> She Took me to the Fair... > by Spider8ite > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Don't Know Anywhere I Would Rather Be > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle had absolutely no experience in dating. Well, at least Human World Twilight had none. Unfortunately, for this Twilight, it was herself. Truly, she never really gave too much attention to such thing; everything for her was books, studying and learning whatever science and occasional magic she could. Of course, when she didn’t really think about those feelings, she didn’t care about her novice romance skills or things of that nature. Now? Now “abilities” were actually needed, not that she was ready for any of that. And that was having a girlfriend. It was all so unexpected and new. She had been friends with Sunset Shimmer and - of course - after several months, realized that she had a huge and dorky crush on her. Despite this, Twilight had never imagined that they would’ve come to this point. She had asked Sunset out and, weeks after, Sunset had asked Twilight if they could turn their relationship into something more serious. Twilight was more happy than ever to say a big “yes”. Still, Twilight was curious about when they would go on an official first date. Which, really, they never had. Twilight never counted the times Sunset stayed and hung out at her house. They were never alone; there were the constant eyes of Cadance looking at them and - probably - thinking “They’re so cute”. The protective stares from Shining and Night Light and the sweet and happy sighs Velvet gave them. Her family was more than happy to see their “Little Twily” was growing up. Cadance was the most excited about it, taking every opportunity to mock Twilight, but she truly loved both of the girls who weren’t together for more than just two months. Twilight could swear Cadance would write a romantic and domestic fanfiction about them if she could… She prefered not thinking about that, because that would be… weird. For Twilight, a real date had to be only her and Sunset enjoying something. But, when Twilight said that they could hang out at her house and watch a movie at the night of the Fall Formal, she didn’t think about how her family is always around. She was sure Sunset would have some sort of plan, though. If she were to be honest, she didn’t like to be in charge of things, so she figured she may as well let Sunset lead anything they would do in their actual first date. There was something in the corner of Twilight’s mind bugging her, something she couldn’t seem to shake. She figured that maybe it was just her thinking too much about things, as usual. Twilight sighed as she sat on her bed where she had been reading a book – the amazing Colonel Sassacre’s Daunting Text of Magical Frivolity and Japery by Colonel Sassacre – still covering her lap with a thick blanket. It was Winter already and her window was closed; she didn’t wanted to catch a cold, after all. Spike was also suffering the effects of the weather, he was curled up in a little ball on his little bone-patterned dog bed, trying his best to keep as warm as he could. Twilight, noticing her curled up dog, shook her head and shot him a smile. “Spike, come up here,” she offered, tapping her lap. The little dog lifted his head at the right instant and jumped into the bed to Twilight’s lap, curling up and closing his eyes with a lazy yawn. Twilight giggled, shaking her head. Silly dog, she thought. Suddenly, her phone next to her vibrated. She picked it up, checking to see if was a text from the girls or Sunset. Speak of the devil wearing prada. Rarity had left her some messages. She had been in Manehattan for the Holiday Season with Sweetie Belle and Opal to visit her parents. This time, she had sent Twilight a picture of her snowy afternoon, a snowman Sweetie had made in the background. The poor snowman looked… kind of wrong, it wasn’t built straight and its head was too small for the rest of its body. Twilight smiled and saw that Rarity had also left more than just that: “Daaarling! I can’t believe I’m going to see Coco again! Remember her? My friend from Manehattan? It’s been such a long time. Anyways, point here is actually… I want to know about you and Sunset. Have you two adorable lovebirds gone to a date yet?” After reading her first message, Twilight moved on to the second: “Oh, what am I saying? Of course you have… It’s just that, me and Trender are probably, how should I put this, getting serious? Not