last night?" she asked.

"Well... I had a talk with Fluttershy this morning," Rainbow said. "More of a lecture really... Or a beating... It felt more like a beating..."

Twilight laughed despite her better instincts. Don't laugh, she's using humor to cover pain. Be sympathetic!

"What did she lecture you about?" Twilight asked, curiosity warring with sympathy for her friend.

Rainbow bit her lip, hesitating. "She says I need to go back to Midnight," she said, looking at the table again. "And I agree with her," she whispered.

Twilight blinked. Not what I expected at all. Where is Rarity when I need her?!

Out loud, Twilight said, "That's good to hear, Dash."

"Yeah, but I don't even know if she wants me back," Rainbow said forlornly.

"It has been a while since you two broke up," Twilight said and immediately wished she hadn't as Rainbow's shoulders slumped. "I didn't mean-" she said quickly.

"It's alright," Rainbow interjected. "It is what it is. But I'm gonna try. I should've went back a long time ago."

"For what it's worth, I hope she says yes," Twilight said, mind racing, trying to think of the right thing to say. "You two were meant for each other."

"Thanks Twilight," Rainbow said, looking up and giving Twilight a small smile. "I do still love her... I've just been messed up... I made a mistake leaving her and... It's just kinda all gone downhill since..."

Twilight slumped back in her chair and huffed out a breath. This was a lot for her to process. First Rainbow causing a public scene over me, and now the next day she's going back to Midnight? I really need to figure this relationship stuff out... But back on track.

"So back to last night," Twilight said hesitantly.

"Yeah," Rainbow responded.

"How did you feel about me last night?

Rainbow was quiet for a moment, staring at the inactive Cutie Map. After a moment she spoke. "Last night, I was convinced I had feelings for you. I was jealous that Rarity got to you before I did. I was angry with myself for not asking you sooner."

"You say convinced?" Twilight asked, a quizzical expression on her face.

"Fluttershy says I was confusing my feelings for Midnight, and trying to replace her... With you..." Rainbow said, a blush rising in her cheeks.

"Huh," Twilight said, at a loss for words.

"And I think she's right, because the more I think about going back, the more I realize who I should be with..." Rainbow said, still not looking at Twilight. "I'm really sorry Twilight..." she said, her bottom lip quivering. "I made such a mess for you two..."

Twilight was at a complete loss for words. Do something!

Twilight got up from her chair, crossing to Rainbow, and wrapped her in a hug. Rainbow leaned into her, taking in a shuddering breath. Twilight could feel tears soaking into her coat. "I said it's OK," she said quietly, squeezing Rainbow a bit tighter, "and I'm glad you're here so we can work this out."

"I'm not going to try and get between you and Rarity," Rainbow said, still leaning into Twilight. "I should be happy for you two, and I am, really. I don't want to screw things up for you two more than I already have."

Twilight let go of Rainbow, keeping a hoof on her shoulder and gave her a sympathetic look. "Well, I don't think anything is beyond repair yet," she said.

Rainbow looked at Twilight out of the corner of her eye. "Yeah, but you didn't see Rarity last night. Apologizing to her is not a talk I'm not looking forward to..."

"I'm sure it's not that bad," Twilight said, sitting down beside Rainbow's chair.

Rainbow gave a short laugh. "She dragged me into an alley by my mane!" she said with a genuine smile, rubbing the sore spot on her head.

Twilight snorted inelegantly, hooves shooting up to cover her mouth. "Oh my!" she exclaimed.

Rainbow settled back in her seat, smiling and she wiped her tears away. "She was pretty mad."

Twilight giggled at the thought of Rarity dragging Rainbow by her mane. "I can imagine."

"So... how're you doing?" Rainbow asked, looking a little less strained

"Honestly?" Twilight asked rhetorically. "Tired. It's been a bit of a roller coaster the last few days. A happy one, but a lot of new stuff, and it's been a lot to process."

"I'll bet," Rainbow said nodding.

"I mean, I've never dated anypony before, and Rarity's being patient, which is great..." she said looking uneasy. "But I guess everypony's going to know I like mares, and it's freaking me out, because nopony knew before," she said looking hopefully at Rainbow.

"Really Twilight, you've got nothing to worry about," Rainbow said.

"Says you, who's been out for, like, ever," Twilight said with a sarcastic smile.

Rainbow chuckled. "Well, you know me... Whatcha see is whatcha get," she said spreading her forelegs.

"Rarity keeps telling me it's going to be fine, but I keep chasing it in my head, worrying about it," Twilight continued. "I don't know how it's going to play out, and if I don't know what's going to happen, I don't know how to prepare for it!"

