Lady No Longer

Chapters

One: Decline
Three: Struggle
Four: Fall
Five: Passion
Six: Routine
Seven: Risk
Eight: Tension
Nine: Failure
Ten: Disaster
Eleven: Reality
Epilogue: Renewal
Prologue: Arousal
Two: Disturbance

One: Decline

It took effort, every time she went. A trip to the gym was a commitment, and one that was far too easy to break. Cadance forced herself to go. Put in the effort to get into gym clothes, get into the car and drive to the gym, actually exercise when she was even there- and then, to top it all off, make the effort to care for herself once she was home and exhausted from all the effort she’d already given. It wasn’t fun in the least, but it was necessary. She liked how she looked, at least for now. She wanted to keep it that way, especially since time would begin to force her own body to betray her.

Her pace upon the treadmill had been consistent, at the very least. True, she knew her face was covered in sweat and her breaths came in miserable puffs, but she had been running for a few miles now; just a little more and she would be done for the day- a break her body was eagerly awaiting!

It felt as though it was an eternity of waiting, but the end came soon enough, and a gasping, sopping wet Cadance staggered off the treadmill, feeling the sweat run down her neck and soak her clothes. She needed to walk it off, find her breath again. Her face was burning hot and she knew she was likely flush from the exertion. As she continued to walk about, she knew it would be some time before she was able to recover.

Still, it was a good workout, she told herself. A smile, though wearied from her efforts, formed upon her lovely face. I think I will have a bit of that ice cream in the freezer. The healthy stuff, not the Pity Party jug. I earned it today.

“Excuse me, Gorgeous, but I couldn’t help but notice you standing there.” Cadance had allowed herself to become absorbed in her thoughts and her attempts at cooling down, not noticing that someone had come up beside her.

“Huh?” Her voice remained faint. Her eyes turned from that strange listlessness of empty thought and focused; a young man, likely in his early twenties, was standing before her. Thick, dark hair adorned his crown and clashed well with his blue eyes; bulky arms were offset by clearly undeveloped legs, the entire look perfectly completed with high-end activewear. Cadance’s first thought was to laugh.

“The name’s Hayden,” he said again, his voice held deliberately low. He smiled at her, but she felt it was a look more akin to that of a predator about to devour a meal. “Just was resting after a workout with the weights when I saw that amazing ass of yours walking by.”

Now she really wanted to laugh. “Huh.”

“Yeah, been doing a lot of deadlifts and bench lately,” he added, attempting to flex in a casual manner. “Benched 275 today, felt like nothing. I’ll probably have to put it up to 350 tomorrow, just to get anything out of it.”

“Huh.”

Did he falter in the face of her disinterest? Perhaps for a moment, but only the briefest of one; his smile grew and he let his eyes go up and down her body, clearly taking his time.

Cadance felt her frustration begin to rise. She was tired, she was soaked in sweat, and wanted to go home. She wanted this guy to get to the point so she could reject him and leave- and with he content to take his time, she would have to hurry things along.

“Was there something you wanted?” she asked, firmly but not impolitely.

“Yeah, yeah there was,” the man finally said, his eyes settling on Cadance’s voluptuous chest (now she really longed to slap him). “I was looking at going to the smoothie bar across the street after I’m done doing some more presses. Maybe you’d want to watch me pump iron and then let me take you out?”

The struggle to contain the mocking laughter within her was akin to the Somme. “Sorry, but I’m- kinda tired from cardio. You know how it is, long day and everything.” She gave a polite smile and tried to walk away.

“Well if it’s cardio you’re wanting, maybe I can help you with that.” He stepped out in front of her, that slavering look now upon his face in power.

Cadance now felt more repulsed than anything else. “Uh… no. I’m quite good.”

His overconfident expression fell into maelstrom the moment her words registered, and his smile turned into a vicious scowl. She could still feel his eyes burning into her as she walked away, and wasn’t all that surprised when he called out, “And how long you gonna be able to keep that attitude up, you frigid, old bitch?”

The thought of politeness had, for the most part, been tossed aside. Cadance laughed loudly enough for others nearby to hear, and she knew more than one pair of eyes was watching her as she turned back around. “And you think that’s going to change my mind? You called my ass gorgeous less than two minutes ago, now I’m old and frigid. Grow up, little boy.”

Her anger didn’t leave her for a moment, not when she walked out the door, not when she slid into her car, or even when she began to drive away. The nerve to call me old, she thought to herself. Only thirty. I’m not anywhere close to old.

Cadance looked around the hallway as she rather aimlessly walked through the mass of teenagers, feeling age creep upon her more heavily than it ever had before. Had she been this fresh-faced and girlish at this age? They hardly looked old enough to be toddlers in her eyes- surely she had not appeared so young herself? With the stiffness in her body, born by her run from the day prior, she certainly could feel the age gap. It was all she could do to not sigh.

“”Scuse me, Ms. Cadance!”
“Sorry, Ms. Cadance!”

“Holy hell- sorry, Ms. Cadance!”

The usual flurry of movement that so surrounded the place, and more than one young boy ‘accidentally’ running into her as she walked through. Usually little more than a nuisance, the number of ‘slips’ and ‘mistakes’ she encountered today were infuriating. Normally, she enjoyed taking time to talk to the students, relax and get to know who she had been charged with looking after; today she glowered, lost in her own thoughts.

“Cadance? Oh, I’m sorry!” A tiny voice that nearly squeaked in dismay awoke her from her gloomy mood and Cadance stumbled back, a presence having walked straight into her. Standing there before her in a flustered mess was Twilight, her hair a frizzled mess and she carrying a bag in her hands.

“Twilight!” The one friendly face Cadance knew wouldn’t be reduced to such impoliteness. “It’s fine, you didn’t hurt me at all.”

“I didn’t mean to run into you, I promise! It was just an accident, and-”

“Twilight, I said it was alright,” Cadance said gently, shushing the young girl. “I’m not mad. You’re fine, I’m fine, it’s OK!”

“Oh! Oh, umm… yes. Sorry.” Twilight still wouldn’t look her in the eye. Cadance felt a small bout of concern rise within her as she saw the extreme hesitancy, almost as if Twilight wanted to simply melt through the floor.

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Cada- I mean, Ms. Cadance?”

She smiled. “I’m always Cadance to you, Twilight. But it looks like something’s on your mind right now. Is something wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, I was just- just gonna eat outside. Since, y’know, the weather’s nice- and all…”

“Twilight, it’s in the 90’s right now. Won’t you get hot?”

“Oh. Well, maybe. I guess.” Her eyes darted back to the nearby cafeteria, a flicker of fear flashing in her gaze.

“How about you come relax with me in my office, Twilight?” Cadance said, her darkened mood beginning to lift. “I could use the company, if I’m being honest.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to be a bother-”

“You’d never be a bother. Come on!”

Twilight’s anxiousness didn’t abate completely, but there was a noticeable spring in her step now as she walked closely behind Cadance to a comfortably furnished office, her eyes growing large as she looked around.

“You don’t need to be nervous about anything. Come on, sit wherever you want!” Cadance said warmly, slowly unwinding into the seat beside her desk. “You look hungry, don’t worry about politeness.”

Twilight didn’t need to be told twice, and dug into her bag lunch with fervor, eating away in silence for a time. Her mood began to lift as the nourishment of a healthy meal came into her, and the fearfulness within her dissipated.

“So, how’s school been going?” Cadance asked of her. “Something tells me you’ve probably been doing fine in your classes so far.”

Twilight smiled, albeit embarrassed. “I’ve been doing alright,” she said.

“You’re the top of every class you’re in, aren’t you?”

Twilight’s face became even redder. “All except Home Ed- I decided to get that one done early.”

“What, you can’t bake or sew very well?” Cadance laughed. “I hated that one, too. I never was very good at it.”

“But I thought you did great in all your classes! Shiny told me you had made your own prom dress when he took you!”

“Oh, that was ages ago- and really, my Mom helped me with most of it.” Cadance flashed a smile at the young girl. “Your brother tended to embellish a few things about me Twilight. He doesn’t always tell the whole truth. But enough about me- how’s it been so far? Been making any new friends? New boyfriend, girlfriend?”

Twilight’s attitude changed in a heartbeat. Enough for her to say everything.

“Been having trouble, huh?”

“I think I talk too much,” Twilight said in a small voice. “I just want to help people get the right answer, but I keep going about it all the wrong ways. I’ll try to correct someone’s answer and they just get mad! And then call me a bunch of names!” Twilight’s voice shook and she looked as though she were going to cry. “I don’t mean to be a know-it-all. I just want to be nice.”

“High school is a weird part of life,” Cadance said gently. “Everyone’s trying to figure out who they are and what they’re going to do next. No one’s going to do it perfectly, Twilight. So don’t worry! Tomorrow they won’t even remember what you said. Just keep trying to be kind, that’s the best thing you can do.”

Twilight gave a weak smile that offered gratitude but no belief, and she turned back to her lunch, shoulders hunched and still giving the appearance of one dispirited. The problem had been voiced, but no progress had been made.

Cadance, however, could see it clear as day, and her heart was moved by the sight of such a beautiful girl so unhappy. “Tell you what, Twilight,” she said, “If you want, I could help teach you. Like a sort of life coach, I guess. Help you figure out social cues and situations, how to communicate better. How does that sound?”

“You’d do that, really?” Twilight’s eyes shone as she looked on the older woman as though she were an angel.

“Yes, of course! You’re too beautiful to be mopey,” Cadance added. “Come by- let’s see, how about tomorrow after school is out? We’ll start working and see how things go. Just let things come and go from there, how does that sound?”

Twilight gave her a fierce hug of delight, her presence a soothing comfort to Cadance. “Thank you so much, Cadance! I won’t let you down, I’ll study hard!”

“No studying here, pretty girl. We’ll just start simply: by trying.”

Cadance found herself laughing to herself as she watched the young girl eagerly wolf down her food before darting off, too excited by the prospect of new lessons to let her mood be dampened now. She’d always had a love of learning, and it seemed to bring out the best in her; an eagerness for a challenge, a happiness that didn’t come from anywhere else. It was infectious, and Cadance found herself turning to her own meal with unusual fervor. At the moment, she felt young.

Author's Note

No smut this time. Like I said, will take my time. Better to make it worthwhile, anyway.
Keep reading, if you want.

Three: Struggle

It had gotten a bit easier to manage the more time had come to pass by her. Cadance no longer enjoyed the absence that came with empty time, but she found ways to manage. Exercise, hobbies, more time spent at work (easier to accomplish now that she was principal of Crystal Prep), anything she could manage. She was happy. Relatively.

But the absence was terrible.

Her phone vibrated and she leaned over to grab it and check to see what had occurred- only to feel a sudden fall in her stomach. Twilight had messaged her again, confirming a meetup between the two that would come to pass that afternoon. Cadence wasn’t sure why she’d agreed to it when she most certainly knew better than to continue the agony.

Hey, just wanted to make sure we’re still on for this afternoon!

Cadance’s reply was simple: Of course we are!

She sighed and tossed the phone aside, wondering what on earth she was playing at. It was torment, willful torment, and she desperately tried to ignore the reason why she was willing to endure it. There were problems with all of it, right from its very origins and to now, but she had agreed nevertheless to make it continue. Wretched, really.

The café was more populated than she had expected for the afternoon. She sipped slowly at her coffee out of restlessness more than anything else, the piping hot drink still too warm to truly begin consuming. Her mind was aflutter, her heart pounding in her chest. If she made a mistake here, in public, it would be disastrous. She had to retain composure and act like a normal human being. What she wanted was terrible, reprehensible, but her efforts at trying to reign it in were not what one could call successful- her presence here was proof of that. If she could only hold on a little longer-

“Cadance!” A pair of arms wrapped around her from behind and Cadance gave a gasp as the warm embrace caused a deep swoop in her. She turned around to see Twilight beaming up at her, a light and happiness in her face that had not been there during her years at Crystal Prep. She had grown so much since she’d left.

“Look at you!” she said delightedly, genuinely happy to see Twilight’s transformation. Her figure, no longer undersize but instead slender from proper health, with a flush to her cheeks. She had even grown taller, more full- more a woman than she’d ever been.

“It’s been months since we last met, it’s good to see you!” Twilight replied, breaking apart and holding Cadance by the hands, looking up at her old mentor with an unremittent happiness. “You look wonderful!”

“Oh hush, I look just as I always do, but you- you’ve changed so much! Tell me how it’s been at your new school, I want to hear everything!”

Cadance wisely guessed that Twilight could have continued for hours on end in the usual rambling excitement that had once been reserved for her best research or prize findings. Instead, she was talking of people; real people, flesh and blood souls who called her their friend without hesitation or hidden manipulative design. She had little doubts as to why Twilight had gone through such a transformation. All this newfound confidence and joy and hope for the future, born by Twilight’s own dreams and upheld by the encouragement of real, true friends. She smiled and felt a glow in her heart at the sight of it, more than happy to let the young woman continue for as long as she felt like. Cadance took in every smile, every glow in her eye, every happy sound she made, fully eager to simply drink in her ecstasy for as long as she could. To see her was more than enough, now if she could only reach in closer and-

No, NOT THAT. Cadance’s dulled senses were suddenly roused by the disturbance and she found herself distracted, lost from the present as she tried to quell her dangerous thoughts. This was not something she could take lightly, they had to be buried deep, deep down in order to be kept secure from-

“Cadance? Is everything alright?” Twilight’s happy expression had fallen, her smile now faltering. “Is something bothering you?”

She’d noticed. Cadance couldn’t let her pry. “No, I’m fine. Just tired from work, that’s all,” she said bracingly. “Running a school has been harder than even I had guessed it would be. Don’t worry about me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure,” she added. “I don’t need you coming back to Crystal Prep and doing my job even better than me yet, that’s for sure!”

Twilight giggled, a roll of her eyes showing she took little of it seriously. “I did have… well, some thoughts about teaching when I was done with college. But I’d love to have you as a mentor for that, when the time comes.”

“Of course! I’d be more than happy to,” Cadance replied. She took a sip of her coffee, letting the silence politely fill the emptiness as the ambience of the café fell between them. Just a moment, then a moment more, before it would become awkward.

“So you’ve told me all about your friends,” she said as she set down her cup. “How about anyone special? Any girlfriends or anything?” she hoped the use of the former wouldn’t be too obvious, though the other half of herself cursed internally for daring such a thing.

Twilight’s expression became extremely sheepish, her cheeks flushing red. “Well…”

Oh my. “Do tell,” Cadance practically purred.

“Well, during the summer,” Twilight said hesitantly, “we went out to a camp up north. I- I met a boy.”

Straight. Of course she’s straight, why wouldn’t she be? Much more common. “Oh, did you now?” Cadance said, hoping her voice was even in tone.

“He’s- nice,” Twilight said, her smile growing with every second. “It’s a bit odd to be part of, but I like him a lot.”

“I’m glad for you. Really,” Cadance said. “You’ve always been beautiful, but now- it’s hardly a surprise the boys can keep away from you.”

Twilight went deep red and could hardly stand to look at anything but her own coffee cup for a time- enough to allow Cadance a chance to break apart and shatter internally. Not that it was of any surprise, or any reason to be disappointed. It was what needed to happen, to keep her in check: Cadance knew better and shouldn’t have needed such a stark reminder to keep her out of trouble.

“Cadance?”

“Mhm?”

Twilight remained red. “I know it’s such a weird thing to ask… if I asked you for any relationship advice, would that be OK?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I just don’t want to be bothersome- or weird,” the younger woman said.

“You could hardly be either one,” Cadance said warmly, though internally she was screaming. “Ask for me whenever you need it, and I’ll answer every question you have.”

The meeting between the two went on for some time before at last Cadance had to return back to her work. However, as she made to rise from her seat, Cadance hesitated; the question had been burning in her mind throughout the entire conversation and suddenly found itself demanding to be given entrance.

“Twilight?”

“Yes, Cadance?” Twilight’s shining face looked so free, so youthful and innocent.

“Am I… old?”

Twilight looked at her as though she had just asked something confusing. “No, of course not! You look like a supermodel, I’d give anything to look like you!”

Cadance gave a grateful smile and a wave before departing from the café. Her composure remained throughout the entire drive back and every step she took through the hallway. When she reached her office, Cadance leaned back in her chair, gave a sigh, and suddenly found herself in tears. She would never say the reason why.

The nights had become terrible. Dream and memory and desire wormed their way into her brain and became mixed together, poking and prodding at Cadance’s heart until she felt a great sorrow and confusion at every waking, which only became more frequent as time continued its dreadful march. After one particularly intense dream that left Cadance soaked and gasping from delight- only to wake to an empty bed and an empty house, she decided to have it out with herself, rising from her stained-sheet bed and turning to the kitchen for a cup of strong coffee, pausing only to add a strong shot of Irish cream to the mix for good measure.

“You need to stop,” she told herself firmly, pacing back and forth with the scalding hot cup in hand. “This is out of line; every single, damnable inch of it and you know it!”

There was no answer. At least not yet. She scowled, hoping the howling wind outside would somehow come in and carry her thoughts away from her weary mind.

“She’s only a girl- not even a woman yet, not even an adult!” Cadance’s pacing became more intense, more rapid in its circulation. “Twilight’s still a teenager, and a high school student for crying out loud! How would this look for a principal –a principal- to be caught trying to- to- oh, just drop it, will you? She doesn’t even like girls, she’s got a boyfriend! If you just had the sense to stop trying to relive some childish dream and be normal for once than maybe you wouldn’t have this problem!”

Her hand trembled and coffee spilled out onto her fingers, burning in heat. She swore and cast it aside, promptly rushing over to the sink to cool her hand, only to find her tears mingling in with the flow of fresh water. She was a wreck, an absolute wreck.

“This has to stop. You need to move on,” she said lowly. “Settle down, get married, or just run off and never come back. Move to another country or something, I don’t care. But this has to stop. You want a fantasy, and it’s one that would get you arrested. It needs to end now. So drop it.”

She tried to move on with her day, but every moment after was still deeply tied to the tears of frustration that she had shed. It would be a hard thing to bury.

The hours turned into days. The days become months. Winter came and began to take hold, even as fall tried to ward off its power with dying throes. Cadance found herself more and more involved with preparing for winter break. Nights were long, and days were longer. The rumbles in her mind had more or less become quiet. It was what she had asked for, worked towards, even if parts of her subconscious felt morose as the absence of it came into view. She had no reason to be upset, if she was truthful.

She had done little to speak to Twilight after their last meeting. The younger girl had sent her a few scant messages every now and then, asking questions or simply being friendly, but that was as deep as their conversations had become. It was just time and occupation getting the best of them, Cadance believed. At least, for the time being.

The afternoon had come to its end when Cadance sat there before her computer even still, a dulled look growing in her eyes the more she worked. She would have to call it quits soon if she were to be lively enough to even drive home and do whatever she could find herself doing there. Any thought of exercise after work today was a laughable one. It wouldn’t be long now, and things would be relatively back to normal again-

A knock on her door, little more than a series of gentle raps on the glass. She saw the silhouette of a figure standing there through the stained glass. “Come in!”

Her heart, which had remained dormant, suddenly came alive as the sapphire-blue hair and violet eyes of Twilight came into view. “Twilight! Wh- what on earth are you doing here? I mean, it’s lovely to see you, but still…”

“I’m sorry! I can leave, if you’re busy-” Twilight reverted to her shy, apologetic self in an instant.

“No, of course not! Truthfully, you just did me a big favor. Now I can have an excuse to leave,” Cadance said, simply slamming her laptop shut and turning to the young woman, trying not to drink in her youthful beauty. “I hope my secretary didn’t give you any problems- or has she left already?”

“Well, she wasn’t there when I came in,” Twilight admitted. “I know it’s pretty late…”

“I guess it is,” Cadance said weakly. She knew not what to do, and Twilight seemed to be shuffling about as though uncertain herself.

“I hope this doesn’t come as a bother,” Twilight said, looking anywhere but at Cadance.

Cadance smiled, taking the young woman in a gentle embrace. “You’ll never be a bother to me. Now what’s the matter?”

“Well…” Twilight shuffled about, still unable to look at Cadance. “Today’s my birthday.”

“You’re eighteen?” Oh God help me.

“Yeah, I am,” Twilight said. “My Mom’s got a big party planned, and I think my friends have been helping out. It’s a big help, especially since Dad- well you know- whatever job he has now has him traveling, and Shiny is off somewhere.”

“I’m happy for you, Twilight. You’ve become such a beautiful young woman…”

“And my boyfriend will be coming over sometime tonight, too. And- and, well…”

Oh hell, she’s gonna ask me about pregnancy or sex or something.

“Umm… Cadance, I know it’ll seem silly, but- but we’ve never even kissed!” Twilight’s expression was a strange mixture of embarrassment and panic. “We’ve been together for months and we’ve just been taking it slow, and- and oh, I must sound so stupid!”

“Why would you sound stupid?” Cadance laughed, feeling somewhat relieved. “Plenty of people’s kiss at their wedding is their first kiss period. Maybe it’s not super common anymore, but- what’s got you so worried about that, Twilight?”

“Because I think he’s going to want to kiss me for my birthday!” Twilight said. “And I don’t know what to do, Cadance, I’ve never been kissed before and I’ve never kissed anyone before and I don’t want it to be a bad one for me or for him and I just keep thinking about it and I don’t want to tell my friends because it’s just so silly to think about and-”

“Twilight, Twilight, relax! Being worried about such a simple thing is sure to make it bad,” Cadance said gently, holding the young woman down into a nearby seat. “The more you worry about something… well, it’s like dying a thousand deaths before it even happens. Try not to think about it so much.”

“But how do you kiss? I just- I want it to be good.”

Cadance could hardly believe her ears, and she forced herself to not turn a fool. “Well, you just… do.” She saw Twilight’s expression and knew she would have to go a little further. “You have a moment, first, where you both know it’s going to happen. Then you just, sort of, lean into one another. Then, when the moment’s right, you just, close your eyes, and… kiss,” she said rather lamely. “You match your partner’s eagerness with your own, and just keep going till you know it’s time to stop. Whether it’s the time or place, or just the passion of the moment, you’ll know if you want to keep- keep going. From there. And so on.”

“Oh.” Twilight looked up at Cadance and then elsewhere, twiddling her thumbs as she sat there. Cadance desperately wished she would leave or else the moment might be too much to bear. “Cadance, I’m not- not very good at- with personal things- stuff like this.”

“It takes practice, more than anything,” Cadance replied. “And just being comfortable in your own skin.”

“… Cadance?”

“Yes, Twilight?”

Twilight’s cheeks were pale, but her eyes remained steady nevertheless. “Could- could you kiss me, please? So I know what it feels like?”

Fuck. “Twilight, I’m- you’re- it’s- maybe not a good idea-

“Please? Just a small one? I really like him, and I want to our first kiss together to be a good one. So please, just real quick, between friends? So I don’t make a fool of myself with my boyfriend?”

Cadance looked at Twilight longingly, drinking in every wondrous inch of her, from her slender legs to the skirt that fell just above the knee, a sweater that covered petite breasts moving up to a beautiful, heart-shaped face and awaiting eyes. Cadance’s longing was at a crescendo; to wait any longer would be tortuous. She would give- only a little.

“Al- alright,” she said hesitantly, motioning for Twilight to get to her feet. “Just- follow along with me, alright? And relax. You do need to do that.”

“OK, OK,” Twilight took in a breath and exhaled slowly, looking up at Cadance with nervous, eager eyes. “I’m ready.”

She knew she shouldn’t. Her desire was maddening, but she knew she shouldn’t. But Cadance leaned in anyway, letting her head rest gently against Twilight’s, feeling the young woman’s gaze still upon her. “Close your eyes, beautiful,” Cadance whispered, her breath pressing gently on Twilight’s skin. She breathed the young woman in, drinking in her flowery scent that made her think of a fresh garden. She felt Twilight tremble for only a moment. She knew she shouldn’t. So Cadance leaned in and pressed her lips against Twilight’s, feeling an exquisite softness and warmth that came forth like a daydream. The touch, the feel of them, was better than she had dared hoped. Twilight shuddered at the first touch; a tentative, fearful instinct that soon disappeared the longer the moment continued, the gentle softness of youthful lips against the strong, yet tender confidence of Cadance's embrace. Cadance relinquished for only a moment, regaining a deeper kiss as she felt Twilight’s lips yet again, the lip-locked embrace continuing with every gentle press, every breath they took. The two women were one and the same in that endless moment; Cadance felt rapturous joy, so unwilling to end the moment as the kiss only continued. She wanted more, so much more: to feel Twilight’s bare skin against her own, to lap at her and feel her in ways she had never been felt before. But she could only share a kiss; a sweet, gentle, wondrous kiss that felt like bliss and warmth and uncontrollable delight. They held one another, Twilight's arms immobile around Cadance's waist as the older woman cupped her hands upon the beautiful young woman's cheeks. There was no ascension, no sudden rise of passion between the two, only simple lips upon lips again and again and again in gentle, youthful display until at last Cadance broke apart from the young woman- yet returning to dip in one last time and leave a soft, gentle peck on Twilight’s lips, and she dared to wonder if she felt Twilight traveling along with her.

“Oh…” Twilight pulled back from her mentor a bit, looking up at her with a strange expression upon her face, one that Cadance could not quite read or understand. “So that’s it, then?”

“That’s it.” Cadance’s voice was weak, held tight in the grip of unrelenting desire. “Happy birthday, Twilight.”

Twilight gave an awkward sort of smile and departed, perhaps pausing at the door to look back and Cadance, and maybe even open her mouth- but she disappeared in an instant, leaving Cadance an exhausted, confused, and deeply aroused mess.

Author's Note

And so it begins.

Keep readin if you enjoy it.

Four: Fall

A tremble. A small shake that coursed through her body. She raised her body up and down in a gentle motion that grew slowly stronger, her pelvic thrusts intensifying the more her fingers did their work. She released a moan from her lips, accidental but most certainly bidden, her eyes held shut as she allowed the fantasy to continue on. The sensation that had been upon her lips, now little more than a memory, came forth from the recesses of her mind and she remembered that wondrous softness, the hesitancy that had grown into pleasure, the soft pressure that had become more forceful. It was heavenly, and she’d only wanted more. To take her against her own flesh, drink deeply of love’s flow and feel the juices of passion and effort. There would be a multitude of kisses, clit against clit, the two of them joining together out of lustful desire that would never end, and… and-

Cadance gave a soft cry and released, her orgasm coursing through her body as the fantasy of Twilight reached its crescendo, the intense rocking of her hips coming at last to an end. She was a gasping, soaked mess, from the now-drenched labia to beautiful breasts that were shining with sweat. But it had felt so good! So delicious, so wonderful, so right…

Or maybe not. As she lay there, allowing herself time to revel in her conjured fantasy that had been so deeply enjoyed, a small worm of shame was beginning to enter into her. Had- had she really done this? The more she lay there, the worse it became. When she could manage her thoughts no longer, Cadance quickly departed for the shower, allowing the heat of the water to help clear her thoughts. That was, at least, the hope. More than just physical cleaning, but perhaps a scrubbing of her thoughts was in order.

“You can’t keep doing that,” she told herself, part of her mind eyeing the shower head with raised interest. “She’s a kid- a girl!”

Not anymore, a thought cried out from somewhere in the depths. She’s a grown woman now. Free to make her own choices. And on her birthday, you were her very first kiss.

Cadance shuddered, whether it be from nerves or delight she could not know. The kiss that never should have been, the kiss that had been a delight, the kiss that had been the most wonderful thing she had felt in years. It had set a fire in her heart that would not die, a great and terrible longing that had no desire to be satisfied with anything less.

“She’s still in high school. Legally an adult, but still so much a girl. And so eager, and willing, and…”

You were in command. You led her along. Just like you’d wanted for so long now. To be the dominant one.

It had been true. All the men she’d been with had desired to lead the act through, to be the one in charge. It was safe and nice, but Cadance wanted to take the leading role. It was more exciting that way. And Twilight… so young and innocent. Little more than a girl, and such a scandal if their wonderful, beautiful, tender kiss did not remain a private secret…

Cadance’s finger went down and began to perform their magic yet again, the comforting rhythms of the water’s flow feeling like a longing embrace…

Hesitancy was a good thing to have when one could not quite make up their mind. Cadance found her hand reaching for her phone more often than usual these past few months, for reasons she did not like to admit even to herself. Whenever she did, a flicker of guilt would run through her and bring her actions to a grinding halt- likely for her own safety. Messages and phone calls could be recorded or recovered, if it ever came to light. And besides, Twilight had a boyfriend, that was something she should respect. Cadence abhorred the thought of cheating, having been cheated on once herself- to bring precious, beautiful, innocent Twilight into such an act was reprehensible, shameful; she absolutely knew better than to even try to begin to worm her way into such a predicament. But still…

Cadance’s work as Crystal Prep’s principal was gratifying. She was making an active difference there, and doing what she could to erode Cinch’s effects on the school’s atmosphere; the hostility and ‘dog-eat-dog’ mentality of the students was dying, albeit slowly. Some had difficulties letting old habits dies, but her changes had begun to take an effect. The school was still possessed high academic standards, but the means to get there was not quite so brutal anymore. There was a sense of unity growing with the students.

And the work kept her busy. She cared for her personal wellbeing as best as she could, but Cadance found herself frustrated by just how much time she spent at work. The weekends were the only real reprieve she still had, and even that could be interrupted by something major (thankfully nothing yet, but it could always happen). Her nights were wearisome and she would often come home tired. She liked to imagine someone waiting at home for her, wearing little more than an apron that could be easily removed. Perhaps an oiled massage after…

Cadance’s phone vibrated. Her childish daydream flitted away in a heartbeat and she looked over to see Twilight’s name in glowing letters on the screen. Confusion abounded in her mind at the sight of it; Twilight was still in school at this hour, what was going on?

Hey, could we talk today, as in a phonecall? It’s important.

Cadance blanked. It couldn’t mean what she wanted it to mean, that was ridiculous- and dangerous! Hopefully it wasn’t anything too serious. Of course we can, call whenever you want, was Cadance’s response. There. Now she forced herself to calm, forget whatever silly ideas she had tried to breathe life into. There were a million other things that could be the reason for her calling.

The afternoon came and turned into early evening when Cadance’s phone rang, Twilight’s name glowing yet again. She answered instantly, perhaps a little too quickly. In the hopes of not appearing overeager, she held a forced casualness in her tone. “Hello?”

“Hey, Cadance.” Twilight’s voice sounded thick, nasally.

“Twilight. Are you alright?”

“Yes… no. I don’t know, I’m sorry.” She sounded on the verge of tears.

“Twilight, is something wrong? What happened?”

“Me and my boy- well, ex-boyfriend. We broke up.”

Cadance’s emotional response was as wild and varied as the color of fireworks on the Fourth of July. She was ecstatic, distraught, sympathetic and rapturous; her mind planned romantic encounters and sexual trysts, while the rest began to think of how to help her get over the despair. It took her some time to settle the conflict.

“Cadance?”

“Yes! I’m here, Twilight- I’m so sorry, I really am.” No bashing the ex, that’s such a low thing to do.

“It’s- OK,” Twilight said, the words sounding like rocks against her throat. “It was a long time coming, and we both agreed to end it. It’s just hard, I guess…”

“Of course it is, it’s someone you invested in,” Cadance replied. “Tell you what, are you planning to do anything tonight?”

“Go home and cry and listen to sad music?” the tone was a sad playfulness.

“Do you want to come over to my place? A little ‘girl’s pity party’ for the night?” No moves on her, at all. This is to be an act of kindness, not sexual selfishness. The tone she held on herself was emphatic.

“I dunno…”

“Come on, Twilight, it’ll be good for you. You can mope and be sad and we’ll get over it together, alright? Better than just wallowing in your misery alone.”

There was a sniff that came as the first response. “Yeah, OK,” she said. “Tonight at seven?”

“Bring whatever comforts you want,” Cadance said. “See you then.”

Her insides were dancing while her mind tried to rouse some sense of shame. She shouldn’t be so joyful about such a miserable thing. After all, it wasn’t like this was a happy moment for Twilight- even if it might be for her.

It was a comfortable home into which Twilight entered, carrying a small stuffed toy in her arms as she let Cadance embrace her. The tears came almost instantly but quickly were quelled by her own efforts, and a watery smile was given in response to the older woman’s affection. They shared in the misery, letting the unhappiness do its work until it became as only a dull sensation against the brain. They listened to sad music, ate mounds of chocolate, and watched stupid movies that did their best to distract Twilight from her unhappiness. Not a word did Cadance say against her ex, though it seemed such a natural thing to do. It would certainly be fun.

“Feeling any better?” Cadance asked her as the deep of the night began to settle upon the world in earnest.

“A little,” Twilight replied. “Thanks for suggesting this.”

“I know my remedies,” she said. “No one needs to be miserable alone, particularly after a break-up. It’s difficult enough.”

“I appreciate it. It’s my first, if you can’t tell.”

“Just wasn’t going anywhere?”

Twilight shifted in her seat, trying to organize her thoughts on the matter. “It just was, I guess. We got along, but- I don’t know, Cadance. I just didn’t see it going any further. I’ll graduate soon and go to college, he’s happy at his job as a camp counselor and staying there. I guess… it was for the best. There were other things, but that- that was the biggest thing, I think.”

Other reasons were what Cadance was most interested in, but she couldn’t show it. The best thing she could do was be as sympathetic and kind to Twilight as possible. “You’ll graduate next month, right? It’s never fun, Twilight, but a lot of high school relationships end like this. It’s a time when a lot of people make different choices. You did a mature thing by ending it.”

“I did?”

“It would feel worse to prolong the end,” Cadance assured her. “It’d become a bitter thing until you couldn’t stand the sight of one another, maybe not even the thought. You did the best thing for one another, even if you can’t see it yet.”

Twilight still looked miserable, but she nodded a bit and let a smile, a small one, show its strength on her face.

“Besides, in college? It’s a whole new beginning,” Cadance continued. “New things to explore and to do, you’ll find out who you are and what you want. It’s a big do-over. Even if you can’t see it right now.”

The rest of the night went peacefully, the two commiserating about old times and fond memories, trying to forget the pain of today. The clock was close to striking midnight when Twilight finally departed, holding tightly to Cadance in one last hug before leaving.

“Call me if you need anything,” Cadance said. “Anything. I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Thanks so much, Cadance,” Twilight said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. I feel like I can talk to you about anything.”

“And you can. Always.”

Twilight looked up at her beloved mentor with a strange mixture of sadness and gratitude. “Can we do this again? Just hang out, the two of us? I don’t have many classes to deal with till graduation.”

“Of course we can,” Cadance replied. “I’ve missed all the time we used to spend together. No lessons or anything, just as a couple of girlfriends, how about it?”

“It sounds great,” Twilight said happily, giving Cadance another tight squeeze.

As Twilight turned to head to her car and leave, Cadance felt a premonition. She needed to say something now- soon, before Twilight was out of earshot. “Twi?”

The girl turned back quickly. “Yeah?”

“Don’t forget just how beautiful you are,” Cadance said. “Promise me that, OK?”

Twilight stood there, perhaps taken aback by the lovely woman’s words, but gave a nod before allowing a new smile to grow. “OK. Promise.”

Little time had passed before the two women were in one another’s company again. Rather than simple comfort and shelter from pains and emotions, the two decided to take time to enjoy the fine spring weather that had finally come about, a walk down by the riverside having come to their fancy. There were fewer tears this time, their absence instead filled with smiles and laughter as they walked along, enjoying the pleasant evening.

