Magic and Moonlight

by AutumnRose

First published

After finding Trixie clinging to life, Twilight must decide whether or not she is ready for love...

After a long week of suffering, Twilight cannot clear her mind of lingering issues. When she finds Trixie nearly dead, Twilight stirs up feelings for the blue unicorn she didn't know existed. Trixie is all too willing to give this relationship a try, but is Twilight ready for such a commitment? Does she really love this show-mare or is Twilight just feeling guilty over the way she treated her...

Chapter 1 - Twilight's First Murder?

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Magic and Moonlight
AutumnRose
Ch.1, Twilight's First Murder?

Twilight tossed and turned in her bed. The violet unicorn had an unbearable headache and her muscles were very sore. She turned onto her side, which felt comfortable for a moment before a small throbbing sensation in her ear began to bother her. She decided to try sleeping on her back, for the twenty third time tonight.

Something was definitely wrong.

She looked at the clock on her nightstand.

1:30 AM

Twilight couldn't understand why she hadn't been able to get a good night's rest in over a week and it was REALLY getting to her. Twilight tried to repeatedly identify something, anything, that would have so much precedence in her life that it would interfere with her normal sleep patterns. Well... nothing stuck out as particularly stressful or extraordinary.

At least by Ponyville standards...

She giggled at her own joke. Silently muttering an, “Oh, Twilight...” to nopony in particular. In all seriousness she was starting to get rather worried. After all, how could she study when at this point she had trouble even seeing properly. No, that wouldn't do at all. Twilight pondered for a bit and thought to herself-

Well there is something I haven't taken care of in a while...

Twilight was pretty content with that idea, but unfortunately she decided it was out of the question as Spike was sleeping only about 2 meters away. The disappointed unicorn loudly groaned in irritation. Twilight squeezed her eyes shut and audibly spoke in a frustrated tone, “ Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep ,SLEEP!”

“I'm trying to, but you keep waking me up!” grumbled a very aggravated Spike.

Twilight sighed deeply and turned to face her number one assistant. As she rolled over she felt as if almost all of her energy reserves went into just making that one movement.

“I'm sorry... ummm... Spike. It's just that these sleepless nights are really taking their toll.”

To this she only got a muffled

“Whatever”

Twilight Sighed. She found it more and more difficult to remember names by the day. This had to end now. Maybe some fresh air would help?

….......................



“I'll be back in... ten minutes okay? ... I just need to clear my head a bit.” This was a lie. Twilight knew the probability of this working was next to zero and she didn't really have any thoughts on her mind.

“Alright, but I'm leaving the library door unlocked. I'm not getting up again.” Spike yawned as he shut the door. The purple dragon slowly made his way back upstairs. Finally some rest! Twilight's constant tossing and turning had kept him up all of those nights as well, but he was fortunate enough to be able to sleep during the day.

Twilight was a bit worried about the door being unlocked, somepony might want to come in and steal all the books! She imagined them, a mob of angry bloodthirsty hooligans, shoving row after row of books in sacs. Oh! And what if Spike tried to stop them! Who knows what the wretched creatures would do to him! And all to get at her favorite books! Who would do that anyway! What kind of heartless monsters would kill for books! Why, she ought to teach them a lesson. Nopony messes with her books and gets away with it!

A breeze of cold night air snapped the violet unicorn back into reality. Twilight had been standing in front of her home for about twenty minutes making faces of varying degrees of fear and anger while stomping her hooves on the ground. The unicorn reasoned that in her state she wouldn't be able to fight anypony off anyway. So, worries aside, the cold mare walked alone through the empty streets of Ponyville.


….........................



Twilight shivered as she walked throughout the night. What was supposed to be a quick ten minute walk was more like a grueling 3 hour workout. Twilight, though, hadn't noticed as her mind had finally settled and she began to do what she did best, think.

All of this started a week ago... what happened a week ago... nothing in particular... except... no that couldn’t be it... the sun will be up soon. Princess... Celestia... she's such a nice pony... I love her... tomorrow... I'll send her a letter... with a flower in it... she'll like that... I'm such a terrible student...

The violet unicorn's mind began to cloud again. Every time she thought she might finally have the answers she desperately craved, she got this strange feeling and her mind muddled up again. Why couldn't she concentrate! Twilight soon came to a small stone bridge. She walked onto its cobblestone like surface. Every hoofstep she took echoed off in the distance. About halfway she leaned over the edge. She noticed how calming the quiet sounds of the sloshing river current were. Twilight closed her eyes... and opened them again. Nope that didn't work.

Twilight reasoned that Spike would be worried if he woke up and she wasn't there, as the walk home would take a very long time and he was likely to be up and about doing his morning chores.
As she turned around, something blue caught her eyes. The object lay half buried in the mud of the riverbed. The unicorn's curiosity got the better of her and she crossed over to the other side of the bridge to investigate.

Twilight trotted up to this object. What ever it was, it sure was oddly shaped. Gosh, if only it were a bit brighter out. The unicorn paused for a bit. She grunted softly as she tried to summon enough magic to make a small light. Luckily it took little effort. Twilight smiled at her small accomplishment.

"Ok, now to see wha... w-wha... WHAT THE!” Twilight screamed as she realized what she was looking at.

Trixie's frail lifeless body was filthy and half covered in mud. She was soaking wet and had gashes of varying intensity covering her body. The worst of them were around her throat. Twilight slowly extended a hoof out and desperately hoped that Trixie would wake up.

“T-Trixie! TRIXIE!” Twilight could feel her stomach churning. She turned away and heaved into the nearby river.

Oh Trixie!, who could have done this to you! If only I had gone after you that night! You might still be...

Twilight glanced over to Trixie's body. No, it couldn't be. She couldn't be dead. Twilight concentrated and watched for breathing. She couldn't make out any movement in the blue mares chest. Twilight quickly levitated Trixie's body onto her back and concentrated really REALLY hard on getting to the library.


….......................



In a brilliant flash of light, they were there. Twilight was exhausted. The blue unicorn tumbled from Twilight's back and landed on the floor with a loud sickening squish. The violet unicorn cringed at the sound and quickly scooped Trixie into her hooves... Cradling the blue unicorn like an infant, Twilight squeezed the lifeless body while pressing her own cheek against Trixie's cold, wet forehead.

“I'm so sorry,” whispered Twilight, “I never knew this would happen to you Trixie... I... you deserved better...”

Tears streamed down Twilight's cheeks and mixed with the stains that Trixie's blood had left on Twilight's own fur. She sniffled loudly as she stroked Trixie's mane.

“It's ok, It's ok, nopony can hurt you...n-now... ever a-again..” Twilight suppressed a scream of pure agony as she rocked back and forth, “I'll never let anypony hurt you... I promise."

Twilight barely heard the pitter patter of a pair of tiny feet descending the staircase. Spike rubbed his eyes as he looked up half-asleep. He slowly backed up against the wall of the tree, He couldn't understand what he was seeing, but it scared him.

“Twilight...”

“She's dead Spike! Dead, dead, dead, dead, dead,dead, dead, dead-DEAD!”

Spike walked up to Twilight very cautiously. “H-HOW!?!” This was the best and only way Spike could muster the coherent thought necessary to describe the thousands of questions piercing his tiny brain all at once.

“I d-don't know, I-I just found her washed up along the river!” Twilight began to vent her guilt with loud melancholy screams of pure unfettered pain. “I did this, it's my fault, I'm a murderer Spike, a murderer!”

This display only got Spike so worked up he began to panic.

“I'm gonna send a letter to The Princess right now!” Spike ran towards the libraries storeroom, where he kept the royal parchment.

Twilight hadn't heard this over the sounds of her own lamentation. She carried Trixie upstairs and gently placed the body in her own bed, on it's back. She's so cold. “Why did this happen to you,” Twilight looked away for a moment, then turned back,”It's my fault, I could have helped you...but instead I let my stupid arrogance get in the way!”

The violet unicorn dropped to the floor and covered her face with her hooves. She began to sob again but soon realized that there were legal matters to attend to. She couldn't just let Trixie rot there. Twilight felt another heave work its way up her throat at the thought of it. And so the unicorn left the bedroom in order to find a book that would help her with this whole ordeal.



….....................



