Twilight Sparkle is sitting on the balcony of her library – the town library, she reminds herself. It's cold out, and her breath hangs in the crisp air around her as she looks up at the stars. A half moon hangs low in a cloudless sky, glowing bright, seemingly bigger than usual.

Of course it looks bigger, she thinks. It's all you've been thinking about lately.

She sighs and snuggles her blanket more tightly around her body. Everything is perfectly silent and still save for the rustle of her blanket against her hair, the sound of her own breath, and her own pulse in her ears. Ponyville is covered in a deep layer of fresh snow all around her. It's beautiful, but she hasn't looked down in close to an hour. She's just now starting to feel the numbness in her hooves and beginning to wonder what time it is. She remembers that she really should sleep.

She feels somepony staring at her. Ignoring the feeling, she stands up and stretches, feeling joints pop and muscles ache from lack of motion. She turns to go inside and comes almost face to face with Princess Luna.

"Good evening," the Princess says in a normal speaking voice.

After screaming and almost jumping out of her skin, Twilight attempts to speak, gasping for breath.

"I – uh, you... hi?" She gathers her blanket up from the floor, hooves trembling a little.

"I apologize. I did not intend to startle you. Of course, I did not exactly take steps to prevent it," the Princess says with a smirk on her face.

"It's fine, really." Twilight forces a nervous and obviously fake smile.

"You looked like you were observing my night." She gestures upwards with a hoof.

"Uh, yes, I was actually. It's, umm, nicer than usual tonight?" Twilight feels her face growing hot. She's sweating somehow, despite the cold.

"Thank you, Twilight."

Twilight feels a lightness in her chest at hearing her own name escape the Princess's lips. Before she can mumble anything, the Princess continues.

"How lucky for those in Ponyville. A blizzard rages all day, but the clouds clear in time to observe the stars. A still winter night is one of my favorite kinds, you know."

"Really?" Twilight says.

Really? That's all I can say? Really?

"Indeed. So still, as if time has frozen." The Princess stares out over the snow-covered town for a moment. She turns back to Twilight as if noticing the purple unicorn's nervousness for the first time.

"Is everything alright? I hope that I am not imposing, arriving like this," the Princess asks.

"No! No, it's fine. I just wasn't expecting anyone this late at night."

"Mmm." Luna pauses and seems to consider this very seriously for some reason. "Well I am not generally awake during daylight. I must say, I am surprised that you were not expecting a visit from me, after the way we parted last."

Luna looks at her with a faint smile playing at the edge of her lips. She looks amused? Twilight can't tell. The low-grade panic threatening to overwhelm her since Luna showed up is gaining strength, building to a ferocious roar at the mention of their last meeting. She tries to maintain her fake smile, feels herself blush even hotter somehow, and then finally loses it. Her smile disappears and she bows, almost groveling.

"I am so, soooooo sorry about that! It was inappropriate, completely, and, and, and... drinks! I had a few that night. More than I'm used to. I didn't really know what I was doing, I swear, I would never, EVER, disrespect you or your sister in such a way –"

"Twilight!" The Princess cuts her words short. Her tone is commanding but soothing somehow. Twilight looks up from her bow and Luna is smiling down at her.

"Stand up," Luna commands. Twilight obeys immediately, averting her eyes.

"I am a bit disappointed," Luna says, almost tittering. Twilight winces.

"Blaming your behavior on drink. My sister always makes you sound so mature. So smart. In some ways." The Princess lifts a hoof to Twilight's chin and raises her face so their eyes meet. Twilight feels her knees go wobbly.

"Drink lowers barriers. Makes us do things we regret, sometimes, but it does not change who we are," the Princess says.

Twilight is awestruck, mind completely blank, staring into Luna's large... green eyes? Is that light green? Blue? Twilight can't put a name to the color. Rarity would know.

"I, uh... uhhh..." she stammers.

"So, when you drunkenly kissed me that night –"

Twilight immediately bows again.

"I can't apologize enough. I just can't. I'm sorry if I offended you or upset you. I didn't mean anything by it." Twilight grits her teeth and forces her eyes open, trying to gauge Luna's reaction.

