If you want to read this the way I intended, have a Google Docs link.
Twilight inhaled the warm evening air of Canterlot. She was barely outside of the hotel, but already her head felt clearer.
That spa visit was exactly what I needed.Yet I still can’t get Rarity off of my mind, she thought. But I don’t feel flushed anymore, and my heart is settling down. Well, off to the library. She sighed heavily before turning towards the Castle and trotting up the cobblestone streets of the city.
The trot to the Castle was a short one. Her hooves clacked against the stone roads of Canterlot. Most ponies were in the lower districts; the road leading up to the Castle itself was empty. As she approached the Castle, her hooffalls must have alerted the guards at the entrance, because they raced to their posts. Twilight nodded to the two guards, and they let her pass without a word.
Even after being mostly gone for over a year, they still recognize me. I guess they would have to recognize Princess Celestia’s personal student, but I’m still kind of surprised.
The Castle was mostly deserted. Almost everypony was either dining in the Great Hall or taking food in their quarters. Still, Twilight noticed servants and guards trotting quickly through the halls, focused on their destinations.
It only took a few minutes for Twilight to reach the great double doors of the Castle Library. One stood slightly ajar, just enough to admit one pony. Twilight squeezed through the door and was greeted by the resident librarian, a pale yellow unicorn mare with a breezy red mane.
“Twilight Sparkle, welcome back! I haven’t seen you in ages!” said the librarian.
Twilight blinked a few times, trying to recall her name. Come on Twilight, it’s so obvious! You have to remember it! What was it? Ms. Staxo? No, that’s not it. Aha! “Mrs. Books! I wish I had time to visit, but where is the medical section?”
“Twilight, are you feeling alright?” Mrs. Books raised an eyebrow.
Twilight forced an awkward smile. “I’m fine, I’m just looking for some books on spa ingredients.” That’s mostly the truth.
Unsatisfied, but without a way to get a better answer, the librarian pointed Twilight in the right direction. “Right, well, the medical section is on the second floor, north wing.” She pointed her hoof to the staircase and then straight behind her.
“Thank you, Mrs. Books. I’ll try and pay you a visit sometime soon.”
Twilight turned to her left and took a flight of stairs to the second floor. Stacks rose to the high ceilings and housed thousands of books and scrolls. Twilight trotted past dozens of stacks, covering every possible magical topic under the sun.
Twilight glanced at one of the signs marking a new section. Since when did we have an entire section dedicated to scrying? she thought. She saw a book cart outside of an aisle and grabbed it. Without Spike here to help me clean up, I might as well make it easier for Mrs. Books later.
The medical section of the Castle Library was tiny: barely four shelves. It’s not like every unicorn who comes to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorn’s wants to become a medical professional, Twilight thought.
She scanned the bottom row of books, looking for anything related to spa treatments or cardiovascular ailments. She magically pulled out a few books before checking the rest of the rows and shelves.
By the time she finished pulling books off of the shelf, Twilight had four neat stacks of twelve books each. Forty-eight tomes of medical lore, and I need to find one tiny little passage about my heart beating a little quicker. I’m in for a long night.
She opened and poured over book after book, scanning for any hint of the material she needed. In book after book, she found nothing, and tossed the finished books back onto the waiting cart.
“No... No... Ugh, definitely not... No... Ponies do that?! Ick! No... No...” Twilight flipped through book after book, finding nothing related to spa treatments or her racing heart. It wasn’t until she exhausted all but two books did she find anything relevant.
“Common Herbs and Materials Used in the Spa Industry. Maybe I’ll finally get somewhere,” Twilight muttered to herself. She flipped back to the index and looked up each ingredient Jasmine mentioned.
“Helps the coat naturally repair itself... Reduces hide irritation... Ugh. Nothing about affecting the heart or cardiovascular system. Next book then.” Twilight set Common Herbs on top of the stacks she had read through and picked up the last book on the floor. “Physiological Manifestations of Psychological Conditions? I didn’t read that title fully. Oh, well. It’s the last book, so I might as well...”