Trixie groaned and slowly opened her eyes. She wasn't outside anymore. She was indoors. She felt a wave of happiness flow through her aching body as she snuggled into a pillow.

Wait.

Why was she in a bed?

What happened...

Trixie tried her best to remember the last few hours, to no avail. It only succeeded is giving her a worse headache than she already had. Reluctantly, the blue unicorn slowly sat up. Her frail body shivering as she looked around. Her aching muscles screaming in protest.

I'm in somepony's bedroom?

Trixie looked down at her body. She noticed all of the deep gashes, and the mud that had caked on her fur. But, what was particularly strange to her was the provocative position in which she was lying on the bed.

Oh Celestia, please tell me that nopony did anything to me!

The frail mare laid down once again and turned over on her side. She looked out the huge window on the back wall. The stars were beautiful tonight. But suddenly the creaking of the bedroom door caught Trixie's attention. Her little pony heart was beating faster than she ever thought possible for a little pony heart to beat without rupturing. She breathed in loud obnoxious gasps out of fear. She could feel the unnamed stallion staring at her back. It sent shivers up and down her spine. Trixie gulped as the hoofsteps drew closer but she dared not look. She curled up even more. What could this monster want? Money? No, she didn't have any. Replaying an earlier thought, Trixie cringed.

Trixie lifted her tail slightly and stuttered out, “J-Just d-do whatever your going t-to d-do to Trixie and p-please l-let Trixie go!” Her body shook with fear as she began sobbing quietly. A pair of violet hooves turned her over onto her back. Trixie shut her eyes tightly as she felt the warmth of a soft belly make contact with hers. “Please be gentle...”

“You're alive!”

Trixie opened her eyes and saw only the beaming face of a violet mare who was now frantically singing, “You're alive, you're alive, you're alive, you're alive! I though I killed you, but you're ALIVE!”

Trixie felt a rush of relief, then confusion, but that lasted only for a second as she realized who this purple unicorn was. In fact she began to feel angry.

“Oh, It's you.”

“You're alive! Oh thank Celestia! Your alive, I was so scared, I thought I'd lost you!”

Twilight pressed her face up to Trixie's and was now crying tears of joy while stroking her mane. All feelings of anger dissipated with this tender embrace. Trixie couldn't for the life of her understand why this unicorn was crying so hard. Or why this violet mare even cared enough to rescue her. But it didn’t matter to her, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

Though, to be honest, Trixie had thought of Twilight. Trixie had relived that night for over a week now. It haunted her. And so did the face of the beautiful violet unicorn standing in the cool glow of the moon, Twilight.
Trixie had assumed that Twilight would never ever want to speak to her again. Much to her dismay. But Twilight was much more than a pretty face to Trixie, to her Twilight represented to Trixie what she had always wanted, but was never able to attain. Power, friendship, fame, love...

And now they were in bed together.

Trixie gasped in pain as Twilight nuzzled one of the open gashes on her throat. “OH MY GOSH! I'm soooooooooo sorry Trixie, I forg-” A shivering blue hoof graced Twilight's lips.

“Don't be sorry Twilight, Trixie should be the one apologizing for what she's done.” Trixie shed a tear.
Turning away from Twilight, Trixie continued. “Sometimes you don't see good things that come into your life because you just want to desperately believe that-”

“Trixie if it wasn't for me you would have never gotten hurt! You would have stayed safe, I almost killed you, I'm the one to bla- “ This time Twilight was interrupted by a pair of soft lips, pressed up against her own.

I'm sorry Twilight, but I may never get another chance.

Chapter 2 - Unforeseen Circumstances

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Magic and Moonlight
AutumnRose
Chapter 2
Unforeseen Circumstances

Trixie slowly pushed forward, pressing herself up against Twilight. The blue unicorn let a soft moan escape as she felt the warmth of her lavender counterpart. The deep lacerations around her neck and chest sent shivers of pain through her body as the lavender unicorn's fur rubbed against them. The blue magician simply ignored the pain. As all of her worries, fears, and concerns melted away. The lavender pony slowly closed her eyes and allowed herself to be pushed into an awkward, seated position. Her heart was racing, but her mind was still.

This sudden, forceful, display of affection had disorientated the bookworm beyond words. Twilight felt warmth spread across her cheeks as she tried to come to grips with the situation. She fumbled around with her hooves, struggling to determine whether to fight back against the passionate mare or allow the azure unicorn to vent. She reasoned that Trixie must have gone through something very traumatic and was acting out as a way of coming to grips with the situation. She wrapped her hooves around the blue showmare, deciding it might be harmful to reject her.

Trixie enjoyed the sensation of her violet companion's hooves occasionally brushing against her sides, despite the pain it was causing. This moment was what she had craved for far too long. Every fiber of her being was aching for more. Despairingly too soon, though, the azure pony felt the pain in her chest grow to be unbearable. She grew light headed and dizzy. The blue unicorn needed to breathe.

The showmare pulled away from Twilight, gasping for air in slow, unsteady heaves. She stared deeply into the librarian's violet eyes, searching for a reaction. The lavender pony opened her mouth a little as if she were going to speak, but blushed and turned away. Tears stung at the azure unicorn's eyes. She could hardly stifle the whimpers that threatened to break through. Breathing was becoming very difficult for the distraught mare, and she started to become lightheaded. The blue unicorn backed away hesitantly.

Trixie feared what was probably coming next. She imagined the enraged librarian viciously beating her to a bloody pulp with a pillow. The blue magician quickly turned over to face the back wall. She laid down and squeezed herself into a little ball. What will Twilight think after such an event? Thought the anxious unicorn.

"I'm so sorry Twilight," the blue unicorn whispered. The bookworm responded by gingerly placing a hoof on the blue mare's withers. Twilight felt a warmth towards the despondent pony laying before her.

The violet unicorn sweetly inquired, "Trixie, do you want to talk about what just happened?"

The showmare was too scared to look back at Twilight, and simply shook her head. The tension was clear to the book lover, whom regretted her delayed reaction to the azure magician's kiss. She felt her heart sink as she realized that she had already broken the promise she had made to the showmare only minutes before. The violet unicorn desperately wanted to explain herself to Trixie.

"Trixie, I apologize. I was caught a little off guard. I've never really... you know... kissed anyone..." admitted the lavender pony.

The blue showmare laid there, silently shivering. Twilight gave her a look of concern. She had read in a pony psychology book that physical contact can show empathy and could get ponies to open up. The bookworm decided she would give the method a try, hoping it wouldn't make the situation worse. Carefully, Twilight laid down behind Trixie and maneuvered herself into a soft hug.

"Trixie, I'm not mad. I never mean to hurt your feelings. I just want to help you. Do you want to talk about whom hurt you?” asked the librarian in a motherly tone.

The showmare shook her head again. Her shivering died down as she began to relax. Twilight isn't mad at me? pondered the blue magician.

Celestia's faithful student was lost in thought as to what her next move should be. This was all so new to her. How do you deal with something like this? Should I get the police? I don't want to leave Trixie alone. contemplated the lavender mare. Everypony was still asleep at this hour. Twilight wracked her mind, demanding an answer.

The blue unicorn coughed violently. The librarian jumped, giving a small squeak of surprise. Quickly followed by feeling silly for being scared by such a mundane action.

"Trixie are you alright?" asked a concerned Twilight.

The magician didn't look back at her, but nodded. "Trixie is fine."

"Trixie, I'd like to know what happened." prodded the bookworm.

"I... Trixie... ," the azure mare murmured quietly. "Trixie was..."

The violet pony shifted closer to the nervous azure mare in order to hear her faint whispers. She didn't want to press the blue unicorn into telling her. The bookworm was prepared to wait until Trixie was ready to talk about it.

“Trixie,” started the lavender unicorn, “I don't want to force the answers out of you. If it makes you feel uncomfortable we don't have to talk about it.” Twilight's natural curiosity was left disappointed as the librarian waited patiently for the showmare to respond.

Trixie's throat grew tight, the azure unicorn felt as if she were being strangled. Who knew telling the lilac pony what happened would prove so difficult. The showmare wondered what Twilight would think of her. She knew she couldn't expect the violet unicorn to understand her actions and didn't expect her to. Trixie just didn't want to lose Twilight forever. Just the thought of this sent chills down her spine.