"Curse of that big brain of yours. You think too much Twi," Rainbow said, tapping her head for emphasis. "You just gotta stop thinking everything to death. Chill out, relax. No one cares if you're gay. I mean, they will for like five minutes, then they'll see the next shiny thing and yammer about that."

"Yeah, but I'm a princess too, and there's a bunch of stuff that comes along with that and a lot more attention..." Twilight said nervously.

"Well I only see one princess around here that actually has a stallion, and that's Cadence," Rainbow said giving Twilight a level gaze.

Twilight let out a genuine laugh. "I suppose that's true... I didn't think about it like that. But Celestia isn't gay. There's been plenty of stories of stallions coming and going over the years. She just doesn't keep them around. And Luna hasn't shown interest in anypony."

"Yeah, but the rumors are still there anyway because there aren't any stallions to stop them," Rainbow said. "So you won't be viewed much differently. Your rumor just gets confirmed."

"I suppose," Twilight agreed.

"You know what you need to do," Rainbow said, giving Twilight a serious look, "is just find a way to turn off your brain."

"Well... I can think of one way that seems effective..." Twilight said sheepishly.

"And that is?" Rainbow asked.

"Well..." Twilight said with a shy smile, "Rarity needs to help..."

Rainbow blinked at Twilight and then let out a laugh. "Oh man, that's awesome Twilight!" she said with a wide grin, sounding more like herself.

Twilight blushed. "When I'm with her, the rest of the stuff just seems to go away," she said.

Rainbow nodded and they both fell silent for a moment, until a thought crossed Twilight's mind.

"So what about Spring Step?" Twilight asked, filling the silence.

"Huh?"

"I mean... If you're going back to Midnight..." Twilight trailed off, suddenly unsure of her line of questioning.

Rainbow blinked. "Oh, well I wasn't really into Spring Step. I was just trying to get her in bed," she said blowing her mane out of her eyes.

Twilight let out a startled laugh, looking at Rainbow with wide eyes.

Rainbow gave Twilight a lopsided grin. "We're being honest, right?"

Twilight laughed again. "Yes, I suppose we are," she said smiling brightly.

"And besides, Spring made it clear she does not want to see me again," Rainbow said. "So you're really into Rarity, eh?" she asked, changing the subject.

Twilight was thankful for the new direction. "Yeah, it's strange. I've never felt like this about anypony before. I mean, I had a... crush on Rarity, but never did anything about it." She could feel a blush creeping up. Talking about her feelings for Rarity with somepony still felt strange and embarrassing.

"Well, she is hot," Rainbow said teasingly, giving Twilight a wink.

Twilight stuck out her tongue in response.

Rainbow chuckled, closing her eyes and leaning her head back.

"Seriously though," Twilight said, her face thoughtful, "when she told me she had feelings for me, I just kind of woke up, ya know?"

"I do..." Rainbow said, not opening her eyes. "It changes everything when you find out somepony cares about you."

"Was it like that with Midnight?" Twilight asked.

Rainbow opened her eyes. Twilight saw a mix of emotions she couldn't place cross Rainbow's face and felt instantly guilty again. Stop asking about Midnight, it's obviously a sore subject!

To Twilight's relief, Rainbow gave a small smile saying, "Yeah... I wasn't even looking when she came along... suddenly having a special somepony can really throw your world for a loop."

"I guess I'm lucky that I already know Rarity really well..." Twilight said in an attempt to take the subject away from Rainbow's ex. "I imagine it should make things easier."

"Well, some things sure," Rainbow said. "But you're still going to see a different side of Rarity that nopony else sees, and up until now that included you."

"Oh," Twilight said dumbly. She could feel a tickling of realization sinking in.

"And you're not exactly an open book Twi. Rarity's going to learn new stuff about you too," Rainbow continued.

Twilight's heart beat sped up and she could feel sweat pricking her brow as the anxiety started coming back.

"And she already knows you well enough to know when you're lying, so you're not going to be able to hide things you may not want a new marefriend to see either," Rainbow said, oblivious to Twilight's growing discomfort.

Twilight's mouth was suddenly very dry. She swallowed hard. She's right, I'm going to be sharing everything with Rarity, and she's not exactly like I picture her in my mind, and I'm not the same to her, and I guess everypony is different, but what if she doesn't like the me that she sees and what if there's things about her I don't know that-

"Earth to Twilight," Rainbow said waving a hoof in front of Twilight's face, breaking her train of thought.

Twilight snapped back to attention to see a weary looking Rainbow Dash smiling at her. Twilight blushed, laying her ears against her head.

Rainbow laughed. "Sorry," she said, "I didn't mean to freak you out there."

