A Friend At The End of The World

She was slow to get up from her place beneath the covers, the heavy warmth of the bedsheets enticing her to stay and rest a little further. Why go out into the cold misery of this wintry world? There was no reason to depart from this place just yet. Especially when her mind was still so dulled by slumber…

Cadance let bleary eyes look about her greyed bedroom, the weak sun outside not enough to grant her an illuminated world just yet. Had she woken up early, or were the clouds so thick that the rays of light could not find the strength to pierce through? But then again, why should she care? Better to just go back to bed. But even as she did nothing but lie in the warmth, she found her mind beginning to slowly awaken. Her senses were reporting on all functions, taking in her surroundings and what details she could gleam. What day was it, again? It was supposed to be something important, if she remembered right; goodness, she must be more tired than she’d realized-

The 1st. January 1st, Cadance remembered, the previous night brought to an early end due to her weariness. Too tired to stay up watching Twilight Zone or endure until the ball dropped; in fact, neither of them had even wanted to bother trying, she and Twilight more concerned with cuddling up beneath bedcovers than participating in an annual ritual. They’d actually gone to bed early on New Year’s Eve. Goodness, am I lame? Am I not cool now? Considering how so many of her students spoke in vernaculars she couldn’t even begin to start understanding, the idea that she’d remained cool up until last night was laughable. Cadance knew full well she hadn’t been cool in years now.

Though content to still rest in bed beside her still-sleeping bride, the call to awaken and rise was too much for the gentlehearted woman to resist any longer; slowly, with care so as to give her popping knees a little mercy, Cadance slipped out from beneath silk sheets and into her awaiting pair of slippers and headed to the stairs. The siren song of the holy bean juice summoned her to march towards the kitchen and begin preparations.

Fifteen minutes later, a plate neatly set with a buttered biscuit and a few slices of bacon, Cadance heard the slow shuffle of feet upon the staircase that gave warning to her beloved’s awakening. Twilight soon appeared and squinted as she was met by the kitchen lights, not fully sentient and certainly not ready to do anything but sip at a mug of coffee. “Mmf.”

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Cadance greeted, grabbing at her bride’s passing hand to bring her in close for a kiss. “Happy New Year.”

“Huh?” Twilight’s voice was more akin to a croak, one eyelid slightly puffier than the other. “Oh yeah…”

“I know, I really didn’t remember it when I first woke up either,” Cadance said. “There’s more bacon on the skillet, by the way.”

“Thank you.” The brilliant woman said little else for a time and silence was allowed to continue unabated; a little more to wait before real conversation could begin, minds fresh and alert more keen on talk than what they could both summon now.

Breakfast passed by without a word, the two women returning back to their bedroom so as to begin morning hygiene. Cadance found herself eyeing a particular part of her roots that was determined to go grey, reaching for product that would help hide its presence. She would age with dignity when the time came, and not a moment before; she had every right to be a little vain.

“Oof…” Twilight stepped out of the shower, soaked to the bone and beginning to shiver as warm flesh was met by the cold bite of the air. “So much for warming up.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot to raise the thermostat back up,” Cadance said, a small grimace of apology arising on her lips. “My bad, gimme just a sec-”

“It’s alright, I’m already up,” Twilight said, clutching tightly to her towel for what little covering she could manage as she darted down the stairs to the living room- reappearing just as quickly before rushing to dry herself down and find relief in heavier clothing. “Oh my gosh, it was almost 50 inside here!”

“It’s not supposed to go that low, though!” Cadance replied, realization setting in and she gave a groan. “Great, so that’s another thing we’ve got to fix.”

“The fan in the living room, we need to get in contact with that gutter guy before too long, and the bottom step on the deck needs replacing,” Twilight said, rattling off their list of household maintenance that continued to grow in expense. “Are we sure this winter wasn’t trying to break all our stuff on purpose?”

“I’m waiting for the roof to cave in when it snows again,” Cadance remarked drily.

“Oh, don’t even say it,” Twilight protested, shivering at the mere thought of such a disaster. “Gosh, can you imagine how much of a nightmare insurance would be to deal with?”

“It can’t be worse than what Pinkie and Sunset had when they wrecked their car last year.”

“That’s because Pinkie wasn’t paying attention and she wanted to argue- OK, hold on for a moment here,” the younger woman said, giving her wet mane a thorough shake as though trying to refocus. “Do we even hear ourselves?”

“What?”

“We’re talking about bills and house repairs, we skipped watching the ball drop last night,” Twilight mused, “Are we- good gosh, we really are getting old, aren’t we?”

Considering what she was trying to cover over with hairspray at the moment, Cadance could only offer up a wry smile. Getting old, already old, and soon to be even older; it was a painful, groaning process that continued to be harder with each passing year. Even sleeping could sometimes produce a bruise or injury with no explanation as to why. But still, every time Cadance awoke, there at her side would be the peaceful presence of the beautiful young woman she adored- getting older right alongside her with each passing day. And she’d been allowed the gift of experiencing it, day in and day out.

“Yeah, we are,” Cadance admitted. “But I guess it’s not so bad when it’s with you.”

Twilight gave a start at the remark. “That… is the most level-headed response you’ve ever had about aging.”

“You’re not even going to say ‘thank you’ or anything?” Cadance asked. “Goodness, that was a compliment!”

“But that’s normal, you being rational about time passing is kind of a novelty!”

“I’m rational about it.”

