A holiday night
Ah, a cold hearth's warming evening, just what Starlight needed to relax after such a long week of studies with the princess of friendship, and even more-so with counseling at the school of friendship, that's not to say she didn't love what she did though. When she was young, she made a mistake and she didn't have anyone to talk about it, anyone to open up that'd be there to listen to what she had to say, and because of it she grew bitter, refusing to make new friends and follow a flawed ideology. That was, until she was guided into the right path by Twilight.
She knew what it was like to be alone and have no one to talk about your problems with, and she didn't want anypony else to go through what she went. That's mostly why she loved her counseling job, and she couldn't stop thinking about it as she finished up arrangements and decorations on the castle's main hall, mostly for herself and Trixie as they were the only ones who'd be staying over during it, with Twilight and Spike out to visit their families.
She wore a small yet comfortable scarf around her neck, humming a soft tune while she revised everything in the library, just to be sure it was suited for all their holiday needs. Well, let's go over the list yet again, shall we? Starlight grabbed a small list and began muttering to herself.
"Gifts to unwrap? Check. Bonding activities? Check. Tabletop games? Check. Meals to last a lifetime? Also check. Streamers? Balloons? Confetti? I don't think we'll need all this... "
Looks like Pinkie's party planning 101 list was useful in the end, even if she didn't use some items on the lists. Then, a Loud banging on the door caught Starlight's attention, Trixie had just arrived! Starlight could barely contain herself once she heard it, and even so, she tried to remain cool, calm and collected, trotting over to the front door.
She took one deep breath as she approached the giant double doors, a confident smirk curled on her lips, more-so for her own sake so she'd be less nervous to talk to Trixie. She used her magic to slowly open the castle's front doors, this time her smile was warm and welcoming.
"Trixie! I'm so glad" She stopped halfway in her phrasing once she saw who was behind it. A female Pegasus with blonde mane and tail, carrying a satchel by her side, Ponyville's trusty mail carrier, Derpy hooves.
"Mail!"
She had a few papers in her mouth, which Starlight took using her magic, she was kind of bummed it wasn't Trixie but that wasn't an issue. She was patient, she could wait.
"Oh uh, thank you!"
She gave Derpy an Awkward smile as she closed the door, sifting through the mail to see if any was directed toward her, but none were. She floated it off to the side, leaving it on a table to be dealt with later. Then, another knock. 'Finally! Trixie's here!' She thought to herself turning around to open the door yet again with her shining optimism, giving Trixie a shiny white smile.
"Oh, I forgot to give you this... - It was Derpy again, she had some more mail for Starlight, which Starlight took once again, though mildly frustrated this time."
"Thank you... Again."
She closed the door yet again, doing the same routine she did before as she sifted through the papers, only to find out that none were addressed to her. That was when there was a 3rd knock on the door. "Really?" She thought to herself, grunting and placing a hoof in her forehead as she walked over to the door, opening it once again, blurting out in a sarcastic and snarky tone.
"Let me guess, forgot something again?"
"If I wasn't so evolved, I'd be taking that personally."
Before her was a pony dressed rather immodestly with a cape, dotted by stars. Not to mention the droopy wizard hat on-top of her head. That long platinum mane, the blue coat, that aura of egotistical superiority, emanating off of her... Yup.
"Trixie!"
Starlight quickly wrapped both front hooves around her friend, sharing her body warmth in such a cold winter evening, having an ear to ear smile as she squeezed her tight, for a second Trixie felt like her spine was about to snap from just how tight Starlight was hugging her.
"Gah! You're... Crushing me!"
"Oh, sorry!"
Starlight pulled away, her cheeks a little redder than before. It hadn't been too long since the two saw each other, but Starlight still loved every second spent with Trixie, and judging by Trixie's smile, it's fair to assume she also liked spending time with her, otherwise she wouldn't even be here this hearth's warming. Trixie stepped inside, glancing around at the castle and it's decorations, all set up by Starlight before she came over.