Twilight gave a high-pitched, nervous laugh. "It's alright," she said, her voice cracking. "I'm just wondering how it's all going to fall apart on me is all..."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "There you go again. It'll be fine as long as you work at it," she said, waving a dismissive hoof, then she gave Twilight a sly smile. "Ya know, I'm starting to think Rarity's got her work cut out for her with you."

"Hey!" Twilight said, giving Rainbow a glare, ears laid against her head. But she's probably got a point, she thought.

"I'm just happy I know more about something than you do!" Rainbow said giving Twilight a bright smile. "And that is not a challenge to go read all of the relationship books in your library," she said pointing a hoof at Twilight.

Twilight heaved a sigh. "I hope it's alright if I irritate you with questions on occasion?" she asked wearily.

"Sure thing," Rainbow said without hesitation. "Just maybe write them down for now until I get things with Midnight sorted out?"

"Already on it!" Twilight said flashing Rainbow a wide smile.

"Of course you are..." Rainbow said closing her eyes and putting a hoof over her face.

Epilogue

Dear Princess Celestia,

This week has definitely been interesting. My world has been kind of turned upside down by the revelation that my friend Rarity has feelings for me, feelings which I share. I have to admit I've had feelings for Rarity for some time, however I lacked the experience and confidence to act on them having neglected my "personal life" for so long.

It has also been a week of firsts, starting with my first kiss and also my first proper date. Rarity, in keeping with her generous nature, has been helping me adjust to life as a couple, and despite a mishap with Rainbow Dash you have no doubt heard about, things are settling quite well.

Among all the new experiences and happiness, I have also felt regret. I feel like I have missed quite a bit by keeping myself isolated and for a moment mourned what could have been. But the feeling did not last long and I am excited to continue on this new journey of self-discovery with Rarity.

Tonight, my friend Pinkie Pie is throwing us a party to celebrate our new relationship and made an open invitation to the townsponies of Ponyville to attend. She wants everypony to see their resident princess with her new marefriend. Rarity says it will also help quell the rumors that are apparently still floating around regarding the aforementioned mishap.

I must admit I am still nervous about appearing in front of everypony, showing the true self that I have essentially hidden for so long. My closest friends were not even aware of my preferences for the fairer sex, however, they have all been very supportive in their own ways. Rainbow Dash has even offered to make an appearance at the party tonight to help push the fact that everything is fine.

"Are you done with your letter yet, darling?" Rarity asked, sliding her forelegs around Twilight from behind. She brushed her lips against Twilight's neck, settling into the hug.

Twilight put her quill down, leaning into the embrace. She raised a hoof and touched Rarity's foreleg. "Almost," she said.

Rarity released her. "Well you had better hurry. We don't want to be late for Pinkie's party. We are the guests of honor after all!" she said smiling brightly, releasing Twilight and heading back to the couch.

"I'm aware," Twilight laughed. "I just want to get this sent," she said as she lit her horn and dipped her quill in ink.

As for official matters, I am aware that eventually I will need to present before the court to officially validate our courtship and the proper allocation of title for Rarity, however I would ask for some time to adjust to the situation here at home first. After all, I have yet to inform Starlight Glimmer that things at home will be changing slightly with Rarity being around more. I expect her back home in a few weeks or so from her pilgrimage to Saddle Arabia and I have high hopes that the news will be well received.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

"There," Twilight said, setting down the quill. "All finished."

Twilight lit her horn, picking up the parchment and rolled it with her magic. Ribbon and wax seal were quickly applied.

"Spike!" Twilight called, "I have a letter for you to send!"

"Honestly, it's rude to shout," Rarity scolded from her place on the couch.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "You're the one who wanted to wait with me while I worked instead of meeting me there," Twilight teased, still holding the scroll aloft in a sparkling aura.

Rarity hopped off the couch, tossing her mane as she crossed the floor to Twilight. "Well it simply wouldn't do for the esteemed couple to arrive separately!" she said dramatically. "What would the townsponies say?" she asked, eyes wide with mock horror.

Twilight gave Rarity a kiss on the cheek. "That the busy Princess and her Consort are practical and efficient," she said with a smile.

"I'm a Consort now?" Rarity asked with a devilish smile.

"Maybe one day," Twilight said with a wink. "Spike!" she yelled again, causing Rarity to wince.

"Just promise not to yell at me like that," Rarity said pulling a face.

"Unless you can send letters to Princess Celestia with your breath, I think you're safe," Twilight said.

"Coming!" Spike called as he rounded the doorway into the library carrying several bowties in one claw.

"Finally!" Twilight said as she tossed the scroll to Spike.

"Sorry, I was trying to pick out a bowtie for the party tonight," Spike explained as he caught the scroll with his free claw.