that I never dated anyone, of course! But this will be the first time I’ve been in a serious relationship, you know? I want to make everything perfect for our first date! So, any tips?” “Darling?” “Well, I think I may talk to you later, Twi. Enjoy whatever you’re doing!” Rarity left the last message thirty minutes before Twilight left her book aside. She was probably spending time with Coco, so Twilight decided not to say anything. After all, she had no tip to give. She was the one who needed some. Twilight rolled her eyes and was going to lay back, but her room’s door opened. “Hey, Twilight!” The door opened and Cadance’s warm smile and a plate of cookies in her hands greeted Twilight. “Why are you making that face? You love cookies!” The older woman exclaimed as she walked towards the bed and sat beside Twilight, setting Spike on her own lap to let the plate sit on Twilight’s. Twilight pouted, crossing her arms. “I do, but… I’m not a kid! You don’t need to make and bring things to me.” She picked up one and took a bite, succumbing to the delicious taste of Cadance’s homemade cookies. Cadance laughed, “Oh, c’mon Twily, you know you like it!” “Well I do, but” - she took another bite - “I don’t need to be treated like a kid. I already graduated…” she blushed, frustrated. “I know, I just… I still see you like the Little Twi I knew many years ago.” Cadance sighed happily, old memories flooding back for a few brief moments. She coughed, trying her best to diffuse any remaining awkwardness. “Anyway, how are things with Sun? She didn’t came around this week.” “That’s because she’s working at Rainbow Blitz’s car wash! She’s a mechanic there, and she’s really good at it! I wonder if she will ever take a career with it,” Twilight explained. Rainbow Blitz, Rainbow Dash’s father, opened a car wash after a lengthy and decorated career in professional racing. Cadance hummed in understanding. She paused, staring at Twilight for not more than twenty seconds or so. “But… is there something about it that you don’t like?” She blinked at Cadance in confusion. “W-what? Why would I not like it? Sunset is really passionate about building and fixing things, I like that… She truly cares about everything she does,” Twilight played with her hands while blushing. She hoped that would suffice Cadance’s keen eye and worries about her. Cadance hummed once again, biting her lip. “Oh. Well, is there anything more happening?” “No, I’m fine, Cadance,” Twilight insisted making a face. “You don’t need to worry. Also, you should care about your wellbeing more than mine,” she softly put a hand on Cadance’s tummy, which was already showing the signs of the first month of pregnancy. Twilight giggled when she remembered Shining’s reaction. Velvet and Night were so happy for them, and so was Twilight. The older woman smiled. “Okay. I’ll do it, but only because you’re the aunt.” Cadance got up, setting Spike back onto the bed. “You know Twilight... it will be so cute to have Lesbian Aunties,” Cadance mocked, her eyes shining in joy. Twilight rolled her eyes, holding back a smile. “Shut up!” Cadance laughed and took the now-empty plate from Twilight’s hand, she turned her back and was going to let the girl alone, but turned slightly, “If anything’s bothering you, you can tell me. You know that.” The other took a few moments, but then answered with a nod. With that, Cadance’s eagle eye got away from Twilight’s personal worries. She asked herself why and how Cadance was so observant, knowing whenever Twilight had something on her mind. Always. There was no doubt in her mind that she’d be a great mom. Much to Twilight’s dismay, a thought briefly crossed her mind.  Before she could think any more about it, her phone vibrated with a new message on Skype, the caller title reading “Sun <3”. It was her girlfriend, obviously. Twilight wasn’t too fond of this new title between them, even after two months. Maybe she was just being silly. “*Sunset sent cutekittypic.png*” Twilight giggled. Sunset loved animals, especially cats. She even asked Fluttershy if she could help out on her animal shelter some months earlier. Twilight decided to see the ‘cute pic’ and saw a little ragdoll kitten playing with a little fish plush. Then her phone buzzed again with Sunset’s message: “i’m almost finished fixing the last car, it’s freezing here ;-; anyways, any news from Rarity? <3” Twilight just answered saying that she was probably going on a serious date with Trenderhoof and ended up bringing Sweetie