Unintended Outcomes

by Stegtorn

Rating: everyone
Tags: Fleur de Lis, Human, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Second Person, Other, Romance
Length: 7026

Falling out of love is easy. Falling into love is easy. Dealing with the aftermath isn't.

A couple of dejected people meet at a fancy hotel, and become disillusioned with their love lives.

Written around 2015 in greentext, just now got around to converting it to prose. It's an earlier work, so it can be rough at times.

Amazing cover art by my boy Pedro Hander.

Published 2016-12-22 06:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-01-11 02:29:52 UTC

In Which You Sit at a Bar

You arrived in Equestria just around the time Twilight and her new friends had defeated Nightmare moon. Being foreign, alone and in need of company you were readily accepted into her group. Twilight and you had a special connection, being so new to town and being so new to making friends. When she needed help with her studying, you were right there to press her through the tough stuff. If things got rough, and they occasionally did, you were right there for her to lean on and rely on.

It was no surprise to anyone when you and her became more than friends. It was slow admittedly, both of you being so unsure about such things. But that made it work. You and her were inseparable, and no one really minded. Honestly, if they did, you could care less. You had found someone you, in all sense of the word, loved. It seems strange, but it really isn't at all. The connection made sense, and it was mutual.

You can't recall how many times you've fallen asleep wrapped around each other, with a book or watching the stars You've had falling outs, huge arguments; but you'd just meet together again in the rain, both looking sad and empty without the other. If you had to try and describe the sort of feelings she stirred up in you, it would be a splatter of warm red, and a comfortable blue. Kissing her never failed to bring a passionate rising in your chest, filling it up so that it felt as if it would burst with raw emotion. Twilight's studies always continued, she was always getting better at magic and discovering more about friendship. It wasn't so long before she knew nearly everything. There was a great disaster, it may not appear that way to others but it was in fact a disaster.
Twilight had gotten a little too ambitious, and miscast a spell. The town was in shambles for a few days as you and her scurried about trying to rectify the damage. Both of you got it cleaned up quick enough, and her friends gathered around the library to complete the spell. You almost couldn't believe she'd done it, and you were so proud.

The sinking horrified feeling you got when she suddenly disappeared in a puff of smoke was like nothing you'd ever experienced. First you felt confusion, and then fear at the mere thought of having lost her. But it wasn't so, she did return. However the Twilight that came back was different. Something had happened while she was away, a change of sorts.

Helping her discover and learn to use her new wings was a joy at first, albeit a little strange when she and Rainbow became practicing higher and higher up in the clouds. You were forced stay on the ground as they explored the blue above. It was excluding and uncomfortable, but you were there for here no matter what, and she did need to practice, so who are you to tell her no? Things got more strange when she was called to Canterlot for "Royal duties and training".

She was gone for a month or so at a time, but always came home to you, and each time you felt that warmth growing in your chest. Things got busy up there in Canterlot, sometimes she was gone for two, three even five months at a time. Occasionally you'd make the trip to visit her, only to be shown back home by the guards, being told she was far too busy. It's been six months now since you saw her last. It feels like she's been swept away by that spell. It feels like something has been ripped out of you and left to rot in the harsh warmth of the sun. It feels like she has never really returned.

It happened again. You arrived at Canterlot Castle's gate once more, only to be turned away, apparently Twilight is in an important meeting. With clenched fists and a sneaking suspicion you retreated back to the hotel you usually stay at before boarding the train back to Ponyville. You're not one to drink, at all, but today you pay a visit to the hotel's bar. It's darker in the section then in the brightly lit, fancy lobby. You order something strong, taking a seat at the counter, hunched over the wooden top.

After some time, which is mostly spent taking sips of amber liquid and feeling self conscious, a mare comes into the bar and joins you. She's tall, graceful and disheveled at the same time. Her long, stark white legs carry an uncertain, tired body to the stool right next to you.

Slapping a hoof on the table, she calls to the bartender, "The usual, please."

She rests her hand in her hooves, beautiful mane laying out over the wooden surface. You feel uncomfortable being so close to someone you don't know, especially seeing as she looks so distraught.

"Hello, I'm Anonymous," you blurt out, reaching out a hand.

Without looking up she meets your hand and meekly shakes it.

