The prompt: Two ponies are in competition. One loses … but doesn’t realize it.
Twilight Sparkle sat on her favorite cushion, doing her favorite activity: studying. She had been studying all day, as a matter of fact. Normally she would have taken a break somewhere in the afternoon, but this research was extra-important. She'd promised Princess Celestia a huge party for her visit this coming weekend, but she didn't know until the very last minute that Pinkie Pie was going to be out of town and unable to help set it up. As such, she had been tirelessly studying up on how to magic up the best party ever. Twilight was actually rather surprised at the lack of interruption in said studying, as Fluttershy would have usually interrupted her by this point. Fluttershy always apologized for interrupting, but that never stopped her from doing it anyway if Twilight was studying for too long without a break. It was always a positive interruption; usually for a nice meal or some other fashion of pleasant alone time for the two. Today was different, though. Fluttershy had come over like she usually did, but this time, she instead chose to sit patiently and wait for Twilight to finish studying. It was an odd change, but also a useful one, as this studying just couldn't wait.
Twilight began cross-referencing the book she'd been reading for the last hour with the one she had been reading for the hour prior. Most of the bits of information were the same between the two books, but there was a glaring difference between the two regarding the application of the party streamer bombs. The first book cited a need for more gunpowder than confetti in the reagent list, while the second book said the exact opposite. Twilight figured she'd test it a bit later; she had so many other details to work on that actual testing could wait until that was finished. Twilight glanced up at Fluttershy as she closed the second book. Fluttershy was sitting completely still, just staring at her. Part of her was flattered; it was nice to be admired. At the same time, though, it was slightly unnerving that Fluttershy hadn't tried to interrupt her work yet. She always stressed the need to rest one's mind for a while and not overwork oneself, but she was making no effort at all to pull Twilight away from her studies. Twilight shrugged it off and buried her face back in her book.
It was a half hour before Twilight looked up again. Her studies had gone off on a bit of a tangent. Whilst reading over a spell for amplifying music from a record player without the aid of a stereo system, she'd stumbled across a spell to amplify one's voice. She figured this could come in handy at some point, perhaps to speak over Pinkie when she'd start on one of her endless tirades while Twilight was trying to speak. The unicorn bookmarked the page she'd found it on, vowing to go back to it later. She attempted to return to her studying, but once again, Fluttershy caught her eye. She couldn't believe that Fluttershy was still letting her continue studying. There was still a little part of her that was happy to be left to her studies, but an ever-increasing part of her was a little hurt by this. Had Fluttershy given up on her efforts to aid in Twilight's mental health by convincing her to take a break? The idea of it struck Twilight deeply. She thought Fluttershy really, truly cared for her. Fluttershy had made it evident in the past that she did, but the sheer fact that Fluttershy seemed to no longer care if she overworked herself spoke volumes. Twilight closed her eyes, beginning to worry. Did Fluttershy really not care about her anymore? She'd never been in a relationship before this one with Fluttershy. Was this a sign that she was breaking up with her? Twilight shooed the bad thoughts out of her head and tried to go back to studying.
Yet she was completely unable to concentrate on her studies. There wasn't a single word in the book that could take her attention away from the sadness that she was feeling over Fluttershy's refusal to save her from overworking herself. Nothing in this book mattered to her enough at this moment. What mattered to her the most was that her relationship with Fluttershy had apparently deteriorated so much that Fluttershy was now breaking up with her over her refusal to stop studying. It tore at her mind and her heart. She'd never thought that she'd have to choose between her love of studying and her love of the yellow pegasus sitting across from her, but it had apparently come down to that. She stared at the book a little longer. This spell needed to be finished for the weekend so that Princess Celestia would have the greatest party ever...but Twilight wanted to enjoy the party too, and the heartbreak over knowing that she'd chosen studying over Fluttershy would never allow her to enjoy herself at a party. The Princess would likely be bothered if this party wasn't the best party ever, as she'd claimed it would be...but it was worth the risk. Nothing, not even the Princess's disappointment, meant anything to her if she was losing Fluttershy's love. Twilight bookmarked her page and closed the book, setting it down next to her. She looked across the room at her love, who was still sitting there silently. Twilight's eyes began to tear up as she stood up, ready to apologize for overworking herself despite Fluttershy's previous insistence that she be more careful with it. Hopefully her pleas of forgiveness would be accepted.
"Fluttershy, I..." Twilight started.
"I win!" Fluttershy said, smiling a cute little smile. "Nopony beats the Shhh Champion! ...Um...if that's okay..." Twilight stared at her.
"...You're not mad?" Twilight asked, voice shaking slightly.
"Mad?" Fluttershy said. "Of course not! ...Um...do you want me to be mad? I could try to be mad if you want..."
"No, no, it's okay," Twilight said, sighing a huge sigh of relief. She trotted over and gave Fluttershy a kiss on the cheek. "Let's go get some lunch. I think I need a break."