Twilight Sparkle was, for once, at a loss for words as she stared at a page in a fresh book. The page in question was marked “Alex in Canterlot.” She had started staring at the page since her return home.
My parents were mostly receptive towards Alex, I doubt they approved of sharing a bed but we didn’t have much choice. If we didn’t stay at my parents then we would’ve had to explain things to my brother and Cadance sooner than I wanted to anticipate.
“Hey,” called a voice from downstairs, “ya here Twilight?”
Alex could’ve taken a hint from mom better, but I’m happy she took notice of his intentions. He needs to relax a little more.
The librarian stared at the words for a moment. “I probably shouldn’t have dumped the idea on his lap without talking seriously about it with him,” she grumbled.
“What about telling me,” harped her visitor.
Twilight turned and met the cerise eyes of her rival. “What do you want Rainbow?”
“How did the whole thing go?”
“Why, is something in the paper?”
“Haven’t seen anything, just tell me how it went.”
“All things considered, it went as good as I hoped. I talked with my dad after I got up in the morning. He thought Alex was trying to avoid something. I think they assumed we were already a lot closer that we are. Alex was doing his best to avoid touching on how our relationship is… complicated.”
“But you guys aren’t that close right? You two haven’t been keeping secrets from me right?”
“No I haven’t,” Twilight snapped, “Alex is still free to date whomever he wants to. We need to talk about Lyra though; she can be crafty when she has to.”
“So you’ll trust me on this but not tell me you planned to take Al to Canterlot to see your folks?”
“I’ll admit it, that wasn’t my best plan, but what was I going to do once they started to question my motives? What if they thought I was crazy?”
Rainbow gave her friend a cold stare. “Twilight, I hate to tell you but you have your moments. I mean, we all have our moments, but I just wanna be honest with you.”
“I know, but they’re my parents. Would you want to lie to your parents about this?”
“Well no, but did you tell them about me and how I feel?”
Twilight’s ears flopped as she sighed. “I suppose I should have. Are we still okay Rainbow?”
“How are we gonna deal with Lyra? I mean, you said she’s crafty an all.”
“She is, and while Alex napped on the train back home I was trying to figure out how to approach this book thing. Lyra might want to use this to worm her way into Alex’s heart, but I’m pretty sure he’s smart enough to handle that.”
“How much do you know about her? Tell me everything you can.”
“We both went to Princess Celestia’s School in Canterlot. We had classes together. Worst of all though is she knows how to read a pony. If we’re too protective then she’ll push back.”
“So what’s the plan?”
“We don’t tell her with our words, but make sure she knows she has no place getting in our way. One on one is bad enough, a three-pony free for all is just uncalled for.”
“Trust me Twi, I know the two of us fighting over him isn’t a good idea. I mean I don’t want to lose you as a friend over a guy. I don’t care how it ends as long as we remain friends.”
“I agree, we shouldn’t let this get the better of us. Just don’t expect me to slip up and let you have him all to yourself.”
Rainbow smirked. “As long as you don’t think I’ll do the same I’ll be just fine.”
Elsewhere in Ponyville...
Alex snored softly as he had successfully managed to make it to his couch to enjoy a well deserved afternoon nap. The train hadn’t been as comfortable as he hoped and work had been just short of merciless without decent sleep. Unlike the conspiring duo, the last thing on his mind was the visit from Lyra in the following week.