A week or so following Twilight and Spike's return to Ponyville, they'd gotten back into the swing of things. On a normal basis, so to speak, since no such big events had occurred in the past while. Everything seemed to be as normal as could be, with everypony just going about their days as normal.

On this particular day, Twilight was heading over to Fluttershy's to bring over some tea. Cadance had sent her some in the mail, which turned out to be delicious. Since she sent quite a bit, she decided to share it with her friends, and knew that Fluttershy, who was into drinking tea herself, would appreciate it.

However, upon arrival, she came upon a surprising sight. At least, as it transcended. Twilight could see, from where she stood, that Discord was with Fluttershy at the moment. But not only that, Fluttershy was crying. Although she couldn't hear what they were saying, it was clear that she was sobbing.

For a moment, the unicorn was just about ready to charge in, much like Applejack, and defend her friend. Discord making her cry was not something she was going to let go, but the moment she just about hunched over, the surprise came about.

Fluttershy looked up at him with teary eyes before she then threw her forelegs around his form and began to cry into his torso. Much like a child would in seeking comfort from an understanding friend or family member. Not only that, but Discord looked at her with genuine concern and sadness before gently patting her in comfort.

Twilight was shocked. It dawned on her that Discord didn't make her cry. Whatever made her upset had nothing to do with him. Relief flooded through her, glad to see that she was wrong about him yet again. She even felt heartwarmed to see that the very Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony was actually displaying compassion and trying to comfort Fluttershy. Nothing about it was deceitful or ironic.

However, that did still raise the question as to what Fluttershy was crying about. As much as the shy mare was very sensitive and wore her heart on her sleeve, there still had to be something wrong ahoof. Twilight bit her lip, trying to consider the possibilities, but had nothing conclusive. It could've been anything. Either way, she felt awful for her friend and wanted to do what she could to help her.

Slowly, she approached them, getting close enough to hear that Fluttershy was indeed crying with pain. There was no laughter nor any joy in her sobs, nothing that suggested she was crying happily. This was sorrow.

“Fluttershy? Fluttershy...are you okay?”

The creamy yellow pegasus was startled, but looked over at Twilight with wide, teary, puffy, bloodshot eyes.

“T-Twilight... No, I'm not...”

Stricken, Twilight looked up at Discord questioningly. He didn't respond, he just merely nudged his head toward Fluttershy. Understanding, the unicorn looked back at her friend, slowly approaching her again.

“What happened? Is everything okay? Did one of your animal friends get hurt? Did Angel eat another sock?”

Fluttershy shook her head, trembling a bit under Discord's embrace. She managed to look at her slightly, her lips quivering.

“I-I...Rainbow Dash...she...she...she doesn't...”

“Doesn't what?” Twilight prompted.

“She doesn't love me!” Fluttershy near-wailed, and then buried her face into the draconnequus' chest, sobbing brokenheartedly.

The words struck Twilight like a hit to the head with a baseball bat. Even though it affected Fluttershy far more, it didn't bring any sort of comfort. She'd been right all along? Rainbow Dash really didn't feel the same way?

“Is it true?” Twilight asked Discord, hoping against all hope that Fluttershy may have misunderstood something.

Discord nodded slowly. “She told her earlier this morning, and Rainbow Dash gently turned her down before flying off.”

“...Oh....” Twilight gulped, unable to conceive the notion that he might've been lying. But she had never seen him this solemn or this serious, which was pretty much all she needed to know. “Oh...Fluttershy, I'm so sorry.”

“D-D-Don't be...it's not your fault...” Fluttershy sniffled. “I-I just...I....I'll be fine...I'm just... I need time... Just...just give me time, Twilight.”

Feeling tears of her own come to her eyes, all the unicorn could do was nod. She looked to Discord with a tiny smile of gratitude, which he returned. Deciding to leave them alone for a while, she placed the packet of tea onto the ground, then turned to go. She looked back, seeing that Fluttershy was still crying and seeking her chaotic friend for comfort, which he was providing without hesitation.

Heart having since sunk, all Twilight could feel was the sorrow and loss of her friend's happiness in finding love. At the same time, she felt anger, but knew she had no reason to. Nonetheless, she felt as if she would either burst into rage or tears. As well as that, uncertainty. What was she to do now? She'd never had the chance to deal with somepony who had a broken heart like this.

Back at the library, Twilight stared dully at her plate, which consisted of a daisy sandwich. Spike had prepared it for her as a quick lunch, but she found herself at a loss of appetite. Nothing seemed good to her now, anything food-like were big red flags, warning her that she wouldn't feel good if she ate something. Her stomach seemed to churn and sit still, emitting neither pain nor hunger, but just there, feeling aware of its movements.

“Twilight? Are okay? You haven't even touched your sandwich.” Spike said, looking concerned.

Pushing her plate away, the unicorn sighed and lay her head on the table. “I'm not hungry.”