Cadance was glad to see that Twilight had come to recover fairly quickly, the lines on her face having more or less dissipated. The shadow in her gaze was still somewhat present, but now not as prominent. Her laughter did not feel forced, nor did her smile seem false; she was genuinely happy to be there, not just grateful for a distraction.

“Are you excited to be done with school? I’m guessing you’re wanting more of a challenge out of college than what you’re getting now,” Cadance said.

“It’ll be… nice. Different, and a little scary,” Twilight admitted. “I’ve enjoyed my time at Canterlot High and being with my friends, so it’ll be- well, different. And sort of lonely.”

“It starts out that way, usually. But it doesn’t have to last long,” Cadance assured. “There’ll be plenty of opportunities to make new friends and grow. I would’ve been worried for you when you were younger, and, well…”

“A recluse?”

“I would have said shy,” Cadance laughed, “but I guess that works. It would’ve been easy for you to just get lost in your coursework and let it all pass you by. But now, I think, you’ll be just fine. You’ll make the best of every opportunity.”

“I hope so.” Twilight’s expression became apprehensive, the visions and anticipation of the future that had once been a faraway dream now seemed much closer to reality. “I’m excited, but- just worried that I’ll fall right back into bad old habits.”

“You won’t. I know you won’t.”

“What did you do when you were in college, Cadance?”

Cadance released a sigh, letting a thousand memories of sights, sounds, and sensations come forth; some good, some bad, all worthy of remembrance. “I did… a lot of things. Whatever I could hope to try, really.”

“Did you spend most of your time working, or did you go out and do a lot of things?”

“Oh… a bit of both,” Cadance admitted. “I certainly enjoyed babysitting you. And, yes, I did go to a lot of parties. More when I was younger. I had a few one-night stands, a couple of relationships. I wanted to enjoy myself.”

“Umm… Cadance?”

“Mhm?”

Twilight looked a little red in the face, and seemed to be mustering up her strength to bring her words out into the open. “I hope you don’t mind me asking…”

“Of course I don’t!”

“Oh, well… then… did you ever, you know… experiment?”

Cadance felt a tremor wanting to run through her, but she kept it forced down; she would know the reason for it, but Twilight might think it was disgust. “I did. A couple times, actually. I ended up dating one guy and two girls for a while in college. One lasted for most of a year, then she went back home and I stayed here.”

“How’d you find out that you liked girls, too?”

Cadance blushed, knowing full well that the reasons why were still Twilight’s school principals. Perhaps, to help not make things unreasonably awkward, she decided to omit some information. “I- a girl in my class had a crush on me. We ended up hanging out, and she asked to kiss me, so I… did. It was really nice.”

“Oh.” Twilight remained thoughtful as they continued on in their walk. “Did- did you prefer one over the other?”

“Oh, that’s- that’s hard, Twilight. I don’t know,” Cadance said. “I was looking for different things whenever I was with them. It would just be what it was, I guess. If I liked a guy, or a girl, I just did.”

“But still, when you were… you know… with them- girls. Were you glad of the choice you made?”

Cadance smiled. “I always was glad of it. I like being with men, but girls… they’re just a little softer. More considerate. I guess it depends, Twilight, sometimes it’s just about maturity.”

“Oh. OK, then.”

Cadance looked down at the still-blushing young woman and began to laugh. “Why? One of your friends caught your eye? They’re all very pretty. Think you might have a hook-up before you go to college?”

“Oh, stop!” Twilight turned a deep red and couldn’t bear to look anywhere but the ground. “I mean, it’s one of my friends, but- I don’t know what I think just yet.”

Cadance laughed even more, pulling Twilight close as she tried to comfort the young girl. “Feelings can definitely be confusing, so don’t worry too much about it. Just let them come naturally, and deal with them as they come.”

“But Cadance, if- if I really do feel that way about them, what do I do? I don’t want to ruin a friendship, it’s one of the closest I have!”

“You can always try. Or you don’t have to, too,” Cadance answered. “That’s something you’ll have to figure out yourself. It’s never an easy thing.”

“I certainly wish it was,” the young girl moaned.

“So do I!” Cadance agreed. “Just remember that no matter what you do, I’m here for you whenever you need me. I always will be.”

“Thank you, Cadance. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you,” Twilight looked up at her mentor with adoration in her gaze.

“I’m proud of you. You’re a beautiful young woman, inside and out,” Cadance said, holding Twilight to her side. “I’m glad I’m with you.”

They continued on for some time before they both departed, eager to see each other again before it was too late. Summer was on its way, and it would not be long for those last partings would finally come. Cadance knew it would be here before too long, and hoped that she could last until it was done. Twilight would be fine without her.

“And you’re sure you can’t make it?”

Cadance severely wished she could answer differently. The truth tore at her like a knife imbedded in her heart, but she could answer no other way.

“I’m really sorry, Twilight, honest,” she said, “but I won’t be able to make it to your graduation. I’ll try to be there for the party- promise! But Crystal Prep’s ceremony begins just a bit after your school’s, and- I’m the principal, I probably have to be there.”

“Yeah. Maybe just a bit,” Twilight replied. “I understand, and I’ll miss seeing you there.”

“I will be at your graduation party, though, Twilight. You can count on that,” she added.

“I know. I believe you.”

Silence fell, and Cadance found herself in a whirlwind of emotions. What could she do? What should she do? Twilight was in her thoughts all the time now, and the thought of not being there at the biggest moment of her life yet was tortuous. She had to make it up to her, not just by being at her party, but some other way. Should she try to deal with her feelings beforehand and set them aside, should she try to talk it over with Twilight? That would be dangerous, particularly since it would likely backfire. That was a stupid idea, really stupid-

“So, what do you think, Cadance?”

Twilight had said more than one thing in the past few moments and she hadn’t even noticed. “Oh my- I’m sorry, Twilight! I spaced out and didn’t even hear you! Give me just a second,” Cadance said. She resettled herself in her loveseat, making sure to turn off the TV before she took a breath. “Alright. Start from the beginning, I’m listening this time, I promise.”

“You remember the night out we had a few weeks ago?”

“Of course I do. I enjoyed every minute of it,” Cadance answered.

“Well… do you remember me asking about how to deal with- umm, talking to one of my friends? About how I felt? And I wasn’t sure what to do?”

“Yes, I do. Have you spent any time thinking about it?”

“I did. I think I’m going to tell her,” Twilight admitted.

“That’s great! See? You’ve got the confidence to do it, I knew you did!” Cadance cried, though she felt her heart in tatters. It was really selfish of her; Twilight deserved someone younger, as fresh and pure as she was. “I know that you wouldn’t make that choice unless you were one-hundred percent certain, so I know you’re making a smart choice.”

“Thanks,” Twilight said, her voice tinged with a nervous giggle. “I’m not really completely certain, actually. I just don’t know if I can just let it go by without saying something. You know what I mean?”

“Just sits on you too heavily, huh?” Cadance guessed shrewdly.

Twilight truly laughed this time. “Yeah. I’m trying to think of a way of going about it, too, and I’m not great at it. When I was with my ex, it just sort of- happened. But now I’m a little uncertain.”

“Each time is different. Sometimes you’re confident, and sometimes not. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. And I know whoever it is will love to have you.”

“Are you sure?”

“You’re not doubting yourself again, are you?”

“I- not really, Cadance, I’m just- she’s so confident, and graceful and beautiful and I feel just so inexperienced. Like I’m a little naïve.”

“Twilight? You’re worrying too much,” Cadance replied. “Just go talk to them. If it goes well, great! If not, I’ll be here if you need a shoulder to cry on.”

“OK. Well…”

“Twilight? Do it in person. It’s the easiest way to deal with it, since you can’t really back out,” Cadance said. “And, if you’re nervous, be one-on-one. You’ll feel better that way, especially if you’re uncertain they’ll reciprocate.”

“OK. Thank you so much, Cadance. You’ve been the world to me.”

“Good luck, beautiful lady. I’m sure they’ll say yes.”

Cadance sat the phone down and found herself promptly bawling. So close, so close! It was such a selfish thought and she knew it, but these stupid feelings of hers had only gotten in the way! It was so stupid to think of it- Twilight would look for someone her own age or close to it, not someone way older! No one thought like that, nobody did! Even Cadance knew full well she shouldn’t be lusting so deeply for someone so young. It would be seen as weird, creepy, illicit- even wrong, though they both were adults. But she had wanted it so badly, they’d even kissed…

Cadance, still covered in her tears, headed for the kitchen to grab a bottle of wine and a good jug of ice cream. She felt like a pity party was in order for tonight, even if it was the dumbest, most immature, most girlish thing she could do. She needed it.

Monday night went by slowly, Cadance too unhappy for sleep to take hold of her. It was a dreadful, somewhat hungover Tuesday morning that came to greet her, and she did what she could to weary her way through it. The night came and went more quickly this time, though the heaviness on her heart would not dissipate yet. Wednesday passed, then Thursday. Friday came and Cadance found herself busy with meetings and event notices, trying to put the finishing touches on whatever she needed to for Crystal Prep’s graduation. The next week up would see Graduation come at last, and then whatever else came after… like Twilight’s grad party!

Cadance groaned and buried her face in her hands, the week’s misery having driven any thought of it out of her mind completely- the thought of having to attend, what had once been a pleasure, was now a horrible one. She would be there with Twilight, with no way to deal with her own feelings, and –to make matters worse- she would have to see Twilight with another girl! If she had any sense or actual affection for the young woman at all, Cadance would be happy for them both- but she felt selfish, and ashamed of her selfishness. Why couldn’t she just be a normal person and be attracted to someone her own age? This whole thing was stupid.

The intercom on her desk suddenly flared to life, Cadance’s secretary making a sudden call. “Ms. Cadance, your two p.m. appointment is here to see you,” she said. “Should I let them in?”

“Give me just a second,” Cadance said thickly, trying to prevent tears from appearing and ruining her mascara. “Yes, send them in, please.”

The door began to turn and Cadance took a deep breath, trying to regain some self-control. Her emotions had to be buried- now and for all time. If she became a wreck now, it would be disastrous for the school and her secret might even slip out if she began to talk-

“Cadance? Is everything alright?”

Her eyes went wide at the sound of that voice. “Twilight!” she cried, stunned to see the young girl here. “What- what are you doing here? It’s still school hours, shouldn’t you be back at Canter-”

“Early day,” Twilight explained, trembling as she took a seat. “We just did rehearsals today, that’s all. I’ve been free for a while.”

“Well- well that’s great! Twilight, you didn’t have to make an appointment with the office to see me, you know that!” she said. “What’s the matter, what can I help you with?”

Twilight was nervous, even an oblivious fool could see that. She looked at Cadance- then her gaze quickly darted away, peering this way and that. “I- I don’t-”

Cadance’s inner turmoil was set aside immediately. Something was wrong. “Twilight, are you OK? Are you in trouble?”

Twilight shook her head. “Cadance, I’m- I’m really sorry, but…”

Of course. Her crush. “Twilight, it’s alright. Did they say no or did your nerves just give out? It’s going to be OK, either way-”

“No, it’s- it’s not that, I promise,” Twilight said, cutting through her words. “I- I, umm…”

Cadance’s heart skipped a beat. Not possible. She regarded Twilight a little more now, something that should have been obvious now occurring to her. Twilight’s clothing was different, not the typical casual, somewhat conservative outfits she often had on: a loose, rather thin button-up with the top button left undone to reveal the beginnings of cleavage, the shirt rolled up to reveal just a hint of a smooth, pure skin; a short skirt- no, a very short skirt that only went a small ways down her leg, allowing plenty of thigh to be seen, and –if she’d been in the right position- allowing her panties to be seen. Twilight’s body was gleaming, shining beams of what looked to be perspiration having formed across her, revealing… further.

Cadance kept herself steady. She didn’t want to be wrong, nor could she afford to. But just maybe…

“I don’t know how to start,” Twilight said weakly.

Cadance reached out and squeezed Twilight’s hand in a comforting gesture. “Take your time. I’m listening.”

“Umm… Cadance, did I ever tell you why me and my ex broke up?” she began.

Cadance fell flat. “Only a little bit, why?” she asked in a dulled voice.

“Well, I know it said it just sort of happened,” Twilight said, each word seeming to come at a snail’s pace, “and it did, it really did. But… well, on my birthday. I said I thought he was going to kiss me, and- he did, but it wasn’t all- all that great.”

“OK…”

“We kept going for a little while, and he got jealous about something, and we talked it out. I just didn’t- didn’t find him that attractive anymore, and I admitted I didn’t like how he felt when we kissed,” Twilight continued, her face no longer red but instead a ghostly white.

“Alright. And why is that? Don’t do a thing. Don’t you dare.

Twilight finally found it in her to look Cadance in the eye, though every inch of her seemed to be terrified. “Well- whenever we did, he just- kept coming up short. To- to the kiss I had with you. And I realized that I liked kissing you more. And I wanted to kiss you again.”

Cadance could hardly believe it. After all that time, all that effort, all the twists and turns and sudden surprises and tears- it was out. Now what on earth was she going to do?

“Twilight..?”

“I- I have a crush,” Twilight stammered, taking a gulp and trying again. “I have a crush on you, Cadance. I think you’re really attractive and I want to go out with you. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met, and I can't help it.”

Oh my god. It was too good to be true- and Cadance knew she couldn’t do a thing about it. “Twilight, I…”

“I know it’s crazy, and you’d probably get in trouble if we started dating,” Twilight continued, “but I kept dreaming about kissing you one more time. And maybe… doing more. I just wanted to say in case you felt the same way.”

Cadance stared, not really certain where to begin. She wanted to cry out in triumph, she wanted to do a million things, and she could do none of them. She was trapped by politics, comfort, and position. “Twilight, listen to me very carefully,” she said. “I feel the same way. I think you’re beautiful and wonderful and I enjoyed kissing you, too.”

“Really?!” Twilight looked delighted, then her expression quickly changed. “But…”

“But Twilight, it’s too risky,” Cadance said, feeling a heat growing inside her. She began to pace back and forth, trying to get her words in order. “I think you’re gorgeous and sweet and wonderful, I really do.”

Twilight rose to her feet, walking around the desk and trying to put a hand on Cadance. “Cadance, please, just- just one-”

“I want to, Twilight, oh heaven help me I want to, to feel you against me and- and all of it, but I just am scared that- what if we get caught, or- or something goes wrong or someone starts asking-”

“Oh will you just shut up and kiss me?!”

Cadance could hold on no longer and took Twilight in a ravishing embrace, kissing her so fiercely that she could feel Twilight lose her breath. She was upon the younger woman in an instant, kissing her madly, passionately, wonderfully. Slamming Twilight against the wall, the two became one and could not take their hands off one another, each kiss and caress eliciting moans of passion and delight. Cadence held Twilight firmly, forcing her tongue deep into the girl’s mouth and the two of them entered into a dance of tongue and saliva, a messy, beautiful cascade of lips and tongue and intertwined lust that had been held dormant for so long. Twilight’s hands went to Cadance’s magnificent breasts, squeezing as though out of instinct, her muffled squeaks of delight becoming higher in pitch with each stroke Cadance blew against the insides of her mouth; Cadance’s hands were already busy, one held fast on Twilight’s cheeks while the other ripped at her skirt and plunged into her panties, her fingers finding the clit and going quickly to work. Their bodies were merged together in a magnificent display of unfiltered Sapphic passion, Cadance’s own moans of delight coming to rise, bidden by a lust that had been held dormant for oh, so long-

Suddenly Twilight pushed back hard against Cadance, the sudden end to their moment bringing Cadance to shock. A thick string of drool still held between them and she wanted to reach out for it and suck it down-

“Twilight, what the hell-”

“Cadance, the window!” Twilight gasped. “It’s open, someone could see-”

“Oh, shit!” Cadance gave a hiss and slammed the blinds down, the moment that had been so exquisite, so wonderful, now over. That was close. Much, much, MUCH too close.

They took a moment to recover themselves, each a gasping mess that still shuddered with their own personal lust. Cadance’s fingers were sticky with Twilight’s juices- her work had been so magnificent, so good that there was already a small stain on Twilight’s skirt. Each of them eyed the other with such forceful passion that it took a great effort for them to not simply start up again and continue.

“Maybe this isn’t the time or place,” Twilight said.

“It’s not. But… maybe tonight? My place?” Cadance suggested, taking Twilight into her arms with no attempt at hiding her desire. “I’ll show you the best time of your life.”

“It’s a deal,” Twilight grinned, relaxing her head gently against Cadance’s chest. “Oh, Cadance, that- that was… thank you.”

“I’ll see you tonight. Come by around seven,” Cadance said. “Does that sound good to you?”

“Definitely.” Twilight looked up at Cadance, her eyes glowing. “One last kiss before I go?”

Cadance took her time, forcing Twilight’s mouth open and drawing out her tongue, giving it several long, deep sucks that brought a moan of deepest satisfaction from the young woman, Twilight’s eyes hazy as she let the moment end. “Oh my god…”

“There’s more where that came from,” Cadance teased, pushing Twilight towards the door. “See you tonight.”

As soon as Twilight disappeared through the door, Cadance gave a small squeal of delight and jumped up and down, her emotions having reduced her to little more than a young girl. She looked down at her fingers, still dripping wet from their exploration into Twilight- she sucked them dry, giving a small sigh at the wonderful taste that seemed to melt in her mouth. Oh, the fun they would have tonight!

Author's Note

Relax. We're getting there.

Keep reading, if you're interested.

Five: Passion

The time she had taken to bring preparations to pristine was borderline obsessive. Cadance had let her secretary know that she would be leaving a little early today, needing to deal with ‘some personal emergencies’ that required her attention. If anyone had actually bothered to regard her, they would have seen Cadance was still rather flushed, and an unusual scent lingered wherever she walked.

Her home, which had lain somewhat disorderly since her emotional crash that Monday, was whipped into shape by her excited freneticism. Every piece of dirty clothes was washed and dried, and neatly folded; every inch of the floors were swept and vacuumed; dirty dishes were scoured until they sparkled and then stowed. But, most important of all, the bed was cleaned and made ready, Cadance taking her soft cotton sheets and working them through so vigorously that they seemed to double in size, the pillows appeared marvelously fluffy and the comforter was soft to the touch.

Next came the shopping list, which pushed Cadance to the limit. Her eyes kept flickering back to her phone whenever she had a free moment, worried she was running late. It was a bit of a drive back to the house and she had to combat traffic to make it. But what she had come to buy was essential. She had waited too long for this to screw it up now!

A warm shower came next, Cadance relishing the feel of the hot water pouring down her tingling skin. She could still feel where Twilight’s hands had lain on her breasts, the sensation keeping her heart eager to remain pounding. It was difficult for her to contain the excitement, and she wondered if she should explore herself for a time before Twilight arrived. Help relax a little, perhaps.

She took her time preparing herself. Cadance was a maestro in the songs of romance, and she knew exactly how she wished to present herself. Each scent and lotion that came upon her skin was carefully selected, her hair delicately combed until it shone with a healthy luster, her lips plumped and her eyes, thanks to lightly applied makeup, dazzled like stars. There was some deliberation over what she would wear (classy, or easy to be rid of?), until Cadance settled on a dark-grey thermal and leggings that accentuated her assets clearly. The choice of wearing a bra or not was a difficult one, but she opted for the former; more for Twilight to undress. When she looked herself over in the mirror, Cadance laughed in delight at her own beauty; Twilight would not know what hit her.

“Now to wait!” she cried, more than eager for the moment to arrive. She had to force her mind to stop playing tricks upon itself, imagining a knock on the door when there was nothing. She forced herself to sit down before the TV and relax, letting the endless stream of nonsense before her eyes bring her into a relax state. The energy she possessed was dissipating, for now, but her mind continued to think and plan and tinker: she would have to take things slow tonight, keep it gentle and relaxed. Twilight was inexperienced, and she would do well to remember it. The night would be awkward, sometimes to the point of humorous- but having Twilight, truly having her, was all she wanted. It would be a wonderful night.

An unsteady rap came upon her ears and Cadance nearly leapt out of her skin in excitement, wanting to rush to the door and drag Twilight in- so she steadied herself. With a somewhat forced calmness, she walked to the door and opened it slowly-

The pressure on her lips was unexpected but more than welcome, Twilight leaning up to greet Cadance with a warm kiss. For the first time in a great while, she felt her breath stolen from her, and as Twilight came down from the tips of her toes, she could see a grin on the young girl’s face; the result had been exactly what she had hoped for.

“Hi,” Twilight said, her shyness already beginning to resurge in the wake of her daring gesture, her cheeks beginning to be tinged with red.

“That was- well, I hope it’s the first of many!” Cadance said, welcoming Twilight into her abode. “It’s wonderful to see you, and… Twilight, you look amazing!”

Twilight blushed, but twirled herself around so as to be admired; her dress was a lovely thing, a blue mini dress with a somewhat revealing lace neckline, giving a modest reveal to Twilight’s chest but still keeping things hidden. Twilight’s face shone, her makeup applied with a skill she had never displayed before, and her normal ponytail had been abandoned in favor of a wavy look that only helped to accentuate her beauty. The intent of the look was obvious: youthful, but enticing- and Cadance thought it worked wonders.

“You’ve always been beautiful, Twilight, but this is… you look wonderful! Better than I could have hoped to look at your age!”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Twilight replied, avoiding Cadance’s gaze. “I- I had a friend help me get ready. Said I was going out for a date- don’t worry,” she added, noting her sudden rush of concern, “she doesn’t know I meant you. She thinks I’m going out somewhere with some guy we’re graduating with, it’s all fine.”

“You’ll have to thank her, she did a marvelous job. You look stunning…” Cadance’s eyes gleamed. “I can’t wait for the moment when I can rip it off of you.”

Twilight blushed red, but came closer to Cadance and wrapped her arms around the woman again, leaning up in the hopes of a kiss- of which she received several, Cadance more than happy to let Twilight’s lips pair with hers. It was such a sweet, soft sensation, Twilight’s lips the taste of cherries. She would have been more than willing to simply take Twilight then and there, but instead decided to prolong the kiss for only a little further, delicately licking the young girl’s lips before relinquishing. “Just a teaser for tonight,” she whispered.

“Oh…” Twilight seemed to buckle at the knee, her eyes swimming. “God, you feel so good.”

Cadance laughed, knowing there was far more where that came from. “You want something to eat? I cooked us something small.”

“That actually sounds amazing right now,” Twilight said, keeping an arm around Cadance’s waist as they departed for the kitchen.

It did not take long for their meal to leave the kitchen behind and back out into the living room, the two relaxing at opposite ends of the couch as they ate, a glass of wine accompanying both. Twilight was hesitant at first, still rather young for it, but willingly took the (very) small glass that Cadance handed her, finding she enjoyed the scent more than the taste of it. Cadance allowed herself a few sips as they rested, not wanting to be tipsy before the night’s festivities had begun.

“I can’t imagine what it’s been like you for lately,” Twilight remarked as she set her bowl aside. “I mean, it’s normal for students to have crushes on teachers, but for you-! How’d you last until today?”

“Oh, it was a struggle,” Cadance said. “After all, how am I supposed to resist such a beautiful woman for so long? I felt like a kid being tempted by candy.”

“I hope I didn’t make it hard on you- really!”

Cadance laughed, leaning up to grab Twilight’s hand and give it a squeeze. “You didn’t have to do a thing. I was more worried about causing trouble for you than anything else.”

Twilight dared to reach for her wineglass and took a small, hesitant sip, still not fully won over by the strength of the alcohol. “I felt so bad when I first asked you to help me –you know- practice kissing,” she said. “I kept telling myself it was such a bad idea and that you’d get mad at me for asking something so bad.”

“Didn’t expect me to say yes?”

“And feel so good,” Twilight added, Cadance giving a smirk at the words. “You were just… heavenly. I never wanted it to end. I just wanted to keep going and put my hands on your breasts and you’d start undressing me and- and-” she stopped, her face going red yet again. “I’m sorry, that was awkward, like a lot of awkward…”

“And yet still so arousing,” Cadance said, feeling that wondrous heat starting to grow inside her. “What did you hope would happen when you came to my office today? Exactly what happened?”

“Well- yeah, a lot. You, you felt- amazing,” Twilight said, her hand absentmindedly drifting down to between her legs. “No one’s ever sucked my tongue before, and your fingers were…”

“Honestly? After I shut the blinds I just wanted to keep going. Rip your skirt off and make you cum right there on the desk,” Cadance remarked.

“Oh, we would’ve been in so much trouble!” Twilight cried, laughing aloud at the thought. “I was scared enough that we’d been caught already!”

“I was too. I’m just glad it didn’t scare you off.”

“And miss seeing you again? Not a chance,” Twilight replied, her eyes taking their time to drink in Cadance’s sensuous form. “God, Cadance, how are you so sexy? Everything about you just looks perfect.”

“I take care of myself,” she said with a hint of pride. “It feels good to look good.”

“Do people assume you’re in your twenties when they see you?”

Cadance gave one short laugh. “Not so much anymore. I guess a lot of guys can tell the difference now.”

“Well they’re stupid. You look amazing all the time!” Twilight said.

Fuck, she is so sweet. “Thanks, Twilight.”

The two sat there for a time, deliberately not paying attention to one another as they let the TV continue its ramblings. Cadance was silently counting the time in her head, letting the moments pass by in deliberate comfort until the time was right. They had eaten enough to be comfortable, but not full, and the wine would begin to do its work before too long. She needed to wait just a little bit longer…

A rustling on the couch, and a warm pressure against her leg; Cadance looked up to see Twilight had moved upright on the couch, the young woman’s hand gently stroking her leg and gently moving up to her thigh.

“Enjoying how I feel?” she asked.

“Sorry! I can get kinda handsy, I didn’t mean to!” Twilight said.

Cadance leaned over and pulled Twilight closer until her head rested on Cadance’s chest, the two nearly interwoven as they lay there. “Doesn’t bother me,” Cadance remarked.

“Oh…” Twilight wouldn’t be able to wait much longer, she realized. Cadance would have to begin- slowly.

Her hand, which had lain gently at her side, slowly began to work its way towards Twilight, her fingers moving their way across the lace on her neckline until they found bare skin. Not daring to move her head, she slid them ever deeper until they found the nipple, already hardening at Cadance’s slight caress.

“Cadance…”

“I want you, Twilight,” she said. “Are you OK with that?”

Twilight righted herself until she was looking directly into Cadance’s eyes, drinking in that gaze hungrily with a smoldering lust of her own. The young girl had been eager, willing, from the moment she had walked through the door. “I’m- yeah, I’m OK with that,” she whispered, draping her arms around Cadance’s neck and leaning in for a kiss.

It was a slow, deliberate thing, Twilight’s lips exploratory as they began to press ever so gently against Cadance’s. They were not weak pecks of a schoolgirl crush, nor the torrid affair they had enjoyed that afternoon, but rather simple and pleasant. It was the beginning of a moment, and Cadance knew the young woman was, despite all her insistence and desire, was still somewhat afraid. Cadance rolled fiercely and was suddenly atop Twilight, laying upon her with only the slightest pressure-

Twilight gasped, taken aback by the sudden reversal of roles, only to be silenced by a soft, passionate kiss from Cadance. “I’ve got you,” she told her.

“Mmm…” Twilight said little else for a time as they continued in their kisses, each one filled with warmth and longing. Twilight seemed to relish in the pressure that grew only so slightly with each kiss, at last pushing her own tongue against Cadance’s plump lips and asking for entry. Cadance gladly obliged, the two tongues meeting yet again in delight as the two women deepened their explorations. Twilight gave a small coo of pleasure and wrapped herself around Cadance’s beautiful body, her hands weaving about in an eager caress. Cadance felt a glow of pleasure from the young woman’s reaction; it was time to let things intensify.

Cadance pulled back from Twilight, deliberately curling her tongue so as to let the saliva strand grow thick, the watery filament hanging between the two women as they gazed upon each other. Before the thread could break she was back down upon her, her own tongue plying gently until Twilight’s joined her out in the open, each lick, each stroke that they took and enjoyed a celebration of itself. Before Cadance could begin anew, Twilight allowed her tongue to retreat- only for her to reach out and take hold of Cadance’s giving it a sudden exploratory suck.

It was a wonderful sensation, and Cadance only longed for more. She gave a deep, pleasurable moan so Twilight would continue, gladly allowing her several moments to enjoy it as though it were something delectable. When Twilight relented, Cadance offered the gesture in turn, suckling upon the pink organ until Twilight began to truly squirm in delight.

“Oh my god… Cadance,” Twilight murmured, her arms draped about Cadance’s neck. “Please, not another moment longer, I can’t stand it!”

“So you want me to take you, huh?” Cadance grinned, kissing at Twilight’s cheeks wherever droplets of saliva could be found. “Can’t wait anymore?”

“Yes, please-” Twilight’s blissful expression suddenly faltered and was taken by anxiety. “But Cadance, I- I don’t really know what to do…”

“That’s OK, because I do,” Cadance said, hoping the calm in her voice would help Twilight stay settled. “Just follow my lead and I’ll look after you, alright?”

“Are you sure I’m what you want, Cadance?”

“More than anything in the world,” Cadance whispered, gracing Twilight with such a gentle, loving kiss that the world took pause to revel in it. “Let’s go upstairs.”

Rising from her place atop Twilight, Cadance took the young woman by the hand and helped her to her feet, doing her best to not rush the affair; Twilight struggled to hold back nervous giggles as they went, she practically dashing up the stairs in her eagerness. As she came into the bedroom, her eyes went wide at the sight. “Oh, wow…”

“I thought you’d like it,” Cadance said with a grin. Roses adorned the nightstands beside the bed, perfectly clashing with the ivory bedsheets that lay eagerly awaiting the two lovers. Candlelight lit up the room from the dresser, giving the whole room a comforting glow that seemed to beckon them into intimacy. “You ready?”

“I think so…”

“How about you undress me, then?” Cadance suggested, gently pressing against Twilight until she was nearly toppled over onto the bed. “I want you to take my shirt off- I think you’ll enjoy what you see.”

Twilight turned somewhat pale but didn’t allow hesitation to hold for long, her hands finding the bottom of Cadance’s thermal and pulling upwards, her hands trembling slightly as she did so. A small gasp swept through the air as magnificent, beautiful breasts came into view, held back only by crimson lingerie that only helped to accentuate their wondrous shape. “Oh my god…”

“Do you want to see them?” Cadance’s voice was teasing.

“Yeah…”

Cadance smiled, disposing of her leggings herself so as to showcase the rest of her lingerie. She struggled to keep laughter from her lips as she saw Twilight’s growing wonder at the sight, only for the starstruck gaze to increase as Cadance undid the lingerie at last, letting the fullness of her figure be revealed in its glory, only her socks still adorning her body. “Like it?”
“Wow…” Twilight took Cadance’s breasts in her hands, rubbing them delicately in a symmetrical motion, her fingers feeling away at the nipples that began to harden at the delicacy of her touch. “I could- I just want to-”

“They’re all yours- once I’m done with you!” Cadance cried, taking Twilight in hand and shoving her onto the bed with force, immediately going to peel the dress from her skin. As she began her work, Cadance smirked as she found the contents she longed for; petite, delicate breasts that remained unadorned, smooth skin that spoke of youthful beauty laid out for her eyes to feast upon, Twilight’s only piece of underwear a small pair of snow white panties that were already wet to the touch. “Oh… eager to get started, were you?”

“Cadance, please…”

She saw the desire in Twilight’s eyes growing strong, like a fire ready to blaze out of control. “You mind doing me a favor,” she said as she leaned back against the pillows, “and sucking on my tits?”

Twilight didn’t hesitate, laying upon Cadance and immediately taking wonderful breasts in her gentle grasp, suckling on Cadance’s nipples-

Cadance gave a gasp of delight at the sensation, a tingling along her skin she had not felt in years. How she had missed the touch of a woman, the feel of such softness intermingled with that sensuous desire! Twilight was being delicate as she sucked, loving and eager as her tongue gently caressed and prodded the teat- she would be more than willing to continue. “Keep going, Twilight,” she whispered, guiding Twilight’s hand to her free nipple, taking it in smooth, gentle strokes around the areola. “You feel great already, keep going.”

Twilight’s eyes glowed, she retreating just a tinge before returning and giving Cadance’s tit a long, deliberate lick. “How’s that feel?”

“Harder!” Cadance’s blood was rushing faster as the young girl intensified her efforts, she giving a wriggle of pleasure as she felt Twilight’s hand give her tit a delicate pinch. “Do it again!” Twilight was more than willing to oblige, giving a sharp flick against the nipple before turning her lips to their work, suckling with an increased intensity. Cadence felt something throb deep within her and she struggled to contain a cry of delight- only to release it a second later, Twilight’s passions bringing forth a moan from deep within Cadance’s bosom.

“Oh, Twilight!” She practically tore the young woman away from her suckling and up to her lips, Cadance falling atop her as she embraced her in a deep, passionate kiss, more grateful and rapturous than she had been in long memory. “That felt wonderful…”

“I could keep going, if you want,” Twilight said, giving Cadance a delicate peck on the nose. “If it feels that good.”

“No. Not now,” Cadance said, “I owe you this before anything else.” She granted kisses in multitudes upon Twilight’s soft, wonderful lips before moving down in a slow crawl; onto the neck, a few teasing kisses that pinched at her breasts and made Twilight gasp- only to move down the waist at last to where she had been waiting to explore-

“Cadance!”

“Spread your legs, Twilight,” the older woman said, and Twilight gladly acquiesced, opening her legs wide until the folds of her slit were laid open for Cadance to adore. It was a beautiful, pristine sight- Twilight had even gone as far as to shave! A pink, dribbling thing that awaited its mistress with all hope and desire, and Cadance was more than eager to begin her efforts. A teasing touch there with her fingers, a rub along the inside of her thigh- Twilight shuddered at the smallest hint, and Cadance gave a grin. It would not be hard to satisfy her at all.

A small stroke just above. Her tongue reached out and stroked the exterior with just a delicate brushing, enough to send Twilight tingling. Another faint lap, then another-

Twilight was struggling already, clutching at the bedsheets and she had barely even begun! Cadance struggled to hold back a giggle, at last diving deep into Twilight’s clit, her tongue finding its way around with a wondrous, ferocious delicacy; she wanted every drop that she could find, eager to drink deep of Twilight’s fluids until her mouth overflowed; the scent and taste she found was enchanting, a sweetness she had never tasted in anyone else. Pure, untouched, unadulterated pussy juice- and Cadance was the first to have it. She relinquished for a time, letting Twilight be made aware of its absence-

“Don’t stop, please!” it was a cry of absolute desperation-

Cadance gave no hesitation, diving deep until the labia was all her eyes could see, her ears filled with Twilight’s coo’s and moans of ecstasy. It wouldn’t be long now, Cadance thought to herself, as she continued licking away and enjoying the deepest regions of Twilight that she could find-

A cry and a deep shudder that went across her entire frame, and Twilight felt an orgasm unlike anything she had ever known, her juices flowing out of her and onto Cadance’s eager face, desperate to lap away at every drop she could. A smaller shudder, then another, Cadance allowing little room for mercy as she continued her adventures across Twilight’s nether regions, each claim she made enough to bring about another shudder.

“Cadance…” Twilight was gasping for air as she lay there, her body glistening with sweat from the excitement of it. “That felt amazing…”

“I’m glad,” Cadance said, laying leaning against her to allow a moment’s reprieve. “Am I your first time?”

“… Yes.” The tone was quiet, almost shameful.

“I get to be your first? Ooh, Twilight,” she whispered, leaning in dangerously close until their breath became intermingled. “I’m flattered. I might think you waited just for me.”