Twilight turned to the Table of Contents. It was mercifully ordered by physiological symptoms, so she quickly turned to the cardiovascular section and begin narrowing down her options.
“OK, racing heart, flushed feeling, tingles all over... Oh, oh my...
“‘These symptoms often appear as a result of infatuation or the beginnings of erotic love. This is in contrast to other forms of love, such as platonic love.... On occasion, a previously platonic relationship may transition to an erotic relationship if one or more parties shifts to or includes eros as a form of love.’
“That... kind of explains things. Or I’m out of my mind with exhaustion and hunger because I’ve been reading for four hours. Maybe Donut Joe’s is still open.” Twilight shut the book and placed all forty-eight on to the cart she brought over. A double-double and jelly-filled, or do I go for something else? she thought, pushing the cart toward the staircase.
A double-double, a jelly-filled donut, and a daisy sandwich, Twilight decided as her stomach grumbled.
Twilight dropped off the cart and cantered down the stairs. She waved goodbye to Mrs. Books but turned when she heard her name called.
“Find what you needed, Twilight?” Mrs. Books asked, her eyebrows narrowed in a look of concern for her fellow bookworm.
Twilight smiled, less forced this time. “Yeah, I think I did. Thanks so much for your help, as always.”
Mrs. Books finally waved goodbye to Twilight. She turned and slipped out the door, heading for Donut Joe’s.
A bell tinkled overhead, announcing Twilight’s arrival to the only other pony in the shop: the owner and namesake, Donut Joe. Her hooves clacked on the white and grey checkered tiles as she walked past the round, yellow tables. Donut Joe looked up from wiping a coffee spill and smiled at his old regular.
“Twilight Sparkle,” drawled Donut Joe in his gravely voice. “I was wondering when you might stop by next.” He nodded his head towards the window. “I saw you running up the Castle.”
“Yeah, a bit of quick research. You know me,” joked Twilight, finding a seat at the front counter. The wonderfully familiar scent of fresh-fried donuts wafted through the air, mingling with the slightly bitter aroma of the many carafes of coffee lining the back wall. Twilight breathed in through her nose and let herself enjoy the nostalgia.
Joe nodded in understanding. Twilight remembered how she would stop by with Spike during their afternoon study sessions, and sometimes stopped by late at night after a late night of studying. She was the only pony he knew who would actually spend so much time studying, as he used to say. Most of his late-night patrons weren’t the academic type, so to speak. Twilight had never seen any of these notorious customers, but took Joe at his word.
“So what am I getting for you, Miss Sparkle? Your usual?” the beige unicorn asked.
“Not today. Make it a double-double with a jelly-filled donut and a daisy sandwich. I’ve had an... interesting night, to say the least.” Twilight sighed as Donut Joe placed a cup of coffee with two creams and two sugars in front of her. He then started preparing her sandwich.
She looked forlornly at her coffee, contemplating her research. Can I really be falling for Rarity? Does that kind of thing normally happen between mares? And, of course, she would be the one I would go to for advice about this kind of thing. Ugh. She took a long pull and gulped it down, cringing at the bitter aftertaste not even cream and sugar could mask. Regular coffee is just way too bitter. It’s a shame nopony does tea right. Except Rarity. Her tea is amazing. She sighed once more. I wonder if some sort of magic is at play. Can the fact that a friend is making my tea influence the taste? What happens if I am falling for her? Would that make anything made by her better?
Donut Joe placed a plate in front of Twilight with her donut and sandwich. He cocked his head, eyeing her, before he said, “What’s up, kid? You’re usually a good deal more cheerful than this.”
“I don’t know,” muttered Twilight, still staring at her cup. Yes, I do know. That book implied that I’m falling for Rarity. I just don’t know if I really am. “I’m confused about what I read and I don’t know what it means.”
