Lessons In Friendship (And More!)

Chapters

1- Reunion
2- Return
3- Reacquaintance
4- Revelations

1- Reunion

Twilight paced anxiously back and forth on the floor of the library. Four long weeks of self turmoil may finally pay off tonight! Her emotions leapt unpredictably from elation to sick fear at what the reply may be. Had she wasted all this time?

''Twiliiiiiight,’’ an irritated voice moaned ''can I please go to sleep?’’

Spike sat dreary eyed on a stool in the library foyer where Twilight had been pacing for the last hour. He had his blanket wrapped up around himself covering his body and head. He yawned loudly, swaying slightly as he did so, almost tumbling right of the stool.

''Come on Spike this letter is really important. You can go to sleep as soon as you receive it,’’ Twilight explained.

''But it’s nearly three in the morning! And you still haven’t even told me what this letter is about,’’ The purple dragon complained.

''It's confidential Spike, but I assure you it is extremely important.’’

''Yeah whatever, it’s hard for me to care when I'm losing sleep over something you won’t even bother telling me about.’’

Geez that dragon can be a grump when he’s tired Twilight thought to herself.

''I'm sure it will just be a few more minutes Spike.’’

''You said that half an hour aaa....’’

Twilight spun around. The purple dragon was leaning back, mouth open. The letter was coming! She stared intently at Spike’s mouth.

''...go,’’ Spike closed his mouth. ''I was just yawning Twilight,’’ he retorted, noticing the unicorn's wide eyes staring at him.

She hung her head in irritation and resumed pacing. After about twenty more minutes (which felt like hours to Spike) the dragon’s stomach lurched.

''Finally!’’ he exclaimed, closing his hands round his stomach. Twilight’s heart leapt as the dragon emitted a flaming green burp. An azure envelope materialized in the hot fire and floated gently to the library floor.

''It’s here!’’ Twilight leapt down to grab the letter.

''I’m so happy for you Twilight...’’ Spike retorted sarcastically ''now if you don’t mind I'm going to bed!’’ he announced as he hopped down from the stool. Dragging his blanket behind him, he went downstairs and slammed the door shut.

Twilight didn’t even notice the dragon leave. Her eyes were fixated on the envelope in front of her. The same entrancing colour as her coat a thought whispered in the back of her mind. Where did that come from? She wondered. She dismissed it as she began carefully unsealing the envelope. Her heart raced as to what may be in the contents. Would she be rejected, or had her offer gotten through?

Her eyes nervously gleaned the letter after unfolding it:

Dear Twilight Sparkle:

The Great and Powerful Trixie has given much consideration to your request, and after consulting her extremely busy schedule Trixie has found an opening where she may meet you. Trixie has agreed to meet you tomorrow at twelve noon, but she refuses to come see you in Ponyville. The Great and Powerful Trixie would not be caught dead in that cesspool of a town again. Trixie will meet you at the Manehatten public library at the designated time.

Yours Benevolently,

The Great and Powerful Trixie

Twilight’s heart leapt with joy. Despite the insult to her and her friends town and the fact that the ink on the letter practically dripped with conceit, it made her so happy! She agreed to see her again! The last four weeks of confusion had not been a waste. She was finally going to get the answers she desperately sought.

When Twilight set her mind to something, she had to see it through to the end, no matter how absurd it may be. Trixie had become her latest goal. The azure show pony had never left the recesses of her mind since the day Twilight had banished the Ursa Minor. Trixie had shown talent. Unfortunately, she had not shown grace. Twilight had struggled with thoughts of wanting to extend her friendship to Trixie, sharing all the knowledge of friendship she had learned. The problem though was deciding if Trixie was worth having as a friend. There was also another deep set reason Twilight wanted to see the boastful mare again, but she couldn’t put a hoof on what it was. Eventually after thinking for weeks on it she decided to track down and send Trixie a letter, including a vial of dragon flame so that she could reply directly through Spike.

I’ve to meet her in Manehatten tomorrow Twilight mused. Better get packing. I can sleep on the train.

Twilight looked around groggily as she awoke from her slumber on the train. She was curled up on a seat in a small carriage on the Manehatten Express, a blanket draped over her. She rubbed her eyes as she glanced at the clock hanging over her makeshift bed. 11.15am it read. I must be nearly there! Twilight felt an excited flutter in her stomach at the thought. The train pulled into Manehatten central station roughly ten minutes later.

She wants to meet at a library Twilight thought, hardly able to contain herself. Not just the thought of seeing Trixie, but a library too! She struggled to decide which excited her more. Does Trixie know how much I love books? She decided it was just a coincidence she set the library as the meeting spot. It must have been a landmark that stood out. She still had to find it though.

She didn’t have to look far. Upon stepping out of the station she spotted an imposing glass building on the other side of the busy street. Despite the many ponies and carriages shuffling about she could see a large stone plaque with the words ‘Manehatten Public Library’ emblazoned in gold font. Twilight looked at the clock above the plaque. 11.40. Great! I have some time to look around the library!

Twilight was overwhelmed by the collection the library held. It dwarfed her little Ponyville library back home, and was bigger still than the students library she had access to in Canterlot. I could spend the rest of my life in here! Twilight thought giddily as she browsed the many shelves.

After some time Twilights eye caught a clock hanging over the library’s information desk. 12.20pm.

''OH NO!’’ She yelled, startling many library patrons who turned to the source of noise that pierced their peaceful reading. Twilight blushed as a resounding ‘SHHHHHH!’ was directed at her. She dashed outside.

And there she was.

A gallant azure pony with a wand cutie mark paced irritably back and forth. Twilight was taken aback by the sight. She hadn’t seen the show pony since the whole Ursa Minor fiasco. She forgot how dazzling her coat was, how brightly her purple eyes shined. Twilight noticed with a strange feeling of disappointment that she wasn’t wearing her magician cape and hat. Seeing the look of annoyance on her face, Twilight galloped over.

''Hey Trixie, I’m sorry I...’’

Twilight never got to finish that sentence. The moment Trixie laid eyes on her Twilight’s ears were assaulted by a barrage of angry words.

''YOU DARE KEEP THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE WAITING!’’ The show pony yelled fiercely. ‘’TRIXIE GIVES UP HER PRECIOUS TIME TO COME MEET SOME NOPONY AND YOU KEEP. HER .WAITING!''

Twilight’s heart sank. Punctuality was one of her defining traits; she was never late. Nothing irked her more than a pony who kept her waiting and here she was, late to a meeting with a pony she was trying to become friends with and enraging her. This was a bad start. Her head drooped.

Trixie’s rage died as suddenly as it had built when she caught the look on Twilight’s face. She wore the most adorable pout the show pony had ever seen, her eyes looking down with embarrassment. Trixie’s heart melted.

''Ahem...you must excuse Trixie, she is not used to being treated so...unprofessionally.’’

Did I really just apologize? Trixie thought to herself. I knew there was something odd about this pony she mused. She’d never felt so obliged to apologize to somepony, especially since it was the other pony that had wronged her.

Twilight felt somewhat calmer after the subdued Trixie had spoken.

''I’m sorry Trixie, I just love books so much so I checked out the library and there were so many and then I lost track of time and...''

''Forget it,’’ The show pony interrupted. ''Let’s get down to business shall we?’’

''Business?’’ Twilight replied confused.

''Yes, you requested an audience with the Great and Powerful Trixie correct? What is it you wanted of Trixie?’’

Twilight stood somewhat dumbfounded. Why HAD she searched for Trixie? She had plenty of friends back in Ponyville, and Trixie certainly hadn’t made a good first impression. There has to be a reason I felt the need to find her Twilight tried to think scientifically, but she didn’t understand how she felt.

''Um...well...I was wondering if you’d like to be friends Trixie?’’ Twilight smiled nervously.

''Indeed, you mentioned such in your letter to Trixie. So what is it we must do to become friends?’’

Twilight giggled a little at the pony's words.

''Surely you’ve had friends before, Trixie?’’

