There she is.
Sunset spotted Twilight strolling down the hallway, head hung low with her gaze locked onto the ground beneath her. She rushed forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Twilight!” she called, smiling wide. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
Twilight shook her thoughts away and pushed her spectacles up against her face. With a soft sigh, she spoke, “sorry Sunset. My thought’s are just all over the place. I’ve been so... daydreamy.”
“Oh? Are you thinking about me at the Friendship Games?” Sunset joked, nudging Twilight with a smirk. However, her comment caused Twilight to turn away and tighten the hug she had on her books. Sunset quickly softened her tone and her smile vanished in an instant. “Hey, Twi. I’m sorry. I was just trying to make you laugh.”
Twilight shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m just being a grump.”
“Wait, you… you aren’t thinking about what happened last week are you? Because you look kinda sad and-”
“No! No no, nothing to do with that!” Twilight raised her voice in a panic. She saw Sunset open her arms and allowed herself to fall into her caring grasp. “I’m glad what happened last week… happened.”
“Then what’s bothering you? I can help.” Sunset hugged Twilight, stroking her hair softly.
“I don’t think you can,” Twilight said sadly.
“Let me prove it to you. Come on.” Sunset grabbed Twilight’s hand and begun to pull her towards the main door.
“Wait, Sunset! Where are we going?”
“To cheer you up.”
---------
“No way!” Sunset shouted, holding the metal spoon in her mouth.
“Yes! Isn’t it unbelievable!?” Twilight yelled enthusiastically before scooping up another bit of her mint chocolate chip ice-cream.
“5000 years ago? No way is ice cream that old,” Sunset laughed as she took the very last bit of her strawberry dessert.
“Well approximately. It’s just a fun little factoid. Originally invented as flavored ice, it developed!” Twilight bit her lip, frowning. She stared at the table in silence, causing Sunset to raise an eyebrow.
“Twilight?”
“Sorry, I was rambling. I’ll stop,” Twilight said in a crestfallen tone.
Sunset placed her hand tenderly over Twilight’s, smiling. “Don’t. I like it when you talk about these things, they’re really interesting.”
Twilight shot her head upwards, blushing immensely at the words. She attempted to hide it by turning away, causing Sunset to giggle at her attempt.
“I’m really glad I’m with you, Sunset.” Twilight’s mouth grew into a warm smile. Sunset matched the expression, blushing slightly as well.
“Likewise.” Sunset lifted her spoon and reached forward to Twilight’s bowl. However, a swift smack on her hand made Sunset yelp in slight pain.
“Ow! What was that for?”
“This is my ice-cream. You’re going to have to ask before you can take it!” Twilight teased, placing a scoop of the mint dessert into her mouth.
“Twilight Sparkle, may I please have some of that delicious mint chocolate chip?” Sunset asked as she spun her spoon in her fingers.
“Yes you may.” Twilight pressed her spoon into the ice cream and lifted it towards Sunset’s mouth. Sunset leaned forward and allowed herself to be fed, grinning as she did so.
“So, we’re headed off to Camp Everfree in a week. Are you all packed and ready?”
“No, not yet.” Twilight tapped her chin with her finger. “I should probably start.”
“Need some help?” Sunset offered, but Twilight quickly shook her head.
“I’ll be fine. It’s not the first time I had to pack for a camp, and I’ve already done the checklist for the items I need!” Twilight said proudly, feeding Sunset another bite.
“Wow. A checklist for packing? That sounds… complicated. Usually I just improvise and see what I need to pack,” Sunset shrugged. “In any case, just give me a call if you need my help alright?”
“Alright.”
----------
Sunset woke to the faint ringing of her handphone. She reached over to her clock, pulling it in front of her eyes. Through her blurry vision, she could barely make out the time that was displayed.
3:15am? Ugh. Who would even call at a time like this? Sunset placed the clock back down and groaned loudly. With a swing of her arm, she tossed her blanket aside and reached for her phone, which sat at the table near her feet. She didn’t even bother to note the caller and quickly answered it.
“Hello?” Sunset slurred groggily, lifting her right hand to rub her eye. However, the only reply she heard was sobbing. She froze, feeling all the exhaustion disappear in an instant. She waited for an answer, but none came. “Um, hello?”
The question only caused heavier crying to echo from the other side. Sunset closed her eyes, listening carefully to the sniffling, and she soon realized that it sounded familiar. Very familiar. Suddenly, her eyes shot open in realization and fear robbed her composure.
“T-Twilight!?” Sunset screamed into the speaker. “Twilight I’m here! Y-you don’t have to cry! What’s going on!?” She felt panic overtake the rest of her emotions, causing her to shoot out of bed and onto her feet.
