Chapter 1: Friends Aren't so Terrible

Chapter 1
Friends Aren’t so Terrible

The late crisp Autumn air blew down from the mountains on which Canterlot lay and across open fields and from whose last harsh had yet to be claimed. The wind swept by Sweet Apple Acres and picked up scents of fresh apples as it moved towards the small town of Ponyville. The wind lofted it’s way to a castle made of hues of blue and purple, inviting for those who knew and off setting for those whose stood against. In the main library of the castle two mares planned their next step.

“Babe, it’s going to be fine.” Vinyl tried to calm Twilight.

The purple alicorn stopped her pacing and looked at Vinyl “Just fine. No, this meeting has to be perfect. Otherwise they might resent me and then I’ll be forced out of town. Then we’ll have to live in your apartment in Canterlot.”

“What’s so wrong with my apartment?” Vinyl looked down feeling dejected.

“Well it’s small and faraway from the library, and the castle...” Twilight replied in full honesty.

“Oh yeah… books.”Vinyl sighed. “Look you’re friends are fantastic from what I’ve heard. How can you be so sure they’ll reject the idea of us.” Vinyl’s look was pleading. She wanted nothing more for her marefriend than for her to stop panicking and use her breathing technique.

The world slowly came back as Twilight then realised that her friends had stood against evil not once but eight times. She let out a short breath. “Your right Vinyl. I just want this to go smoothly. I need a drink.” She slumped down on the same couch her marefriend was on.

“So not to throw you into another tizzy but we should probably head to throne room. And you can have a soda but nothing alcoholic.” Vinyl gave her a knowing look.

“You're right, we can't be late. I got drunk once and you have never let me live that down.” Twilight grumbled as she got off the couch and made her way towards the throne room.

Twilight’s friends had gathered in the throne room. While they awaited their friend to join them chatter filled the space as they kept themselves busy.

“I’ve never seen Twilight this late.” Rarity stated off-handedly.

“There’s not even a clock in here!” Rainbow exclaimed loudly.

“Uhmmmm… Rainbow you may want to look outside.” Fluttershy pointed toward a window on the opposite side of the room. The once orangish rays of the setting sun had dissipated from the sky. In their place the hues of violet took hold the short twilight hours till the sky would sky would bare the stars for all to see.

Rainbow looked and sure enough the sun was set just below the horizon. “So what? Twilight’s never late.Are you sure we didn’t just arrive early.”

“Ah’d like to agree with ya’ sugarcube but Twi called us here over an hour and a half ago.” Applejack retorted.

“Twi didn’t even call this meeting. Pinkie came into town tellin’ us that Twilight needed to talk to us.” Rainbow accused. “How do we know this isn’t a prank?” Rainbow shot Pinkie a cutting glare.

Pinkie chuckled nervously and pulled at her neck, emulating tugging at a tight shirt collar. “RarityneverexplainedwhyCocoissittingnexttoher!” She shouted. Twilight better show up soon or I’m gonna break. She thought.

The entire group turned to look at the accused and low and behold a cream coloured mare sat on the floor next to her. Now it was Rarity’s turn to feel and face the stares. She had started to panic but a tender hoof was at rest upon her shoulder. Rarity turned to see Coco standing next to her, their eyes met briefly,from that short glance a smile appeared on both their muzzles.

Rarity took a deep breath and pushed away her anxiety “I would like it to go on the record that Coco and I are in a relationship.” She turned to Coco and placed a brief kiss upon her lips.

“With that solved. No more dis-” Rainbow once again leered at Pinkie but was cut off by the door to the throne room being thrown open.

“DJ.... here. Entering… castle.” Starlight Glimmer said as she burst into the room panting. Her body shook as she took a deep breath and collapsed on the floor.

“Ah’ didn’t catch a lick of that.” Applejack admitted.

“I was looking out my window in my room and I saw DJ-PON3 enter the castle!” Starlight shouted happily.

Pinkie responded in kind by firing off her party cannon. Though it accomplished nothing more than covering the map in glitter and confetti.

“Whatever is so big about that. She’s just another techno artist.” Rarity interjected.

Starlight gasped then placed a hoof against her chest and in faux shock. “Just another techno artist. Firstly what kind of music do you listen to? Secondly her music is fantastic and definitely not just techno.”

“I’d much rather the work of that fantastic cellist hmmmmmmmmmm… What is her name?” Rarity pondered for a moment and then remembered. “Aha.. Her name was Octavia Melody.”

Starlight gasped yet again only this time she took it a step farther by covering Rarity’s mouth with a hoof. “If she is going to be here you shouldn’t… No scratch that you CAN’T bring up Octavia.”

“Why not?” Rarity challenged.

“If you want to see a broken mare go right on ahead.” Starlight stated.

“Oh… That is hmmmm… I take that they were an item and, it did not quite... work out?” Rarity faltered.

Before Rarity could a get a formal reply, Twilight gently walked into the room; she crossed over to her throne and sat patiently. After a few moments everypony turned to face her as she used her magic to push the doors closed. An ominous thud resounded through the room as it plunged into an eerie silence.

“Good evening.” Twilight purred. The last remaining rays slipped over the horizon as Twilight spoke. The darkness of the room was pushed away slightly as candles slowly light around the room filling it with harsh light; the smoke caused caused a slight haze to form . “So I’ve called you all here because.. I’ve been... hiding something from you all.” Twilight rubbed her hooves together. She took a deep breath. “You can go ahead and come in now.” Twilight informed, her voice cutting through the silence and smoke that lie around her.

The grand doors to the throne room were opened gently. Letting the soft light from the rest of the castle to seep in over the eeriness of the room. A pale white mare slowly walked into the room. She took uneasy glances at each of Twilight’s friends as she made her way to Twilight. When she reached her they shared a look and then turned to face the rest of the room. Whose faces ranged from intrigued to spooked “Well I guess we can’t go back now.” Twilight whispered to Vinyl. Vinyl’s only response was to shake her head. The light from the candles had dulled to a warm comforting glow and the haze was not so menacing as it was inviting. “Girls.I would like you to meet my...” Twilight cleared her throat. “… marefriend Vinyl Scratch.”

Pinkie was the first to say anything. “I kneeeeeeeeeewwwww it~!” She sang loudly. Killing any atmosphere that remained from Twilight’s entrance.

“Pinkie we told you earlier today.” Vinyl said jokingly and despite soundly slightly agitated she chuckled.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t still say I called it; Back in Backstage Affair ‘something incredibly important will happen in Manehattan tonight, something that will change your life forever.’ Also an I told you so here and there will happen.” Pinkie stuck her tongue out playfully.

“Woah! Wait… hold up.” Rainbow Dash said incredulously. “You got a marefriend before me!”

“Hold up now Rainbow Dash. Aren’t two ponies in town fightin’ over you.” Applejack said teasingly.

“Aloe and Lotus are not fighting they’re just… passionate.” Rainbow shot back. The only thing that ruined the defensive tone in her voice was the blush on her cheeks.

“Ooooooohhhh yeeeessss. It must’ve been that passion that had them both doing nothing but asking me questions about you during both of my appointments this week.” Rarity added. Rainbow said nothing as her cheeks only grew a deeper shade of crimson.

Fluttershy took the silence as a cue to get everypony back on track. “Twilight, are you happy?” She said confidently. Twilight started to answer but was cut off. “Don’t answer me. This is a question for you and ummmm…. V-Vinyl H-Hatch was it?”

“I haven’t heard that name since uni. The names Vinyl Scratch.” Vinyl chuckled lightly.

“O-oh...s-sorry.” Fluttershy apologized meekly. “Anyways, as long as you two are both happy with one another and feel that your hearts beat in sync, that is what truly matters.” She sighed happily. “Somepony I loved once asked me the same thing.”

“Thankyou Fluttershy.” Twilight said gratefully.

“Are you just going to skim over the fact that Fluttershy said she loves somepony?!” Rainbow practically screamed.

“I love all my friends.” Fluttershy deflected.

Rainbow was dumbfounded. She had been shot down by Fluttershy! She elected to stay quiet the rest of the meeting less she be degraded further.

“Well Twi’, I may not understand it but I agree with Flutters whatever makes you happy makes us happy.” Applejack summed up.

“Not to just jump on the bandwagon darling but I agree as well. I know all too well how much love can change even your daily experiences into something absolutely divine.” Rarity assured, as she and Coco shared a brief albeit very passionate kiss. Rarity then turned back to Twilight. “Sooo…?” She asked.

“So what?” Vinyl examined.

Rarity groaned audibly. “I was hoping you’d pick up on the cue but I guess-” She was stopped by Coco putting a hoof on her shoulder.

“Rarity wants to ask how you two met.” Coco simplified.

“Oh right so it sta-” Twilight started.

2 hours later

“And then Twilight opened door and the room got deadly serious.” Pinkie finished, a satisfied smug on her face.

“I told myself she wouldn’t tell the story for us. But what did she do?” Twilight mumbled almost hysterically.

“She told the story for us.” Vinyl finished. She was completely astounded; never had a story been taken from her so quickly.

“Well that was certainly an… accurate recap. Thankyou Pinkie.” Twilight declared stiffly.

“I never! Ever! Needed that much detail. No one did.” Dash interjected, ignoring a previous promise to herself to stay silent out of pure shock.

“Oh my. Pinkie why did you share that?” Fluttershy said.

“You’re all still on that. But I’ve finished the story by now.” Pinkie argued.

“We can not just forget that. I’d imagine you’ve shocked the poor couple over there into never trusting you again.” Rarity said disappointedly.

Pinkie’s hair audibly deflated as she got up to walk over to Twilight. “I’m sorry. I was so happy for you.”

“We understand at least you didn’t f-” Twilight started.

“I’ll trash the celebratory video I took too.” Pinkie confessed.

Twilight blushed an extremely deep red partially from embarrassment and partially from rage. Twilight waved for Pinkie to leave. As she walked away Vinyl pulled her aside.

