Author's Note

Inspiration comes and goes, as does everything I work on. Edited but no beta as always so don't expect perfection, we're here to have fun!

Family and Friends

“Oh, aren’t you adorable!” Rarity pulled the filly closer.

Twilight wanted to murder Rarity and Pinkie as they smothered Snug Sparkle. At first, she thought this would be a funny prank on Cozy, but now she wanted blood after Cozy’s unamused frown turned into a smirk.

Cozy would have hated this if it weren’t for Twilight’s blank stare that screamed, “Put my filly down right this fucking second!”

Everyone else around Twilight’s living room were so oblivious. They were her closest friends—the other Elements of Harmony—yet they couldn’t see the pure jealousy hidden behind Twilight’s default smile.

Rarity squeezed tighter. “You should meet our younger sisters! They would love to meet you!”

“So…” Applejack started, turning to Twilight. “Y’all went to the outskirts of Equestria, found Snug without her parents, saved the town from a worm monster, and adopted her all in the same day?”

“Yup!” Twilight nodded.

“When did that happen?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh,”—Twilight waved a hoof—“sometime last week.”

“That’s an entire two-parter!” Pinkie yelled.

Fluttershy shot a worried look. “Are you sure you aren’t rushing things, Twilight? Taking care of a filly is hard work. You still have your Princess duties on your plate.”

“I know you’re concerned, Fluttershy—all of you—but Snug is very dear to me, and I won’t let anyone tell me otherwise.”

“If you say so, Twilight,” Fluttershy said with a smile. “I trust you.”

Cozy liked to think Twilight meant that about their real relationship, and it warmed her cheeks. Luckily, everypony was none the wiser.

“You are not making me do this,” Cozy said flatly when they were alone later in their room, her disguise off. “They don’t even know the first thing about sex!”

She knew Cozy didn’t mean that in a way where she wanted to have sex with the CMC. “You mean they’re normal.”

Twilight's friends went off to do their own things, leaving them be for now. Spike left with Pinkie Pie to help her with something she needed—Twilight couldn't remember what.

Before they left, Twilight promised that Snug would have a playdate with the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Yes. Normal is boring.”

“Sure. But you could use more friends.”

Cozy rolled her eyes. “I have you and Spike. And I’m chummy with the students at your school. That’s enough.”

“I wouldn’t say so. As much as I love you, I don’t want you to turn out antisocial like I was. Plus, it’s fucking funny!”

A gasp came from Cozy. “I knew it! This is your way of topping!”

Twilight giggled before smirking. “No idea what you’re talking about. But I’m sure the Crusaders would be disappointed if you didn’t meet.”

“You can’t force me. I’ll kick and scream.”

“The perfect excuse to spank you.”

“I enjoy that, FYI.” Then Cozy blinked, a devious smile crawling up her features. “Actually, how about I start to spread rumors that you’re touching Snug. I bet a lot of ponies wouldn’t be too keen on hearing that. Then Celestia would have to take away your crown and imprison you.”

Twilight turned to her, expression unreadable for a moment before smiling. “You wouldn’t do that. I’d reveal who you really were, and then all of this would be over. You love me too much,” she said matter-of-factly before turning for the doors.

Cozy deadpanned at her and grumbled something before following. They had lunch to eat.

Later that day, Twilight and Snug Sparkle received a letter from the Princesses, summoning them tomorrow. So, after a good night’s rest, the two and Spike headed up to Canterlot first thing in the morning, leaving the School of Friendship in Starlight’s care.

Cozy Glow groaned all the way there. She didn’t want to see those two “idiots” again, and despite Twilight’s feelings about them imprisoning her filly, she didn’t like Cozy calling them names either.

When they finally arrived at the throne room, the two Princesses stepped off their throne and came down, approaching them.

“You must be Snug Sparkle,” Celestia said with a kind smile. “Nice to meet you.”

Snug smiled back and gave a bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Princesses. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“When we found out you adopted a filly, Twilight, we thought it was just a rumor at first.”

“I can assure you it’s no rumor, Princess,” Twilight said. “Snug and I have grown really close over the past few weeks. She is as much family as Spike is.”

She didn't look over at Spike, but she knew he wouldn't be jealous of that statement. He was mature enough. Besides, they already had that talk a long time ago.

Luna grinned. “We’re glad to hear that. I, for one, am always happy for another niece.”

Even as a master manipulator, Cozy almost rolled her eyes and scoffed. Luckily, she kept her emotions down and continued looking with innocence.

Celestia’s warm look changed into something more serious, which made the room's atmosphere heavy.

Twilight stood straight, ready to hear whatever she had to say.

“Twilight, I had been waiting to tell you this until maybe next moon, but now that you’re here…” She turned her head to Luna.

In contrast to her sister, Luna had a bright smile. “We are retiring!”

A few blinks went off before Twilight, Spike, and Snug widened their eyes and gasped.

“What?!” Twilight yelled. It was lucky she did because she stopped Cozy from doing so.

“Equestria is currently enjoying its longest period of harmony in recent years,” Luna explained.

Celestia nodded. “And it’s all thanks to you, Twilight. And your friends, of course.”