"Wow, all this for me?"
"Well, a great and powerful magician requires a great and powerful entrance right? - Starlight chuckled as she closed the door, locking the cold out."
"I'm just surprised. Didn't you say this was going to be a thing just between us?"
"Exactly! But I still wanted to put up some decorations..."
Trixie examined the castle's decorations, they had been clearly very carefully set up with lots of attention to detail, and she honestly felt honored to be greeted in such a way. Most hearth's warming nights that she spent were on her wagon, alone. But now she had a true friend by her side, who truly cared about her and her needs. Being by herself through most of her life, Trixie just wanted to perform her magic and be admired for it, bringing people joy through magic is what she lived for.
But ever since the incidents with Twilight, she grew Jealous, and in a attempt at besting her, she just made an idiot out of herself. But Starlight gave her a second chance, even when others wouldn't, when even the Princess of Friendship herself didn't show empathy, Starlight extended a hoof for a pony in need. Trixie didn't want Starlight, she needed her. She reflected on all this quietly as she inspected all that Starlight had put up for her, a display of care and kindness.
Starlight felt the same way too, her usual hearth's warming nights back in her village were mostly dull. Even if surrounded by so many ponies, it didn't feel quite right, something never clicked with her. But ever since she met Trixie, it's like she had someone to rely on when things got rough, someone she could trust with her secrets too, and with her cloudy dark past, she could also relate to Trixie, being left alone and not having someone there for you can be quite rough. Just as Trixie needed Starlight, she too needed Trixie. And as Trixie was inspecting the hearth's swarming decorations she put up just for her, she couldn't help but smile seeing the appreciation of her friend.
"Oh Trixie! I uh, I've got some bonding activities we could do over the night together!"
Trixie turned around to face starlight, raising a brow at her comment. Bonding activities? Well she definitely wouldn't mind spending time with Starlight, it could be a lot of fun too.
"Sure, what'd you have in mind?"
"Well, for starters, I got a little help from the girls in order to figure out what we should do tonight! Each of them suggested something we could try."
"Well then, what's first on the list?"
"Well... Of course Twilight suggested reading some hearth'swarming stories so we're reminded of why this night is so important."
Story time? While this would usually be a boring task for Trixie, somehow it didn't seem that bad with Starlight around. Trixie was sure that Starlight would find a way to make this somehow entertaining and fun, even if just having her there was already enough.
Trixie nodded, agreeing to it and with her approval, Starlight took the lead as she guided Trixie through the long hallways of the castle. She had been there before a few times sure, but it was still fairly confusing with all it's doors and different rooms, bedrooms, library, storage rooms, the map room, and everything else. Starlight was confused at first when she got to the castle, just like Trixie, but after living in it for so long you end up getting used to it.
"Nice scarf by the way, looks cute on you."
Trixie pointed to Starlight's cozy scarf, it was purple and had a few streaks of a pale blue color, it mixed well with her mane and tail. The compliment made Starlight's eyes open in surprise, almost stumbling on her footing, even if it was such a simple and non-suggestive compliment, coming from Trixie it meant a lot more than just that.
"T-Thanks! I um... I picked it myself, mixes well with my mane, right?" Starlight spoke through her blushing and flustering, trying to not get distracted too hard, the night had only begun after all.
Soon enough they reached the castle's library, just like all other parts of the castle, this too was cutely decorated all over with different kinds of Hearth'swarming decorations. multi-colored lights that blinked in synchrony, red ribbons covering the walls like there were gifts to unwrap, Hearth'swarming wreaths all over the different pillars as well and even a mistletoe under the entrance.
Trixie was starstruck seeing all these beautiful decorations so neatly organized, and Starlight was more than proud to show off her days of planning and hours of preparations to Trixie, giving herself gratifying smile almost as if quietly telling her "Yup, I did all this for you." and Trixie certainly appreciated the attention to detail that was put in every inch of those rooms.