Belle along. Sweetie, who never talked to Rarity’s boyfriend, complained a lot about her being a “third wheel”. She also told Sunset about the best snowman she’d ever seen, made by the true artist Sweetie Belle. “wow, i never saw Rarity really staying with someone for months… guess he’s the right guy. i gotta go… but i have a surprise :3 i’ll swing by after work, ‘kay? Remember what you asked me in the formal? I guess we waited too long… and my work has eaten a lot of my time and your house is always full of people… so we can’t stay alone and, you know, date for reals. I have the perfect place and it's a great day to do it, if you're free ;)” Knowing where this was going, so Twilight smiled bright. “So… Could you get ready and put some clothes on? We’re going out somewhere I really like! Wear something warm, u don’t wanna freeze, Twi.” Twilight widened her eyes for a second, could that finally be their first official and long-awaited date? She answered with a smiley face and a “of course!”. Sunset just sended a “<3” and she was now offline, probably off to fix that last car. And Twilight couldn’t be happier with the possibilities of the coming evening. She wondered where Sunset was taking her. Hopefully nowhere too fancy, she thought. She wasn’t Rarity; she liked simple things. However, she wouldn’t truly complain to Sunset if she ever took her to a fancy place or somewhere like that. It was their first official date, after all! Twilight could have jumped up on her bed and shouted “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!”,  but that would’ve been too silly and weird. Instead, she turned her attention Spike. She picked him up - his eyes opening lazily and his body starting to stir - and hugged him as if he were a plush. “Oh Spike, I can’t believe it!” she began rambling to the dog, who actually payed attention to her excitement, “We’re finally going to do what she promised me…” Twilight sighed dreamily, blushing. “Do you think I can do this? I mean… Do this right?” She widened her eyes, the dog also looked back at her with a questioning look. “Wait… what if I mess something up?!” Spike rolled his eyes, but of course, Twilight didn’t see it, letting him go with a pat on his head. “Do you think I should make a list of what to do? Maybe I should…” she scratched her head, while Spike sighed, impressed by her reaction. Twilight had talked out loud about it in the day after the Fall Formal, so the little dog knew Sunset probably was taking Twilight to their “first official date”. Even if they hang out a lot at Twilight’s house, they still didn’t considered that a “date”? Spike thought human romance was strange if not needlessly difficult. “Or maybe I shouldn’t, because Sunset may think I’m weirder than I already am… But what if I don’t know what to do next? What to say… or how to act? What if I mess up...” she bit her lip, looking at herself in the mirror. She looked pretty messy in her heart-patterned pajamas. Though any other girl her age wouldn’t be caught dead wearing what she was, she figured that since she had them for several years and they were exceptionally cozy, there was no point in getting rid of them. Due to a long afternoon of laying in bed, her hair didn’t look much better than her pajamas. She turned to her dog. “What do you think?” Spike let out a whine. He wanted to say something, but unfortunately, the “talking dog” effect from the magical portals had faded a few weeks after the Friendship Games. Spike would probably have told Twilight to stop worrying, but she probably would get back to being paranoid not long after. He let out a sigh. “You don’t think that’s bad?” Twilight lifted a eyebrow, but Spike just yawned and closed his eyes. Twilight smiled warmly and let the dog be. She realized it was five o’clock in the afternoon and she probably wouldn’t have time to do a true list; maybe she’d a mental one. As interesting as list-making was, she decided she should start to get ready and not worry, even if only for a brief amount of time. It was snowing and almost freezing outside, just as Sunset mentioned, snowflakes falling and it was white everywhere the eye could see. She slipped on a light purple coat over a long sleeved white shirt, some dark purple earmuffs – which Twilight planned to use later – black pants, and a pair of black boots. Twilight judged herself in the mirror for some time, wondering if she looked good enough for her first official date. While it was a definite improvement over the pajamas, her