Twilight paced around in circles on the Ponyville train station platform. Starlight watched nearby, unimpressed, yet used to Twilight’s anxiousness.
“Their train was supposed to come 40 seconds ago!” Twilight exclaimed. “Where are they? Do you think something happened? Starlight, what if they suddenly decided that they didn’t want to come! What if they got into an accident! What if—“
Twilight’s rant was cut short when Starlight put her hoof to her former mentor’s mouth. “Breathe Twilight. I’m sure they’re on their way. Trains do get delayed after all,” she said. Twilight nodded, and removed Starlight’s hoof from her mouth. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, making use of the breathing exercise Cadance taught her.
“Yes yes, I’m sure they’re fine,” said the alicorn. “I’m just so excited to see Cadance and Flurry. It’s been so long since we last met. Flurry’s 5 now! I can’t believe she’s all grown up!” Starlight giggled. “And I’m excited to see Sunburst as well. From what I’ve heard, Flurry’s been getting real good at spells thanks to Sunburst’s teachings,” she said. “I can’t wait to share some spells I learnt with him! Maybe we can teach Flurry together later!”
Twilight smirked. “Only excited to share spells Starlight? You sure it’s not because of some other reason?” she teased gently. Starlight’s face turned scarlet. “What… what other reason could there be? I’m just excited to spend time with my friend,” she stammered.
Twilight’s smirk grew. “If you say so Starlight. If you say so.”
Starlight raised an eyebrow. So this was how Twilight wanted to play? "Fine. You win,” she said. “My feelings for Sunburst are just like your feelings for a certain Crystal Empire guard that you are literally always bumping into,” Starlight knew Twilight had a massive crush on Flash Sentry. She’s had her share of experiences during the last few years of watching Twilight bump into the guard, blush furiously then stutter. From what Rarity told her, the bumping, blushing then stuttering routine had started long before Starlight had met the princess of friendship.
It was Twilight’s turn to blush. “So strictly platonic,” she said, nodding quickly. “Got it. Just friends, like how I’m just friends with Flash.”
The sound of a train screeching on the tracks interrupted whatever the two had to say next, stopping the former mentor and student from continuing to chat about the embarrassing topic. Something they were both thankful for.
Two pink alicorns emerged from the train, followed by an orange unicorn. “Cadance! Flurry!” exclaimed Twilight excitedly. Starlight also perked up at the sight of Sunburst, her cheeks gaining a faint rosy glow once again. Unbeknownst to her, Flurry Heart noticed the slight colour change. Ooh! Auntie Starlight likes likes Uncle Sunburst! thought Flurry. With her mother being the literal princess of love, the filly had picked up some things over the years.
Maybe I can bring them together! I’ve seen Mommy do it with some of the Crystal ponies! If I make them say they love each other, they’ll be happy! The Crystal ponies that Mommy helps always seem happy after Mommy helps them! Plus, Auntie Applejack always said that it was important to be honest with your feelings. Oh Mommy’s gonna be so proud of me!
“Sunshine sunshine ladybug’s awake,” said Twilight to Cadance while doing their special greeting. “Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” finished her sister in law. Flurry giggled at her mother and aunt’s antics. Some things never change. Even after all these years, her mommy and auntie were still as close as before.
“Auntie Twily! Auntie Starlight!” cheered Flurry, running towards her aunt. Twilight hugged her niece and gave her forehead a quick kiss. “Flurry! How’s my favorite niece?” she asked.
Flurry giggled. “Never better!” she answered brightly, her wings flapping a little bit due to the filly’s enthusiasm. “Uncle Sunburst taught me a lot of new spells! I learnt transfiguration spells! Mr Starswirl even came to visit once, and he taught me his pillow fluffing spell! Uncle Sunburst also taught me Miss Meadowbrook’s healing conju… conjumflation!”
Twilight chuckled, ruffling Flurry’s mane. “Conjuration sweetie. Sound’s like somepony is getting really good with their magic! But Starswirl’s pillow fluffing spell?” she asked, confused. Cadance shrugged. “Apparently Starswirl is very strict about the fluffiness of his pillows,” she explained. Twilight nodded in understanding.
Meanwhile, off to the side, Starlight and Sunburst were having their own little conversation. “Glad you’re here Sunburst,” said Starlight, giving her friend a quick hug. She didn’t notice how he had blushed slightly at the gesture. “But I thought Cadance was here to discuss some princess stuff with Twilight? If memory serves right, Twilight said that Cadance wanted to go through the upcoming Ponyville Days. Something about the Crystal Empire wanting to set up a booth to promote the history and culture of the Crystal Empire during the Equestria and beyond cultural exchange part of the festival?”
Sunburst nodded. “Yes that’s what Twilight and Cadance will be doing,” he said. “But Flurry wanted to come see her, and I quote, ‘best auntie ever’, so I offered to tag along to look after her.”
The stallion didn’t tell Starlight the real reason he wanted to come to Ponyville as well— Sunburst wanted to pay Starlight a visit. For some reason, Starlight was never far from his mind. No matter what he did, his thoughts always seemed to drift back to the unicorn.
Starlight grinned, excited to not only spend time with her best friend, but also to spend time with Flurry. “Wonderful! I can teach Flurry some new spells while we watch her! I can teach her Mistmane’s crescente incantatores! Or maybe the speed reading spell Twilight taught me!” The unicorn clapped her hooves together in glee and delight.
“Wait wait we?” questioned a shocked Sunburst. “You’re willing to foalsit Flurry with me?” Starlight rolled her eyes and nodded. “Of course!” she said. “Why wouldn’t I spend time with my best and oldest friend?”
“I think that’s a great idea Starlight,” said Cadance, walking over to them, a smile on her face. “I’m sure Flurry would love to learn some new spells. She loves her magic lessons.” Flurry nodded and impatiently tugged her mother’s mane.
“Can we go to Auntie Twily’s castle yet Mommy?” she pouted. “We’ve been standing here forever!” The group chuckled before heading towards to the direction of the Castle of Friendship.
Little did Sunburst and Starlight know, Flurry Heart was cooking up a little plan in her head. They were in for a long day…