''Trixie has had many acquaintances, admirers and fans, but has had no time for any one pony to call a ‘friend.’ In case you forgot Trixie is a show pony, and she travels far and wide across Equestria,'' the gloating unicorn explained, gesturing magnificently with her hooves. ''Trixie simply cannot be tied down to any one pony!''

Twilight felt a pang of sympathy. Trixie had never had a real friend! It would explain so much about her attitude.

''Well it’s your lucky day Trixie, because I’ve been studying all about friendship and would be honoured to teach you as a student!’’ Twilight grinned, the thought of being a mentor exciting her beyond words.

''Hold on! The Great and Powerful Trixie is nopony’s understudy!’’

Twilight grinned again at the boastful mare. Everyone in Ponyville had found the pony’s conceit vile and repulsive but Twilight found it...cute? No that can’t be the right adjective Twilight thought.

''Very well, then you can study it as my partner!’’

''That’s better! So, how do we begin?’’

''Um well...is there somewhere we could go for a walk?'' Twilight enquired. ''Maybe you could tell me about yourself Trixie.’’

Trixie’s face lit up. ''Certainly!'' She replied enthusiastically, excited at an oppurtunity to talk to herself. ''There is a wonderful public park near here. Follow me, and listen to the adventures of Trixie.'' As they walked Trixie launched into an exquisitely detailed story of her life; punctuating each dramatic event in her story with movements, magic tricks and expressions. They reached the park a few minutes after leaving the library, and began strolling pleasantly as Trixie spoke. She wasn’t telling Twilight about her life, she was telling her a story. This was what the show pony did, she entertained. Whilst Twilight realized this pretty fast she didn’t want to stop her. She was impressed with Trixie’s story telling abilities. She knew how to spin a yarn. Unfortunately, Twilight was very much aware that most of it was fabricated. Still, Twilight was engrossed.

''And that’s the story of the Great and Powerful Trixie!’’ She finished with a hoof to her chest, her nose raised high in a haughty stance.

Twilight clapped her hooves together in admiration.

''A very nice story Trixie but...’’ Would the pony be ok with Twilight pointing out it was all lies?

''...a friendly conversation is meant to involve two ponies,’’ She decided to explain instead.

''It did, you listened while Trixie spoke. Two ponies!’’ The show pony said matter-of-factly.

Twilight couldn’t help it. She thought there was just something so alluring to Trixie’s cocksure attitude. Why would I find such an insufferable attitude amiable? A thought in the back of her head suggested it was the pony carrying the attitude she liked. This is getting very confusing very fast Twilight pondered.

Twilight’s stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten since she left Ponyville hours ago.

''Would you like to go get some food Trixie?’’ Twilight suggested.

''Oh yes! Trixie knows all the hottest places to eat in Manehatten!’’ The azure pony replied enthusiastically.

The sun was beginning to set as they left the park, and streetlights began to illuminate their path as Trixie brought them to a posh looking restaurant.

''Oh I dunno Trixie, this place looks expensive. I didn’t bring many bits with me.’’ Twilight explained.

''No worries Twilight, allow Trixie to make up the difference!’’

Twilight was dumbfounded. Had Trixie really learned her lesson after the Ursa Minor incident? She's being so generous!

Why the buck am I being so nice to this pony? Trixie thought. She glanced over at Twilight, an adorable grin sitting on her mouth, her purple eyes sparkling in the light of the restaurant. Trixie’s eyes scanned the rest of the pony, lingering on her flank and cutie mark. She has quite a shapely...

''Trixie?’’ A voice snapped her out of her daze

Trixie glanced up to see Twilight looking confused, a brown coated pony with a quaffed mane and fancy red shirt standing irritably beside her.

''I think he wants to show us our seats’’ Twilight explained.

''Oh yes of course, please excuse Trixie!’’

They enjoyed a delicious dinner together, one of the best Twilight had ever had. Trixie had actually been telling the truth when she said she knew her restaurants! They talked for a while after the dinner was finished. Trixie dominated most of the conversation but Twilight didn’t mind. She listened attentively to the show ponies stories, her eyes fixated on hers as they shined from the light of the candle between them.

Twilight only now noticed how much time had passed. She looked at a clock, and realized it was getting late.

''Oh darn Trixie; I’m going to have to leave soon.’’ Twilight explained

''But the lessons have only just begun!’’ Trixie cried. She suddenly obtained a look of confusion on her face as she realized the level of disappointment in her own voice. She grinned awkwardly, hoping Twilight hadn't picked up on it.

''Well...you could always come back to Ponyville,’’ Twilight suggested.

''Never! That backwards little town...’’

Twilight had that face on again, except this time her eyes were wide and pleading on top of the pout. Trixie’s heart melted again. So adorable!

''Well...maybe Trixie will consider it.’’

''Yes, Yes, Yes!’’ Twilight leapt out of her seat and started hopping in place enthusiastically, forgetting the posh setting she was in. Many ponies had paused their eating to stare at her quizzically. She shrank down embarrassed as she realized the show she had made of herself.

''Yes indeed, back to ponyville...''

Trixie thought of the scene of her embarrassment. Looking over at the embarrassed lavender pony who out staged her. She would never admit it but Twilight had been magnificent. Trixie had never seen such raw magic power before. She had been mortified by the experience but she never held a grudge to the purple bookworm as she had astonished her with her performance. The rest of the townsfolk though, she wasn’t too keen on seeing. This can’t go well She thought. NO! Trixie is afraid of nopony, and cares little for what some hick townspeople have to think! I’m doing it!

''Let’s go get the next train!’’ Twilight jumped with enthusiasm.

''Yes...let’s,’’ Trixie replied, far less enthused. ''Trixie will just need to grab some things from her caravan.’’

2- Return

Once Trixie had filled her saddlebag with her things (mostly beauty related Twilight noticed) they boarded the next train to Ponyville.

They got a small carriage together, the two ponies sitting across from each other on the couches that lined its sides. Trixie seemed incredibly nervous during the journey. She was not the same loud, chatty pony that Twilight had spent dinner with. She sat in silence, looking out the window at the back of the carriage. Twilight noticed the look of concern on the show pony's face.

"Don't worry Trixie, it'll be fine. Ponyville is a nice town, they won’t say a word," Twilight assured her.

‘’If you say so Twilight...’’ Trixie responded, not sounding convinced.

‘’Besides it’s late now anyway, there won’t even be many ponies around.’’

Twilight tried hard to change the topic to something else in an attempt to relax her nervous companion. She had little luck, getting short dead-end responses from her. Twilight was stunned by the sudden transformation Trixie had taken. She really is nervous She thought to herself. She felt yet another pang of empathy for the pony. Failing again to get conversation out of her, she decided to leave the topic, pulling a book out of her saddlebag and reading in silence.

The train pulled into Ponyville station at around 11:30pm. We shouldn’t run into many ponies at this hour Twilight thought. The library is also pretty close to the station.

‘’Just follow me Trixie,’’ Twilight explained, ‘’It’s not far from here at all.’’

‘’Alright,’’ the show pony replied meekly, hiding under her starry hat and cape which she had donned before boarding the train. Twilight might have pointed out that she looked far more conspicuous with it on but Twilight didn’t want her to take it off for some reason. That hat and cape are strangely alluring She mused.

They walked in nervous silence towards the library. They had to pass through the market area first, but Twilight hadn’t given it much thought due to the late hour. As they approached the market area though, a wave of noise hit them. Music, chatting and various other busy sounds met their ears. The late night market Twilight realized. This goes on until midnight. Glancing behind her, she saw a visibly nervous Trixie.

‘’Sorry Trixie, I forgot about this market,’’ Twilight explained, ‘’Anyway, it’ll be fine. We just need to get to the library. Look, you can see it from here,’’ Twilight pointed to the silhouette of a great, many branched tree in the distance. ‘’Just stick with me.’’

They entered the throng of busy buyers in the market. Banners were strung between the dozens of stalls lining either side of the street. Each was adorned with its own lantern to light the area for the queues of ponies perusing the various goods each vendor had to offer. Fruits, vegetables and other produce were in abundance.

Trixie’s breath was caught in her throat. Come on Trixie. She tried to calm herself. It’s silly to be so afraid of a crowd, you’re a performer! She glanced around, her mind growing paranoid as she thought she saw ponies looking at her funny, pointing questioning hooves in her direction. She honestly could not tell if she was imagining it or not.