“Look I don’t appreciate what you did. But I uh could use that so don’t say anything and don’t trash that tape. I want it.” Vinyl whispered.

Pinkie immediately returned to her normal self and winked at Vinyl as she hopped away. “Well...before anything else unexpected occurs. Tonight’s meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for your support as friends.” With Twilight’s final statement made the group stood and made their way out of the room.

Once her friends had left the room Twilight felt all of her stress melt in an instant. She turned to Vinyl; a pleased smile on her face. “That went a lot better than I expected” Twilight admitted as she let out a shaky breath.

“Well aside from Pinkie’s detailed description of our second encounter.” Vinyl added slowly. “That couldn’t possibly have been worse.”

Twilight brought a hoof up to her chin “Well it could of have gone-’”

“No it really couldn’t’ve-” Vinyl started

“NO. Not like that other idea earlier, the idea in which Pinkie wanted to have a wedding cake ready for us.” Twilight corrected while she moved closer to Vinyl.

“She could’ve shown her little commemorative video she took.” Vinyl purred.

Twilight froze in place as the memories of that night came flooding back once again.”Yeah that’s why I will never drink again!-”

“Oh but it made the night way more fun.” Vinyl winked.

“I’m sure you remember the next morning?” Twilight asked but blushed heavily.

“I’ve both seen and experienced a thousand hangovers but that was the worst one I’ve ever had the displeasure of sharing a room with.’” Vinyl nearly gagged at the memory.

“Well at least I’m not pregnant.” Replied Twilight jokingly with a reassuring smile. She draped a wing over Vinyl’s back.

“Alicorn magic is fuckin’ crazy. So who are you gonna show me off to next?” Vinyl asked.

“Well since you think Alicorn magic is ’fucking crazy’ We will see Celestia, Luna, and Discord next.” Twilight said with a smug grin “Also you’re sleeping on the couch tonight.” She promptly left the stunned mare where she stood and made for her own bed.

Chapter 2: The Beat of Royalty

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Chapter 2
The Beat of Royalty

A cool autumn breeze gently blew down the ever busy streets of Canterlot. The slight chill that the breeze brought forced couples closer together, to share in the warmth of one another.

“I want to jump off bridge.” Vinyl stated quietly as she turned to Twilight.

Twilight looked back at her disgruntled marefriend “Come it’s not that bad. The worst that could happen is that you get banished to the moon for a thousand years.”

“Oh Yeah that’s real comforting babe.” Vinyl moved a hoof to adjust her glasses but instead smacked herself in the face. “Still better than a dress.” She muttered.

“One day Vinyl I’ll get you in a dress. That aside shall we go over the list?” Twilight asked as she started to walk towards The Canterlot Castle once more.

As they drew closer to the castle the sunlight only grew stronger; which caused Vinyl to think back to her missing shades once again. “People usually think red eyes are strange. Is anyone staring?!” Vinyl shaded her eyes with a foreleg. As she walked forward nervously. “Once more wouldn’t hurt... I guess.”

Twilight nodded and with a quick spell a well rolled scroll appeared “Lets start from the top shall we. One. Always address the royal sisters sister with their titles. Two. Never make mention of Celestia’s rear or obsession with cake, nor are you to talk about Luna becoming or the event that lead to The Nightmare Moon Incident.”

“Duly noted. Goddess! The sun is bright! How have you withstood this for your entire life?!” Vinyl growled.

Twilight stopped mid stride and turned to face Vinyl “Well before I was princess of friendship I was the student of Celestia... The Herald of the Sun. You get used to it.” Twilight moved closer to Vinyl and whispered in her ear “Just between you and and me Celestia is the best snuggle buddy on cold winter nights. She’s so fluffy and warm.”

“OKAY! You can stop. If you continue you may just ruin our snuggling.” Vinyl said quickly.

Twilight’s ears pinned down and as she dropped her head with slight tears in her eyes. “I didn’t mean it that way. Our snuggle sessions are special. It's just when I was going through a really rough time and Celestia was there to help me.”

“Babe…. Twi look I’m sorry. I just I got defensive about something stu- I mean uhhh… Just look Twi I love you. I just really want you to myself so I can show you how much I love you.” By this point Vinyl had Twilight in a tight embrace. She punctuated her sentence with a deep passionate kiss. “All better?” Vinyl asked smugly.

Twilight felt her lips meet Vinyl’s as the pain and sadness the memory of that night had brought about was washed away. Instead a simple warm thumping that in of itself was a beat that followed it’s own path. This very beat that had shown Twilight she could find love. Twilight closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. When they parted she looked into those red orbs that stole her heart. “Yes.” Twilight whispered. She then turned to get back on track to the castle, with Vinyl walking along side her and the list to be read.

A gray colored pony stood silent as she watched a purple pony and a White pony embrace in a loving tender kiss. ”This can not be true.” they thought to themselves as they turned away from the seen.

“And they won’t think my eyes are a weird colour.” Vinyl fretted.

Twilight looked behind her as she pushed open a door to the small private dining hall of The Royal Sisters. “Have you ever seen any of the ponies I’m introducing you to. If they think that your eye colour is weird they should look at.. Their… own…fuck” Twilight stopped as she realised that she had said this as she walked into the room. Glares from across the table hit Twilight all at once. “Heh...heh… I said something stupid didn’t I.”

Celestia dropped her glare and gave a hearty laugh. “Nothing could possibly offend me after being alive as long as I have.” She laughed again.

“I however do feel slightly hurt. To know you would talk about me behind my back. Twilight how could you?” Discord said feigning actually being insulted.

They all shared a brief laugh at Discord’s expense. He began to sink into the floor out of minor embarrassment. “Insulted. If we are to recall properly you thought that… Who was it again? Thought they wer-” Luna was cut off.

“Not a step further.” Discord panted as his entire body began to turn red with embarrassment.

“Wait... I want to know now.” Twilight pressed.

Luna continued despite Discord’s demand. “Well Twilight you’ve met this pony. You had a great clash with them once.”

Twilight looked to Vinyl for help. Vinyl shrugged as if I know anything about this!. Unfortunately a simple shrug can only portray so much.

Twilight turned back to the rest of the table. “Chrysalis?”

Luna’s hoof smacked into her face. “More power crazed.”

Twilight took another stab in the dark. “Sunset Shimmer?”

Luna had a puzzled look on her face. “I don’t even know her.” She glanced at Celestia.

“Not quite right.” Celestia said.

“That’s it I’m out of guesses.” Twilight threw her hooves up in frustration.

“Twilight, it was Sombra.” As Luna said the name Discord’s body fell apart and flowed away to find hiding places within the room.

“Luna you’ve gone far enough!” Celestia said forcefully as she stamped a hoof angrily on the table.

“Oh come now Sister.” Luna grinned mischievously. “We all know you love what happened.”

Celestia began to say something but decided against it. Twilight took this as an opportunity to press Luna for more information. “So?”

“Well the story’s quite simple, really.” Luna answered. “Just after Discord was released Celestia took the time to inform him of all your most impressive accomplishments.”

Twilight nodded. “I’d imagine in order to make me an alicorn Celestia would have to hold an audience with some of the most powerful beings in Equestria.”

“Oh. No you’ve got that bit wrong.” Luna smiled. “She just likes bragging.”

“She’s like a proud parent.” Discord added.

“Anyways.” Luna went back to story telling and Discord once again dispersed into the various nooks and crannies of the room. “Well upon talking about your encounter with our fair King of Shadows Discord happened happened to not be paying quite enough attention.”Luna giggled at her own memory of the event. “Discord heard only the name of your foe and said ‘Sounds like some smokin’ hot mare.’ Those were his exact words.” Luna finished the story by falling out of her chair in a fit of laughter.

Celestia sighed heavily. “You really shouldn’t have finished that.”

Luna only shrugged only after she had righted herself. In reply Discord reformed behind Luna to smack her firmly in the back of the head. “Ow! Tia! Discord hit me!” Luna whined while Discord laughed.

Celestia sighed even deeper. “Moving on, children. So Twilight why don’t you tell us who’s asleep next to you.”

Twilight simply rolled her eyes as she looked at Vinyl asleep in her chair. “This is, Vinyl.” She was marginally frustrated but couldn’t give in to her anger. She took a deep breath and spoke. “Well I was suppose to introduce my marefriend to you but it appears she chose to FALL ASLEEP!.” Vinyl didn’t budge. “Shoot, I thought that would wake her up.”

Celestia let out a hearty laughed and then gave Discord a smug glance. He sighed as he snapped his claws and two bits appeared in front of her. “You were betting!?” Twilight shouted to which Vinyl partially woke up to.

“Of course we were betting. I can’t believe you didn’t marry your entire library.” Discord said flippantly.

“Ugh! You are… just... Ugh!!” Twilight shouted. “ Vinyl help me out here.” She asked as she tapped Vinyl’s head urgently.

“Huh” Vinyl was surprised. She had gotten lost at some point during the royal in-joking and had just kind of drifted off. She looked up at Twilight trying to piece together what had just happened. As she looked around something caught in the edge of Vinyl’s vision and she looked back. “You look familiar.” She said as she ignored her own predicament for a second to stare intently at Luna.

“Vinyl! That’s not helpful!” Twilight shouted in a whisper but, she continued to stare at Luna. “I am so sorry she’s normally uhhh… much more ummm… You know what she’s normally like this.” Twilight admitted.

Vinyl seemed intent on figuring out why Luna looked oddly familiar to her. “You’ve probably seen one of our public appearances. After all we are a princess.” Luna said quickly.

Vinyl moved her hoof in dismissal. “Nah nah that’s not it. I know who you are. But I’ve seen a pony with strikingly similar features at nearly all of my Canterlot shows.”

The world seemed to fall way as Luna and Vinyl struck intense stares at one another, like to samurais each looking for a single flaw for which to strike at. Luna saw an opening and slashed “How do you remember one face out of a crowd hundreds? From what we’ve heard those so-called shows are messes of colour and sound. Nopony can tell what’s going on.” Luna argued.

