What’re you thinking?
Twilight glanced down at the ticket in her hand. Its golden trim shining under the sunlight. Even though it was simply a piece of paper, it seemed like a brick in her hand. The sight of it not only weighed heavily on her arm, but on her mind as well. She turned her head up, spotting students rushing past her at blazing speeds, ascending the steps and entering Canterlot High’s main doors. Not a single one of them stopped for her.
Why would they?
She was the weird one in school. The one few wanted to really get to know. Yet, she still had five close friends that gave her everything she could think of. And one who gave her so much more.
Twilight gave a heavy sigh and slipped the ticket into her pocket. Just as she was about to take a step forward, two hands shot from outside her vision, covering her eyes.
“Guess who?”
Twilight didn’t need to guess. The rough voice and playful tone gave it away in an instant.
“Sunset, we’re going to be late for class.”
Sunset pulled her hands away and stepped in front of Twilight, a playful grin on her face. “No we won’t. If we walk at our usual pace it’ll take five minutes and twenty-two seconds to get to our first period class. We have six minutes and thirty-three, well, thirty seconds to get there,” she said with her mouth drawn into a proud smirk. “But who's counting?”
Twilight rolled her eyes and began her walk up the steps. Sunset trailed a little bit behind, speaking of… something. Twilight couldn’t really catch it. All she was focused on was the hand in her pocket as it tapped lightly on the ticket…
The day had passed by in a blur. Twilight hadn’t retained any of the information she was taught in class. At lunch, she spoke with her friends about a topic. Though any memory of that moment was temporary, and it had vanished long before she had reached this point.
The halls were busy with students depositing their items in their lockers. For most, the day had ended for them. They would head on home or out with their friends. Either way, school was the last thing on their mind.
But if Twilight knew Sunset, and she did, she knew Sunset’s day was just getting started.
Twilight closed her locker shut, locking it tight with a twist of her combination lock. She weaved through the tight crowds. Every step she took was accompanied with a deep breath. Every passing second sent her heart racing faster and faster.
She wanted to run. To rush to her destination. She needed to ask. But more importantly, she needed an answer.
And yet, as she got closer and closer, her legs started to give way. The drive that showed up mere moments ago had started to sap away bit by bit. Until she was left standing outside the door to the science lab, frozen in silence.
She stood there for what felt like hours. The noise around her had blurred into an incoherent mess as she stared at the door, ticket in hand. She wished she could say that thoughts were crossing her mind. Though at this point she wished she had thoughts at all. But the truth is that it was blank.
It’s easy. Twilight attempted to tell herself. All I have to do is go in there. She grasped her left hand tightly around her sweater. And ask her! The grip tightened even more, numbing her fingers.
It’s easy.
A second fluttered by.
“Twilight dear, what are you doing here?”
The voice caused Twilight to jump. In one swift motion, she stuffed the ticket back into her pocket and turned, spotting Rarity walking up to her.
“O-oh, it’s just you, Rarity.”
“What on Earth are you doing standing in front of the science lab?”
Twilight darted her eyes away. “Just… I-I mean…”
Rarity raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. “Is this about Sunset?”
Twilight bit her lip. She didn’t answer. Though she knew it didn’t matter if she did.
“I see. And what do you plan to ask her?”
Slowly, Twilight retrieved the golden ticket from her pocket. Her hands were shaking like autumn leaves in the wind, threatening to snap if her nerves continued to fray.
“T-that’s a… that’s a ticket to… to…” Rarity was speechless. She turned up, eyes wide with wonder and mouth agape. “Twilight how did you get that?”
“My family always get invited every year. They give us one ticket for Shining and one for me. And since no one in my family can make it this year...” Twilight’s voice trailed off. The words that were supposed to finish that sentence were stolen away as she turned back to face the lab door.
And in the distance, a bird chirped, piercing the silence.
“Ask her,” Rarity said with conviction. Twilight turned, only to meet Rarity’s fierce glare.
“R-Rarity. It’s not that simple. What if she thinks I’m just rebounding?”
“Are you?”
“No,” she answered, shocking even herself with the tone and speed in which she replied in.
“Then ask her.” Rarity placed a hand upon Twilight’s shoulder. “Take it from someone who’s been in a similar situation. You do not want to wait.”
“But what if… what if it isn’t perfect?”
“Twilight, darling, we could stand here all day asking ‘what ifs’. Or you could take that one big step and see ‘what will’.” Rarity gave Twilight a slight push forward, sending her towards the door.
Twilight drew a deep breath, filling her lungs with air and, hopefully, courage. Nervous as she was, she repeated Rarity’s words in her mind and twisted the doorknob.
