Natural Emotions

by MetalJrock

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Comedy, Starlight Glimmer, Romance, Equestria Girls, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 5571

Starlight ponders her feelings for Sunset as time passes.

When they first met, Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer became fast friends. But ever since she returned home to Equestria, Starlight has been thinking about her more often, much to her own confusion.

With each season comes a new realization, and Starlight doesn't know what to make of it until the time comes.

My entry for Oroboro's Sunset Shipping Contest: Changing Season.

Published 2017-08-09 16:50:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-08-09 16:50:06 UTC

Spring Blossom

Well, the past few months have been a little crazy. With the new year coming, I thought I probably should use this journal at some point. Especially considering what happened the last time I tried to bottle up my emotions.

I thought being Twilight Sparkle's student and learning about friendship was difficult and ridiculous enough. I had to make amends with Sunburst years after we separated, befriended Trixie, and bonded with the ponies I once called my enemies. And I had to help stop Queen Chrysalis and the changelings when they sought to rule Equestria. After that, I thought that was it. Twilight thought that I was ready to graduate from being her student.

But then I met Sunset Shimmer last Spring, and I felt like there was more to learn about friendship once I got back to Equestria.

Season 1: Spring Blossom

The magic mirror began to glow, signaling the arrival of someone from the other world. The glass began to ripple and from the frame came Starlight Glimmer, landing on her stomach, realizing that she was now back in Equestria. The unicorn groaned, rubbing the side of her aching head, "I'm never going to get used to that." she grumbled, getting back on her hooves.

"...Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing across the room, "...Twilight? Spike?" she said, hoping to get a response.

"Starlight?" called out another voice, closer than she had expected. The door to the room opened, and stepping forth was a lavender alicorn, a proud smile on her face. "Oh, there you are." she greeted, hugging her student. She had been for a few days in the Mirror World while Twilight was out solving a Friendship problem.

Starlight returned the embrace, "Yeah, it's been a crazy couple days." she sighed.

Twilight giggled and let go, "From what Sunset wrote to me, it seemed that way. But I'm glad to see you're alright."

"You have no idea..." exhaled the unicorn, recalling the events that occurred when she first arrived. At least she and Sunset were willing to give Juniper Montage a second chance like what they received to stone for their mistakes.

It was a simple gesture, and she was glad to see Sunset pay the kindness she was given over to another who needed it.

Nodding in agreement, Starlight looked around, "Is the magic book here by any chance?" she wondered.

"Hm? Yeah, it is. Why?"

The unicorn shook her head, "Just c-curious. I-If you need me, I'll be outside." she said before trotting away at a good pace. Twilight put a hoof to her muzzle, noticing her student's response. But she chose to let it go for the moment.

The smell of fresh air pleased Starlight's nostrils, noticing the slow but sure growth of plant life. Even though Winter Wrap-Up occurred only a few weeks ago, it took a while for her to readjust to the warm climate. Even then, the other world felt comfortable too based on her time. She lowered her head, noticing the rose growing on the grass next to daisies.

The ever growing scent of the Spring weather and the plants brought Starlight's mind back to Sunset. She wasn't really sure why, but she just assumed it to be the rose or perhaps the mood of the day reminding her of the other world already. She didn't want this train of thought to stop though, considering that she felt at peace and her lips twitched into a smile.

Unfortunately for her, something did end it, "Hey, Starlight!"

The voice prompted the unicorn to jump, snapping her out of her mind for a moment. Turning around, she saw a purple dragon, another friend, "Oh, hi, Spike." she greeted with a sigh.

"Nice day, huh?" Spike wondered.

Starlight nodded, "That it is." she paused, her mind dawning back to the plants that led to her previous thoughts, "Oh, by the way... You've been to the other world right?" Spike nodded at that, "Do you like Sunset Shimmer?"

The dragon raised a brow and shrugged, "I don't know what she said to you, but Sunset's pretty cool now. Why?"

