The Orb of Revelation

Chapter Two: You Did What?

“You what?!” Spike screamed, and nearly killed Twilight with guilt. “Twilight, when? How? Why? You know I love her!”

“I’m sorry Spike! It was an accident!” Twilight offered, crying a touch.

“How? How do you accidently date somepony?!”

“Sit down Spike, this will take a minute...”

After ten minutes, Spike had heard enough, and his anger was still boiling over. “So you just went with it?”

“What was I supposed to? She was trying to kill herself!” Twilight cried back.

“No she wasn't. Those were vitamins. You jumped to conclusions,” Spike snorted.

“What? Really?” Twilight recoiled. “Huh. But still, it made her so happy. How could I rob her of that, when it obviously means so much to her?!”

“But it’s not honest!” Spike protested. “Besides, how do I know that wasn't my window of fate, and you stole it!”

“How could I steal another ponies- er, dragons, fate. If anything, this would stand to prove that Rarity and I were supposed to end up together!” Twilight countered. “If, you know, I actually loved her...”

“It’s still a lie,” Spike huffed.

“Calm down lover boy,” Twilight chided. “If it’s a lie, Rarity will see it soon enough, and that will be that.”

“I hope so Twilight, for both of your sakes. Imagine how hurt she would be if she found out the only pony to ‘Love’ her was all a misunderstanding,” Spike hissed. “You better have not said too much to her to make her think you love her.”

Oh buck...

“Hey Twilight,” Applejack smiled as the mare approached her on the farm, “Just got yer invite fer today. Apparently, Rarity has something she needs to tell us.”

“Yeah, yeah she does,” Twilight nodded, lost in thought.

“Y’all okay sugarcube?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Twilight laughed, though it was forced, empty.

“Right,” Applejack said slowly. “Well, let’s get going, don’t wanna be late now.”

As the mares walked, Twilight fought her guilt, she could only imagine everypony’s reaction to her news, and Spike was for once not going to make anything better. If anything, he would make it worse...

“Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“Huh?”

“Ah asked if y’all had managed to talk to Rarity yesterday?”

“Oh, yeah, yeah we talked,” Twilight nodded, and her guilt flooded in.

“Well, it sounds like ya did the job, I can hear Rarity from here,” Applejack smiled. It was true, Rarity’s song could be heard all over the park, and the tone was much, much better than they had known of her of late.

“Ah, darling!” Rarity cried as Twilight and Applejack came into view. “Oh hello Applejack, how are you?”

“Ah’m good Rares, thank ya kindly.”

“Oh wonderful. Twilight, it is so wonderful to see you again,” Rarity smiled. To her credit, the white mare was kind and her smile was pretty. For a second, Twilight could see herself going through with plan. Heck, maybe it would be alright after all. Twilight carried this feeling till she saw Spike, and the dragon’s scowl he wore for her. Speaking of wearing...

“Rarity, I thought for sure you would have dressed up,” Twilight noticed, and instantly wished she hadn't.

“Why? Do I not look alright? Am I getting fat? Oh you must-”

“Whoa, calm down Rare Bear,” Twilight whispered as Applejack greeted the others. “I like you like this, the real you. It’s- refreshing.”

“Oh my Twinkle,” Rarity whispered, a tear coming to her eye. “I love you. You always know just what to say.”

“Yeah, I guess I do,” Twilight smiled as she mentally facehooved. She knew Rarity was delicate most of the time, and now even more. She had to watch what she said if she wanted to avoid hurting her marefriend’s feelings... Oh Sweet Apple Acres, I just thought of her as my marefriend...

“Hey Twi, Rares, c’mon!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the lingering pair. “Hey girls, do they look a little close to you?” Rainbow whispered to the group in general.

“No, they’re okay. I think you need glasses Dashie,” Pinkie smiled.

“That’s not what I- You really think I need glasses?”

“You’d look good with some sleek glasses,” Pinkie nodded.

“No bucking way,” Rainbow snorted.

“I think they would make you look really cute,” Fluttershy smiled.

“The answer is- Wait, you really think so?” Rainbow asked, blushing a bit. “Maybe then I could get a guy to notice me...”

“It couldn't hurt,” Applejack laughed as the two unicorns took their seats, with Rarity practically in Twilight lap. “Um, okay then...” Applejack said, just shrugging off her dramatic friend. She’s always doing something like this.

