/x/x/x/
“Dear, how is the food?”
“It tastes great, miss Whistles.”
“Oh, please, call me Windy.”
Rainbow Dash glanced at the exchange between her mother and her girlfriend, smirking as she chewed on pierogi. The potato and pasta mingled in her mouth, colored by onion and garlic. She made a mental note to brush her teeth before she and Spitfire went to bed.
“Or, heck,” Bow said from the other end of the table. “Why not just call her ‘mom’? You're here often enough.”
Spitfire let out a dry chuckle at this. “A few years ago I might have taken you up on the offer. But, uh, you'll probably have to fight mom for the title.”
Windy rolled her eyes. “I could take Stormy, but since she outranks me it might be best if I don't.”
“Ha!” Rainbow cried. “My mom can beat up your mom!”
Spitfire gently punched Rainbow’s shoulder. “Yeah, whatever. Anyway, mi- uh... Windy... I haven't had anything like this before. Where did you say your family was from?”
“I’m Konik,” she replied. “Across the ocean. Bow is Hanoverian.”
“And proud of it!” He said before taking a huge bite of sausage and pickled cabbage, and immediately following with a bite of sourdough bun.
Rainbow let out a small sigh. “Please don't let my parents scare you off.”
Spitfire shrugged. “Eh, I lived through my father. Compared to him, yours is cool. So how are the girls? Haven't seen them in a while.”
“Yes, how is Twilight?” Windy asked. “I haven't seen her much since, well... the hospital.”
A heavy moment of silence rang in the room as Rainbow chewed. After a bit she swallowed and took a drink of her vivid green Mountain Fizz.
“She’s doin’ way better, her meds are helping out a hella lot. She’s been hanging out with Pinkie and AJ a lot. I’ve been, uh...” she gave a sidelong glance to Spitfire. “Otherwise busy. And, uh, Sunset and Fluttershy are doing okay too. Rarity, though... I dunno. We haven't chatted in a while, but the squirt says things are fine.”
“Ah, that's good to hear.” Windy glanced out the living room window and furrowed her brow. “Huh.”
“What is it, dear?” Bow asked between a mouthful and a swig of beer. “Is someone here?”
Windy cocked her head to the side. “Rainbow, doesn't Rarity drive a black Mercedes?”
“Uh. Yeah?”
“Because one just pulled into the driveway.”
Rainbow got up and walked over to the window, looking down. Lo and behold, Rarity was there in the driver’s seat. If she squinted Rainbow could also make out Sweetie Belle in the front passenger side.
“The fuck?” She asked, before zipping out of the room and down the hall. She slipped into her bedroom and pulled her phone off the charger. Fourteen unread messages. She glanced through them all on her way back to the dining room.
Thirteen of them were from Rarity and Scootaloo. The other one was a meme from Pinkie Pie and inconsequential to the current situation. As she scrolled her eyes widened and her free hand clenched into a fist.
“Dash, what's up?” Spitfire asked, also rising. The adults in the room also abandoned their meal in concern.
Rainbow looked to them as she slipped her phone in her pocket.
“Hey, mom?” She asked. “Can Rarity come over?”
Windy’s brow furrowed. “Of course, dear. What's wrong? You look very angry.”
“I'm gonna beat the shit out of her fucking parents is what's wrong!” She yelled, before turning and taking the stairs two at a time, barreling through the front door.
The trio walked over to the window, looking out as confusion plastered across their faces.
Rainbow jogged over to the car and placed her hand on the roof. The window rolled down and they spoke for a minute before Rarity stepped out. She was profusely sobbing, and Rainbow pulled her into a tight embrace. Out of the passenger and rear seats climbed Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who both wore dark, shameful expressions.
Spitfire tore away from the display and followed down the stairs. She closed the screen door behind her and came over to the group. Both older girls were crying, and the glare on Rainbow’s face could melt glaciers.
“Spits,” she said, not looking up. “Can you tell mom and dad that they might need to stay for a couple days? Tell ‘em I’ll explain later.”
“What happened?” She asked.
Rainbow merely shook her head. “Not now. Also, can you text AJ and Fluttershy and tell them that we have a friendship emergency at my place?”
“Well, yeah,” Spitfire said, pulling out her own phone. “No problem. Is everything okay?”
Rarity’s sobs had quieted but she still clung onto Rainbow for dear life. Behind them, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo hugged as well, in quite a similar fashion to their older sister figures. But in a way, more intimate, connecting two wires in Spitfire’s brain.
“In short, no,” Rainbow said, gently rubbing at Rarity’s back. “Everything is not okay. Do you have Zap or Flare’s numbers?”
“The CP girls?” She asked, urgently typing away. “No, I don't talk to any of the Shadowbolts.”
“Just you girls,” Rarity choked out. “Please.”
“Alright, scratch that,” Rainbow said, pulling away and bringing her hands to Rarity’s face. “Let’s go inside, okay? I'll ask mom to make you some tea or something. Did he hurt any of you?”
Rarity nodded as Spitfire went back inside. “He only yelled... what are we going to do?”
“I dunno,” Rainbow sad, pulling her in again. “But we’ll figure something out. “Between me, AJ, Twi, and the apartment, you'll all have a place to stay. For now, I’m gonna see if you three can stay here.”
“Rarity, I’m sorry...” Scootaloo muttered.
“It isn't your fault,” she said, sniffling. “There was nothing different any of us could have done.”
Rainbow put her arm out and invited the kids over. They accepted, and though the contact spiked her anxiety, they needed it right now.
“You got anything in the car that might freeze?” She asked. “Or needs to go in right now? I can take it all in right now, actually. Ah shit, I gotta clean my room. No biggie, it only takes a couple seconds but-”
“It’s all fine,” Rarity whispered. “And this is a good neighborhood. Better than it was at home...”
Spitfire leaned out the front door and gave a thumbs up before slipping back inside.
“And right before Thanksgiving, too...”
“Rare, I know it sucks right now, but I can’t let you stress about this. Let's get inside, get your face washed. You need a drink or something, smoke something?”
“Water would be nice,” she said. “My body does want alcohol but my mind knows I shouldn't right now. And I shouldn't smoke anything... especially not around them.”
“Alright,” Rainbow said, pulling back and taking her hand. “Let's get in. Belle, squirt. Any of you guys hungry? Mom made lots of food.”
“Father took mother out to eat,” Rarity said, following Rainbow. “I didn't have the stomach to eat anything anyway.”
“Well, first things first,” Rainbow said, shepherding her flock into the house. “Let's get inside and get you some food, and then lets wait for the others to come over.”
“I'm sorry for all of this-”
“Don't apologize for this, Rares,” she said. “Especially not for this.”
Rarity opened and closed her mouth before nodding.
“Okay, darling... I won't.”
/x/x/x/
Fluttershy and Sunset sat opposite each other on the bed, legs crossed and palms on their knees. Their eyes were closed, incense was burning, and every light in the apartment was dimmed.
They’d been sitting in relative silence for around an hour, save the drone of the... “music”. It was quiet binaural beats, which can hardly be called music, but one would be hard pressed to argue that ‘noise’ was a better term.
All was calm. Peaceful. Tranquil.
Rudely interrupted by a loudly buzzing cell phone.
“...oops.”
Fluttershy couldn't help but feebly attempt to suppress a chortle. “It's okay,” she whispered. “If it's important it'll happen again.”
Almost on cue it went off again.
Sunset sighed. “Dammit...” she reached over and grabbed the device.
“What is it?” Fluttershy asked, eyes still closed.
Sunset snorted before bursting out laughing. This enticed Fluttershy to open her eyes to see a weird picture of a man pointing to a butterfly displayed on Sunset’s phone. There were a couple of badly-photoshopped text boxes over the man and the butterfly and both said words that Fluttershy could barely conceive to be english.
“...what's a... ‘yeet’?” Fluttershy asked, concerned.
Sunset nodded and tossed the phone back onto the bed, wiping a tear out of her eye. “Sorry, it's a... it's not important. I silenced it. I should've before but I forgot and-”
“It's okay,” she replied. “You're still new to meditation, so it'll take some getting used to before you remember to do everything.”
“I know,” Sunset deflected, waving it away. “But I wanna do this right, you know? Everything that happened back home, like...” she sighed. “This is important to me, and I need to be respectful of your instructions.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Okay. Shall we get back to it?”
“Yes, lets.”
They did so.
For a couple of minutes.
Then they were interrupted by a very loud and fast guitar solo coming from the other side of the bed.
Both girls’ eyes snapped open. Fluttershy blushed, embarrassed.
“I feel a little less bad now,” Sunset said, laughing in spite of herself. “Also I recognize this song.”
“Do you now?” Fluttershy asked, reaching over to mute the text tone.
“Yeah, it was one that Rainbow tried to teach me. But it was really hard. It was, um... through the flames and the fire?” She put her fingers to her lips. “No, that sounds wrong...”
Fluttershy gasped and turned her legs off of the bed. “Oh my...”
“What's up?” Sunset asked, crawling over. “Is that a bad ‘oh my’?”
“Friendship emergency at Rainbow Dash’s house.”
“From Rainbow?” Sunset asked. “Is she okay?”
“No, Spitfire,” Fluttershy said. “And I don't know. She didn't say anything else.”
Sunset blinked as a dozen melancholic memories flashed by in an instant. She bit her lip as she stood up next to her friend. “You wanna drive or should I?”
“Do you know the way?”
Sunset nodded.
“I'll get my helmet,” she said, rifling through the nearby dresser and putting clothes on. “Will you text Spitfire for me while I go feed Angel and tell her we’re on the way?”
Sunset pressed her forefingers against each other. “...yeah,” she eventually said. “Then I'll get dressed and meet you outside?”
Fluttershy nodded as she clasped her bra closed. “Thank you. I'm sure you know how I text by now but it doesn't matter if you say it's you. Dashie tells Spitfire everything about the rest of us. It's so cute honestly.”
“Yeah...” Sunset muttered, picking up the phone and sitting down as Fluttershy went down the stairs. “Cute.”