“Twilight?” Sunset called out, pulling the pair of safety goggles off her head.
Twilight gave a slight wave towards Sunset as she approached. Simply thinking of speaking made her throat ache.
“What’s up? Everything okay?”
“Well, I guess it depends,” Twilight muttered.
Sunset scratched her head with her gloved hand. “O-on?”
“Your answer to the question I’m about to ask.”
“...O-okay?” Sunset continued, her voice filled with trepidation.
It’s easy.
The words seemed almost mocking now.
Twilight opened her mouth to speak. But the words lay lodged in her throat. Staring into Sunset’s bright eyes, with a wisp of her fiery locks falling over her face, evaporated away all of her courage in an instant. Now she stood, frozen and unmoving.
There are a million things that can go wrong.
“Twilight? Y-you okay there? You’re scaring me right now.”
I’m fine. Were the words she had wanted to say. But they stayed locked in her mind, and her voice remain out of reach.
Twilight shut her eyes, hoping to find any little spark of life within her. It was just thirteen words she needed to speak.
And yet those felt like the most important words she would ever say.
“Hey, come on. S-say something.”
She needed courage. She needed it now. There were a million things that could go wrong. A million more that was probably out of her mind. And yet, she knew there would be no other chance.
Take one big step. And see ‘what will’.
“Sunset Shimmer.” Twilight spoke, the words finally leaving her trembling lips. “Will you please go to the Grand Galloping Gala with me?”
She extended her arms forward, the golden ticket nestled softly between her fingers.
Sunset recoiled, face twisted in shock. Or perhaps it was confusion?
What if this isn’t what she wants?
“Heh.” Sunset undid the gloves covering her hands, pulling them off one at a time. She tossed her lab coat aside with a rakish swing of her arm.
“Twilight Sparkle, I’d love to.”
Twilight was sure her heart had stopped at those words. The combination of relief and joy sent her heart soaring sky high. The worries that had plagued her mind has also cleared, giving her crystal clear clarity.
“Y-you mean it?”
“With all my heart.” Sunset took the ticket, holding Twilight’s hand in hers. “I think it’d be fun.”
“Woo hoo!” Came from behind the door. Rarity swung it open, screaming in joy. “I shall prepare you both outfits for the special occasion!”
“...Rarity, were you eavesdropping on us the whole time?”
“P-psssh, eavesdropping is such a… strong word, Sunset. I prefer the term ‘waiting to see if you needed help!’”
Twilight was still lost in the moment. Her eyes were staring lovingly at Sunset. But when Sunset turned to meet Twilight’s eyes, she quickly shot her gaze away.
She said yes. Her gaze met Rarity’s, who was smiling brightly. Rarity began to mouth something to her. Two words that only widened her smile.
“Told you.”
“Just a little more darling. Apologies, but this fold is just a millimeter too thick!” Rarity groaned, lightly pulling out a pin.
Twilight had been standing atop the dressing podium for almost an hour now. Her legs were aching terribly. Yet, every single time she looked down to the beautiful flowing dress, she felt her pain vanish. Excitement would fill her heart, and simply the thought of going to the Gala sent it racing at a thousand beats per minute.
“Excellent!” Rarity proudly grinned as she admired her work. She took a step to her closet and wheeled out a mirror. “What do you think?”
Twilight turned her head up. Her eyes fell on the girl in the glass and, for a moment, she wondered who it was staring back at her.
Her usually long and unkempt hair was nowhere to be seen. The small curls at her fringe had been combed to either side of her face, draping down softly to her chin. Her purple locks were in a tight braid that flowed gently down on her back. Streaks of pink could be seen, weaved flawlessly into the contrasting purple around it.
However, that still wasn’t the main attraction. Draped across her body was a dress that looked as if it had been stitched from the night sky itself. Dark purple fabric, stitched and woven with long streams of soft pink, rippled downwards, all the way to her ankles. Through the nearby window, sunlight fell on it, making it sparkle like the stars at midnight.
It seemed almost like magic.
She took a step forward, noticing just how it flowed to her form. There was something extraordinary in the way it moved. The way it rose and fell with every slight movement. It reminded Twilight of the waves of the ocean at night. Crashing, not in chaos, but in grace.
Twilight found herself speechless at the sight. She placed a hand upon her reflection, watching the girl in the mirror do the same.
“I take it you like it?”
“It’s…” Twilight hesitated. Was it a strong enough word to describe it? “...perfect.”
“Exceptional! That is exactly what I wanted to hear!”
“How? How’d you make this in less than a week?”
Rarity gave a modest giggle. “Twilight, don’t you know the saying? A magician never reveals her secrets.”