"Spike, I told you it's not a formal party," Twilight said as he took a deep breath and blew on the scroll, dematerializing it and sending it on its way to Canterlot.

"Well it may not be formal, but there's no reason Spike can't look his best," Rarity said. She lit her horn, grabbing a red bowtie from Spike's claw. "This will do nicely," she said, securing the bowtie deftly around Spike's neck and straightening it.

"Thanks Rarity!" Spike enthused.

"You're welcome," Rarity replied.

Spike turned and started out the library door. "I'll meet you guys out front in a few minutes," he said as he walked out of sight.

Alone again, Rarity turned to Twilight. "So things went well with Dash yesterday?"

"They did... and I handled the most awkward afternoon of my life all on my own," Twilight said with a self-satisfied smile and a nod.

"Excellent news," Rarity said, stroking Twilight's cheek with a hoof. "I'm quite proud of you."

Twilight blushed as she leaned into the contact, placing a kiss on Rarity's hoof. "And it seems Fluttershy has been pushing her to go back to Midnight," she continued.

"Yes, I heard. I do hope she does," Rarity said wistfully. "Other than the fact that it's the best thing for her, we could double date and look like the refined couple with the uncouth friends!"

Twilight laughed. "Come here and snuggle with me," she said trotting towards the couch.

"We need to get going to Pinkie's party," Rarity said following.

"We have a little while," Twilight replied. "Besides, I have a theory I want to test," she said sitting down.

"Really now?" Rarity said as she climbed onto the couch next to Twilight. "And what might your theory entail?"

"If I told you, it might contaminate the results," Twilight said with a sly smile. She wrapped her forelegs around Rarity's neck, pulling her in and giving her a long slow kiss that Rarity returned.

As she slid her tongue into Rarity's mouth, she idly marveled at how natural the intimate contact seemed now. She felt no hesitation at kissing Rarity, no anxiety, no self-consciousness. Any time she initiated a kiss, Rarity always happily returned it. She fits so well against me, Twilight thought before the thoughts stopping coming.

Twilight moaned into the kiss, mind blissfully blank as she felt Rarity's hooves running through her mane. She held Rarity tighter in her embrace, pressing her mouth greedily against her marefriend's, only loosening her grip when Rarity pulled back laughing.

"We do have a party to get to you know," Rarity teased.

Twilight reluctantly opened eyes she's didn't remember closing to find a pair of shining, half-lidded sapphire eyes looking back at her. She blushed and Rarity gave her a soft kiss on her cheek.

"So how did your theory test out, darling?" Rarity asked.

Twilight smiled, remembering there were motivating factors (aside from wanting to kiss Rarity) behind their latest couch session. "You," Twilight said, booping Rarity on the nose playfully with her hoof, "help stop the gears from turning. When we're together, the rest of the world goes away and I feel... Happy."

To her surprise, Rarity blushed. "You make me really happy to, Twilight," she said with a smile. She pushed Twilight gently back into the couch and curled up next to her, tucking her head just under Twilight's chin.

Twilight wrapped her forelegs around her love, closing her eyes and burying her nose in Rarity's mane. She inhaled the faint smell of berries, enjoying the feel of the warm body pressed against hers. Everything was quiet save for the sound of Rarity's gentle breathing and the ticking of a clock who's location she could not remember. Twilight smiled contentedly.

Just a few more minutes, she thought. Then we'll go to the party.

Trust Falls and Feelings

Rarity's boutique was usually a flurry of activity. Fabric and spools of thread suspended by magic flying through the air as she put together her works of wearable art. Today, there was definitely a flurry of activity, but the art was proving to be elusive.

Rarity was busily pinning fabric together on a ponyquinne, trying desperately to get the costumes order ready for the weekend's production of My Fair Pony at the theater on Saturday, and it was already Wednesday! Why did I agree to do all of the costumes, she thought to herself. It was a tall order at the best of times. Working distracted like she was, it was taking much longer and--

"Horse apples!" Rarity swore, jerking back from the pin she had just pricked herself with. Again. Instinctively, she looked around to be sure Sweetie Belle wasn't within earshot. Of course she wasn't. She was out with her fellow crusaders on one of their foolish adventures. And here you are pricking yourself when you're supposed to be focused on the task at hand. Death of a thousand cuts indeed.

Rarity sighed. She put the pin cushion she'd been holding with her magic down on the table and let the fabric on the ponyquinne sag. She stood alone in the middle of the shop and closed her eyes. "My, you are distracted today aren't you", she said aloud to herself. Her sore hooves were evidence of that. You've been distracted for weeks and the orders are starting to pile up, she thought.