messy hair wasn’t doing her any favors in the beauty department. She brushed it as best she could, Spike watching all the while. Twilight, even if internally excited and jumping around in her mind, couldn’t help but think about her worries. They were about Sunset, but for that evening, she would try to not let them get the best of her. While she was taking care of her messy hair, her heard a knock at the door and a slight creak as it opened. “Twilight, your knight in leather jacket is here to rescue her damsel in distress.” It was Shining Armor with his usual playful smile. He had been there for the Holiday season, but both he and Cadance had already moved into a house of their own. They’d be starting a family of their own in a few months, after all. Twilight rolled her eyes and giggled. “Very funny. Like you didn’t find that jacket cool,” she teased. Shining opened his mouth to protest, but closed it as soon as he realized he had no way to win the argument. He had to admit leather jackets were pretty cool. “See? I told you!” She snickered. “You should buy one, it would be cool to have a biker brother.” she finished brushing her hair. After hearing Shining laugh, she turned to him, giving a little spin to show off her clothes. “So? How do I look?” “Like someone who’s not going to freeze,” he said flatly. Twilight made a disapproving face at him. “Nah, you know you’re great, Twily, now go meet your prince - er, I mean princess.” Shining laughed nervously at his error at which Twilight rolled her eyes. She gave Spike a quick pet and left the room, following Shining downstairs after putting on her earmuffs. “So she’s finally taking you on a date, Twi?” The girl nodded happily, trying to hide her own excitement. “Yes! I have no idea where we’re going, but, honestly, I’m happy that it’s finally happening. Not that hanging out at home isn’t great, but... I think you know what I mean.” She laughed weirdly. Shining just nodded, patting her shoulder. They followed to the door, where Sunset Shimmer was standing. Cadance had offered for her to enter unless she wanted to stay outside and make a snowman or some other wintery activity. Of course, no snowman would compare to Sweetie Belle’s in Twilight’s book. As soon as she saw Twilight, Sunset shot her a big smile and kissed her for a moment. Twilight blushed; she still wasn’t used to the constant kisses, amorous hugs, or even the occasional make-out session. She wore black pants, a pair of her usual black boots, and a black coat over a long sleeved shirt with a dark red scarf around her neck. Some would say that much black would be inappropriate for a date, but Twilight didn’t think so; she thought it looked rather stunning on her. “Hey Twi, ready to go?” Sunset asked as soon as she let Twilight go, and the other nodded. After a “tsk” from Shining, she turned her attention to him. “Uh… is there something you want to say, Shining?” Shining blinked for a moment, thinking of something intimidating to say. “Yeah, uh, you... you take care of her right and you two stay out of trouble, okay? Also, I-uh… Don’t drink… too much, alright?” Needless to say, it wasn’t very effective. Suppressing a laugh, Sunset winked at him, not wanting to openly mock his rusty intimidation skills. “Yes, Sir Armor. Any other requests?” He was going to say something, but Cadance interrupted him, hugging her husband from behind with a smug smile. “I think he also wants you to have fun and to stop telling you two what to do,” she said through clenched teeth, making Shining giggle nervously. “C’mon I just-” “I’ll be fine, okay? Don’t worry,” Twilight interrupted, finishing with a giggle. Shining decided to stay quiet, but he smiled anyways. Cadance turned to them. “Now go have fun,” she said with a warm smile. Both laughed at the other couple as Sunset opened the door. They stepped outside and said a brief goodbye to Cadance and Shining Armor. Sunset’s car was stopped in front of Twilight’s house. Every time Twilight saw it, it reminded her of how hard her girlfriend worked to save up the money and how proud she was when she showed her the keys. “I’m glad you got the car instead of Robert,” Twilight said as she walked side by side with Sunset. As the sun neared its setting point on the horizon, snow gently fell onto the already-blanketed ground. “C’mon, don’t talk about baby Robert like that. He’s great! You’re too scared, that’s all,” Sunset said, shrugging with a smiling lazily. “Also, what name are we going to give this