New Years Shipping Challenge – Cadance x Twilight Sparkle
By Indigo Eclipse
Celestia's sun rode high on the tapestry of blue with a small sprinkling of clouds to keep it company. Citizens went about their business in the city of Canterlot, but above the streets and behind the closed doors of Cadance's room in Castle Canterlot, two long time friends were saying hello in private.
“Sunshine, Sunshine, ladybugs awake.” Cadance and Twilight sang to each other, covering their eyes with their hooves.
“Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They ended their traditional greeting by wiggling their rumps at each other, then rolling onto their sides laughing.
The pink alicorn crawled up next to the smaller purple unicorn and nuzzled at her neck, her violet, rose and gold colored mane rubbing against her coat. “Why do we still do that silly little dance?”
Twilight grinned up at Cadance, placing one of her fore-hooves over the alicorn's. “Because it makes us smile.” Her answer made them both giggle like fillies. “Besides, I don't mind wiggling my rump at you.”
“Nor, I” Cadance ran the tip of her nose along Twilight's cheek, stroking through her soft fur, enjoying the scent of lavender, books and ink. She gave a little laugh as her body leaned against the other pony. “Why is it, you always smell like work? You really need to take more time off, Twilight.”
The unicorn smirked, pressing back to the alicorn's affections. “Mmm...but you say you love how I smell.”
“True...” Cadance nibbled her teeth into Twilight's fur. “But your scent, not books.”
“Mmm...” Twilight answered, tilting her head up so the alicorn could nuzzle under her chin, nipping gently at her neck. “I'll remember to take a bath next time I come over.” A heat rose to her cheeks. “Or...maybe we can take one together?”
Cadance laughed, unfurling a wing to blanket the smaller pony. “Oh, Twilight. You've become so bold.” A sly smile crawled across her muzzle. “Perhaps I should take a page from your book.” She leaned her face close to Twilight's, opening her mouth ever so slightly to place the gentlest of touches with her tongue against the unicorn's horn. Twilight gave a soft moan, tilting her head towards the pink muzzle. “Oh, my. You like that?” Twilight nodded, careful not to poke Cadance as she licked a little longer against the fluted surface, her fore-hooves wrapping around Twilight's neck to pull her closer.
The alicorn's lips and tongue danced and teased against the unicorn's horn with practiced precision causing it to glow ever so softly under the loving attention.
“Ahhh” The purple pony moaned. “Why does it always feel as good as the first time?”
Cadance giggled before tilting her head and kissing up the length of the rod. “Practice makes perfect.” She ran her fore-hoof through Twilight's mane. “Do you remember the first night you asked me to do this for you?”
Twilight blushed hotly. “Y-yeah. I was so embarrassed.”
The alicorn swirled her tongue around the base of the horn before rubbing her nose against the others ear, her warm breath making Twilight shiver ever so softly. “I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you trusted me enough to let me show you what it's like to be loved.”
Giggling nervously, Twilight nodded. “You are the element of love, after-all.” She opened her eyes half-lidded. “I-I'd like to try some things with you.” She glanced up at the pink pony, hope in her eyes. “Can I?”
Cadance smiled warmly, her hoof still curling through the other pony's soft mane. “Of course. You can't learn everything from a book. Sometimes you need more hooves-on practice.”
Twilight stood up circling around the seated alicorn so her head was near the others flank. She leaned her head down, opened her mouth, letting her teeth brush against the fur that made up Cadance's cutie mark. There Twilight hesitated, glancing over to Cadance for approval. The pony nodded with a knowing smile, watching the unicorn lean in to nibble at her flank...
“Twily? Cadance?” A male voice rang out from somewhere out in the hall. Twilight groaned and hung her head as the alicorn stood, stepping just out of her reach. The unicorn glanced at her lover.
“I thought Shining was suppose to be gone for the afternoon?” She whispered, slight irritation in her voice.
Cadance shrugged just before there was a knock as the large white and gold door swung open revealing a white unicorn with a blue mane. Twilight wondered what the point of the knock was if he was just going to come right in.
“Oh, there you are.” Twilight's brother and captain of the Royal Guard walked calmly over to kiss his wife. “Celestia wants us to be at the dinner tonight and said you two should go out shopping for something to wear. Her treat.”
Cadance nuzzled her love then kissed him sweetly. “We'd love to Shiny. What are you going to wear?” Twilight saw the love in both their eyes and while she was very happy for them, she felt the smallest pang of jealousy that she and Cadance could never, ever be a real couple.