"Hi, I'm Fleur-de-lis. Just call me Fleur, it's too much trouble to say all that other stuff." Well, she's a looker.

"What brings you here?" you ask, unsure of how else to continue the conversation.

"Problems at home. I just want to relax a little before I have to get back to the usual, stuffy life I live," she explains dejectedly.

There is some silence, and her drink is brought by.

"You hiding from something too?"

In a way.

"No. Actually, I am, or was, looking for someone."

"Who?" she turns to you, her oddly calm eyes looking directly into yours.

"Oh, uh, she works up in the Castle. Very busy mare."

"One of those royals? Or one that thinks they're royal?" she laughs lightly.

You don't answer, rather joining her in the laughter to evade the question.

"You must not come here often."

"Why do you say that?"

You take a sip from your trusty Hotel 13 tumbler.

"You have the look of somep0ny in over their head."

Your brow furrows as you think up something to respond with.

"So tell me about this mare. Is she from here or visiting like you are?"

"Uh, well, she used to live around here, but moved to Ponyville."

"Ah, interesting. Very interesting. If I were you, I'd try to keep an eye on her while she's here."

"Why's that?"

She takes a drink, not breaking eye contact.

"These 'ritzy' stallions all have mares on the side. They like the ones from out of town, or the young ones who still think money and fame is all that."

You gulp hard at the thought of Twilight with anyone other than you. Your breathing gets a little heavy, panicked almost. Speculations and worries had been floating around in your head, and hearing someone put it into words was rather unsettling.

"Easy there, you alright?"

"Never better," you say, trying to stop your teeth from grinding together. You finish off your drink, hoping to calm your nerves.

"Tell me, what do you do?" you ask, hoping to shift the topic and pressure off you.

"I act like a good little mare and spend my husband's money," she says, batting her eyes mockingly at you.

"And he has a lot of it I'm guessing?"

"Yup," she knocks back her own drink, almost falling out of her seat.

"Who's your husband?"

"A 'charitable' and 'upstanding' citizen by the name of Fancy Pants."

You've never heard of anyone by that name.

"He's one of those that thinks they're royal. Always with the demands, always with the lavish parties," she shakes her head and sighs.

"I don't think he's said a word to me in a week."

"I can't really relate to that."

"I don't expect you to. I apologize for unloading all this on you."

"It's no problem. Sometimes you just got to talk to a stranger and connect with them."

"We aren't really strangers anymore," she reasons with a sly smile.

You take that statement into consideration. Her expression and tone suggest she'd like to spend some more time with you, which would be fine, if that tone wasn't also laced with a certain seductive quality.

"That's true," your coy reply is nearly lost on her.

She nods, smile growing, then vanishing quickly. "We aren't strangers anymore. But that doesn't mean we can't still converse, does it?"

"No, we can still talk."

"Good, that's good."

It becomes quiet, neither you nor her wanting to be the one to begin a new conversation.

"Will you let me confide in you once more?"

Nodding apprehensively gives her the go ahead.

"I think Fancy Pants has one of those virile naive young mares hidden away in some cheap apartment here."

She leans in close, so close you can smell the alcohol and perfume mixing on her.

"I think when he goes off on the weekends with his friends he's really with that mare, hiding his something away in her."

"Why would you think that? Just because he associates with people like that doesn't mean he follows their example."

"Little clues. Slip ups when I ask him questions, receipts for jewelry I've never received."

"Oh..."

"Yeah, 'oh'."

She hangs her head and looks away from you.

"I can remember a time when I was that innocent filly being pampered by him. I felt so special, so important. I feel no anger for whoever he's tricking now, only empathy. Sometimes I wonder if she even knows about me."

"..."

You can practically feel the thick cloud of emotion hanging over her, but you can't relate to it from either end. There's no way you'd ever cheat on Twilight, and you've never been cheated on. Or at least, not to your knowledge, you remind yourself with a wince.

"Anonymous," she says in a dispirited tone, "Could you walk me to my room? I do believe it's time for me to turn in."

"No problem."

You stand, helping her off her stool and onto the tile.

"It's just down here," she points with a hoof toward the lobby.