“I think I did,” Twilight giggled.

“And I couldn’t be happier.” A kiss, then another, then a deeper thing that allowed Cadance to rest together in blissful harmony, each kiss as serene and tender as the spring rain. She lured Twilight’s tongue out into the open, allowing the young woman to taste the juices that still remained about her lips; at first she gave a start at the sensation, unsure of the viscous liquid that graced her senses. But as it was upon Cadance she accepted, taking it all as they continued their Sapphic embrace, glad to rest for a moment as one.

“Can I try it on you? For a little bit?” Twilight’s eyes shone with eagerness at the thought, eliciting gentle laughter from the older woman.

“You want to eat me out for a little while?”

“Only if you want me to.”

“Of course I want you to,” Cadance breathed, spreading her beautiful legs open and leaving her parts bare for Twilight to explore. “Try it with your fingers, first. See how it feels.”

Twilight was, as Cadance had expected, initially hesitant. Her fingerwork was exploratory rather than professional, one digit working along on its own for a time, before at last another joined in. Her work was slow, ponderous- then suddenly sharp! Cadance gave a start as a sudden pain came from below-

“I’m sorry! I wasn’t trying anything special, I swear!” Twilight cried, immediately remorseful-

“Twilight, darling, it’s alright,” Cadance said, gaining some self-control. “Your nails aren’t trimmed, are they?”

“… No. Should they- I’m sorry…”

Cadance leaned forward and kissed the young woman gently, trying to allow her feelings of comfort to flow into her. “Try with your tongue instead tonight. See what you can explore.”

Twilight remained hesitant for a while, leaning in and allowing herself to explore Cadance’s snatch with a kind, eager unfamiliarity. She was overly gentle as her tongue licked away at the folds, still apologetic after causing Cadance discomfort.

“You’re doing fine, Twilight. I feel fine,” Cadance said comfortingly. “You can go a little faster if you feel like it.”

Twilight did not leave her place between Cadance’s legs but allowed her explorations to deepen, her smooth, velvety tongue to go further and further in to Cadance’s pussy. She gave a tremor- it felt better than she had even hoped it would!
“Oh, keep going Twilight- faster now!” Cadance said, her last words somewhat faint now-

Twilight gave a small giggle of pleasure and dove in deep, letting Cadance’s folds encompass her being. It was still a hesitant exploration, but growing in passion, confidence; Twilight was doing wonderfully and Cadance made sure to let her know it. One groan, a sudden start from her growing pleasure- then another, each becoming harder and harder to control. Twilight, under careful guidance, would be better than even Cadance had been. Twilight’s lapping was delicate and joyful, her full focus on pleasing her partner- Cadance was delighted she had come to cherish such a tender woman-

“Oh, god!” Cadance took Twilight from her place between her legs and brought her in for a smothering kiss, Cadance’s tongue licking away at everything she could find. A pair of fingers prodded into Twilight’s mouth and tore fluid and saliva out from deep within and she drank deep of them, eager to taste herself and Twilight together. “You’re doing wonderfully, Twilight. Now lay down!”

“I don’t underst-”

“Trust me,” Cadance said, guiding Twilight to rest against the pillows, she taking the more difficult spot. She took the young woman’s leg and spread it out, she putting her left leg underneath Twilight’s right. “Now put your other leg atop of mine.”

“Oh- Oh…” The barest touch had come between them and Cadance knew what she had felt; a sensation, more joyous and intense than anything she had ever felt before in all her young life.

“Now… press up against me, gently,” Cadance said. She wanted Twilight to take the first step in this, allow her those early moments of it.

The first was too gentle; the second too harsh. Twilight’s efforts were haphazard at the start, she trying to find the best angle in which both of them would be satisfied and finding the effort difficult-

“Gentle, Twilight,” she whispered. “Gently, gently- right there!” Cadance’s body gave a strong jolt as Twilight found the perfect spot. “Oh, that felt amazing, Twilight, do it again!”

Twilight pressed against her in a gentle, rhythmic motion as clit pressed upon clit, the massaging motion bringing sensations too wondrous for Cadance’s words to describe. Twilight was already beginning to tremble, even in these early stages, her head beginning to loll back so as to let the waves of pleasure take fullest effect-

“Oh…” Cadance took Twilight against her with a sudden fierceness, the prompt change in tempo stealing Twilight’s breath from her lungs. She rubbed up against her all the faster now, increasing the motion and sending the bed to rocking to and fro like the sea in a storm at their delighted movements-

Cries of delight turned to gasps for air, tremors that at first came sporadically became like the waves of the tide, each movement and caress they brought upon one another growing in speed and intensity until at last it could no longer be contained-

Twilight gave a cry and came yet again, flooding the bed with her juices as her grinding against Cadance began to slow, the orgasm she welcomed with gladness bringing her efforts into a slower pace-

“Don’t stop!” Cadance cried, only increasing her efforts until each squelching mesh they made was almost atop one another, her free hand pinching hard on her own nipple. She was almost there, she was so close-

Twilight looked upon her with such adoration, such a deep, fervent glow unlike anything upon which she had ever been seen before. The reality that she had indeed been Twilight’s first, taken her virginity, came upon her in spirit-

Cadance gave a long, slow moan and she came at last, a veritable flood of viscous fluid pouring out from her pussy and coating both bedsheets and Twilight’s legs, the night’s efforts coming at last to fruition. They both gazed at each other as they gasped for air, their faces lined with droplets of sweat from their steady exertion, each of them red-faced and struggling to slow their heartbeats. Twilight began to giggle, perhaps from happiness or nerves, the sound summoning forth Cadance’s own delights and the two women shared the moment together as they tried to at last calm themselves.

“Oh my god,” Twilight moaned, throwing herself atop of Cadance to grant her a gift of happy kisses, the young woman eager to have her lips pressed up against her lover. “Cadance, that- it was-”

“You did wonderfully,” Cadance said, giving Twilight a slow, gentle kiss of her own. “Oh, Twilight, you felt amazing.” They paused for a time, letting their exhaustion and passion play themselves out in a battle of tongues and lips until they fell to the covers in a heap, entirely spent from their throes of passion.

“Cadance?”

“Mhm?”

Twilight’s expression was happy yet clouded by concern. “Did I do-”

“I promise, you were great,” Cadance said, taking the young woman into a loving embrace, their passions now turning to gentle cuddling. “How do you feel?”

“Well… a little awkward, really,” she admitted.

“Everyone does their first time,” Cadance assured her, kissing Twilight on the forehead. “You’ll get more comfortable with time. And I’ll be there with you for every step.”

“Promise?”
“Promise.” Cadance felt a soreness in her legs, the bout of scissoring leaving her well and truly worn down. “Experience will help you most.”

Twilight smiled, turning away from her lover to check the time. “I’ll have to be home soon,” she murmured. “Mom wanted me home before midnight.”

Cadance felt a stab of unhappiness at the remark. “You can’t stay the night?”

“Not this time- I’ll try for it next time, I swear,” Twilight replied. “My graduation is next week and the party is the next day. After that Mom says I’ll have no curfew and we can do whatever we want. Can you wait for me that long?”

“Of course I can,” Cadance said, trying to soothe her own displeasure. “Come on, let’s get cleaned up. You don’t want to come home and make your Mom suspicious right from the get-go!”

A pair of thorough showers and Cadance found herself more than unhappy to see Twilight go, even with the goodbye kiss left upon her lips. She would always remember the gleam in Twilight’s eye as she walked away, the happiness that radiated across her face- and the exhaustion that permeated her every step. She did not have that young, beautiful woman with her tonight in totality, but she could wait. At least for a little longer.

Author's Note

And there it is. More to come in time.

Keep reading, if you want.

Six: Routine

Being near her was intoxicating. Whenever she saw that beautiful young girl, her mind would be clouded with memory and longing: the thought of her elfin breasts and the desire to feel them in her hands; the thought of her lips and the feel of them upon her own; the memory of her damp, sweet-tasting, marvelous pussy, and how much she desired to eat it out yet again. She wanted to hold her, to rip her clothes off her body and leave her a gasping, soaked mess of delight and exhaustion.

Cadance gave a smile and was glad for the hug she received as she entered Twilight’s home. The warm morning had been dampened by the afternoon rains, leaving her more than happy to be inside- and judging by the uproarious sound that met her ears the moment she entered, she was going to be one among several.

“How are you? Glad you could make it!” Twilight said, her desirous intimacy held under by caution, instead displaying a pleasant formality.

“I’m great, thank you,” Cadance replied, hoping she wouldn’t be too much of a fool and reveal herself. “You look wonderful- again, sorry I couldn’t be there for your graduation ceremony.”

“It’s alright. At least you’re here now!” Twilight took her by the hand and led her into an overcrowded living room. “You want something to eat? I could sort of use something myself.”

Cadance’s mind flashed an image of Twilight’s clit and she felt her fingers twitch. “I wouldn’t mind a little something.”

The kitchen was no less active than the living room, positively brimming with people and leaving Cadance a little disconcerted by the lack of space; where was she to stand in all of this?

“It’s a little packed here, if you can’t tell,” Twilight remarked.

“A mild way of putting it.”

“Cadance? Cadance, is that you?” A familiar voice called from across the kitchen and an older woman with dark circles under her eyes pushed her way through the crowd to meet the guided Cadance, a smile forming on her tired features as she came closer. “It’s been forever, how are you?”

“Velvet? It’s good to see you, it must be years since we met!” Cadance said, gladly giving the older woman a hug. “I hope you’ve been well, Twilight’s been telling me you’ve been working hard lately.”

“Yes, well, one does what one has to,” Velvet remarked, giving her daughter a disapproving look that sent the young girl eagerly looking for shelter elsewhere. “Ever since Night Light decided he wanted out of the picture, it’s been tougher than it used to. Thank God for alimony, I guess.”

“Have you been OK, then?” Cadance asked, assuming it was comfortable to broach the subject. “Twilight seemed to take it pretty hard when she first told me, I hope it hasn’t been too rough on you.”

“It’s had its ups and downs,” Velvet said. “But- well, he became such a negative in our lives. Kept trying to gamble away college savings, other such foolishness. I was just glad I was able to stop him from dipping into Twilight’s college fund before he got his hands on it- I kicked him out after that.”

“What have you been doing with yourself since? Just working?”

“As much as I can,” the weary mother answered. “I’ve given thought to trying to get back into the dating scene, you know- debating it every once and a while. But I just never seem to have the interest.”

“Don’t try to push it. You don’t have to date at all if you don’t feel like it,” Cadance replied. “You’ve got plenty of time to be yourself now. There’s no pressure!”

“You’re too kind,” she said, giving Cadance a glowing look that was remarkably similar to the one Cadance saw so often in her daughter. “So how’ve you been? Twilight said she’s been meeting with you a lot lately to help prepare for college, I hope she hasn’t been too much of a hassle!”

Cadance laughed off the suggestion. “She’s wonderful to be around. You should be proud of who she’s become.”

“You’ve certainly been a positive influence on her. She’s always got a smile on her face whenever she talks with you.” Velvet’s eyes had lost their friendly glow, the warmth in them turning sharp and cold.

Cadance felt a change in the air. She couldn’t possibly know unless Twilight had said something- there had never been any sort of messages sent from either of them. What was she looking for? “Oh, it’s just the same sort of mentorship we had going when she was back at Crystal Prep. She’s made plenty of strides on her own without me, but… well, it’s been good to just spend time with her. A lot of her focus is on being ready for college now, and I guess she’s a little nervous.”

“You know Twilight; every possible scenario that could happen, she’s thought of it.”

“Does she still make full-scale charts?” Cadance asked.

“She moved to spreadsheets and diagrams. It’s a step up, I guess.”

Cadance smiled. “Her friends have been a big help for her, I think. She’s come out of her shell a lot since she transferred.”

Velvet sighed, almost wistfully. “Yes, she really did. New friends, new social circle, even a boyfriend for a little while! She grew up right in front of my eyes and I didn’t even realize for so long.”

“Sort of bittersweet?”

“A little. Now she seems so eager to go out and try new things that I’m a little worried she’ll get into trouble. She’s so smart, but just- well, naïve.” Velvet roused herself from her thoughts and looked up at Cadance. “If she keeps going to you for advice, please help her stay sharp. I’m afraid someone’s going to take advantage of such a sweet young thing.”

A plea for aid, or a warning? “I’ll do what I can, certainly,” Cadance replied. “Say, Velvet, would you mind telling where the-”

“Bathroom? Try down the hall, or the one upstairs if it’s busy.”

“Thanks,” she said, dipping quickly away and hurrying towards the stairs without bothering to check below. Cadance found herself unusually on edge, paranoia and fear of discovery doing their work. Velvet had talked as though she suspected something; did she suspect Cadance, or someone else? She definitely knew her daughter was hiding something but hadn’t quite figured out what. Cadance would have to give Twilight a heads up so as to allay suspicions-

“Psst!” As she pushed open the door to the bathroom, Cadance’s attention was diverted to down the hall where a young woman’s head was peeking out from the doorway. Twilight’s face was aglow with mischief and she beckoned for Cadance to come nearer.

“Twilight?”

“Come on, I want to show you something!” Twilight’s smile was infectious and gave no clue as to her intentions, though it didn’t take great intelligence to guess what.

Cadance was unsurprised, but still delighted, when she was gifted with a luxurious kiss from Twilight, the young woman’s tongue going quickly to work and massaging against her own with a pleasant thoroughness. Whether driven by lust or instinct, Cadance’s hands slipped beneath the young woman’s bra and found her nipples, giving them gentle tweaks and twists as they lavished their affections upon one another.

When Twilight slid her tongue out across Cadance’s lips, she let the silvery strand of saliva hang in the air hang in the beams of sunlight for only a moment before returning for one last quick peck. “Hi,” she whispered.

“Twilight, I- Wow, but-”

“I missed you last night,” Twilight said, gladly wrapping her arms around Cadance’s waist. “I wish you’d been there at the ceremony, it would have made it all perfect.”

“Sorry I couldn’t be there. Really, I really am,” Cadance said, her ears perked for sounds of movement outside Twilight’s room. “You know I wouldn’t have missed it if there was no other choice.”

“I know. You can always make it up to me?”

Cadance suddenly felt the flicker of a devilish, horrible idea and she felt a smirk rise on her lips. “Oh, I can, can I?” she whispered in Twilight’s ear, giving it a sudden nibble. “Am I in your debt, is that it?”

“Mmm… maybe a little,” Twilight giggled.

“Oh… then here, let me make it even,” Cadance said, her hand stretching down and pulling back Twilight’s skirt, fingers making their way over panties and finding a moist clit eagerly awaiting her work. “Keep quiet now.”

Twilight’s expression was strained from the moment Cadance began, desperately trying to hold back her gasps and moans and cries as Cadance’s fingers slid in and out, flicking away with a skill that spoke wonders. She grinned as Twilight struggled, occasionally giving a sudden increase of speed to keep her on her toes, only to return to a gentle, loving motion-

Twilight buckled at the knees and squirmed, a small puff of breath escaping her lips as her self-control faltered.

“Having trouble?” Cadance said, leaving a peppering of kisses along the young woman’s neck.

“Faster!” Twilight gasped, this time more loudly.

Cadance obliged and increased her rhythms, pressing her lips forcefully onto Twilight’s to help grant relief. The kiss intensified rapidly, Twilight letting her affections go wild so as to keep her voice silent. They licked and felt and stroked and kissed, Cadance bringing the beautiful young woman closer and closer to an ecstatic relief-

“Twilight? Are you up here?” Velvet’s voice called from somewhere down the hall, at the top of the steps. “Miss Falls is having to leave, she wanted to say goodbye to you in person before she had to go!”

The intensity of their passions made the panic all the worse; Cadance forcefully holding Twilight down until the young woman had come to some semblance of calm. Her heart was pounding a mile a minute, knowing that if Velvet’s curiosity grew only the smallest bit stronger it would be all over and a hell unlike anything she’d ever known would be loose upon them both, but most especially her-

“Twi?”

“I’m here, Mom!” Twilight said, her reply somewhat airy as she tried to settle her roiling energy. “Sorry, there was an accident, somebody spilled soda on my clothes! I came up to change!”

“Make it quick, OK? Don’t keep people waiting!” The sound of footsteps heading back down the stairs fell to the wayside and the dull hum of voices from downstairs filled the void.

Cadance and Twilight gave a sigh of relief, falling upon one another. “That was-”

“Close?”

“In more ways than one,” Twilight said mournfully, putting a hand to her underwear and finding it damp. “That’s not fair…”

“We’ll try later. Want to come by my house again tonight?”

Twilight’s expression changed from morose to a faint, controlled excitement. “Definitely. I’ll be late, I promised to be out with the girls tonight.”

“Want to stay all night this time?”

Twilight laughed, putting her arms around Cadance’s neck and leaving a lingering kiss. “I’ll be all yours.”

“Faster! Oh, faster, faster!”

Cadance’s cries were breathless and excited, each lap she felt against her clit more wonderful than the last- and Twilight had been working diligently for such a length now, so dedicated to bringing that wondrous moment about. A pinch on the thigh here, a finger adding to the mix there, a sweet symphony of movements that were laced with a loving effort, no matter how inexperienced.

“Keep going- almost-” a sudden shortness of breath came upon her and she felt the veritable flood of juices come at last, flowing out in a wondrous rush of movement, each spam she felt was stronger than the last, and then some! Each new wave was followed by further tongue work, another caress. Twilight kept returning to the works of her pleasure, licking and drinking away at Cadance’s cum as though it was a fountain of youth.

At last, when the waves of pleasure and Twilight’s efforts came to a close, Cadance fell back against the headboard, exhausted from the sheer delight. Beneath the covers, a beautiful, naked Twilight emerged, her form covered in sweat from the exertion yet sporting a cheeky smile. “How’d I do?”
“Oh my god,” Cadance moaned, grabbing Twilight and bringing her in for a furious session of kisses, the older woman eager to lick away at every droplet of cum and sweat she could find, practically sucking Twilight dry until the two were a tangled mess of gasps, kisses, and naked limbs.

“I’m guessing that was your apology?” Twilight asked.

“I’m always up for another round if you want it,” Cadance added, sticking a finger deep into Twilight’s pussy and pulling a thick strand out for the two of them to dine on- only for the older woman to steal it right of Twilight’s tongue with another thick suck.

“I wish- I can’t get enough of you!” Twilight said, making Cadance giggle. “But I’m honestly exhausted right now. I think I need a break.”

“Then we can rest for a bit. You’ll be able to be here all night, right?”

“Yeah, Mom thinks I’m with my friends, and my friends think I went home,” Twilight said. “They don’t know how good I have it with you!”

“And you’ll never get better than me,” Cadance cooed proudly, pausing their conversation for a long stroke of kisses, allowing her tongue to explore deep into Twilight’s mouth and enjoy the slow, laborious strokes of flesh against flesh for a time, resurfacing for air only for a short time before continuing their melding of passions and lust.

“And now we’ll have all summer together,” she added happily. “Plenty of time to explore- and get really frisky.”

“Cadance!” Twilight laughed, turning red at the thought. “Oh, I know, it’ll be fun. I’m just a bit- nervous, is all.”

“We’ll be cautious- to a point,” the older woman said with a smirk. “Plenty of time to be silly and just be girls- and then all the night long for me to fuck you senseless.”

“Sounds like heaven to me,” Twilight said, laying against Cadance’s breasts and casually kneading them with one hand while she continued to talk. “We’ll have all sorts of dates, and we can sneak out and just be with each other. Like a real couple, so long as we’re smart. Eventually people will be fine with it, and we can just enjoy each other, right? And just- you know, spend time together. As girlfriends.”

Girlfriends. Cadance hadn’t even thought of it like that.

Author's Note

Yes, it's short.
Yes, this took forever.
Yes I'm busy. And tired.

I'll try to be faster next time. Wash your damn hands.

Seven: Risk

It was just too… simple. That was the word she was looking for. Too damned simple. It was all cutesy and pleasant and predictable and routine. Sure, there were hidden kisses, risqué gestures and movements when no one was looking, and sex at night with an ever-improving Twilight- but it was just like anything else she’d done throughout her life. It was all so routine and- well, safe.

Cadance regarded the young woman resting against her. She was still lovely, still sweet and beautiful, and oh so fuckable. Her tongue felt like satin, her lips as soft as warm as honey, her pussy still a taste all of her own. Yet the freshness and fun had… perhaps begun to fade. Just a little.

“I forgot how thick he is,” said Twilight.

If it had been part of a longer string of words, she hadn’t noticed. “Pardon?”

Twilight looked up at Cadance. “You weren’t actually listening, were you?”

Cadance knew better than to deny it. “Sorry, went down a rabbit hole for a minute. Got lost, I guess.”

“It happens, don’t worry.”

She was still all too sweet and forgiving, the continuous outpouring of it making Cadance’s conscience feel a bit of a twinge. “Try me again, I’m paying attention this time.”

“Oh, it wasn’t anything super special, really,” Twilight said, gesturing with the book that was in her hand. “I’ve just kept trying to read Niven’s Ringworld series and enjoy it, but he’s so overly technical. It can be difficult to get into.”

“What’s it about?”

“A 200-year-old human, a twenty-year-old girl, and a couple of aliens go exploring on a Dyson Ring in space. It’s a bit complicated to explain.”

“So science-fiction, I’m guessing,” Cadance remarked, a small grin growing in strength on her face. “Have you ever considered, dear Twilight, that you might be a bit of a nerd?”

Spectacled eyes met her own yet again, this time with more playfulness aglow. “Is that fact supposed to surprise either one of us?”

“No, but just wanted to make sure.”

Twilight giggled, leaning up and granting a small kiss on Cadance’s lips. “It’s what you like about me, anyway. Admit it.”

“That, and… a few other things,” Cadance hesitated. “But you didn’t hear that from me.”

“Oh, it’ll be our little secret.”

Cadance chuckled, changing the channel as she tried to find something to settle on. “Yes, that and everything else we do. It only adds to the fun.”

Twilight tensed. Her body tightening so greatly that even Cadance felt the change in pressure beside her, enough to make the older woman wonder what had gone wrong. “Everything alright?” she asked of the young girl.

“Well, umm…” Twilight wasn’t going red, instead her skin quickly becoming pale and making Cadance’s stomach drop. It wasn’t going to be good news, whatever it was. “So, Cadance, tell me something…”

Uh-oh. “Shoot.”

“Does all of it have to be a secret? Just between us?”

She was in trouble. “What happened?”

Twilight stumbled over herself, trying to formulate the proper response. “Well, I don’t think we’re in trouble, don’t worry,” she began after a fashion, “but someone else may know about us.

Oh shit. “How? What happened?” Cadance knew the circumstances were bad, dangerous enough to cause real trouble-

“Like I said, I don’t think anything will come of it,” Twilight said. “I’m really sorry, Cadance, it was a complete accident, I didn’t meant to! I didn’t even think anything I was doing was suspicious, I promise!”

The poor girl was clearly distraught over the incident, and Cadance gave a sigh. “I doubt that you, of all people,” she began, taking Twilight in her arms, “would mean to hurt anybody. I believe you, it’s alright. Just tell me what happened.”

“Well, it’s- it was when I was texting you the other day, about hanging out with you today,” Twilight said. “You know, when we were going on for a while, just simple back and forth?”

“I remember. I’m guessing someone saw you texting me?”

“Yes. It was one of my friends, she… Rarity’s really savvy about romance and stuff like that, so when- we’d been all hanging out together at the café, and when I left, she sort of- well, cornered me. She really wanted to know who it was I was talking to, and she kept being really pushy about it. So I told her it was an old friend of mine, and I guess she… she connected the dots?”

Well, the damage could easily get worse from here. “And what did you do from there?”

“I made her promise not to tell anybody I had a girlfriend, first off,” Twilight said. “And Rarity really didn’t seem to mind too much, I don’t- maybe she thought you were one of the girls in my class back at Crystal Prep? I don’t know, I didn’t let her really know. She kept asking for details, though.”

Hmm. There was an idea here. “What else did you tell her?” Cadance asked.

“Nothing, I promise!”

“Twilight, it’s OK, I still believe you,” Cadance replied, kissing the young girl’s forehead, trying to calm down her more frantic emotions. “It was just bad luck and could have been way worse. You did what you could.”

“I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be.” Another kiss and things began to return to normalcy, Cadance’s mind working in overdrive. “What’s her name?”

“R-Rarity.”

“Hmm…” Cadance’s phone unlocked and began to search, flowing through information and apps until she found someone that seemed to be the one she was searching for. Oh wow- “Is this her?”

Twilight looked at the photo Cadance showed her. “Yeah, that’s her. She is… well, Rarity can be a gossip. But I think she’ll be quiet about this.”

“Did she keep asking you questions about it?”

Twilight remained disquieted. “Well, yeah, she did…”

Hmm… It certainly wasn’t good. But there was something here that might be accomplished. Just maybe. “Do you think she’ll keep asking questions?”

Twilight hesitated- and glanced at her phone. “Maybe. Cadance, should we-”

“Should we what?”

“Should we –you know- tell her the truth?” Twilight asked. “The both of us, together?”

It was a risk no matter what they did next. Cadance sighed. “And how did you think we should go about that, then? You know her, you take the lead on this.”

“That’s the thing, I wasn’t sure!” Twilight replied. “But Rarity keeps asking me about it and I don’t want to say something stupid and I’m just- wait, I think I have something.”

Cadance smiled. “Alright- go for it.”

“How about we just invite her here? The three of us sit down, talk it out?” Twilight suggested. “We make Rarity keep it a secret, and just go from there. That should be enough, right? Honest, but not overly detailed, right?”

Oh my god, I don’t believe it. “Alright, then. I like it.”

Twilight beamed. “Really?”

“Yeah. I trust your judgement, she’s your friend. Let me know when you want to make it happen and we’ll have a good chat, all three of us girls. OK?”

Twilight giggled, leaning against her lover and gracing the older woman with a soft, slow kiss that was tinged with wetness. “Sounds perfect.”

Cadance was ready- and nervous. It could in a million different directions and she knew it- most of them badly. But if she played her cards right, and kept a cool head, then maybe she might prevail, if not better.

We’ll be there in a few minutes, Twilight had texted. That had been ten minutes ago and still she waited, an empty room only adding to Cadance’s tension. There were so many things that could occur and she hated most of them even still. What if this girl was secretly out to ruin them both? What if she got jealous and tried to hurt either one of them in any way at all? There was a lot at stake here by being honest. It could all go extremely wrong.

Or maybe not.

Cadance didn’t want to hear that voice, at least not yet. There were way too many things that had to happen first, and she didn’t even want to begin working that far down the line when the first task was still such a longshot. The entire night still had more than enough opportunity to be a disastrous failure.

Headlights flared through the window and Twilight’s beat-up sedan could be seen pulling up into the driveway, a pair of shadowed figures moving about and obscured from view. As the power to the vehicle died, Cadance held her breath. And here we go…

The door opened and Twilight walked in, wearing a soft-colored blouse and a casual skirt, gently leading in another girl by the hand. “Well, here we are,” she said, giggling nervously. “So this… this is Cadance.”

The girl who came in after Twilight was no girl. A mature, beautiful woman with flowing hair that ended in curls entered into her house, with luscious, magnificent breasts and beautiful curves that spoke to a desirous, well-tended to figure. Heavily lidded eyes looked this way and that as they took in the surroundings, the eyelashes fluttering and only adding to her beauty. Fair skin and an elegant face that were only heightened by a flattering, form-fitting outfit that did its best to display the sensuality of its owner. As those eyes fell at last upon Cadance, they seemed to glow and become all the more lovely, a small smirk displaying emotions that had been hoped for, but most certainly unexpected.

Cadance instantly felt the thrill of attraction at the sight of this beautiful woman, and if she was not wrong –and she was quite certain she was not- the feeling was indeed mutual.

“So, this is Rarity,” Twilight said slowly, looking at Cadance as though hoping to gauge a reaction, the young girl’s innocence blinding her to the unspoken emotions that had passed between the two women.

Cadance had to pretend nothing had happened, at least for a little while. “Twilight’s told me a lot about you,” she said, her voice displaying the proper amount of warmth. “Glad to meet you.”

“The pleasure’s all mine, darling,” was the reply, in a voice so lovely that it left Cadance unexpectedly breathless. The accent, combined with a brilliant sultriness that surely couldn’t have been missed by Twilight- it was intoxicating. I have to try now.

“Please, come on in. I’ve got us something to drink while we pass the time, if you’re interested.”

“That sounds lovely.”

Twilight gave Cadance a look that spoke to uncertainty. She didn’t see where Cadance was trying to lead all of this yet, how to make people perfectly comfortable and loosen inhibition. She hadn’t spent enough time in this game yet.

“I hope you don’t mind red wine. It’s all I keep around the house, truth be told,” Cadance said, pouring the three of them a glass as they took their seats around the kitchen table.

Rarity was no stranger to the drink, and seemed to have no issues with her initial sip, while Twilight still struggled somewhat, her aptitudes towards alcohol still that of hesitancy. Cadance smiled. It had been a better start than she had hoped.

“It’s lovely, darling!” Rarity breathed, gazing at her glass in admiration. “You have exquisite taste.”

“I have an enjoyment in the finer things in life,” Cadance admitted. “More than once I’ve been accused of having a weakness for pretty things.”

“And one of those weaknesses just so happens to be this pretty girl in between us, I’m guessing?” Rarity surmised, cutting so quickly to the point that Twilight began to choke on her glass. “She has been in such a mood since summer came- ever so lovestruck. I should have guessed that she had found someone worth the time.”

It had been placed out in the open so quickly that even Cadance was left surprised. Her first instinct was to panic, but the sight of Rarity’s intrigued, excited look was enough to promptly quell any fears. This woman was not one who would cause trouble. “You certainly don’t like to beat around the bush, do you?” she asked.

“A lady should never be one to mince words, darling,” Rarity replied. “Particularly with something so succulent.”

“Well, then,” Cadance said. “Perhaps we should just say it. Twilight, would you do the honors?”

Twilight, still no master of social clues, had yet to understand their safety. Her eyes flashed with worry and she gave an anxious, worried nod in response. “Yes, well,” she began, promptly stumbling over her words as she faced her friend. “So, yeah, umm… Cadance and I are- are, well, sort of- she’s my, umm- my girlfriend. We’re dating, yeah… we’re together.”

Rarity took her time, letting her indulgences linger as she assessed her two companions. A warm smile for Twilight, and a dazzling gleam for Cadance. “You hardly could have picked someone more beautiful,” she remarked. “I’m quite envious.”

The idea that came to her head next was wild, incredibly stupid, and wonderfully tempting. “And you should be,” she replied, reaching out and pulling Twilight in for a kiss, the young girl giving a small squeak of surprise at the sudden show of affection. Lips upon lavish lips as Twilight’s surprise was replaced by desire, the two allowing for a slow, deliberate display of their passions as tongue finally became involved- only for a moment, Cadance breaking apart and leaving Twilight clearly longing for more. But Cadance’s eyes turned away from her young lover and away for the briefest of moments, flickering over to the beautiful spectator that had been graced with such a stellar performance.

She called herself a lady, but emotionally she was still a girl, unable to hide her immediate, potent reaction. Eyes almost perfectly wide, darting between she and Twilight both as her face displayed that her breath had been cast aside. Attraction and a vicious arousal, and when her gaze found Cadance’s, it was clear she wanted it known.

Cadance gave a small laugh, barely audible by those in the room. “We try to have fun.”

“And I don’t doubt it. You’ve certainly brought a change in dear Twilight here,” Rarity said, laying a hand gently across Twilight’s still fidgeting pair.

The gesture did not go unnoticed, the bookish girl struggling to deal with the sudden mishmash of emotions. Still not fully recovered from her nerves at admitting the truth and taken by Cadance’s sudden display of personal affection, her mouth kept opening up to speak and immediately closing as she tried to figure out what she wished to say next- only to fail miserably, the flush of red consuming her cheeks.

Cadance was not one to let it lie, sensing another opportunity to tease the young girl, and perhaps prod at further intentions. “I didn’t make things difficult for you, did I, sweetheart?” she asked, pulling in Twilight for a playful hug while her eyes continued to focus on her guest. “You’re not usually this quiet. I’m guessing you’ll try to make it up for me later?”

A deeper shade of red than she had thought was possible to achieve, and Twilight had to bury herself in her hands to be able to endure it, the act spurring laughter from her fellows.

“Cadance, darling, that’s enough now,” Rarity chided, her voice still light. “Why, I’d almost be afraid you were mean to her if you keep up.”

“Not at all! Sweet Twilight deserves better than mean, don’t you think? She just needs a reminder of how good she has it every now and then.”

“Oh my gosh, Cadance, stop, please!” Twilight cried, giggling madly as her nerves finally petered out and allowed the levity to filter in. “I wish you hadn’t gone and tried to show off like that!”

“I didn’t mind,” Rarity remarked. “After all, romance is a wonderful thing to witness. I’m flattered you two trust me so implicitly.”

“R- really?” Twilight leaned in towards her friend, almost starry-eyed. “Rarity, it doesn’t bother you? I figured you might have some- some reservations, at least a little.”

“Twilight, really!” Rarity held the young girl’s hands all the more tightly now, her smile filled with warmth. “Whatever would make you think such a thing?”

“Well, you’re always into… well, classic romance novels, stuff like that. I just figured.”

“I may be classically minded, dear, but never doubt I keep my eyes set forward,” Rarity insisted. “And I always want to celebrate love, even dabble in it wherever I may. I’ve nothing but happy things to say for the both of you.”

Twilight glowed with happiness and the two went from hands to an embrace, one that remained tight and lingered for a time longer than necessary. When they broke apart Twilight still held the same bright, somewhat breathless glow.

Cadance could hardly believe it. She’d seen that look before, directed at herself. This isn’t happening. It’s a dream. It would take only a little tweaking of the circumstances at this point.

“Care to drink to that?” Cadance suggested, taking her glass in hand and bringing it to the edge of her lips. “To your understanding, Rarity.”

“And to this secret romance, the pair of you,” Rarity replied, taking a second sip in honor of them both.

Twilight still held little to say, merely taking a small sip of her glass and remaining red-faced.

The night continued pleasantly, the glasses of wine slowly beginning to empty as the evening sun turned into darkness of night. Twilight’s glass, as predicted, was left relatively untouched, the young girl’s aptitude for wine slow to develop; Cadance allowed her time to indulge herself, but only a little- enough to loosen tension, but not so that she lost her senses. Rarity seemed to pattern in the same mold, though perhaps a bit further. As darkness further encroached, the three of them were quite comfortable where they sat, comfortably close to one another as they spoke and allowed stories of escapades to pass across their lips.

As Cadance spoke of her and Twilight’s quick tryst at her graduation party, Rarity found herself giggling madly, blushing a deep rose-red. Though perhaps still embarrassed, Twilight found the strength -or perhaps lack of inhibition- to join in and add her own details to it, the sudden display of sheer nerve only adding to the fair-skinned woman’s delight.

“And you came so close to being caught! Goodness, Twilight, I didn’t know you had the nerve to do such a thing!” she said at last, giving Twilight a playful swat across the hands. “You hungry tigress, you!”

“I mean, I- it was fun,” Twilight said quietly, her smile remaining despite it all. “In a sneaky, devious kind of way. It’s fun when it’s with Cadance.”

“You really are too sweet, dear. Your kindness does you wonders.”

“She certainly is very generous, to that I can attest,” Cadance added.