She clicked out a basic response and hit send without really thinking about it. She leaned back and sighed as memories of her own Spitfire from Equestria flooded her head.
She turned her head to the leatherbound book sitting ever faithfully on her bedside table.
“Please don't die, Spits...” she muttered. “And you either, Twilight. Spike. Fleur. Rain. Tempest. Lyra.” Sunset sighed. “Princess Luna.”
She stood up and walked to her own dresser and pulled out a random outfit that at least somewhat went together and was warm. Mindlessly she put the articles on as her thoughts went on into the rest of the mess in Equestria.
“Not now...” she muttered, bracing herself against the wood. But it was too late now, the floodgates opened up. Dawn, Frozen, and Cinch had done their damage. Her knuckles whitened. “Not right fucking now!”
Smoke and dust filled the air. The rubble crashed and settled, before falling into silence. Sunset looked around as blasts of magic crossed over her head against each other. Behind her the rock slid apart, revealing the assassin, who aimed her weapon and revealed her sick, sadistic grin.
“For the glory of Blackfire!” She cried, laughing as the broken bits of metal decorating her foreleg began to glow, a high pitched whine sounding.
Quickly, before a shot could be lead off, Sunset blasted her horn at Zap.
She was returned to the present by a single touch.
In front of her was Fluttershy, whose hand was on Sunset’s chest over her heart. She returned to her human form, gripping Fluttershy’s arm. Awareness of her body returned and she realized this wasn’t Equestria anymore, she wasn't a unicorn right now, and this was not an assassin.
And she was safe.
“Fluttershy, I-”
“It's okay, Sunset,” she gently cooed, wiping away the tears. “I don't know what happened, but I’m here for you. Do you need anything else?”
Sunset pursed her lips and nodded. “I had sex with the other Spitfire. In Equestria. Mentioning her just... reminded me of... everything.”
“Ah.” Fluttershy hugged Sunset. “Do you still want to drive?”
“Yeah, I... it helps ground me. We don't exactly have motorcycles in Equestria yet.”
Fluttershy giggled.
“What?”
“I just imagined a pony on a motorcycle.”
Sunset snorted and rolled her eyes. “Dork.”
Fluttershy took Sunset’s hands in her own. “Now come on, get dressed. Rainbow needs our help.”
Sunset nodded and complied.
The past was in the past and could be dealt with later. The present was now and needed her current attention.
“Oh, and by the way,” Fluttershy said, taking a step back. “It's ‘through the fire and the flames’.”
Sunset gasped. “I KNEW IT!”
/x/x/x/
The new arrivals sat together on the Hothoof residence couch. The sisters had hot tea and Scootaloo had a glass of soda, and all three had full plates.
“Thank you very much, Windy,” Rarity said, graciously. “I do enjoy traditional Konik dinners, and the Hanoverian flair adds a very nice depth of flavor.”
“Oh, stop it, you tease,” she replied with a wink. “I just followed my grandmother’s recipe and added a couple herbs.”
“Don't be so modest!” Bow bellowed, wrapping a bulky arm around his wife and planting a kiss on her cheek. “Your cooking is the main reason why I married you!” At her playfully intimidating glance he faltered. “And also because you’ve got an ass that just won't quit.”
THWACK!
“Da-ad!” Rainbow whined, hiding her face in her hands. “Why do you say things like that in front of your daughter!”
“To embarrass you in front of your girlfriend,” he said, grinning cheesily. “And to express my love for your mother. Who is a lovely woman who proudly serves her country and has a heart of pure gold.”
“Don't push your luck, buster,” she muttered, pushing his head back with her forehead.
“Well, your cooking is certainly beyond my current capabilities,” Rarity continued. “I aspire one day to be able to cook Prench cuisine for myself and my future husband.”
“I support that dream,” Sweetie Belle said. “Especially when we come over for dinner.”
Scootaloo discreetly put an arm around Sweetie Belle’s abdomen and squeezed before returning to the meal.
“I can't say I'm a big fan of Prench,” Windy replied, face contorting in disgust. “No offense, but I just don't find snails to be appetizing. Same with Andalusian food; I won't ever eat a hamster.”
“M’baya pig,” Rarity interjected. “Not hamsters. It's called cuy and it's an acquired taste but-”
“~Rarity ate a hamster, Rarity ate a hamste- ow!”
Rainbow rubbed at her forehead as Rarity gripped her geode, the sparkles of the small barrier fading and dissipating away.
“Hey, no fair!” She protested. “No using magic to hurt people! We agreed to only use it for good and necessity that one time we made Sunset hear everybody's thoughts.”
“Because you were abusing your speed for everything,” Rarity reminded.
“Okay fine but it still hurt.”
Spitfire rolled her eyes and leaned over to kiss her girlfriend’s forehead. “There, does it hurt anymore?”
Rainbow blushed in spite of herself. “Um... a little bit.”
Spitfire then proceeded to peck her on the lips. “How about how?”
Rainbow short circuited for a brief moment. “It's fine,” she squeaked. “Thanks babe.”
The sound of a motorcycle engine came from outside, sending Rainbow to her feet.
“Oh look at that Sunset and Fluttershy are here!” Said the rainbow blur before it phased out of existence.
“Awww...” Rarity cooed as Spitfire became instantly aware of the five pairs of eyes glued to her own.
“Gaaay!” Scootaloo called in a faux mocking tone.
“Well... yeah.” Spitfire volleyed. She shrugged. “And?”
“Must be nice to be so open with that...” Sweetie Belle muttered to herself, thus dampening the atmosphere.
Everybody fell quiet as an awkward silence descended.
Until Rainbow came back inside.
“Hey mom, hey dad, Fluttershy and Sunset are here, and AJ’s on her way with the others.” She looked around at the downcast expressions on everyone’s faces. “Uh... what’d I miss?”
“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that,” Sweetie Belle said as she started to cry again. “I just...”
Rarity pulled her little sister into her arms. “We know,” she said, consolingly. “Today was hard.”
Spitfire whispered to the trio the basic gist of what happened, which merely caused raised eyebrows on the new arrivals.
“Hello girls,” Rarity greeted, dejection giving way to content relief. “It's good to see you.”
Fluttershy and Sunset offered hellos to Rainbow’s parents before making their way over to the sisters and crouching by them. Rainbow sat down in the two-cushion couch next to her girlfriend.
“I have to make a phone call,” Bow said, leaving the room. Windy put an arm on the back of the couch, watching as he walked through the door into the kitchen and dialed on the landline.
“Hey, Spits?”
“Yeah, Dash?”
“I don't think we’re gonna have sex tonight.”
Spitfire shrugged. “No big deal, as long as I can still spend the night.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Sap.”
Spitfire grinned and kissed Rainbow’s temple. “Only for you.”
/x/x/x/
Applejack tossed the controller onto the ground and fell backwards in defeat, head lolling onto the seat of the couch. On the screen lay her dead avatar, which was being looted, danced on, and otherwise desecrated.
“Campers...” she muttered before turning to the side. “I see you two are havin’ a better time than me.”
Twilight and Pinkie hummed contentedly in each other’s embrace.
“Heh,” Applejack snatched up the controller again and left the lobby. “Guess y’all won't mind if I go again then, huh?”
“Stronghold Dawn’s for casuals,” Pinkie murmured, resting her head against the armrest. “Everyone knows that.”
“It's a quality game!” The farmer defended even though she knew she was wrong. “And besides, you know you're just bad at it.”
“I'm good at good games!”
AJ rolled her eyes as a new match started. “Yeah, whatever. Go play SD4.”
Twilight sniggered at this, before burying herself deeper into her makeshift pillow. Or, uh... pillows. “Someone’s salty.”
Applejack’s phone buzzed. “Shoot,” she said as the match started. “One o’ y'all wanna check that for me?”
“Or we could just wait the thirty seconds it would take for you to die,” Pinkie said, tauntingly. “We’re too comfy to move.”
Applejack sighed, gently laughing. “First of all, rude. Second of all, why don't y'all just go out already? You're practically all over each other every single time y'all come over.”
“You jelly?”
Applejack shrugged. “I don't really see the appeal of having someone’s heavy, sweaty body draped over my own for hours on end. Even if I did like him. Or her, in this case. So no.”
“Nice to know you think I’m heavy and sweaty,” Twilight playfully teased.
“Headshot!” Applejack cried, pumping her fist. “Y’all know what I meant, Twi. You two should get together, it’d be cute.”
Twilight shrugged. “If it ever gets to that point then maybe.”
“Cuddle buddies are better than girlfriends anyway,” Pinkie added, playing with Twilight’s hair. “No attachment, no commitment, no worries. Just snuggles!”
“Whatever floats your boat,” Applejack said with a noncommittal hand wave as she reloaded. She then tossed her phone up near their heads. “Here, can ya check that please? It could be important.”
“Or another meme...” Pinkie mumbled, beginning to doze off. “But then again that is pretty important.”
“I'll check,” Twilight muttered, lazily opening her eyes and palming the phone. “Looks like it's from... Spitfire?”
“Really?” Applejack asked, disbelieving. “What's she sayin’?”
Twilight opened the message and after a moment leaned up from Pinkie.
“Oh no...” she said, stopping Pinkie’s protest dead in its tracks.
“What oh no?” She asked, sitting up.
“‘Friendship emergency at Rainbow’s house.’”
Applejack whipped her head around, game completely forgotten. “Is she okay?”
“I don't know,” Twilight answered, handing over the device. “That’s all it says. Pinkie, did she say anything to you?”
Pinkie grabbed the other two phones on the end table and handed one to Twilight before sending something to Fluttershy and Rainbow. “No notifs.”
“Nothing on my end either.” Twilight said, tapping out messages to Sunset and Rarity. “I hope she is.”
“I'm gonna go warm up the car,” Applejack mumbled as she pulled her jacket on, and motioned at their shorts. “Y'all should put on some actual pants, my heater takes a bit to warm up.”
Within two minutes they’d done so, gathered up their necessities, and gone out the door.
Applejack’s character was stuck in an idle animation.
