New Years Shipping Challenge 2013 – Trixie x Dash
By Indigo Eclipse
A single snowflake drifted through the crisp winter air, descending into the wide streets of Canterlot to land daintily upon the end of Rainbow Dash's nose. She went cross-eyed attempting to look at the little white spot before the warmth of her breath caused it to melt into her fur. Unfortunately for Dash, the flake was only a scout for the army of it's brethren tumbling from the fluffy clouds coating the sky. The cyan pegasus smirked as she stood in front of a shop, glancing wistfully upwards. Now that she wasn't in charge of the weather, it was surprising how these little planned storms caught her off guard. The only days she ever cared about the weather was on show days. Even then, the Wonderbolts had staff that managed the schedules and ensured the weather was just right to please the audience. It figured that it would snow on her way day off. Oh well, she had an appointment to keep at the community center, so snow or no snow, she couldn't sleep the day away.
Blowing a bit of her rainbow colored bangs from her eyes, she admired the faux-fur lined flier’s jacket in the story's window once more before turning to trot down the cold street. Everywhere she looked, other ponies were scrambling to get indoors before the snow covered them, the cobblestones already fading from grey to white. There was no hurry in Dash's step as her hooves rang out on the paved street. For all the hectic madness of training, fans and shows, these little moments in which she could walk in the relative stillness of the falling snow and be truly alone, were priceless. She took a deep breath, letting the sharp cold burn her lungs before exhaling in a puff of white.
Minutes passed and soon the streets were desolate. It was going to be a doozey of a snow storm and very few ponies wanted to be out in it. Already her coat had cooled enough that the snow was no longer melting against it. Tickling her feathers and ears. The sky had darkened enough that the shops and homes of Canterlot, illuminated the street in halos of yellow.
“Watch and be amazed!” A mare's voice rang out from around the corner, breaking the evening tranquility.
Curious, Dash peeked around the brick wall of a shop, noting a blue unicorn standing in front of a beat-up cart. She seemed to be gesturing wildly, attempting to coax a passing couple of mares to stay a while and listen. Dash recognized the pony, with her azure coat and sunflower blue mane, topped with a purple magician's hat and cape that fluttered in the cool winter breeze.
“Please, stay and the great and powerful Trixie shall leave you in awe!” She threw her hooves up, a pair of yellow fireworks popped behind her.
The couple startled at the noise, bouncing back a few feet before one shook her head softly while the two mares continued on down the darkened streets.
The magic mare waved a frantic hoof at them. “Wait! You didn't give Trixie a chance to...” She trailed off, arm going still before she let it droop, giving a heavy sigh. She sat back on her haunches, bathed in the yellow light from house behind her, looking rather pathetic.
Dash trotted up quietly, the snow and Trixie's thoughts shielding her presence till she stood directly in front of unicorn. “Hey, Trixie.”
The voice startled the azure mare, causing her to jump a little. “OH! You scared m-Trixie.” She tilted her head slightly, “Trixie knows you...”
The rainbow-maned pony smirked, “Well, I'd hope so. I am a Wonderbolt after all.” She stated with pride, pressing one hoof to her chest.
“No, no, that's not what I-Trixie means.” She looked over the pony a few quiet moments more. “Ah, you're from Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle's friend.” She smiled as the other mare nodded.
“Yeah, that's me. So what's up?”
“Oh, putting on a show for the fair citizens of Canterlot.” Trixie swept her hoof outward to gesture at the empty city.
Dash glanced down one side of the street, then the other. Only flurries of snow-flakes kept them company. “Uh-huh.” She shook her head. “You might wanna call it a night, the snowstorm will probably last till morning. The streets will get really cold soon.”
The magician nodded then hesitated. “I know we've not always seen eye to eye, but...thank you for the concern.”
“Hey, it's cool. Twilight forgave you, so it's no big thing. Besides, us performers have to look out for each other, right?”
Trixie gave a sad smile, eyes not meeting Dash's. “Yes, of course.” There was a long silence till Dash shrugged and began to trot away.
