Snuggles are the best cure
"*loud yawn* I can't do this..."
It was late at midnight, and Nathan slammed his book shut and proceeded to slam it on the piles of notecards he had prepared for the public examinations after he had finished going through the notes again for about the hundredth time on the same day.
Nathan was 18 years old and came close to finishing his secondary school years. The problem is, to do so, he must overcome one of the biggest challenges of his life.
The public exams start tomorrow and goes on for about a week or two (depending on the subjects you have chosen for further study), and even though he has revised his books again and again and again endlessly for the past few weeks, even doing a lot of past exam papers that boosted his knowledge, he still feels somehow a tiny bit stressed and unsure of his ability.
Nathan scratched his half-shut eye and let out another giant yawn at night that somehow did not wake up anyone.
"I think I should just sleep..." He moaned. "I don't want to be late tomorrow..."
He sort of half slithered, half walked back to his bedroom. As soon as he got on the bed, he just collapsed under the blankets. He was already half-asleep, yet the stress of the exams are preventing him from completely getting the shut-eye he wanted.
He sighed. "I'm doomed tomorrow, I swear." He lifted his blankets over his head and curled into a ball as worry continued to grow in his heart, and as he started to sob a little bit, thinking he's unprepared, he eventually cried himself to sleep.
In the middle of the night, Nathan felt a nudge on his arm. His eyes immediately sprang open and even though he wasn't fully awake, he was already breathing intensely.
Then his heart slowed down- Because he wasn't in his room. It was his friend Twilight's.
"Huh? Wh- Why am I here?" He asked himself. It's only literally 3 hours since he started sleeping, so his exhaustion pulled him back down to the bed with a snore.
A second later, he felt the blankets lifting over his head, plunging his vision into darkness, the graceful glow of the moon in Equestria being blocked out.
He started groaning. "Hey! What the-"
A Flare of magic lit up beside him. He felt a hoof under his head.
"Hey," Twilight said quietly, with a charming smile.
The teenager blushed- Yes, he was Twilight's best friend, but having a sleepover like this was totally not what he expected, even though he wanted to do it for some time.
"Twilight?" He whispered, his eyes open wide. "Is it really you? I’m not dreaming, am I?”
She nodded to the first question, but not the second.
"I thought I told you girls that I'll be busy and needed to be away for some time?"
"I know," She replied. "But I saw what you were through with magic. You were... Very stressed, weren't you?"
Nathan gave a nod and a sigh. "Yeah... I'm not feeling that well lately."
"Tell me about it," Twilight begged as she huddled up closer.
The princess put her wing behind Nathan's back and nuzzled her head against his chest. The teenager couldn't help but sigh in content as his cute little pony friend begged him to tell the truth. After all, he hasn't seen her in around a few months.
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you, my sweetest best bud," He chuckled, running his fingers down her lovely mane. "But can we flip up the blanket so I can actually breathe, thankyouverymuch?"
She giggled and did as she was told. She glared at the stars out of the window in front of her in the room, twinkling in the peaceful, moonlit night sky. Twilight's wing was still wrapping her friend as they both enjoyed the view outside.
"I haven't paid attention to these sort of natural beauties in quite a while," Nathan said in awe. "It's beautiful."
Twilight turned. "You can thank princess Luna for that. So... What's been on your mind?"
Upon the question, he went silent for a few minutes. At that moment, all he could remember in his head are the piles of key points he needed to memorize for his exams the next day. He wasn't really in the mood for a casual chat. But of course, simply ignoring a friend's question would definitely be frowned upon. And for a polite and kind person like Nathan, he wasn't going to stay stagnant like that.
"It's the exam stress," He said briefly, his face dropping into a sad mood.
Twilight hummed in agreement. "That's reasonable. Even I get worried about it."
"No, Twi. This one is different," Nathan said. "This is not just amongst my school. It's the public exams. I have to compete with possibly thousands of students across the city I live in. And it could possibly affect my whole life since the grades will determine whether I'll get to university. It's hard to explain, but... I'm pretty sure you get the idea. I know when you were a student, you didn't really have that gigantic pressure in terms of having other ponies wishing to be Celestia's student as well."
The princess just sat and continued listening. "I see. But... I think you are already a smart person. Of course, not as smart as I am," She laughed as she felt a playful nudge. "In fact, you don't have to place that big of a pressure on yourself. I know your motto that you always carry into exams. 'The result doesn't matter. What matters is the effort you put in.' And I agree with that a lot."
"But this could affect my future," Nathan responded coldly. "It could affect my career, how my life will continue, and if I don't do well, it could all be ruined!"
As he buried his face in his hands, Twilight frowned a little upon his worry. But she regained the smile a minute later.
