//------------------------------//
// Strengthening Bonds 
// Story: TimberTwi Tales: First Impressions 
// by CapNTilfy 
//------------------------------//

Twilight watched as Pinkie skipped towards her, smiling as always. How could she maintain that positive attitude, even after what just happened? Fluttershy could have... no, she shouldn't even think the word! For the Universe's sake, couldn't she go at least a freaking day without worrying over something?!

"Twilight?"

First the constant pressure at Crystal Prep, then Midnight Sparkle, now this?! It's wonder she hadn't snapped long ago! How had she kept her sanity for this long??

"Sci-Twi?"

Twilight shook her head rapidly, coming back to reality upon hearing that odd nickname. Pinkie Pie stood in front of her with a smile.

That's right... Twilight had support. Her mom. Her dad. Spike. Shining Armor. Dean Cadance, Lemon Zest... and now she had Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie.

Her friends.

"You're looking a little downy and frowny," Pinkie chirped. "So I, the Sultan of Smiles and Mistress of Mirth have come to rescue you from the dreaded Gloomies!"

Twilight couldn't help but snort. Pinkie somehow always knew how to cheer people up, no matter who they were.

Pinkie blinked, then grinned. "Yes!" She pumped her fist in victory. "A new personal record! Maybe next time I'll shoot for cheering someone up just by looking at me!"

Twilight giggled, then smiled. Why didn't she try and find some friends sooner in her life? "How do you do it, Pinkie?"

Pinkie tilted her head. "Do what?"

"How do you make people happy so easily?" Twilight sighed. "If only there was someone like you at Crystal Prep..."

Pinkie giggled with a snort. "The only one who can be like me is me! ...And the me from that pony world."

Pinkie's remark reminded Twilight of that awkward meeting between herself and her doppelganger from said world. Maybe she should get in touch with her again, if only to learn more about her alternate self and the workings of her society. Now, however, wasn't the time for that. She wanted to learn more about Pinkie, in order to strengthen their bonds.

Twilight smiled softly. "You didn't answer my question. How do you make people happily so easily?"

"It's not always easy. I've had plenty of tough nuts to crack, Twilight." Pinkie reached into her hair and took out a notebook. She opened it to a specific page, then handed it to Twilight.






Tough Nuts to Crack


Prim Hemline


Octavia Melody


Fido


Rover


Spot






"You like it?" Pinkie took back the notebook and stuffed in into her hair. "I made it last night! It's a work in progress."

"I-It's nice." Twilight sighed as she gave up hope on getting an actual answer.

Pinkie sighed, too, which took Twilight by surprise. "I think we need to find a more private place to talk."

"Okay."

Pinkie and Twilight walked away from everyone, then stopped at a secluded part of Camp Everfree.

Pinkie looked left, then right, then nodded in satisfaction.

"Twilight... I'm getting the feeling that you aren't taking me seriously here."

Twilight blanched. "W-What!? No, Pinkie, I-"

"You don't have to lie to me to make me feel better." Pinkie gave Twilight a sad smile. "Look... we haven't known each other for very long. It's only natural that your first impression of me is that I'm a bouncy, cheerful ball of fun without a care in the world."

Twilight's eyes widened. "Pinkie..."

Pinkie leaned into Twilight. "I'm going to let you in a little secret, Twi... I'm no stranger to self-loathing either. While it was never as strong as yours or Sunset's..." She looked away and sighed again. "...I still know how you feel."

Pinkie Pie's voice had become small, which was something Twilight never expected from her friend.

"There was a time when that was all I was... that 'ball of fun'," Pinkie continued. "At least, that was until I came to the realization that I was pansexual. I tried coming out to people, but they all just... laughed it off! 'Oh, Pinkie, you're so funny!'" She shuddered. "The one time I wanted to be serious about something... the one time..."

Twilight was at a loss for words.

"I was so mad at myself, Twilight. I was so mad that I couldn't even look at myself! Just looking at my reflection hurt!" Pinkie took a deep breath, then let out a shuddering sigh. "I was in a very bad place. I... I-I broke anything and everything reflective at home!" She sniffled.

"If it wasn't for Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack... I don't know if I'd have met Lyra and Bon-Bon, joined their LGBTQ group... I don't even know if I'd be here right now," Pinkie exclaimed as she gestured in the direction of her friends. "Sunset's been a great support, too... but I don't have to tell you that."

Twilight walked over to Pinkie and gave her a hug. "I can only imagine how much it hurts to remember all that," she said softly.

"I don't tell that to just anyone, Twi... I only tell that to my closest of friends." Pinkie sniffled again, and Twilight tightened her grip.

"I'm honored to be counted as your friend," Twilight whispered. "If you need to cry right now, cry." She ran a hand through Pinkie's hair. "I'm here for you."

Pinkie broke, and her tears fell on Twilight's shirt.

Twilight smiled. She truly felt honored that Pinkie would open up to her like that, and it made her look at the party girl in a whole new light.

Once Pinkie had no more tears left to shed, she looked up at Twilight. "Thanks, Twi," she chirped in her normal tone. "You're a good friend!" Pinkie hugged her tightly, only to let go at the sound of a twig cracking.

Pinkie and Twilight looked over to see a squirrel tilting its head as another figure emerged behind it.

"Oh, there you two are," Fluttershy said, then turned to the squirrel. "Thank you for finding them for me." The squirrel nodded, then ran off.

"Fluttershy!" Twilight let go of Pinkie, then hugged Fluttershy tightly. "I'm so sorry for what happened! Are you going to be okay?"

Fluttershy giggled. "I'm just fine, Twilight. You don't need to worry. Everyone's already on site and helping with the party preparation."

Pinkie yelped. "I can't believe I almost forgot about a party! Me! Forgetting about a party!" She sped off in a pink blur, leaving Twilight and Fluttershy alone. The two laughed, then headed over to the site.