//------------------------------// // XVI - One Year Anniversary // Story: A New Kind Of Party // by Wolfie 03 //------------------------------// June 12th, 1005 A.D. (After Discord) Pinkie Pie couldn’t believe they didn’t like the party. Everypony loves parties, especially when she was involved! The night sky was soon blocked out by the large castle that loomed before the baker. She looked back at the fancily dressed ponies who were being escorted out from the main gate with a hint of a frown. Maybe… Maybe they do different kinds of parties… Does Twilight like those kinds of parties…?  She… She hadn’t seemed to enjoy the very first one I put together for her… Blue eyes swept over the tall hall the six friends and guard escort walked down. The gaze stopped on the gray stallion happily chatting away with the lavender unicorn. I have to make it up to her! Can’t let any party be subpar when it comes to my little star! I better make tomorrow the best birthday party make up slash anniversary slash I love my marefriend the best party!  As they reached the guest towers and rooms within them, the pink earth pony stuck to her marefriend’s side like glue, glaring at Honor Guard over the slim lavender shoulders. He didn’t notice until it came time for the friends to enter their rooms and he looked back at the mares. Twilight noticed his confusion and checked the direction he was looking but only found the usual bright grin waiting for her. Pinkie, when the studious mare turned back around, pointed a hoof to her eyes then to the guard who leaned back bewildered. Happy to get her message across, the hyperactive pony looked at the rest of the group. The newest couple shared a tender nuzzle. The pale-gray forehead pushed back the brown stetson as they both had their eyes closed at the touch. Pinkie cheered internally, unable to stop her wide smug grin. She turned to give her own mare a hug, hanging from the lavender neck. Twilight smirked at the action and continued down the hall. “Pinkie, you remember Honor Guard don’t you? From the last time we were here?” The librarian blushed at remembering why they came the previous time while the solar guard chuckled. “It is nice to see you again Ms. Pie. If you and your friends would continue up the tower, we can show everyone to their rooms.” The stallion grinned reassuringly to the suspicious party mare and waved for the group to follow behind him. “Sure was nice of the Princess to let us stay fer a few more days.” The southern accent caught everypony’s attention as it spoke up from the back of the group. “Bet yer just dyin’ to get back to yer fancy tower room huh Rare?” The others smiled at the teasing jab and looked at the prim unicorn who still wore her best outfit. Rarity smiled daintily and leaned closer to her marefriend, gaze drooping. “Maybe so, but I certainly wouldn’t mind ‘roughing it’ if I had somepony to help warm me up…” Applejack couldn’t hold the staring contest and dropped her eyes. While the others laughed at the playful taunts the two polar opposites shared, the farm mare dashed forward and snuck a peck on a pale-gray cheek. Pinkie beamed at the action and skipped along, head held high, though she stayed between the others and her own marefriend. “If you ask, I’m sure it would be fine if anyone wants to share a room.” Honor Guard nodded to the newest couple while peeking at Twilight and Pinkie Pie. “I’ve already been given instructions to allow Twilight and Miss Pie to share a room if you’d like. Though there are others if you want to use them.” Rainbow Dash laughed as the two couples blushed heavily. “Maybe we should get some guards, make sure there’s no ‘incidents’.” Fluttershy blushed as well, ears tipped back as she shied away from the brash mare next to her. Dash noticed the movement and slowed her laughter, even as the couples remained flustered. Rarity and Applejack held a whispered conversation while Twilight peered to the earth pony that held on to her neck. Pinkie looked back with hope shining in its depths. “Well, it’s not how I imaged our one year anniversary to start, but we could cuddle for the night.” The librarian nuzzled the other mare, keeping her voice low. The party pony nodded and buried her nose back into the warm inviting scent of books and ink. The solar guard chuckled to himself and waved to the archway where the guest tower waited. At each level, one by one, the mares went their own ways until it was only Rarity, Twilight and Pinkie Pie left. The apple farmer had left their company only moments before, leaving with another kiss to her mare. The guard waved the others up the stairs, going slowly to give the couple their own time. He shared a smug grin with the others. Once they got halfway to the next suite, Rarity caught up with them with a light red hue. They stayed silent as they continued forward. The lavender and pink mares waved goodbye to Rarity and their escort who continued up the stairs, leaving them at an open doorway. Pinkie let go of the warm neck, grinning happily. Twilight smiled back though it turned rueful. “Staying in Canterlot changes some of my plans…” The unicorn frowned thoughtfully, magically teleporting a piece of parchment before crumpling it into a ball. The rough feel of pink fur against her noggin drew her gaze to the beaming earth pony who continued her noogying. “Don’t you worry Twilight! I was just planning on what we could do with this change of scenery.” Pinkie Pie paused to enjoy the feel of purple under her hoof. When she saw the desperate curiosity of the other, she pulled her hoof down to hold up Twilight’s chin instead. “I’ll take care of everything during the day and dinner, ok? If you were planning something, did you still want to plan what we do after dinner?” The lavender unicorn perked up at the suggestion. “Yes, please! That’s great. You- you do have a plan right?” The pink mare beamed. “You betcha! We’ll see museums, visit gardens for lunch time, go to the bookstore… Then get a nice fancy party at a nice fancy restaurant.” She faltered slightly as she followed her instincts but finished strong. Twilight noticed the hesitation and focused on where the other had faltered. “Where were you thinking of going…? A lot of the places around here require advanced reservation.” “Weeeelllllllllll, I’m sure the Princesses will have a good idea for us! I’ll go and ask right now AND get everything planned.” Pinkie waved assuringly before twirling in place, legs bunching to launch her forward. A timid purple hoof against her side froze every muscle. “You’ll… You’ll be back soon though right?” Purple orbs anxiously looked to the ground while Twilight’s heart pinched. “You bet! No way would I miss our anniversary cuddle time!” The earth pony shook her head rapidly in assurance. She leaned forward to nuzzle the scrunched purple muzzle before leaving to skip down the stairs. Once she was past the librarian’s hearing, Pinkie Pie sped up, going fast enough to not disturb the guards stationed every few corridors. Aside from a blur of pink, they noticed nothing out of the ordinary. The party mare wasn’t sure where either royalty were at this time as the evening grew deeper. Taking a page from more organized pony, the instinct driven mare devised to search the castle from the bottom up. Starting from the kitchen and moving up, the hyperactive mare looked thoroughly. She finally came across the solar princess who was just starting to enter her own bedroom. The earth pony plopped down, skidding down half of the hall and alerting Princess Celestia to her presence. The alicorn turned with startled