After several minutes, Granny Smith shuffled by, took the controller, and sat down on the couch.
“How do ya turn this newfangled technomachine off...”
After pressing several buttons she accidentally fired her gun, causing a wall to collapse and kill another player. The ‘You Win’ screen barely fazed her as she simply sighed and turned the television off before immediately going to sleep. The house went silent save for her snoring.
/x/x/x/
Author's Note
https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/904841/eqg-timeline
If the context presented within the story isn't sufficient, this blog presents the order of all the major events referenced or having had occurred in this fic. It isn't necessary to know for the purposes of this fic unless you wanna know in what order the status quo had changed. Sunset and Twilight's scenes are relevant.
/x/x/x/
“How could you kick out your own daughters, Hondo!?” Bow accused angrily into the phone. “What kind of man just abandons his children?”
His eyes widened by the response he heard.
“You're a bastard,” he said, coldly. “And you can forget about that beer I owe you.” Without waiting for a response he made as if to slam the phone onto the wall, but paused and took a deep breath before placing it gently on the receiver.
After a few moments of contemplation, Bow dialed another number and placed the phone to his ear. After a few rings, the other end picked up.
“Hey, Night,” he greeted neutrally. “No, this isn't about her, don't worry.” He paused for a moment. “I'd be calling from the hospital’s phone if that was the case. No, this is about something else. About Rarity. Yes, the one with the fancy car. Well, you know I hate to ask a favor without doing something in return first, but this is important. Seems Rarity doesn't have a place to stay anymore... it ain't my place to tell you that but- oh. Yeah, that's totally it. I know, I didn't expect it either. But, that doesn't matter. Anyway, there’s not enough room for all three of them here... yes. Yes? Oh, fantastic! I appreciate this, my friend, and they will too. We’ll grab a beer some time, I’ll pay. Okay, wine then. I'm gonna need a new drinking buddy anyway. Oh yeah, he's on my shit list big time now. You don't insult a man’s daughter to his face and expect him to respect you anymore. Oh, Twilight’s here. Yes, she’s fine. Yes, I’ll make sure she eats something. You forget she was like a daughter to me too... Yeah, I understand. No problem. We’ll talk more at the bar, the wife’s on her way over.” He chuckled. “You know it. Later man- and hey, thanks again.” Bow finally hung up and turned to Windy, who had just opened the door to the kitchen proper.
“Who was that?” She asked, cocking her head to the side.
“Night Light,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “I just wanted to make sure the girls had a place to stay in the long run.”
“I could pick up another job,” she supplied, resting her head on his bulky chest. “Afford some more groceries. Do more laundry. I could-”
“No,” he said, stroking her hair and breathing in her shampoo. Mint. “You do more than enough as it is, and I’m not gonna stand by and watch you tear yourself apart trying to be a mom for four kids instead of just one. We can take Scootaloo in, sh-they always have a second home here... but those girls deserve better than to sleep together on our couch.”
“We can't ask Vel and Night to do this for us, grizzly bear.”
“I already did, and he says it's okay. Besides, Twilight is always with Pinkie and Applejack. She basically replaced Rainbow in that trio ever since Rainbow and Spitfire started staying the nights together. He won't say it but ever since Vel took on the Yearling job he's been lonely as hell. He even started watching...” Bow shuddered. “The BBT.”
Windy physically recoiled. “Sweet criminy, that man needs some company that isn't a talking dog and its robot fucktoy, stat!”
Bow bellowed his laughter before pulling her back in. “You've never been more right about anything in your life, sweetheart!” He kissed her on the forehead and lead her back into the living room. “The girls get fed?” He asked before looking to see they did indeed have plates. “AJ, Pinkie, Twilight. Good to see you all. I wish it was under better circumstances, but you're always welcome under our roof.”
“Heya, Bo-bo bo bo bo-bo-bow!” Pinkie greeted nonsensically to all but herself (and secretly Spitfire, who struggled to keep a straight face).
“Howdy.” Applejack said, tipping her hat as Twilight merely waved.
All eight (well, ten, technically) teenagers sat in a rough circle around the living room, each with plates and drinks in hand. Rarity and the kids’ moods seemed in a little brighter spirits, which was all that the adults wanted to see.
“Eat as much as you'd like, girls,” Windy said, running her fingers through her close cropped scarlet hair as her other hand wrapped around her husband’s. “There’s plenty to go around.”
“Just please don't eat all of it,” Bow teased. “I gotta have leftovers for dinner tomorrow. Buckball night is leftovers night, after all, and it has been for decades.”
“We’ll leave you to your... uh...” Windy looked to Bow for help. “Gathering? Meeting?”
“Assembly?” Twilight suggested.
“Yes, that! Your assembly. Bow and I have some business to take care of... elsewhere in the house. Not here. Maybe the bedroom.”
“I would love that,” Bow slyly suggested with a wink.
Windy sighed, and put her hand on his forehead, playfully shoving him away. “Men, am I right girls?”
An awkward silence settled over the group as all were silent save for Applejack and Pinkie’s hearty “Hear, hear!”s. Rainbow audibly facepalmed.
“Ah... right...” Windy shuffled her feet as she saw the Glances™ amongst the more sapphically-inclined houseguests. “Well, just have Rainbow come get us if you need anything.” And with that the two adults left the room.
A beat of silence passed before the bedroom door audibly closed.
“Okay, I think that's long enough,” Twilight said, adjusting her glasses and sitting up straight. “What's the friendship emergency? Who's got the dark magic? Is it already too late? Do we need the Princess me?”
“Easy Twi,” Rainbow appeased. “You'll give yourself an aneurysm.”
Pinkie snorted. “Everyone knows that rocks don't talk...”
“There isn't exactly a friendship problem, per se,” Rarity indicated, not heeding whatever Pinkie was on about. “As in there's no physical danger. But there is something important that I must discuss with all of you.”
“That's all fine n’ dandy, Rares,” Applejack said, leaning forward. “But y'all can't tell me somethin’ ain’t a problem. I know the kids ‘bout as well as I know you gals, and things ain't exactly goin’ well. I can see it in your faces.”
“Let her explain,” Rainbow said, gently putting a hand on the farmer’s shoulder. “Trust me.”
“Just tell us what happened in your own time,” Fluttershy gently cooed. “We’re all here to support you whatever it is.”
“I do appreciate that, dear,” Rarity replied, turning to acknowledge everyone else. “And I appreciate all of you coming on such short notice. Although I would be remiss in saying a part of me wishes the circumstances were on my own terms...”
“It's no problem at all, Rarity,” Sunset said. “We’re your friends.” After a few moments of silence, she continued. “I mean, Spitfire texted Fluttershy so we thought it was about Rainbow, but, you're both just as important to us.”
Fluttershy nodded in affirmation.
“Right.” Rarity took a deep breath. “Perhaps I should just... clear the air. Start with the basics. We are... no longer welcome in our own home under orders of our parents.”
The room erupted with questions coming from everyone except for Rainbow and Spitfire, who gripped each other’s hands, knowing the reason that was just barely eluding the grasp of the small crowd. A reason all too familiar to them.
“Everyone, please,” Rarity pleaded, putting her palms out. “I'm sure you're all very concerned, and more than a bit curious as to why, but... it's a very personal and private reason that I had hoped to tell you all about under much more favorable circumstances than this. It will... take me some time to find the words to say it.”
Applejack’s eyebrows crinkled as she slowly glanced at Rainbow. The look she received in return set a light of recognition off in her mind, as she nodded and leaned back against the couch. This wasn't lost on Twilight.
“Is this...?” she mused, barely audible.
“What kind of parent does that to their kids...” Sunset seethed, fists clenching and teeth grinding. Memories of her own upbringing flooded through her mind. “There's no good reason for it!”
Fluttershy put a calming hand on her shoulder for what little it did to quell the smoldering rage building up inside the pony.
“Unless...” Pinkie murmured, glancing between Rainbow and Twilight.
“Unless what?” Sunset snapped, eyeing Pinkie incredulously. “What good reason could anypony have for abandoning their foals? Rarity and the kids are good people, they don't deserve that!”
“There isn't,” Pinkie replied with a simple shrug. “But... sometimes things can be rationalized. Sometimes reasons that seem bad to us can seem like good reasons to another person with a wrong perspective. It doesn't make it any less wrong or mean though.”
“Why all three of you?” Twilight asked. “Everything I can think of would end with only one or two of you...” Her eyes widened. “Except...”
“Before I say it,” Rarity began. “I just want to explain first that I never hid this from you all because I didn't trust you, or because I was trying to keep secrets in order to take advantage of you. Ideally, I just... never would have told anybody else about this. Not if I could help it. I knew that if my parents ever found out, they might very well cut me off and prevent me from seeing my sister.”
Sweetie Belle looked up at this. “Really?” She asked. “I was worried the same for you...”
Fluttershy sat a little straighter in her seat.
“I...” Rarity said before stopping and gently nudging her sister’s arm. A minute passed without either of them saying anything, so Scootaloo stood up.
“So like, you're all smart enough to know that Belle and I have been dating for a while now. Well, her parents and Rarity came home early and... found us on the couch.”
The older teens’ faces all blanched, save for the ones who already knew and Sunset.
Pinkie put her fist to her mouth. “Oh.”
Sunset turned to face her. “Oh?” She asked. “I mean yeah that's gotta be mortifying but how does that lead to all of you not...”
“Dad was yelling at us,” Sweetie murmured. “And he told us to put clothes on and pack our things and get out.”
“That's insane.” Sunset narrowed her eyes. “What's his problem? People your age do that sort of thing. I mean I'd understand cleaning the couch but-” she then froze and read the body language of her present company.
“Oh shit...” she whispered. “Does he not like...?”
“Why do you think we never hung out at Rarity’s?” Rainbow asked. “Her parents are whack. Uh, well, no offense, Rares.”
Rarity merely waved it off with a conceding gesture.
“But what about you, Rarity?” Sunset asked in earnest. “I don't understand why he'd keep you from staying too...”
She sighed before pulling her spine and setting her posture. Her manicured hands clenched into fists and began to tremble.
