All was dark in Ponyville. Ponies rested in sleeps tender embrace, whisked away into sweet dreams and sweeter fantasies as, one by one, the lunar touch eased their bodies to relax. Fillies and colts slept deeply, resting for the day to come. Loving parents rested in the other’s hooves. Nighttime was peaceful throughout Ponyville as each and every resident slumbered quietly.

Yet one light still remained on in the late hours of the night. Inside a single, solitary tree house, a single, solitary unicorn stifled a yawn as she read ‘just one last chapter’ of her book. Twilight's eyes were rimmed with exhaustion as she happily read; she was oblivious to the beckoning call of her bed. She would much prefer reading further than wasting a full 8 hours (if she managed them) of time spent reclined on her back with her eyes shut.

Yes, she told herself as she yawned once more. She was not tired in the slightest. Her book would hold her attention for hours more. She could finish the last 500 pages tonight, easily. All she had to do was take her time. As she saw her next candle begin to dawdle, she drew up yet another match. Soon the wick caught hold of the struck match, and a new candles' flame joined the light.

Twilight yawned again, feeling her head drooping slightly. Perhaps she was somewhat tired - Maybe only another 400 pages. But, well, what was 100 pages more? Surely she could stay up just 100 pages longer, were pages significant to time. Yes, 100 pages was hardly any time at all - all she had to do was read 5 sets of 100. How simple!

Yet, whilst only one light remained on, two beings stirred that night in the tree house. A small dragon, Spike by name, leaned into the study, his blue blanket dragging along behind him on the floor. Softly, he brought his claw to his eye, trying to rub the sleep out of them. He had been asleep, but the light outside his door alerted him to his roommate's late night studies. “Twilight,” he said softly, half hoping she would turn into Rarity and this would turn into one of his ice cream dreams.

No response came from the drowsy mare. Spike sighed softly. He went through this routine most nights. He didn’t like being woken up constantly, but he didn’t quite mind as much when he realized what his act of kindness meant.

“C’mon, Twilight…” Softly walking up beside her, he slowly turned her head towards his. She blinked once or twice; in her exhaustion, she could hardly perceive what had happened.

“Spike,” she said tiredly after a moment’s hesitation. “Why aren’t you in bed? It’s very late…”

Spike smiled as her words became somewhat slurred by sleep as she spoke. “I should say the same to you…” Reaching unto the desk, Spike gently placed a bookmark in the book, holding his friend’s place. “I think you should sleep,” he said gently as he closed the book. As she began to protest, he yawned widely. She attempted a rebuttal to his statement, yet only managed to mirror his yawn tiredly. “See? You look really tired.”

“I can read more,” Twilight said softly, even as the young drake took her hoof to lead her away from her books.

“Are you sure,” he asked, smiling through his exhaustion as he always did. “Your eyes look totally heavy right now…” Even as he said it, Twilight’s eyes slowly blinked, almost begging to close for the night and to open for Celestia’s sunlight only. Twilight stumbled a tad over a few steps toward her bed, but Spike helped support her, as always.

Twilight brought her spare hoof up to rub her eyes, yawning. “Maybe… jus’ a short nap,” she half said, half purred as she crawled into the bed. The bed itself was filled with soft feathers and bits of cloud, making her feel as though she were sleeping on air. She smiled as the sensation overtook her. Gently, she laid her head down on her pillow, savoring the coolness of the soft fabric. She hummed her approval softly as she turned on her side, facing the young assistant who led her here often.

Spike smiled at her as he helped untangle her blankets. He tucked the edges under her hooves softly, making sure they weren’t so tightly tucked as to make her feel claustrophobic. She giggled softly, and Spike could tell she was already half asleep from sheer comfort. With a smile, he kissed his close friend’s forehead, more as a brother to a sister. Twilight giggled once more at the gesture, just before her eyes filled with dimmed concern. “Where’s Smarty?...”

Spike chuckled. “How could I forget Smarty?” Reaching under the bed for a few moments, Spike soon returned to the top of the bed with the small doll Twilight had owned and slept with as a teddy bear for years. She smiled in delight as she held her toy close to her. Spike sighed happily as his friend’s eyes drooped further, almost shutting completely. “There you go…”

Twilight yawned, nuzzling her pillow softly. “Spike… why d’you put up with me at nigh’,” she muttered out.

“Simple, Twi.” Spike smiled as he brushed Twilight’s mane out of her eyes. “You’re a sis to me, and you always will be. I don’t want you staying up too late - It’s not healthy.”

Twilight giggled. “But you’re younger… Logically, I’m supposed to be more concerned about you…”

Spike chuckled. “But I’ll always be your number one assistant.” Spike hugged his sister softly, smiling. “Love you, Twi.”

Twilight hummed softly again as she hugged him back. “I love you too, Spike… Sleep well, alright?”

“You too,” he whispered as the weary mare finally shut her eyes, falling asleep almost instantly on his shoulder. With a small pat on her back and a smile to match, Spike laid her down on the bed. “Sleep well,” he repeated quietly. Making sure all was fine in her room, he turned off the lights and blew out the candles. He made his way back to his own bed, wrapping up in his blue blanket once more.

As every night, all became quiet in Ponyville. Not a single thing stirred but for the heart of a young mare. She spent each and every night far past when she knew, logically, she should go to bed. She did this for one reason and one reason alone; because, each night, her loving brother would put her to bed again, and do so in such a caring manner and loving demeanor, she was positive that their bond would never be shattered.

As the lunar princess watched all dreams tonight, she knew one thing for sure; no dream was sweeter than that of the loved sister and the loving brother’s.

Author's Notes:

guess what's cute?
this fic.
guess who's sleepy?
meee
unedited cause woohoo