Upon waking up the next morning, Twilight could feel something around her middle. She squirmed a little bit, trying to loosen herself from it, but whatever it was, didn't seem to budge. Opening her eyes to the intruding light source, she yawned and tried to discern whatever was holding her back.

Green filled her vision, which confused her for a moment. She didn't have green blankets or sheets, nor did she sleep in or with a green article of clothing. What was going on here?

Disoriented from having just slipped out of the dream world, the unicorn squirmed a little bit. The green grip around her loosened ever slightly. When she focused, she could see Ascentia half sitting up in bed beside her, holding an open book in her free hand.

“Oh!” Twilight squeaked, wide-eyed, “H-Hey! I...oh...sorry.”

Ascentia smiled a bit, shaking her head, “Why are you sorry? I was the one responsible for startling you.”

“I-well I... Never mind, I'm fine,” Twilight waved it off and yawned. “So...last night happened, didn't it?”

“I wouldn't lie to you and call it a dream.”

“...Guess not. Me neither.”

The woman chuckled, ruffling her mane and then getting up. “I will say, you certainly seemed to be feeling better about everything.”

Twilight blushed a bit, managing to smile. “What can I say, you just, I don't know...have a way, I guess.”

“A way with what?”

“I'm hungry.”

It took all of Twilight's strength not to laugh at the Val'Kyr's baffled expression. Unfortunately, it was proved fruitless when giggles escaped her.

“Sorry, I had to,” she said, shaking her head. “Actually, what I was trying to say was...” Twilight slowly climbed off her bed, hiding the fact that she was blushing. “You really had a way of helping me relax. I feel a lot better about everything, and that maybe it really can work out. I guess I worry too much, don't I?”

With an assuring smile, Ascentia gently stroked her mane for a moment before retrieving two brushes. A mane brush and a coat brush. Instructing Twilight to sit, she sat back on the bed and proceeded to brush her mane gently.

“Perhaps a little. Though I can't blame you for it, either. It's a whole new experience for you,” Ascentia murmured.

“Yeah, it is,” Twilight agreed, closing her eyes as she relaxed all the more from the comforting brushing. “But I think we can make it work. We'll just have to, I don't know, play it by ear. If you're okay with that.”

The brushing continued as the woman was silent for a couple of moments. Worried, Twilight tried to glance over her shoulder, only for her mane to be tugged gently in a way to tell her to keep still. The unicorn did so, facing straight ahead.

“As long as you're all right with that,” Ascentia said finally. “I wouldn't want to pressure you.”

“You're not. I mean, I just hope I'm not pressuring you, either.”

“Don't be silly. You aren't pressuring me in the slightest.”

Smiling, the unicorn relaxed all the more into the gentle brushing of her mane. A few more strokes and the brush was pulled away. Twilight stood, allowing her tail to be brushed.

“After all,” Ascentia went on, grasping the end of Twilight's tail in her hand while she brushed through it, “as long as you feel good, that's enough for me. And you remember that I said...”

Twilight shuddered as the woman's lips touched her ear.

“You make the cutest noises.”

Blushing, Twilight giggled a bit. “You flatter me.”

“I'm only telling the truth.”

“Twilight!” Spike's voice sounded from the other side of the door. “Rarity and Fluttershy are here, they're waiting downstairs. Are you up and ready?”

Flinching, Twilight held her breath, almost as if she were afraid that Spike could see through the door. But then again, he was used to Ascentia being around often, so it likely wouldn't phase him that she was here. In fact, considering she used to either stay in or near her bedroom during the night, which Spike knew of, it was going to seem like an everyday occurrence to him.

Exhaling, she relaxed herself as her companion continued brushing her.

“Yep, I'm up! I'm just brushing myself, I'll be down in a few minutes.”

“Okay!” Spike said from the other side of the door. “I'll be downstairs!”

Exhaling once again, this time in relief, Twilight relaxed. “I'm really getting a little too on edge about this.”

