Between Shows: Letters from the Road

by Natedogg2006

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Trixie, Comedy, Sex, Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 14175

Long distance relationship can be hard on even well established relationships. Watch two ponies grow closer despite being worlds apart.

When Twilight and Trixie started a relationship they knew there would be challenges if it was going to work. Luckily they at least have magic, so the unlikely couple can keep in touch while the traveling performer roaming Equestria. Invade their privacy and read their mail as we see how they kept in touch over the course of their relationship.
Meant as an addition to my previous work Show Business starting right after chapter 5, so it might not make sense with out the context. Going to run along side of the original story, though I'm not sure how consistent it's going to be. Timeline might end up jumping around if I get different ideas, so I'll probably make sure to indicate where the letters take place as more chapters are added.
As always let me know what you think. This is just going to be a little side project so it might be influences heavily by suggestions.
Will get the teen rating since it will probably be referencing things that happen in the original story.

Published 2018-12-25 17:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2022-08-12 15:03:39 UTC

Long Distance Pillow Talk

Set right after chapter nine of Show Business, following the spellbinding Manehatten tour of The Great And Powerful Trixie and her lovely assistant Moonlight Gleam.

*****

TWILIGHT
OHMYGOSHYOUARESOAMAZINGTHISISTHECOOLESTTHINGANYPONYHASEVERDONEFORMEOHMYGOSHILOVEYOUSOMUCH

Ok, I had to get that off my chest first.

This is so amazing Twilight. Right now I am literally face down on this squishy and perfect bedroll writing this while my back hooves are tapping excitedly on the bottom of my cart. I shouldn't even be able to write laying down in here.

This is.... I don't even think you can know how big of a deal this is. I'll try to explain, but my brain is still in a happy daze. I was getting really sick of this cart. Not that it's necessarily a bad cart, it just was not going to be what I was going to rebuild my career in. Not if I was going to have to sleep on props to expand my show. I think I might have told you that my old cart was probably the closest thing to a home I've ever had. This cart was never going to be that, until now. I can even feel your magic. It's a nice feeling, makes it just that little bit more comfortable, like you're here with me.

Thinking about it actually, that makes me think of something fun. According to my new schedule I do believe I have an extra special show coming up in a couple weeks. I think it'd be real fun to bring a certain very pretty unicorn back here. I think this place needs a proper christening.

Can't wait to get my hooves on you,
Beatrix
:heart::heart::heart::heart::heart::heart::heart::heart::heart::heart:

Beatrix sent off her letter and let out a content sigh, and then proceeded to continue to roll around her bed like an excited filly. She then heard a poof. Looking up curiously, she let out a squeal as she noticed another scroll sitting below her special candle.

Beatrix

That reaction made me roll around in my bed like an excited filly, so much so I fell off. I made it back to Ponyville and got Spike to leave me the room for the night, yet I fell so hard he tried to come check on me. Picturing you sprawled out and tapping your hooves excitedly while writing me... Oh I'm not sure I can wait to let you get your hooves on me.

Have I ever told you how adorable I think you are. You may hide it better then me, but you can be kind of a dork too. And that's kind of sexy. Although I have to wonder; you have certain dork like tendencies while we're... alone together as well. Are you sure such a small cart with such thin walls will provide the necessary privacy for what your thinking of. After all, we didn't get nearly as much alone time as we thought we would this time around. I'm still looking forward to making up for all the time together we've missed.

I think I'm getting better at flirting. You are probably the best bad influence ever.

Blushing as I'm sending this,
Twilight

Beatrix couldn't help but lick her lips as she got another scroll and her special candle back down onto the floor with her.

Twilight

I am making you kind of naughty aren't I. And I'm not too worried about noise. I've got a sexy marefriend with a big sexy brain, I'm sure she can figure something out.

It's kind of funny though too, because honestly I'm in more of a romantic mood at the moment. Right now I'm laying on my side with the scroll I'm writing on held in my magic. This might sound cheesy, but it almost makes me feel like you're laying here with me. Like we're just here talking, in the dim candle light, our noses nearly touching. If I had some liquor it'd almost be like our first night together, at least before you discovered the cognac and ended up seducing me.

Although, cognac or not, if you did want to get a little more naughty, that's not off the table.

Waggling eyebrows and waiting for your reply,
Beatrix, (and maybe a little bit of Trixie)

Beatrix (?)

So now you're trying to corrupt me further by making me the one to initiate, (and possibly by trying to get some sort of role-playing threesome going (how would that work exactly?))

And you are doing so while also asserting that I'm the one who did the seducing when I was just an innocent bookworm before I met you. Well then, I just have one thing to say to you: You should check your special storage cabinet.

Waiting:heart:
Twilight

Beatrix was very puzzled. Rolling off her bedroll, (an experience she rather enjoyed) she proceeded over to her special cabinet. She took the few things she kept in the front space out then worked the hidden mechanism. When the panel came off it revealed something she knew wasn't there the last time she'd closed it up. A curvy bottle sat inside, the amber liquid within glistening in the dim candle light.

A note was pinned to the wax sealed cap.

I bought two bottles. Come back to bed.

***

Beatrix Lulamoon did not feel like she was going to make much progress hauling her cart on this day. Her head hurt. Even though she'd woken up late she'd still barely slept. She was also going to have to make an extra stop to replenish her water supply after what she'd done to it when she did wake up.

And yet she smiled.

***

"Thanks for taking the couch last night Spike." Twilight's voice was muffled as her face was pressed against the kitchen table and didn't seem like it was going to be moving anytime soon. Spike placed another glass of water as well as a meager but well rounded plate of food before her. "And thank you for taking care of me. I'm still not so good at this part of drinking."

Spike looked away for a brief moment. When he looked back it seemed like she hadn't moved, yet the glass of water was now empty. This was not the first time it had happened. "You sure you're alright, Twilight?"

Twilight allowed her head to flop to the side. Spike finally saw the smile on her face. "I'm great Spike."

A Little Randomness

Set in the previously unexplored extended time period following The Great And Powerful Trixie's ground breaking Manehatten tour with her lovely assistant Moonlight Gleam. And now, for some mail based shenanigans.
***

Beatrix
How are you doing? I know we only just saw each other a couple weeks ago, but I realized something a little... off-putting, on my way home from a meeting with Princess Celestia the other day. It took nearly a three hour train ride to get back to Ponyville just from there, and suddenly sitting though that trip I realized the ride from Manehattan is twice as far as that. I guess when I was making that trip after we parted I just thought the ride back from there felt long because I was so anxious I wouldn't get back in time to make my surprise work. Now that I realize how long that distance is it's suddenly amazing and, more then a little troubling to me that you make trips like that by yourself, on hoof, and while pulling a cart all the whole way. And now I feel both worried and guilty that I can't be there, taking at least some of the burden off of you.
I'm sorry if this is weird, or if I'm suddenly sounding like a clingy, obsessed marefriend. But, well... You know I love you, and it really makes me worry that much more now. I guess now that we've spent some more extended time together this relationship is just becoming so much more real to me. I want you to be safe and not have to work that hard just to get by.
Just want to know you're ok.
Love,
Twilight