The distance between them and the shadowy tree felt as though it was getting larger rather than smaller to Trixie. She kept her eyes focused on Twilight. Her worries started to melt away as she took in the lavender pony, appreciating her sleek purple mane. What a lovely...

‘’Is that the Great and Powerful Trixie?!’’ A voice called from the crowd.

Trixie’s heart sank. She looked over to the Tree, its brown colour becoming clear as they approached. So close.

‘’It is!’’ Another voice called. ‘’She has some nerve showing her face here again!’’

Twilight backed up beside Trixie. ‘’Just ignore them, keep walking.’’

However, a crowd had begun to form.

‘’Has the awful and pathetic Trixie come back to be embarrassed some more?’’ Another voice called.

Shouts and insults started to stream steadily from the mob. Twilight’s head was spinning. Why are they being so horrible? Haven’t they even taken notice that she’s with me? She looked around the crowd trying to spot familiar faces. She saw a few, Berry Punch, Cheerilee, Cloud kicker... but they all had angry faces. They didn’t seem familiar to her at all. As she looked around she saw a flash of red in her peripherals and a startled yell struck her ears.

She looked to her right to see a wincing Trixie, the remains of a tossed tomato sliding down her snout. They had come to a halt, the crowd completely surrounding the pair. To Twilight’s shock, the rest of the crowd joined in, and a barrage of produce, insults and shouts found their way to Trixie.

Twilight was frozen with horror. Many of her friends and acquaintances were in the crowd, but none of them seemed familiar. They had been transformed into some horrible cruel mass, sneering and angry. Even Derpy was up there tossing muffins, missing completely, but the stern look on her face showed she was trying her hardest to hit her target. She could only hope that none of the Elements Of Harmony were in that crowd. Once Twilight had gotten past the initial shock she dove in front of Trixie, taking the brunt of the projectiles hurtled her way. The missile barrage began to slow, and came to a complete halt when the realization struck the crowd that they were now hitting the town librarian. A hush fell over the mob.

‘‘YOU’RE ALL MONSTERS!’’ Twilight yelled, tears of fury welling in her eyes. ‘‘I NEVER KNEW THIS TOWN WAS EVEN CAPABLE OF SUCH CRUELTY TOWARDS ANOTHER PONY!’’ Twilight’s breathing was ragged, her throat already hoarse from the screaming. ‘’SHE MAY HAVE MADE A BAD FIRST IMPRESSION, BUT THIS IS HOW YOU WELCOME HER INTO TOWN?! SHE HAD THE COURAGE TO WALK BACK INTO THIS TOWN AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT HER?! YOU ALL MAKE ME SICK!’’

Twilight’s horn began to glow, encircling her and Trixie with a purple ball of energy. With a flash it was gone, the two ponies disappearing with it. The mob dispersed soon after, shamed mutterings being shared between its members.

The precarious pile of books Spike was carrying teetered dangerously in his arms as he moved them across the room.

Where the hay is Twilight? I hope nothing happened to her in Manehatten. He thought, his concern growing as the hour grew later.

A sudden, sharp ’ZAP’ made Spike leap in surprise, the books racing towards the ceiling before plummeting back down on the startled dragon, burying him in a messy pile.

He lifted his head out of the pile to see two very disheveled ponies standing in the library foyer, various types of fruit and vegetable running slowly down their coats and hanging from their manes.

‘’Twilight?!’’ Spike said with concern. ‘’TRIXIE?!’’ He yelled as he took in the azure pony standing beside his lifetime friend. ‘’You two look awful, what happened?’’ He asked as he climbed out of the pile of books.

‘’If it’s all the same to you Twilight,’’ Trixie spoke up, her voice choked as she failed to fight back tears, ''I’d just like to be shown to my bed right now.’’

Twilight looked at the pathetic mess that was Trixie standing in front of her, her beautiful silver mane and blue coat ruined by the rotting produce dripping from them. She never felt such a mixture of rage and sadness before. She tried to speak calmly.

‘’Of course Trixie, let me show you where the bathroom is, and then I’ll show you to your bed.’’

Twilight did just that, waiting patiently as the blue pony cleaned herself, Twilight following suit. She showed her to her own bedroom, where two beds lay waiting.

‘’Pick whichever one you like, I tend to swap between the two myself’’ Twilight explained as she walked into the room with Trixie.

‘’Thank you Twilight’’ Trixie choked out, fresh tears welling in her eyes. ‘’Don’t worry about me too much, I probably deserved what I got...’’

‘’No Trixie!’’ Twilight rebutted, ‘’No pony deserves what you got today. I’m sorry, I told you the whole time it would be fine because I truly believed it. I never knew this town was capable of such...vitriol.’’

‘’It’s ok, I...I’d just like to sleep right now.’’

‘’Ok Trixie,’’ Twilight said quietly to the dejected pony. ‘’Get some rest. We can talk in the morning.’’

Twilight walked back downstairs, where Spike was still waiting patiently for an explanation. He didn’t ask outright as he could tell the situation was serious. He just sat quietly on a stool looking at her with big concerned eyes. Twilight was just about to explain the situation when she heard a knocking at the door. She didn’t know whether to answer it or not. She hesitated, but then decided to open the door. Outside, an orange earth pony wearing a brown Stetson was standing with a look of deep concern on her face.

‘’Oh Applejack,’’ Twilight sighed ‘’Please tell me you were not a part of that crowd.’’

‘’Ah wasn’t Twi, but ah saw the whole darn thing from my stand in the market.’’ Applejack announced as Twilight led her inside, closing the door behind her. ‘’Ah didn’t realize what was happening at first ‘cos ah was on the other side of the crowd. Then ah heard you shoutin’ something fierce, and before ah could push through the crowd you teleported out of there,’’ The orange pony explained.

‘’Did you ever expect the ponies in this town could be so horrible?’’ Twilight cried. ‘’I mean I’ve read books on it before, mob rule, when individuals get swept up in the emotions of a crowd but still...’’ Twilight’s voice began to break as her eyes welled up with tears. ’’It was mostly ponies I know out there Applejack. It was terrifying to see them acting so...vile.’’ She choked out, tears now pouring readily down her cheeks.

‘’It’s alright sugarcube, come here,’’ Applejack took Twilight in a comforting hug. ‘’Ah don’t know why you brought that Trixie back to town, but ah’m sure you have a good reason.’’

‘’I still don’t know what happened,’’ Spike chimed in.

Applejack and Twilight regaled the horrific incident to the purple dragon, whose eyes widened with shock at each terrible detail.

‘’Wow that’s awful Twilight, I hope you're ok,’’ Spike offered at the end of the story.

‘’I’m fine Spike, a little shaken but ok,’’ Twilight replied, slowly regaining her composure. ‘’I wasn’t the one those ponies were after.''

‘’Yeah, you still haven’t explained why Trixie is here though.’’ Spike recalled.

‘’I was trying to be her friend Spike, trying to introduce her to the magic of friendship and instead she got this. She would have been better off had I never gone to see her again.’’ Twilight's voice began to choke up again.

‘’Now now sugarcube this ain’t your fault, you never could have expected the reception she got,’’ Applejack interjected.

‘’That poor mare is up there, probably still shaking with fear and it’s all because of me. I’m an idiot,’’ Twilight yelled, new tears starting to form under her eyes.

‘’Listen to me Twi’’ Applejack cut in, putting a reassuring hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. ‘’This situation is not gonna get any better if you keep blaming yourself. If you wanna make Trixie feel better, you’re gonna have to forgive yourself first and be strong for her.''

Applejack's no-nonsense tone and advice had an innate calming effect on Twilight. She was right. She had to be strong for Trixie.

‘’Thank you so much Applejack’’ Twilight responded, hugging the earth pony close.

‘’No problem Twi, that’s what friends do.’’ Applejack explained as she squeezed Twilight back. ‘’Now ah gotta get moving back to my stand, ah left it to come after you. Get some rest. Ah’ll see you in the morning.’’

