Twinkling Through The Dark

Starlight started to stir in her bed as the first rays of dawn started to peak through the curtain blinds, as she started to open her eyes. Starlight awoke to the sight of Sunburst cuddling her in the embrace of his hooves and his muzzle, just centimetres from her own. Clearly still asleep, Starlight gave Sunburst a quick kiss before getting up and brushing her mane. She just noticed her saddle bags and pack in her bedroom, realising some pony came in and placed them in her room, and most likely noticing her sleeping with Sunburst.

I really hope no pony brings that up, otherwise I’m never not going to hear the end of it. Starlight thought to herself as she trotted out as quietly as possible, trying not to wake Sunburst unnecessarily. As she entered the kitchen, her mother was up making pancakes. “Good morning honey, and happy birthday as well!” Evernight said as she went to hug Starlight and then noticed the locket around Starlight’s neck. “Where did you get that locket from? It’s absolutely gorgeous.” Evernight went on with awe of the lockets beauty.

“Oh, Sunburst gave this to me this morning. It’s so beautiful and I’m getting this feeling from it that I can’t describe, as if Sunburst love for me can be felt through the crystal.” Starlight said with her mother giving Starlight this look that one gets when they are coming on to something. “That wasn’t the only lovely feeling he gave you this morning wasn’t it?” Evernight said trying to get Starlight to confirm her suspicions. “What do you mean? I don’t know where you are coming from?” Starlight said. Then Evernight went up and placed her hoof around Starlight’s neck. “Did he make this morning, well, memorable?” Evernight said as Starlight’s cheeks started to go bright red as she understood where her mother was coming on about.

“MUM! NO! We didn’t do ‘that’! We just slept together and that was it! Sure, the bed was just a bit too small for the both of us, so we had to get really close to get comfortable and…” Starlight denied her mother’s accusations, although Evernight was smirking and she could not help but to exploit Starlight’s bad word choice. “I’m sure it was pretty comfortable, Starly.”
“PLEASE STOP IT! YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH YOU ARE EMBARRASSING ME RIGHT NOW!?” Starlight yelled out. Evernight, sensing that the questions were getting too uncomfortable for her daughter to take, stopped. “Honey, first as your mother, it’s an unofficial duty for me to embarrass my foals as much as I can and second, Twilight told me to do this to get back at you from last night after I was given your things and we saw you two together sleeping as me and the princess put them into your room.” Evernight explained that it was partially Twilight’s idea.

Of course she did! Starlight thought to herself as she rolled her eyes. Then Evernight told Starlight to take a seat at the table. Then Steller came in from outside after clearing some snow and sat down next to Starlight. “Happy birthday honey! Say, did Sunburst give you that locket?” Steller said as he also noticed Starlight’s new locket. Please not you too dad! Starlight thought thinking he’ll say the same things as Evernight did, and to Starlight’s surprise, he didn’t and instead gave her a large box and a birthday card.

To our dear Starlight,

We hope you have a great day for we can’t describe how happy and proud you make us darling.

Love,

Mum and Dad

“Sorry for its simplicity as you came back so suddenly, we haven’t had enough time to prepare properly. But we hope you will find it useful.” Steller said as Starlight opened the box and found an upper class pen, ink and letter kit. “We were assuming that after Hearth’s Warming, you will be returning with Twilight and we thought we would give you something to help you keep in touch.” Evernight said as Starlight hugged her parents back and thanking them for the gift.

Then Sunburst came into the kitchen while wearing a starry decorated dressing gown, his mane messier than normal. “Good morning, everypony.” Sunburst said then Evernight got him seated next to Starlight. “Sunburst, are you feeling better now?” Evernight said as she was serving up breakfast. “Oh yeah, I feeling a lot better. Who knew that a good night’s sleep would be all that was needed?” Sunburst answered. “That’s good to know because I couldn’t help but notice that you two looked absolutely adorable together last night.” Evernight stated as she could not resist a last little bit of fun in further embarrassing Starlight and Sunburst. Sunburst could only give out a small squeak and Starlight was now having to bury her head in her hooves to try and mask her face for it was so red, it could blend in with the walls!

