“So did those two ever patch things up?” Rainbow asked as she sat at the back of the bus with Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity.

“Not really, dear,” Rarity shook her head, “Beyond civil conversation, they hadn’t reconciled.”

“They aren’t even friends anymore,” Fluttershy squeaked.

“I heard somethin’ about Ascentia going off an’ sleepin’ with someone right after they broke up,” Applejack added, “Don’ know who though.”

“Yikes, talk about rebound,” Rainbow said, cocking an eyebrow.

Rarity sighed, “Regardless, as much as I would rather not pry into them, I do believe they need a chance to truly talk.”

“I hope so,” Rainbow sighed, “Ascentia made Twilight pretty damn happy…”

“And vice-versa,” Fluttershy murmured, “But what can we do? It really isn’t our place to do or say anything. Shouldn’t they work it out for themselves?”

“I guess,” Rainbow sighed, “Doesn’t stop me wishing they will though.”

“Well, girls, we had to intervene to save Twilight from herself and her inner demons. Perhaps, in some sort of way, we should...nudge them in the right direction,” Rarity put in, “It’s all in the power of a little cunning.”

“Ooooh!” Pinkie squealed, popping up from seemingly nowhere, “Are we gonna play matchmaker for Twi Twi and Asy?!”

“Yes, Pinkie. Yes we are,” Rarity said evenly.

“Okay… so anybody have any ideas for exactly how we do that?” Rainbow asked, “Cause the last time we just made Twilight go talk to her.”

“Lock them in a room together! We don’t let ‘em out until they’re making up! And out, of course!” Pinkie chirped.

“Pinkie, that’s borderline kidnappin’,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes, “Anythin’ we could do that’s actually legal?”

“Um… Maybe we could ask them to-”

“I got it!” Pinkie broke in, cutting Fluttershy off, “I’m gonna go and ask them to meet me at Sugarcube Corner! Separately! They’ll both think they’re meeting me there, but then they see each other there and oh my gosh! There it is! Ta-da-da-da!”

Fluttershy put her hand down, pouting, “That’s what I was going to say…”

“There, ya see? That’s better!” Applejack smiled, “Alright Pinkie, you go find ‘em and do that. The rest of y’all, we gotta think of somethin’ in case that don’t work.”

“Well, prom is coming up. I know they were planning to go together…” Fluttershy put in.

“Yeah, but then they split up, Shy,” Rainbow said flatly, “I don’t think that plan’s still in the works.”

“You know what I meant,” Fluttershy said.

“Ooooh! That’s it!” Pinkie said, slapping her fist into her palm, “Plan B, you guys! We’re going to split up, and make sure we get them to prom! But we don’t tell them Group A is bringing Twi-Twi and Group B is bringing Asy! We make them believe we’re just all going!”

“Sounds… devious,” Fluttershy said, “Interestingly.”

“That’s nice in theory, but how in the world will we convince them to go?” Rarity wanted to know.

“It’s a party, silly!” Pinkie beamed, “Why wouldn’t they want to go?”

“Because they’ll both be thinking ‘What if the other one is there?!’ and they’ve been going out of their way to avoid each other,” Rainbow said flatly, “Twilight tried to sleep with Rarity, and Ascentia slept with… someone. They’ve both been hurt by that pretty badly.”

“Oh, they won’t be avoiding each other, Dashie,” Pinkie said deviously, “Not at all…”

They all stared at her.

“Subtle,” Rarity deadpanned, “Would you like to wring your hands while you say that?”

“Okay, I’ll bite,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes, “Why won’t they be avoiding each other?”

“You just leave that to me! So, pick one, lovelies! Plan A or B and we go for it!” Pinkie winked at her friends.

“Plan A seems more practical,” Rainbow said with a shrug.

“Oh, but Plan B just sounds so romantic,” Rarity said, staring off into the distance, “Fluttershy, what do you think?”

“Well, um… Plan A is certainly more practical and I think would work better. But Plan B really is so sweet and romantic,” Fluttershy smiled dreamily, “How I’d like to reunite with the one I love on the prom dance floor, dancing all night…”

“Okay, so Fluttershy’s in for Plan B,” Rainbow said, “Applejack?”

“Plan A,” she said, “Get right to the point.”

“...Shit, there’s an even number of us,” Rainbow put her face into her palm, “Forget it, let’s do Plan B.”

“All right, well I will go with… whichever of us will convince Ascentia,” Rarity spoke up, “She and I have an understanding, you see. Any other takers?”

“I’ll go, too,” Fluttershy said.

“What do you mean by ‘understanding’?” Rainbow asked.

Rarity sighed, rolling her eyes, “What I mean, dear, is that we simply chat sometimes. She usually asks me how Twilight is doing and if she’s said anything about her.”

“Oh,” Rainbow looked disappointed, then shrugged, “Looks like it’s you and me with Twilight, Applejack.”

“Sounds like it,” Applejack smirked, “This’ll be easy peasy.”

“And I’ll go with Rare-bear and Flutter-butter to convince Asy!” Pinkie declared, “We begin Operation Cobra pronto!”

“Cobra?” Rainbow asked, “Why Cobra?”

“It sounds cool!” Pinkie giggled.

Fluttershy giggled and whispered, “She and I have also been watching Once Upon A Time. Anyway, so it looks like we have the plan in action. We’ll just have to make sure they have dresses.”

“Darling, you need not look any further! I shall take care of that,” Rarity grinned.

“Great,” Applejack said, standing up, “Let’s go then, I don’t wanna waste any time.”

“Operation Cobra is in motion! Let’s move, troops!” Pinkie appeared into view again, wearing an army helmet.

“Twi? You in there?” Rainbow shouted, pounding her fist onto the Sparkle’s front door.