Sunset waited for an answer, but once again, she heard nothing. She opened her mouth to call out to Twilight, but suddenly, she heard a word pass through the phone. “S-Sunset…” The fear and terror in Twilight’s tone was clear as she spoke. Sunset’s heart had started to beat rapidly and her hands were trembling immensely.
“Twilight, what’s going on!?” Sunset shouted, almost on the verge of nervous tears.
“J-just a nightmare,” Twilight stuttered through her sobs. “I just need to hear your voice for a while, alright?”
Sunset took a deep breath to calm herself. She felt as if a large weight had been lifted off her shoulders, knowing that Twilight was in her home and not in any danger. “Yeah. Yeah of course, Twilight. I’ll stay as long as you need me to.”
Sunset racked her brain, hoping to come up with several topics to speak of. “So, do you wanna talk about the nightmare? Maybe it could help?”
“No… I really don’t,” Twilight answered in a shaking voice.
“Alright. Okay, no problem. Well...” Sunset begun pacing about her room. “What about...books? Read any good ones lately?”
“J-just one.”
“Well, then tell me about it! I’d love to hear it! I might even pick it up!”
“O-okay.” Twilight took a breath “It starts out with a girl named…”
----------
“That sounds amazing!” Sunset leaned away from the mic to let out a yawn. She rested her head against the wall beside her bed, allowing her legs to dangle freely off the edge of the mattress.
“Yeah! It is! I especially love Cryus, he’s the one that triggers all the events in the book!” Twilight’s voice was free from any worry or fear. She spoke with such energy and passion that Sunset couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
“That’s great, Twilight. I might have to check out this book soon.” Sunset mustered as much energy as she could, trying to obscure her sleepiness.
There was a slight pause before Twilight’s voice came over once more. “Thank you, Sunset. For staying up with me.”
Sunset glanced to the clock, noting that almost an hour had passed since they had started chatting. She grinned at Twilight’s words, replying, “no problem, Twilight. Anytime.”
“I’m sor—”
“Don’t be, Twilight.” Sunset’s swift answer caught Twilight off guard. “What kind of girlfriend would I be if I wasn’t there for you? And I know you’d do the same for me.” Suddenly, Sunset heard a sob. Followed by another. “Twilight?” She shot out of her resting position. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No,” Twilight muttered between sobs. “You said everything right.” The slight inflection at the end of her words told Sunset that these were not tears of sadness, they were tears of joy.
“Good. The last thing I want is my second relationship to end even quicker than the first,” Sunset joked, inciting a giggle from Twilight.
“Get some rest, Sunset. I’ve held you up long enough.”
“Oh please, I’m not even sleepy!” Sunset placed her head on the pillow, and almost instantly she could feel her consciousness fading.
“Those twenty-four yawns sorta tell me otherwise,” Twilight teased.
“You could hear them?” Sunset felt a blush growing on her cheeks. “Wait… you were counting?”
“Oh yeah. You yawn really loudly! And yes, I thought it’d be fun to see how many times you would try to yawn away from the phone.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll get some rest, but you call me if you need to talk to me again, alright?”
“I promise I will. Good night, Sunset.”
“Night.” Sunset was about to put her phone down, when Twilight’s voice came through the receiver one more time.
“I love you.”
Sunset held the phone in stunned silence, hearing a ‘click’ followed by a loud beeping. She placed her phone down and hung the up the call, staring at the screen.
I… love you too, Twilight.
----------
Sunset pushed open the doors to Canterlot High, and immediately she was greeted by several of her classmates.
“Hey! Hi! Good morning!” Sunset greeted every person she walked past with a smile. She was still exhausted from the late night call Twilight had given her, but made sure to not let it sour her mood. Once she had reached her locker, she pulled open the door with a soft tug and begun loading the books into her bag.
As she lifted the last book, she spotted a yellow post-it note laying underneath it. Hm? Sunset picked it up and begun to read it out loud.
“Dear Sunset,
Sorry I kept you up all night. And sorry for calling you in the first place. Actually, I have a lot of things I’d like to be sorry for. But I’d also like to thank you for staying by me, despite all of that. I’d write more but I’m not good at writing love letters, and all those ‘how to’ articles online didn’t help me either. So sorry for that as well.
I love you.
Love, (this seem redundant)
Twilight Sparkle”
Rolling her eyes, she tucked the note safely in her pocket and grabbed the last book. Slowly, she closed her locker door shut and begun to move away, when a voice called out her name, “Sunset!”