“When it happened,” she said, evenly. “And our father indicated that... that homosexual behavior would not be tolerated in his household from the ones he feeds and clothes... I knew I could not say nothing. I could not let him mistreat my siblings in such a way. So, when he backed them into a corner, I stood between them. I made sure he would not even have an opportunity to hurt them if he got a chance to. And I told him that... he didn't just have one queer child.”
Sunset’s eyes widened, and Twilight pulled her knees to her chest.
“I told him that I was bisexual too... because I am.”
Dead silence settled over the room.
“So if he was going to kick them out...” Rarity began to quietly sob, bending her head down to obscure her face. “Then I was going with them too.”
Rainbow sat and read the room. Applejack leaned back and stared at the ceiling. Twilight didn't move. Fluttershy stared at the back of Sunset’s head, and Sunset was shaking. Pinkie was the first to move majorly, and she crossed the room to slide her arms around Rarity’s shoulders.
“You're okay now,” she whispered. “Everything’s gonna be okay.”
“How long?” Applejack asked.
Rarity returned Pinkie’s hug as she choked back her crying enough to answer. “I found out I liked girls in middle school... before I met any of you.”
Applejack nodded sagely. “I’m guessing y'all didn't tell us because ya didn't think it was that important because your plan was always to marry a man?”
This time it was Rarity’s turn to nod, but this was a no. “That's not it. I just didn't want my parents to learn. So I didn't tell anybody. Not even my own sister...”
Fluttershy joined Rarity on the couch.
“That must have been so hard...”
Sunset suddenly stood up and went to the kitchen. Rainbow’s eyes followed her, and soon enough her feet did as well.
“Suns,” she said, shutting the door behind her. “Now is not a good time for a snack... uh... you okay?”
Sunset leaned over the sink, hot tears streaking down her cheeks. A furious grimace adorned her reddened face as she tightly gripped the counter.
“Suns, I know you're pissed at her dad but-”
“I'm not!” She barked, struggling to keep her breathing in check. “Okay, I am, but that's not it.”
Rainbow leaned against the wall and crossed her arms, impatiently tapping her foot. “Okay I know you're not pissed at Rarity for being bi. So what’s up?”
Sunset turned to look up at Rainbow. Her anger gave way to hurt and vulnerability, and more tears came.
“You remember what put Twilight in the hospital?”
Rainbow instantly turned to face the other direction.
“I don't wanna think about that right now.”
Flashes of Twilight’s collapsed, unconscious, bleeding form crossed her mind.
"My pictures,” Sunset said, advancing forward. “The ones Rarity took of me. After Anon-a-Miss, after I slashed my arms, when I still had body dysphoria. The nudes she took to help me feel better about my human body.”
Rainbow slowly turned back.
“...and?”
Sunset stared Rainbow in the eye.
“When we went shopping for bathing suits before going to Twilight’s beach house. When she and I were in the changing room together.”
Rainbow’s eyes slowly wandered to the side as she started putting together what Sunset was getting at.
“When she told me about human clothes. She should have told me...” Sunset whispered. “I trusted her with my body. She said she didn't care because she only liked men. She lied, and... and I know why she did. I’m not angry at her for that. But I just...” she put her hands up to her temples. “Ever since I came back from Equestria, I just... I’m just so fucking angry, just losing my temper all the time. Seeing all that shit, having attacks and flashbacks and nightmares and fake memories, just...”
Rainbow pulled Sunset into her embrace.
“You're feeling guilty that you're mad at her for this, but you still feel hurt and betrayed because you thought she was straight.”
Sunset nodded. “I came in here so I didn't get mad at her because I know she needs love and support right now. But I came to her because I needed someone who could objectively see me naked without it being a thing, and...”
“Just because she likes girls doesn't mean she only said yes to be pervy-”
“I know that!” She cried, stepping back. “I know, the logical, sane, rational part of me knows that. I know Rarity, I love her, and I know she’d go to the ends of Equestria for my sake, but... but the bitter, angry, scared part of me doesn't wanna listen to me.”
Rainbow nodded as the all too familiar behavior manifested itself before her. “Cognitive dissonance... you believe two different things at the same time.”
“I don't know how to stop it...” Sunset whimpered. “Rarity just told us something big she’s been hiding her whole life, something traumatic just happened, and I know I need to be here for her but I- I can't! I don't know how...”
Rainbow sighed. “I don't know what reasons you went to Rarity in private for, and I don't know all of what fucked up shit happened to you in Equestria, but... it really doesn't take much. Just say the basics right now, about how you love and support her and wanna be there for her, and then later on you can have a whole heart to heart type deal with her and say everything you said to me when your head’s cooler and you know what the actual words you wanna say are and she gets all of her living arrangements in order, you know? I'm not saying your deal about hating your human body isn't important but right now you're not the one who just got kicked out of her home for being gay. Or bi or whatever. Rarity should be our main focus here.”
“I know...” Sunset hiccupped. “I just... needed to get that out.”
“I know,” Rainbow said, reaching for some tissues on the microwave. “That's why I came here after you. Here, use these. Rare and I already talked earlier so I figured I'd come help you out.”
Sunset blew her nose. “I appreciate that... thank you.”
Rainbow clapped her shoulder. “Now come on, let’s go love and tolerate the shit out of her.”
Sunset nodded as she balled up the paper and shoved them into the nearby trash can. “I think I can do that.”
“By the way...” Rainbow murmured with a sly wink. “You sounded just like-”
“Twilight?” They both said with a single dry chuckle shared between them, one half each.
“I suppose...” Sunset muttered. “Interesting how that works out, huh?”
The two girls headed out of the kitchen and back into the living room to see that four figures were arranged to comfort three. Sunset went directly to Rarity as Rainbow did a basic headcount. Coming up short she looked at Spitfire, who merely pointed to the hallway.
Rainbow rolled her neck and sighed before striding down the long dark towards the bathroom. Indeed the light was on and shining from underneath the lower crack. She rolled her shoulders and stared at the ground, lightly knocking three times.
“I'm in here,” a nervous voice quivered from the other side. “I'll be out in a minute.”
“Twilight, I know you're not using the toilet or the shower right now. Something’s up and you need someone to talk to who isn't gonna judge you for feeling bad about this or having a problem.” Silence. “I did the same to Sunset.”
The door opened a crack.
“Sunset... had a problem with this too?”
Rainbow nodded. “Yeah. I'm not gonna tell you what it was because private business but you totally just said too. Let me in and tell me what's up so I can try to make you feel good enough to help Rarity out. She needs all of us.”
The door opened more. Twilight wordlessly invited Rainbow in.
“Thanks... hit the fan if you want.” Rainbow sat on the sink counter as Twilight shut the door and did so before stepping back, wringing her hands nervously.
“I don't have a problem with Rarity... being bi.” Twilight looked all around the bathroom except at her audience’s face. “This is... purely selfish.”
Rainbow shrugged. “I mean I figured you didn't have a problem with it, you're like the gayest girl in the room if me and Spitfire leave. Not that I'm saying you're selfish, but I mean I figured that it's something about you. But like, what?”
Twilight grimaced, prompting Rainbow to continue.
“I'm just genuinely confused here. With Sunset, I figured it out almost instantly when she talked about it because yeah there's exten...uating?” After a nod she continued. “Circumstances there. But with you, like... literally nothing comes to mind.”
“I-” Twilight sighed and put her hands to her forehead. “I can't. I can't tell you. I've said this a thousand times but I can't tell any of you. I know you mean well and you want to help but this isn't something I can just talk about with any of you girls. It would ruin everything.”
Rainbow pinched the bridge of her nose at the all too familiar phrase.
When the two dated, this was the main thing causing most of their not-quite-fights-but-more-like-debates-but-still-kinda-altercations. When either wanted to become more physically closer, that is to say in a sexual manner, they would do so but right before clothes came off Twilight would ask to stop. The first dozen times Rainbow figured hey whatever, but after that it started getting really old really fast and the athlete’s libido began raging.
When Rainbow’s libido raged, her brain turned off.
After some initial questions that may have come off as interrogations in the heat of the moment, Rainbow eventually just stopped bringing it up. Whenever Twilight mentioned it, Rainbow had changed the subject and eventually Twilight just stopped asking. Things would have been okay or at least not horrible until, well, school ended and they just stopped hanging out together. They broke up eventually, citing mutual communication issues, and decided that being just friends was better.
After all, that's what their ‘relationship’ had become. Just friends. Who happened to hold hands and have sleepovers and kiss. But not in a platonic way like Twilight did now, in a specifically romantic lovey-dovey way (much as Rainbow would have loathed to admit it back then). At least for a while before even those activities ceased occurrence. Both agreed it was a healthy decision that may have potentially salvaged their relationship as friends in the long run.
Still, that phrase had continued to happen as the group went to Twilight’s family’s beach house. The girls went swimsuit shopping, which had grown to be too much for Twilight to handle, and upon being asked why, lo and behold, she apparently couldn't talk about it because it would ruin everything. She dropped gym when the showers were changed to communal, and when asked she couldn't talk about it because it would ruin everything. She slowly grew into a depressed guilt driven mess when Midnight seemed to have returned but she couldn't talk about it because it would ruin everything. Over and over terrible things happened that maybe wouldn't have been so bad if she just talked to them about whatever it was but alas.
It would ruin everything.
“You know I hate when you say that.”
Twilight closed her eyes and flinched, as if slapped.
“I know.”
The two sat in relative silence, the fan overhead drowning out the ambience.
“I don't understand. I know I say that every single time but I just don't get it. I can't conceive anything you could ever do or say or be that would end in us hating you or stopping being friends with you.” Rainbow flung her hand to the side. “I mean for fuck’s sake, the other Twilight would tear us all new assholes for not only abandoning her clone, but her friend. She’s forgiven chaos gods and bug armies and former cult leaders who almost literally destroyed the universe. She forgave Sunset fuckin evil bitch queen Shimmer and we will never forget the tongue lashing she gave us after the Anon a Miss incident.”