"...N-No reason. I think so too." Starlight was ready to facehoof herself, noticing Spike's apprehension at her comment.

Shaking his head, Spike replied, "...Okay? Anyway, you wanna head inside and play a board game? I managed to pick it up while we were away." he suggested.

Starlight smiled, "I'd love too. Be there in a minute." she answered, seeing her friend walk inside. That left the unicorn to her own devices and her eyes looked to the sky, "What the heck?" she groaned, womdering if what she was feeling was normal.

With a sharp inhale she stepped inside, choosing to think it over next time she visited Sunset. After all, she had a game to win right now.

Summer Emotions

Ever since I came home, I've been thinking about Sunset more often than I'd like to admit. And I couldn't figure out why that was. I didn't think this was something I could talk to Twilight about. Well, not yet anyway. Not until I figured out exactly what it was I was feeling everytime I thought about Sunset. It was strange to say the least.

I had no idea what was happening until Sunset was on summer vacation, and she had more spare time to relax. With Twilight, the girls and Spike away on another friendship mission and Trixie still touring Equestria, I thought to plan another visit to pass the time until they returned from wherever they went this time.

Season 2: Summer Emotions

The warmth of the Summer made Starlight a little uncomfortable, she admitted. The blistering heat of the day worn her out greatly, moreso than usual. Luckily, the sun was going down and she could feel a light breeze coming with the inevitable rise of the moon. The rest of the girls had returned home, leaving Sunset to see Starlight off to return back to Equestria.

"So, the seasons and day change naturally in this world?" Starlight asked curiously, discussing the differences of both worlds. "I didn't think it could work like that."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah, threw me for a loop too when I first arrived here. But you get used to it after a bit, I think. When you think about it, nature also works on a schedule and it changes at certain times of the year as well, we just don't do anything about it. And can't for that matter. I heard they call it 'Mother Nature'."

Starlight pursed her lips, "Huh. Think magic could change things up a little?" she teased.

A laugh escaped Sunset, "I'd rather not find out. Magic in this world is still a little unstable still, and I tried to figure it out. Me and Twilight actually. It usually leads to... less than pleasant results." she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck.

"I can understand that." Starlight chuckled at that.

Sunset said, "Anyway, enough of about that. It's Summer in Equestria as well, right? How's it been?"

Starlight replied, "Pretty good. Things have been lightening up in terms of crazyness thankfully. But the girls still go out to solve friendship missions whenever they're needed. Sorry about not visiting sooner though, things do tend to pop up and I'm not sure how busy you are over here anyway to make plans like this." she apologized.

Sunset held Starlight's hand reassuringly and smiled, making the purple-skinned girl's heart skip a beat, confusing her even more than usual, "It's fine, Starlight. No need to apologize for that. You got friends in Equestria and I have mine here, so there's need reason to feel neglectful." she paused to collect her thoughts, "At least we can keep each other company now." she shrugged off jokingly.

"Heh, yeah." Starlight grinned back as Sunset released her palm, her soft fingers grazing skin, "I just felt I should mention that."

"Well, you're always welcome in our little group. Remember that." Sunset replied, patting her friend's shoulder reassuringly. "And who knows? Maybe I'll pop into Equestria every now and then to say hello to you and Princess Twilight. How does that sound?"

Starlight smiled, "That sounds... g-great!" she tried to hold back her sudden excitement. And when Sunset giggled at her enthusiasm she resisted the urge to smack herself in the face, again pondering her sudden attitude shift.

The two walked a little further until they reached the statue, where they looked at each other. The orange sky was setting the mood for what was about to become a beautiful night. Not a cloud in to be seen. And Starlight Glimmer noticed something as she looked at her new friend. Something she hadn't really noticed until this moment.

It was the setting sun, something about it's dimming light behind Sunset made her look beautiful and radient. The way it made her eyes sparkle and smile noticable as the orange light faded. If Starlight didn't know any better, she'd have thought a choir was singing for her sudden beauty. Then again, she'd assume that Pinkie would've done something like that anyway.