The door opened, revealing Shining Armor, “Oh hi girls! Twiley’s upstairs studying. Come on in!”

Rainbow and Applejack followed him inside, “Hey Armor, how’s she been?”

“Well, she’s been pouring herself into her studies a lot more lately,” Shining said a bit worriedly, “And I mean a lot more. Twiley studies a lot, but she still had fun, either just doing something else or hanging with you guys. Not this time, all she does when she’s not eating or sleeping is studying.”

Rainbow and Applejack exchanged nervous looks, but pressed on, “Can we go see her? We wanted to talk to her.”

“Be my guest,” Shining indicated to the stairs, “I’m sure you gals will have better luck. Cadance and I have been trying all afternoon.”

The two climbed the stairs to Twilight’s bedroom door and Rainbow rapped her knuckles against the wood.

“Twilight?” she called, “It’s me and Applejack. Can we talk to you?”

“I’m busy!” Twilight called back.

“Sugarcube, we’ve heard that all ya do is study study study. Now that might be normal fer you, but when it’s too far, even for you, that’s sayin’ somethin’,” Applejack spoke up, “Now come outta there. Ya havent’ been outta yer room except for school.”

“I said I’m busy! I have final exams to prepare for!” Twilight snapped, “Now go away!”

Rainbow looked at Applejack with a flat expression, “We’re just going in anyway, right?”

“Of course we are,” Applejack smiled, turning the doorknob and opening the door.

Twilight, who was reading a book and taking notes at her desk looked up, “Did you not hear me?! I’m busy!”

“Nnnope. We’re totally deaf to anythin’ but ‘yes’,” Applejack quipepd dryly, “Now then, yer gettin’ ready for prom.”

“Prom?! I’m not going!” Twilight protested.

“And why not?” Rainbow asked, “We’re your friends, you’re coming to Prom with us.”

“No, I’m not going!” Twilight huffed, “End of discussion!”

“Twi, if this weren’t fer yer own good, ya know we wouldn’t be pushing you,” Applejack said firmly, “Now you listen here. Ah know what happened was terrible and you feel like crap. But sittin’ here and studyin’ your brains out ain’t helpin’. We haven’t even seen ya except at school an’ we’re worried. Come with us ta prom, to just have fun and enjoy yourself.”

“Well, let me think! Hmm, no!” Twilight shook her head and went back to her book.

“Please, Twilight?” Rainbow asked, “At least tell us why you won’t?”

Twilight snorted, “And why, pray tell, must I justify my reasons to you?”

“Sugarcube, it’s a fair question. Now just tell us,” Applejack put her hand on the book and forced it down,

“Fine! You want to know why? Because I have much more important things to do than to go to a silly dance! So what if I miss prom? High school isn’t even a significant part of my life! Why would I need to celebrate its end? I don’t! I’m not going because I have no interest! And I don’t want her to start coming and begging me to take her back! I’m just surprised she hasn’t stood outside my window with a radio above her head playing sad love songs!”

“Aha, so it is about Ascentia?” Rainbow smirked, “You’re afraid you’re gonna bump into her! See Applejack? I told you that’s why she hasn’t come out of her room in days.”

“Sugarcube, if you’re so done with her, why are ya avoidin’ her?” Applejack asked.

“What do you mean why?! When you break up with someone and not want anything to do with them, you avoid them!”

“But you didn’t have to cut her off! Make it like it never happened and that you were nothing!” Rainbow protested, then paused. She shook her head, “Anyway, you know what I mean! You can’t just keep doing this!”

“And why not?” Twilight asked indignantly.

“Cause it ain’t healthy, Sugarcube,” Applejack retorted, “If anythin’ this dance’ll give you some much needed exercise.”

“You saying I’m getting fat?” Twilight scowled.

“No, I’m sayin’ you’ve been on your butt for over a month now,” Applejack frowned.

Rainbow snickered, “But you are getting a little pudgy…”

“I am not fat!” Twilight yelled, “And I am not going to prom! You’re going to have to drag my cold, dead body there!”

Rainbow smirked and cracked her knuckles, but Applejack put a hand on her shoulder.

“No killin’ Twilight,” she said quickly, “Twilight, we’ll get Pinkie over here if you won’t co-operate.”

“Oh, come on! Seriously?! Threats with Pinkie again?!” Twilight snarled, getting up, “If you girls don’t get out of my face, I will report you for for harassment!”

“To who?” Rainbow smirked, “Who’s gonna bother with that?”

“Now yer bein’ irrational,” Applejack placed a hand on her shoulder, “Now quit fightin’ and do yourself a favour. You’re comin’ with us to prom and that’s final!”

Twilight let out a frustrated growl and wrenched herself away, “Fine! I’ll go! But only for an hour, then I’m leaving!”

“Great,” Applejack grinned, “Now come to Rarity’s this evenin’ and she’ll have a dress for ya.”

“Whatever,” Twilight sat back down and returned to her book.

Applejack and Rainbow closed the door behind them and smirked.

“That was easy,” Rainbow laughed, “Hope Rarity and Fluttershy are having just as easy a time.”

“Hellooooo!” Pinkie knocked on Ascentia’s bedroom door, “Asy! Asy, it’s us! Come out come out!”

Ascentia opened the door, rubbing her eyes and looking like she’d just woken up, “...What? Why are you so loud?”

“Oh, no no no no no and no!” Pinkie said with disapproval, shaking her head, “Look at you! You’re a messy messy messy lady!”

“Darling,” Rarity spoke up, “we’re here because we’d like you to come with us to prom.”

“Um, this is the part where I say if you want to, but I’m afraid that would be lying… sorry…” Fluttershy said.

Ascentia looked flatly at Fluttershy as she blinked, trying to rid her face of sleep, “...Do I not have a choice?” she asked hazily.