grace. “Hello my little pony. Is something the matter?” Pinkie saluted before waving reassuringly. “Weeeelllll, not something horribly wrong but it could go bad if I don’t find a really nice place for our anniversary dinner.” The earth pony leaned close, winking conspiratorially. “I don’t suppose you have any good suggestions?” The solar princess smirked and relaxed her stance, reaching up to tap her chin in thought. “I could arrange for a table at Elegans Culina, a lovely place on White Crest Street.” Princess Celestia beamed at the party mare who bounced in place. “That’s great! Thanks a whole bunch of thanks Princess!” Pinkie snapped off a salute to the tall pony and zoomed off. As she traveled, plans unfurled in her mind. Let’s see, let’s see… I’ll need bits for all those tours and food and stores… The earth pony stopped mid-stride, startling some of the evening staff who hadn’t had the time to realize she was there. Pinkie tapped her chin, oblivious to the stares around her. Do I have any super secret stashes around here…? Never needed them in the castle… But we did do that one performance in Canterlot for A Cappella, so I should have some hidden away! Better get them now so my little star doesn’t worry her smarty-smart head about a thing! The earth pony beamed, heart full to bursting with thoughts of her marefriend and how instinctively prepared she was. With a single bound of joy, she raced outside to find those hidden caches left from her college days as the night began to properly set in. -NKP- Back in the upper levels of the guest towers, Twilight pulled out a spare paper with a flicker of magic. Alone in her room, feeling both lonely and appreciative of it, she pulled out her hidden stack of note cards. The lavender muzzle turned a deeper shade of purple as she looked them over. So… tonight’s plan is a bust. Pinkie’s giving me the chance to try again though. The unicorn looked up, gaze unfocused with a wide grin. She really notices and cares… And I’m going to show just how much it matters to me! Nodding sternly, she began to scratch out the different phases on the cards and wrote in much small text above them. Let’s see, “phase one - try to get her on her own to lay down charm’“ isn’t needed…. Change that to ‘ talk quietly to avoid others hearing’. Phase two, get consent. That can stay. Phase three, bring to room and send Spike away to Canterlot beforehoof…. We’re in Canterlot now, so that needs only a little change… Twilight’s blushed darkened as she rewrote it to ‘bring to guest room’. Flipping through the rest of the cards, she found that little else needed change. Once that task was done, the studious mare took in her surroundings. In the center of the far wall was a large four post bed with drapes hanging tastefully down. A tall window, simple yet artistic, was to the right while the bathroom door was on the left of the bed. This should work just fine for my plan… But maybe I should start setting the mood now…? Yes, I think so. But which one? Twilight looked between the bed and the doorway, hoof tapping her chin. Maybe pose twenty-one resting right hoof ninety degrees angled forty-five degrees from barrel with half smile and eyelids drooping down sixty percent? Yes, yes let’s try that.  The unicorn climbed onto the bed and started to arrange her limbs as she laid on her belly. She let her back legs stretch out behind her, mindful of how her tail draped over the limbs. I think this particular pose had the tail resting over left back leg… but sprayed out. Right, have to get just the right flick for that. The next three minutes were spent with Twilight looking over her shoulder, trying to be sure she got the right position for her tail. The sound of it flicking out over and over filled the room, though this went unnoticed by the librarian, absorbed in her work as she was. After it was in just the ‘right’ spot, the mare turned her attention to her front half, letting her left hoof lay straight out while lifting her right to rest her head against. Making sure she faced the doorway, Twilight tried to get the right eye-drooping but started to frown when she couldn’t tell if she had the right gaze. Sending out a flick of magic, she pulled over the mirror set over the dresser and checked the various types of gazes. Confident that she had the pose finally done, she put back the mirror and settled down to wait. She can’t be that long, she was only going to check with the Princesses about restaurants. Hopefully this is a nice surprise for her. -NKP- Pinkie trotted almost leisurely back up the stairs. Even as her mane held it’s usual fluffiness, it seemed to sag tiredly. She wore a pleased, exhausted grin. “Got everything on my list! This is going to be great!” None of the guards seemed to notice her passing by. Her hoofsteps were sure, leading her straight to the waiting unicorn. Deep clock chimes echoed throughout the palace, counting up to midnight. As the last ring vibrated the earth pony’s frame, she felt an intense shudder cover her body. “Wha-?” Pinkie stopped mid-step, her whole body shaking in place as her teeth chattered. A doozy? What kind of doozy am I in for today I wonder? The pony tried to pinpoint where it would take place but only felt that it involved Twilight. Well, most of my more interesting Pinkie Senses are about my little star. I better get back, wouldn’t want to miss the doozy! The pink furred pony steadily worked her way forward again. Every other step was shaky as the shudders continued rocking her form. When she finally got to the correct door, it shakily opened up. The shudders stopped for a moment as she stared, opened mouth at the sight waiting for her. Twilight had fallen asleep. Her specially prepared position came undone. Her right hoof had slipped forward, being the limb her head rested against while her tail had unconsciously flicked into a more natural spray. The left hoof had stayed out, reaching to the door while her barrel had shifted slightly to be more on her right side than her belly. The sight of the sleepy unicorn was an irresistible pull for the earth pony. Flying through the air, her hooves quickly wrapped around the purple barrel, startling the sleeping mare into awareness. Pinkie couldn’t help rubbing her nose on the fur. “Huh…?” Twilight opened a blurry orb to find the sudden embracing mare. “Pinkie-?” “Aren’t you the cutest thing since balloon party favors!” The pink mare kept her voice low, even as her energy reserves returned at the touch. “Wha…? Cute? No, wait, I was trying to be…” The lavender mare stirred, sitting up and looking back at her marefriend with worry in her gaze. “Hmm? Were you trying to wait up for me?” Purple orbs widened before Twilight tried to resettle herself. Eyes drooping to half mast, she angled her head to peer in an attempted seductive manner. Pinkie stared back with one brow raised, not seeing the pose at first. Just as Twilight wavered, her tail flicking nervously, warmth spread through Pinkie’s back and limbs. “Oooooooooooo…” She blushed and giggled. “Heh heh heh, Twilight, you don’t have to worry about that kind of thing. Thanks for trying, my little star.” The lavender mare dropped the pose with a red hue covering her entire head. She reached up and gave her marefriend a tender kiss. Pinkie laughed at the touch and shifted to sleep more aligned with her mare. The late hour started to effect both of them, causing the couple to fall asleep mid-hug and nuzzle. They had forgotten the door but luckily the guards who were patrolling shut the door after them with a caring smile. Sunlight reached through the single