Twilight
If you really want to make my life easier, then you can do that in one simple way. Just keep writing and sending me letters like that one.
It's hard for me to put into words, so the way I'm going to say this is probably going to sound horrible. But... The fact that you're worried kind of makes me happy.
Yeah, that does sound horrible. Let me try again.
I've never had anypony worry about me. Even the few ponies who realize I actually do exist outside of my performances probably don't give much of a thought about me once I'm gone. You could probably explain it better then I could honestly, but travelers aren't really directly a part of anyponies lives in particular. I guess it makes us hard to classify in other ponies heads, so they don't. I've walked Equestria for years and no pony who doesn't already know what that lifestyle is like has ever wondered if it's hard on me. No pony until you.
And for the record, it is a little hard, but I'm use to it. I can manage the miles, and I know how to keep myself safe. Equestria is a pretty safe place after all, as long as you stay clear of places with weird magical stuff. Like forests with endless supplies of cart destroying monsters right next to nice little towns that seem perfect for making a quick pile of bits.
The worst part, I think I've already mentioned, has always been how lonely each trip gets after a while, and how it builds up over time. But now I have you, and a letter to look forward to almost every night. It honestly makes the miles just fly by like my cart weighs nothing.
So don't worry about me. I have you, so I'm happier then I've ever been. I worry about you, you're the one who's stuck with me and now have to keep me constantly entertainer. So do your marefriend duties and regale me with tales of what it's like being a normal pony.
Love,
Beatrix

Harhar, you're so clever Beatrix.
And just so you know, the concept of normal is very relative. You are currently asking a multiple time savior of Equestria to tell you all the normal things about living in a town full of crazy ponies that's constantly under siege by some kind of weird magic threat, cart destroying monster, or ancient evil force. Just about every week it seems like. We always seem to get by, but it gets really weird sometimes. So get ready to hear about that every now and then.
However there was one "normal pony" thing that did happen recently that I think you'll be interested in. It turns out that Rarity actually was totally willing to hold off on gossiping. She decided she was going to wait to say anything about us and our relationship to anypony until we were ready.
.....

Rainbow Dash was the one who blabbed. And she blabbed to Pinkie. And didn't tell Pinkie not to tell anypony else. And Pinkie does not have an off switch that we've been able to find despite exhaustive attempts. Literally the whole town knew at least something about what happened in both Manehattan and Canterlot, before I even managed to get back into town apparently.
Luckily I think there is a plus side here that I didn't see coming. I don't think that anypony really remembers much about the last time you were here, you know, other then a giant semi-ethereal bear stomping through town and smashing stuff up. They weren't quite as use to that sort of thing back then, so it's what dominates their memories of the whole incident. And besides that, apparently most ponies are too shocked that I actually have a special somepony to care who it is. Paradoxically, I found out about a lot of ponies who made a lot of bits off of finding out I'm gay. I've basically been getting sly glances and barely disguised attempts to figure out if I'm still a virgin basically since I stepped off the train.
Therefore I think if you make it out here again anytime soon the only thing you might have to worry about is maybe Applejack. I can't really say how I think that will turn out, but I think it might have to happen eventually.
Gotta go for the night though. I have a report to send off in the morning and I still have two more proof readings to do.
Be safe. Love you.
Twilight

Twilight wait.
Which one was Applejack? Was that one of the other ponies from the show? Oh sweet Luna, that wasn't that earth pony I figured I had to tie up because I was absolutely sure she could rip me in half if she got the chance, was it?
Seriously, I don't mess with earth ponies. Is she still mad? Rarity and Rainbow Dash were still mad. I was totally sure Rainbow was gonna break my jaw back in Manehattan. Would Applejack actually go that far? Should I be worried?

Twilight????

Twilight????!!!!!

Beatrix I told you I was gonna be busy the rest of last night.
I'm sorry I couldn't reply until now but you didn't have to freak out that bad.
I can't really say what Applejack might do, she hasn't really said much about it since finding out. I can say she can sometimes be prideful to a fault, but she's also usually vary reasonable. So take from that what you can. If it makes you feel better I can talk to her for you if you want.
Honestly, I didn't think the part about Applejack would be what you'd focus on from that story.
Sorry if I freaked you out.

Sorry I freaked out so bad.
But honestly that was the only part of the story that really caught me off guard. I've been doing this for a long time and I know that thankfully a bad show is forgotten pretty quickly. I've literally gotten rave reviews from places I was booed out of just months before. Rolling with the ups and downs of show business is fairly natural for me.
Having a marefriend with potentially over protective friends who absolutely will remember my lowest point and might take it as a reason to take away the greatest thing that ever happened to me, that's totally new for me. And it's honestly the scariest thing I've ever experienced.
Sorry if I'm sounding like the clingy marefriend now, but even though we've promised to stay together it's still different for me to have something I'm scared to lose. I'll put it this way: I've seen other showponies willingly take beatings for the sake of being able to keep performing in certain places. That's something I have never even considered doing simply because I've literally never been attached to anything strongly enough to go to that extreme. But I'm at the point now that if this Applejack still wants some kind of revenge on me... I guess I gotta let her have it.

No pony is getting hurt for my sake, least of all you. If there are any hard feelings from her then the two of you can will work it out peacefully. You're actually pretty good at that if I recall correctly.
Then once that's all taken care of I'm going to show you off all over town. I want everypony to know I actually can get a marefriend and that she's drop dead gorgeous. Also I need to introduce you to ponies because Pinkie is already planning a party for us and inviting basically everypony in town despite not having a set date. Don't ask, it's just what she does. But her parties are usually really fun, so we endure it. And just to make things easier on you/her/MEEEEEEE, I already told her your birthday and the day we made our relationship official, so I'm sure you can expect parties in your/our honor on those days for the foreseeable future.

I've...
I've never really had a party before.
They did birthdays back at the orphanage, but the mare who ran the place could only afford one big party a month, so I shared it with three other ponies. And my mentor brought me dinner a few times on the actual day, but he never called it a birthday party.
.....

How does changing just the one thing in my life change so much?

Well if you're really interested, I was thinking about something. In another few weeks you were going to be passing close to Ponyville for a show I was going to be doing with you. I was thinking... That it might actually be nice to be a proper team and for me to go on the road with you. At least for a while. And... maybe in the process you could stop here in Ponyville for a couple days and meet my friends.
I know traveling can be hard if you don't know what you're doing, but the same can be said of attending a Pinkie Pie party. So we can be there for each other and learn about the different parts of each others lives we normally don't get to see.
I mean, if you think you're ready for something like that anyway. It just sounded like fun to me. We can totally do it if you think it sounds fun to you too.

That sounds like a lot of fun actually. But I'm afraid we're going to have to work out the details for it tomorrow or some other time as I am currently in the middle of some ugly crying right now and need to sleep it off.
Love you so much
Beatrix
P.S.
It's good ugly crying.

***

Twilight No! For the last time. WE! ARE! NOT! DOING! THAT! TRICK!!!!!

But why not? It really don't think it looks all that complicated. It seems like all it takes is really good timing. I totally think we could pull it off. I've been reading a bunch of these stage magic books and honestly I think we've done more dangerous tricks then this already.

The answer is still no! And I told you already to stop reading those books. Only failed hacks do things like write books that reveal all their secrets. The only secrets that get revealed are the secrets that weren't worth keeping. I can guarantee you that none of the ponies that wrote those books ever came close to even being good enough to open for any magician even half as good as The Great Hoofini. And even he said that particular trick almost killed him.

But that doesn't quite add up though. You said that the better the magician, the more closely they guard their secrets. Why would Hoofini even reveal that much about the trick if he was the greatest ever?

The great Hoofini absolutely was the greatest ever, and he had two very good reasons for revealing what he did. One: It made him all the more legendary when everypony found out just how dangerous the trick really was. And two: He only revealed that two years later, after seven other ponies had died trying to copy him. Fans and promoters came together to ask him to try to keep ponies from trying it themselves, that was all he could do.

..... Oh. So the trick really is dangerous. I hadn't read anything about anypony dieing from it in any of the books I've been going through though.

I've told you a lot of little industry secrets, probably a lot more then I've ever told anypony. But some secrets are dark secrets, and they stay secrets for good reason.