thing?” Twilight looked at her with narrowed eyes. “What? You’re going to name it too?” She nearly giggled as Sunset nodded in affirmation. She sighed. “Okay, what about… Harley or maybe Lalonde?” Sunset laughed as she opened the car door for her girlfriend, receiving a “thanks” from her. “Lalonde? What does that even mean?” Sunset asked as she sat down in the driver’s seat and started the car. Then her eyes widened. “Wait… isn’t that something or someone’s middle name from that comic?” She narrowed her eyes at Twilight, remembering a comic she used to read, until it finished back in April. Despite it being an utter travesty, Twilight loved it. “Don’t judge me! She was one of my favorite characters.” She crossed her arms with a pout. “And you’re one to judge, what with that space rock show you like!” Sunset laughed at her girlfriend’s cuteness. “Well… yeah, guess you’re right. It isn’t as complicated as that comic, though.” She sighed. “Have you ever gone to the Winter Fair? No, wait… You didn’t really care or have anyone to go with at Crystal Prep, so… No, right?” Twilight nodded. She was so focused on her studies and learning that she never really made friends with people there. Of course, people at Crystal Prep were snobs and they only “befriended” people like themselves, which Twilight was certainly not. That of course didn’t mean that Twilight didn’t want to go - on the contrary. She came to town at fifteen and, having no friends, didn’t have a prime opportunity to go. She overheard conversations from other students that it was definitely a sight to see. Considering she prefered winter over the other seasons - which she understood was unusual for a high school student - she knew that once she finally went, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her first official date being on the same day was an added bonus. “Wait, do you mean it? We’re going there?” Sunset could swear Twilight’s eyes were shining with joy. She nodded and Twilight smiled. “That’s…” She was going to say something, but she realized her tone was way too excited - almost rivaling Pinkie’s - so she tried her best to calm herself. “Great.” Twilight blushed. Sunset chuckled. “So, did you make a list of everything we were going to do for every possible place I could’ve taken you?” She asked with a sly smirk. Twilight crossed her arms again. “I-I didn’t, why would I?” But I would if I could, Twilight thought to herself. “I know you, Twi.You should know that I also like to mess with you,” Sunset said as she turned down a street. “I didn’t say anything before, but you look cute in that. The earmuffs are adorable.” She took a brief glance at Twilight with a loving look. Twilight once again blushed, not used to the constant compliments. “Thanks,” she said quietly. Sunset laughed at her shyness; sometimes she could be worse than Fluttershy about compliments, and more nervous, at that. Sunset didn’t understand why she wasn’t used to them; she always complimented her, but it was more friendly or sometimes flirty than her currently loving ones. Twilight coughed. “You know, I never asked, but… does Equestria have the same holidays as humans since it’s a paradoxical world or dimension with the Human World? That would make sense, right?” Sunset raised an eyebrow for a moment. “More or less. We do have a lot of things in common, but usually, the names are different and there’s some different stuff mixed in with it,” she explained before sighing heavily. “Nightmare Night was sure my favorite. I loved it…” She laughed for a moment, making Twilight wonder what she was laughing about. “I remember this one time on Nightmare Night where Princess Celestia wore a costume just so she could go door to door with me. She really did care.” Sunset’s smile slowly turned into a frown. “I… I miss her.” Twilight put a hand on her lap, giving her a comforting squeeze. “So… it’s like Halloween?” “Yeah, it is. Celestia dressed as a pirate and I was the captain. Ponies were so impressed their princess was out there with a little filly collecting candy.” Sunset laughed, shaking her head. That night, Celestia made a cake out of some candies they got. She thought that, for a princess who never cooked for herself, Celestia was a pretty good baker. “You really liked her, didn’t you? Like a-” “Mom?” she said, interrupting the other. Twilight smiled, nodding. “Well… you could say that. She took care of me since I was a little filly… and I treated her like that.” Sunset rolled her eyes, then