She's going to be so disappointed with me. No, she's going to think I'm a psychopath! She's never going to want to even see me ever again! But eventually she's going to find out. Maybe I should just tell her. worried the blue mare, as she hugged one of Twilight's pillows close to her chest. The librarian's scent soothed the worried magician.

"Trixie you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm just glad your safe." Twilight said through a big yawn. Attempting to be polite, Twilight apologized “I'm sorry Trixie, it's just that I haven't gotten much sleep and I'm very tired.”


Twilight took the magician's words as 'I'm not telling you, just go to sleep'. Although dissatisfied, the librarian smiled as she pressed herself up to her great and powerful pillow. Her eyelids were getting heavy. Her mind finally at rest. She felt sleeps foggy embrace slowly overtake her. She snuggled up closer to Trixie as the world slowly faded from existence.

“S-sweet dreams, T-Twilight...” the blue mare responded between sniffles. Trixie felt guilty for suddenly imposing herself upon the librarian like this. She sincerely hoped that Twilight's life wasn't impacted too drastically by the current situation. The showmare wanted to make it up to her lavender savior, and decided there was only one thing she could do at this point that would ease the bookworm's troubled mind.


"I tried to kill myself."


Twilight's eyes snapped open. The blue unicorn's teary eyes meeting her own. The lavender pony felt an overwhelming sense of dread. How could anypony try to do something so... so... illogical! The bookworm tried her best to suppress her anger. Here she was caring for a pony, whom she thought was viciously attacked and left for dead, when she simply did it to herself!

The librarian's face stayed visually neutral as she wrestled internally. Eventually, she gathered her thoughts.

"Trixie... why would you ever want to hurt yourself.” asked the frustrated unicorn in an attempt to come to grips with this new development. She had never dealt with a suicidal pony, and was actually a bit frightened. Was it safe to be around somepony whom didn't care for their own lives? If she did that to herself, imagine what she could do to me! speculated the fearful mare.

"T-Trixie couldn't bare to live knowing that Twilight hated her. Trixie knew Twilight would never want to see her again. And Trixie couldn't stand losing the only pony she loved."

The bookworm was too caught up in her own musings to fully appreciate the implications of that statement. Twilight hesitated to answer, but upon seeing the showmare's eyes tear up again she quickly responded.

"Trixie, I would never want you to hurt yourself. Nopony's opinion is worth that." stated the concerned librarian, as she stroked the side of Trixie's face with her hoof. She hoped it would put the tense showmare at ease.

"Trixie doesn't care about your opinion, she only cares about you! Wait... T-Trixie didn't mean it the way it came out!" the blue unicorn buried her face into the pillow she was lying on, filling her lungs with the bookworm's heavenly scent. She cursed at herself internally. Why do I have to be so awkward around her. thought the nervous showmare, as she breathed heavily into the fluffy cushion.

Twilight giggled at the blue mare's ramblings. The librarian watched the showmare writhe in embarrassment and couldn't help but find it adorable. How could I ever think she would hurt me, she's just too childish. Although, she is sort of... cute when she's like that. the book lover tried to subdue the fantasies that begun to manifest themselves. Trixie thought the violet pony's laughter was the sweetest thing she'd ever heard. The showmare gave her lavender treasure a small kiss on the nose. The bookworm fought the urge to back up, in fear of hurting the blue magician's feelings, and settled with making a face that showcased how annoyed she was.

"At some point, would you please ask before doing that." responded the irritated mare.

The azure unicorn blushed as she stared into Twilight's tired eyes. That statement had sparked intrigue in the blue magician's imagination. She fought away thoughts of other things she wanted to do to her violet pony. All I have to do is ask... pondered the showmare.

"Trixie can't help herself. She's been dreaming of this moment for so long. Twilight is the only pony Trixie lives for. Trixie is just trying to make the most of the small time she has left with Twilight.” The showmare stared at Twilight's thighs with a dreamy expression. Why's Trixie staring at my cutie mark...? wondered the tired student.

Suddenly, the bookworm's mind sparked. She realized what had been going on the entire time, and grasped what the kisses really meant. Ponyville's resident librarian felt a heavy pressure in her chest. She felt like throwing up.

Wait... she likes me? Likes, likes me? Twilight's mind was racing. She noticed that Trixie was licking her lips, and it made the violet unicorn very nervous. Instinctively, she crossed her legs. The silver maned unicorn looked up at the bookworm, disappointed by the lavender pony's action.

"So... you tried killing yourself, because of me?” asked the nauseous librarian.

Trixie teared up, but responded by kissing Twilight passionately. Attempting to muffle out the violet unicorn's doubts. Twilight was near tears. This is so wrong! The bookworm struggled slightly against Trixie's actions. The azure mare hesitated a bit, but never removed herself from her beloved unicorn. A moan resonated from the violet unicorn. The showmare took this as a go ahead and decided to continue onward. The burning sensation in the bookworm's cheeks grew exponentially.

Twilight felt violated.

The kisses before had been attributed to illogical thinking caused by a stressful situation. This kiss now felt like a headlong intrusion into the violet mare's comfort zone. Why is Trixie doing this to me! Doesn't she understand that she's making me feel so...strange. This is wrong... so why does it make me feel so good? I shouldn't be enjoying this! I have to stop this, but I can't. The bookworm felt sensations she'd never experienced before. The weight in her chest began to subside. Celestia's prized pupil was in bliss. She had never experienced this level of emotional intensity, and she didn't want it to ever end. Twilight allowed Trixie to push her onto her back. The azure pony began to give the lavender unicorn small kisses along her neck. Maybe I like this. Maybe this is what I want. The purple mare hoped that maybe, just maybe, everything would be OK.

Though she at first struggled to break free, Twilight eventually admitted to herself that it did feel kind of good. In fact, it felt great! The violet mare decided to kiss the azure pony back. The bookworm slowly pushed herself into Trixie. The blue magician seemed surprised by the purple unicorn's actions, but softly placed a hoof on the purple pony's chest and gently pushed her beloved back down onto the mattress. The librarian let out a silent moan and decided it was better to let the showmare work her magic.

Trixie pulled away to breathe. Her heart was racing. Twilight had actually kissed her back! Not being dead is awesome! She bent down past Twilight's face and nibbled on the violet unicorn's left ear. The violet mare giggled, the blue unicorn had found one of her ticklish spots.

"Trixie, why didn't you just come and speak to me. We could have worked through this together." responded Twilight through fits of giggles. She really enjoyed what Trixie was doing, though she would never dare say it out loud. The bookworm worried that maybe she enjoyed it a little too much.

"Trixie didn't know where to find you, and was too scared of showing her face in Ponyville again. She also assumed that you wouldn't want anything to do with her after that little...incident." Trixie whispered into Twilight's ear as she began to trace it's perimeter with her tongue.

"Trixie...," Twilight giggled and then abruptly yawned, "I could never hold a grudge against anypony. And I especially would never ever want you to hurt yourself." Twilight's turned and faced the silver maned unicorn. "Ever."

Trixie smiled, but soon sank back into the cavernous recesses of sadness. Her fantasy was becoming a reality, she had gotten exactly what she had wanted. Everything was going better than she had ever hoped for. Then why was she feeling so guilty?

"Trixie is sorry for disrupting your life Twilight,” the
blue mare sat up. Twilight stared up at her, confused by the sudden shift in tone. “Trixie is going to leave now. Please don't worry about Trixie, she will be fine,” the azure unicorn teared up. “S-She isn't g-going to hurt hers-self. She's just g-going to go s-somewhere far, far away." Trixie turned away from the bookworm's saddened face.

As much as she hated to say such things. The blue unicorn knew she could never expect to live with Twilight. She figured that it would only hold Twilight back in the long run. Thinking back to the reaction of pure relief that her precious pony had had, Trixie realized that maybe this wasn't such a good thing for the bookworm. I've put her through so much. I've been so selfish. Well at least, for once, I'm not only looking out for myself. admitted the depressed showmare. Tears began to drip down her cheeks. A violet hoof softly wiped them away. Trixie turned and her eyes met with the gaze of the smiling librarian.