“Anyhoof, I'm heading home. Take care.” She glanced over her shoulder as she spread her wings for the flight home, noticing the other pony was tugging a blanket from her little cart. She halted watching Trixie slide the blanket under the cart, it's top just big enough to shield her body from the snow-fall. “Wait, you're not going to sleep out here are you? It's freezing.”
Her words froze the azure mare. “I...Trixie has no where else to go tonight.” She tilted her chin up, eyes determined. “Trixie will make it on her own four-hooves, no matter what it takes.”
“Yeah, I can respect that...” Dash shook her head. A part of her found it ironic that the Wonderbolts had taught her less about flying and more about empathy. A couple years ago she would have flown off and not looked back. With a defeated sigh, she turned to trot back towards the little cart. “How about some hot chocolate. Stuff hits the spot on a cold night like this. I know a really awesome little place just around the corner.”
Trixie seemed conflicted. “That does sound...nice.” She slipped a pouch from a hidden pocket in her cape and turned away from Dash. The pegasus could hear the soft clinking of coins and the magician mare whispering to herself. At last, she turned and shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, but the great and powerful Trixie must budget herself.”
Dash rolled her eyes. “My treat then.”
“No, no. Trixie refuses your charity. If Trixie can't earn her own way then she doesn't want it.”
The pegasus groaned to herself. This is what she got for trying to be a nice pony. “Look, I tell you what. If you stop using your name like that, I'll take it as payment for the hot chocolate.”
Trixie pondered the offer a few moments before her belly gave a rumble. Sheepishly the mare smiled. “Erm, throw in some hay-fries and Trix-I mean, I will accept your offer.”
Dash grinned. "Deal."
A short trip down the street and around a corner and the two ponies were warm inside of a Joe's cafe sipping hot chocolate. Trixie set her mug down, letting her hooves rest on each side of the ceramic surface, soaking up the heat. “Mmm, this really is good.”
“Yeah, always hits the spot on a rainy day or a snow day.” Dash poked at a melting marshmallow on top of the brown liquid. They were the only two customers, with just the owner cleaning up somewhere in the back. Dash was a regular, and Joe loved having a celebrity Wonderbolt visit, so just for her, he'd kept the store open a bit longer. “Fries good too?” She asked before lifting her mug between her hooves and sipping.
Trixie glanced down at the empty plate, blushing softly. “Yes. Thank you.”
Dash looked across the table at the other mare, deciding what to say. It was harder now that she was a Wonderbolt. They had a public image they had to maintain. She'd been yelled at so many times for smart-mouthing the media and rowdy fans, that it forced her to be a little more cautious at what came out of her muzzle.
“Were you...going to sleep under your cart?” She gestured out the darkened window at the shadowy shape of the double wheeled cart parked in the street.
Trixie looked away, ears lowering.
“Hey, it's no big thing. I used to sleep on clouds all day. Even when I was suppose to be working.” She smiled, trying to break the tension.
The unicorn sighed. “Trix-I mean, I've had a bit of a bad year.” Her eyes didn't lift from the mug rolling softly between her hooves.
“Look, I get wanting to do your own thing. It's all I've ever done.” She leaned across the table, as though she was sharing a secret, lowering her voice a notch. “Just between us performers, I know how hard it is not to want anypony's help.” The unicorn nodded in agreement. “Hey Trixie, we're both show-biz ponies. We both want to wow the crowds and hear them call our names. Gotta do whatcha love, right?” Another nod. "Sometimes it's a struggle...” Dash trailed off, thinking back to all the times her friends helped her out of slumps. She missed them. Sure, she got to see them every now and then. Mostly during the holidays, but she was so busy with her dream that the pegasus didn't have much time to take a trip to Ponyville anymore. It was bittersweet, but she knew the memories of their time together would help her moving forward.
Looking across the table, Dash felt a pang of pity and the sense of a kindred spirit. While they'd had disagreements in the past, Trixie was as much a show-pony as she was. Perhaps that was why they'd just about came to blows before. She found her eyes tracing the slight curve of the mare's muzzle and fought from staring as Trixie's violet eyes flickered up at her. Dash shook her head clear, wondering what that strange tightness in her chest was all about.
