Apologies for the brevity of this chapter. I know it's a good deal shorter than usual, but I've had very little time to write and wanted to get something uploaded, so Twilight's section will be in two parts.

Love is an ideal thing,
marriage a real thing;
a confusion of the real with the ideal
never goes unpunished.

-Goethe

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Despite the familiar surroundings and the reassuring weight of Spike’s arm around her foreleg, Twilight couldn’t help but feel a sense of nervous adrenaline. This was it. The moment of truth. They stepped to the back of the line and waited for their cue to step forward.

On either side, two unicorn guards brought a horn to their lips and played a short fanfare. Giving them a quick glance, the herald cleared his throat. “Presenting his royal highness, Prince Spike, and her ladyship, Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville!”

Twilight couldn’t help but grimace. The last thing she wanted right now was to be the center of attention.

Looking appropriately star-struck, the line of nobility parted like a curtain, each pony giving a respectful bow and gesturing for them to proceed ahead. It figured; the one time she’d prefer to be stuck waiting in line and they were cutting straight to the front. She considered politely refusing, but she doubted she’d be able to say anything more than a nervous squeak.

Her mouth had gone dry, heart thudding rapidly in her chest. As they progressed slowly through the line, she tried to review each of the arguments she would present, and think of how to address any potential objections. She tried to take comfort in Celestia’s expectant smile, tried to believe that it would be just like any other meeting with the alicorn.

Except that it wasn’t. There was the teensy tiny little difference that this time she wouldn’t be speaking to Celestia as a student to her mentor. Or even as a subject to her princess.

Nope. This time she’d be speaking to her as mother to the child she wished to court. And she had no idea what to expect. Would Celestia chastise her for making such a brazen request? Would she consider Twilight unworthy of Spike? Would she fly into an irrational motherly rage?

Sadly, that last one actually seemed like a valid possibility. Twilight clearly remembered what happened the last time she and Celestia spoke about amorous matters that involved Spike. Only this time it wouldn’t be Cadence that would be at ground zero when Hurricane Celestia made landfall.

Twilight gulped nervously, wondering just HOW Celestia dealt with unwanted suitors. What if it was like the time Big Macintosh had chased one of Applejack’s coltfriends away from the farm? She could still remember the furious stallion charging after them, curses spewing from his lips as Granny Smith rode him sidesaddle, firing her twelve gauge in all directions. Of course Celestia wouldn’t have to resort to anything as trivial as a firearm. Oh no, Twilight would probably just find herself flash-fried in a hellish beam of alicorn rage-magic.

By the time they reached the stairs, Twilight’s anxiety had reached a fevered pitch, her usual pre-test jitters increased to an exponential degree. But before she had time to further review, rehearse or revise her plans, they had ascended the last step, and were both looking up at the smiling face of a goddess.

“Well, it certainly is a relief to see you both,” Celestia said. “I was rather worried when your friends arrived without you.”

She gave the pair a mischievous smirk. “Not that I would be surprised. You’ve always shared quite the aversion to any sort of formal festivity.”

It might have been meant in jest, but that comment sent warning bells ringing through Twilight’s nerve-wracked brain. After all, their tardiness could be seen as proof of irresponsibility, even callousness. That in turn could lead to Celestia viewing her upcoming request in an unfavorable light, leading inevitably towards failure.

Twilight bowed quickly, almost pulling Spike down with her. “Please forgive us, your highness. It was all my fault. I wanted to stop and visit my family before we arrived and-”

Celestia waved off the apology. “It is perfectly fine. As if I would fault you for such an act.” Turning to Spike, she gave an expectant smirk. “On the contrary, I wholeheartedly support the idea of children visiting their parents when returning home.”

Recognizing his mother’s rather unsubtle suggestion, Spike quickly released Twilight’s foreleg and ran forward, allowing himself to be swept up into a hug.

“I missed you as well, son.” Celestia leaned down and nuzzled his spines. “Have you enjoyed your time back in Canterlot?”