"Wow! Starlight, this place looks amazing! I mean it's still not perfect, I don't think some of the decorations are symmetrical and also there's some dust in the bookshelves..."
Starlight immediately dropped down her proud smile, staring dead into Trixie as she picked apart her decorating skills, and with a lift of a brow and a frown on her face, Trixie got the message, going back to complimenting her.
"Buuuuuttttt it still looks amazing! Better than anything I could do if that helps?"
Starlight just rolled her eyes with a slight smirk, already accustomed to Trixie's antics as she walked into the library, making her way over to one of the bookshelves. It was a very large library too, the whole wall lined up with shelves of books upon books upon books all the wall up to the tall ceiling, a sight to behold for any bookworm pony like Twilight or Even Starlight herself.
Trixie wasn't much to reading though, I mean she read a few books here and there, especially when she was starting out with magic as she followed the examples of her great masters, though anything after that was more than lost on her and I wouldn't consider "Stage magic 101: Magic tricks for Dummies" actual important literature. Not like Trixie cared, she was happy doing her own thing and it would stay that way until the end of times.
"Have you even read any of these?" Trixie asked, pointing to the hundreds of books neatly organized on the shelves.
"Some of them... I mean, mostly the Spell books and such, but Twilight's got a huge library, I'm sure she has something on Hearth's warming. Should be here on the history section..."
Starlight floated a few books off the shelf, holding them as she glanced up at their covers. "Ancient Pillars of Equestria" , "The two sisters" , "Discord and chaos magic, can it be used for good?" Among many others. It took her a few seconds to finally find the book she was supposed to read, giving herself a proud "Ha! Found it!" Once she did.
By then Trixie had already become quite comfortable even with the castle's hard crystal seats and tables, laying back on the chair whilst putting her hind hooves on the table, like a delinquent teen in detention who had not a care in the world. Starlight made her way over with the book, it wasn't very thick and seemed to be a short simplified story, much to the relief of Trixie.
"Do you know the story of Hearth'swarming Trixie?"
"Who doesn't? Hearth's warming comes around and suddenly everyone remembers the story, just an old mare's tale though."
"But it's not an old mare's tale, it actually happened" Starlight raised a brow as she sat down in front of Trixie, placing the book on the table.
"Come on Starlight, you really think that Windigos exist?"
"Trixie, you're living in the same world where Time travel is possible , Friendship is actual magic and a 'Magician' " Starlight performed air quotes with her hooves. "Like you can't perform actual magic."
" Hey! " Trixie felt absolutely offended, shifting from her resting position as Starlight snickered under her breath, trying to hide her giggles.
"Is it really that hard to believe that Mythical creatures like the windigos exist?"
As much as Trixie hated to admit it, Starlight did make a good point. Suddenly the idea of a windigo didn't seem so far fetched, but she still had her doubts as she grumbled and muttered quietly under her breath, watching Starlight open the book with her arms crossed.
" Of course I can perform magic... "
And so, Starlight began telling Trixie about the tales of Hearth's warming, a story that had been told a million times over ever since the events that took place in that cold and dark cave, and yet... Somehow Trixie felt hypnotized by the way Starlight spoke, she wasn't sure what it was about her friend that had changed the way she felt toward the story, but it felt fresh and different for some reason. She listened attentively the whole way through, despite being dismissive of it at first.
Starlight gave Trixie a good show too, using her magic and body to help illustrate the story as she went along and breathe new life into an old tale that was well known for everypony, but that's not what was interesting Trixie... No, it was something else.
Trixie listened to Starlight speak, but she couldn't help but get lost in her. It wasn't the story, it was Starlight, and that became very obvious when Trixie started googling up her friend like she was a kid at a candy store. What's this weird feeling? Starlight was her friend but Trixie felt different About her, she didn't feel like Starlight was her best friend, something more and something she couldn't describe. Or maybe she could, but she still didn't want to admit the truth, she couldn't believe she was feeling... Love?