Author's Note

Dry, simple romantic stuff. Tell me if you you like it, and be sure to tell me if you dislike it!

In Which You Sit at a Bed

You lead her across the thick red carpet of the lobby. She stops you just before a long hall way on the left, "right here." She pushes open the door, marked with a triangle and the number three. Fleur doesn't enter, however she very suddenly turns around and hops up, placing her hooves on your chest and planting a passionate kiss right on your lips.

-Twilight Sparkle, Canterlot Castle-

"Princess Sparkle," a guard says gruffly, bowing as you look at him.

Your snout scrunches up, you're still not used to that. Celestia sees this a smiles warmly, you'd like to think she understands.

"Yes?"

"Anonymous has arrived again, he will be staying at Hotel 13 for some time before his train comes."

You shoot a hopefully, pleading look at Celestia. So many times you've had to turn down Anonymous because of your duties.

"Princess Celestia?"

She looks to Luna, who's expression remains aloof.

"Shortly, Twilight, I promise."

Hope reinvigorates you, widening your eyes and making your hooves shaky. The guard bows again before dismissing himself. You hardly pay attention to what Celestia or Luna are saying, all your attention is too focused on seeing Anon. Finally the time comes, and Celestia allows you to leave and you're off, racing down the spiraling stairs to your carriage.

"To Hotel 13," you say to the driver, a smile curled across your face.
It's been far to long since you've last seen him. You've had your apology written for a month now, he doesn't deserve to be ignored for so long.

The carriage pulls up and you hop out forgetting all regulations, leaving the carriage door wide open. Through the glass door and into the lobby you go, floating inches off the ground with sheer joy. You see him! Anonymous in the flesh. W-with a mare...her lips pressed against his.

Her body pressed against her, conforming to him. You start to choke up, unable to comprehend the scene. You can't let him see you, you can't handle it. With a chest full of lead and tears clouding your vision you run back to the carriage, ordering the driver to take you back to the castle.

-Anonymous, Hotel 13 lobby-

For a moment Fleur wasn't springing something on you, rather you were with Twilight again, sharing the kiss you always did when she came home. It was always the same, and a just a little different from the normal ones, she'd always tilted her head and lean on you, her warm chest pair with yours. Unintentionally your hands drift to her side, you find soft fur, not obstructive wings.

And you were with Twilight for a minute, in the treehouse. Awkward and unsteady, off by a few millimeters. But just as fast as that feeling came it was gone. You push Fleur off you, staggering back. Wiping your mouth you look down at her with a twinge of confusion.

"That is not okay," you say, turning from her.

"I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just..." she lets out a long sigh.

Shaking your head you turn back around to her.

"It's fine. Why did you even do that?"

"I don't get much attention at home," she rubs her foreleg looking forlorn.

"How is that any excuse? Listen, you can't just do that to people."

"I thought you wouldn't mind."

"Whatever. Let's just forget about it," you say hurriedly, wanting to but this incident behind you as quick as possible.

Glancing over at a clock on the wall you find that you've missed you train. Spectacular. Your hand shoots into your pocket, rooting around for bits. A few five pieces, a couple singles. There's about twenty or so in there. No where near enough for a room. You've got a few options.

Fleur senses something is up.

"Is there a problem?"

You rub the back of your neck, averting your eyes.

"I missed the train. And I've got no money for a room."

"Well, we could always share mine. There's no harm right?"
Swallowing hard, you nod in response. She waves you in and enters herself. Gingerly you sneak in, wondering what Twilight was doing about now. It's kind of late, she should be done with her business. She's probably eating dinner around now. You close the door behind you slowly and gently, as if someone was listening in. Fleur hops up on the bed and lays back, stretching across the mattress, letting out a long content sigh. Awkwardly you stand near the door, your feet feeling as if they were trapped in cement. She waves her hoof at you.

"Lay down, I think we both deserve a rest."

Huh? You take off your shoes and tip-toe toward her. She's smiling uncertainly. This could be strange. She moves over, giving you a nice little space. Laying back, you let your feet dangle over the edge, sinking into the soft bed.

"See, isn't this nice?" Fleur turns to you.

It is very relaxing. It's like some weight has been taken off your shoulders, all that worry and loneliness lifted by a simple lay down on a hotel bed.

