Sleepless Nights

by Goatmeal

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, Sad, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Romance
Length: 5229

Twilight Sparkle struggles to understand and deal with her feelings. (Ugh, feelings again? I know right.)

Twilight Sparkle is a troubled pony. She had just made five new friends for the first time in her life, yet she can't find it in herself to be joyous, despite facing down murderous beasts, winning a battle against Nightmare Moon, and helping a long-lost princess reclaim the throne.

Something is keeping Twilight Sparkle up at night.

~~~~~~

[EDIT] To read my Real Episodes series, you can click the link, or find them via the FIMFic group, or my user page or blog posts. Thank you.

Chapter 3 of this story was edited by shadowsreached.
Chapter 4 of this story was edited by Hellpony.

Cover art by Minibot-1. (His DeviantART)

I give my thanks to the wonderful community of FIMFiction, who inspire me without end.

Published 2012-07-11 14:54:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-20 16:57:12 UTC

Alone

Prologue

The Everfree forest was quiet under the sun's light. Much quieter than normal. Bugs didn't buzz like they would normally. Animals didn’t call out. Even the wind didn’t rustle the leaves like it was supposed to.

But this was no normal morning. Eight ponies walked out of the ruin of the Royal Pony Sisters. They began their path through the forest. Two, one white and one violet, walked in the back, quietly discussing the sudden change in arrangements. The other six walked in the front, Elements of Harmony resting on their bodies, all pleased with themselves and chatting animatedly. All except Twilight Sparkle.

She knew what was to come of her returning to Ponyville. The Princess would congratulate her on her accomplishment, probably give her some sort of award, and send her home to Canterlot. Three days ago, that would’ve sounded perfect. Now, it sounded horrible. She had just made friends, discovered their true power, and vanquished Night Mare Moon. Now, she had to say goodbye. She would miss her friends. She bowed her head, eyes closed.

“Twilight, that was so awesome!” Rainbow said loudly.

Her eyes shot open. Blushing slightly, she agreed, “Yeah. It was great, all right.” She sounded upset.

She was definitely going to miss Rainbow Dash.

Chapter One: Alone

“Come on, Spike.” Twilight carried the dragon on her back as she walked toward her new home. It was dark out. Spike hadn't been exaggerating when he said they had been celebrating all day. Twilight opened the front door. “We still have to clean up after Pinkie’s surprise party.”

Spike groaned as they walked into the library. Pinkie Pie sure knew how to throw a party.

Twilight sighed, depositing the dragon on the floor. “Let’s get started.” She started picking up stray party hats and Spike began to collect streamers. Twilight walked over to the drinks table. On top of it sat her favorite bottle of hot sauce, and a knocked over bottle of milk. Twilight gave it a conformational sniff and regretted it instantly. At least there was still another bottle in the kitchen.

Spike took down multicolored streamers, smiling as he remembered the celebration. There was Pinkie's cupcake eating contest, Applejack's free apple fritters, Fluttershy's beautiful musical chorus, and best of all, dancing to that chorus with Rarity the unicorn.

Twilight looked over to her assistant, knowing exactly why he was smiling. Fortunately, Rarity gave in to Twilight's pleas and agreed to dance with Spike. The dragon then belched a small scroll, knocking both pony and dragon out of their recollections. Twilight looked at the seal. “It’s from the Princess!”

Spike opened it and read aloud, “Dear Twilight, I hope you are enjoying your home in Ponyville. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay for the celebration, but with Princess Luna resuming her duties, there is much to be done. I am sending this letter to inform you that I will be requiring the assistance of Spike here in Canterlot. I will send for a chariot. About your friendship reports, I will be expecting a letter from you weekly explaining a lesson you learned. Enjoy Ponyville. Yours truly, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight looked at Spike. “Okay, I’ll just clean up.” She sounded cheerful. “When I’m done, I can start on some of these books.”

An hour later, Twilight sat alone in the library common room, mess cleaned up, and reading a book on teleportation by candlelight. Stars glittered in the night sky, just outside the window. She wondered how Princess Luna was handling taking charge of the Moon again.

