I had trouble sleeping last night. I couldn't stop worrying about Rarity and everything that's been going on lately. I've got Rainbow Dash on my back grinding me about Pinkie Pie every single day, and it's really getting on my nerves. I mean sure, I get that she cares, but enough is enough. Sometimes I daydream about closing my shop and running away with Pinkie. I have this fantasy that we just get on a train that never stops, and we just laugh and kiss and play forever in our private room while we get to see all of Equestria. The only problem is that Rainbow Dash keeps ruining it with her angry skepticism, snapping me back to reality with her incessant shouting.

I can't wait until Pinkie spends the night with me again, I really treasure the private time we get to spend together. Day to day it feels like Pinkie and I are against the world. I guess that isn't true now that I think about it, it's more like the world is telling me to back off because I'm in over my head. It's always, "Hey Exie, you better not hurt Pinkie." It'd be nice to hear one of them be worried about how I feel, but I know if Pinkie and I split up, as much as it'll tear me apart, I'll be on my own here. My feelings for Pinkie have really proven more problematic than I could have imagined. I guess it's all worth it when it's just the two of us together, but I'm getting scared.

Apple Bloom shuddered in the early autumn breeze as she walked by Exie's side. "Whoa. Chilly today, huh?" Exie asked as they approached the schoolyard.

"Mhm. I'm gonna need a new black scarf to match my gloves. I'll see ya later!" Apple Bloom jumped up and gave her friend a quick hug before galloping off to class.

Exie nodded with a smile and turned back towards her shop, preparing to open up for the day. "I wish she was my sister... I want a little sister." Exie sighed and pouted as she went.

As the store came into view, she gazed up into the early morning sky, disappointed when she failed to catch a glimpse of vivid color. "Rainbow?" she called out, her own distant echo the only reply.

She sighed and unlocked the door, flipping her 'closed' sign around and switching on the lights. Taking a deep breath, she coughed and pounded on her chest, fanning the dust from her face. With a groan, the flustered mare stomped over to the ventilation unit's switch and flipped it back and forth, creating a deep growl in the ceiling. She hung her head in defeat, then decided to take Applejack up on her offer.

In the mean time, she pulled a fan from the storage closet and pointed it upwards toward an opened window, creating a bit of circulation in the stale building. Satisfied, she triumphantly placed her hooves on her hips and nodded. Then another thought entered her mind. She considered the scarf that her little friend needed and headed to her workstation to check out her supplies.

"Nice!" Exie grinned and stretched out a thick sheet of black cotton fabric from a spool. She estimated the appropriate length and began to cut using a large straightedge cutting board, slicing a one by three yard sheet.

She doubled the fabric over and ran it beneath her sewing machine, carefully hemming one edge. The groggy mare yawned and shook her head as she went, flicking her long red bangs to one side. With one edge sewn down she flapped the fabric straight across her table. Her eyes wandered over to her miscellaneous drawer and she began rummaging through for supplies, spotting mismatched metal studs and various scraps of valuable material worth saving.

"Ooh, that'd be cute!" Exie excitedly pulled out a container of glossy black eyelets and a long spool of scarlet lace. She then returned to the black sheet of cloth and stretched out a measuring tape with her mouth, marking every three inches with a pin. She then measured the width of the fabric and doubled up the pins directly in the center.

Digging through her messy shelf of equipment, she spotted what looked like a hole punch. It clipped onto one hoof and she loaded a small black ring with sharp strips of metal folded out from beneath it onto the device and placed the fabric between its clamp. The marking pin slipped through the hole in the device as she pressed it against the table, squeezing it shut. It snapped closed, and when she let up, the black ring was tightly secured to the fabric with a small ring of cloth successfully punched out.

She smiled as she looked down at the several dozen pins to go. "Ah, a labor of love."

Twilight Sparkle sat in Sugarcube Corner at her usual table, watching the autumn leaves skid across the sidewalk. She opened up half a dozen creamer cups before dumping them each into her coffee, filling the mug to its rim. "Pinkie Pie, are you okay?"

The cheerful pink mare skipped over to her friend's table and wiggled her flank. "I'm better than okay! I'm utterly ecstatic," Pinkie giggled. "You get it? 'Cause Exie's name is Ecstasy."

"Yeah I get it, but I'm a little..." Twilight took a deep breath and put on a worrisome frown. "I care a lot about you Pinkie Pie, because you're a great friend and a huge part of my life. I just hate the thought of you getting hurt."