She lets out a soft giggle, "I can't tell you how many times I've just laid on this bed and looked up at the ceiling. I've rented this room many times before. "

You do so now, taking your eyes off her and focusing on the eggshell paint above. Nothing is happening, everything's fine. This is nice.

"I'm a little hungry. Want to order some food?" she says, perking up.

Seems she's forgotten her troubles as well.

"Why not?" you shrug.

The room service comes by shortly, bringing in a few platters and a stand. Fleur tips them and places the short bed-table carefully beside you.

Celery, grapes, cheese, daisies, hay, and a few sugar cubes

"Well, what first?"

"Hmm. What do you usually eat first?"

"Celery, then work my way through the hay and daises and save the best for last."

"Sounds like a plan."

You don't mind celery, who does really? But hay, flowers? No way, jack. You bite into a stalk.

"Hey, uh, got any stories?"

She looks up at you quizzically, a stem poking out her mouth.

"What kind of stories?"

"Funny ones? Happy ones?"

Her face scrunches up and her eyes drift up.

"I'm not very good at telling stories."

"Neither am I, but imagine how odd it would be for two not-strangers to share their first meal in utter silence?"

"Okay, let me think. There once was this party, up in some rich colt's oversized house. Please note I was pretty young at the time, and I think it was only my second or so big social event. I still wasn't sure if I was being polite enough, or if I was standing right. I was a nervous wreck. Anytime someone told a bad joke, and their buddies laughed, I'd join in with a shrill banshee cry of a giggle. Oh I was so embarrassed. So after awhile Fancy tells me to get some punch to calm down, and as I'm headed toward that big red bowl of juice a waiter comes whipping around the corner, slamming into me," her forelegs shoot up to emphasize.

"So, what happened next?"

She grins, "I tumbled and spun right into the table and my head went straight into the punch. When I came too, everypony was looking straight at me, Fancy had his face buried in his hooves. I had never exited a building so quick in my life."

Just the thought of that sends riotous laughter shaking through you. It's nervous, maybe you shouldn't be laughing at her. But the thought of this sophisticated, elegant mare, drenched in red punch, too much for you. Somewhat surprisingly Fleur joins in, reveling in her own misfortune. You lean back a bit too much, falling straight off the bed, landing hard on your ass, a stalk of celery dropping on your chest.

"You alright down there?" she says between laughs.

You pop up, rubbing your head, "I'm good."

Climbing up on the bed you nearly fall off again, but Fleur catches you.

"That was a pretty good impression of me," she coos.

You shake your head, trying to force back a grin.

After both of you settle down again you tell her about the first time you kissed Twilight. Which occurred on a dark, snowy street; your nose was a little runny, and you were praying you didn't ruin the moment. You almost did when you dropped the books you were carrying, nearly hitting her hooves. Afterward the both of you headed back to the library like giddy school girls, where you shared hot chocolate and talked until dawn, trying out a few new kisses over the course of those comfy wintery hours.

"That's kinda romantic."

"I suppose," you say, it's uncomfortable mentioning this stuff to Fleur.

She nods, scooping up two grapes and a small slice of cheese.

"You eat that together?" you wince at the thought.

"Yeah," she replies with confidence, mouth still full, "Have you ever tried it?"

"No."

She slides you some.

"Nah."

Come on, do it, try it for me."

Fleur holds it up to you, tongue out in effort.

You snort and gobble it up, it's so odd chewing them together. But also fucking fantastic!

"Goddamn, I need more!"

"Attaboy!" Fleur looks triumphant as she prepares you another.

"What about your first kiss?" I say, poking her leg, fingertip lingering for just a second. We were sitting close together, our indents into the mattress forcing us to slide together. She's warm, hot even, your thigh brushing against hers. You feel a need to brush her fur, you want to feel its softness. She grows somber quickly, jaw tightening and eyes looking down at the remaining crumbs of food.

"I was pretty young, but I looked older for a filly. I was so tall, even then," she said softly. "A colt at my magic school pushed me up against the wall in the playground. I was tall but I wasn't strong, and so I couldn't really stop him when he kissed me. It was quick, but it felt like forever."

"I'm sorry, that sounds so shitty," it feels natural, so I wrap an arm around her, palm brushing against her shoulder, feeling her pelt.