“Nearly getting caught can do that,” Ascentia remarked.

“I know...” Twilight pouted a bit, digging her hoof into the floor. “I guess I just don't know what they're going to think. I'm beginning to think they suspect something is up between us. Pumpkin was telling me that last night, when I got there.”

“How so?”

“Well...she kind of...knew about us.”

Ascentia paused in brushing, but that was also when she placed the mane brush aside and went to work on brushing Twilight's coat.

“Oh my. She certainly is very sharp if she figured it out.”

“That's what I thought, too! She knew from smelling me that I'd done that, and then I guess she put two and two together.”

“Well... It seems she developed quite a social conscience for such a young filly.” Remarked the Val'Kyr, still brushing Twilight's coat.

“You're telling me,” Twilight agreed, arching a little in response to the brushing, “she really had grown up pretty quickly. Mrs. Cake had shown her and Pound a basic book about where foals come from, so that's partly how she even knew about sex to begin with.”

“Skipping the silly theories they often use on children?”

“Uh-huh, that's exactly it. I just hope she doesn't tell anypony about it, though. Pinkie knows, but I didn't tell her it was with you. Rainbow...suspects it, but I managed to throw her off course.” Twilight said.

“Mm-hmm...” Ascentia finished brushing her, and placed the brushes aside. “Well, it is up to you in the long run, Twilight. You don't have to tell them until you're ready.”

The unicorn stretched her newly brushed body, nodding as she stood up straight. “You're right, I'll see what I can do about that.”

They left her room, going downstairs. Sure enough, Rarity and Fluttershy were waiting in the main room of the library, alongside Spike, who was entertaining them with some stories. Upon seeing them coming in, the three perked and smiled. Most especially Rarity, who was smiling brightly.

“Twilight, darling! Good morning!” Rarity enveloped her into a hug. “It has been some time, hasn't it?”

“Yeah, I guess!” Twilight hugged her back. “What are you girls doing around here?”

“Well...we're on our way to the spa, actually,” Fluttershy said, a bit of a nervous edge laced in her tone. “We wanted to know if you'd like to come with us.”

Twilight was about to respond, but Rarity had inadvertently cut her off when upon discovering the state of Ascentia's hair.

“Ascentia, darling, whatever happened to your hair?!”

Unfazed, Ascentia gave a shrug, fingering a few strands of her deep red hair. “Nothing, really. I just hadn't washed or brushed it yet. In my line of work, one tends to not bother. The constant chance of blood getting everywhere tends to render it moot.”

“I would say so! It's quite a bit limp and frizzy!” Rarity stood on her hind legs, feeling the strands with her hooves. Her eyes went wide with shock. “Good gracious! It's quite coarse! Darling, this simply won't do! A woman such as yourself should not have to walk around with your hair in such a state! You have such beautiful hair, it simply cannot remain this way!”

“Don't you worry about it. It's just the result of the harsh environments I have faced over the years. It's not a big deal,” Ascentia waved it off.

“Darling, I insist! I will take care of your hair after we return from the spa! Why, you even had split ends!”

“That's fine, I can manage it myself. I appreciate the offer, but not this time.”

“A second pair of eyes always helps, most especially when it comes to hair!” Fretted the white unicorn, shaking her head.

A sigh escaped Ascentia as her voice rose a bit to a warning octave. “I realize that, but I don't-”

“Rarity, take a good look at my face and ask yourself if styling my hair would be the equivalent of milking a dead cow,” Ascentia snapped, quickly growing irritated with the unicorn's persistance.

“Hey, never mind, you guys!” Twilight cut in between them. “Let's go to the spa, shall we? We don't want to be late!”

Fluttershy nodded in all too agreement with that. “Yes, we should go.”

In a brief moment, Fluttershy looked Ascentia in the eye, an eyebrow raised. Ascentia looked back with an expression that conveyed the message 'Not a word' to her.

