Dusk arrived at the library, just as the sun was starting to fully rise on the horizon. The streets were becoming a lot more busy, with all the ponies ready to begin a new day, to work hard and be happy.
They jumped out of his way as he sprinted past them. Some exclaimed about being careful, some cheered like they knew what he was doing, what he was going to do. And Dusk smiled at all of them that he passed by.
Normally, he would be doing his best to blend in with the crowd, to remain as unnoticed as much as possible, just be another face. Today though, he didn't care that he stood out from everypony else, that everypony could see him. He was a stallion on a mission.
When he reached the library doors, he could hear voices inside. For the second time, he pressed his ear to the door to listen. It was Spike and Twilight. They were talking about him.
"Do you think he'll be coming back?" Spike was asking.
"I don't know, Spike," she replied with dismay. "He was really upset from yesterday. We looked everywhere for him, but we still couldn't find him."
"I know... poor guy... I hope he's okay." Spike sighed. "You know, it was kind of my fault he dropped those books in the first place. I should have said something, then he might not have run off..."
"There's no time to wonder about what might have happened, Spike. We still need to try and find him. If we leave now, he might be at his house, Applejack can tell us where it is."
"Twilight... what if he's... left?"
"What? No, why would he leave? That's ridiculous!" There was silence. "You don't think he really would... do you?"
"I don't know," her assistant said unsurely, "but he was pretty upset. He could have gone back to Canterlot. I'm just guessing, but..."
"I really hope you're wrong," she said sincerely. "It would be such a shame if he did. We barely even had the chance to get to know him... we could have been great friends..."
Dusk couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. If he had left, they would have missed him, would have regretted not getting to know him better. Was this what it was like, to have ponies that care about you? To have... friends?
Well, he still had a chance and he was going to take it. He stepped back, pushed open the door and walked inside. Spike was sitting on a chair, twiddling his claws. Twilight was hanging her head, staring sadly at the ground. They both looked up when the door opened, their faces brightening when they saw him.
"Dusk!" They hurried to him, relief breaking out across their faces.
"Hey guys..." He still felt ashamed about what he had put them through.
"We were so so worried about you," Twilight said, her voice ebbing with concern. "Are you okay? Where did you go?"
"I just went home..." he told her, "and I'm fine. Well, I'm fine now. I was given some... valuable advice."
"Wait a sec, Applejack said she went to your house, but that you weren't there," Spike pointed out.
"I... I... I ignored her... I just wanted to be alone..." He felt so ashamed to say that, that he had just ignored her. "You guys were trying to find me, and I just turn you away..."
"Dusk, it's okay," Twilight began, but Dusk wasn't finished.
"No, it isn't okay. I made you and your friends worry, all because I lost my nerve. I've only been here such a short time, I... I didn't think I'd matter all that much to you. You tried to make friends with me, and I just push you away. All I can say is... is that I'm sorry. I truly am, so sorry. But, if you don't want to be friends with me any more, I'll understand..."
With all that said, Dusk hung his head and waited for what she would have to say. Part of him told him to not even begin to hope for forgiveness, that there was no way she would. But another part of him, part that he never really listened to, said that there was still hope. Surprisingly, today, he found himself listening more to that side of him.
"Dusk." Twilight's gentle voice caused him to raise his head. "Of course I still want to be friends with you. It was just an accident, what happened yesterday. The books weren't even damaged. You didn't have to get so upset about it, but I can understand you wanted to make a good first impression. You certainly managed that."
"Yeah," agreed Spike. "If you ask me, I think you're going to make a great second assistant, and a good friend. Though, it might not work out if you're just gonna run off everytime you drop something."
"Spike!" Twilight berated.
"What? I'm just saying..."
"You're not wrong about that Spike," Dusk said, chuckling a little. "It's fine Twilight, he is right. I'll try and keep my feet rooted to the floor in future." Then, to her: "I'm sorry again, Twilight..."
"That's alright Dusk, I forgive you. I'm just glad that you're alright." She gave him another smile, that made him feel warm inside. Or maybe that was his elation that that part of him had been right. "You know, we didn't get time to sort though those old books yesterday. Would you like to help Spike with that?"
"Actually, if you wouldn't mind Twilight... there's still some ponies I need to make amends with. If I could..."
"Of course," she said immediately. "Go ahead, take your time. We'll be waiting for when you get back."
"Thank you, I'll see you later. Thanks for... giving me another chance."
"It's no problem. And Dusk?" He turned back as he reached the door. "Don't worry, it'll be fine."
"Alright. Thanks." With one last smile, he exited back out into the street.
