It had been a beautiful day in the fields on the outskirts of Ponyville. The gentle coolness of the breeze gave a nice contrast to the mild heat of spring. The grass swept along, creating a stunning ocean-like display. And the sun was close to setting, giving the landscape a peaceful orange tint.

I was sitting on the top of one of the many hills, my back against a small tree, which was just big enough to cast some comforting shade, but not big enough to cause any issues with my kite flying high above me. I gave a sigh of content and smiled as I watched the kite soar above.

My kite was not alone though. Flying alongside it, just a few feet away, was another kite. This one was not mine though. No, this one belonged to the main reason I was so relaxed right now.

I felt a small shift in my right side, caused none other than by this reason. The wonderful pony who was napping, leaning into me, lightly snoring. I stifle a chuckle at the adorable sight. Her two tone purple and blue mane falling in front of her face moved slightly at her breaths, and her hind leg kicked softly every so often. Oh, she’s so not living this down. I thought as I watched both her and our kites.

She had been asleep for about half an hour or so, but I didn’t mind. And that was true up until I noticed the sun touch the horizon. We’d been flying these for around two hours now, so it was probably time to pack it up. I wound up the strings on both kits and set them down carefully in front of us. I reached my hand over and gently shook my companion awake. “Starlight, it’s time to go.”

She gave a louder than normal snort and her eyes jolted open. “Wha? Huh?” she questioned as she rubbed her eyes and took in her surroundings. “Oh, uh, sorry about that… Didn’t realize how tired I was.”

I smiled and lightly ruffled her mane, much to her annoyance. “It’s no problem, you weren’t out for long. And it was peaceful just watching the kites.” I grabbed my kite and started to disassemble it. “Ready to head back to town?”

Starlight glanced over to the sun, which was now nearly gone. “Yeah, don’t want to be out too late. As much as I love it, Ponyville doesn’t exactly have many things going on at night.”

I gave her a smirk and a raised eyebrow. “I can think of a couple things.” I said, wiggling my eyebrows.

Her face goes flush. “O-oh, I-uh-I don’t-” she stuttered out.

I laughed loudly at her embarrassment. “Relax, Starlight, I was just joking.”

She playfully punched my shoulder. “Don’t do that to me! You know I’m still trying to learn this whole friendship thing.”

“Well, consider that a lesson.” I countered.

“Touche.”

I finished packing up my kite and slung my bag over my shoulder. “Ready to go?”

Her horn lit up and in a couple flashes, her kite disappeared and her saddlebags were now resting on her withers. “Ready.”

“Cheater.” I mumbled.

She giggled and we both set off back to town. As we walked, I began thinking about how Starlight was my first real friend here in Equestria. While everypony was perfectly friendly after the initial shock, the first pony to really try to get to know me was Starlight. She would come visit me in my room in the castle and hang out or invite me to places with her. Although I’m almost sure she only started doing that because of Twilight’s insistence, I can honestly say that even though it’s only been about a year and a half or so, she’s become my best friend of both worlds.

Sure, she has her flaws. I remember when she accidentally spilled her drink on me while I was passed out on a couch in the castle, and I woke up to find all my clothes were bright red. The look on her face when I woke up was priceless. She kept apologizing, but all I could do was laugh at the situation. She helped me through my adjustment to being here in Equestria so much, and I don’t think I can ever repay that. But that won’t stop me from trying.

After a pleasantly silent walk through town, we arrived at the castle. Opening the door for her, she smiled and walked past. We headed upstairs and stopped at the door to her room.

“Alright, I can see you’re absolutely exhausted.” I said.

She yawned. “Yeah, it’s been a long day… Lots of thinking...”

I raised an eyebrow in concern. “Thinking? You wanna talk about it?”

She shook her head and smiled at me. “I’m okay, thank you though.” Her horn lit up and she opened the door. “Goodnight, Seth. See you tomorrow?”

I smile back. “Of course. Goodnight Glim.”

Starlight then raised an eyebrow. “‘Glim’? Are we doing nicknames now?” she teased.

I shrugged. “Eh, just thought it was cute. If you don’t like it, I’ll stop.”

She held up a hoof in reassurance. “Seth, it’s fine... I actually like it.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Only if I get to call you something too.” She smirked.

My smile widens and I leaned forward slightly. “Do your worst.”

“Oh I will.” She tried to keep the smirk, but her mind betrayed her, causing her to yawn again. “But for now, bed.”

“Agreed. Goodnight Glim.”

“Goodnight.” And with that she trotted into her room, leaving me with the silence of a mostly empty crystal castle and my thoughts as I walk down the hall to my own room.

I’ve gotta do something soon for Starlight. I thought. I’ll think of something tomorrow… I entered my room and sat down at the table, picking up today’s local newspaper I had bought earlier that day. Skimming down it, I saw something that would’ve made me do a spit take Had I been drinking anything. Oh this is too perfect. Turns out there was a kite festival happening in Canterlot this weekend. And considering she hadn’t mentioned it, I doubted she knew about it. I smiled to myself as I schemed this surprise into our normal hangout times. She’s going to flip her shit and it’s going to be glorious.

I set down the paper, still smiling, stand up, and face planted onto my bed in pure exhaustion. And before I passed out, I could only think one thing. Something that would make Twilight squee if she heard.

Friendship really is magic.

This chapter is less of a rewrite and more of an "Edit+". I like where I went with this one, but the next chapter will change a bit more as the direction that one took wasn't where I originally intended it to go.

Either way, I hope you enjoy!