"That means a lot," she lets out a nervous half-laugh, "It's silly but I've always felt deep down that my first kiss was taken from me, you know? It wasn't special like yours. I wanted romance, I wanted to share something with someone I loved. It was. . ." she trails off, eyes getting a little misty.

You think she's going to try, but she just turns it off, shakes herself almost imperceptibly, and her expression goes blank again. The only reason you can tell she shudders is because you're holding her. You wonder for a moment how much she's practiced switching tears off, and why she can even do that at all.

By the time you turn out the light the moon had long past its highest point. You and Fleur had decided to share the bed. It wasn't as strange as you thought it would be. In fact, for awhile you and her chat in hushed tones, facing each other. For some reason, her eyes are illuminated with a certain happiness and excitement that you could even detect in the dark.

After some time your eyes began to flutter shut and you could hardly stay awake. Movement rouses you enough for you to take a peek. She gets herself closer to you, pressing her chest against yours. You mutter something resembling 'what'.

"Jus' hold me..." she replies groggily.

You don't respond, staying still.

"Please."

After a moment without action you slide and arm around her. In a moment more you're asleep.

In Which You Sit at a Library

“Twilight—”

She shakes her head, scowling and trotting toward you.

”How could you come in here after what you did to me?”

“Excuse me? What have I ever done to you?”

”I visited your hotel, and I saw you, with her, swapping spit.”

Fleur backs up against the wall, Twilight staring her down. Your teeth grind together as it clicks together. Of all the times for her to come by…

Fleur lets out a weak, nervous laugh, “Allow me to explain.”

”What is there to explain, are you going to say it was some sort of accident? I’m no fool you know.”

”No actually, you see. That was all my fault, Anonymous had nothing to do with it. I was the one who came onto him. This is all just a big mistake.”

”How can I believe that after what I saw?”

“Believe it or not that’s what happened. How can you really believe that I would cheat on you after coming all the way from Ponyville to see you? You know how many times I've come up here, only to be turned away at the gates? I would never cheat on you, and if I did I wouldn't come to Canterlot to do it. That’s just absurd. What happened was a mistake.”

She thinks for a moment, looking over the expression on your face. With crossed fingers you hope she buys it; it is the truth after all. Why wouldn't she believe the truth? Fleur shoots you a glance, and creeps away from Twilight.

”I’m going to go. I’m sorry for what I've done, Twilight. I hope you can forgive Anonymous.”

She exits with a nod, passing you with her head down. Twilight watches her leave with uncertainty in her eyes.

”I’m sorry, I may have over reacted.”

A quick and unsure laugh escapes your lungs.

“No worries, I’d expect you to be upset if you thought I was with someone else. Actually, I’d be concerned if you weren't.”

A quick smile flickers across her face. She trots toward you, not meeting your eyes.

”We haven’t spoken in so long.”

With some reluctance she hops up into your arms, her wings flapping briefly. You still aren’t used to those wings. Holding her again gives you some comfort, but it feels sort of foreign. Pushing that out of your mind you her let go.

“Come on, let’s get you outta here.”

She shies away from you, taking a few steps back.

”I’m sorry, I have so much to do here.”

“What’s the harm in taking a little break and coming to Ponyville?”

She looks shocked.

”That’s far too long to be away from Canterlot. I have way too much business. Meetings, lessons, studying.”

You try your best to swallow your emotions down and stay calm. Unsteady legs take you a few steps forward, but Twilight retreats further back.

“I’m sure Celestia would understand.”

She shakes her head, looking everywhere but into your eyes.

“You can’t even spare a day to spend with me? It’s been so long, don’t you think we need to catch up?”

She takes a shuddering breath and exhales.

”You have to face the facts.”

“What?”

”Can’t you see?”

She fights back tears, biting her lower lip.

”I…” she looks up at you wearily, “This won’t work.”

“What won’t work?”

Your fingers go cold again, chest getting heavy and breathing getting harder.

”I can’t go on knowing you’re suffering because of my responsibilities.”

“What do you mean? I’m not suffering,” you say, unconvincingly.

She shakes her head.

”You said it yourself, it’s been months since we’ve seen each other. And every time you visit you get turned away. What sort of relationship is that?”

