Dear Princess Celestia, It Gets Better

by Prince Furo

Dear Princess Celestia...

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, I learned a very important lesson. Probably one of the most important ones I've ever learned, or ever will. Princess, today I've learned that it gets better.

Perhaps I should elaborate a little bit...

I like mares, Princess.

I've always known, ever since I was a little filly. But, for years and years, I've kept it to myself. I was so terrified of what other ponies would say or think about me. When I lived in Canterlot, other ponies didn't take too kindly to filly-foolers or colt-cuddlers. They'd say rude things about them. Even my own family didn't really approve of them.

I was scared, Princess.

So, so scared. It's one of the reasons why I was so distant with other ponies. I didn't want friends; what if they found out my horrible secret? They would hate me, wouldn't they? When you assigned me to study the magic of friendship, I was terrified. I didn't want things to end up like they did last time. ...Let me tell you about Moondancer.

Moondancer was my first 'friend'.

As fillies, we were inseparable. We did everything together. She didn't think my love for learning was weird, like other ponies did. Even as we grew up, we stayed as close as ever.

She was beautiful, Princess.

So, so beautiful. An as we got older, I noticed that more and more. When she smiled at me, it was a challenge to not blush. When she laughed, I would feel simply overjoyed. All of my thoughts somehow led back to her.

I... loved her, Princess.

But she wasn't in love with me. She liked a stallion. They're together now, I think. But you don't need to hear about that. I, however, was in love with her. Nothing in my entire life had ever been so clear to me. I wanted her to know so badly, but I just couldn't work up the courage to tell her my feelings. So, I did the next best thing.

I kissed her.

It only lasted a few seconds, until she had realized what was going on. She screamed and slammed her hoof into the side of my face. She called me nasty, nasty things and told me that she hated me. After that, she never really talked to me anymore. We went without speaking for months and months.

When I received an invitation to her birthday party in the mail, I was thoroughly surprised. I knew that Spike was still friends with her, so I guess she thought of us like a packaged deal. I didn't go, and refused to let him go.

But after that incident, I made a vow to myself. A vow to never let anypony get close enough to me like that again. I'll refuse to recklessly fall in love. I'll refuse to have friends. I'll spend my days alone, as a monster such as myself should do.

I was hurt, Princess.

So, so hurt. It still hurts sometimes, even now. But, for the most part, I've learned to block the memory out of my head.

...Let's move on, shall we? Writing this first part has brought back things better left forgotten. Besides, this letter is to tell you about how I learned that things got better. Dwelling on past events is definitely not helpful in any way.

Today, Princess, I decided to tell my friends.

I decided to tell Pinkie Pie first. Not only did I think that she would take it the best, but she'd probably find out on her own if I told somepony else first. It took hours of practicing in the mirror and pacing around the library, but I finally managed to do it. I don't think I'll ever forget the shakiness in my voice when I eventually managed to spurt it out.

All Pinkie did was cock that pretty pink head of hers to the side. A simple “so?” was all she said.

I... was shocked, Princess.

“You're one of my bestest friends, Twilight! What kind of ponies you like could never change that, you silly filly!” After hearing those words, I completely broke down. Not out of grief, but pure happiness. For the first time in my life, I was accepted for who I am. I don't think I've ever experienced a better feeling.

Next came Fluttershy. I expected her to be afraid of me, like she is of so many things. Instead, she responded with a soft, gentle smile. “Oh, Twilight. I'm so happy you were able to tell me.”

And with the rest of my friends, it was smooth sailing. Applejack told me she wasn't too keen on filly-foolers, but the fact that I am one wouldn't change her opinion about me or our friendship.

Rainbow Dash told me that whether I liked mares or stallions, I'd still be her favorite egghead. She also had a confession of her own, and came out to me as a bisexual. Never had I expected any of my close friends to be anything but straight. Scratch that; never had I expected anypony but me to be anything but straight. Those stuck up Canterlot ponies had me believing that for a long, long time.

Rarity was the last one I told, since I expected her to react drastically. Instead, she merely chuckled, and told me that she had always thought I was a filly-fooler. She also said that she would've never asked herself, (because that's one of the rudest things one can possibly ask, according to her), and that she's glad that I told her.

I'm so relieved, Princess.

Never had I ever thought that anypony would still be my friend after finding out that I like mares. For the majority of my life, I believed that I'd live alone, having to hide this secret I once thought was so awful. Now, I can admit the truth to myself, my friends, and you, Princess.

My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I like mares. And, Princess, I've learned that life for ponies like me gets better. So, so much better.

And that is the most important thing I've ever learned. I'm not ashamed anymore. I know who I am, what I am, and what I want. And it's an amazing feeling. I feel like I can do anything now, and I owe that all to my friends.

So, thank you, Princess.

For indirectly introducing me to them. For always being there for me. And, most importantly, for giving me the courage to tell you, and myself this.

Your faithful and filly-fooler student,
Twilight Sparkle

Comments

[Prince Furo]

This was something I was inspired to write after reading the new It Gets Better novel. For those of you who don't know what It Gets Better is, it's basically an organization that helps LGBT youth to see how life will get better for them, even if they're in a tough situation at the moment. If you'd like, check out the website shown above in the cover image.