No, not with Starlight, it couldn't be love... Or could it? I mean, you don't just stare at someone like that and not feel a thing, there's something deeper in Trixie's heart that showed that she actually cared deeply about Starlight, but that couldn't mean they were in love, right? It was a flurry of emotions that Trixie was trying to process, and it was hard for her to do so since she'd never even closely felt something like this before, she didn't think that she'd be capable of being loved by someone either, so even if she did love Starlight, there's absolutely zero chance she would feel the same way.
It was a tough predicament for Trixie, and as she just stared into Starlight's large eyes she tried to process all these strange feelings, her attention was in a whole another dimension she had barely heard a percent of what Starlight was even saying.
"And that's how hearth's warming became a holiday!"
"Uum... Yeah... A holiday..." Trixie gave Starlight this fixated look, it almost felt soul-piercing and hypnotizing, not even Starlight could look away.
The room went awfully quiet, as the two just silently stared at one another, Starlight could feel herself blushing, why was Trixie looking so intensely at her? Is it something on her mane? Maybe she had a bit of carrot stuck in-between her teeth? Suddenly Trixie realized what she had been doing for the past 10 seconds or so, quickly jumping out of her wall-eyed state, she was blushing too, embarrassed she had spent so long lost in Starlight's eyes.
"Gah! I- Um- I mean- Yeah! It's a fun story and um, it has lots of... Story to it?" Trixie gave Starlight this awkward smile and a shrug, before rubbing the back of her head.
Starlight didn't say much, but the cogs in her little unicorn head started running. Why was she staring so much at her? Maybe it's best she thinks about this later, There are a few bonding activities left to do still.
"R-Right! Well, um... Let's see what's next on the activities list." Starlight lifted up the paper from the side of the table, looking through what could be a fun activity for the two of them. "How about this? Applejack suggests we make snow ponies outside."
"Well if I'm being honest, I'd rather spend time inside you..." Trixie's eyes widened, quickly going back on her sentence. "I- I mean, time inside with you! Here, let me see!"
Trixie forcefully took the paper away from Starlight's magical grasp, taking a gander at it herself. Starlight was surprised but didn't think much of it, at least not yet...
"What kind of bonding suggestions are these? Ice skating from Rainbow dash, Rarity says we should sow a hearth's warming themed carpet and Fluttershy wants us to take care of animals.... That's not even remotely related to Hearth's warming!"
"I mean... I guess it's got kindness...? Like how the settlers were kind to one another or something...?"
"Eh sure sure, here, this one seems interesting, Pinkie pie says we should cake her special Hearth's warming cupcakes! And I only want to do this because I've eaten nothing in the past few hours."
"Y'know I made snacks for us, right?" Starlight pointed over to a table full of hearth's warming themed ginger-ponies and other sweets "If you're hungry, we could just eat that."
"Yeah but where's the fun in it? Let's make something together, we can make great and powerful cookies! Fear not, the great and powerful chef Trixie Lulamoon will help you Starlight!"
Trixie spread her hooves wide into the air as she announced her great and powerful plans for great and powerful cookies, giving Starlight a wide smile, as Starlight giggled at all the silliness, though the attempt at making her laugh did work, so Trixie counted it as a win on her book.
Starlight decided to take lead, stringing Trixie along the castle's hallways and leading her over to the kitchen, which wasn't too far away, all the while Starlight kept thinking about, well, everything up to this point. The compliments, the stare, something seemed different about Trixie but she couldn't quite put her finger on what... Maybe she'd have time to think about all this once she was assisting Trixie with the baking.
Swinging open the kitchen door, she gestured for Trixie to come in first, where the supplies already lay on the counter for them to start making their cupcakes. And these were no ordinary cupcakes, they were specifically themed around Hearth's warming, perfect for the occasion.
"Okay Starlight, be my great and powerful assistant! We can get these done in no time! Let me just check the recipe..."