Her eyes are damp, mouth hung open slightly, face scrunched up in order to prevent any burst of emotion. Your tongue doesn’t seem to work, you can’t form any response. It seems your brain just clocked out.

”I think it’s time we let go of each other,” she continues.

It takes you a second to process all that information, as simple as it is.

“We can work this out. We shouldn't give up so easily.”

”Seeing you with Fleur only proves my point. I can’t keep you to myself when I don’t even see you,” she continues, seemingly ignoring your comment.

“Forget about that, that was an accident.”

”Don’t make this any harder than it already is, Anonymous,” she coughs lightly, sniffling and looking up.“You know it’s the right thing to do.”

It’s nearly impossible to keep calm.

You hope your outward appearance isn't affected by the turmoil coursing through you. She gets close again.

”We will always be friends.”

Her half-hearted smile offers no comfort.

”We’ll stay in touch. We can be penpals.”

Penpals? You’ll be penpals. Three years, gone in the breeze. Simple as that. There’s nothing now. You know it’s gone, there’s no getting it back. You reach a cold hand out toward her, running it through her soft mane, across her warm fur. But you can’t find any solace in her touch anymore. Not now. She whispers an apology, hugging you tightly. Twilight kindly provides the fare for your ride home.

The train arrived on time and departed quickly. In a few hours you were in Ponyville again, carrying more than just your briefcase with you to the library. It’s dark when you arrive, the shelves have accumulated a fine layer of dust in your absence. Throwing down your luggage, you collapse into the couch, sitting alone in the dim, silent room for many hours.

Life in Ponyville is slow, painfully so. You haven't had any correspondence with Fleur or Twilight since you left Canterlot a month ago. Fleur never gave you her address. And you'd rather not think of Twilight. There is nothing to do, nothing to say. All you have now is some memories, and an empty house. While trying your best to relax and let time pass a knock comes to the door. Without much conviction you rise from your seat, moving slowly to the little round door like a withered old man. It's the mailmare; she gives you a big goofy grin and thrusts a letter into you hands before bouncing away.

You close the door, retreating back to your seat before looking at the letter. It's arrived from somewhere in Canterlot, but not the castle. You tear it open, curiosity driving you to quickly read over the short note inside. It's from Fleur, she's coming to visit Ponyville for awhile. A weak smile creeps across your face.

In Which You Sit at a Cafe

With care you inch out of bed, out of Fleur's grasp. She's still snoozing lightly, the early morning light pouring in from the half open blinds setting a pattern on her messy hair. Your plan to quietly leave out falls to pieces, you have no money for a train ticket. Maybe you could get some from Twilight. That didn't even require her to see you, all she had to do is wave her little royal hoof and you'd get a seat in first class. Shaking the thought you chastise yourself. It isn't her fault, it wasn't her choice. She was tossed into all this business, an unintended outcome of a silly spell written by some long dead wizard.

You fall back into the bed, overcome with all the things that could have been if she just hadn't read that book. With a wavering smile you wonder if you would have been wed by now. Three years is long enough to be just a 'couple', you think.
Wed or not you'd have her, not an empty home. Could you even call that dusty dark tree-house a home when she wasn't there? A loud snore from your the not so strange mare next to you brings to light your current situation. Instead of all that good stuff you hoped would happen you're laying in a hotel room with a pony you hardly know. Funny how stuff like that happens. You just lay for awhile, watching her, your emotions stirring like a witch's brew, boiling and bubbling, churning.

"You awake?" Fleur asks sleepily, not moving.

You don't even answer, instead resolving to rub your face. Perhaps if you do it hard enough you'll wake up from this slow nightmare.

"It's still early. Why are you up?"

Fleur slithers over to your end of the bed, gingerly placing her hoof over on your shoulder.

"Are you going to see your marefriend again today?"

"Y-yes," your voice cracks, a momentary stinging shocks your dry throat.

Getting off the bed is harder than you expect, and as you do all that weight lands right on your back. Thick gooey worry and lonesome substance drips from the ceiling on to you. You slouch, shambling to the door, hand knocking against the knob. Fleur jumps off the bed, hurrying to you.