“Twilight darling, should I tell them or do you want to?” Rarity squealed, bouncing a bit and confusing her friends.

“I- ah-”

“Oh you are too much darling. Ahem. Ladies, last night, Twilight came over to my place, and proudly, without fear, announced her love!”

No pony reacted immediately, as only Rainbow Dash moved to pick up a drink, then spit it out for dramatic effect. “You did what!?”

“Twilight, y’all got some expalinin to do here,” Applejack snorted.

“Are you two loco in the coco!?” Pinkie asked.

“Really Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy scoffed, whipping apple juice off of her brow.

“I know this is shocking, but we are in love,” Rarity happily sang, doing a small dance of excitement. “I never knew how badly Twilight loved me, till last night she came over and pounded on my door at the late hours of the night.”

“Twilight, explain,” Applejack ordered.

“I-”

“Oh, really Applejack? You good friends try to share their good news with you, and you demand explanations of them?”

“Well Ah am cause Twilight has never once shown any interest in mares! Or anypony for that matter!”

“Well she obviously had eyes only for me all this time. Oh how I wish I could say the same, but alas, fate is cruel sometimes.

“Kiss her if you really love her, Twilight,” Spike snorted. Twilight glared at the dragon, as thankfully so did most of her friends.

“Now Spike, that’s takin things a bit far. Ah get it, yer hurt cause you had a crush and all that, and Ah do think Twilight should have had some level of respect for that, but these girls made up their minds,” Applejack corrected.

“Oh! Oh! Kiss please,” Pinkie sang, grabbing a camera out of a random tree. “I wanna document this kiss for a scrap book!”

“Oh for the love of Pete!” Applejack snorted, throwing down her hat.

“No no, I like the idea, and have nothing to hide. Our love is true, is it not darling?” Rarity asked, looking to Twilight as the poor lavender mare blushed.

“You betcha,” She offered with a forced grin.

“Oh darling, don’t be modest. Our friends will think nothing less of you for just being who you are,” Rarity smiled. Her words must be magic. They’re working, damn it!

“Yeah, you’re right Rarity,” Twilight smiled, as she pulled the white mare into a kiss for the first time. At least if I have to do this, it will be on my terms! I- Oh hello Rarity, Twilight mussed, humming a bit as Rarity returned her kiss with passion, making Twilight go weak, and fold into the white mare. She hadn't meant to enjoy the kiss, but if Rarity was going to put that much emotion into it, she-

“Whoa!” Rainbow cried, stopping the two mares. “We get it! Twilight, stop dry humping her.”

“Tehehe, um...” Twilight blushed.

“Wow,” Rarity finally managed. “Haha, mmm.”

“Oh great, the two lovers broke each other,” Applejack laughed. “Sorry Ah called yer love into question. Y’all are the real deal as far as Ah’m concerned. Right Spike?” Applejack asked, looking to the small, irate dragon.

“Yeah, I guess they do love each other,” Spike snorted a puff of smoke.

“No need to be a spoilsport, Spike,” Fluttershy chided, making the dragon blush. No pony or dragon could stand to disobey Fluttershy.

“No, I get it,” Twilight offered finally. “I’m sorry Spike, I betrayed your trust. But, Rarity and I, are in love.” Why the Everfree Forest did I just bucking say that?! You’re getting into this too far Twilight! Back out now, back-

“Yes, we are,” Rarity said as she took Twilight hoof into her own. “And I am so glad. To tell you all the truth, I was about to give up hope...”

“Rarity,” Everypony, including Spike and Twilight gasped. Probably Spike and Twilight the most, actually.

“I have been dealing with depression for years now, and after that fiasco at the Wonderbolt’s camp, when Thunderlane shot me down, it did me in. I was sure I was going to live the rest of my life alone. I was ready to quit looking for love altogether, and then, Twilight just shows up, and demands to see me, pounding on my door. She hugged me, and said I was wrong, and that she loved me.”

“Wow, Twilight,” Fluttershy nodded. “I always thought you and Rarity seemed perfect for each other.”

“It was- Really?” Twilight asked, derailed by her butter colored friend.

“Mmhmm. You two are so cute together.”

“Wow, thanks,” Twilight said. She grabbed an apple in her magic, and began to eat, as her nerves unwound.