“If you insist, darling!” Rarity said, as if forgetting what she was doing. “Let us be off!”

Twilight sighed with relief, glad that things didn't have to get ugly. She couldn't help but think that it was almost like attempting to get Rainbow Dash to get her mane done. Only not nearly as fussy.

A little later, at the spa, the three ponies were now relaxing in the sauna, wearing their robes and towels wrapped around their heads. Twilight felt more relaxed, glad to have agreed to coming along for the spa excursion. Rarity and Fluttershy lay on either side of her, relaxing quietly.

'Maybe I'm overreacting about everything. It's nice that I can just enjoy the spa with-'

“Twilight, you must tell me your secret! You're glowing wonderfully, dear!”

Twilight's eyes snapped open as she sat up. “What? What do you mean?”

“I mean, you're positively glowing!” Rarity said, sitting up as well, “You look so healthy, so radiant! How in the world did you do that?”

Fluttershy, meanwhile, looked nervous as she bit her lip, saying nothing.

“I...don't do anything, I haven't done anything differently!” The lavender unicorn defended, trying to mask how nervous she was feeling.

“Really?” Rarity tilted her head curiously. “Well, that's kind of odd. Fluttershy said the same thing a few months back! It had been the day after that party... And we had gone to the spa to recoup from that night's events. She was positively radiant, and even has been since!”

“Well...it's as I said...I just used a different kind of facial cream...” Fluttershy smiled nervously, clearly lying.

“Uh...yeah! I think, that's the reason I was, too... I uh, tried out a new cream!” Twilight threw in, hoping to sound convincing.

The white unicorn beamed, clapping her hooves, “Ooh! How delightful! You'll have to tell me this product, then! I hadn't seen either of you looking radiant!”

Twilight glanced at Fluttershy, seeing that the timid pony was clearly hiding something as well. Considering what she knew, she had a good feeling that she was also trying to cover up her own friends with benefits affair. But what did a glowing coat have to do with it? That was the real question at hoof. Either way, she was going to consult her books when she got home.

Clearing her throat, Fluttershy nodded. “I uh...don't remember the name off the top of my head, but I'll tell you when I do...”

Luckily, this was when Aloe and Lotus let them know that the next portion of their spa treatment was ready. Twilight heaved a relieved sigh, getting off the bench and following her friends to the next room. Aside from how she was apparently glowing, Rarity didn't seem to suspect anything. If she did, she wasn't saying anything about it. At least, not right now.

She just hoped they would get through this spa date without any such thing happening.

In the other room, they were set up on tables for hooficures and massages, which Twilight happily accepted. Considering the tension in her shoulders, it was just the relief she needed. Fluttershy was receiving a hooficure, while Rarity was getting a facial. Aside from occasional remarks or small talk, Twilight was glad for it being fairly quiet and relaxing between them.

“So...” Fluttershy spoke up softly. It was a bit of a surprising feat, she wasn't always the one to start conversations. “Um... H-How was your evening, Twilight?”

“My evening?” Twilight felt a shudder. But moreover, was wondering what was wrong with Fluttershy and why she seemed nervous about her question. Even for her, it was odd. “Oh, it was good. I went to spend time with Pinkie and the twins, since she was looking after them for the evening. We had some fun, actually! We were telling scary stories, and Ascentia showed up to scare us! It was pretty funny.”

“Oh! Well, that's pretty nice...” Fluttershy smiled nervously, but laughed a bit.

“Indeed! That surely is quite an appropriate entrance!” Rarity remarked.

Even Twilight couldn't help but giggle at that. “You're right! So before we put the twins to bed, we did a roleplaying game and-”

“Pinkie's idea.” Rarity interjected knowingly. “It was, wasn't it?”

“You thought right!” The lavender mare nodded. “Pinkie had me playing a distressed damsel Princess, she was an evil megalomaniac Queen, and Ascentia playing the knight. It was...yeah, I thought it was kind of lame and childish, but as I look back, it was fun to do. Especially with Ascentia playing it straight like she was, and Pinkie was entertaining as always.”