"Trixie your always welcome here. In fact, I insist you stay as my guest." stated the sleepy unicorn. Her eyes drooping slightly as she struggled to stay awake. Everything was blurry and getting harder and harder to focus on. The purple pony was really hoping she was staring into Trixie's eyes. All she could make out was a blue silhouette.

The magician emerged from the caverns of sadness and into the soft warm daylight of new beginnings.

Trixie struggled to stand. Her muscles were very sore, but eventually she managed to support herself with her unsteady legs. She slowly shifted herself over towards Twilight. The lavender mare was half-asleep, but temporarily came back to life as she realized what the showmare was up to. The magician delicately laid herself on top of the object of her heart's desire. The librarian could feel her urges grow and grow, but suppressed the need to act upon them.

Twilight was enjoying the sensation so much that she didn't even feel any weight on top of her, just the warmth of her azure companion. The bookworm looked down at her hoof and could make out the distinct color of blood. It was a pretty shade of red, but she could do without it... oh yeah.

"Trixie, do you need any medical attention." mumbled the tired unicorn. Her eyes already closed, she only turned slightly in order to face what she thought was Trixie's sleepy expression.

"No, Trixie wants to die in your hooves tonight." responded the lacerated mare, ending her statement with a gentle sigh.

"What!?"

Twilight jerked violently upwards, but Trixie's diminished weight managed to keep her pinned down. The bookworm's chest heaved as she tried to take in enough oxygen to keep herself conscious. Trixie was very concerned and regretted making that statement. Now she's really gonna think I’m a weirdo. thought the showmare.

"Trixie was joking Twilight! Please calm down!" Trixie pleaded. This did little to relieve the distraught unicorn, who whimpered between her gasps for air.

Panting heavily the librarian spoke, "Don't ever talk like that again!" the lavender pony was deeply disturbed by this joke. After all that she had gone through, she couldn't bear to even think about Trixie dying. She had already experienced that once tonight, she was definitely not going to allow it to happen again. The librarian hugged the showmare closer to her, causing the magician's wounds to release small trickles of blood. Tears formed in the bookworm's eyes. She never wanted to let Trixie go. Twilight whispered into the silver maned pony's ear, "I care about you Trixie, I don't want to ever see you hurt again, OK? So please don't joke about things like that." Twilight closed this statement with a soft kiss on the showmare's cheek. The bookworm couldn't help but appreciate how beautiful Trixie was, even in her current state. A few twisted thoughts crept into her mind.

...That would be nice... thought the purple pony.

Twilight yawned again and hugged her great and powerful sapphire. Trixie yelped in pain. Twilight blushed, and responded with a short quick "Sorry!" in apology. The showmare looked at the librarian and smiled. “The cuts on my throat still hurt, but it's OK.” responded the blue unicorn, prodding at the gashes surrounding her throat. Twilight hesitantly lifted up a hoof and ran it along the length of a particularly nasty laceration. The azure unicorn flinched a little as the burning sensation grew to be unbearable pain. The librarian removed her hoof and lifted it up to her snout. The bookworm was immediately infatuated with the scent of the showmare's blood. I hope she doesn't get any ideas... worried the blue mare. Although...is is strangely attractive. While the pain in her throat was subsiding, the magician decided that it was time to rest. Trixie placed her head on Twilight's shoulder and got comfortable. “Goodnight Twilight.” mumbled the silver maned pony. “Sleep well, sweetheart...” the violet unicorn trailed off as she drifted off into the early stages of sleep. Trixie didn't know her smile could stretch so far. She closed her eyes and kissed Twilight's cheek. Both unicorns laid there silently as they prepared for a relaxing night's sleep...

...until a mad flurry of hoofsteps emanating from downstairs alerted Twilight that something was wrong. She twitched her ears in the offending noise's direction, finding it extremely difficult to get up. Her body was aching all over and she had a blistering headache. The librarian was ready for a much needed rest. Her mind was telling her something was seriously wrong, but she couldn't comprehend it and so attempted to return to her previous objective. Trixie's labored breathing had reached a rhythmic pattern as she continued to sleep. The sounds of the showmare's breathing lulled her into a sense of security. The violet pony drifted off into blackness again.

"Twilight! I arrived here as soon as I received word from Spike!" the voice drifted up into her bedroom. It sounded miles away.

That's nice... thought the drowsy unicorn, as she sighed and snuggled herself closer to her precious blue pony. The lavender mare's mind began to settle again. Whatever it was, it could wait until morning.

“Twilight! Please tell us where you are!” Pleaded the distraught voice, which seemed noticeably closer now. Twilight weakly lifted a hoof into the air and responded, “Spike... take a note please.” Trixie scowled and stirred a bit, but soon relaxed back into her peaceful a demeanor. Twilight desperately tried to ignore the voices.

A small familiar voice responded, "I think she's upstairs."

"Spike, please remain down here for the time being. I don't want you to see any more than you have to." the other familiar voice responded. It sounded so nice, and motherly. The lavender unicorn felt warm inside as she struggled to figure out whom it could be.

Twilight thought of her current position and couldn't stifle a laugh. This would be hard to explain to Spike... thought the sleepy pony. Trixie hugged the violet unicorn tighter against her body upon hearing the sound of her giggles. A smile slowly spreading across her face. Twilight regretted opening her eyes, as she realized that the sun was already rising.

“Twilight, are you up there? I'm coming up.” the voice was now more concerned than before. It seemed in extremely close proximity now and was easily identifiable. The violet unicorn's ears perked up. That voice? That voice! That voice.

Then sheer horror smashed into her like a freight train full of anvils. The violet unicorn began to shake uncontrollably as anxiety washed over every inch of her body. "Trixie! Trixie! Wake up!" Twilight did her best to keep her frantic voice down. She kept shifting her gaze from the dozing unicorn to her bedroom door, which was wide open. Despite the bookworm's best effort, the azure pony laid there sleeping peacefully. For a split moment the desperate unicorn was tempted to throw Trixie off of her. Twilight shook her head, attempting to get rid of the thoughts of doing such a terrible thing. This caused the librarian's headache to worsen. It became difficult to think through the throbbing pain. The bookworm tried to slowly slide out from underneath Trixie, but it was very difficult to do without hurting the show-mare. Twilight gave a quick glance at her open door and had to do a double-take.

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. Spike sent word to me of the current situation, but I didn't expect he meant this." spoke the surprised voice. Her voice was filled with various emotions Twilight had never heard her express. It shook the small unicorn to her core. Celestia's eyes went from Trixie's limp body to Twilight's pale face, as she tried to figure out her next move. The solar princess couldn't figure out what was going on. Twilight was lying in bed with a corpse. This made no sense, there had to be a logical reason behind her prized student's actions. Any answer at this point would have been better than what Celestia was imagining. Soon her imagination took hold as she watched Twilight's eyes grow larger and larger, her pupils shrinking to the size of raisins. Celestia was always accepting of anypony's lifestyle choices. After all, all ponies had the right to live their lives the way they wanted to. But it hurt the immaculate alicorn to witness her own student indulging in such depravity. Why Twilight? Didn't I raise you better than this. How could this have happened...could I really not have known whom you really were. The princess was devastated that Twilight would trust her so little as to hide this from her. Her concern turned into anger, which her face reflected. I would have understood. Why couldn’t you trust me. Celestia took a few tentative steps forward. Her gaze never leaving Twilight's panicked eyes.

The star pupil's brain cracked a little as it worked overtime to translate the audio/visual signals into an electrical impulse that her neurons could understand. Twilight said the best thing that she could come up with in the few minutes she had to think while the alicorn slowly approached her.

"It's not what it looks like!" the lavender mare yelled out, tears threatening to spill forth.

"I certainly hope not." Celestia looked deeply concerned. How naive do you think I am Twilight? The solar princess felt hurt by the bookworm's lies. Even now that she was caught, the purple pony still couldn't admit to her actions. The alicorn turned away in disgust. She didn't want to let her student see her in this moment of emotional weakness. The princess needed to keep her appearances up, the last thing she wanted was to let her beloved little pony realize how devastated she was.