Vinyl only seemed to concentrate harder. “I hardly know even most of the regulars but this mare is the life of my shows. If she stopped showing up they probably wouldn’t be half as much fun.” Vinyl dropped her gaze. “If only I could remember her name.” She shrugged.

“Thou really think that highly of us! We shall continue to attend!” Luna’s smile dropped as she heard her own mistake.

Vinyl laughed heartily. “I knew it was you Winter Gale. Turns out the life of my shows is a princess. That’s pretty rad.”

Twilight and Celestia stared on in amazement and anger respectively. “Did you know about this?” Twilight whispered to Celestia.

“Not a clue.” Celestia whispered back. A tiny flame licked at the centre of her pupils as she listened to her sister and the DJ continue speaking.

“So were you at my show about two months ago?” Vinyl asked.

“Actually we were.” Luna said excitedly.

“So you’ll remember then when I threw on that extra long mix and disappeared for awhile.” Vinyl said slyly.

“Yes?” Luna seemed afraid but hit it under a thin veil of intrigue.

“Well that’s when I was in the back-” Vinyl began.

“No we are quite fine without further detail.” Luna urged.

“Oh yeah. I guess I got a little carried away.” Vinyl chuckled.

Twilight proceeded to give Vinyl an annoyed glance. “You think.” she scoffed.

An awkward silence descended upon the room as Twilight turned away from her marefriend. Luna reached to comfort the disgruntled mare but Celestia held her back. “Now is not the time.” She said.

A moment later a pair of servants entered the room carrying tea. They stopped by each of the ponies leaving behind a cup. Celestia leaned forward and began pouring tea in everypony’s cups. “Sooo… Who all have you told?” Celestia broke in.

“We are obviously the first being that I am obviously her favourite friend.” Discord bragged.

“You’re actually the second group I’ve told.” Twilight said solemnly.

“Who was the first?!” Discord said as he slammed on the table.

Twilight went to answer but Vinyl leaned in front of her. “The first were her close friends and you weren’t around for anyone to tell you.” Vinyl said aggressively.

Twilight wanted to seem shocked but felt overwhelmed with joy at such a defense. “I can take it from here.” She whispered. “Discord, Pinkie looked for you but after about fifteen minutes of trying she returned to the castle and told me she was missing one. We fully intended for you to be there.” Twilight ended her statement with a warm smile.

Discord held his heart in his hands as it melted. “Oh. So kind. Remind me to thank Miss Pie for looking for me in the first place.”

“How did you two happen to meet?” Luna asked.

“I’ll give the abridged version. While trying to fix the map-” Twilight started.

“The Map! What happened to the map?!” Celestia yelled as she pulled off the perfect spit take.

“N-nothing princess… at least not anymore.” Twilight shuddered as the events that lead to the breaking of the map flashed before her eyes.

“Tia we must we concern ourselves with that this very moment?” Luna asked. “I do so wish to hear the end of Twilight’s story.” She pleaded.

“Fine. But Twilight you should be expecting a formal visit from us at a later date to inspect this issue with the map.” Celestia conceited.

Twilight nodded and made to finish her story. “So while Starlight and I were trying to fix the map Pinkie interrupted . She went on about her Pinkie Sense predicting something super important.”

“And later that night she met up with me and I stole a kiss. I gave her a ticket to my next Canterlot show and well-” Vinyl sighed wistfully. “-that night was some of the most fun I’d had during or after a show in ages.” Vinyl said happily as she nuzzled a blushing Twilight.

“And I think I’m happier now than when I first discovered The Magic of Friendship.” Twilight gave a wide smile.

Silence once again overtook the table. Although it wasn’t long before Luna stood “I wish to speak with Vinyl Scratch.” Twilight and Vinyl both rose. “Only Vinyl, and in private as well.”

Vinyl was once again shocked to hear her name and glanced at Twilight for an explanation. All she received in response was a shrug and an affirming smile. Vinyl slowly and hesitantly made her way out of the room with Luna.

“Do you know what that was about?” Twilight worried.

“That is for Luna to tell you in her own time. If she is talking to Vinyl about what I believe her to be talking about that is.” Celestia conceded.

“I guess I’ll be on my way then.” Discord announced.

“Wait. Why?” Twilight asked.

“Oh I was only here to see if I lost my bet. I lost, I payed up, and now I’m off.” Discord summed up.

They watched as Discord simply faded out of existence as he walked onward. “I will never understand him.” Twilight said jokingly.

“Yes. Chaotic at heart that’ll never changed.” Celestia smiled. “ So Twilight I must ask you something.”

“Go ahead.” Twilight stated.

“Are you-” Celestia was cut off by a yawn from the doorway that lead to her room.

“Tia.” The voice was soft and it’s statement was punctuated by another high pitched squeaky yawn. “Could you have Morning Tranquility make some green tea?”

Celestia’s expression dropped from peaceful ruler to embarrassed hostess as a butter coloured pegasus mare with a slightly disheveled pale rose mane walked in while rubbing her eye. As she moved closer to the alabaster pony that now had a light dusting of rose upon her, that only deepened as said mare snuggled under the taller one’s wing. The butter mare let out a sigh of content as she leaned against Celestia. “Tia why did you leave the bed so early?” She let out a low whine.

“Now is not the time my sweet Sonnenblume.” Celestia whispered cautiously.

Yellow… Pegasus… Pinkish Mane… soft-spoken… Sonnen- Twilight thought. “Eureka. FLUTTERSHY! You’re… and you are … together.’ Twilight finished weakly. “When? How? Why? What?”

“Oh… Oh my!” Fluttershy was no longer in a morning daze. “I had no idea you’d be here this early.”

“Dear it’s ten thirty.” Celestia reminded.

“But it’s saturday.” Fluttershy whined. “I want snuggles.”

“My questions still have not been answered.” Twilight fretted.

“It’s a bit of a long story.” Celestia replied coyly.

“How long?” Twilight inquired.

“Do you have any other plans today?” Fluttershy asked Twilight.

Twilight thought for a brief moment. “Nothing really. At least not that that I can think of.”

“Well it started a little before I sent you…” Celestia cleared her throat. “Before I sent you to Ponyville.” She clarified.

“Three years! You’re kidding right.” Twilight was flabbergasted. “How did I not notice sooner?!” She smacked herself in the face with a hoof.

“Well you never asked.” Fluttershy deadpanned.

Twilight once again found her hoof in front of her face. She let out a sigh of frustration as she lowered her hoof “Just... from the beginning.”

“Well it all started on the tuesday before-” Celestia began.

Even though a slight chill hung in the air The Royal Garden held its majestic beauty. In the very center was the heart or the Zenith. Considered by most to be the most breathtaking part of the gardens. The Zenith itself had four path ways each one a point of a compass. As one approached the Zenith a well trimmed hedge that was followed by a simple yet delicate stream that ran the inner circle of said hedges. The four paths that lead into the the heart of the gardens converged at a simple gazebo. From the gazebo one could enjoy the the four sections of flowers.The flowers that grew in quarters of the circle each representing one of the four princesses, not just some run of the mill flowers but, some of the some oldest, rarest in the world. Beauty that was once said to warm the coldest hearts, quell the most ferocious storms to the gentlest of winds, stop wars that would have consumed the very world. But all of this could not stop the pain that one of the princesses felt in her heart.

Vinyl was the first to break the silence of her and Luna’s walk to the garden. “So why did you wanna talk?” Vinyl asked.

“We have questions.” Luna said curtly as she stopped abruptly at the heart of the garden.

Vinyl noticed Luna was slightly frustrated. “Are you okay?’ Vinyl asked cautiously.

“We are fine.” Luna said through clenched teeth.

“Soooooo... if you’ve got questions ask away.” Vinyl said nonchalantly. Silence was her only response. “Okay then. If you’re not going to talk I’m just gonna go back to Twi.”

“NO!” Luna stamped her forehooves and her eyes glowed white.The air stopped and the flowing water for a mere moment was at a total stand still. The world around them was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. “We have not told thou that thee can leave!”

Vinyl was shocked to say the least. “What is your problem?!” Vinyl shouted.

Luna stood stoic for several seconds before nearly collapsing. “She was supposed to be ours.” Luna whispered something barely even audible.

To Vinyl it sounded as though a slight breeze had brushed passed her ear, rather than Luna saying anything. Vinyl had no idea how to react to such an outburst. She heard Luna begin to cry; it was gentle and once again nearly inaudible. Against her better instincts Vinyl moved closer and reached out to comfort Luna. “I guess I should ask again. Are you okay?” Vinyl gave her a gentle smile.

Luna looked up with tears still in her eyes. “We’ll be okay. I am sorry you had to witness that.” Luna coughed lightly. “I should not let my emotions get the better of me.”

“Look I don’t really know what that was about but I’d like to know so I can help you out.” Vinyl smiled softly.

“I can see why she loves you.” Luna began to stand. Then she chuckled. “Silly isn’t it?”

“What is?” Vinyl was confused.

“I was trying to use subtle hints.” Luna laughed again. “And I thought-” She stopped.

“Thought that Twilight would pick up on them?” Vinyl examined.

Luna felt her chin drop “How did you guess?”

“I’m not quite as dumb as I look.” There was a pause. “Winter.” Vinyl said smugly.

“I never thought you were stupid. But I am however intrigued as to how you pulled her away from her studies?” Luna inquired.

“Firstly Twilight and Pinkie will tell you it’s fate. One believes that and the other’s lying for me.” Vinyl smirked. “It’s hard having a crush on a princess. You can’t really do much about it. Except for when you have connections. I told Pinkie ahead of time that in order to make a move I needed Twilight at one of my shows.” Vinyl chuckled a little. “Pinkie’s really good at deception. So with a little pushing she got Twilight to one of my Manehattan gigs. And the rest is history.”