“This is-”
“Is different and I wouldn't understand and it's just something you have to work through on your own and it really isn't a big deal so I should worry about insert mutual friend here instead because insert other problem here. Right?”
Twilight didn't respond, knowing full well that she was read like the latest Daring Do novel.
Rainbow sighed before hopping down and giving her friend an unreciprocated hug.
“Look, I know that there's skeletons in every closet but we fucking love each other, man. Rarity’s been hiding being bi for like, ever. Longer than she ever knew any of us for. She comes out and only her shitty dad has a problem with it, and we’re all here for her. All of us... except for you.”
“Sunset-”
“Sunset just needed a moment to cool off because of stuff it isn't my place to talk about. You're sitting here crying in the bathroom when Rarity probably needs all of us more than any other time in her life. I know you're not a selfish person so what gives? I'm not leaving until you tell me what's going on, because if it's so important that Rarity being homeless and abandoned takes a backseat, then it must be really really bad.”
Rainbow leaned back and placed her hand on the side of Twilight’s head, gently moving it up.
“Carrying you to the hospital was the scariest moment of my life, Twilight. It showed me how close I was to losing one of my best friends. I'm worried about you, all the time. Sometimes I still have nightmares where I'm not fast enough, and...” she sniffed and wiped at her eyes. “Why won't you just tell me what's going on? Don't you trust me?”
“Of course I trust you!” Twilight wailed, pulling Rainbow close. “And I thank the Creator every single day that you saved my life. But this isn't because I don't trust you, or any of you girls. I've just... never seen any of you talk about it. I've met Rarity’s dad before and he never seemed like he would do something like this to her, and seeing that someone she trusted implicitly just go and do something like this... I'm just so scared of what could happen if any of you found out. I'm scared of the possibility that you'd do the same...”
Rainbow froze as she was brought back to a recent time that she heard those same exact words. She connected dots she’d never connected before, and her eyes widened in realization.
“Twi...” she murmured, puzzle pieces finally falling in place. “I think it would be best here if I had Spitfire talk to you for a sec. She’ll clear it up a little. Okay?”
Twilight pulled away and nodded, numbly wiping away her tears. A puzzled look pushed through the tears, but her trust was nonverbally affirmed.
“After she talks to you, we’ll all be out in the living room.”
Satisfied that anything else to be said in the conversation would merely be excess garnish, Rainbow left the bathroom and headed back down the hallway. She nearly ran into Sunset, who was putting on her fingerless gloves and jacket.
“Princess Twilight?” Rainbow asked.
Sunset nodded. “Be right back plus one. How’s Twilight?”
Rainbow sighed. “I think it's the thing that both of the Twilights have in common.”
Sunset’s mouth formed an O of recognition. “I see. Doesn't she know that-”
“She will, but for right now I’m gonna have Spits talk to her.”
Sunset’s brow raised. “Why-” her eyes widened. “OH!”
“What do you mean oh?” Rainbow asked, somewhat defensively.
“I-” Sunset sighed before leaning in close to whisper. “I had sex with the other Spitfire through the mirror.”
Rainbow blinked. “Ah.”
“Yeah.” Sunset put on her helmet. “Be right back.”
Rainbow clapped her shoulder before making it a little further into the living room proper. Rarity and the kids seemed to be in somewhat of a better mood, which was good, but the atmosphere still felt stiff regardless. Rainbow stepped over to her girlfriend, bending down to whisper in her ear.
“Can you talk to Twilight for a minute?”
Spitfire turned to Rainbow and gave her a look as if she’d just renounced sports as a worthwhile pursuit. “Uh... yeah... but... why?”
Rainbow gently sighed. “It's about the only thing that you two have in common. Aside from, you know...” she discreetly made a lewd gesture.
Spitfire blinked. “I don't know what that would be, we’re like polar opposites.”
Rainbow facepalmed and cut the air with her hands. “I'm scared of the possibility that you'd do the same.”
Spitfire leaned back and breathed out her nose. “Oh.”
“I forgot I didn't tell you, honestly,” Rainbow muttered. “I figured I'd have mentioned it at one point anyway because I do that.”
“Babe, you've been working on that. And honestly that's fine, I’ll go do it. You just stay here. Scoots kinda gave you a look both times you left, so I’d go talk to them first.”
Rainbow nodded. “Got it.”
The two girls kissed before going their separate ways, Rainbow to the conglomeration and Spitfire to the solitary girl in the bathroom.
Upon arrival she brusquely knocked twice. “Hey.”
Twilight opened the door and allowed entrance. “Hey.”
Spitfire pushed through as the door closed behind her, and the two girls stood in a way that could summarily be described as awkward.
Spitfire turned the fan on.
“So Rainbow wants us to talk about something we have in common. Problem is I didn't know that until she said something I said to her so I knew what she was talking about. But now I do know but like. I don't know the whole issue so I don't know what to talk about. Since you've got the advantage here, mind filling me in?”
Twilight sighed and leaned against the wall, before realizing she had leaned on the towel rack and then positioned her body so she didn't break anything. “What did she say so I know what you're talking about?”
Spitfire sat on the sink counter. “I'm scared of the possibility that you'd do the same. I said it in a context that I'm gonna hesitate to mention until I know for a fact that you said it in the same context.”
Twilight crossed her arms and looked to the side. “Then it seems we’re at an impasse because I’m of the same opinion.”
“That's a shame.”
The two girls were set in silence, fully absorbing the fact that Rainbow had just sent her current girlfriend to talk to her ex girlfriend over something neither were willing to talk about easily with someone they barely knew. At least she meant well, right?
“Ah, fuck it,” Spitfire ceded, hopping down. “I don't care what you think of me, I barely know you. But my girlfriend cares about you and if you had a problem with me, she wouldn't like it. So look, that phrase is what I said to Rainbow right before the first time we ever had sex. Basically I was a little anxious she’d have a problem with me being trans because my dad had a problem with it, left mom and me over it, and worried she’d be the same way even though I know how good of a person she is. So there's that. Your turn.”
Twilight swallowed heavily. “You're... trans? As in, like, transgender?”
Spitfire nodded, before pulling a bottle of pills out of her pocket. “Been taking these for years. Dash and I were, you know, getting busy and when things got past second base I wanted to stop- well, I didn't wanna stop, you know? You probably know, you were with her too. So yeah, I stopped and she asked if it was her fault and I said no, and I kinda hesitated a bit because, well. It's never easy to come out to someone. But I did, I told her, and she asked me if I actually thought she would treat me differently because of it. So I told her about my dad and everything, and that I wasn’t scared that she would push me away, that I was just scared of the possibility that she’d do the same. But, she wasn't, and uh... well, we had sex that night. And many other nights after, heh. She doesn't care. Now, I’m assuming that either I've made a horrible mistake and overshared something completely unrelated to whatever's eating you, or if I can tell from the look on your face, I hit the nail on the head.”
Twilight slowly nodded.
“I...” she started, before wringing her hands. “Me too.”
Spitfire nodded as well.
“I...” Twilight pressed her forefingers together. “So did she... not care? At all?”
“...about?”
“You know, the... your...” Twilight motioned downwards, prompting Spitfire to snort.
“Let’s just say that because of me, she learned that she’s a vers, not a top.”
Twilight blushed heavily at this, and covered her cheeks. “That's... unexpected... who else knows?”
Spitfire shrugged, slipped the pills back in her pocket, and put her hands on her hips. “Other than my family, Dash and her parents, a couple of my closest friends in the WC, and you, nobody. It's not something I want common knowledge, you know, especially considering all the sports I do. I wanna avoid all the locker room drama.”
“Rainbow’s parents know?”
“I wore a Life of Agony shirt; they're a metal band with a trans singer, Bow recognized it because he liked them before she came out, we got to talking about music, and I figured he seemed to not give a shit about it, and Rainbow knew anyway, so hey, why not mention it?”
Twilight pursed her lips as Spitfire continued.
“Anyway, I guess I came here to say what I wanted to say, but the problem now becomes I don't know why I did that. I can speculate but I don't wanna assume anything. All I know is it's because of this because that's all Rain told me.”
“Rainbow told you!?” Twilight exclaimed, pulse instantly jumping. “What- but- I- how?”
“Easy! Don't freak out.”
“What did she say? What did she tell you? How did she know? What-”
“She said!” Spitfire exclaimed, cutting off the barrage of questions. “That you said the same thing I did. How she knows, well, that's something you'll have to ask her. Now, my turn, why are you here in the bathroom when your friend needs as much love and support as she can get? Rainbow says you're not a selfish person, so what's the rational explanation here?”
Twilight took a few deep breaths as she processed the situation. Once her thoughts were settled, she began to speak.
“If I'm being completely honest here, I’m... envious. What happened in the room with Rarity there, with everyone letting her know that it'll be okay and they still love her, I just realized that eventually I'll have to tell them all about me, because eventually they'll somehow find out. Things like that don't stay a secret forever, especially how close we all are. So I needed to step away from this, and not be as visibly upset so I can help her without worrying her. But also... did you see Sunset?”
Spitfire nodded as Twilight continued.
“She just stormed out, and when she came back her eyes were red. And she just sat there, kind of hollow and vacant, and I... I knew exactly why she was upset. I can't tell you but it involved what I'm certain Sunset considered to be a breach in a long standing trust. And that brought me to realize how they might actually react when I do get there, they might all feel the same level of distrust and betrayal and they'll blame me and push me away I don't know how I can avoid that from happening and-”
Twilight stopped as Spitfire’s arms wrapped around her own comparably tiny frame.
“That, I get,” she murmured. “A hundred percent. Well, maybe not as bad because I was out to people outside my family long before you were, but now I can kinda get the sentiment. But I can't help you there. You gotta decide the right time to let people know if and only if you're absolutely sure that you want to. I can't promise that people won't react negatively but tell me this, Twilight. If your friends would push you away because you have different genitals than them, would you want to continue being friends with them?”
“But it’s di-”
“Different. I know. Was your worst family?”
Twilight turned her face up. “What?”
“Your worst coming out experience. Was it family?”