The scene played out in her mind. Sunset and her, dancing in the ballroom. Floating gently across the floor, drawing every single pair of eyes onto them. And sometime during the night, Twilight would ask Sunset the question. And then…
And then…
It will all go wrong.
“Twilight? What’s the matter?”
Rarity’s voice snapped Twilight out of her trance. She hadn’t even noticed that her smile had faded into a frown. And the spark in her eyes had been replaced with one of worry.
“N-nothing,” Twilight waved her arm. “It’s nothing. How’s Sunset’s suit?”
“Twilight do not try to change the subject. I might not notice subtle changes in emotions like Sunset can, but I am not blind.”
Twilight didn’t know what she was thinking. Attempting to lie to Rarity? It was almost as bad as attempting to lie to Sunset.
Or Applejack.
Twilight took a large breath. “Rarity. What if she doesn’t…if she doesn’t…”
“Twilight. Sunset agreed to the Gala. She took your hand! She-”
“Has been doing that ever since we met. They might mean something to everyone else. But not to us.” Twilight bit her lip. “Not to me.”
“Hmm, I suppose thinking back to your previous encounters, you do have a point. Though, I still maintain my stance. All you need to do is ask her!”
Twilight coughed out a laugh. “You make it sound so easy.”
Rarity chuckled back. “I speak from experience.”
“Experience?”
“Twilight, give it a try.”
Twilight paused. “B-but what if-”
“‘What will’ Twilight.” Rarity combed a single strand of hair from her face. “Remember?”
Those two words gave her a small bit of confidence. It wasn’t much. But it was something. “Y-yes. Though I’m not sure it's as easy as you’re making it out to be.”
“Nothing worth doing is,” Rarity lifted her thumb, wiping a stray tear aside. “Focus on the dance first, alright Twilight? The question can come later in the night.”
Twilight nodded, drawing a breath to steel herself, she returned her gaze to the mirror and the girl staring back at her.
“This dress makes me feel like a princess.”
“You are one!”
An echo of laughter escaped from the two girls, lifting the atmosphere up significantly.
“I’m not a princess. My other half is!”
Rarity grinned, throwing a hand around Twilight’s shoulder. She stared back in the mirror with an elated smirk. “So what does that make me?”
“My fairy godmother?”
“Hm, I do like the sound of that. In that case, I shall grant you the magic to make this night the best you will ever have! It shall be perfect! But on one condition…”
“Yes?” Twilight cheekily answered, playing along with her friend.
Rarity smiled softly, pulling a stray hair up from Twilight’s face and tucking it under her fringe.
“Be sure to do it before midnight.”
Twilight couldn’t hold it in any longer, bursting out into loud laughter. “Yes fairy godmother,” she muttered between breaths, before repeating Rarity's words.
“Before midnight.”
Twilight hadn’t noticed how small the car was before.
The door was right up to her arm, pressing harshly against her side. Beside her, Rainbow sat in the driver's seat, eyes locked onto the road with a smile on her face.
“Thanks for doing this, Dash.”
“Hey, I owed you a favor. And plus, this is the coolest thing you’re asking me to do!” Rainbow turned the corner. And slowly, the apartments started to feel familiar. “Sending both of you off on your first date!”
“It… it isn’t a date,” Twilight said softly, pulling the sleeve of her dress back up. “At least, I don’t think so.”
“But you hope it is.”
Twilight said nothing. The silence in the air was punctured only by the car’s loud engine. Though, judging by Rainbow’s smirk and confident pose, Twilight knew that the quiet was all the answer Rainbow needed.
Before she knew it, the car slowed to a halt right in front of a small apartment.
“Here we are,” Rainbow said.
Twilight didn’t budge.
“...Twi, that’s your cue to get your butt out of my car and tell Sunset you’re here.”
The door opened with a click and Twilight took her first steps onto the pavement. Her breaths were short as she approached the front door. She had been here countless times before, but now, it was different. It was like she was in a foreign place. And the five steep steps leading up to the main door looked almost like a mountain.
Twilight took each one cautiously, making sure to lift her dress so that the delicate fabric would not be ruined by dust or dirt.
When she had finally made the ascent, she raised her hands, pressing one of the twenty doorbells as lightly as she could while still ringing it. A part of her told her to run back to the car. To hide. To forget about all of this.
And yet she didn’t move a muscle.
She didn’t move as muffled footsteps reached her ears. Didn’t twitch as the door swung open. But when she laid eyes on the girl that stood in front of her. Her jaw dropped in shock.