"Oh don't worry about that, silly. I'm not in any danger of being hurt," Pinkie casually explained.

Twilight skeptically smirked and shook her head. "I don't know, Pinkie. I'm no relationships expert, but I've read my fair share of books on the science of love, and I think I may have learned a thing or two about our basic animal instincts."

Pinkie widened her eyes and tilted her head. "Huh?"

"Do you mind if I watch you and Exie interact while I take some notes? I have a few ideas and theories I'd like to observe." Twilight Sparkle ducked behind her mug with adamant, serious eyes.

"Sure, I don't mind at all." Pinkie closed her eyes and leaned forward across the table. "What ideas ya got?"

Twilight glanced around the empty bakery and sipped her coffee. "I think you two are experiencing something called Neurotic Attachment. Essentially you're obsessed and addicted to one another. You do things like gaze into each other's eyes and kiss, which release a potent hormone that fills you with the emotions we associate with love, called oxytocin. This hormone is what links and bonds you two. Since Exie is your first love, the experience is going to be stronger for both of you, because you'll be releasing extra hormones through your saliva and other bodily fluids that Exie may come into contact with. After a few times of sharing your bodies in whatever way, you'll form neuron links that trigger at the very thought of your partner, and fill you with smaller doses of those same chemicals. Is any of this making any sense to you?"

"Nope!" Pinkie Pie proudly stated.

"Well... the point is that you're bonded with Exie through chemical doses and what's otherwise a hormone designed to make you two love each other. Like any chemical and its effects on our bodies, you'll become tolerant, and the sensations will dull in time. It's that point in time that I fear you might end up getting hurt," Twilight explained as she reached out to Pinkie.

The party pony swallowed her smile and slumped into her chair. "How long does it take?"

"On average about four years." Twilight frowned and looked away. "Hey, Pinkie. I'm sorry. I'm very happy to see you so head over heals for a pony that shares your feelings. Let me do the worrying, you should enjoy what you have."

Pinkie forced a smile and nodded, her heart kicking at her ribs. "I don't want to lose her... but, but what about Mr. And Mrs. Cake? They've been together for a long, long time and still love each other!"

Twilight Sparkle tilted her head with a soft smile. "And who's to say that you won't end up just like them. I certainly hope you stay this happy for the rest of your life. No matter what happens, Pinkie, I'll be right here by your side, because I love you in my own way."

Pinkie Pie stood up and pulled Twilight into a tight hug. "I love you too, Twi!"

The lavender unicorn closed her eyes and rubbed up and down her friend's back. "Don't let my thoughts get you down. We should go visit Exie's shop when you get a chance."

"Sounds like a plan." Pinkie genuinely smiled and looked around the empty bakery. "I might be able to go as soon as the Cakes wake up 'cause it's pretty slow today."

"I'll meet you there." Twilight Sparkle stood up and finished off her creamy drink. She then paused and looked down at the table. "Pinkie, why don't you like to be tipped?"

Pinkie Pie immediately giggled. "Because then I might fall over! Silly."

Twilight rolled her eyes and frowned. "You know what I mean."

Pinkie Pie shrugged and trotted away. "I dunno. I just feel like seeing ponies happy is more than enough for me. It feels weird taking anything extra just for being friendly. I'm nice to everypony in the bakery because I like to be, and not because I want anything for myself."

Twilight Sparkle lowered her eyes and nodded. "That's very noble of you. I feel like you deserve more." The unicorn levitated a few extra bits onto the table and smiled. "You're very appreciated, Pinkie. This is how I want to show it today."

The baker widened her eyes as her friend headed towards the exit, her gaze fixed on the extra coins. She galloped to Twilight's side and pulled her tightly into a hug. "Thank you. I appreciate you too!"

"I know you do." Twilight Sparkle patted her back and headed out. "Come over as soon as you can, but don't rush. I really feel like I need to have a chat with Exie myself first."

Pinkie Pie nodded and watched her friend walk away as a young couple trotted towards the entrance. "Good morning! Come on in!"

Exie carefully focused as she slowly slid a strip of gleaming faux leather beneath her razor sharp straightedge. She bit her tongue, dragging the strip along the board, determined to keep the edge perfectly straight.

Dind Ding, the doorbell chimed as Twilight Sparkle entered.

Exie jerked her body with a start, bumping the top of her leg against the blade. "Ouch!"

"Oh my. I'm terribly sorry, and I certainly didn't mean to startle you. Are you alright?" The concerned unicorn trotted up to the wounded mare and examined her cut.