"You're leaving so soon? The sun has just come up. Won't you stay just a while longer?" She looks nervous.

Taking a step back gives you a moment to think. What else do you have to do besides stay here? There's no way you'll get to see Twilight. Not this early, she'd be having a royal sleep now, in her royal bed, royal servants up early to prepare her royal breakfast. Your teeth begin grinding together, and you make no effort to stop them.

Emotions are stacking up again, and you just don't know how to vent them. With Fleur still watching you try and lay back on the bed to relieve the weight. Nothing, in fact, you feel worse. If that's even possible. She trots over slowly.

"Thinking about her?"

Silence is all she gets from you. You wish Fleur would go away. This weight makes you want to take action, makes you want to lay down and give up. There's nothing and everything to do. You wish Fleur would stay.

"Maybe you're right, we should go outside; we could walk around a little and get some breakfast," she grins in a goofy at you, looking self conscious and unsure.

That's the first time you've seen her like that. Her idea isn't so bad, maybe it would help you get rid of this awful backbreaking indescribable thing.

"Tidy up and I'll show you this nice little place not too far from here.

It's nippy outside, tired old grey clouds float wearily above you. A few urbane looking ponies trot to and fro with their snouts held up. They couldn't look more pretentious if they tried. Oh wait, they are trying. Fleur takes the lead down the road, being sure to take her time, as you are treading rather slowly. A part of you thinks you're being too juvenile. The rest of you agrees you have all the right to be upset. Once in awhile your gaze flicks to the tips of the towers in the distance. Twilight's right there, doing god know's what.

"Do you like coffee?"

It takes you a second to realize Fleur has spoken to you.

"Yes?"

She stops and gives you a skeptical look, "Are you asking or telling?"

"Telling. I think some coffee would do me good."

The streets are quiet, you feel the need to speak in hushed tones.

"What are you going to do about your husband?"

She laughs lightly, "I'm not too sure. I don't think he would mind if I simply moved out. Like I said, we haven't seen each other in so long it doesn't even matter. He wouldn't even notice."

She holds a strange false smile throughout, she keeps talking and you just don't listen. You catch something about a new life over in some small little dusty town. Something about books, you can't know for sure. Honestly, you could care less, you're focused on how to get in contact with Twilight again, that's all you can think about.

You arrive at the shop in due time. It's small, mushed between two larger official looking buildings, a blue awning hangs over the door. Opening the door for Fleur, you feel her brush her tail against you softly. She walks to the counter, leaving you to pick a table. You fall into one of the comfortable chairs near the door, just in front of a small window looking out into the street. Fleur places your coffee in front of you.

"You're awfully quiet."

She sips at her own tall steaming cup. You wave her off.

"Sorry, I didn't sleep well."

Her face becomes tight with discomfort.

"Really? Tough night?" she asks, an almost mocking concern as her expression.

You shrug, stirring your cup. There isn't any milk or sugar, you lazily add your own from the supplies offered on the table. A quick glance around reveals one or two ponies who have sneaked their way in, sitting at dark tables in the far corners of the place.

"Are we going to part ways today?"

You look up at her, taking all the time you needed to ponder the question.

"I think that may be for the best."

"It wouldn't be such a bad idea for us to stay in contact through letters would it?"

"No, I don't suppose that would be the worst thing."

A thin smile curls across her face and she takes another sip.

"Would you mind if I walked with you to the castle?"

"Huh?"

"You are going to see that mare today aren't you? I was under the impression she works up in Canterlot Castle."

"She does, but I think this is something I should do alone."

Fleur nods with understanding.

"If you insist. I wish you good luck."

You place your hands on the table and push yourself up.

"I think now would be a good a time as any to head out."

Her face shifts from calm to nervous in a flash.

"So soon? You haven't even finished your coffee yet."

"If I don't leave no I think I may never."

You giver your tell her your address, give her your farewell and then you head out the door, walking rather quickly down street to the castle. New vigor, a bubbling mix of fear and devotion, carries you across the winding streets of Canterlot to the castle.

Your fingertips are cold with anticipation. No way you'll walk away today, no amount of guards will stop you. Celestia will understand if you interrupt one little meeting, won't she? Besides, this is a matter of most importance.