Luna thought it over for a few seconds. “Makes sense that you could only win her heart with deceit.”

“All’s fair in love and war.” Vinyl shot Luna devious smirk. “Shame you never got up the courage to say anything.” She chuckled darkly.

Luna blinked. “Touché music mare.” She smiled. “You’re nearly as quick witted as the cellist that plays for The Gala every year.”

“Don’t mention her.” Vinyl turned away quickly. Her mouth had lingered on that last word almost as if it physically pained her to speak on that topic.

“If you so wish.” Luna said as she caught up with Vinyl. “So am I to assume we are friends?”

“Yeah. If we weren’t when I figured out you were Winter Gale we sure are after whatever that just was.” Vinyl chuckled again.

Luna joined in the merriment as they approached the entrance to The Private Dining Room of The Royal Sisters “So do you know who it is you will be meeting next?”

“I think it’s Shining and Princess Cadance.” Vinyl remarked

Chapter 3: The March of Romance

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Chapter 3

The March of Romance

On rocky out cropping an eagle stood waiting for it. Then it came as a slight change of the wind with a flap of its immense wings it took to the air and followed. The eagle dove past the snow and ice, past the conifers towards the ever steady beat. With every fourth beat the eagle flapped its wings to keep up with it. But as it neared the mountain the eagle veered away.

Twilight took meticulous notes of the eagle that flew next to the train. Every stroke of its majestic wings was a silent reminder that she herself still had a long way to go before being ‘one with the wind’ as Rainbow had put it. As the train approached a tunnel and the heavenly bird pulled away. Twilight felt her heart sink and let out a soft sigh of discontent.
“Lost in thought now; are we?” Vinyl said with a small smile.

“Not really.” Twilight replied as she continued to stare out the window.

“When was the last time you saw your brother?” Vinyl asked idly.

“Two hundred thirty-seven days, six hours, thirty-seven minutes and, forty-two seconds” Twilight said in a low monotone voice.

“Okay. Something’s definitely up.” Vinyl turned to look at Twilight directly. “What has you so bothered?”

“It’s nothing Vinyl.” Twilight shot back.

“If it really was nothing you’d talk.” Vinyl sighed heavily. “Not talking leads to secrets. Secrets lead to pent up aggression. Which leads to?”

Twilight tore her eyes away from the passing scenery and looked at Vinyl. “It’s just I don’t. I try and yet. I guess I’m just confused.” a slight tear formed in her eye as her feathers ruffled slightly.

“Confused. I can see that.” Vinyl looked down. “After all this is the first blood relative we’re telling. It’d be unlike you to be completely certain.”

Twilight looked down with her ears pinned back and her wings sagging slightly. “It’s not just that. This all seems all so sudden. I mean three years ago I never thought even in my wildest dreams thought I would be a princess, an aunt, and a lover. Its feels like a dream and when I wake up I’ll be little miss nothing who’s only claim to fame was being Celestia’s star student.” At the end of her mini rant Twilight flopped down onto the seat.

“Nice of you to imagine me then.” Vinyl punctuated her statement by booping Twilight’s muzzle. “Besides does it get more real than that?”

Twilight looked up into Vinyl’s delicate and compassionate crimson eyes “Yes.” Twilight moved faster than Vinyl ever thought possible and planted a sweet tender kiss upon the white unicorn’s lips.’Yes it does.’
The train gently came to a stop. However it was just sudden enough to jar the two mares entranced by each other's embrace for them to fall out of their seat. They giggled as they righted themselves and began to leave.

Twilight and Vinyl calmly entered the castle’s private parlor. “Well it appears we’ve got a few minutes before they arrive.” Twilight said as she sat on the room’s loveseat.

Vinyl snorted as she gracefully flopped onto the couch beside Twilight. “This place just screams royalty.” She remarked.
Twilight cocked her head to the side. “And Canterlot Castle didn’t?”

“Oh it did. But, I expected nothing less. In Canterlot even the raves have class.” Vinyl answered.

“Huh.” Twilight hadn’t ever really considered that. “How does this place ‘scream royalty’?”.

Vinyl shrugged. “Other than it being castle. You’ve got all the staples.” Vinyl gestured with one hoof as she continued. “High class furniture, fireplace, and not to mention this entire place is made of crystal.”

Twilight chuckled “Oh. I suppose you make a point.” Twilight proceeded to lean up against Vinyl. “Even it is a little much you have to admit the room looks nice.”

“It doesn’t look half bad. All the crystal is a little gaudy for my tastes.” Vinyl remarked.

“Vinyl. Our castle is made of crystal as well.” Twilight deadpanned.

“You hide yours with books and carpeting and other things. This is just just shameless.” Vinyl responded.

“ I’ll show you something shameless.” Twilight proceeded to pin Vinyl and kiss her unabashedly.
A door opened silently and was followed with a “You know that I have a room ready for you two. Right?”

Twilight immediately ran to the intruder. “Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”
Their movements were similar to a dance that accompanied the spoken words. Vinyl had never heard anything like that before,and was almost certain that she never wanted to see or hear it ever again. “What was that?!” was Vinyl’s incredulous response.

“That’s just how we greet each other.” Twilight frowned. “Is there a problem?” She smirked.
Vinyl instantly became nervous. “Ummmm.... Uhhhhh…. Nothing at all honey.” She laughed hesitantly.

Cadance grinned as she whispered something to Twilight. To which Twilight whispered something back. “Sooooooo... you must be Vinyl Scratch. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Cadance finally said as she extended a hoof to Vinyl.

“Uh huh… It’s ummmmm nice to meet you too, I guess.” Vinyl lightly tapped her hoof against Cadance’s.

“Oh. Usually your greetings are a lot more energetic. Oh cool and your eyes really are reddish hue. How, unique.” Cadance said.

“Woah!” Vinyl immediately searched for her shades only to remember that her deal with Twilight stated that she couldn’t wear them on any of the meetings. “How?”

“I well… ummm” Cadance stumbled uncomfortably. “You see I ha- I kn-”

“Where’s Shining?” Twilight interrupted.

Vinyl grumbled as Cadance gave a sigh of relief and answered Twilight. “He’s probably off chasing Flurry around the castle or berating a guard for doing something they’d been told to do but haven't done.”
Twilight giggled. “There’s a good chance he’s doing both.”

“True, those guards are almost like children. I’m sorry for interrupting you earlier. Although I did stop you for a good reason.” Cadance said; her tone was nearly casual but Vinyl detected something more.

Twilight became slightly confused. “What do you mean?”

Vinyl caught on but said nothing as Cadance began to respond. “I can’t have you two going about casually ruining my furniture.” Vinyl and Cadance burst into laughter simultaneously once she had finished.

Twilight just looked more confused. “I don-” And then it hit her. “You two are filthy!”

“Yet you were the one caught in the act.” Cadance said teasingly.

“She did start it.” Vinyl admitted.

Twilight blushed furiously. “Vinyl!”

Cadance laughed and continued. “I’d imagine. I hope she has employed my… techniques properly.”

Twilight was flabbergasted. “Cadance!” She shouted.

Vinyl laughed hard. “Are all princesses this hospitable?” She asked bringing the conversation back down to normal standards.

Cadance couldn’t help herself. “Well I’d hope they are. After all you’re sleeping with one.”

Vinyl stopped dead in her tracks. “Woah…. Woah… woah. Okay that’s pushin’ it.”

Twilight turned to Vinyl. “That’s pushing it! Why is speaking explicitly of the sexual relations between two ponies, and not just hinting at it, considered too far?’.”

“Well that act is private. The rest is just a public performance.” Vinyl said coyly.

“Ugh. You are just… just impossible!” Twilight shouted.

The room was filled with an eerie silence and Vinyl saw that as an opening. “So what is this with you knowing so much about me?”

Cadance chuckled nervously. “Currently there are rumours going around. Someone thinks they saw a changeling on the outskirts of the empire. Although nothing is for sure yet; we have to keep a close eye on everypony who visits the empire.”

Twilight picked up where Cadance left off.“The Guard has put extremely close watch on the royal family. So I had to provide evidence to them that you were very real to get them to just let you in without them proceeding to take you in for questioning for the first few hours you were here.” Twilight said.

“That doesn’t explain how she knows. It would only explain why the guards would know.” Vinyl snorted angrily.

“Wellll...my husband is the captain of the guard. And since I was going to be meeting with you he saw fit to share some of your records with me.”

“What do you mean by some of my records?” Vinyl asked hesitantly.

“College transcripts and even a healthy amount of student counselor records.” Cadance responded simply.

Vinyl’s blood ran cold. “Did you personally read through those… records?”

“Skimmed them mostly but there were about two or three months of information from your freshman year.” Cadance mused.

Vinyl stood immediately and began to walk to Cadance. “You are not at liberty to share any of that with anypony.”

“Awwwe… but I thought what you went through for her was so cute.” Cadance practically beamed with delight. “Oh young lo-”

“SHUT UP!” Vinyl shouted.

“Vy what is she talking about?” Twilight asked cautiously.

“Huh… I planned on telling this story in a better environment.” Vinyl responded. “And I planned on doing it when I saw fit!” She glared at Cadance.

“Sorry.” Was Cadance’s meek response.

“Well, where to start?” Vinyl thought aloud. “Cadance why don’t you tell and I’ll fill in the holes.”

“What?!” Cadance acted shocked. “It’s your life experience.”

“It’s your fault I have to talk about it.” Vinyl shot back as she moved back to sit with Twilight once again.

Twilight put a reassuring hoof on Vinyl’s shoulder. “You don’t have too.”

“No. I needed to tell this story anyways.” Vinyl sighed. “Okay. Cadance, start us off won’t you.”

Cadance cleared her throat and began. “Vinyl and Octavia Melody met on their first day of college at Manehattan University.”

Twilight interrupted. “The Octavia Melody. The pony who reinvented classical music. The pony who started the fusion movement.”