But Sunset turned around to watch it, leaving Starlight to look at her yellow and red hair with a stunned gaze, "It's beautiful right? Seeing something like this happen naturally?" she asked her friend, snapping Starlight out of her thoughts once again once she realized she was being spoken to.

"Y-Yeah..." she trailed off, her throat feeling dry all of a sudden and now at a loss of words.

The fiery-haired girl turned back around to face Starlight once she was done looking, "You okay, Starlight? You look a little... lost." she wondered with some concern.

Starlight smiled sheepishly, "N-No, I'm fine! Perfectly, totally fine! Just a little tired from this heat is all!" she lied as fast as she could, hoping her friend wouldn't catch on to whatever was wrong with her. Because honestly, she couldn'f anwer that herself at the moment. And it was driving her crazy.

"...If you say so." replied Sunset awkwardly, "So, I guess this is it for now?" she asked.

Starlight looked to where the portal was, "F-For now anyway." she answered with a finger raise, "I-If you want, you're always welcome a-at the castle to hang out. And you can always call for me with the journal..." she paused for a brief moment, "...o-or Twilight!" she corrected herself loudly at the last second.

Sunset chuckled and replied, "Alright then, I'll keep that in mind then."

Then, Sunset embraced Starlight in a friendly hug before she left. The action made the purple-skinned girl's face heat up, and it wasn't from the weather she noticed immediately. It felt... different than when Twilight or Trixie hugs her. And it sent tingles down her spine before she returned the brief embrace. She didn't want it to stop. She didn't want Sunset to let go now.

The two unicorns let go and both looked to the portal. Starlight and Sunset waved to each other as the former walked in to Equestria, leaving Sunset to think about something, rubbing her wrist for a moment while musing about her powers.

"I wonder what she's worrying about." she muttered, deciding not to pry until her friend felt ready to explain.

Once she returned to Equestria, Starlight groaned, holding her head as her mind was beginning to drive her crazy, "Okay, I seriously have to figure this out now!" she told herself, marching to the library to finally seek answers to her recent behavior.

Autumn Discussion

It was really starting to bug me even more than usual now. This sudden feeling in my chest everytime I even thought of so much as the name Sunset Shimmer. And it all came down on me that one Summer evening. None of it made sense.

So, I did what any sane pony would do... I researched it, looked at every guide to friendship Twilight owned in that library. Every book I could possibly get my hooves on. I visited her as often as I could before the Summer ended to see if things remained the same for me. I had to figure out what made this different than being with Twilight, Spike, Trixie, or Sunburst as friends. Otherwise, it probably would've literally torn me apart from the inside just by not knowing.

Luckily, I had a caring mentor willing to help me figure things out when I nearly lost my mind.

Season 3: Autumn Discussions

Rain poured from outside Starlight Glimmer's window, leaving extreme wind, thunder and lightning in its wake. The Running of the Leaves was only two weeks ago, and the autumn chill began to make itself known. The sky was a dull gray and dull colored leaves began to blow onto her window as a result before vanishing in the wind like always. Nopony was outside today.

This gave the unicorn an excuse to refocus her efforts on discovering the meaning behind these new feelings she was having towards Sunset. For the past month she had been reading everything she can in the library of the castle to even get a clue or something. But nothing answered her questions, her dilemma. And it was driving her up a wall at this point, having been working nonstop all day.

In fact, she had been at this for a while, spacing her life and tending to finding the answers she desires at some point.

"Come on!"

She slammed another book closed and rolled up another paper with her magic, crunching it up before throwing it in the trash can with the other failed papers. Her eyes wandered to the magic journal, and she let out a sharp groan at her disappointment. Her hooves reached for her head and her face planted on the desk. "Ugh! Nothing! Again!" she shouted in annoyance.

A soft knock could be heard on Starlight's door, her small rage dimming down, "...Starlight?" came the voice of her mentor, Twilight Sparkle, "Is everything okay?"