“Hey, listen. You know, and I know that you can put on a crazy show. You're just in a slump, that's all.” Dash gave her trademark smirk. “You just need a good audience, that's all.”
Trixie gave a bitter laugh. “Hah, if I can get them to stop five minutes and watch. They say it's all in the presentation.” She sharply thrust a hoof towards the shadowy shape of her broken down cart. “It's a lot harder to prove you got what it takes when I'm forced to lug that old thing around.”
A bit of inspiration sparked in Dash's head. She smiled, sly as a fox before tipping back her mug, draining it of the last of the sugary liquid. Setting the mug down in a loud clunk, she raised her voice. “Hey, Joe, we're leaving now. Thanks for staying open late.”
The owner poked his head out of the kitchen. “Oh hey, no problem Rainbow Dash. See you next time.”
The pegasus nodded before slipping from her chair. “Come on Trixie.”
Trixie looked up from her empty mug, blinking in surprise. “Oh...” She glanced out at the falling snow. “At least I was warm for a little while.” Defeated, she slid from her seat, following the other pony to the door.
Outside, the wind had picked up a little, gusting the white flakes around, causing them both to shiver as they stepped from the warmth of the cafe. “Well...thank you for the hot chocolate, Rainbow Dash. It was...nice of you.” She gave her a little smile before turning towards her cart.
Dash grinned. “Hey, where are you going?”
Puzzled, Trixie looked over her shoulder. “What do you mean?”
“Got one more stop to make, thought you'd like to tag along.”
“I...I suppose anything is better than staying out in this weather.” She gave Dash a slight smile.
The pair trotted down the empty streets, sharing the quiet together. Dash found it nice to have somepony enjoy the simple pleasure of the silent street. Well, silent except the click of their hooves and the creaking of a worn axle on the cart. Before long she halted in front of a small building nestled between large oak trees. Even through the curtain of snow, Trixie could make out the bright white and black sign over the door.
"Community Center? What are we doing here?"
Dash smirked, "Just gonna pop in and say hello to a few friends." She stepped forward, opening the door. "Come on, it'll be fun."
____________________________________________________________________
“And that's why you gotta stick to your dreams.” Dash finished, looking down at the crowd of fifteen fillies that sat around her, enraptured by her story of becoming a Wonderbolt. Further back in the community room, the mothers were smiling at the group, a few whispering softly to each other.. Trixie stood off the side, a little confused, but happy to be warm and amused at Dash's story.
The pegasus beamed at the little ponies gazing so adoringly at her. There were a lot of perks to being a Wonderbolt, this was certainly one of them. She'd found that she could sign all the autographs in the world, but nothing came close to the wonderment of a little pony's face when they met their heroine. A small part of her wondered if the other members of her team felt the same way.
“Hey Filly Scouts. Did you know I brought you a surprise this time?” They all gasped and giggled in excitement.
“What'd you bring us, Rainbow Dash?” A little unicorn asked, bouncing on her hooves.
“Oh, is it a manticore?” An earth filly asked to which Dash shook her head.
“Mm...is it Soarin?” Another asked, clutching her half-eaten box of cookies to her chest, glancing around fearfully. Dash groaned inwardly, even little foals were afraid that colt would eat their sweets.
“No, even better. Do you fillies like magic?” They all nodded quickly, especially the unicorns. “Well, I brought a real live magician for tonight's Filly Scout meeting.” A few of the little ponies gasped in excitement as Dash swept a hoof towards Trixie, much to the mare's surprise. “This is the great and powerful Trixie! Come on Filly Scouts, give her a hoof.”
Dash stepped aside, grinning ear to ear as the little ponies clapped their hooves together, bright eyes looking back at Trixie expectantly. Never one to miss a chance to preform, Trixie vanished in a puff of smoke, reappearing in front of the fillies, causing 'oohs' and a few gasps of surprise.
“It is I, the great and powerful Trixie! Prepare to be amazed!” She proclaimed, getting another round of excited clapping before she launched into a show filled with magic and wonder.
An hour later, the mothers thanked Dash and Trixie before rounding up the little foals and leaving the community center. Trixie was watching them out the window until they vanished into the curtain of snow and shadows. Smiling, she turned to find Dash grinning slyly at her.