"Nate," She cried. "Look at me, buddy."
He turned to the princess. Without hesitation, she threw her hooves around Nathan's neck and wrapped him kindly in her wings. Nathan gasped and smiled as they pressed close. In surprise, he just let out a little grin, and a blissful sigh. He put his arms around his best friend in a hug.
"You worry too much," Twilight jokingly said, nuzzling her muzzle upon Nathan's nose.
"Do I?”
She nodded. "Think about it, Nathan. You are a very special human. Besides Frisk and Asriel, you are one of the first to come over to the pony world who wasn't doing it for a formal cause. We have a very, very special connection. I know, the exams are tough. But you have great friends to support you through it. And don't worry, even if it doesn't go well, you can always try other ways to seek a pleasant future. Just look at things in that way."
"So, you're saying...?" Nathan's face started brightening up.
"There's nothing to be afraid of, Nate. Just look at what you have now," Twilight said. "You have so many friends here that are more than willing to stand up for you whenever you need a shoulder to cry on. You're not the same as before. I know what you're thinking. You must be stressed because you want to strive for great results to prove you're an excellent student and your classmates have no reason to bully you."
The teen blushed. "Yeah, I guess so. You understand me so well sometimes.”
The princess giggled, and moved her hoof to touch his face warmly. "Oh, you silly little boy. You don't have to compete with others. The only person you need to compete with is yourself. And there is no reason for you to care what they say. They'll only bring you down. You may be unsure of yourself, but as a friend, I know you can make it out alive. I promise."
Nathan felt a tear roll down his face and gave his friend a cheery grin as he pulled his best friend close to his heart. "That... That means a lot. Thank you, Twilight. I'm glad you're always there for me and willing to talk to me about these things."
She giggled as they let go. "That's what friends are for."
The two gazed upon the stars again for a minute or two. Nathan put his arm around Twilight, bringing their heads close. The mare blushed and returned the action with her hoof. Outside the friendship castle, the stars glittered and constellations were seen. It was a beautiful sight.
"Spark?
"Mhmm, Nate?"
"Do you think we're meant to be friends all along?"
Twilight thought for a bit, tapping her hoof against her chin. "I'm not sure. I mean, we do belong to two different races and we never knew the other's race existed so..."
"Well, if you'd ask me, I think it's true," Nathan expressed. "Of course, no one can rewrite destiny. Well, except Starlight." They both laughed. "Just like the stars, you can't change how they are arranged. We met by complete chance, and now I think I figured out why that is so.”
"Why?”
His head tilted a little. "I think... the heavens saw something about me. They saw my experience. They knew that only a true friend- someone like you, can change my life for the better. I know, a preposterous idea. I don't know why I was blessed, but I am definitely very pleased that I get to be with you. It’s destiny.”
The two both looked at each other, beaming.
"To me, you are the most beautiful sparkling star I have seen, Twi," Nathan said. "And I bet, one day, when you're not here, you'll actually be a star that will always shine brightly in the night. Just like how the stars outside, looking down on the land with a big heart."
Twilight gasped and covered her mouth with a hoof. "Wow... Are you always this flirty?" She asked playfully.
"Haha, not really. I just wanted to express how important all of this- Especially you, meant to me," He responded. "Was it too much? I'm sorry if it was."
The princess wiped a tear from her eye and nuzzled against her friend. Nathan pulled them down back on to the bed with a hug. Striking Twilight's mane, they both nuzzled their noses on each other's.
"Aww, you ponies are so adorable," He commented as Twilight turned to press her back firmly onto the side of Nathan's body, causing her to be the little spoon. She continued wiggling in content as she found a comfortable position.
She sighed blissfully. "Mmmm, you just make me feel so at ease."
"I say the same," Nathan said. "And holy moly, your mane is sooooo pretty and soft. And that scent is just perfect for me." He gently squeezed the mare's body close. "You're like a living plushie, Twilight."
"Aw, stop it," Twilight giggled, her cheeks turning pink. She turned back to hug Nathan again. The two spent a good while snuggling each other, both thankful to have each other by their side after being apart for a few months. As the two melted into their embrace and slowly tried to drift back into sleep, something suddenly hit the teen's mind.
"Wait..."
"Hmm?"
"Great, now I don't know if I'm gonna get enough sleep for tomorrow," He chuckled. "But if it's for my best friend, it's no worries."
Twilight's eyes shot open. "Oh, no it's not! Let me help."
She used magic and enveloped the teenager in her wings. Nathan wanted to escape, but the grip was really tight.
"H-Hey! What are you doing?"
"Hold Still!" Twilight grunted as she cast a spell.
A minute later she finally let go after a loud bang and a bright spark of magic was formed.