Opening her eyes, Rarity walked over to her couch and sat down heavily. She huffed a sigh and thought back to the day she realized she had feelings for Twilight. Two months ago they had been at one of Pinkie Pie's parties (was it Gummy's third anniversary of his first trip to the dentist? Who would take an animal with no teeth to the dentist, honestly?) and Pinkie had decided one of the party games would be "trust falls". She had got paired with Twilight who she had just happened to be standing beside. When Twilight fell backwards into her waiting hooves, Rarity found her face suddenly buried in Twilight's mane, Twilight's body pressed against hers. The realization hit her like a loaded apple cart. For one instant, Rarity hadn't wanted to let go, she wanted to stay there, breathing in the scent of her mane, feeling her wings brush softly against her stomach. She did let go, and then it was her turn to fall into Twilight's hooves. Rarity left that party early, citing a pile of orders (which was partly true) and the need for a good night's rest (which she did not get) to get an early start the next day as her reasons for leaving. She left, her mind reeling from the realization that she had actually fallen for Twilight.

She didn't get sleep that night, and many nights since had been restless with thoughts of having her muzzle buried in Twilight's mane, stroking her wings... nibbling her ears. Rarity had tried to convince herself that her feelings were just a crush, and nothing to get all worried about. After all, she didn't want to jeopardize her friendship with Twilight over something like a crush. She figured it would pass and things would go back to normal. But her feelings weren't going anywhere, they were getting stronger.

In addition to her sleep issues, she forgot to eat until well past mealtimes (much to Sweetie Belle's dismay and near constant nagging) and she was forgetting about orders. Oh, and there's also the copious amount of time you spend staring into space, all the while thinking about a certain gorgeous lavender mare, she thought. The thought of wings brushing her face made her heart pump a bit faster.

And then there was the constant arguing she was doing with herself...

This is not like me to hesitate when I want something...

This isn't just anypony, it's Twilight!

What if twilight doesn't feel the same? It will ruin our friendship.

But what if she does...

"Horse apples!" she swore again. "This is getting ridiculous. I'm behaving like a school-filly!" Rarity knew there was only one way out of this. I have to talk to Twilight, she thought. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. I really do have it bad, don't I... Rarity bit her lip. She knew what she needed to do, but it didn't make it any easier. No more waiting, she thought, I need to do this today.

Mind made up (and before she could second-guess herself), Rarity tidied her shop, flipped the Open sign to Closed and headed out the door of her boutique, closing and locking the door. Twilight's castle wasn't far, and it was just after noon. She should be able to catch Twilight before the evening's responsibilities took over for both of them.

As she trotted towards Twilight's castle, she was feeling good about her decision, right up until the castle came into view. As soon as she spied the familiar towers and jeweled windows, her mouth went dry and her heart started to pound again.

You can do this, she said to herself. Just pretend its just another visit. You've been here so many times, why should this time turn you into a jumpy little filly?

Because this visit could ruin one of your most important relationships you have.

Thank you. That's extremely helpful...

Rarity found herself outside the doors of the Castle of Friendship. At least my legs are still working, even if my mind is wandering. Rarity applied her magic to one of the doors and pushed. The doors were unlocked as usual. She took a deep breath and walked slowly inside.

Rarity loved this place; the beauty of the sheer crystal walls and sparkling windows always took her breath away. She imagined how wonderful it would be to live in such a place, surrounded by its beauty everyday. Bless her heart, I bet Twilight barely notices how beautiful it is anymore, given she usually walks around with a book or scroll in front of her, she thought with a small smile. She briefly entertained the thought of living here with a beautiful lavender mare making it all the more wonderful. Getting a bit ahead of yourself aren't we? Lets actually talk to her first, she chided herself.

"Hey Rarity!" came a familiar voice from far above her. Rarity, startled out of her thoughts, looked up to see Spike hanging from a rope, washing windows in the throne room she had apparently wandered into during her daydreaming.

"Hello Spike", she called back as Spike descended on his rope back down to the floor.

Once on the floor, Spike bounded over with a hopeful look in his eyes, "What brings you here today? Anything I can help you with?"

"Actually I was looking for Twilight, is she around?" Rarity asked and she noticed Spike's face fall just a bit. Oh dear, she thought, I forgot about this one little wrinkle.

"Yeah, shes here. In the library as usual. She's been in there all day, try to get her to take a break if you can," Spike said with a hint of annoyance.

"I will certainly try my best. But actually, Spike, could I talk to you for a moment... It's important."

Spikes expression changed to one of concern, "Sure Rarity, what's going on?"