"Y-Yeah!" Starlight replied in a cheery tone, hoping Twilight wouldn't decide to intrude on her matters.

"..." silence came from the alicorn, "I'm not buying it, Starlight. You've been couped up in there all day, I can hear your groans of frustration three rooms over." she said, "I'm just worried about you is all."

Starlight paused, and bit her lip, and looked to the pile of worthless papers then to the stack of books. With a defeated sigh, the unicorn simply replied, "Yes..."

With that said, her door creaked open and walked in Twilight Sparkle, concern evident in her eyes, and then the alicorn spotted her 'research' as she called it, "What's been going on with you lately, Starlight? You've been in here reading book after book and sounding more frustrated for the past month. And this large stack of papers..." she noticed, her voice calm yet firm.

"Nothing...? A f-friendship lesson?" Starlight gulped, hoping her teacher wouldn't pry any further.

Twilight shook her head at the thinly-covered lie, "I'm not going to force you to explain... But I wish you did. You know you can trust me with anything right?" she asked her student. Starlight slowly nodded at that question, knowing deep down it was true. "I promise that whatever is said in here won't be shared."

The unicorn's eyes bolted across the room, then back to the magic book with the sun on the front. She closed her eyes, using her magic to close the door for privacy, "...Fine." she exhaled, "But you have to keep your word... None of this leaves this room." she demanded. She saw the alicorn give an assuring nod in silence.

"It's... A-About Sunset." Starlight finally revealed.

Twilight tilted her head at that, sitting herself on her student's bed, "What about her?"

Starlight groaned, "That's just it, Twilight! I don't know! Everytime I'm near, when I so much as think about her... It doesn't make sense to me! What am I feeling and why?"

"..." Twilight paused, "What is it about her that makes you feel... the way you do?" she wondered.

"She's smart, forgiving, funny... Confident... She's known the pain of redeeming for her mistakes and what it takes to earn the trust of others and able to pick herself up from that face... I can relate to that well... And I'll admit she's kinda cute." Starlight blurted out at last, as if a huge weight had been lifted from her chest for some reason.

The alicorn paused, "And you don't feel this way about any other pony?" she asked.

Starlight shook her head, "I love Trixie, Sunburst, Spike, all of you, believe me I do... But Sunset makes me feel different, like nothing else matters when I'm around her and only seeing her happy does..." she held the side of her head as her eyes widened, "Am I neglecting my other friends, Twilight? I can't have or pick a favorite! Oh, now I feel like a jerk..." she sat on her bed. "I knew I never changed."

Twilight frowned and wrapped a wing around Starlight, "You're not a jerk, Starlight... Far from it, actually. You love all your friends dearly still, and there's no such thing as picking favorites." a knowing grin formed on her muzzle, "In fact, I think I may have a small answer to your dilemma." she revealed.

Hearing those words, the unicorn wiped a stray tear from her eye, "Y-You do?"

"It's something Cadance explained to me many times over the years, and an emotion I once felt for someone in that world: I think you have a crush on Sunset Shimmer." Twilight finally deduced.

Starlight blushed upon hearing that, "What!? N-No, I don't! What are you talking about?!" her hoof stomped the bed as she tried to deny this, her voice studdering. "S-So what if I think she's cool, smart, and pretty. Or the fact that everytime I see her I get this weird feeling in my stomach everytime I look at her? I feel that way about all my friends...!" she added with a light squeak, her eyes darting over to the magic book once more.

Twilight's smile grew slightly at her denial and Starlight's face darkened from embarassment, "I've never heard you gush about your other friends like that before. There's nothing wrong with it, Starlight. Trust me." she eased her student, her wing never unwrapping from Starlight to calm her nerves. "It doesn't mean you think of us any less..." she said in a calm tone.

Starlight frowned, "But I'm still learning about friendship... If I do have a crush on her... That's a big jump to make." she gulped nervously at the idea. "I-I don't think I can handle that easily, especially knowing my track record with friendship."