“You didn't even eat breakfast, all you had was some tea,” he pointed out, coming up beside her. “Did something happen?”

Sighing, Twilight managed to lift herself up to nuzzle him gently. “I just feel bad for Fluttershy.”

“And why is that?” Came Ascentia's voice.

When the unicorn looked up, she saw the woman in question standing in the doorway, drying a plate with a dish towel. Twilight didn't even have the strength to ask how and when she got there.

“What do you care,” she muttered, looking away, “it doesn't concern you.”

“Perhaps not, but it seems to be troubling you, and I want to know why.”

Twilight didn't answer. Instead, she got up, headed to her room, and closed the door. Plopping onto her bed, the lavender pony sighed heavily, staring listlessly at nothing.

For a long while, she didn't know how long, the unicorn lay there limply, trying to wrack her mind around everything. The visibly despondent Fluttershy was a heart-shattering image she knew she wouldn't forget. All because of rejection.

'It's not fair... Fluttershy loves Rainbow Dash...but she doesn't feel the same way. She even rejected her. How could she! How could she do that?! What, is Fluttershy not good enough for her?! Why I oughta-wait. Why am I getting upset? Okay, I need to settle down. I haven't heard Rainbow's side of the story, and I don't know what either of them said. Discord did say that Rainbow gently turned her down. ...Okay, fine. Fair enough. But now Fluttershy is heart broken... I feel so bad for her. She doesn't deserve this. How could Rainbow do that?! No no, don't get angry at her. She didn't do anything wrong. But what do we do now? What if it really affects their friendship? What if it affects all of us? What then?'

There was a knock at her bedroom door.

“Not now! I'm trying to think, here!”

“Twilight, it's me!” Said a new voice.

Ears perked, Twilight sat up straight upon hearing that voice. She knew it anywhere.

“...Cadance?”

A light blue aura of magic surrounded the door, then opened partway to reveal Cadance. She came in, closing the door behind her, and looking to her with concern.

“Cadance...? Why are you here?” Twilight asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

“Shining and I came to visit, we just got here and wanted to surprise you.” The pink alicorn said, coming over sitting beside her, draping a wing over her body. “Spike and Ascentia told us that you were feeling upset, and that it had to do with one of your friends. They wanted to help, but they told me that it was probably best that I come talk to you.”

“...My friend Fluttershy....she was rejected, when she confessed her feelings for our friend Rainbow Dash...” Twilight mumbled, leaning into her sister-in-law, taking in her comforting scent. “I didn't see it happen, but I saw her crying earlier.”

“Oh...so that's the problem. Well, gosh, what a shame. I mean, rejection isn't fun, is it?” Cadance frowned, shaking her head.

“No... But it wasn't because of some random pony she barely knew. It's Rainbow, her best friend since fillyhood. They have a history together, something the rest of us never really had with one another.” Twilight sniffled a bit. “She really loved her.”

The alicorn snuggled her closer. “I know exactly how she feels. Back when I first told Shining Amor that I had a crush on him...he also turned me down.”

Snapping her gaze up to her sister-in-law, Twilight's jaw dropped. “What?! He did?!”

“He did,” Cadance giggled. “and I was really heartbroken. Sure, I was a little younger than Fluttershy is at the time, but it didn't hurt any less. By then, I'd known him for years, he was one of my best friends. I knew for sure that I had romantic feelings for him, and wanted to date him. I'd been with a couple of colts in the past, but I didn't love them like I loved him. So, we hung out one evening, just doing what we usually do. That was when I told him how I felt, and he...well, he was flattered and understanding, but he didn't love me back.”

“Wow...that's really sad...” Twilight's ears drooped at the thought of her own brother and foalsitter having gone through something like that. Most especially how sad Cadance must have been at the time.

“Yep, it was a tough time. I cried for days, locked myself in my room, ate tub after tub of ice cream, watched sad movies, the works. The typical thing a girl does after a breakup or rejection!” Cadance rolled her eyes at those memories. “And then, I felt better. I started doing things to keep my mind off everything, I looked back at old photos of you and me, I spent time with my friends, and did more studying in being a Princess. I eventually moved on. But I still loved him, and it was kind of sad I couldn't be with him, but I wasn't bawling about it like I did at first.”

“Wait...you said you moved on, didn't you?”

“I did! But getting over somepony and moving on aren't the same thing, Twilight.”

“Ohh...” The unicorn murmured, nodding. “So what happened after that?”

Cadance smiled, nuzzling her. “Well, we were still friends after that, even if I felt a bit awkward. I didn't want to burden him with my feelings, or make him feel weird, you know? As an Alicorn and a Princess, I didn't want him to feel pressured. Well, he accepted my feelings and was still my friend after that. He even said he was worried about me feeling too depressed and embarrassed to stay friends. But frankly, I knew losing him was a much bigger fear I had.

