Flash Hoof, a young colt from the slums of Canterlot, trained as an adept thief from childhood by his older brother, has been forced from his home and made to create a new identity for himself.

Now, with his new identity of Flash Sentry, a recent recruit into the royal guards, he must lay low, carefully up keeping this life he has adopted, and avoiding the slightest break in his cover story.

But life has a strange way of throwing distractions into the mix.

This one happens to be named Twilight Sparkle

Disclaimer: This is a restoration of the original story written by yours truly. It may bear striking resemblance to the story of the same name by TheProfessor86, but that was a spinoff of my original work made as a continuation. Also, rated teen for suggestive themes.

There are many axioms in Equestria. "Go with the grain." "Count your blessings." "Strive to be happy with what you have."

And, though left unsaid, the most important one of all: "Know your place."

Although Flash Sentry loves Twilight, she can never know of his love. She can never return the feelings. It wouldn't be proper. After all, social order is more important than fulfilling one's own wishes.

Alternate Universe tag is due to the existence of a caste system in this story. Please keep that in mind as you read.

Thanks to Sir Rustbucket, Draconian Soul, Regidar, and Loopy Legend for editing.

Now Featured on Equestria Daily!

Now with a poem by Fiend from the Darkness!

Now with a YouTube reading by BlackIrisBalloon (and multiple voice actors)!

Now with a Korean translation by Kianoke!

Followed by What Hath Joined Together.

Rated Teen for mild violence and thematic elements.

One day in the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor is asked by both his fellow guard Flash Sentry and his sister Twilight Sparkle for love advice. Being the kind pony he is, he helps them both. After all, it can only be a coincidence. What are the odds of a connection between them asking for love advice on the same day?

Thanks to Resonant Spark for being my editor. I have an editor now.

In the warmth of her cloud home, Rainbow Dash is about to turn in for the night when she hears Scootaloo crying outside in the middle of a vicious blizzard. Plucking the freezing filly from the snow, Rainbow hopes to provide some much-needed comfort for the otherwise tough young pegasus, but she uncovers a disturbing reality that she knows she cannot handle alone.

Knowing only one pony that could really help her out, Rainbow enlists Twilight’s help, determined to set things straight for Scootaloo. But what Rainbow doesn’t know is that in her efforts to provide a better life for the filly, her friendship with Twilight will develop into something more.

Edited by Alcatraz, Rated Ponystar, Rocinante, Ponysopher, Marshal Twilight, Knight of Cerebus, ShimmeringStallion, and Jake The Army Guy

Proofread by Neko Majin C

Scootaloo has never been the best of fliers, especially when compared to her parents. But then again, neither was her brother, Flash. For most of her life, they've both been unable to meet the expectations their parents- and everypony else- have set for them, but they've always been able to take comfort in knowing they would face their problems together.

Now, however, things have changed. Flash is not only a member of Canterlot's Elite Guard, but he is also engaged to a Princess. He has become everything Scootaloo has only dreamed of, and yet she still can't even fly.

Will their relationship be able to survive? Or will Scootaloo abandon him forever?

In all honesty, Twilight Sparkle never had much plans for romance. Sure, she occasionally dreamed about finding that one special somepony, but she never had the chance nor the motivation to actively seek him. I mean, all good things come to those who wait, right?

However, when ‘that one special somepony’ is forcibly shoved right in Twilight’s face, it becomes a whole different ball game.

Lyra explains the unfortunate series of events that drove her to cry when the parasprite devoured her pie. Very minor shipping elements, with Bon Bon, obviously. It was inevitable.

What happens when you realize that your feelings for one of your friends aren't quite the same as your feelings for the rest of them? Do you just prefer some friends for others, or is it a sign of something deeper? What do you do with those feelings? Hide them? Admit them? And how will the rest of your friends react when they find out?

Twilight is going to have to do her best to find the answers, because they're anything but obvious.

------

Yes, this is a story about romance, but I'm trying to use it to explore the relationships between the characters and see how they'd really react if romantic feelings ever did crop up, and how such a development would impact the cast as a whole.

Now with a TvTropes page!

There's also a dramatic reading in progress on youtube, here.

And also an updated verison of the cover, courtesy of Novel Idea.

This story is a sequel to Pick Me Up At Seven

When Pinkie drags Twilight along with her to spy on Applejack and Rainbow Dash's date, Twilight finds herself in romantic limbo with no clear idea what to do next.

Prereading and brainstorming by Tchernobog

Note: This is a sequel and contains massive spoilers for the original story. Reading the original is not necessarily required to enjoy this story, but it is highly encouraged.

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo weren't born sisters, they became sisters by choice. In an attempt to help Apple Bloom, Scootaloo accidentally puts the bond of that sisterhood to the test.

Now the two pegasi will learn just how far they are willing to go for each other, and just how strong their bond as sisters of loyalty really is.