window, edging closer to the bed where the mares rested. But it wasn’t the light on their fur and in the faces that woke them up. Pinkie’s body shook the whole bed as she shuddered. Twilight jerked awake, head flung back and forth as she tried to find the issue. “W-what’s wrong? Where’s the problem? Spike? Spike?!” The unicorn started to stand in the bed, eyes gunked over from sleep and ears twitching. “Pinkie Pie?!?” The motion had pulled the earth pony along as her hooves remained firmly around her waist. It was the half-shouts of panic that startled the party pony awake. She let go in fright, eyes shooting open, as she tried to understand what happened. Once she heard Twilight’s panicked cry, her hooves wrapped back around the barrel from the underside. “Twilight! Twilight, I’m right here! Here I am!” The unicorn froze at the shout from under her and tilted her head down. Purple orbs finally appeared as the crud dropped away. “P-Pinkie…?” Pink limbs shifted so hind legs were the only ones holding the chest while forelegs reached up to rub assuringly at the remaining gunk. Twilight’s breathing slowed down at the touch only to hitch when Pinkie shuddered once more. “Pinkie…? What’s wrong…? What happened?” “Oh, well, I had a doozy last night that hasn’t come true yet.” Pinkie Pie continued to wipe away the sleep from her mare’s eyes as she kept her voice light. “I think my shuddering woke you up, sorry my little star.” Twilight slumped down in relief, squishing the earth pony beneath her. Pinkie giggled at the feeling while the librarian blushed when she realized how she was laying. No, wait, try and use this chance! Twilight snuggled downward, putting her hooves behind the pink neck and touching their noses together. “Well, so long as no one is hurt…” She watched the mare below her turn darker with a blush. “Were you able to get your planning done for today?” Pinkie’s voice grew softer at their closeness. “You betcha… But we’d need to get out of bed for it…” “We would, wouldn’t we…” That-that was correct, right? Saying it back, even slower? The earth pony opened and closed her mouth, eyes wide with a hot burn on her cheeks. The motion caused their noses to shift, bringing their muzzles closer. Soon, she couldn’t respond as they kissed, unable to tell when one mare’s warmth ended and the other’s started. Twilight gave an internal cheer at the reception and enjoyed the embrace, mind blissfully empty of anything but the feel of the other’s lips against hers. A clock strike floated up from below, signally the start of eight in the morning. The couple pulled back slowly, both wearing wide goofy grins. Pinkie’s shudder was the only downside as she shook everything again. “Still going to have a ‘doozy’? Can you tell when or where…?” Twilight sat up further, keeping a watchful eye on her mare. Pinkie shook her head, though it vibrated as another shiver coursed over her body. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t do what I have planned!” Pinkie zipped out from under the purple cage and went for the doorway. Twilight blinked at the speed before trotting up, brow furrowed for a second before smoothing out into innocence. While the unicorn went past, Pinkie Pie stopped at the brush of dark purple strands against her flank. She looked back with a blank stare, unsure if her mind was making up things, if the shudder was to blame (as it came back vigorously after the touch) or if…. No way, can’t be Twilight did that on purpose. I’d probably get some kind of Pinkie sense if she was. Probably just me moving too fast again. Shrugging with a happy grin, she took the lead, not seeing the bewildered stare behind her. Together, the couple trotted out of the palace and to the closest museum. It was three stories tall, pillars lining the insides and out. The artistic designs were similar to ancient Romneighn and over the looming entrance was a wooden plaque with gold center. Pinkie pulled on Twilight’s hoof, pulling them to a stop just before the doors and on top of the three stone steps that lead to it. “And this is the largest museum in Canterlot, the National Museum of Equestria!” Pinkie Pie waved to the door as the unicorn hid a giggle behind a hoof. “There are three floors, each dedicated to a type of art material, while the wings hold some of the more traditional and harder to display kinds.” The duo walked inside, waiting behind a short line of tourists to get a ticket. Twilight, having visited as a filly, cast her gaze about the room without truly looking only to come to abrupt halt at a new announcement. “Huh. No unaccompanied minors allowed… It must be a new rule.” The lavender mare directed her marefriend’s attention with a hoof to the white poster. “I used to come here by myself all the time while I was doing historical homework. For extra credit.” The studious unicorn wore a bashful grin. Pinkie’s ears flattened for a second as she thought about the news. “Wait, so you already know what’s here and everything?” “Well, no, they change out the pieces to go with themes to keep things interesting and fresh for ponies visiting. I haven’t gone in years, I’m sure I won’t know everything.” Twilight tried to reassure the other pony but was met with a suspicious pout. “Aaaalllllright… But I’M the tour guide, ok?” Seeing the nod of agreement, Pinkie perked back up and turned about, buying the tickets before Twilight realized they were at the desk. Before she could comment further, the earth pony had a hold of her hoof and was tugging her deeper inside. Instead of running or hopping at her normal speeds, the pink pony went at a stroll, pointing to the different pieces of art they encountered in the main building and giving a tour similar to the one she had in Cloudsdale so long ago. The first floor was themed of the passing of time. Statues of fashion, lifestyle and even battle showed flowed through the ages, changing clothing style, ways of life and how ponies and other creatures did battle, highlighting some of the more notorious villains of the past. Pinkie’s ‘doozy’ almost toppled a statue of the fall of Nightmare Moon in recent times, but Twilight was able to prevent the earth pony from shuddering into the feature. They shared an uncertain grin before going up the stairs to the second floor. The next level was mixed material designs, the overall theme being kinds of environments. The statues were arranged throughout, grouped by type. The duo walked closely together, taking plenty of time to view the unique designs. Twilight tried to set the mood, tickling her marefriend’s side with her tail every so often. Pinkie was about to run fire when more shudders rocked her frame. Twilight immediately stopped, watching her mare with concern as she vibrated over to a statue of cacti. “P-Pinkie-?!” “Wooooooaaahhhhhhh….!” The earth pony couldn’t stop. Before the unicorn could do anything to help, Pinkie bounced into the piece, setting it to wobble in place. Both mares froze, watching the art sway with large, scared eyes. Twilight couldn’t conjure anything in time to help, too shocked to think of the proper spell. The sculpture tilted towards a forest, creaking ominously. The other visitors turned with loud gasps, helpless to do anything but watch the spectacle unfold. The next ten seconds were filled with crashing and high pitched breaking. Pinkie Pie nervously looked at Twilight who stared at the mess with an open mouth. The unicorn’s eye twitched as she took a shaky breath. Before she could say or offer any kind of help, a harsh stallion’s voice rang in the stunned silence. “Who did that?!?” The