While two chatted about the dinner and preparations, she thought back to all the moments as a young mare coming of age and how Cadance had been there for her. While her parents had given her the birds and the bees talk and she'd read more biology books than she could count, it was her foal-sitter who had been so kind to teach her how it felt. Ever patient, ever gentle and never pushy. She'd always waited for Twilight to ask for something a little more. To let the young filly's curiosity be the deciding factor in their unusual relationship and not Cadance's opinion of what she should know. Now that she was older, Twilight thanked her lucky stars for such a teacher and understood how terrible it could have gone with the wrong pony.
For years the two of them had danced around her brother so he'd never know the secret. How sad that her acceptance into Celestia's magic school and becoming the Sun-Goddess' protege, would cut their close ties. At least temporarily. Now that schooling was finished and living in Ponyville had given her more freedom, it came as a surprise that the first time she'd have to reconnect with her foal-sitter and sometimes lover, was just before her brother was to marry her.
Why did life have to be so ironic? With Cadance back in her life she didn't want to hide it anymore, but now that her brother and Cadance were married, it forced them to dance around the issue, neither of them willing to let the other go. She knew it would be kind of awkward and the conversation in her head went a little something like: “So BBBFF, Cadance and I are lovers and we've been foaling around since I was a filly.” She could imagine his shock and outrage. Accusing eyes and yelling from the brother she loved so much. Then she was sure Princess Celestia would find out. Twilight shuttered at the thought of her mentor's stern and disapproving stare.
“Twily? Twily?” Shining called her out of her internal thoughts. “Are you ok? You don't look so good.” He stepped close to hug his little sister.
Twilight glanced over his shoulder at Cadance, the alicorn was meeting her gaze and while she wore a gentle smile on her lips, her eyes were sad. “I'm fine, Shining.” She said with more conviction than she felt. She gave him a reassuring hug then pulled back, faking a smile just for him. “We'll go get dresses for the dinner party. It'll be a girl's day out.”
“Oh, that's great. Princess Luna wanted to tag along too.” He hesitated. “Um, if that's ok with you.”
“Of course! Tell the Princess to meet us out front.” What she really wanted to say was, 'No, I want Cadance all to myself. I don't get enough time with her.' But she didn't. When did she start lying so much?
The matter settled, Shining gave his wife a parting kiss then trotted out of the room, clicking the large door shut behind him.
Twilight hung her head, lost in her thoughts as she felt a warm rub up against her side. She could smell the sweet rose scent of Cadance and sighed heavily, afraid to meet the eyes of the pink alicorn.
“I'm sorry, Twilight. I know you wanted time with me.” She kissed the unicorn's cheek. “Maybe...maybe it was a mistake to rekindle our relationship.” She looked towards the door. “If Shiny found out...I'm not sure how he'd react.”
“Or Princess Celestia.”
They both looked at each other and grimaced. Twilight nuzzled into Cadance's soft neck, letting her sweet scent calm the tightness in her chest. “Should we keep doing this? We're going to get caught eventually. I know it's not right...we should stop while we can.”
Cadance kissed Twilight's forehead and pulled her tight to her side with her wing. “Do you really want to?” She used a hoof to raise Twilight's face, looking down at her with loving eyes.
The unicorn shook her head slightly, keeping eye contact. “No, no I don't. I see how you and Shining look at each other, I know you love him, and you love me too, right?”
“Of course, Twilight. You shouldn't have to ask.” She rubbed noses, smiling warmly. “I love you and I love Shiny. Remember what I told you when you first asked me to teach you about love?”
Twilight thought for a moment. “Sort of.”
The alicorn started towards the door, pulling the other pony along with her wing draped over her back. “I told you that I would never ever force you to do anything you felt uncomfortable with. I also told you that no matter what, if you wanted to end it, I would never love you any lesser for it. I've never regretted our time together.”
Twilight gave a nod of her head, leaning against the slightly larger pony, their coats ruffling. “I remember. I don't want to end it, Cadance.”
“Then eventually, we're going to get caught. It's not a matter of if it's a matter of when. I'm not trying to scare you, Twilight. I just want you to be prepared.”
The unicorn gave a thoughtful nod, agreeing with her. “I know. It's just...scary.”
“Love can be scary.” Cadance nuzzled her warmly. “Now, come on, Princess Luna is probably waiting for us.”
