Doubts

by Howzdozit

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Princess Luna, Drama, Trixie, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Starlight Glimmer, Romance
Length: 5968

Trixie has given herself one job; to protect Starlight Glimmer. Against who? Starlight Glimmer.

It's not unknown that Trixie is best friends with Starlight. However, when strange feeling start creeping up, Starlight feels lost. Not long after, she finds herself doubting her ability to be likable. It's certainly not helped when she gets reminded of one single thing. Worried, Trixie steps up to help, but she doesn't quie know what to do. Thankfully, a certain somepony can help her with that.

Takes place during season seven, before finale.

About one chapter a month, may change.

Published 2019-07-29 20:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-09-01 19:07:00 UTC

Bestest Of Friends

There was probably a thousand words to describe how Trixie felt that night. Usually, she wouldn’t even have to hesitate to choose one. Great. After all, that’s how she always felt after a magic show with her great and powerful assistant. However, this time, she couldn't put her hoof on it. Trixie was doing just fine during the entire thing, but it was when she caught a glimpse of her best friend’s eyes that things seemed different.

They had been going through with a show, as per usual. Starlight had just helped Trixie do a disappearing act, and things were going normally. Trixie then shouted, “The great, and powerful Trixie, would like to thank you all for coming! Trixie now presents, her great and powerful assistant,” she leaned into Starlight, and whispered, “And amazing friend,” she stopped whispering, “Starlight Glimmer!” Starlight stepped out onto the stage, smiling and waving. Trixie looked over at her, and saw a slight glint of sadness in her eyes.

Which was strange.

Starlight had always been one to be overjoyed when on stage. And that’s why Trixie was nervously pacing around Princess Twilight’s library. “Trixie just simply does not get it! What did she do to make her dear friend suffer? Oh…,” the unicorn muttered.

“Well, surely it couldn't have been that bad! I mean, it’s not like she was crying or anything,” the princess said. Despite their forgiveness, the two ponies had a few… issues in communication. It took a lot of courage to ask Twilight for help, but Trixie managed to convince herself to do it. For Starlight.

“Yeah, sure, but I did something wrong,” pursued the blue mare.

Twilight sighed, then replied with, “Look, just trust that things will work themselves out in the morning. She’s been awake for a while. You know how your brain gets when it’s tired.” Trixie frowned at that. She didn’t want to help Starlight later, she wanted to help her now.

“Alright. Thanks Twilight. Trixie appreciates it,” Trixie said, clearly disappointed. And with that, she went and slumped back to her wagon.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Starlight was trying to fall asleep, but just couldn’t. She felt.. disappointed. Why, she didn’t know. Wait, no. That’s a lie. She knew exactly why. She just didn’t wanna believe it.

About a week ago, they had just gotten back from their best tour yet. It was amazing. Starlight had been laying, not being able to get her mind off how much fun she had. But, then Starlight had realized that none of the moments she considered the best had been during her shows. Actually, her favorites seemed to be her and Trixie doing a variation of things by themselves, in her wagon. Just normal things, like eating, or talking. But they were by themselves, and that’s all that mattered.

And then she realized that she didn’t think about anything like that when she did stuff with her other friends. She had fallen asleep in confusion that night. About three days after that, she went over to Rarity for help. She didn’t really know why she couldn’t just ask somepony else, but Rarity felt like the right option.

She had gone up and knocked on her door, and Rarity invited her in. They started talking a bit, until the topic of the tour came up.

“Oh, darling, you simply must tell me what you did! Where did you go..,” the fashionista rambled random questions, when one caught Starlight off guard. “Oh, and I simply couldn’t help but notice that you’ve been quite.. well, closer to her lately. I can't help but wonder... is there something going on between you two?” Rarity tilted her head to the left, eyes gleaming in wonder.

“W-w-what do you mean? I- I.. er.. wait.. we didn’t..,” Starlight failed to form coherent words. She took a breath and spoke up. “That’s what I came to talk to you about.” Rarity thought for a second, then asked a question.

“So are you together or not?” It was easy to tell that the unicorn was looking for some juicy gossip.

Reluctantly, Starlight replied with, “Erm.. no.” Starlight’s face dropped. She didn’t know why. Rarity sat there for a few seconds, confused. Then she got a thought.