pink mare flinched, forcing her muscles to not move an inch while she raised a nervous hoof into the air. “I-I didn’t mean to, it just happened. I’m sorry…!” The museum guard strode over with a glare. Twilight shook her shock away and stepped closer to her marefriend. When he was close enough, she spoke up, defending her mare. “Really, she didn’t mean it! I can fix it if you’d like, I should be able to get it back just like it was.” The stallion shook his head, waving a hoof towards the door. “No no no, a generic repair spell wouldn’t truly capture the original spark. The exhibit will have to close. And you! You will not be allowed back.” Pinkie slumped in place, disappointment in every strand of fur. She nodded sadly, turning to hide her face in the purple neck. Twilight dipped her head to the guard and shepherd the earth pony outside. “Sorry Twilight… We weren’t able to really see everything… And it’s still really early!” The party pony scuffed her hoof along the ground. “If only we knew what the doozy was! Then we wouldn’t need to worry!” Twilight waved assuringly to the pink pony as she checked on the clock. “It’ll be ok. I get the feeling if we tried to figure out that particular Pinkie Sense, we’d be at it all day.” They shared a teasing smile before the earth pony took the lead once more. “What did you have planned for us next?” Pinkie shrugged. As she tapped her chin in thought, she checked on the unicorn sheepishly. “Weeelllllllllll… This isn’t very much like the plan at all. In fact, I’m not really sure what we should…-” Pinkie trailed off as she saw the anxiety in her marefriend’s eyes. “But I can totally come up with something for us to do! Uuuuhh, let’s go ahead and visit the bookstore! I was going to have us visit this after lunch, but now is just as good a time!” The party planning pony rushed them to their next destination. Seeing the familiar building from when she was a filly, Twilight perked up and took the lead. “I didn’t realize the Books for Nobles was still here! I used to go all the time as a little filly. And it looks like they’ve expanded into the buildings on either side!” Pinkie wiped dramatically at her forehead as her mare dashed forward. With an easy smile, she skipped along after her, humming without thought. Entering the double doors, the silence waiting on the other side caused the earth pony to stumble into silence. The swish of purple tail demonstrated where Twilight ran to. Pinkie Pie trotted forward, turning the corner rapidly only to be knocked back by a strong hug. “Thank you Pinkie Pie! This is going to be so nice!” The unicorn gave a gentle kiss to the surprised pink mare which lasted several long seconds.  The earth pony smiled into the kiss, enjoying the heat and feeling inside it. A tiny cough broke their happy bubble. Twilight pulled back with a sheepish grin that turned softer with sultry eyes. “We could, uhm, continue this later…” She faltered for a second before finishing with a larger grin. Especially when Pinkie blushed with a confused tilt of her head. As Twilight pulled away, sliding her tail against the pink form, Pinkie Pie shuddered heavily, vibrating to the right and into the bookshelf there. The unicorn swirled with a scared gasp. Her magic flashed out, trying to stabilize it before it could fall. Another shudder caused the earth pony to fall into her marefriend, loosening her magical hold and sending them both into the opposing shelf. Twilight stood up with a hoof to her head, eyes spinning for a second before focusing as the sound of crashing filled the building. Pinkie’s ears were laid flat against her head as she bashfully looked up to the other mare. They quickly became the focus of the store. A staff pony stiffly trotted over and glared at the duo. Pinkie followed the other sadly while Twilight wore a heavy embarrassed blush. They didn’t say a word as they walked out. Traveling down the street, both sets of ears burned as Twilight lead the way to the park in the center of the city. Once she was under a familiar set of branches, an oft visited location when she was a filly, the unicorn flopped down with a gusty sigh. Pinkie slowed until there were several paces between them. After the lavender pony laid down, she crept closer, cowering and shivering with worry. “T-Twilight…? I’m… I’m sorry… I don’t know what’s going on… Really…” Sky blue eyes filled with water as they pleaded with a glazed purple set. Slowly, the other zeroed in on the apologetic ones and softened. “It’s ok sweetheart, it’s ok. Why don’t we just take a rest here for a while, hm?” Pinkie rapidly agreed, crawling close and cuddling under a warm purple side. They stayed there under the shade for the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon. It was only when Twilight’s stomach rumbled that they thought about the lunch they had originally planned. The earth pony stood up with a shaky smile. “I’ll get our lunch, ok? I’ll be right back!” Pinkie waited for Twilight to nod before zipping off with a trail of pink cloud. The librarian watched with a concerned frown before staring at the ground in front of her. She tuned out the rest of the world as she mentally pulled up her flash cards. What’s going wrong…? My attempts aren’t working. Pinkie Pie hasn’t taken any sort of notice and we don’t know what that doozy is about. But it’s been messing up all of our dates today! Unless we find out what it is soon, we might not be able to go have dinner this evening. Maybe staying here would be best, until we know what’s causing that ‘doozy’. Twilight rested her head on her forehooves, heart heavy. Her gaze swept over the park, noticing the calm couples who walked slowly through. I-I’m sure it’ll be ok. She settled down to wait for her marefriend to return. The earth pony sped down the street, ears flat against her skull. With every step, she tensed, waiting for another shudder that didn’t come. Of course it won’t do it now! Not when we aren’t doing anything! Whhhyyyyy!!!! I have to try and make this a wonderful anniversary! She-she totally needs a proper anniversary, because she is worth it!  I-I-I- … I have to make it up to her! Pinkie stumbled to a halt, eyes misting over as she bit her lip. Taking a breath, she shook off the melancholy, starting back on her way for the prepared picnic lunch. Luckily, the castle kitchen took requests and already had it made up for the couple. The pink baker waved a greeting to the cooks she recognized from last winter. She trotted up and flipped the wicker basket to her back. The smell floated up, reassuring and settling the frayed nerves of the earth pony. “Thanks a bunch! This could probably change the WHOLE day! I’ve gotta try!” Pinkie ran for the park, dashing past every staff member. She didn’t pause to greet them, her focus and instinct on a lavender body waiting under the trees. I’m SURE this will work! It’s gotta work! In seconds, she was back in the park and scanning the area frantically. Her heart went still, dropping down to her stomach until it shot up when it noticed several shades of purple waiting under tree limbs. Pinkie shot forward, keeping the basket precariously balanced before stopping sharply. The case popped open, spilling out neatly. Twilight jumped up at the first motion but calmed down when usual Pinkie Pie logic took back over. She smiled gratefully at the mare and resettled on the checkered blanket that came with the basket. Pinkie sighed in relief and sat across from the other mare, helping her reach the different foods to enjoy. “I-I’m sorry my little star…” The quiet apology jolted the unicorn from her