Vinyl chuckled. “Who do you think was right by her side? Our glorious revolution was all we wanted it to be.” She gestured to Cadance to continue.

“Vinyl that’s as far as Psych’s records go without getting too personal. Just to note he has your first kiss on record. As well as the first date of assumed actual physical relations only being about a week later.” Cadance spat out.

“Skip right to his accident report to the university’s law enforcement.” Vinyl said simply.

Twilight was confused. “Accident report. I didn’t hear anything about that.”

“You didn’t actually request the files yourself did you?” Vinyl asked.

“No.” Twilight’s ears pinned back. “I had Misty Morn put the request in for me. But only because I didn’t want to leave your side.”

Cadance spoke up. “Anyways, on Octavia’s twenty-first birthday the university law enforcement had a heated run in with Octavia’s mother. This occurred because she attempted to steal records from one of the student psychologists.”

“Twi, she’s almost as good with memorization as you are.” Vinyl quipped.

Twilight grumbled “Are you serious?!” She asked incredulously. “Why?”

“That mare’s got a history that I’ve sworn to share with nopony whatsoever.” Vinyl answered. “Let’s just say her mother didn’t like me.”

“And that’s where the records stopped. Other than a much smaller infraction of you harassing a bouncer nearly six years later in Canterlot.” Cadance said. “What happened to you two? Psych’s records when you graduated said and I quote ‘And they lived happily ever after.’”

Vinyl laughed heartily. “I added that myself. Without his permission of course. But I was so happy that we graduated together that I couldn’t resist. I guess he decided to keep it. As for what happened; it’s pretty simple. Our work got between us.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight inquired.

“We slowly just got better and better after The Revolution. We started renting a place in Canterlot even. But things can’t stay good forever.” Vinyl sighed heavily. “After a while Neon Lights approached me and we began working on an album together which was great because Tavi was doing some solo stuff just then too.”

“I don’t see the problem.” Cadance and Twilight said in unison.

“Neither did I. But soon enough I became too enveloped by my work and I started missing her shows. She always reserved a seat for me but I just stopped being able to swing making them. And I still regret it.” Vinyl finished as tears began to form in her eyes. “My not being able to make shows didn’t really frustrate her until the last time it happened. She was in Canterlot and we had been so excited to see each other for weeks but I didn’t make it.”

“Why not?” Cadance asked sadly.

“I was working with Neon and couldn’t tear myself away from the project and it just didn’t end well. I realized what I’d done wrong to late and charged the club she was performing at. It only ended in failure as the bouncer couldn’t let me in right then.” Vinyl responded.

At this point Vinyl was crying fully and Twilight took initiative and comforted her. “It’s fine. Have you seen her since?”
Vinyl shook her head. “I packed my stuff the next morning before she got up and made my way back to Manehattan. I got a small studio apartment and continued my music career from there. Though it was a long while between all of that and when I met you it feels now that those events are much closer.”

“I shouldn’t have brought this up. I’m so sorry Vinyl.” Cadance stepped in.

“You really shouldn’t have. But you did and it’s all fine now.” Vinyl deadpanned.

Twilight leaned over and kissed Vinyl passionately. “I love you. Thank you for sharing that. You really didn’t need to.”

Vinyl pulled away to catch her breath. “Like I said. I was gonna say something to you eventually.”

Cadance smiled. “You two remind me of Shining and I when we were young. Vinyl that leaves me with only one question.”

“And what could that possibly be?” Vinyl asked as she pecked Twilight on the cheek.

“Just when did you decide that you had the hots for my sister?” Shining said as he stepped in. He had a foal lying on his back surrounded by a protective yellow bubble.

Cadance got up and greeted him. “Hey honey. How are you?”

“Frustrated.” He answered curtly.

Cadance pouted but straightened back up nearly instantly. “Well, never mind that. Twilight is here I’d imagine you’re happy to see her.”

Shining smiled as walked over to Twilight and hugged her. “Hey Twily.” He then turned to Vinyl.

“Hello. Shining Armor nice to meet you.” Vinyl said as she extended a hoof.
Shining gave her hoof a polite shake and then made his way to sit next to Cadance. “You must be Vinyl Scratch. Your shows certainly have a history with the Canterlot Guard.”

“Not my fault the fans are passionate.” Vinyl chuckled. “And you must be the pony who always shut down the mosh pits.”

“For liability reasons you should’ve done that yourself but yes before I was Captain that was me.” Shining responded.

“Okay. I’m sensing just a little tension here.” Twilight said.

“I’m just havin’ fun with him. That’s all in the past now.” Vinyl laughed. “So what’ve you gotten yourself up to here recently Captain Buzzkill?”

“Just the usual keeping an entire empire safe. How about you? Throw any destructive parties?” Was Shining’s reply.

“Oh you know finding somepony to keep me on the straight and narrow. Just minus the whole straight part.” Vinyl answered.

Cadance and Twilight watched with baited breath. Neither of them understood what was going on. Vinyl and Shining appeared to be in an intense staring competition after the last comment. The world around them descended into silence. It was Shining who finally broke that silence. “Well.... I approve.”

“Approve or not I already slept with your sister.” Vinyl shot back.

“Touche music mare. Touche.” Shining responded meekly.

Twilight was hopelessly lost. “What?!”

Cadance soon followed. “I have no idea what just happened.” She groaned.

“I approve.” Shining repeated.

“What do you mean by ‘I approve’? Just like that?” Twilight asked.

“She held her own against The Captain of The Royal Guard and because of that I approve.” Shining explained.

“Honey you didn’t really put up much of a fight.” Cadance deadpanned. “You didn’t even really challenge her. You just kind of traded half-assed insults with each other.”

“Hey! Captain Buzzkill was pretty creative.” Twilight defended.

“Twi, we both know it wasn’t.” Vinyl responded.

“That aside. Are you kidding that’s all you needed. No long process of misunderstanding. Just after a brief argument you’re just like ‘Hey, I think this mare’s okay.’” Twilight said in her best Shining Armor impression.

“Look. Do you want me to like her or not?” Shining responded.

“Oh no it’s great that you like her. I just didn’t expect things to go this well.” Twilight said simply.

“Babe, you never expect anything to go well.” Vinyl stated.

“After you’ve gone through half of what I’ve been through, you should understand. But given the data of the past few tests, I should stop being a pessimist and have a brighter outlook on what is next. Ohh I can’t wait to take you to meet my parents.” Twilight squeed.

“Speaking of which Twily. Can I speak with you in the hallway for a moment?” Shining requested.

Twilight was slightly shocked. “Oh sure BBBFF. What do you want?”

Shining rapidly teleported the two of them into the hallway. “Are you sure you want to take her to Mom and Dad?”

“I’m not seeing the problem.” Twilight frowned.

“She is a she. Shining addressed.

“And?” Twilight asked.

“Do you remem-” Shining stopped. “How long did you stick around after the wedding and into the after party?”

“Your wedding?” Twilight guessed.

“Yes, my wedding.” Shining assured.

“Long enough for Pinkie to set Vinyl up and for me to sing Love is in Bloom and then we left.” Twilight explained.

“Okay then you didn’t see what I’m talking about.” Shining took in a deep breath. “Well a young unicorn by the name of Lyra Heartstrings had been under Chrysalis’ control until after we had shown that bug we mean business. During the ‘after party’ another mare approached her and they shared in a loving embrace. Our mother had a few choice words about that event.”

“What words?” Twilight inquired.

“I don’t remember specifics. I just remember she was really uncomfortable.” Shining confessed.

“Shining, I understand it’s a sensitive topic and ponies feel uncomfortable about. But I think once mom will see how happy Vinyl makes me she’ll get it.” Twilight said as she proceeded to walk back to the parlor. “Look we're going to see them next week. Period end of story. Now let's go see what those two have gotten themselves into while we were gone.”

Chapter 4: Turnabout Parents

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Chapter 4
Turnabout Parents

The early evening sun’s golden light glinted off the golden spires of Canterlot castle. The light meddled with the red, brown and yellow leaves like a gentle fire that filled the parks throughout the city. But yet clouds of gray and black speckled the sky.

“I hope it doesn’t rain.” Twilight wondered as she looked up at the slightly gray clouds that hung in the air.

“Oh yeah it’d be a real shame if someone were to ruin you perfect mane.” Vinyl laughed as she ran magic sparks through her own mane to make it especially wild.

Twilight let out a humph “You're spending too much time with Rarity.”

Vinyl cleared her throat obnoxiously. “Seeing that we are in Canterlot I wonder how Jet Set and Upper Crust are? Being as they are very important ponies I’d imagine they are dreadfully busy. The upper class I just adore them. Then again… I am the consort to The Princess of Friendship that makes me upper class as well. Don’t you think so darling?” The last word was drawn out for maximum effectiveness. Vinyl played with her mane with one hoof to drive the point home.

“Ugh, tell me again why I fell in love with you?” Twilight muttered as she face hooved.

“Fate.” Vinyl smirked.

Twilight let out a louder grunt of annoyance “Why is it always fate?”

“It was written in the very stars that are a part of your name that you and I would live out eternity together.” Vinyl sighed. “We were just meant to be.”

Twilight's head dropped lower “That’s it; you're spending less time with Luna.”

“Ah man. She is the fuckin’ coolest though.” Vinyl whined.

“Vinyl Scratch, watch your language.” Twilight snapped.

“What’s with the mood swings doll?” Vinyl asked.

Twilight let out a soft sigh “I’m just stressed. I have my duties as a princess and then there's us. It’s been one heck of a ride, especially after the press found out.”

“Speaking of which. What runt leaked that again?” Vinyl demanded as her temper began to flare up.

“I’ll give you one guess. Their name starts with a D.” Twilight replied.

“That little shit has no idea what chaos is until I’m trying to ring his fuckin’ neck. I hate reporters. I’m practically assaulted by them after every one of my shows now. It’s a damn disaster!” Vinyl huffed angrily.