Joe snorted, almost a laugh. His serious tone came back when replied, “That doesn’t seem like you at all. Every time you used to come in, you’d be gushing about what you just learned and how it connected to everything. You being confused about... anything at all is just... unheard of. So what’s up?”
“Do you promise not to judge?” Twilight’s eyes were wide with fear and pleading for him to say yes. I don’t think I can trust anypony else with this. She paused for a second. If I can even trust myself.
“I wouldn’t be in business if I did.” Donut Joe just smirked and stood across from Twilight, waiting for her to start her story.
Twilight managed a weak smile and took another drink before she started talking. “How do I explain this? I, uh, may be developing feelings for somepony.” Twilight took another gulp and steadied herself on the counter. “A good friend of mine, too. I’m just not sure what I should do about it.”
“Oh? Who’s the lucky stallion?” Donut Joe raised an eyebrow and rested his chin on his forehooves.
Twilight frowned and muttered, “I think she’d object to being called a stallion.”
Looking apologetic, Joe corrected himself. “Then who’s the lucky mare?”
Twilight eyes were wide with shock. “You don’t care that I might be in love with another mare? I thought that might bother most ponies.”
Donut Joe just shrugged. “Love is love. Who am I to judge? Frankly, I think you should go for it, but that’s me. I’m a sucker for romance.” He gave Twilight a friendly wink and started cleaning dishes.
Twilight leaned closer and asked, “So what should I do about it?”
“If you’re not absolutely sure about your feelings, make sure. No sense in running around declaring love for somepony that you don’t actually love.” Donut Joe placed the mug he cleaned under the counter. “If you are sure, then great. Your work got a bit easier. Now you need to try to figure out if the feelings are mutual. Either way, you’ll probably have to spend some more time with her. Which I’m sure you’ll enjoy.” He gave a smirk before returning to his cleaning.
Twilight gave careful thought to his words while she finished her coffee and hastily ate her sandwich. He’s right, of course. If I want to approach this objectively, I need more data. So, I’ll have to spend time with her.
I wish I was better at reading ponies, though. She snorted bitterly at the thought. Which would imply that I know what to even look for. And how am I supposed to behave around Rarity? Will things be too different? What if I lose her as friend? What if she thinks I’m some sort of freak, ready to be ridiculed? She stopped eating, with only a few bites of her sandwich left. She set it down and put her hoof to her aching head. Ugh, Joe gave me way too much to think about. I guess I can save the insecurities for my brunch with Mother.
She picked up her sandwich and finished it off. A small thought cheered her up. Then again, it’s not like Joe gave me bad advice. I can work with this. I hope.
After finishing, Twilight set aside her dishes with enough of a clatter to draw Joe’s attention away from his cleaning. She smiled and said, “Thanks, Joe. For the dinner and the advice. I really appreciate it. I don’t think I know anyone who could’ve helped me with this. And can I get the donut to go?”
“Of course, here,” replied Donut Joe, passing her a bag. After she slid the donut in it, Twilight plunked down twice as many bits as she needed to pay for her meal. Donut Joe quickly swept the bits into his apron and flashed a huge, sincere smile. “Thank you very much, Miss Sparkle. I hope to see you again soon.”
Twilight returned his smile before turning and heading out the door, returning to the hotel.
Rarity, darling, you mustn’t fret too much over the order, Rarity thought, jotting down notes in her sketchbook. First, the lavender group with white accents, then blue with white, violet with white, violet with pink and white, and finally indigo with violet and pink. Each flagship piece gets the replica and all of the others get broaches. Rarity placed a hoof to her head, gently kneading the tension that was building up. She absent-mindedly doodled hearts and diamonds near the edge of the page.
I simply can’t wait to tell you how I feel, darling. You’ll be swept off your hooves and I’ll be right there to catch you. It will be magical, and you deserve nothing less.