“You’re using hairspray!”

The teasing banter could easily become bitter and genuine if given enough poking and prodding, but each of them was in too fine a spirit to be eager for anger; their last off-day before the school semester began again was to be spent in happiness and rest for a little while longer. And maybe with a little love added in.

Though her time was meant to be spent elsewhere, Twilight found herself occupied with more important occupations than attending to leftover work or what emails had yet to be sent. Every now and then, distractions would find their way into her brain and see her attentions brought elsewhere; sure, the staff probably had a few questions about the end of the semester, or maybe some concerns regarding a student or two. What was she supposed to do about such things now, when she was at home and unable to say or do a thing that would enact any changes? This was supposed to be her private place, a retreat from the rest of the world- as Cadance so often eloquently put it, trying to tempt her beloved away from the screen of a laptop. Home was meant to be away from work, a place of safety and happiness. And, on occasion, physical pleasure.

In fact, Twilight could hardly find herself capable of being pulled away. In their comfortable bedroom the two women had retreated for a time, settling themselves atop the bedcovers and relaxing together; what had been meant to be a quick reprieve before company arrived had seen the two in a rather frisky mood, sultry kisses dissolving into something a little more sloppy. Tendrils of saliva were forged and bound tight before one stretch of fabric was pushed aside and seen tended to; unable to resist, Twilight had decided that Cadance’s solitary breast was in need of some adoration, and no time or propriety would be capable of stopping her.

Self-conscious as she had become regarding her half-completed chest, Cadance had been left unable to protest; replaced by emptiness and a scar that would never fade, part of her still remained absent despite the continuing march of time. Entire wardrobes altered, more hesitancy about her wanderings in public… so much of her image had been altered and left damaged by something that had been so far out of her control. Once an aspect of her beauty had become something she desperately wished would not be so easily broadcast to the rest of the world.

Such a mindset could have continued, if her ever-loving bride had not been there to continue her adorations. From the first time they had made love after her surgery, Twilight had been there to worship her body just as eagerly- if not more so, when she considered past events. Her spectacled princess licked away at her sole nipple, set it soaking and rigid with a marvelous skill that always managed to put poor Cadance’s heart afire. Even now, a perfect mixture of licks and bites and tweaks of her finger kept the elder woman’s body tense and twitching; how much she treasured these sensations, seemingly heightened in the absence of its pair! Her beloved had never failed to see her body loved upon, making sure that no wound could deafen their affections, no matter how many years would pass and see them turn soft and slow.

“Oh god- mff…” Cadance was struggling to hold back, keeping herself on the edge as she let Twilight’s slow licks about her areola continue. She loved the feeling that came from this, how her skin seemed positively afire. She was supposed to be getting old, not be failing to stifle a squeal! How could she be miserable when Twilight made her feel so young?

“Something wrong, Princess?” Twilight asked coyly. What had once been uncertainty in their lovemaking had become a strong confidence over the years; dedicated to the pleasure of her partner, Twilight’s efforts as a spouse were nothing short of exemplary. “Or are you just enjoying yourself?”

“Keep going,” Cadance pleaded; one hand was already plucking away beneath her skirt and incensed that her external stimulation had ceased. “Please, Love?”

“Just because you said the magic words,” Twilight said, returning to her latherings with a wild fervor; oh, how she knew just when to use her teeth and make Cadance grit her own! It was only a little further now before she would hear the sound of an angel and-

The knock on the front door below was like electricity to their very souls, the two women leaping into the air from the fright- and realization that so much time really had passed. “Oh crap!” Twilight cried, instantly retreating from her bride’s bosom and hastening to button her clothing back to a semblance of decency. “Be there in just a second!” She added in a bellow.

Cadance looked down at her skirt and saw a growing dampness that would be a stain, just above where her slit had been dribbling; definitely not something she could wear any longer. “I’ve gotta change real quick, can you-”

“Of course!”

She would never have been able to find a better spouse in all the ages of the earth. “I love you,” Cadance breathed, stealing one last kiss from Twilight’s soft lips before the two swiftly departed each other’s presence and attended to their anticipated guest.

“Tia- hi, it’s so good to see you!” Twilight tried to not sound like she’d just rushed down the stairs and nearly broken her leg, praying that neither voice nor posture gave any sign of her recent deeds- or that smell might give her away. “Come on in, it’s awful out here!”

“Thank you, Twilight. Driving over here was awful, can’t imagine how it’ll be trying to get back home.” The regal educator’s smile beamed brightly, contrasting the icy drizzle that poured down from above and put the world on the verge of freezing over. “I grabbed something to drink while I was on my way over, if that’s alright…”

“Yes, of course! Thanks so much,” her young peer replied, returning her friend’s cheer as she took the bottle of mead in hand. A tactful gesture in of itself, but the dry style she’d selected was one of Twilight’s favorites; not usually one prone to drink, it would be more than enough to entice her this time around. “Cadance is just upstairs, she’ll be right down.”

“No worries. We’re just supposed to relax, are we not?”

The idea had been of Twilight’s making, and one Cadance had gushed over. The spectacled beauty had quietly spoken to her bride about their friend’s lonely world and decided that they would do more to reach out and help lighten her gloom. Though neither could do a thing about her marital status, the thought of such a treasured companion in isolation was unacceptable; the Super Bowl had been a ready-made excuse to help alleviate some of the pressure. “I mean, that’s the hope,” Twilight remarked. “Sorry if we’re not Pinkie’s level of partying, but it should still be alright.”