Applejack turned and began to leave, stopping just outside the door.

‘’Oh and Twi, ah found Trixie mighty annoying last time she was here sure, but ah have no problem with her being back if it’s important to you,’’ The earth pony explained.

‘’Thanks Applejack, you’re amazing,’’ Twilight smiled.

‘’Like ah said, that’s what friends do.’’

With that she left, and Twilight closed the door behind her.

There was a long silence in the library as Twilight sat there with Spike, trying to calm herself. After a few minutes, the young dragon cut in.

‘’What are you going to do Twilight?’’ He asked.

‘’Right now I think sleep is the best thing. Let’s just go to bed.’’

With that Spike left to find his bed, and Twilight walked slowly upstairs to her room.

She opened the door to her room gently, not knowing if Trixie was asleep yet or not. She crept in, only hearing the sound of another pony breathing softly. In the dim moonlight shining through her window she saw Trixie’s face. She was fast asleep, the area around her eyes visibly wet from tears she had clearly only recently shed. Twilight sighed at the sight. She was overcome by a sudden urge to climb into the bed with her and wrap her hooves around her. She almost did it before sense came back into her mind. That would just be weird She thought to herself. She didn’t manage to convince herself of this fact, but climbed into the empty bed all the same. The exhaustion of the day hit her fast as her head touched the pillow, and she fell asleep in moments.

3- Reacquaintance

Bright sunlight beamed through the window into the bedroom. The sound of birds chirping merrily met Twilight’s ears as she woke. Raising her head slightly, she noticed the figure of a blue pony propped up in a sitting position against a pillow, her front hooves folded across her chest. The beds were positioned end to end, so Twilight could clearly see Trixie’s face. She was staring out the window, a forlorn expression covering her visage. Twilight propped herself up in a similar position against her pillow.

‘’Good Morning Trixie,’’ Twilight said grinning pleasantly, not quite sure what else to say.

‘’Oh, morning Twilight,’’ Trixie responded halfheartedly. Her gaze barely left the window.

‘’Did you sleep well?’’ Twilight inquired, feeling awkward trying to engage the mare in small talk after everything that happened the night before.

‘’Well enough,’’ Trixie rebutted, still little emotion in her voice.

Trixie was aware how short she was being with her new friend, but the pain of last night still hung heavy on her chest. She glanced over at the bookish unicorn, a sympathetic smile painted across her mouth. I can’t take my anger out on her. Just look at that face. She sighed.

‘’Shall we ... get some breakfast?’’ Trixie suggested, trying to break through her mood.

‘’Oh, sure!’’ Twilight's smile widened at the positive response from the pony. She glanced at her bedside clock. ‘’Oh it's nearly eleven; Spike has probably been up preparing some food already!’’

The two ponies stepped out of bed and walked downstairs in silence. As they approached the kitchen, a waft of tasty aromas met their noses. Twilight pushed open the kitchen door to see Spike clad in a white apron and chef’s hat, flipping pancakes in a frying pan.

‘’Morning ladies!’’ he greeted cheerfully. ‘’Breakfast is just about to be served!’’

The sight of the happy dragon brought a huge smile to Twilight’s face. Spike in particular had found Trixie extremely irritating last time she had come to Ponyville. He called her unbearable, and literally begged Twilight to shut her up. Yet here he was, smiling in her presence and even cooking breakfast for her. The sight made her think back to Applejack’s visit last night, and how understanding she had also been. Twilight was sure she couldn’t have found better friends in the entire world. Maybe Trixie just might learn a thing or two about friendship here Twilight thought happily, her mood on the disastrous situation getting lighter.

They sat and ate breakfast together, enjoying idle small talk. Trixie was quiet for most of it, but as the meal went on she seemed to regain her gusto, launching into a story or two about her travels. It warmed Twilight to see the show pony getting her groove back. Twilight glanced at the clock and remembered an errand she had to run.

‘’Sorry guys, I have to run over to Sugarcube Corner to pick up something off Pinkie,’’ she explained.

A look of nervousness grew on Trixie’s face again.

‘’You can wait here Trixie, don’t worry I’ll only be a few minutes. Spike, why don’t you give her a tour of the library while I’m gone?’’ Twilight suggested.

‘’Sure ... I guess?’’ Spike agreed, feeling awkward at the prospect of actually being alone with the pony he had grown a hatred for last time they met.

‘’I’ll only be a few minutes,’’ Twilight repeated, noticing the dragon's skepticism. ‘’And why don’t you get settled in Trixie? You still haven’t unpacked your things.’’

‘’Oh yes, Trixie will get on it right away!’’ the mare replied happily.

Twilight smiled, noticing the third person reference returning to her speech. She bid the two farewell as she left the library.

The usually short journey to Sugarcube Corner felt a lot longer to Twilight this afternoon. She was nervous about what ponies she may run into, thinking back to her outburst. She didn’t regret anything she said, the crowd had acted horribly, but the thought of facing any member of that mob again was not pleasant.

While she passed by a few ponies who simply kept to their own business, she didn’t run into anyone whose face she could recall from the mob. She hoped that when she did eventually see those ponies again she could think of them as an individual, and not a part of that teeming, horrible mass. She approached Sugarcube Corner with her head low, staring at the ground deep in thought. This unfortunately caused her to walk straight into the door frame of the building.

‘’Ow!’’ she yelped in surprise, pain flashing across her forehead.

The noise alerted a certain pink pony who was standing behind the counter inside the store. She looked up to see Twilight stagger inside, rubbing her forehead.

For the second time in as many minutes, Twilight’s head collided with another object. Fortunately, this was soft, warm and ... pink? She felt two hooves wrap around her and pull her into the pink mass.

‘’Oh Twilight I hope your okay! I saw the whole horrible incident from my bedroom last night! I ran outside when I heard the yelling then I saw it was you yelling and then you teleported away and then I ran over towards your house but I ran into Applejack but she said to leave you be for now and...’’

Twilight pulled her head away from Pinkie’s chest, gasping for air due to a mixture of Pinkie’s lung crushing hug and her face having being buried in her coat.

‘’I’m ... fine Pinkie,’’ Twilight panted. ‘’I’m not the one who needs cheering up right now,’’ she added, catching her breath.

‘’Oh yeah, that mean old crowd was after Trixie weren’t they?’’ the party pony realized. Her eyes suddenly grew wide with excitement.

‘’Some pony needs cheering up! This is exactly what Pinkie’s job is, it's time for a -!

Twilight shoved a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth, knowing exactly what the last word of that sentence was going to be.

‘’Think about this Pinkie, do you really think Trixie is going to want to attend a party probably filled with all the ponies who were throwing stuff at her last night?’’ Twilight lectured.

‘’I guess ...’’The pink pony admitted dejectedly. ‘’Not even a little party?’’

Twilight looked thoughtful for a moment.

‘’Hmm; Trixie probably isn’t ready to leave the library just yet,’’ Twilight raised a hoof to her chin pensively. An idea clicked in her head. ''How about a sleepover, just the usual six of us plus Trixie? It’s the perfect way to teach her about friendship and she won’t have to go outside!’’

‘’A slumber party!’’ Pinkie yelled excitedly. ‘’Just leave it to me Twilight, I’ll organize the whole thing!’’

Twilight only now noticed the flour covering her snout. It had come from Pinkie's coat. Looking at her friend, Twilight observed that the usually pink pony had patches of white all over her. Her eyes also caught Rainbow Dash sitting idly stretched out in a chair in the corner, front hooves behind her head. The pegasus was also covered in flour.

''Hey Rainbow,'' Twilight greeted ''why are you two ... never mind, I'm sure I don't want to know...''

''Hey Twilight; what, the flour?'' Rainbow grinned devilishly ''Me and Pinkie were -''

''I just said I don't want to know!'' Twilight yelled, cutting the pegasus off. ''Do you want come to this slumber party tonight?'' she suggested, looking for an opportunity to change the topic of conversation fast. Pinkie giggled beside her.

''I dunno Twilight,'' Rainbow replied frowning, hopping down from her chair. ''I mean, you might have your reasons for bringing Trixie back to town, but it seems to me she's more trouble than she's worth. She wasn't exactly a blast last time she was here.''