"She's alive." yelped the panicked unicorn, shoving at Trixie. The azure unicorn let out a groan, but remained otherwise unstirred. Celestia could feel a ball of tension release itself. Completely awkward disaster averted. The princess tried to hide her smile as she felt shame for ever thinking such a thing about her little pony. This new development certainly changed the whole situation. But the short lived relief was soon replaced by burning questions. "Is the poor thing alright?" asked the alabaster alicorn, as she walked over to the bed. She carefully inspected Trixie's lacerated body. She noticed the wounds. These are blade marks... somepony really wanted her dead. thought the elder princess. She was appalled and angered anypony would dare harm one of her precious subjects. This would mean a nationwide stallionhunt, assuming the monster hadn't already fled across the Equestrian border. The celestial mare mentally went through her options.

"I think so, she's asleep right now." muttered the nervous unicorn, trying not to wake the sleeping blue mare.

"Oh good, I'm relieved she's fine for the time being. But, I think we need to sit down and talk this ou-" the solar princess was abruptly cut off by her younger sister galloping into the room.

"Sister! I noticed your carriage outside! Is Twilight... ummm... what's going on here?" Luna stared in confusion at Twilight. Then at Trixie. Then at Celestia. The princess of the night desperately hoped there would be a logical answer that wasn't what she was currently imagining. The thought of her sister and Twilight committing such an unimaginable act with a dead body- I don't want to think about it! I don't want to think about it! I don't want to think about it! but it was too late, as the Lunar princess had a very vivid mental movie currently playing. No matter how hard she tried to stop thinking about it, she couldn’t. The princess of the night laid on the floor and covered her face with her hooves. Make it stop! Make it stop! Pleaded the suffering midnight blue alicorn.

"Luna, I need you to wait downstairs with Spike." Celestia spoke with authority, which made her shaking sister look up at her. How unfair! She knows how much I love to gossip! mentally protested the lunar princess. Never the one to take orders lying down, the alicorn stood up. "But Tia'!" whined the lunar princess.

"Luna." Celestia glared at her sister. Luna hated seeing her sister like this, it reminded her of the old days. This was all so unfair, her older sister always acted as if she was the only one who deserved answers. The younger princess gave in, deciding it was easier to wait until all details were divulged to her. She turned lazily around and began moving towards the bedroom door.

"Fine, be that way. I'll be downstairs with the dragon. But I do expect a full disclosure of the details. And I do mean full disclosure." Luna narrowed her eyes in clear irritation. Her older sister shifted a bit and responded, “And you will receive them, in time. Now please, I require time alone with my student.” The lunar princess almost heaved, and a look of disgust made it's way across her face. She opened her mouth and said “Alright! Just keep it down, I don't want to hear anything strange.” Celestia was not amused by this and responded, “Get out now, Luna.” The younger sibling huffed in irritation then stepped out and descended downstairs.

Twilight had had enough time to think. She carefully levitated Trixie off of her and slid off of the bed. She struggled to steady her hooves as each made contact with the floor. The bookworm shivered a bit. The cold floorboards starkly contrasted the showmare's warmth. There! Easy as pi- Twilight's success was short lived, as her magic cut out and Trixie landed on the bed hard. The blue unicorn flailed around frantically, panicking, not understanding what had just happened. The cries of confusion emanating from the azure mare, stabbed into Twilight's heart like hot knives. Celestia moved forward and stroked Trixie's mane, in an attempt at calming her down.

"Calm down my little pony, everything is alright. Your safe.” whispered the fair princess of the sun. The blue magician calmed down as she listened to the motherly voice that filled her head. The solar princess' soothing voice eased Trixie's fears. The confused unicorn looked around and realized that this all hadn't been just a wonderfully twisted dream. Twilight was still here, smiling. The showmare smiled back and closed her eyes. The hoof stroking her mane felt very nice. It was so relaxing. Trixie let out a soft moan. The bookworm tensed up. Did Trixie just... the violet unicorn felt a small amount of jealousy. She really wanted her mentor to take her hooves off of her treasured magician. A gasp was heard from downstairs. Trixie began to wonder, If Twilight is right in front of me, then who's...? Oh sweet Celestia! The blue unicorn gasped as she realized that The Princess of Equestria herself had been the one running her hooves through her mane. The showmare sat up quickly.

“I'm so sorry I didn't know it was you! I-Trixie felt so nice- I mean it felt so good when you- ah! I meant that I thought it was Twilight and-” the azure mare was stumbling over her words. Twilight cleared her throat to get the showmare's attention. “Twilight! T-Trixie thought it was you that was-” Trixie turned to the skeptical solar princess, “-Not that I didn't like it when you-” The showmare turned to see Twilight's narrowed eyes, “I didn't even like it that much!” Trixie shifted her attention back and forth between the two mares. The stress got to her and she covered her face with her hooves. “Trixie is so very sorry, she didn't mean to! Please don't be upset with Trixie!” sobbed the distraught unicorn. The lavender mare crawled onto the bed, it took all her strength to overcome her fatigue. She embraced the sobbing blue unicorn and caressed her cheek with her own. The solar princess raised an eyebrow, she didn't like what she was seeing. The alabaster mare decided that this 'relationship' would be discussed at a later time. Celestia took this moment of peace as an opportunity to move her investigation forward.

"Twilight, would you mind making some tea while I ask...I'm sorry I never caught your name." asked the princess of the sun.

"T-T-Trixie!" The blue unicorn answered a little too loudly. She was still embarrassed over her earlier 'intimate' response. Trixie turned her head hesitantly and attempted to stare at the princess' nose, in order to avoid staring directly into her eyes.

"Thank you. Twilight I'm going to ask Trixie some questions. I think some tea would really help us all settle down." Celestia lied. She wanted her faithful student out of the room while she got the information she needed, and sized this pony up. After all, she had Twilight's well being to think of. Anypony wanting to get into a relationship with her star pupil would need to pass her inspection.

Twilight gave a goofy salute, attempting to lighten the mood. "I'm on it!" She giggled at her own joke. Trixie smiled upon hearing the soft laughter escape the violet unicorns lips. Celestia smiled softly as well, but remained composed. Gauging their responses, the purple pony assumed she accomplished her mission and set out to complete her royal duty. The bookworm turned to leave, and sudden rush of lightheadedness enveloped the unicorn. Twilight had taken no more than one step before her legs began to wobble. The lavender mare attempted to hold herself steady as she found it increasingly difficult to stay upright. Celestia noticed this and asked “Twilight, is everything OK?” Trixie was concerned as well but didn't make a comment, she just watched on helplessly. Half of her wanted to run up and carry her precious bookworm back onto the bed, but the other half felt that Celestia wouldn't allow Twilight to come to any harm. The librarian braced herself up against a wall. “I'm uh...err... f-fine... I j-just need to...” stuttered the dazed unicorn. Her headache was at full force and she was very dizzy. She felt her legs give out as she crumpled to her knees and slammed face first into her bedroom floor.

The last thing she heard before blacking out was the two voices calling her name. She really needed to get softer flooring. Or at least tastier floor boards.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The violet unicorn awoke to the gentle sound of Celestia's humming. The melancholy tune was forever burned into the lavender mare's memory as she stared up at her mentor. The solar princess's eyes were closed and tears had stained her cheeks. The bookworm herself teared up at the sight of her loving teacher. She wiped away some tears that escaped her eyes. This caught the attention of the princess of the sun, whom looked down at her now conscious student. Her face lit up with happiness. Staring up at her mentor, Twilight smiled softly.

"That was beautiful."

Celestia craned her neck downward and affectionately nuzzled the unicorn's cheek. The purple pony blushed from the sensation. The princess covered her precious little pony with one of her wings, which the lavender mare understood to be a hug. The faithful student thought she heard her mentor whisper 'I'd thought I'd lost you' but dismissed it, as it wasn't in her teacher's nature to be so emotional. The librarian simply answered with her own hug.

A small “Ahem.” made the bookworm realize that they were not alone. The unicorn looked around and realized that she was in the main room of the library and that she was curled up next to Princess Celestia, while Spike and Luna ate some brightly colored doughnuts from a box labeled 'Get Well Twi'. Trixie laid nearby, sleeping. Her lifeless form occasionally shifting. Twilight smiled as she watched the azure mare's chest raise and lower. She had been cleaned and her wounds had been bandaged up, some stitches were also visible. This made the librarian come to a realization. Looking about her body, she couldn’t see a trace of blood on her. The violet unicorn was somewhat disappointed, but then felt creepy for feeling disappointed she wasn't covered in mare's blood.

