Twilight was in a particularly good mood when she woke up on Friday. As soon as she opened her eyes, she mentally went over her schedule for the day. For reasons other than another fun filled day at school, Twilight was looking forward to today. First of all, she knew that she was making progress with Trixie, which made her happy. Twilight might have a long way to go, but at least she could believe it wasn't a lost cause yet. However, the biggest factor of Twilight's excitement was that after school, Twilight was going to attend her first sleepover ever with her friends. Twilight giggled to herself, thinking about the fun she was going to have.
“Maybe I could invite Trixie,” Twilight said to herself, but disregarded the idea.
There was no way Trixie would say yes. The blue girl would hardly admit to being friends. Besides, Twilight wasn't sure she could handle sleeping in the same room as her crush. Already, Twilight's mind was drifting to risque fantasies.
“Oh, Twilight,” Trixie would say, looking adorably shy, “I forgot my sleeping bag. Can we share yours?”
Of course Twilight would say yes and scoot over in her sleeping bag so that Trixie could slide in next to her.
“By the way,” Trixie would continue with a sly smile, “I hope it isn't a problem, but I like to sleep in the nude.”
Back in the reality, Twilight had buried her face in her pillow, only able to move it five minutes later when she calmed down.
“I'm just happy my friends want me there even with my preferences,” Twilight smiled as she got out of her bed.
Twilight went through her morning rituals and went downstairs to get something to eat. To her surprise, Twilight saw her mother in the kitchen.
“Mom? Shouldn't you be at work?” Twilight asked.
Velvet, who was working on a Sudoku puzzle, looked up to smile at her daughter. “They're renovating the building over the weekend, starting today, so everyone got the day off. I thought it would be nice to send you off to school for once.”
“Oh, that's nice,” Twilight smiled back as she sat down.
“You seem to be in a good mood,” Velvet commented. “Anything exciting happening today?”
“Yeah, I'm looking forward to the slumber party tonight.”
“That's right, I completely forgot,” Velvet laughed, happy to see her daughter getting out, but then another thought crossed her mind. “Is Rarity going to be there?”
“Yes. Why?” Twilight asked, confused.
Velvet was about to confront her daughter, but spotted the clock out of the corner of her eye. “It's not important right now. We'll talk when you get home.”
“Am I in trouble?” Twilight stammered, going over anything she possibly could of done.
“No, no. There's just something I want to get off my chest. Now hurry up or you'll be late,” Velvet replied warmly.
“OK...” Twilight drawled as she got up to finish getting ready.
Twilight decided that she would just put her mother's weirdness out of her mind until later and try to enjoy the rest of her day. After she left her house, Twilight's day started off just as normally as any other day. History and Gym passed by and Twilight spent her lunch period with her friends, who were all talking about their evenings plans. Sadly, there was no sign of Trixie in the cafeteria, but Twilight figured she was out in the halls, showing off her tricks again. However, when she looked over to Trixie's table, she saw the magician's friends were upset and arguing about something. It wasn't until Twilight arrived to Science and class began for her to realize the Trixie was absent. Although she was disappointed, Twilight tried to not let it damper her mood.
“She's probably just out sick for the day,” Twilight whispered to herself.
After school, Twilight met up with her friends again at the front doors to make the final arrangements.
“Okie-dokie-lokie, I'll see all of you at my place at five,” Pinkie announced before she narrowed her eyes. “And none of you better be late.”
The girls shared a laugh as they parted ways, each going to prepare themselves for the party. Twilight began walking to the bus station, but stopped when she heard her name being called.
“Twilight darling! Twilight!” Rarity yelled as she sped up to catch her friend.
“What's the matter Rarity?” Twilight asked.
“I've looked everywhere for one of my favourite blushes, it's a very expensive shade, and the only other place I can think of is your house. I might have dropped it when I came by the other day. Would it be to much trouble if I went along with you to check?” Rarity explained.
“Sure, but don't you need to go get your stuff for tonight?” Twilight questioned.
“Oh, I already packed this morning. I'll just stop by my house to pick up my bag,” Rarity answered.
“OK then, let's go,” Twilight said happily.
Meanwhile, over by the soccer field, Sunset was cutting through the bleachers to get to her apartment when she was stopped by a strange sound. Sunset couldn't quite tell what it was, but when she stopped to listen, she heard it again more clearly.
“Is that... sniffling?” Sunset asked out loud.
The amber girl strained to pinpoint where the sound was coming from and began searching around and behind the bleachers. When she checked underneath, Sunset saw someone in a blue hoodie with the hood pulled up who was hugging their knees. Deducing that this person was probably upset, Sunset decided, being the disciple of friendship, that she should try to help. As she approached, Sunset could tell it was a girl and was surprised when she spotted silver hair.
“Trixie?” Sunset asked tentatively.
The girl in question looked up and Sunset could see that she had been crying.
“Go away,” Trixie growled.
“Are you okay?” Sunset questioned as she took another step closer.
“Trixie said go away!” Trixie yelled.