"Well...", she began, not really sure how to begin. "I came over to speak to Twilight about... My feelings for her...". Rarity winced as she said the last part. To his credit Spike barely flinched. "I wanted to talk to you about it first... Because..."

"Of my feelings for you.", Spike finished for her. His entire body slumped slightly as he said the words, his eyes dropped from her face to focus somewhere around her hooves.

Rarity felt lost. She wanted so badly to take away the hurt she knew she just handed to Spike. The poor little dragon had been enamored with her for so long, and now she was not only rejecting him, but replacing him with someone he lived with. And assisted, all day. Everyday.

"Spike... I'm sorry... I can't help how I feel about Twilight. I still want us to be friends. You're important to me and a good friend," Rarity said, trying to salvage something of the situation.

Spike squared his shoulders and puffed up his chest, "It's OK Rarity."

Rarity blinked, "Excuse-me-what?" she blurted out.

Spike gave her a lopsided smile, "It's OK. I knew you had feelings for Twilight."

"How did you know that?" she asked, eyes wide.

"At Gummy's party. It was obvious to anyone looking... Well, at least to me. I saw you when you caught Twilight. For someone usually so composed, your face was priceless!" Spike said, looking a bit self-satisfied. "I also noticed the way you've been looking at her since then. You steal looks at her when shes not looking, and you get the cutest look in your eyes. Twilight hasn't noticed, or at least she hasn't mentioned it. She is a bit dense when it comes to this stuff though."

Rarity was shocked. Had she really been so obvious? She decided to shelve that thought for now. "So... Are we OK?" She asked tentatively.

Spike nodded, "Yeah, we're OK. It just hurt hearing it out loud, but I kinda figured it would be coming. Just don't expect me to help you out winning Twilight. That's a bit too much to ask."

Rarity let out a breath she had not realized she was holding, "Thank you Spike," she said as she pulled him in for a hug, that he returned.

Spike pulled away after a few seconds. "Twilight is in the library. Take your time, she's not going anywhere, and she doesn't have any appointments today. She had me clear her schedule for some crazy research project for which she needs 'absolute and uninterrupted concentration'," Spike finished with an eye roll.

"Thank you again Spike, you're a good friend", she said and gave him a warm smile.

"I know. Good luck!", he said with another self-satisfied smile as he marched out of the room.

Spikes feelings somewhat spared, Rarity felt a bit better. She started working her way through the crystal halls towards the library. She'd been there many times to see Twilight, always finding her shoulder deep in some pile of books and scrolls, a fierce, focused light in her eyes while she conducted her research.

Today was apparently not one of those days. As Rarity reached the door to the library she heard a familiar, frustrated "Arg!" followed by the unmistakable thunk of Twilight's head hitting the book laid out on her desk.

Rarity walked into the library with a worried glanced and asked, "Everything OK, darling?"

Twilight snapped her head up from her desk, a surprised look on her face and a quill pen stuck to her forehead. A tired smile crossed her face when she recognized Rarity standing in the doorway. "Hey Rarity!" she said.

Rarity's heart melted at the sight before her. Even with her mane slightly disheveled and a quill stuck to her forehead, Twilight was beautiful. Walking into the library, she giggled as she plucked the quill from Twilight's head with her magic, setting it back on the desk. "Whats the matter dearest? You sounded a bit frustrated before I walked in".

Twilight pulled a bit of a wince and said, "Oh, I've been working on this new spell and I just can't get it right! Princess Celestia was hoping I could figure it out before the next delegation from Saddle Arabia came to Canterlot. I've been at it for days and I keep getting stuck."

Concern flashed across Rarity's face as she said, "Why don't you take a break? Spike says you've been working too much, and besides, I have something I need to talk to you about."

Twilight stretched, "I guess I could use a break, and some company. Spike! Can you bring some tea for Rarity an-"

Twilight was cut off as Spike rushed into the room with a clattering tray of tea already made, "Already on it Twilight, I saw Rarity come in and figured you'd need some tea!"

Twilight settled down onto one of the over-sized pillows by the unlit fireplace smiling as Spike set down the tea set on a nearby table. "Thank you Spike. Thoughtful as always, even if it is just a ploy to get me to take a break," she said, peering at him through narrowed eyes.

"No problem Twi!" Spike beamed. "And its only because I care," he said pouring them both some tea. "Enjoy your tea" he said, giving Rarity a wink before jogging out of the room.

Maybe he's had a change of heart about the whole 'I like Twilight' thing...Either that or the little scamp is teasing me, Rarity thought. Either way, thank goodness he seems to be in high spirits.

Rarity was startled out of her thoughts by Twilight. "So what did you want to talk about?" she asked, sipping the tea Spike had poured.