"You didn't mean anything by it?" Luna raises one eyebrow.

"I swear."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, absolutely, completely –" Twilight freezes as a pair of lips caress her own. The touch is electric, and her mind instantly clouds over. She sees stars, floating in a dark, beautiful expanse of stars, endless and eternal. The feeling only lasts a moment, and suddenly she is on her – the library's – balcony again, swaying on weak knees. Luna is smiling at her.

"Still so sure?" she says.

"Did we just – did you just...?" Twilight shakes her head, still feeling groggy, floaty, lost in time and space.

"Mmhmm." The Princess nods, her eyes half-lidded, staring right at Twilight.

"I don't remember it being like that..." Twilight trails off as she faints, seeing stars.

She jolts as consciousness returns. Twilight is in her bed, wrapped snugly in the covers. Luna is next to her, in bed with her. Twilight starts to panic but then sighs in relief as she realizes that the Princess is on top of the blankets. She's using her magic to flip through a book. Pale moonlight pours in through the windows, bathing the room in subtle light.

Twilight sits up and takes a few deep breaths. The Princess must know that Twilight's awake by now, but she's still casually leafing through the pages.

Okay, okay, this is fine, this is OKAY, you can do this. Now make some words.

"Princess..."

Luna turns to her, closing the book.

"Just Luna, if you don't mind," she says.

Mind? Mind?! You better believe I don't mind.

"...Luna." Twilight smiles. "Anything interesting?" she asks, nodding towards the book.

"Just one of your astronomy guides. Flattering, but they do so miss the point of it all sometimes."

Twilight raises an eyebrow, but quickly dismisses her many questions. This is her big chance; better to not derail the conversation. She opens her mouth to speak, and finds she has nothing there. The silence turns into a pause, then a long pause, and then a pause bordering on awkward.

"So," Luna says.

"So?"

"Do you find me attractive, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight blushes and shrinks into her blankets. "...Yes," she squeaks out, doing her best Fluttershy impression.

"And why should you be embarrassed to be attracted to me?"

Twilight's rational mind breaks through her nervousness – a question, a puzzle, something to figure out! She forgets to be nervous long enough to consider this.

"I... I've never had a crush on a mare before," Twilight says slowly, articulating as she thinks it through. "Well actually, I've never had a crush on anypony before. Ever. I – this is new to me. And you, you... You're a Goddess! I can't even – I don't even..."

"Never had a... crush?" Luna asks.

"Oh, its modern slang. It just means to be attracted to somepony. Infatuation, interest, of a romantic nature. Implies feelings conducive to becoming, but not necessarily yet, serious romantic love," Twilight recites.

"Ah. So you have a crush, as you say. On me."

"Do you... I mean... do you...?" Twilight folds her ears down, remembering to be nervous again. "Do you even have relationships? You and your sister? Aren't you kind of, I don't know, above that sort of thing?"

"Of course we are not above it. It is natural and healthy for all beings, great and small."

"Oh." Twilight pauses, and feels a little bit of joy chase out a little bit of her nervousness. "So... you take on mates? Lovers? I've been your sister's student for years and she never had any, uhh... companions."

Luna casts her eyes down at the mention of her sister, pausing to think.

"My sister... is discreet. As always, she is the pinnacle of decorum. Purity. All those wholesome and proper things. She is very selective and restrained, and only occasionally indulges. When she takes on a mate, they bond for some time, and devote themselves to each other, body and soul. As always, I am her opposite." Luna looks her right in the eye and winks.

"Oh..." Twilight feels an entirely different kind of blush creeping over her face. "Oh!"

"So you see, Twilight, you need feel no shame in your attraction. I am quite flattered, and it is quite mutual." Luna rests a hoof on Twilight's side, caressing her through the blanket ever so slightly.

Twilight feels light as a pegasus. Her head spins a little, and she fights the urge to jump around the room screaming "YES!"

"But," Luna interrupts.

"But?"

"Yes, there is a 'but'. And it is a large one."

