The main library of Canterlot High was, it had to be said, as quiet as a church mouse that had decided to go around in tiny adorable slippers. But then, that was exactly the kind of thing that the chief librarian, Miss Cheerilee, always hoped for whenever she was on duty, and she looked out with satisfaction at the sheer scene of silence before her. But, it was not her who was the most enthusiastic to be here today, but rather Twilight Sparkle. Right now, the former Crystal Prep girl was leaning against one of the many work desks of the library, staring down with a wide smile at the book she held in her hands. It was a particularly complicated-looking text-book on physics which, judging from the slight layer of dust upon it, appeared to have been ignored or neglected for some time. But it didn't matter, as Twilight enjoyed reading it all the same. She stayed in that one spot for some time, leisurely flipping through the pages until, finally, she was interrupted by a particular sound.
"Ahem."
Looking up, the spectacled girl broke out into an even wider smile. For there, standing before her, was her friend, Rarity. The young fashionista, who was just as happy to see Twilight, opened her mouth to speak, only to be kept from doing so when Twilight placed a finger to her own lips. Immediately, Rarity understood, nodding to show this, and before long, the two girls started to move off together. They passed by a number of other desks and students, heading for a more secluded part of the library. A small corner where there didn't appear to be anyone around, and which was basically cut off from the rest of the place. As such, they had no need to worry about being overheard here.
"I was just wondering if you wanted to head on over to the café after the day was over, darling?" Rarity asked.
Holding her book close to her chest, Twilight smiled to that.
"Oh, yes, certainly."
Rarity, sweeping aside some of her hair, nodded to that.
"Very good. I imagine it'll be the perfect way to end our rather, shall we say, busy day?"
Twilight giggled.
"Yeah...it's a shame Principal Celestia didn't manage to get her lesson plan through. She sounded like she was looking forward to it."
Rarity nodded in agreement.
"Yes, it was indeed a disappointment for her. I know stress when I see it, and she certainly had it."
Then, a look of thoughtfulness came to her, and she regarded her friend carefully.
"Although, if I do say so myself, you certainly seemed quite adept at directing the class."
A blush came to Twilight after hearing that.
"Oh, I just followed Celestia's instructions."
Rarity shook her head.
"Nonsense, darling! You were most capable back there. The way you asked everyone the questions, the professional way you held yourself. Why, one could be forgiven for thinking that you actually were a teacher."
Twilight, taking in those words, slowly looked down to the book in her hand.
"Well...I guess...it's no real surprise. I mean...I did want to be one...way back when."
Rarity, upon hearing that, looked to her with genuine surprise.
"Oh? Truly? Pardon me for saying so, Twilight...but I was rather under the impression that you wanted a career in the sciences?"
Looking back up, Twilight returned to her earlier smile, giving a nod of agreement.
"Oh, I do. I've been wanting to get into that line for work for most of my life. But..."
Gradually, she glanced away, towards the books beside them and, in-between those shelves, to the students out in the rest of the library.
"...when I was younger...I always looked up to my teachers. Even when all of my classmates were less interested than I was in what was being taught...I always had a great respect for them."
She turned back to face Rarity, a warmth now in her smile.
"To me, they had perhaps the greatest job there was. Teaching others, imparting knowledge and wisdom to them. Being the ones who shaped the minds of an entire generation. I know, that might sound like an overly-idealistic view of their profession, but back then...I looked at them and I saw...well...I saw something I wanted myself."
Rarity tilted her head slightly.
"Oh? And what was that?"
Giggling slightly, a small blush came to Twilight's cheeks as she considered that question.
"Well...have you ever had a moment where others looked to you? Where you felt that you had done or said something that made other people respect you? As though you alone were capable of doing what you'd just done? Only you could impart what you'd imparted?"
Rarity, though a little taken aback at that question, thought long and hard on it. Then, a knowing smile came to her, and she gave Twilight a small nod.
"Yes...I think I do. I may be relatively new to the world of fashion, but there are nevertheless those in it who are younger and less experienced than I am. And sometimes, when they're in a tight spot, I would go over and give them a few words of advice."
She stifled a giggle before continuing.
"It's always a small thing...but it always helps them...and when they finish their work, they would sometimes look to me and..."
She paused, then sighed.
"...yes, Twilight. I do know the feeling you speak of."
Twilight smiled to that.
"I'll always try to have science be my career of choice, but even so..."
Looking away, an expression of pure nostalgia crossed her face.
"...being there, in that classroom...it made me feel like that little girl again. The little girl who wanted to grow up and be the teacher everyone would always look up to and come to for help."
Rarity's own smile widened, and she took a step forward, placing her hand upon Twilight's shoulder. The bespectacled girl looked back to her, and soon afterwards, they shared that smile. Then, after a long silence, they giggled together.
"Well, you may never become a teacher, but you did a fine job of it in the short time you had," Rarity remarked.
Then, suddenly, she glanced around, as though worried that somebody else might come around and overhear them, before going closer and leaning in, reducing her voice to a whisper.
"If nothing else...you certainly did the job better than Celestia did today."
As before, Twilight did her best to stifle her laughter, much to Rarity's amusement, who raised her hands in a defensive manner.
"I know, I know, that was unfair. The life of a Principal is a busy one after all."
Sighing, Twilight took a moment to adjust her glasses a little, before then looking to her friend and giving a single nod.
"Yes, it is. But, as high up and respected though it is..."
Her nostalgic smile returned.
"...give me a job of teaching any day of the week."
