by TheWraithWriter
~~~
“We can call it off you know,” Twilight said.
“Hm?” Cadance raised her gaze from the race track below to look to her companion. “Call off what? The bet?”
Twilight nodded.
Cadance gave Twilight one of her knowing smiles. “What’s the matter Twily? Afraid of losing?”
Twilight scoffed back, trying to appear more mature and sure of herself, but simply reminding Cadance of the little filly she used to watch.
“Am I afraid of losing?” she pointed down to the race track. “You’re the one that picked the Mariner.”
Cadance glanced down at the seapony waiting in his stall for the race to begin.
“And what about him?”
“According to the statistics I’ve been reading statistics, and he’s a long shot. The Deacon is a much better choice.”
Cadance rolled her eyes. “Yes Twilight, as you’ve been telling me since I put bits down on him at the booth.”
“And then you bet me bits as well.”
“Your point?”
Twilight tapped her racing schedule for emphasis. “I’ve done the math Cadance, and you have a twelve percent chance of winning.”
“And?”
“And I don’t want to take your bits when you clearly chose him based on his appearance.”
Cadance did a mock gasp and put a hoof to her chest, feigning offence. “Twilight, do you really think me so shallow?”
“Yes.”
Cadance snorted in amusement. “You cheeky little princess of friendship you. Alright, if you’re so confident you’ll win, why don’t we up the stakes?”
Twilight sighed. “I remember you being a lot more mature.”
“Don’t put ponies of pedestals Twilight,” Cadance said sagely, quickly followed by, “Now are we going to raise the stake or what?”
Another sigh. “Fine, how much?”
“Oh, money is so meh with us these days, why not something more personal?” Cadance grinned slyly. “Like the loser has to do something for the winner, no matter what it is?”
Twilight smirked. “Alright, you have a bet.”
They shook hooves just as the the anouncer called for the start of the race.
“That race was fixed.” Twilight grumbled, trudging alongside Cadance as the exited the race track.
“You’re just mad because they splashed you on the final turn,” Cadance teased, bouncing along merrily beside Twilight.
“Maybe you’d like to go for a dip in the water then?”
“With my hair? I think I’ll pass, Twily,” Cadance laughed.
They walked on a little farther before Twilight spoke up again. “So, when do you plan on collecting your winnings?”
“I already did, remember?” Cadance hefted the heavy bag of bits in her saddle-bag.
“I mean our bet.”
“Oh,” Cadance stopped and glanced around, noticing that they were pretty much alone. “Now’s good.”
Twilight stopped with her. “Okay then, what do you want me to do? Help you cheat on your taxes?” a small smirk. “Again?”
Cadance giggled. “I don’t think I’ll need to, Twily.” she began circling the other mare. “Now, what is it I want you to do? What could you do that no other pony could?”
She completed her circle and brightened like she had an idea. “Ah, I’ve got it.”
Twilight braced herself.
Cadance leaned close. “Kiss me,” she whispered.
“What?”
“Ah, ah,” Cadance waved a hoof. “I won the bet and the loser does what the winner wants.” she lowered her voice to a more husky tone. “Now kiss me, Twilight.”
The younger mare was hesitant at first, leaning in with her eyes screwed shut so tightly you think she was kissing Discord. But when her lips met Cadance’s the tension in her body faded. She was soft, and warm, and her scent was so familiar it was like home. Twilight found herself wrapping a hoof around Cadance, pulling her closer while the older mare’s tongue wormed its way inside her mouth.
They pulled apart what seemed like ages later, even though it was likely less than a minute. Despite that, Twilight found herself panting and Cadance seemed a little breathless herself.
“Wow…” Twilight whispered.
Candace nodded her agreement.
After a long silence, Twilight spoke up. “You know, I hear there’s a game house not far from here.”
Cadance grinned wickedly. “Gotten you hooked on gambling after the first taste, have I?”
Twilight returned the grin. “Yes you have.” as she passed Cadance, she flicked her snout with her tail. “Good job being a role model.”
Cadance snickered and followed after Twilight. “I try, Twilight. I try.”