“No. You don’t,” Rarity said sternly, “You’re coming with us to prom, dear. We will not take no for an answer.”

Ascentia yawned, “Yeah, sorry but that’s not really my thing,” she said, opening the door wider as she turned her back to them, “I only went to the last one because… well I just don’t wanna go.”

“Ah-ah-ah! Asy sweetie, I think you’re a little hard of hearing,” Pinkie blocked the door with her foot, “Because we said, specifically, that you’re coming.”

“We don’t mean to be forceful, but you haven’t been out of your house for over a month. You don’t even call me anymore,” Rarity said sadly, “Honestly, that hurts. I think you need some involvement and time to get your mind off everything.”

“Please, please come with us,” Fluttershy begged, giving her a puppy dog face, “We’d really appreciate it.”

Ascentia pulled open her dresser, digging through her clothes, “Hmm… lemme think about that… no. And Rarity, I call you all the time, you just don’t answer.”

“I do so!” Rarity retorted, “You-oh. Wait. I did get a new phone last week and-oh, right, different number… Right, my bad.”

“Anyway!” Pinkie stepped in again, “Sorry but no is not an acceptable answer, Asy! You’re coming with us! Or I’ll be drinking coffee! Lots of it! I noticed your parents have a Keurig…”

Pulling her wrinkled shirt off and throwing it aside, Ascentia started digging through her shirts, trying to find one that was clean, “Pinkie, I’ve seen you drink coffee, you’re not all that frightening when you do. And it’s a Tassimo.”

Laughing, Pinkie grinned, “Oh, sorry. Did I say coffee? I meant Red Bull!” She pulled a can seemingly out of nowhere, “And this isn’t my only one, either.”

Rarity and Fluttershy both backed away in fright, wide-eyed.

Ascentia put down the shirt she was holding, leaned back and smirked, “Go ahead. I’m six foot two and could hold you down with one hand.”

“Oh, really?”

Four cans of red bull later, Pinkie was sitting on Ascentia’s back while the latter was flat on the floor, pinned down by her weight.

“You were saying?” Rarity smiled.

“Wiry little bastard…” Ascentia mumbled, “I’m still not going, and you three have to leave at some point!”

“I’m not getting up then! No no no nope!” Pinkie smiled, holding her down more, “I can stay here all day!”

“It’s true, she can… She held down someone for over six hours one time…” Fluttershy said, “Please go with us?”

“So you’re gonna stay here all night, are you?” Ascentia asked, her tone getting more childish as she felt Pinkie’s weight press her bra clip into her back, “I have the patience of a monk, just try me.”

“Silly, we’re not doing this all night! But we can!” Pinkie smirked, “Now come on, one little word!”

“Darling, this is about the possibility of seeing Twilight there, isn’t it?” Rarity stated.

“Duuuuuh!” Ascentia said mockingly, “No Rarity, I’m refusing to spend two hours in a place I already spend thirty hours a week at just because. Of course it’s about her!”

“I knew it!” Pinkie said with a grin, “Well, that won’t be a problem! She’s not even going!”

“The poor girl has been studying herself silly,” Rarity said, shaking her head.

“Yeah yeah, like I believe that,” Ascentia smirked, turning her head, “Where are the other two?”

“Applejack went home and Rainbow is at practice,” Rarity replied casually.

“You see, why don’t I believe you?” Ascentia asked, “I bet if I asked Applejack, she’d tell me something different. That chick’s as honest as her legs are… I should stop that line of thought, two is enough.”

“Go ahead, call her right now,” Rarity smiled, “we have nothing to hide. Would you like me to get your phone?”

“Well Pinkie could just get off me and I could get it myself,” Ascentia retorted.

“Here you go!” Pinkie placed the phone next to her head, “It’s fully charged, I checked!”

Ascentia frowned, “Pinkie, get off me!”

“Nopey-dopey-lopey!” Pinkie giggled, “I’m not moving until you say yes!”

“You know, Pinks… my Dad’s a cop and my Mom’s a lawyer,” Ascentia said with perhaps the most infantile grin ever.

“And?” Pinkie giggled.

“You have me pinned to the floor and I’m half naked,” Ascentia grinned, “One shout and you’re in a lot of trouble. Get off!”

“Um, darling? Your parents aren’t even here,” Rarity deadpanned, “And even if you did call them and tell them to come back, we’d be gone.”

“No, but that camera up there’s probably got a few things to say,” Ascentia grinned, pointing up at a black bulb in the corner of the ceiling, “Paranoia finally paid off.”

The three stared weirdly at her, before Pinkie obliged.

“Fine then, you win that part,” Rarity said coolly, “But we’re not leaving yet.”

Ascentia picked herself up and set her phone on the dresser, “I’m not going. And you can make all the threats in the world but-”

Pinkie’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, turning her arm over, “What’s this, Asy?”

“...Really bad burn?”

“Try again.”

“Birthmark.”

“Nope.”

“I cut myself.”

“Not buying it.”

“I habitually cut myself.”

“One more.”

“Fine, it’s a tattoo,” Ascentia scowled, wrenching her arm out of Pinkie’s grip, “What about it?”

“I bet Twi Twi would love to know you have a tattoo of her star charm on your arm,” Pinkie grinned.

“We used to go out, it sounds plausible,” Ascentia smirked.

“Darling, you didn’t get that until after you two had broken up,” Rarity smirked.

“And how would you know?” Ascentia smirked.

“Yeah, Rare-bear,” Pinkie said, looking curious, “How do you know?”

Rarity rolled her eyes, “I was with you when you got it, dear.”

Ascentia leaned forward, her smirk widening, “No you weren’t.”