"Well..." Rarity started. Then she couldn't speak. This was it, her chance. She had Twilight's undivided attention and she could feel the weight of the those beautiful eyes on her. How was she supposed to tell one of her best friends she was falling for her? Why had she decided on the spur of the moment to come here and do this today? She'd played it out in her mind in so many sleepless nights, trying to figure out a way to explain it to Twilight without scaring her off, to think of things she might say, hints she might drop... But she knew Twilight better than that. She has to be direct or she was just going to be confused...

"Uh, Rarity... Are you OK?", Twilight asked.

Rarity brought herself back to the present to see a confused Twilight tilting her head to one side in the most adorable fashion, looking at her intently. "Sorry, what?" was all Rarity could manage.

"You've just been... staring of into space," Twilight said, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "Is everything alright?"

Rarity gave a small nervous laugh (well, she hoped it didn't sound too nervous) and said "Sorry darling, yes, everything is all right."

"OK good. So what did you want to talk about?" Twilight asked. She didn't sound as concerned, but she still hadn't taken her gaze off of Rarity. Rarity resisted the urge to shift in her seat, lighting her horn to lift her cup and took a sip of tea.

Here goes nothing, Rarity thought, her heart pounding. "Twilight, there is really no other way to tell you this... but.. I have feelings for you." There. She said it! It was out. She felt a blush creep into her cheeks.

Twilight's brow furrowed as she asked, "Feelings?". Her tea cup stopped and hovered in midair, lit by her magic.

"Yes dear, feelings," she affirmed, nodding. Adding, "Romantic feelings." All downhill from here, she thought.

Rarity watched Twilight's eyes grow wide as she whispered, "Roman....tic...?" The last part came out as more of a squeak. The tea cup dropped towards the table as Twilight's magic lost it's grip. Rarity just managed to grab it with her magic before it hit and gently put it back on the saucer.

Rarity felt her stomach twist and churn inside her. Twilight sat as if she was frozen. Rarity wasn't even sure she was breathing. Her eyes were wide, the pupils shrunk to tiny black dots, mouth slightly open, like a few of Twilight's gears had come off their tracks and gotten jammed. Now you've done it, she thought. She had to get her back... "Twilight... stay with me", Rarity said softly, reaching out a hoof and stroking Twilight's cheek.

Awareness returned to Twilight's face in a flash and she jumped backwards, scrambled to her feet and started pacing, muttering to herself.

Rarity, having no soft lavender cheek to stroke, pulled her hoof back. She was suddenly unsure of her spur of the moment plan. The poor thing is terrified, she thought. This was a bad idea...

Twilight stopped pacing, gave Rarity a confused look and said. "You really do? You really like me?"

Rarity blinked at the question, it was not what she was expecting. "Yes Twilight, I do."

Twilight still looked confused as she asked, "When did this happen?"

"Honestly, I've been feeling this way for a few months really", Rarity answered, still seated on her pillow.

Twilight got that wide-eyed look again. "Months?" she asked quietly.

"Well yes, actually. I wasn't sure at first. I thought it might just be a crush, and I didn't want to say anything and risk losing your friendship over something silly like that. But its not just a crush Twilight. I can't stop thinking about you. I can't sleep, I forget to eat, and when I'm away from you my heart positively aches." Rarity didn't know when she had closed her eyes, but when she opened them Twilight was sitting back down beside her. The confusion was gone, and it was replaced with a soft look Rarity hadn't seen before. She could feel tears in the back of her eyes.

Twilight put her hoof over Rarity's. "I'm glad you told me Rarity... and I'm glad you said it first."

Rarity's heart soared! First?!

"I've been thinking about you for a while to. But I've never told anyone how I've felt before... I wasn't sure what to say." Then she chuckled softly, "I wasn't even sure you were interested in mares, we've never really discussed it"

"My interest in mares is not something I run around advertising like Rainbow Dash", Rarity said slyly, and they shared a giggle. "I can see the merits of both, but when it comes down to it, its more about the pony, and the pony I want is you." She turned hopeful eyes towards Twilight and bit her lip nervously. She had poured out just a bit more of her heart than she had intended to in the last few seconds.

Twilight shifted herself next to Rarity, blushing furiously, and whispered, "Well, I think you have me", as she leaned against her new marefriend and nuzzled her cheek.

Rarity caught her breath. The world stopped for a few wonderful, blissful seconds as she felt Twilight lean into her. She nuzzled back, drinking in the scent of her, the soft feel of her coat. She could feel Twilight's wing brush gently against her side. The words you have me echoed in her head. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and all she could feel was a soaring joy that brought, what she assumed must be, a foolish looking smile to her lips.