Sunset turned, spotting a rainbow haired girl running towards her. “Oh hey, Rainbow.”
“Is it true?” Rainbow wasted no time asking the question on her mind.
“Huh? I’m… not following.”
“Ugh!” Rainbow groaned loudly. “Duh! Your relationship!”
Sunset glanced around at the students in the hall, and found that all attention was now on her. “Urr… Rainbow, can I talk to you for a little?” She pulled her friend softly aside, and the hallway soon went back to its usual chatter.
“So? Come on! Don’t leave me hanging!” Rainbow had a large smile plastered on her face as she spoke.
“Look, I just don’t want to get this blown out of proportion alright? The Friendship Games just ended a while back, and I’m not sure Twilight’s over the whole ‘demon transformation’ thing. No rumors or gossip alright?” Sunset said in a stern tone.
“Alright, alright. But just tell me if you two are…”
“Yes, we are.” Sunset couldn’t hide a smile as she said those words. Rainbow squealed excitedly, but Sunset quickly placed a hand upon her shoulder. “But no telling alright?”
“You got it!” Rainbow grinned and sprinted off to class.
Sunset followed behind, but decided to take her own time instead. She stole a peek at the post-it note, grinning at the last words Twilight had written. Upon entering the classroom, Sunset took a seat beside Twilight, who was reading a book.
“Hey, Twilight!” Sunset greeted. Twilight turned and gave Sunset a tight hug, smiling wide.
“Morning, Sunset.”
“So, I found something in my locker today,” Sunset teased, noticing Twilight’s face immediately turning a soft red.
“O-oh? Well, did you like it?” Twilight rubbed her left elbow with her other hand.
“I loved it,” Sunset said with a smirk. “Though there’s one part I didn’t get.”
“O-oh?” Twilight’s voice had started to fill with worry.
“Yeah.” Sunset placed the post-it on the table. “I don’t think you have anything to be sorry about.”
“I did call you. And wake you up. And rambled for an hour. I think I have plenty to be sorry about.”
“Twilight, I’m glad you did those things. Its everything I love about you,” Sunset placed her hand over Twilight’s, making sure no one was staring at them as she did so. “You trust me to comfort and stay with you. That’s really more than I could ask for.”
Twilight found herself lost for words. She attempted to suppress the rising tears and keep her emotions under her control.
Sunset noticed several students flooding into class and quickly took her hand away. “Yeah. So don’t be sorry. I’ll be here for you, Twi.” She grinned. “And it’s not like that’s the first ‘stay up ridiculously late’ moment I’ve had.”
“Studying?”
“Sometimes. Not always though.” Sunset shook her head lightly. “Anyway, prepared for the test?”
“Mmhm! I’ve done some practise papers and it’s not all that different from the stuff they taught us back at Crystal Prep.”
Sunset tapped her pencil nervously on the table. “I think I am.”
“I know you are!” Twilight almost shouted in encouragement.
“Well, then I know I am!” Sunset screamed back, and both girls began to laugh, ignoring the confused expressions of the students around them.
----------
Sunset stared at the workbook in front of her, hands grasping her head. Even though her eyes were glued onto the questions on the page, she wasn’t absorbing what she was looking at. Sunset dropped her head in defeat, sighing.
Suddenly, she heard someone take a seat beside her. And upon turning to her left, she saw Twilight’s smiling face. “Having some trouble?” Twilight asked, peering at the pages.
“It’s this question!” Sunset shouted, and was immediately met with a loud ‘shhh’ from the students in the library. She raised a hand in apology, turning her attention back to the equations in front of her. “I couldn’t figure out how to do it in the test, and now I still can’t figure it out here!”
Twilight moved closer, placing an arm around Sunset. “Well, then let’s do this together. I’ll teach you until you get it right.”
For the next few minutes, Twilight wrote down the steps on a separate piece of paper, teaching Sunset with a smile. Sunset followed along swiftly, realizing how the problem was supposed to be solved. Soon, they arrived at the answer and Twilight placed her pen down. “There! See, was that so hard?”
“Actually, no! When you write it out like that, it’s really easy to understand!” Sunset grinned. “I guess I have a pretty good teacher, huh?” She nudged Twilight playfully with a smirk.
Twilight attempted to hide her blush with her hand, and swiftly shifted the workbook back in front of Sunset. “Here, you try.”
“Alright. No problem!” Sunset spoke with full confidence. Less than two minutes later, she pushed the workbook back in front of Twilight with a grin. “Heh, consider this problem tackled!”
Twilight leaned forward, looking at the solution. “Wow, I’m impressed, Sunset. You picked that up really fast!”