Trixie floated the paper closer to her once again, taking a good read at what was supposed to be the recipe, and it seemed simple enough, and while she pre-heated the oven, Starlight floated over the ingredients to Trixie, who desperately looked for a bowl to mix it all in, and once she did, she floated all the ingredients over, putting them all into the bowl without a care in the world.
"Uh Trixie, shouldn't you be taking measurements? It says here only two spoonfuls of butter, but you put an entire stick in there..."
"Details Starlight, details! One or two sticks of butter, you won't even notice the difference!"
"Yeah, but I also don't think you're supposed to put the entire bag of flour.*
"Details!"
Starlight just shrugged, letting Trixie have fun cooking up the recipe. She didn't really care for the actual cupcakes, she enjoyed spending time with Trixie none-the-less and it was less about the actual food and more about being with her best friend. But yet, as Trixie continued cooking, humming a tune to herself, Starlight couldn't help but simply think about her friendship with Trixie.
Ever since she met Trixie, her life changed for the better. Showing Trixie the empathy she had been shown by Twilight had been the best decision she ever made, and for as long as Starlight was a good friend to Trixie, even with her narcissistic tone, she still very much listened to Starlight whenever she needed to vent about something, always there to help her...
Starlight took solace in Trixie, for most of her childhood and even throughout the years she spent in her village, she felt miserable and alone for never having a true friend to listen to her whenever she needed it, and then what became of her? She should've known such trauma from childhood would carry into her adult life, brainwashing an entire village into following a flawed ideology.
And that's why Starlight had a deep hidden love for Trixie, but she was afraid of admitting it, what if she didn't feel the same way? What if Trixie stopped being friends with her because of it? It was a risk too big to take, and sure she'd always have Twilight, Sunburst, Maud, but no one was as close and intimate to her as Trixie was. Without Trixie, Starlight's life would be much different, and for the worse, and she didn't want to even think about losing her.
It was a lot to take in, but she knew exactly what that feeling was, and it was hard to hide it. She had done it for such a long time now, she didn't want to keep it in, but she was still afraid of Trixie's response, how would she react to such a thing?
"Starlight?"
" I love you! "
There was an awkward silence between the two for a few good seconds, before Starlight tried to continue like nothing had happened.
"Um, nothing! Need something Trixie?"
L
"Yeah... The cupcakes are baking, and I've also got flour all over my mane..."
Starlight examined Trixie a bit more thoroughly, seeing just how covered in flour she was, how'd that even happen? There was also still some cupcake mix left in the bowl.
"Heh, you look um, kind of cute Trixie."
Trixie's eyes widened. Cute?! Did Starlight really just say that!? Her cheeks flushed red, and since she hated to admit it, she just blurted out a:
"Hey! I don't- That's not how this works! I look powerful and beautiful, that's how I look!"
While Starlight was mocking her, she quickly looked around the room, grabbing a small spoon she found laying on the counter, sweeping up some cake mix only to fling it in Starlight's direction. It hit her face, and Starlight looked surprised with a gasp, while Trixie was more than proud of herself.
"Ha! That's what you get for insulting the great and powerful Trixie!"
Trixie flung her mane with one hoof, as if showing off, but Starlight... Starlight stood still, having that droopy and buttery cupcake mix on her face. Trixie was laughing but her laughter turned to worry. Why didn't she say anything? Why wasn't she moving? Had Trixie done something wrong? Was Starlight just really angry at her? The anxiety began to settle.
"Um... Starlight? "
But she did not respond, just looking dead on at Trixie and stepping closer. Suddenly the cheerful nature became intimidating, Starlight's stare was almost soul piercing and even without a single word, she was still able to instill fear and doubt in the heart of Trixie, who just backed away slightly, wide eyed with her heart beating fast... What was Starlight going to do?
"I-I'm sorry! I was just joking around and-"
Suddenly, something hit Trixie dead on. She took a quick glance only to see the cupcake mix, with Starlight behind her, floating a spoon by her side.