coughed. She decided to ignore her past, like Twilight taught her. “I think the other Twilight said something about you saving the world here a few times, so I think she may have already forgiven you,” Twilight said kindly. “Yes, but it’s not the same thing as saying sorry to her face…” Sunset bit her lip, parking her car in the parking lot next to the fair. “But hey, we’re here now, so let’s just go have some fun!” she said with a smile. Twilight looked outside the window to see the fair, where there was a lot of people walking about. Christmas lights lay draped over the food stalls and game booths, blanketing the snowy ground in a sea of color. She couldn't help but stare, taking in every bit of scenery should could. The longer she looked, the more it reminded her of when she went to a similar fair as a child, except this was far more beautiful and on a larger scale. Before she could say anything, Sunset was opened the car door for her. Her leather jacket-clad knight had her ways of wooing her. Sunset took Twilight’s hand, walking close to her and bumping hips from time to time. “C’mon, there’s gonna be a little fireworks display later by the little hill near here, and we’re going to that. But first,” Sunset stopped, looking at the first stall: a shooting game with various sized and shaped plushies as prizes, “I’ll get something for you.” Twilight giggled. “You don’t have to, you know.” “We’re in a date, Twi, I have to get something for you.” Sunset winked at Twilight, who blushed and looked away shyly as both made their way to the booth. ♥ Twilight held a little horse with a pink bow tied around its tail and mane, a smiley face on its muzzle, and a little pink saddle. Every time she squeezed it, it neighed happily. When asked what she’d name it, she said Feferi on the basis that she could. Sunset laughed, knowing very well that the name was from the same comic they spoke about earlier. “It’s really cute that you chose a pony,” Sunset pointed out as they walked around, walking close just like before, cups of hot chocolate in their hands. “It’s adorable, just like you,” Sunset gave her a smooch on the cheek. Twilight didn’t blush, but looked at Sunset with a smile. “Why can’t you stop making those… cute comments? Honestly, I’m not that cute,” Twilight insisted, but received a “tsk” from Sunset, who said nothing and just gave her another kiss. “You’re such a dork…” “Says Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset remarked. Twilight just rolled her eyes as she threw the empty cup away in a nearby trash can. As soon as she came back near Sunset, she found herself in a tight side-hug, making her blush. “So… how was Christmas in Equestria?” Sunset smiled despite her pained expression. “It’s called Hearth’s Warming Eve there, but… it doesn’t have the same story, of course. The rest is all the same, I guess: people telling stories, families getting together, some people that hate you coming to your house and being super rude at parties, all that jazz,” she explained, watching as Twilight listened closely. Even though it held a similar purpose, the concept was still interesting. “Why are you so curious about Equestria today?” Twilight shrugged. “I don’t know, everything in your pony world looks so… great,” Twilight admitted, somewhat ashamed for liking her girlfriend’s world more than her own in many aspects. “Maybe that’s why you are so great.” Now it was her turn to be flirtatious. Sunset chuckled. “Obviously, and that’s why I’m the best shooter ever and got Feferene, or whatever you named it.” “It’s Feferi, thank you very much. Besides, an ex-hooved animal would totally be a great shooter. You had to do it three times and you won it on the last try. Don’t pretend like you don’t know,” Twilight shot back with narrowed eyes, making Sunset laugh. “I guess I don’t make a good Rainbow Dash,” she said with a shrug, feeling defeated. Taking a look at her watch, she gasped. “C’mon, the firework display’s about to start! Let’s go!” She pulled Twilight by the hand once again, but Twilight wasn’t complaining. They rushed towards the small hill near the fairgrounds. By the time they got there, they had to make their way through dozens of people already seated and waiting for the show to start. Sunset took a spot, sitting with Twilight in the snow next to a light-wrapped tree. Twilight sat Feferi next to her and looked to Sunset. “Are there fireworks at Equestria?