“And judging by how you react to it, you’re certainly grateful!” Twilight fired back, immediately giggling at the outburst. “Oh my gosh, I’m- sorry…”

“You’ve no reason to be. It’s never bothered me,” Cadance replied.

Twilight smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss, pleasant and as soft as the morning in springtime, yet lingering long enough for there to be a new sound added to the ambience- that of a wistful sigh from the lone spectator. “I’ll be back in a minute,” said the bookworm as she rose from the chair. “Bathroom.”
“Would you like me to join you?” Cadance asked.

Twilight smirked. “Only if you ask nicely.”

Rarity and Cadance were left alone, the tension that had grown comfortable throughout their banter suddenly reigniting with a fury. Rarity’s eyes watched Cadance’s gaze follow Twilight’s exit before falling to rest on the woman across from her. Any minute now.

“She’s quite enamored with you, it seems,” Rarity remarked, her words slow as her finger played with the tip of her wineglass. “You must feel wonderful.”

Cadance let the words sit for a bit. Each sentence was now a movement in a dance, one step to help guide the other. “The best she’ll ever have.”

Rarity smiled, perhaps forlornly. “I hope you don’t mind the jealousy, darling. I truly am a bit envious. Your sultriness and confidence pair so perfectly with her sweetness. It’s delicious to see.”

“Oh, jealous? Why would such a lovely thing like yourself need to be jealous?”

Rarity sighed, the effort a dramatic show to entice interest. “Oh, I am too much of a romantic, darling,” she remarked. “Always on the lookout, but I seem to have hit a… bit of a wall, I would say. I have struggled to find a reason to dabble in love myself.”

“Well, judging by your most wonderful appearance,” Cadance remarked, letting her gaze take its time to sift through every detail of Rarity’s beauty, down to the last sloping curve- “I would say you’re waiting for someone worthy of you. It must be difficult.”

Rarity smiled. “Every now and then. Particularly when you see something you wish you had for yourself.”

Cadance allowed herself to lean in close, satisfied that Rarity’s movements were now matching her own. “Oh? And what entices you, darling? Something sweet… or something sexy?”

“I’d be delighted with either.”

“But right now?”

Rarity leaned in, coming so close that her breath fell against Cadance’s skin. “I’ll have something sexy, darling.”

“Then allow me.” Cadance closed the gap and let her lips find Rarity’s the two woman taking hand in hand as they embraced. One kiss passed, then another, then another as Cadance allowed her controlled passion to further incense Rarity’s own burning fires, the younger woman running her hands through Cadance’s hair, pushing her body deep onto the older woman’s and letting a slow, yet clearly definable motion to liven the moment. Far too soon, Cadance broke away and was more than pleased to see that Rarity still leaned forward, her lidded eyes at last opening and displaying disappointment that it had all ended so soon.

“A little more, perhaps?” she whispered.

“Later, pet,” Cadance laughed, leaning down to whisper in her ear- and take a small nibble. “But I believe someone else would be glad to share.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m not the only one who she’s made eyes to tonight. Or have you not noticed?”

Cadance heard the sound of footsteps coming closer and leaned back in the corner of the kitchen, gently nudging Rarity away in the hopes that the moment would enact itself.

“Sorry, I know I was forever! Mom was asking me where I was, I didn’t want her getting suspicious…” she looked into the scene and was immediately aware of Cadance’s lustful look that kept darting between them both, while Rarity seemed to be making up her mind about something. “Is- is everything alright?”

“Twilight, dear,” Rarity said slowly, hesitantly, walking forward so as to put her arms around her spectacled friend. “Cadance and I were just talking about you. How simply wonderful you look tonight.”

“Umm- Rarity, you both look way, way better than me, I just came in something simple.”

“And yet you still outshine us all, dear,” Rarity said, stroking a few spare fingers through the young girl’s hair, smiling as she saw Twilight’s blush deepen. “You’re simply too stunning. I can’t stand it!”

“And her lips are like a daydream,” Cadance added. “Soft, and warm, and they’ll always feel perfect when they’re pressed up against your own.”

“Is that so, darling? Well, I must know!” Rarity declared, taking a stunned Twilight in her hands and gracing her lips with a powerful, passionate kiss.

Cadance felt an immediate rush of heat at the sight of the two young women pressed so tightly against one another, surprising herself at just how aroused she became. Twilight’s first reaction was to try and push Rarity away, but the beautiful woman’s insistence finally brought her protests to a halt and Twilight allowed herself to melt into a kiss that quickly turned sloppy, tongue and saliva flowing between them as they pressed up against the wall in the heat of passion, subdued moans and squeals as they held one another like the symphony of angels. With a stroke that impressed even Cadance, Twilight pulled Rarity’s tongue out and began to stroke and suckle, sending shivers down the woman’s fair skin. At last they broke apart, still deeply intertwined and red-faced from delight.

Twilight caught sight of Cadance and began to turn pale. “Cadance, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean- that wasn’t- I wasn’t trying to-!”

“Oh, you’re right darling, she tastes absolutely divine,” she breathed, her hands slowly making their way underneath Twilight’s clothes and making the bookish girl squirm with feelings of delight and shame. “I wonder how the rest of her tastes…”

“Heavenly, darling,” Cadance said, coming closer to them both. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Twilight still found herself confused, though a small glimmer of delight was showing in her face. “Cadance-?”

Cadance kissed the young woman forcefully, passionately, wonderfully. Eager to display her control, Twilight more than delighted to go along with it as her own tongue was guided out into the open air- only for the duo to become a trio as Rarity happily joined in, the three tongues and pairs of lips finding one another over and over again until it seemed their insatiable hunger for one another would not be satisfied.

“You’re both amazing,” Rarity whispered as they broke apart, turning to Twilight for a small series of kisses before leaving Cadance with a single, yet wonderfully wet, kiss on her own lips. “Oh my god…”

Cadance kissed the young woman back while her hand found the woman’s skirt and worked its way through it until she at last found what she wanted, delighted to hear a gasp escape her lips. “I think we’ll need a place better suited for this,” she remarked after a time, taking the two young, beautiful girls by the hand. “Shall we?”

Twilight and Rarity looked at one another, blushing and giggling as they were led upstairs by a delighted, confident Cadance. As they entered the bedroom, Cadance pushed them both onto the bed with force and laughed as she saw Twilight’s hand drift towards Rarity’s shirt. “I like her breasts, too, Twilight.”

“You’ll need to ask a lady first,” Rarity tried to protest, only to be undone as Twilight forcibly removed the shirt from her friend’s body and quickly undid the bra, revealing gorgeous, luscious breasts that were a feast for the eyes. In no time at all, Twilight was happily suckling them and letting her newfound skills come to play, all for Rarity’s delight- and enough to entice Cadance to join in, taking the other side as she slowly pulled the skirt away to reveal further.

“Well, well,” Cadance purred, finding a beautiful set of lips awaiting her touch, clearly shaven in anticipation of coming pleasure. “Did you have the hopes of romance tonight, dear? You seem so eager…”

Rarity’s cheeks turned the slightest tinge darker, she giving a smile that spoke to her intentions. “Only if you wanted a taste.”

“And you expect me to offer it so easily? Twilight, love,” Cadance said, pulling the young girl away from her suckling and guiding her further down. “I believe your friend deserves a small teaser.”

Twilight’s expression suggested she was more eager to continue her appreciation of Rarity’s supple breasts, but acquiesced and left a trail of kisses down to the awaiting folds to which she graced her tongue, slowly beginning a massage of saliva that coursed into the clit.

Rarity gave a gasp, perhaps surprised that such an innocent creature possessed such growing skill, each flick and exploration Twilight brought about eliciting a joyful sensation. The elegant woman gave a shiver of delight, yet knowing the best was still to come.

“As for you, pet,” Cadance whispered, leaning down and kissing Rarity ever so gently, “You want me to grant you my favors? First, you’ll have to earn it.” Without another word she came atop the flushed woman and took her head between her thighs, spreading her legs wide so she could delight in her meal. “Dig in.”

Cadance’s suspicions of the fashionista were soon confirmed as Rarity’s own skills set to work. This girl was an experienced lover, and not unfamiliar with the desires of the fair sex. One lick- then another, and another! A slower, softer stroke that plunged in deeper before pausing and beginning to squirm about, searching for that elusive place that would send the older woman to trembling. Rarity’s tongue felt as smooth and sultry as her voice, and the skill with which she maneuvered was wondrous to Cadance’s sexual senses. But she would not relent so easily, eager for the younger woman to put forth a real effort. She would hold back until it was impossible to do so, eager to let that wonderful tongue continue to eat away at her pussy.

A sudden stop, and a gasp for breath. Oh heaven help me, don’t pass out here-

Another gasp, then another! Rarity was trembling wildly, each shiver that coursed across her curvaceous form more intense than the one before. She tried to focus on the delectable prize that held her fast, but at last she could hold back no more and so gave a cry of joy and a most violent shudder, Twilight’s growing skills finding their effect in force.

“Oh my, Twilight,” Cadance said, turning around to see a drenched, somewhat shamefaced girl arising from her place between Rarity’s legs. “You certainly are a quick learner…”

“I have a good teacher,” Twilight giggled, leaning in to allow Cadance’s tongue to lather upon her mouth, cleaning away every drop of fluid she could find and determining the taste to be exquisite. “Oh, Cadance-”

“Oh Twilight, darling!” Rarity gasped, extracting herself from beneath Cadance’s form and coming over to her friend. “You were wonderful, simply magnificent! Oh how I wish I’d known sooner, dear, we could have-!” Perhaps overwhelmed by the sense of delight, she threw her arms around the demure girl and planted a wonderfully wet kiss on her lips in thanks-

Cadance felt a wondrous heat and knew instantly what she craved. “Oh god, that was hot,” she whispered, gaining the attention of a red-faced Twilight and Rarity. “Why don’t you… make out for me, ah? Show each other some love.”

Twilight blushed even further while Rarity seemed happy to oblige, tracing her tongue along Twilight’s lips for a few moments in the hopes of coaxing her friend into a more eager mood. Just as before, Twilight seemed to hesitate, but eventually relented to Rarity’s passionate advances, the two deeply wrapped around one another as tongues twirled about, moans were held muffled by luscious lips, and saliva dribbling throughout each other’s mouths- all the while, Cadance’s fingers were deep in her own folds, flicking away madly at the sight of her lover so deeply melded to such a beautiful woman. It was something she hadn’t even known would arouse her so deeply; the sight of those luscious tits, so pure and perfectly adorned on a flattering body, with a wondrous pussy and a stunning face!

As the intertwined pair fell down upon the bed, still held fast in their bout of passionate kisses, Cadance leaned down and added her own lips to the fray, Rarity slowly pulling herself away from Twilight’s touch and happily accepting the caress of the older woman’s loving touch, fully enraptured by the sensation of Cadance’s tongue draped across her own.

“You’ve been wonderful,” Cadance trilled, pulling away from Rarity’s marvelous lips. “I’m definitely glad Twilight asked you to come over… how about I make it worth your while?”

Rarity eagerly spread her legs and allowed that delectable, enticing pussy to be explored in full measure-

“Straddle her face, Twilight,” Cadance suggested, kissing her lover for encouragement and pushing her to join in some more. “She’ll feel wonderful, I promise.”

The bedroom was soon brimming with sensuous symphony, the Sapphic display of fervent lovemaking sending the three of them into fits of ecstasy. Rarity struggled to hold back her delight at Cadance’s unparalleled skills and only managing to hold on for a few brief moments; Twilight found herself enraptured by pleasure, the more dominant pose adding to the fun as Rarity’s own efforts brought her to orgasm. As the three of them lay there gasping, soaked in sweat, Cadance could hardly believe she had managed such an outcome. She hadn’t dared hope for Twilight in the first place; now she had fucked her friend, too.

“Mmm… look at you, Twilight,” Cadance said, pulling the young girl in close for a kiss. “So adventurous.”

“I- I, umm…”

Cadance brought an end to the attempt at conversation with a powerful, lip-smacking kiss, drawing Twilight into her loving embrace and the young girl melted into her lover’s arms, pacified and at peace. Even when Rarity came beside them both and added her lips to the frenzy of kisses, she could hardly bear to be torn away from Cadance’s comforting grasp.

It had been a magnificent night, and there would be more to come if she could manage it. Cadance just had to figure out how.

Author's Note

Never again. Never having eight different projects being worked on at once. Miserable few months with all this busywork.

Keep reading. More will come. Promise.

Eight: Tension

Cadance watched her while she made to wash away the remnants of their evening meal. She could see the stiffness of her movements that limited her petite figure, each effort she made a jerk of the body. It was clear distraction had set in and taken hold with severity.

Unfortunately, it was something she’d noticed for the last week, with no end in sight.

“Twi? Babe?”

Twilight said nothing at first, still working away at the dishes with the soaked-through sponge, more intent on grime than on conversation.

“Twilight!”

“Ah! Sorry, I’m- sorry…” Twilight nearly dropped the plate in her hands as she gave a start, turning to her lover with a shamefaced expression. “What were you saying, Cadance? I must have zoned out a bit.”

“You’ve been zoned out for a while now,” Cadance remarked, putting aside the bottle of wine and coming over to the young girl to hold her in her arms. “You’ve been a little distant lately. Is everything alright?”

“Huh? Oh yes, yes, everything’s fine!” Twilight said, perhaps a little too hurriedly. “Mom and I were looking over some things for college this week, so I’ll be ready to leave when summer ends. Everything’s been great.”

“OK…” A small start of suspicion. “Is your mom suspecting something about you?”

“About you and me? No, she… she knows I’m with somebody but doesn’t know who. I guess she could make a guess and just told me to use protection. She must think it’s another guy.”

“Hmm…”

Twilight gave a false smile and tried to turn back to her work on the dishes- only to be immediately wheeled back around by Cadance and suddenly gifted a passionate, delicious kiss . Fierce, inviting, and lustrous it was until Twilight was at last released from Cadance’s luscious lips and left gasping for air.

“Feel better?” the older woman teased.

“Ohmygosh.”

“Now… babe,” Cadance purred, her fingers playfully plinking along the buttons to Twilight’s top. “I know something’s been on your mind. Why don’t you let me know what’s going on? Is something bothering you?”

Twilight mulled over her thoughts for a moment before giving a sigh and returning Cadance’s wet kiss with a gentle peck of her own. “I’m sorry. I know I haven’t been much fun lately. I’ve just been distracted by something.”

“What’s the something?”

“Well… it’s Rarity,” Twilight said. “Ever since we- we, well- you know- it’s been weird. She won’t talk to me at all. I’ve tried texting her, even calling her, and nothing. We were all supposed to hang out together and she didn’t show up.” The young girl looked up at Cadance with a worried look. “Do you think I did something wrong? I know we all were a little, umm, tipsy, but I feel sort of wrong about it.”

Cadance hoped the lurch she felt in her stomach didn’t rise up to flash in her eyes, a sensation made all the worse by a sudden vibration notification from her phone. It would have to be dealt with at another time, preferably when she was far more alone. Right now, however…

“What do you feel bad about?” she asked.

“Well…” Twilight hesitated. “I think- I don’t know, Cadance, it’s a little silly.”

“I’m all for silly.”

Another bashful look, yet Twilight kept gazing longingly into Cadance’s eyes. “Well… I love you. And I just don’t feel right about what I did, that’s all. I think I got a little too drunk, and it was-” Twilight was flushed, and struggled to continue. “I don’t think that sort of thing was me. Cause I just want you.”

Cadance’s initial reaction was a volcanic amalgamation of confusion and uncertain emotions. How was she supposed to feel, when she wasn’t at all sure what to feel in the first place? Twilight was sweet and kind and made the effort to try and be sexually satisfying, but- love? It was a tall order. And with those clear, soft eyes looking up at her, she knew she needed a way to control the situation before it turned to disaster.

“Oh Twilight…” A series of gentle kisses, placed delicately across Twilight’s lips, tongue, cheeks and neck were a satisfying response and set the young girl to cooing in pleasure. “You didn’t have to feel bad at all. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Are you sure? I just felt like maybe we should’ve been more caref-”

“I know you didn’t,” Cadance replied, kissing Twilight a bit more forcefully in the hopes of silencing her. “You said it yourself, right? We were all tipsy. It wasn’t anything wrong, it just was. You don’t have to feel guilty about anything.”

Twilight didn’t appear especially convinced, but was willing to let the matter slide, a small smile adorning her face as she rested her head against Cadance’s breasts. “Thanks, Cadance,” she sighed. “It means a lot.”

“Always,” Cadance whispered. “After all… you at least had fun, right?”

Twilight giggled nervously. “Well… I guess a little. During.”

“Did you think it was nice?”

Another giggle, this time perhaps a bit more brave. “I think I did.”

“Well, how about that? Little Miss Twilight enjoyed herself.” Cadance had an idea of how to keep steering this ship from dangerous waters. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course!”

“Hmm…” It was a risk. She would be slow about it. “Do exactly as I say. Alright?”

Twilight, always alight and eager, nodded.

“Suck my tongue.” Cadance brought Twilight in close and her pink tongue, dripping and eager for pleasure, appeared from between her luscious lips. The young girl happily obliged and took to Cadance’s tongue with eagerness, sucking and slurping away with a vigor that spoke to her declaration of love. She held a delight in pleasuring Cadance, a satisfaction that came from leaving her girlfriend happy. One stroke, then another, and another- Twilight enveloped Cadance’s marvelous organ and massaged it with her own, twirling about in her mouth over and over again as she began the outpourings of love upon the magnificent woman who held her tightly.

Cadance pulled away mid-suck, pleased to see Twilight’s downcast expression. “That’s enough for now,” she purred.

“But-”

“No backtalk.” The command was firm, but Cadance remained playful all the while and hoped Twilight noticed. “Now, come with me. We’re taking a shower.”

“Uh, are you-”

“No backtalk. Let’s go!” Cadance practically pushed Twilight up the stairs and towards the bathroom, curious to see how the next part would go. When the shower came into view, she reached in and turned the hot water on, letting the room become filled with steam as they stood together. “Now… get in.”

Twilight remained confused but acquiesced nevertheless, tossing her shoes aside and beginning to strip off her clothes-

“No! The clothes stay on,” Cadance said. “I’ll rip them off myself when I want to.”

Twilight at last seemed to understand and a light gleamed in her eyes, she now waltzing into the awaiting water and letting herself be soaked to the skin, Cadance entering just behind her.

Cadance saw the young woman was aroused. Hard nipples held firm underneath her soaked button-down, the water dribbling down across her petite body and all the way down to an all-too-short skirt that Cadance adored. Twilight’s eyes feasted on Cadance’s own magnificent form, continuously delighted by the sight of beautiful hilltops that were her breasts.

“Now, pet: undress me,” Cadance commanded. “You know you want to.”

Twilight began gladly, tearing away Cadance’s blouse and unhooking her bra, her mouth beginning to trace the edge of her nipples-

“Na-ah! All of them, pet.”

Disappointed, but obedient, Twilight proceeded to relieve Cadance of her shorts and socks, her hands pausing to stroke the curvaceous thighs that beheld them. At last, Cadance’s perfect body sopping wet, she at last gave a genuine smile. “Well done, pet,” she said, bringing Twilight in close to her steaming figure. “I think you’ve earned a reward…”

“Ooh…”

Cadance gently lifted her leg and placed it in between Twlight’s legs, bringing it upward until she found what she wanted and began to rub- slowly. A small start to help the body be used to the tension.

Twilight gasped. It was a more potent feeling, even through her soaked clothing. It would be painful if Cadance were not taking great care-

“A little harder now, maybe?” Cadance whispered, letting the meat of her thigh rub gently along the regions of Twilight’s pussy, pushing a little deeper against her skirt and panties. The pressure was increasing with each long, slow movement she gave; a little deeper, a little further…

Twilight’s eyes spoke of a thousand words, but the intensity she was feeling was giving her little room to speak. She was ecstatic and struggling at the same time.

“Oh, are you struggling? Are you wanting me to ease off? I don’t want to, though,” Cadance whispered. “I want to keep going. And I want you to wait. You have to hold it, Twilight. Not. Yet.”

Further pressure, deeper into Twilight’s pussy, a harsher stroke. Twilight wanted to scream but the cacophony that was on her senses allowed no chance for sound to escape. It was a torturous mix of delight and misery.

Cadance gave a harsh stroke, then a sudden absence. Another one, then she allowed her leg to relinquish its position on Twilight and instead plunged her fingers into her soaked panties, fingering madly in a last rush of action. “Now let it out!”

Twilight practically screamed in delight and came at last, her juices rushing out across Cadance’s fingers and dribbled out onto her panties and skirts, intermixing with the flowing water of the shower. Another tremble and she was left gasping for air, leaning against Cadance’s naked body for support.

“Good girl,” the beautiful woman purred, still allowing her fingers time for exploration within Twilight’s fold, dissatisfied that she had managed to bring the young girl to orgasm so quickly. “Now, let’s get you out of those clothes and get clean. You mind helping me with that, pet?”

Twilight took Cadance’s hand out from within her panties and sucked upon it, allowing the juices to intermix with saliva before she plunged her tongue into her lover’s mouth in a satisfied response. “That was fun.”

It was the exact response Cadance had hoped for, and a good sign for the next venture. “Then you’ll love what comes next.”

Cadance waited a few days, subtly dropping hints to Twilight of her intent well before she made the plans. It was something she’d done before, years ago in college. Back then the website had been rather suspect and was a fairly dangerous venture. Now, however, Cadance was surprised at the professionalism and polish that seemed to have put a different spin on the whole affair. It would be a much smarter, safer route than what Cadance had done alone as a young woman.

“Hmm…” she perused through the options available to her, seeing which one would be the best fit. “Too old… too dark… too- eugh. No, no, no…” it was to be Twilight’s first time, and even if she had agreed, Cadance wasn’t willing to make the experience a painful one right off the bat. At least, not extremely painful. “Something better, how about… oh, hello.”

The woman’s photos were magnificent. She possessed a beautiful figure, all topped off with a sultry face and luscious orange hair. “Experienced, professional, and sexy. And she’s almost Twilight’s age, hmm… I like it.”

All that was left was to tell her. The moment came a short while after the young girl arrived, her face plainly speaking to her desire for a restful, peaceful evening in the company of someone she loved. Twilight rested with Cadance, spoke of her adventures through the day and her excitement for tomorrow.

“So, Twi…” Cadance at first struggled, uncertain how to begin. “Remember what we’ve been talking about the past few days?”

“Hmm?” Twilight had to set down her book to truly pay attention. “Sorry, Cadance, I didn’t quite hear you, what’s up?”

“Well, I wanted to let you know. So remember how I talked about you and I exploring a little?”

Twilight slowed and found herself looking her girlfriend clear in the eye. “I do. And that matters because..?”

Was there hesitancy? She pushed anyway. “I decided to invite some company over for us tonight. Pleasurable company.”

A small part of her expected Twilight to react loudly, to voice her displeasure with little confusion. Instead, Twilight gave a small pout and couldn’t meet Cadance’s gaze. “Are… are you sure about this, Cadance? It’s kind of a big… I don’t know if it’s a great idea.”

“It’ll be fine, I promise.” Cadance tried to be soothing, unsurprised by Twilight’s initial hesitancy. “It’s something I’ve done before, way back when I was your age. It’ll fine, I promise.”

“Are you sure? I’m not sure, Cadance, I like just being with you…”

“You’ll be fine,” Cadance said, leaving a kiss on Twilight’s forehead. “I’ll be right there with you, and the person I called for is a professional. It’ll be perfectly fine.”

Twilight gave a weak smile and a kiss in response, but said nothing before returning to her book, content to lounge in her place of safety at Cadance’s side.

Evening fell; dinner came and went. Night came down upon the world in fullness and still they mingled together, Twilight more than content to steal kisses and rest against the beautiful woman she loved as they dwelled together. It was a contentment the young girl was more than happy to continue, and a staleness Cadance needed to find a reprieve from. As she checked the time on her phone, she knew it would not be long. Perhaps a movie, or some late-time TV to help pass the hours by.

The time passed. Twilight drowsed, yawning every now and then as she began to doze in the comfort of Cadance’s arms, a sharp contrast to the tense excitement that coursed through the older woman’s bones. She needed something stronger, something harsher, more than the simple softness that an inexperienced, naïve young girl could provide-

A knock at the door and all senses of the two were aroused, Twilight stiffening as Cadance felt the excitement hit a superpowered rush. Finally, was all she could think, though she forced herself to walk comfortably to the door rather than an overeager moron. A quick peek through the window was all she needed to garner a smile, one she shared with her companion. “She’s here.”

The door opened and Cadance could have purred with pleasure at the wisdom of her choice. The young woman before her was stunning in shape and features, a perfect form of beauty and sexuality that rivaled only Cadance in excellence. Curves everywhere there should be curves; wondrous breasts that held that perfect jiggle, supplied by a voluptuous ass that was oh-so spankable. Her features were sharp, only accentuated by a dark gaze that spoke to more intelligence than her work suggested, all of which was adorned by a magnificent mane of curled orange hair that fell down to a miniscule waist.

“I was told you wanted some company?” The voice was melodious, sensuous to the ear and made Cadance feel weak. She was the perfect creature for such a thing, and it was little confusion as to why one would be so willing to bend to her will. “I hope I can provide…”

“Please do. Come in,” Cadance said, offering the beautiful woman entrance. “This is Twilight, my… she’s interested to explore a little.”

Twilight gave a small expression that could have been misconstrued as a smile, her eyes rather wide as she kept watch over the newcomer, whether it be appreciation of the stranger’s assets or otherwise.

“My name is… Dazzle,” the orange-haired woman said, tossing aside her jacket to let the full beauteousness of her form go on full display, barely held back by dark latex corset and stockings that perfectly clashed with the bright colors of her physical figure. “It’s a pleasure to see me, I’m sure.”

“Oh, yes it is,” Cadance trilled, letting her hands perform the work of appreciating her guest. Such perfect skin, strokable hair! Not a single inch of her was anything less than pure, unadulterated sexuality.

“Well then,” Dazzle said, beckoning for Twilight to join Cadance’s side, “Let’s not waste any time. I doubt you’ll forget it.” A jiggle of her bag and Cadance felt a rush. It was to be something she hadn’t felt in years, when she was hardly any more experienced than Twilight was now. “Is the bedroom upstairs?”

“Yes it is.”

“Good. Take me there, immediately.” It was an order, and Cadance was eager to comply, practically dragging Twilight up along with her so as to bring on the event.

“Oh, this is nice,” Dazzle said, taking in the pleasant accommodations that were Cadance’s bedroom. “This will be fun. Now, before we begin… the safeword is ‘penance.’ Do you understand?”

“Yes, mistress,” Cadance purred.

“I think-” Twilight stammered, already looking uncertain.

The reaction was swift, instantaneous. Dazzle was on her and held a tight grip on her face with a gloved hand, bringing the young woman right before her and glared with an intensity. “I don’t care what you think, you filthy bitch,” Dazzle growled. “I want to know if you understand me. The safeword is ‘penance,’ do you understand me?”

Twilight flashed a nervous gaze towards Cadance. A lurch in the older woman’s stomach. “Y-yes, mistress,” she squeaked.

“Good.” Dazzle regarded Twilight before forcing herself upon her, a deep kiss that gave all the appearance of passionate and loving; sloppy tongue-work and saliva flowing right from the start, but its reality was cold and violating, a sign of domination that set Cadance’s worries to the wayside and brought about arousal in its place. “Now, little bitch- on your knees, hands behind your back. Now!”

The effect was immediate, and Cadance watched as the myriad items came flowing forth from Dazzle’s bag in a frenzy. Gags, cuffs, blindfolds, whips- common things that would help begin the process. She felt a shiver next to her and wondered if Twilight was already cold, even though still clothed.

“Take off your clothes. Quickly now,” Dazzle said, a crack of her whip along their knuckles for incentive.

Cadance felt another shiver from Twilight, which elicited a thrill of foreboding from her own senses. That wasn’t good, it was too early.

“Filthy little sluts. You like being a dirty whore, don’t you?” Dazzle asked of them, pulling hard on Cadance’s hair before slapping handcuffs on her wrists and bracing them tightly. “You brought this little girl into your world and made her as dirty as you are, didn’t you? And now she’s eager to be my little fucktoy, isn’t she?”

“I don’t know-”

“Quiet!” Dazzle snapped, another crack of the whip to bring Twilight to silence. Another shiver, or perhaps more a tremor. “That’s twice you’ve spoken out of line, bitch. I think you need a lesson to keep you quiet. Don’t you?”

Dazzle took Twilight’s bra and wound it around her wrists, so tightly that the skin around the area grew red in a manner of seconds. It was not long before the ball gag came forth, held fast around and bringing Twilight’s predilection towards dialogue to an immediate halt. Instead of the outpouring from her lips, the young girl’s eyes began to do the speaking, wide-eyed and fully white as her trembling began to increase in intensity.

Cadance was supposed to be next, her attention at first focused on Dazzle as she perused through her things for another gag. Instead, Cadance found her attentions gravitating towards Twilight, who had begun to fall down and writhe, her chest rising and falling like the surge of a rushing crowd. Eyes and nostrils flared, body heaving, it was all the signs of real, unmanufactured distress and Cadance knew it. When their eyes met, the plea for escape was all too genuine to be considered part of the game.

“Now, whore, you’re going to watch me fuck your girl-”

“Penance!” Cadance cried, her stomach dropping as she realized Twilight was truly panicking. “Penance, penance!”

“What, are you fucking serious-”

“Twilight’s losing it, untie her!”

“Oh shit!” Dazzle was on the younger girl in an instant, ungagging her so as to unstifled airflow and then right to her wrists to free the arms. “You’re alright, you’re alright! Game’s over, I promise!”

Twilight didn’t even wait for the words of assurance, crawling away from the two women and taking a defensive position in the corner as she continued hyperventilating, far too stimulated to be able to see comfort just yet, especially from one who had committed such acts of hostility towards her.

“Fuck- Twi, it’s alright, it’s alright,” Cadance breathed gently, though her internal dialogue was in a rage. “You’re OK, it was part of the game, no one’s going to hurt you, I swear.”

“You- you p-promise?” she asked, her gasps for breath so intense that she stood a good chance of losing consciousness.

“I promise,” Cadance said, taking Twilight’s hands and giving them a gentle squeeze of assurance. “I’ll be right back with you, I just need to… you’ll be alright?”

“Y-yeah.”

Cadance gave a smiled and left, motioning for Dazzle to join her downstairs, well away from the panicked girl that had put an end to their evening plans so swiftly.

“Well that was a disaster,” Dazzle said bluntly. “Did you think that was going to happen?”

“Not at all. She even agreed to give it a try,” Cadance said, her disappointment so visceral that she couldn’t keep it contained. “Damn it, Twilight…”

“Are you sure she wanted to actually try it?” Dazzle asked. “Or was it because she relented after you kept pressuring her? You seemed perfectly fine.”

It was a question with an answer that was perhaps too obvious. “I’ve been encouraging her to explore. It was just a bad moment.”

“Sure it was.” The tone was less than friendly, instantly rankling Cadance. “Well, sorry you couldn’t get your money’s worth this time.”

“Wait, you’re leaving?” Cadance was already filled with displeasure, the new words only adding fuel to the fire. “I paid you-”

“You paid me already. I’m the bad guy now, if she needs medical care I can’t be seen here,” Dazzle said, her voice flat. “You should also be doing aftercare, you know. She’ll be looking for you.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Cadance wanted to argue further, but knew the woman was correct in judgement. “Well- one more thing, I think.” Before Dazzle could try to protest, Cadance took the woman in her arms and kissed her with force, her hands diving into clothing as she felt flesh all over; breasts that were supple felt perfect to the touch, an ass so worthy of spanking took a pinch, a tongue that needed a good sucking was only wrestled with for a brief moment- then it was over, Cadance gleaming with satisfaction. “I’ll see you some other time.”

“Yeah, I bet you will,” Dazzle said coldly, donning her jacket. “It was a pleasure.”

The door slammed and Cadance gave a sigh, frustrated by the complete disaster that had been her evening plans. Her hopes had almost totally been dashed, and whatever chance there had been of igniting new passions were gone for certain. It was enough to make Cadance, still horny and eager for reprieve, want to scream in anger.

“Hey, Twilight,” Cadance said softly, kneeling down by Twilight and trying to take her in her arms. “You’re alright, you’re alright. Just rest with me, OK? You’re alright…”

Twilight was more than eager for comfort, retreating deep into Cadance’s arms and showing little desire to surface from their shelter. Her breath still came in gasps, her petite body still heaved, her heart still pounded madly inside its cage. If there had actually been any desire to explore, it had been kicked to the wayside in fullness.

“You’re alright, you’re alright. I’ve got you…”

“I’m- sorry, Cadance,” Twilight managed, trying to slow her own beating heart before it pounded its way out of her chest. “I messed up.”

“Sh, sh… you’re safe…” Cadance could feel nothing but unquenched desire and cold disappointment now, holding the young girl in her arms and wondering how long this would have to draw out.

Author's Note

Red flags ahoy? Whatever.

Not further to go now.

Keep reading, if you like.

Nine: Failure

The summer was hot. A virulent humidity crept down into the valley city with a vengeance, brilliant sunshine from above turning the water and dew that crept out into the world in the early morning from simple liquid into the deep, unrelenting gaseous miasma that felt as thick and heavy as stew. A filthy dampness crept onto all those who found themselves out in the midst of it, a stickiness upon the skin that would not go away until at last they found themselves through with their workings and toil, and a heady shower washed away all their vigor and effort until little more remained than gaudy flesh and bone that only hid their exhaustion until they could keep themselves in the waking world no longer. The very air was soaked, almost damp to the touch.

And yet, somehow, despite all of the liquidization of her surroundings, Cadance found herself as dry and thirsty as a dying man in a desert!

She tried her best to keep her attitude up. Twilight had recovered from her ‘frightening ordeal’ after a weekend of good, thorough relaxation in a place of solitude and comfort. The young girl who had tried to be adventurous had retreated to the mindset of safety and protection, where any sort of intimacy was sure to be lacking. She was smiling again, more bubbly and warm with her smiles than she had been the day after the ‘total disaster.’

Cadance couldn’t even find it in herself to be glad about it. She wanted Twilight’s pussy and wanted it sooner rather than later, yet if she forced her hand now and bullied Twilight into such a thing, the deal would be over. Well, maybe it should be at this point, Cadance thought to herself as she walked alongside the young girl. Things aren’t going well, I’ve got a higher sex drive than she does, she clearly doesn’t have any sense of adventure... Maybe I should just let this drop.

The dialogue had been a constant stream of back and forth in her mind for days now, with little sign of relenting. Perhaps it would have been a more muted sound if their usual nightly rituals had been continuing on uninterrupted, but the absence had allowed a series of darkened thoughts to rise up in its place. Phone calls and photos weren’t enough to satiate her; other dealing unknown to all but herself did not satisfy enough yet without the physicality to match it. Cadance was a creature of physical comfort, whilst Twilight relied more greatly on words to boost her spirits. The divide between the two was intolerable to the schoolmaster and she knew it full well.

It was difficult to hold back the sigh as they walked on through the campus, Cadance trailing behind Twilight ever more so as they journeyed on. She had insisted on visiting the college again, no staff or aid to help her in the exploration of the place. She had actually settled her mind on this one, and young Twilight was determined to know the place by heart well before she even arrived to bring things into an overcramped, overly stuffy dorm room.

“I believe,” Cadance remarked as they walked on, “that most people like the sense of adventure that comes from going to college. The unknowns, the new people, the mysterious places… that sort of thing? You know, what you seem keen on eliminating.”