Spike nodded. “Yeah, it’s been awesome! I got to drive the coach on the way here, and we talked to Cadence and Shining Armour, and everypony was happy to see me when we were walking up to the castle…”

Relieved to see that she’d overreacted, Twilight remained back and watched them converse. No matter how often she observed it, the change was truly striking when they were together. All the practiced civility and restraint was put aside in favor of simple, familial affection. There was a distinct softness in Celestia’s eyes, and she seemed to exude an aura of peace. And Spike, he seemed so content and trusting, as though he could remain in his mother’s embrace forever.

Celestia pulled out of the embrace and gave Spike one last nuzzle. “Now then, much as Twilight and I would love to keep you all to ourselves, I daresay you would find it rather dull standing here all night. So why not head inside and enjoy yourself?

With a happy nod, Spike quickly gave them each a hug (in Twilight’s opinion, hers didn’t last nearly long enough) and scampered down the hall.

“Oh, wait!” Celestia quickly snared Spike with her magic and held him in place. “Also, don’t forget to be polite and actually make conversation if any ponies speak to you. I expect you to comport yourself properly.”

Spike groaned and tried to break free of the spell. “Alright MOTHER! Can I go now?”

Satisfied, the alicorn lowered him back to the floor. But before he could escape, Twilight couldn’t resist a parting shot.

“Ugh! Just what I need, getting nagged in stereo.” Sticking his tongue out at them, Spike turned tail and raced down the hall.

Laughing, Celestia waved until he vanished from sight, then looked back to Twilight.

“And that leaves just you and I, Twilight,” she said. “It is so lovely to have my star student back home.”

Having the alicorn’s attention focused back on her caused a rapid resurgence of Twilight’s anxiety. And this time she didn’t have Spike to calm her down.

“I’m so excited to be here. We have so much to catch up on,” Twilight said, instantly regretting how rushed and anxious her voice sounded.

Thankfully, Celestia either failed to notice or chose not to comment. Instead, she closed her eyes and offered a warm smile. “Well, I want you right by my side the entire evening, so we’ll have plenty of time together.”

Twilight rushed to Celestia’s side, relieved that she no longer had to face her straight-on. At least this way, she’d have the chance to get her thoughts back in order.

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They remained there, side by side, as the evening deepened into night. Pony after pony ascended the staircase, and they greeted each in turn. It was a simple, comfortable routine, and it did wonders in easing Twilight’s mind. They spoke in quick, staccato bursts as each guest filed past. Celestia regaled her with tales of all that she’d missed in Canterlot: Luna re-adjusting to the world, the antics of Cadence and her brother, and all the courtly gossip that had occurred in her absence. In return, Twilight recounted some of the many adventures she had shared with her new friends. There was only so much one could say in a friendship report, and Celestia was eager to hear the details.

The longer they spoke, the more Twilight found her resolve slipping. It was the same fear of rejection that always stilled her tongue around Spike. That horrible chance that Celestia would refuse, turn down her request. And if that happened, Spike might forever be out of her reach. In the face of such a possibility, uncertainty almost seemed better.

Perhaps, a hopeful part of her mind reasoned. Perhaps you could just wait and observe. Spike’s crush on Rarity could still fade over time, right? Then you’d have a chance to confess, the way you always should have done.

She wanted so badly to believe that, but her logical side was quick to intrude. Come on, you know better than that. This subterfuge might not be ideal, but it's damn sure necessary. Waiting, worrying, hoping. That's exactly what landed you in this predicament to begin with. Now things are spiraling out of your control and everything's about to go straight to hell. You NEED to regain control of the situation. You have to go through with this before you lose Spike forever.

But who's to say you'll lose him? What if… if you just sat down with him for an honest, open talk? No more subtly trying to hint at your feelings, no more pointing out Rarity’s lack of interest. You could just say that you love him, that you want to make him happy and all you need is the chance. If he knew about you feelings, maybe he would return them?