“Sounds like fun, Twilight,” Fluttershy smiled, looking a lot less nervous.

Twilight smiled fondly and nodded, “It really was. So, after the twins were put to bed, we left and headed back to the library. That's about it, really. I read and went to bed after, since it was pretty late at the time.”

“At least you had fun! I was up quite late finishing an order to be sent out to Canterlot!” Rarity said, making a dramatic motion. “The unfortunate delays made it almost difficult to complete!”

Glad for the subject being taken away from her, Twilight looked over to the fashion artist curiously. “What happened?”

“Poor Sweetie Belle came down with pneumonia this past weekend, and because mother and father had been out of town, I had to look after her since Thursday. Then I had to go see her teacher at school yesterday to stand-in for our parents.” Rarity sighed, shaking her head. “I am not entirely sure what caused it, however. Though I assume it may have had to do with the crusading she does with her friends.”

“Oh... Rainbow and I were looking after Scootaloo, since she was sick on our watch the other day.” Fluttershy said, shaking her head. “She said that they were trying to get their cutie marks in scuba diving for buried treasure. They went into the Winding River to try to find the sunken ocean liner down there, The Empress of Celtics.”

“What?!” Twilight gaped, as did Rarity. “But the river that deep down is freezing cold and not to mention dangerous for inexperienced divers! They wouldn't be able to navigate the sunken ocean liner!”

“It certainly explains why the girls were sick!” Rarity groaned, shaking her head. “Sweetie Belle must have known I would be furious, she didn't tell me THAT part.”

“We knew Scootaloo was lying, when she was trying to tell us otherwise,” Fluttershy murmured, shaking her head. “So she finally fessed up and told us. We didn't tolerate it, of course.”

“No kidding. I remember one time, when I was taking Pumpkin for a nature study walk, she ended up stepping in poison ivy. Eventually, she had a pretty bad reaction to it, but was trying to hide it so that she wouldn't trouble me. Of course, it ended up in getting a huge mess on hooves, and I had to take her home to the Cakes and Pinkie, trying to explain everything without looking irresponsible.” Twilight recalled the memory, sighing a bit.

“Heavens to mercy, that must have been embarrassing!” Remarked the white mare, shaking her head.

Twilight gave a nod, sitting up when the masseuse had finished massaging her back. “You're telling me, it was.”

“I...suppose a lot of things can be...embarrassing...” Fluttershy said, clearing her throat. “Um, so! We're getting off topic now... Um...did uh...anything else happen, Twilight? You know, since last night? During last night?”

Raising a brow, Twilight wondered what she could possibly was trying to fish for and was trying to hide. “Um...nothing, really, like I said. I just went home and read a book before going to sleep.”

The timid mare opened her mouth to say something, but seemed to decide against it as she then went quiet. Once more, Twilight was left wondering what was going on with her. Even Rarity seemed a bit confused, despite that it was hard to tell behind the cucumber slices over her eyes.

“Fluttershy, darling...are you all right?”

“Yes, I'm fine.” Fluttershy said, looking away.

“...Okay...well, um...what about you? What were you up to?” Twilight asked curiously. She then nodded to Lotus, who was holding up a horn file, allowing her horn to be filed.

“Me? Oh, nothing... I was just out with Rainbow. She was practicing some tricks during the afternoon, and afterward, we went to Cloudsdale. For old time's sake, we went to our favourite diner, where we went to a lot growing up...” Fluttershy smiled then, laying her chin on her hooves as she stared ahead dreamily. “After that, we flew around a little bit before she took me home.”

Twilight bit her lip, wondering if anything else happened after that. 'I wonder if Rainbow told her...that I knew...? I don't know, it's hard to tell.' “Well, that sounds like it was a fun time, wasn't it?”