Twilight stretched, "How long have I been out?"

Celestia smiled and responded, "You've been sleeping for three days."

The tired lavender mare smiled and laid her head back down to continue sleeping.

"Wait, I've been asleep for three days! oh, why didn't anypony wake me."

Celestia felt sorry for the unicorn. All she could offer the bookworm was an explanation. She hoped it would be enough to placate her faithful student.

"After you fell into unconsciousness, you were rushed to the hospital. We were all so very worried for you Twilight. After the first day we were informed that your body had given out due to the stress of the whole situation. Spike mentioned your insomnia and the doctor ran some tests. She then informed us that you were in a stable condition and could be moved, and also instructed us to let you rest and allow you to wake up on your own." The solar princess felt relieved that her little purple pony was alright. She had to resist the urge to hug the librarian and never let her go. Celestia visualized the shock it had been to her student's friends. And the argument that broke out when Trixie was the only one allowed to stay with Twilight overnight. That rainbow pegasus' vocabulary was as 'colorful' as her mane.

Luna swallowed the small amount of doughnut she had remaining in her mouth. They had gone stale a day ago and her sister finally gave in and allowed them to be eaten. That pink pony sure knew how to bake a mean doughnut, perhaps the royal bakery would benefit with somepony like her around. The lunar princess flashed a small smile and exclaimed, "Sister was so very worried for you Twilight, I've never seen her cry before."
The midnight blue alicorn waited for her elder sister's indignant response.

Celestia knew where this was going and decided to nip it in the plot here and now. Needless to say Luna had planned for her to do this. Oh my dear sister, you just make these things too easy sometimes. I almost feel bad about how naive you are. Almost. The princess of the night laughed internally.

"Luna. Now is not the time for your tasteless humor." Celestia couldn't believe how insensitive her younger sister could be. Teasing her for showing emotion at a time of crises. She too was still a pony after all, could she not be entitled to some mortal behaviors? Maybe there was another reason why she had banished her sister to the moon.

Luna made the most hurt face she could muster and in a mocking tone replied, "Oh my faithful student! To think we may never speak again! I remember when you were just a little filly, where has all our time gone! You grew up too fast! And I couldn't be there for you! Why cruel world, WHY!" Luna threw her hooves up into the air for emphases. This elicited a small "Priceless!" from the tiny dragon who was trying his best not to laugh too hard.

Celestia looked mildly irritated but decided not to fan the flames. Instead turning her attention back to Twilight, whom had since obtained one of the doughnuts. The solar princess couldn't help but see that little filly she loved from so long ago as the lavender mare stared up at her happy as could be, cheeks bulging with the tasty pastry. Secretly she had always wanted her faithful student to address her as 'mommy' but knew that bordered a fine line between cute and disturbing. Luna's right, thought the alabaster alicorn, I'm such a nostalgic foal.

"Ish shomding da mather?" spoke the lavender unicorn through a mouthful of doughnut. Twilight was concerned. Her mentor had just spaced out and had a blank look on her face. What's going on? I've never seen the princess so unfocused. thought the pensive unicorn. This managed to snap the elder alicorn out of her self induced daze. The solar princess was embarrassed that her faithful student would be so concerned for her, when the lavender pony should have been worried about her own condition.

"Twilight, what have I told you about speaking with your mouth full?” responded Princess Celestia in a motherly tone. She didn't want to sound imposing, out of fear of hurting her prized pupil's feelings. The princess ended her statement with a small giggle.

The librarian swallowed and blushed from embarrassment. She was so used to being around the princess, that she often forgot she was still in the presence of royalty. "I'm sorry, I was just wondering why you were so quiet all of a sudden." stated the violet mare. Hoping that she hadn't offended her lifelong educator.

"I was just thinking of how we are going to handle the situation at hoof." admitted the solar princess. She had spoken with Trixie at the hospital about seeking out employment for her in Ponyville. Although she very much was against this, the alabaster alicorn knew that her purple pony deserved the right to pick whomever she wanted as a partner. What my student sees in this... Celestia glanced over to the dozing azure unicorn, ...pony, I'll never know.

Twilight's stomach was in knots, she had completely forgotten about the events of a few days ago. How much did her mentor know? Had Trixie told the princess about their kiss? Equestria's ruler was confused by her student's actions. The violet unicorn looked rather nervous, and was now intent on burning a hole in the floor with her eyes. Maybe reminding her of that night was not a good idea. The alabaster mare decided that she should explain the situation further to her student.

"Twilight, Trixie explained everything to me while I assisted in cleaning her."

Luna shot a suggestive look at Twilight and raised one eyebrow. Too easy thought the princess of the night. Twilight blushed and regretted ever taking her gaze off of the floor.

The Princess had her hooves all over Trixie... Twilight squeezed her eyes shut and desperately tried to stop imagining such things. Spike ate another doughnut.

Celestia chose to ignore the younger princess' childish actions. Her sister could be so immature. Clearing her throat, the alabaster alicorn decided it would be better to get on with her proposal, than to allow Luna's antics free reign.

"I believe I have an answer to this whole situation." the alabaster mare continued.

Twilight perked up. She was so relieved that she could put this whole thing behind her. Although she hated depending on the princess for everything, she was glad that somepony knew what to do at least. This comforted the lavender mare, everything would be OK after all. The bookworm smiled as she waited patiently for Celestia to continue.

"After speaking with Mr. and Mrs.-" Equestria's ruler stopped speaking as she noticed a certain blue unicorn waking up.

Trixie squinted as the library slowly came into focus. Everything was still a bit hazy but she started to be able to make out basic shapes. She looked around, then turned and saw Twilight staring back at her. “Trixie's dreaming again isn't she.” asked the perplexed unicorn. This recurring dream was starting to get at her. Always, Twilight woke up and they would talk for a while. Then one thing led to another and the dreams would take an erotic turn. The blue unicorn sighed. Twilight giggled, which caught the azure mare's attention. She's awake, she's actually awake! the magician was ecstatic. The showmare was completely overwhelmed to see Twilight awake. Trixie managed to ignore her sore muscles and began to stand. Her body still hadn't quite recovered after her ordeal, but she had made noticeable progress. She was able to canter now without much pain. As she stood she had to take in deep breaths to keep herself going. The azure unicorn forced her legs to move, and slowly but surely made her way over to her precious bookworm.

"Twilight, Trixie is so glad to see you awake!" Trixie hugged her favorite purple pony. She didn't care that she was in a room full of other ponies, she was just glad her lavender treasure was alright. The lilac librarian, however, was very nervous to be displaying such emotions so publicly. Twilight stroked Trixie's mane hesitantly. She wasn't sure what her mentor would think.

The solar princess was rather annoyed by this sudden interruption but didn't dare speak out against it. Celestia remembered being scolded by Luna after blatantly telling Trixie that although she understood what the blue mare was feeling, she didn't want Twilight being in a relationship with such an unstable pony. The princess had just made it sound nicer. A lot nicer. In fact, so much so that Trixie hadn't really understood what the solar princess was suggesting. Her takeaway from their conversation was that she had to pull her own weight if she expected to be able to stay with her precious purple pony. This misunderstanding had lead to the question about employment.

"I'm happy to see you too Trixie." replied the lavender mare. She felt a warm feeling inside, and began to hug her great and powerful sapphire. Twilight didn't understand why or when, but the librarian really had grown feelings for Trixie. These seedlings of love had only just sprouted, however, and were very fragile. She would give this a chance and hope for the best. In the bookworm's mind this was all she could do.

Twilight was broken away from her land of thoughts as she felt her knees weaken while Trixie pulled her into a soft kiss. Their lips meeting abruptly. The lavender unicorn wondered how the azure showmare could be so inconsiderate. How could she do something like this in front of everypony? Twilight's heart beat faster and faster as her concern grew. This time she was fully awake and there were no excuses. The librarian genuinely enjoyed the sensation and a let out a soft moan. She was in bliss, nothing could ever make her happier than these special moments with the magician. Trixie held Twilight closer, pulling away to take a breath. The showmare began planting soft kisses on the side of the bookworm's neck. The lavender unicorn began to giggle. This got the azure mare worked up, and she began to lick the librarian's cheek. Twilight soon realized that her mentor had been staring right at her the whole time.