Her logical side, however, immediately countered. That is an astonishingly STUPID idea. Right now Spike has eyes only for Rarity. No matter what you do, no matter how you feel, it won't register effectively! He might just dismiss you outright, or ignore you completely. You know how focused and lovely-dovey he gets around her! Can you really afford to take that risk?

No, she decided. All the facts and common sense supported this plan. Spike needed time to get past that crush, and this was the only sure way of obtaining that time.

Trying to steady her resolve, Twilight refocused on the conversation and waited for an opportune moment. She didn’t have to wait long.

“I’m glad that you and Spike have adjusted so well to life in Ponyville,” Celestia said. “Although I knew it would be challenging to adjust, I could think of no better place for you to continue your studies. The open spaces, the small town atmosphere, the familiarity and friendliness of its citizens…”

Twilight realized that this might be just the opportunity she’d been waiting for. If her guardianship over Spike was at the forefront of Celestia’s mind, than the princess might be inclined to view her request more favorably.

“Well, it was pretty hard at first. But I do think of it as home now,” Twilight admitted. She avoided mentioning just how much she preferred Ponyville over Canterlot. How their neighbors were genuinely friendly, unlike the Canterlot nobles who constantly fawned over her and Spike to try and curry their favor. How they could be themselves, with no fame or adulation to complicate things.

“When I found out it was going to be permanent, I was actually more concerned for Spike,” she continued. “It was a big change moving into a completely new home and unfamiliar town, but unlike me, he’d never lived away from his parents before. He was so homesick at first...”

Celestia’s smile faltered. “He was indeed. I clearly remember the nights I spent sleeping with him on your sofa, rocking him to sleep as he hung on for dear life.”

Twilight nodded. She’d hated those moments, when Spike had been so distraught that nothing she did would help. She’d felt so helpless, holding him as he sobbed, watching the clock and urging Celestia to hurry.

“Those nights, I always half-expected you to take him back with you. I know it must have been terribly difficult, you always hated being apart from him.”

Celestia looked away. It was obvious that the separation was still difficult at times. “Yes,” she finally said. “It was one of the hardest decisions I had ever been forced to make, but I knew that Luna would need a great deal of time and help acclimating to the present day. I would have been unable to adequately care for him while still supporting my sister. Such a thing would be unfair to them both, and I could not bear for either to suffer due to my neglect.”

She sighed heavily, and Twilight could see the faintest hint of tears in her eyes. Yet her smile had returned, warm and genuine. “Which is why I allowed him to remain. As difficult as it was to let him go, I knew that separating you from him would be just as painful. Living away from home and away from me might be difficult, but so long as he had you, he would be happy.”

“You really think so,” Twilight interrupted. “That he’s happy with me? Living with me, that is?”

Her excitement snapped the alicorn out of her funk, and Celestia giggled. “Oh, Twilight. I do not have to THINK it. I know he is happy.”

“Of course. In just about every one of his personal letters I see something about ‘Twilight this or Twilight that or Twilight said this or Twilight’s so awesome,’” the alicorn trailed off with another chuckle as Twilight’s face lit up in a blush. “Rest assured my faithful student. I cannot think of anywhere else in the world where Spike would rather be.”

Twilight felt lighter than air. Celestia seemed to fully support her objective, every one of the alicorn’s words reinforcing her conviction until it was ironclad. Emboldened by her mentor’s praise, Twilight decided that it was time.

“Thank you, princess. You don’t know how much that means to me.” Raising her chin, Twilight took in a long, slow breath. “After all, I only want what’s best for him.”

Celestia paused at that, and the two fell into silence. The line of ponies began to bunch up on the stairs, and soon an entire crowd was milling around them. Nosy types that they were, Twilight could tell they were all listening closely.

Celestia paid them no mind, however, and simply looked down at her, lips twitching upwards in amusement. “I must say Twilight, I am quite surprised by these questions. You never struck me as the type of mare who would fish for compliments.”