“Oh, wait, I know how!” Pinkie then said, “You saw it when you two were totally doing it!”

All eyes were on her then, stunned.

“H-H-How did you…?” Rarity squeaked, fumbling her fingers.

Pinkie giggled, “Aha! So it’s true! I was just bluffing!”

Ascentia leaned back against the windowsill, “Actually Pinkie, I just didn’t have it then, and I slept with her right after Twilight broke up with me. But you all wouldn’t want her to know that, would you?”

“Why would you get a tattoo after all that? It’s permanent,” Fluttershy said, biting her lip.

Ascentia sighed, “I… I don’t know… it was kind of a spur of the moment thing…”

“You got a tattoo, which I’m questioning if you’re actually legal to get one, which is permanent!” Rarity exclaimed, “I didn’t want to say anything at first, but right now I will not. And this is why you’re coming to the prom, because you’re obviously letting yourself go.”

Ascentia looked down at herself, “What are you talkin’ about, I look fine.”

Rarity stared hard at her, “Oh, really. A tattoo, of your ex-girlfriend. Ex. Girlfriend. What do you think a future partner is going to say when they see that? What about in ten years when you regret it? Darling, how you feel about Twilight is how you feel. But you are clearly letting this get to you far too badly. It’s been a month. Your hair is ragged and you are beginning to smell. When was the last time you even showered? And look at this!” She pulled some things out from under the bed, “Emptied, used ice cream cartons?! You didn’t even wash them! I see those wrappers and plastic cups in the corner, too! I’m surprised you haven’t had an insect infestation in this room! This looks like the room of an alcoholic! In fact…” She pulled an empty bottle of hard apple cider from under the bed, “Don’t even tell me it’s your mother’s.”

Ascentia took a shaky breath and looked away from them, “It is… I stole it…”

She sank down to the floor and buried her face in her hands, “Oh god, what’s wrong with me?! I’ve been d-dumped before and I was f-fine…”

“Have you ever felt truly serious about someone?” Rarity queried, sitting down next to her.

Ascentia shook her head, taking in a quivering breath, “No…”

“Obviously, you two need proper closure. This cannot go on,” Rarity placed a hand on her back.

Ascentia shook her head, “She hates me, she’s not going to want to talk to me.”

“Darling… Hate you? Where in the world did you get that idea?”

“She doesn’t hate you!” Pinkie pouted, “She misses you! She just won’t admit it!”

“It’s true. She didn’t break up with you because she hated you. She did it because she didn’t want to hurt you anymore,” Fluttershy said.

Ascentia looked up and glared at her, her tear-streaked face conveying everything the glare was meant to say.

“No!” Pinkie smacked her side, “You stop being a sour puss right now, missy! You get yourself back up and into the game! Is this what you want for yourself? Do you think Twi-Twi would be glad to know this happened to you? That you’re doing this to yourself.”

Ascentia wiped her eyes, “No… god, I don’t even know what’s happened to me. I think I’m still drunk…”

“Despite everything, they were right. Sure this breakup hurt you more than not breaking up with you could have, but that is where you are going to march right to that prom and be the best you are,” Rarity poked her nose, “You can’t live like this. Do you want to look back on that,” she pointed to the hidden camera location, “and see what a mess you are? Do you want Twilight to see that? Or anyone?”

All of a sudden something hit her, “Hey wait a minute. I’ve been getting hammered in here for a month, and that thing’s been in my room since I was five. Shouldn’t someone have come in to check on me?”

At that, a woman crossed the hall, briefly stopping to lean past the doorframe, “Hey Ascentia, thanks for everything! I’ll see ya around!”

She walked past, leaving the four girls confused.

“Who was that?” Fluttershy asked.

“I have absolutely no idea,” Ascentia said, “Alright, you win. Let’s go.”

“Woohoo!” Pinkie danced, “Let’s get you a nice dress, then!”

“Don’t you worry, I do,” Rarity smiled.

“All right, we’re here, woohoo,” Twilight muttered dryly. She looked amongst her friends as they stood near the entrance of the venue’s ballroom, where the prom was being held, “So now what do we-Rainbow, for crying out loud, will you stop fidgeting?! What’s your problem?”

Rainbow snapped ramrod stiff and flushed, “N-nothing… I’m just a little… hey look, punch!”

Rainbow tore off to the table to get herself some punch and guzzled it down in desperation.

“Oh, poor thing…” Fluttershy said worriedly, “I’ll go talk to her,” she went over to her friend and touched her shoulder.

Twilight managed a smile and snorted a bit, “Keep telling yourself that, honey…”

Looking all around the room, seeing her peers dressed in their best, dancing, or just mingling. Twilight frowned and disinterestedly leaned against the wall.

“Alright, so can I go now girls?” she asked, “I came, I mingled, now I wanna go home.”

Rarity gave her a flat look, “You’ve been here for five minutes and have done nothing but stand in the same spot. You’re not leaving, dear.”

Twilight grumbled and rolled her eyes as she watched Pinkie bounce around the room, violating everyone’s personal space.

“Hey Roseluck! Vinyl! Octy! BB! Bumpky! Cranky! Snowy! Asy! LET'S PARTY!" she squealed, dragging the eight boys and girls she’d collided with over to her friends and kicking the audio equipment to start playing really loud music.

“Well la-dee-da, now it’s time to dance,” Twilight stretched her arms, “No thanks, I’ll just go get punch or something.”

Slogging herself over to the table, she grabbed a cup next to a bright red and shaking Rainbow Dash.

“What is it with you and dances?” Twilight asked, “What on earth get’s you so nervous?”

“Nothing!” Rainbow fidgeted as she glanced around nervously, “And I know I picked up Fluttershy but that doesn’t mean we’re here together! I’m fine!”