“Evernight dear, could you please stop? I don’t think Sunburst can take any more hints and Starly over here has probably turned every shade of red!” Steller said asking his wife to lay off her provocations, however funny it was to creep out his daughter. After, Starlight and Sunburst faces had returned to their normal colours, Sunburst said that he’d needed to check in on his parents and that he’ll meet Starlight in town and gave her a quick hug.

“Why does everypony have to ask such provocative questions about me and Starlight!?” Sunburst muttered under his breath as he trotted to home. On the way back, he bumped into Princess Celestia who was on her way back to Canterlot.
“Morning princess. You are already leaving?” Sunburst asked. “My work is done here, Sunburst. My sister has already left but Princess Twilight is staying for a little while longer if you need her.” Celestia said. She then asked where Sunburst was going and then he told her that he was heading home. “I just came back from your parent’s house, thankfully without trotting into a door frame this time. I told them that you would be over shortly.” Celestia said, just before Sunburst gave her a hug. “Thank you, thank you for everything you have ever done for me, even though I haven’t amounted to much.” Sunburst thanking the princess for the effort she had put in for him, although Sunburst still felt even after all these years that it was a bit too much for some pony of his abilities.

“Sunburst, you may not realise it, but you have done much more than you think you have. You were the only pony who knew what to do to save the Crystal Empire when its plight was most dire, knew to send Thorax to stop Chrysalis, and most importantly, knew what to do to help save the most important mare in your life from herself. You are truly a great pony Sunburst, especially when you stop doubting yourself and do what is right, and Starlight is the luckiest mare in Equestria to have some pony so wise and devoted as you are.” Celestia said as she placed her hoof on Sunburst cheek and he could not help but blush and tear up by what Celestia had said, and then she left for Canterlot.

Before Sunburst got to the front door, his parent’s and Sunset were already waiting for him and they all hugged him hard for Celestia had told them what that had happened the night before, save for what happened this morning, although he’d like to not tell any pony else to save himself any more embarrassing questions.

“Sunburst, are you alright? From what we had heard, it was quite an ordeal you went through last night.” Sunswirl said as the four sat down on the lounge, drinking some hot chocolate. “Something about you being absolutely selfless in the face of danger for Starlight’s sake. Princess Celestia wasn’t being crystal clear about details.” Sunset said, although she knew Celestia tended to speak in riddles and hyperbole quite a lot on important subjects.

“Although, Twilight did tell us about, other things.” Cirrostratus said with Sunburst realising that Twilight had also spoken to his parents and was not liking where this was going. “I never would have thought that you could charm mares into the bed so easily.” Cirrostratus said, much to his son’s horror. “NO!!!! WE DID NOT DO ANYTHING THAT INTIMATE!!! WHY MUST EVERYPONY KEEP ASKING ME THESE QUESTIONS!!!!!?” Sunburst screamed out as it seemed that what had happened last night seemed to be spreading everywhere he went.

“I knew you didn’t Sunburst, I mean all you did was give Starlight a present and then you two were kissing and hugging for 30 minutes or so.” Sunset said as she realised she wasn’t wearing her gloves and had her hoof on Sunburst. Her pupils’ dilated to pinpricks as she realised what she had seen and said. Sunset recoiled and was fiercely apologising, but it did nothing for her brother’s ever reddening face.

“YOU TOO SUNSET!!!! EVEN MY OWN SISTER IS DOING THIS TO ME!!!!!” Sunburst screamed out as he then curled on the floor squeaking and shaking as he could not take anymore and his father lost all control and was laughing his head off at his son’s expense soon thereafter. Sunset on the other hoof was covering her face in her hooves for she did not want to know about what her brother and Starlight were up to.