"I wanted to make sure you won't fall asleep during the exam, so I used magic to make you filled with energy for the next 24 hours," She explained. "Don't worry, you can still sleep for now if you want to."
"Oh, okay. Thanks," Nathan said. "So... you want me to snuggle with you tonight?"
She smiled and nodded. Soon, Twilight was purring and snuggling into Nathan's comforting arms, making the teen unable to stop smiling and giggling. He just lied down and brushed her mane frequently. She really liked the sensation- Being comforted in a way like that. She felt the fingers flow through her purple mane smoothly. Twilight sighed in bliss and slowed down her breathing, trying to focus on the snuggling. Nathan noticed this and tried to get her more comfy to let them sleep.
"Hey, Twilight?" Nathan said with a smirk, suddenly.
"Yes?"
He leaned close and kissed her on the cheek. The princess felt her face blushing as red as an apple.
"Y-You... You just..." She nervously giggled.
"Kissed you?" He finished the sentence. "Oh, sorry. I didn't know you don't-"
"Come here!" Twilight giggled as she pressed her muzzle against Nathan's cheek.
With a gasp, Nathan had a big smile. He’s never been kissed by anyone besides his parents up to that point- And he was blushing heavily. It wasn’t a true love’s kiss, but something about that brief 5-second moment told him that she really loved him as a friend. Indeed, the kiss felt very affectionate and it was very comforting. He turned his head, to kiss the princess on the muzzle. But instead of possibly ruining the situation and make it too cheesy at that point of time, Twilight just grinned and accepted the contact, not returning it simultaneously. They weren’t lovers yet, after all.
Nathan pulled away unwillingly.
“Wow...” He blissfully sighed, touching the part of his cheek where she kissed him. “Thank you, Twi!”
“*giggles* For what?” Twilight laughed.
Nathan smiled and his face turned red. “I know I’m 18 and all, but... Really, that was the first time anyone has kissed me. I’m not joking.”
Twilight makes a face of curiosity. A second later, she felt really bad that he wasn’t really loved by anyone else besides his family. So, she decided to cheer him up. She quickly flipped up the blankets with her magic, making sure nobody sees them. She makes a cold smile and unfolds her wings to launch a tickle attack.
"Oh, gosh, no!" He laughed. “Don’t you dare toucha the child!”
Nathan decides to fight it. He went on to cuddle his friend really sweetly, ignoring her tickling, even though it was really ticklish. He plants a few gentle kisses lovingly.
Twilight giggled. “Hey! Don’t make me blush! Princesses don’t like being embarrassed!”
“Haha, that’s what you get for doing that!”
“Aw, you jerk, Nate!”
After a few minutes of the two playing along in a friendly battle of cuteness towards the other, they finally managed to calm themselves down. Some of Twilight's fur was caught onto Nathan's clothes and Twilight's cheeks are already filled with kisses.
"This..." Nathan sighed in relaxation, the pair's heads touching. "This was exactly what I needed."
"For what?"
"To help me calm down from the stress, of course!" He answered. "Oh, sure, it's really late and there's like, only a few hours left until dawn but I could not believe you teleported me here without me noticing- Even better, you were very open to snuggling with me."
Twilight snickered as she flicked her tail on his legs. "You're welcome. And... I didn't really know you can be so sweet around me. I know we're best friends and all, but..."
Nathan placed a finger over her mouth.
"Haha, you squishy little butter biscuit," He said. "I squeeze you!"
As Twilight wanted to turn, Nathan pulled her again into his heart, her chest contacting with her best bud's. He strokes her fluffy ear and gives a boop on the muzzle. She rolled her eyes and nuzzled against his chest.
"Right, let's get some shut-eye while we can," Twilight advised.
Nathan's face dropped into a look of disappointment. "Aww... Okay... But still, thanks for spending time with me. You know what? I actually feel a little bit more at ease now."
Twilight gave him a pat on the back. "That's great to know."
As the two gently closed their eyes, Twilight unfolded her wings and brought Nathan closer. The teen rubbed the pony's cheeks and kissed her again. He crossed his legs with Twi's, deepening the cuddly moment. They would occasionally nuzzle each other's heads too. Drifting off to dreamland, they were both in complete warmth and bliss.
"Nathan..." Twilight whispered.
"Hmm?"
"When you finish your exams, will you be interested to go stargazing and gush over each other with me, similar to tonight?"
He put his arms around her head and gave her a loving peck on the horn. Very gently, he rubbed his friend’s face with his hand with absolute care. Twilight sighed blissfully and allowed herself to wiggle against his body. When she stopped, Nathan leaned over, to get to Twilight’s fluffy ear. He whispered:
"Why wouldn't I?"