If I Could Love Again...

by Petalled

Intermission: Three's A Crowd Aftermath

Fluttershy hopped on the train and as it began to move she bid her friends goodbye until she was nothing but a speck in the distance, Pinkie trailing after the train until a red balloon brought her back to the station.

“I'm a bit nervous about Cadance's visit,“ Twilight said worriedly.

“What could you be nervous about, Twilight?“ Applejack asked. “Princess Cadance just loves you to pieces!“

“I know, but I really want her visit to go without a hitch.“

“Why wouldn't it?“ Pinkie asked, saddened by the escape of the balloon she finally got ahold of.

“Well, the last few times we've seen each other haven't exactly been worry-free. Especially when I kissed her when she was married to my brother.“

“And the fate of Equestria had hung in the balance during most of your visits with her,“ said Rarity.

“Exactly. Spike and I haven't really gotten the chance to enjoy being friends with Cadance again. The last time I could remember was when she was foal sitting me and Spike. This is why it is so important for Cadance, Spike, and me to get some real quality time together.“

“I'm guessing you've got a plan to keep it that way,“ Applejack said.

Twilight told them about the Starswirl the Bearded traveling museum.

The sound of the next train pierced through the air which got Twilight excited. When the train screeched to a halt, Cadance and a pair of guards exited.

“Your Highness,“ Twilight said as she and her friends bowed in Cadance's presence.

“We're sister-in-law's, Twilight. We don't have to be so formal,“ said Cadance.

One of the guards gave Twilight a small smile. Twilight blushed mildly. Her friends giggled and Spike nudged Cadance.

Cadance rolled her eyes playfully and nodded to her guards as they went back inside the train and traveled back. The princess walked with Twilight and Spike off the station.

“Knowing you, you've made some plans,“ Cadance said to Twilight.

“Boy, have I,“ Twilight replied. “Hang on just one second.“ She went back to her friends. “You guys...“

“Now, don't you worry about a thing,“ Rarity interrupted. “We will make sure that nothing but nothing interferes with your date-I mean, visit.“

“You really are the best friends a pony could ever have,“ Twilight said as she hugged Rarity, ignoring the slip up. Soon, she walked off the platform and away with Cadance and Spike.

---

Twilight sighed as she and Cadance walked into the Golden Oak Library. Twilight landed her face flat on the floor while Cadance composed her by rubbing circles on her back.

“There, there,“ said Cadance. “It's okay.“

“Why did he have to ruin the only day we could finally hang out like we usually did when we were small?“ Twilight grumbled.

“Not everything comes out perfect as you hoped, Twilight,“ Cadance stated.

Twilight lifted her head and blankly stared at her. “That's easy for you to say. You're perfect!“

Cadance shook her head when Twilight put her face back on the floor. “Nopony's perfect, Twily.“

“Oh yeah? You're living happily married to my brother aka captain of the royal guard and is a motherfucking princess!“

“You're a princess too, don't you forget,“ Cadance reminded. “And you'll find someone someday. How about my guard Flash Sentry? I hear he'll get promoted to a higher position soon and is pretty much high over heels for you. I saw the way he looked at you when I arrived.“

A blush marked Twilight's cheeks. “Yeah, but... never mind. He's just not you.“

Cadance's ears flicked. “Pardon?“

“He's just not you, Cadance. It's not the same,“ said Twilight.

Cadance shook her head. “And what. I'm sorry I didn't widen my options sooner and maybe I would have chosen you, but what's done is done. As I said, maybe we were made to be in another universe but you gotta continue looking. I already found mine in this universe.“

Twilight sighed deeply.

Cadance frowned, figuring she was not helping, and merely extended her hooves to bring her sister-in-law in for a hug. Twilight scooted closer to put her chin in the crook of Cadance's neck, letting her tears gradually fall.

“There, there. It'll be alright,“ she assured. She lifted Twilight's chin. “I still got a few minutes left here. Why don't we spend it?“

Twilight sniffed and smiled softly. “I'd love that.“

They got up and started walking out the door. Cadance went out first while Twilight giggled on the spot like she was a foal craving after her foalsitter again before clearing her throat and diligently walking out the door after her.

“Coming!“

---