''But she can actually be really sweet Rainbow,'' Twilight appealed. ''She bought me dinner when I went to see her in Manehatten!''

Rainbow still looked unconvinced.

''Come on grumpy!'' Pinkie chirped, jumping on Rainbow's back and wrapping her hooves around her neck. ''It's now officially one of my parties so you have to be there!''

''Fine,'' Rainbow groaned. ''Just don't expect me to be best friends with Trixie.''

''Just try and be ... civil Rainbow, that's all I ask. Did you see what happened to her last night?''

''No but Pinkie told me all about it. I will admit it sounded pretty horrible, even for a rat like Trixie.''

Twilight was surprised by how much Rainbow's insult to Trixie hurt her. ''Calling her names certainly won't help Rainbow, just try and be nice.''

''I'll try,'' Rainbow agreed.

''That's the spirit!'' Pinkie grinned, hopping in front of Rainbow and giving her pegasus marefriend a quick kiss on the lips.

''And you two better behave yourselves tonight as well,'' Twilight added. '' Keep the public displays of affection to a minimum!''

Pinkie giggled again. ''We'll be good Twilight, Pinkie promise!'' She smiled. Rainbow just rolled her eyes.

''Alright, can I get those ingredients I ordered off you?'' Twilight asked.

''Okie Dokie Lokie!'' Pinkie sang.

‘’And that’s the library!’’ Spike finished enthusiastically as he and Trixie returned to the main foyer. ‘’So how long do you think you will be staying?’’ He asked politely.

‘’Oh ... Trixie is not sure. This is a lovely home you have here, staying a while would not be unpleasant, and Trixie was thinking of taking a break from traveling anyway.’’

‘’Um ... cool,’’ the dragon responded awkwardly, fumbling for conversation. ‘’Well I’ve got some chores to do,’’ Spike lied. ‘’I’m sure Twilight will be back soon. Just make yourself comfortable!’’ he left Trixie to herself with that.

This isn’t a bad place at all Trixie thought to herself as she looked around the library, its many books stacked on tall shelves and arranged in messy piles and precarious columns. The town outside though ....

Trixie was rescued from the troubling train of thought as the front door opened, Twilight walking in levitating a plastic bag with her magic.

‘’Hey Trixie,’’ she smiled, placing the messages down. ‘’Good news, we’re having a friendship lesson today! We’re having a sleepover!’’

Trixie’s face dropped, her eyes taking on a nervous look again.

‘’Oh no don’t worry, it’s just my close friends. Hopefully some ponies who will be your friends soon too!’’

Trixie still looked nervous.

‘’Come on it will be fun I promise, why don’t you help me get this room organized for tonight? I've got to move all these books out of the way!''

''Sure,'' Trixie smiled at the bookworm.

Celestia’s sun was beginning to set as Twilight finished the final touches to the room. She glanced at the sleepover manual she had read thoroughly many times before.

‘’I almost know this book by heart by now,’’ she giggled. ‘’I think I can do without it.’’

‘’You have a book on sleepovers?’’ Trixie asked, a small grin creeping across her face. She found the purple unicorn's adoration of books adorable. ‘’That’s cute.’’

‘’I’ve books on everything Trixie’’ she smiled, blushing strongly at the last remark.

The two ponies caught each others' eye. The gaze lingered, and a tension started to build in Twilight’s chest. She felt a strange tingling sensation in her stomach as she took in Trixie’s eyes, her wonderful silver mane framing them like a portrait. Time seemed to slow. Trixie just sat there, looking back and smiling. Each second that passed made the tension grow stronger. What the hay is going on? I feel like I can’t move! The tightness in her chest and tingling in her stomach reached unbearable levels. She opened her mouth to speak but no words followed.

*Tap*Tap*

She jumped in surprise at the knock on the door. Relief flooded her as the tension drained out of her body.

‘’I’ll get that!’’ She burst out a little too loudly, practically sprinting to the door.

She opened it to see her five best friends standing outside, sleeping bags and other personal belongings on their backs. Pinkie was visibly struggling with her load, which was far greater than the others. Despite this her smile was still the widest.

‘’Hey guys, come on in,’’ Twilight greeted, moving aside to allow her friends through.

When Trixie caught sight of Twilight’s friends, her heart sank once again. I remember these ponies; I made fools of them last time I was here! She had hogtied the orange one, ruined the hair of the white one, and humiliated the blue one as well. Could this get any worse?

Strangely though, the ponies were all smiles upon seeing Trixie. They walked happily into the room, greeting her as if they had only just met. The rainbow pegasus was the only one who seemed phased, not saying hi like the rest of them. I suppose they can’t ALL be so forgiving she thought to herself.

Twilight also noticed how civil her friends were being. She already spoke to Applejack, Pinkie and Rainbow about the incident, but not Rarity or Fluttershy. Although, Fluttershy had not been present at Trixie's boasting show, and even if she was Twilight only expected the element of kindness would still be courteous towards the unicorn. As for Rarity, she surmised that the gang must have had a talk with her beforehand. She wanted to ask Rarity if she had seen the incident last night, but decided against bringing the unpleasant memory up. Tonight was about having fun.

The five arrivals began unpacking their things around the room, unfolding sleeping bags and other belongings. Pinkie was throwing up garish decorations, somehow simultaneously placing sugary foods around as she did so. Decorations and sweets seemed to literally fall out of the pony as she dashed around the room. She produced a large glass bowl from one of her many bags, and started to fill it from a bottle with a pink drink that smelled like some sort of fruit punch.

Twilight introduced her friends by name, each kindly greeting Trixie in response, apart from Rainbow who simply waved half halfheartedly in response while scooping herself some punch. Trixie thought she was more than lucky to get a positive reception off four of the five ponies.

After the ponies were settled, the fun started. Pinkie started up some music and they began playing games, dancing and laughing together. Some time passed, and Twilight was ecstatic to see Trixie having a good time, getting along great with her friends. Things were going well, almost too well....

Twilight began to notice how silly her friends had been acting. Even the initially cold Rainbow was now high hoofing Trixie and laughing with her. She went over to inspect the punch that Pinkie had prepared, Twilight having only had a little of it herself. She took a sip and tried to taste it thoroughly. She could only get a fruity taste. She pulled Pinkie aside.

‘’Is there alcohol in the punch Pinkie?’’ she interrogated

‘’Uh huh! Just a lil’ though, I thought it might help Trixie relax!’’ the pink pony admitted.

‘’Well, I guess it is working,’’ Twilight agreed, looking over at a laughing Trixie. Twilight wasn’t much of a drinker herself. ‘’A little warning would have been nice though!’’

‘’Oh lighten up Twilight, I only put a little in there; I'm sure the other ponies have realized it by now!’’ The party pony giggled. ‘’It’s not like it will get them hammered or anything!’’

Pinkie trotted off to rejoin the party. They continued with the festivities until Pinkie abruptly turned off the music.

‘’You know what time it is? Truth or dare time!’’ she announced.

The ponies gathered round in a circle excitedly. This was always a fun part of the night. Twilight considered how the alcohol would affect the game.

It started off innocently enough, simple truths and silly dares being performed by the gang. They seemed to go particularly easy on Trixie, which Twilight appreciated. She looked over at the azure pony, her gaze lingering for a little longer than your average friendly glance.

Rarity caught the look.

The white unicorn could spot a look of passion a mile away ,even if she did tend to see them where they didn't exist, and she started to put the pieces together. It makes so much sense now! She thought to herself, struggling to hide an excited giggle. Twilight wants that boastful mare! She grinned deviously to herself as a plan began to form in her head, the small levels of alcohol in her system fueling the idea.

‘’Your turn Rainbow!’’ Twilight called out.

Rarity was sitting beside Rainbow, and grabbed her with a hoof, whispering in her ear.

‘’What?’’ the confused Pegasus whispered back, ‘’Why?’’

‘’Just do it, trust me it’ll be hilarious!’’ Rarity hissed back. ‘’Think of it as a prank!’’ she suggested, knowing Rainbow’s weakness.

The others looked at the two strangely as they had their private hushed conversation.