“Say, darling, have you ever taken a liking to somepony? Perhaps as more than simply friends?” Rarity asked calmly. Starlight had a confused look.

“Uhm.. not that I’m aware of? Define ‘more than friends’,” she stated.
Rarity perked up.

“Oh darling, I simply must ask you something.” Starlight nodded. “Do you have a crush on Trixie?”

Starlight had a dumbfounded look on her face. “I.. uh.. uhm.. don’t know? You tell me.” She could feel some blood rushing up to her face. Rarity beamed at the sight.

“Oh darling, have I got the news for you! By the seems of it, you’ve fallen for her!” Starlight couldn’t remember much after that. It all just kinda.. molded together into one big feelings talk.

Starlight looked up at her ceiling. She had finally accepted the idea that she was crushing on her friend, and then she got pushed down a deep hole. Not a physical hole, more of a metaphorical hole. It was more commonly known as, The Friendzone.

“Maybe she didn’t mean to. She always does the whole best-friend-whisper thing. It’s not like she’s rejecting me or anything. Why am I even thinking about this? Just sleep.”

Her thoughts stirred around her head. Eventually, after about two hours, she drifted off to sleep.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Trixie plopped down on her bed, unable to concentrate on sleep. Starlight had just looked so.. miserable. “Does she not like helping me with my shows? Or maybe she doesn't like my shows! Or.. what if she doesn't like being my friend. It would certainly make sense. No, that’s silly.” Starlight had been acting normal around her, even insisting on doing more things together, which Trixie appreciated. As hard as she tried to hide it, she couldn’t deny the fact that she had taken a liking to the filly. Maybe if she helped her, she could.. “No. She won’t feel the same way.”

Eventually, the blue unicorn had fallen into a comfortable slumber.

I walked around the Castle Of Friendship, heading towards a room I recognized all too well. I knocked softly, and got a grunt in reply. A soft giggle slipped of my mouth as I opened the door.

“Star! Wanna do something?” Starlight groaned in reply. “Uh.. you okay? Trixie is fine with a no for an answer.”

Starlight shot up, her eyes looking bloodshot. “No, of course I’m not okay! I asked for your help and you didn’t even do anything! I counted on you, and you ignored me,” Starlight said. Her voice seemed off, but I didn’t notice that. I felt my eyes water up, and I just stared at the pony I had come to care about so much. Hastily, I replied with,

“Oh, I’m so sorry! Twilight told Trixie to let you sleep and I-” I was cut off with an alicorn coming up behind me.

“Aha! You could’ve blindly listened to me tell you what to do, or you could’ve helped her! And you didn’t help her, meanwhile I spent the entire night ensuring she was comfortable! I win!” Her words echoed through my head.

“Y-you did what? S-starlight? B-but…” my voice trailed off at I started bawling my eyes out. I tried to run away, but was cut off by an angry dragon, followed by him leaning his head out of Starlight’s window, looking in the general direction of my wagon, and set it on flames. I ran out, trying to frantacially put out the fire with what little magic I had. But the damage was done. My whole life’s work. Ruined. Just when I managed to fix up my relations with Twilight. Ruined. But that didn’t sting as much as the sound of Starlight sending curses towards me, Twilight smirking and nodding. And then everything went black. Or white. I couldn’t tell, as I had my forelegs wrapped tightly around my eyes as tears streamed out.

I then heard a comforting voice tell me, “Hush now, my little filly.” I looked up, to see Luna. I stopped crying as I realized what was happening.

“Luna! I’m so glad you’re here!” The Princess nodded calmly. “Now, tell me. What’s got you so worked up about this?” Luna asked nicely.

“Well, I had a show tonight, and as I was closing, Starlight gave me a look. Like.. THE look. You know what I’m talking about?” Luna chuckled to herself.

“I know it. Now tell me, who do you blame for what you’re feeling,” the alicorn pursued.

I took a deep breath, “Well.. myself. For not doing anything.” Luna nodded.

“And what can you do to change that?” I pondered for a second. “I can.. I can help her. Find what’s wrong, and fix it. But I don’t know how to do that by myself.” I frowned at the thought of failing miserably at comforting Starlight.

“Who said you have to do it by yourself?”