How would you get past the guards. You aren't one for violent actions, and you don't have a silver tongue by any means. Perhaps they'd understand, if you explain to them situation? Yeah, of course they would. The large imposing gates of the castle come into view, grand golden bars are the only thing standing between you and her.

Two likely looking guardsponies stand by them, at attention; they seem new. You approach with your best impression of confidence. Hopefully they'll underst—

"You there," one calls.

"Yes?"

Picking up the pace you clear the ground between the two of you.

"What business do you have in the castle?"

"I've come to visit one of the ponies residing there," you say, trying to sound like you knew what you are doing.

"Have you been invited?"

"No, but if you send them a message-"

"No invitation, no entry. I'm sorry. No ifs ands or buts."

You're about to explain the situation but a soft cough cuts you off. Looking to the side you see Fleur, smiling warmly. She winks at you and comes over.

"I can vouch for him. I was the one who he needed to see anyway."

"Miss Fleur," the guard salutes her for whatever reason.

"If you'd kindly open those gates."

They nod quickly and hop to, in a few seconds the gates are open. Fleur takes the lead, trotting inside.

"Well, aren't you going to follow?"

She leads you across a short bridge. The castle's courtyard is empty, and that only adds to its majesty. Cold, simple, stone walls surround you as you follow Fleur to the large wooden door leading inside.

"How did you do that?" you whisper, shooting a glance back at the guards.

"Fancy Pants knows some ponies here. He can walk in and out anytime he wants. And, being his wife. . ."

"Ah, thank you for that."

"It's my pleasure. Do you know where she is?"

Fleur turns and looks at you curiously.

"No. Not at all. I have no idea."

"Looks like we have a bit of searching do to. It would help if you told me her name. Or at least what she does in the castle."

You stop dead in your tracks, her question halting your advance.

"I was hoping to avoid this."

She turns her head to you, looking surprised.

"What's the matter?"

"Well, you see, she's sort..."

"One of the royals?" she asks in a hushed tone.

"Yes. Sort of."

She nods resolutely, her eyes still wide open.

"Which one, what's her name?"

"Twilight Sparkle."

"Oh."

"Yeah," you shake your head.

"I-I'm not sure what to say," she stammers and takes a half step backward.

"That's part of the reason I wanted to go alone."

"I see. I'm sorry, but let's find her. It seems like a visit is long past due."

"You're right about that."

"I don't know where she would be. Maybe the guest rooms, or maybe the private ones."

"We can just go knocking on doors...can we?"

She gives you a sarcastic look, "I mean, what could go wrong, right? But seriously, we might find her in the dining room. It's early enough for it."

"I'm not even sure where that would be."

"Don't worry, I know my way around here. It's on the ground floor, not too far."

Fleur starts off to the left, silently walking across the red carpet sprawled out in the lobby of the castle. You notice a dark staircase leading up on the right, next to a large open window letting in some weak morning light. She could be up there. Suddenly you're struck with that weight again, slouching your shoulders as if you were a camel, one straw away form breaking. Is it guilt? The strain of being steps away from someone you've 'cheated' on Twilight with. A kiss and a night of cuddling wasn't much, but it could have been something worse.

"Ahem."

Fleur's already down the hall, standing right near a corner.

"It's right over here."

Hurrying to catch up you nearly fall, feeling jittery yet again. You still don't even know what you're going to say to her.

"Looking a little shaken there, you okay?"

"Not at all," you give a wavering smile to Fleur, "I don't know what she'll say, or what I'll say to her."

She lightly hits your arm, "It'll be fine. Trust me."

You nod and turn your attention to the hall.

"Right down there, see those doors?"

She gestures to a set of wooden doors on the left hand side. At the end of the hall you see the end of staircase on the right side, she could be up there too.

"Yeah, is that it?"

"Yep."

She forges on ahead, pushing the doors open a little and poking her head in. Are you even ready to see her?

"I don't see her—"

"You!"

That voice. With a dry throat and wide eyes you slowly look over for the source of the call. There she is. With a dry throat and wide eyes you slowly look over for the source of the call. There she is, in the flesh, Twilight Sparkle. An odd mix of emotions forces you to clench your fists in some poor effort to contain yourself. You hope your face isn't giving away too much.