Twilight's eyes disobey all her orders and slide over Luna's flank as she says this. Of course, Luna notices, Twilight notices that she notices, and Twilight shrinks into her blankets further. Luna snorts, almost giggling.

"You are cute. So young. So eager. I would very much like to take you into my bed," Luna says calmly, as if it was a normal piece of everyday conversation. Twilight shudders and smiles, feeling herself turning to putty with every word.

"But I worry for you. This might not be fair. For you. I have lived many millions of years, and had many great loves. And I have also broken many hearts."

"Fair?" Twilight says.

"You have no experience in love?" Luna asks.

"No," Twilight admits. "I was always so busy studying, and..."

"I know." Luna stops her with a raised hoof. "My sister speaks of you sometimes. Many ponies by your age would have had at least one lover. But for a pony that is just now in her life learning how to make friends, I am not surprised. Again, it is nothing to be ashamed of."

Twilight fumbles with her hooves, looking down at them. She's unsure where this is going, and unsure whether she wants to get it over with or delay the inevitable.

"You still write my sister letters? Reports?" Luna asks.

"Not as much as I used to, but yes," Twilight says.

"Yes, your assignment. Homework." Luna giggles.

"What does this have to do with us?"

"I would like to give you an assignment, Twilight. And I would like for you to report to me, as you have done for my sister."

"About... love?"

"Precisely. I want you to experience some love and romance for yourself, before we do anything."

Twilight ponders this and instantly thinks of about a hundred objections. The very idea makes her feel awkward.

"But I... I want you. Am I supposed to just fake feelings for other ponies?" she asks.

"I know you can not force a crush, Twilight, but I suspect you have not yet begun to open your eyes on this matter. You are surrounded by the potential for love, if you would only be aware of it."

Twilight looks skeptically at Luna. "So you really want me to – ?"

"Think of it as study. Research."

"Huh." Twilight continues to ponder. "Huh," she says, more intelligently this time.

"And I won't be satisfied until you really enjoy yourself," Luna adds, winking again.

Twilight absorbs this and does a double take. She can't really mean – ?

"If this is what you really want from me..." she says.

"Trust me, I am looking out for what you really want. Even if you do not yet know it," Luna says.

Twilight stares into Luna's eyes and starts to get lost in them again, losing track of any coherent thought. Of course she'll do it. She would do anything those eyes asked right now.

"Alright. I'll find some romance. With other ponies. Ponies? More than one?" she asks.

"That's up to you. As many as it takes for you to feel you understand the magic of love."

"I see. How can I send you my... romance reports? I'm not doing this through Spike," Twilight says.

"Just write a letter." Luna leans in closer to Twilight's face.

"Focus your magic on the paper." Luna brushes in close, their horns touching slightly, lips atoms apart. Twilight can feel Luna's cool breath across her own lips.

"And think of me." Luna kisses her tenderly, and Twilight is lost in stars again. When her bedroom returns, Luna is gone.

Her chest heaves, catching her breath. Her eyes take their time focusing again, and she feels hot all over.

"Wow," she says.

She slumps onto her side, snuggles herself deeper under her blankets, and lays there, wide awake, heart thumping in her chest.

Twilight trots down one of Ponyville's main roads, reveling in the silence. It's almost midday. At any other time of year, the town would be bustling, but little is happening now. Everything is quiet, covered in a beautiful clean layer of new snow, and perfect.

Humming tunelessly, she turns towards Carousel Boutique. Rarity isn't expecting her, but Twilight doubts the fashionista will be too busy to talk.

"Twilight!"

Rainbow Dash lands in front of her with a soft poof of snow.

"Hey! Nice... sweater?" Twilight says.

Rainbow Dash is wearing a garish red and green sweater, decorated with small gold trees.

"Ugh. Thanks, I guess. My parents sent it to me. For Hearth's Warming Eve."

"It's nice?" Twilight offers.

"It looks like filly's pajamas," Dash says.

"It looks warm."

"Good thing too! You think it's cold here on the ground? Nasty up there. Especially when you're as fast as me." Rainbow Dash poses, flaring her wings out. Twilight just rolls her eyes.

