The Light of the Night

It felt like Twilight Sparkle had been in bed for an eternity, but she couldn’t afford to go to sleep. What time was it? Twilight did not know, but at least Sunset’s with her, so she ‘should’ sleep soundly this once. But still… Twilight Sparkle was restless.

She decided the best course of action is to take a walk around, just lying in bed complaining wasn’t going to fix her current dilemma. She got up from bed, leaving her room in hopes that walking around would help her nod off. It was a rather slow process, but it’s not like Twilight had anything better to do.

As Twilight Sparkle strolled around the hallway, she heard a sound from nearby. From what she could make of it, it came from the downstairs living room. Curious, Twilight climbed down the stairs to investigate. She peeked her head around the corner, spotting the television on… And Sunset Shimmer sitting on the couch watching it. All the other girls were passed out either on the couch or on sleeping bags on the floor. Sunset was the only one still awake.

Twilight could not believe it, assuming she was imaging things. She didn’t think Sunset was awake too, but then wondering how she couldn’t have known unless Twilight truly was asleep. What she was doing up at this hour, Twilight could not imagine. Though suffice to say, she’s not one to talk given Twilight is out of bed too…

“Is someone there?”

Twilight Sparkle nearly jumped at those words; surprised Sunset Shimmer could sense Twilight. She slowly peeked her head from behind the wall, and she spotted Sunset looking right at her. The sharp gaze was soon lifted the moment Sunset’s eyes spotted Twilight.

“Oh, hey Twilight. Did I wake you?”

Despite Sunset’s soft tone, Twilight Sparkle still shook, though not as much as earlier.

“No,” Twilight shook her head. “I couldn’t fall asleep, figured I’d walk around a bit to tire myself out.”

Sunset cocked her eyebrow but didn’t budge. Nothing seemed to be on her mind at this moment.

“Odd… Seems we share the same issue. The only difference is I decided to watch some T.V. Since you’re up, wanna hang out with me?”

Twilight Sparkle couldn’t resist the smile on Sunset’s face, nor the patting upon the empty seat next to her. For some reason, Twilight felt as if her heart had skipped a beat. The moment that smile appeared, Twilight had a feeling that resembled floating, something she herself couldn’t explain.

“Um… Yea, sure!” Twilight replied, shakily.

“Gah! Why did I accept her offer?” Twilight thought. “How come I didn’t say no? She wants me… Next to her! What do I do?! What should I say?! No, stop it, Twilight! There’s no reason to get so worked up! She’s your best friend and it’s just watching television. It’s not like we have a connection or anything…”

Complex feelings always tended to mess with Twilight Sparkle. She never imagined herself even being near Sunset without freaking out. Sure, they slept in the same bed together, but this was a different circumstance.

“Okay! Just play it cool!” Twilight told herself. “It’s just a simple hang out. Take a deep breath and walk over there! Nothing will—”

“Twilight?”

Twilight Sparkle snapped from her thoughts, hearing Sunset’s words. Sunset had a confused look on her face.

“Is something wrong? Kind of dozed off after I just asked you. Wasn’t sure if you wanted to hang out or not.

Time didn’t cease from where Twilight stood. She was too embarrassed to even comment on the matter.

“Sorry,” Twilight smiled, sheepishly. “Just a lot of stuff on my mind.”

Twilight Sparkle walked toward Sunset Shimmer, slightly flustered for a while. Sunset moved over slightly, as Twilight drew nearer. She sat upon the couch where she was mere inches next to Sunset Shimmer. Nothing but silence filled the air, as they sat watching the bright lights off the television set.

“So, if you don’t mind me asking…” Twilight spoke, breaking the silence. “What’s on your mind?”

Sunset had that surprised look on her face, the moment Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Oh… Nothing too major. Sometimes my mind is just not tired, so I try to keep myself busy. It’s silly, I know… But what about you? Something on your mind, Twilight?”

Now it was Twilight’s turn to be surprised, as if she hadn’t seen this one coming. Nevertheless, she had to answer.