“Well—I, um…”

Luna took a step forward. “Because of your efforts, there’s been less and less for us to do.”

A flash of light later, and Discord appeared. “Breaking news! The royal princesses retiring! I have so many questions! Who’ll take over? Who will run Equestria? Will it be someone tall, dark, and handsome? Or will it be the Lord of Chaos?”

Celestia cut him off before he could continue. “We were going to hand over the mantle of Ruler to you, Twilight, but seeing that you have your hooves full with a new daughter, maybe we’ll hold off on that for a bit.”

“Wait, you were what?!” Twilight screamed, nearly shattering the windows.

“Oh, nonsense!” Discord said with a wave of a talon. “Twilight can certainly juggle two huge responsibilities. She’s proven herself thus far! I’m sure she could cozy up to this challenge as well.”

Snug snapped her gaze at Discord, and when he returned her look with an odd smile that no one else noticed, her blood went cold.

“I suppose you’re right, Discord,” Celestia said, looking concerned at Twilight. “I’m still uncertain. Twilight, what do you think?”

Twilight couldn’t answer, for she was breathing too fast and heavy.

Discord chuckled. “Let me have a private talk with her.” He snapped his talons, and Twilight, Spike, Snug, and himself flashed away.

Celestia sighed when they left, and Luna giggled.

“We can wait and rule for another hundred years, sister,” Luna said, warmly smiling.

“I know. Is it selfish of me to say I was excited?”

“Everyone deserves to be selfish."

The four of them reappeared in a closed room of the castle.

“Discord!” Twilight yelled with a frown, Discord floating above the three of them. “What are you doing? We were—”

“Oh, don’t mind, little ol’ me. Just here to properly meet the fabled Snug Sparkle.”

With a tug of a finger, Snug started floating over to him with an “Ah!”

“I must say she looks really cozy!”

Snug groaned and rolled her eyes. “We get i, so stop that! It’s annoying!”

Twilight blinked. “Wait, huh?”

"Okay, my bad—Spike and I get it!"

Spike placed his hands on his hips. “Discord knows. Who woulda thought!” he said sarcastically.

With a snap, Cozy’s disguise was lifted.

“I-I can explain!”

“No need, Twilight.” His voice was eerily calm, and Cozy looked frightened for once.

“Put her down! Cozy’s—well, she’s not innocent—but—”

“Oh, I’m not angry with her!” he said, putting on a wide grin. “It was honestly pretty entertaining with how much chaos it caused. Besides, without magic, I wouldn’t risk dying by not doing anything chaotic, so it wouldn’t be all bad. I could get used to being magicless; lots of creatures already do.”

“Mhm.” Spike nodded.

He scratched his beard. “It’d probably be more tedious, I suspect. As I was saying, I’ve already seen enough. Quite the spectacle, I must say. You two are certainly cute together.”

He gently dropped Cozy onto Twilight’s back, and Twilight rubbed her mane to soothe her.

“How…” Twilight stared up at Discord as he landed in front of her. “How long have you known?”

“Oh”—he waved a hand—” I saw you two fooling around through a mirror this one time. Doesn’t really matter. What I will say, though, is that when Cozy Glow seemingly turned evil, I was perplexed. I thought she truly broke your heart, Twilight. But then I saw it. That look in your eye. Filled with passion.”

Cozy raised a brow. “So… you’re not against us?”

“Oh, please, I’ve seen much too many toxic relationships in my time to judge yours. Not saying yours is toxic. In fact, I wouldn’t believe my own eyes if I saw Twily do something that evil. Anyway, I’m here because I have big plans that Cozy needs to be let in on.”

“What are you—”

“Relax. It’s a secret for now—the same as your relationship, which I promise to keep safe fucked—I mean tucked right into my chaotic heart.”

“You’d better, or—”

“Or what, Twilight?” Discord said with a smirk, his arms crossed. “You gonna band all of your friends against me? After they figure out you like fucking little foals?”

Twilight wavered a bit but didn’t stand down. “I just don’t like you playing with our relationship like it means nothing.”

Discord's expression was hard for a moment before turning soft. “I’m just kidding, Twilight. I wouldn’t do that to you, honest. I can see genuine love between you two. Besides, cultural standards are way beyond me.”

What scared Twilight more than others finding out was the fact that she didn’t care if they did. She didn’t care if the world turned against her—if they stopped seeing her as the light of hope Equestria needed.

There were very few relationships she cared about. Spike and Cozy were the obvious top spots, but her brother was not far behind.

Twilight’s uncertainty didn’t disappear, and Discord seemed to notice. “Tell you what, let me let Cozy in on the secret, and she can tell you if it's a good idea or not.”

His neck stretched close like a snake, and he put his mouth to Cozy’s ear, covering it with a paw.

As he whispered to her, Twilight couldn’t hear despite him being right over her head. She noticed how Cozy’s eyes widened further as time passed, and a gigantic, excited smile grew on her face.

“That’s perfect!” she yelled once Discord finished, neck still stretched. “Wait, that’s going to be amazing! When?!”

“In the upcoming weeks.”

“What? Tell me!” Twilight yelled.