She was quite thirsty. A glass of milk sounded good.

“Spike!” she called out instinctively. “Oh.” She got up and went to the kitchen, feeling rather glum. She poured the last of the milk in the fridge, wondering why she felt so sad. She walked back to the common room, but slipped on a spare piece of parchment lying on the floor. She dropped her milk, which spilled all over the carpet.

“Spike!” she said again. No response.

“It’s not like he’s gone forever,” she told herself. It didn’t help. She put out the candle and went to bed.

The small village of Ponyville awoke to a beautiful morning; an appreciated gift after the recent events. Only the day before did they think they lost it forever, but here it was, basking all of Equestria in its warm glow.

The sunlight found its way into many of the resident’s windows, giving them quite a sight to wake up to. Ponies throughout the village began their day smiling. Twilight Sparkle was not one of them.

Twilight was given her place at Ponyville by Princess Celestia, so she could be with her friends and learn more about the magic of having them. She willingly agreed, and thoroughly enjoyed herself as the entire town celebrated the new-found sunrise. This morning, however, she felt grumpy.

Twilight climbed out of bed, frowning. She hadn’t slept at all last night. Spike’s basket remained mockingly empty. She felt annoyed at Princess Celestia for taking the dragon away. She walked down the stairs and looked over the library. Her book and candle lay there, not far from a dark stain outside the kitchen door. She ignored it, walking straight into the kitchen and sitting down on the chair.

As much as she hated to admit it, she felt lonely. Without Spike, who did she have? She didn’t live near her parents even when she was in Canterlot, let alone Ponyville. Shining Armor was always busy defending her home town. Whatever relationship she shared with the Princess could only be enjoyed when she saw her in person. That didn’t happen often. She concluded that her baby dragon was all she had, until she remembered the five friends that she made just the day before yesterday.

She thought of all her friends. She had Applejack, who would never lie. Fluttershy, so quiet and kind. Pinkie Pie, never frowning. Rarity, who could always lend a hoof. And she had Rainbow Dash, who would never let a pony down.

Rainbow Dash… Her thoughts dwelled on the pegasus. She had first met Rainbow when she was knocked aside into a puddle of mud on her first day in Ponyville. She then proceeded to soak her with rainwater, and then ruin her mane. Normally, she would have been livid, but looking at the mare, all she could do was smile.

She smilingly recollected that she never would have guessed they would end up defeating Night Mare Moon with the power of their friendship. Friendship. The word itself seemed mediocre, but she had no idea why.

Twilight sighed, no longer smiling. She decided she wasn’t hungry.

Revelations

Chapter 2: Revelations

Twilight left the library, walking into town, a slight frown on her face. She felt she could use some fresh air, and not to mention buy some more milk.

She entered the marketplace, looking around. After a minute or so, she spotted the milk stand. She began to walk over to it.

“Oh, hello Twilight,” Fluttershy greeted, having just spotted the unicorn.

“Hi, Fluttershy,” Twilight said slightly glumly.

Fluttershy caught on. “Is something wrong?” she asked gently. “I mean, only if you want to tell me, that is.”

“Oh, it’s nothing bad. I’m just a little lonely with Spike in Canterlot.”

“I’m sorry,” she said truthfully. “You can always stay at my place if you like.”

“No, that’s alright,” Twilight said, “but thanks for the offer.” Fluttershy left to finish her shopping, looking sorry for her friend. Twilight approached the salespony.

“How may I help you, ma’am?” the colt asked. He was tall, had a brown coat, and had a bottle of milk for a cutie mark.

“I’d like two bottles, please,” Twilight said, depositing six bits on the counter.

“Um, that’ll be eight bits, actually.”

Twilight frowned. She only brought six. “Isn’t that a little much?”

“Sorry, but we’re low on milk lately. I can’t offer any less.”

“Sorry,” Twilight said, turning around, disappointed.

“Hey, Twi. Is something wrong?” Rainbow’s voice came from her left.