‘’Alright, I guess?’’ Rainbow responded, still not understanding but curious to see how this played out.

‘’I pick Trixie!’’ Rainbow shouted out finally, pointing a hoof at the blue pony.

‘’Trixie picks dare!’’ she replied.

Perfect, Rarity grinned to herself.

‘’I dare you to ... kiss Twilight!’’ Rainbow demanded.

Twilight’s brain nearly exploded.

‘’What?!’’ the purple pony yelled.

‘’Well, what are you waiting for Trixie?’’ Rainbow smiled.

‘’Very well!’’ Trixie announced, standing up and walking towards a slightly shaking Twilight, a strong blush appearing on the librarian's befuddled face.

Trixie approached Twilight. The purple mare closed her eyes in nervous anticipation, scrunching her face up in the process. Trixie’s heart melted at the sight, and a heat started to rise up in her, the alcohol in her system lending strength to it. Trixie is going to enjoy this!

She closed her lips around Twilight’s. The purple unicorn’s face relaxed upon the contact, a fierce heat flushing through her body. Her heart began pounding, and her stomach felt as though butterflies had taken residence there. The room around her began to melt away.

She felt a tongue brush her lips and they opened subconsciously. Her heart began to pump faster as she felt Trixie’s tongue roll over her own. She couldn’t form a coherent thought, completely lost in the moment. She felt hooves wrap around her neck, and she found her own migrate towards Trixie’s waist. The muscles in her shoulders where Trixie’s hooves made contact felt as though they melted away. Her knees felt weak, and she was sure she was going to collapse at any minute.

The group stared in stunned silence. Rarity’s jaw was on the floor, having had no idea how far Trixie was going to take the dare.

''You weren't expecting this were you?'' Rainbow whispered to Rarity inquisitively, who could only respond by shaking her head, mouth still agape.

After a period of time which seemed to occur in a different plane of existence to Twilight, Trixie broke the kiss, stepping back from Twilight as both ponies returned all four hooves to the ground.

A few moments of silence followed. Trixie just stood there smiling, and Twilight swayed slightly, eyes half lidded, feeling as though her brain had flown out her ears. Eventually, a voice broke the silence.

‘’Woooooooo doggie Trixie! It only had tah be like, ah peck on the cheek!’’ Applejack hooted.

‘’The Great and Powerful Trixie does everything to her best ability,’’ the show pony replied proudly. She left a dangerously unbalanced Twilight still swaying in place as she returned to her spot in the circle.

‘’I’ll say!’’ Rarity responded to Trixie’s comment. ‘’You surely did not hold back anything there darling!’’

‘’Are you alright Twilight?’’ Fluttershy asked in a quiet concerned voice.

‘’Bluh?!’’ Was the closest thing to a word Twilight could manage.

‘’Looks like someone had fuuuuuuun!’’ Pinkie sang.

The group laughed as Twilight slowly regained consciousness.

‘’Wha...what’s going on?’’ the confused unicorn questioned.

The gang laughed at her again. Twilight could only blush furiously in response.

‘’A bit dizzy there Twilight?’’ Rainbow mocked.

‘’I’m just ... surprised’’ Twilight responded indignantly.

‘’Riiiiight, surprised,’’ the pegasus chaffed.

Trixie looked over in Twilight’s direction and smiled. Twilight’s face heated up and she could only look away and smile in response.

The girls continued the game, becoming less enthusiastic as the hour grew later.

‘’If it’s all the same to you ponies,’’ Trixie stood up stretching. ‘’Trixie is going to retire for the night. It has been a long time since Trixie has slept in a proper bed after travelling so much. There is a bed upstairs calling Trixie!’’

‘’Oh, of course Trixie go ahead,’’ Twilight allowed, still blushing when looking at the show pony. ‘’See you in the morning!’’

The group bid goodnight to Trixie as she cantered upstairs.

The rest of the ponies settled into their respective sleeping bags, Pinkie and Rainbow sharing a large one together, as Twilight turned out the lights. They were all soon fast asleep, except for Twilight, who’s mind was racing.

I’ve never been so confused She thought to herself. What were all these feelings she was having? Why had that kiss felt so ... amazing? Did she like Trixie? Did Trixie like her back or was the kiss just part of the game? She was a little tipsy off the drink, maybe she didn’t take it seriously. She lay awake by herself for what felt like forever, her mind constantly returning to the blue unicorn who lay upstairs ... in her bed.

She looked over at Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie cuddled up in their sleeping bag together. She felt a pang of jealousy at the two mares' happiness. Do I want the same thing? With Trixie?

Twilight honestly didn't know. She had always been so caught up in her studies that she really never gave much thought to such feelings. The only other pony she could think of that made her feel such strong emotions was Princess Celestia but that was different. She admired Celestia but had never gotten these warm excited feelings around her. I must have a book on this somewhere she thought to herself. She hated not knowing the answer to a problem.

Twilight felt more irritated the longer she lay awake. Sleep wasn't going to happen. She was used to insomnia, when you think all the time sometimes you just can't shut your brain off. She got up quietly and began walking upstairs. What am I doing, she thought, her legs on auto pilot. She crept quietly into her bedroom.

Approaching the bed, she looked upon Trixie again, a content smile painted across her mouth. She looked even more alluring than ever, her soft breathing the only sound in the room.

The urge to climb into bed with her struck again, and this time Twilight couldn’t resist it.

‘’Psst, Trixie.'' The blue pony stirred. ''Would it be alright if I got into bed with you?’’ she asked, her mouth and voice having seemingly been hijacked from her control. The words sounded bizarre having come out of her mouth.

The blue pony replied sleepily ‘’Oh ... sure ... go ahead,’’ She agreed motioning aimlessly with a hoof, never opening her eyes in the process.

‘’Thanks,’’ Twilight whispered back, climbing into the far side of the bed. She wanted to wrap her hooves around Trixie, but she seemed to regain control of her actions and decided against it. She felt content just being in the same bed with her.

She closed her eyes and drifted peacefully to sleep.

4- Revelations

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, only to have her vision dominated by thick pink fluff. The scent of sugar and cake icing assaulted her nose, waking her instantly. She smiled and lifted her head from her pillow, stretching and yawning quietly. She looked down upon her pink marefriend and stroked her luxurious mane lovingly with a hoof. It was rare that Rainbow got to wake up before Pinkie, as the party pony was usually the one who leapt out of bed early in the mornings, often even having breakfast prepared before Rainbow could even open her eyes. She appreciated the opportunity to see Pinkie asleep, a perfect smile covering her mouth. It was rare to see the hyperactive pony so still, and she looked just beautiful as she slept, breathing softly. If this pony was any cuter it’d probably kill me the pegasus joked to herself. Pinkie was one of very few things that brought out Rainbow’s soft side. She gave her lover an affectionate nuzzle.

Rainbow heard movement in the room as she gazed lovingly at her pink companion. She looked around to see a yawning Applejack propped up on her shoulders.

‘’Morning AJ,’’ Rainbow greeted.

‘’Mornin' Rainbow,’’ Applejack responded, rubbing her eyes sleepily with her hooves. She surveyed the library foyer that they had slept in. She saw a still sleeping Rarity and Fluttershy, Pinkie in the sleeping bag with Rainbow. She then noticed the empty sleeping bag on the other side of the room.

‘’Hey, where’s Twi?’’ she asked.

Rainbow just shrugged in response. ‘’I only just woke up.’’

‘’OOOOOOOOH, do you think she went upstairs with Trixie?!’’ a voice yelled.

Applejack recoiled in surprise, but Rainbow had grown used to this by now. She turned and put her hoof around the neck of a suddenly fully awake Pinkie Pie.

‘’Hey Pinkie,’’ she smiled, giving her a quick kiss.

‘’Morning Dashie,’’ the pink pony giggled in response.

‘’Does she do that every morning?’’ Applejack enquired. ‘’How have ya not had a heart attack yet?’’ she questioned Rainbow.

‘’Nothing scares me AJ you know that,’’ Rainbow boasted.