She had this evil smirk, as if she had been challenged... And she was determined to win this competition. Trixie was relieved she wasn't pissed, and was even more determined to get back at her, and so she shot back, this time she missed though, and Starlight yet again flung the mix onto her face. A war had started in the kitchen as hundreds of spoonfuls of cupcake mix were launched all over, again and again. Some hit, but some which sacrificed their lives for the great cupcake war of Hearth's warming, never made it back...
Soon enough, both Trixie and Starlight were giggling and laughing like schoolgirls, throwing cupcake mix at each-other and covering not only themselves but also the entirety of the kitchen in it, of course, they would have to clean this all up later, but for now they just enjoyed themselves.
It didn't take long for the baking to be complete, and by then the two were tired of running around the kitchen like hyperactive children, but once it all came to a halt, Starlight and Trixie were already panting from the action, clearly neither of them had the best of stamina.
"I think I won that" Trixie announced proudly, only to be contradicted by Starlight
"I'm pretty sure I hit you a few good times... "
Starlight searched through the drawers, looking for a towel or something that would clean all this cake mix out of her coat, eventually finding a white towel which she used to wipe the mix off her body, and not long after she was pretty much spotless. Trixie on the other hoof, seemed to be having... Slight issues with the cupcakes to put it mildly.
"Um... Starlight?"
"What?"
Starlight glanced over at the oven, only to see that the small cupcakes had turned into droopy monstrosities, they barely even retained their original shape. Trixie floated them over, placing them on-top of the counter, looking at that abhorrent disgrace of a cupcake, her gag reflex almost made her puke.
"Wow Trixie um... Those look um..."
"I mean, I'm sure we can have a go, right? "
Reluctantly, Starlight nodded to Trixie's suggestion, still precocious as she floated the cupcake her way and Trixie did the same. They both stared at each-other for a second, getting ready to take a bite, and they silently agreed to do it together. Okay then, one... two...
"Trixie! I can see you're waiting for me to eat first!"
"What- Me?! No I was um, just making sure that um, you could eat it with no problems! What if you choked and I was busy enjoying my delicious food?"
Trixie gave Starlight an awkward smile, But Starlight was having none of it. Another time, one... Two... They both took the tiniest nibble out of it. And it tasted... Surprisingly good? Huh. Maybe it just looked like a universal mistake in reality, but in fact, it wasn't all that bad. Starlight smirked once she swallowed her chunk.
"I expected this to be awful."
"That's no way to treat a friend! I thought you were supposed to encourage me to follow my dreams"
"Trixie, we can both agree you wouldn't be a good chef. At all."
"It tastes good doesn't it? If that doesn't prove that I am a great and powerful chef, I don't know what will! Food critics nowadays, so picky..."
By the time Trixie had finished complaining, Starlight had eaten an entire cupcake and was more than willing to have a few more, floating the closer to her alongside another cupcake as she took a bite and continued reading.
"I mean we can skip this... We don't really have to do this... How about we just skip to exchanging gifts to each-other?"
Gift exchange, not a bad idea. Starlight had gotten a pretty good present for Trixie this year too, something very heart that told Trixie how Starlight really felt about her relationship with Trixie. She went first, being followed closely behind by Trixie who still had 1 or 2 cupcakes in her mouth.
"Yeah sure! I don't wanna brag anything, but I've got the best and most powerful gift of all! You'll never see it coming."
Always the same story with Trixie, she would always give Starlight these types gifts, usually ones that reminded Starlight of Trixie. Last year, it was a wizard hat, like the one Trixie has and Starlight still has it close to her in her bedroom. Starlight on the other hoof, was more keen on giving her friend heartfelt presents, ones that represented their friendship, the love and care they shared with each-other, and Starlight's gift last year was a picture she had framed of the two, which she proudly hung up on the inside of her cluttered wagon. After organizing some space for it, of course.