She looked at Rainbow quickly, a light blush on her cheeks. “Oh, it’s nothing, Rainbow. I just didn’t bring enough bits for milk.”

Rainbow smiled. “How short?”

“Two.”

The pegasus tossed two bits on the counter, smirking. “I gotcha covered.”

Twilight’s blush deepened.

Rainbow Dash cut through the skies at breakneck speeds. Well, to a normal pony, at least. To the speedy pegasus, she was only drifting. Turning to the left, she began spiraling toward the ground. Pulling herself back up, she rose skyward. She continued pulling until she did a flip. Using the boost of gravity, she went even faster.

Ten minutes later, Rainbow idly sat on a cloud, pondering things. She really did love the skies. So open, so free. She loved the feel of wind blowing through her mane, air rushing under her wings, even the thrill of almost impacting the ground before pulling out of the dive. Other ponies might have been fearful, but other ponies weren’t Rainbow Dash. Given some time, she’d be into the Wonderbolts for sure.

She looked down upon the town. She felt connected to it, even having been raised in Cloudsdale. She remembered what she said to Twilight that one day. I’d never leave Ponyville hangin’.

Her thoughts moved to Twilight. She wondered how the unicorn was enjoying her new home. Duh, she said to herself. She lives in a library. She’s probably having the time of her life. She remembered seeing Twilight in the market. She doesn’t look like it, though. She’s been acting weird lately. Next time I see her, I’ll ask her what’s wrong. She paused. I’d never leave Twilight hangin’ either. She stood up, stretched her wings, and took off into the sky once more, a rainbow trail in her wake.

Something was troubling Twilight Sparkle. Anypony who looked could tell that. Fashion designers included. Rarity noticed her lavender friend sitting upon a park bench, frowning.

Rainbow Dash, Twilight thought to herself. Egotistic, brash, and a bit of a show off. Naps all day, whenever she’s not practicing some crazy new stunt. Clears clouds faster than anypony I’ve ever seen. Element of Loyalty. She remembered that faithful moment when Rainbow came out of the mist, having turned down her dreams for her friends. Then there was the milk. She chuckled. It seemed like nothing next to the bridge, but she appreciated it almost as much. She’s also brave, fast, and… charming. Why had she thought that? Why did she feel so glum? Why did she always blush in her presence? Twilight’s eyes opened wide. Do I like Rainbow Dash?

“Is something wrong, Twilight dear?” Rarity asked loudly.

Twilight snapped out it. “What?”

“Is everything okay?” She looked concerned.

Twilight realized that it was the third time she was asked that. “Yeah, everything’s fine.” She tried to change the subject. “I was just wondering how I would- um, organize the library magazines. They really are a mess,” she lied.

Rarity’s eyes lit up, any trace of concern gone. “Oh, dear you must tell me. Do you have the new Hoity Toity Weekly yet? It’s far overdue, as a matter of fact…” The unicorn continued talking about the latest fashion trends, but Twilight stopped listening. Looking past her friend, she saw a shape high above the town, a multicolored trail traced behind it. She sighed. There was no denying it.

Rarity stopped. She saw Twilight gazing off into the distance. She turned her head and saw the object of Twilight’s attention, then looked back at the mare. “Well, I must be off,” she said, pretending she hadn’t noticed. Twilight’s attention snapped back to the fashion designer.

“Oh- um, see you later,” she said with a blush. With a smile far too understanding for Twilight’s comfort, Rarity departed.

The sun was low on the horizon. She had been at the park a long time. With a sigh, she began the slow walk home, to an empty library, and another sleepless night.

The Sleepover

Chapter 3: The Sleepover

Rainbow Dash lay resting upon her haunches on a high cloud, a cloud she often went to when she felt she needed time alone to think alone. Forelegs hung over the cloud’s perimeter as the cyan mare’s eyes fixed on the scenery beneath. It was early dawn and not many ponies were up at this time. Although, every now and then, she would see a few walking out of their households and into the streets, perhaps to open up their stores for the day or meet a friend.