Cozy giggled and hugged Twilight around her neck, nuzzling her cheek. “It’ll be great. Just you wait!”

Twilight groaned, and Spike patted her side.

“Well, that’s all I wanted to say.” Discord prepared a paw to snap. “And Twilight, do be a team player and accept the Princess’ offer.”

Cozy bonked Twilight’s head. “Do it.”

“Ow! Okay, fine!”

“Great!” Discord said, wearing a grand smile before snapping them back to the throne room with Cozy's disguise back on.

Twilight had no idea what was in store for her, but if Cozy was more excited than Pinkie at a party—actually, that wasn’t possible, but the point still stands—then so was she.

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza quirked a brow and held her mouth open when her joyful husband told her the news. Her sister-in-law, Twilight Sparkle, adopted a filly daughter.

How excited she was waiting the entire day for Twilight and her new daughter to come visit the Crystal Empire. No matter how many documents to sign, meetings to attend, or tasks she had to complete, she couldn’t get the raw exhilaration out of her system. Despite the sudden news, she couldn’t help but feel happy. She wanted to know all of the details.

She worked her ass to the bone to get all of her work done early so she and Shining Armor could meet the filly. Twilight Velvet and Night Light were already here, waiting as impatiently as ever. Apparently, the news was just as abrupt to them. Cadance didn’t think too much about it.

However, when Spike, Twilight, and her new daughter entered one of the castle’s sitting rooms, Cadance kept silent, her excitement replaced by something else entirely.

Princess Cadance was very familiar with love. It was her forte. With just a look, she could decipher the true connection between a plant grower and their constant visitor, the way the visitor would look at them while the planter stood oblivious.

It didn’t help that she could feel love in the air like a changeling could smell it. The feeling came in many forms. Sometimes rich, other times spicy. It was always delightful. In these ways, Cadance could tell the type and level of love it was.

When Twilight and Snug Sparkle entered the room, their love was not one a mother and daughter would have.

Their love felt heavy—it prickled on her fur and threatened to push her away. This was a common occurrence in the past, especially in her teenage years. She had gotten used to it. Lustful teenagers left and right would have a school hallway feel dense, though only a few would have truly devoted love towards each other. While heavy and prickly, those with true love would carry warmth and comfort, like a blanket fresh out of a dryer.

Twilight and Snug shared those same characteristics. Except, for the first time in years, Cadance almost couldn’t handle the amount of pressure their love carried.

It was romantic and lustful—not familial.

She said nothing during the entire get-together. When something was said to her, she only nodded. When Shining asked if she was alright, she assured him so. It took about an hour before she managed to pull Twilight away from the group so their parents could get to know their "second grandchild."

“Hey, Cadance!” Twilight said as Cadance locked the door behind them. “Is everything alright?”

Cadance smiled at her. “Everything is more than fine, Twilight. I just have some questions.”

They sat on one of the couches with some tea on a table in front of them.

“Firstly, I’m so happy for you, Twilight! Congratulations!”

“Thank you!” Twilight grinned. “We’ve grown really close.”

Cadance gave her a knowing look. “Maybe closer than usual?”

Twilight blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“You know… erotic.”

Twilight’s smiling face froze. She didn’t blink. Cadance knew the signs to tell she was an entire minute away from full-on panicking.

To help her calm, Cadance placed a gentle hoof on hers. When she spoke next, it was just as soft.

“Before I became a princess, I was tested like you were. Solving love problems is probably not too far off friendship problems, I imagine.”

Twilight’s smile dropped, but at least she was still breathing normally. Cadance didn’t need to touch her chest to tell her heart was threatening to run away.

She put on a solemn look. “I never told you how many horrible relationships I had to witness—the amount of abuse, manipulation, rape, Twilight.”

Twilight was a couple of seconds of bursting out—possibly yelling explanations. Cadance wouldn’t allow it to go that far.

“I did not once sense any of those from you or Snug,” she said, a warm smile reaching her features.

Twilight only stared.

“Twilight, breathe.”

A gasp of air and Twilight heaved for a moment. “Shit… I didn’t think…”

Cadance giggled. “I’m the Princess of Love for a reason, Twilight.”

“You’re not mad? She’s… you know!”

Keeping her warm smile, Cadance said, “A large age difference like this only became taboo because of the implications. Usually, the foundation is manipulation, blackmail, or worse. I don’t sense any of that Twilight. You couldn’t fool me if you tried.”

“So… you’re not mad.”

Cadance giggled again. “No, I’m not. Your love is pure and strong.” She leaned closer, her grin wide, feeling giddy. “Are you intimate?”

Twilight blushed momentarily before groaning and hiding her face with a wing. “Yes, we are.”

“Who else knows?”

“Spike—obviously—and Discord, and now you. That’s it.”

Cadance rained Twilight with questions, and despite her embarrassment, she answered the questions one after another.

The past few days were tense, annoying, and agonizing for Twilight and Cozy, but they were glad to get it over with. Now with the ice broken it would be easier.

As they grinded against each other on the bed sheets in the night, all of that was forgotten, as it should be—as always. The only thing centered on their minds were each other, and they could be content with that for as long as they lived.