“Well, that was most unexpected.” Trixie began.
“Hey, it was fun. They loved your show.”
Trixie tilted her head. “It's odd. The last time we met, I thought you were an arrogant pony who didn't care about anypony but herself.”
“Right back at you.” They shared a laugh.
“But seriously, I never took you as a pony who, well, cared about other pony's feelings.”
Dash trotted up to look out the window with her. “Yeah...before I became a Wonderbolt, I was so afraid of what other ponies might think of me. Now...I just do what feels right.”
Trixie glanced at her, thoughtfulness in her eyes. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash. It's hard for me to accept any pony's help, but tonight was just what I needed.”
Dash smiled before turning to cross the room, flicking the lights off to dip the room into shadows, bathing them in the gentle glow from the window. She popped open a trunk by the door and nosed about before pulling a heavy blanket from the container. She trotted back to the window, laying it on the floor at Trixie's hooves. “Center wont mind if you stay here for the night. The mare who owns it is pretty cool. It's not a fancy hotel, but hey, it's outta the cold.”
Trixie looked down at the blanket, then back up at Dash. “I...Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I'm sorry I was such a jerk to you, those years ago.”
The pegasus waved a hoof dismissively, “Meh, it's no biggy.”
The unicorn used her magic to fling the blanket up into the air, floating it down to cover her back. She gave the pegasus a sheepish grin. “Can I ask one more favor?”
“Huh? Yeah, sure.”
“W-would you stay with me tonight? It'd be nice just to have some pony to talk to for once. Being on the road does get a little lonely.”
Dash hesitated, looking at the unicorn's needful eyes. “Well...on one condition.”
Trixie raised an eyebrow. “And that is?”
“I saw your show, so you have to come see mine in a couple days.”
The unicorn laughed, bright and cheerful as she snuggled down into the blanket. “It's a date.”
With that settled, Rainbow Dash slipped her nose under the edge of the blanket and wiggled under to be closer to the other pony. They weren't touching coats, but she could feel the other pony's warmth and somehow, it was soothing.
And so, the two mares watched the quiet snowfall outside, swapping stories of their adventures and boastful reenactments of their amazing feats long into the evening before they both drifted off to sleep, side by side.
Author's Note
I actually found this shipping pair to be difficult. I think it's because they were so hostile towards each other in the show, and share a lot of the same personality traits. So I tried to envision how Dash would act once she reached her dream and mellowed out a little. It's just suppose to be sweet and a start to their relationship. The whole point of this challenge was to take the pairings that other ponies gave me and see if I could make it work. Hit or miss, I gave it a go.
NYSC2013: Cadance x Twilight
New Years Shipping Challenge – Cadance x Twilight Sparkle
By Indigo Eclipse
Celestia's sun rode high on the tapestry of blue with a small sprinkling of clouds to keep it company. Citizens went about their business in the city of Canterlot, but above the streets and behind the closed doors of Cadance's room in Castle Canterlot, two long time friends were saying hello in private.
“Sunshine, Sunshine, ladybugs awake.” Cadance and Twilight sang to each other, covering their eyes with their hooves.
“Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They ended their traditional greeting by wiggling their rumps at each other, then rolling onto their sides laughing.
The pink alicorn crawled up next to the smaller purple unicorn and nuzzled at her neck, her violet, rose and gold colored mane rubbing against her coat. “Why do we still do that silly little dance?”
Twilight grinned up at Cadance, placing one of her fore-hooves over the alicorn's. “Because it makes us smile.” Her answer made them both giggle like fillies. “Besides, I don't mind wiggling my rump at you.”
“Nor, I” Cadance ran the tip of her nose along Twilight's cheek, stroking through her soft fur, enjoying the scent of lavender, books and ink. She gave a little laugh as her body leaned against the other pony. “Why is it, you always smell like work? You really need to take more time off, Twilight.”
The unicorn smirked, pressing back to the alicorn's affections. “Mmm...but you say you love how I smell.”
“True...” Cadance nibbled her teeth into Twilight's fur. “But your scent, not books.”