Twilight smirked, catching the signs of a girl in the closet all too well, “Never said you were here together, sport.”

“We’re not! And I wasn’t staring at anyone, especially not her!” Rainbow drank down more punch.

Twilight giggled, throwing an arm around her shoulder, “Oh c’mon Rainbow, lighten up. I’m just playing.”

“Whatever,” Rainbow groaned. She then perked upon hearing the next song playing, “Ooh! That’s our song! ‘Scuse me, Twi, gotta grab Flutters and dance!” She hurried off toward the floor.

“Whatever you say,” Twilight chuckled, “So deep in the closet, she’s finding Christmas presents.”

Looking about once more, she came upon a sight she’d never expected to see. Standing some ways off, chatting with Rarity, was Ascentia. Had she been drinking some punch, she’d have done a spit-take. Not just at seeing her here this evening, but most especially at how she looked.

Twilight could tell Rarity’s handiwork when she saw it. Ascentia’s hair had been carefully straightened and layered with glossy flecks down her back, making it seem to shimmer in the dim light of the ballroom. She’d also, somehow put makeup on. Either that or someone had held her down and put it on for her, and she was wearing a dark green, strapless dress with an angled hem, showing more of her right leg than her left.

The cup she was holding in her hand squished in.

“Wow…” She murmured, stunned, “Always knew she was attractive, but boy she cleans up nicely.”

“Hey Twi Twi!” Pinkie squealed, bounding down next to her, “What’cha lookin’ at?”

“Nothing!” Twilight tore her gaze away, clearing her throat.

“Ooooooh!” Pinkie smirked, “I see, you were looking at Rare-bear, weren’t you? Twi Twi’s got an eye for the pretty ladies, does she?”

“Well, yeah. Of course I am, I find women attractive and am perfectly comfortable with my sexuality,” Twilight snorted, “Unlike one of us…”

Pinkie just beamed and hung herself off Twilight’s shoulders, poking her tongue out the corner of her mouth, “Well why don’t you go dance with Rare-bear? I don’t think her friend would mind.”

Twilight blushed a bit, giving her a pat on the back, “All right, fine. I will go and dance with her. I think it’s the least I can do after…. after that.”

“After what?” Pinkie asked obliviously.

“Nothing. I’ll just… just go do that,” Twilight shook her head, tossing her cup into the trash.

Pinkie smiled brightly and dove back into her makeshift moshpit as Twilight approached the two women, nervous at the idea of a possible confrontation with her ex girlfriend. Almost as if she sensed her, Ascentia walked away from Rarity and into the bathroom, keeping her back to her the whole time.

“Twilight!” Rarity smiled, “You made it! Lovely Darling. I was beginning to worry that all my time spent sewing had been in vain!”

“Of course I made it, you came with me,” Twilight said, “Look, I… I wanted to know if you’d like to dance with me.”

Rarity looked surprised, “Me? Really?”

“Look, I know I’ve apologized several times for what I did, but I think it would also be a very nice gesture if we had a dance together. Between friends. And… despite the crudity of my words, I did mean it when I said I found you to be a beautiful young woman,” Twilight managed a smile, holding a hand to her.

Rarity smiled, “Of course, dear,” she took her hand and let Twilight lead her out onto the dance floor.

Coming to a spot on the floor, the two resumed a traditional waltzing position as the music became slower and softer. Although a little clumsy, Twilight managed to avoid stepping on Rarity’s shoes.

“Have you been doing alright?” Rarity asked as they danced, “We’ve all been worried about you.”

“I’ve been… studying a lot,” Twilight looked down a bit.

Rarity lifted her face to took at her, “I’ve heard. It’s good you came out of your room, darling.”

“...I guess it has… I just… I was afraid I’d see her here,” Twilight admitted.

“Well, you probably saw,” Rarity said softly, “She is here.”

“I know, I did see her… She looks amazing, by the way.”

Rarity beamed, “Thank you, Darling. Possibly my biggest challenge yet. It took hours to get all the grime out of- I mean, thank you Darling.”

“You’re welcome,” Twilight grinned, “It really showed. I mean, I couldn’t see her in full from where I was standing, but, you know…”

“I’d been dying to try hair glimmer for a while,” Rarity grinned, “Do you think it looks okay?”

Twilight nodded, “I did see it, it looked lovely.”

Rarity seemed to silently squee, “Ooooh, now I have to do everyone’s hair like that! I’ll just need to get more glimmer.” She threw her arms around Twilight’s shoulders and hugged her tightly.

Laughing, Twilight hugged her back, “Oh, I bet we’ll be taking you up on that.”

“Wonderful, dear,” Rarity grinned, “And you don’t need to apologize for what happened before. Really.”

“Maybe, but still. You’re one of my best friends and you deserve a much better experience than that, man or woman,” Twilight pouted.

“Well, I think I should thank you,” Rarity said with a small blush, “I’ve… come to the realization that I like… both. And I think it was you that helped me see that…”

“Really?” Twilight looked to her with surprise, “Wow.”

Rarity’s blush deepened and she nodded, “Mmhm. It’s actually quite liberating. So… thank you, Twilight.”

“Well, hey! You’re welcome, at least something good came out of it for you,” she smiled more.

Both girls spotted another out of the corner of their eyes. Ascentia had come back from the bathroom and was watching Pinkie intently as the party-girl was somehow managing to slow-dance with five people at once. Ascentia absently lifted a steel flask to her mouth and took a drink.

“...Should I go talk to her?” Twilight murmured, “Would she even want to see me?”

Rarity bit her lip, unsure whether to tell her the truth or if that would be going too far, “I think you should. You two haven’t spoken in a month, there’s nothing to lose.”