Celestia quickly turned away as Twilight's eyes met her own. Oh Twilight, my faithful student... what has this loose pony turned you into. The alabaster alicorn was disappointed that her star student would act in such a manner with others around her. Hadn't she taught her better than that? Maybe her student was acting out because she hadn't been given proper attention. The elder alicorn figured this was all her fault, If only I had made more time for her...While the solar princess's reaction was one of disdain, Luna was absolutely beaming. The lunar princess loved romance, and for it to happen to her very own Twilight was just a treat for her to behold. And they made such a cute couple that Luna couldn't help but imagine the many happy years they had to come. First they would start dating, and maybe have a few fancy dinners at expensive restaurants. Then would come the bonding period where they really got to know each other. After which would be their first embrace as lovers. Oh! Twilight would definitely have to fill her in on all the juicy details of that night. Maybe I'll pick myself a nice view from their bedroom window... Luna giggled.

Spike's face scrunched up. "Bleh! I'm out of here. If anypony needs me, I'll be asleep upstairs." With this the purple dragon left the room. He had been taking this whole knew arrangement very hard. The baby dragon didn't know what to think. Would he have to do whatever the showmare wanted? It wasn't fair at all, she wasn't anything to him, and now she was stealing away his mother. Spike liked to think of the lavender mare as his mom, after all she was the first pony he saw when he was born, and so the way that azure home wrecker had the nerve to make advances on Twilight like that made him a very unhappy dragon. Spike growled in anger as he huffed up the stairs, no this wouldn't do at all.

After this affectionate display, Trixie and Twilight snuggled up on the floor, gently caressing each other. The lavender mare was satisfied that her mentor was fine with her relationship. This was turning out to be better than she hoped. Everything really was going to be OK.

Celestia still didn't know what to think about this. Something told her this would end badly. Trixie was not the type of pony that deserved to even serve Twilight, let alone hold her. The librarian didn't know the first thing about love and was only going to end up heart-broken, and then Celestia would have to intervene. This angered the alabaster mare. She could stop this whole mess right now, but it wouldn't be fair to her little pony. She was grown now, and could handle herself. But she's never experienced this before... I guess I could get involved at the slightest hint of trouble, that way Twilight isn't hurt and she will get a little wiser for next time. If I allow a next time. For now, let's just see how this pans out. The solar princess ended her mental dialogue.

Clearing her throat, the alabaster princess caught the attention of the two unicorns. They both nervously awaited what the princess was going to say. The lavender pony hoped that it wouldn't be in protest to her relationship. It would be devastating to choose between her mentor's wishes and her personal preference.

"As I mentioned earlier, I think I may have found a solution to this current dilemma." spoke the elder alicorn. Twilight was relieved that the conversation was moving forward in the direction she wanted. Something the princess said caught her attention though.

The librarian cocked her head to one side. Dilemma?

Is that what she thinks of my relationship? So she doesn't approve... the purple pony pondered this single word for many minutes. Dilemma. She hardly noticed anything spoken afterwards.

"I have spoken with Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and they've agreed to give you employment. You will start tomorrow, I expect that you will show up on time.” The princess's words were spoken in a direct, authoritarian tone. This azure pony needed to earn her respect, something not easily obtained. If she even faltered slightly, it would be enough to get rid of her. If Twilight was interested in mare's, there were many smart and pretty ones in Canterlot for her to choose from. Celestia decided to make a list of possible candidates. After the initial interviews, she would line them all up in the grand ball room and have her precious student pick out the one she desired. Then I could plan the wedding! The princess smiled and relaxed a bit. Now we play waiting game. mused the matriarch.

Trixie's eyes lit up. She could now make a living here in Ponyville, which meant she could stay with her violet treasure and pull her own weight. This implied that she could provide for Twilight, and maybe one day even start a family. Trixie pressed her cheek up against her purple pony's face. The warmth from the lilac colored mare had a calming affect on the azure unicorn.

"Thank you so very much!" the cheerful magician gleefully announced. She nuzzled the bookworm's cheek. The lavender unicorn responded by kissing the azure mare's forehead. The librarian then caressed the showmare's horn lovingly with her snout.

Luna leaned in close. “Lick it...lick it...” instigated the lunar princess. She really wanted to see this happen. The air grew tense as the blushing bookworm contemplated doing as she was told. Her tongue slowly made its way up towards the base of the azure mare's horn. The librarian leaned forward slowly. The second passed like minutes as she grew closer to her goal. The purple pony could feel her heart beating heavily. The room was dead silent, and the sound of her own heart beat filled the lavender mare's head. Almost there just a few more inches...

“OK, OK that's enough cut it out you two.” The solar princess intervened in a cheerful tone. Much to Trixie's disappointment. In reality, the alabaster alicorn hadn't been able to stand the situation and just wanted this whole little game to be over with. Celestia had to admit it herself, they made a cute couple. Perhaps her little pony knew exactly what she was doing.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I must return to Canterlot. I can't really get much done from here, and Equestria won't run itself.” the solar princess made her way out of the library, her golden chariot waiting just outside. “It was nice seeing you again Twilight, take care of yourself.” the alabaster mare truly meant that last statement. Hopefully, Twilight was mature enough to see if she was in any danger. She made it a point to ignore Trixie.

Luna sighed. "Unfortunately, I too must take my leave.” Luna stood and made her way too the door. As she stepped out of the doorway she turned back. “May you two have a lifetime of joy. Oh and Twilight Sparkle..."

"Yes, Princess Luna?" The lavender pony was interested in hearing what the lunar princess had to say. She leaned in close as if Luna was whispering to her.

"Please make an attempt to relax a bit." the princess of the night winked at the bookworm and stepped outside. Twilight smiled and held Trixie a little closer. She would try and relax, but didn't know exactly where she would go from there. What do couples do? the perplexed mare wished she knew. They bid their farewells and soon the library grew silent.

The lavender mare looked out her window. It was dark. She wondered if it was morning or night. Well, Luna had been out and Celestia would only have time away form her duties at night, so it must be late. wondered the violet unicorn.

Trixie kissed the lavender unicorn's cheek. "Twilight Sparkle."

It occurred to Twilight that Trixie had never caught her full name. In fact, there were probably tons of things that neither mare knew about the other. The lilac librarian decided that she would attempt to get to know the azure unicorn better. Or at the very least figure out if Trixie was her real name or a stage name. It always confused the violet mare as to why anypony would refer to themselves in the third-pony.

"Isn't this great news Twilight Sparkle! Trixie could have never imagined this would turn out so wonderfully!" The showmare stomped her hooves on the ground in jubilation. Everything was looking up from here.

"I'm so glad everything turned out alright." Twilight was relieved that everything was back in order. Tomorrow would be a new day and she would begin her new life with her favorite magical pony. The lavender mare's thoughts were interrupted by a blue hoof poking at her chest.

"Ummm... do you know Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Twilight? Trixie is nervous, she's never worked for anyone before." Trixie looked to her violet savior for support. She wasn't lying, since she was a filly she had always performed sideshow acts and slowly moved up to being able to strike it out on her own. Having employers was something the blue magician dreaded. Now she would have her hours predetermined and she wouldn't be able to do what she wanted to do. But one look into her purple pony's eyes told her that it was worth it and that it would all turn out alright.

"They run the local bakery named Sugar Cube Corner. My friend Pinkie Pie works there, and I'm sure she'll be happy to have you as a friend as well." the librarian wondered how Pinkie would take to the azure mare. The pink party pony hadn't been there when Trixie pulled off her little stunts on stage. So maybe everything would be fine tomorrow morning. Although, Celestia did mention an argument at the hospital. Twilight sighed, this was all so complicated.

"Bakery? Trixie has never baked before." Trixie's words dripped with concern. She was used to cooking for herself but she had next to zero experience making baked goods. At this point the showmare was beginning to have doubts. She would be fired from her first and only job. I can't let that happen. thought the determined mare.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow. "Trixie, if you've never baked before, why would Celestia think you were qualified for a job at a bakery?" Twilight didn't know what to think. Some small doubts about her mentor's intentions emerged. Had this been a set up? A trap that would put Trixie in a lose-lose situation? No, Celestia was not that kind of pony.