Sunset was donning a black suit and pants combo. It was clearly custom made for her. Each cut, each trim, each stitch, was perfect. It showed off Sunset’s form perfectly, making her look, as Twilight said it in her mind, ravishing. A simple white shirt laid beneath. It wasn’t anything special. It didn’t need to be.
The wearer was where all the magic was coming from.
Sunset’s hair was truly what sold the outfit. It was rough. Messy. Some tufts were falling on the side of her face, like a frame to a painting. Strands were out of place. And yet exactly where they needed to be. At the back sat a ponytail, flowing so elegantly, Twilight wondered if it was made out of water.
“How do I look?” Sunset said, brimming with confidence. It sounded like she already knew the answer. But Twilight had no problems reaffirming it.
“You… umm, well. You look… p-pretty good,” Twilight stuttered out.
“Good enough for me! Come on, I can’t wait to get to the party!” Sunset held her arm out. And Twilight laid her palm softly upon it. They descended the steps slowly, heading back to Rainbow’s car.
But in Twilight’s mind, there was one thought that dominated all the rest, blurring the steps she took.
Sunset is perfect. I just need to make sure this night is too.
“Miss Jacki and Mr Howl! Descendents from Mr and Mrs Ash!”
A wave of applause followed the announcer’s words. Twilight and Sunset waited just behind. And for the first time, Twilight could see a crack in Sunset’s faultless persona.
“Oof, do they really have to do all of this?”
“The Grand Galloping Gala is very traditional,” Twilight explained. “They pride themselves on making it as close as our ancestors would have held it way back when.”
“Yeah, see, the biggest introduction I was ever given was at Pinkie Pie’s Birthday Party last month.”
Twilight giggled as she recalled the memory. “Miss ‘Best-pancake-eater in the world??”
“Hey I didn’t come up with that!” Sunset rose her arms defensively.
“Right. Sure you didn’t.”
Before Sunset could contest, the doors swung open. Blinding light seeped into the darkness. And Twilight stepped forward with Sunset by her side.
The announcer cleared his throat and gave both girls a wide smile. “Good to see you back again, Miss Sparkle. Ah! And finally with a guest in hand!”
“Nice to see you too sir!”
“Oh you flatter me. May I know the title and name of your friend?”
“Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight answered. “As for title? I suppose a ‘miss’ will do. Nothing too grand is needed.”
“Very well.” The announce coughed twice, drawing all eyes onto him before projecting his voice forward to the waiting crowd. “Presenting Miss Sparkle, daughter or Mr Light and Mrs Velvet, and her friend, Miss Shimmer!”
Twilight turned to Sunset and immediately spotted her awestruck expression. Despite the countless pairs of eyes staring at them, Sunset’s eyes were everywhere but on the crowd. She was darting her gaze up to the ornate ceiling, where large, beautiful chandeliers hung, casting their brilliant glow onto the room below. Then she focused on the marbled pillars, carved with designs Twilight was sure she had never seen before. Horses, rabbits and a dozen other animals stared down at the crowd, almost as if they were guarding them.
“Psst, Sunset!” Twilight tugged on her arm, breaking Sunset out of her daze. “Come on.”
Slowly, they descended down the main steps to a chorus of applause. She took each step slowly. Carefully. Cautiously. Twilight was savoring every passing second. And she took solace in the fact that this was one of the rare moments that Sunset was less comfortable than she was.
“All these people are staring at us,” Sunset spoke through a clenched grin.
“Makes you pretty nervous, huh?”
“Nervous? This is amazing! Look at all of these people that’ll get smitten with us when we take to the dance floor!”
Why did I think Sunset would be hesitant?
Once they had reached the bottom, the crowd gave one final clap before resuming the festivities. Twilight gave a small curtsey to every guest she passed that looked her way. And that guest would bow in return.
Soft music hung in the air, played by a small live band consisting of four musicians. They sat on a stage, in the middle of the room, and around them, several guests had already took to dancing.
Twilight brought Sunset to the buffet table, taking a small biscuit off the tray.
“Not big on the servings here, huh?” Sunset lifted a tiny square cake, no larger than an inch.
“They’re finger food.”
“No they aren’t! See?” Sunset held the cake close to Twilight’s eyes, letting her see that the treat was smaller than the fingers it was clasped between.
“That’s because you have tiny fingers!” Twilight laughed.
“And I take pride in that thank you very much!” Sunset tossed the cake into her mouth with a flick.
Twilight’s wide smile changed into one much smaller. In fact, it could barely be called a smile. It was faint. Soft. And accompanied by a faint pink blush on her cheeks.
So far so good.