“Mmm...” Twilight answered, tilting her head up so the alicorn could nuzzle under her chin, nipping gently at her neck. “I'll remember to take a bath next time I come over.” A heat rose to her cheeks. “Or...maybe we can take one together?”
Cadance laughed, unfurling a wing to blanket the smaller pony. “Oh, Twilight. You've become so bold.” A sly smile crawled across her muzzle. “Perhaps I should take a page from your book.” She leaned her face close to Twilight's, opening her mouth ever so slightly to place the gentlest of touches with her tongue against the unicorn's horn. Twilight gave a soft moan, tilting her head towards the pink muzzle. “Oh, my. You like that?” Twilight nodded, careful not to poke Cadance as she licked a little longer against the fluted surface, her fore-hooves wrapping around Twilight's neck to pull her closer.
The alicorn's lips and tongue danced and teased against the unicorn's horn with practiced precision causing it to glow ever so softly under the loving attention.
“Ahhh” The purple pony moaned. “Why does it always feel as good as the first time?”
Cadance giggled before tilting her head and kissing up the length of the rod. “Practice makes perfect.” She ran her fore-hoof through Twilight's mane. “Do you remember the first night you asked me to do this for you?”
Twilight blushed hotly. “Y-yeah. I was so embarrassed.”
The alicorn swirled her tongue around the base of the horn before rubbing her nose against the others ear, her warm breath making Twilight shiver ever so softly. “I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you trusted me enough to let me show you what it's like to be loved.”
Giggling nervously, Twilight nodded. “You are the element of love, after-all.” She opened her eyes half-lidded. “I-I'd like to try some things with you.” She glanced up at the pink pony, hope in her eyes. “Can I?”
Cadance smiled warmly, her hoof still curling through the other pony's soft mane. “Of course. You can't learn everything from a book. Sometimes you need more hooves-on practice.”
Twilight stood up circling around the seated alicorn so her head was near the others flank. She leaned her head down, opened her mouth, letting her teeth brush against the fur that made up Cadance's cutie mark. There Twilight hesitated, glancing over to Cadance for approval. The pony nodded with a knowing smile, watching the unicorn lean in to nibble at her flank...
“Twily? Cadance?” A male voice rang out from somewhere out in the hall. Twilight groaned and hung her head as the alicorn stood, stepping just out of her reach. The unicorn glanced at her lover.
“I thought Shining was suppose to be gone for the afternoon?” She whispered, slight irritation in her voice.
Cadance shrugged just before there was a knock as the large white and gold door swung open revealing a white unicorn with a blue mane. Twilight wondered what the point of the knock was if he was just going to come right in.
“Oh, there you are.” Twilight's brother and captain of the Royal Guard walked calmly over to kiss his wife. “Celestia wants us to be at the dinner tonight and said you two should go out shopping for something to wear. Her treat.”
Cadance nuzzled her love then kissed him sweetly. “We'd love to Shiny. What are you going to wear?” Twilight saw the love in both their eyes and while she was very happy for them, she felt the smallest pang of jealousy that she and Cadance could never, ever be a real couple.
While two chatted about the dinner and preparations, she thought back to all the moments as a young mare coming of age and how Cadance had been there for her. While her parents had given her the birds and the bees talk and she'd read more biology books than she could count, it was her foal-sitter who had been so kind to teach her how it felt. Ever patient, ever gentle and never pushy. She'd always waited for Twilight to ask for something a little more. To let the young filly's curiosity be the deciding factor in their unusual relationship and not Cadance's opinion of what she should know. Now that she was older, Twilight thanked her lucky stars for such a teacher and understood how terrible it could have gone with the wrong pony.
For years the two of them had danced around her brother so he'd never know the secret. How sad that her acceptance into Celestia's magic school and becoming the Sun-Goddess' protege, would cut their close ties. At least temporarily. Now that schooling was finished and living in Ponyville had given her more freedom, it came as a surprise that the first time she'd have to reconnect with her foal-sitter and sometimes lover, was just before her brother was to marry her.