“It certainly is, dear.” Rarity agreed. “My, you two really have been spending so much time together lately! Why, you even have taken to spending time with her when she takes Scootaloo for flying lessons and the like!”

Blushing, the pink-maned pegasus looked away again. “Well, I want to be able to help Scootaloo, and the three of us do have fun together.”

“That's just lovely!” Giggled the white unicorn, clearly delighted by this. “It wouldn't surprise me if the three of you were mistaken as a family!”

“A family? Well, sure, Scootaloo sees Rainbow as a big sister, and lately she even sees me as a sister to her, as well.” Shrugged Fluttershy.

Twilight knew that to be true, but wondered what Rarity was getting at. Moreover, if she really was, she couldn't help but wonder how Fluttershy would react to that, all things considered.

“A-Anyway...um...what are you two planning for today?” A nervous Fluttershy then said, changing the topic.

“Mmm...well I do have a few new dresses for my latest line that I have to make. They are some new designs I had drawn up last week, but hadn't had the chance to try. Perhaps I'll have them finished by tomorrow.” Rarity said thoughtfully. “How about you, dears?”

“Nothing much for me, I think my agenda is mostly cleared. I might just go home and curl up with a good book.” Twilight smiled brightly at the idea. There were some books she'd been meaning to read for the past while.

Fluttershy closed her eyes as Aloe applied some facial cream to her features. “Rainbow has her weather duties today, and I promised Applejack I would help her shoo off some animals that were eating at their crops. I do keep trying to tell them not to, but I guess they can't help it. After that, I have to give Angel a checkup. He hates it, but it's for his own good, and he hates going to the vet.”

Now Twilight was curious as to why Fluttershy felt she had to mention Rainbow's plans for the day. Was there something else going on that she wasn't aware of? Or was she just that bad at hiding their affair?

“I see...” Something in Rarity's tone suggested that she was wondering the same thing. Turning to Twilight, she said, “Darling, there was something I was wondering. Considering that Ascentia is essentially the only one of her kind dwelling here...as far as we all know, how will she settle down, if she chooses to?”

“Oh, well, she does have her own little place.” Twilight said offhandedly. “She's kind of settled down, in a way.”

“True enough, dear, but I had also meant if she ever wanted to settle down with another.”

“With-oh!” Twilight realized what Rarity was getting at, and blinked. “I...never thought of that. She always said she just wasn't interested in any of the Val'Kyr, that she always politely turned them down if they propositioned her. I guess if she ever wanted to, she would, but I guess that's not on her mind right now.”

“Mmm...can't say I blame her.” Rarity admitted, shaking her head. “As darling as it would be to settle down with a special somepony, even I must admit that I do not have time for dating right now.”

The lavender unicorn stared off toward the ceiling, considering all of that. Ascentia and courting someone were not words that went together in the same sentence, as far as she was concerned. Aside from the woman's vague admittance that she'd had sexual experience, there wasn't much else beyond that. Whatever her past had been in that regard was a mystery. Twilight never thought to ask, and it was never actually brought up. Now, she was curious. But then again, it was probably best not to delve into that. More than likely, it was probably a memory she didn't want to think about, and Twilight felt it better to respect that.

'Still, I guess I can't help but wonder what will happen with that. What if she does fall in love someday? Will she still stay here? Or will she go back to the Capital? Will she bring her lover here? Would that mean we couldn't be friends with benefits anymore? Jeez...it's so confusing.' Twilight thought. She couldn't help but wonder why the thought of Ascentia being with someone in a romantic way made her a little uncomfortable to think about.

Before she could think further, Fluttershy spoke up again.

“I wouldn't mind settling down with-” Fluttershy cut herself off. “well, whoever I choose to be with someday.”

“...Fluttershy, what were you about to say?” Rarity asked, sounding suspicious.

“Um! Nothing at all!” Fluttershy squeaked.

