Just Us
It was a sunny day in Ponyville. The pegasi had no rain scheduled for that week, so it would be clear skies for the next few days.
Which made it the perfect time for a certain orange pegasus to take a vacation.
Flash Sentry, being a member of the Crystal Guard, was limited to the amount of vacation he could have. After all, crisis could strike at any moment and every guard was entitled to help, no matter the size of it.
However, things had been quiet around the Crystal Empire for the past couple of weeks. Aside from a few small things, such as petty theft and things of that sort, the Empire was in a state of peace as far as the eye could see.
Flash Sentry decided that now would be good a time as ever to visit a certain friend.
The train was fast approaching the quaint town of Ponyville. Flash could easily see the gigantic crystalline structure shining in the sunlight. The Friendship Palace. Home to the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight Sparkle was not only a princess. She also happened to be the love of Flash's life.
The two had gotten together a few months back after the Mirror World incident. And their love for one another bloomed stronger every time they saw each other.
Flash's heart beat with anticipation as the train came to a halt.
"We have arrived in Ponyville. Please gather your belongings and swiftly exit the train. Have a wonderful day!" The conductor announced over the loudspeaker.
Flash didn't need to be told twice. He quickly gathered his things and rushed out of the train car, speeding towards the direction of the Castle of Friendship. He couldn't wait to spend the day with his favorite mare.
Princess Twilight Sparkle was reading in her library, having finally been able to spend some time relaxing. The past few days had been nothing but work-filled.
Either her royal duties were compelling her to take action, or her friends were in need of her assistance.
The young alicorn hoped with every fiber of her existence that she would be able to enjoy this day in peace.
Twilight sighed with contentment, "Now, this is how you spend your time. I could sit here reading all - "
She was interrupted by the sound of the door opening behind her.
She groaned, "Ugh!" She slammed her book shut in aggravation.
"What is it this time?!" She turned around about to lash out at the insolent soul who would dare disturb her reading when she heard a familiar voice.
"Well, somepony's happy to see me," a sarcastic voice rang out.
Twilight's rage melted in an instant. Her scowl turned into a smile of delight as she finally turned around. "Flash?"
Flash smiled warmly, "Hey, Twily."
Twilight jumped from her seat and ran straight into the expectant hooves of her coltfriend. She wrapped her forelegs around him as did he.
They held each other for a few moments and then pulled away.
Flash chuckled and brushed a lock of Twilight's mane out of her face, "What's going on now? I can sense that my mare is a little on edge today. And that's not like you. Most of the time, anyway."
Twilight playfully swatted his hoof away and sighed, "Life. That's what going on. The life of a princess, to be more exact. I'm telling you, Flash, if I had known my destiny would be to become a princess, I would never have done half of the things I've done. I'm grateful, but it's just
so...exasperating sometimes!" She sat down on her haunches.
Flash sat down next to her and wrapped a hoof around her, "I feel for ya. I'm no princess. But, I don't have to have a degree in magical engineering to know that it's hard work. But, I also know that you are capable of handling that type of work. My girl's not gonna quit because something's too hard. She'll take it on full force. I know it." He squeezed her shoulder, causing her to smile.
Twilight leaned over and kissed his cheek, "You always know exactly what to say, don't you?"
"Somepony has to. It might as well be me. Now then..." He stood up and helped Twilight get back up.
"How 'bout working away all that stress with a full day of R&R? You know you want to," Flash raised and eyebrow and smiled.
"Oh, I don't know. I'm rather happy right here," Twilight said playfully.
"If by here you mean with me the entire day, then I'm all for it. Come on, I don't know about you, but I'm hungry." Flash raised a hoof, ready to leave.
"You're always hungry," Twilight shoved him playfully. "But, lunch sounds nice. How's the Hayburger sound?"
"Actually, Twi, I was kinda hoping we could have lunch by ourselves." He nudged his head towards her.
"What do you mean?"
"You know, just the two of us. We haven't spent quality time together in who knows how long. How 'bout a picnic?"
Twilight put on a fake frumpy face, "But, then I'll have to go and prepare food, get a picnic basket, and find a spot for the picnic. And that'll take forever!" She looked back over at Flash who just stared at her with an are-you-for-real kind of look.
She laughed, "I'm kidding. That sounds delightful, Flash. We can have in the back near the waterfall. Come on!" She walked towards the door with Flash right beside her.
Flash and Twilight had a wonderful picnic. Flash, unbeknownst to Twilight, could make the best cucumber and daisy sandwiches. Twilight berated him for not making them for her previously.
They talked and ate. This had been the first time in a long time that the couple had spent some actual time together.
And they cherished every single moment of it.
Twilight and Flash leaned against each other as they watched the water cascade down into the little pond at the fall's bottom.
The sun was setting behind them, casting a radiant glow on the water's surface. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
The perfect setting for a romantic moment.
"Beautiful. Like a certain princess I know." Flash glanced at Twilight and grinned.
"Celestia? You have some high sights there, Flash." Twilight joked.
"Not who I had in mind. She shines like the stars," Flash waved a hoof dramatically.
"Luna, huh? I wonder how often you dream of her," Twilight jokingly put a hoof to her face, pretending to think.
Flash chuckled, "Not exactly. And there's only two princesses left. Cadence couldn't be an option. So, that leaves just one. Oh, what was her name again?"
Twilight giggled and wrapped her hooves around the orange pegasus. "I think I know."
Flash wrapped a wing around her and pulled her close. "Twilight Sparkle. A beautiful name befitting a beautiful mare."
Twilight blushed. As the sun set behind them, the two leaned in connecting their muzzles in a kiss.
Ending a perfect day.
A day just for them.