“Well… It more or less similar to what you said. My mind is so active when I don’t want to be. What with Midnight plaguing my mind every night, it’s a hassle…”

“Hmm… Is she bothering you again?” Sunset asked, leaning closer. “Want to talk about it?”

“It’s not that at all…” Twilight shook her head. “She’s been dormant, thank goodness. But maybe it’s because I’m awake. At least, that’s what I tell myself…”

Twilight turned back towards the T.V., to the program currently on the air. It wasn’t what Twilight would call entertaining, one of those late night talk shows. But all the same, it did enough to keep her mind off Midnight to some extent. Needless to say, considering the face Sunset was sitting beside her, that helped more than this program.

“I understand,” Sunset nodded, patting Twilight’s shoulder. “You just know if something is wrong, you can always talk to me. I know she sounds like a real pain in the ass, causing you all this distress. That’s why I’m here to help, if and when she comes.”

Twilight Sparkle turned away, embarrassed by her own issues, and feeling she is still a burden to everyone. Still, to have Sunset say that, she was more than grateful.

“T-Thank you…” Twilight whispered.

The silence continued for some time. It felt incredibly awkward, everyone else sleeping through their conversation and barely stirring. That left just the two of them, Twilight and Sunset together. For two people supposed to be friends, in some way they felt like strangers, considering Sunset came from an entirely different world and this Twilight was nothing like the Princess in Equestria. Twilight felt a nudge along her arm but didn’t look back.

“While we’re on the subject,” Sunset continued, leaning towards Twilight. “There is one thing I’ve meaning to ask you for some time. That is, if you don’t mind answering.”

Twilight felt Sunset shift closer, almost making her jump instantaneously. The rapid heartbeat returned, stronger than before. Like hearing an oil drill spinning at a faster rate, growing rapid the closer Sunset got.

“Hey, Twi… Are you feeling alright?” Sunset asked concerned. “Did I scare you?”

Twilight felt a blush form along her face, turning away so Sunset couldn’t see it.

“Y-Yes! I’m f-fine!” Twilight answered, stuttering. “I-I just wasn’t expecting you to move so quickly.”

Twilight kept her eyes closed, avoiding the embarrassment. It was just too scary to open.

“Why am I feeling this way?” Twilight asked herself. “This is Sunset Shimmer, one of my friends. What am I afraid of?”

After a moment of utter silence, Twilight opened her eyes again and saw her mere inches from her face.

“OH GOD!”

Twilight fell over the couch, landing on her butt. The landing left an impact, nothing major but it stung from the fall. The fact that this didn’t wake the girls came as a surprise. Twilight moved a bit, rubbing the spot to alleviate the pain. As she looked up, she saw the embarrassment on Sunset’s face, nothing she felt just the same.

“Sorry about that,” Sunset said, walking over.

Sunset grabbed her hand, helping Twilight to her feet, but that only made her blush more. Twilight could feel the blood rising higher as they kept physical contact, their hands in a gentle grip. This moment was killing Twilight from the inside.

“I-It’s fine…” Twilight answered quickly. “You just appeared so suddenly; I wasn’t expecting it…”

Sunset gave a small smile hearing that, as if she understood.

“Relax, Twilight. Always getting worked up over something silly. No need to be embarrassed.”

“R-Right…But back to the previous subject… You wanted to ask me something? Or was that not the case?”

Sunset seemed to catch on instantly, realizing just what Twilight was referring to.

“Oh, right. As I was saying, it’s about…”

Midway, Sunset paused, and Twilight noted how her tone shifted. She observed how Sunset seemed more serious than earlier, which made Twilight worry. It reminded her of those talks she’d have with her parents.

“It’s about the diary I read earlier… About how you tried to suppress Midnight…”

Twilight Sparkle sighed; she had a feeling that Sunset would bring that up. But what else could she do?

“What is it…?” Twilight asked.

Now it was Sunset’s turn to sigh, as she turned directly toward Twilight. This time, Twilight didn’t turn away and allowed herself to meet her friend’s gaze. She couldn’t keep running from her problems forever; Twilight had to face them head on.