I looked up, “Well, you see, nopony is there enough time for me to get advice, so I can’t.”

Luna grinned. “Trixie Lulamoon. I hereby appoint that I shall guide you through this, uhm.. Journey,” the regal voice stated. I nodded vigorously feeling a funny sensation.

It was quiet inside the small wagon, at least until the sound covers unfurling from a mare shooting up filled the room. Trixie just had a thought, and smiled softly. She was going to help Starlight Glimmer, with whatever she may need.

And that was a fact.

Author's Note

Just to clear up any possible confusion, "This is a thought" , and And this is a dream
That still probably didn't make sense... oh well. Just ask me. I know it's badly written, please correct any errors in grammar. Welp, thanks :derpytongue2:

Conversation

Trixie’s ear twitched as she heard a thump on her door. She lazily crept one eye open, wary not to look at her window. There was another thump, and Trixie slowly stirred towards the door, unaware of the blanket wrapped around her legs. She lazily wobbled towards the door and her mind woke up immediately as she opened it.

“Hey Trix! What’s with the..,” Starlight’s voice trailed off as Trixie tripped down the steps of her wagon. Instinctively, Starlight shot her hoof from her side to catch the unicorn from plummeting face first onto a rock. Apparently, she had overestimated the gap between them as Trixie slammed into Starlight’s upper foreleg, knocking them both down. Starlight felt a pain at the back of her head, but ignored it as she checked her friend’s coat for any cuts or bruises.

Meanwhile, Trixie just leaned there, unable to comprehend what had just happened. As she got some sense back, she noticed that she was draped over the wincing unicorn. She quickly jumped off her friend and looked over her for any injuries. Starlight started to get up right as her head started swelling up really badly. She flinched in pain when she tried to touch her head.

Guild passed over Trixie’s face, as she started to panic. “Oh, Starlight! I’m so sorry! Here, I have some ice!” She reached over inside her wagon and pulled out an ice pack, resting it on her friend’s head. Starlight looked like she was about to say something, right as she spontaneously passed out. Both from lack of sleep, and the pain in her head.

Trixie started to breathe heavily at the sight in front of her. “Oh great! Great!” She stopped panicking just long enough to see the look of discomfort in her friend’s face. Trixie opened the door of her wagon wide open and carried Starlight in. She looked exhausted. Trixie frowned as she lay her friend on her side. She tried to think of ways to keep the ice bag on her head, but nothing seemed to work.

Sighing, she grabbed a coffee and pressed the ice pack against the passed out mare next to her with her magic. She took this chance to really get a good look at her friend. Starlight’s face calmed and she soon seemed to see as if she was sleeping. It was then that Trixie noticed the time. Her clock read 6:13. She remembered getting to the castle at about two-in-the-morning to drop her off. She frowned and continued at her coffee, trying to take in what had just occurred.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Starlight felt a slight pain in the back of her head, but it was milder than when she remembered last. Confused, she opened her eyes to look around her. She was inside Trixie’s wagon, she knew that. She also knew she was at a corner where she could see everywhere in the small space, but she couldn’t find her friend. She shifted her head, only to notice the ice pack stayed in place, then went back to her head. Starlight tilted her head up to see a very worn out looking Trixie, her horn starting to give out.

Concerned, Starlight sat up and patted Trixie’s shoulder. Trixie flinched slightly at the touch, then turned over to her friend. “Hey there,” she yawned, “You doing any better?” Starlight pulled her gaze up to Trixie’s horn and she gave it a light tap with her hoof, causing it to give out. Frantically, Trixie tried to relight it, slight sparks flying out of it. She started breathing rapidly, and Starlight spoke up.

“Oh! I’m sorry! I just didn’t want you to wear yourself out, that’s all. I’m sorry,” Starlight frowned in disappointment as she looked away. “Well, great job. Ya managed to get the chances of her liking you even lower!” Starlight felt a bit of dampness well up in her eye, but she forced it down.