Rarity whipped her head around when she heard the clicks of the door unlocking. She slammed her sketchbook shut and tucked it into her bag. Compose yourself, dear. Look calm, like you’ve been reading for a while. Reading, of course! Twilight’s book! Rarity levitated Twilight’s book over to the desk and began reading.
Rarity finally heard the door swing open. Without looking up from her book, Rarity asked, “How was your trip, darling? Learn anything interesting?”
Twilight paused for a moment, as if collecting herself, before she answered. “Uh, yeah, I did. Apparently, the mud they use helps the coat repair itself, among other properties. A lot of fascinating reading. And I see that you managed to get in some reading of your own.” Twilight chuckled as she pointed at Rarity.
Rarity turned to face Twilight. “Yes, well, pre-show jitters and all. I find that it helps to do something familiar to ease the tension.” She shrugged. “Reading about dress-making is my way of coping.”
“Speaking of which, is there any chance that I can see your show?” Twilight asked as she tossed an empty bag in the trash.
Yes, dear Celestia, YES! You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear that! Rarity’s heart started pounding. Heat spread through her entire body and she tried in vain to control her breathing. “Of course. The show will start at 1 PM and should run for an hour or so. I hope that doesn’t conflict with any plans you have with your parents.” As much as I want to spend time with you, I would hate to tear you from your reason for this trip.
“I’ll be having brunch with my mother tomorrow morning, but I should be finished in time. Should I wear anything?”
I’d love to see you in some of the dresses I’m showing. “No, there’s no need. I won’t be, so I can hardly expect you to get dressed up. It’s just a private show, nothing fancy.”
“Alright. I might be out in my Element tiara, just to show my mother. I doubt that I’ll come all the way back to the hotel just to drop it off. The Cafe Flora is pretty close to Fashion District, isn’t it?”
Rarity recalled her mental map of Canterlot. “It should be a few blocks from Hoity Toity’s boutique, yes.” She looked over Twilight before she asked, “Anyway, have you eaten yet? I had dinner with Hoity Toity, but you ran off to the library.”
Twilight pointed to her empty bag before tossing it in the trash. “Yeah, I stopped by Donut Joe’s on the way back. I actually expected you to be asleep.”
Rarity giggled. “Well, I will be going to bed soon. I need to get cleaned up before I do. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be in the bathroom.”
She trotted past Twilight and felt her heart flutter. When she made it to the bathroom, she quickly shut the door and stared in the mirror. A pair of concerned, azure eyes stared back. Rarity steeled herself, taking a few deep, calming breaths, just as she always did before a show.
“Come on, Rarity, keep it together. You’re so close,” she whispered. She braced herself against the counter and sighed. “You need this. You deserve this. She deserves this. You’ve kept this secret for months. You can last another fourteen hours. Now, calm down and get it together. Wash up and head out there. You can do this.”
She unpacked her toiletries and began her nightly routine in an effort to calm down. She started by removing her eyeshadow and then brushed her teeth. What really set her at ease was brushing her hair: the rhythmic tug of the brush and the ebb and flow of pressure and tension against her head helped her relax.
When Rarity was finally ready, she trotted out of the bathroom and headed for bed. She tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow when she saw that Twilight was already lying down on the far side of the bed.
“I see that you’ve laid claim to your share of the bed,” Rarity joked.
Twilight rolled over to face Rarity. “Well, I don’t see this being a problem. I mean, you shared a bed with Applejack for my first sleepover. I guess this really isn’t any different. Right?” Twilight wore an earnest expression, as if trying to offer a justification for the awkwardness of the situation.
Of course it’s different. I wasn’t in love with Applejack. Rarity faked a smile and tried to reassure her friend. “I’m sure it will be fine. Do you need the bathroom for anything?”
“I ought to brush my teeth.” Twilight pulled the covers off and cantered to the bathroom. When the door shut, Rarity eased in to the covers and settled in to a peaceful slumber. She stirred slightly when Twilight came back to bed, but drifted off to sleep and dreamt of a lovely lavender mare.