This story is a sequel to Twilight Doesn't
It isn’t often that Rarity can spend time with both Octavia and Vinyl. Twilight and Applejack being available as well makes for a pub dinner not to be forgotten.
Some friendships at the table are closer than others, and some are older than others. As the conversation continues, it also gets a bit personal for all concerned.
(Chronological Note: this story takes place during Season Two.)
(Content Note: contains conversation about sexuality and relationship structure.)
Part of the Elsequestria continuity.
This timeline continues in Lessons for the Teacher.
Chapters (1)
I cannot express how closely I can identify with Twilight's scholastic pursuits? There are many things that I can not express, though only a few of them relate to this story. One thing that I can express, however, is that I really loved the casual tone and organic feeling of this story. As ever, this was brilliantly written, with compelling characters and a relaxing flow of story.
9041409
Thank you so much.
I, too, empathize with Twilight’s love of research. one of the ways I use RPGs is as a platform for further research (”Hey, here’s something I don’t know much about regarding this character / adventure plot! Yay! Let’s find some reliable sources...”) Mercifully, I have learned over the course of time to restrain my enthusiasm in certain social settings.
I also minimize spontaneously bursting into song while role-playing these days, though it /can/ be hard.
This was a really fun and interesting story! It’s also always good to see people discuss alternative relationships and sexuality. Those can be hard to come by in media even today. Hope you write more about this setting! :)
9096394
Indeed I am.
Twilight at her most adorkable, and a Vinyl who can follow along in acoustic matters. I like it.
Rarity and Octavia's history is an intriguing addition to the worldline, and Rarity's regret a poignant capstone to the story. Well done indeed.
Not to get too technical, but I'm feeling that Twilight might end up being either demisexual (needing an emotional bond with somepony (friendship) before romantic feeling can develop) or romantic but still asexual (meaning she's fine with kisses or cuddles, but feels no intimate desires beyond that.)
I could be wrong though, and my bias toward Applejack and Twilight being involved in any fashion my be coloring my assessment.
9174421
No, I don’t think you’re getting too technical. You’re pretty spot on, in fact. I see Twilight as being ace but open to romance.
Celestia, on the other hand, is (in both of my main continuities) both asexual and aromantic. Being partway raised by Celestia and having relied on her for a sense of personal normalcy when she was a filly, Twilight had always assumed that asexual automatically meant aromantic as well... until very recently.
Then the research began in earnest.
Adorkable Twilight is best Twilight. Never pegged Vinyl as the nerdy type, but in this context, it totally works.
w-why is Rarity an idiot?
did I miss something?
Is she just sad about missing her chance with AJ?
Should I just read the chapter again?
9357472
Everyone is nerdy when you hit their subject. Some people have many subjects to nerd out about (Twilight) while some have only a few (Vinyl)
10957408
She’s being very hard on herself for missing her chance with AJ.
The companion piece in the other timeline, when you get to it, covers how and why they broke up in better detail (as well as showing a timeline where they get back together again.)
10957469
I’m enjoying myself. IMMENSELY
This is the most fun I’ve had since reading through the Burritoverse.
10957480
I’m so happy to hear that!
Wait. The... Burritoverse?
I... think I may need to look that one up.
10957592
Here you go.
Not unlike your own. All connected in some fashion.
10957600
Thank you.
I sometimes do what I call "miscellaneous research" when I find a term or idea that I don't understand (often in the annals of pony fanfiction).
I'm also an armchair history enthusiast, which is one of the things that drew me to your series in the first place.
I don't know if I would put myself anywhere near Twilight's level in terms of scholastic knowledge/skill, but I would like to think that if I got to visit Equestria, I could do a semi-intelligent conversation with her over coffee or something.
As to this story, the flow of the conversation was very natural and while I've read any number of stories where ponys sometimes get into "herd" relationships, it's not very often when some of the more unique structures like poly- come into play.