“Y- yeah... my paternal grandmother. She called me a f... the f slur, and him a failure of a parent. I haven't seen her since, and neither has he. Why?”
Spitfire nodded sagely. “Your worst coming out experience usually defines the anxiety that will accompany future experiences. But what was your best?”
“More like only... I told my parents, my brother, and my babysitter- Dean Cadance, she’s basically my sister. At first they said they were still gonna love me and support me as far as they could, but that they just didn't really understand what it meant. Luckily I had a research paper done, two copies in both professional and layman’s terms. I was able to answer most of the questions they had, and most questions I thought that they were going to ask in the future. They were kind of used to that when I showed them stuff about autism two years prior.”
“Wow,” Spitfire muttered. “I kinda forgot you're one of the smartest teenagers in the world.”
“Oh, I was only ten, I made countless mistakes. But anyway, they went into it wholeheartedly. They had trouble adapting to the name and pronouns at first but they tried, they really did. After a year of it they stopped reverting entirely. Dad was a little bummed because he lost a son, but he told me later that whatever negative feelings he had from that, he forgot about because he gained a daughter. And mom was always ecstatic about it, she took me clothes shopping often so I could have a nice girl’s wardrobe. And one day when I was doing our taxes, I found a fund separate from my college fund that I assumed was for a future surgery, so... at least I have my parents.”
“Shit man, that's more than I have. Now I'm the one envious... alright.” Spitfire clapped her hands together. “Here's something that might blow your mind. What if those girls out there accept you to the degree that your mom and dad did?”
Twilight blinked. “What?”
“What if you told Rainbow, Sunset, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Applejack, and they reacted the same way as your parents? What if they were really loving and supportive and you didn't have to feel so much internalized guilt and shame about this anymore? What if that happens?”
Twilight wrung her hands together. “It would be really nice... but it's too risky. The negatives far far outway the positives. I've calculated it multiple times, and it's much better for me to keep it a secret for as long as possible so I can reap the maximum benefits of friendship before I may lose it all entirely. I avoid situations that could potentially be misinterpreted as predatory as often as possible, I cite it as internalized homophobia and file it away, and- what’s wrong?”
Spitfire, who was pinching the bridge of her nose, had sighed heavily. “So you're worried that they'll think you're being predatory, and your response is to not be predatory, whatever you decide in your head that the word means? And you're worried that your friends who love you and in Rainbow’s case would die for you, might react as negatively as humanly possible? Despite the fact that they've forgiven fucking Sunset Bitch Queen Shimmer?”
Twilight pursed her lips. “Well, when you put it like that...”
“Look, those girls are some of the kindest, most honest, and generous people I know. And yeah, I’m including the WC. There's not a snowball’s chance in Tartarus that they'll just throw you away like that. And even if one of them would, do you really think that all of them would? Now that you know Rainbow Dash has no problem with trans people, do you really think that even if most of them did, Rainbow would take that lying down? If anything you'd at least have her, and without you and Rainbow their dynamics will eventually fall apart completely and they'll realize that despite any potential issues they might have with you, they'll pale entirely in comparison to just how much they miss having you guys around, and they'll toss their prejudice away in favor of having their friends back?”
“What if that doesn't happen?”
Spitfire smirked victoriously. “You're right. What if it doesn't happen in the way either of us think it will? What if there's no problems at all? What if it's a perfect 27? ...it's a baseball term.”
Twilight frowned, knowing she was caught in a logical fallacy.
“Look, kid,” Spitfire said, gently clapping Twilight’s shoulder. “If all goes to shit, and you do end up losing that group of friends, you're not gonna be alone. You'll have Dash, and you'll have me, and you'll have my network of support and friends too. Wouldn't you rather be with people you know for an absolute fact will love and support you than constantly worry and fear that everyone you spend your time with might shove you away if they found out what you had between your legs?”
“...yeah.”
“Fan fuckin’ tastic. Now come on, Rarity needs all of you. You can worry about this later. And I know, anxiety waits for nobody, but I brought cinnamon whiskey. Dash has hard cider. We were gonna mix it tonight, and a little bit of alcohol does wonders for short term worries in case of emergencies. Just don't rely on it, you know?”
Twilight remained silent.
“You don't drink, then.”
“No, that's not it, I just...” Twilight’s eyes started to mist over. “You said earlier you don't care what I think about you, but just now you said you'll be my friend and I’ll have access to your friends too. Why?”
Spitfire shrugged. “Because I know what it's like to be in your shoes. I know from what you've told me that you're a good person. And Rainbow always talks highly about you, so I know that after enough time passes, we’ll probably hang out solo if you wanted to. You're cool, Twilight. Anyone who would decide to not be your friend when they have the opportunity is an idiot.” She reached for a nearby box of tissues. “Here, kid. You alright?”
Twilight gratefully nodded as she took the tissues and dabbed under her glasses. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m just... you’re the first person who’s ever said anything like that to me who’s not my family or someone who was friends with the other Twilight first.”
Spitfire blinked. “Oh yeah, right, there's two of you. Well, I think you're pretty cool, and all of my friends would love you. And if you want, we’re gonna all hang out soon. Dash isn't coming, she has a thing, but you're definitely invited. They all know who you are. Like I said, Dash talks about you a lot. Like, all the time.”
“Does she really... what are you guys doing?”
“Just watching some... movies. But yeah. A lot of ‘em actually thought you two were back together before she and I started dating with how much she mentions you.”
A small smile graced Twilight’s lips at this. “Sounds like fun. I'll see what my schedule is like. But for now, I think I'm ready to help Rarity now.”
Spitfire nodded. “Then the job I came here to do is done. Let's go.”
Twilight nodded as the two exited the bathroom, a newfound confidence in her step. Once the two were just about to reach the living room, Sunset and Twilight came up the stairs. Spitfire was taken aback as her head whipped back and forth between the two Twilights.
“That never gets old to see,” Sunset said with a smirk.
“Hello Spitfire,” greeted Princess Twilight. Her hair was a bit rough around the edges and she clearly hadn't been getting enough sleep, but she still carried herself with regality and pride. “Hi Twilight. Hi girls!”
Twilight and Spitfire stepped lightly back as this Twilight stepped past them. She then rushed immediately to the vacant seat immediately at Rarity’s right, awkwardly sitting on her fists and knees in a very inhuman pose. She nuzzled the side of Rarity’s head before wrapping an arm over her shoulders.
“Sunset told me your parents evicted you,” she said, voice sorrowful and full of regret. “I'm so sorry Rarity, I wish there was something I could to to help you.”
“It's okay, love,” Rarity replied, setting her own hand on Twilight’s face. “The fact that you're here is enough... did she perchance mention why?”
“Nope,” Sunset said, returning to her original seat in front of Fluttershy. As she did so, Spitfire and Twilight did as well, Spitfire and Rainbow having a wordless conversation through their eyes as they wrapped their hands together. “It wasn't my place to tell her.”
“Ah. I appreciate that, darling... I'm bisexual.”
A melancholy smile passed Twilight’s face as she repeated her prior show of affection. “Well, if it's any consolation, so am I. I would offer you a place to stay, but...”
“It's okay, dear, you live in another dimension. The fact that you're here is enough for me. But aren't you needed at home?”
Twilight glanced at Spitfire. “Spitfire is covering for me right now. There isn't much left to do but cleanup now. She, Sunset, and Tempest already did all the hard work for us, and Daring Do is taking care of the artifact. And you have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?”
The entire room sans Sunset and Rainbow nodded, Sunset because she was fully aware of the situation, and Rainbow because her jaw had fallen completely open.
“Daring Do is real in your world?” She exclaimed, awestruck. “That settles it, I HAVE to go next time! That is, uh, as soon as Equestria isn't at war with itself...”
“Maybe one day,” Princess Twilight said before returning to her present situation. “Oh my gosh, this is not how to sit in a skirt as a human!” She fixed her sitting posture so that she was no longer mooning the (luckily vacant) dining room. “There, that's better. Sorry everypony. Gah, I mean everycreature.” Beat. “Uh, everybody. Ugh, my nerves are so frazzled right now...”
“It’s okay, dear,” Rarity assuaged, gently patting Twilight’s thigh. “You're under a lot of stress that none of us can possibly understand. We’re your friends, and nothing can change that. I'm just glad that you're here with us.”
Rainbow and Spitfire glanced at the human Twilight, who had pursed her lips. They glanced at each other, nodded, and then looked back to her. Spitfire was about to say something to her when Twilight reached into her pocket for her phone. Upon seeing the caller ID she answered the phone and made to leave the room.
“It's my dad,” she said before entering the kitchen. “Hi daddy.”
“Hi Twilight. Are you doing good? Have you eaten?”
“Yes, I’m fine. And don't worry, I will. What’s up?”
“I'm assuming you're still at Rainbow Dash’s house?”
“Rainbow?” She asked, eyebrows raising. “Yeah, I am, but... how did you know? I told you I was going to Applejack’s.”
“I know, but Bow called me.”
“Rainbow’s dad? Why?”
“Long story short because it’s his business, but it's about Rarity. From what I understand, Hondo is a piece of garbage and kicked his kids out of the house, and now they don't have a place to stay, right?”
“Yeah... it's so weird that our dads all know each other.”
“I feel it would be weirder if we didn't... anyway, don't tell Rainbow, or anyone for that matter, but Bow expressed some financial concerns about housing them. Now, we both know the that the Shys, the Apples, and the Pies would be more than willing to house some extras, but financially that isn't very feasible for any of them...”
“I think I know where this is going.”
Night was silent for a moment. “Now, I talked it over with your mother first. We figured that we can definitely afford a few more mouths, and we do have the guest bedroom. But-”
“But it would feel like being a bad host if you crammed them all together into one room so you're about to ask me if I’d be comfortable sharing my room with Rarity for the time being so that she has a place to stay.”
“You can read me like a book.”
Twilight’s mind was racing as she considered some of the implications presented to her.
“Yeah...” she murmured. “I wouldn't have a problem with that, not at all.”
And then the entirety of the implications hit her like a truck.