“So why last night?”Pinkie asked. Buck! I knew I forgot something! Twilight was dead in the water, her mouth full of apple. Surely this would be the-

“I didn't want to say anything, but I think she had a few drinks in her,” Rarity sighed in contempt. Twilight was known for her favor of drink, and right now it was actually useful, though she would never get to rub her brother’s face in it. “She tasted like fresh toothpaste, obviously trying to hide her magical emboldening elixir.”

“Really Twilight? That’s just silly,” Rainbow scoffed. “Like a cheesy romance novel.”

“And how would you know what a cheesy romance novel is like if you have not been secretly reading them?” Rarity asked. Yes, I love you! Thank you! Wait, I just thought that I love you... Twilight mentally argued.

“Well, Ah think it’s cute. And just in time too. That’s fate right there,” Applejack smiled.

“Why does everypony keep saying it’s fate?” Twilight asked, then realized she had slipped up and said that aloud. “I don’t like to think that my life is out of my control, I mean...”

“Of course darling,” Rarity smiled. “Fate played its part, but alas, our love is the only thing that matters.”

“Yeah,” Twilight smiled, happy to be on the same page as Rarity now.

“Sooo,” Rainbow asked, “How about we all forget the thing about me and romance novels and just enjoy our lunch?”

“Yeah, no,” Applejack teased. “That’s gonna come back up some time, Ah’m sure.”

“Well, here we are darling,” Rarity smiled as Applejack and Twilight walked her home. “Coming in?”

“Umm, yeah, sure,” Twilight nodded, looking to Applejack. “Catch ya later, I gue-”

“Hold on sugarcube, Ah need ta have a quick word with ya, if’n ya don’t mind my stealin her, Rares?”

“No, it’s quite alright darling.”

As the pair walked away, Rarity felt an all too familiar tinge of pain in her chest, as she could only imagine the horrible things Applejack had to say about their dating. Applejack was a wonderful friend, and held no ill will to anypony for their lifestyle, but she always had a word to say about Twilight’s drinking, even more so as of late.

“Dating is different than just being friends Twilight. Are ya sure yer ready for this?”

“Too tell the truth, no. I have no idea what was going through my mind,” Twilight sighed.

“Booze. It does crazy things to ya,” Applejack nodded with a smile. “Tell ya a secret, bout a month ago Ah had a few too many also, and chewed Big Macintosh a new one fer sleeping with that damn dolly of his.”

“No, really?” Twilight gasped.

“Would Ah lie to you sugarcube? Ah hate myself fer letting my anger get the better of-”

“Big Mac sleeps with a dolly?”Twilight snorted.

“Ah horsefeathers. Twilight, please don’t tell anypony that,” Applejack blushed, rubbing the back of her head.

“You got it AJ,” Twilight smiled. She said her peace to the workhorse, and then trotted back to the boutique, though she found the odd little bounce in her step quite unnerving.

“Darling,” Rarity squeaked as the lavender mare entered her home, “W-What do you think?”

“About wha-” Twilight started till she laid eyes on what was probably the most exposed she had ever seen her friend. Rarity stood there without any makeup, or even a style to her mane. Just Rarity, as nature made her, and she looked fantastic. “Oh my...”

“Do- do you like?” Rarity asked, shaking a bit. “I love my makeup, but you had mentioned how you loved the real me, so I wanted to do something for you...”

“Rarity, you look amazing,” Twilight finally said, “But I don’t want you to go changing yourself just for me. How would that be fair to you?”

“Oh Twilight, you are too perfect,” Rarity smiled, walking over and kissing Twilight on the cheek. “Too tell the truth, I never really liked having all that eyeshadow on, but I do miss my stylized mane...”

“Of course Rarity,” Twilight smiled, though Rarity still had a frown on her face. She wanted something specific, so Twilight took a shot in the dark. “As a matter of fact Rare Bear, you can style my mane too, if you-”

“Oh yes! Thank you darling!” Rarity sang, hugging her love. “Let me just get my things!”

“Twilight,” Spike mumbled in greeting as the mare returned home. “How was- whoa...”

“Yeah, I've been getting that a lot,” Twilight grumbled as Spike took in her new look. Rarity had pulled out all the stops, and everypony in town noticed. Rarity had kept it simple, yet made it work, as only she could. Twilight was at the same time completely different and exactly the same.