As he made his way to the marketplace, where he hoped to find her at her stall, he still couldn't quite believe what had just happened. Contrary to all of his fears, Twilight had forgiven him, given him a second chance. Not only that, but she still wanted to be his friend. He'd never felt so happy about anything in all of his life. The chances that the others would forgive him now increased, as did the smile on his face.
He arrived at the marketplace, still receiving friendly greetings and smiles from everypony that passed him by, which he gladly returned. He spotted her straight away, standing by her cart of apples, apple pie and apple-treats. Just seeing her made the smile on his face seem brighter.
"Applejack!" he called, striding over to her.
"Well, do ma eyes decieve me? Howdy Dusk!" She gave him that smile as he walked over, which then changed to an expression of concern. "Ya gave us quite a scare yesterday. We looked all over for ya, sugarcube..."
"I know," he affirmed, still blushing from the friendly term she used. "I went back to my house. I was there when you came over..."
"Ah had ta ask around for it," she told him. "Why didn't ya answer the door when ah came? Ah was worried about ya..."
"I... well, my head was... a complete mess, to be honest. I was stressed from the events, and I just wanted to be left alone. But I realise now, that what I really needed, was somepony to talk to. I'm sorry I blanked you out, Applejack, even after you told me I could talk to you if I needed it... and I'm sorry... for making you worry... I guess, I'm just stupid..."
"Aw, Dusk..." She had a sympathetic smile on. "Ya ain't stupid. Ah understand how ya musta felt. Ya jus' need yerself a lil' more confidence, and ta remember that everypony makes mistakes. Yer no different.
"You... mean that?"
"Course ah do." She placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Ah know, from what ya said, that ya might not have had any friends 'fore us. But ya do now, and ya don't have ta face yer problems alone, or be afraid ta tell yer friends anythin'. Yer forgiven, jus'... don't forget who yer friends are, okay?"
"Oh, I won't. I'll never forget again." Feeling relieved that she had forgiven him, he gave her his brightest smile. "Thank you, Applejack. I'm glad that... you think of me as your friend."
"And ah'm glad we are. Here, have an apple, on the house again." She tossed one from the apple-cart, which Dusk managed to catch and eat with his mouth, though he did choke on it a little. "Woah now, don't bite off more'n you can chew."
"Story ack... story of my life, ahem..." he said, once he was done choking. "Thanks Applejack, I'll see you later."
"Hope so!" she called out, as Dusk ran off in search of his next apology recipient.
He still coughed a little from the apple he had eaten. It had been coming straight for his mouth, and he'd felt the urge to try something... different. Maybe it was just a spur of the moment type of thing, combined with the increased elation that he felt from having succeeded twice now with his new... friends.
Dusk still couldn't quite believe that he could now think of them as such, and not feel uncomfortable doing so. They weren't just being nice to him, or playing some kind of cruel joke. They genuinely wanted to be his friends. Well, two of them anyway. It was time to see if he could make it three.
He scanned the skies for any sign of her, perhaps soaring by like a bird or just resting on top of a cloud. Eventually, he found her doing the former, indicated by the sudden rush of wind as she zoomed by, He was about to call out to her, but it was she who spotted him.
"Dusk!" She swooped at him, but couldn't quite slow herself down. She crashed and skidded to a halt in front of him, leaving a trench of dirt behind her.
"Hello, Rainbow. Here..." He helped her up to her hooves, making sure she wasn't hurt.
"Thanks. Don't worry, I've had worse crashes," she assured him, with that confident air of hers. "Good to see you, my fellow master of cool colour."
"I wouldn't say that... you're way better than me..." he said modestly, flushing again.
"Hm, probably. Good that you know your place." She laughed and clapped him on the back. "Just messin' with ya, Dusky. As far as I'm concerned, you're just as cool as me, and I don't often say that."
"I bet," he chuckled, smiling appreciatively. "Thanks, Rainbow..."
"No problem. Now, where you off to?"
"Actually... I was looking for you."
"Oh, really? Well, you found me," she declared. "Did you want to do some more practice?"
"Well, on the subject of that," he began, "I came to say that... I'm sorry for making you crash yesterday. I just... lost control of that last loop, couldn't tone down the brightness... you weren't too badly hurt, were you?"
"That?" She scoffed dismissively. "That was nothin', just a few bruises and a small headache. Hey, hey," she said, as his face fell, "it's fine, really. It could've been a lot worse, but it wasn't. Besides, I don't blame you for what happened. You did seem nervous about it, so I guess I should've picked up sooner."
"So... we're cool?"