“I realize I’m stepping over my boundaries, so don’t answer if this makes you uncomfortable. It’s just… I’m worried about you, Twilight… I know there’s something else you’re not telling me…”

Twilight closed her eyes, realizing the implications. But, at the same time, Twilight didn’t quite realize it. It’s like Sunset knows the problem, but completely missed the main formula: The moment of truth.

“The truth is… I’ve been wanting to tell you, but…”

Twilight Sparkle could barely say anything, like the words were lodged in her throat. Something clogged her ability to speak and there she was trying to find the words.

“I’m just… Scared of how you’ll see me once you know…”

Twilight hand a hand grasp her cheek, Twilight opened her eyes toward Sunset’s cyan gaze staring back at her. Twilight wanted to turn away but doing so would make things worse. So, she maintained her eye contact, whatever it took to hold her gaze. It felt off trying to look away from Sunset in this state.

“Twilight, I know you’re nervous talking to people because of Midnight or whatever you did weeks ago,” Sunset spoke. “But… You see me as a friend, right?”

Sunset placed her hands upon Twilight’s shoulders, as the latter nodded with slight sincerity.

“With that in mind, I would never belittle, hurt, or make fun of you, regardless of what it is. I will make sure to do everything in my power to make you feel better. That’s not an illusion speaking those words; I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I won’t force you to tell me nor do what I want to make you uncomfortable. Just know, morning or not, busy, or otherwise, I’ll always be here when you’re ready to talk, got it?”

No words emerged, instead Twilight’s only reaction is to hug Sunset Shimmer, a way to show her there was nothing to worry about. At least, that’s what Twilight wanted to show. She ignored the blush creeping upon her face, simply happy to just be here with Sunset in this moment.

“Now, now, don’t cry…” Sunset cooed. “Don’t worry about anything else…”

But her words only made Twilight lose more control of herself, along with her ability to talk calmly. She couldn’t even form any words, let alone speak.

“I-I’m sorry…” Twilight said, barely holding back tears. “It’s just… I-I never imagined having someone so nice, so caring like you in… I-I’ve never felt like this before, not in my entire life… I don’t know how to h-handle it…”

Twilight felt Sunset’s hug tighten slightly, almost towards suffocation. Though the pressure was tight, Twilight returned the hug. As she did, a soft laugh escaped her lips.

“Twilight… Now look what you did…” Sunset whispered. “You’re making my heart feel fuzzy and such… To be honest, I ask myself how I got someone like you in my own crazy life… Someone so curious, so kind, and smart as me.”

Twilight let go of Sunset, taking a step back while keeping her eyes closed. She felt too embarrassed to look at Sunset, too much to bear. This heavy burden upon the tips of her shoulders…

“Hey now… No more crying, alright?” Sunset asked kindly. “Take deep breaths, in and out. Try to relax for me, okay?”

Twilight nodded, doing as Sunset asked. She held back from crying further, even though it was easier said than done.

“S-Sorry about that…” Twilight said, wiping tears off her eyes. “I didn’t mean to lose myself in the moment… Crying and whatever… I just—”

“Don’t sweat it,” Sunset brushed off. “There’s no need to apologize for being you. I’m here to help, remember?”

Twilight tried to smile, slightly holding onto it. She opened her eyes and, while tears were still present, she could see a smile across Sunset’s face. She could never forget that smile.

“Then… Is it okay if I answer your question?” Twilight asked, scared out of her wits.

“As long as you want to,” Sunset nodded. “I would love to hear you out.”

For a moment, they sat on that couch in utter silence, side by side. Sunset waited patiently for Twilight to speak. The latter was scared to speak, but Sunset seemed to understand. Even so, the least Twilight could do is be honest with her… Even at the cost of their friendship.

“I-I… Don’t know where to start… But I—”

“Take your time, Twilight,” Sunset spoke, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll wait as long as you need.”

Sunset would say that, but… No, Twilight Sparkle would not hold doubt in her friends. She needs to know the truth.

“Well… T-This isn’t something anyone else knows…” Twilight spoke, hesitating. “You promise you’ll hear me out? And not make fun of me…?”

“I promise, with all my heart,” Sunset answered, no second thoughts. “Cross my heart; hope to die.”