"If you do..." the alicorn began, "...Then I can trust you to make the right decisions on this. You've already learned so much about friendship, and you and Sunset are both capable of figuring things out together."

"Can we not s-share this with her, please?" suggested the unicorn.

Twilight nodded and added, "Of course. I promised that much to you. You are right in that she's a lot like you though... But I don't add to what she already told you out of privacy. I'll just say the two of you recovered better than ever from your mistakes and I'm honored to have the two of you learning friendship under my wing..." she grinned at her accidental wordplay, "Literally."

Starlight let out a snicker and jabbed Twilight's shoulder playfully, "Oh come on, that was forced."

"I do mean it though." said the alicorn sternly, "The two of you get along fine and I'm sure something will come of it if you really do feel that way about her."

Sighing, the unicorn replied, "Maybe you're right..." a smirk grew on her muzzle now, "...So you have a crush?"

"..." Twilight blushed and smiled back, "Oh hush. You won't find out who he is."

Starlight replied with a knowing smirk, "I will next time we head to the Crystal Empire. He's a pretty nice guard." Twilight's eyes widened upon hearing that, and chose not to add to the conversation at hand now. "I knew it..." teased the student.

Winter Blues

Season 4: Winter Blues

Starlight looked out her bedroom window. Hearth's Warming Eve was only a day away and she could see the snow piling onto the floor. It was a beautiful snowfall, it wasn't too hard and yet it stuck to the surface. The chill of Winter could be felt all throughout Ponyville, as seen by the ponies wandering in coats, hats and scarves.

Speaking of the holidays, the unicorn had a little something in mind for a friend. She just needed to figure out how to do it. Her eyes were baggy and she felt the weather actually getting to her, noticing that the sky was a lot darker than when she first started. Turning around, she looked to her desk, seeing an open book, her journal. There she used her magic to lift a quill to write. This had been something an entire season in the making, hiding it everytime she visited Sunset since the day she spoke with Twilight back in Autumn.

'Okay, I think I figured it out.' she wrote, 'My gift for Sunset is to tell her how I really feel. Why I have been acting weird lately around her. The fact I may have a crush on her... Ugh, I wish it was that easy... No, I need to think of something else. Something meaningful for somepony as sweet as her. I already have something for Trixie, Sunburst, and the others... Why is this so hard?' she asked herself in frustration. 'I can't just confess like that out of the blue. That'll be too weird...'

Once Starlight charted down the sentence, she dropped her quill and exhaled, confliced more than ever on how to handle this. However, her eyes darted down to the book, seeing it vibrate and glow. Curious, she closed it and looked at the cover, her eyes widening once she saw the sun symbol on the front and she was instantly slackjawed, "No... No! NO!" she screamed, tossing the book to the ground in pure shock, unable to even look at now.

There she sat, tears beginning to escape from her eyes now, realizing that she messed up... Sunset was going to get that message... She was going to find out. No matter how soon she left, it'd already be too late. She felt like she just ruined a wonderful friendship because of her emotions. A lone sniffle was heard, regretting her mistake.

She was embarassed. She felt she could no longer look at Sunset ever again. It was over. With a defeated grunt, she slammed her head onto the desk and cried into her hooves, her fur getting stained with her watery eyes. Not like she cared at this point.

Two hours later, outside her room was Twilight, who politely knocked, "Starlight? Do you want some pancakes? Spike's making some!" she offered to her student, unaware of her current troubles. She was able to hear some sniffles from where she was at and her smile instantly morphed into a frown.

"GO AWAY!" the tone and audacity of Starlight's voice made Twilight jump in surprise. Now concerned for her friend, the alicorn opened the door, seeing the unicorn crying. She heard the door creak and snapped her head upward, "I SAID GO AWAY!" she snarled. Twilight immediately noticed her bloodshot eyes and the tears running down her cheeks and knew something happened. "P-Please... Leave me alone..." begged Starlight in a much quieter tone than before, catching the princess off-guard.