Nodding, Twilight nuzzled her in thanks before letting go as the song ended. She slowly walked along, nearly tripping on her skirt, trying hard to make her way over to her ex.

Swallowing hard, Twilight stopped about ten feet away. It felt as if her feet were held down by cinder blocks. Even her legs were like jelly at this point, barely holding her up. She was about to consider just turning around and trying later, only for a pair of unseen hands pushing her back and toward Ascentia.

“H-H-Hello!” Twilight managed in a squeak, standing up straight.

Ascentia jumped violently and whipped around, breathing heavily as some of her drink splashed onto her cheek, “Don’t sneak up on me like that. And the others told me you were staying home…”

“Ack! Sorry! Sorry sorry sorry!” Twilight grabbed some napkins from a nearby table and wiped her cheek with it, “I didn’t mean to, sorry! I-wait, what? They told you that? But I didn’t, I was-oh, those little sneaky vixens!”

“What?” Ascentia asked, taking a swig from her flask.

“They-wait a second, what is that?” Twilight snatched the flask and sniffed it, “Alcohol?! Are you out of your mind?!”

“Yes,” Ascentia quipped, snatching the flask back.

Twilight took it back, emptying it into a spittoon, “You are not drinking this, young lady! It’s illegal and it smells! Ew! How can anyone like this stuff?!”

“Because it’s the solution to, and cause of, most of life’s problems,” Ascentia said bitterly, taking her flask back and filling it from the punch bowl.

“Oh, so endangering your health will make things easier? Right, I’m sure,” Twilight rolled her eyes, “Whatever. I can lecture you about this later, missy. I’m here to talk to you.”

“What?” Ascentia asked flatly, taking a swig of her punch mixed with the last dregs of vodka, and smiling appreciatively at her sudden discovery.

“Hey! Will you put that away?! I’m trying to bear my soul here!” Twilight pouted, crossing her arms.

Ascentia’s eyes snapped to her, ”Okay, now I’m listening.”

“Good, thank you. Look, I’m… I’m sorry. I’m sorry about what I’d done and the fact that I… well, hurt you like I did. Especially in that I pretty much treated you like you were just somebody that I used to know. But, you’re more than that, you always had been. I just never went through a breakup before, I didn’t know how to handle it, and I knew I didn’t want to break up. I just… In truth I’m really just a dumb bunny. I’m smart and always have the answers to things, but for once, I didn’t have any at all. It was like I was driving on an unmarked road with no map but had to get somewhere in twenty minutes. I didn’t know how to feel with all that and just, I lost it. I really am just-what is that?” Twilight took hold of her arm, noticing something, “...Is that… you got a tattoo? Of my star charm?”

Ascentia got a look on her face like she’d been caught red handed for murder, “Uh… no?”

“Oh, really,” Twilight deadpanned.

“Okay, I didn’t exactly take our breakup all that well,” Ascentia said shamefully, “Some might say I was pretty pathetic… and by some I mean Rarity.”

Twilight blinked, letting her arm go, “It really meant that much to you? I’m not going to lie, this is kind of creepy. But then again, I… well, never would’ve expected someone to feel that strongly about me.”

“I was drunk and upset,” Ascentia said, not looking at her, “If I could have afforded it, I’d have gotten it removed the next day…”

“Well then! It looks like you’re stuck with me,” Twilight smiled, coming closer to her, “Because like that tattoo, you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

Ascentia looked absolutely stunned, “A-Are you saying that you…”

“As much as I tried, I couldn’t get over you. After all, I didn’t want to break up. I just had the stupid idea thinking it was best. Even after what you did for me. Just to help me… And you even get a tattoo! Wrong reasons, maybe, but, I don’t know, that’s just great,” Twilight hugged her, “So, if you’re willing to put up with me and give this another shot, I’m game.”

Ascentia grabbed her by the waist and lifted her off the ground, hugging her tightly, “Of course I am, Twilight. I missed you so much…”

“Whoa!” Twilight squealed in fright, bringing her arms tighter around her, “I forgot how strong you are… Um, sorry. Yes, I missed you too!”

Ascentia smiled warmly and nuzzled her, “I’m sorry. I was just worried about you, I wasn’t trying to nag…”

“I know… Looking back, you were just trying to help because you were worried. I’m sorry I called you a nag and all those ‘stick-in-the-mud’ nicknames,” Twilight nuzzled her back.

Ascentia simply sighed and held her tightly, a rush of warmth spreading through her chest. She couldn’t quite tell if that was because she was holding Twilight, or the booze kicking in.

“So… since we’re here, I guess we may as well dance!” Twilight said sheepishly.

Ascentia set her down and smiled, nodding, “Yeah… we should.”

Laughing a bit, Twilight took her hand and led the way to the dance floor, “So, how did they manage to convince you to come, anyway? I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have otherwise.”

“Uh… I can tell you anything, right?” Ascentia asked.

“Well of course,” Twilight assured with a nod.

“Well, a girl left my house when the girls came over to talk to me, and I had no idea why she was there,” Ascentia explained, “I think when you get to the point where that happens, you take any help offered to you.”

Twilight looked confused, “...I’m not sure that I follow… But I guess it would still make less sense if I did.”

“I still don’t even know,” Ascentia sighed, “Like I said, I was… kind of a wreck.”

“Well then, little missy, I sure hope that you’re going to partake in some Twilight Sparkle Rehabilitation!” Twilight poked her nose.

“And what does that involve?” Ascentia asked.

“Getting our relationship back on track, but also a lecture or two, and making sure you’re healthy. So get comfortable!”

Ascentia smiled, “If I’m getting a lecture from anyone, I’m glad it’s you.”

“Good! It’s what I’m best at,” Twilight winked.

“Not to ruin the moment but… your friends are watching us,” Ascentia whispered.