“I’m surprised she didn’t try to host again this year, actually,” Celestia said. The two settled down around the coffee table, the warmhearted woman taking the loveseat while her companion nestled in her usual corner of the couch. “It’s often been her thing, hasn’t it? Has all sorts of prizes for predictions on the game and everything…”

“I think because they’re at the game, actually.”

Not an expected response, Celestia’s eyes left wide. “Goodness, how’d they manage that? It’s not a cheap event.”

“Rarity and Adagio,” came the answer from Cadance’s lips, the freshly cleaned woman making an appearance along with a smile. “I think a friend of theirs in Manehatten gave them a pair of tickets but they weren’t able to go. They asked us first, actually, but- you know, school year and such.”

“I would’ve let Twilight off to go if you’d said anything,” Celestia replied as the third among them took a seat. “Couldn’t you spare yourself a day or two?”

Twilight shrugged. “It’s not the biggest deal. I’m not super into sports or anything, so I’m not bothered. Besides, Pinkie and Sunset need a boost.”

“The adoption paperwork didn’t go through?”

Cadance shook her lovely head, biting her lip as she recalled the conversation with the heartbroken baker. “Agency denied them at the last minute. Said the mom wasn’t comfortable with them adopting because of her being a diabetic, and that she might be a little too old.”

“… And did not say it in a kind way, either,” her spouse added.

Their guest gave a huff at the news. “Poor girls, that must have been awful. And it’s not like Pinkie’s unhealthy, right? She’s been losing weight and everything.”

“Yeah, she’s been fine lately, it was just that one time way back. But something about it just spooked them and the paperwork got pulled,” Twilight said.

“Oh, poor Pinkie…”

“We asked them to join us on Valentine’s Day next week for a double-date sort of thing,” Cadance said. “Sunset said she’s been pretty down, so we’re hoping to just… I dunno, distract her- a little? I don’t know if it’ll help any.”

Celestia gave a small, sad smile. “Well, it was certainly kind of Rarity to reach out to her. Especially with being so busy living in Manehatten nowadays…”

“She and Dagi barely spend more than a day or two up there, from what they told me,” Cadance said, recalling the pleasant conversation she’d shared with the former model and her designer spouse. “I think they’re off to Milan come morning, and then mentioned something about Sonata having a concert in Paris next week.”

The oldest of their number, with so much of her life spent herding restless teenagers to the point of exhaustion, could only shake her head at the thought of what weariness would result from such a lifestyle. “I don’t know how they do it,” she remarked.

“Guess it helps when you only have to design for one person,” Cadance said. “They sound happy, at least. Dagi’s got some sort of secret trip she’s planning for Rarity, but she wouldn’t tell me much of the details.”

“Good gosh, just how rich are they?”

The three women laughed, knowing the answer far better than any of them wished to say aloud. Sunset and Pinkie kept themselves stable as small business owners, Celestia collected a fair salary for her many years, and Cadance’s finances had flourished while combined with Twilight’s; Rarity and Adagio easily made more than triple the entirety of all their annual salaries combined.

Feeling the need for sustenance, the trio took the bottle of mead to the kitchen for uncorking, tending to what snacks lay on the table to await their hand. “Thank you for inviting me over, by the way,” Celestia said, raising a hand to cease the flow of liquor into her glass. “Umm, if the roads freeze over tonight…”

“You’re drinking. I’m not gonna let you drive anyway,” Cadance answered flatly. “There’s a blanket beneath the couch for you, and another in the hallway closet.”

Twilight caught her boss’ smile and deemed it perhaps a cunning thing. “Wait, did you bring alcohol over just so you could have the excuse to sleep over?”

Celestia promptly looked elsewhere, her grin now bearing a tinge of the sheepish. “I always try to be a good example. And Cadance is right, I’m not supposed to drink and drive.”

“You bum! You’d better cook breakfast in the morning, I swear…”

The night went long, time moving slow so as to give the three comfort from the frigid world outside. Words flowed peacefully as the actions of modern-day champions transpired before them along with all the decadence and showmanship that could be found in the world, none of it able to harm them in the slightest.

Oh, how she loved to wake up on Valentine’s Day. Even after the years had gone by to see body sag and decay beneath the weight of time, still how brightly did their romance burn. Perhaps not always filled with the fires of earlier days, but still could be found a softness that was so comforting to behold. Cadance knew that almost from the moment she’d open her eyes, Twilight would have mementos littered about for her to find. And with all the enthusiasm in the world, she would return such actions with equal fervor; nobody had been more out of her league than Twilight, and even still no one loved her more deeply.

The morning always began quietly, romantic feelings somewhat dampened by the sluggish start that came with dawn; Cadance rose first and fixed her beloved a fine meal in the form of powdered french toast with strawberries, supplemented by crispy bacon and high-quality coffee lightly filled by a dash of cream liqueur. An old recipe from a restaurant long-defunct had made its way to her hands and continued to be of use, too savory for the sweet-seeking woman to leave behind. Add in the thin slices of fruit atop the french toast and it was about as perfect as could be.