“Well, I’m more of a ‘do the problem’ rather than ‘read how it's solved’ kind of person.”
“Good to know!” Twilight beamed, but her expression fell once she saw Sunset’s slight frown. “What’s wrong?”
“Just wish I knew the answer during the test, rather than after.” Sunset let out a heavy sigh, covering her eyes with her hands.
“You still did really well, Sunset. You should be very proud of what you’ve done!”.
“I guess,” Sunset said in a crestfallen tone.
There were a few seconds of silence, when suddenly Sunset felt a kiss on her cheek. She shot her head to Twilight, who was inches away from her face. Both girls sat with bright red cheeks and frozen in disbelief.
Sunset looked around the library and noticed that several students were staring at her. “Umm, Twilight, I...thought you wanted to keep this a secret,” she whispered, turning back to her.
“Well you were sad! And… I thought you needed to be cheered up!” Twilight defended. “So I cheered you up the only way I sorta knew how.”
“So you don’t mind?”
“U-urr… well, they were going to find out eventually, right?” Twilight whispered back. Sunset looked slowly around the room, noting that the students that had seen them had returned to whatever they were doing.
This is going to be a mess tomorrow.
“Well, let’s go. I just wanted to know how to solve that problem, so we can leave now.” Sunset grabbed her books and started to stroll towards the door, her face still bright red. Twilight followed close behind, giggling softly.
----------
Sunset mustered as big of a smile as she could when she greeted her friends the next morning. Many of her classmates said ‘good morning!’ in return, and to her surprise, some had even begun to give her ‘congratulations’. She acknowledged those with an awkward ‘thanks’, feeling her blush grow brighter and brighter.
Soon she reached her locker and started inputting the code into the lock. Suddenly, Rainbow placed both hands upon Sunset’s shoulders and spun her around with a terrified look on her face.
“I didn’t tell anyone! You have to believe me!” Rainbow shouted, drawing the attention of everyone around them.
“I believe you, Rainbow,” Sunset spoke softly, gesturing for her friend to lower her volume.
“Look I didn’t do it you have to— wait what? You believe me?” Rainbow furrowed her eyebrows. “You don’t think I leaked it?”
“No, because I know why everyone knows,” Sunset couldn’t help but smile upon recalling the incident at the library just yesterday.
“Well, what’re you waiting for! Tell me!” Rainbow’s worried frown had turned into an excited grin.
“Twilight kissed her in the library yesterday.” Rarity moved over and pulled Sunset into a tight hug.
“Wait, what!?” Rainbow shouted in disbelief.
“You know?” Sunset asked.
“Of course, darling. Rarity always knows what’s going on in CHS.” Rarity broke the hug, smiling. “And many congratulations, Sunset. We were all cheering you on from the start!”
Sunset blinked several times, either not registering what Rarity had just said, or choosing not to. She shook her head and glanced back and forth between Rainbow and Rarity. “Alright, my turn. Wait, what!? You were all cheering for us?”
“Eh heh, well about that—” Rainbow spoke with a sheepish smile.
“It was because you two looked so amazingly cute together!” Pinkie’s loud, energetic voice filled the halls. Before Sunset could even react, she felt Pinkie’s arms wrap around her body and hug her tightly. Sunset coughed, realizing that Applejack and Fluttershy were just a few steps away.
“T-thanks. But— I need— to breathe,” Sunset stammered through strained breaths.
Applejack quickly tugged Pinkie away, grinning. “Mighty proud of ya, Sunset! Twilight’s perfect for ya!”
“Mmhm!” Fluttershy agreed with a nod. “I think you two look so beautiful together.”
“And speak of the devil…” Rainbow’s words caused the others to turn, spotting Twilight approaching the group.
Twilight gave a wave, and the others waved back with large beaming expressions. Once she was with them, Sunset quickly pulled her into a hug, catching her off guard.
“So, what’s everyone around here for?” Twilight asked, pushing her glasses up.
“We were just wishing Sunset congratulations for getting together with someone,” Applejack teased, staring at Twilight.
“Oh?” Twilight paused, turning towards Sunset. “T-they mean me right?”
The group bursted out in laughter. Sunset nodded and landed a quick peck on Twilight’s cheek. “Seems like the whole school knows about us now.”
“I-is that good? Nothing bad has happened, right!?” Twilight darted her eyes to her friends, terrified.
“Wh-what? No! It’s been great!” Sunset answered. “You okay there, Twilight?”
“Yeah! Heh heh, f-fine!” Twilight forced a smile on her face.