“I know, but when am I usually most people?” Twilight replied, missing the dulled edge in Cadance’s voice. “I want to know everything! Where to go, what to do, how to dress- everything!”

“And you’ll know that when you come here, Twilight,” Cadance said. “Goodness, you don’t need to try and please everyone! Who cares what you’re supposed to wear? I wore a t-shirt and leggings most every day!”

Twilight simply ignored the older woman and continued on in her mutterings, occasionally jotting down a small note in a pocket-sized notepad that she kept close at hand. She was too deep in her own machinations to notice.

Cadance could barely stomach a moment more when Twilight finally relented to returning home, convinced at last that there was little information she could glean by standing around when most of the campus was empty. Their car ride back to town began as a rather quiet one. Cadance knew her reasons for silence. She didn’t know Twilight’s.

“It isn’t like you to be this quiet,” she said at last, trying to fill the gaping void. “What’s got you so occupied? You’re not looking at your notes or anything.”

“Huh? Oh, nothing, really,” Twilight said, clearly lying as she turned to look anywhere but Cadance’s gaze. “Just a little on my mind, that’s all.”

It better not be. “Twilight, if you’re still worrying about college-”

“I’m worried about Mom.”

It was an unexpected answer. “Velvet?” she said, surprised by the response. “What’s going on?”

“Mom has…” Twilight let her expression grow sorrowful, torn by uncertainty. “She’s been different since she divorced Dad. A lot different.”

“How so?”

“She drinks more, for one thing,” Twilight said bitterly, her sorrowed expression suddenly turning hard. “Most nights when I get home she’s struggling. Either she’s really handsy for some reason or I’ll hear her in her room crying. She always denies it when I bring it up.”

Cadance bit her lip. “Break-ups are hard. A divorce is worse, Twilight,” she said. “How long’s it been now? One month- two?”

“One and a half.”

“It’s going to take time, Twilight,” Cadance said, trying to bring the young girl into a more genial mood. “Your Mom will recover, I know her! Goodness, she’s an accomplished author, odds are she’ll have great material for her work once this is all done. It’s just a bad time for her right now, she’ll find a way to manage.”

“Mm…” Twilight hesitated, then, “But she won’t listen to me!”

“Well… you are her daughter. It’s difficult to see your child as a peer, even when they’re an adult.”

Twilight gasped-

“Oh shit!” Cadance looked around wildly for something that was on the road and would hinder their progress. “What was that for-”

“You could help talk to her!” Twilight said delightedly, her eyes suddenly beaming. “Oh my gosh, I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before!”

“Twilight, don’t do something like that while I’m driving-!”

“We’re going out to the lake next week, Cadance! You should come with us, we’ve got a cabin and everything set up for us!” Twilight continued. “Come on, it’ll be so much fun! Just us girls, it’ll be a great time! And I know when Mom’ll be absent…”

The first mention of possible sex in nearly a week. “Twilight, that sounds great, but this has something to do with your mother- how, exactly?”

“You could talke to her when we’re there! You know, just bring it up casually, ask her how she’s been doing! You’re closer to her age than I am, she’ll listen to you!”

I really doubt that. “I can definitely try, Twilight,” Cadance said.

The young girl beamed and planted a kiss on Cadance’s cheek, the first in a while. “I love you,” she whispered. “Thanks for wanting to help.”

Cadance smiled and said nothing- the turn to head home was coming up soon enough.

“OK…” Cadance looked over her small assortment of things, wondering what else she was still missing. “Swimsuit, underwear, socks, makeup bag, extra clothes, wine… what else am I missing?”

Little in terms of necessities, that much she knew. But as her eyes drifted towards the top drawer, she had an inkling of what she certainly wanted to have. Heaven knows Twilight wasn’t going to be willing to provide it, especially with her own mother so nearby. “It’s not like cabins are soundproof,” she muttered.

A quick plunge into the depths and she felt its cylindrical form in her hand, extracting the thing from beneath its hideaway of clothing and coverings- far earlier than she’d expected to see it reemerge, if Cadance was to be honest. But still, she needed the relief.

Concentrating on the pleasure itself was difficult. Her mind was elsewhere, off-focus. Mostly because she wished it was another person who was willing to do this, not a simple vibrator that she held in the palm of her hand. It was a substitute, not a true replacement. And so, with the absence of real presence and feeling and warmth against her, the sound and thought of unwanted notions came to rise in its place.

I should just end it at this point, Cadance thought, once this trip is over, Twilight and I should split up. It’s not really going anywhere.

A reasonable thought, one that was quickly countered. But she’s great! Sweet, giving, always trying to be the right kind of pleasing.

And yet here you are, alone. You don’t match. Your wants are different from hers. She wants a real relationship, you’re more a ‘Friends with Benefits’ sort of person. Be honest.

I can accommodate, right? It just takes a little effort. She’ll be more adventurous in time.

And how have her first ‘adventures’ gone?

OK, so the BDSM thing wasn’t the best idea, I’ll give that-

And when was the last time Rarity talked to Twilight? When was the last time Rarity talked to YOU?

Cadance knew the answer to both of those questions, much as she didn’t want to admit it. So ask yourself… do you want Twilight? As in really want her? Or just what she offers?

The argument wasn’t finished by any means, the endless stream of questions and counters and thoughts in her mind going around in an unsteady rhythm for the next few days, even as she took to her car and left the city behind, delving deep into the outer country to head for the lake where Twilight and her mother would be waiting. The constant barrage that seemed unwilling for her to settle upon any answer, intermixing with confusion and doubt and desire and anger so deeply that she wondered if she would explode before finally finding some sort of conclusion.

Come on, make a decision! If you’re going to break up with her, it needs to happen this week, way before she actually goes to college. That’d be the worst timing for her and it’d be a miserably cruel thing to do-

“Cadance! Over here!”

The clear, kind voice of Twilight called out the moment she pulled into the parking lot, the young girl at a distance with her mother as they pulled supplies and other assortments of things out from their own vehicle. Velvet paused from her own efforts in extracting a small grill and looked over, giving a small wave at the arrival of their third and final member of their weekend trio.

“Hey, Twilight,” Cadance said, giving the young girl a hug of greeting. “You guys need any help unloading or anything?”

“We kinda do, actually. See that cabin over there, next to the docks?” Twilight pointed. “That one’s ours, so we need to just drag everything over there and bring it inside. If you’re willing to help…”

“Of course I am!” Cadance took a bag and strung it across her shoulder, adding an extra piece of cargo to her arms. “Is it unlocked?”

“Not yet,” Velvet replied, pausing in her efforts with the charcoal grill to extract a key from her pockets and hand it to her daughter. “You girls just take what you have and leave it in the living room, we’ll make it look nice once we’re done.”

Cadance felt a stir at the heaviness in the woman’s voice; a thickness or weight that kept the once-sharp sound of clever thought in her voice absent. She definitely sounds way unhappier than when I last saw her.

“Isn’t this great? I told you it’d be a fun time,” Twilight said as she walked alongside Cadance. “Mom says we’ve got a pontoon boat on rental for tomorrow, so we’ll be able to be out on the water all day.”

“It’ll definitely be nice,” Cadance agreed, still somewhat distracted. “Twilight, your Mom…”

“So you noticed, too?”

“Has she really been that bad?”

“I’m hoping this’ll be a good time for her. Maybe whatever cloud’s been hanging over her will go away,” Twilight said, setting down her things to unlock the door to the cabin. “You know? Just a change of scenery, with some good company.”

“Mm. You think I should try to talk to her?”

“I guess? You’ll probably have a better idea how than I do,” Twilight answered. “Ooh, this is cute!”

The door was opened to reveal a lightly yet comfortably furnished living room, little in lighting and electricity to speak of. No TV hung on the wall above the dead fireplace, a log table in the center of the room surrounded by an easy-chair, loveseat, and a rather plush couch. Just beyond was the open kitchen with all the modern furnishings, though a thin layer of dust sitting upon its tops to suggest an absence of use, with a hallway that spoke to the location of the bathroom and bedrooms that were available for use.

“It’s certainly simple.”

“I like it! It’ll be nice to get away for a little while, just sit around and have no distractions,” Twilight said cheerfully. “So, umm… there are only two bedrooms.”

No way would she try to suggest it. “You want to get comfy, I see.”

Twilight blushed to reveal the answer Cadance had already guessed. “Sorry, maybe we should wait a bit before we drop that kind of bombshell on my own Mom. But maybe we should tell her when we’re both down here? Maybe like the last day, second-to-last day? You know?”

Oh come on. “Let’s… think on that one for a bit, first. Somehow, I think your mother will react a bit differently,” Cadance said.

“I know, but I love you,” Twilight said, putting her arms around Cadance and bringing herself in close. “I don’t wanna feel bad about that. And it’s you, Mom trusts you. It’s better than just any random someone.” She leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on the older woman’s lips, plying her way with another and one more before relenting. “And I think I owe you for making you be so patient for so long- just a little.”

Cadance’s heart went a little quicker and she let her hands snake their way down Twilight’s shirt to those petite breasts she so loved to tease and play with, all her thoughts of splitting up and leaving Twilight put to the wayside as the girl’s playful, teasing sensuality came out for the first time in weeks and sending the older woman aflutter-

The door to the cabin creaked to announce entrance. Cadance tore herself away from Twilight with the speed and force of a lightning bolt and tried to appear as though engaged with her travel bag and its contents as Velvet walked through the door.

“Oh jeez- sorry, Mom!” Twilight said, red-faced and yet somehow still appearing horrified at the close call. “Cadance and I got to talking, we honestly forgot!”

“It’s alright,” Velvet said, though the hardness in her eyes suggested suspicion. Cadance felt the daggers sinking particularly deep in her own skin and she wanted to shiver. “But let’s not waste any time, I’d like to be done and settled before evening comes. So let’s get to it, come on now!”

Twilight nodded and darted outside, Cadance following slowly behind and finding her progress halted by Velvet before she could continue on after the young girl.

“I’m glad you could come join us, Cadance,” Velvet said, gesturing for the schoolmaster to walk alongside her. “Twilight was insistent you join us, said you’d help keep things comfortable.”

This is a test. “I’m glad to be here, Velvet,” she said, “I hope you’ve been alright lately. Twilight tells me it’s been sort of rough.”

“Well, it is what it is,” Velvet answered. “I’ll be back on my feet for good eventually.” She gave Cadance a sharp-eyed glance out of the corner of her eye. “I’m guessing Twilight wants you to be a good counselor to me, just like you’ve been for her. She certainly has been a lot happier since you took her under your wing again.”

Cadance’s laugh was far too nervous to be safe. “Oh, I just… do what I can.”

Twilight Velvet looked Cadance up and down with an expression that was impossible for even Cadance to read. “I’m quite sure you do,” she whispered.

Cadance struggled to sleep that night, the comfort of the sofa not something that lasted when one decided to lie down upon it. She was willing to accept that a possible reason for the discomfort was its unfamiliarity; a new place to sleep for the night and on an item she was unused to. It would likely be easier tomorrow, she assumed. But that simple guess did her no favors in the now, and she found herself waking up more often than not.

She gave a grumble as a hard spring founds its way through the softness and somewhere into her face, the irritation of it so great that she found herself more awake than ever before. A hand shot out and grabbed hold of her phone to check the time: 2:30AM.

“Jeez…” She needed a moment to decompress from the frustration that was so eager to gain momentum, turning to the rest of the outside world in the hopes of some needed relief. Hmm… and a text from Rarity… Before she could dive further down into her latest rabbit hole, a sound of footsteps came from the hallway behind her and she paused. Heavier than Twilight’s light step, Cadance wondered what Velvet was doing up so late. Bathroom, I guess.

To her surprise, the footsteps continued on and Velvet came stumbling out into the living room, clearly still wide awake and not appearing as one keen on going to sleep just yet. She turned to Cadance with a somewhat flushed face and gave her a sappy smile. “Hi,” she called.

“You’re up late,” Cadance remarked, watching as Velvet walked through the living room to take her place on the easy chair- not drunk yet, but definitely well buzzed, by her best guess.

“Oh, I don’t sleep very much anymore,” Velvet murmured, her eyes set on Cadance. “I guess when you’ve been married that long, you’re used to someone else being there in the bed with you. So when it’s just you…”

Cadance felt a flicker of sympathy. “Has it been hard? Like, really hard?”

“Oh, I guess I just miss…” Velvet hesitated. “I just miss having someone there. A comfort, someone to hold to. And- god, I do miss the sex.”

Cadance gave a soft laugh. “I’m guessing that’s what you miss the most, judging by that little outburst.”

“Oh, you have no idea, Cadance,” Velvet said, a hungering evident in her voice. “Before I was married I was the biggest flirt around. I’d go from boy to boy all the time like it was a game. When I finally got married, I honestly had more drive than Night Light did. If he hadn’t been so damn cautious, we would’ve bred like fucking rabbits.”

Cadance wanted to laugh even harder, forcing herself to stay quiet-voiced. “How on earth is Twilight your daughter?” she asked. “She’s so sweet and innocent, yet here you are bragging about your exploits like you’re still in college. It’s like night and day.”

Velvet laughed at the younger woman’s remark. “Oh, I’ve half-wondered how. She’s always been so demure, I’ve tried to figure out where on earth she gets it from. She’s not the pig her father was, and lord knows she’s nothing like me. The poor girl could get eaten alive out there if she’s not careful. College will be hard for her just because of that. I mean,” Velvet added with a small giggle, “it’s not like she hasn’t had to face such difficulties here already.”

Cadance forced her expression to remain friendly, impassive. “Did you not like her ex-boyfriend for something like that?”

“He was alright. Nothing special, really,” Velvet said, her gaze now fixated on Cadance with such a strength that the beautiful woman could feel it pierce into her heart. “I figured she’d be a moping mess the whole summer when they broke up. But I guess she found a way to recover, didn’t she?”

Cadance was starting to panic now. “I guess she did.”

Velvet let a dreamy smile form on her lips, her gaze still unrelenting as she held the younger woman in her grasp and setting her to squirm. The smile became a smirk, and Velvet’s fingers went downward to her robe, undoing the knot and letting it fall loose, pulling it open to reveal her naked body beneath, not an ounce of undergarments to hide them from sight. A graceful figure still somewhat, age beginning to find its permanence but only in all the proper places, her breasts still plump and pleasant to the eye- and a pussy already showing itself as damp. “How do I look?”

Cadance, expecting a condemnation from the woman, was now utterly taken aback. “I’m sorry?”

“Do I look sexy, Cadance?” Velvet inquired. “You know, fuckable?”

Cadance wasn’t one to lie, even if the whole situation was off-putting. “I- I guess I’d say so.”

Velvet grinned. “Well, I guess I’m not as young as Twilight, but I’ve still got it. I bet I feel better than she does.”

Now it was starting to get out of hand. “I’m sorry, I am not following you-”

“Tell me, Cadance,” Velvet said, rising from her place on the chair and letting the robe fall to the ground so as to fully stand in her nakedness. “When did you first start sleeping with my daughter, hmm? Was she still at Crystal Prep when you two got together? Did you wait until she had left to take her as your plaything? Or even better, did you wait till she graduated like a good adult?” Velvet took a seat on Cadance’s lap and looked down at the stunned woman with hungry, bleary eyes. “I bet I know the answer.”

“Velvet, you can’t be serious-”

“I am, pretty thing,” Velvet said solemnly, leaning down and taking Cadance’s lips to her own, a tongue forcefully making its way through lips and snaking its way deep into the younger woman’s mouth, a heady taste of wine flowing into her senses. The kiss didn’t end, Velvet unwilling to release her captive from her clutches until she was truly satisfied with tasting every inch of Cadance’s mouth that could be explored, allowing saliva to intermingle until there was little difference between the two. Just when Cadance could barely hold her breath any longer Velvet resurfaced, taking one last long slurp of tongue before relinquishing her hold. “I haven’t been loved in years, you know. I have needs.”

“Velvet, what is wrong with you- you’re drunk, no!” Cadance hissed. “And if you don’t stop-”

Velvet laughed and took Cadance in another vicious, passionate, drunken kiss in the hopes of overwhelming, swirling and suckling with all her might until she was willing to release. “Oh, little bird, you won’t sing. After all, age didn’t stop you from fucking my daughter, did it?” Velvet whispered. “So unless you want me to start talking to some particular school board members, how about you give me what I want and everything stays all nice and quiet?”

“And what do you want, Velvet?”

“Satisfaction,” Velvet whispered back, her arms held tightly around Cadance like a vicegrip while she remained in the taller woman’s lap. “Please me.”

Cadance was trapped. Velvet had clearly had her figured since she and Twilight’s rendevous’ had begun, and this was her means of bargain. Furious that she’d been ensnared so easily, Cadance’s first reaction was to throw Velvet off of her and leave, but fear kept her motionless. If word ever, ever got out about the whole ordeal…

Cadance scowled, a stark contrast to Velvet’s confident smirk. Fingers that had been motionless went towards a dripping pussy and began to perform their exquisite works-

“Ah-ah. Slowly now, dear,” Velvet whispered in Cadance’s ear. “There are many ways to be satisfied, you know. How about we start with a kiss?”

So kiss they did, Cadance taking Velvet and bringing her lips in close, the two women wrapping themselves around one another as their kiss deepened, yet intensifying slowly. Cadance was eager for swift, while Velvet took her time enjoying the rising passions, feeling no need to bring things further. Kiss after gentle kiss before at last tongues met, dancing and twirling about in the late night and letting drool fly as their wrestling could not be held in such small places. Velvet began to grind against the younger woman, going from slow to fierce in only a heartbeat as their kisses continued on in a frantic frenzy of lips and tongues and intermingled fluids. Velvet was now passionate and lustful, her hands eagerly pinching skin and titflesh with delight, still kissing and grinding against Cadance until at last she held herself firm against the woman, her kiss plunging so deep that the intensity of it took even the formidable creature of love that was Cadance aback- until juices flowed forth and the sudden passions came to a slow, gentle halt.

“That was nice, wasn’t it?” Velvet whispered, dipping her fingers into the outpouring of fluids and pressing them against Cadance’s tongue. “I haven’t come in years, Cadance. You’ve no clue how much I needed that.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Cadance said, feeling utterly humiliated and more akin to a used sex toy. She was all for being adventurous and trying new things, but the whole event had simply been her dangling over a pit of lions. And with no pleasure offered her way… “Go back to bed, Velvet.”

“Oh? That was the easy part, dear,” Velvet purred. “I let myself loosen up a bit, to give you some room to work your magic.” The weary woman fell to the ground upon the tired rug and spread her legs wide, giving a small yawn before continuing. “Now leave me fully satisfied, why don’t you?”

Cadance wanted to slap the drunken woman. After that entire bit, she still had the gall to ask for more? If Twilight had heard any of that, the whole game was up and Cadance would be left to dry. Hell, Twilight might blab openly herself! She thought of a million responses that she’d love to say, to find some way of stopping all this. “I think-”

A sudden, long snore rose from the floor and Cadance wondered if she was dreaming. Velvet had fallen asleep! Barely sober through it all, the rest and relaxation of after the fact had done her in and now she lay a muddled, naked mess, likely out for some time.

I should let her rot. Evil witch… Cadance gave a sigh and stepped over the unconscious figure to grab her robe, draping it over her form so that at least she would be covered. At least Twilight won’t have to see all of it. She thought to the liquor bottle that had to be lying somewhere in Velvet’s room. And maybe she’ll think something else instead.

The bottle placed on the table just above Velvet’s head, Cadance took to her soaked clothes and tossed them in a small bag, well out of sight and smell. With the seeming drunken antics given evidence, all she had to do now was go to sleep, and wake up with a perfect plan for revenge.

Cadance was fairly certain she was the one to wake up first. The silence of the house was crystalline, with only the ambience of summer sound wafting in from the outside world to ring in her ears. When she rose from her place on the couch, strong sunlight of mid-morning was already pouring in from the nearby window and coating the floor in its golden rays-

A small, hushed whisper of words below her and Cadance looked down to see Velvet still asleep on the floor, her bathrobe having been all but tossed from her body in the night. The smell of liquor and fluids upon her skin was painfully prevalent, and the scent that wafted into her nostrils made Cadance want to gag. I can’t believe I respected this woman once. She took a new sniff, the scent this time much closer. Cadance traced her skin with her fingers and found dried- “Eugh!” Velvet must have fondled her more than she’d thought. This would be something in need of a deep clean to rectify, and Cadance began to strip down in preparation for a shower.

The warmth of the water against dirtied skin was soothing for both mind and body, the tension in her bones evaporating into the steam. She would get even for what had happened last night, of that she was certain. But as to how wasn’t quite clear just yet. Cadance was the queen of sex and sultriness. She would not be used in such a manner ever again, not without retribution. So her plan had to be something good, one that would cut just as deep…

“Hey.” The calm, quiet voice made Cadance nearly jump out of her skin and immediately tear away from her thoughts. Twilight had slipped into the bathroom unnoticed and strode into the shower beside Cadance, a morose expression on her face like something etched in stone. “Good morning.”

“Morning.” Cadance kissed her, grateful to feel the gentle softness of the young girl’s lips, perfectly pressured and comforting to the touch. Much better than her mother. “Sleep well?”

“Yeah, actually, like a rock.” Twilight sighed, trying to care for her own body in the hopes of rousing herself to speech. “So looks like you talked with Mom last night.”

So she’d seen her. “That’s one way of putting it.”

“How did it go?”

Cadance snorted. “You saw her. Did you smell her, too?”

Twilight sighed again. “Yeah. How drunk was she when you talked to her?”

“Very. She fell asleep almost mid-sentence,” Cadance lied.

“How late?”

“About three in the morning.”

“Jeez…” Twilight buried her face in her hands. “How’s she going to be when I leave? Did she even listen to you?”

Cadance grimaced. “She did at the start, at least. But if any of it even sunk in…”

“Jeez. Well, it’s a couple more days here. Maybe she’ll let you get through to her eventually.”

I really doubt that. “I’ll try.”

Twilight smiled and kissed Cadance yet again. “Thanks for being patient. Now let’s go wake her up.”

The task was unpleasant, but could have been worse. Velvet didn’t vomit when she awoke, but did move as though she had a hangover. Her words to her daughter were apologetic; her words to Cadance were absent, but the look in her eyes –and the whiteness of her face- suggested she remembered more than she would ever be willing to admit.

“Well, she’s recovering quickly,” Twilight remarked. “I guess it wasn’t too bad.”

“She didn’t black out, if that’s what you mean. She just got too sleepy,” Cadance said, scowling at the sight of the woman. “She’ll be back at it in no time.”

“Yeah, I guess so. Hey, I’ll be back, Mom asked me to go grab the boat in her place. Gives her a little more time to recover, y’know?”

“Sure thing.” Cadance watched as Twilight hurried off to the lake shop nearby and fetch their afternoon cruise, realizing that she was alone with Velvet yet again. And I know that creep will have something to say.

It wasn’t a surprise that Velvet appeared before Cadance, though admittedly earlier than she had expected. Cadence tried to ignore her at first, gazing intently at her phone until the discomfort grew too much for her to disregard and she looked up from her activities at the shamefaced woman with a look of ill-disguised disgust. “And what do you have to say?”

“Cadance-”

“If it’s not an apology, I won’t hear it,” Cadance snapped, returning back to her phone.

“Yes, it’s an apology! Just- was I really as foolish as I remember myself being?” Velvet asked.

“You forced your tongue down my throat and grinded on me until you soiled my clothes, you can piss right off.”

“Oh my- God help me I am so sorry, Cadance,” Velvet said, looking as though she desperately wanted to sink through the floor and rot in the depths of the earth. “Twilight’s been telling me to ease up on the alcohol because I could do something stupid and then- I am sorry, from the bottom of my heart. I was out of control last night-”

“Putting it mildly.”

“- And I understand that you’re still mad. I get it,” Velvet continued. “All I ask is that you don’t tell Twilight about what happened, alright? I know I was being inappropriate, I really do. And- and what I said about the two of you- she’s in love with you, Cadance, it’s so obvious. I know what you two have is definitely different, but she adores you. I’m perfectly willing to let that be if that’s what she wants.”

Cadance felt insulted. “Is that supposed to be a bribe or something? You let me stay with your daughter in exchange for not telling her that you tried to fuck me?”

“I- it didn’t come out quite right,” Velvet said, clearly losing momentum. “Cadance, she’s all I have. Shining is off with the military living his own life, Night Light ran off God knows where, and Twilight’s about to start going to college. I just don’t want to lose her, too. So please don’t tell her what I did, alright? I want her to be happy.”

“Her knowing would definitely not make her happy,” Cadance remarked drily. “Fine, I’ll keep quiet. But I’m not letting this go just yet.”

Velvet looked relieved, even with Cadance’s ominous last words. There was little time for further discussion with the return of Twilight, who was extremely insistent that they come down to the lakeside dock just below the cabin.

“This is great! We’ll have plenty of room, the weather’s great- what more could we ask for?” she asked, her sweet face beaming. “Let’s get everything packed and go, it’ll be a great day!”

“Thank you so much, sweetheart,” Velvet said warmly, taking her daughter in her arms for a hug and holding her tight. “You did me a huge favor, thanks for helping your mother out.”

“Sure thing, Mom,” Twilight said. “Are- are you feeling any better?”

“Yes! Much, thank you! I promise, that’s the last time you’ll find me like that. OK?”

Twilight’s face was glowing, her eyes darting back and forth between Cadance and her mother. As soon as Velvet was out of sight, she crashed into Cadance with a powerful embrace of her own. “What did you do to get through to her? It worked great, she’s never said that before!”

Cadance felt Twilight’s happiness and found it intermingling with the sight of Velvet walking away, seemingly not a care in the world. A vain, proud alcoholic who thought that one simple apology was all it took to wipe away such an act, even if it was born out of drunken folly. And as she looked down into the sweet, smiling face of her lover, a small seed of an idea began to form in the beautiful woman’s mind, and she felt the thrill of it burn against her senses.

“I talked about you, that’s all,” Cadance said warmly. “Your Mom loves you very much, Twilight. She’d hate to lose you.”

“Lose me?”

“She thinks when you go off to college that you’ll just go on without her, I guess,” Cadance remarked, her voice perhaps a bit too light. “You mean the world to her.”

“Aw, she wouldn’t lose me!” Twilight said brightly. “There’s nothing she could do that would stop her from being my Mom! I wish she wouldn’t feel so bad about herself all the time…”

“I know, I know. When your Dad divorced her, she can’t see herself properly anymore. She thinks she’s old… and fat. And has grey hairs.”

Twilight looked wounded. “No way! Mom’s beautiful, more than I am for sure! Not as beautiful as you are, but,” she said with a grin, “No one’s as beautiful as you.”

Cadance smiled, planting a kiss on Twilight’s nose. And she allowed the seed in her mind to take root.

The early hours of their aquatic adventure went peacefully, Cadance seemingly soft-spoken and genial as the three of them made their way across the massive, winding lake. Twilight remained oblivious to what she had missed, and Velvet seemed more grateful about Cadance’s promised silence than any potential threat she had made. With the heat driving them to swimwear and eventual excursions into the water itself, the day seemed to pass by pleasantly.

“So what do you think of this pretty young lady going to college, hmm?” Cadance asked aloud, gesturing to the still-damp Twilight that sat beside her. “I know it’ll be quite a change, having to be an empty-nester.”

“Oh, I’m dreading it,” Velvet said, giving a laugh from the horror of the thought. “My baby girl all grown up and starting to live her own life…”

“Mom, I’ll visit all the time, I promise!” Twilight insisted, getting up to give her mother a hug. “I’m not just gonna ignore you or anything, I’ll be around!”

Velvet looked ready to cry, and returned the embrace with fervor- spawning a stroke of inspiration in Cadance’s mind. “Ooh, don’t move, I’ve got something just for this!” she said, rushing over to her bag and extracting a bottle of wine. “A toast to Twilight’s future, I think.”

Velvet gave a roll of her eyes and laughed at the sight of it, while her daughter frowned in response. “Maybe we should hold off just a bit,” Twilight remarked. “We’re still a long ways from the cabin.”

“Just a small one, then,” Cadance pressed, grabbing for some nearby cups that sat next to the cooler. “What do you say, Velvet? Let your daughter have some for the night?”

“Well… I guess, just to celebrate,” the older woman relented. “But only for tonight!”

“Alright, only for tonight, then!” Cadance cried, pouring them a small portion each- and then a little more. “Here’s to Twilight, the best of us.”

She tried to be inconspicuous about the bottle the longer their day went. As the evening sun began to fall and the shadows of twilight hours crept into view, she continued to add a little more in their respective cups, small pours at a time. Just enough to keep them thirsty for more, but not enough to be noticeable. It would be easier the further on they went, and Cadance was no amateur at such matters. The more Twilight loosened up, the more Velvet turned to her cup for sustenance, the easier it would become.

“Hmm… it’s getting late,” Twilight said at last, looking out into the sky. “Maybe we should…”

“You alright, Twily?” Velvet asked, a gentle hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

“Yeah! Umm, we should head back to the cabin, right? We’re all a little- too tired from being out in the sun. All day.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll bring us back in,” Cadance said pleasantly, taking to the ship’s wheel and igniting the engine. “It’s been a great time, though, right? One more, before I have to stow the bottle again!”

When they made it back to the cabin dock, Twilight found herself eagerly helping her doting mother, who seemed unwilling to let her daughter leave her side. The two had been happily enjoying each other’s company ever since the day had begun, and the more deeply they had drunk the harder to separate they had become. Cadance wondered just how much further it would take at this point. A little more wine, and more suggestions.

“Twilight, you look exhausted. Why don’t you head up to the cabin first, get yourself a shower? Your Mom and I will get done down here,” she said.

“Are you sure? I can help if you want,” the young girl offered.

“It’s fine! Go on ahead, get yourself freshened up.”

Twilight smiled and kissed Cadance hungrily, not even caring that she had done so in front of her mother. She gave a giggle and strutted away towards their cabin, seemingly oblivious.

“Oh, you two are close,” Velvet remarked, perhaps a bit too thickly. “I can see why she loves you so.”

“She’s great, for sure,” Cadance said brightly, “Always super sweet, affectionate… great in bed.”

“Oh gosh!” Velvet cried, giggling as she threw a hand over her mouth at the outburst. “Cadance, really!”

“I’m sorry, it just slipped out!” she said, feigning embarrassment. “I just enjoy her that much, you know? Her lips, how she feels, all of her. And she’s so beautiful…”

“Mhm. Mhm. Mhm,” Velvet said, nodding with each sound of assent. “Come on, you rascal, let’s get this stuff to the cabin and finish off that wine like a bunch of girls!”

Twilight was soon done with her shower and appeared before mother and lover with a glowing air, cheeks flushed from heat both internal and external. Wearing more than shorts and a thin t-shirt, she looked positively petite, and thoroughly appealing. “Is it too much?” she asked with a smile.

“Hardly! Look at you! Cadance cried, making sure everyone present had a good view. “She’s so pretty, just look at her! How she doesn’t make every head turn, I don’t know!”

“Because people don’t know what they’re missing, of course!” Velvet replied. “A toast to fools, then! Twi, dear, come on, this one’s for you!”

Though she had been at first hesitant with her servings of wine, the persistence of Cadance and now Velvet was more than enough to help ease her concerns and let them slip to the wayside, joining in with the two of them as Cadance’s wine bottle reemerged from her bag and the three of them continued on with their night’s escapades. The bottle Cadance had brought with them was a large one, meant to last some time. But after their time on the boat under the summer sun, they were eager for something to slake their thirst. One quarter of it was already gone, consumed during the daylight hours. As they settled down together in the living room they found themselves strong enough to work through another quarter, and then more until perhaps only a fifth of it was left for them to enjoy, and unlikely to occur as the three of them were more than tipsy. Twilight had fallen to a state of giggles and Velvet was her usual handsy self, while Cadance sat there watching them both with a mind not yet so clouded, a cup still holding meager contents.

“I mean- I mean,” Velvet said, leaning back against her side of the couch and gazing at Twilight who had come to lay on the floor just beside her feet, “Just look at her. Look at her, Cadance! No wonder you couldn’t resist, right? She’s just soo beautiful, and sexy! How could anyone resist her, right? Like, you’d have to be stupid to even try!”

“I know! She must take after her Momma to be that pretty,” Cadance cried. “Look at your Mom, Twilight, aren’t I right? Right? You two look perfect!”

“Oh please, I’m not that pretty,” Velvet shrieked, suddenly turning morose and on the verge of tears. “I’m too old, and not even her Dad really thought I was pretty-”

“Oh Mom, stop! Stop! Stop! Stooop!” Twilight cried, suddenly attempting to rush to her mother’s side and instead falling upon her, throwing her arms around Velvet, who gave a sob at the embrace. “I think you’re pretty, Mom! Everyone- everyone here thinks you’re pretty! You’re soooo pretty, and don’t you forget it!”

“You’re just saying that cause you’re leaving soon! For college!” Velvet said. “And you’ll be a big girl and won’t need me to love on you anymore and-”

“Aw, you don’t feel that way about your Mom, do you, Twilight?” Cadance said. “How could she say such a thing!”

“That’s- that’s right, Mom! I love you, like, so much right now!” Twilight said, sitting there and holding her mother all the more tightly. “Like, forget college now! I’ll just stay here with you until you’re happy again, OK? OK?”

“Oh, Twilight!” Velvet gave one last sniffle and smiled at her daughter’s flushed, shining face. “You’ve been so good to me, you know that? I love you so, so much, too!”

Cadance didn’t know when it started, perhaps in the literal blink of an eye. One moment, the two were sitting there giggling and holding each other in what must have been a painfully tight embrace, and then Twilight and Velvet were kissing fiercely, mother and daughter wound tight around one another as their love poured over from within and drove them to passion. The sounds that came were relentless and intense, moans and the effects of their affections ringing loudly as their lips pressed together all the more deeply; Twilight forced her mother onto her back and the two continued with their cavalcade of kisses, tongues finally coming out to play and into view for Cadance to see as parent and child fell more deeply into their frenzied embrace and letting their sloppiness spatter across their faces as they continued to explore each other more and more with swirls and twirls of tongue and fierce presses of lips upon lips.

Cadance practically squealed with delight- and felt herself grow hot at the sight of Twilight passionately making out with her mother, the sudden arrival of arousal setting her to plunging fingers deep into her own clit as the passions of Twilight and Velvet further cascaded into their maddened lust with deeper kisses, tightening grasps, and louder moans of pleasure- one that Cadance matched with one of her own.

Twilight and Velvet finally split apart, a long, thick string of drool hanging between their open mouths as they stared at the gawking, mesmerized face of Cadance, who desperately wanted to urge them to continue and then did so. “Keep kissing!” she cried, her fingers dripping even after such a short time. “Oh god, don’t stop!”

“Come on and get it, then!” Twilight cried-

Cadance practically leapt across the table and threw herself at the familial pair, kissing Twilight first before tending to Velvet, flinging out her tongue into the open so she could taste the combined sensations of both mother and daughter all at once, their vibrant, silken tongues eagerly stroking and wiggling against her own in an effort to seduce each other and their late arrival with all their might.