The mare let out a sigh and rolled over to instead lie on her back with her front forelegs tucked near to her chest. She put on a face as she began to ruminate.

What was wrong with Twilight?

- The Evening Prior -

Twilight treaded out of the park, her head bowed low, as Celestia’s sun gradually set behind her. Cobblestone lay before her and she tried to ignore the recurrent clicks her hooves made each time they hit the ground. Instead, she focused her mind with brooding. Her head battled with various anxieties, but one concern continued to prick at the back of her mind like an itch that couldn’t be scratched:

If she told Rainbow of her feelings, would Rainbow judge her for being a filly-fooler or would she simply not be interested?

Turning a corner, Twilight sighed inwardly. Having asked herself that question a million times already, she knew it couldn’t be answered without an action of some sort on her part. The action, though, was what scared her.

“Hey Twi!” Rainbow Dash announced from above, earning a slight jump of surprise from the unicorn. She looked up to see her friend gliding softly down to land next to her. “What’s got you down?”

Twilight bit her tongue, looking away from her friend’s eyes as she lied. “Nothing, Rainbow. I’m fine.”

Rainbow cocked her head to the side, and considered Twilight skeptically. “Come on Twi, I saw how you were looking. What’s bothering you?”

Twilight shuffled her hooves, thinking fast. What could she say? She wanted to say what was on her mind but she likewise knew this wasn’t the time, or place, to say it. So, in the end, she decided on the truth; or, at least, part of it.

“I’m lonely Rainbow,” she stated, closing her eyes in embarrassment. “Spike has been in Canterlot and I don’t like being all by myself in that library.”

“Oh,” Rainbow muttered, at first not knowing what to say. Then she grinned as an idea crossed into her mind. “How about a sleepover?”

Twilight’s eyes snapped open. “What?”

“How about a sleepover?” Rainbow repeated a bit more slowly. “Tomorrow night?”

“Yes!” Twilight replied far too quickly, earning a surprised yet amused look from the pegasus. She blushed furiously and, smiling faintly, continued more softly. “That sounds like fun.”

- Present -

Still lying on the cloud, Rainbow questioned her own actions. Why had she suggested the sleepover? As she grappled with the question in her mind, again and again she found herself coming to the same conclusion: that she recognized Twilight was lonely and, as any decent friend would do, she wanted to help out. Although she didn’t particularly like admitting it to herself, she could truly understand Twilight’s feelings. She didn’t live with anypony. It was just herself in that big cloud house. Oftentimes she would find herself struck with boredom, not knowing what to do whereas, other times, she even felt a bit lonely. Yet, as she continued to tell herself this was the reason she had suggested the sleepover, something else pestered her. Something that told her this answer she gave herself was only a small part of the full truth. But she couldn’t figure it out.

Even though she felt unsettled without a secure answer, simply thinking about the sleepover made Rainbow feel warmer inside. She decided to stick with the conclusion that she knew Twilight was lonely and, as any decent friend would do, she wanted to help out.

Twilight stood in front of the boutique, a hurried ear twitch giving away her unease. Having risen just fifteen minutes prior from sleep, the unicorn had a terrible bed mane and a slightly tense look about her. However, she was in a time of need and she knew she could count on Rarity.

The unicorn elevated her hoof from the ground and knocked three times on the boutique’s front door before dropping it back to the ground and waiting patiently.

A few seconds passed before Rarity answered the door. “Welcome to Rarity’s boutique, where-” She stopped midsentence upon viewing her friend’s state. “Twilight! What happened?”

“Rarity, I need your advice.” Twilight answered. “It’s about somepony else.”

The alabaster unicorn smiled, having a feeling she knew why Twilight was here. “Oh, of course my darling, I would be happy to be of service!” She stepped aside lightly and ushered her friend inside with a quick wave of her hoof. “Please, do come in.”