“Would everypony please leave Sunburst alone, you are not helping him by bombarding him with all of these very personal questions!” Sunswirl said as she came over and try to comfort her son who was redder than an apple at this point. “How about you go to your room and calm down for a moment. Would that help?” Sunswirl suggested so Sunburst could relax and get away from everypony for a moment. He nodded in agreement, trying not to speak as to avoid any pony else taking anything he says out of context.

Later on in the morning, Starlight and her parents were going through the shopping area of the village and stopped at a photography store. “Not trying to be rude, but why are we stopping in a photography store?” Starlight asked her parents. “Well honey, we have not gotten a family portrait since you were 7 years old and we would love to see your face of you now to remember this moment.” Evernight said with Starlight face-hoofing herself for taking that long to realise what they meant. After the photos were taken, Starlight noticed Sunburst with Sunset trotting by and rushed out to see him. Taking the opportunity, Steller asked the photographer for a special request for one of the photos.

Meanwhile, Starlight raced out and hugged Sunburst, catching him off guard but she slipped on the snow and both ponies crashed into one another and fell to the ground. And as if the forces of cause and effect were acting against them, they landed in a rather, well, awkward position and Sunset could not help saying something. “Sunburst, I know you love her very much, but could you not do this in public.” Sunset said giving a suggestive wink. It took a moment to realise that Starlight was laying on top of him and Starlight also took a moment to realise this as well and both ponies jumped of each other as quickly as possible.

“SUNSET!!! WHY MUST YOU SAY THAT!!!?” Sunburst yelled at his sister who could only give a small chuckle. “Sorry, I couldn't help myself. It was just too easy.” Sunset said noting that she had to say it for it was too obvious not to. Then she turned to Starlight. “Ah, it’s good to see you again Starlight.” Sunset said. Sunburst asked how they have met and Sunset explained how she met Starlight after going back for a new book and taking Starlight to the human world for a few days.

“Sunburst, how do you know Sunset Shimmer?” Starlight said and Sunburst explained that Sunset was his older sister. Starlight was quite surprised and just looked at the two back and forth her head and hooves pointing at the siblings. “Sunburst, why didn’t you tell me that you had a sister?” Starlight asked Sunburst why he never told her about Sunset before. He explained that it was an issue he ever brought up as a colt because Sunset leaving left an emotional wound that he’d rather not open up unnecessarily.

Starlight understood the feeling about not talking about feelings and experiences that you didn’t want to talk about. But now she started to get quite nervous around Sunset. Starlight and Sunset had met before, they were friends but this time it was quite different. Considering what she had done to Sunburst the night before, and now knowing that Sunset was Sunburst’s older sister. Starlight became even more apprehensive than ever before.

“Starlight, don’t worry, you know that Sunset is quite a nice pony.” Sunburst said as he got Starlight on her hooves. Sunset tried to approach Starlight, but she was quite shy and turning her head and backed off giving a squeak. “Starlight, what’s the matter?” Sunset said with Sunburst placing his hoof on Sunset’s shoulder. “It’s been a few highly emotional days for her, Sunset. How about we go and get something from that café over there, my shout. Come on Starlight, it will be fine.” Sunburst said noting that how pent up Starlight has been and suggested to grab something to eat may help.

The three ponies were sitting at a table, with Sunset trying to get Starlight to tell her about what was troubling her, but to no avail. It was to Sunset as if Starlight was trying to hide something from her, maybe that’s what is causing the problems. “Starlight, my sister has got the ability to see your thoughts if she forms a connection with you, maybe if she could see what’s troubling you, she could help.” Sunburst said. Starlight began to hyperventilate, realising that Sunset could see everything she had done. NONONONONONONONO!!! She will see what I did to all of those ponies, to the timeline, to Sunburst! She’ll never accept me as her brother’s filly-friend and probably start getting protective and try to drive me away!!! Starlight thought to herself. “I don’t think that is a good idea.” Starlight said as she started to have a panic attack.