Twilight had taken her time to first see hygiene performed before making her way down to the kitchen, allowing her bride to complete her work before daring to interrupt. When the spectacled woman made her appearance, she found Cadance already at her usual seat beside the table with heavy plates awaiting them- and the lustrous beauty graced with her beloved’s first gift of the day in the form of utter nudity, Twilight’s elegant form freshly cleaned and glowing. Always the more visually stimulated of the two, the older woman could hardly control her still-raw emotions at the sight of her bride; flawless, a timeless loveliness was what Twilight possessed, a regal elegance now set to shining thanks the strength of water that made both body and hair shimmer.

“Good morning, Princess,” Twilight trilled, her voice teasing as she sauntered across the room to find a place beside her bride. “How are we this morning?”

“Getting better,” Cadance said faintly. A hand wrapped about her spouse and pulled her in close; to resist getting a firm feel of Twilight’s bare bottom was an impossible task. “Feel the need to go about in your birthday suit for a bit?”

“It doesn’t bother you, does it?”

“It’s distracting, honestly,” Cadance answered. “Almost like I just have to enjoy you for a little bit.”

“Oh, that’s for later, don’t you worry,” Twilight replied. Far often the less sexually potent of the pair, this more commanding, confident manner of hers was doing wonders in driving Cadance up the wall. “Would you be so kind and just… take your time coming home from work today? Do a girl a favor?”

“I might be able to oblige. Can you give me a hint as to why?”

“Say the magic word,” Twilight murmured, a solitary finger lifting Cadance’s face and seeing their eyes meet.

“Please, Love?”

“Absolutely, then,” Twilight purred, closing the gap between them and seeing Cadance’s lips occupied with a lush, loving kiss; so passionate yet so gentle, a slow and romantic thing as smooth, full lips were attended to. Deeper did they dive, a slow union of tongues coming to life as the two women allowed their slickened morsels to dance together in the dark- only for their fervor to grow beyond such a simple realm, lustful licking breaking free and out into the open world. More and more did Twilight lather upon her bride; more and more did Cadance exult in it, perfectly content to be lost in the burning desire she had of her beloved. Oh, how she wanted Twilight to go so much deeper, to pull and nibble and suck until her body was positively soaked, dripping from her longings and be forced to cry out for relief. She desperately needed to make love with this woman, right at this very moment! To plunge deep into Twilight’s luscious body and feel the gesture returned in kind, or else she might burst~!

Far, far too soon did their succulent union end, the dribblings of their entwined latherings spattering against Twilight’s bare breasts as bride pulled herself away from bride and leaving Cadance scandalized. “Just a hint, that’s all I promised,” Twilight said coyly. “Don’t you think that’s something to look forward to?”

“Yeah,” Cadance breathed. Unwilling to let go of her fierce grip into Twilight’s bottom, she needed validation of her feelings immediately. “Can’t I just-”

“Later, Princess,” Twilight said, giggling at her bride’s downcast expression and trying to mend it with a gentle press of lips upon lips. “I don’t want all your hard work to go to waste, this looks amazing! Thank you so much, really!”

It was only a consolation prize, but if Twilight’s amorous mouthwork had been anything to go by then she had plenty of happiness to look forward to just later in the day. And date night would be even beyond that! Cadance could never find the words to describe just how much she loved Valentine’s Day; when it was spent with someone like Twilight, how could it be anything but perfect?

The rest of the day went by wonderfully, occasionally dotted by memories that were of Twilight’s making. Cadance could only hope that her small gestures would be equal to what she had been given, enough to make her bride’s own actions not seem excessive in comparison. Sure, she had ordered a tin of cookies from the finest bakery in town to go along with a romantic poem, but was that enough? Twilight deserved nothing but the best- were her gestures of affection enough to meet her beloved’s mettle? After all, she was greeted with an entire hot meal for lunch, the Mediterranean bowl positively brimming with her favorite flavors- and a bouquet of peonies that fell upon her desk only an hour or so later. Try as she might to pay attention to the mountainous amount of work she had to attend to, Cadance was unable to give much of her mind to the numerous tasks that sought out her name; the warmth in her stomach was butterflies just as much as the meal, and the flowers held her rapt attention. The best she could do was sigh dreamily every now and then.

It was only at the end of the day when she so intently set to rush out from her school did Cadance recall that Twilight had asked for her to slow her return to their abode. Just what her youthful bride had in store she couldn’t guess, but the fact that it would be wonderful was all too likely. Just as the rest of her day had seemingly carried on in a daydream so did this mild delay, even though she wished for nothing but to speed back towards her home and see what further delights awaited her. She had been bidden to hold her departure; would it be so bad to acquiesce to that request? When ten minutes was the best she could manage to hold off, it seemed that it was a struggle indeed.

The garage door closed behind her and Cadance peered into the dim light of her house to see a number of darkened things upon her floor, not enough detail within the murky world to give her further details. Just what was this? A flip of the switch revealed them to be rose petals- a guiding trail from the door and to realms beyond. Grinning ear to ear, she set down her things and tossed her shoes aside, slowly following the trail into the living room where she could see it carried off into the rooms at the top of the stairs.

“Oh Love,” Cadance called in a voice so bright, “I’m home!” She received no answer yet, not exactly a surprise; she knew that Twilight wanted to tempt her further in, the roses her initial hints at such a beckoning. No, it would not be so easy. To seek out her beloved was the command that called to her. So following after the trail of petals did she climb, leading up to their darkened bedroom into which she could not see; not even the smallest trace of light could be found within its depths, she peering into the impenetrable dark-

The comfy room suddenly came alive, and there in the center was Twilight. Atop a luxurious set of new bedcovers did she lay, a deep crimson and wonderfully soft even to the eye; all about their world was the soft glow of candlelight- artificial but brought by her command all the same. And Twilight herself, there in the midst of it, was beautifully draped in a babydoll nightgown of royal purple, a sheer item that hid positively nothing from view and tied together by a simple satin bow in between. Every facet of her beauty was adorned by loveliness and made all the more beautiful, unhidden and delectable to her bride’s senses.