Twilight looked down; she could feel the beating of her chest… Her heart threatening to burst at any minute.

“When I mentioned what I do to keep myself awake… I’ve… Done things to myself so I wouldn’t fall asleep… My depression got worse and worse as it continued…”

Twilight had a hard time trying to communicate; the tears came back, and she couldn’t stop them. Twilight didn’t look back at Sunset this time…

“Hey, it’s okay, don’t cry…” Sunset said, holding Twilight’s hand. “I won’t think any less of you, Twilight. I promise.”

Twilight kept fighting against her tears, but this feeling… It’s…

“… The things I’ve done… Because of my fears… Caffeine didn’t work, meds wouldn’t help, and the one thing I didn’t try at that point was…”

No matter how she tried, Twilight couldn’t bring herself to say it. It was too much, too painful…

“Midnight kept inflicting nightmares,” Sunset spoke, squeezing her hand. “You want to tell me what did exactly? Or would you rather not?”

Twilight turned back toward Sunset, her vision blurry as tears overflowed. Snot spilt from her nose; her glasses went foggy.

“For w-weeks, I’ve… I’ve… My arms… My body… They’re… So ugly, so repulsive… I can’t do anything right…! I hate myself! I’m a lost cause…! I couldn’t…!”

Twilight felt ready to snap at this very moment. She couldn’t go on… She didn’t want Sunset to see her… Not like this…

“Twilight, you can’t keep blaming yourself,” Sunset advised. “You are not a lost cause. Nothing you did was your fault.”

Twilight got up from the couch, completely broken despite Sunset’s support. She wiped her eyes before facing Sunset.

“You’ll understand once you see them! Then, you’ll know how weak I truly am! You’ll turn your back on me, just like everyone else! It’s inevitable!”

Slowly, Twilight lifted her sleeves… Revealing scars, lines all across her arms and a few along her wrists. Truth be told: It was a welcome relief. When Sunset saw them… She got up from the couch, surprised beyond words. The look on her face was what Twilight expected to see. Suffice to say, Sunset Shimmer was awestruck, seeing all the slash marks.

“What… The hell…?” Sunset spoke, walking closer. “Twilight…”

“… You see…? I’m horrible… Even with my smarts, I can’t suppress her… She reduced me to suicide… But the worst part of it all: She heals them… She made sure I don’t bleed out… Leaving me with permanent scars, just to mock me… I thought if I did this, she’d disappear… If anyone else saw them… They’d see me as a disgusting monster, a freak… That’s why I d-didn’t want to involve anyone in my problems… That I thought I could handle it myself… But you, Sunset… You’re my only true friend and if I lose you…”

Twilight couldn’t finish that last line, as she fell to the floor, placing her hands in front of her face to eliminate her surroundings… She was sure Sunset Shimmer hates her now… She wouldn’t blame her if she left… Twilight always knew she wasn’t worth saving… Until, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her.

“… Sunset…? Why…?”

“You’re so stupid, Twilight… Why would I ever hate you…?” Sunset asked, her voice cracking. “If anything, I… I’m more hurt that you would do this just so everyone else is happy, while you suffered all this time… Alone… It’s… It’s my fault, I never noticed the true pain you were feeling. I never noticed what you went through… I’m sorry, Twilight… For waiting so long to see your true feelings…”

Twilight remained lifeless, all while Sunset held her close. Sunset’s tears dripped along her wounds.

“Why would she blame herself…?” Twilight thought. “I’m the one keeping secrets… I don’t understand…”

“B-But you didn’t do anything wrong… You’ve always been here for me when I messed up…! Why are you blaming yourself…?”

Twilight held back; the tears spilled over as Sunset sobbed.

“I know it’s difficult… But I don’t want you to hurt yourself anymore…!” Sunset yelled, her voice sorrowful and hurt. “I’ll stay by your side, help you overcome this problem… Even if it kills me!”

And still Twilight wonder… Why…? Sunset doesn’t… Have to… Yet…

“I don’t understand…! I can’t let you risk your life for me…! You have people who love you… Friends… I don’t care if I die…! At least you won’t have to deal with me… I’ll be just a faded memory that never existed… I won’t—”

Sunset broke the hug, looking toward Twilight with hurt eyes. A sense of anger emanated from her; a look Twilight feared more than anything.