Finally remembering his duties, or his anger, Spike huffed off again. Twilight was ready to just call it quits today, take a shower, and sleep off the rest of the week, but an odd glimmer caught her eye. The orb, and all of it’s potential. Twilight groaned thinking of it; that because of that sphere, she was now up to her ears in a lie that would destroy her best friend, if not just use her for Twilight’s own enjoyment. But it still had to be studied, lest Twilight never discover all the knowledge it might contain. It was hard, trying to figure which side of her should win this argument. Her noble side, that would do right by her word, or the scientist in her, that had to unlock the truth.

“No! Using the orb again is wrong! I will never-” Twilight stopped when she noticed she was already feeding magic into the crystal, as she swore under her breath. But still, she watched, as an image of a very happy Rarity swam into view. Twilight wanted to change the view point, but stopped, as she watched Rarity pull out a hidden book, and crack open the cover.

“Hey,” Spike greeted from next to Twilight, “I recognize that book. 50 dishes for love.”

“Yeah,” Twilight muttered. “I never knew Rarity practiced cooking in her free time.”

“I guess there’s a lot you don’t know about the mare you’re ‘dating,’” Spike laughed, taking joy in the fact that if anything, Twilight would fail soon enough, and he could try to rebound.

“You’re right, I don’t...” Twilight muttered, as she watched the mare read, and write down a list. Twilight started to realize her eyes effortlessly flowed with the pen, the simple grace that Rarity owned while she read, even something as simple as a cook book. She was- No brain! Stop it! I can’t love her! I need to come clean. I need to... Is she planning an apple and cranberry fritter? With a vintage Sierra Blanca? For two? I think I can wait a night to come clean...

That night, like clockwork, Rarity invited Twilight over, and promised it would be something magical. Twilight happily replied, and was ready to act like she had never acted before.

“Darling, I made you a special treat,” Rarity purred as she sat Twilight down at the table, the meal covered by silver.

“Rarity, you didn't have to,” Twilight smiled. “But thank you. I can tell you put a lot of work into this. It smells absolutely wonderful.”

“Thank you darling. I-” Rarity paused, unable to contain her giggle. “Twilight, you’re licking your lips.”

Twilight blushed, and try as she might was unable to stop herself blushing harder by the second. “I said it smells good-” Twilight began, til she noticed Rarity was still behind her, rubbing her shoulders, and lightly giggling in Twilight’s ear.

“I’m glad you like it then, my love.”

“I like all of it. Any of it,” Twilight tired, “I mean- Rarity, I love what you've done for me. How you make me feel, and how I make you feel.” Where the hay did that come from?

“You make me feel wonderful,” Rarity whispered as she hugged Twilight from behind, then happily took her seat. “Cheers, my love.”

“Cheers,” Twilight smiled, lifting her crystal glass to Rarity’s, as the world grew softer, and all that mattered anymore was the mare sitting across from her. They happily ate the meal Rarity had made with the utmost of her love, and drank the wine she had been saving for that special occasion. It was, all in all, a wonderful date by Twilight’s standards.

“Thank you Rare Bear,” Twilight giggled, playing with her empty glass, “I had... a most wonderful time.”

“My pleasure Darling,” Rarity smiled as she picked up Twilight’s plate and topped off her glass. Twilight just sat and enjoyed the feeling, her tipsy nature being not at all new to the mare. She welcomed the warm embrace of the wine, and all it entailed. Soon, the lavender mare felt a pair of hooves on her back, gently massaging her.

“Rarity,” Twilight murmured.

“Yes, my love?” Rarity whispered into Twilight’s ear.

“Please, don’t stop...” Twilight purred. She had not realized how bad her back felt from all those hours of reading.

“I had no intentions too,” Rarity cooed, and kissed Twilight’s neck. Twilight giggled, and turned her head to give Rarity the best possible reach. But a small thought cropped up in Twilight’s mind. I can’t. She needs somepony that loves her, not just uses her. I need to do what is Right by Rarity... Thankfully, fate spared her tonight, as a knock interrupted the pair, much to Rarity’s disapproval and Twilight’s shocking own.

“Heya Miss Rarity,” Derpy sang through gritted teeth as she held onto a package. “Got your mail here.”

