Lunch with Twilight was easily the most engaging time I had ever spent with anypony who was not another time lord. That is right, I said anypony. I went native a long time ago. Deal with it. I mean, she was not on par, intellectually, with most time lords, but she was pretty darn close. She was just a filly at the time too. Compared to most other ponies, she was stone cold brilliant.
As it turns out, the two of us were a league all our own, and we were drawn together more and more. Lunch that day turned into lunch everyday. I was really her only friend, but not because she was rude or distant. She was really sweet and friendly. I was just the only person who understood what she talking about: advanced spell assembly, biochemistry, string theory. As for me, well, I could mingle with the lesser intellects, but she was the only pony I connected with. So, I had lots of "friends" but she was my only friend. If that makes any sense.
One memory really stands out in my mind, and, since my memory is photographic, that means it is very significant. The sky was grey. There was a light northern breeze, and about 40% humidity. All in all, it was a melancholy day. It was appropriate, because Twilight was very agitated.
"Twilight, what is wrong? I can practically hear your brain straining."
"Why do you spend time with me?"
"Where did that come from?"
"Your smart and charismatic and so strong! Why would you be interested in a weak, nerdy little filly like me?"
Whoa! I had known she had some self-image problems, but that was just heart-breaking, tear-worthy even. I turned to look her directly in the eye, and saw it. Most ponies are horrible at detecting the feelings of others. Luckily, I can read ponies like books. She was distraught. She was so insecure! I had to fix that. I placed a hoof on her shoulder, and began my explanation.
"Twilight, we are two of a kind. We see the the world with immense insight. We both, as a mere foal and filly, have knowledge and wisdom most adult ponies never achieve. We both want to help others. We both see and understand and want nothing more than to be beneficial to all our fellows. And as if all this was not enough, you are very cute! Do not ever let anyone convince you that you are not worthy. You are the most amazing pony I have ever met."
She was blushing like mad by the end of that, but I know it was what she needed to hear. I never again observed any lack of self confidence in her again. She even displayed some leadership ability. In group projects she began taking charge. In physical education, she devised strategies for every sport they made us play. More than once, I saw her defend other fillies from bullies, like I once did for her (though she did not use psychic power, or hypnosis, obviously).
We only grew closer as well. Things were like paradise for a very long time.