The Many Sides of Twilight Sparkle

Twilight parked her car as close to the Canterlot Museum as she possibly could. She thought she felt her phone buzz on her way, so she checked it just to be sure.

I'm leaving Sunset's place early so I don't accidentally wake her up.- Sent by Fluttershy

You sure that's a good idea, sugarcube?- Sent by Applejack

She should be fine, darling. We live in a decent neighborhood, after all.- Sent by Rarity

I accidentally woke her up, and she seemed fine with it.- Sent by Pinkie Pie

Twilight rolled her eyes.

I think you might be missing the point, Pinkie.- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Once she sent her text, she walked over to the museum entrance, feeling her face get warmer with each step she took.

What is it about him that makes me blush so much? He's a great guy and all...he's smart, funny...a little self-absorbed. Then again, so is Rainbow Dash, so that's an easily forgiven flaw in my book. Her phone buzzed. "Well, speak of the devil..."

I'm heading over to Sunset's! Fluttershy, did you leave the door unlocked?- Sent by Rainbow Dash

I did, you shouldn't have any trouble getting in.- Sent by Fluttershy

Good thing there isn't any magical wackiness going on right now, or we'd be in a pickle!- Sent by Pinkie Pie

For heaven's sake, Pinkie, don't tempt fate!- Sent by Rarity

Twilight giggled.

Hope you have a good time!- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Getting closer to the museum, Twilight resumed her musings.

I think about him a lot, that's true. Sometimes I even dream about him... Hell, we almost kissed each other that one time! Twilight snapped back to reality as she opened the door.

There, standing just a few feet away from the door, was Timber Spruce.

Twilight immediately felt her face heat up. "Hi." she said, feeling her social awkwardness kick in.

"Hey there." said Timber. "You ready?"

"O-of course I am! Wouldn't be here if I wasn't!" she smiled and laughed nervously.

Timber blushed. "Well all right then, let's go!"

"S-s-so." Twilight said, still blushing. "How's your sister? I've barely heard from her since we left Camp Everfree."

Timber blinked. "Oh, she's been struggling a little bit. I've been helping her through it, great younger brother that I am."

Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes. "Didn't Sunset and I give her our phone numbers? We can help her with what she's been going through. Both Sunset and I have been there."

Timber stared at Twilight. "Wait...you have?"

Twilight blushed. "Yeah...It's a long story. You see..."

Once Twilight finished, she blushed out of embarrassment. "You know," she said, choosing her words carefully. "I've never told that to anyone." She looked Timber straight in the eyes. "You must be special." she said, eyes half-lidded and smiling. She blinked, realizing what she just said, her face slowly turned as red as an apple, as did Timber's. Whoa. Where did that come from?! she thought, surprised with herself. "I-I-I-I think I heard my phone buzz!" she said as made some fairly convincing phone-vibrating noises using her mouth. "Be right back!" She smiled awkwardly.

Twilight ran into the women's bathroom and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "It's okay, Twilight." she said to her reflection. "Just calm down. It was just teenage hormones. Right? Right?" She took a deep breath and let it out, calming herself. "Okay. I just have to get back out there. It's already awkward enough as it is with what I said. Next thing I know I'll be...talking...to...my..." she slapped the palm of her hand to her forehead. "Dammit." she muttered under her breath. Well, no matter what, I'd rather not keep him waiting and worrying about me. she thought. Opening the bathroom door, she took another deep breath. Here goes nothing, she thought, but it better be something.

Twilight walked out of the bathroom, and back to where she left Timber Spruce. "Sorry about that." she said.

"You okay?" asked Timber, showing genuine concern on his face.

"Yeah. I just needed a minute to collect my thoughts." Realizing Timber might catch on if she said anything more, she decided to tell him about Sunset. "Sunset's been pretty sick since last night and I'm worried about her."

Timber frowned. "Oh, I'm sure she'll be okay. If she can survive all that you've told me and my older sister corrupted by magic, then she can totally survive a measly stomach bug." he smiled as he finished his sentence.

Twilight laughed. "I actually said the same thing to myself earlier today." She found herself blushing again. "We think alike, don't we?" Ack! I did it again! Just play it cool, Twilight. Stay calm. "Let's check out the new exhibit about caves and bats!" she said.

On their way to the exhibit, Twilight's phone buzzed.

Uh, guys? Sunset started sweating like crazy, and she tried to take off her clothes in front of me! I had to turn down the temperature to stop her!- Sent by Rainbow Dash

I didn't know Sunset swung that way!- Sent by Pinkie Pie

Twilight smiled, and Timber took notice. "Good news, I take it?" he said with a smile.

Twilight nodded. "Sunset's fever finally broke!"

Timber smiled. "See? We both knew she'd survive." he said with a wink.

Twilight blushed and sent a text.

No, Pinkie, it means her fever's breaking! She's on the road to recovery!- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

"There. Now we can continue with my mind clear." Twilight said as she pocketed her phone.

Twilight and Timber finally made their way to the exhibit.

"Wow..." They both said at the same time.

Twilight's eyes lit up. "This display is...enchanting!"

The room was dimly lit, with realistic models of stalagmites and stalactites in their respective positions. The air was filled with musk and the sounds of bats and water dripping being played over the audio system. Figures of bats were hanging on the ceiling, their beady eyes fixed in stares and their wings spread fully.

She took a picture of the display with her phone. "This one's a keeper." she smiled.

She grinned widely as she took in all the information. "Oh, wow!" She said as she noticed one particular plaque.

Karst
Most caves form in karst.
Karst is a landscape made from the dissolution of soluble rocks.

Twilight could hardly contain her excitement. It wasn't often she learned new things, and she found it thrilling when she did. "I'm so glad we came here, Timber." she said, smiling.

Timber blushed. "Me, too."

Twilight smiled. "I'd love to stick around, but it's about time for me to visit Sunset. Text me later, okay?" she felt her heart skip a beat when she looked at his face for the last time that day.

"Sure thing. See you later!" Timber waved.

Wow... that just happened. thought Twilight as she made her way back to her car. Again, where on earth did all of that come from? I'm surprised my glasses didn't fog up, what with all the time I felt myself blushing. She sighed as she got into her car and started the engine. Well hopefully some soothing music will calm me down. She listened to classical music all the way to Sunset's.

Twilight parked as closely to Sunset's as she could and knocked on the door.

Rainbow Dash answered the door.

Twilight blinked in surprise. "Rainbow Dash? What are you still doing here?"