Rarity did indeed experience romantic attraction towards women. Therefore, the carefully balanced structure supporting the constant state of denial that Twilight had been in for years about her enormous crush on Rarity began to shatter, imploding in on itself.
Operating under the assumption that Rarity was heterosexual, it was easy to stuff down romantic feelings for her. She didn't like girls so there was a 100% chance that the feelings would not be reciprocated, so there was no big loss there. Her friendship was valuable, after all. The romantic infatuation had a sheet thrown over it, and for the many long years Twilight had known Rarity for, it was incredibly easy to masquerade, to crudely scribble the word “platonic” on the sheet.
However, Rarity did indeed like girls... so the sheet caught on fire.
“Great!” Night cheered through the phone. “I was a little concerned whether you would be okay with this, considering how important your space is to you, but I’m glad to see those were ill founded. I'll get the guest bedroom prepared. Thank you sweetie, I’ve got some work to do now... also, Spike’s little robot girlfriend broke again, so I’m putting her on your bed.”
“Okay...” Twilight answered, absentminded, barely processing what she was hearing. They exchanged farewells and ‘I love you’s before he hung up, leaving Twilight standing alone in the kitchen.
After a few minutes she crammed the phone back into her pocket and went back into the living room.
Everyone turned to face her.
“Everything okay?” Rainbow asked.
“Rarity,” Twilight began. “Belle, Scootaloo, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. Which one do you want first?”
“Bad news first!” The three chimed simultaneously.
“Ending on a good note would be best.” Rarity adds.
“Alright then...” Twilight exhaled. “The bad news is that you probably won't be staying here.”
The room exploded with various questions, which paused when Twilight put up one finger.
“And the good news is that, if you three wanted to, there is a guest bedroom at my parents’ house and you're welcome to it.”
A beat of silence passed as everyone processed this.
“Also, Rarity,” Twilight continued. “Half of my own bedroom is yours for the time being. My dad can help you three move your things in.” She glanced at Rainbow, whose pride bore a heavy dent. “Your dad called my dad. We just have more room than you is all.”
“Twilight...” Rarity whispered, hands pressed together in front of her mouth, eyes shimmering. “You don't have to do this.”
Twilight shrugged. “No, I don't have to, but I want to. The least I can do for you three is make sure you have a place to stay that isn't Rainbow’s bed and couch. Especially given the circumstances.”
Rarity closed her eyes and looked down, her body beginning to shake. The kids shared a glance with each other, then with Twilight, and Sweetie Belle put a hand on her sister’s shoulder.
Rainbow and Spitfire had another inaudible conversation with their eyes which was rapidly interrupted by Rarity jumping off the couch and glomping Twilight.
“Thank you!” She cried. “Thank you, thank you, thank you Twilight!” She pulled back and smiled through her tears. “You don't know how much I appreciate this! And I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you... and,” she said, turning to address Rainbow. “I know you would if your room were bigger, but-”
Rainbow dismissed her with a hand wave and a gentle smirk. “Yeah, I get it. Thought that counts, can't control where you live, you would do the same in my position, yadda yadda yadda. She’s got more, doesn't mean I’m less. I’m not gonna be upset about it, if that's what you're worried about. And Twilight? Good on you. The couch has seen better days.”
Rarity nodded at her before pulling Twilight in close again.
“Are you sure we won't be imposing?”
Twilight awkwardly wrapped her arms around Rarity’s middle as she tried not to inhale her herbal shampoo. “Not at all, Rarity; having a roommate will be a new experience for me. And I’m glad it'll be you. That is, uh... I’m assuming the three of you are good with that?”
Over Rarity’s shoulder Twilight saw Sweetie and Scootaloo nodding, the latter squeezing the former’s hand.
“Of course!” Rarity exclaimed, pulling back and wiping her eyes. “Your house is so nice, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with you in a one on one setting... it seems like the last time we hung out alone was when you made me the website.”
Twilight nodded, plastic smile covering the twisting doubt snarling inside her stomach. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Spitfire flash her an ‘okay’ sign.
“Uh...” Twilight muttered. “There is... something that I should tell you about... alone. But it's really not... pressing. For right now we should just... go ahead and let Pinkie explode.”
Rarity turned to witness Pinkie literally vibrating in place, hand creeping towards her hair as she struggled to keep her composure.
“Pinkie Pie...” Rarity began, cautious. “Is there something you want to ask?”
She inhaled before screeching.
“CAN I THROW A HOUSEWARMING PARTY!?”
Rarity hesitantly nodded, and within the blink of an eye Pinkie somehow pulled a plastic gun out of her hair and shot a round of streamers out of it.
“I’d do glitter too but Dashie probably wouldn't like it if I threw glitter all over her living room.”
“YES, PLEASE DON’T!”
Everyone laughed at this as Pinkie dove to her backpack and pulled out a notebook. She quickly snapped to Rarity and Twilight’s side, grabbing them both by the arms.
“Twi Twi, I’m hoping that I can throw the party at your house because that's where it is and Rarebear I’m hoping that you're okay with that and I’m also double hoping that you two are gonna help me out with what you're gonna wanna do then?”
The two shared a look that said they might as well get it over with, before relaxing and letting Pinkie drag them over to the dining room table to help her plan a no doubt ridiculously over the top party to celebrate the narrow dodging of Rarity and crew’s homelessness.
There were worse fates to be had.
/x/x/x/
Author's Note
I realized just now editing this that there is one tiny plot hole. A special prize will go to the first person to point it out.
If you have a problem with trans and queer characters in a fic literally titled "coming out" published during pride month written by a queer trans person, idk what to tell you bro. I can at least explain why though. Spitfire had a male VA in other languages so before I even knew I was trans myself back in 2013 I headcanon'd her as a trans butch lesbian (which was a little problematic but hey so is calling Rainbow Dash a lesbian for having rainbow hair ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ). I did a human au Dusk's Dawn where Twilight's character was replaced with a trans man (written at the time for my best friend who is now my boyfriend) and because of that I thought wow Twilight being trans is a cool concept to play with so it's basically law in my fics lmao. Also Scootaloo is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns because hey fuck it why not. I don't have any trans male characters but it's not like there are even any male characters in Equestria Girls besides Flash (I don't acknowledge human snips and snails as characters). Besides, judging by how people reacted to me saying the word "cis" in my Sparity dragonfurry smutfic to indicate that it wasn't futa, if I added one more trans character I think that the "absolutely disgusting" group on here would actively try to hunt me down for being a politically correct social justice warrior. Even though your gender and sexuality isn't a political stance but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ lmao "bisexual for president".
Life of Agony is a great band btw. They're like if Suicidal Tendencies, Crowbar, Helmet, Type O Negative, Ugly Kid Joe, and Prong all got thrown into a blender together.
Later that night, events had wound down. Sunset had returned Princess Twilight home to Equestria before coming back to take Fluttershy and go back to their apartment. Her motorcycle only sat two, after all. Applejack and Pinkie had gone home in the truck. Rainbow and Spitfire had retired to the bedroom and put a sock on the doorknob. All that was left was for Rarity, Twilight, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo to gear up and head to Twilight’s house.
The party was set for the next weekend, as their schedules wouldn't allow everyone to come before then, and Pinkie never threw a party if everyone couldn't come. Bow and Windy hadn't returned since they had left earlier in the day, so there wasn't any particular reason for the four to stay. They'd mutually agreed to all go ahead and leave for Twilight’s house while the sun was still out.
Upon arrival, Night Light had made good on his promise to help move the luggage. There weren't as many bags as there would be in total, as most of the nonessentials were still at Rarity’s. There wasn't much faith that those were anywhere but a dumpster by now. Still, what was present was enough for the time being, and by the time nightfall came, the guest bedroom was perfectly situated for Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.
Exhausted by the emotionally draining day, the two went directly to bed, and almost directly to sleep. Night had also retired to his room, leaving Twilight and Rarity alone in Twilight’s bedroom. The robot was quickly fixed after a few minutes of attention with a soldering iron, satisfying Spike immensely. Rarity’s bags were piled neatly at the foot of the bedframe, and the two girls sat in companionable silence alongside each other on top of the covers.
“I didn't think waking up this morning that it could be the last time I woke up in my bedroom,” Rarity eventually confessed. “The same ceiling that has greeted my vision every single day I’ve woken for almost my entire life, I may never see again. But if I were given a paintbrush, I doubt I could replicate it...”
Twilight pat her shoulder. “I don't know what I should say, if you want me to say anything, what I would say if you did... but I can listen as long as you want to talk.”
Rarity sighed and gave her friend a melancholic smile. “I know, darling... but I doubt that now is the time for me to talk. You said earlier you needed to say something to me when we were alone. Well, now we’re alone.”
Twilight retracted her hand and leaned back, head hitting the pillows as she pressed her palms into her forehead.
“Yeahhh...” she sighed. “I really gotta tell you something before we go to sleep because it... kiiiiinda determines where I’m gonna sleep.”
Rarity raised her eyebrows before taking a supine position herself.
“And why is that?” She asked, sincere curiosity coloring her voice. “I told you a long time ago, it's perfectly normal to share a bed with a friend.”
Twilight crossed her fingers and set them on her stomach. “Didn't you say that in context about your sister and the person she’s now currently probably having sex with?”
Rarity chuckled to herself. “To be fair, yes, but I also listed myself and Fluttershy, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash as examples. And I don't think Sunset and Fluttershy are dating. And how many times have you and Pinkie Pie spent an evening in each other’s embrace?”
Twilight snorted. “With Pinkie Pie it’s different... but I guess you're right.”
“Of course I’m right, dear. You and Pinkie don't have any romantic attachments to each other, and... neither do we.”
Twilight slowly turned her head. “Yeah... about that...” she leaned forward. “That's, uh. Part of the reason I needed to talk to you. And honestly it's the easier part. The other part is the one I’m really not looking forward to.”
Rarity turned and rested her head on her elbow. “I'm intrigued. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, and the time you need to explain.”
Twilight frowned in thought, contemplating how she would go about discussing the situation.