Trixie glanced at Starlight as she sat facing away from her. She placed a comforting hoof on her back and said warmly, “It’s fine. You’re probably right. I just wanted to make sure you were fine.” Starlight looked back at her, a questioning look on her face. “Fine? What do you mean? I only got knocked out for a few minutes, right?” Starlight asked, glancing at a clock. Her eyes widened as she noticed the time. 8:30

“Oh! Trixie! I’m sorry for getting you up so early! I-I was just kinda bored and… Trix?” Starlight stopped speaking as Trixie leaned near Starlight as she fell asleep. She felt her face heat up and her heart beating faster. She also felt herself become calm. Almost enough that she could drift off to sleep…

And that’s exactly what she did.

The sight was quite peaceful. Starlight was leaned back on the couch, a flock of blue and silver mane nestled into her neck, right underneath her head. Both of the young ponies were asleep, and both were rightfully tired. About an hour passed, some slight shifting here and there, but not much movement. A soft hued eye was the first to open. She looked around, immediately noticing the warm body curled up over her. She felt warmth and comfort, and also pride. Trixie was prideful that her best friend trusted her. The calm was shortly interrupted by her stomach, quickly noticing she was past due for lunch. She carefully nuzzled out from under the unicorn’s embrace, careful to replace her head with a pillow. She was trying to get Starlight to not notice.

She noticed. Slowly, her eye drifted around the tiny wagon and landed on a small blue mare, rummaging through a worn out box. “Trix, what’re you doing?” She asked sleepily. Trixie kept rummaging, occasionally picking things out.

“Trixie would like some lunch,” she said, as she grabbed a pack of bits. Starlight rolled out from the couch and walked towards the door, opening it and urging her friend out. Friend. That word stung. It implied that they had a strong bond, but nothing special. Starlight looked down at the ground on their way through crowds.

Trixie noticed this and frowned. Until she remembered. Her promise to herself. Slowing down slightly, she leaned a bit closer to her face. “Hey, are you alright? You seem a bit off lately.”

Starlight gave a weak smile and an unconvincing, “Mhm!” as she kept walking. She didn’t lean away from Trixie.

“Please don’t lie to me. Tell me what’s wrong,” Trixie asked. She had a deeply concerned look on her face. Starlight didn’t wanna come out with her feelings, but she still couldn’t lie to her. So she stretched the truth.

“It’ll probably take a while to explain it. Sit down,” she motioned to a bench and sat.

“Oh my.. so I had just gotten back from our tour, which I loved by the way, and.. met up with somepony,” Starlight was trembling. She wasn't a good story teller. “So we, ya know, just did normal friend stuff,” There was the word again, “A-and I realized I sorta.. liked this pony.” Trixie felt an emotional stab, but continued on listening like the friend she needed to be.

“Uh… a few days passed and we were at your show, which was fun, until I caught a - uh.. glimpse of that certain pony. They were cheering, just like everypony else, until I heard them say a uh- particular phrase.” Tears were welling up in her eyes. She hated lying to Trixie, but knew it was too soon to ask her out. She didn’t want to lose her best friend.

Trixie thought the crying was because of the events that happened. She stared at the pink unicorn, as if asking to finish her story. Starlight gulped, “They uh.. said… uhm… to the pony next to them, who I presumed was with him.. Uh.. ‘Hey babe, look! I’m friends with her! Remember! Look, if you’re friends with her maybe you’ll get famous!’ which really hurt because… friends…. And-” Starlight stopped being able to speak right as she began to cry her feelings out. Without thinking, Trixie wrapped her hooves as hard as she could around Starlight, who just sniffled into her mane.

“Well, Trixie is hurt because Starlight is hurt, and therefull must cheer her up!” Starlight didn’t move.

She wasn’t only crying because of her situation. Most of her tears were made from guilt of lying to this pony she learned to care for. She leaned into Trixie to try and return the kind gesture, but Trixie just pushed her back down. “Relax, Starlight. Just relax. Clearly, that pony doesn't deserve you. In fact, unless they are higher than the creator of all magic to exist, nopony deserves you. You’re an amazing friend,” Trixie pulled away to look into her friend’s deep eyes, “And anypony would be lucky to have you, whether you’ve saved Equestria or not. Just remember that.”