“Those little vixens…” Twilight caught a discreet look at her friends, smirking a little, “I love them but boy they are in so much trouble, now…”

“Go easy on them,” Ascentia said softly, “I… really appreciate what they did for us.”

“Believe me, I appreciate it too,” Twilight giggled, “If not for them, both times, I wouldn’t have had the nerve to move things forward.”

“I… I love you, Twilight,” Ascentia smiled, rocking her on the spot.

Twilight smiled and nuzzled her, “I love you, too.”

Ascentia and Twilight, joined at the lips, stumbled into the first door they found that wasn’t locked and Twilight felt her back hit a flimsy, metal wall. Pulling away from Ascentia’s mouth, she looked around.

“This is the bathroom…” she breathed.

“You want to go somewhere else?” Ascentia asked.

“Now I wish the prom was held at a hotel, like most are,” Twilight pouted.

“I think there’s a reason they stopped doing that,” Ascentia chuckled.

Twilight blushed, “Point taken. But how’s this any better at prevention? At this rate, it makes them want to even more.”

Ascentia roughly kissed her before pulling away, “So do you want to or do you wanna go home?”

“Hmmm… let’s go home, I got myself in enough trouble,” Twilight licked her jawline.

Ascentia relented and allowed Twilight to lead her back out into the hall, where Fluttershy spotted them.

“Oh, Twilight!” Fluttershy smiled, “I was wondering where you two had gone…”

“Nowhere in particular,” Twilight’s eyes shifted, “Is everything alright?”

Fluttershy nodded, “I was just wondering if you two were staying or if you were leaving. Because Pinkie was talking about wanting to go take the town after the dance was over.”

“Oh, that’s nice. Actually, we’re going to head out,” Twilight said, shaking her head, “My feet are killing me. Besides, I know Pinkie’s going to have an after prom party tomorrow, so we’ll be around for that.”

“Oh… okay…” Fluttershy gave a small smile and skulked away.

“My car’s out front,” Ascentia whispered.

Twilight nodded, “Let’s go, then.”

Twilight dragged Ascentia up the stairs and into her room before anyone else could interrupt them and locked the door behind them, pushing Ascentia back onto her bed with a heavy shove. Ascentia hit the mattress hard, smiling up at her.

“Wow, you’re eager,” she smirked.

“What can I say, it’s been a while. I missed this,” Twilight grinned, taking off her dress and kicking off her shoes.

Ascentia looked down at her own dress, and frowned, “Great, now I gotta figure out how this comes off…”

Looking around, she spotted what looked like a tab. Written on the tab was ‘Pull this is everything goes really well, Rares.’ Giving it a tug, all the ties on her dress loosened and the dress itself loosened enough to slip out of, leaving Ascentia lying on Twilight’s bed in her bra and panties.

“Well well, she sure thought of everything,” Twilight remarked.

Ascentia smiled and reached out to her, inviting Twilight to join her. Eager, Twilight all but pounced onto the bed and pinned her down, kissing her neck. Moaning softly, Ascentia wrapped her arms tightly around her, hugging her close to her and running her fingers over her smooth skin. Digging her nails into Twilight’s back, she nibbled onto her ear, her body quivering under Twilight’s kissing.

“My my, you missed this too, didn’t you,” Twilight purred, licking the skin.

Ascentia nodded, breathing heavily, “I told you, Twilight… you’re the best I’ve ever had…”

“And now you’ve got me! Until you get sick of me and go marry some rich corporate executive,” Twilight teased.

Ascentia chuckled, “Well, you’re the student of royalty, so you’ll probably be royalty eventually. That’ll work.”

“Considering I have to take my college studies to Canterlot, no wonder,” Twilight stuck her tongue out playfully.

Ascentia grinned and kissed her, running her hand over her bra-strap and unhooking it, “Good, then it’s settled then.”

“But then being the lover of a Princess would mean a lot of exposure,” Twilight realized.

“Sounds cool,” Ascentia grinned, “I always wanted to be famous.”

Twilight smiled sadly, “Well, it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. But I suppose you might take it better.”

Pulling Twilight’s bra off her arms, Ascentia shrugged, “Still think it’d be cool.”

“That’s what they always say. ‘Oh, I’d love to be famous’, but they never truly know what it’s like. Eventually they realize it should never have happened… Oh, never mind. That’s neither here nor there,” Twilight then smiled, removing her bra as well.

Ascentia laughed, “Captain bringdown talks aren’t all that good when we’re about to strip each other, are they?”

“No, they’re not,” Twilight giggled, “Well, on the bright side, you looked amazing tonight. I should’ve known Rarity worked her magic on you.”

Ascentia blushed softly, “Thanks. And yeah, she did. Never realized how cool hair glimmer would be.”

“No kidding, that was amazing!” Twilight whistled.

Ascentia reached back and grabbed a strand of her hair, pulling it in front of her face and watching it glimmer in the light, “I’m glad we got pictures of all that.”

Running a finger through the strands, Twilight giggled and smiled, “It’s beautiful. Like it’s shining and yet on fire.”

Ascentia blushed and pulled Twilight back in, kissing her fiercely as she ran a hand down to cup her backside. Returning the gesture, Twilight straddled her waist and lowered the taller girl’s panties, tossing them aside to who knew where. Eagerly, her hand crept in along her inner thigh, stroking the skin. Moaning softly, Ascentia reached up and stroked Twilight’s thighs, rubbing her skin and digging her fingernails into her backside.

“So, since this is our… first time since getting back together, how do you want it?” Twilight whispered, going further along her inner thigh.

Ascentia smirked and pulled Twilight down so their faces were close together, “To tell you the truth… I always liked to be completely and totally dominated.”

A glimmer came to Twilight’s violet eyes, “Oh really?”