Before Sunset could reply, Applejack quickly jumped into the conversation. “If anyone gives ya’ll any problems, you tell me. I’ll make sure that they regret it,” she spoke through gritted teeth, punching a fist into her palm.
“Me too!” Rainbow took a kung-fu stance. “No one’s gonna give you any problems while we’re here!”
“I-I’ll help by telling Principal Celestia,” Fluttershy spoke in a meek tone.
“Honestly just having you girls be so approving is a big relief for me,” Sunset sighed happily. “I was worried you wouldn’t be happy.”
“And why ever would we not?” Rarity brandished a couple of hair bands. In several swift motions, she tied both Sunset and Twilight’s hair into neat ponytails. “You two are the centre of CHS’ news. We must make sure you two look as beautiful as possible.”
“I think I’d rather just get to class. Right, Twilight?”
“Mmhm!” Twilight replied, discreetly moving closer into Sunset’s grasp. The group begun to move off, with Sunset and Twilight at the back of the clique.
“And you two are still coming to my pre-Camp Everfree slumber party, right?” Rarity questioned the couple.
“Of course, Rarity. I’ve honestly been looking forward to it all week!” Twilight tilted her head to rest upon Sunset’s shoulders. The feeling of being able to show her affection gave her a relief she had never felt before. She no longer had to be aware of the actions she was taking around her girlfriend, and with the support of their friends, Twilight found little to worry about.
“Me too, Rarity. We’ll be there.” Sunset glanced down at Twilight and lightly stroked her hair. “Together.”
----------
Rarity bounced over to her door and pulled it open. Outside, Sunset and Twilight stood with confused expressions on their faces. “Sunset! Twilight! You’re here!”
“Yeah…” Sunset took a step in with Twilight. “Rarity why did you text us to not wear our pajamas? This is a sleepover right?”
“Right! However, I have a big surprise for you!” Rarity squealed, bouncing up the steps and into her bedroom.
Sunset and Twilight stared at each other and shrugged before moving into the room as well. Once they took a step inside, they were greeted by the rest of their friends. All of whom were still in their casual wear.
“Rarity told you to not wear pajamas too?” Applejack asked, turning to look at Rarity with an unimpressed frown.
The couple gave a nod and took a seat on Rarity’s bed. Twilight felt Sunset put an arm around her and instinctively, she leaned into her embrace.
“There’s a good reason for that! It’s because I-”
Applejack’s eyes opened wide in realization and her mouth dropped open. “Don’t tell me you-”
“Made pajamas for all of you? Yes!” Rarity held up the colorful garments for her friends to see. Instantly, Applejack sent her hand into her own face and shook her head.
“That’s… great, Rarity.” Sunset muttered, scratching her head. “But-”
“Pajamas are meant for sleeping!” Rainbow quickly cut in. “No one’s going to see us in them!”
“Well I think they look just beautiful!” Fluttershy stood up and made her way forward. Picking out her garment, she gave Rarity a bright smile.
“Now now, don’t need to hide your enthusiasm! You may all give it a try!” Rarity sprinted around the room, passing each of her friends a custom outfit.
“Ooo pink! How’d you know what my favorite color was?” Pinkie held the t-shirt to her chest, unaware of the perplexed stares her friends were giving her.
“I hope it looks good on me.” Twilight nervously muttered.
“Only one way to find out!” Sunset gestured to the bathroom. Twilight nodded and made her way inside, shutting the door behind her.
A few minutes later, Twilight emerged, dressed in a purple shirt and light blue pants. Though it was simple, Sunset found that the shape and cut was suited perfectly to Twilight’s form, and she watched it flow with every step Twilight took.
Her friends seemed too absorbed in their own chatter to notice her. All, that is, except for Sunset, who had her eyes fixed onto Twilight as she made her way to the bed. Sunset had also changed into her new outfit, consisting of a simple yellow shirt and teal shorts.
“So, how do I look?” Twilight asked, blushing lightly.
“Adorable.” Sunset combed a long strand of hair away from Twilight’s face. “And me?”
“Good.” Twilight stared into Sunset’s cyan eyes, smiling wide. “Really good.”
Sunset leaned forward, pecking Twilight’s cheek with a soft kiss. “Lost your vocabulary, Twi?” She chuckled. Twilight turned her head away, lightly punching Sunset in her shoulder. “Ow! Hey!”
“Alright girls!” Rarity clapped her hands. “Let us begin our slumber party!”
-------
Sunset sat on the balcony, legs outstretched on a lawn chair as she gazed up at the stars above. In her arms lay Twilight, snuggled closely into her and snoring softly.