A small stream of blood trickled down Exie's foreleg as she fought back tears. "Oh no! It hurts so bad! Am I gonna need stitches?! Owweee!"

"Settle down. It's just a little nick, and you'll be fine with a bandage." Twilight levitated a small strip of discarded black cotton and inspected it. "Do you have running water in here?"

Exie nodded toward the back of the store and sobbed.

"Wait here." Twilight Sparkle trotted into a bathroom and dampened one piece of fabric, rolling her eyes with a grin as she returned. She took Exie's foreleg in her front hooves and held her steady as she removed her leg-warmer. With a deep breath, she carefully wiped the area around the cut with the warm, damp cloth. Finally, she used her magic to tightly wrap another errant strip of fabric around the wound, causing Exie to wince. "There. Just change that in a few hours and make sure to use an antiseptic to clean the area to avoid infection. If you're feeling gross, just lick it."

Exie cringed and tucked her leg in. "Lick it? I thought... like, bacteria and stuff is in your mouth."

Twilight Sparkle condescendingly smiled and shook her head. "There's literally bacteria on every inch of our bodies. There's also an enzyme that can be found in your saliva called lysozyme. It's known for attacking the cell walls of many harmful bacteria and can greatly reduce the risk of infection..." the unicorn explained trailing off as she blushed. "So what did I interrupt?"

"Okay then Doc." Exie raised an eyebrow and returned to her leather strip, sighing as she realized it was ruined. "I was making a scarf for Apple Bloom, and I wanted to add this leather strip beneath a set of laced ribbon that I think would look adorable, but I kind of cut it short when you walked in."

Twilight frowned. "I'm so sorry about that."

"Oh it's not your fault it's so quiet in here. I was so absorbed in trying to cut this thing straight and all in one piece that just about anything could have startled me. It's close enough though. Only a few inches shy of where I needed it." Exie nodded and chopped the strip, laying it out across the scarf to be. "Thanks for patching me up."

"That's not a problem. It's the least I could do for my best friend's girlfriend." Twilight widened an eye and grinned.

Exie nodded and fastened the strip down between the rows of eyelets with pins, then ran it beneath her sewing machine. "You heard? Are you here to warn me not to hurt her too?"

Twilight detected the angst in the mare's voice and cleared her throat. "No of course not. I'm sure you get enough of that from Rainbow Dash. No, I'm here to thank you for making Pinkie Pie happier than I've ever seen her before. And that's really saying something because she's always been the happiest mare I've ever known."

Exie smiled, her eyes still focused on the machine and scarf. "It's really my pleasure, Twilight. Pinkie is like a dream come true for me. I love her."

"That's just great. I'm so glad to see that you two are so into one another. May I ask why, though? I'm curious because you two didn't exactly get along at first." Twilight leaned on the desk at watched the mare work.

Exie dropped her smile and picked up her pace. "I misjudged her, and I feel bad enough about that. After I took your guys' advice and gave her a chance, I really came around."

"That's a bit of an understatement." Twilight Sparkle chuckled.

Exie stopped the machine and looked up. "Yeah it is..." she said with a giggle.

Twilight gently smiled and tilted her head. "Who's the scarf for again?"

Exie bit her tongue as she reached the second edge, the strip tastefully sewn down. "It's for Apple Bloom. She was shivering this morning on the way to school, so I decided to whip this scarf up for her to keep her a bit warmer."

"Well that's very generous of you. With the things I've seen those fillies running around with lately, I'm sure she'll love it," Twilight Sparkle said with confidence.

Exie pulled the nearly completed scarf off the table and twirled it around her neck. "How's it look?"

Twilight noticed the many empty rings and tilted her head. "Needs something."

Exie sighed and flopped it back onto the table. "Yeah yeah. I have trouble lacing things sometimes. I wish I was a unicorn. All the best seamstresses are unicorns. Do you know how hard it is to lace up a pair of boots with just your teeth and hooves?"

Twilight Sparke frowned and lowered her horn. "If you'd like, I could help you lace it up."

The young seamstress shook her head with a determined grin. "I'd rather do it myself. I need to get used to it if I want it to get easier," she explained as she bit down on the scarlet ribbon and carefully fed it through the eyelet.

"Spoken like a true artist. I wouldn't be surprised if you mastered it with that attitude. Now if only I could get Spike to be so willing to improve in his areas of opportunity." Twilight giggled and covered her mouth.