Ascentia nodded, “Mmmhmm. Being at the mercy of another woman and completely subject to them? It’s really hot.”

“I see… Well then, let’s have a little fun,” Twilight smirked, “Are you ready?”

Ascentia grinned, and nodded. Twilight grinned, standing up and taking off her panties.

“Okay, so first thing, roll over onto your belly.”

Ascentia obliged and turned herself over, stretching her naked body out on Twilight’s bed. Going over to her dresser, Twilight reached into one of her shirt drawers, taking out a white box. She opened the box, taking something out, and bringing it over.

“Pinkie gave me this as a gag present… I do not know how she got it,” Twilight blushed, showing that it was a small strap-on.

Ascentia shuddered a bit, “Never had one used on me before…”

“Really?” Twilight tilted her head, “Huh. I guess even experience folks try new things! Anyway, so it also vibrates, and this little wedge right here allows the same vibration feeling to be used on the user. See? So we’ll both get quite a bit out of it!”

Ascentia blushed, “Well then, I suppose I’m ready… mistress.”

“Mistress? Oh, come on. Let’s not do something silly like that,” Twilight snorted, tying on the strap-on.

Ascentia pouted, but then smiled, “Alright.”

“Hips up!” Twilight grinned, getting onto the bed behind her, “I never used this thing before… At least not the real way… So bear with me.”

Ascentia lifted her hips into the air, keeping the rest of her flat to the bed, “Not the real way? How have you been using it?”

“Duh, I used the dildo end on myself. Didn’t use it on anyone,” Twilight said, “...Although, Rainbow looked a little freaked out when she saw it. I wonder why…”

“She’s always wearing shorts,” Ascentia suggested, “Maybe she’s packing?”

“Packing what? Socks?” Twilight asked, confused, “She stuffs socks into her shorts? Why would she do that?”

“No, a dick,” Ascentia smirked, turning her head around, “You know, she’s Intersex? I’ve heard of it happening, it’s a thought.”

Twilight laughed loudly, “Oh, you’re hilarious! You should take that on the road.”

Ascentia shrugged, “So, you gonna make me scream or what?”

“No promises on the screaming!” Twilight giggled, carefully inserting the dildo, “There we go… Tell me how it feels and if I should slow down.”

“No, go fast and go hard,” Ascentia moaned as she felt the rubber toy slip into her, “Dominate me!”

“Well excuuuuuse me, Princess!” Twilight blew a raspberry, “I’m not exactly used to this thing. Give me a second! Okay, now I just push it in, a little more…”

“You’re the one who’s gonna be a Princess, and I wear all green,” Ascentia moaned softly, “So that’s my line. Oh yes, right there!”

Twilight giggled, “Fair enough, sweetheart. Okay, almost… Wow, you’re taking it better! I couldn’t have it go halfway without freaking out.”

“F-F-Freaking out? W-Why?” Ascentia moaned, quivering as she kept her ass in the air.

“It felt weird!” Twilight went in deeper, then turned on the device, “I didn’t like how further insertion felt.”

Ascentia shuddered as she laughed, “Wow… you’re gayer than I am… never thought I’d see the day-AHH! YES!”

“That has nothing to do with gay!” Twilight snickered, “It just didn’t feel-oooh that’s good-all that comfortable.”

Ascentia moaned sharply and gripped the pillow underneath her, “Mmmm, yes! Pull my hair!”

“Okay…” Twilight did so, tugging on some of her hair as she probed deeper.

Biting her lip, Ascentia arched her back and moaned softly, “YES! Mmmm, I love you Twilight!”

“And I love you too!” Twilight moaned, beginning to thrust in and out of her.

“Ah!” Ascentia gasped, the feeling of Twilight’s toy sliding in and out of her sending chills up her spine, “Oh god… fuck yes! Fuck me, Twilight!”

“Whoo, this is fun!” Twilight cried, spanking Ascentia’s rear amidst her thrusting, “Keep on yelling for me, baby!”

“Rut me, Twiley!” Ascentia gasped, shaking under her as she felt her ass sting, “Hit me again!”

“O-Oh… Okay!” Twilight did so, thrusting harder and then slapping her other cheek.

“Oh god, that’s good,” Ascentia moaned, rocking her hips in time with Twilight’s thrusts, “That’s… soooo good! Fuck me harder, Twilight!”

Thrusting faster, harder, Twilight moaned loudly as the vibrating wedge heightened her own levels of pleasure as well. She gripped Ascentia’s hips tightly, groaning, occasionally spanking them and leaving angry red handprints.

“Yeah, you like that, huh? You like to be fucked hard!” Twilight cried out.

“Yes! I love it! I love being fucked senseless!” Ascentia cried, shaking violently.

“Whoo! Then I shall make it so!” Twilight squealed, turning the vibrator onto a higher setting.

Ascentia’s body convulsed and she threw her face into the pillow, letting out a shrill screech and instinctively pressing her backside against Twilight’s pelvis, dripping onto the blanket, “FUCK! Twilight… I’m gonna cum!”

“YES! Then cum, you little slut!” Twilight moaned, leaning over her.

Shivering, Ascentia moaned and came hard, squirting out onto the bedspread and sinking down onto her pillow, moaning softly, “Yes…”

After a few more thrusts, Twilight came as well, falling over her body, “Wonderful…”

Ascentia leaned her head up and nuzzled her, “That was… amazing…”

Giggling, Twilight pulled out of her and then lay on the bed beside her, panting, “You’re right, that was fun… A lot of fun… What a way to start back again!”

Ascentia reached an arm over and snuggled up to her, “Yeah… yeah it is…” Next Chapter: Epilogue: Scorched It Off With The Iron Estimated time remaining: 3 Minutes