Twilight rolled her eyes. She knew the signs of lying when it came to Fluttershy, considering how much of a lousy liar she was. “Fluttershy, don't lie to us. You were about to say something, but you clearly cut yourself off.”

“Darling....you have your eye on somepony, don't you?” Rarity was smiling then, clearly interested. “Oh, you must tell us! Who is the lucky pony?”

“I...I...I don't....” Squeaked the timid pony, cowering on her table.

“...You can tell us, if you want to, Fluttershy.” Twilight coaxed. She couldn't help feeling curious, all things considered.

Taking the cucumber slices off her eyes, Fluttershy actually looked sad rather than dreamy. “Fine. If you want to know, it's......-sh.”

“I beg your pardon?” Rarity leaned her head closer. “I didn't hear that.”

“-ow -ash...” Fluttershy mumbled incoherently.

Twilight held a hoof toward her ear and leaned closer as well. “One more time?”

“Rainbow Dash!!” The creamy yellow pegasus near-shouted.

Both unicorns were wide-eyed, especially since the cucumber slices fell from Rarity's eyes.

Twilight felt a stab of sympathy in her heart, as if it were shattering to pieces. Considering how Rainbow was adamant about not being in love with Fluttershy, she wondered if it truly was one-sided. Granted, it was likely that Rainbow could've been in denial, didn't want to admit it out loud, or didn't even realize she could have felt that way. But then again, what if she truly wasn't?

'Poor Fluttershy...if Rainbow really doesn't feel the same way...that's going to break her heart. Oh...maybe I should tell her what she told me, so that she won't have to face rejection from-no. I can't do that. Then she'll know I know their secret, and Rainbow made me promise not to tell. Wow... They're sleeping together, and Fluttershy must be in heaven... Yet, also struggling with her feelings... Poor thing. I wonder how Rainbow really feels?' Twilight thought, unsure of what to say about it all.

'This is a bit of a mess... What if that happens to me? What if I fall in love with Ascentia? I mean, that's crazy, isn't it? I don't feel that way! I mean, I love her, but I'm not IN love with her... But okay, let's pretend for a second. What if I felt that way about her? Well, she wouldn't feel that way about me. Why would she? I'm probably like a little sister or a daughter to her. If I liked her and told her, she'd probably say she was flattered but would turn me down. And after what we've done... I guess that would hurt a lot, wouldn't it? ...That must be what Fluttershy is going to feel.'

“Well!” Rarity said, breaking the silence. “I knew there was something between you two! That night we were having the get-together in Applejack's barn, the way you two were completely adorable and romantic to each other when you were both inebriated was-”

“Rarity, don't bring that up...” Fluttershy blushed immensely. “I... I just like her. But I know she can't possibly love me back.”

“Why not, darling? As much as she can be a barbaric ruffian, not to mention aggressive and rash...Rainbow Dash still is who she is, and your best friend. Who is to say she can't feel the same way?”

Twilight bit her lip, unsure about responding to that.

The creamy yellow pony sighed, shaking her head. “It's just not going to work. She doesn't want me, somepony who's meek, shy, slow, and pretty much is afraid of her own shadow. I know I'd support her in becoming a Wonderbolt and performing her tricks, of course I would. ...But that wouldn't be enough for her, would it? She needs somepony who's fast, daring, and adventurous just like her. Somepony who understands her. ...I can't be that kind of pony for her. I'm not good enough for her.” Tears were beginning to pool in her eyes at this point.

“...Oh. I'm sorry you feel that way, Fluttershy.” Twilight mumbled, feeling her heart sink. 'Reason number #456 why Ascentia and I wouldn't work out, either. She's so powerful and strong, and has that awesome sword... I'm just a regular old unicorn. How can I possibly live up to that? She'd want someone who could live up to her power. Oh, sure. I helped save Equestria on numerous occasions, helped reform the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, and helped save the Crystal Empire... But what kind of bargaining chip is that? ...Why am I even thinking of that?'