Honestly, I'm just not a strong enough magic user to be willing to risk something like that. The Great Hoofini was a solo act, so him going into the manticore in his act made sense. But a magic acts dynamic changes a lot with the addition of an assistant. With the two of us it would make more sense if you were the one going in, and I just wouldn't trust my magic enough to save you if something went wrong. Manticores are notorious for not really behaving after all. The only way I could ever see this happening is if, and that is a big if, we figured out some scenario where it makes sense for me to be going in and you to save me. I trust your skills with pure magic much more then my own at this point.

No way! Not if at least seven ponies have died trying this trick before. I may be good at magic but there's no way I'd put you at risk like that. There is no way I'd let you go into the manticore!

Well there's no way I'd let you go into the manticore either!

Twilight. Is this what love is suppose to feel like? Because I feel like this is nowhere near what love is suppose to be. But at the same time I feel like this is exactly what love is suppose to feel like.

Considering that Spike is currently looking at me funny because I am both crying and, in his words, smiling like a dork, I think we're probably doing everything right and everything wrong. So that puts us somewhere in the middle, which is probably ok.

Beatrix. You're going to be up near Flankstaff at the end of the week for a show right?

Yeah, a small town just a little east of there. Why?

Because I was just overcome with an incredible urge to see you that I don't think is going to wait until Balitmare.

That might not work though. There aren't any good hotels in that area. If you came out here it would be the two of us in just the space in my cart.

Considering that all I want to do when I get there is latch onto you and not let go for as long as possible, I think that would be plenty.
See you soon.

***

Twilight. This town is soooooooooooo hot.
Please don't think I'm being ungrateful. Being the first entertainer in a newly founded town is a potential gold mine. If they like my show I might have a steady income for years to come. So I want you to know that I really do appreciate you telling me about this place.
But it's soooooooooooo hot here. You didn't tell me it was literally in the desert. The middle of nowhere I can handle, but deserts are soooooooooooo hot. And soooooooooooo dry. And soooooooooooo dusty. And I can only use a cooling spell in my cart for so long but it wears me out.

I'm sorry Twilight, it seems like all I've been doing lately is complaining about things when I write to you. I'm really actually doing ok, and it seems like there's some real excitement for my show tomorrow. I really shouldn't spend so much of what contact we get with each other being so negative. How are things going for you?

Everything is fine sweetie. This is kinda funny actually. I have a feeling you don't even realize that what you're doing is called venting. It's one of those things you do when you have other ponies in your life who care about you enough to hear your problems. If you need somepony to vent to about how hot Appleloosa is then I'm happy to do it. I still have to listen to Rarity complaining about her ride back from Dodge Junction at least once a week.
Btw, things are going great for me. Maybe just missing my marefriend a little bit.

Twilight

Did you just call me "sweetie"?

uuuuuummmm.

Yeah... I think I did. Sorry if that was weird.

Sorry. It's just that, well, every time I've been thinking about you lately it's just been the word that jumps into my head.
I've been missing... My sweetie.

please don't break up with me for being such an awkward dork please please please

.....

On one condition.

literally absolutely anything

.....

I get to call you my honey and you don't tell anypony ever under any circumstances.
Ever!

That just might be the easiest deal I've ever made. And yes, deal. Sweetie.

Then we're just going to have to kiss on it to make the deal official the next time we see each other. I'm looking forward to it. Honey.

I've never sealed a deal like that before Sweetie. I hope you don't mind, but I think it'll take us a lot of tries to do it right.

Oh my goodness you are becoming such a wonderfully terrible flirt. Gods, I wish you didn't have that report you had to do for the Princess due so soon. I really want a taste of honey right about now.

.....
You parked your cart right next to the train station?

What?????

I kind of actually asked Princess Celestia for an extension on that report already.
If you listen carefully I think you should hear the sound of the last train of the night pulling in.
Did you really think I wasn't going to be there for you at such a big show?
So I guess it's kind of a shame you already think it's too hot here, that might put a damper on what I had planned for the rest of the night.

Beatrix? Sweetie?

Oh come on, I thought that last one was good.

Bea-----~~~~√\____

***

Author's Note

Sorry for my extended absence from writing. I honestly didn't mean to be gone that long. If you'd like a more complete explanation as to why you can find it on my main wall.
Besides that, I did end up having some time getting back in the groove of things, so it took a lot of editing before I was happy with this chapter. Writing in what is essentially nothing but dialog can be difficult. Hopefully this will have been worth the wait, though for how long the wait was I don't think so. Let me know what you think, or just congratulate me on not being dead.

You don't understand!

***

Important note for this chapter of the story. The color of the dialog expresses the readers internal voice of the writer. Therfore, if dialog isn't colored, it hasn't been read by its intended recipient.
Although I'd like it to be known that I will not be indicating why it has not been read. Whether or not the letter was actually sent, or what state the letter was left in if it was received; all of that I'll leave up to you're imagination.
Enjoy

***

Set some time after The Great And Powerful Trixie's great and powerful return to Las Pegasus, (Chapter twelve, or the third chapter of the Mentors arc). But also set after a couple of much less successful shows she managed to pick up between Las Pegasus and her final show of her season in Canterlot.
***

Beatrix
I'm not sure what happened back there. I'm really sorry if I did something wrong, but at least tell me what it was I did. I know when I first asked you if it was OK if I told my family about you that you were a little hesitant. But I promise you it's not a big deal. They're excited to meet you. We don't even have to do the family dinner if that's too much for you.

I'm sorry I sprung the idea on you so suddenly, but honestly after what happened in Las Pegasus I thought it would be the right time.

Please, at least write back to let me know you're OK. We can talk about it when we see each other again in Canterlot. I think that would be the best way to handle this.

Love always,
Twilight

***

Of course you don't know what happened, how could you. You're perfect, everything you do is perfect, everything you have is perfect. All except me. I'm a mistake and everypony has always known it. Presto, my parents, .... , and you'll figure it out someday too. Whatever, just leave me alone.

***

Oh my goodness Beatrix, what happened? I've never seen you this mad, not even when...

It doesn't matter. I just know something is wrong. It hasn't even been a month since I saw you last and you seemed so happy then... Were you that frustrated about Presto? This isn't about what I said about him is it? I know your relationship with him is complicated, but it's not like I told you you have to think about him as your dad.

I'm probably bringing up things you don't want to talk about again. I'm sorry. I just want to know we're you're ok. If nothing else please just let me know you're ok.

Love always,
Twilight

***

You bet your feathering flanks you don't need to say anything about Presto. Don't talk to me about anything about family little miss perfect, I don't want to hear it. In fact I don't want to hear anything from you ever again. Don't come to Canterlot and don't come looking for me either.

***

I'm ok. I've been ok until now and I'm sure I will be once you're done with me too.

