Love Works In Mysterious Ways

Celestia woke up, stretching her legs out and yawning. Realising she wasn’t alone; she looked around, smiling half-heartedly when she saw Twilight curled up at her side. They’d need to have a talk as soon as she woke up. Just then, the lavender unicorn woke up.

Speak of the Discord.

Twilight uncurled, yawning heartily. She looked at Celestia, smiling warmly.
“Good morning, Celestia.” She sat up, nuzzling the alicorn’s muzzle, a gesture that was returned.
“Good morning, Twilight. Did you sleep well?”
“I’ve never slept as well before. Well, what shall we do now that we’re together?” Celestia fidgeted uneasily at that.
“Look, Twilight, I haven’t been exactly honest with you.” The unicorn’s ears dropped.
“What?”
“Just hear me out, please. While I do not fully return the affection you hold for me, I’ll admit I am… curious. Interested. You are the only pony that has managed to get my interest. Surely we can at least try to work on our relationship.”
“You mean I should study love?” Twilight muttered confusedly, making Celestia chuckle.
“Oh, Twilight. Love cannot be studied. It is far too mercurial and fickle for that. It can warm you on the coldest of nights and burn you remorselessly. It can place you on top of the world and then push you, making you plummet to your death. It can bring unbound joy to you and make you feel like there is nothing worth to live for. It is a mighty force, both benign and malignant.”
“Then… what will we do?” Celestia hmm’d thoughtfully for a few moments.
“Well… I guess we could go on a vacation. To my summer house.”
“You have a summer house?” Twilight asked, before cringing embarrassedly. Of course Celestia had a summer house. She was the princess, after all.
“Indeed I do. True, I do not use it often, but it is always kept tidy and ready for me should need arise. There, we could get to know each other better.”
“But I already know everything about you, pr-Celestia!”
“Oh? Do you know what is my favourite food, then?” Twilight smiled sheepishly at that.
“You make a good point. But who’ll keep Equestria running while we’re away?”
“Luna, of course.”
“Of course, silly me. How could I forget? Well, should I pack anything?”
“I don’t think so, but if there’s anything that you might need, take it with you. I just need to inform Luna. You should do the same and tell your friends you’ll be gone for a while.”
“Will do, Celestia!” Twilight nodded, reaching up and kissing Celestia. The white alicorn froze for a moment, before returning the kiss, holding it for a few moments. Twilight pulled away, smiling widely.
“Well, I best get going!”
“I’ll pick you up at the library, then, Twilight.” The unicorn nodded, leaping out of the bed, trotting away to the bathroom to freshen herself up, leaving Celestia alone. The alicorn in question smacked her lips twice. She’d liked that kiss, she really had.

Well, it would seem we’re off to a good start already.

“Are you sure about this, Twilight?”
“Yes, Spike. I’m not sure how long we’ll be away, but I’ll make sure to write to you, so there’s no need to get worried.” Applejack frowned, still not assured.
“But what if she tries t’pull a fast one on ya, Twi?”
“Well, she did say she’s not fully in love with me, but she’s willing to give it a try. That has to count for something.” Rarity shrugged noncommittally.
“Well, it’s your choice, Twilight. I just hope it doesn’t bring any more heartache for you. Know that we’ll be here for you, no matter what.” Twilight smiled, securing her saddlebags around her waist.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure this’ll go fine.” She hugged her friends and then turned to Spike.
“While I’m away, you’re in charge of library. Take care of Owlowiscious and Peewee.” The baby dragon in question puffed out his chest proudly.
“You can count on me, Twilight!” Somepony knocked on the door politely and Pinkie Pie trotted-no, bounced over to the door, opening it, gasping in surprise.
“Princess!” Celestia smiled, looking at the surprised earth pony.
“Good day to you, Pinkie Pie.” Her eyes wandered over to Twilight and she smiled.
“Are you ready to leave, Twilight? I have requisitioned a chariot that will take us to the summer house.”
“I’ve packed, Celestia. Some ink, quills and parchment and a book or two.”
“Then we can go immediately.” She nodded in turn to each of Twilight’s friends, then left, Twilight following her.
“Bye, girls! Take care!”
“You too, Twilight!” Rainbow responded, waving at her.

“Well, now that that’s over with, let us get on with our vacation, Twilight.” Celestia opened the door to the waiting carriage, gesturing for Twilight to get in. She did so and Celestia followed, shutting the door behind her as the pegasi stallions dragging the carriage took off, carrying the two mares to their destination.

Celestia had been in many awkward situations, but this topped them all. She couldn’t really think of what to say to Twilight, so the two of them just sat silently. After a while, though, Celestia heard a soft ‘thud’ and saw that Twilight had fallen asleep. She chuckled softly, covering the gently snoring unicorn with a wing, curling up around her. It would be a rather long trip, since her secondary residence was further down south, where it always was warm and balmy.

Twilight was woken up by a soft rumble. Confusedly, she looked around, seeing only white.
Where- oh. Right.

The low noise was Celestia’s breath as the white alicorn snored quietly. Twilight sighed wistfully, snuggling up closer to her, dozing off again.