Starlight and Trixie made their way to another room in the castle, it was closer to the library and was more like a reading room for both Starlight and Twilight, with a neat little fireplace and a few chairs which they repurposed for a gift exchange room. As the two entered, the bright had already been burning for a couple of minutes, and there were a few gifts close to the campfire, the windows outside indicated that night time was coming and the sun had already began to set, the festive lights giving more accents to the town outside as the roofs had been lined up with them.
The room itself felt cozy, warmer than the snow outside and definitely more comfortable. Starlight closed the door behind them as the two entered, while Trixie was making her way closer to the campfire, sitting in front of it, finally taking off her hat and her cape. Starlight followed suit as she sat across from Trixie, using her magic to unwrap her scarf from her neck, placing it on the ground beside her.
The two were awkward at first, this wasn't usually what happened during the gift exchange. Often times, Twilight and her friends would be present to help kick the gift giving off, but this time it felt a bit different. With all that had happened this night, the two could only wonder what they would give each-other.
"So um, Trixie, I got you a little something! It's not much but it's just to show that I care, really."
Starlight already had the gift in the room for Trixie, and used her magic to quickly float it over closer to the two. A skinny rectangular box, wrapped in a blueish and sparkly wrapping paper, with a neat golden bow helping to tie it together. Trixie too had something for her friend, placing in front of Starlight a tiny box, it was wrapped in a light shade of lilac with a dark blue bow to finish it all up.
"You open mine first!"
Trixie pointed to her gift, handing it over to her friend with a smile on her face, her cheeks flushing a bit red. She was excited to see the reaction of her friend, having prepared this gift and planning it for days. Starlight looked down, slowly unwrapping the bow and lifting the top from the box.
Underneath it were 2 small bracelets, one had Trixie's cutie mark while the other had Starlight's. This was more of a gift for the two, instead of a gift just for one of them. Starlight looked down, with a soft gasp which quickly transformed into a slight smile and an:
"Awww! Trixie, This is adorable! Friendship bracelets? I didn't know you were into this!"
"I know right!? I made them myself!"
She was quick to float the bracelet with Trixie's cutie mark onto her left front hoof, rotating it around while inspecting with a smile. This years gift was more than special, she always enjoyed Trixie's gifts mostly because they came from her. But this was hoof crafted, knowing that Trixie had spent time creating her own gift for Starlight made it even better, and as Trixie saw the smile on Starlight's face, it made all that time Spent with Pinkie learning how to do something like that all the more worth it.
Trixie also took her bracelet, with Starlight's cutie mark on it and quickly wrapped it around her left front hoof, showing it off to Starlight with a big, proud smile on her face all the while Starlight just giggled back at her. No more time to waste though, it's finally time for Trixie to open Starlight's gift.
Slowly, Trixie unraveled the gift presented before her, pulling off the top to reveal a... book? Trixie stayed silent for a second as she floated up the book from it's box, and flipped through the pages only to find pictures of her and Starlight, a Scrap book of their memories together... Trixie stayed quiet, still looking through it.
"I just thought i'd put our memories on a book for us to look back on... So um... Do you like it...?"
The anxiety began to settle in Starlight, mixed in with Trixie's silence. Why wasn't she saying anything? Did she not like the gift? Maybe something different would have been better? And as Trixie looked through, she saw that almost everything they had done together was in there, from the most minor details to the larger grand adventures they went on. The first time they met at the spa, Starlight saving Trixie from the Manticore, their adventures on the road to friendship, even their disagreements but their eventual getting back together...
It left Trixie speechless, it was proof of how long-lasting their friendship would be, how even with all the disagreements, it would never break and having such an amazing friend by her friend was exactly what Trixie wanted. Her decision was made. As she placed the scrap book off to the side, she gulped down, her heart racing fast, her eyes locked into Starlight's with a soul piercing gaze. It took a lot of time and courage, but this was it, she was going to tell Starlight how she really felt.