***

Please Beatrix
Remember what we promised. We said we wouldn't lose each other over something small. I know this ~~seems~~ is a lot bigger, but I still don't want this to be the thing that ~~breaks us up~~... nevermind. You told me to leave you alone, and I at least know you're safe. I'll respect your wishes. I'll wait for you, as long as I need to for you to be ready to talk about... whatever happened.
Love
Twilight

***

Beatrix I'm sorry.
I know I said I'd respect your decision and wait for you to write me, but you know I'm neurotic and can't stop dwelling on stuff and I'm freaking out more than a little bit and Spike is starting to wonder if everything is OK and I don't know what to tell him or my friends because I'm sure they'll be mad at you and I don't want them to be because I still want to believe that we'll get through this even though you haven't written in a week and I don't even know if your ok or not at this point

***

Oh my goodness I'm a mess. I sent that last letter without even thinking. Please don't be mad. I just, miss you. So so much. We normally don't see each other for long stretches of time anyway, but this is so much different. I'm sorry, I'll just go now. But I'm still waiting.
Love
Twilight

***

Sorry.
I'm just checking in to see if you'll at least write to let me know if you're ok. Please write me back.
Love
Twilight

***

Beatrix please

***

I miss you

***

I still love you

***

Twilight I'm

***

Tw

***

FINE<drip>
If you don't want to talk to me any more <drop> then I don't want to talk to you either. <dripdropdrip>

***

I'm sorry

***

I still love you

***

***

***

***

Beatrix <dripdropdrip>
Please.<dripdropdripdropdrip> You don't understand how hard it is writing this right now. <dripdrop> As much as it would break my heart, I don't even care if you never want to see me again. <dripdropdripdropdripdropdrip> I just need to know you're safe at least. I don't even know if you've gotten... all my letters, but whatever you think of me right now I need to at least know you're safe. If you don't respond I'm going to have to go look for you, and I don't care if you hate me for it after. I don't know if it's something I did or you did anymore, but no matter what I still... I still...

***

Pomf.

***

Twilight
If you even get this letter, let me just say first that I'm sorry. I know you have no reason to keep reading this but please at least finish.

***

Twilight pulled the letter away before the ink began to smear.

"She's OK. She's OK and she wants to talk."

The surrounding ponies had been watching as Twilight had gasped at the sound of a scroll materializing. The cautious expectation they'd had as she tried to write on rapidly dampening parchment changed as she lunged towards a candle she'd only recently had the courage to pull from a chest she'd been hiding it in the last few weeks.

Mixed sounds of relief could be heard from around Twilight's Canterlot bedroom. Despite her tears, her friends noticed the first genuine smile on her face that they'd seen in a while.

"That's good to hear darling," Rarity started, but was still concerned. "But are you sure things will still turn out alright between you two?"

Twilight shook her head, tears shaking free as she did. But the smile remained. "But she's OK."

Looks of apprehension eased amongst the assembled ponies. Applejack was the next to respond. "Well I guess there ain't much sense in us holding a grudge if you ain't plannin' on it." Twilight shook her head even more vigorously, some snot now flying with the action. "But she did make ya' cry, so we're still gonna have ta' have a few words with her ourselves."

Twilight nodded from where her head now rested. Fluttershy had moved in to give her support in the form of a hug. She had to restrain a cringe as she spoke as the unicorn unconsciously wiped various fluids off onto her shoulder. "It'll be OK Twilight?" She gently cooed as she rubbed her back with a wing. "What are you going to do? Do you need our help?"

Finally getting herself under control some, Twilight pulled away with another shake of her head. "I'll be fine, no matter what happens. I just..." She took a deep breath as her voice still quivered with relief. "I need to pull myself together enough to write her back. I'm sure she'll be expecting a reply."

Author's Note

It has been a really long time since I posted for this story and I am so sorry for that. I've done some major stories in the interim, so because this was just a little aside I think it just never seemed like it needed to be a priority. There will be some more of these I promise, I might even get around to giving it a proper ending at some point. I hope everyone is looking forward to it. The next few chapters will have a slightly different format that I have been having a lot of fun with. As always, let me know what you think, or tell me how mad you are that I haven't posted for this in so long.

Summer Wrap Up, Summer Wrap Up!

Set near the start of the very first off season to be taken by The Great and Powerful Trixie in the entirety of her great and powerful career.

***

"Beatrix! We're going to be late." Twilight trotted through the rooms of her library home. Her marefriend, Beatrix Lulamoon, had been staying with her for the last week and Twilight had quickly gotten used to the comfort of knowing she was there. It was therfore concerning to her that she couldn't seem to locate her in the limited space of the hollowed out tree.

"Come on Beatrix. Spike already went on ahead to get things started for me. We need to..." She stopped as she checked her room for the third time, this time noticing something she hadn't before. A letter, sitting below the candle the lovers used to send messages across Equestria to each other while The Great and Powerful Trixie was on tour. "What the..."

***

Twilight
This is so silly. I don't know why we need to go waste our time wrapping up the seasons. Every other town just uses magic. I firmly believe we should set the example. You just go do the whole town in like an hour and I'll wait for you here.
Love
Beatrix

***

Twilight was confused as she levitated over a slip of parchment and a quill.

***

Beatrix
Are you seriously writing me messages from your cart because you don't want to go help with summer wrap up?

Pomf.

***

NO!!!
That's silly. Why would I be hiding in my cart.

***

I didn't say you were hiding. But you do realize I can see the magic trail going out of the window and straight to your cart right?

***

***

So do you want to tell me why you're hiding?

Pomf.

***

No

Pomf.

***

Yes

Pomf.

***

No

***

***

Pomf.

You're outside aren't you?"

***

"Yes. And I sent word to Spike that I was going to be late. I'll just wait out here until you're ready."

Pomf.

***

You don't have to do that. They need you, you should go.

***

"You're more important. I've got a book, I can wait all day if you need."

Pomf.

***

You are such a pain.

***

"Love you too."

Pomf.

***

You know, when I came here to meet the rest of your friends, they were literally the only ones I was worried about.

***

"Why is that? Isn't The Great and Powerful Trixie supposed to get you attention at all costs. Wouldn't that mean you'd be worried about the rest of the town still being mad at you?"

Pomf.

***

No pony bothers remembering a bad show they saw. Even if I get their attention, I'm just some performer they saw one time. I've literally done a great show in a town where I bombed before. Like bombed hard. Like ponies throwing fruit hard. Then when I came back I had ponies praising me while casually telling me about 'the last show they had gone out to see' that they made sure to tell me again and again, 'was just terrible'. And it was literally my show. I've never cared what anypony in any random town thinks about me. Because they won't think it for very long.

***

"..... And so now you're just worried.... ponies will remember you?"

Pomf.

***

Twilight
You are literally about to introduce me to an entire town of ponies, as your marefriend.
I've never been anything to anypony before. Ever. Not an acquaintance, not a friend, not family. I'm just me.
Except maybe Presto.
And maybe Constance.

***

"It's ok if you're nervous sweety. I'm sure everypony will love you."

***

***

"And no matter what, I'll be there for you."

Twilight turned to see her marefriend standing in the now open door of her cart. She had a sheepish look and she seemed to not want to lift her gaze from her own hooves.

"Sorry I'm such a dork when it comes to actually making real connections to other ponies."

Twilight stepped forward to give her a gentle nuzzle. "You're not a dork. You're just a little weird. But guess what."

Beatrix smiled at what she knew was coming. "You like weird?" She confirmed with a small smile managing to break on her face.

"Well that too." Twilight affirmed with a quick kiss to her muzzle. "But it also means: That you'll fit in just fine in Ponyville."

Beatrix couldn't help it as a gale of laughter broke free from her. Her forelegs instinctively reached out to grab ahold of the other mare. They embraced tightly as Beatrix got herself under control before Twilight spoke again.

"So, are you ready to go meet these crazy ponies?"

"As long as I've got a resident crazy pony as a guide, I think I can manage."

Author's Note

Some people apparently wondered what Twilight's and Trixie's first year together might have been like. I originally had no real desire to write about that sort of thing, specifically because day to day life stuff is hard to make interesting and I'm not a good writer. But I did think there would be a few little growing pains that could be fun to explore. And this series was perfect to explore those little moments. There will be a few more of these, I hope you all enjoy. Let me know what you think, good or bad.

Happy Hearths Warming

Twilight rolled her eyes as she glanced around her library home. With a slight sigh of irritation she shouted across the space.

"I was right Spike. Could you fix me a couple hot chocolates?"