Exie continued slowly lacing the ribbon through the scarf, struggling to keep it from twisting and rolling. "So why are you here? Just visiting? You're welcome to try something on if a costume interests you."

Twilight looked over Exie's head at the many posters depicting models wearing suggestive outfits. "Oh my. These aren't really my kind of costumes. Plus, I've already drawn plans to make my own costume. I'm going as Sir Sparkbottom the Great."

Exie cocked her eye and scratched her head before continuing her work.

"The founder of the First Century Counsil of Collective Magical Archives?" Twilight bluntly stated.

Exie blushed and shrugged.

"The creator of the Resonation Vibrometer?" Twilight said expectantly, Exie's apologetic eyes focused on her scarf.

"Ugh! Doesn't anypony care about... oh never mind..."

Exie stopped lacing and looked Twilight over. "You sure you don't want to look at something? It's just us in here, and I never get a customer before noon. Not yet anyway."

The lavender unicorn gulped as she looked back up, her eyes being pulled to the same costume every time she swept the board. "Um..."

The seasoned salesmare trotted around the counter and looked over Twilight's slender, untoned physique and placed a hoof beneath her chin, patting her chest. "Twilight Sparkle, I must say that you have a great body that you shouldn't be afraid to show off on a night like Nightmare Night. It's when we all get to really let loose and be wild until the sun rises and brings about another normal day."

"I do like dancing. I've been working on a new routine that I'm sure will wow everypony when I get the opportunity to show it off!" Twilight rapidly nodded.

"Alright, let's see it. Show me a few steps and it'll help me get an idea or two for your ideal costume." Exie stepped back and placed a hoof to her chin.

Twilight closed her eyes and bit her tongue, wiggling her body to loosen up. "Okay, I'm imagining music now."

Exie bit her lip and snickered at the nerdiest mare she'd ever seen. Twilight kicked out her back legs one at time as she stepped in a circle in time with her front legs, swaying her head and hips as she went. Exie fought back tears and swallowed her tongue to prevent herself from laughing.

"Okay okay! That's great." The mare covered her mouth and snickered, desperately fighting back laughter. "Phew! How about that."

"Pretty good, huh? I've been reading up on rhythmic stepping and the origins of dance. I combined a few of my favorites to make my own new dance that I think is great so far," Twilight explained.

Exie wiped a tear and nodded. "I'm pretty impressed, but I think I might be able to help you improve on it. You see, I studied dancing too. I learned a lot by going to popular clubs and parties in the city, and maybe those newer, modern dance styles will be great additions to improve what you already have."

Twilight skeptically tilted her head and shrugged. "Okay. I appreciate the help, and I'm always willing to learn what I can."

"Now then! There's still the matter of your costume. Sure, with your dancing I doubt anypony will care about any old costume you're wearing, they'll be too mesmerized by your slick moves. But! With the perfect costume, your dancing can be even further amplified and even more beautiful than ever. I want you to get a costume from here and dance at the store's Scared Sexy party on Nightmare Night." Exie trotted back up to Twilight and circled her, gently brushing along her sides with her tail. "A pony like you who isn't afraid to tear up the dance floor is a pony I'd like to call a friend. Now tell me what you think of this."

Twilight curiously watched as Exie skipped around her counter and dug out a packaged costume. "What is it?"

Exie opened it up and stretched it out. "This, my friend, is your new dance partner. While you're wearing this, not only will all eyes be on you admiring your graceful steppage, but you'll be the hottest mare at the party. You've got the body, all you need is the style. Most mares are too prudish to wear this, but a bold dancer like yourself will definitely be right at home in it."

Twilight's eyes widened as she looked up at the model on the poster. "You want me to wear that?"

Exie nodded. "Yes, and I don't recommend this costume lightly. I really believe you can pull it off though. Go try it on and see how you feel in it."

Twilight hesitantly took the costume and trotted into the dressing room as Exie grinned and continued working on the tedious lacing at hand. She narrowed her eyes as she carefully guided the ribbon through each eyelet, approaching the end. Finally finished, she used her teeth to help tie the tip off before tucking the remaining ribbon into the middle layer beneath the laced face of the scarf. She stood up and slung it around her neck, twirling around carefree as she stepped towards the dressing room.

Ding Ding, the bell chimed, startling Exie and causing her to trip.

A small pink mare with a glowing blonde mane trotted into the store, a package balanced on her back. Exie leaned up and rubbed her sore chin before making eye contact with her old friend. "Speckles?!"