“Yep, that’s why I had the cloaks we’re wearing commissioned. Their enchanted with a spell that makes pony’s not give us a second thought as we pass by. Come on we're almost at my parent's house.” Twilight said with a smile once again gracing her face.

“You’re really happy to introduce me to your folks.” Vinyl smiled brightly. “Your happiness is contagious.”

“Our love my Darling is that of a fate, for it was weaved into the very fabric of time itself: that I Twilight Sparkle and you Vinyl Scratch shall be together in what can only be described as zen.” Twilight said as she increased her cadance.

“And you said I wasn’t allowed around Luna.” Vinyl chuckled. “Still... it’s just too cute to see you all worked up.”

“Now now, I thought you liked me when I’m like this.” Twilight gave a slight flick of the tail that gently tickled Vinyl’s muzzle.

Vinyl smirked. “The street’s not really the best place for that; is it?”

“Don’t get any ideas, these cloaks are good but not that good.” Twilight teased.

“Who's to say I was the one getting ideas.” The musician purred.

“Those red cheeks do.” The Lavender Alicorn replied as she turned to face Vinyl, whose cheeks were indeed a bright shade of crimson.

“Stupid sexy Twilight.” Vinyl grumbled.

“There's no time to be standing around, we’re here.” Twilight said as she pointed at an oddly normal house that looked exactly like the rest, if it weren’t for the giant observatory on top.

“Huh. For the parents of not only a princess but a saviour of Equestria multiple times over; this is pretty underwhelming.” Vinyl conceded.

“Well my parents want a nondescript house because they’re a bit famous themselves.” Twilight admitted as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Oh, yeah? Nice. Can’t say I’ve heard of ‘em before though. Shows how small my circles are.” Vinyl laughed nervously.

“Well I could understand that with my dad, but my mom you might know. She wrote The Celestia Code.” Twilight clarified.

“Sounds neat. I guess in order to recognize authors you need to read books. I think the most I’ve read in the past year was a series of comic books.” Vinyl joked.

A small smile graced the Lavender Alicorn’s lips “Well it looks like you have to it read and tell me all about it, before we have any fun.”

“ I bet I could finish it in two days. Maybe even one if I really try.” Vinyl bragged.

“Oh really it’s two hundred and fifty pages long and thanks to a favour I know you read at twenty-five words a minute. So good luck.” Twilight mentioned as she patted Vinyl on the back with her wing. Vinyl was still in shock by her marefriend’s own knowledge of her academic skills.

Vinyl groaned. “Okay. We’ve been out front for a few minutes. I suggest we don’t keep your parents waiting much longer.” She said once she had recovered.

“It’s only been fifteen minutes.” Twilight giggled.

“And you decided to count because?” Vinyl pondered.

“Each minute I spend with the mare that I love is priceless and I want as many as I can have.” Twilight replied as she gave Vinyl a deep passionate kiss.

Vinyl broke the embrace and began walking towards the front door. When she reached it she gave a light knock. After a short wait the door was opened by a blue unicorn with a navy mane. Vinyl spoke first. “Hey! You’re Night Light, right?”

Twilight joined her marefriend. “Hi dad.” She said casually.

He smiled. “It’s good to see you too Little Light.” Her father said as he ruffled her hair. “Please come in. And Twilight remember what I said about cloaks in the house.”

“Dad.” Twilight whined jokingly as she and Vinyl walked in.

They took off their cloaks and hung them on a rack by the door before following Night Light further into the home. Twilight’s childhood home wasn’t anything special. Certainly nothing that would be expected of royalty. Vinyl glanced at the photos framed along the entry hall of the home. The photos along the right side appeared to be some of Twilight’s greatest achievements. Starting the line was a picture of Twilight the day she’d been accepted into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Her parents appeared to be in shock of something. There was also a picture of Twilight just after she’d saved Luna and another photo of The Elements of Harmony returning the statue of Discord to Canterlot Castle. “Wow.” Vinyl muttered.

Along the left side seemed to be family portraits. The first portrait she saw appeared to be a time when Shining was still present. There were only two more portraits with him before he disappeared. The next featured a more downcast Twilight in contrast to her happy parents. After a few more pictures she saw that Twilight now had a book in every portrait. Each was different and the titles seemed to be more advanced as the years went on. Eventually Twilight disappeared as well; leaving only Night Light and Twilight Velvet cast in reminiscence for the remainder of the photos.

After leaving the entry hall they were greeted by a pale grey mare. She hugged Twilight gently and then turned to Vinyl. She gave the musician a concerned look and then turned back to her daughter. “This must be ummm…” She turned to Vinyl, again. “ What is your name?”

Vinyl paused for a second and then reached a hoof out and said “The name’s Vinyl Scratch.”

“Hello Vinyl.” Velvet greeted stiffly. “You two make yourselves comfortable in the living room. Dinner should ready in about an hour. Night Light, dearest, would you mind keeping our guests entertained?”

Vinyl looked at Twilight. “Guests?” She whispered.

Twilight simply shrugged and mouthed ‘Yes, that’s what we are.’ as she moved to sit on the couch in the living room. Vinyl followed closely behind and sat next to her.

Night Light entered the living room not long after, carrying a photo album in his magical grasp. He set it down on the table and glanced at Twilight tentatively.

Twilight gave him a confused look.

Night Light just gave back a more confused look.

Twilight raised an eyebrow to further convey her own confusion.

Night Light mimicked his daughter’s actions.

Twilight ruffled her wings in slight agitation.

Vinyl threw up her forelegs in frustration and shouted. “Can somepony please tell me what in the hell is going on?!”

Twilight broke from her trance like state and turned towards Vinyl. She returned to looking confused. “I’m not really all that sure. Dad?”

Night Light, too, broke from his trance and looked to his daughter. “I wanted to know if you wanted to go through the photo album.”

“And you didn’t think you could ask?” Vinyl blurted out before Twilight could answer more responsibly.

Night Light shrunk back as his daughter stepped in between him and her marefriend. “Vinyl what is going on?!”

“You haven’t noticed it yet, have you?” Vinyl deadpanned. She then grabbed Twilight with a lazy hoof and started dragging her towards the entrance. “Sorry Mr. … uhhhh… Light. I’m just gonna need her for a sec.”

Twilight remained extraordinarily confused as she was rushed back to front door of her parent’s home. She figured that once they arrived she would get a more thorough explanation. She didn’t.

Once they were back at the door Vinyl turned to her. “Twilight look at the frames along the left side.”

Twilight briefly glanced along the left side of the hallway quizzically. “That’s a nice new addition. It’s kinda flattering.”

Vinyl sighed. “Now look along the left. And I mean really look.”

Twilight obliged. She of course began with the first picture that was hung. It was a picture of her entire family. Her mother and father sat in the back. Her dad was holding her and her mom was holding or more like supporting Shining.

She moved down the hallway a little. The next picture that caught her eye was the year that Shining had graduated. It was the only portrait with five in it as Shining had insisted that Cadance be a part of it. Twilight sighed reminiscently.

She preceded down the hallway only to notice that after about two or three portraits her brother was no longer present. She remembered that he had been quite absent while attending boot camp. She made a mental note of that.

Twilight finished walking the length of the hallway but as she did she realised something. Books. Stacks and stacks of books on either edge of the photos. Along with the fact that she was reading increasingly advanced titles in each photo. That was until she too was sparse in the photos and after some time she was just gone.

That left just her parents. Alone. For Celestia knows how long. Twilight immediately ran to her marefriend. Vinyl was slightly startled when she was nearly toppled over by the sheer force of the hug that was being inflicted upon her.

Twilight sobbed heavily into Vinyl’s shoulder. Vinyl hushed her and spoke gently. “Everything’s gonna be okay.”
“I… left... them.” Twilight said through choked sobs.

Vinyl gently stroked Twilight’s mane. “Look.” Vinyl pulled away to look the lavender alicorn in the eyes. “This can be fixed.” She smiled warmly. “You just had to know the problem was there. That’s step one.”

Twilight and Vinyl moved back to the living room slowly. Once they reached it Twilight made a beeline for the tissue box sitting on a coffee table. She then proceeded to run to her dad and gave him a strangling hug. “I’m so sorry.” She muttered.

Night Light was quite shocked at first but then moved to comfort his daughter. “Little Light.” He whispered. “It’s okay. You’re fine.”

“I left you.” Twilight whimpered.

Night Light shuddered as he remembered the first year his daughter hadn’t come home. “It’s not your fault.” He said despite his memories telling him otherwise.

Twilight sniffled and finally let go. “Okay.

Vinyl moved into to comfort her marefriend as Night Light picked the photo album off the table and quickly moved it to a bookshelf elsewhere in the room. He put a hoof to his chin as he thought of something to do. Eventually an idea sparked. “How about a tour of the house?” He asked calmly.

Twilight and Vinyl looked up. They looked at each other and nodded. “That sounds like a great idea dad.” Twilight spoke.

“Alright.” Night Light said as he made his way to the stairs.

Twilight began following; her head was still hung low but she knew everything would be fine. It had to be. She turned to look at Vinyl who was moving at the same slow pace. She smiled. “Should we tell him first?” Twilight whispered.

“Huh?” Vinyl said. “Oh… I mean if there’s an opportunity I don’t see why not. I just would’ve figured you’d want them both to find out at the same time.”

Twilight looked around as she thought. The house really hadn’t changed much in fifteen years. There seemed to be more of her parent’s awards along the walls now. Good for them she thought. “Vinyl I think it should be fine.” Twilight assured.

Vinyl nodded as their tour guide seemed to stop for no apparent reason. Night Light gestured to the door on his left. “And on your left you’ll see the door to Princess Twilight’s childhood bedroom.” He addressed jokingly. He held a hoof in front of his mouth as if it were a PA microphone.

“Daaaaaaaaaad.” Twilight whined playfully.

Night Light put his hoof down. “Come on. I’ve always wanted to do that. But jokes aside… You want to see your old room?”