Twilight didn't say anything when she closed the door behind her and instead embraced her student in a much needed hug, which was returned in kind. She could feel and hear Starlight cry into her shoulder for a few moments, "Oh, Twilight... I'm such an idiot!" she cried out in disappointment.

"No, you're not... What happened?" asked Twilight.

Starlight inhaled, "I was writing about how I was gonna tell Sunset how I felt... But I accidentally wrote it to her in the magic book...! She coughed, "N-Now, I'm afraid to see her response..." she said. "I s-screwed up..." she admitted.

Twilight stroked her mane, "You didn't screw up. Sunset's understanding. I'm sure if the two of you talk about it..."

"No! I-I can't! Not like this!" Starlight whimpered, "She p-probably wants nothing to do with me now!"

The Princess of Friendship frowned, "That's not true..." she comforted with a hush, "Just trust me... She won't hate you for this, Starlight... I promise..." she promised aloud, knowing the unicorn turned human. She had faith.

Starlight could be heard sniffling, "Y-You sure...?"

"Yes..."

The teacher and student remained still. It didn't matter how long for Twilight, since she felt Starlight's comfort came first, especially consdering it was the holidays. The only noises heard was the snow outside and Starlight's quiet sobs. She noticed that the sniffles and heavy panting turned to light snores and breathing after sometime. Starlight fell asleep and Twilight smiled, using her magic to gently place her in her bed under the covers.

Looking down, Twilight saw the magic journal. Wanting to help her friend anyway she could, the princess opened the book, and noticed that Sunset did in fact respond. An intriguing response at fhat. Wanting to finish the conversation, Twilight grabbed Starlight's quill with her magic and wrote a response and a small favor.

Morning came and Starlight's eyes fluttered open, her cheeks now dry. She inhaled, realizing she slept through the night peacefully. The unicorn felt a twinge in her chest, recalling the events and she looked to the ground in sadness, not feeling the need to stand up anymore. It was over, she felt. Sunset would want nothing to do with her. How long before she ruined her other friendships?

With a yawn, the unicorn rolled back under the covers and chose to go back to sleep. She definitely wasn't in a festive mood, despite it being Hearth's Warming Eve. She could still see snow falling through her window, being her only source of entertainment now.

However, a knock thwarted her plans to isolate herself and she grunted in annoyance, revealing that she was awake. "Morning, Starlight." called put Twilight, "Are you ready for today?"

Starlight grumbled, and it was enough for her mentor to respond, "...I figured as much. There's somepony who wants to talk to you. Do you mind if I let them in?" she wondered.

"Do whatever. I'm just gonna mess things up anyway..." grumbled Starlight, not caring at all.

Her door creaked open, and she could hear hoofsteps, "...Starlight?" said mare immediately recognized this voice and gently raised her head to turn it, seeing Sunset Shimmer standing across from her. To the purple unicorn, she still looked gorgeous as a pony and she tried to hide her imminent blush.

"S-Sunset...?"

The visitor sat her flank on the edge of the bed, seeing Twilight close the door to give them some privacy. A few moments of awkward silence was shared before Sunset finally broke the ice, "...So, I got your message last night..." she revealed.

Starlight frowned, "I know... I'm an idiot. You want nothing to do with me now, and I completely understand."

Shaking her head, Sunset replied, "No, that's not what I said at all. You didn't get my response?"

"N-No... I panicked." the purple unicorn admitted with some shame.

Sunset managed a thin smile and held her friend's hoof, "...To be honest, I knew something was wrong with you for a while, but I wasn't sure what. When... When I got your message it all began to make sense as to why you were acting so differently. And... I guess I panicked too." she admitted with a light chuckle.

Starlight tilted her head, "Why did you panic? You're way more experienced in friendship than I am."

"Last time I was in a relationship, I was only in it for popularity... Not because I actually liked him. I used him, abused him... I'm glad that he was willing to forgive me when I realized how much I screwed up." the fiery-haired mare revealed with a frown. "I'm just afraid I'll mess it up again."