“Welcome home,” Twilight said, smiling all the while. “Miss me?”

Cadance did not bother with answering through the power of words, content by ensnaring her wife’s lips in a ferocious kiss. There would be another time for talk, but this was certainly not it. Love demanded her now.

With as much time the two had spent together, it was not difficult for Cadance to attend to the greatest places of pleasure her spouse possessed; if numerous years of marriage was not enough to illuminate Twilight’s greatest needs, what sort of wife was she? Though she so desperately wished to remain in the depths of this sweet woman’s mouth, suckling on tongue until the very whole of her was dry, there were still even deeper pleasures to be had before the night truly began. And when such a decadent flower awaited her, how was she to keep her tongue away? The moment she had settled Twilight in a comfortable position against the pillows, Cadance pushed back the thin coverings of this elegant nightgown and set to work; each lashing her pink morsel gave was eloquent, graceful- and so extremely pointed, knowing just where and how to make her bride squirm. A quick lick across the outer folds was where she began, a thin dribbling across tender flesh so as to make Twilight struggle. Oh, struggle did she? Why do so when the fun had only just begun? There would be so much more joy to be had before she really got going…

Her hands had no real place in this fight, the fruits of her mouth more than adequate in keeping Twilight occupied; with fingers free to prod and pinch as she pleased, thick flesh across the thigh was to be subjected to her affections; small grazes here and there, enough to bring about goosebumps upon her bride’s skin; the tender lappings she gave across the labia were only heightened by such actions, sensitive motions meant to ignite further. And oh, when she plunged so deep as to hit Twilight’s sweet spot-

“Oh wow- mmf-” Twilight felt a deep stroke in between, down to the depths and across the sore spot she knew Cadance was aware of. Why only the merest brushings, why not a full caress? Why was she meant to be tormented so, rather than lavished? Her muted bemoanings were met by another deep plunge, this one allowing a slow stroke across her most exquisite places and setting her heart afire. So she was to be teased, tormented before she would feel all of this wondrousness-

The next stroke was enough to make her gasp; Cadance did not hold back now, delving greedily within her and making her slit positively soaked; fiery were her passions now, struggling against the ecstasy that so desperately wanted release. How was she to hold the tide now, when Cadance so eloquently made her arguments? Why not relent and be loved, let her songs flow freely? With resistance found futile, Twilight did nothing but cry aloud and enjoy her bride’s ravishings, stopping not once until the deepest quivering had run through her very bones and set her to gushing. On and on did she pour out, tender lappings by her bride enough to keep the pleasure going for a little while longer. When at last did her final tremble come, she found herself exhausted and most deeply happy. No one on earth could possibly fulfill this need as wonderfully as the woman she loved.

Cadance crept atop her and reached out for her kisses, slickened lips joined by new flavor as the two wondrous wives tended to one another; so what if only one had come away ravished- both crept from this place satisfied. Here there was to be love, and this Princess of Love wished for the feel of her wife’s lips; to be given anything else would have been to offer substandard sacrifices; only the sweet latherings of tongue upon tongue would satisfy her now.

“Don’t… can’t I return the favor?” Twilight asked, words muffled by the weight of her spouse continuously seizing her delectable morsel. “I mean –oh whoa, you taste amazing- don’t you want me to give you back a little?”

“You can thank me when we get back,” Cadance said sweetly, a quick plucking of Twilight’s tongue to silence further argument. As the years had passed, these periods after had begun to possess greater importance than perhaps the act itself, their most intimate moments not spent in the midst of lovemaking but rather in the quiet peace that came when their love was satisfied. “Aren’t we short on time, anyway? I think Sunset and Pinkie are expecting us soon.”

“Oh crap, you’re right,” Twilight said, glancing over at the clock on her phone and finding time short; an unfair thing, considering how intensely desirous she currently found her wife’s body. “Wanna shower together, make things quick? I’ll clean you up, I promise.”

A few kisses later that soon turned into further lavishing, it was deemed that Cadance did not mind at all. Especially when her moans could not be contained to just the bathroom alone; Twilight did not have the fullest time to return the favor, but she managed to have some of her fun all the same.

The two took their time to see themselves ready, a comfortable departure seeing them on the road and off to where they would meet their companions for the evening. It had been Sunset’s idea that the four travel together for greater ease of traffic, suggesting that the difficulty of finding parking downtown would be more than what two cars would achieve. Considering that it meant Cadance didn’t have to drive at all the rest of the day, she was more than willing to oblige; Twilight had already stated she held no interest in drinking tonight, allowing her more keen bride to indulge herself.

In the midst of what silence their trip held saw Cadance fully basking in the loveliness of her wife’s appearance, that elegant grace that could only be found in Twilight on full display amidst the darkness of the world; the A-line dress wrapped about her thanks to a halter neck, the more conservative appearance befitting of Twilight’s more reserved personality- but then there was the flared skirt, perfectly wavy and allowing her movements to have such a liveliness to them. Thanks to the hair that gleamed about her neck and the soft light in her eyes, there could not be a more beautiful woman to be found on the face of the earth, and Cadance would not even deign to allow argument against such a fact.