“Take off your shirt, already!” Twilight cried, pulling at Cadance’s loose t-shirt in the hopes of tearing it off-

Cadance took no time in throwing the excess clothing off of her, wanting to laugh as Twilight gasped at the sight of her breasts-

“Oh my god, they’re so big!” the young girl whispered loudly, pressing her hands against them and kneading as though by instinct. “I- I love your big, soft titties, Cadance! I just wanna-” and what she wanted she clearly chose to do, as she began to suckle on Cadance’s nipple with fervor, motioning for her mother to join her in the act. The beautiful woman gave a moaning sigh of delight at the sensation of both Twilight and Velvet turned their thoughts of pleasure to her body, Cadance’s nipples receiving a most wonderful treatment at the mouths of the two enthusiastic souls. Gentle licks became plying nibbles, tongues that licked and lathered were the forerunner to fierce sucks, muffled moans of happiness flowed into the air alongside gasps of pleasure.

“Oh…” To Cadance, the sensation was unbearably wonderful, and she struggled to stop herself from screaming her delight. “Oh- oh! Twilight, your mommy feels so fucking amazing!”

“I know she does, I- I know!” Twilight said, releasing Cadance’s tit from her clutches and resurfacing to speak with her lover. “I bet she feels fucking amazing on your titties right now!”

“I definitely do, Twilight, oh I do!” Velvet replied, taking her daughter’s face in her hands and planting sopping wet kisses on her lips, moaning and giggling happily at the sensation. “I should’ve done this way sooner, and we could’ve been so- so happy and- shit, like-”

“Let’s, like, get to the bedroom!” Cadance cried, rising from her place next to the two and stumbling before crashing into the wall and falling into a fit of giggles-

“Cadance, baby, I- no, you’re drunk!” Velvet said, stumbling over and trying to bring the younger woman to her feet-

“I’m fine, thank you!” Cadance retorted, rushing to her feet and pulling Velvet into a kiss. “I need you to fuck me, Velvet! And I want you to watch me fuck Twilight, so I know you’re OK with it!”

“Fuck…”

Velvet’s queen-sized bed was hardly enough to hold the three enthusiastic souls, Twilight planting herself next to her mother and gasping as Velvet freed herself from her clothing and showcasing her naked body to her daughter. “Oh my gawd, Mom, you’re super hot!”

“Oh, Twily-!” Velvet kissed her daughter yet again before tearing at her shorts and pulling them down her legs, revealing a dribbling wet pussy ripe for the plundering- a sight too tempting to pass up. Mother delved deep into her daughter’s folds and lapped away hungrily, licking and nibbling and pulling at whatever she could grab hold of-

Twilight held nothing back, moaning joyously as her mother continued in her pleasurable exploration. “Oh my god, deeper! Faster, faster!” she squealed, one hand pressing down on her mother’s head to aid her in finding the depths-

Cadance took herself to the top of the bed and planted herself just above Twilight’s head, letting her own eager sex be exposed to the young girl, who saw the awaiting opportunity and took to it hungrily, practically swallowing Cadance’s awaiting juices as Velvet’s rampant adventures further below continued to incense Twilight’s passion. The three were united in their delights as mother gave service to daughter, and daughter to lover until the wholeness of it could not be contained-

Twilight gave a cry of utter ecstasy as a vibrant, powerful orgasm rippled through her body, sending an overflow of juices out from within her and letting them pour out onto her mother’s eager face, Velvet taking to the outpouring voraciously as though hoping to drink in every last drop. Twilight’s delvings into Cadance slowed as she took the time to resurface, gasping for air from the intensity of it all-

Cadance’s muddled mind wondered if she had ever seen anything so arousing in her life, now so close to her own rapturous delight that Twilight’s absence was torturous. Fingers plunged downwards as she watched Twilight resettle and tend to her mother-

“Oh my god, Mom you felt so amazing!” Twilight said, pulling her mother atop of her for a series of long, passionate kisses. “You’re just so- so so good, Mommy!”

“Mm, you taste great, Twily,” Velvet purred. Her fingers dipped down into her own watering folds and came forth with juices for her tongue to devour, letting them dribble onto the pink organ and then delivered them straight to her daughter, letting their intermixed fluids flow eagerly between mouths and tongues. “Mommy’s little girl-”

“Ohmygod we can’t forget Cadance!” Twilight shrieked, turning away from her mother to the positively agonized Cadance, who nearly came solely from the young girl’s touch. “I’mso sorry, Cadance, like, sooo sorry!”

Cadance said nothing but instead kissed Twilight, taking to straddle her until flesh pressed hard against flesh and the two began their frantic lovemaking as they met, letting the sounds of their sensations flow forth freely into the night. Each press was more strong than the one before, Cadance struggling to hold on and bring it to a more perfect climax- even more so when Velvet joined in and took to sitting atop her daughter’s face and letting her motherly folds be consumed by Twilight’s drunken ravenousness. It was a sight more wonderful and glorious than she could have possibly hoped to achieve, even when her mind was clear and full of fire and dangers, rocking back and forth until little on earth could hold it back, and Cadance gave a wild cry as she came, gushing out onto worn sheets and fair skin in a cascade of fluids, adding to her raucous fervor with continued motion until nothing else could be gained.

The three of them finally broke apart, little more than a soaked mess of sweat and saliva and sexual fluids, beautiful bodies heaving from the exertion that had just been given. Twilight was so worn from the event that she seemed hardly willing to move at all, simply laying there in a naked heap of frazzled hair that occasionally gave a gasp. Cadance tried to look into her eyes and perhaps grant her a kiss, but could not find the effort to do so.

Velvet took a step back from the now-ruined bed- then another. And four more, crashing into the wall as her vision turned all the more cloudy, mouth held forcefully closed for a time. “I got- I think- I gotta think-” a sudden retching sound and she staggered her way down the hall as fast as her impaired body would allow her, the sounds of liquid spattering against hardwood floor easily heard even in ringing ears.

Cadance sat there atop the pillows, rocking back and forth as a lazy, endless giggle streamed from her lips. She found the whole thing hysterical for a reason she could not remember, her mind trying to recall the reason why and finding itself incapable of deduction. She tried to think that she was supposed to know the reason why, or at least remember it, but something heavy continued to be in the way of knowing just what it was. “Oh man,” she breathed, her wispy words turning to giggles after each syllable. “Oh man…”

It was time for bed. And as she tried to walk away from the bed she fell and crashed onto a hard, unforgiving floor, her eyes seeing a solitary arm lolling off of the bedside before the whole world went black before her eyes.

Author's Note

So how we feeling right about now?

Gimme time. Almost there.

Ten: Disaster

The awakening was the worst part of it. A horrid sourness in the stomach that refused to relent in its intensity for even a moment, each heartbeat in her chest somehow finding the strength to worm its way up to her brain and pulse with all the fury of a hurricane. Cadance didn’t even want to open her eyes, lest she somehow make the foulness that held upon her bones somehow gain strength and fester like an open wound.

The light coming in from the window was strong. Painful, even, and she held a hand to her eyes to shield herself from the burning brightness. As she returned to the world of the waking things, her senses slowly came to join in and give their usual reports- with little positivity to be found: the body hurt, the room smelled of something foul and definitely human, a vicious weight held to her perfect frame and she didn’t want to bring herself up from wherever she was. In fact, where even was she?

A hand reached out and pressed down. “Dammit, it is the floor,” she muttered, her hand continuing on in its explorations. A pause- something liquid came in contact with the tactile surface of her skin and she brought it back for examination. To say she gagged at the wretched stench would be an understatement, all the reactions she had at the smell begged her to add to the awfulness. Just what had happened last night?

“Sex.” One word and it described everything. Lots and lots and lots of it. Filthy, wonderful, uninhibited, unrelenting, voracious sexuality between her, Twilight, and Velvet. She’d gotten her revenge, alright. Cadance just hadn’t meant to drink that much wine and lose control as she had. It was supposed to be a much more subdued affair, not the magnificent disaster Velvet had endured. It was supposed to be mere humiliation, little else. The whole thing had worked out better than she had hoped.

Sound now reached her injured ears and Cadance winced at the strength in which it came. To rise from the floor was tortuous but necessary, and she set to her feet so as to leave the filthy bedroom in which she had awoken, heading down to the sound or wretched human misery and finding Velvet still in the bathroom, vomiting into a toilet with the ferocity of a waterfall.

“Having fun?” Cadance asked, trying to sound pleasant and confident despite her own personal agonies. She relished the sight of Velvet, the one who had tried to drunkenly molest her, now dwelling in suffering.

Velvet heaved more vomit and knelt there gasping at the end of the toilet, spittle falling down into the bowl as she lay gaping. “Oh for the love of God,” she muttered, “shut the fuck up. Just shut the fuck up.”

Cadance gave one single, snorting sound of laughter. “I’ll bet you won’t try that on me again, will you?” she crowed, finding enjoyment in Velvet’s suffering. “And don’t you ever try to threaten me again, do you hear?”

Velvet stared at her, eyes wide. Was it disbelief, horror, or confusion that she read so clearly upon her face? Cadance did not have the mental fortitude to tell, nor did the expression last, for Velvet soon gave another wretching gag and turned back to the porcelain bowl, delving deep into its contents for further coating.

“Now where’s Twilight,” Cadance muttered, slowly shuffling through the house with what air of strength she could manage to present. She would not be so foolish as to display weakness, so long as she were still sentient. A small sliver of an emotion she could not name came into play the longer she searched, wondering just what it was that she was feeling. “I think she passed out on the bed last night, so where the hell is she? She’s no veteran to hangovers.”

A thorough examination of the miniscule cabin was enough to show that Twilight was nowhere to be found within its depths, so Cadance went to the door and made her way outside, trying to ignore the putrid heat that permeated the air. Why in heaven’s name would Twilight be out here with the world around her being so miserable to endure?

A figure out on the dock, and one glance was all it took for Cadance to know it was Twilight. A petite frame in the depths of an oversized hoodie as she stared out at the lake, stiff and unmoving like a statue in repose. Cadance decided to make her way down to the young girl and assess her condition. A sense of… something, now. Foreboding? Misgiving?

“Twi?”

Twilight turned around- very, very slowly. Each crane of the neck gave the appearance of pain and her eyes were sunken in a face normally so sweet and demure that now sat hollow and fearful. When she set her gaze on Cadance, the might of her emotions only grew in power. “Hey.” One word, so chock-full of uncertainty.

Cadance wondered if she should be more careful, or more concerning. “Are you OK?”

“I feel awful.” Twilight’s gaze was baleful. “What did I do last night?”

Uh-oh. “We got drunk, Twilight. What do you mean?”

“Did I really have sex with you and my Mom last night? Answer me.”

Shit. This was not going to be a pleasant conversation. “People do stupid shit when they’re drunk. Twilight,” Cadance said in the hopes of being soothing. “Don’t worry about it, no one will remember.”

“Mom remembers. You remember- don’t you?” Twilight challenged. “Oh my god, what is wrong with me? I had sex with my Mom…” Twilight’s memories now confirmed, the young girl looked horrified. “What in the- why would I do that, what would make me want to do that? That’s not normal, even for drunk people, that’s really weird, what did I do..?”

“Twilight, people get drunk and do stuff that they regret-”

“Why do I remember your voice?” Twilight asked, suddenly turning loud. “I remember you saying things about my Mom. You encouraged me to be near her all night long. Did you- oh my god…”

Cadance was now in the realm of the defensive, a place she had no intention of keeping herself. “Twilight, don’t be ridiculous, that’s your imagination playing tricks. You know what you remember.”

“But I don’t!” the young girl cried, only falling further into her own pit of humiliation. “Cadance, did you mean for me to actually have sex with my own Mom?!”

“Oh for God’s sake, Twilight, just because your Mom tried to fuck me doesn’t mean-”

Inhibition of common sense still remained. Foolishness reigned supreme. And the moment the words slipped from her foul lips, Cadance wanted to bite them back and hide them away forever.

Twilight’s face was now pale, white as a sheet. “My Mom… did what?” she whispered.

“Oh shit…” Cadance gave a sigh. “Look, Twilight, your Mom knew about us and blackmailed me the other night, I had to get back at her somehow. It’s not a big deal.” Oh for the love of fuck, shut the hell up!

“You what?” Twilight’s shrieking was enough to split the rocks, now looking at Cadance with eyes unclouded. “You cheated on me and had sex with my Mom and this was your way of getting back at her for it? By making me have sex with MY MOM? Cadance!”

“Twilight, weirder things have happened, some people do it on purpose-”

“CADANCE!” Twilight was now incensed, tears streaming down her face as though the world around her was truly ending. “Cadance, what the fuck?! I love you, how is that the way you treat someone you love? We’re supposed to look out for one another and take care of one another, so we can- you know, later on-”

Cadance snorted. “I never said I loved you, Twilight. I don’t know why you ever thought that was where this was going. It’s been a sex thing through and through, even Rarity knew that, it’s why she’s been calling me for weeks now.”

Another bombshell, this one brought down aware and full of callousness. Cadance felt a shriveling pleasure at the sight of Twilight’s expression, horror delving into feelings and thoughts and passions which held no name but only all the intensity and misery and fullness the world could give them.

“Oh my God- oh my God,” Twilight cried, looking though as she wanted to vomit. “You groomed me, didn’t you? Since I came to Crystal Prep, you’ve been manipulating- that’s what you’ve been doing…”

“Twilight, don’t say stupid shit-”

“SHUT UP!” Twilight cried, rushing forward and giving Cadance such a shove that the older woman was nearly toppled off her feet from the force of the blow. “Get away from me! Go, just go! I don’t ever want to see you again, do you hear me? Go! GO!”

The forcefulness of the young girl’s words were so fierce that Cadance obeyed without hesitation, running back towards the cabin and heading to the car- only to remember she had left her keys inside. A quick stumbling rush through a crashing door and she took whatever she could put her hands on, rushing out to the awaiting vehicle and rushing away from the source of all the madness that she so desperately wanted to leave behind, knowing full well a part of it- or perhaps all of it- would be following with her.

Well, I did mean for us to break up, Cadance thought to herself. Maybe just under better circumstances would have been nice. It could have gone more smoothly.

It was an endless loop of similar thoughts and remarks in her mind for as long as the drive went on, a drifting sensation trying to take place in the absence whenever she let the stream stop its flow. It was almost as though it were an argument to convince rather than a means in which to deal with a sudden end to a relationship that she had actually wanted to end.

The sex was nice, but let’s face it. Twilight wanted something controlled and exclusive, you just wanted a fuck buddy and someone to have fun with. Neither of us really did anything wrong.

An image of Twilight pressed hard against her mother burned bright against the back of her eyes and Cadance gave a small grimace. OK, maybe a little went wrong. But it’s not my fault, I just meant for Velvet to do- I dunno, something stupid and make a fool of herself. I didn’t think she’d actually have sex with her own daughter. Crazy bitch.

The drive through empty country soon became populated by small, clean neighborhoods full of freshly built houses, the sites of expansion and growth of humanity. Small became large, clusters grew to small boroughs and towns and onwards Cadance went until she came at last to her home, drudgingly pushing through the door and tossing her bag onto the floor near the stairwell. A scent, sweet and fresh like spring rain, came to greet her and she took a moment to be filled by its friendly welcome. Twilight’s scented candle she brought here last week. I remember now.

Was it time yet for something to eat? It had been hours since she’d awoken but Cadance had yet to feel the pangs of hunger. Resigning to it, she poured a small glass of wine and turned to her bedroom, polishing off the small drink before turning to a much-needed shower that seemed to soothe at least the physical aches that remained from last night’s maelstrom of emotions and actions. She at first wasn’t certain what made the whole thing feel so unusual, running water against perfect skin helping to fill the void. It was not until she finished and turned instead to the empty bedroom that she realized what strangeness was afflicting her mind: “It’s so quiet.”

She was used to someone being here. Twilight had been an almost daily experience now, whether it be in the form of physical comfort (and that declined the past few weeks) or her simple presence and conversation (half of what she spoke about I never got, honestly) had made Cadance’s home feel like… a home. A place of actual comfort, not just a simple dwelling space.

Cadance pulled a face. She’d spent years like that here, fully alone and still able to think of this place as comfortable. What had changed? Frustrated, she turned to her things and began to unpack- only turning to pause as she saw her phone light up with a notification: a text from Rarity, continuing their conversation. I’m free now. Why not ask her to come over for some fun?

Cadance pondered it before deciding to turn back to her things. She’d respond later. Let things settle for a bit before trying to move forward, right? She could deal with being alone again.

The day came and went, Cadance subscribing all her discomfort to the hangover rather than anything else. After all, it was the easiest solution- and most likely. It was quite easy to have a morose attitude if one’s body was suffering. She would be right as rain come morning, and more than capable of getting back into the swing of things. After all, the school year was swiftly creeping on the horizon. A little more than a month before things would back to normal.

She slept fitfully. Every few hours or so she’d find herself awake in fullness and looking around for something amiss, but unable to find it and would struggle to return to some measure of slumber. It was not until early morning that she found some level of consistency, but all too soon the screeching sound of an alarm clock came into focus and made certain that her poor mood was quite ready to continue. The aches and fatigue, the pulsing in her brain all had evaporated, yet the discomposure remained. Cadance could not quite figure it.

She had an empty day today. It could be used wisely, if she knew how to. After all, she hadn’t originally planned to come back home until Saturday, and here it was only Wednesday. Maybe some exercise would lift her out of the doldrums and get herself some rhythm into a new normality. The gym would be a fine place to be right now.

But even as she tried to get herself into some workout clothes, the enthusiasm for the idea was about as deep as a freshly made puddle. The effort just to change was monumental, only intensifying all the more as she got into her car to travel on. Just looking at the entrance was draining. I don’t want to do this. But she knew it would likely help, so Cadance tried anyway.

At first, all she considered was a walk, a light activity to get her juices flowing. The moment she stepped onto the treadmill was enough to let her mind know that it would not be enough. Something strenuous to really push her was critically needed, make her feel something rather than- than this. It would have to be difficult.

One step. Then another, followed by thousands more as Cadance came to a crawling halt some thirty minutes later, covered in sweat and gasping for air from the exertion. She needed a chance to cool down, both physically and emotionally- for some reason, she thought she might cry. The sweat was thick on her brow, and her usual sleek hair was soaked through. I need a towel. But a quick glance towards the desk and she saw none available, maybe a visit to the bathrooms-

“You- you’re looking for a towel, right?” the voice came through and a small, white hand towel appeared before her on an oustretched hand which was attached to a young man with dark hair and blue eyes, his expression apprehensive.

Cadance looked at the towel, then at the one who offered it. Something familiar, but I don’t know why. “Huh?”

“Oh-! It’s not been, y’know, used or anything. I was about to get started and saw you looking for one, so…”

Now she remembered, though it felt as though ages ago. This young man had disastrously tried to flirt with her in this gym some months back, and had instead finished with an insult. He looked a bit smaller this time around. “What do you want?” she asked, her tone unkind.

“OK, you remember- look, I’m sorry- for what I said, I guess,” he said, more tense than before as he tried to press on with his flustered words. “So I talked about what happened to some of my friends and they said I’d really screwed up and it took a while for me to realize they were right. So- umm, I just wanted to say sorry for what I’d said. It was messed up. So… peace offering?”

Cadance had wanted a towel, her face in need of a good cleaning. Yet what lay offered before he was unattainable, and she refused to put a hand on it. “Keep it,” she said flatly.

“Alright, you’re still mad, I get it,” the young man replied, backing off. “I completely get it, it’s all good. You’ve got the right to be, I’ll just go…”

Cadance turned her back on the apologetic figure before stalking off to the gym entrance and outside into the vicious heat that made the inside of her car broil. Her attitude was stewed, exhaustion and effort having done nothing to help soothe the sensation. She needed something better to rectify this. After a shower, I think.

Even after the warm caress of the water on her skin, she did not change her mind. One quick swipe through the phone to where a bevy of texts, both benign and explicit, had been shared between her and a young fashionista who had been oh so patient in waiting for further pleasure. Cadance felt like the wait had been long enough, and she took to an invitation: I have some free time tonight. You should come join in.

Patience may have been her virtue, for it took some time for a response to come through: Yes, that sounds lovely, darling! I’ll bring my best! Cadance held a small flicker of a smile for only a briefest moment before returning to a more sober expression. It would be a long wait until night came.

Cadance did what she could to keep herself occupied through the rest of the day. Distractions were as best as she could hope to achieve, and more than one check of the time was made- again, and again, and again. The evening sun fell low on the horizon, and a pink and orange sky turned dark with the cover of nightfall. And still Cadance waited.

As the deep of the night began to creep in, a knock on the door came and Cadance quickly rushed to the door to find Rarity awaiting entrance, the beautiful young woman comfortably dressed in a revealing skirt and top. “Evening, darling Cadance,” she said lightly, though her eyes spoke to a hunger that had sat unsated for far too long. “It’s lovely to see you again.”

“Come on in, please,” Cadance said, welcoming her lovely companion into her abode. “I hope it wasn’t too long a wait.”

“Oh, nonsense darling, a lady knows to wait for the proper time!” Rarity said. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever actually come around- all those lovely things I sent, and you never seemed to say much in response.”

“I could only keep myself away for so long,” Cadance said, putting her arms around Rarity’s trim waist and pulling her in close. “Now how about we get down to business?”

“Mm, I couldn’t agree more, darling,” Rarity said, arms wrapping about Cadance’s neck as the two women embraced in a kiss.

One kiss wasn’t enough; one thousand kisses was not enough. The two women were passionate, forceful, Rarity rapturous and Cadance insatiable. The two swiftly moved to the bedroom and the older woman wasted no time, the night of potential romance becoming an intense display of hunger, the sex relentless. Rarity was left giggling delightedly after the first foray, but it was not enough to sate her partner. Cadance could not have enough, and it was not Rarity’s fault for such things. It had to go further.

“Goodness, darling!” Rarity cried after a second, then third, round of lovemaking had come about. “If I’d ever known you’d had such passions in you, why I’d… Twilight certainly hid you too well!”

“Twilight liked the privacy.” Cadance’s voice still remained flat as before. “I never had as much a problem being more open about relationships.”

“Speaking of Twilight,” Rarity said, her eyes glowing, “I do hope she’ll be able to join us sometime soon. The thought of you both with me in such throes of passion would be exquisite.”

“She won’t be coming over. We broke up.”

Rarity’s expression, as well as the light in her gaze, fell to cloud and darkness almost instantly as she realized what role she was now playing. “Is that so,” she remarked, a voice thin as a filament of string.

The night’s sensuous events did not resurface again, silence instead coming to fill the void as the two women began to clean themselves up in relative solitude. Rarity had little to say, and Cadance was of the same mind. It surprised the older woman little that her desirable partner made ready to leave, simply giving a small goodbye and heading to the door- leaving Cadance laying there on her mess of bedsheets and wondering what was really wrong with her.

The hook-up did little to quell her. Cadance couldn’t find satisfaction with her own self as maestro of the act. A quick call to Dazzle wasn’t enough. Cadance went to every outlet she could think of, even making a discreet visit to a very ‘welcoming’ dancer she had once known.

None of it was enough. And still she couldn’t figure out what was wrong. “But I might know someone who might,” she murmured, pulling into the parking lot at Canterlot High and seeing that she would not be alone. She had called Celestia the day before, asking for a quick meeting- “Just as friends,” she had made sure to say. “No need for formality.”

How long had it been since she herself had been here as a student? It was hard to believe that over a decade had passed since Cadance had once walked through the halls. She felt different, in more ways than she was sure she’d really know. It wasn’t just age, the most obvious one to be seen. It was something else entirely, and she was hoping her being here would be what would help solve it.

“Cadance!” The call of welcome was warm and genuine, Celestia’s smile as graceful and pleasant to see as it had been when Cadance had first met her. “Hello, come on in! It’s been too long, I hope summer’s been treating you well.”

“It was for most of it,” Cadance replied, taking a seat across from one of her oldest friends. “I hope I’m not intruding.”

“No, no! Not at all, I’ve got the time. I’m more surprised that you do, actually. Crystal Prep must keep you busy.”

“I’ve been trying my best,” Cadance said. “Just had some things on my mind, I was hoping you might be able to help me out. I’m not really sure where else to turn.”

“Well, I’m all ears. What’s on your mind?” Celestia was the picture of inviting and attentive.

The exact sort of thing that made Cadance feel hesitant about what she was going to say next. “Umm, I’m- I’m a bit unsure of how to ask you this.”

“Well it wouldn’t be the first awkward thing said in this room,” Celestia replied. “Take your shot.”

Cadance mulled it over before finally accepting that there would be no gentle way to say her spiel. “Do you remember,” she said, hesitating, “Uh- do you remember that night? With me, and Luna? And you?”

Cadance knew it wouldn’t be something the older woman would consider a cherished memory, and she watched Celestia’s expression fade from warmth to a stark, cold dread of horrendous recollection. “Oh no…”

“I’m not trying to bring it up to make you feel bad or anything!” Cadance said bracingly. “I- look, I wanted to know if- if you two were still, you know- or how did you manage it?”

“Cadance, stop.” Celestia suddenly looked forceful and the younger woman was struck silent. “Oh my gosh, I… Cadance, Luna and I have really, really tried not to remember any of that. At all. It’s something she and I both don’t like to think about, and we never say anything of it. Our relationship is fixed, it’s a normal and healthy one. We both had our… our issues from the past, and from when we were kids together. It’s something we dealt with.”

“So it’s not something you both-”

“No! Cadance- no, never,” Celestia said, looking at her friend and clearly displeased about the direction of the conversation. “When you dated Luna for those few months, there was a reason you never saw me again. It was just too awkward for us, we were adults and we’d done…” Celestia buried her face in her hands and tried to block the abhorrent memory from the forefront of her mind. “Why are you asking me this all of a sudden? That was over twelve years ago, Cadance.”

“I know, I know, I just…” Now the question she had come to ask in the first place would be even more awkward.

Celestia was more uncomfortable than ever in the wake of Cadance’s silence. “What do you want?”

“Nothing, nothing! Just advice, I swear! So I- I, umm… I started dating a girl a while back. Right before start of summer vacation.” She’s gonna figure this out.

“… OK?” Celestia replied, confused by the sudden statement. “I’m not sure why you’d- ohmygod, I know this person, don’t I? I know it’s not any of my staff, and Luna’s getting married next month-” Celestia’s efforts of deduction continued on until she hit the first major kernel of truth and she looked at Cadance with an expression of utter horror. “Cadance- was this girl one of my students?”

It sounded worse out loud than she had thought it would. “… Yes?”

Celestia looked at Cadance with all the might of gazing upon a ghost, her body slack from the shock of the revelation. “Cadance, are you out of your mind?” she cried, looking back and forth with eyes darting to the door in case anyone was nearby. “Cadance, a student- was she underage-”

“No! No, I swear, she was eighteen when we first hooked up-”

“Oh my god, Cadance- what in heaven, earth, or hell made you think that anything about it was a good idea? And she was still a student?!” Celestia cried. “You slept with a high school student, did it not occur to you that doing such a thing wasn’t a good idea solely on principle? And you work AT A SCHOOL!”

“She wanted me too, it wasn’t some blackmail or anything.”

“Cadance, how are you not getting this?” Celestia asked, utterly flabbergasted. “It doesn’t matter whether or not both of you ‘wanted it,’ if anyone- anyone had known about it, you could easily have lost your job, been branded as- something! Why are you telling me this, what are you both doing now?”

“Nothing, we broke up,” Cadance said hurriedly, “I messed something up and it made me think of you and Luna and-”

“What did you- you know what, the less I know, the less likely I am to report this to somebody,” Celestia said, aghast. “Cadance, I do not know what to tell you. I want to tell you to leave- who was it? That’s the last thing I want to know.”

“… Twilight.”

“Cadance, you thoroughgoing idiot!” Celestia said. “Sweet little Twilight? She adored you- for years, you were her babysitter in college, for God’s sake! How could you take advantage of her like that? Of course she wanted you like that, she thought you were literally perfect!”

“I know! And we’re over, but I’ve just been- I don’t know, dealing with it, I suppose! For like a week now, and it’s driving me crazy,” Cadance said. “I’ve been on edge or something for a while and I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to deal with it.”

“Oh, you want my advice? Apologize- and then leave her alone,” Celestia said. “You, out of all people in this world, had the absolute best ability to crush her spirit, and you took that opportunity in the single worst way possible! I cannot believe you right now.”

“It was just a fling! Nothing special, it’s over now. She knew that-”

“And you’re sure about that?” Celestia said, her gaze so wild and piercing that Cadance felt it spear through her and hold her to where she sat. “I didn’t have Twilight for long, but I knew her well. And I thought I knew you.” Her eyes strayed from Cadance’s and drifted slightly upward. “That’s a lot of makeup, Cadance. You must feel like you need it.”

The remark was too close to home, and Cadance made to leave. “So much for help,” she said, the bitterness at the disregard of her old friend leaving her furious.

“I gave you the help you needed- I don’t care about what you wanted. You know what you did- and why,” Celestia said. “And frankly? Unless you- Ugh…” The regal principal gave one last sigh and shook her head. “Cadance, unless you can admit to yourself what you’ve done- really admit it, deep down where it’ll hurt and feel like it’s piercing your soul, and then actually apologize to Twilight in the same… quite frankly, I don’t want to see you again. Am I clear?”

Cadance said nothing and left, burning within as her mind churned from a thousand things of what she could say or do in response.

At first, Cadance was too angry, too betrayed to make a real judgement on the wisdom she had been given. The rest of her day was clouded by the emotions she had felt in response to it, rather than reflecting on the wisdom of it with fair measure. Time had to pass for denial to finally ebb away and some semblance of common sense take its place.

Her first initial thought was little better than her denial: So I let things get out of hand. I got Twilight and Velvet too drunk and they made fools of themselves. I should have eased up or just thought of a different plan.

It seemed satisfactory for a while. Cadance’s mind settled on it with firmness for most of the day and felt little need to explore further. Yet the discomfort remained, a further confession sitting on the tip of her tongue. There was more to be said, and the opening portion of it was wedged in her throat like shards of glass, each word tearing and slicing away so that each minute portion would be all the more painful to expel from her soul.

Ignoring it was her first defense. She continued about her day. Work for the school year was necessary now, and Cadance had allowed herself too much time away from it. Catch-up kept her occupied until at last she went home and was confronted by the emptiness and silence that she had so deeply come to loathe. The shower alone; a small dinner in an empty kitchen. Something to watch with no conversation to add to the fun. The whole thing felt very hollow.

She tried to avoid it, but knew the time was now. Maybe it would be better to say it aloud. “I messed up,” Cadance said at last, and oh so slowly. “I never should have tried to get even with Velvet. She was drunk and wasn’t in her right mind when it had happened. She even apologized. I don’t know what I should have done- but what I did was the wrong thing.”

Close, but still not enough. There was more to be said. “I- I didn’t even mean for them to- I just wanted Velvet to make a fool of herself in front of Twilight or something, I don’t know what I was really thinking! And now Twilight can’t stand me, and I might have ruined her relationship with her mother. And destroyed both of them, and…”

The shame of it had been unbottled, words holding back unwanted feelings burst like a dam breaking and the waterfall began to flow again. The self-denial and arrogance was fading away, allowing the hurt and weakness to be uncovered. She had to continue on, go further and further, even though each new confession would only be worse than the one before it. Cadance couldn’t stop now.

“It wasn’t just that night out at the cabin, was it?” Cadance asked of herself. “Twilight wanted so much more. She’d said time and time again she wanted this to be exclusive, and every time she wanted to bring things back to normal, what had you done? Some wine, some suggestion, and Rarity. A week of pressure, and an escort that made her panic. But so long as you were fine with it…” The whole thing was getting worse. Why had she even done it in the first place? Just like her incident with Velvet, her actions had been a reaction, but to what?

“Because Twilight loved me.” The shame was worse than mere shame. Twilight had actually, genuinely, truly loved her- maybe for years. A love that had been admiration and friendliness had deepened into something else entirely, and Cadance had taken that love and used it for her own benefit. At first, Twilight was enough satisfy her. As soon as she wasn’t? Another person. When Twilight called for exclusivity? A push for an open relationship that would satisfy Cadance’s desires. And when someone had actually figured Cadance out, she’d used Twilight as a weapon of revenge, because any exposure of who she actually was couldn’t be handled.

Each hug, each kiss, each night together had deepened Twilight’s love for her- and not once had Cadance bothered to care. She’d known it was happening, how many times had Twilight told her, “I love you,” to her face? It hadn’t been a secret. And yet she’d used action after action to deepen that affection and keep Twilight almost under a spell. Cadance had wanted something casual for fun. To Twilight? It had never been anything close to casual.

She wasn’t a sociopath. Cadance did care about other people’s feelings… Well, some of the time. She certainly hadn’t here. This wasn’t just guilt, it was something else: regret. Why did she want to take this back so badly? She didn’t want this sort of thing on her shoulders, she wanted a genuine embrace full of warmth and intention, a gentle kiss from soft, demure lips, to look into that sweet face and see the eyes of someone who had actually loved her, and someone she had- had-

“Oh hell,” Cadance whispered. Pain in her eyes and her vision turned cloudy. A stinging sensation from burning humiliation and an emotion she didn’t have the words to name, weight like the strength of an ocean pushing her down to the depths where she couldn’t escape it. Somehow, against her will, despite all her efforts to avoid it, even if it was only a small piece of her… Cadance had actually loved Twilight, too. She’d loved that sweet, lovely girl; innocent, gentle-hearted, so willing to care about someone’s needs and wants in deference to her own. Of course she’d fallen in love with such a person.

Cadance had wanted something casual, and gotten something far deeper in return. Twilight had wanted real love, and had instead been slapped across the face again and again with manipulation and abuse until not even she could do anything to deny it. Cadance had loved Twilight, but… “Obviously not enough. I should have stopped before she’d gone so far, or just- just done something, anything! Anything but what I did. Broke it off early and made it easier, or tried to actually be what she wanted…” Cadance’s tears were truly flowing as the heaviness on her body turned to iron, her limbs weighed down and pulled back from the crushing grip.

And still, with all of the words she had said and pondered, there was still more to say. She needed to know why she had done any of it at all.

It was torture to get off the couch. To leave a place of comfort, to stop weeping for just a few seconds and look with eyes unclouded. On unsteady feet Cadance made her way upstairs, taking to her bedroom and tossing her clothes aside until all she had was her own nakedness to gaze upon in the bathroom mirror, makeup that had been so unnecessary now stained and smeared across her face. She was still beautiful. Few flaws could be found across her smooth skin, a face that glowed naturally. Silken hair, jewels for eyes, a flattering figure and breasts that so perfectly retained their form. She was still young, still beautiful. But she had been afraid, and of what? Of one day waking up in a body that looked so different and finding out that she really had grown old. That all her wild desires and joys and pleasures and passions would be unattainable. A fear of something that, now faced with reality, was something so far away and could easily be dealt with dignity- a fear of a fear, and nothing more.

And she had broken a young girl’s heart to run away from it.

Cadance’s vision blurred yet again and this time the outpouring would not be hindered, she falling to the ground and feeling the cold, unwelcome floor beneath her, with tears running down her face in deference for one who was more worthy of tears than she was.

Author's Note

Well, there it is.

One more chapter, then an epilogue. Not much left to say.

Eleven: Reality

Twilight,

I know you’re probably still angry. And if you are, I don’t blame you. I would be also if I was in your shoes. You’ve been given every right to be. I wouldn’t even blame you if you had already stopped reading by this point-

Cadance looked at the note and took strokes against it, pulling back on the previous sentence. It wasn’t right, too much self-pity. She needed to rectify this and be more honest, if only in the right way.

I hope that, even if you still are angry, that you’ll find it in you to read this and see my apology. Not because of my need to send it, but because I truly wish for you to know that I mean every word. Separation from you has helped clear my mind: I am genuinely, truly sorry for every transgression I made against you, and I wish there were a way for me to take it back. I really do.