Why did life have to be so ironic? With Cadance back in her life she didn't want to hide it anymore, but now that her brother and Cadance were married, it forced them to dance around the issue, neither of them willing to let the other go. She knew it would be kind of awkward and the conversation in her head went a little something like: “So BBBFF, Cadance and I are lovers and we've been foaling around since I was a filly.” She could imagine his shock and outrage. Accusing eyes and yelling from the brother she loved so much. Then she was sure Princess Celestia would find out. Twilight shuttered at the thought of her mentor's stern and disapproving stare.
“Twily? Twily?” Shining called her out of her internal thoughts. “Are you ok? You don't look so good.” He stepped close to hug his little sister.
Twilight glanced over his shoulder at Cadance, the alicorn was meeting her gaze and while she wore a gentle smile on her lips, her eyes were sad. “I'm fine, Shining.” She said with more conviction than she felt. She gave him a reassuring hug then pulled back, faking a smile just for him. “We'll go get dresses for the dinner party. It'll be a girl's day out.”
“Oh, that's great. Princess Luna wanted to tag along too.” He hesitated. “Um, if that's ok with you.”
“Of course! Tell the Princess to meet us out front.” What she really wanted to say was, 'No, I want Cadance all to myself. I don't get enough time with her.' But she didn't. When did she start lying so much?
The matter settled, Shining gave his wife a parting kiss then trotted out of the room, clicking the large door shut behind him.
Twilight hung her head, lost in her thoughts as she felt a warm rub up against her side. She could smell the sweet rose scent of Cadance and sighed heavily, afraid to meet the eyes of the pink alicorn.
“I'm sorry, Twilight. I know you wanted time with me.” She kissed the unicorn's cheek. “Maybe...maybe it was a mistake to rekindle our relationship.” She looked towards the door. “If Shiny found out...I'm not sure how he'd react.”
“Or Princess Celestia.”
They both looked at each other and grimaced. Twilight nuzzled into Cadance's soft neck, letting her sweet scent calm the tightness in her chest. “Should we keep doing this? We're going to get caught eventually. I know it's not right...we should stop while we can.”
Cadance kissed Twilight's forehead and pulled her tight to her side with her wing. “Do you really want to?” She used a hoof to raise Twilight's face, looking down at her with loving eyes.
The unicorn shook her head slightly, keeping eye contact. “No, no I don't. I see how you and Shining look at each other, I know you love him, and you love me too, right?”
“Of course, Twilight. You shouldn't have to ask.” She rubbed noses, smiling warmly. “I love you and I love Shiny. Remember what I told you when you first asked me to teach you about love?”
Twilight thought for a moment. “Sort of.”
The alicorn started towards the door, pulling the other pony along with her wing draped over her back. “I told you that I would never ever force you to do anything you felt uncomfortable with. I also told you that no matter what, if you wanted to end it, I would never love you any lesser for it. I've never regretted our time together.”
Twilight gave a nod of her head, leaning against the slightly larger pony, their coats ruffling. “I remember. I don't want to end it, Cadance.”
“Then eventually, we're going to get caught. It's not a matter of if it's a matter of when. I'm not trying to scare you, Twilight. I just want you to be prepared.”
The unicorn gave a thoughtful nod, agreeing with her. “I know. It's just...scary.”
“Love can be scary.” Cadance nuzzled her warmly. “Now, come on, Princess Luna is probably waiting for us.”
Twilight's heart just wasn't into dress shopping. She sort of followed along behind Cadance and Luna as they stopped in store after store, lost in her own thoughts. She did notice whenever the Princess of the Night would glace back at her, a strange sort of curious look on her face. As though she wondered what Twilight was up to. The unicorn would meet her glances with a forced smile, then return to the problems swimming in her head once the alicorn's look wandered elsewhere.
She was dimly aware that Luna insisted on stopping into a dress shop with corsets, saddles and a lot of dark colors. She nodded and smiled as Luna showed off her picks. They were old fashion but cute on the sleek alicorn. Cadance refused to try one on, afraid all the dark shades would clash horribly with her pink coat. The adventurous side of Twilight imagined Cadance in a white corset with matching silk socks. Even the faintest of mental images caused a tightness between Twilight's hind-legs and a hot blush to rise to her cheeks. Unfortunately for her, both of the alicorns noticed, though they said nothing at the time.