"Sure we are," she said. "That was a pretty awesome practice, besides the crashing of course. I should get you to help me more often, maybe we can work it into my routine somehow!"
"I don't know about that..." Dusk said unsurely. "But, thanks for you know... not holding it against me. I've got to be going, so... see you around?"
"Just look to the sky," she told him. "And Dusk? Don't worry, I've not told anypony about... you know, that. I just told my friends yesterday that it was my own fault I crashed. Your secret's still safe."
"Rainbow..." He couldn't believe that she'd kept her word, that she could be trusted with his biggest secret. "Thank you, so much... it really means a lot..."
"Alright, alright, don't get mushy on me," she warned jokingly. "I might just rescind the 'cool' thing if you do. But... it's no problem. Catch ya later!"
With that, she took off once more, cutting through clouds like a knife through butter, her rainbow trailing behind her. Another one down, Dusk thought happily, trotting to find his remaining pony to apologise to.
Now his happiness was doubly increased. Not only did Rainbow Dash think of him as a friend, but she thought that he was... cool. He'd never been called anything like that before. It was even better that she knew how big his secret was and not told anypony about it. He had a new-found respect for her, knowing that she could be trusted with it.
He thought back to his 'special talent,' as he walked along to the Carousel Boutique. If she thought it was cool, would it be too much to hope others would like it too? Would he be able to show it to them as well, to no longer keep it hidden? No Dusk, he dismissed, aim high but don't go for a miracle. Make amends first. Perhaps, in time...
Crossing over a bridge, he arrived at the fashion establishment. Set in a small area of grass, and looking just like a fairground carousel, it wasn't exactly difficult to miss. Rarity certainly knew how to give a good aesthetic appeal.
Even though he had been successful with the others, Dusk felt most nervous about this one. He knew that Rarity was the only one he had actually offended, not just thought. He still felt guilty from the glare that she had given him yesterday. But, she'd been looking for him with the others so... there was a chance.
Taking a deep breath, Dusk stepped inside, a small bell jingling above the door that announced his arrival. He looked around at the various suits and gowns displayed on dress forms, when the proprietor appeared from the counter.
"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chique, unique and magn-" She stopped when she realised who it was, her customer smile forming into a real one. "Why, Dusk! This is a surprise. So nice of you to drop by."
"Hello, Rarity," he greeted, with an incline of his head. She didn't seem angry... "I'm not... disturbing anything, am I?"
"Of course not, not at all. Today has actually been a slow day, so I'm glad to see a friendly face," she said, with a flutter of her eyelashes. "Now, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Why had all four managed to succeed in making him blush? "Um... I've come to... make amends."
"Make amends? Why, whatever for?"
"For yesterday," he elaborated. "I understand... that I... that I dropped all of those books on you, got you covered in dust and... ruined your mane, which you obviously take great care of. I angered you, due to my own clumsiness and... I'm sorry for it..."
She stared at him for a few seconds, evidently quite astonished at what he had just said. Then, she gave a small laugh and a reassuring smile.
"Dusk, I must say I am... pleased, and surprised, at this. You really are quite chivalrous, but an apology is unnecessary."
"It is?" Why was that?
"Well, for you anyway," she clarified. "If anypony should be apologising, it's me. I have a tendency to... overreact about this kind of thing. Why, before all of that, I promised to Twilight that I would use only kind words with you. Needless to say, I broke that promise, and I am very sorry. I had no idea how upset it would make you. Can you ever forgive me?"
Somehow, Dusk was even more surprised at this. He knew that she had said that she would be nice to him, but he didn't expect her to take responsibility for her own mistake at breaking that promise. Like the others, she didn't blame him and she still wanted to be his friend. This was great!
"I... I accept your apology, Rarity," he said happily. "As long we can still be friends, it's water under the bridge, as they say."
"Splendid!" She returned his smile. "I'm glad that we can put that behind us. I'm happy that you see me as your friend, Dusk."
"Me too." He turned to go. "Right, I'd best get out of your mane, so if you'll excuse me..."
"Oh, don't be silly. Like I said, you're not interrupting anything and you went out of your way to come and see me, which is very sweet of you. Why don't you stay for some tea? We can have a nice chat, get to know each other better."
"You... you don't mind?" he asked, pleased that he was making a little more progress.
"Of course not," she said delicately. "Now, why don't you head off into the kitchen and I'll make us a pot of tea. I'll join you in a few minutes."
Dusk did so, walking through the door she indicated. It was a pleasant kitchen, with everything neat and tidy, meticulously placed so Rarity might know where it all was. He spotted the table by the window, but didn't take a seat. He stood and waited for his kind host.