Camp Everfree is in two days…
She sighed, looking down at Twilight. Using her right hand, she stroked Twilight’s hair tenderly, smiling as she did so. Suddenly, Sunset caught Twilight whispering. “No, it can’t be true. Don’t… no please…”
“Twilight?” Sunset lightly shook her friend, who clambered up in a panic.
“What? Huh?” Twilight took several quick glances around her, calming down once she realized where she was.
“Nightmare again?” Sunset asked, hugging Twilight with both arms.
Twilight allowed her head to drop onto Sunset’s chest. She didn’t answer, but Sunset didn’t need one to know what had just happened.
“Twilight, you’ve been having nightmares for weeks now. I really think we should talk about it,” Sunset said as she hugged Twilight lovingly.
“I’d really rather not.” Twilight brought up her legs into her chest.
“I… won’t push, Twilight.” Sunset planted a kiss on Twilight’s forehead. “But I still think speaking about it would help.”
Twilight shut her eyes tightly, frowning. “Maybe another time, Sunset.”
“Alright.” Sunset turned her attention back to the stars above. “Maybe another time then.”
----------
“I got sapphire!” Sunset held up her room card, smiling brightly. She stood behind Twilight, nervously waiting for her to pick one out.
Twilight reached her hand into the bag Timber Spruce held and pulled out a card with a sapphire as well. “Sapphire too!” She screamed happily. “I mean, assuming I am. Technically sapphires aren’t blue, they can be pink, purple, yellow…”
Sunset smiled and open her mouth to join in, but Timber’s voice came first. “Yeah, but they’re mostly blue. That’s why they’re named after the latin word sapphirus.” Sunset raised en eyebrow at Timber’s comment and folded her arms. There was a beat of silence between the two, until Timber spoke once more. “That means blue.”
“I know,” Twilight whispered back. “But did you know sapphires are just rubies without chromium?”
“No!” Timber smiled back. “But did you know the sapphire tent is the best one?”
“No, why’s that?”
“Cause you’re in it.” Timber smirked.
Sunset shook her head lightly in the background, an unimpressed frown on her face. Twilight couldn’t help but giggle softly.
“What’s wrong?” Timber asked, confused.
“Timber, right?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m...sorta taken.” Twilight tapped the card in her hands. “Sorry.”
“Oh? Who's the lucky guy?” Timber raised his head and glanced around the nearby vicinity.
“Girl.” Twilight clarified. The word stunned Timber, freezing him in place. A blush started to grow on his cheeks and he stumbled out multiple ‘umms’ and ‘ohs’. “And she’s right there.”
Sunset stepped forward and placed her arm around Twilight. “Hi, Timber.”
Timber’s blush was a bright neon red now, once he had realized how close Sunset had been. “O-oh, hi! Look, about what just happened—”
Sunset waved it off with a laugh. “It’s fine. Though that was pretty funny.”
“Right!” Timber chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head with his hand. “Well! I better get to helping the other campers! You know, cause I’m one of the camp leaders... and stuff!” He took a step towards Bulk Biceps, “You got the ruby tent? That’s the worse one!”
“Aw man!”
“Well,” Sunset turned her attention to Twilight. “That was fun.”
“You have a very odd definition of fun,” Twilight joked, resting her head against Sunset.
“I think I’m just ‘very odd’ in general.” Sunset grinned as she started to walk towards the tents. “Come on Sapphire buddy, let’s get our home for the next week all set up!”
----------
Sunset gripped Twilight’s hand tightly as they trekked through the woods. The birds had just begun to sing and the smell of fresh morning dew filled the air. The sun’s early morning light broke through the gaps in the canopy, giving the forest they were in an almost fantasy-like glow.
“Wow, you were right. It really is pretty when you go out early!” Twilight focused her attention on a small squirrel as it scampered up a tree.
“And quiet,” Sunset added slowing her pace a little. “Twilight about what happened yesterday with my sunscreen…”
“Can we… not talk about that?” Twilight quickly interrupted.
“I’m just concerned. You seemed worried for some reason.”
“Of course I was worried! You heard what Applejack said! They don’t want any magic in this camp! And I had to bring it with me!”
“Twilight, I somehow doubt you ‘brought it with you’.” Sunset pulled Twilight close, staring her face-to-face.
“What other explanation could there be?” Twilight said in a saddened tone.
“I don’t know, but I doubt that this is your fault.” Sunset brought Twilight into a tight hug.
Twilight buried her face into Sunset’s shoulder, feeling the sadness and worry fill her heart. “If it is, would you hate me?”
