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Finding Sweetie

by Milky Way

Chapters

I: Dorm Mate

Sweetie Bell looked around the school campus, unsure of what to do. This was the first time she has been without her fellow crusaders in years. Apple Bloom was staying in Ponyville to help on the farm while Scootaloo went to college in Manehatten. What was she suppose to do without her two best friends?

She sighed. Making sure everything was held in her magic grasp, she slowly made her way to her dorm. Canterlot. Rarity was so proud when she'd made it in. She had said her parents would be too, even though they had passed away two years ago. It didn't take her long to find her dorm, even among all the people who were on campus.

The first thing she noticed when she walked into the room she would be in for the next few months was her roommate's things. A perfectly made bottom bunk, designer clothes in the closet and expensive perfume and jewelry were all neatly placed.  Great, just when I thought I'd be free of people like Diamond Tiara. She made her bed up and put her things away in the remaining space and looked around. What should she do now?

She would probably meet her roommate later that night, so she decided to make herself more acquainted with the campus before classes started the next day. Just before she reached the door, it swung open to reveal a grey earth pony with a white mane and blue glasses.

Silver Spoon.

The two mares simply stared at each other for a few moments. These two, who had been enemy's all through school at Ponyville, were roommates. Sweetie Bell hadn't know Silver Spoon was even coming to this school. Diamond told everyone she was going to Ponyton to school.  Unable to take the tension, Sweetie Bell broke the silence. "Hi, Silver."

"Sweetie Bell," she said, inclining her head. "I didn't realize you were attending here."

Realizing she would have to make the best of the situation, Sweetie decided to be nice. "I didn't know you were either. At least we know each other," she offered.

Silver gave her a small smile. "True." She walked into the room, shutting the door behind her. The tension was still in the air, but it seemed they were both trying to at least be civil. "I hope it's okay that I took the bottom bunk. I was hoping you would be a Pegasus so it wouldn't be a problem."

"I think we should take them apart and put my bunk there," Sweetie said, pointing to the corner on the left side of the window, across from where the beds were stacked.

"Yeah, okay." Silver looked at the beds and sighed. "We'll need help with that." It seemed everypony was moving in, so finding help was easy. They asked the first to unicorns who passed by their door. They were older, probably helping their own daughters move into the dorm, but they moved the bunk easily to the other side.

After that, everything seemed settled. There really didn't seem to be much to do. "I'm supposed to meet Rarity for dinner tonight. Do you want to come?" Sweetie Bell didn't know why she had invited Silver. It just slipped off her tongue. Thankfully, Silver declined.

Sweetie Bell walked down the streets, looking for the restaurant her sister had said to meet at. Sweetie groaned when she saw it. It was a high society looking place, just where she should have expected Rarity to eat at.

All she wanted was a hayburger. Still, she walked through the door, spotting her sister instantly. She slid into the chair across from the older unicorn with a huge smile. "Hey Rarity."

"So, how do you like your dorm?" Rarity started off, not even bothering with a greeting.

Sweetie Bell shrugged. "It's alright, I guess. I'm sharing with Silver Spoon though. Can you believe it? Her, of all ponies?"

The waiter interrupted them then, asking what Sweetie would like to drink. Rarity already had a cup of tea in front of her. After ordering water with lemon, Sweetie turned back to her sister and shook her head.

Rarity smiled. "You know, you could always ask for a room change. Explain the er-relationship the two of you have. I'm sure they would understand."

Sweetie shook her head again. "I think it'll work out okay. Besides, she's not been so bad today. Maybe not being around Diamond had done her good."

"If she gives you trouble, just tell me. I'm still required to write to Celestia. After all these years, and she still wants letters on friendship." Rarity sounded like it bothered her, but Sweetie knew her sister liked writing the Princess of Equestria. There were even times Rarity wrote her of other things. The Elements of Harmony hadn't been needed for a long time, and most people had forgotten them within a year of Discords defeat. Her sister and her friends had still contacted the Princesses, and Sweetie had saw a couple letters from both Celestia and Luna that called Rarity a friend.

"I'll keep that in mind," she told her sister with another shake of the head. Their conversation turned to other things, like when she would be back to Ponyville to visit and various other things. Over an hour later, they left the restaurant.

Rarity had tears in her eyes when she turned to Sweetie. "I'm going to miss you." The older unicorn didn't try to hide her tears. Instead, she raised her hoof and touched her sisters' cheek. "Be safe, study hard." Before Sweetie could say she would, she was pulled into a tight embrace. "I love you, Sweetie Bell."

"I love you, too," Sweetie replied, sniffing a little. "I'll be back in Ponyville in a month, though."

The sisters pulled back from the hug and slowly started in opposite directions. Rarity to the train station, and Sweetie back to her dorm.

The dorm was empty again when she walked in. She guessed Silver was out getting dinner or making friends or something. She was just about to lay down when someone knocked on her door. "Hi, we're having a mandatory hall meeting downstairs in about thirty minutes. I'm your resident assistant Tish." After telling Tish she would be there, she closed the door.

Sweetie Bell looked around the small dorm. There really wasn't much to do. She was completely unpacked, her bed was fixed, and even the desk beside her bed was ready for when classes started. She decided to go ahead down to the meeting, maybe make a couple friends.

--

Making friends wasn't as easy as she remembered. Of course, the last time she had really made friends was seven years ago. She sighed, missing her two best friends. This was the longest they had ever been apart. It seemed strange, really, but they always found sometime in the day to be with each other.

There were a few other mares milling about, though she could tell they were just as bored as she was. She sat on the couch hoping somepony would come talk to her. Apple Bloom normally started the conversations. A smile spread across her face as she thought of her apple farming friend. Sweetie had tried to convince Apple Bloom to come with her, take a few business classes or some agriculture ones, but the silly filly wouldn't. It was nearly eight now, which meant Apple Bloom was probably getting ready for bed.

Her mind drifted over to Scootaloo. She had tried to get her Pegasus friend to come here, to Canterlot University with her, but Scootaloo had ended up with a scholarship to the school she was at, just as Sweetie Bell had one for this school.

More people filled the common area while Sweetie had been lost in thought. A glance at the clock on the wall told her there was only five more minutes until the meeting was scheduled to start. She saw Tish, smiling as wide as Pinkie Pie, at the front of the room.  Tish didn't seem as fun as Pinkie, though. The earth pony's mane was long and a deep green, her coat a dark grey color.

Loud laughter from cause everypony to look at the two mares entering the room. Silver Spoon walked in with a very snooty looking Pegasus. They sat on the opposite side of the room from Sweetie Bell.

Tish stood. "I guess it's time to get started," she said cheerily. "How about a small icebreaker game? We'll say tell our names, where we're from, and an interesting fact about us." She grinned, though no one said anything. "I'll go first. I'm Tish, I'm from right here in Canterlot, and I love to cook."

They were pretty much sitting in a circle, so when the dark red Pegasus beside her stood and gave hers, she swallowed. "I'm Karat, I'm from Brittle, and I've met Rainbow Dash." Sweetie grinned at that last statement. Rainbow Dash had joined the Wonderbolts five years ago, after the wedding, though she was in Ponyville as much as possible.

Sweetie took a deep breath and stood. "I'm Sweetie Bell, I'm from Ponyville," a few people giggled, and she frowned. What was wrong with Ponyville? "And an interesting fact about me is…umm…"

"Oh come on, Sweetie," Silver said from across the room. "Karat was excited to have met Rainbow Dash, of all people. You've done a lot of really cool things." Sweetie blinked for a moment. Had Silver Spoon just complemented her? "Like being a flower girl at Shining Armour and the Princess' wedding? Your sister is a famous designer. You can sing better than anyone I know. And how many times did you and the other two bla-er, your other two friends stay at Rainbow Dash's house?" Again Sweetie blinked. Silver was being…nice? Sweetie blushed.

"Um…yeah…" she said, dropping her head."That…works." She was suddenly feeling very shy. She hadn't wanted to flaunt all that stuff. The entire room was looking at her.

The snooty looking Pegasus snorted. "You expect me to believe that of a filly from Ponyville?" She stretched out the word Ponyville, making it sound like something you'd wipe off the bottom of your hoof.

Silver scowled. "And what is wrong with Ponyville? My daddy lives there, and so did I. You might have heard of him, you know. He owns that perfume you're wearing." Sweetie Bell was amazed. "Or, the perfume the one you're wearing is trying to imitate, anyway." The entire room was silent. No one dared to contest anything Silver Spoon said. "I'm Silver Spoon, by the way."

After a few seconds, Tish got everything back on track, and the mare next to Sweetie stood and introduced herself. Sweetie wasn't paying attention though. She wasn't sure how to feel about Silver standing up for her.

She looked over at Karat. The Pegasus kept looking at her."Look," Sweetie whispered, "I'm sorry about her. That was really…weird, actually. But there is nothing wrong with being excited about meeting Dash. All that stuff was before she was a Wonderbolt. She was just trying to help my friends and I get out cutie marks…" she trailed off when Karat's eyes widened. "What I mean to say is, I'm not as cool as Silver Spoon made me out to be. I'm sorry."

This was horrible. Karat just looked at her. She looked down, knowing she shouldn't have said anything. The Karat started laughing. "It's okay. Being from a small town is hard, you have to embellish a little. Like her dad owns Petrichor."

"Oh, no, he does," Sweetie said. "And her and Diamond Tiara let everypony know just how much better they were than the rest of us, too. My friends and I hated them. Actually, this is the first time I've not wanted to buck her teeth in…"

Karat giggled. "Wow. So you really did all that stuff too?" Sweetie's blush was answer enough for Karat. She smiled at Sweetie."I'm glad you seem cool about it though. I think we could be good friends." Sweetie smiled. Maybe making new friends wouldn't be that hard after all.

Thank you for reading and giving this story a chance. I'm not entirely sure where it's going, but I've already written some of chapter two. Please comment! Hate it? Tell me why. Love it? Let me know. See something that could use some improvement? I need that information. Also, if you downvote, please say why.  

II: A Trip to the Deli

Sweetie should have known it was too good to be true. She had been utterly confused when Silver had said all of those nice things about her, until they arrived back at their room. Silver had laughed that such small things actually impressed the mares at the meeting. When she was able to do more than say her father owned Petrichor they would all bow to her.

At least, that was how Sweetie took the last part, even if she hadn't said those actual words. She had thought that Silver had changed because Diamond Tiara wasn't around. No, Silver was as bad as Diamond Tiara. She wasn't just a sidekick who went along with whatever Diamond had said. This was obvious.

She had gone to bed, barely managing to tell Silver off. Silver had always grated on her nerves. Always standing behind Diamond Tiara, backing up whatever that mare had said. It had been like she couldn't think for herself. And now? She was talking about the people here as if they were beneath her. This was the capital city! Choosing not to say anything, and to check on switching dorms in the morning, Sweetie fell asleep without saying a word to the grey earth pony.

Of course Silver would be up at the break of dawn, singing in the shower. Sweetie pulled her pillow over her head, trying to block out the sound to no avail. She got to her hooves with a groan, using her magic to make her bed as she thought about banging on the bathroom door.

Just as she thought she might, the door opened. "Oh, Sweetie Belle, I didn't know you were awake?" Silver seemed genuinely surprised. "I wouldn't be, except father expects me to be at a meeting at eight."

"I wouldn't be either, if the walls were thicker. I think we should trade cutie marks next time you try your hoof at a capella." Sweetie had meant it as a joke. It was something she had told Scootaloo countless times.

Silver scowled, glancing at the black eight note surrounded by a rainbow-colored stave. Sweetie had received her cutie mark later than most ponies, at the age of twelve. Still, she had been before Apple Bloom, who had been the last in their class.

Not saying a word, Silver went on about getting ready, giving Sweetie time to use the bathroom. By the time Sweetie had finished her shower and other morning rituals and exited the bathroom, Silver had gone. Which was well enough. She wondered briefly if she should tell Silver she was applying for a room change, but decided against it.

It took her a few minutes to find the main office on campus, then to find the correct floor and room. The line was huge; there had to be at least two hundred ponies. And the office wasn't even open until nine am. Surely this many ponies couldn't have problems with their roommates. She turned to a black-coated Pegasus stallion nearby. "Is everyone trying to change dorms?"

He shook his head. "Na, some of it has to do with what is wrong with dorms, some with an overcrowded dorm, it's always crazy. My sister has three ponies assigned to a two pony room. You would think Canterlot University would be better than this."

Taking one last look at the line, Sweetie decided to come back later. Maybe tomorrow would be better, actually.

Now she had to figure out what to do with her day. Classes started tomorrow, so she could probably get her books now. She pulled her list out of her saddle bag, looking at what she would need. She was a music minor, of course, but Rarity had insisted she at least get her Associate's degree in something she could use should her aspiring music career fall short.

She had picked something that had made Twilight very happy; a magic teacher. Schools and wealthy families were always looking for a unicorn to help teach their children, especially families like the Cakes where neither parent was a unicorn. Twilight had helped her build up her magical power the last few years. In fact, she had already studied two of the books on her list. Twilight had them, and would surely let her borrow them for school, so there was no need to buy them.

The other she had never heard of before, so she was sure Twilight didn't have them. Though she could probably ask about the one for history-but it didn't feature Star Swirl the Bearded at all, so probably not. And the others were for her two music classes. The crowd in the bookstore was much smaller, causing Sweetie to sigh with relief. She found the three books she needed to purchase and waited in the line that nearly wrapped around the entire store. Still, it only had about fifty ponies in it, and moved much faster than the other line.

By the time she was finished, it was time for lunch. She still hadn't bought any groceries to keep in her dorm, since she planned on eating in the school's cafeteria more often than cooking for herself. She may have improved since foalhood, but the improvement only meant everything wasn't a blackened blob anymore.

She remembered a deli Rarity had taken her to once, and decided to go there. Sweetie took her newly bought books back to her dorm. She thought she heard something, but when she called out Silver's name, there wasn't a response, so she shrugged and left. She looked around for Karat, thinking the mare might like to hang out before classes began, but she didn’t see her anywhere. She looked around at all the buildings, noticing a couple of girls from the hall meeting were sight-seeing. This city was the capital of Equestiria and held so many amazing things. Sweetie had visited several already on her trips here with Rarity.

She thought back to when the Changelings had invaded, wondering what all the people out in the city had done. She had never thought about it before. She had been in the castle, cowering with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. Rarity had ran off with her friends to find the Elements, but it had been no use.

It was terrifying. She shuttered, remembering how one had turned into her. Shaking the thoughts from her head, she concentrated on where she was going. She didn't know this city as well as Ponyville. The deli was close to the castle, she remembered. She just hadn't realized how far the castle actually was from the school.

After what seemed like an hour, but in truth was only fifteen minutes, she arrived at the deli. Simply called Daisy's, it reminded her a little of Ponyville. It was a nice restaurant, though. She was surprised when she saw Karat in line. She walked over to the Pegasus, hoping to join her.

"Hey Karat," she said with a smile.

Karat grinned. "Hi Sweetie. I didn't expect to see anyone I knew here," she exclaimed. "Would you like to join me? I was just about to order."

Sweetie nodded her head. They made it to the front of the line, ordered and received their food, and sat at one of the round tables. "Do you have your books and things yet?" Sweetie asked.

Having just taken a bite of her rose petal salad, Karat nodded. "Did you?" she asked around her food, reminding Sweetie of another Pegasus.

"Yes, I got them just before coming here, actually. I don't remember, what was your major?"

The conversation continued in such a fashion, the two mares simply getting to know each other. Sweetie had her back to the door, so when the entire shop suddenly became silent, she looked around. Standing there, dark blue hair floating around her head as always, was Princess Luna.

"Princess!" she grinned as she walked over to her. "I was hoping to see you soon."

Luna grinned. "It's good to see you, Sweetie Belle. Twilight says you'll be saying in Canterlot for school. Celestia has allowed me to teach Astronomy there, you simply must take it." The entire room was still silent, which Sweetie didn't miss. Of course, she was talking to Royalty. She had known Luna since she was a filly of ten, but these ponies didn't know that. And she hadn't even bowed.

Luna noticed Sweetie look around. "I hope you all are having a lovely day. I thought I would simply get some lunch." Slowly, everyone resumed talking, though still shooting looks at the Princess every few seconds. She leaned in closely, and said so that only Sweetie could hear, "I go out in public as much as possible, and yet they always react this way. At least they are acting like they want to give me space now."

Sweetie giggled. "I'm with a friend, if you would like to join us, Princess."

Luna agreed. "The fun shall be doubled," she said with a wink.  After Luna obtained a sandwich (which took a bit longer, because the owner of the deli didn't want to accept the Princess' bits) she sat with Sweetie Belle and Karat.

Karat, for her part, was very tense and didn't say much. She only really spoke when spoken to, and kept her gaze averted from Luna. "Oh, what is your major, Sweetie? Twilight didn't say."

Sweetie felt her cheeks redden. "Magic, actually. And teaching, I guess. I want to teach magic to young unicorns."

"I thought it would be something musical, what with the voice you have. I remember that Nightmare Night just after you received your cutie mark, you were singing constantly."

Sweetie's blush deepened. "Yes, I had just got it. It was my special talent, and I guess I was showing off."

"Until Rainbow Dash managed to scare you."

Sweeite buried her face in her hooves. "I know, I was such a foal. So embarrassing."

Just then, one of the guard who must have been stationed outside of the deli walked over to the Princess. He was about to say something when he saw Sweetie Belle. Their eyes met at the same time. "Sweetie Belle? Twi said you were in town, but I didn't imagine I'd already run into you." Shining Amour grinned.

"Who hasn't my sister and her friends told? I'm a grown mare," she sighed.

Shining ruffled Sweetie's hair. "Oh, you'll always be their little filly, you know. She said for me to keep an eye out, because Rarity is worried about you being in the big city on your own. Cadance and I were planning something more…subtle, but this works." He shruged, nodded to Karat, and then turned to Luna. "I'm sorry Princess, but Celestia sent me. She wanted to speak with you."

Luna sighed. "How am I ever going to get ponies to treat me normally when I am constantly being whisked away by the guard?" She smiled, though. "I suppose I'll see you on campus, Sweetie."

Sweetie said goodbye to the pair before they left.

Karat, for her part, was staring at Sweetie Belle as if she had grown an extra head. "What? Do I have something on my face?" she asked, wiping hurridly. That would have been mortifying, to have lunched with Luna and had something on her face. Rarity would never forgive her.

"You know the Princess that well? Silver wasn't lying? You said you weren't as cool as that." Karat didn't sound or look angry, but confused.

"Princess Luna comes to Ponyville every Nightmare Night since she was freed from Nightmare Moon. It's great, always scared the foals. Plus, free candy because they still give some to her statue. Luna's cool."

"And the Prince?"

"Prince? Oh, Shining Armor? That's just Twilight's brother. And she's one of my sister's best friends." Sweetie shrugged.

"I guess," Karat said. "Still, that is pretty amazing."

Karat relaxed after a few moments, though, and soon the two mares picked up normal conversation. They walked back to campus together, the trip seeming much shorter to Sweetie now that she had a friend to talk too.

Karat agreed they should hang out again the next day, and Sweetie Belle walked into her dorm. She stood, frozen, at the sound that was coming out of the bathroom, over the sound of water from the shower.

Silver Spoon was crying.

III: Jealous

Sweetie debated with herself. Go in and see what's wrong, or ignore it and leave. She could just walk back out the door and come back later. Silver would never know she had heard.

With an inward groan, Sweetie knocked on the bathroom door. "Silver, are you okay?" Silence. "Why are you crying?"

"Why do you care?" Silver answered, her voice strained.

Sweetie's mouth fell open from shock. "I was just trying to be nice. Sorry." She walked over and laid on her bed, folding her hooves over her chest. Not three minutes later, the bathroom door opened, revealing a still damp Silver Spoon.

Sweetie glanced over at her. The grey mare's eyes were puffy and still red. "Sorry. I'm just a little stressed, I guess."

More like a jerk, Sweetie thought. Keeping her thoughts to herself, she said, "Stressed from what? Classes haven't even started yet."

Silence filled the room. Sweetie could tell Silver Spoon didn't know if she should share whatever it was with her or not, so she said nothing. Finally, Silver sighed. "I know. That doesn't matter to my father though. He came by to make sure all my classes were in order and I had all my school books. And then we talked about the future, and the company, and my family and my cutie mark and…it's just a lot of stuff. And it's just going to get worse."

Silver snorted, shaking her head, and continued talking. Sweetie didn't know if she was even talking to her anymore, so much as just getting everything out of her system. "And I don't even want to take over the stupid company or be the head of the family. I don't want it. I want to do something else. I hate how my life has been planned out since I even got this stupid thing. But because I have this stupid spoon on my flank, my fate is sealed. And there is nothing I can do about it. You Crusaders had it good. Your Cutie Marks just reflect your talents. I mean, I would love to have anything, even a stupid apple, so long as it wasn't this. I mean, the only reason DT and I even made fun of you guys was because we hated ours."

Silver sat on her bed, a muscle twitching in her jaw, and took a deep breath. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said all that."

Sweetie, for her part, sat in total shock. "It's just a Cutie Mark. I mean, I know we made a huge deal out of getting ours, but it isn't like they absolutely define you."

Silver shook her head. "You don't know my family. And I don't want to talk about it. Just leave me alone."

Sweetie thought back to when she had received her cutie mark. She could still feel the thrill of it everytime she thought of the musical note wrapped in a rainbow stave.

The small unicorn filly breathed in deeply. She was at Rarity's again, of course. Her parents were always off doing something she couldn't join in. Their trips used to be only once or twice a year, but now they seemed to be once a month.

It was midday, and Rarity had locked herself in her creativity room, or whatever it was she called it. Since she and the other two Crusaders had tried parachuting off the roof of Apple Bloom's barn to earn their Cutie Marks, they were grounded.

Sweetie started humming and dancing, just to pass the time. She had always loved singing. It helped relax her, or cheer her up when she was sad, or just fun to do when she was by herself. She levitated a manebrush in front of her face, using it as a microphone as she sang.

She hopped and twirled, finally bowing to her imagined audience. She jumped when she heard clapping and looked over to see Rarity. "Sweeite…that was amazing."

Sweetie Belle blushed a little. Singing was her passion and it felt good to have her sister praise her. It was something she loved, something she was actually good at, something…

Her flank felt warm for a moment, and she spun in circles trying to look at it. She had her cutie mark. She finally had her cutie mark. She looked at the music note and the rainbow stave and then to Rarity, her mouth hanging open.

The room had been silent for at least five minutes. Sweetie couldn't believe the outburst from Silver, or that she had shared something so personal. Her cutie mark meant everything to her, it always had, but Silver seemed  despise hers own.

The white-maned earth pony was looking through the closet, which was full of her clothes. Sweetie suddenly felt sorry for the pony who had made her foalhood so horrible. "Silver," she started, but was cut off.

"I don't want to talk about it. I shouldn't have said what I did, I was just upset and let my emotions get the best of me. Just forget it, okay?"

Silence lasted a moment longer before Sweetie shook her head. "No, not okay. Look, I'm not going to deal with your snotty attitude all semester. I'm not going to have you just being so…so…" Sweetie didn't know what to say, so she threw her hooves out to the side. "So get over yourself. I'm filing for a dorm change."

Silver just stared at her. Sweetie huffed. "What, do you really think I'm going to put up with you now that I don't have to? That I'm just going to sit and take it like I did in Ponyville? Well guess what? I'm not. I am sick of you and Diamond Tiara and all of your goons making my life and my friends lives miserable. We didn't deserve it then, and Celestia help me, I will not take it any longer." Sweetie was pacing now. This afternoon, it seemed, was the time for rants.

She was interupped by Silver, however. "We made your lives miserable? You three had all the adults wrapped around you hooves. You always showed me and DT up, always! You were going on adventures and doing things that everypony thought was amazing. You were even at the Royal Wedding. THE ROYAL WEDDING! DT and I wanted to go, but even our daddies couldn't get us in. But you three were flower girls. Everypony loved you guys, and then you came back and had stories of chanlings and how the Princesses were so cool and it wasn't fair. All DT and I had was each other and what loyalty we had from our school mates, but you three stole it all."

Silver took a deep breath before continuing. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders," she snarled, "so innocent and perfect and adorable little fillies that every adult loved you. You never got in trouble for anything and when you should have, your sisters or their friends were there to protect you." The earth ponies anger was fading some, her voice loosing some of it's venom as tears filled her eyes. "It wasn't fair. You guys had everything we wanted. And then when you got your cutie marks, they didn't tie you to anything. Not even Apple Blooms tied her to that stupid farm. It. Wasn't. Fair."

Sweetie didn't feel like yelling anymore. The Terrible Two, as Sweetie and her friends had nicknamed Silver and Diamond, had been jealous of them?

A knock on the door distracted both girls from the argument. Sweetie opened the door to see Tish. "Umm…there were complaints of yelling. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a problem? Are you going to need to change dorms?" Her eyes widened and she quickly added, "I'm not saying you do because I really don't want you to but it is required to ask when there is something like this before classes even start."

Sweetie looked over to Silver and then back to Tish. "No, I think we'll be okay. We're just…getting to really know each other."

Tish looked unsure, but left anyway. Sweetie close the door and looked back over to Silver. The tension form earlier seemed to have left with Tish, and now everything was awkward. "You were really jealous of us?"

Silver faintly blushed. "A little."

"You realize we weren't as popular as you make us out to be, right? Everypony was always on your side. Until things got physical, anyway. Bloom and Scoot were the best athletes in the school."

"It wasn't just that. You three got to do things we would never have been allowed to do. Like Sisterhood Social. My older sister never would have even thought of doing something like that, even though I asked. And if mom and dad had even caught a glimpse of us getting that dirty, the manure would have hit the fan. We had to be proper ladies, all the time."

It was strange, this conversation. It wasn't like the others when Silver had been nice to her, or her entire foalhood where she had viewed Silver as a bully. Now they were sitting as equals, just talking. Sweetie knew Silver was likely to pretend this never happened after it was over, but she had to put her best hoof forward, didn't she?

"Proper ladies? You do know Rarity, don't you?" Sweetie giggled. "Umm, it's getting kinda late, do you wanna get dinner?"

Sweetie swallowed. That was the second time she had invited Silver somewhere in as many days. It was strange, but she didn't want this semester to be like today had been, between the two of them. And besides, six was always when Rarity served dinner and she was starving.

"Yeah, I think I'd like that," Silver replied with a timid smile.

The two mares left the room, unsure of what exactly was happening, but knowing they didn't quite hate each other anymore.

IV: Apple Bloom

The first week of classes hadn't been that bad. The only class she had with Karak was Modern History, which was one of the general classes the school required, and she didn't share any classes with Silver.

Things had been odd between Sweetie and her white-maned roommate. While they didn't hate each other anymore, Sweetie still found it hard not to treat her like she always had. After the first argument, they had started a ritual of sorts, talking about their foalhood and Ponyville and things that had happened way back then.

It was interesting to learn that Diamond and Silver had their weekly allowance taken every time they got in trouble at school, in addition to other punishments. Silver couldn't believe the Cutie Mark Crusaders actually went into the Everfree Forest by themselves, even if they were grounded afterward.

Sweetie sighed, glancing at the clock. It was nearly noon. She had no clue what Scootaloo was doing at her school, but she knew Apple Bloom was probably getting ready to eat lunch. It was a nice Saturday, and she really should have been outside doing something instead of sitting in the lobby of her dorm building, but she didn't feel like it.

She pulled out paper to write letters to her friends. Karat was great, but the Pegasus was doing something today and couldn't hang out, and she and Silver were taking things every slowly. The door opened, but Sweetie didn't look up from the blank pages before her.

She jumped when she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her. "Guess who?" asked a voice she could recognize anywhere. She jumped out of her seat with a grin.

Her eyes briefly look in the red mane and light colored coat before wrapping her hooves around her friend. "Apple Bloom! I missed you!"

She looked over and saw Karat standing shyly to the side. "Oh, have you guys met? Apple Bloom, this is Karat. Karat, this is Apple Bloom, one of my best friends." Sweetie grinned.

"Oh, y'all are friends? Ah just asked her how to get to this building. Well, do you wanna hang out with us, Karat?" Apple Bloom smiled.

Karat shook her head. "I'd like to, really, but I have…stuff to do." The Pegasus blushed slightly.

"Maybe next time, then," Sweetie suggested. Karat nodded and started back out the door, before Apple Bloom stopped her.

"Hey, sorry, Ah know you have stuff to do, but Ah just gotta ask. What does your cutie mark stand for?"

The Pegasus looked at her flank where two gears were locked together. "I'm good with technology," she shrugged, making it apparent she didn't want to talk about her cutie mark. "What about the two of you?" Her tone was lighter as she took a step toward the old friends.

Apple Bloom started before Sweetie Belle had a chance, much like when they were fillies. "Ah, mine has to do with zap apple jam makin' and Belle's is singing, not much interesting."

Sweetie rolled her eyes, but Karat looked amazed, like she did most times Sweetie mentioned something common in Ponyville. "Zap Apple Jam? You make Zap Apple Jam?"

Looking slightly confused and a little proud, Apple Bloom nodded. "Well, yeah. Ah mean, my granny discovered it all, and bits of it used to embarrass me, but I got over it. I got my cutie mark two years after Ah realized all those embarrassing things were what made the jam so special."

Karat walked over and joined the two mares, now fully part of the group. "What's so embarrassing about making Zap Apple Jam?"

Sweetie couldn't help it, she laughed. Apple Bloom glared at her, which made her laugh harder. Realizing her friend wasn't going to stop laughing soon, the earth pony started explaining Zap Apple Jam to Karat-without giving everything away, of course.

Every time it seemed that Sweetie was about to stop laughing, she would listen to Apple Bloom and start again. Sure, she was in the story this time, making Granny Smith talk to Cheerilee during her nap or hopping in a bunny costume, but that didn't matter.

Apple Bloom had joined her by the end, though it was still easy to understand what the earth pony was saying "And-And then," Apple Bloom finished, "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were forced to join us. The looks on their faces alone was worth it."

After giving the mares some time to calm down, Karat looked between the unicorn and earth pony. "It sounds like Ponyville is a lot of fun." Karat wrinkled her brow in confusion. "I thought you and Silver Spoon were friends though, Sweetie?"

Sweetie shook her head as Apple Blooms mouth actually dropped open in shock. "No, not at all. Well…we weren't anyway. It is complicated."

"Complicated? That blasted pony made our lives horrible as fillies. And-you know Silver Spoon?" It was Apple Bloom's turn to look confused.

Karat glanced at Sweetie Belle. "Well, she's kinda my roommate. It was so weird the other day." Sweetie shrugged. "Really, though, she isn't a bad roommate."

A short silence followed that statement, before Karat stood. "I'd really like to stick around, Apple Bloom, but I have to umm…go. I might catch you guys later."

They said goodbye to the red Pegasus as she walked out the door. "Welp, I dunno about you, but Ah'm hungry. What d'ya say we go get something to eat?"

Sweetie nodded with a grin. "Sounds great to me." Apple Bloom followed Sweetie Belle to a small off-campus restaurant. It looked nice and had some old music playing, not that either of the girls minded. "This is a great place for a hay burger and fries."

The two ordered quickly and sat at a table, enjoying their food. "So, how's the farm?" Sweetie asked.

Apple Bloom shrugged. "Same as usual. Nearly Zap Apple Season. Granny says I'm gonna have to do it myself this year. She's not been feelin' too hot lately." The smile slipped from the farm mare's face. "AJ says she's afraid it's nearly Granny's time. I don't know if I could handle that."

Sweetie picked at one of her fries, suddenly not feeling very hungry. "Granny is always full of life though. I mean, sure, she moves slow, and sometimes she isn't all there, but she just…" Sweetie trailed off, not bothering to finish her sentence. After a moment, she glanced at Apple Bloom. "If…if anything happens, at all, you have to let me know. I don't want you to go through that without me."

A sad smile was reply enough, as Apple Bloom took a bit of her burger. "You know, this is really good."

"I told you they were the best!" Sweetie said, glad the conversation had turned back to something light. The two friends finished their food, keeping talk light, about school, what they thought Scootaloo was doing and how they couldn't believe she hadn't written yet, and just various other things.

Nearly an hour later, they returned to Sweeties dorm. "Sweetie, do you know where I put that report? I need it for Economics." Silver Spoon turned to look at her roommate, only to stop when she spotted Apple Bloom. "Oh, um, hi Apple Bloom." The grey mare forced a smile, which the other earth pony returned.

"Didn't you put it in your saddle bag, so you would know where it was?" Sweetie said, glancing between the two earth ponies and hoping neither started anything.

Silver nodded, gratefully smiling at Sweetie. "Oh, yes, that's right. Thank you." She pulled the report out and started looking over it at her desk.

No one moved, though. The air was tense again, something Sweetie and Silver had managed to disperse lately. Finally, Apple Bloom asked the question she had been wondering. "So, y'all are friends now?"

Sweetie and Silver glanced at each other, neither wanting to offend the opposing party. "I guess," Sweetie said at the same time Silver said, "Sort of."

"Right." Apple Bloom glanced between them. "How did that happen?"

Sweetie shrugged. "I guess we just…worked out past problems? I had no idea how hard DT and I really were on the three of you." It wasn't an apology, exactly, but Apple Bloom nodded anyway.

"That's all water under the bridge, isn't it? We're grown mares now." She held out her hoof. "Ah can't really say Ah understand why, but if Sweetie and you can live together and not kill each other, you gotta be alright." Silver shook Apple Bloom's hoof. "Ah mean, when Sweetie spent just two days at my house Ah wanted to kill her." Apple Bloom grinned.

"Oh, I never said it was easy." Silver said, though she sounded cautious. "I mean, have you heard her snore?"

"Have Ah? We practically lived at each other's houses during the summers." The two earth ponies laughed.

"Hey!" Sweetie said, somewhat indignantly. "I'm not that bad!" She mocked being offended, throwing her nose up in the air, but couldn't help but smile.

The three of them talked for a while, Apple Bloom actually surprised at how much she liked Silver Spoon since she wasn't bullying her friends and herself. Of course, she didn't completely trust the mare yet, but she was sure Sweetie didn't either.

When it finally came time for her to go back to Ponyville, she actually thought Silver looked at little disappointed. Of course, it could have just been a trick of the light.

V: The Elements of Harmony

It turned out that Karat couldn't hang out Saturday because she was practicing her flying skills. She wasn't that great-not that Sweetie Bell would tell her that. It wasn't the technical aspects of Karat's flying Sweetie thought were off, but the fact that her tricks were so simple. Of course, growing up around Rainbow Dash and having Scootaloo drag them around watching her had taught her a lot about flying.

She had noticed Karat in an empty hoofball field doing barrel rolls and such and had wondered over to watch. When the red Pegasus noticed her, she immediately stopped and walked over to her, blushing.

They walked back to the dorm together, discussing what the 'surprise' their history professor could have planned for them. Of course, it wouldn't be for another month, but he had wanted them to all know about it. When Sweetie made it back to her dorm, she found Silver still pouring over the essay for Economics.

"Need some help?" she offered.

Silver shook her head. "I just have to make sure it's perfect. It feels wrong, but I'm missing it." Silver sighed. "I just have to get an A on this, you know? I need to keep a 4.0. or I'll never get into the schools dad wants me in."

"He pushes you that hard?" Sweetie asked. Silver just shrugged, muttering something about him wanting the best for her while her eyes poured over the essay again. The unicorn shook her head. Rarity pushed her to be her best but she never caused her this much stress. Well, not in the same way. Sweetie prepared for bed and sat on her bunk. "Silver?"

"Hmm?"

"Silver?" Sweetie repeated, wanting the mares full attention.

Silver looked up. "Yes?"

"I think you should give it a rest. Let me look over it for you tomorrow." She nodded when Silver looked indecisive. Finally, the earth pony gave in, putting on her sleeping cap and finding her eye mask.

With all the lights out, the room was nearly pitch black. After a few minutes of total silence, when Sweetie was nearly asleep, she heard Silver ask a question. "Why was Apple Bloom so nice to me?"

Not bothering to open her eyes or turn to face her roommate, Sweetie answered, "Cause Apple Bloom is a nice pony. It's how AJ raised her."

A shorter silence stretched before Silver spoke again. "She doesn't like me though."

Sweetie sighed and turned over, looking at the grey mare who was staring at the ceiling. "It isn't that she doesn't like you. But she doesn't exactly like you either. I mean, do you like her?"

For the third time that night, silence fell before Silver answered. "I don't know, really. I think of our foalhood, you know, and all the feelings that brings up. And then there was today, where we were laughing and joking like old friends. I just…it is so confusing."

Sweetie smiled. "Yeah, but I mean, ponies change, right? I mean, we were pretty secluded in Ponyville, especially compared to a city like this. Maybe we're just maturing and seeing that how we were before wasn't right?" The statement would have been more powerful if Sweetie hadn't said the last half through a  yawn, but she saw Silver nod anyway.

"I guess. You know, Sweetie Belle, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad you’re my friend."

Sweetie nodded in agreement. "Me too. I guess Pinkie was right. If you look for the positive in ponies, the negative seems less negative."

Neither pony had anything to say after that, so they both drifted soundlessly off to sleep.

--

It didn't seem like three weeks since Apple Bloom had visited, but when she looked at the short letter detailing what was happening at the farm and with other people in Ponyville, she realized it had been. School was taking up a lot of time. Between studying and classes, making friends with Silver and Karat, she didn't have much time. But when she saw that 'everyone' was coming to see her, she smiled.

"It's going to be so great," she told Silver. She was a little afraid to tell Karat, least she faint from the prospect of actually spending time with Dash. "Apple Bloom said everyone. Not that I really know whom it means exactly, but still. She seems excited about it, so…hey, do you wanna hang out with us?" Sweetie smiled, meaning the invitation this time. "It'd be a great chance for you and Apple Bloom to get to know each other."

Silver bit her lip as she looked toward her school things. "I don't know, I have so much work to do."

"Well, it isn't like I need to know now, anyway." Sweetie looked around the room. "You have until tomorrow to decide. They said we could all hang out after my history class, I guess Rarity told them my schedule or something. You can decide then if you'd like."

Silver just nodded as she continued to type numbers into a calculator. It took Sweetie a while to realize Silver wasn't ignoring her when she did that, but that her roommate was focused on her work. She laid on her bed, not meaning to fall asleep, but doingso all the same.

Time seemed to pass so slowly as she waited for everything to be over with and she could hang out with her family again. After what seemed like an eternity, the awaited day arrived. The time seemed to tick slowly by as it often does when you're waiting for something. Finally it was time for her history class, which she considered skipping until she heard a knock on her door. She opened it to reveal Karat.

"Hey Sweetie, are you ready? Tonight is his 'big surprise' that he's been talking about forever." Karat rolled her eyes. The excitement had waned since his first announcement. "Might as well go see what it is."

Sweetie grabbed her saddle bags and walked with Karat to class. "So, where are we suppose to meet Apple Bloom?" the red Pegasus asked. Sweetie had told Karat the day after receiving the letter, and her new friend was going to come along.

"I…don't know, actually. Maybe back at my dorm. The letter didn't say." She shrugged as she walked into the room and took her usual seat at the front of the class, next to Karat. She looked around the room, trying to see if anything in it could be the huge surprise. "I don't see anything, but maybe he'll bring it with him?"

"Yeah, maybe." Karat agreed. They were the last students to arrive, and the professor arrived not a minute later, not even carrying saddlebags.

He took attendance and then stood in front of the class, smiling. "I know I promised you all a surprise, but first, I'd like to tell you a story. How many of you remember the Summer Sun Celebration that was most recently held in Ponyville?" A few of the students, including Sweetie, raised their hands. "How many of you remember Discords invasion?" Everyone in the room raised their hands. Sweetie was starting to get a bad feeling about what the surprise would be. "How many remember the hero's who saved Equestria both times?" As everyone raised their hands, Sweetie groaned. The professor gave her a strange look, but opened the door.

Keeping her hooves crossed over her chest, she looked up at the ceiling. Twilight trotted in first, followed by Applejack and a bouncing Pinkie. Loud whispers were heard outside before Fluttershy slowly came in, her hair hiding her face. Rarity and Rainbow Dash followed her.

Several students gasped, but Sweetie just put her head on her desk. The professor started speaking again. "The Elements of Harmony have agreed to give firsthoof accounts of these events and answer any questions afterward." He smiled, motioning for the six mares to begin.

"It all started when Princess Celestia asked me to look over the Summer Sun Celebration that was being held in Ponyville. I walked around town, meeting many ponies, including these five mares. First was…"

"Twi, Ah think they do want out of here in an hour or so, maybe you should use the abridged version?" Applejack suggested.

Sweetie couldn't repress a snort. Twilight abridge anything? "I'll take it over from here." Rainbow Dash gave the class a cocky grin. Sweetie glanced over at Karat, who was absorbed in everything that was being said. "Some boring stuff happened, then we all followed Twilight into the Everfree forest to find the Elements. Some other boring stuff happened and Fluttershy tamed a Manticore and then Nightmare Moon was standing in front of us."

"No, Dashie, you're leaving out half the story, you silly filly," Pinkie bounced up close to the front row of desks.  "I think we should let Twi tell the story, don't you guys? She's much better at story telling." She looked over at Sweetie Belle, and the white unicorn knew  exactly what was coming. "Tell them Sweetie."

Sweetie felt all eyes land on her. "Umm, sure Pinks. Twi should tell it, but shortly."

And finally the story was told and the Professor asked if anyone had any questions. A deep purple coated unicorn stallion in the back raised his hoof. "So you guys know Sweetie Belle?"

"She's my sister," Rarity said with a proud smile.

The professor choked. "Sister? I didn't know that!" He looked at Sweetie with a newfound reverence.

"Umm…yeah." Sweetie shrugged and looked down at her desk. She wasn't sure if she should be proud or embarrassed.

She saw Karat raise her hand from the corner of her eye. "Rainbow Dash, have you really preformed three Rainbooms?"

Class continued in the same fashion, the questions not pertaining at all to history or the event discussed. Some ponies asked Twilight questions about magic, one pony attempted to ask Fluttershy a question about when she had been a model, but the soft yellow Pegasus simply hid her slightly pink face behind her hair.

The professor stopped the questions when one stallion asked if any of them were together. Sweetie shot him a nasty look. With class dismissed, many ponies left to make it to their next classes or to find food, but a few stayed behind to talk to the six mares.

Sweetie and Karat stayed seated until the last pony left. "Well, if that didn't go horribly," the professor said. "I'm sorry ladies, I didn't know the students would pry so."

Sweetie snorted. "I don't really get why everyone was so interested anyway, I mean…" she glanced at the six mares looking at her. "I love you guys, but honestly, you're just normal ponies."

"To some people we seem like more than that though," Fluttershy said with a smile.

Dash snorted. "Talk for yourselves. I'm more than your average pony. I mean, I'm Rainbow Dash, best flyer in Equestria."

Karat nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, she's a Wonderbolt, you can't get much cooler than that!"

Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I swear, you act just like Scoots." She turned to the six mares. "This is Karat, by the way. If you guys wanna tell us where to meet you at, we'll swing by our dorms and put our school things away."

"We'll just go with you," Rarity said, picking up Sweetie's bag for her. "I mean, I haven't spoken to you in a while, it'll be good. And Apple Bloom is there anyway, she said she knew where it was and Silver would let her in."

"Silver and Apple Bloom are in my dorm? Together? Alone?" Sweetie bit her lip. Sure, they had acted fine the last time Apple Bloom had visited, but that was with her there to steer the conversation away from things that could blow up.

By the time the group got to the dorm, it was deathly quiet inside.

VI: Dinner

Sweetie Belle slowly opened the door and peaked inside. The door slowly sung open on the scene. The two mares inside didn't seem to realize they now had an audience as Sweetie Belle's brain raced to process what her eyes saw.

Absolutely no one was there. Silver Spoon and Apple Bloom were not in the room. A piece of paper on her bed caught Sweetie's eye, and she walked over and picked it up. went ahead to the restaurant. Silver is with me. Meet you there. It was short and simple, but Sweetie breathed a sigh of relief.

Sweetie told the others what the note said. They walked to the restaurant as a huge group. Sweetie noticed Karat kept trying to talk to Dash, but then chicken out at the last minute. Dash, for her part, was oblivious. She was chattering on to Applejack about how she should sell her cider to restaurants. This was mostly due to the fact that cider season was coming up, and Dash wasn't going to be in Ponyville since it was also when the race season started.

They finally joined Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon, who were sitting across the table from each other. They both looked over and waved at the group, and Sweetie was suddenly concerned about whom to sit next to. Of course, neither of the mares would probably think anything of it, but if she sat next to Silver instead of Apple Bloom, the farm pony might think Sweetie liked Silver better. And of course, if Sweetie sat next to Apple Bloom, Silver might think it was like their foalhood again.

She was saved from having to decided though, when Rarity sat and asked Sweetie to sit next to her. She was sandwiched between Apple Bloom and her sister, but she didn't mind. Karat took the seat next to Silver, and Sweetie smiled.

It was a nice place, thought Sweetie hadn't caught the name of it. And it was nice to see her everyone she missed from Ponyville. It had only been a month, but while talking to them, it felt like a lifetime had passed. The meal passed pleasently enough. Sweetie was happy to see nothing even close to unfriendly arguing occurred between Apple Bloom and Silver, and when it was time to leave, everyone had enjoyed a pleasant meal time. If asked specific details about it, Sweetie couldn't have given a single one.

Karat needed to be at a night class, so she left the group as soon as they exited the restaurant. The other nine ponies walked together to the train station.  Rarity, in an uncommonly undramatic mood, simply gave her sister a hug and told her to write more. Sweetie promised to do so, and that she would be in Ponyville in two weeks time.

Then it was only Silver, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle on the platform. "Ah swear," Apple Bloom said, "If Ah knew you were this much fun, Ah'd have quit not liking you sooner, Silver." The farm pony pulled the grey mare into a tight hug. "Ah am glad that we're friends now though. It's like Twi says, friendship is magic." Apple Bloom smiled at Silver. "I guess I'll see ya when you next come to Ponyville."

"Ummm…Yeah." Silver seemed to be in a stage of slight shock, but returned the smile before walking off a ways and looking at a poster, giving Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell time alone. "You need to write me more. I miss ya so much. And Ah ain't even laid eyes on Scoots since she left. And only two letters."

Sweetie nuzzled her friends neck. "I miss you too, Bloom. I Pinkie Promise I'll be there in two weeks."

The pair heard Pinkie Pie say "FOREVER" from inside the train, but ignored it. "And ya need to watch that Karat mare, too. She seems sorta…weird."

"What?" Sweetie asked. "She reminds me of Scoots. Well, Scoots when we were younger, anyway. What's wrong with her?"

Apple Bloom shrugged. "Ah can't place my hoof on it, but it's just a feeling."

The whistle blew, making the mares jump. "You better get going before you're stuck here," Sweetie said, a sad smile gracing her lips. "Two weeks. Promise."

Apple Bloom ran and jumped into the open door. "Ah better get a letter before then, or no pie or cider, Ah swear."

Sweetie chuckled as she waved goodbye to her family.  "When are you going back to see your parents?" Sweetie asked Silver as they walked back to their dorm. Night was finally approaching, and the street lamps were flickering to life as they walked.

"I don't think I will. Dad is down here enough, making sure my grades are okay and that I'm doing what he expects." Silver couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice. "I just…" she shook her head, letting what she was about to say fall away from her lips.

Sweetie nudged Silvers shoulder. "What? You just what? Wanna tango? Read? Fly?"

The earth pony giggled and shook her head. "Apple Bloom was right. We should have been friends a long time ago."

"Yeah, but at least we're friends now, right?"

It wasn't until they were back at their dorm and in their respective beds that Sweetie thought about what Apple Bloom had said. "Hey Silver? Do you like Karat?"

"Umm…I guess. She's sorta…weird, you know?" Sweetie saw Silver roll over to face her. "I don't mean it to be…well, mean, but she's really not the kind of pony I would choose to be friends with. You might not notice, but she watches what you do a lot. In a not-so-normal way. And it was the same way with Rainbow Dash tonight. It was like…I don't know. Just not right."

Sweetie listened to what Silver said. Had the gray mare said that a month ago, Sweetie would have shouted at her. It's funny, how time can change things. "She seems cool to me. Like Scoots."

Silver shook her head. "No, she isn't like Scootaloo. I mean, she's sorta sporty and they look a little alike, but honestly, that's about where it ends. And of course, there is the Rainbow Dash worship, but that even seems more innocent on Scootaloo. Maybe it's because we grew up with her, though. "

Sweetie tried to think back to all the times she and Karat had hung out, but she couldn’t see anything that Silver was saying. "That may be it. And it's probably something to do with the amount of food I ate. I'm still full."

"I know," Silver agreed. "I'm still grateful to your sister for paying for mine."

Sweetie snorted. "That's Rarity for you. The real reason she's not part of the Canterlot elite or super famous? She is always working on projects for her friends and making coats and stuff for the foals who's parents can't afford them. Not that anyone knows that, of course. She only talks about when ponies like Fancy Pants order from her."

After a few more moments of silence, Silver turned to her other side. "I wouldn't worry about Karat. I mean, I know I don't know her well, but she seems nice enough I guess. I don't think she likes me, though. She mostly just wants to hang out with you."

VII: First Glimpse

The sun was bright when Sweetie awoke nearly two weeks later. She had been up late studying for one of her magic test, though this one was all stuff Twilight had taught her. She had to make sure she kept her grades up and kept her scholarship, after all. Silver had been up just as late, studying for an economics test. Sweetie had tried to help her new friend, but the mare just didn't seem to understand.

Tomorrow she would be going back to Ponyville. She had even convinced Silver to come as well. She had considered asking Karat to come along, but everytime she thought of it, what Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon had said rang through her ears.

Sweetie had watched the blue-maned Pegasus, trying to see what the others did, but she just didn't see it. She did notice Karat turning Silver down anytime the earth pony suggested they hang out, though. She rolled out of bed and looked around the dorm. It was hard to believe the term was nearly half over, and yet here it was. Silver was still asleep in bed, which probably wasn't good.

Sweetie walked over and poked her. "Silver, wake up." The pony mumbled something and snuggled more deeply into her bed. The unicorn poked her again. "Silver, wake up. You're late for class."

The grey mare snorted and sat up. "I don't even care. I'm going to fail that test anyway. It doesn't matter." She flopped back down onto the bed. "I'm just going to fail and let dad yell at me. I don't even care anymore."

Sweetie sighed. "What time is the class?"

"Nine."

Sweetie grinned. "Good, you have an hour to get ready. You might not be able to revise, but that can't be helped. Or maybe you won't shower."

Silver stood and shook her head. "You aren't going to let me rest, are you? I used to think Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were joking when they said you were just as much of an egghead as Twilight." The earth pony just shrugged and made her way into the bathroom, causing Sweetie Belle to groan. She really should have gone before waking Silver up.

She stood up, her mind only wanting to concentrate on the one thing she couldn't do at the moment. Karat would let her in to use the bathroom. She rushed over to her friends room, and hastily knocked on the door. Karat's unicorn roommate, Gwen, opened the door. "Oh, hi. Karat's out at the hoofball field."

"Oh, I just need the bathroom, please? Silver's taken over ours."

Gwen smiled, but stood aside to allow Sweetie in. "Thank you," she said gratefully as she practically ran to the bathroom. She looked around the dorm as she came out. Unsurprisingly, the dorm was just like the one she shared with Silver. She had never actually been in Karat's dorm, since she liked to be outside a lot.

Thanking Gwen again, Sweetie went back to her dorm. The morning passed without incident, unless Sweetie practically shoving Silver into her Economics class counted as in incident. Sweetie's thoughts drifted to Ponyville, and what she would do when she got there. Two days didn't seem long enough, but it was all she had at the moment. She was sure Apple Bloom had the day all planned out, but if it wasn't just walking around town and being nostalgic, she didn't know what it would be. That was probably the reason she had only came up with a hooffull of their crusading plans, actually.

She walked into her history class thinking about her trip. She was early, of course. The professor enjoyed talking to her ever since Rarity had announced they were sisters. He spoke to her for a few moments, becoming excited when she said she was going home for the weekend. He asked if she could convince the Elements to come one at a time and speak.

She shook her head, but told him she would mention the idea. Although the thoughts of asking Fluttershy to talk to an entire room full of people was amusing. She looked around for Karat, but didn't see the Pegasus anywhere. Probably still out in the hoofball field, she thought.

The slightly annoying purple unicorn stallion who normally sat in the back of the class sat next to her, in Karat's normal seat. "I'm Glimpse," he said with a grin. "I couldn't help but notice your friends seat was empty, and I didn't want you to feel lonely."

Sweetie rolled her eyes and ignored him. He noticed the eye-roll and smirked, flipping his dark blond mane out of his eyes. "You know, you could be a little nicer. I'm just trying to make a friend." His smirk stayed as he said it.

Sweetie was torn. Of course, being raised around Twilight Sparkle had rubbed off on her. Friendship is very important. But this stallion had a stupid smug smirk on his face that she was determined to wipe off.

"Yeah, sorry. Thought you might have been looking for something other than friendship, but okay. Friends it is."

Glimpse blinked as his smirk slowly fell from his face.  "You-I-"

"And since we're friends now, you won't mind letting me pay attention to the lesson, would you? Class is about to start." It was Sweetie's turn to smirk as he slowly turned his head to the front of the class and slumped down into his seat.

VIII: Train Ride

After class Sweetie was waiting on Karat outside the room while the Pegasus talked to the professor. Of course, Glimpse noticed her standing alone. The stallion walked up to her, his smirk back on his face. "So, I know this is your last class, what do you say we go get a hayburger?"

Sweetie blinked for a moment, caught off guard by his request. "Like, a date?"

Glimpse chuckled. "Yeah. You seem like a cool mare." Sweetie blushed. She had thought he was just being pushy, but maybe he really did like her. After all, she had witnessed worse ways to impress someone you like. Apple Bloom and Pipsqueak had been horrible at it. "And besides, you're a total hottie."

The smile that had crept onto Sweetie Belle's face disappeared. "No, I think I'll pass. I have to watch the grass grow."

"Oh come on," Glimpse said. "Just a burger."

Thankfully, Karat walked out then. "Ready?" she asked, looking between the two ponies.

"Yeah. Bye Glimpse," Sweetie said as she walked away. She felt guilty for leaving him like that, but she couldn't stand how arrogant he acted.  "See you next week."

She heard him sigh before turning the corner and sighing herself. She was feeling much too much guilt lately. First about Karat, and now Glimpse. Sweetie thought about asking Karat to Ponyville, but again decided against it. After they both made it to their separate dorms, Sweetie sighed. Maybe she should have said yes to Glimpse. What would it have hurt? And what would it hurt to invite Karat to Ponyville?

"Are you ready for the weekend?" Silver asked as the white unicorn fell onto her bed.

The no she replied with was muffled by the bed. She turned her head, so her next words were clearer. "I was so happy. I get to go to Ponyville. And now everypony has me feeling guilty over something." She paused and looked at Silver. "Do you think I should invite Karat?"

"You could," Silver stated. "I wouldn't though. Are you packed?"

"Uh…" Sweetie pulled her empty suitcase out from under her bed. "No."

Silver snorted and rolled her eyes. "Of course not. Come on, let's get that fixed. We have to be ready to catch that six o'clock train."

"So," Sweetie said as Silver helped her get what few things she would need for the weekend, "what did your dad say when you told him you were visiting Ponyville this weekend?"

"I haven't told him," Silver said.

"So you're going to surprise him? Rarity would kill me if I didn't let her know." Sweetie noticed the slight frown on Silver's face, but knew better than to question it. She would find out what was bothering Silver when the gray mare was ready to talk about it.

"Do you know if Diamond is going to be there?" Sweetie asked, mostly because she knew Silver still considered the pink pony to be her best friend.

Silver grinned."I didn't tell you? Yeah, she is. I just got the letter yesterday, but it's a nice surprise. I haven't been able to talk to her in ages. I hope she's done okay."

"I'm sure she's doing just as good as we are," Sweetie said with a smile. "Hey, I have an idea. I know Diamond probably still doesn't like us, but if the two of you and Bloom and myself all hung out some, it would be great."

"Yeah," Silver nodded. "That would be nice."

Not long after, the two mares turned in. They had a long day ahead of them.

Sweetie tried to best to destroy whatever it was making that horrid beeping sound, but her hoof only contacted with air as she swung it around. She didn't want to open her eyes or move too much, least she wake up more. She relaxed once the sound stopped.

Of course, once Silver turned the light on, all hope of sleep was lost. She groaned and rolled out of bed, her brain sluggishly remembering the reason for waking so early. She blindly walked into the bathroom and began her morning ritual. She could hear Silver humming in the dorm and smiled. At least one of them was happy.

It didn't take long for them to gather what few things still needed packed and make it to the train station with five minutes to spare. It was only a thirty minute train ride, and Sweetie was positive someone was going to be cooking breakfast.

"Silver?"

"Hmm?" Silver looked up from the book she was reading.

"How can you tell if a guy actually wants to go out with you?" Sweetie asked, blushing.

Silver put her book to the side and smiled. "Oh, who is it? Do I know him? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Whoa there, cowpony. This guy in my history class, his name is Glimpse. He asked me out, but then he acts like it's a joke too and…" Sweetie trailed off and shrugged.

"I don't know. You can never tell until you actually go on a date, you know. He may be the nicest colt you've ever dated." Silver sighed. "Honestly, Sweetie, I've never had a coltfriend. I guess all the colts in Ponyville thought I was…well, you know."

"You were the most popular pony in school, besides Diamond Tiara. How could you not have had a coltfriend?" The grey earth pony looked down and shrugged. Sweetie moved next to her. "I mean, I know plenty of colts who liked you. Featherweight had a huge crush on you for ages."

"But he never asked." She looked up at Sweetie. "No pony did."

An idea settled into Sweeties mind. "Tell you what, when we get back to Canterlot, I'll accept a date with Glimpse and we'll get you one with a rugged colt, and we'll double. Yeah?"

Silver giggled and wrapped her hooves around Sweetie. "Yeah, that sounds great. You really are a great friend."

"Yeah, well."

Soon, the train pulled into Ponyville, the two students the only passengers departing before the train pulled off, heading for the next town.

Sweetie suppressed a groan. She knew Rarity loved her and she knew Rarity had a flair for the dramatic, but did she really need to have Pinkie Pie have so many banners and streamers and confetti? Silver paused beside Sweetie, and the white unicorn looked back. "Something wrong?"

Silver shook her head and began walking, though she was still looking at the display Sweetie felt like groaning at. "They put my name on it too," she said finally.

Sweetie looked up. WELCOME HOME SWEETIE BELLE AND SILVER SPOON! "That's classic Pinkie for you." There were eight mares standing under the banner. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie, Apple Bloom, and Rarity were all standing and grinning. Apple Bloom ran forward and wrapped Sweetie in a bone-crushing hug. Then she gave Silver one as well.

The three young mares walked over to the rest of the group, Silver moving away slightly to greet the other mare who had been waiting under the banner. Diamond Tiara smiled warmly at her friend before they embraced, though not nearly as tightly as Apple Bloom had encased.

After being thoroughly welcomed by everyone and Rarity talking about how much more mature Sweetie looked, Sweetie looked over at her old enemies. Diamond kept looking their way and shaking her head. Finally Silver shook her head and grabbed the pink pony's hoof, dragging her over to the larger group.

"Oh yeah," Sweetie said, turning to Apple Bloom as Diamond watched. "Silver and I had an idea. What if the four of us got together sometime this weekend and just hung out?"

"You mean, the five of us?"  Everypony turned at that voice as Scootaloo floated to the ground. She wore a cheeky smile as she said, "Miss me?'

IX: A Diamond...

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle called out as they were crushed in a hug by Scootaloo.

"Thought you could get away with not inviting me, huh?" she asked. "Well, I have contacts."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, Rainbow here doesn't count as a contact. And we sure ain't your contacts anyway. You've written all of three times."

The orange Pegasus rubbed the back of her neck. "Heh. Yeah. Sorry."

"Well," Rarity said, "I for one think we've been standing out here long enough. Why don't we all meet at Sugar Cube Corner after the girls drop their things off at their houses?"

The group started walking together, but branched off as they reached turns they each needed to take. Pinkie had bounced ahead to the sweet shop to prepare the cakes for the large group, pulling Twilight along with her. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had flown off to help Scootaloo with her things, and Applejack had pulled Apple Bloom into the market that was just setting up.

That left Sweetie, Silver, Diamond, and Rarity to walk together. Rarity had taken Sweetie's bags in her own magic and was chatting on about how happy she was Sweetie was home. Sweetie blushed a little, since two of her peers were present, but loved her sister for it anyway.

"…and I ran in to Mister Rich last weekend. He said you were doing splendid at school, Diamond. Business major, am I right?"

The fushia mare nodded. "Yes, that's right. Silver and I both." Diamond smiled at Rarity.

"Actually," Silver said, keeping her eyes away from Diamond, "I'm switching majors. Business just isn't for me."

Diamond's entire demeanor changed in an instant. "What? You can't just do that. You know what's at stake if you do." Diamond slowed down. "I told you this would happen."

Now, it was Silver's turn to ask, "What?" She shook her head. "No, this has nothing to do with that." Rarity and Sweetie Belle stood to the side, unsure of weather to leave the pair or stay. "I just can't stand it."

Diamonds ears stood straight up. "No, you've just forgot what is important. I told you to request a room change, that she was a bad influence for you."

Sweetie clenched her teeth when the fushia pony said that. Her deep breathing practices weren't working either. Years of pent up anger at the tiara-flanked pony wanted to lose itself. She and Silver had had their fair share of shouting matches, of course. But Sweetie was not a bad influence.

Before she could say anything, Silver was already speaking. "No, you're wrong. Sweetie actually forces me to go to class sometimes so I don't fail. I wanted to give up. I told you too, but you just laughed it off as a joke." The grey mare's voice was lowering."I'm not going into business. I'm doing Mass Communications, okay? I'm done with being told what to do. My cutie mark does not control me."

"So you're just throwing your life away?" Despite Silver calming down, Diamond still in a full rage. "Well, fine. Do what you want. Does your new best friend know your little secret too? Is she going to let you stay with her since daddy's kicked you out?" Diamond let out a small, unhappy laugh at Silvers face. "Thought so," she said before walking away from the group of three.

Silver Spoon had her back turned to Sweetie and Rarity, but it was obvious she was crying. It was also obvious she wanted to hide it. After a very short silent conversation consisting of raised eyebrows, pointed looks, and nods, Sweetie slowly walked up to the earth pony. "Silver? If you need a place to stay, we have an extra bedroom."

The white-maned mare took a deep breath before nodding. "I would really appreciate that." She looked over a Sweetie. "I didn't know she would…I would never have thought…" she closed her eyes for a few seconds. "Some best friend, huh? Leave me over something as stupid as a major."

The rest of the walk was filled with empty conversation about the market and the weather. No one wanted to touch on anything that had just happened. They made it to the Boutique quickly, having nearly been there when the argument broke out. Rarity walked into her room while Sweetie showed Silver the guest room.

"Who woulda thought we'd be roommates here to?" Sweetie said with a small smile. The smile faded when Silver just nodded. "I'm sorry," Sweetie said.

Silver shook her head. "That's DT for you. Really. It'll all blow over by tonight and I'll be over at her place. I won't intrude long."

Sweetie watched as Silver looked through what she had brought, trying to decide what to wear. "You know, I can't imagine Bloom or Scoots ever turning anyone down if that pony needed somewhere to stay. Especially their best friend."

"You just don't understand, Sweetie Belle. It's always been different for DT and me." The grey mare sighed, putting down a blue scarf she had been considering. "Dad kicked me out when I told him I was switching majors. That I didn't want anything to do with that stupid company of his. Mom backed him all the way, of course." Silver sat on the bed. "I told DT he kicked me out, and she was furious in her letter and insisted I come stay the weekend so we could reconnect. I know she's going to come around. She was just shocked."

A small silence fell between the mares. Neither knew what to say, but Sweetie didn't feel that she could just get up and leave. Only when Rarity called up the stairs asking if they were ready did either pony move. "Yeah, Rare, be right there. Gimme three minutes!"

"We're going to be late to your own party, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity's voice came from the bottom of the stairs. "Hurry!"

"Sure thing, sis!" Sweetie sighed and turned to Silver. "Hey, let's go get some cupcakes before Scootaloo eats them all."

Silver offered a small smile as they walked down the stairs and out the door with Rarity, on their way to Sugar Cube Corner.

X: ...in the Rough

The bell above the door of Sugar Cube Corner rang as the group of three walked in. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were already sitting in a booth, beside of one where Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were sitting.

As Rarity joined her friends, Sweetie sat next to Scootaloo, while Silver sat next to Apple Bloom. "Where's Diamond Tiara?" the farm pony asked.

"She went to her house. She's a little upset over something I said, it's no big deal." Silver waved off the question with ease. Sweetie found herself wanting to believe Silver, even though she knew the truth. Silver smiled, glancing over at Scootaloo. "You know, I thought you would hate me."

The orange Pegasus shook her head. "I can't say I like you, or trust you. But so long as you're acting okay, there isn't a reason for me to act different." Scootaloo crossed her hooves over her chest. "Just don't cross the line."

It was better than what Sweetie had imagined. Scootaloo wasn't openly hostile to Silver at all. Not long after, Pinkie and Twilight walked out of the kitchen, along with the Cakes. Pound and Pumpkin we're carrying out drinks to the group, while the older ponies were carrying trays of cupcakes and brownies.

"So, why haven't ya been written much, Scoot? I get a letter a week from Belle," Apple Bloom asked, looking at the pony in question.

Scootaloo had just taken a large bite of chocolate cupcake, but that didn't stop her from answering. "I've been busy," she said around the mouthful of cake. She swallowed and shrugged. "There isn't much to say. I go to class and back to my dorm, and to that job the college gave me. There are a couple on cool ponies, but not much worth mentioning, really."

Silver smiled. "Not even a nice colt? Sweetie Belle is practically the most popular girl at the university."

Sweetie shook her head. "One colt does not make me that popular."

Silver raised her eyebrow and glanced at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. "Really? Do you pay attention to anything? Everyone is always talking to you or waving at you when we walk together and stuff."

"Yeah, but that's normal. People here in Ponyville do it too." Sweetie felt oddly uncomfortable. She wasn't popular, she never had been. "They're just being friendly."

Silver gave Sweetie an 'are-you-serious' look before glancing over at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. "Has she always been this dense?"

Apple Bloom shrugged. "They could just be trying to be neighborly."

Silver shook her head. "You three…I'm sure you're popular at your school to, aren't you Scootaloo?"

The Pegasus smiled. "Of course I am, everyone loves me. 'Specially when I showed them my awesome moves."

With a groan, Apple Bloom put a hoof to her face. "Why'd ya ask her that? Her ego is huge."

"That hurt, Bloom." Scootaloo placed a hoof over her heart in mock sadness.

Silver giggled, which caused Apple Bloom to chuckle. Then Sweetie started laughing, which made Scootaloo join in. None of the four young mares knew what they were laughing about, only that they were, and couldn't stop. Sweetie was wiping the tears from her eyes, trying to gain control of herself. Each time she would feel that she could stop laughing, she would catch one of her friends eyes, and the cycle would start again.

It was a good five minutes before any they could settle down enough  to answer the six older mares questions. "What's so funny?" Pinkie asked with a grin. "If it's a good joke, I wanna know."

"Scootaloo…it…well, it ain't really that funny in retrospect. We were just bein' silly, is all," Apple Bloom answered.

As the older ponies turned back to their conversation, the four younger ones simply picked at their food. "I haven't laughed like that in ages," Silver said finally.

"You mean, your heart of ice has melted before?" Scootaloo asked. Sweetie shot Scootaloo a disapproving look but it was too late. Silver's smile had already shrunk. Now the silence was more awkward than anything. Finally, Apple Bloom started talking about how well the farm was doing, and the group began talking again.

The Cakes would come by from time to time and make sure they had their drinks and everything okay. Pumpkin was asking if any of them needed refills on their drinks when the bell above the door tinkled.

It had been doing so all morning, since the sweet shop was very popular, but Sweetie glanced at who had walked in. The customer was standing just inside the door, starting at their group. Sweetie smiled at Diamond Tiara, waving her over to their table. Memories of what had happened just hours before filled her mind, as did what Silver said. Maybe she was here to apologize.

"Hey DT," Silver said happily when she saw her friend walking over to their table.

The fuchsia mare snorted. "Still hanging with the blank-flanks, Silver? How the mighty have fallen so quickly."  Sweetie watched as Silver deflated. Apple Bloom's mouth was hanging open. Sweetie felt Scootaloo tense next to her. "I guess you've gotten over Sweetie's annoying you then?" Sweetie's gaze shifted from Diamond to Silver, though Diamond was still talking. "'That self-righteous mare thinks she's better than everyone else, flaunting that she knows the Elements like it's nothing, acting like she doesn't even know she has everypony in the university wrapped around her hoof. Maybe being around her will at least help me out some."

Silver's face was drained of color. She looked over at Sweetie, shaking her head. "That was the first week, Sweetie. I swear, I-"

"Self-righteous? You think I'm self-righteous?" Sweetie's emotions couldn't decide whether to be angry or sad, so they chose both. "I hope being around me helped you out enough so far, because I'm done."

Sweetie stood and left the shop quickly, ignoring the calls of her name from various ponies. She didn't know where else to go, and she knew she wanted to be left alone, so she teleported herself to the old clubhouse. She and her friends hadn't used it in years, so hopefully no one would think to look there.

Still, her emotions didn't know if she wanted to tear the place apart or simply cry. She had thought Silver was her friend. She had thought the mare was actually interested in getting to know her.

She couldn't believe she had been so stupid. Everything was so fake. Of course it was. It wasn't like Silver was going to get very high using her as a ladder anyway. She only talked to Karat and Silver.

And Glimpse. She snorted, remembering how she had thought of double-dating with Silver. A small noise escaped her, somewhere between a laugh and a sob. She didn't cry though. Instead, she just sat and sighed. She should probably go back to town now, since she had calmed down.

She teleported back to Sugar Cube corner. She knew not much time had passed, so they might all still be there. She was right. "Where did she go?" she heard Rarity ask Apple Bloom. Diamond Tiara was nowhere to be seen. Scootaloo was in Silver's face, saying who knows what every lowly.

"I'm here," she said walking over to the group. "Sorry, I just needed to think." She glanced over at Silver Spoon.  "Why?" she simply asked.

Everypony but Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked confused. Scootaloo glared at the grey earth pony, though everyone else simply looked curious. "I didn't-it was the first week. I'm sure you thought the same of me. I don't know what you want me to say, Sweetie. Yes, I did say that. But guess what? I don't care anymore. I don't have to be an important somepony to do mass. comm. It was partly my dad's idea too."

"What are you talking about?" Rarity asked slowly. "What happened?"

Sweetie ignored Rarity's questions. "We're putting the past behind us, right? And that was before we became friends." She walked over too the grey mare and gave her a friendly nuzzle. "I forgive you," she whispered.

To her surprise, she felt Silver's hooves wrap around her neck as she whispered a thank you.

--

Sweetie was laying of Rarity's chaste lounge, flipping through a fashion magazine while Rarity cooked the three of them some dinner. "Oh, that is simply fabulous," Silver said, looking over Sweetie's shoulder and pointing to the dress she was referring to.

Naturally, Rarity was there a second later. "What is?"

Again, Silver pointed at the dress. "That? Why, what about this one?" Rarity said, pointing to a dress she had finished the evening before.

"That's lovely, really. It's more…sparkly than I like, though," Silver said.

"Hmm," Rarity said in response. As she walked back into the kitchen, the two young mares heard her say to herself, "Rarity, you are getting too gaudy. Cut back on those gems."

Sweetie still wasn't sure whether or not to trust Silver but she also knew she couldn't just turn her back on the mare. She sighed and closed the magazine. "Silver?"

"Yes?"

"Did you really just want to be friends to use me as a ladder?" Sweetie looked at her.

Silver sighed. "At first, yes. But…not now. I-" she sighed again. "Sweetie, you know that day you asked me why I was crying? It seems like ages ago now." Sweetie nodded. "I sent that letter to DT the next day. It wasn't like it was last week or anything. I am sorry."

"It hurt to think that you didn't actually want to be friends." Sweetie admitted. "I kinda like you, you know. I mean, I know you probably don't think so, but I like you better than Karat. She asks way to many questions about Dash."

Silver and Sweetie giggled just as Rarity called them for dinner.

As she sat at the table and saw the food her sister had fixed, Sweetie decided she needed to come home more often.

XI: Train Station

The evening had gone smoothly after dinner. After a day spent with friends and family, it was nice to simply sit and not worry about schoolwork or anything. Sweetie Belle was sprawled out in the living room floor, doing nothing but laying there. Silver was talking to Rarity about some new fashion thing that Sweetie didn't care for.

She tried wrapping her mind around everything that had happened. Life had been so simple just day before. Not that it was truly complicated now, but it was the most complication she'd ever had. Everypony kept mentioning something weird about Karat, Glimpse wouldn't stop bugging her, Silver might just be using her. It was almost a comforting thought to know Diamond Tiara still hated her.

They would be going back to Canterlot at noon. So little time to spend in Ponyville. Sweetie remembered dreaming of leaving the small town where everypony knew everypony's business, but she missed it in Canterlot. She didn't really know anypony. Sure, she had Karat and Silver and she was okay with not having a huge circle of friends, but not at least recognizing every pony she passed was odd.

"I'm not going back to school," she announced loudly, so that Rarity and Silver would hear her in the kitchen.

She heard Rarity snort and the scrape of chairs as the two mares came to where she was. "And why not?" Rarity raised one eyebrow in the way she did, which Sweetie tried and failed to copy.

"It's too complicated. I like Ponyville where everything is relatively simple. No homework, no trying to figure stuff out. I'll go to work at a shop or something." Sweetie nodded. It was the perfect plan.

"I'm stay here to, then," Silver said. She sat on a couch before looking around wide eyed. "I didn't mean here literally. I meant here like Ponyville, you know. I couldn't just stay here at the Boutique, I know. I'd get a job and an apartment-"

Silver's explanation was cut off by laugher from the two sisters. "You know, we have to go back. No need to explain it. We knew what you meant." Sweetie got up and sat beside Silver. "I knew you'd be good to keep around."

"Yes, well," Silver said. "I…umm…" she shrugged and mumbled something indistinguishable.

Sweetie leaned in closer. "What was that?"

"I'm glad to be around," she said, shifting awkwardly in her seat. "I mean, I'm sorry I had to intrude, but I am happy you let me stay."

With a small smile on her mouth, Sweetie sighed and said, "Just wait until you get the bill. Room and board isn't cheap."

"Bill?" Silver looked between the two sisters before Sweetie giggled.

"You are too easy, Silver."

Silver scowled. "Yes, well, I still need to pack a few last minute items."

Sweetie stopped giggling and sat up, a serious look on her face. "Pack, right." The younger unicorn stood and went to her room, the grey mare trailing behind her. "I should probably do that. We do leave in like two hours."

"You haven't even started?" Silver looked amazed. "I packed after dinner last night.

Silver shook her head. "Na. I mean, I can get it done now." Sweetie started packing her things into the suitcase she had brought. Silver offered to help, but Sweetie turned her down, saying it wouldn't take her long. And it didn't. The unicorn had everything packed away within fifteen minutes.

"I wish I had a horn," Silver said as she looked around the room in amazement. "I wouldn't have to spend nearly half the time I spend doing things."

Sweetie simply smiled. "Being an earth pony is cool too though. I mean, there was this one time I thought AJ would make a better sister than Rarity, so I spent some time with her and 'Bloom. It was a little hard to keep up with them."

Rarity chose that moment to walk in. "All packed? I believe the girls are suppose to meet us at the train station."

On the way to the train station, Sweetie looked around her home town. She hadn't realized how much she really missed it until she had came back. The smiling familiar faces, the loving hugs from her sister and friends, and just everything about Ponyville.

They made it to the train station quickly. Everypony wasn't there, like with the welcome. Only Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were there to see her off this time. Her saddlebags felt heavier as she looked at her two best friends and her sister. She suddenly wrapped her hooves around Rarity, burying her face in her sisters coat. "I'm going miss you," she said. "I love you."

The elder unicorn pulled back and looked at Sweetie Belle. "You'll see me in a few weeks darling." Rarity placed a small kiss on Sweetie's forehead. "And remember, I'm just a letter away." Sweetie nodded and hugged Rarity once more. "I'll see you soon, Sweetie."

Then Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were hugging her and saying their goodbyes. It was just the three of them at first, but then Apple Bloom pulled Silver Spoon into the group hug. "Ah'm gonna miss you guys. Promise you'll come back soon."

The three college students noded. "I swear, I'll write more too," Scootaloo said. "I hadn't realized just how much I had missed you." She smiled. "I should probably go finish packing my things and say goodbye to mom and dad."

Rarity rejoined the group after Scootaloo left. The four mares sit in silence for a moment before soft hoofsteps sound through the station. Everypony turns toward the sound.

Sweetie is surprised to see a fuchsia mare walk into the station. Diamond stopped and looked at the group, who looked back at her.  Then she is running toward them and, to Sweetie's surprise, Silver is running toward Diamond. The two embrace tightly while Sweetie looked over at Apple Bloom, who shrugged.

"I'm sorry," Diamond Tiara said, her voice low. "I just don't understand why you abandoned me for them."

A small frown graced Silver Spoon's face. "I didn't abandon you. Yes, I was hanging out with them, but they are my friends now too. That's just something you're going to have to accept." The grey mare sighed. "Look, DT, I love you, okay? You'll always be my best friend, but I have other friends now, and I don't know what I would have done without Sweetie this semester."

Sweetie looked at her own best friend with a guilty look. It is obvious this conversation between the old friends isn't meant for her to hear. Still, her ears perked up when Diamond started talking. "It was just me and you before college. Just weeks ago, Silver. Me and you against them. What did they do to you?"

Silver shook her head. "I guess we all grew up." That sounded harsh, even to Sweetie. "I mean, what was that, just yelling my problems for all the world to hear the other day, huh?" This Sweetie didn't want to hear. She looked around and locked eyes with Rarity.

"Well, girls," Rarity said loudly, "I really must be going. So many new dresses to make…" she trailed off, giving Sweetie another long hug. "I will miss you, little sister." She turned and asked Apple Bloom if she would like to walk with her, and Sweetie watched the two of them walk out of the station.

There wasn't much time left before the train pulled anyway. Diamond and Silver seemed to notice just how loud things had gotten and were now furiously whispering to one another. Diamond stomped her hoof as a scowl formed on her face. Silver looked stunned and shakes her head. Seconds later Diamond's expression changed to shame and she reached out a hoof to Silver as the earth pony walks way. Silver's eyes were looking straight ahead as she boarded the train and sat in a compartment, pointedly looking away from the window.

Sweetie looked over at Diamond. The mare's shoulders were slumped, her head hanging to the ground. Whatever she had said must have been bad. Sweetie picked up her bags as the final boarding call is made. Just before she steped onto the train, she could have sworn she heard a heartbroken sob.

She turned look at Diamond Tiara, but the fuchsia mare is no longer there.

XII: Changes

Sweetie's concern for Silver was apparent as she followed the grey mare. The mare hadn't spoken much on the train ride, other than to tell Sweetie she didn't want to talk about Diamond Tiara. Now that they were back in Canterlot, Sweetie hoped her friend would open up some. They had just crossed the threshold onto the school campus when Sweetie's history professor met them.

He had a barrage of questions for Sweetie about her trip. As always, he was very interested in the Elements of Harmony. She answered his questions as best she could, but her attention was mostly on Silver Spoon. The mare hadn't made any sort of acknowledgement to the professor. Silver led the way as he walked them all the way to their dorm, where Sweetie told him she would see him in class on Friday as they walked into the building.

Silver sped into her room, not giving Tish a second look as she said hello. Sweetie smiled and shrugged at Tish, shaking her head. She wasn't sure what to say about Silver's behavior.  Silver was already lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling by the time Sweetie made it into the dorm.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Sweetie asked.

Silver didn't say a word. She didn't so much as move her eyes toward Sweetie. She simply stared at the ceiling.

Five days later, Silver hadn't changed much.

Sweetie flipped another page in her unicorn development book, studying the stages of magical development. When a unicorn foal is first born, they will have access to a great amount of weak magic. Foals usually release some of that great amount of energy in a process called premature activation of magical resources or PAMR. Researchers believe this is due to survival needs of the caveponies, since today foals are more well protected by the parents. She sighed, and looked out the window. A small smile formed on her lips as she thought of the throwing the textbook out. Of course, that wouldn't help her bring her grades up to par. She had barely made a seventy on the second test, and that was her highest grade in the class.

Looking back down at the textbook with a sigh, Sweetie concentrated on reading again. However, she hadn't read two sentences before Silver's voice caused her to look up.

"So, Sweetie, about those double dates."

"Yeah?"

"Glimpse is in your history class, right? So you're going to set them up today?" Silver looked at her expectantly.

Sweetie grinned. "Yeah, I can, if you still want to."

"I do," Silver said. "It would be a distraction, at least."

Unsure if the last statement was meant for her to hear, Sweetie ignored it. Now that Silver had spoken, though, she was having trouble concentrating on the early learning stages of a unicorn. Sweetie sighed, closed the book and turned in her chair, studying Silver instead.

Silver Spoon’s slender body remained almost motionless except for the heaving of her chest. The slow, rhythmic movement up and down almost hypnotized her. Sweetie Belle’s gaze wandered to Silver’s eyes; the blue glasses framed the purple irises very nicely. Sweetie Belle watched them stare at the ceiling, completely focused.

"Is there a reason you're staring at me?"

Sweetie shook her head, quickly averting her gaze. "I was just thinking." She felt the heat rush to her cheeks.

Silver's brow furrowed for a second before she smirked. "Thinking about what?"

Sweetie flailed for an answer. "Diamond," she finally blurted out. "You and Diamond."

Silver deflated. "Oh. That."

Sweetie moved from her chair to Silver's bed. "You know, you can tell me what you were fighting about if you want."

Silver snorted. "You just wouldn't understand, Sweetie. Diamond and I…she's my best friend. She knows so much about me and…" she trailed off. Silver sighed. "My family is very different from yours, Sweetie. Do you know what my special talent is?"

"No, no really," Sweetie said, shaking her head.

"I'm good at talking, at convincing people of things.  Why do you think we rarely got in trouble with Miss Cheerilee or any of our other teachers? It was so easy just to say the right words and talk my way out of any situation. Of course, it could never work on my family.” Silver snorted, almost resentfully.

“What do you mean?” Sweetie asked.

Silver took a deep breath. "Well, my father had his perfect plan for my sister and I, even before we understood what anything meant. Precious just goes along with it, of course... Doing everything they've told her to do--she's a model." She rolled her eyes. "But I don't want that. I want to make my own path! And Diamond is no better, she's just taking it. Just like Precious." Hitting the mattress with a determined hoof, the grey mare declared, "I never wanted to have anything to do with business! Never! I don't want to be the type of pony that only cares what purpose or advantage her friends can provide. I want to be me!"

Silver took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Sweetie bit her lip and hesitated momentarily before she wrapped her hooves around Silver's neck. The small action seemed to spur her to speak again. "I chose mass communications because I know I'll be good at it. Going out, getting a story and writing it up. It just feels right, you know? Dad was furious I deviated from his plan.” Silver let out an unamused snort. “I was supposed to be a business major and work in his stupid company. It came down to me choosing to get kicked out, really," Silver said, her head still on Sweetie's shoulder. "It was either 'get my head on straight or get out'. I informed them my head was on straight."

Sweetie felt something wet hit her fur and didn't have to look down to know Silver was crying. "How are you going to pay for school?" It probably wasn't the right thing to say, but for that second it was the only thing she could think of.

"They are still paying for it. They think I'll cave in and go back to business if they do. But I won't." Silver's voice didn't hold a hint of tears, though another droplet fell onto Sweetie's shoulder.

Almost without thinking, Sweetie started stroking Silver's mane. "And what about Diamond?"

Silver snorted. "Her family is much the same. Only Mr. Rich has her convinced this is what she wants. She…she thinks I've betrayed everything we stand for by switching majors. She hasn't made a single friend at her new school because she thinks they're all beneath her, and now I’ve betrayed her by becoming your friend." Silver's tears had slowly been affecting her voice. "She--" she started, her voice breaking,"she was my best friend. And then she says I…I'm…" The sobs began then, as Silver wrapped both hooves around Sweetie's neck.

Sweetie returned the embrace, continuing to stroke Silver's mane. "Hey, shh, it's okay," she said softly. "I'm here." It took a while, but Silver stopped crying and straightened up.

She had an embarrassed look on her face. "I'm sorry. I cried all over you, did I? Oh, I do feel foolish." She started to stand when Sweetie grabbed her hoof, stopping her.

"You know I'm here for you, don't you?" Sweetie asked. "I know we aren't as close as you and Diamond were, but I'm still your friend."

Sweetie couldn't read the look on Silver's face. "Sweetie, is that a--" a knock on the door interrupted her.

"Hold that thought." Sweetie opened the door to see Karat. The red pegasus smiled at the two mares.

"Hey guys," she greeted. "I was just checking if you were going to class today. I mean, it starts in ten minutes and I thought we could walk together. Silver’s econ class is on the way, right?"

Sweetie bit her lip, looking back at Silver. The earth pony shook her head. "No, I think I'm going to skip this class, you guys go ahead."

Sweetie retrieved her saddlebags from her bed and walked back over to Karat. "I'll see you after class then." She offered Silver one last smile before leaving for history.

"So," Karat said as they walked out of the dorm building. "How was your weekend?"

Sweetie smiled. “It was pretty good for the most part. My sister planned a huge welcome for me. It was a little embarrassing, you know, but I don’t really mind. She means well, but I don’t need everyone there to greet me, you know? She had all her friends there, and mine too. My friend Scootaloo was even there.”

“Scootaloo... the pegasus, right?”

“Yeah. Actually, when we first met, you reminded me of her so much. All the way to the whole Rainbow Dash worship.”

Karat rolled her eyes and gave an impolite snort.

“What’s that about?” Sweetie asked, playfully pushing Karat.

Karat shook her head. “Nothing.” The walk in silence for a while. Sweetie’s mind drifted back to worrying about Silver. She wasn’t sure how to cheer her friend up, especially after a fight like that. She could only imagine what it would feel like had she been in Silver’s place, and Apple Bloom or Scootaloo in Diamond Tiara’s. Karat spoke again, breaking her thoughts. “She likes Rainbow Dash too, huh?”

Sweetie shrugged. “She did. Dash was her idol when we were fillies. There was no pony better. We always had to watched her practice and stuff. She has sorta grown out of it though.”

“Like watching her practice was that bad? She is the most awesome pegasus in Equestria.” Karat shoved Sweetie a bit too hard to be considered playful.

“Hey, that hurt.” Frowning, Sweetie continued. “It wasn’t really bad. I just didn’t see what the big deal was. I still don’t, to be honest. She’s just Dash.” Again, Sweetie shrugged.

Karak shook her head, wearing an incredulous expression. “ ‘Just Dash.’ She is the best pony ever! How could she just ‘grow out of it’? Why would you even want to? It’s not like you guys have done anything noteworthy.”

Sweetie stopped walking and turned to face Karat. “What? Sure, she’s cool. But she’s still just Dash, one of my sister's friends. She was on the Ponyville weather team for years. I’ve known her since I was a filly. And...we just grew up. Sure, Scoot still looks up to her, but dear gods above, I wanted to be just like my sister and would watch her sew for hours but I grew out of that. I...what are you even talking about?”

“I’m just saying, you act like it’s no big deal to know her. I mean, Dash is a Wonderbolt. And she’s performed a Rainboom how many times now? You should consider yourself lucky to even know her.” Karat moved in to where she was an inch from Sweetie’s face. “You and all your lame friends.”

“What even...Yeah, okay, I am lucky. You know why? Because I’ve had Scoot by my side since I’ve been a filly. All through the Cutie Mark Crusaders, through nearly getting turned to stone by a cockatrice, my first break up, everything. She is way more important to me than Dash will ever be. Dash is just my sister’s friend. I mean...argh.” Sweetie stomped her hoof on the ground.

“Whatever.” Karat snorted. “Dash is a legend. You’re just riding on her updraft. I mean, what the heck is that cutie mark even for? I’ve certainly never hear you sing. No matter what your little lackey says. You’re both pretty worthless.”

Sweetie blinked, unsure of whether she wanted to cry or punch the mare in front of her in the face. “I...you...” Karat was supposed to have been her friend. As her anger won out, her nostrils flared and she narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, okay, so I haven’t been singing around campus every blasted day. That doesn’t mean anything. And as far as cutie marks go, yours seems pretty useless, too.” Sweetie’s voice was very calm, but cold.

Sweetie started to turn away, but before she so much as moved a hoof she was slammed into a wall. “Don’t you dare talk about me that way,” Karat hissed through gritted teeth.

Sweetie pushed Karat off and shook her head. “You’re crazy!”

Before Sweetie knew what was happening, Karat’s hoof smacked into the side of her face. Using her wings for speed, Karat leaped at Sweetie. Eyes wide, Sweetie ducked, but not quickly enough. As Karat forced her to the ground and straddled her, Sweetie bucked and bit at everything she could touch.

Suddenly, Karat was off of her. Sweetie sat up, breathing heavily. Glimpse was by her side in an instant, helping her up. Looking around, she saw Karat flying through the air toward the hoofball fields.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked, a hoof reaching out to brush her mane from her face. “Let’s get you to the nurse,” he turned, starting to lead the way.

“I’d rather not. I’m fine, really. It’s just a few bruises.” She gave him a winning smile, so he shrugged. He couldn’t make her go, after all.

“Why didn’t you just blast her into oblivion?”  He tapped her horn lightly.

Sweetie shook her head. “I didn’t think about it. I just...” She was trembling slightly.

Glimpse nudged her. "You know, at least you didn't just sit and take it." Noticing Sweetie's grimace, he changed tactics. "Why don't we get some lunch?"

“I don’t know,” Sweetie said.

“Missing one class isn't going to hurt us, and I won’t take no for an answer. Come on, I’ll pay.” He smiled reassuringly at her.

Sweetie nodded and followed him. After a few moments walking, she had stopped shaking and her breathing was back to normal.

“Wanna talk about what happened?” He glanced over at her, his grey eyes showing concern.

Sweetie shook her head. “I don’t even know. One second I was telling Karat about my weekend and then we were arguing over the importance of Rainbow Dash. I don’t even...” she trailed off and sighed. “I thought she was my friend.”

Glimpse moved as if he was going to hug Sweetie, but thought better of it. “I’m sorry,” he said.

They walked silently to the campus restaurant. There wasn’t a line, so their order of daisy sandwiches and milkshakes came quickly. The moved back out into the courtyard and sat on a bench with their food. "So," Glimpse said after they took a seat. Sweetie waited for him to continue, but he didn't.

"So," Sweetie replied. It seemed that was all he was going to say. She looked around again. It really was a lovely day, with only white fluffy clouds floating lazily in the sky. With everything she had been thinking about, Sweetie had just noticed the changing of the leaves. Piles of red, orange, and yellow were everywhere.  

The silence stretched on for another moment before Sweetie spoke. "Thanks for lunch." She gestured down to her already half-finished sandwich.

"No problem," he said with a smile.

Sweetie was silent for a moment, pondering over how to approach the subject. She had been asked out before, but to ask somepony out was a new experience. Glimpse had been so casual about it when he asked; maybe she should try that approach. "So, I was talking to Silver, and I've decided something," Sweetie said, flashing Glimpse a smile. "I’d like to go on a date.”

Glimpse barely stopped himself from spitting his milkshake all over Sweetie. “Really?” His voice cracked; he cleared his throat. “I mean, yeah, naturally.” He quickly changed his surprise to a more laid-back tone.

Sweetie giggled. “There is one condition.”

“Of course there is,” Glimpse sighed.

“You have to find my friend a date too.”

Glimpse nodded slowly. “So, you want to go on a double date. With me.” Sweetie nodded. “When?” Glimpse asked.

“Tonight? You can pick us up around seven.”

“Tonight... yeah. That’s great!”Glimpse stood, a huge grin splitting his face. “I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“Yeah. Oh, and Glimpse? Do make sure whoever it is looks good,” Sweetie added with a smirk.

Glimpse raised his eyebrows. "Yes, cap'n."

Silver would be so excited, Sweetie just knew it. They were going out that night with Glimpse and one of his friends. "Silver, I got us dates!" Sweetie called as she opened the door of their dorm with a grin. She had expected some sort of response, but none came.

The grin on her face fell quickly when she saw the grey mare laying on her bed, asleep. Sweetie sighed. It looked as though Silver had cried herself to sleep.  Maybe this would cheer Silver up, at least.

Sweetie was about to wake Silver up when some papers lying in the floor caught her eye. She picked them up and read them, to see what they were. Her newfound good mood sank as she read the letters.

The first one was hastily scrawled.

Silver,

I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that, and I'm sorry. We both know I didn't want to say it. Please forgive me. You aren't worthless or a whore or any of the other stuff I said. I'm sorry Silver. I was angry and I regret it. I don't know what else to say. We've never had these problems before and I don't know how to handle this. You're my only friend. Don't do this.

-DT

Sweetie knew she should put the letters down, but she had to know what the other said.  A glance over a Silver confirmed the earth pony was still dead to the world, so Sweetie read the other letter. This one was written at a much calmer pace and had been carefully folded.

I don't even care anymore. Forget it. I am not going to accept them, and if you're going to wallow in manure, then that is fine with me. I can find someone so much better than you. You will regret the day you ever said that at the train station. I did say some things and I am sorry for them, but I think you were right. We are too different now. So goodbye Silver. Have a good life in the slums.

-DT

Sweetie felt like she was missing so much, but she knew if Silver had read these letters, the pony would be a wreck. She thought about what Rarity would do in this situation if she were Sweetie. Well, that doesn't help much. Rarity would either talk to AJ or Scoot’s parents or my friends themselves.

She walked over to Silver and just observed her for a few moments. Sighing, Sweetie shook the mare awake.

Silver groaned and swatted at Sweetie’s hoof. “Just five more minutes,” she whined. Sweetie shook her once more and Silver sat up. “What, Sweetie?”

Sweetie smiled at Silver. “We have dates tonight. I thought you’d like some time to get ready.”

Silver didn’t grin like Sweetie had expected, nor was there an obvious change in her emotions at all. But she did move off her bed and into the bathroom to shower, which was something.

Sweetie and Silver went about preparing for their dates. They fixed each other's hair and makeup, and chatted as they did so.  Silver suggested Sweetie wear the light purple scarf Rarity had made her the fall before, while Silver decided to wear a diamond necklace.

After what felt like a lifetime of preparing, Sweetie adjusted the knot on her scarf a final time. She and Silver turned to face each other. Sweetie smiled at Silver, who smiled back. “This will be fun,” Sweetie told her.

“Hopefully. Do you think my date will like me?” The apprehension in her voice was obvious.

"Of course. Put on that beautiful smile and show them you are amazing." Sweetie smiled, hoping to encourage her friend.

A genuine smile, albeit a small one, graced Silver's lips. She was about to say something to Sweetie when a knock at the door interrupted her.

Their dates had arrived.


XIII: Double Dating

The restaurant was full of candlelight and couples all out for a romantic Friday evening. Giggles and soft words could be heard over the violins playing in the background. Waiters moved with precision around the tables, delivering plates of food and drink to the patrons. At one table sat four ponies who, unlike the rest of the restaurant, were silent.

Sweetie nudged Silver, glancing meaningfully at Cade. She had thought her friend was excited to come, but the grey mare hadn't said much. Cade, Silver's date, was picking at his dinner, occasionally trying, and failing, to start a conversation with Silver. It seemed as if she wanted nothing more than to go home.

This wasn't what Sweetie had envisioned when she had asked Glimpse for a date. She hadn't expected a stallion to sweep Silver off her hooves, but one that made her smile would have been great. She thought Silver would at least make an effort. Instead, they were halfway through their meal with very little input from the other couple.

Silver wasn't even eating her food. She wasn't sighing, but she was slouched in her chair, her gaze on her food. It was obvious to anypony that she didn't want to be there. She had seemed so excited before they left.

Maybe we should have sat in the booth differently. Silver and Sweetie were seated on one side, across from their respective dates. It had seemed the proper thing to do when they arrived, so they could easily look at their dates, but now it didn't.

Glimpse cleared his throat, looking up at Sweetie. "Anymore problems with Karat? I still say you should tell the campus police."

"Oh, no," Sweetie replied. "It'll be fine, I'm sure."

Silver looked between Glimpse and Sweetie. "What happened?"

"You didn't tell her?" Glimpse looked surprised.

"Karat and I sorta had an argument and..." At a pointed look from Glimpse, Sweetie sighed. "It might have ended in a fight."

Silver raised her eyebrows. "Sweetie, why didn't you tell me? Are you okay?" She leaned in closer to her friend, as if to examine her.

Sweetie waved her off. "I'm fine, really. It isn't a big deal."

Silver gave Sweetie a look that let her know the conversation wasn't over, but she let it drop for the time being. Silver looked back to her food, again ignoring Cade.

"Are you ladies ready for a movie?" Cade asked with a grin, looking directly at Silver.

"Yeah," Silver said, finally looking up at him. "What movie are we seeing again?"

"We thought the two of you could decide," Glimpse answered with a smile. Sweetie frowned at the amount of food they were leaving behind as the left the table. It seemed nopony had been very into the dinner. Cade paid for his and Silver's, while Glimpse paid for his and Sweetie's. As they walked out into the cool night air, Glimpse nudged Sweetie in the side and winked at her, causing her to giggle. He moved closer to her and after a moment she felt him wrap his tail around hers.

Sweetie blushed and smiled up at him. She leaned against him as they walked. "If you had been this nice when we first met, I would have said yes sooner," she told him. "I thought you were an arrogant prat."

"I just wanted to...I don't know. Impress you? You're beautiful and smart and I wasn't sure how to get you to like me."

Sweetie just shook her head as they walked into the theater. On any other building, the color combination would have been atrocious. Blue carpet against green walls covered in posters of movies and flashing lights were all vying for attention. Ponies queued in the concession stand and ticketline, though they were short for a Friday.  "So, Silver," she said, turning to her friend. "What do you wanna see?"

The grey mare looked up at the listing and shrugged. "I don't know. Umm...Hoofloose?"

Sweetie grinned. "Oh, I've been wanting to see that. What do you say, guys?"

The two colts assented and purchased the tickets. The group of four made it into the showing room and found seats in the back. The room wasn't very crowded, since the movie had been out for over a week, which suited Sweetie perfectly. As the trailers started, Glimpse wrapped a hoof around her.

She leaned into his side and looked up. He was watching the screen with interest as the feature began. Sweetie giggled at Mik's antics in the beginning, gasped as the reverend slapped his daughter, and smiled in all the right places.

During the race scene, Sweetie glanced over at Silver, to see how she and Cade were doing. She saw Cade lean in and say something, but she couldn't hear it. Then he leaned in closer, obviously trying to kiss Silver. Sweetie smiled, thinking maybe that was just what Silver needed.

Until Silver shook her head. The grey mare leaned up, whispering something into Cade's ear. Cade's eyes widened before he gave Silver a quizzical look. She simply shrugged, shaking her head.

Sweetie's brow furrowed. What had just happened? She was distracted as Glimpse put a hoof around her, pulling her closer to him. "Movie isn't bad," he whispered. Sweetie smiled up at him before he returned his eyes to the screen.

She followed his gaze and watched as Mik stood before the city council for a final time, asking permission for their school to have prom. Not long after, the lights lifted and everypony stood to make their way back into the lobby.

"What a great movie," Sweetie gushed as they walked out of the theater.

"It was alright," Cade nodded. "I just don't get why it was important for the lead stallion to be a gymnast. Added nothing to the plot."

"Oh, but the ending was just perfect! I mean, when they finally had their prom, and the dance at the end..." Sighing happily, Sweetie looked around. "What now?"

Night had fallen while they had watched the movie. The group of four stood under a streetlamp as they discussed what to do.

"We could take a walk in the park."

"We could go to a club."

"Anyone else tired?"

Silver had asked the last question.

Glimpse shook his head. "I was thinking we could do some other stuff. Go dancing, or get drinks or something." He looked hopefully over to Sweetie.

She looked from Glimpse to Silver. This whole date, thought Sweetie was having fun, was to cheer Silver up. It didn't seem to be accomplishing its purpose.

It didn't take long for the ponies to pair off again, Sweetie and Glimpse walking a few feet behind the other couple. Glimpse intertwined their tails and they leaned against each other as they walked.

"I thought she would like this better," Sweetie said. "I was really hoping she would cheer up."

"What's she so upset about anyway?"

"It's...personal. I really don't think I should just tell everypony, you know." Sweetie sighed. "I had fun though. I'm really glad we did this."

Glimpse smiled. "Me too." A comfortable silence fell between the pair as they walked, Sweetie leaning against Glimpse.

"We could do it again, you know," he said. They were nearly to Sweetie's dorm now, but Glimpse stopped, looking over at her. "Another date. Just us next time?"

Sweetie nodded. "Yeah, we could. I think I would like that." A smile slowly formed on her face. For just a moment, silence hung between them as they looked at each other. Then Sweetie felt Glimpse's lips on hers. They were gentle, almost caressing her own. It was different than any kiss she had received before. There were no butterflies in her stomach, no quickening heartbeat. It was just a kiss.

"So, maybe next Friday?"

Sweetie just nodded. "That would probably be okay."

Glimpse chuckled. "See you later then," he said. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers once more before trotting in the opposite direction.

As Sweetie walked to her dorm, she mulled over the whole date. It had been fun. But...it wasn't what she had planned at all. Not only did she fail to cheer Silver up, but she was confused about what she felt for Glimpse. Did she like him...or was it that she just like the idea of having somepony special? She opened the dorm to find Silver already in the room.

"So, did you like Cade?" Sweetie asked with a smile.

Silver shook her head. "Not really. He's not my type."

"Oh?"

"Yeah." Silver blushed. "I--" The grey mare paused before sighing. "Sweetie, I like mares. I thought you knew."

Sweetie blinked. "Oh," She blushed, embarrassed by her mistake.  "Oh, no. That was horrible then." She groaned.  "I'm sorry Silver. I didn't even..." Sweetie sighed. "That was probably really awkward. I thought when I told you one of Glimpse's friends, you knew it would be a colt or..." She shook her head. "I'm sorry?"

"It's okay. I thought you knew!" Silver started chuckling. "He tried to kiss me during the movie, so I told him. His face was priceless."

Sweetie started giggling. "I can imagine!" Sweetie gasped as a pain shot through her side.

Silver's face changed from one of mirth to one of worry. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Sweetie said, shrugging off the question. She was about to change the subject when Silver spoke again.

"I can't believe you guys got into a fight. We've gotta go to the police."

"Na," Sweetie said, batting away Silver's hoof as she attempted to examine a bruise. "I'm fine, I swear."

"Why were you fighting anyway?" Silver asked.

Sweetie sighed. "I...it's so stupid." Silver moved over to Sweetie's bed, lying across it. "I mean, I don't even get it, you know. One second she's my friend and we're joking, the next she's telling me how unworthy I am to even know Rainbow Dash. I mean..." Sweetie trailed off, shaking her head.

"I think we should just forget everypony for a while." Silver climbed onto the bed with Sweetie, lying beside her. "I mean, Diamond and Karat and...all of them, you know? Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are fine, they aren't turning into monsters."

"What exactly did Diamond say to you?" Sweetie asked. "If you tell me, it could help."

Silver sighed. "Diamond and I were always close. Best friends forever since I can remember. Our families knew each other, of course, but...Diamond was the one who started our friendship. She was so...sweet."

Sweetie snorted, at which Silver gave her a pointed look. "Sorry...continue."

"Well, as I was saying...she was sweet. And in school we were fine, until everyone started getting their cutie marks. Then it became so important to her...and..." Silver sighed. "Her cutie mark is something she would have to explain. But when we made it to high school, I discovered my liking for other fillies...

"Of course, I told DT. She was my best friend. She was my only friend. I wanted to keep it secret. I mean, I know there are other ponies out there who feel this way, too. I just...I wasn't sure, I think. And then I got my first real crush..."

"Oh, who was it?" Sweetie nearly squealed. "Was it Twist? Oh, I bet it was."

"No, it wasn't Twist. Petal."

"Roseluck's cousin?"

Silver giggled and nodded. "Yes, her."

"Did you tell her?"

"I did. And...she is firmly interested in stallions." There was a small hint of sadness in Silver's voice. "Every time I like somepony, they are interested in stallions."

After a small silence, Sweetie looked over at Silver. "How do you know you like mares and not stallions?"

"I...I think about mares a lot more, and I find mares more...I don't know how to explain it. How do you know you like stallions more?"

Sweetie just looked back up at the ceiling. Silver stood and walked over to her own bed. "I think I'll hit the hay. Sweet dreams, Sweetie."

Sweetie moved around in her own bed, slipping under the blanket and turning the lights out with her magic. She lay there, staring at the ceiling. She thought of Glimpse and the date, and she thought of every other stallion she had dated. Had she ever felt something special there, something she didn't feel elsewhere?

Sure, the date had been fun, and she had enjoyed the kiss. She had always liked kissing. But....

"I don't." Sweetie turned to look at Silver.

"Don't what?" came the faint reply. Sweetie couldn't see Silver's face, but she could imagine the mare with her eyes closed, barely even registering that Sweetie had said something.

"I don't know that I like stallions better."

"That's nice," the grey mare said, shifting. "We'll just fix it in the morning. I promise."

Sweetie chuckled. Silver had no clue what the conversation was about, but that didn't matter. Sweetie turned to face the wall, closing her eyes, but sleep wouldn't come. Her mind was too busy sorting this new information.

Grimace had been her first real 'coltfriend' in high school. He had been the bad boy type, and she remembered how her stomach had fluttered when he spoke to her, and how she couldn't take her eyes off him. Thankfully, she had moved on, but most of her other coltfriends hadn't lasted long.

She had thought she was in love with Cyril, until she found out he was dating Twist at the same time. He had been her last coltfriend, though that was nearly a year ago now.

Yes, she knew she had crushed on other mares before. It was probably perfectly natural. She had even had a crush on Apple Bloom after they had both received their cutie marks. It hadn't lasted long though.

Her thoughts finally drifted back to Glimpse. She liked him...didn't she? Or did she just like idea of having a very special somepony? The kiss hadn't made her feel anything. It had simply been a kiss, nothing more.

She sighed and shook her head. When did life get so complicated?

Every time I like someone, they are interested in stallions.

Sweetie furrowed her brow. She wasn't sure why she thought of that line, but it made her wonder, who did Silver like now?

How do you know you like stallions more?

No...but...maybe?

Sweetie looked over at her friend again. Could Silver have a crush on her? What did she think of Sweetie dating Glimpse?

"Sweetie Belle, you're overthinking it. Go to bed," the white mare told herself. Everything could be sorted out in the morning.She rolled onto her other side and closed her eyes again.

Sweetie hadn't moved at all through the night after falling asleep, so when she awoke the next morning, her side was sore. She groaned as she sat up and looked around the room. Sunlight streamed through a gap in the curtains covering the window, shining on the scarf Sweetie had worn on the double date.

Sweetie blinked a couple times before recalling everything that had happened. "Perfect," she muttered. She looked over at Silver, who was still asleep. She sleeps so much. I bet she would sleep all day if I let her.

Sighing and pulling herself out of bed, Sweetie made her way to the shower, turning the hot water high to relieve her tense muscles. As she began applying the shampoo, her mind wandered to the conversation with Silver again.

It wasn't enough to work with. Silver could have meant she liked Sweetie, or she could have meant just exactly what she said. She needed to talk to Silver about it, but it wasn't like she could just walk up to the grey mare and ask if she was interested.

Plus Silver was still upset over the fight with Diamond Tiara. Sweetie started, realizing something. What if Silver and Diamond had been together? What if Diamond had broken up with her? What if...

A pounding on the door brought her out of her thoughts. "Sweetie, come on, I have to pee!"

The white mare chuckled and quickly rinsed herself and opened the door. The instant the gap was large enough, Silver was in the door and ushering Sweetie out.

Sweetie made her bed as she waited on Silver to come out. She sat on her bed, staring absently at the bathroom door trying to figure out how to start the topic again. As it turned out, she didn't have to.

The instant Silver came out of the bathroom, she smirked. "So, you don't know if you like colts better?" Sweetie just shook her head. "There is an easy way to find out, you know."

"How?"

"You obviously like Glimpse. I've never heard you talk about a mare." Silver made a gesture as if to say the rest were obvious.

"I've liked mares before," Sweetie said. "Just--I never considered it a real option. You grow up and marry a colt and have foals. That's just what happens."

There was a subtle change in Silver's stance, almost seeming to become smaller.  "That's why I didn't parade the information around." Silver looked at the ground before looking back up at Sweetie. "Have you ever liked your friends?"

Sweetie blushed faintly. "I had a crush on Bloom once, but that was a long time ago. I'm way over it."

"And you never considered another friend?"

Sweetie furrowed her brow, trying to tell what exactly Silver was trying to ask. "I dunno. What about you and Diamond?"

Silver shook her head. "No, Diamond is into stallions. And I never really felt that way about her. She was like a sister. It would have seemed weird, I guess." Silver's ears drooped as she thought about the fuschia mare.

Sweetie bit her lip, trying to think of a way to cheer Silver up again. She had done so well last night, even if the date wasn't as great as she had planned. "So..." Sweetie said, fishing for something to say. When nothing came to her, she sat on her bed and sighed. "While we're on the subject, are you ever going to tell me what Diamond said to you?"

Silver's ears flattened more. She joined Sweetie on the bed, sitting silently for a moment. Sweetie waited. Finally, Silver began. "There is a lot of personal stuff going on, as I guess you've surmised. I was kicked out of my house. I might have lied a little on why. Some of it was because of my major, but some of it was because I told my parents."

"What? But that shouldn't--"

"Like I said before, Sweetie. Your family is different than mine. I told you before, my father likes to fix my future. He had picked out a husband for me. I said no, which he was fine with, but he did remind me that when I find a stallion he needed to be prominent. I said I didn't like stallions. Things went downhill from there." Silver took a deep breath before continuing.

"I wrote Diamond, it's a wonder she could even read the letter from the tears. I had never made an effort to hide my preference, and I really didn't think he would react that way. I thought they knew, actually." Silver snorted, shaking her head. "Diamond told me I had to come to Ponyville so we could talk...and then at the train station she..." Silver closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she spoke next, her voice came out in a whisper. "Her exact words were 'Sweetie doesn't mind rooming with an worthless fillyfooler?' I know that may not seem that bad, but coming from her, and the stuff she knows I've dealt with, it was a harsh blow."

Sweetie reached out and pulled Silver close as the grey mare wiped tears from her eyes. She wished she was better at words, that she knew the right thing to say in these situations. Sweetie hummed a melody as she felt Silver's breath become more calm.

Silver didn't need long to recover. She sat up, taking a deep breath and putting on a huge forced smile. "So, Apple Bloom, huh? I never took you as the earth pony type."

"Ohmigosh, you cannot tell her! She doesn't know and never will. Promise?"

Silver chuckled at the reaction. "Yeah, I promise."

"Silver?"

"Yeah?"

"Have you ever had a crush on a friend?"

The grey mare blushed. "I, um, since Diamond and I aren't friends anymore, you're kinda my only friend now. I don't exactly lend well to the craft of friend-making."

"That doesn't answer my question," Sweetie said with a grin.

Silver bit her lip, before motioning with her hoof for Sweetie to lean in closer, so she could whisper. Sweetie had a cocky smile on her face as she compiled, her ear coming to a stop not an inch away from Silver.  "You see, the thing is..."

Everything went pink. Sweetie flailed for a moment before untangling herself from the sheet Silver had thrown over her head. "You... should have... seen yourself." Silver said between laughing fits. Once she had regained some composure, she grinned at Sweetie. "Really, it was funny, you were all--oof!" As she brought a hoof up to in example, however, she overbalanced and fell off the bed, which only made her laugh harder.

"Serves you right," Sweetie said as she grinned down at the mare. "Tricking me like that."

"What did you expect, me to confess my undying love? I mean really?"

Sweetie grinned as an idea popped into her head. She moved off the bed and lay where Silver was still sprawled on the floor. "Well, I just wanted to see if maybe you'd like to...you know..."

Silver's smile turned to a look of confusion. "I know?"

Grinning, Sweetie leaned close to Silver. Looking into Silver's eyes, Sweetie moved until their lips were barely centimeters apart. She could feel Silver's breath quicken as she moved closer.

Suddenly, Sweetie broke out into a fit of giggles. Silver was staring at Sweetie with a dumbfounded look on her face.

"Wha--I--you--huh?"

Sweetie took a few deep breaths as she tried to stop giggling. Silver sat up, staring at Sweetie.   The grey mare tilted her head to the side, a small smile spreading across her lips.

"Sweetie?"

"Yeah, Silver?"

"I do like you."

XIV: Problems

"Sweetie?"

"Yeah, Silver?"

"I do like you."

Sweetie swallowed, her heartbeat quickening."You...you do?"  

Silver blushed, suddenly finding the ground incredibly interesting. "Well, yeah."

Sweetie bit her lip, though a pleasant warm feeling filled her stomach. Silver liked her. As in, liked liked her. Silver looked up when Sweetie didn't answer. A grin spread across her lips when she saw a smile on Sweetie's face.

"So, if you wanted to... you know... actually go through with your plan, I wouldn't complain." Silver's grin transformed into a smirk as she raised an eyebrow at the white mare.

Sweetie's eyes widened as she rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. "Well, I mean, shouldn't we like, go on a date first?" she asked.

Silver nodded, a smirk appearing on her face. "Are you asking me out just hours after going on a date with a stallion?" She raised an eyebrow.

Shifting from hoof to hoof, Sweetie glanced at the floor. "I..." She glanced back at Silver, who still had a smirk plastered to her face. "Um..." Taking a deep breath, Sweetie said, "Well, do you want to go out?"

Silver snorted. "Obviously."

Suddenly, Sweetie started giggling. "Oh goddess above. It is so hard to believe how we treated each other when we were younger. Here I am asking you to be my fillyfriend. It's so..." Unable to find the word she wanted to use, Sweetie simply smiled. "How about tonight? Dancing sounded great last night, and with it just being the two of us..."

"That sounds great." The two mares sat on the floor for a few moments before Silver looked around. "Umm...what now?"

"I guess we just do what we normally do on Saturday. Umm...and we'll go out around nine?"

Silver's grin would have given the cheshire cat a run for its money.

The bass could be felt the instant the two mares stepped through the door. Multicolored lights strobed through the otherwise dark club. . "It's loud," Silver said, leaning close to Sweetie so the mare would hear.

"Yeah, isn't it great?" Sweetie started walking toward a table.  "Isn't this what you thought of when I said dancing?"

Silver glanced around, shrugging. "Umm, I've never been to a club."

Sweetie smiled. "There's a first time for everything." The tables around the dancefloor was packed with ponies, so they found an unoccupied table close to the outer wall. There weren't many ponies here. A few ponies who seemed to have came alone sat at the few tables scattered around.

Silver looked at the small menu sitting on the table. "Oh, have you ever had a martini? I swear by them." The grey mare looked up, waiting for Sweetie's answer.

"I don't drink. Well, other than the hard cider AJ gives me, but that's always the weaker stuff. It smells funny." Sweetie wrinkled up her nose for effect. "I just like water."

"Oh, come on, try something new. An appletini would be perfect for you." Silver nodded and smiled. "There's a first time for everything."

"Fine, I'll try it. But just one. I can't imagine what Rarity would say if she found out I got drunk." Sweetie snorted. "Let's go dance first, though."

It would be an understatement to say the dance floor was packed, but the pair didn't mind. Most ponies were just jumping and moving their heads in different directions, so that is what Silver and Sweetie did.

After a few songs, the couple tired of dancing and walked off the dance floor and back to their table. "So, drinks now?" Silver asked.

"Sure." Sweetie followed Silver to the bar, where the grey mare ordered their drinks.The barista quickly made the two appletinis, sitting them in front of the couple. Sweetie sniffed the green liquid, drawing back and wrinkling her nose.  "Eww."

"Come on, just try it."

Cautiously, as if the choice meant life or death, Sweetie lowered her muzzle to the rim of the cup. After taking a shallow breath, she stuck her tongue out, barely dipping it in the liquid, before recoiling. "Gross."

"You didn't even taste it!" Silver laughed.

Sweetie sighed, picking the glass up with her magic and bringing it to her lips. She let the liquid roll over her tongue. She spluttered a little as the drink went down.

Silver giggled. "I guess you really haven't had much hard stuff, have you? Don't worry, I'll strengthen you up." Silver winked and downed what was left of her drink.

Leaving the rest of the appletini on the counter, Sweetie stood. "I don't think I'm going to finish that," she said, giving the mostly-full cup an evil look.

"It's an acquired taste. Maybe vodka wasn't the best place to start."

Sweetie snorted. "How can you even stand that stuff?"

"My dad let us drink all the time. He always made sure we were monitored, but on weekends, if we felt like having one or two whatever, he'd okay it." Silver nudged Sweetie, smiling. "It isn't a big deal, honestly. I don't drink that much. That's the first I've had since summer."

"I wasn't worried about it," Sweetie replied, nudging Silver back. The grey mare caught Sweetie's tail as they brushed each other. Sweetie felt her heartbeat speed up as she glanced over at Silver, whose grin had transformed into a shy smile. "What do you say we go somewhere a little quieter?"

Silver nodded. The couple made their way to the door and out onto the crowded streets of Canterlot. Lights and music from various clubs and eateries flooded the otherwise dark night. There were ponies everywhere, either in groups or pairs.

Soon, the couple found themselves walking in the entrance to the city park. There were couples spotted all around the park, some with telescopes, some out for a late night picnic. "This is better," Sweetie said, leaning over to nuzzle Silver. Silver smiled at Sweetie, walking ahead slightly, as she winked at Sweetie and motioned for her to follow.

Silver led Sweetie over to a small pond. The clear night sky was reflected in the water; the moon hanging high in the sky. Sweetie glanced over at Silver. In the light of the moon, her normally drab coat shined, justifying her namesake. Her eyes were closed, and she was smiling at the moon.

Sweetie ran a hoof down Silver's foreleg. "You are beautiful, you know." She leaned over, resting against Silver. She felt the heat from Silver's body and the shifting fur of her side rose and fell as she breathed, but she could also feel Silver's gaze on her.

Silver nuzzled Sweetie, her muzzle moving up slowly. Her heart beating erratically, Sweetie allowed her eyes to flutter shut as Silver's lips touched hers. It started out soft, light, almost non-existent, but quickly turned to more.

Silver pushed slightly deeper, her hoof finding its way to Sweetie's face, as Sweetie's hoof found its way around Silver's back. Sweetie was breathing hard, all thought gone from her mind except for one very pleasant one: Silver Spoon.

All too soon, Silver's hoof fell away. The two mares pulled away from each other slowly. Sweetie grinned and nuzzled Silver. That kiss had everything Glimpse's had been missing. The feeling of butterflies in the pit of her stomach, of something in her mind telling her she needed more, of her heart telling her she wanted more. That was the kiss she had waited for her whole life. For a few moments, nothing was said. Sweetie and Silver simply sat in silence, trading smiles and glances.

Finally, Silver giggled. "That was probably the best first kiss in all of history." She sighed and leaned against Sweetie, who nodded.

"You know, if that was your first kiss, just wait until you have the second."

"Oh, do you have sometime in mind?"

"In the future a bit..." Sweetie giggled as Silver leaned forward quickly, pressing their lips together again. Sweetie wrapped her forehooves around Silver and pulled the grey mare closer while rolling onto her back.

Silver broke this kiss, smiling down at Sweetie. "I'm really glad we did this. I'm really happy right now."

Pushing a stray bit of mane away from Silver's face, Sweetie grinned. "Me too."

The moment was ruined just a second later as a voiced called the mare's names. "Sweetie Belle? Silver Spoon? I don't believe it!"

The purple unicorn stood ten feet away, along with Cade and two other stallions the mares didn't know.

The elation of the night vanished instantly. "Glimpse."

Silver moved away from Sweetie, who sat up. Her eyes flickered between Glimpse and Sweetie, as if unsure who the mare would pick.

"That's the mare you're so in love with?" One of the unknown colts said.

"Yeah...at least, I thought she was."

Sweetie scrambled to her feet. "Listen, Glimpse, I can explain."

Glimpse snorted in disgust.  "Explain? Why you were making out with...another mare? Really?"

Sweetie nodded. "Yeah. It's not what it looks like. I just..." Sweetie trailed off, trying to gather her thoughts into something with a semblance of coherence.

Glimpse rolled his eyes. "Whatever. You and your little...fillyfriend," he sneered the word, making it sound like dirt, "just wanted to try actual stallions on for size?"

"Wh-What? No! How could you even say that!" Sweetie shook her head. "We just talked and...things just happened. It isn't like we planned it this way."

"Right. Whatever." Glimpse shook his head. "Let's just go, guys."

"Wait, please." Sweetie took a few steps toward Glimpse, before a glare from the purple unicorn stopped him. "I really wanted to talk to you about this, later, alone." Sweetie glanced at the other three stallions before taking a deep breath. "I had such a great time on our date. Everything was great."

She was about to continue when Glimpse cut her off. "Great? Great? If it was so great, then why are you snogging Silver in the middle of the park?"

"I-I wasn't shagging anyone. It was a kiss. And she's a heck of a lot better at kissing than you are. After last night, I thought you were a nice guy. I guess I was wrong." Sweetie huffed, turning away from him. "Whatever. I'm done. Goodbye."

She walked over to Silver, whose wide eyes looked at Sweetie in alarm. "Let's just go home," the unicorn whispered. They walked away, ignoring the fading voices behind them.

Neither pony spoke for the first half of the trip back to campus. Sweetie's pulse was slowing down as she processed everything that had happened. That hadn't been how she planned to tell Glimpse at all. Not to mention the date had been ruined.

"Sweetie? Are you okay?" Glancing over at Silver, Sweetie saw the grey mare's pensive expression.

"I'm sorry I ruined our first date. Maybe I should have told him first. I was just...excited." Sweetie swallowed. "Do you think others will react that way?"

Silver sighed, giving Sweetie a small nuzzle. "I think those who matter won't care."

XV: One Last Glimpse

Sweetie was reassured by what Silver had said. They made it back to the dorm in comfortable silence, which continued as Sweetie watched her roommate prepare for bed. With the events of the last two days, she wondered about how Silver saw their relationship. Silver seemed to notice Sweetie's gaze. "What?"

Sweetie shook her head. "Nothing. I was just thinking that I never properly asked. Do you want to be my fillyfriend?"

Silver looked confused. "What do you mean? Aren't I already?"

"Yeah. But I guess Glimpse thought I was  his, and I don't want a mix-up like that again." Sweetie shrugged.

"Oh." Silver moved over to Sweeties bed, sitting next to her. "I see." Silver took a deep breath before continuing. "I was afraid when you and Glimpse were talking at first, that you were going to tell him that we were just messing around or something. I thought you didn't actually want to be on the date with me."

Sweetie shook her head and opened her mouth, but Silver held up a hoof. "Let me finish. I thought that, which is why I was so quiet. And then you didn't. Don't worry, Sweetie. You're stuck with me now."

"That makes sense," Sweetie said with a smile.

"Not to mention, Glimpse is a jerk. I really don't like him." Noticing Sweetie's expression, Silver leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Now, I think I'm going to sleep. I'll talk to you in the morning, okay?"

"Okay," Sweetie said. Not long after, the lights were out and both mares were in their own beds.

Sweetie lay in the dark, willing herself to sleep. I shouldn't have done this tonight. I should have talked to him first. She shook her head, trying to force the thoughts out. Really, I don't have a right to be angry with him. He had every right to react that way. Sweetie sighed, rolling to her other side and looking at Silver's sleeping form. It isn't like I did it to purposely hurt him, though. I wasn't thinking. He could have let me explain.

She punched the mattress out of frustration. He didn't have to act like it was the worst possible thing, though. I mean, it isn't my fault I don't have feelings for him. I can't help that I like Silver. Sweetie pressed her hooves to her eyes as her breathing became shallow. The stress of recent events was getting to her.

After getting her emotions under control, she looked over at Silver. The thought of Silver being her fillyfriend made her smile. I really wasn't fair to Glimpse. Rolling onto her back, she sighed. I should talk to him. Tomorrow. I know he won't be in any classes, at least.  

She nodded, as if to reassure herself. She pushed the negative thoughts from her mind. She rolled over and looked at Silver. Unconsciously, a smile spread across her lips.

Sweetie thought it was odd that so few ponies were out at this time of day. Sundays were normally slow on campus, with ponies trying to fit in last minute projects and sleep off all the excitement of the weekend, but this seemed slower. She and Silver had only passed a hoofful of other ponies since they had left their dorm.

"Do you even know where his dorm is?" Silver asked as the two mares walked along a campus sidewalk.

Sweetie shook her head. "No, not really. I mean, I know he lives in either the Maxwell or Colton dorms, but that's it."

"I still don't see why you want to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." Silver gave Sweetie a small smile.

Sweetie took a deep breath to calm herself. She was already nervous about talking to Glimpse, but Silver's constant 'reminders' that she didn't need to were starting to grate on her nerves. She didn't really understand why Silver wanted to come anyway.

The late November air was chilly, even in the bright noon sun. Sweetie felt Silver brush aginst her, offering to share some body heat, but she shied away. She had messed up bad enough with Glimpse. Silver's presents wasn't going to be helpful in this situation; if anything, it would only make it worse.

"I just don't understand why—"

"I need to, okay. I just need to." Sweetie sighed, shaking her head.. "I know you don't like it, but the way I went about things wasn't exactly the best. I don't regret what happened, but I do need to make it clear to him that it wasn't intended to hurt him. I can see where he would get that I was leading him on. I kinda was."

"So? It happens."

Sweetie's brow furrowed. "Not with me. If you don't wanna come, go back to the dorm. Study for finals like we should be. They are a week away."

"Sorry. I was just saying..."

"I've heard." Sweetie huffed. As if she didn't already feel bad enough about where the day was headed, she had to fight with Silver. Taking a deep breath, Sweetie started walking again. "The sooner I find him, the sooner this will be over with, okay?"

Silver simply nodded and looked around. After a few minutes in silence, Sweetie decided at least one of them deserved to be happy. Sweetie brushed against Silver, only slightly. When Silver looked over, Sweetie smiled. "At least once next Friday hits, we'll be back in Ponyville. I still don't know if I should write and tell Rarity, or just wait and tell her then."

A voice sounded behind the pair. "Write to her. I'm sure she would like some warning."

Sweetie quickly turned at the sound of Glimpse's voice. "I've been looking for you. Look, we need to talk."

"I know. I shouldn't have...insinuated things happening between us that didn't. That was low."

Sweetie shook her head. "I really did want to tell you. I didn't think about seeing you out, or what it would look like, or anything. I didn't think. I was caught up in the moment."

"I could tell." An awkward silence hung in the air for a moment before Glimpse turned to leave, but Sweetie stopped him.

"I'm sorry for the way things happened. We went on the date, and it was fun. I agreed to go on a double with you, and we did that. And I agreed for another one, because it was fun. But...as far as feelings go, I have nothing. You're probably a great friend. I just don't want more than that."

Glimpse furrowed his brow. "I do. And I'm an all-or-nothing kinda guy, Sweetie. I don't want just friendship." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I want more."

He opened his eyes, trying and failing not to glare at Sweetie and Silver. "And this doesn't just happen overnight. You don't just randomly get with your female roommate and kiss like that in public." He took another deep breath, the shakiness showing his anger more than his forced calm words. "What I'm angriest about, though, Sweetie, is you led me on. You didn't come clean and tell me anything. And last night you tried to act like I was the bad guy. I'm not. So, forgive me, but I don't want to see you anymore."

"But I..." Sweetie was at a loss for words. She blinked back tears.

Silver glanced over at her, and seeing the expression on her face, she shook her head.  "I told you an apology would be wasted on this rubbish. Come on." Silver nudged Sweetie into walking, leaving an obviously angry Glimpse behind them.

Once they had made it around a corner, Sweetie slumped to the ground. "I'm not the bad guy." Her eyes were trained on the ground as she shook her head. She had no tears in her eyes, but her voice sounded strained. "I'm not the bad guy."

"Hey," Silver said, sitting beside her. "It's his loss. He's a prick anyway. You were trying to be nice and he wouldn't accept it. You have nothing at all to feel bad about." Silver smiled hopefully at Sweetie, who nodded.

"I guess."

"Look, let's go get some lunch, okay? Forget Glimpse. Two weeks and you will never have to see him again."

Sweetie nodded and stood, allowing Silver to lead her to a small on-campus restaurant. It was crowded at this time of day, but the couple didn't talk while waiting to order. Once they had received their food, they found a table and sat.

Sweetie sighed and nibbled at a french fry. "I just wish things hadn't been like this, you know?"

"Why are you so concerned about it? Did you actually like him?" Silver gave Sweetie a questioning look.

Sweetie smiled a little as she shook her head."No, I didn't." Sweetie blinked, then looked up at Silver. "Do you think I did? Were you jealous?"

Silver snorted. "Of course not. He's just some silly stallion..." she trailed off, shaking her head. "It's just that you seemed so happy on that date. And this is all so new to me and I just...I don't know. It's like I said earlier, I thought you might not be really into it."

Sweetie smiled. "You realize I picked you, right? I'm with you. Not him."

"Yeah, but you feel bad about it." Silver looked Sweetie in the eye. "I've fancied you for ages before he came into the picture. Then last night happened and I was so happy and then he came and ruined it. And you felt bad about the date, Sweetie. About us."

"I feel bad about how it all happened, but not about the relationship itself. I'll tell everyone right now if you want me to."

Silver's mouth fell open for a moment. "No, that isn't necessary." A smile crept onto her face. "So, I was thinking next time, you could just try a beer or something."

"No," Sweetie said. "I'll just stick to water and AJ's cider, thanks."

"We'll see." Silver smiled.

The rest of the lunch conversation was lighthearted, so that when the two ponies arrived at their dorm, they were giggling like fillies. "And then...and then she said..." Sweetie couldn't stop laughing long enough to tell the punchline of the joke. She fell onto her bed, taking deep breaths to try to control herself. "Not rabies, babies!"

Silver lay beside her, only giving a small laugh. "Pinkie is a funny pony, isn't she?"

Sweetie nodded. "She's the best. I didn't understand how she was friends with my sister when I was little, when Pinkie is nothing like Rarity, but they're really close." Sweetie turned her head and smiled. "I love them all so much. I'm sure once you open up to them a bit, they'll like you even more. I'm sure Pinkie already has a song to play for you. She loves making songs for ponies."

"Are you going to write and tell Rarity?" Silver asked.

Sweetie sighed. "I think I will. I mean, if we show up on her doorstep in two weeks all like, 'Hi Rarity. I know Silver and I were only friends last time she stayed here and we offered to let her stay for the holiday break, but we're totally a couple now. Okay? Later!' I can see that going really well."

"Does she have a problem with two mares..."

Sweetie shook her head. "Of course not." A smile spread across Sweetie's face. "Although, now that we're together, she probably will borrow Twilight's extra bed for you to sleep in."

Silver sat up, a smirk on her face. "Whatever for? It isn't like we haven't been sharing a dorm for the last few months. It isn't like we can't do whatever we want at anytime." She moved so that her forehooves were on either side of Sweetie. "Like right now?"

Instead of replying, Sweetie brought her lips up to meet Silver's for a short kiss before pulling away. Panting slightly, Sweetie smiled up at her. "Yeah, true." She brought her hoof up to Silver's face. "For someone who has never been in a relationship before, you are good."

"I try," Silver said with a shrug before leaning down again. She stopped with her mouth next to Sweetie's ear. "It doesn't help that I really like kissing."

"Well now, who am I to stop you from having more?" Sweetie's eyes glittered mischievously.

Sweetie skipped her classes the next day. The professors were trying to cram in too much last-minute information before finals, and her head already felt as if it were ready to explode from the events of the weekend.

She heard Silver wake and leave for her classes, but stayed in bed longer. It felt nice to know she was lying there when she should have been somewhere else. Around ten, she pulled herself from between the sheets.

After making her bed and taking a long steamy shower, Sweetie sat at her desk. Pulling out some paper and a quill, she sighed. How to I tell Rarity about me and Silver? She hadn't lied when she said Rarity would be fine with it, in theory. Rarity had even helped her with her confusing feelings for Apple Bloom, but this was different. She was older; it wasn't just a crush that would disappear in a month.

Rarity,

I have some really exciting news! I've found a fillyfriend! I know, I know. Sweetie Belle has a fillyfriend? But I do. We just started dating Saturday. It's an interesting story, you'll love it. Lots of drama. I'm fine, though, so don't worry. I'm really very happy. I know I've never dated a mare before, but I have liked them, so I hope it isn't too big of a shock.

I can't wait to see you in a couple weeks. Maybe you could go ahead and get Twi's extra bed or something for Silver? We can convert the storage room into a room for her just for the break, right? Unless you're okay with us just sharing my room like we did that one weekend.

Love you big sis,

Sweetie Belle

Sweetie sighed and shook her head. It would have to do. Barely giving the ink time to dry, and not looking over the letter, she stuffed it in an envelope. Letters normally took three days to reach Ponyville, even though it was only a few hours away on a train ride, so hopefully Rarity would receive it by Thursday. It was times like these when she realized just how useful Spike's dragon magic really was.

She had just put the stamp on the envelope when Silver walked into the dorm. "I am going to fail all of my classes. I don't even know what's going on in half of them." Silver whined, throwing her bag onto the floor. "I quit. I don't even care anymore. I'll show up for finals and that's it."

"Silver," Sweetie groaned. "You shouldn't do that. You should be in class."

"So should you." Silver raised her eyebrows. "I'm just happy that we have this week, finals, and then we go home." Silver slumped onto her side. "I think I'll lie down for a moment."

Sweetie chuckled "I have no clue how you do that."

"Do what?"

"Sleep so much."

A sly grin crossed Silver's face. "Well, I can think of one thing I like more than sleeping..."

"Is snogging all you think about?"

The grey mare blinked innocently. "What? It's fun."

Sweetie brought her hoof up to her face. "It is." She leaned in, giving Silver a chaste kiss on the lips. "I'm a bit hungry though. Want to get some lunch?"

Silver groaned. "Sure. But I pick where we go."

Time seemed to speed up drastically over the next week. Taking one day off class had thrown Sweetie behind in her study scheldule. Finals ensured everypony who wanted to pass had their nose pressed into a textbook, writing formulas or doing last minute essays. This week was supposed to be the 'dead week' when professors didn't give out assignments, but that didn't matter. Finding notes from the beginning of the semester was proving impossible, ponies loudly "shh"ing each other could be heard every so often, and there was even a fight over who made it to a research book first.

Sweetie went from one day to the next on autopilot. The weekend proved to be even worse than the week, and Sunday night found Sweetie in bed early, hoping enough sleep would help her get good grades.

And then came the finals themselves. Nervous enough to be happy about skipping breakfast that morning, Sweetie sat at her first exam. Then came a short break before the second.

More studying for the last two the next day, which she found fairly easy.

Walking out of the building into the bright sunlight, Sweetie grinned. She was free. No classes. No studying. It didn't matter. She was free.

She made it back to the dorm before Silver finished her finals, so she packed her things for the trip to Ponyville. They would leave once Silver finished her exams. Sweetie had been shocked to learn Silver hadn't been planning on studying for her exams. It had taken Sweetie telling her if she failed they couldn't dorm together the next term for her to study. Sweetie laughed at the memory. She had been surprised Silver had actually believed that.

Within the hour, Silver walked into the dorm. "That went horribly. But it is finally over."

Sweetie smiled as she closed the latches on her suitcase. "At least tonight we'll be home, with amazing food and actually comfortable beds and...it's going to be amazing."

"And if we don't hurry, we're going to miss our train. Come on."

They trotted to the train station and bought their tickets. Several students were on the train, since Ponyville would be only one of its many stops today. They walked along the corridor, finally finding an empty compartment, and settled in.

"So, did Rarity say if I was to sleep in the 'extra bedroom'?"

Sweetie groaned. "I still haven't read that letter." Reaching into her saddle bags, she pulled it out. "I was so worried about failing those exams."

"Can I read it with you?"

Shrugging, Sweetie held the letter closer to Silver.

Sweetie Belle,

I am happy you found someone to be with. I hope I can meet her soon. As far as the drama goes, I do hope it wasn't that bad. Was it because of your fillyfriend?

Unless Silver just wants to sleep in the other room, I believe the two of you sharing should be fine.

I can't wait to see you either, Sweetie. I have missed you while you were away.

Love,

Rarity

Silver looked up from the letter, her brow creased in confusion. "You didn't tell her?"

"I did, though. At least, I thought it was clear." Sweetie sighed. "This'll be interesting."

VIX: Homecoming

Stepping off the train when it arrived from Ponyville, Sweetie Belle expected to see another huge party awaiting her. Instead, Rarity was there by herself, along with the other families awaiting students returning from various colleges. She moved through the crowd of ponies with Silver behind her. She saw Derpy grabbing Dinky into a large hug. She looked briefly for Scootaloo, but didn't see her. Finally pressing through the mob of emotional ponies, she reached Rarity.

"Oh, Sweetie," Rarity said, draping her forehooves around the younger mares neck. "I'm so glad you're home." Sweetie breathed in the scent of her sisters mane. She hadn't realized how much she missed it until this moment.

Sweetie wrapped her hooves around Rarity. "I missed you, too." After a moment, the sisters released each other.

The fashionista turned to Silver with a warm smile. "And welcome back Silver. Did you girls have a good trip?" Rarity grinned as the two mares nodded. "Fantastic." They began the short trek home. The trees were bare of their leaves, as the Running of the Leaves had been the week prior. As Sweetie gazed at the familiar sites of Ponyville, she took a deep breath. This was her favorite place. Sugar Cube Corner was crowded by all the ponies coming home trying to catch up with each other, as were the cafes. It had only been a couple months since she had been in Ponyville, but it felt as if it had been forever.

"So, Sweetie, what's this you wrote about a fillyfriend?" Rarity asked.

Sweetie swallowed and looked over to Silver. "About that..."

"Oh, don't tell me you've broken things off already!"

"No! No, nothing like that. It's just...I thought I said it in my letter..." Sweetie's heart beat quickly. Rarity looked at her, eyebrows raised, waiting for Sweetie to finish her sentence. Sweetie took in a deep breath, wondering why she was nervous about telling Rarity exactly who it was she was dating. "It's Silver, Rare."

Rarity made a noncommittal 'hmm' sound as they continued, but said no more. Silver caught Sweetie's eye. Silver tilted her head to the side and raised her eyebrows as if to ask if everything was alright. Sweetie simply shrugged.

Finally, the silence got to Sweetie. "So, how have things been here?"

"Fine, just fine. I received a huge order for thick winter dresses nearly two weeks ago. They're nearly finished now, just a few finishing touches. Other than that, business has been normal. Just little old Ponyville, you know."

"Yeah," Sweetie said. "Like you and the others don't end up in some sort of trouble all the time."

Rarity shook her head. "Those days are behind us now, you know that. A few of us have even settled down."

Sweetie rolled her eyes, but didn't say anything else. Once they had finally made it to the Boutique, and the three mares sat at kitchen table with steaming mugs of tea, Sweetie felt as if she had never left. "So, the two of you? I admit, the question about the bed makes much more sense now. Would the two of you prefer that?"

Sweetie blinked before looking over at Silver. Silver's eyes were wide. "Umm..." Sweetie said. "I don't know."

Rarity looked between the two before sighing, a small smile gracing her lips. "I'll see if Twilight can lend it to us. We can stop by the library on our way to dinner tonight. I thought something special, for the end of term. I know you'll love it."

"Where?" Silver asked.

"Foodies. Sweetie absolutely loves it."

Sweetie grinned. Foodies was expensive, but Sweetie thought they had be best food she had ever tasted. "Really?" She smiled. "I can't wait."

"Yes, we'll leave in an hour. That will give us time to get ready."

Silver excused herself, so she could shower first. Rarity sat back in her seat, studying her sister.

"What?" Sweetie asked, self-consciously rubbing her face.

Rarity smiled. "I take it from the awkward conversation earlier the two of you haven't..." Rarity waved her hoof in the air.

Sweetie's eyes widened as she understood what her sister was asking. "Rarity," she hissed, "why would you even ask that?" Her normally white cheeks were tinged pink. "No. Of course not. How would two mares even...don't answer that. I know how just...don't." Sweetie closed her eyes and shook her head. "We've only been dating for around three weeks. We've kissed, that's it."

"So, am I going to get to hear the story?"

Sweetie smiled. "Yeah. But I think Silver should be there too. How about over dinner?"

With a name like Foodie's, you would think the restaurant would be the run-of-the-mill burger place. Instead, Foodie's was an up-and-coming chain restaurant, serving a variety of foods.

Foodies had an old-time charm to it. There were fireplaces light throughout, which provided most of the lighting, along with the long white candles on the tables. There were a few overhead lights, but they were dim. There were paintings and pictures of Equestria from fifty years ago on the walls. It was a relaxing atmosphere for the three mares sitting at a table.

The staff were all dressed in white shirts and ties, with a black cabbie hat on their heads. A dandelion-colored unicorn levitated the food they had ordered over to them. After a chorus of 'thank you's to the waitress, the ponies turned to their food.

"Okay girls," Rarity said as she daintily picked at her Chef's Salad, "I've been waiting to hear this story all day."

Silver smiled as Sweetie began speaking. "It's actually kinda funny. We went on a double date with a couple stallions--"

"Oh, that is interesting. How long had they been together?"

Silver giggled as Sweetie shook her head. "No, not like that. I was with Glimpse and Silver was with Cade." Sweetie paused, expecting Rarity to interrupt again, but she didn't. "The date went okay for me, but when we got back to the room--" Sweetie giggled, shaking her head.

Silver picked the story up from there. "I told her I didn't like colts, never had. And then we talked a bit and went to sleep. Then next day, we talked some more and ended up going on a date."

"With the way it ended though, we almost wished it had been a different day." Sweetie sighed. "See, toward the end of the date, Glimpse umm...well, we were only kissing, but he saw and was angry. And..." Sweetie took a deep breath before continuing her story at a speed that would have amazed Pinkie. "Of course, I had agreed to go out with him again the next Friday, but that was before Silver and I talked and things changed and sure, I felt really bad about how things happened but I still wanted to not date him because he wasn't really what I was looking for." Sweetie sighed.

"She sought him out to apologize and explain, which is so much more than I would have done." Silver shook her head as she took a bite of the past she had ordered. "Honestly, I told her to leave it."

Sweetie shrugged. "It was the right thing to do, I thought."

Rarity simply shook her head. "I do not miss those days at all. I thought they were the best at the time, but I love being here in Ponyville with my friends."

Just as Silver opened her mouth to speak, a high-pitched laughter drew the attention of the entire crowd. "Oh daddy, you know how to make me feel special."

Sweetie turned back to her food upon seeing the Diamond Tiara. Silver was slower to turn, her once-happy face turned into a frown. Sweetie nudged her. "Just forget her. She isn't worth it."

Silver looked up at Sweetie and smiled. "Yeah, I guess." Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before turning her attention back to the table at large. "Anyway, if it's okay with you, Rarity, we don't have to get that bed from Twilight. We promise to behave."

"I'm not at all worried about that."  Rarity cleared her throat as the high-pitched laughter reached their table again. "What do you say we finish up here and go back home so you girls can settle in?"

They all accented, and soon the waitress gave them their check. Silver and Sweetie were standing behind Rarity, who was waving away Silver's persistent insistence that she could pay for her food.

"Hello, Silver Spoon."A snide voice came from behind them. Sweetie and Silver both glanced back to see Diamond Tiara.  Rarity and Sweetie were ignored, but neither took note of the slight.

"Diamond Tiara," Silver replied.

Sweetie looked between the two. A silent battle of wills was being waged, she could tell. She subtly wrapped her tail around Silver's to show support. Diamond narrowed her eyes at the action.

"Really, Silver? Just when I thought you couldn't sink any lower." The fuschia mare snorted. "I thought maybe you had been brought to your sense. I guess not."

With a slight nervous laugh, Rarity stepped in. "Girls, maybe it would be best if we leave now. Wouldn't want to cause a scene." Her eyes glanced around the room before making for the door.

Silver didn't move. Her eyes were locked onto Diamond Tiara's, almost as if the two were having a silent argument. Sweetie was feeling increasingly nervous about what might happen, but she wasn't going to leave Silver alone.

"It's funny, DT. You used to be the person I ran to when I had problems. You were my best friend. I couldn't have pictured life without you." Diamond smiled, nodding her head. "But now...I don't even think about you every day. You were so important to me...I thought I was important to you to. Do you ever miss our friendship at all?"

"I-well-you've chosen, haven't you. Doesn't make a difference. I'm not hanging out with..." Diamond paused, letting her eyes land of Sweetie. "Them. I'm not the one who changed things. I'm still the same."

Silver closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I know, that is the problem. You've been the same since primary school. When are you going to realize there is so much more?" Silver glanced over at Sweetie, a small smile forming on her face. "So much better."

"When are you going to realize you are throwing your life away for something stupid?"

Sweetie opened her mouth to say something, but Silver raised her hoof to stop her. "I think this has been a long time coming, DT. We are just too different now. I don't know how it happened, but it's been in the works. Goodbye." With that, Silver turned and walked away, her head held high.

"Yeah, well, it isn't like I don't have other friends, you know. Good riddance."

Sweetie followed Silver to the entrance before looking back. Diamond Tiara was watching them leave, a forlorn expression on her face. Sweetie wondered for a moment if Diamond actually did have any other friends.

"Well," Silver said, "at least that's over with."

Rarity nodded. "Yes, well, I for one am glad we're all okay." She picked up a brisk pace which Sweetie and Silver followed. "Though, Silver, I am sorry about the hardship. It is a hard thing to lose a friend." She bit her lip for a moment, as if considering asking a question. With a sigh, she said, "So, how are you and your parents?"

"We've written a little. Pretty sure they are beginning to understand I'm not coming around. I'll probably get a job soon, help pay for school and the like." Silver sighed. "I'm sorry you guys are getting to pick up my mess."

Sweetie nudged Silver. "Don't be silly. It's what friends do."

"Oh yes, dear. Don't you worry about it." Rarity smiled. "Speaking of friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo wanted you to go to Sugar Cube corner after we finished dinner."

"Really? I was wondering why Bloom was there to greet me. Are you coming, Rare?"

Rarity smiled, but shook her head. "I do not believe so. I'll meet you at home."

"Okay, see you then," Sweetie said as she and Silver began trotting to the sweet shop. She hadn't saw her friends in weeks. They'll be so excited for me. I mean, I guess they will. I know they aren't opposed to fillyfooling. Sweetie's grin transformed into a frown, which Silver seemed to notice.

"Is everything okay?" Silver asked, peering at Sweetie.

Sweetie shook her head before seeming to realize what Silver had said. "I was just thinking. I don't really know what Scoot's and Bloom will think. Scoots wasn't really happy about being friends, you know. What is she going to say about being fillyfriends? And Apple Bloom--"

A grey hoof covered Sweetie's mouth. "You ramble when you're nervous. As for Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, they are your friends. They'll will accept it if they see it makes you happy."

The muscles in Sweetie's shoulders visibly relaxed as she considered what Silver said. "Yeah. I mean, you are right. I just--" Sweetie sighed. "They are my best friends. I don't know what I would do if I knew I didn't have them anymore."

Sweetie nodded and started the short walk to Sugar Cube Corner. Just before reaching the threshold of the shop, Sweetie stopped. She looked at Silver and took a deep breath. "Can we, um, not do coupleish things. Just until I can tell them?"

"You want to pretend we aren't together?" Silver asked slowly, looking hurt. "Why?"

"Just...just until I tell them. And I'll tell them tonight. Like, soon. I just..." Sweetie sighed. "I just want to make sure it's okay. I want to say it in the right way, you know. I can't just be like, 'Hey guys, I've missed you. Oh, and Silver is my fillyfriend. Anything new with you?'"

"Yer dating Silver?"

Sweetie and Silver looked over to the entrance of the sweet shop. "That happens to me way too much," Sweetie mumbled. She smiled, unsure of what to expect from Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. "Umm...yeah?"

Apple Bloom smiled. Scootaloo's face was the exact opposite of a smile. "Silver? Why her?" She fluttered over to Sweetie, ignoring Silver altogether. "I mean, you guys were friends. I could handle that, but...she's your fillyfriend?"

Sweetie sighed. "Yes, I like her." Subconsciously, she wrapped her tail around Silver Spoons. "She...It's complicated, okay. But..." Sweetie sighed, looking directly at Scootaloo. "I don't know what you want me to say."

Scootaloo looked from Sweetie to Silver and back before she settled on a glare at Silver. "I swear by the good Goddess above, Silver, if she ends up hurt because of you, you have me to answer too. Nopony messes with my friends, do you understand?"

Silver smiled. "Yeah, Scootaloo. You still don't trust me."

"Nope. But I'm not going to cause a problem without reason...I'm a little more mature than that."

After a moment of silence, Sweetie looked around Scootaloo for Apple Bloom. "Bloom? You haven't said anything."

The red-maned mare smiled. "Ah ain't got nothing to say." She rubbed the back of her neck and looked down at the cobblestone street. "To be honest, Ah'm kinda glad. Ah thought for a while there Ah was gonna be the only mare you ever had a crush on."

Sweetie spluttered. "What? No, Bloom. I haven't thought of you that way since..."

The farmpony chuckled. "Ah know. Ah just couldn't resist...AJ told me after Rarity told her about you and Silver..." Apple Bloom looked at Silver. "Besides, Silver's alright. Now, are we gonna stand out here all day and freeze out tails off, or are we gonna go inside and welcome you guys home proper?"

They all made their way to the door, but Sweetie stopped Silver before they went through. "Hey, you were pretty quiet. Are you okay?"

Silver looked at Sweetie and nodded. A small smile formed on her lips. "Yeah, I'm okay. That went different than I thought. But," Silver put her hoof on Sweetie's cheek, "you defended us. I mean, Scootaloo was easy to win, but still..." She leaned in, giving Sweetie a quick kiss. "Now, let's get inside. It is cold out here."

Sweetie and Silver made it home around eight that night. The time before the mares went to sleep was filled with unpacking and settling into being home again. Sweetie gave Silver a few drawers and a good portion of the closet.

The most interesting part of the evening came at bedtime. The three mares decided to retire early, since it had been such an eventful day. Sweetie and Silver had already changed and were just about to climb into bed when they realized they had a problem.

"Umm...which side do you sleep on, Sweetie?"

The mare shrugged. "I dunno...I kinda sleep diagonally. My head on the left side, my hooves on the right..so, which side do you want?"

"Umm...the right?"

"Okay then. I'll take the left." Both girls were hesitant about getting into the bed. Once that had been done, Sweetie used her magic to turn out the lights. Sweetie couldn't help feeling apprehensive about Silver laying next to her.

Sure, they had been in the same bed a few times while making out, but they had never actually shared a bed since they started dating.

"Silver?"

"Do you feel funny too?"

Sweetie sighed. "I just don't know what to do, you know?"

"How about...I dunno. We just pretend it's like it was before? How did we do it then?"

"We just...slept."

After a moment of silence, Silver started giggling. "Oh, I give up." She scooted closer to Sweetie, so that her belly was pressed against the other mare's side. "Is this okay?" she whispered.

"Yeah," Sweetie said. "It is."

Feeling Silver's hooves wrapped around her made her feel better, somehow. Sweetie took a deep breath. "Goodnight, Silver."

"Goodnight, Sweetie."

As she drifted off to sleep, Sweetie thought back through the term, and all that had happened. It had been an adventure, but she wouldn't change it for the world.

Things weren't perfect, but when was life perfect? Snuggling deeper into Silver's grip, Sweetie smiled.

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