“Miss Derpy, it’s 9 o’clock.”

“Yep,” Derpy smiled.

“At night,” Twilight chided, stepping in next to Rarity.

“Oops, my bad. I thought I was late for work. I was wondering why it was so dark out...”

“It’s fine darling,” Rarity giggled, taking the package offered. “Would you care for some tea?” What? Really? We were just getting to the good part! Where does Rarity- why am I upset that she’s stalling. I should be happy. Am I falling for her?

“No, I have to get back home apparently,” Derpy smiled. “If Time figures out he and Dinky are alone, he’ll spoil her rotten with ice cream.”

“Oh dear. At least he loves your daughter,” Rarity giggled. “Not many colts are like that nowadays, taking in another's foal as if they were their own.”

“Yeah, he’s great with Dinky. It’s like he has a second heart, full of love for kids.”

“Haha, that’s so wonderful. Take care darling. My offer stands for the next time you find yourself here,” Rarity smiled.

“Thanks Rarity,” Derpy smiled. “You’re a great friend.” Oh, that’s right. Rarity is the most generous of ponies... So much so that she’s losing profits. But the town always helps repay her for her help. Rarity is... amazing. How did I never look at her like this before?

With Derpy flying away, Rarity sighed, and closed the door. Was it the light, or did Rarity look younger tonight than Twilight was used to seeing her? “Darling?”

“What? Sorry, I was lost in thought,” Twilight smiled.

Rarity giggled and blushed, “You were staring at me.”

“I was, wasn't I?” Twilight nodded. “I just never seemed to realize how... how lucky I am...” Twilight said as it dawned on her. Despite all of her reservations, she was falling for Rarity, and Rarity for her. Maybe fate was real, because she could all of the sudden see herself loving this mare for years to come. “I better head home,” Twilight suddenly said, straightening up.

“So soon?” Rarity asked, a bit hurt.

“I love you, but I’m-” Twilight stalled. “I have no idea what’s happening. Everything has changed so fast. I was not prepared for this.”

“Prepared for what darling? You came over to me... Drunk...” Rarity recalled her version of the story. “By Celestia’s beard, you were. And now when you've had another drink, I’m trying to take advantage of you again!”

“No, Rarity, it’s-”

“Oh I am the worst pony ever!” Rarity cried, sinking to her flanks. “How could I-”

Twilight did the only thing she knew would stop the mare’s rant, as she just pulled the mare into a kiss. Rarity went rigid with shock, then melted like Twilight had that afternoon. “Just calm down Rare Bear. I’m new at this, and I don’t know what to do. I’m scared, I never thought you would actually love me- back!”

“You are truly amazing Twilight Sparkle,” Rarity chuckled. “You answered fates call.”

“I told you, I hate fate.”

“You hate the lack of control my love,” Rarity corrected. “But I love you as well. I’m not afraid of what there is between us, my love. I welcome it, with open forelegs.”

“I want to as well,” Twilight managed, hugging Rarity. “Help me. Be my rock.” Be my rock? Good heavens, I’m becoming as dumb as Rainbow Dash...

“Always, my love. I will always be there for you.”

“Me too then,” Twilight smiled as she pulled back. She leaned in for another kiss, wanting that feeling of strength that followed, but this time, it was different. It felt like her heart slowed down, to better match Rarity’s. They broke the kiss, but kept their heads touching, their breath mixing. Twilight was breathing heavy, just like the white mare. Rarity’s warmth was a drug to Twilight right now, one that she would never give up.

They kissed again, and again, and again, tearing a path to the bedroom, knocking over Rarity’s table here, or breaking the door on her dressing room, getting a little too heated. Twilight didn't stop when she felt her lip bleeding from Rarity’s eager kisses, nor did she stop when she tripped on the throw rug, pulling Rarity to the floor of the bedroom.

No, tonight, the floor would do just fine. It gave no complaints as Rarity feathered her kisses down Twilight’s neck. It said not a peep when Twilight nipped Rarity’s ear, then neck, then shoulder, trailing her soft yet pleasing love bites. It offered support when Rarity’s own dam broke, and she moaned and cried as Twilight went to town, just following instinct. The floor was the perfect place that night, where two ponies decided their passion had taken them, over, and over, and over again. The floor was never so romantic before, or likely again.