Twilight looked at Vinyl but all she got was muffled laughter as Vinyl mimicked Twilight’s tour guide father. She rolled her eyes. “I’d love to.”

They slowly moved into the room. Set against the back was a large bed with an ornately decorated headboard. On the other side of the room was a desk. It was still littered with papers coated in ancient symbols so arcane that the princesses themselves barely understood them. Twilight rushed to the desk.

“I thought I’d lost all of this!” The lavender alicorn shouted gleefully.

Vinyl and Night Light chuckled. Her father was the first to speak “I didn’t know what wasn’t important when your mom asked me to clean your room out. So I didn’t.”

“Sounds like something I’d do.” Vinyl agreed.

Twilight ignored them as she continued to dig through various notes and charts. She was about halfway through her desk when she found something particularly useful. “Vinyl.” She shouted frantically. “I think I found something for you.”

Vinyl smirked. “I like where this is going.”

Twilight threw a piece of paper and Vinyl caught it mid-air as Twilight went back to digging through old notes.
Vinyl wasn’t a very adept magic user as proof by the fact that she barely understood what was written on the paper in front of her. It took a second for it to click in her head that the paper had a title scribbled across the top in probably drunken scrawl. She evaluated it closely and eventually came to understand what it said. “Twilight! This is a cure for hangovers!”

Twilight just laughed in response. “Yeah. Minuette gave it to me as a graduation present but I never really had much use for it myself.” Vinyl tossed the paper back to her and she put it into to an increasingly large stack of “useful” spells.

This went on for several minutes as Twilight found years of lost research showed them off and they went into a stack that Vinyl assumed was going to be taken home. Eventually her father called off the frenzy and every paper Twilight was holding in her magic fell dramatically as she lost concentration. However, she quickly collected herself and the papers as they were sorted into neat stacks lining every inch of the once cluttered desk.

Twilight walked back over to Vinyl and draped a wing over her back. “That… was nice.” She said through heavy breaths.

Her marefriend just chuckled and levitated the wing off of her back. “I’d imagine it was nerd.” Vinyl said playfully.

Twilight gasped. “How dare you!”

“Hey, babe, I’m just kidding.”Vinyl assured.

Twilight smiled. “I knew you were.”

Night Light cleared his throat which brought the couple’s attention back to him. “ Thanks for cleaning the room for me Little Light.” He gave a nod in his daughter’s direction. “I think the only other room of interest would be my observatory.”

Twilight gave him a puzzled look. “But what about Mom’s office?”

Night Light looked down. “Uhh… Yeah even I’m not much allowed in there nowadays. It’s become kind of like a quarantine zone for your mother.”

Vinyl stepped forward. “What do you mean?”

Night Light poked at the ground with a hoof. “This is the most time she’s spent out of there in about two moons.” He finally looked back up. “I thinks that’s enough of that. Observatory?”

Twilight shook her head. “Yeah, sure.”

They moved swiftly out of Twilight’s room and took a turn sending them down another hallway. At the end they approached a large vault door. “Improved security?” Twilight asked.

“Nah. I just like the look of the door.” Night Light chuckled. “Makes me feel important.” He lit his horn and turned the door’s oversized lock system.

After sometime the door finally opened to reveal an immaculate metal staircase. At the top was an even more if not just just as immaculate observatory floor and at the center sat a telescope that most only ever dreamed of owning. It was currently aimed at the spot that the moon was set to rise from.

Every step taken echoed through the large dome. Vinyl glanced at the telescope and began walking towards it. “So you must be one of the top astronomers in Canterlot to have this setup for personal use.” She stated coolly.

“Yeah. You could say that.” Night Light replied.

Twilight sat in awe at the top of the stairs. She was speechless. After sitting like that for a few moments she got up and moved to the telescope where her father and marefriend were. “I forgot how nice it was up here.”

Night Light smiled warmly. “It’s only like this when you can see the wonders of somepony else.” He gestured towards Vinyl who was attempting to figure out the different switches laid out next to the telescope’s eyepiece.

“Aren’t you worried about her messing with something?” Twilight pondered. Vinyl was trying to get creative with what switches to hit.

Her father chuckled. “No. Those are just decorative it’s still run off those custom spells you gave me years ago.”
“You kept those?” Twilight asked as she glanced to Vinyl who was now looking through the eyepiece trying to see if the switches were changing anything.

“Nothing more efficient in all of Equestria.” Night Light replied.

Vinyl got tired of flipping switches without results and moved to Twilight and her father. “Sick setup ya’ got.”
Twilight saw an opportunity and grabbed up Vinyl with a wing and pulled her closer. “She’s pretty cool. Right dad?”

Vinyl glanced at Twilight unsure. “What’re you up to?” She mouthed.

Twilight ignored her.

Night Light looked on as confused as he had been earlier but instead of proceed in silence he spoke. “I guess she is.”
Twilight’s smiled widened and her grip on Vinyl tightened. “That’s great.” Twilight looked around oddly for a moment. “Soooooo…”

Night Light’s confusion grew. “Soooooooo… what?”

Twilight looked at Vinyl. Her marefriend nodded finally having caught up with the lavender alicorn’s train of thought. “Well her and I are…” Twilight giggled. “We’re dating.”

The look on Night Light’s face remained neutral for a moment before breaking into a calm smile. “That’s good.”
Twilight released Vinyl for long enough to spin her around and capture her in a passionate kiss. The kiss lasted several moments. They parted to take a breath. Vinyl had a dumb grin plastered across her muzzle as she stumbled a couple steps from Twilight.

Twilight laughed as she turned to her father. “So, I take it you’re okay with this?”

Night light smiled. “It’s totally fine. I’m really just happy that you’re happy. I know that sounds cheesy because of how many times I’m sure you’ve heard it.”

Twilight nodded. “Actually, I think you’re only the second or third to make that remark. Everypony’s been more concerned with being the first to hear the news.”

Her father shifted uneasily. “Yeah... I knew you had told others before us.”

“Yeah?” Twilight asked.

“I heard it from The Princess of The Night herself.” Night Light concluded.

Twilight scrunched up her muzzle. “You talk to Luna?”

“Being as I am her personal star mapper, I would have to.” Her father explained.

“Oh wow! I didn’t even know that was your position now.” Twilight said. “So she told you before I could then?”

“Yeah. It had ended up interfering with a plan of her’s that I am not allowed to disclose.” Night light replied.

Meanwhile, Vinyl had been looking through the paper’s on Night Light’s desk. Most were simple star charts nothing particularly special until “Hey Twi, baby, why’s there a star chart of your cutie mark over here?”

Twilight looked to her marefriend. “A. Don’t call me baby. I settled for babe but not baby. B. What do you mean a star chart of my cutie mark?”

Vinyl lifted it up “See for yourself.”

Twilight began walking to her father’s desk. Night Light trailed behind nervously. “Dad, why is this here?”

Night Light began to nervously squeak out an answer but was interrupted by somepony calling from downstairs. “Dinner’s ready!”

Twilight grunted and grabbed Vinyl with her magic as she began to move out of the observatory. “I guess I’ll just go see Luna at some point then.” She grumbled. Her father trailed behind them slowly; using his magic to reorganize his desk as he left.

Chapter 5: Romance on The Centre Stage

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The dining room of the sparkle residence was the least modest part of the house. Whereas the rest house gave off an air of simple and humble; the dining room with its majestic purple accents and brilliant red paint. In the center of the room stood a rich dark oak dining table with matching chairs around the table and some off to the side. Above the table was an ornate chandelier whose candles were lit and casted a warm glow around the room. To say the room had class was definitely an understatement.

On the dining table were four sets of porcelain white plates with a golden trim and four sets of silver cutlery that had an imprint of a rose as it snaked towards the hilt of each piece. On the table, as well, were four elegant crystal wine glasses that were half filled with red wine.

Twilight and Vinyl sat along one side of the table while Twilight Velvet and Night Light sat opposite their daughter.

Velvet used her magic to distribute plates to each of the ponies sitting at the small dining table. An uncomfortable silence descended upon the table. Twilight made an effort to break the silence. “So, Mom. you clearly put forth a lot of effort.”

Velvet looked up. “Well it’s not every day you have a Princess of Equestria as your guest.”

Twilight blushed. “Oh, come on,you don’t need to use my title. You’re family. This is like a vacation for me anyway.”

“I suppose but it does make me feel important to use your proper title.” Velvet shifted in her seat feeling a mix of proud and awkward around her, now crowned princess, daughter.

Meanwhile, Vinyl was trying to figure out what food had been set in front of her. She had decided, for the moment, she would ignore the wine. “Twilight, what is all this?” She whispered.

The lavender alicorn turned to her marefriend. “Why don’t you ask?”

“I just did.” Vinyl replied flatly.

“Not me.” Twilight pointed to her mother.

Vinyl sighed. “Ms. Velvet.” She tried to politely grab her attention. “Um, What did you make?”

“Well, if I must explain myself, there is roasted cauliflower, cider braised kohlrabi, and rosemary roasted radishes.” Vinyl wasn’t even sure what most of that was.

The DJ nodded when Velvet finished listing off the available food. Vinyl begrudgingly took small portions of the dishes to sample. “You guys have a really nice house.” She said.

Night Light responded. “Why thank you. My lovely wife, here, worked side by side with the interior decorators on this room and her office.”

Vinyl let the thought sink in. She could just imagine how extravagant the office was. “Sounds nice.” She commented, unsure of what to add to the conversation.

“Speaking of which. Mom, how is writing going?” Twilight asked.

Velvet grumbled. “Could be better.”

Night Light winced and motioned for his daughter to stop talking but she didn’t notice. Twilight continued along, unperturbed. “Oh no. What’s wrong?”

“I just haven’t been able to put anything to paper for two moons now! And I am at my wits end.” The magic utensil she’d been sustaining disappeared and she dropped her food.

Vinyl spoke up. “I totally agree. Artistic inspiration is a fleeting beauty.”