“Now Fluttershy, don't be ridiculous.” Rarity then said, her tone stern. “You can't possibly think that's true.”

Fluttershy didn't respond, which was also because Aloe and Lotus were now taking them for mud baths.

So now they sat in their own individual tubs of the mud baths, quiet for a little while. Twilight was mulling over what she had just learned, and wondered what could be done or said about it at this point. Of course, the obvious answer was that she couldn't say nor do anything about it.

'I mean... I can't tell Fluttershy that Rainbow doesn't love her... And I also can't tell Rainbow that Fluttershy loves her... That just isn't for me to tell her. Fluttershy would have to do it herself. But she'll be heartbroken... I bet I could help them if I just-no! I can't do that. No, I have to let them solve it on their own. Gosh, I wonder what will happen... They really would be so cute together. I know Rainbow tries to hide it, but she really is such a softie, and the way she is around Fluttershy is really sweet. It's like they really can be themselves with each other. ...Wow, I sound like a shipper. Well, I guess I can't help it, really. I just hope things work out for them.' Twilight thought, casting a sidelong glance toward her shy friend.

Fluttershy meanwhile, looked sad and contemplative, not looking at either of them.

“Fluttershy, darling, if I may ask...has Rainbow Dash ever indicated that you don't have a chance with her? Did she outright say any of that?”

“....No, she hasn't.” Fluttershy responded, shaking her head.

“Then how can you be so sure?” The white unicorn pressed gently.

Twilight bit her lip, looking downward at the mud.

“Perhaps you should take a chance, darling. If you want my opinion, you two would be rather adorable together! And I think the balance you two have would help a lot, not to mention your history together!” Rarity giggled, liking this idea more and more. “You really should at least try.”

“I-I can't... I wouldn't want to lose her as a friend if I told her how I feel.”

“Don't be silly. You know Rainbow far better than I do, and I think you would know that she wouldn't throw away a perfectly good friendship over something like that.”

Twilight had to admit, Rarity had a good point.

'Well, she's right. I don't think Rainbow would cast her aside for that, or any of us, really. We're all friends, and we can all get past that kind of thing. If one of them admitted they liked me, or heck, even Ascentia... Unlikely... But if that happened, I'd accept their feelings. The last thing I would ever do is make it harder for them.' Twilight thought, feeling a sense of assurance. 'I just wonder how Fluttershy will feel when she finds out the sad truth...if it's even the sad truth. ...Maybe I should find out how Rainbow feels, without being direct about it... Maybe then I'll give Fluttershy a nudge to try to have them take things further than just being friends with benefits. ...Jeez, I really need to keep out of this. But I guess there wouldn't be harm in finding out the truth.'

Fluttershy exhaled, but nodded her head slowly. “You're right about that. I suppose I was exaggerating a little. But I still just...well, don't think I can be up front about how I feel. I really don't know what I would do if she rejected me.”

“You'll just have to move on and accept it.” Twilight interjected. “I mean, rejection does feel awful, but you'll survive it, Fluttershy. You've been through worse.”

“...I know...” The sunny mare responded, not quite looking at either of them.

“Twilight is right in that, Futtershy. You'll be all right even if it doesn't work out. But that doesn't mean you can't try. On your own terms, you can certainly give it a chance.”

Fluttershy didn't say anything further, indicating she wanted to end this conversation topic. Twilight couldn't blame her. She just hoped everything would turn out okay.

'After all...that could be me...or Ascentia...'

“Hey, I'm back.” Twilight announced in a low voice as she entered the library, closing the door behind her with her magic.

“Welcome back.” Ascentia said, glancing at her as she placed a book on a high shelf.

Not even fazed with the fact that the Val'Kyr was still around, the unicorn gave a nod of acknowledgement and went to go sit at the table. She barely even looked up as Ascentia came up beside her, rubbing her back.

“Is something the matter, Twilight? Something seems to be bothering you.”