"Already done. They're in your enchanted mugs next to the door."

"Thanks, you're the best Spike." She said as she poked her head into the room her and her marefriend shared.

"And don't you forget it when gift time comes around," he shouted back snarkily.

Twilight just rolled her eyes again as she lit her horn to telekineticly grab her special candle and the small scroll underneath. She read as she walked.

***

I don't care what you say I'm not coming out this time Twilight. I don't know what I'm doing. I have no experience in this area. Everypony is going to think I hate them. I'd rather they just think I didn't want to come.

***

Twilight paused in her reading to also take up two large mugs of hot chocolate in her magic. She decided to take a taste of one as she did.

"This cocoa is great Spike, I think this will be a record." She shouted this as she nudged the door open and preceded out into the wintery exterior of her home. She noticed fresh hoof prints in the snow leading to the cart parked next to the tree.

***

And don't think for a second I'm over reacting. I'm staying right here and that's final.

Love
Beatrix

***

"Sweety, Spike made hot chocolate."

Pomf.

A blue fire sparked from the candle in Twilight's magic. A scroll materialized from the flame to be taken up with the rest of what the mare was carrying.

***

Go away, I'm not coming out.

***

"I didn't say you had to. I just thought it might be cold in there. You're really good at it, but even you can't keep a heating enchantment going forever."

With another flourish of magic Twilight cleared the area in front of the cart from whatever extra snow had accumulated. She set one of the cups down next to the door in convenient grabbing range. Twilight looked away for only a second before she heard a click, a squeak, a slam, and another click.

As she turned back she could only giggle at the sudden disappearance of the other mug. She made herself comfortable as she waited. Before long there was a familiar 'pomf' from the candle.

***

This is really good.

***

"I think he decided to grind the nutmeg fresh this time around."

Pomf.

***

I think you're right. Fresh makes it taste better.

***

"He's getting really close to making the perfect hot cocoa. Are you going to need another cup?"

Pomf.

***

No, this is fine. Thank you though.

***

If she didn't want more distraction, than Twilight reasoned it was probably OK to ask.

"So what's wrong? Does this have to do with the Hearths Warming party Pinkie invited us all to?"

Twilight found it amusing that she could tell the difference between the types of silence coming from the door of a show ponies cart. This was a good silence, one she knew meant the next message she was going to get would be longer.

***

I'm starting to sound like a broken record at this point aren't I?

I'm just freaking out about actually interacting with ponies. Again. I've never celebrated Hearths Warming before. Presto always taught me that the holiday season was way too lucrative of a time of year to waste on celebrating. We spent the whole time... procuring hot holiday gifts and reselling them at crazy rates to desperate ponies. With a background like that, what would I know about holiday traditions and stuff?

***

"I don't know about that. It's not exactly conventional but that sounds like a tradition to me."

Pomf.

***

It had nothing to do with the holidays or traditions. It was all business.
Seriously. After the holiday was over we'd cash out on whatever scam business we'd been running and buy up some off season magic stuff while it was cheap. Then we'd spend the gap between Hearts Warming and New Years practicing the new material.

***

The silence coming from the door of Beatrix's cart told Twilight that she didn't need to say anything. She'd figure it out soon. Even though her marefriend wouldn't see it, she felt the need to take a nice, deep, victory sip from her mug. She was then happy that her marefriend couldn't see her as she winced at the heat. The mugs enchantment did its job almost too well.

Pomf.

Now that I think about it.... I think he always decided to pick up the routines I'd been curious about trying. Unless they were actually trash. And he was the one who taught me to be able to tell.

***

The silence from the door told Twilight to wait some more. Good thing it was still really good cocoa.

Pomf.

We always ate really good then. He said it was because stores always overstocked because of the holiday and he knew how to get the really good deals.

He never did show me whatever trick he used.

***

Pomf.

Sweet Celestia .... was Presto a good d...

Dad?

***

"I don't know if I'd nominate him for father of the year, but that actually sounds really sweet. Even the questionable business activities aren't that bad."

The silence coming from the door told Twilight she needed another good push.

"So what did you get the girls for Hearths Warming?" She asked as she took the last sip of her cocoa. Still nice and warm, one of the best investments she'd ever made as they were perfect for dealing with her marefriend's freak outs.

Pomf.

***

I just found some simple little magic kits. Not anything that complicated, but they're pretty good for hobby stuff.
I can tell.

***

"I was gonna guess you were worried that the girls wouldn't like the gifts you got them. Are you still?"

Pomf.

***

I mean.... I only did it because I found some that I thought would match them pretty well.

***

"How so?"

Pomf.

***

The one for Applejack is a card trick. No matter what card she turns over it'll be the one she wants it to be. So no matter what, she's always telling the truth.

***

Twilight snorted a laugh at that. "Get your cute flanks out here. You don't have anything to worry about."

There was only a moments pause before she heard a telltale click come from the cart. Beatrix stood before Twilight, head only a little low in sheepishness and an empty mug floating next to her.

"Is Spike making more hot cocoa for the party?" She asked with a small smile.

"A whole pot. If you're ready we can get there early enough to help set up." Twilight stepped aside to let her marefriend by. She took the invitation.

Beatrix couldn't help but smile teasingly. "You're such a goody fourshoes, you know that right."

Twilight smiled right back at her. "And you're somehow more socially awkward than even me."

Beatrix laughed as she joined Twilight in heading back inside the tree house to prepare. "When did we find so many weird ways of saying I love you?"

A warm smile came to Twilight's face as they passed through the door. "Well, here's one more." Her horn lit, and from a hall closet a small box wrapped in brightly colored paper and ribbon floated out. "Happy Hearths Warming."

Beatrix's cheeks reddened at the gesture. "It... it's ok Twilight. I told you I could wait for the party. It's not like it's really that big a deal."

Twilight set the present on the floor in front of her. "I decided to make it one. The orphanage didn't have the funding to give you all presents for Hearths Warming when you were young, so this will literally be your first official Hearths Warming gift."

"Twilight, honey, if you make a big deal out of every little thing I've never done you'll never..." She froze up as she read the tag attached to the gift.

Twilight noticed the strained breaths coming from the mare she loved as she scooted in next to her to press against her side. "It's not from me. I thought there was someone else who should be the one to give you your first gift. I know you said I'd never track him down on my own, but I managed." She began to nuzzle the mares cheek comfortingly. "I did have to swallow my pride a little to get him to realize just how special this would be to you. You really did get your stubbornness from him." Twilight paused to wipe a happy tear from the other mares cheek. "I think it was worth it though."

Beatrix's body shook as tears ran down her face, but she was smiling through it all. "H... Happy Hearths Warming."

"I love you too."

They embraced, but the show mare's gaze couldn't help but drift down to the tag on the gift. She recognized the wing writing of the stallion that raised her. But in the spot indicating who the gift was 'from' was not the signature of any name she'd ever known him by.

Author's Note

Happy Hearths Warming everyone. I forgot how much I loved writing for my version of Trixie. The idea of doing a Christmas episode for her is what finally got me to continue this series. Have a great whatever your celebrating and feel free to leave me a gift in the comments below.

Happy Birthday

Twilight let out a sigh. "Really Sweety. Of all the things I didn't think I had to worry about a freak out with."

She was saying it to herself as she picked up a scroll from below her special candle in her and her marefriends room. She started making her way outside.

***

I know I'm being weird. Please just tell the girls that I don't mean to be rude but I just don't think I can do this right now. I mean, it doesn't have to be on this day right? That's how we did it at the orphanage, just one per month for everyone who had it that month. And not on the actual day for anyone, so it's fair. I've always been ok with that.

***

"Sweety, it's your special day. The girls just wanted to do something nice for you since you've never.... You're not in your cart."

