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// Tender Acceptance 
// Story: Torn Too Soon 
// by wileytwily 
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“Ah, I see.” Princess Celestia responded after Twilight lamented to her. “The boat you’re in isn’t too far from one I used to be in, you know.”
“You’re kidding.” Twilight replied in shock.
“No, no. It’s true. I mean, I have lived for over a thousand years. Do you really think I’ve never fallen in love?”
Twilight didn’t answer and kept quiet. In truth, she never thought about the concept of Celestia having someone to romantically love.

Celestia chuckled to herself. “It was a long time ago. I had recently become Princess as well, but I had a crush on one of my friends. Little did I know, they liked me back and ended up asking me out.” she started to explain. “I said yes and our relationship lasted a few months, but as you and I both know, it couldn’t continue. I told them this fact and they were pretty dejected about it, but I had no idea what else to do.” Celestia was silent for a few moments.

“Then what happened?” asked Twilight.
“We moved on and accepted it.” she replied.

“Of course it was upsetting at first,” Celestia explained, “But that didn’t mean we couldn’t stay friends. It may be hard at first to separate the feelings, but you’ll get there. Other the years I’ve had many other crushes I knew I shouldn’t have gained. I haven’t felt that feeling in a long time, Twilight. But I’m not sad about it.”
Twilight looked up to Celestia, dumbfounded. How did she never even consider Celestia having a love life?
“There’s so many types of love out there. Even if you’re never in love, I doubt you’d ever feel alone.”

Twilight nodded. “Gee… I should go apologize to Pinkie, shouldn’t I?” 
“I would suggest so. You two have been friends for such a long time. It would truly break my heart to see a friendship broken up over a silly something like this.”
Twilight hugged Celestia. “Thank you. I know I can always count on you.” Celestia smiled and wrapped her wing around her former student. “Of course.”

Twilight got home and saw Spike pacing out of stress. “Spike?” she called. He nearly jumped to the ceiling from the sudden mentioning of his name but calmed once he realized who said it.
“Twilight! You’re okay!” He ran over and gave Twilight a hug. Twilight smiled and hugged him back. “Of course I’m okay! Why wouldn’t I be?” She almost forgot the way she entered the castle earlier.
“You seemed so upset, and then you just up and disappeared! I was really worried. What’s going on???”
Twilight realized she neglected to tell Spike any context. She sat him down and started explaining everything to him. From top to bottom.

“Wow. Are you… doing okay?” Spike asked when she was finished. “Yes. I’m taking Celestia’s advice. I’m going to talk to her tomorrow.” Spike smiled. “Good on you, Twilight. Why have you never told me any of this?”
Twilight looked down scrunched her face a little. She knew how mean this was going to sound. “I guess I thought you were too young to understand, also it was really difficult for me to share for a long time.”
“Too young? Twilight, I was your protégé! I was learning chemistry at age 5. If I could know that, then you could’ve come to me for your silly love life problems. You know I’m always here for you.” Twilight smiled and gave Spike another hug. “Thanks, Spike. I’m sorry I forgot that for a while.”

The next day, Twilight awoke early to try to make Pinkie Pie an apology cupcake. After studying the ingredients, and following them to a T, she got it down. It was a red velvet cupcake with a cream filling and pink icing with sprinkles. If Twilight knew anything about Pinkie, she was gonna love this. 
She wrapped the dessert up in a little present box and by the time she was done, everypony was awake as well. 

She made her way to Sugarcube Corner and knocked on the door. Cheese Sandwich answered rather quickly. “Princess Twilight! Why, hello.” He greeted while doing a goofy bow. “What do you need?” 
“Hi, Cheese. Can I talk to Pinkie for a second?” Twilight requested. “Sure thing! KISSY-BEAR, TWILIGHT WANTS TO TALK TO YOU!” Cheese yelled.
Twilight slightly cringed at the pet-name he gave her. At least I won’t have to use names like that for anyone. she thought to herself.

After a few moments, Pinkie reluctantly walked out, still looking pretty miffed. She turned away from Twilight dramatically, sitting down in an upright position as she crossed her arms.
“Look, Pinkie… I wanted to apologize.” Pinkie’s ears perked up, but she didn’t move. 
“What I did to you wasn’t fair, I see that now. I just want to go back to being friends. I’m truly happy for you, and your relationship and there is no way I would ever want to interfere.”
“That’s good.” Pinkie replied, still having her back facing Twilight.
“Did I mention I happened to whip up something in the kitchen for you?”
This made Pinkie turn around.
Twilight slid the box forward and Pinkie opened it up, eating the cupcake inside without hesitation.

“Wow!” Pinkie exclaimed. “If I didn’t know better, you could be a baker! You should work at Sugarcube Corner.” She happily complimented Twilight in her natural cadence as she chewed.
“So, everything’s good? We’re still friends?” Twilight managed to ask, even though it was obvious.
“Duh!” She hopped up and gave Twilight one of her monster bear hugs.

“I’m sorry too. I got a little grumpy there, but I should’ve been more rational.” Pinkie confessed.
“Don’t worry, Pinkie.” Twilight forgave. “What’s in the past is in the past.” She held out her hoof. 
Pinkie took it. “Of course! Twilight’s still my bestest friend, whoopee whoopee!” Pinkie sang. Twilight giggled and they shook hooves. “And I’m glad to be.”