Love, Trust and Friendship

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.