And much thanks to Sir Cyrus for offering to be my editor and looking this over before it was submitted. You're totally awesome!

So, enjoy!

[Riften Guard]

It's weird how I aways tap/click on stories but don't read'em

[Dubs Rewatcher]

You know, I rather liked that! I wasn't expecting to; the lack of real coverart, the one thumb-down, and the fact that I don't really support the It Gets Better Project...

Very sweet! Thumbed up.

[mines5]

It took me a moment to remember what the cover image was for, I fully support people like that.
Now to read the story

Edit:
Finished reading it, was quite enjoyable and gave me a warm feeling inside.
now if only I could admit things like this to myself…

[WiseIdiot]

Well written with a good message.

29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lltzgnHi5F1qzib3wo1_400.jpg

[Mill]

Maybe a bit short. Definitely sweet enough, though.

[Ivory Dreams]

then a ninja jumps out and throws a bean burito at twilight, it impales itsself onto her horn, getting beans cheese and hot sauce all over her face, the ninja procededs to yell " WASABII!!!" whilst thrusting his hips at her

[Ivory Dreams]

but in all srsness i liked good one shot

[YayFlutters]

“Oh, Twilight. I'm so happy you were able to tell me.”
Hmm...

[pyropyro]

a beautiful story with a beautiful message

[DoctorDash]

This was a very courageous and sweet thing for you to write. Not only is it well written and a good story, but the heart behind it is so wonderful that it wouldn't matter if it was written badly or not; your kindhearted intentions for this shone through and through. Thank you for contributing such a thoughtful piece of open-minded, warm-hearted literature here. It is so simple, so precise, and yet one of the most (if not the most) profound things I've ever read here.

[RangerBeef]

I love it. But I have to admit, I pulled back for a moment when Twilight shared that Rainbow was bisexual. Not because she was bi, but because she just outed Rainbow to the ruler of Equestria. Which is something Rainbow Dash should have done on her own. It wasn't exactly Twilight's place to say that.

I know I'm being picky but it really made me pause for a moment. Other than that one part, I absolutely love it. (And I really don't even mind that part. We all know Dash is pretty proud of who she is, all around.) And I think you nailed their reactions, as well. Great story.

[The Cakemeister]

1559768 I can (for the most part) understand not liking LGBT things, but I don't really see a good reason to dislike the It Gets Better Project.

1559822 Agreed.

1560081 I pulled back a little because it's so obvious, "Which of the mane 6 should be bi? I know, the tomboy with the rainbow-colored mane and tail!"

[ThatGirl2147]

Interesting, to say the least. Mechanically, it's well-written. It also reads like a letter from Twilight Sparkle, if that makes sense. For the message it gives, how it gives it, and how well you've written it, I give this piece Five Shattered Skulls Out of Five.
1560081
Slip of the tongue (quill), perhaps? Twilight's confirmed to have done that before.

[Dubs Rewatcher]

1560273
I suppose I should explain myself, lest people think I'm some sort of homophobe...

Maybe It Gets Better has changed since it first started, but as far as I know, it's a program that tells LGBTQ youths that at some point people will stop bullying them. Am I right?

I've always felt that IGB is just a lazy way to avoid dealing with the problem of bullying. How is a person on the Internet telling you that, at some intangible point in the future, things will be better supposed to stop the person beating you up for being a "faggot" today? We should be putting more pressure on these bullies, rather than just taking it, and treating the bullying like it's normal.

Meh, I'm not on FIMFiction to debate politics. It was a good story.

[Prince Furo]

1560037 Thank you! It's the comments like these that really mean a lot.

1560081 I had a few reasons for having Twilight include that in her letter. The biggest reason is to show that she learned that there are other ponies out there (who, while may not nessecerily share the same sexuality as her), who aren't 100% straight. For the first time, she learned that she wasn't completely alone in that field.
Another reason is, who would Celestia share this information with? And I'm sure she's smart enough to understand that this letter from her student is more personal than others.
I'm glad you liked it, though.

[DoctorDash]

1561510 This is just me, but as far as I know all of the "It Gets Better" videos and things I've seen have emphasized that bullying is not normal and that it's wrong. I think the point is more that there are people who are more accepting and won't discriminate based on orientation (or, really, based on anything at all, but that's how I perceive it). Again, I haven't seen all of their work, so I can't say for sure entirely what they do or don't recommend as far as dealing with bullies; I've found it's less about the group itself, and more about whoever is telling their story. I may be heterosexual myself, but I still sympathize with anyone who's had the courage to tell their story through "It Gets Better" and try to help others who are experiencing similar hardships. I have been bullied and judged for all my life, and hearing their stories and how I can identify with just that particular aspect of it helps me feel encouraged and relieved.

[Dubs Rewatcher]

1561816
Huh. Maybe it's changed since I first saw it.

[thefirewarde]

1560081
The feeling I got, and this wasn't made clear in the story so I could be wrong, is that Dash came out publicly. You would think that Twilight might have a bit more discretion.

[RangerBeef]

1561514 Good point. Regardless, it's an awesome story!

[SwiperTheFox]

*have an upvote*

[Frantic Starz]

whoever down voted this has got to be some kinda jerk it had a beautiful message.

[x0jackie0x]

Aw, that's sweet. :3 Wish my friends were as accepting.