“So, I’ve got a question for you,” Twilight said.

Did she suspect Cadance had something planned for the evening? “Oh? And what would that be?” Came the reply.

Twilight took the opportunity given by a red light to look over at her wife, gaze strolling up and down her form and bringing a smile to that spectacled visage. “Why didn’t you remind me to bring a stick along? I’m going to have to literally push everyone away from trying to get your number tonight.”

Cadance gave a dramatic sigh, the exaggerated movements a means by which to hide her smile. Adorned in a berry-pink wrap dress, the low v-neck had been something of a bold choice considering the mastectomy scar that was partly revealed beneath fabric up to her neck, her long legs mostly concealed by the ruffled skirt that ended just a few inches above her ankles. A gift from Rarity years back and meant to drive Twilight wild, the older woman was glad to know her wardrobe could still see the deed done. “I’m just glad it still fits,” she remarked. “Honestly, I thought it might be a bit tight but it doesn’t feel that bad right now.”

“You don’t actually think you’re fat, do you?” Twilight asked. “Like, no one would actually look at you and think that you need to lose weight. You look amazing on any given day!”

“Compared to you? I’m definitely fat,” Cadance said, eyeing Twilight’s trim waist that had yet to falter; she had been petite ever since she’d been young, a seemingly effortless thing that had often been a point of envy.

“You’re the supermodel! I’m just the librarian nerd.”

“The extremely sexy librarian nerd!” Cadance pressed. “You get more attention from girls than I do!”

“Because they think you’re out of their league, not because I look better than you!”

The argument could easily descend into genuine bickering, but each was too insistent with praising the other to let more powerful emotions come into play. Laughter and kisses saw the intensity kept to a minimum for the duration of their journey; when they came to a halt outside Sunset’s spacious home, neither could resist the urge of ensnaring one another in the ferocity of their passions.

Painted lips were slow to depart from one another, gentle caresses across skin so easily done as they held one another. Cadance felt a warmth in the very depths of her soul as she beheld her bride, unable to find anything that could hope to compare. How could Twilight be so lovely and wonderful, yet ever bother to marry her? She’d never been so fortunate before, and would never be again. “I love you,” she breathed. “I- just… I love you so, so much. What would I do without you?”

“I love you, too,” Twilight replied, smiling as she rested in her spouse’s arms. “I honestly thought I’d never get the chance to be with you, that you’d- I’m glad you’re mine.”

The two departed the car and quickly found themselves arm-in-arm; too lovesick to willingly be kept separate, the night would be well-spent if only they kept each other close.

“Hey! Oh my gosh, it’s great to see you two!” The door opened to reveal the beaming face of Pinkie Pie, darkened bags held aloft by wrinkles momentarily disappearing as she beamed at the sight of her friends. “Come on in, you both look amazing!”

“Pinkie, hello! Oh, it’s so good to see you- and you look great!” Cadance’s words were apt; more apt to weight gain than loss, the confection-seeking baker had done well to seek a more healthy appearance in recent years thanks to a growing medical history. Though she would never be quite as slim as her wife’s consistently streamlined figure, the healthier look Pinkie possessed now was a far cry from earlier days.

Pinkie’s smile at the comment was genuine, helping to keep away the memories of recent burdens at bay for a little longer. “Hope you don’t mind just hanging out for a little while,” she said. “Sunset’s in the bathroom right now-”

“OK, too much info-”

“- And I don’t think she’s quite done getting ready yet. Mind hanging out for a little bit while we wait?”

“Oh. Sure, that’s fine,” Twilight said, setting her purse beside the door. “Besides, I know we’re still a few minutes early so I guess it’s fair, seeing as Sunset’s waited on us about a million times.”

“Hopefully our ride won’t be too late. I think Sunset’s cutting it a bit close with when she wants to leave-”

Her words almost seemed as though a summoning, for none other than the bright-haired woman herself made an appearance at the top of the stairs, striding forth with a dazzling confidence and her still-slender form not hindered by even the slightest article of clothing. “Hey Pinkie, we’ve got a few minutes so why don’t you come up here and let’s get fu-”

Sunset’s gaze fell upon the sight of her longtime spouse in the midst of their guests, the silence immediately falling as three pairs of eyes took note of their unexpectedly nude companion. To her credit, there was not even the faintest hint of a blush upon her cheeks despite the unexpected stares that came her way from the foot of the steps. “I thought we said 6:30,” she remarked in a forcibly even voice, though perhaps bearing a tinge of frustration at the sight of her friends.

“I’m pretty sure we said six,” Twilight replied.

Sunset peered down at her bare form before looking over at Pinkie and pooching her lip in a pout. “Damn,” she muttered. “Gimme a minute, then.” As quickly as she’d appeared she was gone, back behind the concealment of the walls and heading to where an article of clothing would adorn her.

The three women glanced at one another for a moment before bursting out laughing. The stars seemed to have aligned perfectly, the night already having been worth all the effort.

Twenty minutes later and the company of four was back on the road, Sunset quiet and trying to prevent further growth of her smile as she drove their party on to the restaurant that awaited them, doing her best to ignore the laughter that came from the women about her. She was, after all, the focus of much of their mirth.