Twilight stared in disbelief at the open door of her marefriends cart. A mild feeling of panic rushed over her as she returned to reading her letter.

***

I just need more time to process this. I promise I'm ok so don't worry. And don't look for me either.

***

Twilight was back in her library home as quickly as her hooves would carry her. Down a hall and up some stairs and she was sliding to a hault in front of the candle on her nightstand.

***

Beatrix
Don't you dare tell me not to worry about you. If you're worried about your birthday party that's one thing but don't make me wonder where you are you know i worry even if you're just on the road so at least tell me where you are otherwise I'm going to freak out and totally....

***

"Sweet Celestia. I can see your tail!" Twilight exclaimed as she flopped down on the bed, releasing the unease she'd been feeling. Looking over the edge she saw a familiar blue streaked tail swish under the new bed her marefriend had recently helped her pick out and buy.

Pomf.

Twilight groaned as she lit her horn to levitate her candle over with the new letter.

***

Can you see it now?

***

"No."

Pomf.

***

Than please don't look for me. I just need a little time to deal with this.

***

"Why weren't you in your cart. It really scared me when I couldn't find you."

Pomf.

***

You always find me there.

***

"I like that I can always find you."

Pomf.

***

You've largely domesticated me. I'm not going to just disappear. I've done that enough in my life. I'm honestly worried I'll of gone soft by the time I get back on the road.

***

"So why did you hide under the bed this time?"
Pomf.

***

It just... felt safe.

***

Twilight felt a tear come to her eye, but managed to keep her voice from shaking as she continued. "Well, if you already feel safe, do you want to tell me why having a birthday is so scary for you? You're not nearly old enough to be lying about your age yet."

Pomf.

***

But I'm way too old to be turning one.

***

Twilight decided her reply needed to be captured in writing. She floated over some parchment.

***

?????? What ??????

***

Pomf.

Twilight was very satisfied when she heard a snort and bad attempts to suppress laughter.

"I've literally never had a birthday of my own. I figured that was obvious, you spoiled brat."

Twilight did her own terrible job suppressing her laughter.

***

No seriously. I was wondering why Pinkie was trying to find one big candle with twenty-seven wicks.

***

More snickering from under the bed made Twilight smile even more.

"You have really awesome friends, you know that right."

***

And eventually you'll realize they're your friends too. Probably around the same time you realize why you hid under ~~the~~ our bed this time.

***

Twilight looked at the letter she written for a minute. She decided it wasn't time for that yet. She tucked it away and started another.

***

Yes I do, and they're waiting for us now. I have it on good authority that this is going to be the 'most awesometastic first birthday ever. With blackjack, and hookers.'

***

Twilight felt a thud through the bed as her marefriend reacted to the letter. It sounded like she was literally rolling with laughter in the confined space. She readjusted herself as the commotion seemed to come to a rest on the side of the bed. Hanging her head over, she found herself almost nose to nose with the still snickering mare.

"Please don't tell me she decided to do a Las Pegasus theme because it's technically my home town."

Twilight leaned forward to plant a quick kiss on her nose. "Yeah, as I understand it that was the thinking."

"Ok," Beatrix said as she rolled over onto her hooves. "I am officially morbidly curious enough not to be overwhelmed."

Twilight smiled as she rolled off the bed. "Great, just don't let Pinkie know I told you the theme. She wanted it to be a surprise."

Her marefriend giggled mischievously at that making Twilight quirk an eyebrow. However the showmare then seemed to stop and consider. "You know," she started in a sultry tone. "She can't be upset at Twilight if Moonlight goes to the party instead."

Twilight was slightly taken aback by this. "Are you suggesting we go to the party in costume?"

"I am totally suggesting we go to the party in costume. After all, " She took up a pose that was clearly missing a cape to be complete. "The Great and Powerful Trixie needs to make sure she's not rusty when her next great and powerful tour begins!"

Giggling and dropping her voice into a now familiar slightly more dreamy, fangirly pitch, Twilight responded. "Oh Trixie, how can you possibly not always be the greatest?"

Beatrix giggled before pulling her marefriend into a big hug. "This is going to be so much fun."

Are we doing this right?

Set not long after the start of the relationship between Beatrix Lulamoon and Twilight Sparkle.
***

Hey Twilight

I'm not going to lie here, I'm not sure I have any idea what I'm doing. I usually only write letters for business, and even that's only like, a few a year. This letter is actually being written on my last scroll. The previous ones were abandoned when I thought the way I addressed them wasn't right. Almost did the same with this one. That 'hey' thing made me cringe the second I did it. But I've already made you wait five days while I tried to get past my hangups and I didn't want you to have to wait even longer until I could get to another town and get more scrolls. So here it is.

Wow. Looking over that first part you actually might be waiting until I hit the next town. Really hope you don't break up with me for being such a spaz in letter form. Especially since that's going to be so much of our relationship. If you do, at least promise me you'll do it face to face. At least then I have the possibility of seducing you or something like that, I'm much more suave up close after all. Not just that though, I kinda miss you and seeing you again sounds really nice even if it's for that.

I just agonized for ten minutes on whether I should scratch that last part out. I don't really have enough ink to effectively scratch that much out though, so I guess it stays and I wait and see if being clingy is actually something that turns you on. Wow, I really have a hard time being me when I have to think about it. In my head I keep wanting to act like Trixie. I think that would start to annoy you.

Getting off of that existential crisis, I'm not sure what else I can really write to you about. I don't do much on the road that would be worth mentioning. I spend all day pulling my cart, and now I spend my nights dreaming thinking about you. That time use to be spent thinking about new tricks for my show. Though I guess that's all for the better though, all the tricks I usually think up are way out of my league.

So I guess other then telling you how my smaller shows are going our letters are going to be pretty one sided. Maybe you could tell me about your friends. Might be nice to know some things about them so I can maybe figure out how to avoid getting killed by them if I meet them before you dump me, Ha ha.

Well I think I've embarrassed myself enough. I'm getting up early to try to make an extra stop at this little town I just heard about. I feel like I gotta get a few more shows in and small towns are good for putting on quick street performances, usually...
L Hope to hear from you soon
Trixie Beatrix

Hey Beatrix

Trust me when I say that I'm never going to fault you for being a spaz. The only reason I didn't end up writing you first was because the second I got home I started reading every book I could find on relationships and most of the early ones I read said that writing first would come off as desperate and that that would be bad. Then after a while I started noticing a trend that seemed to contradict that. Then I started making charts and realized that I'd read enough books about the subject that I had literally found a book to completely contradict every point every other book had made so far. So what I am saying with this fairly crazy sounding rambling statement, is that I don't have any idea what I'm doing either.

So how about this instead of wasting what interaction we do get together worrying about which one of us knows the least about having a healthy relationship. I'll just promise that you won't lose me over something petty. And that's a promise I know I can keep because I can tell I don't want to lose you over something petty like you being a spaz. I know this is true and you can trust me on it because.... that part about you missing me made my heart flutter. Like a lot. I miss you too. Waiting so long to see you is going to be hard. I don't know how I'm going to be able to focus at the convention when that comes around. I keep worrying my friends are going to notice me drifting off thinking about you. I think I've got a handle on that right now though. Although there is one little thing I have to mention to you.