“Twilight, nothing will make me hate you. I know you, and you’d never do anything to harm your friends,” Sunset assured Twilight, stroking her back lightly. Twilight remained silent and still in Sunset’s arms, allowing the warmth and love to calm the storm of emotions in her heart. “I love you, Twilight.”
Twilight brought her hands up to hug Sunset back, smiling slightly. “I love you too, Sunset.”
----------
Twilight sat down at the table furthest away from her friends. She placed the paint and the undecorated lantern onto the table before taking a seat.
“Shouldn’t you be with your friends, Twilight?” Spike asked, hopping on the bench beside her.
“I can’t risk my magic spreading to them too.” She stole a glance at the table where Sunset sat, spotting that they were chatting and smiling brightly. It was a sight that only deepened the pain in Twilight’s heart. “Especially not to Sunset.”
With careful strokes, Twilight started to paint several star shapes on the lantern. Though the sounds of joy and mirth from all the filled tables quickly destroyed her concentration. She attempted to refocus, blocking out as much of the noise as she could.
After a few minutes, Twilight caught sight of someone sitting across her. She looked up and spotted Sunset placing all her tools and her lantern on the table as well.
“Sunset…”
“Alone again?” Sunset asked, combing a stray strand of Twilight’s hair to the side.
“Sunset, you should go back to the others.” Twilight hung her head low and continued to paint.
“I’m not going to leave my girlfriend all by herself, not when we’re supposed to be doing this together!” Sunset’s tone rose to match her spirit.
Twilight bit her lip and avoided glancing up to her partner. She continued to paint in silence, starting to color the lantern a slight purple.
“What do you think?” Sunset held her lantern, which had painted bamboo stalks surrounding it.
Twilight looked up and forced a smile. “It looks nice.” Immediately, she turned back down to her own work and continued brushing on several more star designs.
Sunset placed her lantern down and sighed heavily. “Twilight, please talk to me?”
Twilight shook her head lightly. “Sunset, I just need some time, please? I’ll tell you when I’m able, alright?”
Sunset hung her head low. “You’ve been saying that for so long now. I just… I just want to help.”
“Okay campers, please gather by the docks because it's time to let your lanterns fly!” Gloriosa’s chipper voice resonated through the field.
Sunset and Twilight quickly rose to their feet and made their way to the docks together. The last bit of the Sun’s light had begun to disappear over the horizon, turning the sky a beautiful blue and revealing the glimmering white stars.
Gloriosa held a lighter in her hand, and gestured for the couple to move forth first. Sunset and Twilight took one step forth, allowing her to light the candle that sat in the middle.
Twilight gazed inside, and saw the small lively flame dancing in the centre of her artwork. For a moment, her worries and fears in her heart seemed to melt away, leaving only calm and peace. The weight she had placed upon herself vanished in the glow of the fire, making her eyes, and the smile she wore, shine brightly.
Once all the lanterns had been lit, Gloriosa started to count down. “3… 2… 1… go!”
Every student released their lanterns into the air and watched it fill the night sky in their wondrous glow. Each one was adorned with a different design, and the different colors bathed the dock in a majestic rainbow.
Twilight stared up at her’s with a hopeful gaze. She soon felt an arm wrap her her body, pulling her close. She leaned into Sunset, resting her head on her shoulder.
“I love you, Twi.”
“Love you too, Sunny.”
The world didn’t matter to Twilight, and for all she knew, it didn’t exist. For the first time since Camp Everfree had started, she didn’t care about the magic or fears in her. All that mattered was the person that stood by her side, the one that brought her joy she had never felt before.
She glanced up at Sunset, seeing that she was also hypnotized by the lanterns. As far as Twilight was concerned, the moment she was in was perfect, and she never wanted it to end. She closed her eyes and allowed the feeling of joy to wash over and chase away any remaining doubt in her mind, even if for a little while. Because, for once, she felt safe.
She felt like she was human.
She felt like she mattered.
And for the first time, she felt warm amidst the cold, dark night.
---------
A clanking noise stirred Sunset from her slumber. She sat up, and noticed that Twilight’s bed was empty. Twilight!?
Sunset shot out from under her blanket and slid on her shoes. Upon glancing outside, she spotted Twilight running into the nearby woods with her belongings. “Twilight!?” she called out as loudly as she could and began to gave chase.
Inside the pitch black woods, Sunset followed any noises that seemed out of place. Be it the loud snap of a twig or the rustling of leaves. Eventually, she was able to spot Twilight before she disappeared into more foliage. “Twilight!” Twilight froze in shock and turned around slowly. “What are you doing?”
“Catching a cab back home?”