Twilight turned, spotting Sunset holding a glass of champagne effortlessly in the palm of her hand. Her posture was perfect. And there wasn’t a trace of worry on her face. Every move was done with resolve. Every step oozing charm. This was her first Gala, and Sunset was already acting like she had been to hundreds of others.
Twilight watched as several guests moved up to Sunset, introducing themselves. All the while she stood just a few steps away, waiting patiently to ask her for a dance.
Maybe just five more minutes…
Twilight had found a spot at a small corner of the ballroom. A small distance away from the crowd.
And away from those prying eyes.
In this lonely alcove, she could retreat into her thoughts. Her fantasy of finally dancing with someone else. Of making this a gala she would finally remember. Of making this a Grand Galloping Gala.
“Standing here all alone?”
Twilight brought her mind back down to reality, spotting Sunset dusting her suit with the back of her hand.
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Well, the night is burning and the band’s playing some beautiful songs. I was hoping you’d like a dance,” Sunset said, offering her hand forward.
Twilight’s eyes shot wide open. That single gesture wiped her mind in an instant. She wasn’t sure what to do. What if...
What will?
Instinctively, she placed her hand upon Sunset’s and felt herself get whisked away to where the band was playing. A few other couples were stepping in time to each beat. Twirling on command with the strings. Weaving effortlessly between each move. They were not two people, but a single entity elegantly floating on the floor.
Sunset stopped in a fairly open space, taking Twilight’s hand and placing her own on the back of Twilight’s dress.
“I take it you know how to dance?”
Of course she did. She… did. But at this moment, her mind was a blank mess. She had done this before, of course. Countless times in every Grand Galloping Gala as far back as she could recall. She learned from the greatest, took classes and practiced with men other girls would have killed to be with.
And yet, all that experience vanished in an instant when she met Sunset’s cyan eyes.
The music sounded a million miles away. Each note a mess in her thoughts.
“Hey, you alright? Your hands are-”
Twilight hadn’t noticed just how much she was shaking. And just how hard her heart was pounding. This moment had to be perfect. She had to follow Sunset’s moves. Follow her steps. Follow the beat. The band.
She had to. She needed to make this flawless.
“I can do this. Let’s go.”
Sunset’s smile returned as she took the first step forward, causing Twilight to take a similar one back.
Okay just… don’t screw up. Be like Sunset. Smile. Follow. Twilight reminded herself. And yet, at the corner of her vision, she spotted a couple twirl. Did she miss her cue? Maybe the band had already given the signal? What if she-
“Ow!” Sunset yelped as Twilight’s heel landed upon her foot.
“Oh no! I’m sorry, Sunset! I-”
“Twi, relax. It’s just a mistake. Come on, let’s keep going.”
They resumed their waltz. Yet, Twilight’s mind was someplace else. She had made a mistake, and it was no doubt visible to the crowd. They must’ve been making fun of her. Laughing and staring. Everyone else was on beat. Sunset was on beat.
Why couldn’t she be?
“Twilight?” Sunset’s voice cut her thoughts in twain.
Twilight stared at Sunset, realizing that both of their arms had been raised high in the air. Twilight was supposed to have twirled. Yet, she stood, staring awkwardly at her partner.
With increasingly shaky limbs, she did the twirl, pulling herself back with Sunset.
“There we go!” Sunset said in a comforting tone.
But Twilight felt none of the comfort.
It was supposed to be easy. And yet the crowd staring at them was probably giggling at that blunder. She needed to stay on track. To-
“Whoa hey!” Sunset hugged Twilight. “You alright?”
Twilight shook her head, realizing she had taken a step forward instead of back. “I… I…” she stammered, tears at the edge of her eyes.
“Wanna take a break?”
The words struck Twilight harder than she thought they would. She gave no reply. Not a nod, nor a shake. Twilight simple broke the embrace.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered, retreating into the crowd. She felt tears start flowing down her cheeks. The guests turned to look at her. And she could hear their mocking a mile away. Her head was filled with their words. Their insults. She had the perfect date. The perfect venue. The perfect event.
This night was supposed to be perfect.
But it was now that one terrible thought surfaced. One she hadn’t considered before. But she could no longer deny it wasn’t the truth.
Everything was perfect.
Except for her.
Twilight had found a spot at the entrance of the hedge maze. On a bench away from prying eyes. Night had already fallen, drenching the area around her in darkness. The only source of light being the floor lamps that illuminated the path.
The silence was her friend. Her sobs were the only noise she could hear. Or she could care to. Their laughter tore through her mind. Their gestures. They must’ve been ridiculing her. And she deserved every laugh. Every insult.
Why, Twilight? Why did you have to screw up? Why!? she screamed in her mind. It’s always your fault. It's always you.