The other two sleeping ponies began to stir, most likely due to Pinkie’s outburst. Rarity and Fluttershy began to wake, yawn and stretch. Rarity removed the cucumbers and face cream she slept in with a cloth. The already awake ponies greeted them as they gained full consciousness.

‘’Where’s Twilight?’’ Rarity echoed Applejack’s earlier question.

‘’She’s gone upstairs with Trixie!’’ Pinkie bellowed in return.

‘’She has not!’’ Rarity responded shocked, raising a hoof to her mouth. ‘’Our Twilight?’’

‘’We don’t know anythin' for sure yet.’’ Applejack interjected.

‘’Did you see that kiss last night?’’ Pinkie jumped in, throwing her hooves into the air for emphasis. ‘’Twilight went up for a second course!’’

‘’Stop jumping tah conclu-’’ Applejack was cut short.

‘’OH NO!’’ Pinkie yelled, dramatically placing two hooves to the side of her face. ‘’Do you know what this means?’’

The group just looked at her dumbfounded.

‘’It means me and Dashie aren’t the hot new couple anymore!’’

The group all laughed at an indignant looking Pinkie. Rainbow put her hoof around Pinkie’s neck again, still chortling at her outburst.

‘’No way babe, no couple could be hotter than us!’’ she stated playfully. Pinkie’s ranting wasn’t finished though.

‘’And talk about a hypocrite! She told me and Dashie to ‘behave’,’’ Pinkie explained, accentuating the word, ‘’and she runs upstairs to get it on with Trixie!’’ the pink pony added, gesturing with her hooves towards the stairs, a stern look on her face.

‘’Calm down Pinks, why you getting all worked up?’’ Rainbow asked, pulling the pink pony close. Pinkie rested the side of her head on Rainbow’s chest.

‘’I’m just saying is all,’’ Pinkie admitted, the sound of Rainbow’s heartbeat calming her.

WHAM!

A loud noise shook the ceiling, causing the ponies to look up. The sound emanated from the bedroom.

‘’What in tarnation ...’’ Applejack spoke.

‘’Oh! Do you think one of them fell out of the bed?’’ Rarity suggested, her eyes wide with scandalous delight.

‘’Ye’re all still jumping tah conclusions!’’ Applejack yelled in response.

‘’I haven’t said anything ...’’ a quiet voice chimed in, coming from a certain yellow pegasus.

Twilight was awoken by a strange tingling sensation on the back of her neck. Her half-conscious brain could not decipher what it was, but as she began to wake, the tingling grew stronger. She opened her eyes halfway to see sunlight shining in through the adjacent window. As her senses came to her she began to feel dampness where the tingling was, followed by bursts of hot air, and a feeling as though something was clamping down softly on her neck. It kind of felt like ... teeth.

TEETH?!

Twilight’s eyes grew wide as the situation became clearer. She had gotten into bed with Trixie last night. She now noticed the warmth of another pony wrapped around her, azure hooves encircled her waist under the bed sheets.

The tingling sensation in her neck continued to grow, and it began to spread throughout her body as she awakened fully. Each bite was punctuated with a quick lick from a damp tongue and hot breath which sent shivers down Twilight’s body. She could only lay there completely dumbfounded, her body rendered immobile from the confusing but unbearably pleasurable sensations. Her face was flushed, and the rest of her body was filled with a familiar warmth that she felt last night during her kiss with Trixie.

The teeth found a particularly sensitive nerve just under Twilight’s ear and clamped down on it. Her entire body quivered, her eyes rolling back. She heard a soft moan, and realized a few moments later that the sound had come from her own mouth. Her brain was overloaded by the sensations and was unable to form any clear thought.

The hooves around her waist pulled her in tighter, eliminating any idea of escape Twilight might have had. The teeth continued on their work, and Twilight was now their prisoner, unable to fight back or resist the feelings flowing throughout her body.With each passing second the fluttering in her stomach and tingling in her extremities grew stronger, stronger and stronger ...

And then it stopped.

The teeth and tongue cruelly vacated her neck, the hot breath being replaced by cool air. Twilight unwillingly released a moan of shock and disappointment. She felt the hooves around her waist slip away.

She lay there for a few moments, completely unaware of what to do. Eventually she turned slowly around, only to see the back of a silver mane. Soft breathing came from the azure pony it belonged to, indicating a peaceful sleep.

What in Equestria just happened? Twilight thought frantically. Was she asleep that whole time?!

Twilight needed some air. She pulled the sheets off herself and placed her still shaky hooves slowly on the floor.

WHAM!

Twilight’s face met the floor at a rather painful speed as the knees of her front hooves buckled instantly under her weight.

‘’Owwwww,’’ she groaned painfully as stars covered her vision.

She lifted herself up onto her wobbly knees and glanced over at the bed. It’s occupant was still sleeping peacefully, somehow not fazed by the loud union of Twilight’s head and the floor. The dazed unicorn staggered out of the bedroom.

The ponies hushed their conversation when they heard a door upstairs creak open. They looked up to see a very dazed Twilight walk shakily out from behind it, nursing her head with a hoof. They sat in silence as she made her way dizzily down the staircase.

‘’Mornin' Twi,’’ Applejack spoke up first. ‘’You ok?’’

‘’I’m ... I’m not quite sure to be honest with you Applejack,’’ the bewildered unicorn responded.

‘’Twilight! Were you and Trixie *mmmpf*,’’ Pinkie’s interrogation was cut short by a blue hoof shoving a cupcake into her mouth.

‘’Were we what?’’ Twilight questioned.

‘’Nothing!’’ Rainbow answered, looking around shiftily. ‘’Don’t mind Pinkie, you know her!’’ she grinned nervously.

‘’Look, I have had a very confusing few days, hit my head twice in the last twenty four hours and I may well have a concussion. If you guys have something to say please just be straight with me,’’ Twilight pleaded, her voice clearly showing signs of exhaustion and slight irritation.

''Was that thumping sound upstairs you?'' Applejack asked.

''Yes, I hit my head ... off a bookcase,'' Twilight lied. ''That's not important. What were you ponies talking about?''

‘’Well Darling,’’ Rarity piped in politely. ‘’We were just wondering where you had gotten to last night? You weren’t here when we woke up,’’ the white unicorn smiled awkwardly.

‘’Oh uhh ... I kinda got into bed with Trixie,’’ the purple unicorn admitted, blushing at the revelation.

‘’I knew it!’’ Pinkie cried, having successfully swallowed her cupcake.

‘’But it wasn’t any big deal!’’ Twilight quickly responded. ‘’We just slept is all.’’

The others glanced at her quizzically.

‘’Why would you get into bed with her then?’’ Rainbow asked. ‘’You had your sleeping bag down here, and I thought you had two beds upstairs?’’

‘’I do but ... I don’t know guys I’m really confused,'' Twilight groaned, dropping down onto her stomach and placing her head in her hooves. ''Trixie is making me feel things I don’t understand. I hate when I don’t understand something’’ Twilight pouted.

‘’Why don’t you just explain to us how you feel,’’ Fluttershy suggested gently. ‘’We might be able to help.’’ The yellow pegasus’ soothing voice got to Twilight and she decided it was a good idea.

Twilight looked up at her smiling friends. I guess talking to them could help

Twilight told them everything. How she felt the weeks leading up to writing to Trixie, the meeting in Manehatten, the horrible incident when Trixie returned, how she felt during the kiss, and why she felt the need to go up to her bed last night. She explained how she felt excited around the blue unicorn, and how she could never get her out of her head since the Ursa Minor incident. She left out the biting incident this morning though. That I’ll keep to myself for now ....

The gang listened attentively. When she was finished, Pinkie was the first to speak up.

‘’Well this is easy Twilight, you like Trixie! The same way me and Dashie like each other!’’ The pink pony answered gleefully, wrapping her hooves around an unsuspecting Rainbow who was immediately crushed by the aggressive hug.

‘’Yeah ... Twilight,’’ Rainbow gasped as she escaped from the crushing grip. ‘’Sounds to me like you’ve got a crush for that bigheaded unicorn.’’

‘’Really? Is this how you guys felt for each other?’’ Twilight asked.

Pinkie and Rainbow nodded in approval.