“Twilight… Stop it! Don’t do this to me…! You’re just being selfish… For someone who’s so smart, you really are dumb…”

Sunset tightened her hug as she continued.

“It ‘does’ matter, maybe not to you but it does to me… You mean to world to me, even if you are to stubborn to see it…! I refuse to see you suffer anymore…”

“Why do you care so much for me…?!” Twilight yelled, hyperventilating. “Don’t you remember what I’ve caused?! The evil I’ve sewn?! I hate this feeling! Having this darkness inside me! The agony is too much! It ruins every chance I have of a stable relationship if any at all!”

Never before had Twilight felt this way until now. It was scary to feel this way, but still…

“Twilight, please, calm down…” Sunset said, calmly. “T-Take deep breaths… You’re starting to hyperventilate.”

All of Twilight’s emotions went haywire. She couldn’t control what she said, no longer holding back everything in her mind.

“I don’t care! Nobody should care! How I feel doesn’t matter! I-I don’t deserve anyone! I-I’m better off dead!”

“Twilight… STOP!”

When Sunset shouted, Twilight felt the goosebumps build up. All the while, Sunset tightened her hug once more. To the point where Twilight made no effort to move…

“You’re hearing what you fear instead of what’s in front of you… The real me… And everything I’m saying to you is a hundred percent real.”

Sunset pressed her forehead onto hers, closing her eyes.

“You’re my best friend, Twilight Sparkle, someone I can rely on. You make me feel whole because you’re nice, stubborn to a fault, and always caring about other people’s feelings… There’s not a single person in the world I care about more than you… Others may not see it, but I see it completely… I care so much… I can’t sleep knowing you’re suffering and I’m unable to do anything to stop it…”

Sunset tears slowed, as she bit her lip. She stopped herself for some reason.

“Damn it… My hearts hurts seeing you like this… I only want to see you smile; I never want that happiness to disappear…”

“Sunset…?”

“Twilight, I really do care for you… But, there’s more to it… Something in my heart… It tells me something… I-I’m scared of this feeling… I’m confused and yet… I’ve always known… You’re the only person I can connect with on a personal level… I think… I’ve screwed up…”

“How…?” Twilight asked. “I-I don’t understand…”

Sunset tilted her head slightly, grabbing Twilight’s chin and looking straight in the eye. The anger vanished, but there was something else… Something Twilight had never seen before.

“Twilight, I… I think I’ve… Fallen for you…”

The heartbeat came back, this time much stronger, more obvious than before. What is this feeling Twilight felt… Love…?

“Wh-what…?”

“I know it’s sudden, I don’t know if you feel the same but… I’m more than happy to stay friends if you don’t feel that way… Just know I care about you deeply, no matter what…”

“Y-You… L-Like me… More than a friend…?” Twilight asked.

“Y-Yea… So much more…” Sunset answered, hesitantly. “I just wanted you to know what an impact you’ve made in my life… You’re not a waste…”

Twilight was still flabbergasted, that Sunset would feel this way towards her. Of all the people in the world, Sunset fell in love… With Twilight Sparkle…

“I understand I won’t get an answer right away…” Sunset continued. “But… I wanted to tell you, so you’ll know you’re not alone, not anymore… That I’ll protect you till the end of time.”

In that moment, Twilight could no longer hold back. It was too much… These waves of feelings. Twilight grabbed Sunset’s cheeks, and she kissed her, right on the lips… She kissed her long and hard, not pulling back in an instance. Twilight didn’t want to, the connection when their lips made contact felt nice and her lips tasted so sweet. Eventually, she did pull back seeing the blush on Sunset’s orange cheeks.

“Sunset…” Twilight began, blushing. “I’ve always… Felt the same… About you…”

Sunset smiled slightly, tears pouring down her face.

“R-Really?”

Twilight nodded, as Sunset closed her eyes.