Twilight wanted to scream, but found her vocal chords constricted. She placed her hands softly upon her face, feeling the tears flow like rivers.
“Hey.”
That one word froze her solid. She didn’t look up. Didn’t move.
Didn’t care.
“So, food’s pretty good. And so are the drinks.”
Twilight felt someone sit on the bench. Of the million words she knew, none seemed to be appropriate for this time. There was a nudge on her shoulder. She turned her head up for a moment, spotting Sunset holding out a plate filled with food and a glass of fruit punch.
“I took three of each,” Sunset gestured to the plate. “Except the smaller-than-my-fingers cake. I took six of those because they were wicked good. And you and I have about the same taste.”
Twilight caught a smile before it could surface. She didn’t want to be happy. Nor did she deserve it. She simply turned away.
Sunset sighed, setting the food and drink down with a quiet ‘clank’. “What happened in there. That really bothered you, huh?”
Sunset didn’t get an answer.
“Twilight, they were simple, innocent mistakes. Anyone could’ve made them.”
“I shouldn’t have,” Twilight spat the words bitterly. “Everyone was staring.”
“Huh? T-Twilight, barely anyone noticed. It happened so quickly we caught maybe two guests’ attention. And they went straight back to their own business after that.”
Was she lying just to make her feel better? Or maybe she was telling the truth? Twilight couldn’t say. Yet the laughter in her mind still burned fresh.
“What’s gotten you so stressed out? Didn’t we come here to just have fun?”
“Yes, but…” She caught the words before they could escape.
“But? But what?”
“N-nothing.”
Sunset huffed. “...Well, at least tell me one thing, Twilight. What was on your mind during that dance? You were distracted. Your eyes kept just… glazing over.”
Don’t tell her. Her mind urged. Yet, even with those words in her mind, she lifted her head, opened her mouth and spoke.
“I… wanted things to be perfect. Perfect for you.”
Sunset scratched her head. “But… but they were,”
“What?”
“Twilight, I’m at the most beautiful mansion in the city, surrounded by things I’d didn’t think I’d ever see beyond fairytales. It's like a dream come true for me.” Sunset laughed. “And plus, it's not the events, nor the dance that’s making this night perfect.” She placed her hand upon Twilight’s shoulder. “It’s the girl who invited me in the first place.”
Twilight sat in silent shock. Her jaw was basically wide open.
“The dance could go wrong. We could screw up the dance, fall on the buffet table, get attacked by a magical creature from Equestria.” Sunset gave a knock on the wooden bench. “I wouldn’t care. All I need to make this night perfect is for you to be happy.”
“But-”
“So don’t worry about it. As far as I know, this night is pretty flawless as is. Only thing left, is for you to smile.”
Twilight grinned. Then laughed. She giggled and chuckled loudly, letting her pain into the air. Bit by bit, she felt the weight get taken off her shoulders. The sudden release of worry gave her room to breathe. Room to smile once more.
“Well, if it's perfect already, what are we gonna do for the rest of the Gala?”
“...Dance?” Sunset said, jokingly.
But Twilight instead gave a firm nod in return. “Though I’m gonna be honest, I’m not really keen on keeping beat with the band.”
“Then forget the band.” Sunset shot from her seat. “They’re boring anyways.”
Twilight stared at her, perplexed. “What are you talking about?”
Sunset offered her hand forth, a coy smirk at her lips. “Let me show you.”
Clink. Clink. Clink.
Twilight tapped her fingernails lightly upon the glass. Her eyes were drawn to the red liquid that swirled within. Sunset had told her to wait as she went to grab a bite. Though if Twilight was being honest, she wouldn’t have mind if Sunset took another few minutes.
Or hours.
She turned her attention to the party, watching as the guests continued to mingle without a care in the world. All of them dressed extravagantly in gowns and suits the likes of which she had never seen. Yet despite all the glitter and gold most were wearing, Twilight still preferred her simple, silk gown the best. It was magical. And it made her night more so.
Back outside, she was so confident that another dance would be good idea.
Now she couldn’t give a single reason why. And neither could she say anything. Sunset had all but vanished, and Twilight spent her time retreating into her thoughts as the crowd swarmed on by her.
So she waited. Waited as people walked by in a blur of movement. Waited as the band changed from one song to the next.
Waited.
Maybe this is a bad idea. Twilight leaned back into her chair, placing the glass softly on the table. She was just about to throw her head back when a hand appeared right in front of her eyes.
“May I have this dance, Miss Sparkle?”
Twilight turned her head up, spotting Sunset with a cheeky smile drawn across her face. She thought for a moment. Knowing that once she were to take that hand, there would be no going back.