meal. Glancing up, she found the usually bright earth mare looking despairingly into her drink. Twilight reached out, gently touching a pink hoof. “It’s ok sweetheart, we’re just not having a good day so far.” “B-But! It’s our anniversary and I was hoping to make it the best!” Pinkie pleaded, wrapping both hooves on the one that touched hers. The purple mare sighed gustily and inched closer to the upset pony. “There’s… There’s other ways to make something really good. And maybe we’re trying too hard.” “No way! I know we can make this a good day! There’s gotta be a way!” The earth pony smacked one hoof on top of the other as she stared out to the distance with determination. The unicorn pulled back slightly, exhaling heavily. The motion and sound brought back Pinkie’s attention to the other mare. “There… might be a way.” Twilight couldn’t meet the other’s curious gaze as she bashfully rubbed at her hooves. “What kind of way? What would make this the bestest day anniversary for you ever?” Pinkie leaned closer, eyes shining with hope. “... Do… Do you consider me attractive…?” The soft, uncertain question made the earth pony freeze as her core boiled over. “What do you mean? I think you look wonderful!” The baker blushed as she gently stroked the side of Twilight’s face. It warmed up under her touch, sending a pleased shiver over her fur. The unicorn leaned forward, rubbing her muzzle against Pinkie’s face slowly. As she started to pull back, she stopped so she could whisper into a stiff straight ear. “There is a way to make today very special. I was trying to hint at it, but if you’d like, I could explain it further. I’ve made lots of notes.” Twilight finished pulling back, going even slower. When they locked eyes, Pinkie’s mouth dried up as it popped open. Both wore heavy red hues. As they sat right next to one another, the unicorn softly stroked her neck and shoulders, trailing off to her back. “O-ooh…” The earth pony thought back to the day they had been having. The shudder came back, causing her to shake further as her mind sped through explanations. “O-oooOOOoo…” Before Twilight could comment or try to further seduce her marefriend, Pinkie floated up and seemed to randomly inflate and deflate, sounding like a squeaker toy. The other park members stopped to look at the spectacle. The unicorn bit her lip as she debated what she should do. Seconds later, Pinkie dropped back down, eyes still wide as she stared at her mare. “Ooooo… So, you want to…?” The earth pony tried swallow but couldn’t. Instead, she reached forward and trailed her own hoof along the purple neck. “Really…?” The purple mare nodded slowly, drawing near to give her a tender kiss. When they separated, they shared a smile of understanding. “Thaaat’s what the doozy was, that you wanted this kind of thing! I get it now! You betcha! We better eat well though, to have the energy for that.” At the mention of needing energy for their future, they laughed embarrassed and started to eat their lunch with more vigor than they had earlier. They stayed much closer to one another as they ate, letting their fur rub against each other with every moment. Once the sandwiches of awesomeness were consumed, they sat under the tree shades, enjoying the sensations of the other beside them. When they got up, they remained side by side, savoring the feel of warm gentle fur against theirs and sending playful flicks of their tails to tease the other. Pinkie Pie especially couldn’t stop giggling even as pleased shivers crossed her and her marefriend’s fur. The streets around the duo blurred. The scowls sent their way as others noticed how closely they walked besides one another went unnoticed as the couple’s eyes were glued to the mare beside them. When they got to the restaurant, Twilight didn’t pause at the higher classed location or the large amount of clientele waiting there, reassured by the attention and affection of the earth pony next to her. She even found herself laughing along after particularly ‘bad’ seduction attempts done by the pink mare. Their laughter covered the sneers their actions caused. When the couple described who they had a reservation under, the staff immediately switched their stance on the non-dressed ponies and showed them to the secluded table. The area around their place was blocked by walls while the entrance had a light curtain keeping the other customers from peering inside. Twilight retried some of her sultry teasing, which had much more success now that the earth pony was noticing them for what they were. These were offset by successful caresses and Pinkie-style compliments in return. The food, delicious as it was, couldn’t compare to the taste of their kisses they sneaked between bites. They shared the different meals, using the excuse to ghost along each other’s limbs. Twilight even used her hooves instead of magic to eat, to have more chances to feel the other mare with her limb. The two mares were euphoric, addicted to the other’s touch and almost craving it more than the food in front of them. Their shared laughter and enjoyment lasted the entire walk back to the castle, the evening sun highlighting their colors as it started to set for the evening. Continuously getting lost in the depths of the other’s eyes, Twilight followed Pinkie’s instincts as it led them through shortcuts back to their room. They bypassed every pony who worked around the castle, though they were too busy kissing and nuzzling one another to think how they traveled along. Following the flow, Twilight allowed her body to take over, her overthinking mind taking a backseat to the heated energies that surrounded them. Pinkie seemed to float about, her hooves and heart so light they barely touched the floor as they circled around the unicorn who sultrily smiled their way. Flicking her tail, Twilight beamed over her shoulder, climbing on to the bed and slowly rubbed at the space beside her. When Pinkie leapt for the spot, the lavender mare was prepared and backed away from the landing site. Once the party mare landed, Twilight bounded forward once again, standing over Pinkie Pie who flipped around to lay on her back in surprise at the ‘trap’. She couldn’t help the chills that passed over her at the sight of the satisfied grin on the unicorn’s muzzle that inched closer to her own face. “I’ve been studying, would you like to see all the things I’ve learned…?” Twilight’s secluded practice paid off as her voice came out low and heated. The grin widened at the rapid nodding that came from the earth pony and she allowed the reaching pink hooves to pull their muzzles together in a boiling kiss. When she pulled back, Twilight ignored the red hue that darkened her fur as she started to slide to the foot of the bed, peeking at the excited party mare from under her bangs. “Let’s get the party started then…” -NKP- In the throne room, the solar Princess was saying her final goodbyes to the citizens who had wanted an audience with her that evening. The sun was starting to dip into the horizon and needed only a tiny push of her magic to send it over the edge. Casting her gaze to the opposite side, she saw that her sister was already sending the moon up. Princess Celestia smiled happily at the dark navy hue and found her thoughts turned to the unicorn and her friends that helped bring back her sister from darkness. The tall alicorn dipped her head in thanks to the solar guard who were switching out with their night comrades. Shaking her limbs gently, the Princess began to walk to where she had assigned Twilight and her friends to rest while they stayed in the