Sunset glanced down at Spike with a frown, who raised a paw as he spoke “she thought you’d try to talk her out of it.”
“Because I would.” Sunset took a step forward. “Twi, what’s been going on with you? Is this about all that magic stuff that’s been going around?”
Twilight stood still and silent with her head hung low.
“Twilight, I want to help you. As your girlfriend, I need to. I just need you to talk to me too.” Sunset grabbed Twilight’s hand, and she quickly found herself overwhelmed with her memories. Visions of Twilight blaming Midnight Sparkle for the various magical events that had happened in camp. The fear that Twilight felt with each nightmare, Sunset could feel it too.
Sunset tore her arm away and grabbed Twilight into a close hug. “Twilight, there’s no Midnight Sparkle. There’s only you.”
Twilight attempted to push herself away upon hearing those words. “M-Midnight Sparkle? How did you know what I was thinking?”
“I don’t know,” Sunset admitted. “When I touched you, I could see things. Feel things.” Slowly, her eyes opened in realization. “This must be my power!” she grinned and cheered. “This is amazing!”
“No! It’s not!” Twilight covered her face with her hands. “I’m infecting you now too! I’m so sorry, Sunset!”
“Infecting? Twilight, you aren’t infecting anyone.” Sunset placed a hand softly over Twilight’s shoulder. “I don’t think you’re doing this. And I can’t get through this camp without you. So please, Twilight. Don’t leave?”
Twilight sighed, bringing her arms to her chest. “I’ll stay. For you, Sunset. But I still don’t think it's a good idea for me to be near our friends. Not until we have this figured out.”
“I understand.” Sunset smiled warmly.
----------
Sunset stood at the entrance to the Crystal Cave alone. The week had simply flew by, and so much had happened that it made her head spin when she tried to recall it all. She ran a finger over the new pendant around her neck and stared up at the stars. Sunset and her friends had each received a different power that allowed them to do amazing things. It was something she had always wished for, and now though it had finally happened, Sunset still could not believe it.
Even outside, Sunset could still hear the thumping music and loud chatter echoing from inside the cave. She lifted her cup to her lips, sipping on the delicious punch Pinkie had made. Her mind was so busy with her thoughts, that she failed to notice Twilight standing beside her.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Twilight muttered, leaning against the cold stone wall.
“Just thinking about the last few days.” Sunset sighed, staring at her teal dress. “It’s just been a lot to take in.”
“I understand. I feel the same way.” Twilight traced the mark on her necklace with her finger, smiling. “But it’s mostly been good things, right?”
“Right,” Sunset answered, turning towards Twilight. “And Midnight Sparkle…”
“She’s gone,” Twilight spoke with an unwavering voice. “You were right, I’m not her. I shouldn’t have allowed her to convince me I was—”
“Hey, hey. Shh.” Sunset quickly undid her necklace and tucked it softly in Twilight’s palm, much to her confusion. Slowly, Sunset pulled her into a light embrace. “All that matters is that she’s gone. Nothing else.”
Twilight closed her eyes and grasped the necklace tightly in her hand. “I don’t know what I would do without you, Sunset,” she said in a shaky tone.
“Me neither, Twilight.” Sunset closed her eyes as well, smiling from ear to ear. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Sunset.” Twilight stared at Sunset with a loving gaze. Sunset glanced back, but before she was able to register the look, she felt Twilight rush forward and plant her lips on her own.
Sunset opened her eyes wide in shock, but a mere second later, she melted into the kiss. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms tightly around Twilight, pulling her as close as they could be. After what felt like minutes, but having only been seconds, Twilight broke the kiss and stared at Sunset with an expression of disbelief.
“S-sorry.” Was the only word Twilight was able to stammer out.
“For what?” Sunset asked, feeling her smile turn into a full on grin.
Twilight didn’t know how to answer. And in all honesty, she didn’t know why she apologized as well. Lost for words, she allowed herself to fall into Sunset’s arms. “Don’t ever leave me, please.” Once again, she didn’t know where those words came from, but neither did she care. She allowed her heart to drive her mouth this time, as she had no other secrets left to keep. She had no worries weighing her down, and felt like she could fly into the sky if she wanted.
“I won’t, Twilight. I’ll never.” Sunset muttered back. She realized that the music from the caves had changed to a much softer waltz, and that she had been swaying to it the entire time. For a moment, she considered stopping, but found the moment much too magical and fragile to change. She felt like even the slightest attempt to alter it would shatter this mythical scene. With her arms wrapped tightly around Twilight, Sunset spoke, no longer in a soft whisper, but in a confident tone.
“I promise.”