"I got the day off, and the town's dead today. Bored outta my mind. Watchya up to?" Dash asks.

Twilight considers making something up, but then a thought occurs to her. It might be good to invite the blue pegasus along for this.

"I was on my way to Rarity's. You wanna come along?"

"Ugh, nevermind, I think I'm busy." Dash rolls her eyes this time, preparing to take off.

"Hey! What's wrong with hanging out at Rarity's house?" Twilight asks.

"What are you gonna do, try on dresses? Drink tea? Don't get me wrong, I like Rarity and all, but I was looking for something to be less bored doing," Rainbow says.

"Well, what else are you going to do? It's the middle of winter."

"Ehhh..." Dash looks ready to take off at any second.

"Look." Twilight glances around, making sure nopony is close enough to listen. "I need to talk to Rarity about something important. And kind of secret. And I think you could help, too. I want you in on this."

Rainbow Dash folds her wings in, looking interested.

"You don't say?" She raises one eyebrow.

"I do say. But you can't tell anypony."

"Huh. And what is this secret mystery conversation about?"

Twilight gives her an "Oh please, really?" look.

"Alright, I'm in. Let's go to Rarity's Boutique of Girly Boredom."

"Twilight! And Rainbow Dash! Where did you get that dashing accoutrement?" Rarity says as she lets them in, over-pronouncing her French.

Dash gives an exasperated sigh.

"Gift. Parents. Hearth's Warming," she says.

"Well, the gold thread is just lovely! And this weave – just fabulous!"

"You're not busy, are you?" Twilight asks.

"Well, these days I'm always busy, but not too busy to take a break. Please, come in, sit!" Rarity leads them to a kitchen in the back of the boutique and lays out some cushions around a small table.

"I've just finished up another large order from that noblepony in Canterlot, and I can't believe I'm looking forward to a bit of a lull," Rarity says as she sets out some cups and begins pouring drinks from a steaming kettle. "I mean, it's nice to have so much business, but I do so need some relaxation."

Rainbow Dash sniffs at the cup in front of her, then glares at Twilight.

"Thanks for the tea, Rarity," she says, still staring directly at the purple unicorn.

"It's good, if you would just try it." Twilight glares back.

"Oh, uh, of course, it's nothing, just a little something I order occasionally," Rarity says, choosing to ignore whatever Dash was obviously trying to say. She puts the kettle back and joins them.

"So!" Rarity sips her tea and prepares some juicy bit of gossip for launch.

"SO!" Rainbow Dash cuts her off. "Twilight said she had something super important to tell us. And secret."

"Oh my! Do tell," Rarity says.

Twilight opens her mouth to talk but hesitates. "Is your sister around?" She glances over her shoulders.

"She's been at school for hours now, why?"

"This is kind of, uh... inappropriate. For younger fillies," Twilight explains, folding her ears down. "And I want to keep it secret for now."

"Now we're talkin'! This is gonna be good," Rainbow Dash blurts out. Rarity arches her eyebrows, obviously thinking the same thing.

"Well..." Twilight begins. Her two friends are completely focused on her, staring. She hesitates again. "Promise you won't ask any questions until I explain it all?"

"Yes, fine, just tell us already!" Dash yells.

"Fine, fine." Twilight takes a deep breath. "Remember a few months ago when I went to Canterlot for the Solstice?"

"So sorry I couldn't accompany you, still. It sounded just marvelous," Rarity says.

"It was. Anyway, the Princess was there at the ball. The other Princess. Luna."

"You mean like, Nightmare Moon Luna?" Dash asks.

"Just Luna. And I sort of... kissed her."

Both her friends do double takes and start talking. Twilight raises a hoof to silence them.

"Not finished."

"There's MORE?" Dash asks.

"Now, Dash, we agreed to let her explain fully. I am eager to hear the rest. Do continue, Twilight," Rarity says.

"I had a few drinks, and at the time I just kind of did it. And then I found myself thinking about her more and more, and I did some research, and I realized I had a crush on her."

Both her friends are staring at her completely wide-eyed, mouths hanging open a little.

"She visited me last night. And she, uhh, returns my, um, feelings."