‘’But I feel so nervous when I have these thoughts and feelings,’’ Twilight debated.

‘’Twilight, think back to Pinkie and I before we started dating,’’ Rainbow chimed in. ‘’How long were we drunk making out before we finally got together?’’

Twilight thought back. The two had been at it weeks before they had actually hooked up.

‘’These things aren’t easy Twilight,'' Rainbow continued. ''That initial push is scary, but getting over it is worth it. The way I see it, you have a much easier time. Pinkie and I had been close friends for a long time before going out, and that made it difficult. You've only known Trixie a short time. If you ask me you should go for it.’’

‘’Go for it?’’ Twilight tilted her head.

‘’Tell her how you feel Darling,’’ Rarity explained.

‘’Yeah, what have yah got to lose?’’ Applejack agreed.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

‘’Hmm, I guess that makes sense. But what should I say?’’ the purple unicorn questioned.

‘’Well just tell her what you told us quite frankly!’’ Applejack suggested. ‘’Sums up the whole situation!’’

‘’Thanks guys, you've been a lot of help. I think I need to talk to Trixie,’’ Twilight smiled.

‘’Great!’’ Applejack hooted. ‘’We’ll be outta ye’re hair in just a few.’’

Twilight helped the other ponies pack up. They left, all wishing her luck. She closed the door as the last of her friends left the library.

She sat in the library foyer alone. Spike had been called back to Canterlot on some royal business and wouldn’t be back till tomorrow night. It was just her and Trixie.

She looked up at the bedroom door, fear tightening in her chest.

Here it goes ... she thought, trying to pump herself up. Let’s do this.

Twilight crept into the bedroom. She could see Trixie still fast asleep in bed. That pony could sleep through a tornado she mused. She slowly approached the bed, climbed up onto the end of it and gently shook the show pony with a hoof.

‘’Hey, Trixie,’’ she whispered. ‘’I need to talk to you.’’

Trixie stirred with a loud yawn, a dramatic stretch, and sat up in the bed. She looked in front of her to see a rather nervous looking purple unicorn sitting at the bottom of the bed.

‘’Oh, good morning Twilight,’’ Trixie greeted smiling.

''You know Trixie, you are a VERY heavy sleeper,'' Twilight announced, grinning slightly.

Trixie smiled back. ''Well one has to be when you're a travelling pony. Trixie didn't always have the luxury of a quiet place to sleep on her journeys.''

Twilight’s stomach began to flutter again as she looked on at the bedraggled pony, her messed up mane somehow only making her look more attractive. It steeled Twilight's resolve.

''We need to talk Trixie.''

‘’Sure, what’s the matter?’’ Trixie began to feel nervous. Does she want me gone? she thought in fear.

‘’Ever since you came here Trixie, I’ve been feeling ... strange.’’ Twilight began, struggling to find the right words. ‘’I’ve been having a lot of feelings that I’ve never really felt before, and I believe you're the cause. They aren’t bad feelings, just confusing.‘’

‘’Feelings? Like what?’’ Trixie asked, tilting her head.

‘’Well, warm feelings. I uhhh ... feel excited when I’m around you Trixie. I ... I think I like you." Twilight smiled..

Trixie just looked at Twilight. ‘’Well sure, that’s why you wanted to be friends right?’’

‘’No it’s like, more than friends ...’’ Twilight struggled to explain. ‘’Like, that kiss last night, I really ... enjoyed that.’’

‘’Ohhhh,’’ Trixie smiled, starting to comprehend the situation. ‘’You liked kissing Trixie?’’

‘’Yeah, did you enjoy it?’’

‘’Oh sure, it was fun.’’

Fun wasn’t the word Twilight was hoping for. She isn't taking this seriously she thought, her heart sinking slightly.

‘’Were you aware that you were ... biting me this morning?’’ Twilight asked.

‘’Biting you?!’’ Trixie repeated, shock in her voice.

‘’Yeah, I woke up to you ... nibbling on my neck,’’ Twilight grinned sheepishly.

‘’Wait, that actually happened?!’’ Trixie shouted.

‘’Yes it actually happened!’’ Twilight yelled in response.

‘’Oh, Trixie thought that was just a dream,’’ Trixie explained, an embarrased smile on her lips.

Twilight’s face was the definition of confusion at this point.

‘’A dream?! Do you usually have dreams about me where you do that sort of thing?’’ she yelled, her voice getting ever higher.

‘’Every now and then yes ...’’ Trixie admitted.

‘’Since when?’’

‘’Since I first met you ...’’

The response stunned Twilight. She dreams about me she thought, her heart melting. She felt a new kind of warmth in her stomach at this revelation.

She explained to Trixie everything she had been feeling in the same manner as how she told her friends earlier, from the Manehatten trip to this point. Trixie listened attentively to each detail, her face not giving away much emotion. When Twilight finished, Trixie spoke up.

‘’Well then Miss Sparkle,’’ Trixie cooed, a menacing look on her face. ''what do you think we should do?’’

‘’I don’t know ...’’ Twilight admitted, feeling a blush form on her face at the seductive tone in Trixie’s voice.

‘’You’re the expert on friendship,’’ Trixie teased.

‘’This is ... outside my expertise.’’

‘’Oh, Trixie thinks she can help.’’

Before she knew what was happening, Twilight was pulled into another kiss, Trixie’s hooves wrapping around her neck. Twilight’s brain fried again, and she melted into Trixie’s embrace. She felt the show pony’s tongue enter her mouth. She relished the taste this time, noting a minty freshness to Trixie’s breath.

Trixie broke the kiss and grabbed Twilight’s front hooves, spinning her around to the top of the bed and rolling her onto her back against the pillow.

‘’It’s time you got a private show with the Great and Powerful Trixie!’’

Twilight blushed furiously, and an intense nervous excitement started to build in her stomach.

‘’Oh I dunno Trixie, I usually like to do some research before I try something new umm, I probably have a book on this somewhere ...’’ Twilight stammered, backing up against the bedpost as Trixie loomed menacingly over her.

The show pony leaned in close. Twilight was backed up against the bed with no means of escape.

‘’You’ve taught Trixie about friendship, now let Trixie teach you a few things.’’

Trixie kissed her again, and Twilight gave in, sinking into the kiss. After a few moments an idea struck Twilight. She broke the kiss.

‘’Umm Trixie ...’’ she whispered, circling a hoof nervously into Trixie’s chest.

‘’Yes Miss Sparkle?’’ Trixie cooed seductively.

‘’Um, do you think you could ... put on the hat and cape?’’ Twilight smiled embarrassed.

A huge grin covered Trixie’s face.

‘’Oh Miss Sparkle of course!’’ she dashed out of the room.

Twilight’s nervousness began to return as she was left alone in the room. I have no idea what I’m doing! She felt panicked, and yet there was a strong excited thrill. The combination of both kept her rooted to the spot on the bed.

Trixie returned, looking spectacular in her starry cape and hat. She jumped up onto the bed causing Twilight to bounce slightly. The movement sent a giddy thrill through Twilight’s body, and she giggled happily, feeling the tension drain out of her. Trixie threw herself over Twilight again.

‘’Is Miss Sparkle ready for the Great and Powerful Trixie?’’

Twilight drew the show pony into another kiss, wrapping her hooves around her neck. Trixie lowered herself onto Twilight, causing the silk cape to wrap around the pair. The hairs of Twilight’s coat stood on end where the silk brushed her, giving a pleasant tingling sensation. Trixie levitated the hat onto Twilight’s head. She broke the kiss to look down at the purple mare.

‘’Something’s missing...’’ she announced as she looked down at the bashful mare wearing her hat, an adorable blush tingeing her cheeks.

‘’Twilight, do you happen to own a set of socks?’’

Author notes

Thanks to everyone who read and enjoyed this story! I appreciate all the constructive criticism that was thrown my way and I am simply stunned by the amount of positive feedback I got for this and my previous story.

I need to give a big shout out to Glacios who took the time to edit the entire story for me, pointing out errors and ways I could better phrase things. I've learned a lot about proper grammer and writing over the course of this story. I learned and hopefully you all enjoyed, so thanks!