Twilight's heart just wasn't into dress shopping. She sort of followed along behind Cadance and Luna as they stopped in store after store, lost in her own thoughts. She did notice whenever the Princess of the Night would glace back at her, a strange sort of curious look on her face. As though she wondered what Twilight was up to. The unicorn would meet her glances with a forced smile, then return to the problems swimming in her head once the alicorn's look wandered elsewhere.
She was dimly aware that Luna insisted on stopping into a dress shop with corsets, saddles and a lot of dark colors. She nodded and smiled as Luna showed off her picks. They were old fashion but cute on the sleek alicorn. Cadance refused to try one on, afraid all the dark shades would clash horribly with her pink coat. The adventurous side of Twilight imagined Cadance in a white corset with matching silk socks. Even the faintest of mental images caused a tightness between Twilight's hind-legs and a hot blush to rise to her cheeks. Unfortunately for her, both of the alicorns noticed, though they said nothing at the time.
While Luna was paying for her purchase, Cadance slid up beside the other pony and lightly rump-bumped her. “Bit for your thoughts? What was with the blush?”
Twilight fought the heat rising to her cheeks as the mental image of Cadance slipped through her mind again. “I um...I was imagining you in an outfit.”
“Oh? What kind?” She seemed genuinely curious.
“I-uh-” Twilight fidgeted, scuffing the floor slightly with a fore-hoof. “White corset with lace and white silk socks that rode up to your...” She trailed off, too embarrassed to continue as the alicorn giggled.
“I guess I have some shopping to do later.” The alicorn teased, making the other pony look away, blushing so hard her light purple cheeks had gone violet.
“Everything alright?” Luna asked as she trotted up, glancing from one pony to the other.
“Oh, Twilight was just telling me what kind of dress she thought I'd look cute in.”
Luna's eyebrow rose. “I must confess that my curiosity is peaked.” She smiled to the unicorn. “Surely Twilight, you must try one of these outfit. I think a black saddle with silver stars would be ever so cute on you.”
“Ah, no that's ok Princess. Thank you for the offer though.”
Luna shrugged and led the group out of the shop. The rest of the afternoon went easily enough. Twilight eventually settled on a simple purple dress with blue lace on the hem. She wouldn't have cared what she got but Cadance made the comment that it looked wonderful on her, and so she decided that she had to have it. Cadance picked out a faintly pink dress with gold trim and a sleek shape that hugged her rump a little. When she stepped out of the dressing room with it on, and Twilight's jaw dropped, the alicorn knew it was perfect.
With the outfits chosen, paid for and set to deliver to the castle that evening, the three ponies made their way back to the castle. Cadance stepped inside first and as Twilight went to follow her, Luna touched her shoulder causing her to pause.
“A moment, Twilight Sparkle.”
“Yes, Princess Luna?”
“Is my sister aware of Cadance and you being romantically involved?”
Twilight's eyes went wide and felt her jaw go slack. “H-how did you?”
“I was not certain, but you have just confirmed it. I have had my suspicions since the wedding.”
“OH, please don't tell Princess Celestia. Or my brother! Please, please, please.”
The alicorn gave a little smirk. “I shall not tell, but I warn you that if they are not already aware, they will soon discover it themselves.” She smiled at the smaller pony, though her eyes seemed sad. “I offer a bit of advice, Twilight Sparkle, as you did for me on Nightmare Night.” She leaned close. “Tell them. Let them hear the conviction of your love from your own lips and not from others.”
“I'll consider it, Princess. I've been thinking about it a lot and...you're right. Thank you for your concern and advice.”
“Certainly.” The alicorn gave a nod as she rose up to her dignified stance. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for tonight's gathering.” She gave Twilight a gentle smile before brushing past her to leave the unicorn alone with her thoughts.
___________________________________________________________________
“Big brother?” Twilight asked as she poked her head into the Captain's quarters.
The white unicorn had a quill in his magical aura, scribbling away at parchments on his large red oak desk. Piles of papers were stacked on each side, threatening to topple over. He glanced up, a smile on his lips for his little sister. “Hey, Twily, what's up?”
Twilight slipped into his office, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. She took a few deep breaths to steady her nerves before taking the last few steps to stand in front of his desk. “I...I really need to talk to you. It's important.”
His sister's pleading and yet serious tone caused Shining to pause his writing. The colt set aside the quill and gave his full attention to the purple unicorn. “Sure, Twily. That's what big brothers are for.” He slipped from his chair to trot around and stand close to his little sister. “What's on your mind?”