“Trixie, no one's seen you all day. Have you been here?” Sunset pressed.
“So what if Trixie has?” Trixie muttered.
Sunset closed the distance and sat down next to Trixie, who flinched and scooted about a foot away.
“Trixie, what's wrong?” Sunset tried to sound as kind as she could.
“None of your business,” Trixie snapped.
“You're right, it isn't,” Sunset started, “but I can't just stand back and watch you suffer. I'm going to stay here until you feel better and if you want to talk to me about anything, I'm ready to listen. Or we can sit here in silence if that makes you more comfortable.”
Trixie sniffled a few more times as she slowly turned to Sunset. “If Trixie did tell you, you'd leave anyways.”
“I bet I won't,” Sunset countered with a friendly smile.
“Yes you will. You'll think Trixie is weird and gross and leave me too...”
“Really Trixie,” Sunset laughed, “do you think I have the right to judge anyone? Besides, if you're right, then you'll get what you want and I'll leave.”
“Trixie guesses you're right,” Trixie muttered.
“So you wanna tell me why you're upset?” Sunset asked again.
Trixie took a deep breath and stayed silent for a minute before she spoke up. “Trixie has realized that she's... different.”
“Different how?” Sunset pressed.
“Trixie may like girls the way she's supposed to like boys,” Trixie explained slowly.
Sunset's eyes widened as she thought about how happy Twilight was going to be, but reminded herself that she was trying to help. “And you're upset with yourself?”
“No. It was shocking to Trixie, but it wasn't particularly traumatic.”
“Then?” Sunset pressed.
Trixie started to tear up again as she spoke. “When Trixie told her friends... Well, she knew how they felt about it, but Trixie thought they might make an exception for her. But... but they said they didn't want to hang out with Trixie anymore!”
Trixie started crying into her sleeves as Sunset patted her on the back. Sunset tried to figure out how she could comfort Trixie, but was struggling. She never could wrap her head around how humans could put so much importance into sexuality. Heck, they didn't even have a word for homosexuality in Equestria. It was just called love. However, Sunset thought that she should say something.
“Well, you were wrong. I don't think you're weird or gross. In fact, I'm more disgusted by those so called friends of yours.”
“They were Trixie's only friends,” Trixie sobbed.
“Again, wrong,” Sunset smiled softly.
Trixie calmed down slightly and looked to the other girl. “What do you mean?”
“I'll be your friend!” Sunset offered.
“Trixie doesn't want pity,” Trixie scowled.
“It's not pity. I really do want to be your friend. I mean, some of my friends already like you, so why can't I?”
“Really?” Trixie asked with watery eyes.
“Of course. I bet the gang would even be happy to have you sit with us at lunch,” Sunset exclaimed.
“Trixie supposes she could give it a shot. You don't think they'll mind her, um, lesbianess...ness?”
Sunset chuckled. “Trust me. You'll be more welcomed then you think.”
“Thanks. Trixie feels a lot better,” Trixie smiled after a couple of hiccups.
“That's what a real friend does,” Sunset smiled back as she stood up and dusted herself off.
“Um...” Trixie looked up as if she wanted to say something, but stopped.
“Something up?” Sunset asked.
“Trixie doesn't want to be alone right now and her mom is working late tonight, so... can we hang out?”
It was then that Sunset got a devilish idea. “Actually, my friends and I are having a slumber party tonight. Wanna come?”
Trixie looked surprised. “Isn't that a little last minute?”
“Yeah, but it's at Pinkie Pie's house and she'd never complain about another guest. It'll be a great way for you to get to know everyone better.”
Trixie looked to the ground and smiled. “Trixie has never been to a sleepover before. OK, Trixie will join you!”
“Great! We don't have much time, so go get what you need for tonight and we'll meet back here in about half an hour. Can't wait to have you join us,” Sunset explained as she started to leave.
“Shimm, er, Sunset?” Trixie called out to her.
“Yeah?” Sunset asked as she stopped.
“Can you promise not to tell anyone, you know, about me?” Trixie asked shyly.
Sunset giggled. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
Trixie gave her a blank stare. “Um...”
“It's a Pinkie promise,” Sunset explained.
Trixie's face didn't change.
“No one breaks a Pinkie promise. You'll understand soon,” Sunset laughed.
“OK, then,” Trixie shrugged, but smiled, feeling a lot better.
Sunset considered telling Trixie about Twilight, but decided against it. No matter how it turned, she didn't think Twilight would appreciate her spilling her secrets. And sunset figured that they would get together soon enough, now that Sunset knew Trixie was also gay. And it should definitely help things along when Trixie shows up tonight. Twilight could thank her later. Sunset realized that she should probably let her friends know that Trixie was coming and pulled out her phone.
“Shoot, out of battery. Oh well, it'll be a fun surprise. What's the worse that could happen?”
As Sunset and Trixie were finishing up their conversation, Twilight and Rarity were just arriving at Twilight's house. The girls were chatting happily as they walked through the front door, but stopped when Velvet called out.
“Twilight? Is that you, Sweetie?”