That seemed to cheer Starlight up, other than one phrase. “You’re an amazing friend.” That lingered in her head. She just nodded slowly, only to be embraced in a fuzzy blue coat. She returned the hug, finally wiping the tears from her eyes. “That’s more I like it. Now, didn’t Trixie say she was going to have lunch,” Trixie stated. Starlight giggled at the remark. “Okay, now that’s adorable,” Trixie thought. She smiled and got up, pulling Starlight along with her.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

That day had been amazing. Starlight and Trixie ran around Ponyville just messing around. Starlight’s favorite part was that picnic. She snickered at her friends struggle to put together a kite. Eventually, it worked, and they both enjoyed the combination of kites, the wind, dinner, sunset, and each other. They had decided to go to a fair-theme-park-thing in two days, giving each other time to rest.

Starlight was standing at the train station, wishing Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, and the CMC’s off for their annual sisters camping trip. After the train left, they started walking back towards the castle.

Twilight spoke up, “Hey, Starlight! You were out all day yesterday, what happened?”

Starlight perked up, “Oh! I was with Trixie.” Starlight smiled gently. Twilight returned the grin. “Oh! Didn’t we have a friendship lesson today?” Starlight asked.

Twilight replied, “Right! This lesson’s all about trust. Being able to trust your friends with secrets.” Starlight didn’t like where this was going.

“What’s the exercise?” She asked warily.

“You’ll see.” She winked at her. That meant something bad.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

It turned out, the exercise was harder then she ever thought it could be. She had to tell one of her friends one of her deepest, darkest secrets. She, of course picked Twilight. The thing about Twilight. She was really hard to lie to. She had experience with some of the best liars, and could still call their bluff.

And that’s why Starlight regretted her decision. She took a deep breath and decided it would probably be best to get this off her chest. “Well? C’mon! You know I’ll never judge you, right?” Twilight insisted.

Shakily, Starlight replied with a quiet, yet easily understandable, “I like Trixie.”

Twilight sat staring for a few seconds, before shaking her head and smirking. “I know,” she said.

Starlight shot up. “What?! How?!” Starlight started having trouble breathing.

Twilight giggled. “Well, it’s kinda obvious, isn’t it? You’re always so close to her, I’d be more surprised if you said you hadn’t felt that way towards her.” Starlight felt a huge weight being lifted off her back.

“It’s that obvious, huh.”

Twilight nodded. “You know, it probably wouldn’t hurt to tell her.”

Starlight raised an eyebrow. “Whaddya mean?” Starlight asked. Twilight got up to go to a library.

“Well, there’s tons of books on the subject, and those tell you to do things. You know, flirting, touch, stuff like that. But from what ponies tell me, it’s better just to tell them. Maybe not the second you start liking them, but make sure it’s before you become a uh…” Twilight tried to find words to say, “Hopeless romantic.”

When they got to the library, Twilight pulled out an empty notebook. “What’s that?” Starlight wondered.

Twilight gave a smile and answered, “It’s a journal! I want you to write one thing you like about her everyday, and then give her it.”

Starlight sat there, shocked. “Wait- what? Give it to her?”

Twilight chuckled. “Trust me. It works.”

Starlight got up to leave, and a thought crossed her mind. “Uh.. how do you know all this?”

Twilight’s face became red. “Well, uh… I just do! Mhm.. uh.. Imgonnagoworkonstuffgoodluck!” And with that, she ran out the door.

Author's Note

And another chapter!

Yay!

Okay, see ya~! :derpytongue2:

Ticket

“Starliiiight!” Spike ran through the halls of the castle. “Twilight wants you to come to the throne room.”

“Why? Is something wrong? Is somepony being called by the map?” Starlight asked. She had just about been ready to call it a night when an out of breath dragon came into her room.

“Just come,” Spike called as he ran back towards the map room. Starlight followed him, and found Twilight and all of her friends huddled around a parchment.

“What’s wrong? Why’d you need me here?” Starlight stated as she walked closer to the table.

“Read it,” Twilight said as she levitated the letter over to Starlight. She took it in her own teal aura.

“We, the noble of Canterlot,” Starlight began reading,“formally invite the following Equestrian citizens to Princess Celestia’s Grand Galloping Gala. We hope that you may attend.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash,” Starlight mumbled through a list of names, pausing on one. “Starlight Glimmer? Why me?”

“Finish reading!” Pinkie insisted,

“Okay.. wait, Trixie? Why’s she invited?”