The mare closed her eyes and took another deep breath. “It's about Cadance.” Shining simply nodded, not interrupting her as she gathered her thoughts. “I-I don't want you to hear it from any other pony, so I wanted to tell you myself.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “Cadance and I...we...I mean that is...” She rubbed a fore-hoof against the side of her head. “Oh, this is so hard.”
Shining smiled reassuringly to his sister. “Hey, take your time Twily.”
“We-we've been fooling around...a bit.” She watched his face, afraid of what was to come. “I'm sorry, big brother. I really am, I just can't help it. I know she's your wife now and all but I-”
“Shhh, it's ok.” He pulled her into a hug cutting off her rapid explanation. “I already know.”
Twilight went stiff in his hooves. “Y-you do?”
“For a long time.” He let her slip from his hooves to stare at him in disbelief.
“But you've never said anything.”
He shrugged and put a fore-hoof around her shoulder, pulling her against his side. “I didn't need to. What you and Cadance have is really special. You learned from her what I or Mom or Dad could never teach you. You're really smart Twily. Maybe too smart. You never get out and do things, you just like to read about it.”
“B-but how can you be so calm, she's your wife now.”
“I knew what was going on. I think it was her kindness and understanding when dealing with you that made me begin to love her. Cadance's heart is really big. Big enough for both of us. I love her Twily and I knew this was going to come up one day, but I wanted to wait till you were ready to face it. I accepted how you two felt about each other a long time ago.”
“So it's ok?” Tears were trickling out of the corners of Twilight's eyes.
Shining brushed away one of those tears with a fore-hoof as he smiled at her. “As long as I get time with my wife, I'm fine with it. Really.” He stood, pulling Twilight up with him. “Come on, follow me.”
Twilight did as she was bid, trotting along behind her brother in silence, still trying to wrap her head around the conversation when he opened a door and nudged her inside.
“Oh, Shiny, and Twilight. Are you two ready to get dressed for the dinner?” Cadance exclaimed, looking up from a book as she reclined on the small couch inside her bedroom.
Shining grinned, pushing a confused purple unicorn in front of him till she was standing in front of the Princess. He leaned over her shoulder to kiss his wife, sharing a loving smile with her.
“Cadance, Twilight told me about you two.”
The alicorn blinked in surprise, eyes flickering between the other two ponies. “Oh, she did?”
“He needed to know.” Twilight said softly, her eyes looking to her lover, pleading for her not to blame her actions.
Cadance tilted her head at her husband. “How do you feel about it?”
“It's cool. I've known about you two since, hmm.” He tapped a fore-hoof to his chin. “Nightmare Night when you both dressed up as Princesses. I came home early from a party and found you two...well.” He cleared his throat. “It's none of my business what you two were doing exactly. Point is, I know you love me, Cadance, so it doesn't change how I feel about you. As long as you have time for me, I'm ok with it.”
Cadance slipped off the couch to take a few long legged steps forward, pulling both of the other ponies into an embrace. “Oh, Shiny. Thank you for understanding. It really means a lot to me. To both of us.” The couple shared a long, loving kiss before the alicorn released them.
The colt ruffled Twilight's mane a little and gave them both a warm smile. “I still have a few more hours before the party to knock out some paperwork. Why don't you two make use of it.” He gave Cadance a little wink before trotting back to the bedroom door. He pulled it open, clicked the latch to lock it, and closed it tightly behind him.
The pink alicorn swept Twilight up into her hooves and giggled at the unicorn's surprised gasp. “Well, that went better than either of us thought it would.”
Twilight nodded, a smile beginning to creep around her muzzle. “One down, one to go.”
Cadance laughed lightly. “Oh, let's save telling auntie Celestia another night. Deal?”
“Deal.” Twilight leaned out to plant a soft kiss on Cadance's lips. “You know...” She began, turning her head with her horn beginning to glow. A saddle bag slid from under a nearby dresser where she'd left it earlier. The flap folded over and a book levitated over to them in purple aura. “Maybe my big brother is right. I do too much reading and not enough doing.” She flipped the book around so the cover was facing Cadance. 69 Positions for Mares read the cover, bringing a blush to the alicorn's cheeks.
Twilight's magic began to flip through the pages. “I think I'd like to try, 3, 14, and 42.” A playful grin matched her tone, eyes sparkling in excitement.
Cadance kissed the other pony. “Anything for you Twilight.”