"Exie!" The young mare dropped the box and darted towards her idol.

The Manehattan mare stood up and spread her front legs as her young friend collided with her, each mare spinning around in a tight, warm embrace. Exie lifted the small earth pony up with her front hooves and kissed her cheeks. "What are you doing here?!"

"I missed you so much that I had to come see you!" Speckles shouted.

Exie squeaked out in delight. "How'd you find me?!"

"Cashmere sent me with a box!" she explained nodding towards the package.

Exie sat her friend down and trotted up to the box, reading over the label that was never postmarked. "That cheap old coot..."

Twilight Sparkle peeked her head out through the dressing room curtain and cleared her throat. "Ahem. Excuse me, Exie. Would you mind telling me what you think?"

The shopkeeper nodded and patted Speckles on the head as she headed to the dressing room. She closed the curtain behind herself and looked Twilight over with a reassuring smile. "Wow, if I weren't taken, I'd have you right here on the dressing room floor."

Twilight blushed and casually wagged her hoof. "It does look rather provocative, but in a good way."

"A very, very good way. I hope you're looking to turn some heads, because this outfit literally suits you very well." Exie chuckled and resisted the urge to swat Twilight's exposed flank.

"Well, it actually figuratively suits me well..." Twilight corrected. "And, I love it!"

Exie rolled her eyes and rubbed her hoof down Twilight's foreleg. "You're sexy, that's what matters. And if you love this, then just wait until I make you the form fitting version that will blow your mind. I was thinking of adding some things to it as well, so you can be a sexy Sir Sparkbottom the Great.

"That's a great idea. I bet these open chest areas would be perfect for a frilly collar to hang down." Twilight noted as she twirled around.

"You know what? You may be right. But you should just give me a picture and your plans for your other costume, and I'll whip you up something you're sure to love!" Exie bumped Twilight's shoulder and grinned.

Suddenly, the curtain flew open, startling the two mares. Speckles stood outside the dressing room with a straight face and a raised eyebrow. "Who's the hotty?"

Twilight blushed and covered herself. "Occupied!"

Exie nervously blushed and scooted her friend away. "Sorry Twilight, I'll give you some privacy."

The two city girls scurried away from the curtain and the older mare nudged Speckles against the counter. "Hey you little squirt! You can't just barge into dressing rooms and stuff. This isn't the brothel and mares here like privacy."

"Privi-wha? I was just seeing what you were doing in there. I miss you Exie. Let's do something fun!" The young mare hopped up and down.

"Shh. I miss you too, but you need to take it down a notch. Later tonight I'll introduce you to the most fun and exciting mare in the world. You're going to love her, she's so cute and funny... Oh hey, here she is now." Exie smiled widely and waved as her lover trotted through the front door.

Pinkie Pie rushed to the other side of the room and pushed herself between the two. "Oh I missed you!" she said as she nuzzled and kissed her lover.

Exie grinned and kissed her back, first on the cheek then on the lips. Feeling dizzy with her eyes partially closed, she let out a deep, drawn out breath, bliss flooding her lungs. "Speckles, I'd like you to meet the love of my life, Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie Pie placed her hooves over her chest at the endearing words and purred. "Aw, Exie! I love you too." The two then came together, their lips locking as Speckles watched in utter disbelief.

Twilight Sparkle exited the dressing room with the costume neatly folded and put away, her eyes attempting not to stare at the display of passionate affection in front of her, and failing. She then glanced down at young mare who appeared to be hopelessly crushed, her ears flat and her eyes glistening with sadness. "Hey, Exie... I'm just gonna leave this here... I'll talk to later about the outfit."

Exie turned away from Pinkie's lips, giggling as the party pony began nibbling on her neck. "Okay Twilight. Come back whenever you're ready." She leaned into Pinkies playful nips and blushed. "Quit it! That tickles."

Twilight cleared her throat and nodded towards the defeated young mare before turning and trotting out the front door. Pinkie let up, out of breath and her face flushed. "I can't wait to sleep with you again tonight..."

Exie glanced down at her little friend, a pang of guilt striking her heart. "Is that tonight? Wow, this week flew by. I'm so glad you don't have to work on weekend mornings anymore, I love spending all morning with you in bed."

"I hate going to sleep alone..." Pinkie Pie frowned and placed her hoof on her lover's cheek.

Exie tilted her head and smiled, running her hooves down Pinkie's sides. "Sweetheart, you're never alone, because I'm always in your heart..."