"Twilight Sparkle! Consorting with royalty! Why this is delightfully scandalous!" Rarity says.

"Now who's interrupting?" Dash groans. Rarity shoots her a dirty look.

"We haven't really consorted. Not yet, anyway. I think. She wants me to do something first," Twilight says.

"To prove your love and devotion?" Rarity asks breathlessly.

"Not exactly. First she wants me to get some... well... experience." Twilight tries to grin but just winces.

"Whoa. WHOA. She wants you to get laid? Nice." Rainbow Dash waggles her eyebrows.

"Ugh, don't be crude." Rarity sips her tea.

"You two don't think this is strange at all?" Twilight asks.

"Of course not. Twilight, you've been chosen by a Goddess! To be her... her companion. Her lover! How fabulous!" Rarity says.

"Besides, weird magic stuff is always happening around you. This is like, one of the less weird things you've told me," Rainbow Dash adds.

Twilight feels a weight lift off her chest. Yet again, it was silly to be so nervous. Of course her friends understand. How could she have thought otherwise?

"So, you'll help me?" Twilight asks.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity both pause and exchange a confused glance.

"Help you... with...?" Rarity says.

"...Getting experience?" Rainbow Dash cocks an eyebrow.

"Oh gosh! Advice! I want advice. Guidance. For dating. Other ponies." Twilight blushes.

"Oh yes, of course, haha, for the, uh, experience! Yes!" Rarity says.

"Ha! I'm like, the best lover in Equestria! Of course The Dash can teach you a thing or two." Rainbow Dash puffs her chest out.

"You must be joking. How do you even know she likes mares?" Rarity asks.

"That's not what I meant!" Dash says. "Besides, you sayin' Luna's a stallion?"

"Well that's different. She's a hardly a normal pony, it doesn't count," Rarity says.

"Why not?"

"Because she is a goddess."

"So?"

"So... Twilight?" Rarity turns to her. Twilight is caught off guard, lost in their back-and-forth. Both her friends are looking at her.

"So?" Twilight isn't sure what they're waiting for.

"Do you... how shall I put this, hmm... do you like...?" Rarity says.

"Do you clop to mares?" Dash asks.

"Clop?" Twilight raises an eyebrow.

"Again, must you be so crude? I swear you are worse than Applejack sometimes." Rarity sighs.

"What's so crude about the sound of hooves on stone?" Twilight asks.

Again, her friends stare at her.

"Wow. Worse than I thought." Dash shakes her head. "No wonder Luna wants you to get around some."

"What Rainbow Dash was referring to was, ahem, uh, tending one's flower," Rarity explains.

Twilight just stares blankly at her.

"Exploring your mare's garden?" she tries again. Twilight still looks confused.

"Touching yourself – down there?" Rarity says.

"Oh! That. Right. Uh... I don't really do that," Twilight says.

Yet again, her friends stare at her, speechless.

"Do you guys...?" Twilight asks.

"Pssh, like, every day!" Dash says.

"Everypony does it, Twilight, it's perfectly normal," Rarity says. "Well, almost everypony, it seems. Twilight, are you, and please forgive me for asking, a virgin?"

"Well duh! She doesn't even clop, what do you think?" Rainbow Dash yells.

"It's quite improper to make assumptions. I'm trying to help the poor filly," Rarity says.

"Thank you Rarity, but she's right. I don't know anything about any of this. I've never had these kinds of... feelings before, and I've definitely never tended my garden or whatever. I don't even know if I like stallions or mares. Is that like, a thing? How do you choose one or the other?" Twilight says.

"Well one doesn't exactly just choose," Rarity begins.

"Who says you have to choose?" Rainbow Dash interrupts.

"What should she do, try both?" Rarity asks.

"That's sort of what I had in mind anyway," Twilight says.

"Wha?" both her friends say.

"It seems logical. Scientific. And Luna said I need to understand romance. So I need to study both sides."

"Wow. Twilight. I'm kind of impressed," Dash says.

"I would urge you to try stallions first," Rarity says.

"And why is that?" Dash asks.