I think I might actually have to tell one of my friends about us a little sooner then the rest. Like as soon as you write me back and hopefully say it's ok. I don't know if you remember the little dragon who was with me at your show in Ponyville. Well his name is Spike and he's not just my friend, he's my assistant. He's practically like my little brother and lives with me at the library. And I think he's suspicious about what I've been doing. Claiming I have a private research project is only going to keep him from noticing the sixty seven books about relationships piled up in the closet in my lab for so long. Not to mention, and please promise me you won't use this to tease me in the future,... I kind of... talk in my sleep sometimes. It usually only happens when I'm deep into a research project and I'm having a hard time thinking about anything else. And I'm dreaming thinking about you so much that I'm a little worried I'll spill it by accident if I don't tell him soon. If you're worried about somepony knowing this soon just know, I've literally known him most of my life and there's nopony I trust more.

As far as the rest of my friends are concerned though, I haven't told them anything about us yet. I'm not sure when would be the best time to do it. I do want them to know, but they did seem pretty upset with what you did after you left. None of them are really the type who would hold a grudge, but they did honestly feel wronged by what you did. I'm honestly not sure what would help you if when you meet them, though I can say that your life is not in jeopardy. I'm sure eventually everything will work out, it just might take a while. Promise you'll give it a chance when the time comes.

I just realized how long this letter is getting. This is why I usually dictate my letters to Spike, keeps me from rambling so much. Since I need to know your answer about Spike I guess I'll end here.
Missing you,
Twilight

Dear Twilight

Just so you know, this scroll is the first one I tried. I figured that intro was way too formal for writing my marefriend. But it seemed like I needed to get back to you quick so I went back to one of my abandoned scrolls. Sorry I didn't notice you had written back, I'm sure you wanted my response a little quicker. I usually don't make it back inside my cart until at least night fall.

Just so you know, I really don't think your gonna dump me for no reason. It's just weird for me to think about. I'm not use to having anypony stay in my life for very long. You're different though. I can try to do better about it, but I still might be a little self deprecating from time to time. It's how I deal with stuff. That, sarcasm, and teasing. You'll get use to it, or you'll do the smart thing and dump me. Ha.

So Spike then. I did infact notice him at the show, it's not every day you see a dragon just walking around. I figured he was some kind of pet until he started talking. Your assistant brother though, that's interesting. I don't know much about family, or trusting. That's definitely more your area of expertise, so if you think it's ok then go for it. If it goes ok I could write him a letter or something to let him know I'm not quite as bad as he thought. Though it would have to wait. I only have one more scroll and I think this is going to use up the last of my ink.

I'll hit my next town in two days. I'll basically have to perform as soon as I get there, but as soon as I can I'll get some more supplies and write you back. Hopefully things don't go too crazy for you until then.
Missing you more,
Beatrix

Dear Beatrix

I don't think it matters how we address each other. I think the only one that matters is that one you used near the beginning of your last letter that made my heart flutter again when I read it. I just got through telling the whole story to Spike, and being able to say out loud that I have a marefriend was wonderful. Now who's being the clingy spaz.

It took a while to get him to come around, but I think he's ok now and we don't have to worry about it. He understood the whole stage persona thing well enough, but like me he didn't understand why such an act was beneficial and not detrimental. It was cute how wide his eyes went when I pointed out how well he remembered the whole incident for specifically that reason. Thank you for providing me with that moment.

Now that we've handled the biggest concern of my last letter, I have a major one with your last letter. Beatrix, tell me the truth. Is everything ok, are you doing alright, do you have everything you need. If you can't afford ink and parchment that's one thing, but please tell me you at least have what you need to get by. I'd hate to think you were going hungry or something. If you give me an address where you'll be I could send you some bits, it's really not a big deal for me.

Sorry if this seems a little forceful, but when you were saying that you had to perform before you could get supplies it made me worry. I know we've only been dating a little while, but I do care for you, so I worry.

I think I'll keep this one short this time. Just write me back when you can. I'll trust you if you say your ok. Just let me know you're ok.
Write me soon,
Twilight

Hey Twilight

Please don't worry so much. If there's one thing a traveler knows how to do it's keeping themselves alive. I have enough provisions to last me at least an extra week then I need at any time. The supplies I needed were just scrolls and ink. I've never really had to keep much of that around. Speaking of which and looking at it right now I might need to get a few extra quills before I leave the next town. Think I've managed to keep this one around for a few years now. Might not survive if our letters start getting steamy once I get the chance to corrupt you more.

Here's a little tidbit my cute little marefriend should probably know if this is going to be a serious relationship, I'm actually more financially stable now then I've ever been. That bag of bits that kicked this whole thing off marked me finally getting back out of debt again. My cart, all my new equipment, all the favors I had to impose on ponies, all paid off in full the next time I'm in Las Pegasus. And thanks to you I'm doing even better then I thought I would be at this point, even if I have to start setting more aside each show for ink and scrolls. I guess the way I wrote it I guess it might have seemed like I was rushed and needed to put on a show, but I had other reasons for wanting to sneak in an extra show and for wanting to hurry.

First of all, new towns are gold mines. Being one of the first traveling performers to hit a new town is like hitting the lottery. Gives me a chance to try out new tricks too. Not that I can try out my fantasy ones like the piranha escape or something like that. But they are worth sneaking in between shows nonetheless.

Second of all, I was trying to make good enough time to make it to Manehatten a couple days early. I thought it might be nice to have a few extra days together in the big city with you. Surprise. Hopefully you'll have time, we never discussed when exactly that convention of yours is happening.

One more thing though. I've been stuck on this line for a while because I don't really know how to put this into words. I guess if I had to describe it, I'd say I'm feeling a little off and I don't know why. Usually when I'm just getting off of a really good show, and that was the best show I've ever had thanks to you, I feel really good and I make lots of progress. But this time around I feel like I've been dragging ever since I left Canterlot. Thus I wanted to try to get an extra show in to try to get back in the groove. I mean how am I gonna handle it when I get near the end of my trip. That's when I'm usually at my slowest, when the long days on the road are starting to get to me. Don't worry though, I'm still making good time. It just doesn't feel like it. Remembering that I get to see you at the end of this trip keeps the road passing under my hooves though.

How about this, so we can keep the rest of our letters more productive and not provoke each of our neuroses. Since I've agreed to at least try not to think you're gonna dump me at your earliest possible convenience, could you promise not to worry so much about somepony who has traveled since she was a filly. I kept myself alive for a long time when it didn't feel like I had any real reason to, now I have one.

And because I think that line gives me the win for being an awesome marefriend for a while, I think I'll close here. It's been a long day waiting to write to you. Try to think if there's anything you want to do when you get to Manehatten. The whole day is gonna be on me, or on you. Whatever position we end up in.
Killin' it and missing you,
Beatrix

Hey Beatrix

Yeah, you definitely are 'Killin' it'. Spike was wondering why I was blushing so much when I read your letter. Good thing he never saw me after your first one.

As far as your deal. I can try, but I care about you so some worrying is going to happen. Just means I might be a little... enthusiastic when I get to see you again. Be ready for a good time.

Sorry. I'm terrible at being flirty, even moreso in print form. I feel like that was really bad. Let me do something I am good at to try to make up for it, planning. I gotta hear about this piranha trick you mentioned. Need to know what my part is gonna be in it for your big show. Sounds like it's going to be fun. I finally worked through all the relationship books I could find, so I started looking into stage magic books. And I think this time we can get a little more creative with the costume too. No cakes or pies though.
Blushing with desire,
Twilight

Twilight

I honestly didn't think you'd want to perform with me again. Figured you'd had enough of the show mare lifestyle. I'll admit I really wanted you to though. And not just because you're good for business.

Not gonna lie though, that trick in particular is pretty dangerous. If your gonna do this with me then things are gonna get a little intense, and I'm not just talking about in bed afterwards.

First thing I'm going to tell you, stop reading books about stage magic. Real magicians don't tell their secrets. What your reading is for ponies who want to do party tricks. It'll only slow you down.