"Maybe because... " Trixie hooved at the floor. This was going to be so embarrassing to admit,"...Trixie agreed to take a job at Sugar Cube Corner because she thought it was a night club..." The blue unicorn gave Twilight a sheepish smile. She had never really been properly briefed on job opportunities in Ponyville, but it sounded like a nice place at the time. Looking back on it now, maybe the azure unicorn jumped into the commitment a little too quickly. Without the proper information she had made a bad call.

Twilight couldn't help but give a small giggle. Her little blue pony was such a goof. The showmare's awkward way of thought and action was what gave Trixie her charm. This kind of reaction would have normally angered the magician, but hearing the bookworm's merriment put a smile on her face. It also kind of turned her on.

"Baking is easier than you would think. I'm sure Pinkie would be more than happy to help you out. Oh wait!" Twilight realized she had the perfect answer to this problem, she used her magic and picked up a book off of a shelf. It glided across the room and flew open as it reached the violet unicorn. "No." She placed the book down. Another quickly took it's place, followed by another and then another. "Aha! Here it is."

The Illustrated Guide To Baking by Taste T.

Trixie thanked Twilight and kissed the violet mare's cheek. Hopefully this would help her. The blue unicorn wasn't big on reading but decided she had to do this for her purple pony's sake. Her whole reason for existence at this point was making the librarian's life as pleasant as possible. The showmare kissed the bookworm's cheek again. Then slowly moved down her neck, and then to her chest. The azure magician kissed her way down to the librarian's stomach and then...

"Trixie!" Twilight squeaked, tensing up her body at the same time.

Trixie looked up, disappointment painted across her face. Twilight looked down, a blush painted across hers. This was followed by an awkward silence while both unicorns thought of what to say to one another. The librarian couldn't think straight. The showmare was cursing herself for going so far. Just when she was starting to like me... lamented the azure magician.

The showmare broke the ice,"Trixie just wanted to make Twilight happy."

"Trixie there are other ways to do that without ummm... doing that." the bookworm blushed as she spoke the euphemism. It was foalish to be embarrassed of such topics, but Twilight wasn't used to talking about it so openly with another pony. She had always been the type of pony who would get flustered if they flipped through the dictionary and accidentally saw the word 'sex' while going through the S section. Not to mention what lied in the P section. Oh boy, that one had really got her late one evening.

Trixie hoped that Twilight didn't think she was just interested in 'doing that'. In fact, Trixie was just as new to relationships as the librarian was. The blue unicorn simply didn't understand how couples behaved around one another. She had never been in a relationship before, and all her knowledge of love and companionship came mainly from the 'romance' novels she was used to reading.

"I think this is moving a little too fast for me. I'm not used to this level of... affection." Twilight felt dirty all of a sudden. She hoped that the showmare wouldn't be offended by her statement. After all she was sure that the magician had only the best intentions at heart. Still she had to make her displeasure known, or this kind of behavior would continue. Kissing was enough of a milestone, doing that was a whole different set of issues.

As soon as these words were spoken, Trixie's heart tore in two. She just gave a fake smile. I knew it, I screwed things up! I can never be happy, because as soon as I have a good thing going I have to ruin it. I'm such an idiot. This self loathing manifested itself externally as, "Trixie understands. Trixie is going to go to bed, she wants to be up early before work." The crestfallen unicorn walked upstairs slowly. Not daring to look back at the flustered violet unicorn whom was trying her best to hide her desire for more.

When Trixie was out of view, Twilight let out a sigh. The doubts gushed into her mind.

Was she supposed to enjoy that? Maybe she didn't love Trixie after all...

No no no. That can't be all there is to love can it? I can't do something I'm not comfortable with. Still, I know I would be hurt if I wore my heart on my hooves and the pony I loved smashed it to bits, so maybe I should apologize. I need to show Trixie I'm committed to this! To us!

At that point Twilight had an idea. With new found courage, and saucy thoughts, she ascended the steps towards her bedroom.

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As the lavender mare entered the dark room she immediately noticed the sad and crestfallen Trixie hugging a pillow and crying. This made her feel ashamed of herself. This was yet another time she had hurt the object of her affection. She needed to make things right, and maybe take things to a level where the showmare seemed to want to go. The bookworm noticed something shifting around out of the corner of her eye. Spike sat up in his little bed, a scowl on his face.

"Spike..." Twilight started but stopped as she saw the baby dragon's expression. She hated knowing that this was all causing him so much distress. Spike didn't say anything, he just kept frowning as he slowly stood up and walked out the door. "I'm sorry!" the librarian loudly whispered to him as the baby dragon descended the stairs silently. She knew that at some point she would have to talk to him about this whole situation.

"What did Trixie do wrong Twilight Sparkle?"

The showmare's quivering voice broke the eerie silence. The bookworm hated staring into the blue unicorn's sad, violet eyes. Twilight hoped her plan would work in cheering the show-mare up, but knew she should take this time to set up some ground rules. Trixie needed to know that there were boundaries, and she would have to respect them if this relationship was going to work.

"I just didn't feel comfortable. Trixie, you need to ask before doing things like that, out of respect for me." spoke the hesitant violet unicorn. This was so nerve wracking! She didn't know whether anything she said would be misinterpreted and end up upsetting the showmare. The bookworm thought about the words she was going to use very carefully.

"Trixie is sorry Twilight sparkle, she just thought it would be romantic." admitted the magician in a low shy voice.

"Trixie, I understand but please realize that I still need time to adjust. I don't even know much about you yet." The lavender unicorn hoped she wasn't being too stern with the azure mare.

"All you have to do is ask Trixie, she'll tell you anything!” the blue unicorn was eager to please Twilight, kiss and then make up.

"Trixie, I don't want this to go too fast. If that happens we will only end up hurting one another." the lilac colored mare voiced her concerns very openly without holding back.

"Trixie would never hurt you Twilight. Trixie would rather die!" the magician was now desperately trying not to upset the bookworm any further, in fear of driving her away. This statement had the opposite effect and only served to enrage the lavender unicorn.

"There you go again being selfish! You didn't even consider how I would feel if that happened! That's one of the main problems we have. You're always making such bold moves on me without even stopping to consider if it's what I want. Being in a relationship is about more than just touching each other! I want more than that." stated the determined lavender mare. There, she had voiced all of her thoughts. Now it was up to Trixie to give a response.

"But Trixie has needs!" The violet unicorn had a look of disgust mixed with anger blatantly plastered across her face. Trixie knew she had said the worst possible thing. This was not what she had meant to say, but had just blurted out the first thing that came to her mind out of desperation.

Twilight's eyes teared up "That's all I am to you, aren't I?" I knew this was too good to be true. So much for my plan. I don't even know what I saw in her. The librarian turned to leave.

The showmare panicked and worked her way off of the bed as she stared apologetically at her purple pony. "I'm sorry Twilight. I didn't mean it that way. Please don't leave me. Trixie just isn't the best talker. Trixie isn't used to this sort of thing, and she's scared of losing you." The azure mare began to cry, but never stopped staring at her violet treasure..

The bookworm was hurting inside. Was the showmare genuinely telling the truth, or was this simply damage-control? While most of her mind was telling her to just yell expletives, a small warm feeling broke through. The lavender unicorn felt sympathy for Trixie. This was confusing for both of them, and it didn't help that she was being so unforgiving. Why was she so quick in jumping to conclusions about the blue unicorn's intentions? Why was she so eager to dismiss this whole thing as a mistake?

"I'm scared Trixie."

The blue unicorn winced at every low haunting thud of the tears hitting the floor. Trixie walked up to the librarian. Slowly lining up to the bookworm's body. The magician leaned in close to Twilight's face. A violet hoof pressed softly against her chest, stopping her advance.

"Only if you mean it." Twilight looked at Trixie for reassurance.

"I love you Twilight" responded the showmare, hoping it was the right thing to say.

The azure magician leaned in close and submissively asked, "Can I?"

Twilight closed her eyes and whispered, "You may."