"Well, there's nothing wrong with liking mares, but this isn't exactly Manehattan. It's a little unusual around here. And, there's an added element of uncertainty. You must determine if your potential mate is... of the same inclination. And some ponies are somewhat sensitive about that sort of thing. As you are just starting out, it may be easier to go with stallions at first. Until you're more experienced," Rarity explains.

"Sensitive? Some ponies?" Twilight asks.

"Yeah, some ponies don't like the idea of mares with mares." Rainbow Dash glares at Rarity.

"Are you implying something?" Rarity says.

"Naw, I don't do that. I'm a straight talker," Dash says. Twilight is curious but tries to move the conversation along.

"Anyway! That idea sounds good. I'll begin by trying to date a stallion. Can you help me find one, Rarity?"

"Darling, I would like nothing more! I must admit, it's been some time since I dated anypony, and I've been feeling a little less than completely worshiped lately. We can do it together. Oh! We can double date! How exciting!"

"I thought you might say so. And Rainbow Dash, once I've learned all that, can you teach me how to... love a mare?" Twilight unconsciously waggles her eyebrows a bit.

Rainbow Dash glares at her in response. "Why does everypony always think I'm gay?!" she yells.

"Oh please, Dash, why do you try to deny it?" Rarity says.

"I like stallions! I love riding stallions! Cocks are awesome!" Rainbow Dash yells. Rarity rolls her eyes.

"Oh. I'm sorry, Dash, I just kind of assumed..." Twilight says.

"Are you really going to lie to her?" Rarity says, arching an eyebrow.

"Hey, why don't you –" Rainbow begins but catches herself, taking a deep breath and a pause. She turns to Twilight. "I like mares, too. It's no big deal, unlike what Miss Fussy Flanks over there might tell you. And yeah, I'll help you get some dates. But you better be ready for the hottest filly action this side of Manehattan, 'cause I won't settle for anything less for my friend!"

Twilight giggles a little. "Thanks, Dash. I knew I could count on you girls. I was really nervous about all this, but you two are starting to make it sound fun."

"Well of course it's fun! Dating, love, romance..." Rarity says.

"Sex!" Rainbow Dash adds.

"Yes, that too, I suppose. Does Luna really want you... giving up your maidenhead? It's not something to take lightly," Rarity says.

"Aw don't listen to her. It ain't no thang. Besides, sex is like, a HUGE part of all this. Understanding love without sex is crazy. You gotta try it," Dash says.

"Yet again, you almost impress me with your crudity," Rarity says.

"Well, I think Rainbow Dash is right this time. I need to try it. I'm a little scared of that part, I'll admit, but I want to know."

"Are you quite sure? That's an awfully big step," Rarity says.

"I've made up my mind on that one. I'm pretty sure the Princess wants me to, strange as that might sound. But I'm really curious for my own sake, too. It's a whole new part of life to learn about, but most ponies don't talk about it. It's kind of a mystery to me."

"Well, if you're certain, then of course I'll help." Rarity lightly touches a hoof to Twilight's for a moment. "Winter Wrap Up is just two weeks away, and there will be the usual festival afterward. That will be an excellent place to find you some potential suitors."

"So, I can just ask some stallions on dates there?" Twilight says.

"Oh no no no, perish the thought! There's a back and forth, a tête-à-tête, a process to this thing, Twilight. A lady cultivates a suitor, and waits for his advances," Rarity says.

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes and puts a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "When you get to workin' with me, we'll skip all that. Go right for the goods." She winks.

"Well thanks Dash, but I don't want to skip any of it. I'm doing this to learn," Twilight says.

"Speaking of learning. Perhaps before the festival you should, ah, hmm... study a little?" Rarity says.

"Great idea! You gotta know how to take care of yourself, girl," Dash says.

"You want me to...? I don't have the first idea about, uh, that," Twilight says.

"That's not really what I meant, but I suppose that couldn't hurt either," Rarity says.

"Exactly. You have to figure out what turns you on. And cloppin's the best way to start," Dash says.

"So I just... what, think about sex and... touch... myself? Is it really that simple?" Twilight asks.