While Luna was paying for her purchase, Cadance slid up beside the other pony and lightly rump-bumped her. “Bit for your thoughts? What was with the blush?”
Twilight fought the heat rising to her cheeks as the mental image of Cadance slipped through her mind again. “I um...I was imagining you in an outfit.”
“Oh? What kind?” She seemed genuinely curious.
“I-uh-” Twilight fidgeted, scuffing the floor slightly with a fore-hoof. “White corset with lace and white silk socks that rode up to your...” She trailed off, too embarrassed to continue as the alicorn giggled.
“I guess I have some shopping to do later.” The alicorn teased, making the other pony look away, blushing so hard her light purple cheeks had gone violet.
“Everything alright?” Luna asked as she trotted up, glancing from one pony to the other.
“Oh, Twilight was just telling me what kind of dress she thought I'd look cute in.”
Luna's eyebrow rose. “I must confess that my curiosity is peaked.” She smiled to the unicorn. “Surely Twilight, you must try one of these outfit. I think a black saddle with silver stars would be ever so cute on you.”
“Ah, no that's ok Princess. Thank you for the offer though.”
Luna shrugged and led the group out of the shop. The rest of the afternoon went easily enough. Twilight eventually settled on a simple purple dress with blue lace on the hem. She wouldn't have cared what she got but Cadance made the comment that it looked wonderful on her, and so she decided that she had to have it. Cadance picked out a faintly pink dress with gold trim and a sleek shape that hugged her rump a little. When she stepped out of the dressing room with it on, and Twilight's jaw dropped, the alicorn knew it was perfect.
With the outfits chosen, paid for and set to deliver to the castle that evening, the three ponies made their way back to the castle. Cadance stepped inside first and as Twilight went to follow her, Luna touched her shoulder causing her to pause.
“A moment, Twilight Sparkle.”
“Yes, Princess Luna?”
“Is my sister aware of Cadance and you being romantically involved?”
Twilight's eyes went wide and felt her jaw go slack. “H-how did you?”
“I was not certain, but you have just confirmed it. I have had my suspicions since the wedding.”
“OH, please don't tell Princess Celestia. Or my brother! Please, please, please.”
The alicorn gave a little smirk. “I shall not tell, but I warn you that if they are not already aware, they will soon discover it themselves.” She smiled at the smaller pony, though her eyes seemed sad. “I offer a bit of advice, Twilight Sparkle, as you did for me on Nightmare Night.” She leaned close. “Tell them. Let them hear the conviction of your love from your own lips and not from others.”
“I'll consider it, Princess. I've been thinking about it a lot and...you're right. Thank you for your concern and advice.”
“Certainly.” The alicorn gave a nod as she rose up to her dignified stance. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for tonight's gathering.” She gave Twilight a gentle smile before brushing past her to leave the unicorn alone with her thoughts.
___________________________________________________________________
“Big brother?” Twilight asked as she poked her head into the Captain's quarters.
The white unicorn had a quill in his magical aura, scribbling away at parchments on his large red oak desk. Piles of papers were stacked on each side, threatening to topple over. He glanced up, a smile on his lips for his little sister. “Hey, Twily, what's up?”
Twilight slipped into his office, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. She took a few deep breaths to steady her nerves before taking the last few steps to stand in front of his desk. “I...I really need to talk to you. It's important.”
His sister's pleading and yet serious tone caused Shining to pause his writing. The colt set aside the quill and gave his full attention to the purple unicorn. “Sure, Twily. That's what big brothers are for.” He slipped from his chair to trot around and stand close to his little sister. “What's on your mind?”
The mare closed her eyes and took another deep breath. “It's about Cadance.” Shining simply nodded, not interrupting her as she gathered her thoughts. “I-I don't want you to hear it from any other pony, so I wanted to tell you myself.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “Cadance and I...we...I mean that is...” She rubbed a fore-hoof against the side of her head. “Oh, this is so hard.”
Shining smiled reassuringly to his sister. “Hey, take your time Twily.”