Velvet screwed up her muzzle. “And you’d know about artistic inspiration how?”

“I’m a musician.” The DJ replied seriously. “A DJ to be exact.”

Velvet laughed. “So, you’re not a musician then?”

Vinyl snorted angrily.

“Mom!” Twilight shouted.

“What?!” Velvet raised her voice defensively.

“Why did you say that?”

“I was trying to decide whether she was a musician or a-” Velvet grimaced. “disc jockey.”

“What is that supposed to mean?!” Vinyl asked indignantly.

Night Light tapped his wife’s shoulder. “Dear, that was a little harsh.”

Twilight had moved to hold her marefriend back with her magic. Vinyl struggled wildly against the lavender aura. “Let me go. I wanna give her a piece of my mind.”

Twilight sighed and ,with a great deal of effort, pulled Vinyl back into her seat. “Even if she hasn’t chosen to give a great first impression you can be the bigger pony.”

Vinyl grumbled as she relaxed. “I guess you’re right.”

Twilight nuzzled against her marefriend and then turned to her mother. “ Mom, what are you doing?!”

What her husband had said eventually registered in Velvet’s mind and she calmed visibly. “Sorry. I must have gotten a little carried away.”

“Oh. Ya’ think?” Vinyl commented quietly.

Twilight softly papped the back of vinyl’s head and went back to the conversation. “Mom, Vinyl really is an artist and maybe she knows a thing or two about artistic block.”

Velvet grumbled. “Maybe. Anyway what’s new with you? After all, we haven’t seen you since little Flurry was born.”

Twilight frowned as she remembered the hallway and the seemingly inevitable conversation she’d have with her mother. “Nothing too extreme. Just your typical Princess of Friendship business. The past, I’d say, two moons have been as exciting as it gets.”

Vinyl had gotten mildly bored while Twilight engaged in small talk and began looking around the room. It felt more over the top than her marefriend’s castle. After glancing around the room she began to assess the different foods offered to her. After trying each she had just enough data to form an opinion. “Hey, Ms.V. This stuff’s pretty good.” Vinyl said through a mouthful of roasted radishes.

Velvet just gave the DJ a half smile and turned back to her daughter. “So would you mind giving us a proper introduction to your ‘friend’?”

Twilight blushed. “Yeah,right. Introductions really should have been done at the door, huh?” She paused for a response but received none. Night Light gave her an encouraging look. Twilight took a deep breath and continued. “Mom, Dad, this is Vinyl Scratch.”

Velvet sat still with an ingenuine grin on her face. “She seems interesting.”

Night Light looked at her warily. ‘Honey, what are you on about?”

Velvet turned to him. “Nothing, dear. What would make you think something’s wrong?”

Night Light exchanged a look of concern with his daughter. Vinyl shot her marefriend a worried look. The room around them seemed to cool down considerably.

“Mom, are you completely sure you’re okay?” Twilight asked calmly.

Velvet let out a sigh. “Let me confirm something. This is Vinyl Scratch.” She spat the name out with nearly tangible disgust. “She’s your marefriend, no?

Night Light turned to his wife with a look of utter confusion on his face. “What?”

“Oh don’t look so surprised. If you know, I can know.” Velvet explained.

Night Light made a mental note to carefully inspect the speaking tubes in his observatory the next time he held company with a princess.

“How?” Twilight asked again.

Velvet looked at her daughter. “Telling you I heard it from the press would be the easy way out. However, I’m feeling generous today.” She said flippantly. Twilight and Vinyl sat stock still. “I saw you in the street about two moons ago. That was shameless.” Velvet scoffed. “That harlot seems to have pulled you in quite well.”

Vinyl half expected Velvet to start pacing the room as if she were a villain from an old spy movie. She growled. “What the hell?! I’ve never even met you before!” Memories fueling her anger. ”There’s only one pony that can call me that!”she whispered.

Twilight draped a wing over Vinyl’s back. “It’ll be fine.” She whispered. “Mother, why are you being like this?”

“Why? Why her?” Velvet asked.

Twilight cocked her head to the side. “I’m not really sure I understand the question.”

“No ‘nice stallion to settle down with’?” Velvet pressed.

Twilight shook her head. “Mom, I was thirteen. I had my nose in books all the time. The closest I got to ‘romance’ if you can call it that, was a slight crush on a fictional character.”

Velvet snorted. “Oh, please. You would’ve been better off with a fictional character!”

Vinyl had taken enough. “What’s that supposed to mean? You think I’m not meant for her?!” She gestured wildly at twilight. “Just who in the hell do you think you are?”

Twilight nuzzled against her marefriend in an attempt to calm her down.

Velvet gagged before she began speaking again. She regained her composure and spoke clearly. “I am her mother. And if the two of you think you have my blessing… I’m sorry but it’s a no from me.”

Twilight’s jaw fell open. “If you’re gonna be like this I don’t even think we need your blessing.”

Velvet stamped a hoof angrily on the table as she leaned closer to her daughter. “Then, why did you come back at all?!”

Twilight leaned in to be face to face with her mother. “I don’t remember but I’m beginning to think coming back was a mistake.” There was a moment of silence after Twilight’s sentence finished. She felt sheer rage as she looked into her mother’s eyes.

Vinyl and Night Light looked on in confusion and awe as they tried to think of what to do. Neither of them were able to make a move before Velvet raised a hoof and struck her daughter’s face.

The only sound that could be heard was a solid smack. Twilight calmly got out of her chair and walked out of the room. Vinyl began to chase but looked to Night Light first.

He had already begun comforting his wife when he noticed Vinyl. Night Light nodded solemnly as he began to say something. Vinyl didn’t even hear what he said as she bolted out of the dining room and made her way to the front door.

She nearly ripped the door of it’s hinges with her magic as she burst outside. It was raining heavily. Vinyl looked around wildly trying to catch any glimpse of her marefriend. Just as she was about to give up she heard a crash in the distance. “I bet I know who that is.” Vinyl thought as she trotted towards the noise.

As Vinyl soon found out, the noise had come from a small park they had passed on their way to Twilight’s parent’s home. The sound was from a metal structure, presumably a slide, being torn out of the ground and crunched into a small ball.

Twilight sat in the spot the slide had once been. She was crying softly and her ears were pinned down to the top of her head. She was stamping at the ground absently when Vinyl walked over to her.

“You know you have to replace that, right?” Vinyl asked.

Twilight nodded slowly as she laid down.

Vinyl laid down as well. “Are we just gonna head home now?”

“I don’t know.” Twilight choked out.

“Okay.” Vinyl responded.

The world around them went silent, save for the sound of the rain hitting metal playground equipment. Twilight eventually stopped crying and snuggled against Vinyl. She let out a sigh of relief. “I wish we could just stay like this.” Twilight whispered.

“You know we can’t do that.” Vinyl answered.

“But I wish we could.” Twilight repeated. “Everything seems so calm when it’s just you and me.”

“Not everything can be perfect all the time.” Vinyl sighed wistfully. “I would know.”

“I’m sorry things ended up that way.” Twilight said.

“Why?” Vinyl asked simply.

Twilight adjusted her position so she could look at Vinyl directly. “Because… because that’s a bad way for things to end.”

Vinyl chuckled. “Without that unfortunate event I would never have met you.”

Twilight smiled. “I’m really worth losing your first?”

“Without a doubt. I wouldn’t give anything to change how things ended up.” Vinyl said proudly. “But, enough of you feeling sorry for me. What do you want to do now?”

Twilight scrunched her muzzle up in thought. She began parsing out potential solutions to the issues currently at hoof. “Sure, we could go back to my parent’s house and attempt some reconciliation. But what would that really get me in the end? A compromise? Another red mark on my face? I’m certainly not looking to begin collecting. No, going back isn’t going to do me any good.” She lightly brushed a hoof against her cheek.

“Maybe, just maybe, Vinyl could go in. I’m sure she’d be happy to ‘show them what for’.” Twilight quickly shook her head. “I don’t think I could pardon her for any potentially criminal offenses that may occur. No less if I encouraged them. Also, it's not really okay to force somepony else to fight my battles, especially when it comes to family.” She hastily ran a hoof through her mane.

Vinyl leaned in and attempted to pull Twilight’s hoof from her hair but it remained firmly placed against the side of her head “Twi, fuck them. You don’t need them. I’m right here.”

Her marefriends’ words fell on nearly deaf ears as Twilight continued to speak to herself. “What if? What if they don’t matter? All of this obsession over parental approval isn’t worth fighting for.” Her voice cracked as she worked on finding a point. Twilight’s horn began to let off loose sparks as she kept talking. “Why argue with mom? Why worry about keeping them involved in my life if they clearly don’t like how I’m living it?” The rain began to slow around them as she continued. “It was so pointless? I had what I wanted! I just wanted to share that with them!” The rain stopped, as if frozen in time. Each individual droplet refusing to move even an inch closer to the ground.

“Twilight, take a breath, come back to me love.” Vinyl’s tone was pleading as she sat and began to take a deep breath in an attempt to get her marefriend to copy her actions. However, Twilight did not breathe in and the rain did not resume falling to the ground.

Twilight fell silent for only a moment before turning to Vinyl. The lavender alicorn quickly grabbed her lover’s forehooves and raised her sunglasses with magic to stare directly into her piercing red eyes. “Vinyl, marry me!” Twilight said grinning widely. “I don’t need them. Or anyone. Or anything. I just need you!”

Vinyl frowned, she leaned in and hugged Twilight tightly. She pulled back back and kissed Twilight gently on the cheek and then on her lips. The rain around them resumed, no longer filled with a light magenta tone as Twilight and Vinyl stood and began walking back to the train station side by side.

Centre Stage Romance

by Erina Tail Yellow

Chapter 1: Friends Aren't so Terrible

Chapter 2: The Beat of Royalty

Chapter 3: The March of Romance

Chapter 4: Turnabout Parents

Chapter 5: Romance on The Centre Stage