"Rarity?" Twilight said in a quiet, questioning tone.

Rarity pulled her head back to look into the most beautiful violet eyes, "Yes darling?"

"I... I want to kiss you," Twilight managed. "Is that OK?"

Rarity's heart skipped another beat, and she managed to whisper, "Yes."

Rarity and Twilight leaned towards each other. Their lips touching, pressed together, lingering. Just a kiss. After a few seconds, Twilight pulled back. Rarity could see her blushing a vibrant red. "That was really nice," Twilight said, a smile spreading across her face, competing with her blush for attention.

Rarity looked at her friend, "Was that-"

"My first," Twilight whispered.

Now it was Rarity's turn to blush, her white cheeks turning a flattering shade of pink. They held each others gaze for a few more seconds before both of them spontaneously dissolved into giggles, laying down on their sides on the pillow they were now sharing. When they came to their senses, Twilight gently tapped Rarity on the nose with her hoof and said, "I think I'm going to have some more research to do to figure out this whole 'marefriend' thing".

"You know Twilight," Rarity said airily, "not everything can be learned from a book. Some of it you just need to figure out as you go. Sometimes you just do what feels right."

Twilight leaned in an gave Rarity another chaste, lingering kiss, sending a shiver up Rarity's spine. "I can do that. I think..." she said when they broke apart.

"You always were a fast learner," Rarity cooed, reaching out a hoof to stroke Twilight's mane. So beautiful, Rarity thought.

They laid like that for what seemed, to Rarity at least, like minutes. Stroking and nuzzling, trading chaste kisses between them. At one point, Twilight snuggled up against Rarity, tucking her head under Rarity's chin and wrapped her forelegs around her marefriend. Rarity snuggled her back, burying her muzzle in Twilight's mane breathing in the faint smells of parchment and ink... and violets. They stayed that way until the clock above the darkened fireplace tolled four.

Rarity's eye shot open. "Sweet Celestia!" she exclaimed as she looked up to check the clock, hoping desperately she had heard wrong. She had not. "I need to get back to the boutique. Sweetie Belle should be getting back and dinner has been... Sporadic... Lately," Rarity said with a blush.

Rarity forced herself to get up from their shared pillow. She didn't want to leave, but poor Sweetie Belle would be upset if dinner was late. Again. Now that the weight of her hidden feelings had been lifted, her mind felt clearer, and there was so much that needed doing.

Twilight stood beside her, looking a little crestfallen, but she nodded saying, "I wish you didn't have to go so soon."

Rarity gave her hair a toss to settle all the ruffled strands. "Why don't you come by the boutique tomorrow for lunch? Sweetie Belle will be out. We can have some time together before we both have to get back our respective responsibilities," she suggested.

Twilight positively beamed as a smile lit up her face, "Lunch sounds great!"

Rarity stepped close to Twilight and gave her another kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Gorgeous," she said with a sly smile.

it had the intended effect as Twilight blushed a vibrant red again. "Tomorrow," she agreed.

Rarity quickly trotted to the door and looked back to flash one last smile before she headed out the door and down the hallway, leaving Twilight to her piles of books and scrolls.

Rarity trotted through Castle Friendship, her head and spirits high. The crystal walls seemed to shine just a bit brighter and the afternoon sun streaming through the windows just a little more golden. That foolish smile crept back onto her face as she thought about the last few hours (had it really been hours?) she had spent with Twilight.

"Heading out so soon?" Spike asked from a doorway as she trotted by.

Rarity stopped and gave the little dragon a smile. "I need to get back for Sweetie Belle," she said." But Twilight will be coming by for lunch tomorrow," she said happily.

"So things went well then?" Spike asked, leaning against the door frame.

"It was... rocky at first... but yes. It went well," she said, smiling behind the blush that rose in her cheeks again.

"Well that's a relief," he said pushing off from the door frame. "I better get dinner on to. Maybe she'll actually eat something tonight. See you later!"

"Good evening, Spike," Rarity said as she turned and started trotting away.

Rarity kept up a steady pace all the way back to the boutique. The entire way she kept turning the afternoon's events over in her mind. So much had happened in such a short time, and the place she started in a few hours ago was so different from where she was now. Rarity unlocked the boutique and stepped inside, closing the door with her magic.

She stood in the middle of her boutique, alone in the quiet and closed her eyes. The empty longing she had felt earlier was gone, replaced by something warmer that filled her insides. Something that made her smile again. She felt something small and furry rub against her leg. Rarity opened her eyes and looked down into the expectant gaze of Opal. "Time to get to work Opal," she said. "We have a lot to do. But first, dinner."

Opal meowed in agreement and followed her to the kitchen.