Ok. I'm going to have to end this letter here. Thinking about doing this with you has me way too charged up. It's gonna be way too hard to sleep tonight. If I can't, then expect the huge scroll I'm already working on in my head much sooner. It's a good thing you like learning, because I'm gonna have a fun time teaching you this stuff.
So turned on right now,
Beatrix

Beatrix

You are turned on by teaching. You are officially the best marefriend I could ever imagine. I can't wait to see your lesson plan.
Even moreso,
Twilight

Author's Note

If anyone read my author notes on the last chapter of show business you might have known this was coming since then. Big thank you to a user by the name of Azarak for inspiring me to finally do it.
I'm basically just doing this because I like doing that story so much that I didn't want to just leave that whole would behind. This is all that's going to be covered in the gap between Canterlot and Manehatten, but obviously it's not all they write to each other in that time. Hopefully that came across. I'm not sure right now if I'm going to cover every gap between their interactions or how reach is going to be handled. Playing it by ear for now.
As always, let me know what you think. All comments are welcome, good and bad. This is all filler and anyone who read the original story knows how it ends, so it might end up coming off as insubstantial as a result. But I hope you do enjoy.

Back to Business

Set not long after the yearly winter wrap up which marked the end of The Great and Powerful Trixie's very first off season. She now sets back out for a brand new tour with a brand new outlook on life.
***

"I'm glad you talked Pinkie out of that big farewell party she was planning." Beatrix said this while tucking the last few of her road provisions into the corner of her cart. "Honestly, this is already going to be so hard."

"I know sweety. You've been getting more nervous about this since winter wrap up. But don't worry about it, I'm sure the girls understand."

"I barely understand. It's so weird for me to be nervous to be going out on the road. I've been doing this since well before I was old enough to. Normally by the time I leave a place I've worn out my welcome and I can't wait to leave. I look forward to it even, and then I only start to notice how lonely I am after weeks on the road. Now all I can think about is the fact that I won't get to see you again for a month. Half way across Equestria from here."

Twilight was standing in front of the door to the cart, making sure the runes she'd carved in to stabilize various protective spells she'd cast over her marefriends mobile abode were correct. "I'll write you every day. If nothing else just to say goodnight and I love you. Because, you know, I love you. And I wouldn't want you to forget it." She looked over, flashing a cheesey smile.

Beatrix felt her hooves moving of their own accord. She came to nuzzle her marefriend deeply. "Oh honey, you're already making this so hard. How am I going to survive if I can't kiss you every day?"

Twilight nuzzled back even harder. "Like you haven't been trying to get more than enough extra to last you for the month."

"Yeah, but it's just never enough." She separated just enough to bring their lips together.

"No, it never is," Twilight responded as their lips parted. "But it's time to go. I don't need to be worrying about you traveling at night to make up lost time."

Slowly, the pair left the inside of the cart. Beatrix slid into the straps of her cart naturally enough, though she was sure she'd be sore for the first time in years come the next day. She let out a sigh. "I'm going to miss you. And Spike, and the girls, and the bed."

Twilight giggled at the words. "I'm gonna miss you too. Having you so close, and your cute little snore while you sleep. And not having to worry if you're safe."

"I love you."

"I love you more."

"I love you most."

"I love you mostest."

The two giggled, and their lips locked again. Only then did an old familiar shrill squeak begin to assault Twilight's ears. She felt her body slump more and more as the sound began to fade away.

Twilight stood, staring at the empty street that led away from her library and out of town for longer than she cared to admit. She wasn't sure when five other mares and a little baby dragon came to join her.

"How the two of ya' handle it?" Applejack asked after a time no one wanted to acknowledge."

Twilight let out a deep sigh. "That, was really hard. It feels like there's... something missing." Her hoof went unconsciously to her chest. She suddenly felt forelegs close in on her from all sides.

"Come on, let's go get ya' something ta' eat. We don't need ya' pacing all day wondering if it's too soon to send her a letter."

"Thanks girls. I really wish I could give her something like this. She's going to be all alone for so long."

"And that's why y'all gotta be strong for her. She'll be home soon enough, and you gotta let her know that it's here for her."

"I have no idea what I'm going to write her about tonight other than how much I miss her though."

Applejack just gave her a little laugh and a nudge. "If it's for her, I'm sure you'll come up with something to put her at ease."

***
Later that night
***

Beatrix
I know this is my first letter with you back on the road and you might be expecting something significant out of it, but I actually have to ask you something:
Do you have any idea where the heck my pillow went. Those were fairly new since we just bought the bed, but I can't find it anywhere.

***

I am currently snuggling it and honestly I'm surprised it took you this long to notice. I've been looking forward to this all day.

***

You stole my pillow? And you have zero shame about this?

***

None what so ever. After years of sleeping alone I have finally had the chance to sleep next to somepony consistently for an extended period of time. This experience taught me something, and that is that I'm a snuggler. This pillow smells like you so I'm keeping it until I see you again in Manehattan. At which point you will bring my pillow which you will be using until then. At which point I will be stealing that one when you aren't looking and replacing it with this one.

***

Exactly how long have you been planning this?

***

Since that one weekend you had to go to Canterlot and I had trouble sleeping without you there.

***

Twilight smiled as she looked over the latest message. While trying to decide how she was going to reply, another POMF from her candle caught her attention.

***

I'm being a little goofy so that you'll worry less, but I really do miss you. This is the hardest being on the road has ever been for me. But this is what I know, this is how I live.

***

Sweety. I know, but I think both of us are going to be ok. I'm laying here in bed, writing like you're right here with me. It almost feels natural. I am going to miss my spot curled into the crook of your neck though.

***

This warming spell you carved into my cart is really nice. It feels like your magic, like you're here with me. Even more than when it was just the extra space spell.

***

Twilight had to stop and think about that for a moment. She didn't know of any rune spell that would cause a warming affect. She briefly worried that she had loaded the space with too many protective enchantments and that it might be causing a magical buildup. However she had anticipated that and build failsafes into the array. So what could it be that was making her feel warm.

A thought came to her, one that made her blush and giggle. She decided to tuck that away for herself, for now.

***

I just know I'm going to sleep better than I ever do when I'm on the road. Speaking of which, you never did finish telling me about that new research you were doing for Celestia.

***

So now you're not even hiding the fact that you encourage me to talk science because it puts you to sleep.

***

That's not true at all honey. I just love the sound of your voice, and nothing gets you talking like magic or science.

***

You're argument is inherently flawed in this situation. Especially since I did finish telling you about my research the other night. I think you were out cold at the first mention of the different types of mineral structures I was theorizing that I could use to help stabilize magical storage devices. I thought it would be interesting to you too. I could use that to help protect your cart better while you're on the road. Just think of the possibilities.

***

Twilight waited a few minutes for a reply.

***

Beatrix?

***

She waited another minute. Only then did realization sink in, causing gleeful laughter to overtake her. She giggled as she rolled back and forth on their bed, clutching a pillow to herself.

"Oh my goodness. Even when you're so far away you're so adorable." Her outburst settled. As it did she found herself inhaling deeply. She still felt like something was missing, but it seemed much more manageable now. She buried her face into the pillow from the empty side of the bed, using it to muffle a sound that seemed like it wanted to be heard by all of Equestria. "I love you so much!!!"

Now rolling and sprawling on the bed, she felt a gentle contentment lulling her to sleep. Suddenly the time she'd have to wait to see her beloved again didn't seem that long. Her eyes fluttered closed as the thought made her smile.

Author's Note

Decided to drop this without ceremony, simply because I've been having a hard time finishing anything lately. I'm really trying to finish everything I have on my plate, so thank you if you've stuck around through all my stalling. Let me know what you think and have a great day.