Twilight walked into the boutique, flashing a hasty smile of thanks for her friend before Rarity shut the door behind her. Stepping forwards, Rarity gestured towards a large red sofa on the left side of the room, silently requesting Twilight to sit as she moved another sofa with her magic to sit in front of her friend. Twilight obliged and, soon, Rarity sat across from her, humbly looking at Twilight to allow her friend to start first.

Twilight observed Rarity for a few seconds, deliberating just how to breach the subject. She desperately wanted to spill to her friend of all the confusions she was going through, but also just as frantically wanted to keep her feelings private, afraid of rejection.

“I—” No, that wasn’t the way she wanted to say it. She reconsidered her plan of attack. “Do you—?” No, not that either. Twilight paused, flicking her tail in aggravation and looking down with a sigh. This was harder than it seemed.

Understanding Twilight’s hesitation, Rarity stood up and moved to sit next to her friend. She placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “It’s Rainbow, isn’t it?”

Twilight’s eyes stood still and a knot of tension quickly formed in her chest with the revelation that Rarity already knew. But how could she know? Better yet, how much did she know? She frowned slightly. “How—?”

“It’s obvious my dear,” Rarity interrupted, laughing slightly. “However,” she persisted, letting the smile run from her face as a look of importance took over. “It’s not so much about how I know as it is about how you’re going to deal with this, don’t you think?”

Twilight felt the knot of tension in her chest diminish with the realization that, with the way her former sentence had been formed, Rarity accepted her being filly-fooler.

Sinking down on her belly Twilight allowed her hooves to run over the silk of Rarity’s sofa in absent mindless strokes. After a moment, feeling calmer, Twilight responded. “I don’t know what to do, Rarity.” She sighed, lowering her head between her forelegs to look at the bare ground beneath. “What if she doesn’t feel the same?” She flinched marginally as another thought crossed into her mind. “What if she won’t be my friend anymore because I’m a filly-fooler?”

“Now, now, Twilight. You know just as well as I do that there’s nothing wrong with being a filly-fooler. If she rejects you as a friend for being one, then she isn’t really a friend.”

Twilight sucked her breath in at this. As much as Rarity was right, it hurt to think that perhaps their friendship would be gone because of these feelings. If she was honest with herself, it was this fear that kept her from saying anything to the mare. The only thing that kept her hopes kindling was the reminder that Rainbow Dash was the element of loyalty. Twilight logically understood being called the element of loyalty didn’t mean Rainbow had to be her friend, but she felt that the gamble of them keeping their friendship was at least fifty percent because of it. Still, the promise the other side of the coin provided haunted her.

“What should I do Rarity?” Twilight asked, changing the subject back to the original question to ease her mind. “I’m being eaten up on the inside and I don’t know if I can endure being caged with my own feelings like this forever as Rainbow continues on blissfully unaware. I know that sounds selfish, but if I don’t do something then I’ll stay with these anxious feelings for the rest of my life and it is just… horrible. Unless, of course, I force our friendship to end, which would be—”

“Twilight.” Rarity interrupted swiftly, seeing where her friend’s thoughts were leading. “I think you should simply find a way to tell her how you feel.”

Twilight sighed and looked at Rarity, knowing that, even though she was afraid and trying to hide, that was exactly what needed to be done in the end. For her mind, and because she felt it was the proper thing to do for their friendship. “Thank you Rarity, you’re right.”

“You’re quite welcome my dear!” Rarity said, pleased she could help her friend. She paused briefly before continuing. “And remember Twilight, when the time is right, just go for it.”

Twilight frantically rushed around the library, adjusting various books and cleaning any spots she felt she missed the first time around. It calmed her mind to clean and aided her from thinking about the worst that could happen. Looking up at the wall’s clock she saw that it was almost eight. Rainbow would be there any minute and, although she knew the pegasus wouldn’t care about the library being clean or not, she wanted everything to be perfect. Privately, she once again thanked Rarity for giving her the courage to open up to Rainbow. She would tell her when the moment was perfect.

With a knock at the door Twilight was thrown out from her furious haste. Putting her duster lightly down on the nearest table, she trotted over to the door and opened it, still trying to collect herself.