Speckles felt her eye twitching and stood upright. "What is happening? Exie?! Is that really you? What happened to you?! What... What's wrong with you?!"

Pinkie Pie flinched and giggled. "Oh, hello. I'm Pinkie Pie, and... welcome welcome welcome to Ponyville. A nice welcome to... you? Hehe. Welcome to town."

Exie nodded. "I guess she doesn't feel like singing."

"Are you even listening to me? I asked you a damn question! Exie, I don't feel good." Speckles cured up and hugged her back legs.

"Awwww. I think she's sick." Pinkie Pie leaned forward and tapped her on the shoulder. "I like her!"

"I like her too. She may as well be my little sister. I took care of her since she was just a little blank flank." Exie reached down and pulled Speckles to her hooves.

"Sister? You don't eat your sister ou-"

"Oh you!" Exie blushed and covered the young mare's mouth.

Pinkie Pie frowned and raised her eyebrows. "Exie... I have to go, but now I really, really don't want to."

"Why do you have to go, sweetie?" Exie asked, pouting. "I don't want you to go either. I hate it when you go, you know that."

"I promised that I'd go back in a few minutes. I'm on a break." Pinkie Pie looked down at Speckles and felt her heart slip into her stomach. "I'll see you tonight, right?"

Exie detected the tension between the two mares and kissed Pinkie on the forehead. "You'll see me all night, cutie."

Pinkie Pie giggled and kissed her lover once more before turning away and trotting outside. Exie immediately glared down at her little friend with a snarl. "Dang it, squirt. What's wrong with you? You can't tell ponies about what we did back home... I mean, in the place. Just don't mention any of it! Ever!"

Exie stormed back towards her sewing table and rested her face against the desk. Speckles winced and looked up with wide purple eyes, tears forming. "But I thought you loved me."

"I do love you, you're my best friend, and you mean the world to me. Come here, you little twerp." Exie smiled softly and opened her hooves as Speckles crashed into her for another loving hug. "I really missed you, kiddo. How have you been?"

"I've been miserable without you. These past couple of years have been the worst, and I don't want to go back. Please let me stay with you, here. I need you to take care of me like you promised you would." Speckles widened her eyes and stared into Exie's, her lip quivering.

"What happened? Is Mistress being mean?" Exie pried, stroking the young mare's mane.

Speckles nodded. "Yes! Like, you don't even know. She loved you! She doesn't give a crap about me. When you left she stopped even trying to pretend she didn't think I was garbage. She always puts me on the block and makes me do the crappy, cheap ass clients. I never want to go back."

Exie glared into the distance and hugged the little mare's head, still stroking her soft blonde mane. "Don't worry Speckles, you can stay here with me in Ponyville. This shop can be your new home for now. I've got a bedroll and everything. Oh! You can work here too! I'll be your boss and we can hang out everyday, it'll be awesome just like the good 'ol days, right?"

Speckles wiped her tears and smiled widely. "Yes! Best idea ever!" She leaned up and kissed Exie on the lips.

The older mare squeezed her eyes shut, her lips locked with her young friend's. She attempted with every muscle in her body to fight, and as Speckles' tongue began to slip into her mouth, she shoved her away. The young mare stumbled backwards and tripped over a crate of sewing supplies, falling onto her back as its contents spilled across the floor. Exie covered her mouth and began to hyperventilate. "Speckles! Are you alright? I'm so, so sorry!"

The young mare grimaced as she wobbled to her hooves. She kicked the mess across the floor and stomped up to Exie. "You're gonna treat me like this too?"

"Hey. Come on, I'm sorry. You know I'm with Pinkie though!" Exie covered her face and sniffled.

"So?!" Speckles brushed herself off and huffed. "You said you loved me! You said I mean the world to you. It's not like we've never done it before anyway."

Exie sighed and placed her hooves on her friend's shoulders. "Sweetie, we don't live in a brothel anymore. Pinkie Pie will be very upset if you keep trying to kiss me and stuff. We're friends, and I love you like a baby sister. I want to look out for you and take care of you."

"Crud. Sister zoned..." Speckles looked up with teary eyes and a grin, and hugged her mentor. "I'll be good, Exie. I promise."

Rainbow Dash shuddered, her heart on fire as she watched Exie and her friend from outside the shop. "I knew you'd screw it all up..."

Author's Notes:

Here's some stuff goin' down! The next chapter is well on its way, so look forward to that soon! Be sure to leave your thoughts on the chapter!