Then from around the corner, Twilight trotted up and noticed the three ponies sitting together and came over. Sunset seizing the opportunity, took a glove off and place her hoof on Starlight’s. For Sunset it was a revelation on why Starlight was so apprehensive around her. As Sunset lifted her hoof off, she felt shocked to her core. Sunset knew some ponies didn’t have a nice life, but this was at a level that she thought wasn’t possible in Equestria. Starlight, now realising that Sunset now knew her history and felt that it was over for her and started to weep and sob in her hooves.

“You truly understand now, that how much of a monster I was, a cruel ungrateful pony. Just say it, you don’t me around Sunburst anymore and you don’t accept me.” Starlight said, but Sunset said nothing and Starlight now was begging. “JUST SAY IT!!!! PLEASE SAY THAT YOU HATE ME AND BREAK US APART ALREADY!!! I KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!” Starlight screamed and proceeded to cry and sob even louder in her hooves. To Starlight’s surprise, Sunset was hugging her.

“I’ve seen what done and I understand what you went through, for I have been in a similar situation, albeit it was nowhere as bad as what you went through. I also didn’t feel like I deserved forgiveness or a second chance, but Twilight over here did and it turned out for the better. You understand I will always be there for Sunburst, he’s my little brother after all. However, I will respect his choice. But more importantly, it will be very hypocritical of me if I don’t give you a chance.” Sunset said with teary eyes as she was quite empathetic of what Starlight went through and her thoughts. Twilight was touched by this as she was in Sunset’s position not that long ago and was so proud of Sunset.

“Thank you, thank you for giving me a chance!” Starlight said as she was crying into Sunset’s chest and Twilight and Sunburst also joining in the hug. “Everypony deserves a second chance Starlight. Even if you don’t feel like you deserve it.” Sunburst said as he gave Starlight a quick kiss but then he turned to Twilight begging her to stop encouraging ponies to tease him and Starlight in certain areas.

“Oh, I don’t know what you are talking about Sunburst.” Twilight said while staring out into the sky. “Oh, you know very well what he’s talking about Twilight. Why must you sneak into my bedroom while we are sleeping!?” Starlight said, pointing an accusing hoof at Twilight. “What gave you any impression that I did that?” Twilight asked, with the biggest smirk she could pull. “Because mum told me that you and she went in there when putting my things in early this morning and ‘just could not help watching us’!” Starlight stated. Both Sunburst’s and Sunsets pupils had contracted to pinpricks and Sunburst was starting to go red again. “Well Starlight, may this be a lesson in ‘not making fun of my lack of experience in intimate relationships’. Oh and by the way, you two make the cutest moans while in the bed together.” Twilight said while smirking some more and giving a good suggestive wink at the now ever reddening couple.

“Twilight, you are creeping me out more than what goes on in Pinkie’s mind…” Sunset bluntly said while being disturbed by Twilight’s last comment. “Now you must Pinkie Promise that you will stop teasing my brother and Starlight over here, otherwise…” Sunset said, trying to stop Twilight, but she argued that it was not malicious but then Sunset went further. “As I was saying, otherwise I’ll tell them about how you were so awkward around somebody in particular…” Sunset said as Twilight placed her hooves over Sunset’s mouth trying to stop her speaking any further. “Don’t. You. DARE!” Twilight said as she looked at an ever smuger Sunset before she removed Twilight’s hoof and continued.

“I won’t…. if you stop teasing my brother and his filly-friend. If not, Pinkie also gave me footage of The Fall Formal and of your, well…. particular style of dancing.” Sunset said while levitating her phone. Twilight’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks. “OK, FINE!” Eventually, Twilight relented and proceeded to do the movements much to Starlight’s and Sunburst’s relief.

“Didn’t Celestia once tell you to only use your powers of manipulation for good?” Twilight said with a grumpy tone to her voice. Sunset said that she’ll do anything to help her little brother. “Even openly blackmailing royalty?” Twilight remarked. “Twilight ask yourself, would your brother do anything to help you?” Sunset said smugly with Twilight seeing her point, albeit slightly annoyed by her friend’s ‘methods’ of helping Sunburst…