Rainbow stood there, smiling awkwardly. “Hey Twilight.”

“Hi Rainbow,” Twilight said, flashing a smile. “Come on in.”

As her friend trotted in she noted the cleaned library. It wasn’t too unusual for Twilight to clean so, in the end, she paid it little mind.

“So,” Rainbow began, “whatcha’ want to do?”

Twilight blushed upon hearing this. She knew exactly what she wanted to do, but she wasn’t about to tell Rainbow. “Well, I got this book on sleepovers,” she said instead. “I’ve never had one before so we could just browse through the activities and see what looks like fun?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Rainbow said with a smile.

Ten minutes later, the two ponies lay flat on their stomachs in front of the fireplace, the sleepover book open in front of them. Twilight smiled to herself. It hadn’t been coincidence that they were in front of the fire, nor that they were laying so close together.

“Maybe a pillow fight?” Rainbow asked.

“No,” Twilight responded. “A bit too rowdy for me. How about a hooficure?” she asked, looking over at Rainbow with inquiring eyes. She already knew what her friend’s answer would be, but she asked anyways, finding the expressions of contempt Rainbow made somewhat endearing.

Sure enough, Rainbow made promise by narrowing her eyes and giving an expression of pure disapproval to Twilight. Twilight could almost hear the question ‘seriously?’ in the air, although none was outright spoken. Blushing, the unicorn giggled, her feelings for the mare slightly coming through for a moment.

The reaction didn’t go unnoticed though, like all the other times. Rainbow smiled a bit uneasily, not understanding why her friend would laugh, much less giggle. “Are you okay, Twi?”

Twilight looked up and smiled. “Yes,” she replied softly, her eyes regarding the magenta orbs in front of her which were still strewn with curiosity.  The mood was perfect; the fire near them was warm, its lighting casted soft shadows onto Rainbow’s body, and the atmosphere around the pair was serene. She craved to reach out desperately and tell her friend how she felt but also didn’t want to ruin the moment. Then Rarity’s reminder sounded in the back of her mind.

“Twi… what’s-” Rainbow started.

Twilight cut her off by closing the gap between them. Their lips met as Twilight kissed her.

Rainbow’s eyes went wide and she pulled back, now understanding. Twilight next words were spoken in confidence this time. “Rainbow, will you go out with me?”

For several seconds they simply looked at each other. Rainbow didn’t know what to say, she had never expected that out of Twilight. Then the realization of what was fully going on hit her.

The pegasus stood up abruptly, much to Twilight’s surprise. The look in Rainbow’s eyes caused the unicorn’s heart to drop like an iron ball in a matter of milliseconds.

“No.”  Rainbow answered.

Her breath was stolen.

Fight or Flight

Chapter 4: Fight or Flight

Applejack deposited the last basket of apples for the night by the barn, preparing them to be sold tomorrow in the market. It was dark out, the only source of light coming from the lantern set upon the house’s porch. Walking toward the house to clean up and get a good night’s sleep, she heard a thud from behind her. Looking back, she saw the source of the noise.

“Somethin’ wrong, Rainbow?”

Rainbow looked deeply troubled. Scratching the back of her neck, she replied, “Yeah. I kinda need to talk.” It was clear she didn’t want to.

Applejack took note of it. “Well, I’d be glad to help. We are friends, after all.” Applejack walked over to the wagon to get an apple, having missed dinner. Taking a bite she said, “You can tell me, you know. I won’t judge.”

Rainbow closed her eyes. “Twilight kissed me.”

Applejack choked on her apple. She coughed and spluttered, then said, “Well, that’s… that sure is somethin’.” She thought for a moment. “Anythin’ else?”

Having gotten the hard part out of the way, Rainbow said with a little more comfort, “Well, she also asked me out.”

Applejack waited for the rest. When nothing else came, she asked, “And?”

Rainbow looked confused. “And what?”

“What did you say?”

“What? No, of course!” Rainbow said as though it were obvious.

Applejack felt a slight pity for Twilight. “Of course? Why?”