“Thank goodness…” Sunset whispered. “Now, please try to calm down… I won’t let anything bad happen to you, not anymore…”

That voice… Her eyes… Her words… So many emotions… True and genuine… All from the heart.

“Thank you… And Sunset…?”

“Yes?”

“C-Can I roll my sleeves back down, please…? It’s cold in here.”

Sunset gave a small smirk; she knew Twilight wasn’t trying to be rude. She nodded, as she released the hug.

“Y-Yea, of course,” Sunset said, shyly.

Sunset watched as Twilight rolled down her sleeves, looking at Sunset with such sincerity. All while she cleaned the tear stains off her glasses.

“I don’t know about you, but it’s safe to say we’re both drained,” Sunset said, yawning. “Want to try to go to bed now?”

Twilight turned the counter clock, the hour read 3 am.

“… Actually, that would be best,” Twilight nodded.

Sunset walked over to Twilight, placing a hand upon her shoulder. A small smile appears on her face.

“Remember… No more tears… Okay?”

Twilight nodded with a silent ‘thanks’. The two girls got off the couch, holding each other’s hands. Twilight couldn’t explain the relief she felt.

“Well, seems I’ve got everything out of my system… But…”

“Something wrong?” Sunset asked.

Twilight averted her eyes after that question. She wasn’t sure how to ask, but she needed to.

“U-Um… I want to know… With what just happened… We… Well, now that we’ve expressed how we feel… Um…”

“Oh… I get it, no need to get worked up and—”

Sunset quickly caught herself seeing Twilight’s face grow a deeper shade of red.

“Sorry, that was rude. What was the question?”

Twilight strayed from the question for a moment; truth be told, she wasn’t sure how to ask.

“T-The question… After we expressed our feelings…” Twilight began, with hesitation. “Um… W-What… What does this mean for our relationship…?”

The question puzzled Sunset; she didn’t seem to think it through to this point. All the same, Twilight felt as thought it had to mean something to her.

“That’s… A very good question,” Sunset answered, uncertainly. “The better question is: What do you want to do?”

“Y-You want me to decide…?” Twilight asked, clueless.

Sunset looked embarrassed to even speak of it. Let along trying to figure it out. Twilight looked away, just as embarrassed.

“Yea… It’s just…” Sunset began, blushing. “I popped the question and it wouldn’t feel right deciding for you… I know you’re vulnerable at this moment; I don’t want to force you to do anything…”

Sunset Shimmer… She really is nice. Putting Twilight Sparkle before her own thoughts…Talking about what Twilight wants to do. She just feels…

“N-No, it’s okay,” Twilight said, slightly hesitant. “You could never take advantage of me…”

“That’s what you’re saying now…” Sunset spoke, leaning towards her. “What does your heart say?”

“Sunset… I… I wish… I wish to start a r-relationship… W-With you!”

Twilight yelled with all her heart, not loud enough to wake the other girls but enough so Sunset could hear it. She looked genuinely surprised, as if whatever Twilight said was so alien. They were both blushing at this point…

“Wow… That was… Something,” Sunset chuckled.

Twilight blushed so hard her face could start a fire at any moment. She was so close to fainting.

“S-Sorry… I-Just thought that…” Twilight spoke, speaking coherently. “If I said it… With burning passion… Would it convince you…?”

Twilight could barely look at Sunset, as she smiled and chuckled at the comment. Twilight Sparkle was so embarrassed, Sunset could see it as clear as day.

“Aw, Twilight… I don’t doubt you mean it. I’m just worried that, starting now, you’ll…”

Sunset turned away, sad, and scared, but with good reason. Twilight could see where she’s coming from, but even so…

“Wake up and regret your choice…”

Silence filled the air as Sunset turned away, not looking at her friend. Twilight did the same, though she glanced back once in a while. She didn’t seem to believe Twilight or rather she didn’t know if Twilight was in the right state of mind. That perhaps Twilight only said that just to make Sunset Shimmer feel better. But Twilight knew, deep down, she needed to convince her that she truly meant it.

“Sunset… You would make me the happiest girl alive if you… Go out with me,” Twilight spoke, with deep sincerity. “If I didn’t want this, I’d tell you. But I know for certain my heart and soul wants to be with you.”