My feelings would not be hurt if I don’t hear from you in response to this. It would certainly be understandable. If that is the case, then I hope you and your mother are doing well, and that my actions against both of you have not caused any irreparable damage. May you be well.

Love, Cadance

She stared at the most minute of all the sentences she could have written and pondered if it was the right one to place. Would Twilight believe her after all the abuse she had been put through? Would it be disregarded like yesterday’s trash? It probably deserved to be.

Was it even true? That much Cadance was certain of, so she let it stay, even if the words would be considered reprehensible. She would not be called a liar after all that had been done, even if it meant further damnation upon her. She would come out of this standing tall.

So she pressed Send.

The idea had been bouncing around in the empty portions of her mind for nearly a week now, and this was not the first time she had sat down to write out something to say. The very night she’d finally unraveled it all was her first, but had found the thing too much of a sob-story for it to possibly be taken seriously. Ever since then, it had been a series of attempts that fizzled out before she went far, or one that she knew didn’t fit what needed to be said. Even this one, at last sent off and out of her control, wasn’t one she was fully satisfied with. But it was close enough, and likely as close as she’d get. From here on out, it would be in the hands of Twilight. Cadance hoped her nerves were enough to take whatever response came next, whether it be reasonable, furious, or simple absence of anything at all.

One day passed, and Cadance prepared for the school year soon to come. One week away wasn’t much time to finalize everything, but she had the skills to see it done. Another day passed, and still no word came. Cadance met with her staff, making sure they had everything they needed to start off strong. She knew no answer was likely what had come to pass, and she felt a quiet displeasure, mixed with finality, take hold. It was the best thing, probably, she reasoned. My name popping up likely wasn’t something she wanted to see, or maybe she blocked me that day on the lake. I wouldn’t blame her. It wasn’t what she had secretly hoped for, but it was at least over. Time to start moving forward to the next thing- and figure out what the next thing would actually be, and what kind of person she’d have to be to get there.

The third day, and silence came with little fanfare. Cadance threw her staff a small party as encouragement for what would likely be another long school year, encouraging family to participate and enjoy themselves alongside them. She enjoyed herself in the mix, a first feeling in some time that she was happy to have. Saying little and listening much was her best option, and Cadance did it well.

Her nighttime decline into slumber took its time; a small snack before bed, a lengthy shower so as to let her thoughts melt away. Simple care and effort that she needed to give to have any semblance of normal, sometimes forced and done against her weary will, but still necessary. As she turned to fall on her bed and take some time to read before shutting off the light, she made for her phone to mull over tomorrow’s schedule and saw she had received a text from Twilight while in the shower-

“Wait-” Cadance dropped everything, her heart immediately turning to pound madly in her chest, a cold thrill coursing through her flawless body. She saw the name, knew exactly who it was. But with it right there, the contents unknown, she could hardly bear to actually open it and read the message. It could go extremely poorly- after all, she had sent her opening text three days ago. There were a million reasons that this could be a bad idea, especially when she didn’t even know if she should have said anything in the first place. “Heaven help me,” she sighed, a solitary finger flitting upwards to open the contents.

A short, simple message: If you have the time, meet up with me at Breadwinner’s at 11 tomorrow.

It was better, and worse, than what she had hoped for. Cadance didn’t know what she should say in response. No? Yes? Anything?

Sure, I’ll be there. “Oh, jeez,” Cadance whispered. “What am I going to do?”

She hardly slept, her catastrophe of nerves forbidding any semblance of rest. An early morning awakening and she struggled to get herself ready for the day. She’d have to head to work before anything else, but how would she even be able to focus? A quick glance at the clock: 6:38am. It would be a long way to go.

There was no rhythm to be found. Simple tasks were a struggle. Focus was non-existent. Time felt slowed. Cadance continuously tapped her foot as she worked, could hardly keep her hand away from her phone. To do what, she couldn’t say; cancelling the meetup or checking the time again were a constant battle. The moment was coming soon. It would be time to leave, maybe be there a little early. Twilight was fairly punctual.

Breadwinner’s, a secluded café in an older section of town, had yet to become truly busy for the lunchtime rush and only a few late-risers here and there were present as they ate and drank. Thinking it a wise move, Cadance took to a small table further in the back and hopefully away from prying eyes. She was actually here, actually waiting. There would be no backing out now. Did she even need coffee, if she was already this wide awake and anxious? Her mouth felt terribly dry, and a small part of her mind that still gave credence to appearance and presentation was letting her know that she likely looked like an anxious wreck. How could she manage a conversation if she had no self-control at all? This was a disaster in the making, and her chest was throbbing from the pain of her heart beating like a steel drum-

“Hey.” Twilight. Standing there just a few feet away from the table, looking down at a fretting Cadance with a wary expression, yet eyes that still spoke to a small measure of concern.

At first, Cadance struggled to respond. “Hi,” she finally managed to spit out. “Want to sit down?”

“Yeah.” Twilight was dressed casually, a simple striped shirt with a relaxed skirt and hair done up in her usual ponytail. Pretty as always, but no special effort had been made for herself, or for anyone. That time was over.

The two women stared at one another, and then tried to do anything but. How was this supposed to start, what could possibly be said? It was strained, difficult to bear. “How have you been?” Cadance asked at last, wondering if that could have been the worst thing to say.

“I’ve been… alright, I guess,” Twilight answered. “Been getting ready for moving into the dorms, so a lot of packing. I’ll be leaving in two days.”

“Good for you. It’ll be an adventure,” Cadance said, and wondered if she should say anything next at all. “How’s- how’s your mother?”

Twilight’s expression clouded. “She’s, well… she left. For a while,” she said. “She and I talked it over, she’ll be going to, um… a rehab center just outside of town for a few months. Since I’ll be gone, and she thinks an empty nest would make it worse- might be the best time to try.”

“Good for her taking the initiative.” Cadance meant it. “She’ll be stronger for it.”

“Yeah, I think so, too.” Twilight hesitated. “Cadance… I need to know.”

“Sure. Know what?” She braced for the inevitable.

Twilight took a breath and forced herself to look Cadance in the eye. “When I was as Crystal Prep, did- were you really grooming me? Or was what happened just an accident?”

“No. I at least don’t think so,” Cadance said. “I kept away and tried not to push any boundaries or do anything. If I ended up doing something before you were- with me, or really anything before that moment, I didn’t do it on purpose. I promise.”

“I thought so. Just wanted to make sure.”

“I understand. I’d ask too, if I were you.”

Twilight struggled to hold her gaze now, muttering, “I’m sorry for what I said. It was a mean thing to accuse you of.”

“Sorry?” Cadance was stunned. “Twilight, you have absolutely nothing to be sorry about, not one single thing at all! You have no reason to feel bad about anything, you were innocent through all of it! I should apologize- Twilight, I am truly, truly sorry for what I did.” Cadance felt a lump in her throat and she forced herself to hold things together. “I shouldn’t have encouraged you, I shouldn’t have done anything with you at all. You’d be happier, safer, better, and none of this would’ve happened. I was selfish, manipulative, and just plain awful- Twilight I am so sorry for everything.”

“I know.” Twilight looked at Cadance with those sweet, soft eyes and a world of sorrow could be found in the midst of her glow. “Maybe I shouldn’t, but I do forgive you for it.”

“But- why?”

Twilight shrugged. “I don’t know. I just- don’t want to be mad at you, and just hold onto it. It just feels so icky. And it makes me remember when I’d rather just leave it behind.” She gave a small breath, and a single fat tear rolled down her cheek. “I loved you, Cadance,” she whispered. “I still love you, but I just don’t know why you didn’t feel the same.”

“Twilight…” Cadance’s heart broke at the sight of that gentle-hearted girl struggling to make sense of a personal atrocity. “Twilight, look at me: there was nothing wrong with you. At all. It was not because of looks or attitude or experience or- or anything. I- I love you, too. I promise I do.”

Twilight actually looked offended at those last words, and her indignation was justified. “But- then why-”

“Because I loved myself more, Twilight. Too much, really,” Cadance admitted. “Or maybe too little to be able to love you like you wanted me to. You wanted something good and real, and I- I just wanted whatever I could get out of it.”

Silence pervaded between the two, Twilight letting her head hang- the sight so miserable to see that Cadance had to wipe away the tears as soon as they began to form. Can’t go back to Crystal Prep with ruined makeup.

“Why’d you do any of it, Cadance?” Twilight asked, her voice a wet croak. “I just don’t understand.”

It would be an unpleasant explanation. “Because I’m getting old, Twilight.”

Twilight looked even more confused than before. “But- but you’re beautiful! Perfect, honestly! You’re not old, you’re… the most beautiful person in the world- at least on the outside.”

A well-earned sting. “I won’t always be, Twilight,” Cadance replied. “And I was afraid that someday I’d wake up, look in the mirror and see… sags and wrinkles, gray hair, split ends… I won’t be pretty forever. And I was so afraid of that day coming that I…” It was brute force now, admission of older times that had once been held as fond memory rather than a source of embarrassment. “When I was your age, Twilight, I was a wild girl. I liked it, loved it even. Everyone I was with was a lot of the same, so maybe it didn’t matter that we were hurting each other. But you came along, and I remembered all the things I’d done before- so I tried to relive them again.”

“Through me,” Twilight guessed.

“Through you. And I was too selfish to care that it wasn’t what you wanted at all. So I… hurt you.”

More silence, though this time few tears were there to take up the absence. Poison had been drawn from the wound, the worst now over and leaving two young souls quivering from the pain of a prolonged, far-too-delayed extraction.

“Cadance, I,” Twilight paused, breathing out a hissing sigh. “I know, but… I still don’t understand.”

“Because you’re a good person, Twilight,” Cadance said, glad she could at last say something truthful and so free of hurt. “So of course you can’t understand it, it’s not part of you.”

“And you think that you’re not a good person?”

“I know I’m not,” Cadance said, a wry smile crossing her lips. “A good person doesn’t behave like that, do they?”

“I guess not.” The young girl dared a glance. “You don’t have to be a bad person, you know. You can get better.”

“Do you think I can?”

“I know you can. But I still love you,” Twilight said with a small smile of her own, “So maybe that makes me stupid, too.”

Cadance gave a slow, quiet laugh as she shook her head, happy disbelief in response to the gentle words. “You still love me,” she remarked. “Even after all that.”

“Ever since I was little,” Twilight said, her smile disappearing as she took a long breath before the next plunge. “So that’s why I know I need to stay away- and you from me.”

It had been expected, but the words hurt nonetheless. Cadance nodded assent, saying, “I’d just keep hurting you.”

“I think we’d- just hurt each other,” Twilight admitted. “I’m not mature enough, and I don’t think you are either. We might never be. So…”

“So let it be done and over with. I agree.” Cadance looked over at Twilight, a girl still so very young, yet far older than she had been when they had first begun only a few months ago. “You’ll have a good time in college, you know. It’ll be an adventure.”

“I’ll try to make it one,” Twilight said. “Cadance?”

“Mhm?”

“Take care of yourself,” Twilight said, the concern in her words etched across her face. “You don’t have to just be hurt and all alone, or afraid. Promise me that you’ll try to actually get some help.”

“For you? I promise.”

Twilight smiled. “How about for yourself?”

“Then I’ll promise that, too.”

Small talk was unnecessary, everything that needed to be said spoken aloud and no longer dwelling within either of them. Cadance felt a small, weary regret that she had not loved the wonderful young girl across from her enough before it was too late, and spared her all the pain that had come instead. At least now she felt certain that Twilight would be alright before too long. The scar would fade- someday.

“I probably need to start heading back to Crystal Prep,” Cadance said, rising to her feet.

“I won’t keep you. Honestly, I probably have some things I forgot to pack.”

The two walked away from their unused table and through the now-growing company of people within the small café and out into the summer sun, with the moment of separation now coming to its conclusion.

“Thank you, Twilight,” Cadance said before departing, pausing beside the young girl to gaze down into her soft eyes. “I needed that.”

“Glad I could help. I- I love you,” Twilight said, “even still.”

“Love you, too.” It was not the time or the place, not the occasion; a million reasons why she shouldn’t say the words on the very tip of her tongue that she so desperately wanted to ask: “One last kiss before you go?”

Twilight rolled her eyes at the request, an exasperated smile on her lips, yet she put her arms around Cadance in response. “One last kiss,” she relented, and leaned in ever so close. Her lips were still soft, and still so warm. It was that gentle pressure that felt like the sunlight of a spring morning, encased in gentle flesh and now pressed upon her lips with all the comfort and joy of a daydream- and then gone, slowly departing and leaving a longing that one could never possibly forget. “Goodbye, Cadance,” Twilight whispered.

A small breath. And when Cadance opened her eyes at last, Twilight was gone.

Author's Note

Well that was quick.

Epilogue... soon-ish? I dunno.

Epilogue: Renewal

The knock on the door was polite, swift to deliver its multitude of raps on the frame. Cadance looked up just as her secretary poked her head through the door, thick-rimmed glasses adorning an overly concerned face. “Principal Cadance? Sorry to bother you, ma’am.”

“Ms. Weir! You’re not bothering me at all, what can I do for you?” Cadance set aside her folder of paperwork she had been perusing since that morning, a pen once-full of ink being swiftly drained as she implemented her marks and corrections upon it.

“Your 3:30 appointment is here to see you, ma’am. Principal Celestia from Canterlot High?”

“Goodness, it’s past three already,” Cadance murmured. “Yes, please, let her in. And if you’d be kind to brew a fresh batch of coffee…”

“Right away, ma’am,” Ms. Weir replied, her soft-brown hair disappearing from out of sight just as the door opened all the way and the familiar face of Celestia crept through the door, that familiar smile and graceful gaze that seemed to be more part of her than any of her features could ever hope to be.

“Busy working, Cadance?” she asked.

“Oh, goodness- it’s been miserably busy this year,” Cadance said, holding up the folder and giving it a quick shake for emphasis. “Look at this- teacher evals for the quarter, I’ve been having to correct them all day and I’m still only halfway done.”

“The joys of being the principal for the city’s leading school,” Celestia remarked, taking the seat across the desk and leaning back in the hopes of relaxation. “So long as parents want the standard to continue, you’ll never be rid of it.”

“Don’t remind me. Sometimes I wish I had never taken the job,” Cadance replied. “But enough of my job- how are you, Tia? It’s been a while.”

“Not quite so busy as you, I’m afraid,” Celestia said. “I’ve been spending my free time with Luna and her family whenever I have the chance. Did you know her daughter will be two this year?”

“Two? Already? It felt like she just got married yesterday!”

“Two, and just as willful as her mother,” Celestia said, the happiness etched into every inch of her face. “Luna hates it when I laugh about it, she thinks I’m encouraging Nova’s bad behavior out some sort of weird revenge scheme. Luna used to drive me up the wall when we were little.”

Cadance smirked. “Well… are you doing it on purpose?”

“Perhaps a little.”

As the two women laughed, the door opened yet again and Ms. Weir stepped through with fresh cups of coffee in hand, leaving them on Cadance’s desk before just as swiftly tiptoeing out.

“Tell you what,” Cadance said, taking her cup in hand and relishing the warmth. “Why don’t we go for a walk around the campus? It’s a lovely day out, even if it is a little cool.”

“That sounds fine to me,” Celestia replied. “I’ll follow your lead.”

The fall had come early that year, and with it an unusual surplus of cooler weather. Only October and most nights were in the 30’s, the gray weather of the daytime doing little to prevent the impending frost. The breeze was chilly, the sky filled with clouds, and all of it made Cadance grateful for the boiling hot drink in her hands as she walked alongside her mentor and confidant.

“Your campus looks beautiful,” Celestia remarked as the two women strolled through the coourtyards in the back. “I’ll admit, I’m envious of your funding. If I could make CHS look like this…”

“Public versus Private, I guess,” Cadance said. “Plenty of alumni like to donate funds every now and then. I guess some want to try and buy a place for their family for life or something.”

“It’s only a joke for now, Cadance,” the older woman replied. “Wait till they start donating for their future great-grandchildren.”

“Oh gosh! Please, have mercy, my heart can only take so much,” Cadance cried, shuddering at the thought. “Don’t even suggest it, I swear they’ll somehow hear you.”

Celestia giggled and turned to drain the last of her coffee, a sigh of contentment whistling across her lips. “Have you been alright, Cadance?”

“Hmm? I guess you mean lately.”

“It’s been a while since we’ve talked. You said your sessions were due to end last month.”

Cadance gave a small smile. “We felt confident that I could keep going on my own now. I still have her number just in case I need a professional to talk to, but… I’ve been OK. I really have been.”

“You seem fine. A quieter life hasn’t been too bad for you, has it?” Celestia asked.

“Mmm…” Cadance pondered the thought. “There’s times I’d like to go back. Try and live it up, you know? But I think this is better. It’s just when I’m really sitting there, and really… not solitude, but just- lonely.”

Celestia threw an arm around her younger friend and gave a quick hug. “You don’t have to keep it that way if you don’t want to. It’s alright to start trying again if you think you can manage it.”

“Oh, I know. I promise I do,” Cadance assured her. “I just- I don’t know, I don’t feel bothered to try. It’s strange.”

“I’m willing to listen if you want to talk about it,” Celestia said.

Cadance smiled. “I guess… the times when I really feel alone- they don’t hurt as much as they used to. And maybe spending more time around you and Luna has helped. I guess just having a peer makes it a little more bearable. So when I sit there and I think of all the stupid things I did, I just…” Cadance gave a shake of her head, feeling that heavy sensation of the doldrums trying to sink its claws into her skin. “It’d have to be for the right reason. And maybe I shouldn’t be the one who was taking the lead.”

Celestia nodded and they continued to walk along. Some students were out on the ballfields as they enjoyed their freetime, talking and shouting amongst themselves without a care in the world. It was a far cry from the days when Cinch had been in charge here, Cadance had seen to that.

“So I talked to Velvet not too long ago,” Celestia remarked lightly. “She actually did move out of town like she said she was going to.”

A flicker of memory- pushed aside and best left far behind. “Really, now? Where’d she head off to?”

“Manehatten, she told me. Her family is from up there, so she figured might as well be close again,” the older woman answered. “She’s doing well. Not a drop in three years now.”

“Good. Good for her,” Cadance said, meaning every word. “Not surprised. She always was a determined person.”

The thought lay there, creeping up from the depths of her mind and it took a herculean effort to push it back down, out of all hope of flying across her lips and out into the open world. The thought, the memory, the feel of her was still there- and so impossible to ever truly be forgotten. But to Cadance, the answer was always the same: Another time, another life. Not now, nor is it your volition to resurrect it. Take pleasure in what you have now instead.

“I think I’m going to head home for the day,” Celestia said. “Luna and I were trying to have dinner tonight, maybe you’d like to join us?”

Cadance smiled but shook her head nonetheless. “Not this time, I think. I’ve been slacking in my workout routine, and I’ve got some work at home I’d like to get to. You want to try to meet up over the weekend?”

“Sure. I’ll give you a call when I can?”

“Works for me. It was good to see you, Tia,” Cadance said.

Celestia smiled and gave her old friend a hug, pausing in her departure. “You know, Cadance,” she said slowly, “you should be proud of yourself.”

The words left the younger woman puzzled. “Whatever for?”

“You’re… happier. More yourself,” Celestia continued. “Than you were before. Just in case you didn’t know.”

Cadance wasn’t sure what she had meant by that. Her day continued on peacefully and she returned home, the darkened skies outside making the soft light of her home feel like solace in the deep. As she walked up the stairs and into her bedroom, Cadance slowly undressed in preparation for a much-needed shower. And pausing as her eyes fell on a small picture that sat on the edge of her dresser, the sight of a youthful, teenage version of herself smiling and laughing next to a bright-eyed Twilight who was holding her in a tight embrace, cheek pressed against cheek in the young girl’s display of affection.

Slow hands took the photo closer and the young, but not so young woman smiled as the softness of the memory that still lay untainted in her mind came forward. So much had changed since then, and not all of it had been good. But some of it had been, and maybe that was worth remembering.

Cadance knew the purpose of this meeting was to be the disciplinarian, a hand of judgement against a transgression.

So of course all she wanted to do instead was laugh.

The two students that sat across from her could barely look her in the eye, extremely shame-faced and in uniforms that had been well and truly manhandled. The young man, just like Cadance, look predisposed to laugh at the whole affair while the girl to his side had an expression that suggested there was nothing she’d like better than to sink through the floor.

“So,” Cadance remarked, forcing her voice to remain steady, “Did we allow ourselves to get a little bit too excited? A little too eager?” The boy snorted- and immediately received a swat from his girlfriend, who looked mortified. Cadance was struggling to hold back now. “As much as I understand being affectionate, the school hallways are not the appropriate place for such a… fervent display of emotion. Please let me know if any recordings of the incident find their way online, just in case.”

“You’re not going to tell my parents, are you, ma’am?” the girl asked.

“I will leave that discussion up to you,” Cadance said, watching the girl’s anxious expression turn to one of relief. “You’ll have detention for a few days as punishment, however- separately, just in case.”

The girl likely took the lesson better than her boyfriend did, who still held a self-conscious smile on his face. As they turned to leave, Ms. Weir poked her head through the door. “Principal Cadance? There’s a phone call for you on line one.”

“Thank you, Ms. Weir, who is it?”

Her secretary pulled a face. “I’m not sure, ma’am, but she said it was a timely matter. A young woman.”

“Odd,” Cadance remarked as the door closed, she turning to the phone on her desk. “I don’t get personal calls at work… and who do I know that’s young anymore?” A quick shake that ran from neck to her feet, and a small breath before she picked up the phone and pressed for the line. “Hello, Principal Cadance of Crystal Prep Academy.”

“Hey. Cadance, I hope this is isn’t at a bad time.”

Cadance seized up and somehow found the grand ability to start choking on air, a coughing splutter consuming her lungs as she heard the one voice she had never expected to hear, which now rang so clearly in her ears that she could not possibly begin to hope how it could even begin to make smallest bit of sense.

“Twilight?”

“Yeah, hi- I’m not catching you at a bad time, am I? I thought you might be a little more free with your time around noonish or so.”

“No- no, no, of course not! I just got done with a meeting, actually, your timing was perfect,” Cadance stammered, a heart pounding madly in her chest and she hoped her words wouldn’t be flustered. Oh mygosh, she sounds so different. So much older- “Wh- what can I do for you, is everything- is everything alright?”

“Yeah. I’ve been doing great, actually. School’s been keeping me pretty busy this semester, but you know how I am. I just dive right into it,” Twilight answered. “Hey, so I know it’s been a while… a really long while since we last talked.”

“Yeah, it- it has,” Cadance assented. “You sound good, though.”

“Thanks. So I know it’s really out of nowhere, but I’ve got some extra free time this weekend,” Twilight continued, a small pause coming into her words. “I was wondering if you… would like to come visit for a bit. You know, just hang out, be girls and have a good time. I know it’s in the middle of the school year, but I figured you might like a bit of a break from all your work.”

Unbelievable. This isn’t real. “Twilight, I- sure, I’d be glad to! Just, just are you sure? Like that’s OK, and everything?”

“Yeah, of course!” Twilight assured her. “The weather’s supposed to be really nice, so we’ll be able to walk around and not just have to stay cooped up inside all the time. Come on over sometime that morning, we’ll able to hang out all day and I can show you around- sound good?”

“Yes- yes, it really does! I’m already looking forward to it,” Cadance said, a stupid smile on her face and she felt her stomach all aflutter. “I’ll be there, I promise.”

“Great! Hey, I’ve got to get moving to class, but it was good to talk to you- we’ll have plenty of time to catch up when you get here, alright?”

“I can hardly wait.” A quick goodbye and Cadance set down her phone, staring out into the oblivion with an all-consuming mixture of delight, utter shock, and total paralysis. That actually happened- and I have NO idea what I’m going to do.

It took monumental effort to focus on anything else but her weekend journey. Work became a distraction from something much more exciting and horrifying, and Cadance wasn’t sure whether she wished for it to already be here or avoid it altogether. Time off was spent fretting, a wild mind trying to conjure up a thousand different ways that the whole thing could go wrong. Even the simple effort of picking an outfit became a vicious struggle. Too scandalous? Too conservative? Will it fit the weather, be something she could wear all day? She was considering more factors than could be found in a math equation- and still there was time to go before she would actually depart!

Saturday morning was an uncomfortably early one, Cadance’s stomach a jumbled mess of nerves and giving her grief for her decided time of departure. Is it too early? I should arrive around 11, that isn’t too soon- right? It was a question she continued to consider even as she dressed herself for the day: a simple white shirt with a soft-brown sweater, a thin scarf, and comfortable jeans. Something I can walk around in and hopefully not be too hot or cold.

She paused as she made to step out of the house, and found herself wondering: Why am I so worked up about this? It’s just a friendly visit. The answer she knew full well, and she felt her face flush at the thought. Don’t even try, you silly girl. For heaven’s sake.

The drive went by quickly enough, Cadance finding some semblance of activity helping her relax. When signs for the campus came into sight, she took a moment to send off a message before continuing on. I’m almost there, where should I meet you?

A few minutes later: I’ll meet you at the community center, there’s a parking garage just nearby. First floor, right outside the coffee shop!

“Oh, heaven help me,” Cadance whispered, yet unable to keep a smile off her face.

Her first entry into the community center gave her a sense of discomfort. “So many young faces,” she murmured, feeling older than ever in comparison. Was she a standout here? She noticed a few people glancing in her direction and the sensation added to her unease. She wasn’t exactly the typical college demographic, for sure. “Maybe this… wasn’t-”

“Surprise!” A tap on the shoulder and she gave a start, turning around to see a young woman standing behind her, a bright-eyed smile on her face-

“Twilight?”

“Hi, Cadance!” Eager arms found their way around Cadance and brought her into an enthusiastic embrace. “It’s great to see you again, it’s been forever!”

“And it’s good to see you, too- wow, look at you!” Cadance said, absolutely marveling. “You’ve grown!”

Twilight flashed a grin, allowing the transformation to be fully discovered. No longer was she the demure, worrisome girl Cadance had known, time and maturity helping her blossom. A thin stature had turned into a full form, healthy and vibrant; a gaze that had been hesitant and soft now brimmed with confidence, a sharpness to each glance; no longer did Cadance look down to meet her eyes, Twilight’s height now equal to her own. Fashionable, sporting a dark-blue cardigan and pants that flattered her slim figure, she was a wonderful, beautiful contrast to the young girl that had left those years ago.

“A bit of a difference, isn’t it?” Twilight asked, laughter in her voice where a tremble had once been. “Take you by surprise?”

“Yes- I mean, no, I’m not surprised at all! I’m so happy for you!” Oh my goodness, she’s beautiful…

“Thanks. You feel like some coffee? I’m going to get myself some,” Twilight said, turning to lead the way.

“Sure, lead the way,” Cadance said, stepping to her side and feeling a warm glow within her that set her to smiling.

At first, she didn’t quite know what to say. When they had gone their separate ways, Twilight had been little more than a girl entering the first forays of adulthood. Now, she looked upon this marvel of a woman and saw an equal. So sure of herself, even her walk had changed, each step a stride that made others want to take notice. How could she think of something to say when their worlds had become so vastly different?

“You’re still staring, you know,” Twilight remarked suddenly. Cadance broke from her thoughts and saw the young woman looking at her and struggling to hold back laughter, finally allowing it come forth as Cadance began to blush. “I know it’s a change, but I don’t think you’ve taken your eyes off me.”

“Sorry, I-” Cadance wanted to hide her face, feeling it grow more and more red. “I promise I’m not doing it on purpose.” Liar.

Twilight gave herself a shake, letting her flowing hair shimmer in the fall sunlight that streamed in from the windows above. “I don’t mind the attention,” she remarked airily.

Cadance hoped she didn’t let herself grow more flush, trying not to think of what that just might mean.

“So how have you been?” Twilight asked her when they left the center, walking out into the crispness of a late fall day. “You look great, by the way. Like you’ve been taking care of yourself.”

“Oh, th- thanks,” Cadance replied. “I’ve been… good, actually. Crystal Prep keeps me busy, I’ll spend some of my free time with Tia and Luna, and just… doing what I can to keep myself productive, I guess.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad at all,” Twilight remarked.

“It’s been a bit different. It’s- oh, I guess you could say quieter.” Cadance bit her lip in the midst of the pause. “I just stopped doing some counseling sessions a little while ago, actually. We’d talked, she was comfortable with me starting to work through things on my own. I guess she figured I could keep myself out of trouble now.”

“Oh, you did end up meeting with somebody?”

“After a bit, yeah,” Cadance admitted. “It took a couple of tries, but- it helped, I really think it did. I feel better.”

“You look better,” Twilight added, sending Cadance to smiling. “I’m proud of you, Cadance, I knew you’d keep to your promise, even if it took you a while.”

Cadance smiled deeper still, her eyes continuing to focus upon the beautiful woman who walked alongside her, deeming this newfound confidence and grace to be something nigh irresistible. “Have you been living on campus the entire time?”

“Yeah, I tried moving to an apartment with one of my first roommates, but she wanted to move in with her boyfriend instead,” Twilight said. “So it’s me and two other girls, Lily and Rose. It’s not bad, but you know how it is when a bunch of girls are together.” She pondered a thought before saying, “You want to take a look? My dorm is pretty close by.”

“I’d love to.”

The building itself was a flurry of activity, with movement and sound and presence everywhere that eye and ear could account for. Following the beautiful creature before her, Cadance made her way through the maze of human life and solid wall to an unremarkable door that held a small flower wreath to its front, Twilight pushing it open with a simple swipe of a card and releasing a new stream of sound into their world.

“Come on, babe, I’m not asking you to go across the country or anything, I just want you to visit my family for Thanksgiving this year,” a sweet-faced woman was saying, phone held tightly to her ear. She took notice of the new arrivals and gave a brief smile and wave before returning to her conversation. “Look, I just want you to give it a try, alright? Can you at least think about it for me- I’ve gotta go, I’ll call you back.”

“Brad still not budging, Rose?” Twilight asked of her.

“Ugh, not an inch. He’s such a momma’s boy,” Rose replied. “Oh well… so who’s your friend?”

“This is Cadance, she’s an old friend of mine,” Twilight said as Cadance extended her hand. “I asked her to come visit for the weekend, you remember?”

“Sort of. Good to meet you,” Rose replied. “Hey Twi, I’ve gotta run, Lily is asking for me to pick her up, I’ll be back in a while. If you’re going anywhere tonight, let me know!”

“I will, later!” Twilight gave a sigh and threw herself onto a comfortable-looking loveseat while Cadance took a chair at the nearby table, taking in the surrounding room: small, relatively well-furnished, and clearly lived-in. “One of them’s always coming and going. I swear.”

“She seems nice enough,” Cadance remarked.

“Oh they both are, really. A year younger than me and can get kinda dramatic, is all,” Twilight replied. “I try to help them stay relaxed, if I can.”

Judging by the calm, light-hearted demeanor Cadance had seen in her, she didn’t doubt it for a moment. “So how’s school been? It definitely looks like it’s been treating you well.”

Twilight glowed with pride. “I’ve been really good, actually. It started out a bit awkward- you know how it is, just getting used to a whole new environment and all. But once I got into the rhythm of things, it all just felt natural. I took a Psych major and enjoyed the coursework, I started trying to make friends. I made a lot of mistakes, too, but I think that’s what helped the most.”

“What kind of mistakes?” Cadance asked.

“Oh, just… I’d try new things, and then completely mess it up,” Twilight answered. “But I had fun anyway, so I’d just keep trying new things. And sometimes I’d really enjoy it. I’d branch out, do something different just, just because. And it kept working out.”

“That’s great! Twilight, I’m so happy for you,” Cadance said, delighted to hear a small story of the beautiful creature’s transformation. “I’m just- amazed at how far you’ve come. You’re like a whole different person.”

“Because I am,” Twilight said proudly. “And I’m glad I am. I like what I’ve become.”

You and me both, Cadance thought to herself. The next words that slipped out of her mouth were unintentional, accidental, but came forth nevertheless. “So, how’s- have you been seeing anyone?” You thoroughgoing IDIOT.

“Hmm? Oh, not in a while,” Twilight said airily, though her lips sported a smile. “I started dating a guy, Flash, about a month after I got here, but it didn’t end up being much- we’re still friends, at least. I was with a girl last year, but she was just all into starting drama, I didn’t want to be around it. You know what I mean?”

“I don’t blame you in the slightest. No one since then?”

“No, I just haven’t bothered, really,” Twilight said. She gave a swift look. “What about you? Any love story I need to hear about?”

“Well… no, I haven’t,” Cadance admitted. “I was scared to try for a while, and when I started thinking about it, I just-” Stop talking, stop talking.

“Just what?” Twilight scrutinized the lovely woman across from her for a time, then her eyes began to grow wide and the smile she bore grew mischevious. “Oh my gosh, Cadance, am I your ‘one that got away?’” Cadance couldn’t have found a deeper shade of red to turn and looked away, pushing her beautiful companion to a loud, yet not unkind, bout of laughter. “Cadance, that’s so unlike you! And super sweet, I’m flattered!” Another new glow of pride. “You just couldn’t find anyone better, is that it?”

Cadance regretted ever fielding the question and wanted nothing more than to bury her face in her hands and never resurface, even if the laughter that came from Twilight was nothing gentle and warm-hearted. She was glad when the beautiful woman let the moment fade and brought forth a new subject of interest to them both.

The rest of the sunlight hours passed in friendship and peace, even if Cadance’s heart was hungering for more within her chest. The more time she spent alongside this new Twilight, the more her long-buried infatuation grew. All of Twilight’s old positive aspects had been given maturity and made even lovelier; what growth could do had been done magnificently, turning struggles into a masterclass of brilliance and beauty. Cadance was struggling like she hadn’t in years, and she half-wondered if Twilight knew it. Small glances and hidden smiles, soft brushes of hands or simple gestures seemed to be everywhere between the two of them, pushing Cadance to the brink of agony.

“So you’ve been having fun?” Twilight asked of her. The two had just finished an easygoing meal at one of the many restaurants on campus, the two women strolling across the well-lit paths back to Twilight’s dorm room. “You look like something’s been on your mind.”

Something very well had been, but Cadance knew better than to give it time of day. “Oh, I’m fine,” she said with a wave of her hand. “Just wondering when I should start heading back home.”

“What? Oh come on, no way!” Twilight protested, taking hold of Cadance’s hand and keeping her alongside. “Look, the girls and I were thinking about going out tonight, you should join us! We’ll have fun, I promise! I can throw some blankets on the couch for you and you can stay the night!”

“You don’t think I’d be a bit…” Cadance struggled for the word. “I don’t know.”

“You’ll be fine! Look, let’s go back to my room, you’re about my size- I’ll let you wear something of mine and we’ll both go together, OK? Please? I promise, you’ll turn heads as much as I do.”

Wow! Never would’ve thought she’d say such a thing. Cadance couldn’t resist such an eager face, and squeezed back at Twilight’s hand. “Sure, why not? Just don’t let me drink too much, OK?”

“That’s my girl,” Twilight said, her voice a silken purr and leaving Cadance all the more flustered. She’s going to drive me mad tonight, I know it.

A note had been left on Twilight’s door, nestled into the flower wreath: Going to The Rooftop around nine, see you there? ~Rose

“That gives us a couple of hours,” Twilight said. “Come on, I know just the thing for you.” Twilight’s small closet of outfits was unusually well-cared for, another surprise from the young woman. “Hmm… no, I’ll wear that navy dress, it’ll be fine. Cadance, how about this one?” A soft periwinkle dress that fell to just above the knee, flattering but not revealing.