“Well…” She stopped. She was at a loss for words. “Well, she’s… my friend.” She mumbled inaudibly afterward, but Applejack caught the word “mare”.

Applejack looked at Rainbow, who shrunk down and looked away in shame. The farmpony said angrily, “And what does that have to do with her feelin’s?”

“What?”

“Did it not cross your mind for one second that Twilight has feelin’s? How did she react when you said 'no'?”

Rainbow bowed her head, the feeling of guilt growing. “She started crying. That’s when I left.”

Applejack paused. She couldn’t believe her ears. Furious, she yelled, “Gosh darn it, Rainbow! You are the Element of Loyalty! How could you leave Twilight like that? When she needed somepony more than ever!”

“I… I just don’t know what to do!” Rainbow choked, tears coming to her eyes for multiple reasons. She shrunk down to the grass in despair, holding her hooves over her head to hide her tears.

Applejack felt her anger subside a little. “Listen, Rainbow. Twilight’s your friend. You have to go back and set things straight. Just try and imagine how she must feel right now.” She gave the pegasus an encouraging smile.

For a while, there was no response. Rainbow stood up, wiping the tears away. She spread her wings, ready to take off. Applejack smiled again, proud of the pegasus. She wanted to know something, though. “Rainbow, you didn’t say why you said ‘no’.”

“So?” she said in a constricted voice.

“Do you like her back?”

Rainbow responded coldly, “I need some time to think,” and took off. Applejack’s smile disappeared, disappointed. Shaking her head, she trotted back to the house.

Once again, Rainbow sat upon a high cloud above Ponyville, head bowed and eyes closed. She was angry, both at Applejack and at herself. How could she do that? I was the one who needed Applejack’s help, but she was only thinking about Twilight’s feelings. She moaned in sorrow as these thoughts wheeled in her head.

She remembered Applejack’s last question to her. “Do you like her back?” As much as she wanted to right then, she couldn’t bring herself to say ‘no’. Every time she tried, she remembered the moments they spent together in front of the fireplace. She had felt something then. She had felt warm, but not from the fire. From inside.

Then Twilight had to go and kiss me like that, she thought bitterly. Shame returned to her. Then I had to go and hurt her like that…

She opened her eyes, looking at the town before her. She remembered something she thought just yesterday.

I’d never leave Twilight hangin’, either.

Knowing what she must do, she took off from the cloud, heading for the library.

She just needed to answer one question before she got there.

Twilight sat cross-legged in front of the fire, head bowed and tears falling freely. The sleepover book lay ignored behind her. She couldn’t stop relaying the events that transpired inside her head. She had opened up to Rainbow, and had been rejected. Now she won’t even want to be my friend anymore, she thought, feeling more lonely than ever before.

Shaking slightly, she got up. She walked over to the staircase to go to her bedroom, deciding that she might as well go to bed, though knowing full well that sleep would not greet her tonight.

She heard a knock on the door from behind her. She felt her stomach drop. No, please no.

“Twilight?” Rainbow’s voice came muffled from the other side of the door. “Are you in there?”

Twilight considered ignoring it, but decided not to. She wanted to set things straight. Walking over and opening the door, she started, “Listen, Rainbow. I’m sorry. It was-”

Rainbow leaned in and kissed her, silencing her at once. Twilight’s eyes widened, though she didn’t pull back. She leaned in, glad with all her heart that she was kissing the pegasus, although the glee was mixed with confusion.

Rainbow pulled back, looking at Twilight sadly. “No, Twilight. It’s me who should be apologizing. I should’ve been more considerate of your feelings.” She looked down. “I still want to be your friend. Can you ever forgive me?”

Twilight smiled. “Of course I forgive you, Rainbow. We’re friends.” She paused, causing Rainbow to look up. “But what about the kiss?”

Rainbow blushed deeply, scratching the back of her neck. “Do you suppose the offer’s still open?”

Twilight kissed her again, quickly this time. She smiled warmly at the mare standing before her. “Of course, Rainbow.”