"I know you're not like that anymore, Sunset." Starlight corrected, reaching her other hoof for her friend's. "You've moved on from that... You have nothing to worry about... Me, on the other hoof, I have still have way too much to learn about this..."

Sunset shook her head, allowing her friend to continue, "...I'm still new to all this. To friendship... And I screw up. A lot. I don't think I-I can handle being in something like this... a relationship, that is. It's stupid... But that's why I've been so hesitant, because I know no matter what happens, I'm gonna mess it up and you're gonna hate me because of it." she admitted with a defeated sigh, a lone tear escaping her eye as she announced this, wiping it away with a hoof.

Without any warning, Sunset embraced Starlight in a hug, the purple mare's face beginning to grow warm at the feeling, and she responded, "...My message was about your Hearth's Warming gift... After having sometime to think it over last night, I couldn't find you anything, so I hope what I do have makes up for it." she revealed to the other unicorn at last, ending the embrace.

Starlight blinked, "What is--"

She couldn't finish her sentence. Her brain instantly froze once she felt something warm and soft pressed against her cheek. A quiet hum was heard coming from her crush as her lips met her cheek. Starlight had no idea how to process this, and butterflies began to fly in her stomach, her cheeks turned a shade darker and her jaw was agape. She couldn't believe that this was actually happening.

Then, Sunset finally parted from her friend's cheek, "I did think you were pretty cute when we met." she revealed, grabbing the stunned Starlight's hoof, "And I wouldn't worry about you messing things up. We have a lot to learn it seems, and I'm willing to figure things out if you want to do the same.." she chuckled lightly.

Starlight blinked, "Y-Yes..." she squeaked and stammered, earning a chuckle from Sunset Shimmer as a response. "W-Why though? Why are you willing to g-give me a chance, even after knowing that I... I could ruin this?"

Sunset shrugged her shoulders, "Because we all make mistakes, Starlight. But with time and experience, we can have a better grasp of these things and how to approach them. We were both... less than pleasant to say the least, yet here we both are learning the ropes of friendship despite what we've done with some of the greatest people, uh, ponies to call our friends. You're smart, fun, and pretty cute, especially when your face lights up when I explain something about the world I live in. I mean who wouldn't think so?" she chuckled lightly, "Ponies change, Starlight, and I think we can tackle this new lesson together to learn more about what it means. If you want." she comforted.

"..." paused Starlight, absorbing what her crush just said, "A-Alright... If you're willing to believe in me...I'll do it."

Sunset smiled, "Merry Christmas, oh, er, I mean Hearth's Warming, Starlight... I think I'll stick around for a while longer before hearing home." she said finally, leaning on Starlight's shoulder. It was at this moment, where everything felt right. Where as if months of stress just vanished from the purple unicorn. They could just sit like this for eternity, and they wouldn't care.

So, that's what brought me here. After months of confusion, discussions and aimless research, I find myself writing about this. Especially since Sunset's sitting here next to me wondering how this all happened in the first place now.

I came to realize an error in my logic thanks to her. Time. Ever since I realized I had a crush on her, I never really once thought that perhaps I can figure the whole relationship thing out as we go along. I didn't know better and assumed that everything that could go wrong would in an instant, and I'm disappointed to admit it took me this long to realize that it wasn't actually the case.

Because despite my screwups, how strange I acted when we first met, my flustered moments around her recently, my past, all the way to my accidental confession... She's still here, sitting with me and reading this message. Willing to give me a chance, despite my insistence that it wouldn't work.

Like the seasons that led to this very moment, I'll just let time play things out... But I have a feeling everything's gonna work out in the end.

As Sunset and Starlight laughed over past events, they failed to hear the sound of quiet creaking. A purple eye peeked through the crack made and she watched for her student and friends.

Twilight smiled proudly, glad to see Starlight and Sunset happy for the holidays. She gently closed the door and held a hoof to her chest and sighed, "I'm so proud."