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// Chapter 3 
// Story: Rumors 
// by skan089 
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Twilight laid in their bed, its size dwarfing the one pony. The curtains were closed, letting next to no sunlight in. She couldn’t think of dealing with anypony, let alone her mentor. Even seeing Celestia’s sunlight was too much for her.  The covers were pulled up around her, her pillow was wet with tears. She had gotten over the sobbing, but she had no more energy to cry. A short rap at the door pulled her from her daze. 

“Twi? Can I come in?” She heard her brother at the door. She wasn’t sure if she could take anymore, but she opened the door with her magic. He stayed under the frame of the door for a moment, steeled himself and walked into the room. “Twi, I’m really sorry about all of that. And I’m sorry that Cadance didn’t really help things. She’s sorry, too. She wants you to know she wouldn’t have piled on if she knew what you were so upset about. And you have every right to be upset about all of that. And to be upset at me and Cadance, too.”

Twilight had stayed silent and unmoving while Shining Armor was apologizing. “I’m not mad at you Shiny. I could never really be mad at you. I’m just…” She paused, breathless. “Overwhelmed.”

Shining laughs as he climbed into the bed, laying down and putting his hoof around her. “I’m going to have to hold you to that Twily.” They laid there together for a few minutes, enjoying the closeness and quiet. It was a serenity that seemed so foreign given the events of the day. “Hey, Twily?” She turned around so that she was facing him. “Twilight. I love you. You, Cadance, Flurry Heart and the little one growing in here right now. You girls are the most important thing in the world to me and nothing is going to change that. We are going to be a family no matter what. I promise.” Tears started welling up in his eyes as he professed his love. 

“Pinkie Promise?” Twilight asked, tears had started streaming down her face, but this time a wide smile was on her face.

“Cross my heart, hope to uhh… something about a cupcake?” Shining Armor tried to remember the Ponyville tradition but couldn’t. Nothing really made sense about Pinkie Pie to him. Thankfully, Twilight laughed at his attempt.

“Close enough,” She laughed again for what seemed like the first time in years. “I love you, too Shining,” They pulled each other close as they both silently cried. They shared another kiss, this time truly lost to the world the only thing to them was each other. 

“Awww!”

“Cadance!?” Shining Armor screams at the sudden appearance of his wife. A screech comes out of Twilight at the same time, her horn lighting up once again. Shining was ready for it this time, putting a shield around Twilight’s horn and suppressing the flash.  “Celestia’s Light! Twilight why do you even know a flashbang spell?

“I don’t know! It just seems like smart thing to know!” Twilight’s breathing was fast, but she was calming down. She wasn’t sure if she could take anymore surprises in this day. “Cadance we were kinda in the middle of something.”

“Ohh relax Twilight, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” She laughs and looks at Shining Armor. “I’m glad you two made up. What do you think of the plan, Twilight? 

“We uhh… actually haven’t got that far, Cadance.” 

“Plan, what plan are we talking about? Did you guys— Wait, what is that?” Twilight finally noticed what Cadance was holding in her magic and the smell of grease in the air.

Cadance held up the bag, welcoming the distraction. “Farmer Pony’s! You said you’ve been craving a good hayburger for a while. I figured now was a good a time as any to have one.” She smiled, hoping it would work. 

Twilight paused, looking between Cadance and Shining Armor before leaping out of the bed and grabbing the bag in one quick swoop. 

“Good! Ok, now you eat that while we tell you about the plan we set in motion.”