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, but they’re mostly made with magic. The blue ones were my favorite,” she said looking at the sky in suspense and excitement. “Wow, that’s silly now that I think about it.” Twilight laughed, “No, it’s actually surprising, I thought the red ones would be your favorites.” “What’s yours?” “I don’t know. I’ll just enjoy watching them with you, I guess.” She smiled at Sunset, who finally blushed at one of Twilight’s compliments that night. Twilight 1, Sunset 10, she thought. It was a start, at least. Twilight leaned over, resting her head on Sunset’s shoulder, who looked at her with a warm smile and gave her a quick kiss on top of her head. “I wish we could stay like this forever,” Sunset whispered.  With a sudden shriek and trailing whistle followed by a resounding bang, the display began. Sunset sighed happily, watching the color explosions with wide-eyed wonder, holding Twilight in a tender embrace. Twilight smiled faintly looking at Sunset. She asked herself if magical Equestrian fireworks were more beautiful than the human ones. It was then that Twilight realized something: her curiosity didn’t came out of nowhere. She wanted to know what Equestria was like, how great could it be. It looked incredible, and she didn’t even have to see it to say that. She realized she was lying to herself; maybe it wasn’t going to stay like that forever. It couldn’t, she thought. She knew that sooner or later, it would change. Not everything stayed the same. Twilight looked at Sunset for a moment and she happened to remember what was haunting her: Equestria, where Sunset wanted to be. Twilight frowned, looking at the sky and letting out a pained sigh. The display had finished and people were already leaving. She had spended a lot of time thinking… “Twilight? What’s with the frown?” Sunset asked, kissing her hand. “N-nothing, nothing,” Twilight laughed nervously. She stopped leaning on the other’s shoulder. “So… Do you want to get anything else before we go? It’s getting pretty late.” “Nah, I wanna stay here with you.” Sunset sighed, closing her eyes. This time she leaned her head on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight looked at her for a moment, debating whether to actually voice her concerns or keep Sunset in blissful ignorance. She sighed; she couldn’t endure it anymore. “Sunset? Do you miss Equestria?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Sunset glanced away in contemplation, her eyes returning to Twilight after a moment. “Yes, I do sometimes. I miss… the magic there and and… Celestia. I wish I could…” Sunset stared at her hands, as if they had an answer to the pain in her heart, “I wish so much I could say apologize in person.” Twilight’s eyes softened at Sunset’s reaction. “Sunset, I’m sorry. I’m so stupid… I-I didn’t want to bring back your past,” she caressed Sunset’s hair gently. “No, I… it’s fine. You’re just curious. You have the right to know about me and what I’ve done, just like I know about you,” she replied, trying her best to smile despite all the memories flooding back. She took hold of Twilight’s hand, squeezing it. “No I…” Twilight sighed, “I’m not just curious, I’m… afraid.” Sunset looked back at her, surprised. “W-why?” “Because…” she bit her lip, looking away at the sky, “You could just go away any time you want! I won’t stop you, if that makes you happy. The only thing I want to see is you happy - it makes me happy! Really it does. I really want you to meet Princess Celestia again, I want you to say sorry, I want you to spend time with her like you did when you were young. But… I also don’t want to lose you, okay?” Twilight’s voice shook the longer she spoke, threatening to break at any moment. Sunset stroked her hand comfortingly, not entirely sure what to say in that moment. “I… I don’t want you to go, because I don’t want to be alone again! The girls won’t be here forever. You’re the only one who I know that w-will stay here, but I don’t know if you will.” Twilight sighed, struggling to keep her emotions in check. “I want to be sure… I don’t want to lose you. But I also want to make you happy…” Pausing, she looked to Sunset, who stared back with a pained expression. “I don’t want to trap you here if Equestria makes you happy. I-I’ll just let you go.” Twilight finished with a shrug, looking at the ground, the first of many tears trailing down her face. “Twilight, I…” Sunset said shakily, “I’m sorry if I made you feel like Equestria is better than you or Earth. Well…” She scratched the back of her head. “It is better