On one hand, it would be incredibly easy to just lie. The only hard part would be what to lie about. On the other hand, it would also be easy to tell the truth, physically speaking. The anxiety bubbling up from the possible negative reactions to either of the incoming confessions was definitely a lot to handle, if Twilight’s rapid pulse could attest to anything. But actually pushing the words out of her mouth wouldn't require much effort if she merely turned her brain off.
Which she did.
“I have a crush on you,” she said. “Before today I never accepted it. I always knew in the back of my mind that it was true, ever since the first couple of months I knew you girls. But back then, it was so vague that I couldn't tell it apart from my physical attractions to all of you. I thought it was just regular old schoolgirl infatuation. As time went on, and my understanding of my own feelings sharpened, and my relationships with all of you, I came to realize that the only one I really had true romantic feelings was Sunset. Or, so I thought.”
Rarity nodded as Twilight continued, letting her finish.
“It was through tutoring Rainbow Dash that I grew to see her as more than a friend. And that's why we started dating. That day when you were with me to pick out a dress for our first, I decided that I would ignore those romantic feelings for anyone but Rainbow. It was an incredibly easy decision to make. So when we broke up, it was easy to stay with it... Until the swimsuit shopping trip. That kind of brought back my thing with Sunset. To a lesser extent it did as well to the rest of you, but at the time there was an evident truth. The only ones of us who liked girls in a romantic sense were Dash, Sunset, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. So it was easy for me to pretend that my feelings for the rest of you were just friendship. I figured, romantic feelings weren't worth having on straight girls.”
“Ah...” Rarity turned back to look at the ceiling again.
“And then when I started having the hallucinations of Midnight, and my mind just... fucking melted down, all my hormones were just spinning wildly out of control. My sexual thoughts were all just, so exacerbated, it really muddied the waters. They stayed like that even after the... incident... for a while, until my meds balanced out. And until today everything was fine again, and it seemed like it would all be okay. But then you tell us all that you've liked girls the whole time, well... now I’ve admitted to myself that I like you, and now I’m admitting it to you too. I owe you that, at least, if you'll be sleeping in my bed for the next while. Now, I don't wanna follow through on those feelings because I’m sure that you don't, and I don't want it to be awkward or anything. I just want you to know the truth... but I am happy to have your friendship, and I never want that to go away.”
Rarity reached out and squeezed Twilight's hand.
“I know it may come as a shock to you, Twilight, but I’m friends with many people who have crushes on me.”
Twilight barked a laugh and nudged her with an elbow. “Fuck off, I’m pouring my heart out here.”
“I know, dear,” Rarity assuaged, sitting up and scooting over, wrapping her other arm around Twilight’s shoulders. “I'm only teasing. I don't mind if you like me. I'm actually flattered, especially considering the girls you don't like in that manner.”
Twilight rested her head in the crook of Rarity’s neck. “I'm glad to hear that... there’s one hurdle gone. Buuut, this second one is a little tougher.”
“I'm sure I won't mind the second one either. You're one of my best friends, and nothing will ever change that.”
Twilight gently sighed, nestling in closer for what could conceivably be the last time.
“You don't believe me when I say that,” Rarity speculated, holding her tighter. “Is this the ‘you wouldn't understand, I can't explain, it would ruin everything’ thing?”
“Yes.”
Rarity nodded. “Unless you're secretly the zodiac killer I don't think anything will change.”
“Did you think what happened today would have happened when your dad found out you were bi?”
Rarity tensed up slightly. “... I knew that it was a possibility. I hoped it would be okay though...”
“I don't wanna bring up bad memories, Rarity, but... I need to set the precedent. The only people who know what I’m about to say are my parents and Spitfire.”
Rarity sighed. “If you can tell Spitfire, I don't see why you can't tell me. You know I’ll never judge you for-”
“I'm transgender.”
Rarity sat in silence for a full minute.
Twilight dared not move for the entire length of time. Even her breathing felt locked down.
“So...” Rarity began. “You were born identified as male, and are now female, or... you're considering becoming a man? Or, nonbinary, or something like that?”
Twilight blinked and furrowed her brow, turning to look at Rarity, whose face was full of genuine curiosity yet again rather than judgment. Which was, of course, a huge relief and a weight off of Twilight’s shoulders, but it still left her reeling with confusion.
“That's not at all what I thought you were going to say.”
“It must be the first one, that would explain an incredible amount. Oh goodness...” Rarity hugged Twilight close to her chest. “Oh, that explains- oh Twilight...”
“Yeah... what does this explain?”
Rarity merely nodded, and as Twilight felt wet in dots on her scalp, she realized that Rarity was crying yet again. It was amazing how many tears she had inside of her, really.
“Your insecurities about things that come normally to girls, mainly,” she whispered. “About changing clothes around us, or us changing clothes around you, why you were so isolated at the beach house, your reaction to the photographs debacle, things Rainbow said about your relationship... Twilight, I have several transgender clients. I have lived with a transgender person for years. I, more than any one of us, should have been the first- oh Creator, I am the first... Twilight. I have no qualms with sharing a bed with you in any way, shape, or form, so long as you are comfortable as well. No matter what body parts you have, had, or will have in the future.”
Twilight held Rarity back. “Thank you...”
Rarity bit her lip. “Forgive me for prying, but you mentioned you told Spitfire. Does that mean...?”
Twilight sighed. “Shit.”
“I won't tell anyone if you won't.”
Twilight nodded. “But yeah, she is. Rainbow sent her to talk to me because... well, Rainbow knew already, apparently.”
“Aaahhh... well, she did find you collapsed on the ground in a pool of blood wearing only a bathrobe.”
Twilight blinked. “Ooohhh... shit, I never thought of that.” She leaned back and screwed her eyes shut. “Fuuuck, that explains why she treats me different.”
“She treats you different?”
Twilight shrugged. “Before that day she was, you know, rough and teasing like she is with Applejack and Pinkie and Sunset, and ever since then she treats me the way she treats you and Fluttershy. I thought it was because she thought I was, I don't know, weaker or something because I cut so bad. Now I know it's because- well, I guess now I’m a third of the way through you girls.
“Ah yes, that reminds me. If you plan to tell the others, I’ll be there with you if you want me to.”
Twilight leaned back in and rested her head against Rarity’s collarbones. “I would really like that, actually... I should tell Rainbow to her face anyway, out of courtesy. She’d appreciate that. And, well, I’ve come out twice today. Sorry to steal your spotlight like that.”
This time it was Rarity’s turn to snort. “Apology accepted, dear. Now come on, we’ve both had a taxing day. Let's go to bed.”
Twilight nodded. “Yeah, let's... did you pack pajamas or do you want to borrow some of mine?”
“I have some,” Rarity answered, rising and leaving the bed. She strode over to her luggage bag and grabbed one, before turning and placing it at the foot of Twilight’s bed. “I believe it's in this one... yes, here.” She pulled out two pieces of fabric before looking back up. “Would you be more comfortable if I changed in the bathroom?”
Twilight bit her lip, crossed her legs, and looked to the side. “Uuuhhh... heh. Would you be?”
Rarity shrugged. “I don't care either way.”
Twilight rubbed the back of her neck. “I mean... you get dressed wherever you want. I don't mind at all.”
Rarity rolled her eyes and chuckled. “You’ve changed so much in such a short time. Just a few short months ago you almost had a panic attack when you saw me in a tank top.”
“Eh, anxiety attack. The panic attack was when I thought the other me was gonna kill me with magic. But yeah, I guess going schizo, almost dying, going into a coma, getting therapy, and coming out to your friends change a few things.”
“Point taken,” Rarity said, unbuttoning her blouse. “But it's nice to see you’re much more comfortable with things like this than you used to be.” She pulled the top off, nearly folding it and placing it back into the bag.
Twilight politely refrained from staring at Rarity’s black silk bra for the few seconds it was exposed before it was covered by a powder blue tank top. Surprisingly, it was much less of a big deal than it would have been earlier in the summer. The progression of time distracted her as Rarity took off her skirt and replaced it with forest green plaid flannel pajama pants.
Twilight raised an eyebrow at the fashion choice.
“This was just the first one I grabbed,” Rarity, confessed, slipping off the bra from underneath the tank. “Matching my clothes wasn't exactly high on my priority list at the time.”
“I know, I know, I just didn't think you owned any flannel anything, let alone plaid.”
“Ah... Applejack gifted me some when she heard through a grapevine named Sweetie Belle and Applebloom that the only pajama bottoms I had were short shorts.”
Twilight jokingly snapped her finger. “Darn it, to think I could have seen you in booty shorts tonight.”
Rarity responded with a lewd hand gesture and an innocent smile. “You really are more and more like Rainbow Dash every single day.”
Twilight smiled as she ambled her way over to her own dresser, pulling out a white tank top before returning to the bed. “Being jokingly flirtatious is a lot of fun... I understand why she does it all the time. Although I'm not sure how much of her is joking.”
“True,” Rarity ceded, taking her bag back to the pile. She turned around to a scene she never thought she'd see before. “Twilight, were you not wearing a bra at all today?”
Twilight, who had taken off her pants to reveal her omnipresent pair of white-striped black gym shorts, and her shirt to reveal nothing but lavender skin, simply tossed her old shirt across the room to the laundry hamper. “I didn't think I’d be doing anything besides hang out with Applejack and Pinkie today, so no.”
“You really are just Rainbow Dash two point oh!”
Twilight chuckled at this as she pulled her top on. “Yeah, probably. You mind hitting the light while you're over there?”
Rarity did so, and the room was bathed in darkness.
“How will I make it back?”
Two loud clapping noises filled the darkness, and pale lamplight flooded the room.
“Oh.”
Author's Note
I do plan to write a fic about Twilight and Rarity as roommates taking off from this point (seeing as the next chapter is less canon and more subversively amusing, at least I hope). Like Copper Sulfate In Flame is technically a direct sequel but it's not the canonical cap to the series, it's just an excuse to write a threesome between Twilight Rarity and Sunset. The actual canonical continuation of the chronology after this point will remain the same tone.