And she wondered if this really was worth it.
After a moment of thought, she raised a trembling hand, placing her palm on top of Sunset’s and allowed herself to be pulled up.
Sunset took slow, faultless strides down the ballroom with Twilight by her side. Every step was planted with purpose. And even though several couples turned to stare at them, Sunset never took her eyes off her destination: the dance floor in the middle of the room.
Twilight attempted to mimic Sunset’s movements. Maybe she could step with as much confidence. Or emanate that sort of head-turning aura that seemed to surround Sunset. But merely a few seconds in, something Sunset said crossed her mind.
All I need to make this night perfect is for you to be happy.
When Twilight took her next step, she had realized something she missed all along.
She allowed her shoulders to drop and her fake demeanor to disappear. The large grin she wore in an attempt to hide her fear fell away, leaving behind a small smile. One that meant so much more. The truth was that she wasn’t as confident as Sunset. She couldn’t grab the room’s attention with a step. Conduct the hall with a single word. She couldn’t capture the eyes of those around her.
And that was okay.
She didn’t need to do any of those things. And as they stopped right in front of the band, Twilight found something within her. A form of strength she had never felt before. It gave her the energy she needed to raise her arms and meet Sunset’s stare straight on. Her eyebrows furrowed in determination, and once the music started, the world around them began to melt away.
The first step came to Twilight on instinct. She took a step back, exactly the same time as Sunset took one forward. She swayed effortlessly, gliding over the floor with flawless grace. Decades of dance lessons, or training, melted into this one moment.
What if they’re staring?
Twilight hesitated for a split second, but when Sunset raised her hand, Twilight twirled in a small circle. Her dress flew into the air, glimmering under the light of the chandeliers, causing it to resemble that of a night sky. Then, just as quickly as it fluttered high, it fell to her side. Like a crash of the ocean, it had appeared and vanished in the blink of an eye. When she returned to Sunset’s embrace, she spotted Sunset giving her a nod. And she returned one in kind.
Then let them. I have nothing to hide.
“Enjoying your dance?” Sunset whispered, swaying a little faster than the music would allow. Her movements were filled with much more vigor than what ballroom dancers would typically have.
Yet Twilight mirrored it all the same.
“You know we’re off beat right? Or did all that wine ruin your sense of rhythm?” Twilight teased.
“Well, who said that the band is the one setting the beat?” That cunning tone told Twilight that something was up. “I told you. Forget the band. This is our dance. Our beat. Our song. This isn’t for anyone else. This is for us.”
Twilight opened her mouth to argue, her mind already forming the words she wanted to say.
But what if...
What if?
Twilight shut her mouth tight. She closed her eyes. And she laughed, feeling a tear flow down her eye.
“Whoa hey, you alright?”
“Yeah. I just… I’m an idiot.”
“Why?”
“I was worried what others would think. Kept asking myself ‘what if?’. Like I have all night.”
Sunset swayed, taking her steps in her time. “And…?”
“I’m done caring what other people might think. Done wondering if I’m doing it exactly as they expect me to.” Twilight felt Sunset’s finger rise up, clearing the tear off her face. The music fell almost into silence, leaving a few notes hanging in the air.
Both girls stopped in their tracks. Both were smiling at one another. And both, as far as Twilight knew, could feel the electricity in the air.
Staring up into Sunset’s eyes, Twilight finished her thought.
“All I care about is what I think.” Twilight paused, taking a breath. “And I think tonight has been…”
...Perfect.
The starlight gave the gardens an almost otherworldly glow. There was a certain calm in the air that was unlike anything Twilight had felt before. Even if she was just in them a few hours ago.
But instead of sorrow when she entered the first time, Twilight felt elation. A large amount of joy that made her heart flutter. Made each breath of air feel like pure euphoria.
She turned, gazing at the flowers. Watching as the moonlight bounced and twisted its way between each colorful petal. Watching as the way they swayed in the cool evening winds, carefree and without worry.
Before today, Twilight would have wished the Gala to be over as soon as possible, so she could retreat back home and hole up in her room.
Yet now…
I don’t want to go back.
Soft laughter reached her ears. She turned, spotting the mansion a small distance away. Even though it was a fair bit from her, she could still hear the echoes of laughter and music coming from within. The light of the windows were blinding when compared to the darkness Twilight was sitting in.
The night has to end sometime. Twilight sighed at the thought, turning up to the shimmering skies above. And that’ll be our cue. Why couldn’t it last forever? She could hold Sunset’s hand and whisk through the hallways of the ballroom. All eyes locked onto them in envy and wonder. And they would take each step perfectly in time. Not to the music of the band.