“Oh, seriously darling! This is the first Gala since you all saved Equestria! Of course she’s invited.” Rarity said. Starlight was still confused.

“Still, doesn’t explain why they didn’t just send her the letter. How’s she even supposed to get it?” Starlight inquired.

“Well, if it had been sent by mail it would’ve taken at least a week, and that wouldn’t be very effective because it’s in two days!” Twilight said.

“Oh! Well.. I guess I’ll bring the ticket over to her now?” Starlight raised an eyebrow.

“Sure, we weren’t gonna do anything today anyways. Oh, also tell her that we’re getting fitted for dresses by Rarity tomorrow at eight in the morning, alright?” Twilight said.

“Yep! Okay, see ya!” And with that, she grabbed a ticket and walked out the door.

Trixie was sitting in her wagon silently, trying to work on her magic. She could almost levitate five marbles at once, but every single time after the fifth stone was lifted, they all dropped to the ground. The magician was about to lift a third marble to add to her levitating circle, when a pounding at the door distracted her.

She put her marbles away and went to open the door, but somepony else opened the door for her. “Trixie! Guess what! Look!” Starlight Glimmer shoved a gold piece of paper in her face. “We get to go to the Gala!”

“Wait- WHAT?!” Trixie shouted, almost knocking Starlight over. “Like the gala?!” She asked, already knowing the answer. Her friend nodded in reply. “Wow.. why? I mean, I know why. Saving the world and all that. But like.. When? How? What?”

Starlight giggled at the remark. “Not sure. It’s this Saturday, and Rarity wants us to stop by her house to get dresses tomorrow at eight. That alright?” Trixie nodded. “Alright! Well, I gotta get to sleep soon. Is it okay if I come at about.. uhm.. seven-thirty?”

“Sure! See you!” Trixie responded. Starlight nodded and teleported back to her room.

The blue mare closed her door behind her and decided that it would probably be a good idea to go to sleep. She shut off the lights in her wagon and slipped into her bed, making sure to set her alarm for the next morning. With that, she slowly drifted off into the land of slumber.

I made my way through the thick forest, noticing that the leaves and branches in my way seemed to divide into a path just for me to walk through. I came out at a small clearing and sat down, waiting for my daily - or rather, nightly - talk with Princess Luna. I had been meeting with her for about a week now, and every day I saw her I learned a little more about my friends than I did before. I heard a slight flutter behind me and turned to face her. “Hello Trixie!” The princess chirped, seemingly glad to take a break off fighting the dangers of the night.

“Hey Luna! Guess what! I’m going to the Gala!” I exclaimed, excited to tell her all about it. Luna giggled.

“I am aware of that. I did help set it up, did I not?” Luna replied.

“Hm, guess you did. Anyways, what’s going on tonight?” I asked her.

“Well, I was thinking, since you newfound- uh,” she looked for something to say, “Liking towards the mare, you could take care of two issues at once.” Luna grinned.

“That's… not a bad idea!” I responded, “Wait, is there even any chances for anything like that at the Gala?”

Luna thumped.

Wait, that didn’t sound right. She sounds like knocking on a door. That’s not right! Unless..

Starlight, for the third time, pounded her hoof unto the lazy unicorn’s door. When no response came, she opted to try and open the door herself. Upon entering the room, she noticed her friend started to stir. Her eyes were still closed.

Starlight, annoyed, cleared her throat. Trixie’s ear twitched. Her eyelids fluttered open. Drowsy, she began her usual routine of getting up to make a cup of tea, this time colliding with an object that was not routinely there.

“Wh-AAAAH!” Trixie shouted as she spotted the form before her. Upon realizing what it was, she calmed down, only to realize who it was. “What are you doing in my - er, Trixie’s home!” The confused mare sputtered out.

“Uhh.. dresses with Rarity? I came to pick you up?” Starlight said, not really asking, but pointing out the obvious.

“Right! Er.. can we get some breakfast on the way?” Trixie’s stomach grumbled angrily.

Starlight smiled and said, “Rarity has breakfast at the boutique, and I brought tea cakes. Just… don’t ruin them this time.” Starlight smirked. Trixie rolled her eyes.