Sighing, the unicorn leaned against her companion for comfort. 'I'm just over-thinking the possibility since it's happening to one of my close friends. I'll be fine.' She thought. “It's nothing, really. I'm just overreacting, as usual.”

“And what makes you say that?”

“We were at the spa, and Fluttershy...well, it turns out she actually has a crush on Rainbow.” Twilight admitted, at least glad for that being part of the truth.

“I see. So, considering what you had said before, regarding Rainbow's...reactions to the possibility, it's likely Fluttershy's feelings are unrequited.” Ascentia gently stroked her mane.

Nodding, the lavender mare looked away. “Exactly. I guess I'm just really worried about that happening, and there's nothing I can do about it.”

“Of course there isn't. It's something they themselves have to handle on their own. Your worry is understandable, especially since they're your friends and you want them to be happy. Part of also lies in the fact that it's out of your control. Just about anyone feels uneasy about situations they can't control. However, it's something you just have to let play out on its own.” The woman told her.

“...Yeah, I guess you're right.” Twilight conceded, nuzzling her muzzle into the Ascentia's green robes. “I'll just have to let it all play out. ...By the way, I need to find a book.”

“Which one?”

“Er, any book on sexual-related biologies and all that stuff...”

Ascentia rose her brow. “Why?”

“Just 'cause.” Twilight's gaze averted again.

Chuckling with amusement, Ascentia shook her head and then stood up, going over to the bookshelves. “Perhaps this will help you.” She took out a book, bringing it over to her.

Taking it with her magic, Twilight blushed and flipped through the pages. Upon finding the entry she was looking for, now she understood. It was apparent that sexual hormones combined with the sweat perspired during intimate activity did indeed leave a healthy, glowing effect on a pony's coat and skin. Most especially in the face. It was no wonder she'd been complimented for that over the past couple of days.

“Great. Now I'm going to need makeup to cover this all up.” Twilight groaned, facehoofing.

“That's what you're worried about?” Ascentia wanted to know.

“...Well, Rarity noticed it, and when she pointed out that Fluttershy had the same thing happen, under what I could only assume were the same circumstances, that sex had something to do with it. I can't believe I forgot about reading the 'afterglow' effects all those years ago.” Twilight closed the book, placing it next to her on the floor rather than putting it away.

Taking the book, Ascentia put it away. “There is one surefire way to prevent the afterglow effect, you know.”

“And what way is that?” Twilight queried.

Glancing at her, the woman turned around and then sat down near her, stroking her mane. “To stop having sex altogether.”

It was an obvious solution, which was of course floating around the back of Twilight's mind. At the same time, it wasn't one she had to take, even if it was the best method to avoid embarrassment.

'Ascentia's my friend... I know I could just give it all up... But I really don't want to. I really enjoy what we have. It's private and not something I want to broadcast, I know, but that doesn't mean I have to avoid it altogether. ...No... I won't give this up. I'll only stop if she wants me to, and if I need to move on.'

Climbing into her lap, Twilight nuzzled the Val'Kyr and hugged her as best she could.

“If that's the only downside, then bring it on.”

Ascentia chuckled, hugging the small unicorn, “Ah, to be young and horny.”

Twilight responded by pushing against her until the chair fell backward and Ascentia was on her back, Twilight resting on her chest. She wasted no time in pressing her lips to Ascentia's, moaning softly and running her hooves over her upper torso.

When they broke apart, Ascentia was half smirking, “Sometimes you're just too easy to read.”

Twilight looked at her with half-lidded eyes, “Shut up and buck me.”

“What is going on here?” came a voice from the doorway.

Twilight and Ascentia both looked over. Ascentia remained unsurprised, but Twilight's jaw dropped to the floor.

Princess Luna was standing in the doorway. And she looked absolutely furious.

Author's Notes:

Well, things are going along quite interestingly, eh? Not much else to say about this one, really. XD I guess I'll just let the chapter speak for itself. Oh, and why is Luna there? You'll find out next time around!