Sunset turned back towards Twilight, a blush forms upon her face. She had to prove to Sunset that Twilight Sparkle wanted to be with her, and this was the only way.

“So, we can make it official… Would if be okay if I…” Sunset whispered, grabbing Twilight’s cheek. “If we kissed?”

Twilight was shocked to hear Sunset say that. Not that she didn’t want to, but still…

“B-But w-we just k-kissed, didn’t we…?” Twilight asked, confused.

Sunset nodded, but her hands never released from Twilight’s face.

“And how was it?”

“I… Well… It was… N-Nice and—”

Before Twilight could say more, Sunset kissed her, effectively silencing her friend. Twilight’s eyes widened upon this sudden action, but eventually they slowly closed as Twilight enjoyed the sensation. For several seconds, their lips remained locked and their tongues exploring one another, tasting each other with such passion and sweetness. Until eventually, Sunset released Twilight after a minute or so.

“You’re so cute when you’re flustered…” Sunset said, giggling. “I never pictured in a thousand years dating someone like you. It’s… Like a fantasy come to life.”

Twilight looked away, happy yet flustered over what just happened. In a way, this whole experience felt like a fantasy.

“You know,” Sunset spoke. “Since we’re officially a couple now, we really should tell our friends.”

Twilight nodded quietly, there would definitely be a lot of talk. But if they were their friends, they would heavily support this decision. But then Sunset backed up and held Twilight’s hands.

“But before that… Twilight, would you do the honor of ‘officially’ becoming my girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend… Me…?” Twilight thought. “Would I… Be able to…? No! I have to believe in myself; I have to have faith!”

Twilight lunged toward Sunset, hugging her in the tightest embrace possible.

“Yes, yes! A thousand times yes!” Twilight yelled.

“… Thank you,” Sunset whispered, returning the hug.

“No…” Twilight shook her head. “Thank you… For everything…”

Twilight could feel herself about to cry again. Only this time, it was out of joy. She wiped a tear from her eye and smiled.

“Twilight Sparkle, you’ve just made me the happiest girl alive tonight,” Sunset declared. “I don’t know about you, but I a little R&R is in order. How’s about we get back to bed?”

Twilight nodded, wiping away her remaining tears. They both got off the couch, never taking their eyes off each other.

“You’re right…” Twilight yawned. “I’m pretty tired…”

Sunset grabbed Twilight’s hand, leading the way as Twilight followed along. They walked up the stairs, down the hallway towards the bedroom. The whole time they walked, they were happy. Twilight and Sunset, their eyes toward each other, maintained a smile upon their faces.

“Thanks for walking me back up here, Sunset,” Twilight said. “It means a lot to me.”

“Yea… No problem…”

But Twilight sensed some uncertainty in her tone. She could assume it’s because of what happened earlier, it just had to be the case.

“Well… Guess I’ll see you in the morning,” Twilight declared. “Good night, Sunset.”

Before Twilight could enter her room, Sunset stopped me. She turned behind her, seeing Sunset grab her by the shoulder.

“Sunset?”

“I can’t…” Sunset shook her head.

“What is it?” Twilight asked nervously. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, you’re fine, but… I’ve been thinking about your wounds…”

Twilight’s gaze shifted away, realizing just what Sunset is referring to. She could also sense the fear dripping from her voice.

“I realize I’m being selfish, Twi. But… I just… I couldn’t live with myself, you asleep, all alone, and something happened to you.”

“… Are you worried I’ll hurt myself again…?” Twilight asked, knowing the answer.

Sunset nodded solemnly. It was clear as day just what she was thinking.

“It’s also because of that breakdown earlier. Considering what you did to yourself, I fear she might try to take over while you’re asleep or worse…”

Sunset Shimmer made a good point. Twilight was in no condition to fight off any attempts Midnight Sparkle could make, especially with her mind being so vulnerable. It was just easy pickings for the demon woman.

“I understand…” Twilight nodded. “What do you suggest we do?”

“You’re letting me decide?” Sunset asked.