“Yes, mom!” Twilight answered.
“Is it alright if we talk now?”
Twilight smacked her forehead. She completely forgot that her mom wanted to say something when she got home.
“Is everything alright?” Rarity asked with some concern.
“Yeah, I already know I'm not in trouble,” Twilight replied.
“Is that Rarity?” Velvet questioned from the other room.
“Yes, she think she left something here the other day,” Twilight explained.
“Good, I'd like her to come here too.”
The girls shared a confused look, but walked into the kitchen where Velvet was waiting.
“Hello girls, please take a seat.”
Twilight and Rarity sat down, both feeling concerned and confused.
“Now Twilight,” Velvet started, “first, I want to say that I'm not angry or disappointed at all. I understand why you would keep something like this to yourself. However, you are still young and I have responsibilities as your mother.”
“What are talking about, mom?” Twilight asked.
“Twilight, I am aware that you are attracted to women,” Velvet stated calmly.
Twilight and Rarity's mouths fell open as they looked to each other. After recovering from the initial shock, Twilight blinked a few times and spoke. “Mom, I can explain-”
Velvet held up her hand. “No need. I still love you and nothing will ever change that. I would have even waited until you wanted to tell me on your own. But, there are some things I cannot ignore.”
Twilight was still reeling about the conversation she was having, but managed to continue speaking. “Like what?”
“I think you may be taking things a little to quickly. I know you're young and have... urges, but you must learn to control them.”
“Mom!” Twilight shrieked from embarrassment.
“Um, perhaps I should wait in the other room,” Rarity suggested with a deep blush.
“Not so fast, young lady,” Velvet held up her hand to stop Rarity. “While I am fine with your relationship with my daughter-”
“Wait, what!?” Rarity interrupted.
“Oh, don't look so surprised,” Velvet countered. “You two weren't exactly subtle.”
“You think... Rarity and I...” Twilight slowly drawled as she looked between Rarity and her mother, struggling to process the whole scenario.
“I know it's embarrassing sweetie, but we need to have this conversation. Especially if you two are going to be spending a night together” Velvet stated.
“M-mom, Rarity isn't my... We're only friends,” Twilight tried to explain.
“Indeed,” Rarity added, “I can assure you that I am straight.”
“Really Twilight,” Velvet sighed, “there's no need to lie to me. I'm only trying to look out for you.”
“Seriously, I'm not dating Rarity!” Twilight defended.
“Why do you keep insisting that?” Velvet asked. “I told you Twilight, you weren't hiding it well.”
“Because I like another girl!” Twilight shouted.
Silence filled the kitchen before Twilight continued. “There's this girl from school and Rarity has been helping me try to impress her. I swear I haven't been doing anything... like that with anyone.”
Velvet scrutinized her daughter, searching for any hint of fraudulence. When she saw only a very nervous and vulnerable girl, her expression softened. However, after realizing her mistake, Velvet blushed to match Twilight.
“I see. It appears that I have made a mistake,” Velvet laughed awkwardly. “I apologize for the embarrassment I caused. Maybe you could tell me about this girl sometime later. When things are less weird. Welp, I have things to do. Have fun at your party tonight girls.”
With a final wave, Velvet rushed out of the kitchen, leaving two very perplexed girls behind.
“That just happened, didn't it?” Rarity asked after blinking a few times.
“I don't think we should talk about it,” Twilight answered. “Let's just look for your blush.”
“Right, let's,” Rarity agreed.
However, the two teens found it very hard to look each other in the eye as they looked. Very few words were exchanged as they found Rarity's blush and left the house. It was when they arrived in front of Pinkie's house that Twilight finally decided to confront the issue.
“Okay, that was weird. I'm really sorry my mom thought that we were... yeah. Can we agree to just have fun tonight and forget about it?”
“Yes, I'd think that would be for the best,” Rarity nodded.
The girls smiled to each other, although awkwardly, and knocked on the door. Pinkie answered and let them in to where the rest of their friends, save for Sunset were already waiting in Pinkie's room. After changing into her pyjamas, which were a dark purple with cute little bunnies on them. Only twenty minutes passed before Twilight felt at ease. She could see that Rarity was calmer as well. The young scientist was happy. It looked like the night was going to be as much fun as she hoped. She also believed that there wouldn't be anything that would happen that would be as embarrassing as what happened earlier tonight.
Just then, there was a knock from downstairs and Pinkie went to go greet there final guest. Twilight could hear some chatter and could tell that Sunset had arrived, but couldn't make out what they were saying. A moment later, Pinkie entered the room with a mischievous smirk directed at Twilight.
“Hey girls, guess who else is here for the fun tonight,” Pinkie sang.
The others just gave her confused looks when Sunset stepped into the doorway. “Hey guys, I hope you don't mind, but I invited someone else for tonight.”
“Aw shucks, the more the merrier,” Applejack replied as the other girls agreed.
Twilight wondered who was going to join them, but her eyes widened and her jaw dropped when her question was answered. Peering around the corner with a look of uncertainty was Trixie.