But to the beat of theirs.
It would be… perfect.
“Alone?”
Twilight turned, spotting Sunset standing beside her with a cup of wine in each hand.
“Well, you looked like you were enjoying the praise the guests were giving you,” Twilight said, half-teasing. “Plus, I needed some time to myself anyway.”
“Oh well in that case,” Sunset pretended to spin around, causing Twilight to roll her eyes.
“Just take a seat.”
Sunset smirked, planting herself beside Twilight. She extended her arm, passing Twilight a drink.
“So, pretty amazing night huh?” Sunset leaned back into the bench, loosening her tie with her free hand while resting the other atop the backrest. She lifted the glass to her lips and took a small sip.
“Best Gala I could ever wish for.”
“Wow really? I mean, I feel the same way too.”
Twilight furrowed her brows in confusion. “Sunset, isn’t this your first Gala?”
“Yes. Yes it is.”
There it was again. That confident smile. That ‘do-no-wrong’ tone. It was Sunset’s trademark. And Twilight would have had it no other way.
She gazed up to the stars, pausing as she traced every twinkle. Every dot in the endless expense of the sky. There was a pause in the laughter between her and Sunset. Even the mansion seemed silent for just a moment. The world around Twilight held still, as if holding its breath, ready to take a plunge.
Just as well, as there was still one last issue unsettled. Twilight assumed that she knew the answer.
Yet Twilight knew better than to assume.
“Sunset?”
“Hm? What’s up, Twilight?”
“Mind if I ask you something?” Twilight spoke in a much more serious tone.
“Of course,” Sunset leaned in close, placing a hand over Twilight’s shoulder, feeling her slightly trembling form. “Hey, you don’t have to be scared of asking me anything alright?”
Twilight shook her head. Internally, she gave herself a fool’s chuckle. Why did you even try to hide your emotions from her? You know she can see right through you.
“I’m not scared of the question, Sunset. I’m scared of your answer.”
“Oh? Well, you don’t have to be either!”
Always so sure.
Twilight paused. “...Are we?”
“Are we… what?”
“Are we… something more?”
The question left a tense air around them. The world around both girls didn’t matter to Twilight. For all she cared, there could have been a bubble, obscuring the two of them from view. Everyone else didn’t matter. She herself didn’t matter. All that mattered was the next sentence Sunset was about to speak.
And Sunset didn’t speak a word.
Instead, she grasped Twilight’s palm tightly in hers. With a blush of her cheeks, she raised Twilight’s head with a finger and met her gaze.
When their eyes met in that instant, Twilight knew the answer to her question. Tears began to fill her eyes and a glowing smile grew on her lips. She felt Sunset pull her into a tight hug, triggering her to sob with joy she had never felt before.
And though Twilight couldn’t see her, she was sure Sunset was doing the same.
The hug lasted for what felt like an eternity, a little less than what Twilight would have liked. The chill wind had no place in Sunset and Twilight’s warm embrace. Not a single word was spoken by either of them, even after they broke their loving gesture. Not even when Sunset reached her hands up, holding Twilight’s face tenderly in the palms of her hand.
And Twilight laughed. She laughed to release all the fear. All the worry she had been bottling up within her heart. It echoed through the gardens and beyond, and it didn’t take long for Sunset to join in too.
Suddenly, there came a booming sound from the mansion.
“Five!” The royals shouted simultaneously.
Twilight felt her heart jump, and she gestured high into the air.
“Four!”
She gestured to the twinkling stars above, all of which stood ready for the coming event.
“Three!”
For years she had sat through this moment alone.
“Two!”
But not tonight.
“One!”
There was a chime of the bell and a loud whistle resonated in the air. In the distance, right where Twilight’s finger was pointed, a trail of smoke rose high between the clouds.
Neither Twilight, nor the mansion, dared to make a sound. They stood in quiet anticipation. Until…
An explosion of color filled the sky.
Sunset froze in awe. Her face displayed, clear as day, the wonder that was filling her mind.
Twilight couldn’t help but laugh, watching as two more trails of smoke soared high up above before painting the night sky a shining purple.
The fireworks continued with not a moment of pause. Every swirl of color was followed up spectacularly with another bright explosion.
Twilight wondered how she was going to describe this moment to her friends and family. In fact, she didn’t know how she was going to describe this moment to herself. Was there a word for it? Had it been invented yet?
Twilight tightened her grip upon Sunset’s hand. And Sunset did the same. She rested her head softly upon Sunset’s shoulders as the sky continued to be filled with a spectrum of color.
There was a word for it. At least, for the moment. Though it was tamer than Twilight would’ve liked.
It’s… perfect.