“We-we've been fooling around...a bit.” She watched his face, afraid of what was to come. “I'm sorry, big brother. I really am, I just can't help it. I know she's your wife now and all but I-”
“Shhh, it's ok.” He pulled her into a hug cutting off her rapid explanation. “I already know.”
Twilight went stiff in his hooves. “Y-you do?”
“For a long time.” He let her slip from his hooves to stare at him in disbelief.
“But you've never said anything.”
He shrugged and put a fore-hoof around her shoulder, pulling her against his side. “I didn't need to. What you and Cadance have is really special. You learned from her what I or Mom or Dad could never teach you. You're really smart Twily. Maybe too smart. You never get out and do things, you just like to read about it.”
“B-but how can you be so calm, she's your wife now.”
“I knew what was going on. I think it was her kindness and understanding when dealing with you that made me begin to love her. Cadance's heart is really big. Big enough for both of us. I love her Twily and I knew this was going to come up one day, but I wanted to wait till you were ready to face it. I accepted how you two felt about each other a long time ago.”
“So it's ok?” Tears were trickling out of the corners of Twilight's eyes.
Shining brushed away one of those tears with a fore-hoof as he smiled at her. “As long as I get time with my wife, I'm fine with it. Really.” He stood, pulling Twilight up with him. “Come on, follow me.”
Twilight did as she was bid, trotting along behind her brother in silence, still trying to wrap her head around the conversation when he opened a door and nudged her inside.
“Oh, Shiny, and Twilight. Are you two ready to get dressed for the dinner?” Cadance exclaimed, looking up from a book as she reclined on the small couch inside her bedroom.
Shining grinned, pushing a confused purple unicorn in front of him till she was standing in front of the Princess. He leaned over her shoulder to kiss his wife, sharing a loving smile with her.
“Cadance, Twilight told me about you two.”
The alicorn blinked in surprise, eyes flickering between the other two ponies. “Oh, she did?”
“He needed to know.” Twilight said softly, her eyes looking to her lover, pleading for her not to blame her actions.
Cadance tilted her head at her husband. “How do you feel about it?”
“It's cool. I've known about you two since, hmm.” He tapped a fore-hoof to his chin. “Nightmare Night when you both dressed up as Princesses. I came home early from a party and found you two...well.” He cleared his throat. “It's none of my business what you two were doing exactly. Point is, I know you love me, Cadance, so it doesn't change how I feel about you. As long as you have time for me, I'm ok with it.”
Cadance slipped off the couch to take a few long legged steps forward, pulling both of the other ponies into an embrace. “Oh, Shiny. Thank you for understanding. It really means a lot to me. To both of us.” The couple shared a long, loving kiss before the alicorn released them.
The colt ruffled Twilight's mane a little and gave them both a warm smile. “I still have a few more hours before the party to knock out some paperwork. Why don't you two make use of it.” He gave Cadance a little wink before trotting back to the bedroom door. He pulled it open, clicked the latch to lock it, and closed it tightly behind him.
The pink alicorn swept Twilight up into her hooves and giggled at the unicorn's surprised gasp. “Well, that went better than either of us thought it would.”
Twilight nodded, a smile beginning to creep around her muzzle. “One down, one to go.”
Cadance laughed lightly. “Oh, let's save telling auntie Celestia another night. Deal?”
“Deal.” Twilight leaned out to plant a soft kiss on Cadance's lips. “You know...” She began, turning her head with her horn beginning to glow. A saddle bag slid from under a nearby dresser where she'd left it earlier. The flap folded over and a book levitated over to them in purple aura. “Maybe my big brother is right. I do too much reading and not enough doing.” She flipped the book around so the cover was facing Cadance. 69 Positions for Mares read the cover, bringing a blush to the alicorn's cheeks.
Twilight's magic began to flip through the pages. “I think I'd like to try, 3, 14, and 42.” A playful grin matched her tone, eyes sparkling in excitement.
Cadance kissed the other pony. “Anything for you Twilight.”
Author's Note
This shipping challenge had it's own difficulties to work around. How do you ship a character that's the wife of the other character's brother? This of course is the result of what I came up with. It's sweet with little saucy bits but never straight up adult. Anyhoof, on to the next challenge.