“It’s lovely,” Cadance said, “Twilight you’re still-”

“Of course I’m sure! Here, there’s some shoes to go with it in there somewhere, take your pick of what feels best,” Twilight said. She hesitated as the saw Cadance’s tense expression. “You sure you’re OK?”

“Yeah.” A small answer, held by a whirlwind of emotions.

Twilight, if only for a moment, held a smile of sympathy on her face, so brief that Cadance wasn’t sure she had seen it at all. “You know,” the young woman drawled, “I hope you’ll forgive me for this- but you’ve been getting spied on for a couple years now.”

Cadance wasn’t sure what to say to that. “What?”

Twilight held that mischievous look yet again. “I may –or may not- have asked Celestia to let me know how you’ve been doing,” she answered. “I wanted to know, so I could make up my mind about it all.”

Cadance felt her insides going completely out of focus. “Make up your mind..? About what?”

Twilight smiled and said nothing, only giving a slow, gentle squeeze of Cadance’s hand before turning to the bathroom. “I shouldn’t be too long,” she called over her shoulder. “If you see anything you feel like you need to use- you know, for a touch-up or anything, I'll leave my makeup kit out for you, alright?” The door to the bathroom closed and Cadance wasn’t sure if she was going to explode or going to cry.

The minutes ticked by slowly, Cadance forcing herself into some semblance of self-control. You can’t do anything. You won’t. Not now, not ever, not in any lifetime, do you hear me? She’s out of your reach, OK? So just accept it.

Her mind was willing, but her heart still gave protest. It couldn’t work out. Besides, she’s got so much of her life ahead of her, you don’t want to slow her down. Where would you fit in with this?

The battle of mind over matter continued within her in a maddened frenzy that only grew more intense, her stomach twisting itself into an unbreakable knot. Please, PLEASE don’t say or do anything stupid, I am begging you. Don’t ruin this, this is supposed to be a fun night out, it’s not your chance to mess everything up!

The door to the bathroom finally opened Twilight, now adorned in a navy-blue minidress that fell to just above the knee, similar to the one she had lent to Cadance but gave an air of sophistication and confidence rather than that of sensuality. Her eyes glowed thanks to well-applied eyeshadow and her hair shimmered like soft starlight, giving the young woman an appearance of ageless beauty.

“Oh my- look at you,” Cadance breathed, her very spirit now aching. “Twilight, you look absolutely amazing!”

The younger woman smiled at the words. “And don’t think I don’t know it,” she said confidently, letting her figure be properly flaunted. “We’ll be more than enough to drive anyone mad.”

“That’s putting it mildly- wait, both of us?” Oh my gosh, I can’t take this.

“Of course! You’ll be right there next to me- no one will be able to look away from us, will they? And they won’t be able to guess who got more lucky and, and… and- oh my gosh, Cadance, relax!” Twilight’s teasing words came to an immediate halt as she watched the older woman’s inner turmoil finally reach boiling point and spill over, Cadance’s face twisting and she beginning to tear up. “Hey, it’s alright, it’s alright, I didn’t mean-”

“Please, I can’t take it,” Cadance choked, trying her best to stem the flow before it really started, and feeling herself fading. “I’m trying, I really am, but just seeing you and who you are now, I- I can’t, I want to just- just- oh this is stupid-”

“No, you’re fine, you’re fine,” Twilight said gently, taking Cadance in her arms and trying to wipe away the tears that had spilled over. “It was too much, wasn’t it? I’ve been teasing you all day and given you no relief. I’m sorry, I’m sorry… It’s OK…”

“I’m sorry, I don’t want- I missed how you felt, and I didn’t want to ruin your life again, and- and-”

“Cadance, easy! Here, take a breath- slowly, in and out,” Twilight instructed, bringing Cadance in close to help slow her lovesick companion back down. “There, now one more. In… and out.” As she felt the older woman finally stop trembling, hands soft and gentle in their touch brushed gently along the contours of her cheeks. “Now, Cadance? Look at me. Right at me.”

Bloodshot, tear-stricken eyes met tranquil pools of light as Cadance looked at the young woman she still loved- and felt her breath leave her lungs as Twilight leaned in and kissed her. It was so shocking a sensation that she couldn’t even react, still left stunned even after the brief moment had ended.

“Cadance?”

“Yeah?”

Twilight smiled again, her lovely face displaying her sympathy. “Relax! Come on, we’re supposed to have fun tonight. Take a moment to breathe, get yourself ready, and how about we talk when you’re done. OK?”

Too surprised to really be able to say much in response, Cadance acquiesced and began to prepare herself. A quick change of clothes that she folded into a small pile before donning Twilight’s dress. She really is my size, Cadance thought as she examined the look in the mirror. Hmm… some of her makeup had been smeared during her outburst, and she glanced down- the small kit that had been intentionally left open for further use called to her. Just before she opened the door, Cadance paused. The feel of Twilight’s lips on hers yet again; that tranquil, smooth, tender sensation that she had missed for years now- had it even really happened at all?

“Wow, and you talked about me looking good,” Twilight remarked as Cadance walked out. “I’m going to drive everyone crazy having you on my arm. I don’t know what they’ll-”

“Twilight, please,” Cadance cut through, her voice sharp. “Please, I- I just can’t. I want it too much.”

“OK. Last time, I promise,” Twilight surrendered. “I mean… the offer is there, if you’d like.”

She liked the offer more than she knew how to put into words, but Cadance still hesitated. “Twilight, you- you don’t have to do this.”

“I know. I don’t have to do anything. So maybe I want to.”

“But- but are you even sure? I mean, after all this time,” Cadance said, looking at Twilight sitting there in such beauty. “You could have anyone you wanted, for heaven’s sake. And- and you know what a mess I am!”

“Maybe you were a mess- but not anymore,” Twilight replied. “Don’t forget you’ve been getting spied on. I wouldn’t even have made the offer for you to come down and visit if I wasn’t sure you’d changed.”

“But I just…” Cadance struggled. “I don’t want to hurt you again…”

Twilight pondered the woman before her carefully. “Do you know I still love you?” she remarked.

“Do you really?” Cadance asked delightedly, leaning forward to take her in an embrace, but immediately backing away lest she break the spell. “I- I mean… Twilight…”

Twilight smiled warmly in reply. “Tell me, Cadance: do you still love me?”

“I love you so, so much, Twilight,” Cadance breathed. “I know I shouldn’t, but I just- I couldn’t help it! I would have given anything to just even hold your hand again...”

“So what do you think of you and I trying again, hmm?” Twilight offered. “Two old lovers back together. We’d both be able to say we have the hottest girlfriend around- and neither one of us could say we were wrong.”

Cadance could have squealed in delight, but one last feeling of unease had to be dealt with. “But, just- Twilight, I want you to be sure.”

“I am. And that’s why I say we take it slow. And this time, I lead. We go at my pace,” Twilight said. “It’ll be a little weird because- well, long-distance most days and all that. But we’ll move slowly, take our time, nothing too fast and we just enjoy ourselves. I think we can manage that, don’t you?”

“I- I think so,” Cadance replied. “And if… I decide to try and play the fool again?”

“Then I’ll be there to stop you. I can say no to you, you know,” Twilight said with a grin. “I’m not that wide-eyed, inexperienced little girl anymore. But- I think you’ll behave yourself this time.”

“I certainly hope so,” Cadance whispered, taking Twilight’s hand in her own and feeling fireworks at how much she had missed the feeling. “I love you, Twilight.”

“I know,” Twilight said, “So how about you seal it with a kiss?”

Cadance’s whole heart burst with delight as she leaned in and found Twilight’s lips coming to meet her own, the delirium of joyous sensations at their soft touch upon her mouth more wonderful than the many dreams she had endured since their parting. So exquisitely soft, wonderfully warm, and now filled with a will of their own as she felt their lips meet again and again, old affections and longings and desires left long buried now came flowing forth into life once more, eager to be renewed and refreshed yet again. Arms wrapped around her waist as the simple, glorious moment continued and Cadance gave a sound of ecstasy as Twilight's caress deepened ever further. It could have been for a thousand lifetimes longer, the symphony of romantic feeling at last fulfilling her deep longing, but at last Twilight relinquished her lips from Cadance’s own and the two women’s loving embrace ended, Cadance giving a cooing sigh of happiness that made Twilight giggle.

“And that’s that,” Twilight said, with all the authority and grace of a monarch in victory. “So… you wanna go out?”

Cadance laughed, her shoulder free of burden and leaving her feeling lighter than air. “Sure,” she replied happily. “Take a girl for ride.”

Author's Note

Well... that's that.

Good or bad, is what it is. You decide.

I'll write more stuff, I guess. Maybe something lighter.

Prologue: Arousal

Part of her wanted to move away. To stop it before it happened. She was too uncertain, too nervous- and nowhere near enough ready! Her heart was already pounding and it hadn’t even happened yet, how could she possibly be any good if she was this anxious? “Maybe we shouldn’t-”

Lips, indescribably soft and warm, pressed against her own, bringing all of Cadance’s protests to a halt. Perhaps by instinct, or the sheer delight that now ran through her, she met the kiss with a passionate force of her own, gently taking in the woman’s gentle touch as she allowed herself to melt into the embrace. Oh, oh, she had never felt such a thing as this! So pleasant and gentle and soft, so much better than a boy’s touch! She suddenly felt a pressure against her lips, and she opened her mouth to allow the woman’s tongue entry, feeling an exquisite joy as they began a playful dance that was only heightened with each successive caress.

Luna pulled away from the younger woman slowly, allowing Cadance to revel in the moment. The dark-haired woman’s expression remained impassive, though the growing red on her cheeks spoke to her own enjoyment. Cadance, however, was fully flushed, much of her senses remaining in blissful contentment from such a wondrous kiss- one that had ended too soon! “Wow…”

The world slowly returned to her senses, dragging her away from the blissful world of Luna’s lips. She was in a comfortably furnished apartment not far from campus, her body clothed in a faint pink button-down and her university athletic shorts and breathing in air that carried the aroma of fresh wine. Across from her was a beautiful woman with hair the color of midnight, draped in a comfortable-looking bathrobe and doing her best to look at anything but the woman she had just kissed.

“I think she liked it, Luna,” Celestia said, watching from the nearby recliner with a satisfied smirk upon her face. “See? I told you there was no reason to worry.”

Luna wanted no part of her sister’s teasing, her already crimson cheeks turning an even darker shade. “I wasn’t worried. I know I kiss fine.”

Celestia laughed, turning back to young Cadance. “My sister is a bit of an introvert. She doesn’t really get out much beyond going to classes. But ever since you two met in class, and with you coming over to visit so often, Luna here has been quite eager to get ‘familiar.’ You might be the first person she’s ever had a crush on.”

“I’ve had plenty, sister,” Luna said hotly, turning away from her elder sister’s playful gaze. “I’ve had plenty of experience, and had plenty of kisses. I don’t need your words at all.”

Celestia only laughed harder, setting down her glass of cabernet and coming over to her younger sister, taking her already irritated sister in a loving embrace. “Yes, plenty of experiences, plenty of romance. I’m guessing you’re counting all the times you practiced with me?”

Luna could not have been more flushed. “Tia! You’re drunk!”

“I am only perfectly happy for you, little sister,” Celestia said pleasantly, suddenly taking hold of her sister’s face and planting a deliciously wet kiss upon Luna’s lips. The dark-haired girl tried to pull away but was only further ensnared in her sister’s kiss, finally giving a small moan of delight at the sensation. Her eyes glazed over as she melted into her sister’s kiss, the two becoming one as their lips met again and again, their sounds of pleasure only growing with each new kiss, each caress of tongue.

Cadance could hardly do more than stare. Whether it was the wine they had all shared, the still-lingering excitement from her kiss with Luna, or simply the shock of the lip-locked sisters before her she did not know- but suddenly such heat! She wanted to avert her eyes but could simply not bear to look away. She wanted to block it out, but each moan of pleasure Celestia and Luna gave as they kissed was music in her ears. She felt shocked, but her hand had already drifted down to between her legs as though on instinct.

Not long ago, she had come her for an education- and thanks to these two, she was learning plenty!

Celestia and Luna finally broke apart, the older of the two dipping back in to suck on her sister’s tongue for a few wondrous seconds and allowing glowing strands of saliva to hang between them- her eyes darting to the stupefied Cadance as she gave one last pull. “Oh, I’m sorry, Cadance… I guess you didn’t know how close we are, did you?”

“N-no…”

Celestia led her sister over to the couch, playfully tugging at the knot on Luna’s bathrobe. “It was always fun to tease her, growing up. She was so shy and uncertain, I’d often find her following me around. Whenever she was worried about something, or wanted to try something new, I’d always be the first one she’d ask. I guess she knew no one could be better than me!”

“That was supposed to be private,” Luna replied, though clearly having enjoyed the taste of her sister’s tongue on hers. “As in never revealed to anyone.”

“And you are supposed to be coming out of your shell,” Celestia teased. “I deliberately slowed the progress in my courses so I’d be here when you came along- and now look! Almost done with your degree, and you barely know anyone! You are far too beautiful to be letting yourself go to waste like that!”

“I know people! Besides, I just kissed Cadance, didn’t I?”

“Oh, you certainly did,” Celestia said, turning to face the still shell-shocked woman. “And you came away all hot and bothered. Do you know what that makes me, Cadie?”

Cadance felt like a girl underneath that strong, confident gaze. Luna had been a little closer to her in age, but Celestia was a woman- a true woman! Every curve she held was a sight to behold, her breasts seemed eager to reveal themselves from beneath her nightgown, and now that magnificent woman held Cadance close to her own bosom, looking down at her with a powerful lust burning her in her eyes.

“It makes me… curious.” The kiss was not the hesitant, peaceful thing she had shared with Luna, but instead a strong, passionate emvrace that spoke of deep feeling and a primal, sapphic urge. Cadance was overwhelmed by the force of it, yet found herself delighted by every second they embraced, allowing Celestia’s tongue to command its way into her mouth and ply fiercely against her own. Perhaps bidden there by her own urges, Cadance’s hand felt its way underneath Celestia’s nightgown and found her soft skin, her fingers playing against hardened nipples.

“Oh! So eager, aren’t you?” Celestia declared, suddenly taking the young woman and forcing her to the ground, stripping her bare until Cadance was little more than a flush mess of hair and strewn clothing. “Do you want me, is that it? Did I turn you on?”

“Yeah,” was all Cadance could whisper, desperately wishing she could feel Celestia’s tongue against hers once more.

“Do you want to have sex with me?”

“Yeah…”

“Well then, you’d better say it!” Celestia teased.

“I want you to fuck me!” Cadance cried, unable to take it any longer and she gave the beautiful woman a forceful kiss, sucking on her tongue as though it were the most delectable candy. “Please, I wanna fuck you so bad.”

“Mmm… that’s what I was hoping for,” Celestia whispered happily-

Celestia’s intentions were suddenly interrupted. Luna, who had been watching with growing envy, planted herself beside the two women, her bathrobe long disposed of and her body glistening. “No fair! I liked her first, Tia! You don’t get to just come barging in and pretend like she’s just-”

Luna’s words were interrupted with a fierce kiss from her sister, Celestia coaxing her tongue out into the open. On cue, Cadance rose from the floor and joined in, practically melting in ecstasy as her own tongue tasted the symphony of flavor from the two women, one hand gently flicking at Luna’s nipples while the other was already firmly set between her own legs.

As they broke apart, the three drunken woman found themselves red-faced and giggling. “We could always share,” Cadance suggested.

“And the night is still young,” Celestia said, taking both of them by the hand and walking them to the bedroom. “Oh, the fun we’ll have…”

Cadance awoke to darkness. The sheets across her body had become untucked and tussled, tossed about in the night’s frenzy. Her mind still fuzzy, she leaned over to check the time on her phone- 4:30 am.

“Mmf…” too early to get up, but too late to go back to bed. Always the most miserable time to be awake. What on earth should she do with herself, when she knew full well that it would be only a short while before she had to be up and preparing for work?

The memories of her dream returned, born from wilder days that felt like a lifetime ago. The sensation of Luna’s lips against hers, then Celestia’s… and just how wild the night had become!

Cadance smiled at the memory. She had barely been little more than a girl, she realized. Just a new face on campus- but it had been fun, hadn’t it?

Boredom was just another part of the job as Dean, Cadance had concluded. As she clicked on her pen in a listless daze, she found her mind drifting further and further away from her desk and back to older memories. Adding to the trouble was the rather heavy warmth that sat upon the office in which she dwelled. It could be worse, she would always tell herself. Better that her duties be easy to accomplish rather than arduous. Whoever had preceded her as Dean had done a splendid job, at least by Principal Cinch’s standards; all she was required to do was simply maintain that standard.

For quite a few years, that had been a task that required little effort. And when Cadance had been young and eager for easy pay, it was quite appealing. Now, however… she sighed and tossed the pen aside, turning to her computer and beginning to accomplish some smaller tasks. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the calendar that sat on the corner of her desk, proudly proclaiming September 4th- Two days from her 30th birthday.

A muffled groan and she sat the calendar on its face, trying to ignore the thought. She should really be more grateful, she’d often tell herself. Her salary was more than enough to make ends meet, and she enjoyed working alongside school staff (well, for the most part. Principal Cinch had her moments), so why make such a fuss? Her life was pleasant and comfortable, easy for her to enjoy. Or maybe that was the problem that was bugging her in the first place.

A heavy buzzing sound emanated from the corner of her desk; her phone had lit up with a text message from one of the physics teachers. Getting messages from the staff wasn’t all that unusual, but Cadance’s countenance changed as she read it through: I have something I need to discuss with you immediately. Would you mind coming here quickly as possible? Thanks, M. Ream.

“Cryptic,” she muttered, rising from her seat and heading out into the hall. Ream wasn’t eloquent, so she was more likely to be straight to the point when it came to critical matters. So why be so secretive now?

A hallway, a flight of stairs, and another hallway later, Cadance found herself looking down at a distant classroom where a middle-aged woman stood at the threshold with a bemused expression upon her face. “Ms. Cadance, thanks for coming up so quickly.”

“Sorry for it taking so long,” Cadance replied pleasantly, quickly assuming the role of the ever-ready, always-professional Dean she continuously played. “Is a student causing trouble?”

“Oh- goodness, not at all,” Mrs. Ream replied, laughing slightly. “No, no, no… Ms. Cadance, this is a beginner’s Physics class- for the incoming, you see. But one of my students, she’s so far beyond everyone. I’m afraid if she’s forced to remain in my class she’ll get nothing out of it. Is there some way we can get her moved into a higher class, by any chance? She’s got such a mind, I’d hate to see it go to waste.”

It was an unusual request, particularly when school had only been ongoing for little more than a week. Cadance found herself unusually flummoxed, with no go-to answer. “And you’re certain of this?” she managed.

“Oh, most definitely,” Mrs. Ream replied. “I have them doing group work at the moment, if you’ll just wait till the- well, nevermind waiting!”

The bell rang and the sound of seats moving apart from desks met their ears, with the immediate sound of chatter filtering into the halls as the multitude of students left their classes to mingle with one another in the few minutes reprieve they were allowed. As the classroom of students began to filter out, Mrs. Ream’s voice rose above the din in an attempt to still be heard. “Remember students, homework is due Friday, all of it! Be sure to email me if you have any questions. Ms. Sparkle, a moment, if you would? I’d like you to wait before leaving.”

Sparkle? It can’t be. Cadance felt a tremor run through as the memories began to run through her of a young child, and she there in much younger days- but her shock at the sound of the name was nothing compared to the sight of a young girl with bright, violet eyes and sapphire blue hair coming towards her and Mrs. Ream.

The young girl came to a standstill as her anxious eyes caught sight of her. “.. Cadance?”

“Twilight?” It really was her. “Twilight Sparkle, is that you?”

“Cadance!” Her mind somehow drawn away from the world of academia, Twilight rushed forward and leapt into the immediately outstretched arms of Cadance, the two girls holding each other tight as they laughed in delight. Their words of greeting and friendship were a cacophony of sound and happiness, the two chattering away like young girls as they failed to contain their joy at such an unexpected meeting.

“I didn’t know you were working here! If I’d known, I’d have tried to let you know-”

“And I didn’t realize you were entering high school already! Time flies, I remember when you were just entering kindergarten!” Cadance finally broke away from the younger girl and looked at her with all the love and affection in the world; Twilight had only been a young child when they had last met, bright-faced and eager to speak to everyone she met. Now, maturity had begun its work upon her features and Twilight’s girlish features were beginning to be reshaped by the grace of womanhood. “You look beautiful, just look at you!”

Twilight blushed and refused to look Cadance in the eye, a shyness she had never possessed when Cadance had cared for her. “It’s- not as beautiful as you.”

“I’m guessing you two know each other?” Mrs. Ream said, appearing amused at the encounter. She had never seen Cadance’s professionalism drop for any reason at all, even when the occasional single father tried to sleaze their way into her life.

“Oh! Mrs. Ream, I’m sorry- I babysat Twilight when I was in college, I knew her family for a few years!” Cadance said, her face flush. “Sorry, Twilight, I think Mrs. Ream wanted to talk with you about something.”

Twilight’s expression shifted from joy to anxiety. “I’m not in trouble, am I?” she said quietly. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t meaning to be a bother…”

Mrs. Ream laughed. “Of course you weren’t! You just know everything I’m going to teach you already, so why should I have you in my class? I asked Ms. Cadance to come here and see if we can arrange you a new schedule- retesting, if you will. I’d like to see you dealing with material that is more suited to your skill level. That is, if Dean Cadance can see to such a thing being accomplished.”

What else would Cadance say to such an eager face? “Of course I’ll try,” she said, feeling a glow of pleasure at Twilight’s sudden delight. “It might take some effort to convince Principal Cinch, but I can certainly see what there is that can be done.” She winked at Twilight, who immediately blushed. “I’m hardly surprised. You always were smart, Twilight.”

“Thank you so much, Cadance!” Twilight cried, throwing her arms around the beautiful woman once more. “I really appreciate it- I’ll make it up to you somehow, I promise!” The young girl raced off to her next class with a spring in her step, bouncing her way through the throng of students with not a care in the world.

Cadance watched her go along, a relaxed smile on her face. She’s grown up, she thought to herself. And still so sweet, even with all the effort she gives to school.

“I’ve never seen you act in such a manner before, Ms. Cadance,” Mrs. Ream remarked. “You must have enjoyed babysitting her, I guess.”

“Oh, Twilight was delightful,” Cadance said softly. “I’ll see what I can do for her. Though, if I’m right, she’ll outstrip those classes in no time, too.”

Author's Note

Smut with a plot. Will take my time with it.
Keep reading, if you want.

Two: Disturbance

She thought of herself as patient. And she was, really, if you watched for long enough. But that consistent patience of Cadance was now being put to the test, and her frustration rose the more the conversation continued.

“Twilight, I understand being nervous. But don’t you think you’re letting it weigh you down a bit too much?” she asked, hoping her voice sounded friendly.

“I know, I know!” Twilight’s voice was constricted by both frustration and terror, she hunched over as the paralysis of the decision continued to frustrate her. “It’s stupid and doesn’t get me anywhere, but I can’t help it. What if I screw up or say something awful?”

“Then you move on, because that’s all you can do, Twilight. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“They could get really angry because I say something really, really awful and then they hate me and get me kicked out of school and then where do I go from there because-”

“Twilight, Twilight! Relax, you’re certainly not helping yourself calm down right now. Breathe, in and out, just like I’ve shown you before,” Cadance advised. “Come on now, try it with me. Breathe in…”

Twilight, shivering and anxious as she was, forced herself to focus on Cadance’s words and follow them to the letter, taking a long, slow breath that spanned seconds.

“That’s it. Now… breathe out…” Cadance’s words were soft and warm to the ear, filled with her affection. She felt a small bout of happiness when Twilight continued to follow through. “Now, let’s do it at least one more time. Make it have a real effect, alright?” Cadance went along with her, her smile still shining in her eyes as she kept her gaze on the younger girl in the hopes that her own tranquil attitude would somehow flow into her as well. “There… feel better?”

“Yeah. Just a bit.” Twilight’s eyes were still unnecessarily wide, but she certainly had calmed down a great deal. At the very least, she would listen to reason in this state.

“Well, it’s a start. So why are you letting yourself get all worked up like that, Twilight?” Cadance looked upon her in sympathy. “Is it just that daunting to you?”

Twilight sunk into her chair. “Yeah. I mean, they’re all so pretty, and popular, and likeable, and I’m just…”

“Not?” Cadance’s tone was sharp. “That wasn’t what you were going to say, was it?”

Twilight struggled to meet her gaze, but the despair was evident to anyone even a mile away.

“Don’t talk to yourself like that, what good does it do you? You don’t let anyone talk like that to others, why would you even talk in such a way to yourself? Do you think you’re worthy of being called bad things?”

“Well… maybe? No? I don’t know.”

Cadance stood up and beckoned Twilight to do the same, a fierce glow coming into her normally peaceful eyes. “I want you to do something with me, alright? Now, turn around and look in that mirror. Can you do that?”

“Of course,” Twilight said, turning to the door and facing the full-length mirror Cadance had resting upon it. “Why do you have this here?”

“Mostly just to make sure I’m in good order before I leave,” Cadance said. “Push the wrinkles out, you know- that sort of thing. But every once in a while, I like to stand here and just let my confidence grow. Remind myself that all the negative things people say about me are even true- not a word. Now come on, stand next to me, OK?”

“I’m not sure…”

“What for? What’s to be nervous about standing in front of a mirror?” she asked pleasantly.

“Well…” Twilight’s face turned a deep red now. “It’s because I’m standing next to- well, you.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re just so beautiful, Cadance!” Twilight said. “I mean, just look at you! So tall and graceful and beautiful, such a perfect figure, too. And your hair- your eyes! Everything about you is perfect, everyone must-” Twilight broke off, somehow becoming an even darker shade of red than before. “You’re just so much better than I am.”

Cadance was absolutely taken aback. Not a hint of sarcasm or envy in her words at all, just pure as could be. Yet it was at the cost of her own self-esteem, and that was something she couldn’t truly stand. As much as she wanted to let the compliment soak in, she needed to add one of her own.

“Well, who says I’m better than you?” Cadance replied, bringing Twilight close. “Why can’t you say such a thing about yourself?”

“But I’m not-”

“Oh, hush. I won’t hear another word,” Cadance teased. “Look at yourself in the mirror, alright? Say something about yourself that’s good. That’s true.”

Twilight looked ready to wilt, staring at her disconsolate reflection and struggling to find a single thing to say. It was a pitiable despair born by a complete lack of confidence. Cadance’s heart twisted in sympathy for her.

“Let me show you how it’s done, then,” she said gently, leaning down and talking directly into Twilight’s ear. “I see a beautiful young girl. Slender, and graceful in form, with hair like the flames of a candle; soft, gentle, and warm to the eye. Her eyes shine like stars, and a smile that somehow shines even brighter. All of that just the surface, with a wonderful mind and a heart of gold, because all she wants to be is kind to others in any way she can.” Cadance’s smile glowed as she stood back up, allowing Twilight a moment to revel in the thought of it.

Twilight’s eyes glistened as she looked upon herself, demure and small against her reflection. But as Cadance allowed the moment to continue, she saw the young girl stand up a little straighter and find a small smile amidst the tears. “Cadance, I- I don’t know what to say…”

“You could just believe it, you know. Even if only for a little bit at a time.”

Twilight flung her arms around the older woman in a tight embrace, so unwilling to let go. Cadance felt a rush of affection and let the moment continue, glad to simply be there for her. It was quite some time before they broke apart, Twilight looking upon Cadance with eyes that shone in gratitude.

“You’ll need to get going, soon enough,” Cadance said. “How do you feel right now?”

“Good! Really, I feel good,” Twilight hiccupped.

Cadance smiled. “Hold on to that confidence! Keep to it, and let it go into tomorrow. And remember: you’ll be fine, no matter what! And if they want to be your friend, even better. They’ll have gained the best one they’ll ever get.”

Cadance’s heart glowed as she walked Twilight, rejuvenated and whole once more, walk out the door with a true smile upon her face. As she came to the threshold, she paused and turned to say, “Thank you so much, Cadance. For the pep talk, and- well, everything else.”

“Whenever you need it, Twilight, I’ll be there. Promise.” One last smile and she was gone. Cadance smiled softly. She’ll be fine. Who wouldn’t love her?

Sophomore Year

Cadance had wondered if this conversation would ever take place. Really, it had to take place at some point. She had been Twilight’s mentor for over a year now, surely someone would have noticed.
She just hadn’t expected the response to be so negative.

“Ms. Cinch, I understand your concerns,” she said in an effort to force herself to remain calm. “But I’m a family friend, and this is someone to whom I was a mentor to before. Is there really any harm in trying to help a student succeed in life?”

The older woman’s expression soured and she stared at Cadance over her trademark glasses; the look was not a kind one. “It is not a matter of what harm can be done to the student, Ms. Cadance,” she said, “but instead what irreparable damage that would be done to this school’s reputation.”

“How would being a mentor to a student cause irreparable damage?” She was more than confused already.

“If such a thing becomes public knowledge, then your actions threaten Ms. Sparkle’s future. All her grades and success to this point will become moot simply because your efforts to help her along will become suspect,” Ms. Cinch replied. “You will delegitimize everything she had done, and the student body as a whole will be considered corrupt.”

“Ms. Cinch, don’t you think this is a bit of a stretch?” Cadance asked.

“Oh really? A stretch, is it? Well think of it this way,” Ms. Cinch said, her voice venomous. “One student sees your efforts to help Ms. Sparkle and the student complains that she is receiving extra assistance. The student’s family complain that another student is being given an unfair advantage. More students grow in complaints, and other efforts given by teacher illicitly come to light. The more the search spreads, the worse the problem becomes until it becomes an epidemic. This school’s reputation is my reputation, Ms. Cadance- it will not falter while I am here.”

“Ms. Sparkle is just wanting help to develop her social skills. Things that aren’t taught in a classroom, surely that isn’t a danger to her academic skills-”

“Ms. Cadance, this has already been decided-”

Cadance threw caution to the wind and decided to play her cards. “Ms. Cinch, please- her parents are looking to divorce. Her brother’s in the military now and she’s going to be the one having to bear the brunt of it- alone. Please, I just want to be there for her and help her get through this-”

“Enough!” Abacus Cinch rose from her seat and took a dominant approach, leaning over the desk in a clear attempt to intimidate. “Ms. Cadance, are you sure that this is not a self-serving ideal on your end to ensure your favorite student continues to succeed? You think I don’t know that you’ve been looking for a school to call your own?”

“That’s not it at all-”

“Ms. Sparkle will endure her trials without any of this school’s aid, just as every other student has done, as they always have done,” she said with a fierce finality. “If she cannot stand under the pressure, then it is for the good of this school’s reputation that she falls. Now, you will set aside this self-serving relationship you feign to cherish and continue on with the level of professional distance I expect you, and all my staff, to continue to uphold. Not once has there been hint of teacher-led academic fraud or illicit relationships in my school, and I shall not have my Dean of Students be the first to break that streak. You are dismissed.”

It was impossible to argue against, though Cadance felt hot tears boiling in her eyes. There were plenty of things she wanted to scream so everyone could hear, but the small bit of reason that had not been wiped away by the emotional heat remained to plead for caution. If she left now, the overall life for students at the school would decline; Cinch would see to that. She had to endure it, even if holding back the diatribe was nigh unbearable.

An hour later and she wondered if she could possibly feel any worse.

“Cadance, I’m so sorry, I-”

“No. It is not your fault, at all,” she said softly to a crushed Twilight. Cadance’s gaze kept flickering to the ends of the corridors, making sure no one was looking in. “Other people complained, and now it has to stop. I’m so sorry I can’t be there, I truly am. Are you going to be OK?”

Twilight looked around for any shred of comfort she could find, her eyes scanning the school’s cold halls and finding nothing. “I- Cadance, I don’t know,” she managed through a choked throat. “I hate going home, it’s just- it’s either like a funeral or a warzone, and I hate being anywhere around it. What am I gonna do?”

“Keep strong. You’ll be OK, I promise you will,” she said. “I believe you’ll be alright. But just try. Have friends to rely on, and you’ll be OK.”

“But I only just started hanging out with them, I can’t just dump on them! That’s what you said-”

“I know, and you can’t,” Cadance cut through, “but if you’re having a day and you need someone to be kind to you, you’ll just have to ask them for a hand. It’s all you can do now. You’ll have to trust that it’ll be OK.” Cadance knew which girls that Twilight spoke of, and had little faith for them to be anything more than self-centered. But maybe, just maybe, they’d prove her wrong on this. It was all she could do.

Twilight remained glum, but gave a nod and tried to regain her composure. “OK. Well… I better go. Thank you for everything, Cadance.”

“You’ve got this,” Cadance told her, her words as much for Twilight as they were for herself. She didn’t know why she felt so ready to cry.

Junior Year

Cadance had felt goodbyes in her heart before. The bittersweet tones of pleasant memories intermingled with present grief cascading through one’s soul like the gentle flows of a river. But she had never felt one tear at her in such a way as this one- perhaps because of her direct involvement in ensuring it succeeded.

Cadance continued to type away, adding the final necessary addendums to the form before finally being satisfied it was at last complete and clicking print. The light stack of papers felt terribly heavy in her hand as she handed them to the young, spectacled girl sitting across the desk from her who took them in a trembling hand, the excitement in her gaze tempered by a shared grief.

“All done,” Cadance said softly. “Principal Celestia will let me know if there’s any problems with the paperwork I forwarded to her, so you don’t need to worry about getting anything corrected. Just hold on to that transcript for safe keeping, just in case anything gets lost in the muck.”

“Thank you so much, Cadance,” Twilight said. “I know it must have been a hassle, doing all this for me.”

“Not at all. You’re hardly the first student to transfer from here before. Besides, I’m… happy for you. I really am.”

Twilight’s face fell and her countenance threatened to break. “Cadance, I- I’m really gonna miss you. I know it’s been forever since we really got to spend time together, but you were my favorite person here.”

“I’ll miss you too, pretty girl,” Cadance said, immediately coming over to take the young woman in her arms, and the two girls wept happy tears. “You’ll have a great time at your new school. Principal Celestia was wonderful to me in college, and your new friends seem great. You’ve got a whole new life ahead of you now.”

“It’ll only be missing you,” Twilight said. “Can- can we meet up again sometime over the summer? Like old times, just the two of us?”

“Of course we can. Doubt old grumpy in the principal’s office can stop me from mentoring a student at another school, anyway,” Cadance replied. “You just- be smart, and take care of yourself. You’ve got my number if you need anything.”

“I’ll tell you everything I can,” Twilight said, taking her mentor in a tight hug and giving a smile that truly glowed. “Thanks for everything, Cadance.”

Cadance smiled through her tears and gave one last wave, watching the young girl practically skip her way down the halls and out of sight. She had rarely seen Twilight so happy before in her life, and it somehow made her more beautiful than ever before. But still, that small sting at the end of it…

Oh. Oh NO.

Cadance struggled through the rest of the day, her confused, unhappy, bewildered mind keeping her ill at ease. The moment she could depart she did, heading home and trying to distract herself. But still the unease continued until she could stand it no longer and she headed for a cocktail bar downtown, looking for an easy mark. A man in his mid-20’s was simple enough, and a few hours later he was deep within her. It was pleasant enough: stable, comfortable, secure, safe…

But she wasn't satisfied with safe any longer.

Author's Note

Comfortable yet?

Keep reading, if you want.