city. As she walked, she used her sharp hearing to eavesdrop on the traversing guards, finding that most of the guests had returned and that Twilight and Pinkie Pie had came back rather early from their dinner date. “I wonder how they enjoyed Elegans Culina.” Princess Celestia took another look out the windows, even as her internal clock already told her the time. “They should still be awake, it’s not that late in the evening. I think I shall go and ask.” Pleased with her decision, the alicorn picked up her leisurely pace to be one of a normal stride, subconsciously appearing graceful and unhurried. Before heading up the stairs for the room, she stopped by another guard who confirmed that everypony was now inside and they were closing the gate for the night. Celestia smiled in thanks and started up the stairs when her ears twitched at a sound that echoed back down. “What-?” She slowed down, letting her hoofsteps get softer to hear the new sound clearer. Identifying it as labored breathing as well as some other low tones, she grew concerned and rushed up faster. When the sun princess pinpointed the source, she was shocked to find it came from Twilight and Pinkie Pie’s room. She lit up her horn, about to fling open the door, when a breathless cry of encouragement and enjoyment cause the immortal’s mind to grind to a halt. Celestia blinked slowly, not sure if she heard correctly. A higher pitched voice, muffled but clear enough to be understood, teasingly questioned the enjoyer’s statement. Red blazes flared on the white alicorn’s cheeks. She jerked back, open mouthed, before shaking her head to stop it from thinking too deeply on the activities going on behind the door. “Well, it IS their anniversary…” The princess blinked at a yell of positivity and glanced at the surroundings. “Perhaps they may get a little loud…” Gathering her magic, she was about to cast a muffling spell when her concentration was cut off by a loud greeting below her. “Greetings Sister! We have come to visit Twilight Sparkle and her friends as it seems you are about to do. Are they inside?” Princess Luna, fresh from her sleep and happy for guests, trotted up the tower. “Uh, yes but - wait!” Princess Celestia tried to think of a cover for the couple but had to instead prevent her sister from throwing open the door. She only just got a hoof on her younger sister’s shoulder before more noises came from the room. The two alicorns paused as a shout of pleasure surprised them into motionlessness. Instead of falling away, the sound grew, punctuated by stumbling calls of her marefriend’s name and an attempt to state their limit. Princess Luna’s mouth dropped along with her sister’s as they both blushed furiously. She looked, confused and pleadingly, to her older sister who managed to snap out of her shock to cast her spell. “We should... let them rest. I’m sure we can talk to them in the morning.” The sun princess nudged the other down the steps. Luna didn’t resist, only rolling her eyes as she felt her ears also burn from what they overheard. “Yes, of course, ‘rest’. In over one thousand years, ‘resting’ hasn’t changed much it seems.” Celestia looked at her sister in surprise before snorting in laughter. Luna tried to keep a collected appearance only to also break down in rueful laughter at what they had come across by accident. Each guard they passed shared a look of confusion with the others, not sure what their charges were laughing about, but not able to bring themselves to ask. After sharing a private meal between them, the two princesses went their ways, one for bed and the other for their night duties, mindful of the guests they were responsible for. -NKP- Pinkie wiggled in the purple forehooves, her smile almost bursting from her face. She pressed closer to the unicorn, enjoying the feel of the back hooves on encasing her own. Weight began to settle into each of her muscles after the several hours of extreme workout. Before they became too heavy to move, the pink pony wrapped them around the purple barrel that tried to regain a proper breathing rhythm. Twilight felt the motion, and the grin buried into her fur, and smiled down at the earth pony. Her own body was unused to the exercise and had minutes before caved into the exhaustion that resulted. She opened her mouth, about to ask some of the questions that only barely started to resurface after being locked away in a cage of bliss and sweetness, when Pinkie murmured into the slightly sweaty fur. “That’s was great my Little Star… You’ve studied wonderfully, just like always.” The voice, usually bouncing around with it’s owner, was unhurried, each word forming fully with enough space that the studious unicorn had no issue understanding. “I love you Twilight…” All the questions, ponderings and queries that had been building as Twilight regained her breath dropped away, like sand in a strainer. Every nerve that had gone numb from overstimulation jolted into life with a soft tingle while her heart stopped only to race on unevenly. Her mind roared with new questions, debates and confusion for the concept. Trying to shake off the overwhelming amount of thoughts, Twilight tried to gently wake up her marefriend. “P-Pinkie…? What did you - uh, what do you mean by th-tha-?” The earth pony, feeling more activity in the hooves holding her close, woke up to hear the last question. She gleefully hugged the unicorn around her waist, trailing her nose up along the stiff neck to nuzzle the underside of the other’s chin. “Silly star, it means ‘I love you’! The wonderful, great big feeling that fills a pony’s heart when the one they love the most is near or even thought about!” Pinkie shifted her weight, wiggling her lower half closer to the opposite one, savoring the now familiar heat she found there. Twilight tried to corral her thoughts and speech into action only to be stopped by a silken kiss on her jaw hinge. “You don’t have to say anything Twilight. I know you like to really think about things; it’s one of the things I love about you!” Pinkie trailed upwards to nibble on the edges of the purple ear that already had a few impressions on it. “You know, I think you just need some sleep right now though. And I know JUST the way to make you super duper tired that you won’t worry about anything for a LOOOONG while.” The whisper, almost nothing more than an exhale of air with a bit of speaking to it, sent an excited shiver over the purple fur. Twilight barely registered what was said before she was turned over, laying on her back as bright sky blue eyes shined with passion and affection. The tiny voice in her mind that wanted to keep thinking about the implications of ‘love’ drifted into nothing as she felt warm pink fur traveling over her form, re-awaking all her nerves into excited song. Once Pinkie Pie’s administrations were finished, both mares were euphorically exhausted, sleeping well past the morning bells and wake up calls from the guards and their friends. Being in a tower, the smells of food never reached their noses, and the light from the sun didn’t seem to angle properly to wake them. Even though they had forgotten to move the curtains the previous night as they had been too distracted to think of it. But it wasn’t enough to stop the earth pony’s seemingly endless supply of energy from building up, allowing her to move aching limbs upwards in a sleepy stretch. They travelled along messy purple fur, leaving pleased trembles in their wake. Once they were done stretching towards the head of the bedframe, they came back down to encircle the unicorn who also started to wake up