“Please, don’t get too into it, OK?” Pinkie asked, laughing all the same as she took note of her partner’s more struggling visage. “It was really funny but it was an honest mistake and I know you wouldn’t want us making fun of you if it had been the other way around.”

“I mean, it almost could have been, honestly,” Twilight said, “It’s not like we haven’t been super frisky all day. What else are we supposed to be doing?”

“What is it with you two and holidays that makes you extra horny?” Sunset inquired, eyeing her companions in the rearview mirror. “I swear, I hear one of you have some wild story about something you were up to every single time a holiday comes around.”

“We just like to have fun, that’s all!” Cadance replied, seemingly defensive at what wasn’t meant as a jab. “Is it so bad that we wanna love each other? Especially after all we’ve been through.”

“There was the Christmas party years back,” Sunset reminded her.

“And then you and Twilight got naked in the pool at that Fourth of July party and started making out cause you were drunk,” Pinkie replied.

“Adagio and Rarity made you two get a room at New Year’s once-”

“OK, this is cruel,” Cadance objected-

“And then you got caught in the closet at the Halloween party last year-”

“The point is made, thank you,” came Cadance’s more fervent interjection, she trying to force down the flame of red upon her face as she recalled the many, many moments that she and Twilight had shared together before an unintended audience.

“Exactly. So I mess up once? Fine. I get a freebie,” Sunset said, voice smug. “Besides, you know damn well there are others we could mention. So please keep your panties on when we get there, this is a nice restaurant.”

“I am not that big o- we’ll behave.” She wanted to protest further but had no leg to stand on, particularly when she was receiving absolutely no help from Twilight throughout it all; they both knew there was no defense they could hope to make when the evidence was so overwhelming.

Dinner saw the four women about a small table in the back corner of a bustling restaurant with a potent –and expensive- wine bottle in their midst, the hustle and voices surrounding them somewhat lessened in their secluded space and allowing for greater things to be heard in their midst. Too long had it been since their last reunion, workloads and personal lives keeping the four apart and unable to spend time together. With Fluttershy and Rainbow constantly in travel across the world, Rarity and Adagio busy with the duties of high society, and Applejack hardly ever able to leave the farm, their strong friendship was the last real burning flame that still lingered from days gone by.

“So, I don’t know if it’s alright for me to ask…” Twilight began. She eyed her friend uneasily, wondering if perhaps the topic would still be too sensitive to breach.

Sunset was often the more perceptive of the two, but her wife had spent enough time alongside her to pick up a few more social cues. “It’s alright, I know you won’t be super mean or anything,” Pinkie said as she gave a small smile. “You wanna ask how the adoption went so bad?”

“I was wondering if you were going to try again, actually. I hope they didn’t burn you so bad that you just give up, especially when it meant so much to you…”

“We decided that… for now, yeah, we’re not gonna pursue it,” Pinkie admitted; emboldened by the presence of Sunset’s hand on her shoulder, she pushed forward. “I guess it’s a little too close right now, so we’re gonna wait at least another year. And depending on how I’m doing health-wise, we’ll try again.”

“I’m so sorry about what happened, Pinkie,” Cadance piped up, reaching across the table to give her friend a small squeeze of the arm. “Please tell me you didn’t pay attention to anything they said, OK? You’ve been doing such a good job lately, and they were just being mean.”

“Some expecting mom probably just panicked and said something bad, don’t take it to heart,” Twilight added.

The woman so inclined to joy seemingly struggled to find it, biting her lip as she gave a rushed nod, the lump in her throat being forcibly swallowed down before finding its chance to rise. “It’s not- been a lot of fun, obviously, but… we’ll be OK,” she said. “I’ll be OK, and I guess that helps. Even if I kinda just wanna be mopey about it. But I’ve got Sunset, right? She still loves me. And I’ve got you two as such good friends, and my life is still good… I want that to still be important. So I’ll focus on that instead because I wanna feel better.”

“That sounds great, Pinkie,” Twilight said, glowing at the sight of her friend displaying such resiliency. “What made you think of that? I wish I had that mindset more often than not.”

Sunset gave a start, eyeing her friend with a quizzical look. “Are you kidding? We learned that from you two!”

Cadance took a lengthy sip of chardonnay as she smiled at the sight of her partner left confused by the remark. Twilight was too self-effacing, never considering that she might commit actions that encourage and inspire others to follow suit. “What?” The spectacled woman said as though not hearing correctly. “Us- but I don’t- what did we do?”

“Yeah, when Cadance got sick, and you two just… absolutely clung to each other,” Sunset explained, laughing somewhat as she took in their dumbstruck expressions. “Jeez, did you two forget just amazing you were? I honestly couldn’t imagine having to deal with something like that, and you both were amazing! Cadance kept fighting so hard, never gave up- and Twilight, you were just the most amazing spouse. I- we wanna be like that together, through… anything. With all you two have gone through and yet you’re both so happy-” Sunset’s struggle to find words failed and she simply smiled, gesturing towards her friends before turning and giving her wife a kiss on the cheek, hoping that such movements would be enough to say what words could not.

Twilight looked away from them all while Cadance’s soft eyes focused only upon her bride, each recalling the numerous trials so differently. All Twilight could recall was the fear and the uncertainty, the moments of not knowing how the future would unfold and if the woman she’d dreamed of would wither away before her very eyes. But Cadance remembered her newlywed’s strength and endless courage, the will she had possessed and so powerfully given to her in those moments of darkness; heaps of physical affection, constant will and gentle care, whether it be food or a kind word or the encouragement to continue on trying. How could she not look upon this sweet-faced woman and not glow with pride? They had endured so much, and now had so much happiness to show for it. By Cadance’s measure, it was all because of Twilight.