“Twilight…”
“Grghmhhmmh.”
“Twilight. Wake up.”
“Ayeeeeeehhaa…”
“I have a book for you, Twilight.”
“Gesundheit!” The bookish mare shot up and Celestia chuckled.
“Oh, Twilight. Did you sleep well?” She stepped out of the carriage, flexing her wings for a few moments, motioning for Twilight to follow. The unicorn grumbled for a moment, grabbing her saddlebags and jumping out. She yawned as her tired eyes glanced around. Her jaw remained hanging open as she caught sight of the resplendent building the carriage was parked next to. Carved from white marble, Celestia’s summer house was a grand, spotless villa. Celestia turned to Twilight, chuckling at the unicorn’s stunned expression.
“It’s quite breathtaking, I know. I would’ve settled with something less attention-demanding, but the architects wouldn’t hear of it. They claimed that I needed a summer house befitting a princess.” She walked over to the gate, opening it, beckoning to the still-speechless Twilight.
“Shall we?”

The sounds of eight hooves clattering against marble were the only thing to be heard aside from Twilight’s excited ramblings. The two mares walked down the echoing hallway. Well, Celestia walked. Twilight pranced about giddily.
“I take it you like this residence, Twilight.”
“It’s simply marvellous, princess!”
“There is no need for formality, Twilight. I’m not going to take offense simply because you treat me as an equal. Please, call me Celestia.”
“It’s not going to be easy to get rid of that habit, is it?”
“I would think not. You all seem to treat me like an unstable maniac who’d lash out for the slightest mistakes.” Celestia smiled a bit sadly and Twilight blushed, unable to think of anything to say.
“Oh, I know that they treat me like a fragile glass statue. But I just wish to be understood. I’m a pony just like you, Twilight. I have my own needs and weaknesses.” She looked away, hiding the tears gathering in her eyes. Then, she felt Twilight’s warm form rub against her shoulder. It felt… reassuring.
“Oh, Twilight… You adorable little bundle of compassion and love, you.” Celestia muttered, thankful Twilight was here with her and she wrapped a wing around the lavender mare.
“Don’t be sad, Celestia. Or I’ll get sad, too.” Celestia smiled impishly.
“Oh, no, a sad Twilight Sparkle. Anything but that. Well, then. Let me show you around my house, Twilight.” She led the unicorn deeper inside.

“This is the living room.” Celestia waved her hoof around, gesturing vaguely. Twilight let her eyes wander over the spacious room. A big, elaborate fireplace was in the middle of the room, with a stack of neatly-sawn firewood nearby. Several sofas and tables occupied the rest of free space. A couple of bookshelves were arrayed against a wall, stacked with books. The big windows let in a lot of light. But to Twilight, the bookshelves were what mattered. Tuning Celestia out, she trotted up to them, getting ready to soak up their knowledge.
“Twilight? We have other things to do than sit perusing over books.”
“Oh, right. Sorry, pr-Celestia.” Twilight gave a sheepish grin.
“Don’t worry, Twilight. I know how much you enjoy books. Come on, then. Would you like something to drink or eat, perhaps?”
“Sure! I feel a bit hungry, to be honest. How long was the trip, actually?”
“Roughly five hours.” They trotted down the corridor, with Twilight casting a last determined glance at the bookshelves.
Tonight… You.

“Oh no, you don’t, Twilight. You just sit down and wait. You are my guest here, after all and that’s that.” Celestia announced with a sort of finality to her voice, turning back to the cooker in front of her, returning her attention to the pancakes sizzling on the pan.
“I didn’t even know you could cook, Celestia.”
“All the more reason for us to have some time alone, right, Twilight?” Celestia chuckled softly, piling the hot pancakes on a plate and pulling a couple of jars of jam from a cupboard, setting the whole ensemble in front of the expectant unicorn.
“Dig in, my dear.”
“B-but I need a plate. And a fork.”
“What for?” Celestia announced humorously, snatching one of the steaming foodstuffs, smearing some blackcurrant jam on it, rolling it up and taking a bite. Twilight stared at her in surprise. The regal, sophisticated princess was stuffing her face with pancakes, a blissful expression on her face.
“Aaeowr. Nmmh. Ehrn, that’sh tashty.” Celestia muttered, her voice somewhat muffled by the pancake in her mouth. Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. Celestia scarfed down another two pancakes before looking at Twilight.
“Go on, they’re very tasty.” Twilight noticed that there was some jam stuck to Celestia’s muzzle and she snickered despite herself.
“What? Is there something stuck on my face?”
“N-no, Celestia.” Twilight giggled, before grabbing a pancake. Obviously, Celestia didn’t buy that. She squinted, seeing the small speck of jam on her nose. Twilight watched, pancakes temporarily forgotten, as Celestia’s long, flexible tongue slithered out of her mouth, trying to snag the stubborn speck.
“Lhaaaahhl…” Celestia muttered, frustrated, tongue lolling from her mouth. Twilight blushed, trying to look away, but her eyes were fixated on the glistening muscle as it flicked back and forth, sliding across Celestia’s muzzle.

Celestia let loose a small burp, chuckling.
“I could make some more if you’d like, Twilight.”
“No, I’m full. But those pancakes were very tasty.”
“I’m glad you think so, Twilight. It’s nice to know I’m still a decent cook. Well, if your hunger has been sated, let us continue with our tour. There is still much to see.”