“It’s only fair since you brought it up. I assume you had an idea… Since being alone is a bad idea. How should we prevent this?”

“I… Didn’t exactly plan this thoroughly…” Sunset chuckled, embarrassed.

“Really…?” Twilight asked, almost dumbfounded.

Usually, Sunset had plenty of ideas in mind. The fact she’s dumbstruck is… Shocking, to say the least. Twilight smiled, scratching the back of her head. Then, Sunset turned to her as she blushed.

“Well… How about this…?” Sunset proposed. “What if I… Sleep with you tonight?”

“W-What?! S-Sleeping… With m-m-me?!” Twilight stuttered, her face completely red. “A-A-Are you serious? I-I-I… I nev…”

“Twi… I meant ‘literally’ sleep with you. Like we’ve done almost every night.”

Sunset noticed the implication, the look of surprise on Twilight’s idea. It was funny to Sunset that Twilight had that in mind and honestly had no idea what to make of it.

“Wait… H-Hold on, you really thought…” Sunset blushed, chuckling. “N-No, no, no! I didn’t mean… No funny business! I mean… Do you?”

“Oh… OH, oh my goodness… I-I’m so sorry…” Twilight spoke, understanding. “I didn’t realize..."

“No, no that’s my bad. It was a poor choice of words on my part; I should’ve been more specific, heh.”

Twilight Sparkle was still flustered over the concept of ‘sleeping’ with another girl. And not in the usual term either. Much less, with Sunset… Though to say she never had such thoughts would be an utter lie. If Twilight hadn’t known any better, perhaps Sunset had planned this all along.

“N-No, I understood what you meant,” Twilight said, feeling stupid. “My mind is just really t-tired, and I was assuming something else…”

The conversation got completely awkward really fast. Their minds wandered off trying to determine how to change the subject. But there was no turning back from this point.

“Supposed that we did, would it help you?” Sunset asked.

“Do ‘you’ think it would work?” Twilight asked.

“Well, when we think about it: You and me… In bed… For safety… Not like we can’t have a little fun. But if you’re not comfortable…”

Twilight turned back towards Sunset; the blush faded the moment she saw her. Twilight didn’t seem as embarrassed as she was initially, for some reason just seeing Sunset gave her a sense of calmness. After all, they have become a couple, and this was bound to come up eventually.

“I realize it’s a bold move,” Sunset continued. “I only suggested it because, in a crazy way, it’s the best ‘weird’ choice I could think of. You don’t have to say ‘yes’, just a suggestion.”

Twilight saw the sadness on Sunset’s face, as she turned around. But just before she could leave, Twilight grabbed her by the arm stopping her. Sunset was right, it was a ‘crazy’ idea especially given what Twilight initially implicated. But now that it’s come up, she just couldn’t ignore this feeling, so sudden and yet offering so much potential.

“I want to give a try…” Twilight answered. “With you.”

Twilight grabbed Sunset’s hand, leading her towards her bedroom. Opening the door, they approached their way to her bed. To say Sunset Shimmer was surprised that Twilight would agree to such an action was an understatement.

“You’re not just saying that, are you?” Sunset asked.

“Well… We are a couple, there shouldn’t be an issue…” Twilight replied, blushing. “In a way… It’s like a ‘sleepover within a sleepover’. So long as our friends are still asleep downstairs.”

A smile formed on Sunset’s face, not a creepy one like Midnight's just a happy one. Possibly one of the most genuine smiles Twilight has ever seen.

“Well… All right then,” Sunset nodded. “Shall we?”

“Take me…” Twilight whispered.

Sunset grabbed Twilight’s hand and used the other hand to close the bedroom door, clicking the lock. Then, the two lock lips, pressing against each other once more, drawn together by the intensity of their love. So passionate was their feelings for one another, Twilight didn’t even think of what Midnight could do to get to her, let alone driving them apart. Either way, there they were, safe in each other’s arms, caressing each other’s bodies and Twilight not even minding her hands brushing against the scars.

And their love intensified as they made their way under the bed, drawing the sheets over them, the night brought to life with moans of passion as they ‘slept’ together all through the evening.