“I think you’re exaggerating a little,” said the spectacled woman when she regained the strength of her voice, or what little could be found in one so small.

“And I think she couldn’t possibly say enough,” Cadance breathed, gently bringing her wife’s face closer so she could seek out the lips she adored and see them kissed. “You were amazing, and you still are. So don’t ever forget it.”

Twilight blushed but smiled all the same, grateful for the words of praise that came from the woman she loved yet unable to truly believe in them just yet. For the first time all evening she found herself wishing that there was alcohol in her hand she could drink so as to let her embarrassment melt away.

The night went wondrously by every standard the four of them possessed; a good meal spent alongside pleasurable company in fine settings, the weather just warm enough that those who had partaken of the wine could enjoy a quick romp to a nearby dessert café- and convince their sole sober member to tag along. A bourbon and chocolate milkshake tickled Cadance’s already frisky fancy, she snuggling close to Twilight as the four giggling girls nestled inside to watch the world go by. There were plenty of moments in which they could pause and enjoy each other’s company, especially when love strengthened by time was given extra incentive. Twilight couldn’t keep herself straightfaced, particularly when Cadance was so intent on loudly expressing her affections whether it be word or gesture. And when her kisses were so sweet, still coated with dark flavor…

She was met with a chorus of boos when Twilight at last mandated that they return home, the morrow’s duties still demanding their presence come sunrise. Pinkie and Sunset were the loudest protestors, more eager to be handsy in public than what was likely recommended. The trip home saw the two rarely ever saying a word, more occupied with what was likely drunken foreplay in the backseat than conversation. The one clear-minded among them wondered whether exasperation or humor was the better reaction, but Cadance settled on giggles from the very beginning and could not prevent their escape throughout the ride back.

“I think we need- umm.” Sunset and Pinkie stood at the door, happily wrapped about one another and struggling to keep themselves steady. “Y’all be safe getting back home, OK?”

“And you two be safe getting to your bedroom,” Twilight said mildly, a drop of seriousness in her voice; the two were certainly drunk and the stairs provided ample ability to fall.

“Oh, we’ll be good! Like I’ve ever been that drunk or anything!” Pinkie’s voice boomed across their darkened neighborhood, confident and shameless. “It was –Hic!- great seeing y’all tonight! Now go home, cause Sunset and I need to have lots and lots of super-awesome sex!” And without another word she slammed the door, their giggles audible even through wall and door before disappearing up the stairs.

Cadance awaited her bride patiently in the car, the energized portion of her inebriation beginning to fade away and be overcome by a contented drowsiness. “This was a fun night,” she said as Twilight slipped into the driver’s seat beside her.

“It really was,” Twilight agreed. “And Pinkie really seemed more like herself, too, so that was great to see.”

“Yeah… you wanna make out?”

The younger bride laughed, a bright sound from the depths of her heart as she turned to face her eager bride. “Are you a teenager again or something?” She asked. “Goodness, Princess…”

“Then just one little kiss? Please- please?” Cadance begged. She couldn’t shake her need for the touch of her wife, positively desperate for it.

Twilight laughed once more but acquiesced, leaning over and giving her partner a gentle peck and relenting- before suddenly swooping back in to positively smother her spouse with affection, a string of kisses so ferocious and wild that Cadance was left overwhelmed. Everywhere did she feel Twilight, her hands stroking through her hair and the feel of her lips upon her own, the slick wetness as that delectable tongue slipped through and so utterly ravished her love upon its mate, Cadance beginning to moan aloud as she simply couldn’t contain her delight that surely came from heaven~!

Twilight departed slowly, delighted to see the dreamy smile that could be found on her bride’s soaked lips, the viscous drool string binding them together wondrously thick for just a moment’s time before severing. “How was that?” She inquired.

“I love you,” Cadance cried, returning the favor with one long, slow union of lips. “You’re the best wife ever.”

Their trip back home was mostly spent in silence, Cadance smiling to herself as she took in the darkened scenery that passed them by. Why should she not feel so? Date night had gone wonderfully, she’d had a good evening with friends, and had gotten to make out with her wife; there simply wasn’t much more she could ask for.

“You know…” Twilight drawled, coming to a halt as the light ahead turned red. “I almost forgot you owe me something.”

Cadance, more concerned with reliving recent memory, wasn’t quite paying attention. “Sorry?”

Twilight gave a sly grin, turning to face her. “Well, you left me hanging earlier today, when you came back from work. Did you really think that I’d forget about you?”

She could feel the memory somewhere far away, suddenly springing to life as she recalled her enjoyment of Twilight’s delicacy. “Ooh…”

“I hope you’re ready for me,” Twilight said. “Cause when we get back home? Oh, the things I’ll do to you. I think I might even make you sing.”

“And if I want to sing?”

There came a grin. “Then I’ll have to make you scream.”

The two women had eyes only for one another, gently pushing through the green light and off towards their next blissful union. Cadance could feel her body begin to pulse and come alive, eagerly awaiting the feel of this woman deep within her, the world about her seemingly glowing bright as she anticipated the moment. Twilight her knew so intimately, just how to make the passion burn bright and long, slow and tender movements so as to elevate the wait those were headlights-