than Earth, and I would be happy.” She paused, the only sound coming from Twilight’s soft sobs. “But you mean more to me than all of that, you got me?” Twilight looked up with a frown. “How? I… I can’t give you Celestia, I can’t give you magic, I can’t give you memories from your childhood or… fillyhood.” She sniffed, her voice still uneven and laced with soft gasps. “Sunset, if you want to go… I heard you talking to Applejack one day; you said you did want to go back, but now you don’t want to because of me?” Twilight asked with worried and tear-filled eyes. “That day I was talking about something I would do when I graduated, but I’d never leave everything I have here. I can’t - I love the girls too much, I have a life here!” Sunset exclaimed and then she gave Twilight a smile, “I have you here. Besides, I’d just visit there for a while… I would never leave you. Well, only if it’s needed and I don’t need to live there, I want to stay here.” - she pulled Twilight in a hug - “with you, nerd.” Twilight said nothing, she only let a few more tears escape, but these were happy tears; she knew that much. “S-Sunset, nobody’s ever really… cared so much about me like you do,” she said with a weary laugh. “I… thank you.” “Don’t ever think something like that that again.” Sunset let go of Twilight. “Alright?” she asked questioned with a serious face. “Alright,” Twilight agreed, picking up Feferi. She was blushing way too hard for her liking, feeling like a girl from one of those sappy rom-coms. “Let’s go, it’s starting to freeze here.” With a quick hug, they both got up and headed out. Sunset put her hands on Twilight’s sides again, pulling her towards herself, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I… I love you. Is it too much to say that for the first ‘official date’?” Sunset questioned, seeing Twilight eyes widen in surprise. She laughed. “I… I don’t think so. I love you too.” She gave Sunset a fast kiss on the mouth. “Hey, uh… I don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow, or in the next six months for that matter, but…” Sunset scratched the back of her head nervously. “Rainbow and Applejack were suggesting we made a last traditional Spring Trip with everyone next year.” Twilight looked at her with a beaming smile. “You know how Rainbow can be. When she insists in something…” “You can’t get it out of her head,” Twilight completed with a giggle. “Yeah. So, what do you think? You went on one not long ago, so you know that you’ll have fun. We may not have everyone with us next year. Rarity’s moving to Manehattan and Rainbow’s moving to Las Pegasus with Spitfire from what they’ve said. That’s what they’re planning, at least.” Sunset explained, shooting a smirk at Twilight once she was finished. Twilight nodded, “Last time was… really wild.” She laughed with Sunset, remembering everything that happened at the trip of that year. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Sunset hummed. “Well, I’m sure this time will be just as crazy. Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Granny, Rainbow’s dad… the families also can go.” She walked towards her car in the parking lot and opened the door for Twilight, who thanked her. “It’s going to be a riot.” Twilight laughed; she knew that all the girls together plus their families together would be something really explosive where anything could happen. “I guess I can invite mine too. It’ll definitely be fun!” she exclaimed. “Spring Trip it is then. Can’t wait!” Sunset grimaced. “Hey, uh… about that thing, don’t think too much about it, okay?” Twilight nodded, her mind wandering to what Sunset told her to not think about.. “I love you, and I’ll be here for you as much as I can.” “I love you too.” She leaned on to give Sunset another kiss, this time more slow and passionate. “Thank you, for, you know, showing you care.” Sunset simply smiled. The trip back to Twilight’s home was quiet, both enjoying each other’s presence. Later that night, when a terrible blizzard came in, Sunset decided to stay and sleep at Twilight’s house since Velvet insisted she not go out in such a storm. They talked about how excited they were about the Spring Trip, they made plans for the trip, they talked about the present, the past, the future… Sunset slept snuggled up with Twilight that night and in the next morning she was there for her, showing she cared and showing she wouldn’t leave her. She wanted to and would stay there with her, and she didn’t plan on changing that anytime soon.