Celestia dipped her head lower, and the nearby guests all leaned in expectantly. “Or maybe,” she continued. “You are trying to steer our conversation in one particular direction. One involving you and Spike, hmm?”

Twilight could only nod sheepishly, wishing that she possessed the courage to have just said it from the start.

“I thought so,” Celestia said. She pursed her lips, obviously thinking back to Twilight’s words and behavior throughout the night. “It would have to be of great importance for you to seek a personal audience with me before disclosing it. No doubt it is also a matter you fear might be poorly received, which would explain your late arrival and reticence in speaking. And unless I am mistaken, it seems to greatly hinge upon my own feelings, since you asked those questions purely to gauge my opinion about your treatment of Spike.”

Well, that was that. If Twilight had any further reservations, they were now irrelevant. With Celestia having unraveled her motives and waiting for a response, there was nothing left to do but take the plunge.

Twilight raised herself up, shoulders squared, gaze unwavering, voice steady. “You are correct as always, princess. This matter has weighed heavily upon me for some time, but I knew that it could not be voiced through something as limited and impersonal as a letter. Impertinent though it be, I have a request to make of you. I know that it is far beyond my station to ask such a thing, but I feel in my heart that it must be done.”

Celestia was taken aback by her formal tone and deferential words. No surprise there. While Twilight had always acted polite and respectful towards her mentor, this was the first time she had ever stressed their respective positions as commoner and monarch. The assembled guests whispered amongst themselves, each wondering just what kind of request might be forthcoming. As each pony whispered to the one behind them, the theories grew more and more outlandish.

Even as the princess composed herself, Twilight could already hear the gossip as it progressed down the line. Their curiosity peaked, the nobles were eagerly pushing and shoving to move closer. In hindsight, it might’ve been a poor idea to discuss this with an audience.

“Twilight, it is clear to me that whatever troubles you must be of the greatest significance,” Celestia said. “But please, there is no need to act in such a way. You are not some scorned and unknown peasant, groveling at the hooves of an indifferent mistress.”

Celestia reached out and gently rested a hoof on Twilight’s stiff shoulder. “You are my student, my friend, the subject whom I love best. Simply ask of me what you will, and I will do all in my power to grant it.”

Despite the soothing words, the unicorn forced her expression to stay neutral. She couldn’t risk losing her composure.

“Thank you, Princess Celestia. What I ask is no easy thing, because it will change many things for us both. I know it will involve a great deal of commitment and sacrifice, and is not to be made lightly. And I know you’ll think it sudden and reckless, but I promise that I’ve put a lot of thought into it and…” Damn it, she was rambling again. She needed to just spit it out! “Can I just start from the beginning?”

“Since moving to Ponyville, I’ve never felt so happy. My friends have shown me that there is so much more to life than just what I can read or research. I’ve learned to express myself more openly, to trust more completely. I’ve gotten used to relying on others and knowing when to lend my own help. But as magical as friendship can be, it’s not enough. Instead, I have found something else that I wish to experience.”

This was it. Mentally praying for the best, Twilight closed her eyes and just let it out.

“What I desire is dearer than knowledge, deeper than friendship. It is love; not platonic of familial, but romantic love. True love. A mate and partner I can share my heart and my life with.”

Everypony’s eyes were as wide as saucers, none more so than Celestia’s. The princess looked ready to speak, but Twilight beseechingly raised a hoof.

“I know what you’re about to say. That I’m being impulsive. That such a thing cannot be done in haste, that finding a mate is not so easy as just seeking out and grabbing one off the street. But you see, I’ve already found one. A pony that has long since claimed my heart. Only… he’s not a pony at all.”

Twilight smiled. After bottling this up for so long, it felt so relieving to actually say those words. She opened her eyes and looked up, meeting Celestia’s startled gaze. Even though they were in the midst of the largest and liveliest celebration of the year, the entire room was deathly silent but for the voice of one unicorn as she made her request.

“That is why I ask for your permission to enter into an immediate and royally official engagement with Spike."

Best Chance for a Romance

by Crosis

3. A Simple Request