at the touch. Pinkie felt Twilight’s heart beat and breathing grow stronger as she became more aware, and the party pony couldn’t stop herself from peppering the other’s chest and neck with short, heated kisses, ending at the purple muzzle that held a different set of tastes than usual. Remembering why and beaming, Pinkie pulled back enough to meet her marefriend’s gaze with a wide smile, brushing tangled bangs from her face. “Morning sleepy head,” Pinkie murmured. “Good morning sweetheart…” Twilight’s response wasn’t much louder than her mare’s, taking much longer to regain her energy. She allowed her hooves to drape lower, pulling Pinkie by the flank closer to her before pausing to make sure it was ok. Pinkie Pie noticed this return of uncertainty and booped the lavender nose with her own. “You don’t have to worry, star of my heart,” she edged closer, the tiny bit that she could, as she let her voice drop seductively, “I’m all yours, for four evers.” The unicorn chuckled and kissed the mouth waiting for her before humming pleased. They laid like that for several minutes, enjoying their closeness and revelling in what had happened the previous night. A rumbling sound, similar to marbles rolling around in a container, broke the silence. It was followed rapidly by a thunderous train. Both mares looked down, touching foreheads, as they looked to the source of the sounds. “Guess we used a lot of energy last night.” Twilight blushed at the mere mention of the night but continued on nonetheless. “We should probably go and see what’s for breakfast....” Pinkie looked up, hoof ghosting along the purple tummy before tapping her own chin in thought. As the unicorn shivered at the touch and squirmed in place, wanting more but too hungry to try, the earth mare checked on her internal clock. “Actually, it would be more of a brunch. Though in a half hour or so, it would be ‘lunch’.” Twilight stiffened at this information. Shooting her eyes to the window once more, she realized her marefriend was correct and it was much later than she realized. Before she could break out in a nervous sweat, a tender peck at her throat distracted her mind from the spiral it was about to start. “Oooh, uhm, yes, I-I suppose so… We should get cleaned up and head down for.. for brunch.” The baker nodded in agreement before picking up her mare in her forehooves. Balancing on her hind legs, she carried the unicorn to the bathroom, ignoring the stuttering protest the motion received. Once inside, she beamed to the magical mare, signally with her eyes for Twilight to start the water of the large tub. When the bathtub was full, the two mares stepped in together, finding that it was easily big enough for them to wash up together. What started as lightly sensual took a lighter turn as Pinkie’s joy caused her to splash around. After an intense water battle, they slowed their breaths and became intoxicated by the other’s scent. They floated closer to one another once more, eyes closing as they drew closer and embraced once again. It took them awhile, but they finished their bath and exited the room, walking side by side and letting their fur mesh together. The guards gave them the same kind of greeting as they did the day before, even as this day felt entirely different from all the others. They traveled around, looking for their friends when they were informed by the steward that their party was waiting for them in the smaller dining room. It wasn’t long before they entered the informal dining room. When they walked inside, the soft talking came to a jarring halt as the two became the focus of four sets of eyes. The group of friends were sitting around a small rectangle table. Along the left wall was tall windows while the right side had another door in front of which was a server waiting patiently. “There you are darlings! We were beginning to worry!” Rarity waved from her place beside the apple farmer, wide smile showing nothing wrong. Across from them were the two pegasi, both of whom were blushing while Rainbow Dash had her hooves crossed in annoyance. She turned away from the teasing smirk of the earth pony to look at the couple who continued into the room. “What happened? You missed all of breakfast and almost missed lunch!” The brash mare leaned back in her seat, hooves still crossed in front of her chest. “I thought you were the ‘morning ponies’.” The couple shared warm grins that felt brighter than before. Pinkie Pie took the lead, hopping excitedly while letting her tail caress Twilight’s neck and cheek. “Silly Dashy! Sometimes you’ve got to lay in bed and enjoy the pony with you!” Twilight blushed at her marefriend’s words and offered the group an apologetic smile. “Sorry girls, we didn’t realize it got so late before we got up.” “Don’t y’all worry, Ah’m sure the cooks won’t mind settin’ ya up with some grub.” Applejack turned to the chef who had stepped out at the sound of more ponies arriving while Rarity rolled her eyes at the terminology. Focusing back on the couple, the fashion designer frowned thoughtfully. “Darlings, your fur is looking simply fabulous! Was there some special shampoo you used?” Fluttershy also leaned closer to look at the two mares who sat on the third side of the table. “Oh, uhm, yes, and you seem to be much brighter…? Though maybe that’s the light or.. uhm, something else…” The canary mare lost her courage at the bewildered looks on Twilight and Pinkie Pie’s faces. They shared a bewildered glance before shrugging. The pink earth pony inched closer and rubbed the side of her face against her marefriend, humming happily. “Oooh, and you’re super soft!” Twilight blushed with a gentle eye roll, looking back at the inquisitive mares while leaning into the other mare’s touch. “I’m not sure what you girls mean, we just used the shampoo provided in the guest bathroom. Unless there was different kinds in all the rooms?” Rarity and Fluttershy glanced at one another silently, brows furrowed in thought. The last members of their group were talking with the cooks, not noticing anything until a poignant cough caught the farmer’s attention. “Er, what’s wrong Rare? Somepony mess up yer plate?” Sharp green eyes searched her marefriend’s gaze before noticing that they twitched towards the couple who had recently entered. When Applejack took more time to stare at the duo, she scratched at her head before leaning into the pale gray shoulder beside her. “Shucks, Ah guess it’s some kind of shampoo or somethin’. Did ya want to get some too?” As Applejack leaned closer to the ear that was beginning to tilt back in frustration, Twilight frowned at table in front of her, thoughts whirling in an attempt to understand what they were seeing. The crinkles between her eyes dissipated when a soft nose traced up her jawline to her ear. An embarrassed ‘eep’ drew the two back to the room around them, and they found that their antics had once again attracted their friends’ attention. Though the reactions ranged from embarrased, to smug and eventually to slightly sickened by the public display of affection. While Rainbow pretended to gag into her bowl, half an eye on the pegasus beside her, Pinkie went back to nosing her marefriend even as their food arrived. The group stayed relatively quiet as they all had a meal, though it was breakfast for the oversleepers. Just as they were finishing up, the doors opened once more to reveal Princess Celestia with a small grin. “Hello my little ponies, I heard that everyone was awake now.” The princess smirked while Twilight ducked her head with a blush while Pinkie laughed. “And I had hoped to