She came through not long after, levitating a fine antique teapot, with matching cups and saucers. She placed them on the table, along with pots of sugar and cream. She looked at him quizzically, as he stood by the table.
"Aren't you going to take a seat, Dusk?"
Remembering a book that he had read on etiquette, and wanting to continue to make a good impression on her, he smartly said: "A gentlecolt does not sit with a mare, until she is seated first. Allow me..." He pulled out her cushion for her.
"Oh, my... Dusk, how gracious of you." She gave a grateful smile and sat herself down smartly. "And you insist that you're not a gentlecolt."
"I uh... have my moments, you could say..." he replied, as he sat opposite her.
"Well, I'd say that this is one of them." She smiled, as she poured him a cup of tea, allowing Dusk to add cream and sugar of his preference. "So Dusk, tell me, how are you adjusting to life in Ponyville?"
"Um... recently, quite well. I mean, now I've turned myself around after... yesterday..." He took a sip from his tea before continuing. "But yes, it is getting better and will do, I hope. It helps that everypony here is really welcoming and kind."
"Marvellous," she remarked. "I'm very pleased to hear that. Yes, this is a nice place to live, but it must be quite a leap after living in Canterlot."
"It has been, yes..." he admitted. "But, I think I prefer it here. It's just so much more... happy, and friendly. Not that there's anything wrong with my home, but... I feel more at home here, than there... if that makes sense."
"I suppose it does," Rarity nodded. "But still, I envy you and Twilight for living in Canterlot. I said the same to her, when she first came here. I've always dreamed of living there, you know."
"I can understand why." Dusk let her drink a little tea before continuing. "If I may, Rarity, you would fit right in Canterlot."
"You really think so?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course you would. Again, if I may... you have the poise, the grace, the sophistication to carry yourself off. If I didn't know you, I would've said that you must have moved from Canterlot too, at some point."
"Oh Dusk, stop. You're making my cheeks go red." She gave a little titter, as Dusk felt his own face grow hot. "Why, with such a pleasant attitude, it's no wonder you know the rest of my wonderful friends here."
"I'm just glad I was fortunate to meet as friendly a group as you girls. I'm very... grateful, to you all."
"I appreciate it, and they will too, I'm sure. What do you think of them all? Do you like having us as friends?"
"Oh yes," he quickly said. "You, of course, have been kind with me, having me stay for tea. Like I said, you have the sophistication and class that reminds me of home. Just... remind me not to drop anymore books on you."
"I'm sure you'll be more careful. Applejack said that she took you for a decent pony, the moment she saw you."
"I'm... I'm very glad to hear that. Yes, I like Applejack too. She was quick to make friends, and I'm happy that she was. Rainbow Dash too, good friend and amazing flyer."
"Hard to argue with that. Though, I must say, if she carries on like, she's more than likely to hurt herself at some stage. Pinkie Pie mentioned that she knows you too."
"Hm, yes." He smiled fondly at the thought of her. "I'm in a debt of gratitude to her, even if she is a bit... eccentric." Rarity giggled a little at that. "I guess I'll have to get used to it. Same with Fluttershy... I owe her a bit as well."
"Oh you've met Fluttershy?" She smiled again. "I'm sure you got on well. You remind me a lot of her, you know. In a good way, I mean."
"We did, and I know what you mean. She and I seem quite alike, as far as personality anyway... I like her too."
"And Twilight? What are your thoughts on her?"
His thoughts now became centered around just her. Her shining lilac coat, her learned intellect and dedication to study, not to mention her talent in magic. His months of hoping, of wishing to be her friend, now fulfilled after so long. These, and so many other things. Just the thought of them made his smile grow wider, and his cheeks grow warmer.
"Well... I'm just glad to finally know her," he said simply.
"I think I know what you mean." She gave him a sort of knowing look, as she took another sip of her tea. "I think I know exactly what you mean."
"What... what do you mean by that?" Had he said something? Did she know something?
"I'm not sure... it might be too early to say yet but... there's a chance, I suppose..." Rarity gave Dusk a lingering stare, her eyes shining. Then she waved it away. "Oh, never mind, it's nothing."
"Alright, if you say so..." They resumed their conversation, but Dusk still couldn't help but wonder one thing: what had she meant about him and Twilight? Why, for some reason, did he agree on whatever it was being too early, like he knew what she meant.
Why did he suddenly hope that, whatever it was she meant, might change in the future? He'd figure it out later... maybe... For now, he allowed himself this triumph, having successfully made amends with them all. Being able to call them... his friends...
He didn't really know what tasted better: the tea he was drinking or how happy he felt at the thought of it.