“Well? Are we going? Or are you going to make Trixie stand around?” The barely-awake mare said. She opened her wagon door and stepped through it. Her friend followed shortly behind. A good-smelling pastry appeared in front of her face. She lit up her horn and gilded it over to her mouth.

It was heavenly.

Apparently, her face showed it too, as her eyes widened at her walking slowed for a couple seconds.

“I was gonna ask you if you liked it, but I think your face answers all my questions,” Starlight said. Except for the one that matters, she thought.

They continued on their journey to the other side of Ponyville, not really talking much. Rarity had decided to have only two ‘clients’, as she called them, at a time. Once the pair got to the door of the boutique, they knocked simultaneously.

A mare with red glasses and her hair pulled up answered the door. “Starlight, darling, I’m so glad you made it,” Rarity started, “you too, Trixie.” She walked towards a slightly raised part of her boutique and motioned for Starlight to stand on it. “So, we’ll be starting with your dress. Trixie, would you be such a dearie and get me my measuring tape?” Rarity pointed over to a table. She pulled a notepad from a closer table.

Trixie, slightly annoyed at her job being a helper, reluctantly levitated a yellow measuring tape over to the podium. She noticed a plate of several well-presented breakfast options and snuck one over to herself.

“So, I was wondering, have either of you heard about the rumour going around?” Rarity inquired. Starlight and Trixie shook their heads. “Well, I heard that there are going to be some special guests this year. They say that one of the guests will be ‘familiar yet unfamiliar’. Any idea what that could mean, darlings?” Rarity informed.

“Well, unless they bring in somepony from another kingdom, I’m not really sure,” Starlight replied. “ Do you know anything else about the Gala? I’ve never been to one before.” Starlight asked.

“Well, it’s a chance to get to talk to the princesses. The food there is also outstandingly good,” Rarity said as she sketched a dress design, “Although I do suggest bringing a few extra bits. You really mainly just talk there. Oh, and there is also a mandatory slow dance. I suggest finding a dance partner.” Rarity winked at Starlight. “Make sure it’s somepony you know very well.”

“What if Trixie doesn't have a pony to dance with?” Trixie asked.

“May I suggest finding a stallion at the ball to dance with?” Rarity said matter-of-factly.

The blue unicorn shook her head. “Trixie will not stoop so low as to dance with somepony she does not know! And besides, The Great and Powerful Trixie will only take interest in a great and powerful mare.”

Starlight’s breathing momentarily stopped as she took in the words that her friend’s vocal cords managed to produce. I might have a chance. How about that. She smiled to herself.

“Aha! There we go. Now, will you step down?” The fashionista put her notepad back onto her table.

The bewildered mare stepped off the podium and took a seat next to it. Trixie stepped onto the elevated step and stood still as she was being measured.

Starlight had only half-comprehended the unforeseen information. So… there’s a dance, and there’s no getting out of it. And unless I pony-up and ask Trix, I have no one to dance with. Ugh. All this stuff it too complicated. I’ll just ask Twi! Yeah, she seems to know about this kinda stuff. Also something about these special guests. Eh, they’re probably gonna be somepony I haven’t heard of but’s still important, or something.

Before she knew it, she was being led out the door.

“Alright, darlings, I’ll have your dresses ready by about tomorrow at noon. Is that alright??” Rarity smiled.

“Sounds good, see ya tomorrow!” Starlight answered.

“Oh, and Trixie, don’t forget to ask!” Rarity reminded. The door to the boutique shut and the faint sound of drawers being opened immersed.

“Ask what?” Starlight asked.

“Oh, nothing. I’ll uh, tell you later. I gotta go, uh, do some stuff!” Trixie answered.

“Oh, okay. See ya later?” Starlight smiled hopefully.

Trixie nodded and walked away.

Starlight started walking back to the castle, body on autopilot.

I wonder what she has to ask… eh, probably nothing important. Unless she..
No, that’s stupid. You’re stupid. Nopony could ever like you like that. Or at all.
Well, I have friends. A lot!
And what’s stopping them from being fake, or just feeling pity for you.

Starlight sighed.

Author's Note

Ooh, I wonder who the special guest'll be? I'm aware that it's been a month and probably nobody's reading this, but it's worth the effort. I think. Oh well. :derpytongue2: