My first fanfic. I'm rather young and still learning how to write, but I'll do my best!

Well, darlings. Guess who got the flu. I did! Isn't that just splendid?

No, I don't think that's a great thing, I mean-

Hush, Twilight. It all started when...

It was a practically sunny day, despite the cold weather. The sun was indeed quite rare this time of year. Spring was around the corner, and the snow on the ground was thinning. That means the sun would be out more, as well as the rain. Imagine the rain and leftover snow mixing, left would be slush. But what's worse is that it might get on my hooves! Dreadfully muddy hooves for such a fabulous mare such as me!

I don't know about you, but the mare next to me washed all my negative thoughts away. Everyone's saviour and the Element of Magic, Twilight Sparkle. The adorable bookworm we all know and love. I love her quite a bit.

Okay, maybe a lot. She is one of our rulers, after all. Everypony loves her.

I can't resist my feelings for her! She's too cute! The way she gets all excited when she gets to talk about something she's fond of, I can't help but smile. I wish to have her in bed with me, cuddled up against me, whispering reassurances in my ear that she'll be there. I hope my harboured feelings would listen and behave for once! Anyways, I want her to hold me as she did to her stuffed toy—Smarty Pants, was it?—when she was younger.

I could write a whole list of reasons why I love Twilight!-

I sneezed. "Achoo!"

My dearest looked at me, curiously, "You okay, Rarity?"

I nodded but sneezed again. I sniffed as I responded, "Yes, darling, I'm fine, thanks to you for walking with me on this fine winter day."

"I don't think you should say 'fine.' Last time I checked, you got a cold yesterday, you could get sick," she gestured with a hoof as she spoke. Don't you see it too? She's adorable when she gets to explain herself!

"I'm fine, darling, really," I said to Twilight before I sniffed.

"Rarity."

"I don't need any treatme-"

"Rarity."

"-ment, although I could use-"

"Rarity!"

I snapped out of my vocal musing as I realized Twilight was almost above the peak of shouting my name, other citizens of Ponyville watching us as we stopped dead in our tracks for some silly argument.

It wasn't a silly argument.

This wasn't a joke! Rarity was falling ill right in front of me! I knew she should've stayed home, away from the cold weather! I would've accompanied her even if she stayed inside! I insisted she stayed in a while ago, but she never listened.

"Rarity, please," Twilight began, "Let's turn back to the boutique. You need to rest. I can tell you're getting sick, so please bear with me that you must stay home today."

"But Twilight," Rarity coughed. "I don't need any treatment."

"You're getting sick right in front of me."

"No, I'm not."

Twilight sighed. "You know what, Rarity? I'm going to take you home, grab some medicine, and that's final."

I grabbed her with my magic and started to drag her back to the Boutique. Rarity started to flail around in my grasp.

"Twilight, I demand you put me down this instant! I'm fine; I already told you this!"

I rolled my eyes as I kept trotting back to Carousel Boutique, Rarity in tow.

An hour after Twilight got Rarity's medicine, she walked back to the boutique, medicine tucked inside her saddlebags. When she entered Carousel Boutique, she heard some coughing coming from upstairs. So, Twilight walked up the stairs, headed toward Rarity's room. She opened the door to see Rarity in bed, next to her was her younger sister, Sweetie Belle, sitting on the side of Rarity's bed.

"Thanks for taking care of Rarity while I was gone, Sweetie Belle," Twilight said to the filly.

Sweetie nodded, "No problem at all! I'll leave you here with big sis. I'm gonna do some homework."

A few seconds passed after Sweetie left, Twilight closed the door behind her and walked towards Rarity, where she was laying in bed. She sat on the edge of the bed.

"Okay, let's see how you've been doing while I was gone," Twilight checked the thermometer wedged in between Rarity's lips. "Hm." She then put the back of her hoof on Rarity's forehead. She was burning up.

"Oh, wow, you're hot."

"I know, darling," Rarity purred with a smirk.

"Wait-" Twilight's face started to flush. "I-I d-didn't mean it like that!" She covered her face with her hooves.

Rarity coughed before saying, "I was kidding, dear."

Twilight snorted. "Sure you were," she deadpanned, face still flushed, though less red from before.

Rarity let out a throaty chuckle before coughing profusely. She groaned and buried her face into the pillow where her head rested. Twilight smiled at the cute gestures of the unicorn before taking out the medicine she ordered from her saddlebags.

"Alrighty, I'll need you to open up and-"

"No."

Twilight blinked.

"Sorry?"

"No," Rarity flatly stated a second time.

The alicorn sighed. "Rarity, you need to take this."

"But I have a hunch that it'll taste horrendous!" Rarity wept. Twilight rolled her eyes.

"And?"

"I don't want to take it!"

The lavender mare facehoofed. "Do you want to continue to be sick? Or do you want to get better? I'll even offer to stay the week if needed."

Rarity pouted. "Fine. But promise you'll treat me well like the damsel in distress I am?" Her pout slowly formed into a small smile.

Twilight rolled her eyes, "Sure."

And that was the start of many stressful, yet fun activities Twilight had to deal with.

The medicine tasted horrid!

Imagine putting yourself in my horseshoes and tasting that medicine Twilight gave me. Mind you; it felt dreadful!

Twilight came into my bedroom with a glass of water and what looked like a bowl of soup on a tray. She's so generous, I swear!

"Hey, Rares," She began, "I made something for you."

"Twilight, darling," I coughed before continuing. "I am flattered by your generosity."

That serenading giggle rang through my ears. "It's the least I can do for you."

I blushed, still complimented by her actions. I then watched as my friend placed the soup tray on my bedside cabinet. She sat next to me and leaned over to grab a spoon full of whatever soup she made. She fed me the spoonful.

"What soup is this? I can feel some bits at the end of my tongue," I asked her.

"Mushroom soup," Twilight stated. "You know, the soup with some mushroom bits inside. Funny, I think those are bits of mushroom in there, woooow!" She put her hooves on her face, sarcastically. I can tell with the smug grin on her face at the end.

I rolled my eyes. "Shush, Twi."

She giggled. "Sorry, hehe."

Twilight then levitated another spoonful of soup towards me. I sat up and blew on the hot liquid, careful to not burn my precious tongue.

She smiled. "I made this myself, so drink up."

I returned, said smile and shoved the spoon gently into my mouth. I hummed in contentment. "This is pretty good. Mmm."

That wonderfully satisfied smile again. "I'm glad you like it," She's adorable. "Now when you finish the soup, we'll need you to retake the medicine-"

"No."

Twilight blinked. It's as if we've been in this situation before.

"Pardon?"

"No," I denied. "I thought it was a one-time thing!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "But it isn't. Have you ever been sick before?"

"Yes."

"Then why are you acting as if you've never been sick before?"

"I'm not."

"Rarity... you'll need to take this medicine until you're up and running again."

I think about it before answering, "Fiiiine. But I'm only doing it because..." My eyes widen, and I clasped a hoof over my mouth. My eyes darted around, avoiding Twilight's gaze.

Twilight cocked her head to the side. "Because of what?" she asks with curiosity.

"U-Uhm. Uh, nothing?" I hesitated as I gave her a crooked grin. I couldn't come up with an answer. How am I failing to make this sentence? I'm one of the most self-confident ponies out there, and I can't even form a penalty in front of my love interest! Good grief, I'm a disaster.

"Eh... okay?"

"Tee-hee," I giggled.

She then gave me a spoonful of medicine, the smell filling my nostrils. It was intoxicating in the wrong way. Nonetheless, it was Twilight who was giving it to me, so it didn't matter.

"Open up, Rares."

I hesitated before opening my mouth. Twilight spoonfed me the liquid. Again, it tasted convulsive. So disgusting that I shivered after swallowing. I practically gagged at it too.

I asked her, "How long will I have to take this?"

"About three or four days, I think," she said as she levitated the glass of water to me.

I groaned.

A day later.

"Look, Rares, if I had the opportunity to remove the flu from your system, I would. But I can't, even with magic, so that's a bummer. For now, you'll need to take this until you're good as new," I say, brushing the stray hairs out of her fantastic looking face.

"You'll be fine."

"I will?"

"As long as you have me by your side, you'll get better in no time. I promise!" I declared, patting her hoof.

Rarity chuckled. "You are very cute sometimes, Twilight Sparkle."

My cheeks felt warmer. What is with me and my feelings for her?

I just gave her a warm smile in return instead. "Alright, just give me a minute or two, I'll be cleaning these."

I grabbed the cup, bowl and medicine with the tray. I smiled at her before leaving the room.

Oh my gosh, I can't believe I get to spend more time with Rarity! I squealed while hopping on the spot. I was so happy I took this opportunity! I felt so thrilled I even forgot the door was still a crack open.

"Twilight?" I heard her voice call out my name.

Shoot.

My face flushed again, probably for the thousandth time that day. Perhaps I was getting sick too? Or is it just my feelings making me more selfish? Anyway.

After I composed myself, I walked back into Rarity's room, "Yes, Rarity?" I ask gently.

I saw she was blushing as well. "Could you do me tiny favour and rub my head again?"

I keep blushing! And I just composed myself! Ugh, I'm such a mess! "Of course," I managed to say.

I walked over to the side of the bed again, putting my hoof on her head and starting to rub gently. For some odd reason, it brings a sense of comfort to me.

"One more thing, if you don't mind, dear."

I nodded. She blushed as hard as me. I'm pretty sure.

"Could you... sit in bed with me?"

Oh. My. Goodness. That's it. My lavender coat will be turning red now. I'm going to be a tomato.

I, despite my condition, climbed into bed with Rarity. It was awkward at first, but she's very warm. I like it. I continued to rub her forehead, and she sighed deeply.

It looks like she's relaxing. She finally accepted the fact she was sick.

I noticed something else.

Those violet locks of hair, they were so soft, just like her coat. I started to rub her cheek in small circle shapes. Was she always this beautiful?

"See something you like, darling?" Rarity says to break the silence.

I internally lost it.

She smirked at me, seeing that my face heated up quite quickly. "U-um... I-I d-didn't... uh....."

She let out a small laugh. "I'm only kidding with you, sweetheart," she said.

Sweetheart? What? I've heard her say 'sweetheart' to many other ponies before, but why, oh why, does it sound so unique when she's talking to me?

My thoughts keep drifting around my head. I felt my heart start to race. That one name was swirling around my head. Sweetheart, sweetheart...

"W-what did you just call me?" I mutter.

Horseapples! I sounded as if I was offended by that!

Rarity's face started to flush. "I... uh... said 'sweetheart'..." she replies, averting her gaze away from mine.

I feel my heart swoon, and I feel a smile come across my face — a very dumb-looking one.

Rarity yawned. "Well, I'm going to take a nap. If you want, you may join me," she said, snuggling into the soft sheets.

Can I calm down for just a split second? I mean, so what if she offered me to take a nap with her...

I took a deep breath and waited until Rarity fell asleep.

A few minutes pass, and I finally decide to lie down next to Rarity. I can feel her warmth, how welcoming it is. I get underneath the sheets, and slowly scoot my way next to her, our coats brushing against each other.

Her burgundy mane faced me. I gulp before snuggling into her back.

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, what am I doing?

I feel Rarity moving, and my heart skipped a beat. What if she asks me to leave? What if she starts to hate me? What if she-

I felt a head snuggle into my neck.

I start to scream with joy internally.

Twilight was in shock.

She thought that Rarity would hate her. But instead, she was given what she wanted. Although Twilight's heart raced, she tried to keep calm and cuddle the pony that laid with her.

An hour later, Rarity had woken up. She groaned, trying to analyze where she was. She realized she was in the same place, but she felt warmer. It's as if something was wrapped around her.

Funny, a lavender wing and a pair of hooves were wrapped around her from behind. She pulled her head out of what was embracing her, only to see it was her friend, Twilight.

The same friend she had feelings for.

The same friend who made a promise to stay and take care of her.

The same friend.

"T-Twilight?" Rarity called softly. She nudged Twilight's side a few times, an attempt to wake the sleeping alicorn. Twilight stirred, trying to shake the leftover sleep away.

"H-Hmm?" Twilight managed to groan out.

"Wake up, darling."

Twilight's eyes slowly open, but then provided a stunned expression. She quickly pulled away from Rarity. "O-Oh... I-I didn't mean... um..." she stuttered, "I d-didn't think you'd notice..." Twilight then avoided Rarity's gaze.

"Twilight, dear, it's quite alright-"

"No... No, it's not. I'm just going to go now... Spike's worried about me..." she murmured, getting onto all four hooves and slowly walking out the room.

"Twilight, please... don't go... I-I need you to stay..." Rarity admits, a few tears welling in her eyes.

Twilight stops in her tracks and looks at Rarity. "Why... why do you need me? Why do you want me to stay?"

"Because..." Rarity sighed before continuing, Might as well get this over with....

"For the longest time, I've had feelings for you. Everything about you, I've adored. The way you would talk to me, the way you would treat me with such kindness and care...It's just made me feel these emotions I've never seriously felt for somepony before." Her eyes start to well with tears. "I just, you mean...alot to me."

Rarity finally admits, well, everything. She may have that booming self-confidence, yes, but she does have a soft side that she doesn't reveal often. Until now, that is.

Twilight then walks over to her, slowly,

"Rares...look at me."

"N-No.."

"Rarity. Please, look at me."

Rarity wipes her tears and slowly looks up the lavender pony in front of her. Twilight was also tearing up.

"I felt the same way."

Rarity was taken aback. "You have?"

"Y-Yeah...I mean, I thought it was quite clear before, but regardless, I feel the same way about you as well."

Rarity wept and threw herself onto Twilight, burying her face in her neck. Twilight patted her back gently a few times before rubbing circles on the other mare's back, as well as the fact she was crying herself. A few minutes passed, and Rarity's sobbing and hiccuping were converted into small sniffs here and there.

"Twilight..."

"Yes, Rarity?"

"I...want to give you something...special.."

Twilight was perplexed. What could Rarity possibly give her?

"Close your," a cough. "eyes."

"Um, okay," Twilight let her eyelids fall.

"I've never gifted this to anypony before, so...consider yourself lucky."

"Wow, Rarity, I guess this is a special gif-"

Rarity lets her lips connect with Twilight. Her eyes widen at the sudden contact. How...soft, her lips were. How comforting and loving the kiss was. Like if she were to show every bit of affection she ever felt for her, in just one action.

Twilight lets her eyes fall as she then melts into the kiss.

Rarity pulls away slowly. Her face flushed with red. "S-So...did you like your gift?" Rarity asks shyly.

"Y-Yeah...I did." Twilight tries to keep her eye contact on Rarity but fails miserably. She quickly covers her eyes with her hooves in embarrassment.

"Twilight dear, there's no need to hide."

"I know, but...I've just never done this before, so...it's a first for me."

Rarity smiles before enveloping Twilight into a hug. Twilight recited the embrace with her hooves and wings.

"I don't know if this is too soon to say, but...I love you."

Twilight's heart raced. Just those three words, coming from her; it meant so much.

"I...I love you, too.."

After the confession and the repeated practice of taking horrid medicine, Rarity and Twilight both came to the agreement that they would share the news with the rest of their friends.

Rarity and Twilight both decided to set up a meeting where all of their friends would come together to hear about the recent news.

The meeting starts, and Rarity can see that Twilight is nervous. She turns to Twilight, giving her a warm, reassuring smile, before turning back to the group.

"So what do y'all wanna talk to us about?" Applejack asks with curiosity.

"Um...well," Twilight starts.

"We decided to set up this meeting to tell you guys some news about both me and Rarity. "

"Ooh, tell us! Tell us!" Pinkie Pie exclaims.

"Okay...um...well..." Twilight is stumped. She can't get the words out. So instead, Rarity takes over.

"Okay. We have come here today to tell you that dearest Twilight and I are together."

Everyone had mixed reactions. Some were joyful; some stayed neutral; some had a concern.

They all headed back toward Twilight's home, to then celebrate the new couple.

"Mind telling us the story on how you got sick and how you two got together through that experience?" Applejack asked. Everypony else leaned their heads in, keen on listening to Rarity and Twilight's story.

"Well, I suppose I could tell one small story," Rarity started, "Although it is kind of late..."

"C'mon, tell us!" Rainbow Dash demanded.

"Alright then..."

"Wait, Rarity-"

"Well, darlings. Guess who got the flu. I did! Isn't that just splendid?" Rarity began.

Twilight interrupted, "I don't think that's a good thing, I mean-"

"Hush, Twilight. It all started when..."