see everyone before you started your day. Were you planning to stay another night at the castle? Or would you like for me to arrange train tickets home for everyone?” The group of friends looked at one another before focusing on the lavender unicorn. Twilight thought of the past few days, locking eyes with each friend before turning back to the alicorn. “I think we are probably heading home today. We didn’t really talk about it though, what do you say girls?” The unicorn checked her friends who all gave varying degrees of enthusiastic agreement. “I’d say we’re preeeeetttyy good, wouldn’t you Twilight?” Pinkie nudged her marefriend with a teasing smirk. The purple pony sighed playfully and nodded along before looking to the other couple in the room. “Ah’m good to go, what ‘bout you darlin’?” Applejack stressed the endearment as Rarity also exhaled playfully. “Yes, sugarcube, I do believe I have accomplished a lot of things during my time here and am ready to go home.” Rainbow rolled her eyes at the two sets of couples and leaned back in her chair, putting her hooves behind her head. “Yeah, I think I’m pretty good too. What do you say Fluttershy?” “Oh, yes, I should check on all my animal friends. I normally don’t leave them alone for so long…” The yellow pegasus tapped her forehooves together, peering out from under her long pink hair towards the royalty. Princess Celestia nodded with a smile. “Very well, I’ll make sure to have someone get you tickets for the next outbound train. While you wait, was there anything you’d like to see or needed?” The friends gave an assortment of ‘no’s along with thanks for the consideration. The solar princess smiled once more to them all before dipping her head and leaving. “I’m sure my sister would want to send along her own greetings, though by now she should be asleep. Thank you for visiting my little ponies. And I hope you had a happy birthday Twilight.” “Thank you Princess, I did.” The purple unicorn beamed at the white alicorn before turning to smile at the pink earth pony. By the time they finished their dessert, another staff member trotted up, tickets held in his magical grasp. Twilight thanked him and used her own magic to grab them. They gave their own thanks to him and the other staff ponies before taking their bags and heading on home. Rarity’s mound of luggage had been sent ahead in a cart. The train ride seemed shorter as the mares spoke with the ones sitting beside them. Pinkie was more than willing to tease her marefriend, even as they were sitting in the compartment with their other friends. Twilight, blush growing, returned fire, trying to be subtle but wasn’t as successful as the pink baker giggled excitedly at each touch. The others were growing more used to ‘ignoring’ to their antics and made no comment on what was going on. Once they got home, they separated into three groups of two, off for different parts of town. When Twilight and Pinkie Pie entered the library, the young drake ran forward, waving a scroll in his claws. “Twilight! Twilight!” Spike slowed at the sight of pink beside lavender, though he picked up his pace again in moments. “Oh hey Pinkie Pie. Twilight! A scroll from the Princess just came in. She seemed to know exactly when to send it for you to get it right away, kind of weird. Weren’t you just in Canterlot?” The unicorn glanced to the earth pony in confusion only to smile appreciatively when Pinkie took both of their bags upstairs. Twilight focused back on the dragon and levitated the scroll closer. “We were. I wonder if there’s something we forgot?” The purple mare was about to read the letter aloud when she noticed the first sentence. [Do NOT read out loud in front of others!] She blinked, glancing to the lad who stared back with curiosity. Clearing her throat, the mare went back to the scroll. [You and Pinkie Pie had a lovely time last night I’m sure, but perhaps this particular spell will help in the future? Don’t be ashamed to love your special somepony, it’s a beautiful thing to find. You merely may enjoy the privacy and knowledge that the time you spend together are not shared with others you don’t want listening when you use this spell. Enjoy your evening!]  Below the main content of the scroll, written clearly with explanations of what each part does, was a muffling spell. Twilight’s brows raised up in surprise before she succumbed to heavy blushing as the situation clarified in her mind. Heart frozen and scared to speak, the librarian raced upstairs to find Pinkie just finishing putting away the spare supplies they had brought to the capital. She stopped when the letter was thrust under her nose. “Hmmm, is this the letter you got?” Pinkie started to read the paper set before her only to pause after the first line. “Do I get to -?” “Yes! Please read it!” Twilight couldn’t watch and flung her head to look at the ceiling instead. Pink brows raised at the action and giggled. “Okie dokie lokie! HmmmmmmMMmMmmMMmMmmmmmmm….” The earth mare blushed slightly at learning the princess heard them. Looking up, she realized what was bothering her little star. She leaned forward, eyes at half mast. “Oooh, this is a nice spell she’s given us to use! Wanna test it out?” Twilight threw up her hooves, still unable to meet her marefriend’s eyes, as she shouted in frustration. “No no no no noooo! Don’t you understand?!? We-we shouldn’t have done t-that in the middle of the Princesses’ castle!” “Oh Twilight…” Pinkie dropped the act and wrapped her hooves around the stressed lavender neck. “Look, see? She even said it was fine in her letter. I bet that she is really happy when she helps other ponies enjoy themselves with their special someponies. She even is happy for us! She wants us to keep having fun. You… You did have a good time right…?” At the uncertain tone, Twilight finally met Pinkie Pie’s gaze with a heartfelt response. “Yes! Of course!” “Then there’s nothing wrong! See? It’ll be fine.” The unicorn exhaled, trying to release the tension she also held in her chest. To help the process, she leaned forward and kissed the waiting mare. Pinkie hummed and stayed still, fighting the urge to go further since she didn’t want to push the anxious mare. Twilight took the lead instead, letting the kiss and the warmth it caused to blow away her fears. Her core and hooftips searing, she pushed forward, tipping them to the ground. Pinkie Pie giggled at the feel of floor under her back. When they took a moment to breathe, the baker whispered to her special somepony as she stroked the sides of the purple muzzle. “Guess you want to try that spell now huh?” The librarian laughed freely, the last of her stress floating away at the almost husky tone. “Guess so. But I have to make sure we aren’t interrupted anyways.” She stood up, trailing her hooves along the pink sides and flanks, before heading for the bedroom door. “Spike?! Since we’re here now, why don’t you take the day off? You can even use the pile of spare bits to have some fun.” The dragon looked up to the ceiling in shock but didn’t wait, rushing for the hidden stash and then for the door. “O-Ok Twilight! If you say so! See you guys later!” In his hurry, he didn’t notice the open sign magically turned around to read ‘closed’. Nor did he notice the second spell which kept any sounds from escaping the upper bedroom for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. Pinkie Pie had been impressed with the study materials Twilight had found, and suggested a few more sources to try as well as first hoof practice. Something the scientific unicorn was more than willing to try out.