"I have an idea. Wait right here a moment." Rarity excuses herself and disappears upstairs, to her private quarters above the boutique proper. Rainbow Dash and Twilight sit, their tea slowly getting cold. Twilight feels strangely awkward, tight in the chest. She pointedly stares at nothing.

"Why are you so nervous? What, are you afraid she's gonna come back wearing lingerie?" Rainbow Dash says.

"What? Eww, no. That's silly, this is Rarity we're talking about," Twilight says.

"Exactly," Dash says, frowning. Twilight is about to ask a question when Rarity returns, still wearing nothing. She's levitating a small box, and when she sets it on the table Twilight sees that it's filled with...

"Books! Familiar territory!" She levitates a few of them up in front of her, scanning the covers. Rainbow Dash groans.

"The Rugged Stallion, Mares of Passion, Burning Desire... wait a minute, these are... novels," Twilight says with ill-disguised contempt.

"Well yes, romance novels. I thought they might help you to imagine the act of love," Rarity says.

"Got any with filly-on-filly action?" Rainbow Dash says.

"Yes, actually. A few," Rarity says. Rainbow Dash nods, duly impressed.

"Oh gosh. This one has, uh, pictures." Twilight laughs awkwardly.

"Interested!" Dash grabs that particular book out of the air and begins flipping through it. "Ooooh. Wow. Oh... nice!" she says, turning the book sideways. Rarity's cheeks turn a deep shade of crimson.

"Ah, that one. That one is, ahh... Fluttershy's," she says.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash drop what they're doing and gawk at Rarity.

"We exchange sometimes."

"Huh," Twilight says. She leans over and examines the page Dash was looking at, startling a little. She averts her eyes, but then can't help but look back. "Huh."

"Wow, I didn't know," Rainbow Dash says.

"Oh, you mustn't tell her you know. It's sort of our secret. She would be mortified if anypony knew."

"Our lips are sealed. Although I might have to find an excuse to ask for her advice, too," Twilight says.

"I wouldn't do that. Fluttershy reads quite a bit, but, well... she's Fluttershy," Rarity says.

Twilight and Dash nod in instant understanding.

"Go ahead and borrow some of these for as long as you like, I've got plenty. And try to think of what you're looking for in a stallion, so we can pick one out for you at the festival," Rarity says.

"I think I'm gonna borrow this one." Dash starts to tuck the one with pictures under a wing.

"Hooves off! These are for Twilight." Rarity's horn shines, levitating the book away and back into the box. "Besides, I thought you had plenty of your own?"

"You read romance novels?" Twilight asks.

"Well, more like magazines," Dash says. "Plenty of pictures." She nudges Twilight, who doesn't quite get it. "Oh hey! You can borrow some of mine, too. I'll go pick out a few for you. Is it cool if I just drop 'em off at the library?"

"Sure, as long as Spike doesn't see them. He's a little young for all this."

"Right. On the down low. Gotcha," Dash says. "I'll go pick 'em up now, slip a few copies of Young Flyer Monthly on top of the pile, call it good."

"Alright. Rarity, can I borrow a bag for these? I wasn't expecting to be assigned reading for homework." Twilight giggles far too much at her own joke.

"Certainly, certainly, and I really should be getting back to work. I have to hurry up and finish this order now so I can make you a stunning new dress for the festival!" Rarity says.

"Really? Gosh, I don't know, Rarity..." Twilight says.

"Don't worry, it won't be like last time, I learned my lesson. I can focus on just one dress this time. Take my time with it. You don't mind, do you Rainbow? I can set you up with something new next time we have a big occasion," Rarity says.

"Naw, I'm good. Wasn't planning on wearing anything anyway," Dash says.

They quickly say goodbyes, and Twilight and Rainbow Dash are soon standing outside. Twilight is wearing one of Rarity's saddlebags, which are now bursting with steamy novels.

"Was that so bad? You didn't even have to try on a dress," Twilight says.

"Yeah, she's alright. Tea was good, too. I'll see you later." Rainbow Dash takes off without waiting for a reply, soaring high into the sky with breathtaking speed. Twilight watches her go, smiling.