“Anyway, so it was sometime later, I'm not sure how long, but Shining took me out one night. We did what we always did, go wherever we liked to eat lunch or dinner, maybe see a movie, all that good stuff. Then he gave me a flower, my favourite kind of flower. A purple cosmos! That was when he said he was in love with me. As it turned out, he was in denial about his feelings for me, and didn't even really know how to act on them. So he finally came to terms with everything, and wanted to try giving me a chance, if I still wanted him... He asked me out. I said yes, big surprise!”

Letting the story sink in, Twilight could barely believe that her own former foalsitter, and her brother, had gone through this kind of thing. She knew from having seen them again (the real Cadance) that they were very much in love. Nopony would've been able to guess that they'd gone through a rough patch before finally getting together. While Cadance was certainly younger than the Princesses, she did still have an air of a life experience, at least from a standpoint of growing from a filly into a mare, which was relatable to the average pony. She really was truly a big sister to her, just as a sister would be.

“We were together after that for quite a few years,” Cadance went on, smiling at the memories, “and no relationship is perfect. We had tough times, I even had moments where I was afraid we'd eventually beak up. Sure, spreading love is my special talent, but I didn't dare use it on ourselves. But beyond that, I knew that our love was worth fighting for. And now, here we are! We've been married for a couple of years now, and we're having a foal. I have to say, even though he rejected me, I'm still glad I did it. Let's just say it was the kick start our relationship growing needed.”

“Wow.” Twilight was amazed, smiling and making a mental note to talk to Shining Armor about this. “That's great, Cadance! I always thought you guys would be cute together, and I always wanted you to be my sister! Of course, I was a filly and I had a good feeling it would never happen.”

The Crystal princess giggled with glee, nuzzling her sweetly. “Oh Twilight, I know how you feel! If there is one little bonus I'm always thankful for, it's because we're sisters.”

They embraced, full of giggles, most especially Twilight, as she began to feel a bit better.

“Thanks, Cadance. I guess overcoming a broken heart really isn't as hard as others say it is, is it?”

“Well, I can't say that in the strictest way. We all have different coping mechanisms, as well as recovering at different rates. But, if you do try, give yourself time to grieve and let out how you feel, it helps. Then all you have to do is get back in the game and move on with your life. That's the greatest thing you can do for yourself.” Cadance nodded. “Fluttershy will be okay. She has great friends for support, and she'll survive. She just needs the time to do that. That's part of it too. We need time to be alone with our thoughts, to be away from the person who broke our heart. We'll seek comfort when we want it, but sometimes, we just want to be alone.”

“So...you didn't hate my brother for it? I mean, I can understand if you'd be angry...” Twilight hesitated in asking this, but wanted to learn further.

Cadance shook her head. “Absolutely not. I can't say I was a bit...miffed, even to where I wanted to yell at him for hurting me...but, as I took time to myself and calmed down, I put it into perspective. Shining did the right thing by being honest with me. If he had lied to me, just for the sake of my happiness, and led me on, gave me false hope, and I'd find out about it... You can imagine that it's a lot worse than rejection.”

That was true enough. Twilight knew she was right, since lies and deception about that kind of thing would be far more hurtful on the receiving party.

“Lying to you and himself.” Twilight concluded.

“Exactly. One of the worst things you could do.”

Considering it further, Twilight knew now all the more what a disaster it would've been if Rainbow did in fact lie to Fluttershy like that. There was no possible way it would end very well. She did have to admittedly give her credit for being honest and not leading Fluttershy on into lies and deceit.

“Well... I just wish I knew what I could do to help,” the unicorn murmured, looking out toward the window now. “They're my friends, and I want them to be happy.”

“Aww, I know you do.” Cadance brought her closer with a foreleg. “But there isn't much you can do, except to just be there for them when they need it. Just as you and your friends always do, right?”

“I guess so.” Twilight nodded, rubbing the tears from her eyes. “But seeing Fluttershy that upset was so heartbreaking. She was crying so hard, looking like she may never smile again.”

“Hey...I know it's not easy to see the ones you care about like that. I've seen my friends and family cry over heartbreak or otherwise. No fun, is it?” Cadance pouted sympathetically.

“No way, I'd never wish that on anyone.” 'I just hope Ascentia won't cry if I reject her... No, no...she won't do that.'

Smiling, the light pink mare hugged Twilight gently. “Neither would I. Now, you're not going to ask me to use my spreading love spell, are you?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, I won't make you do that. I know it doesn't restrict at romantic love, but I don't want to have to do that unless necessary.”

“Good. Hey, who knows! Rainbow Dash might just be in denial, after all.” Cadance winked.

“...I wish it were that easy to believe. But I have a feeling it's not like that.” Twilight mumbled, shaking her head.

Later on, Twilight was sitting on the upper floor balcony of the library, now reading a book. Her talk with Cadance had helped a bit, at least with easing her worries. She did promise to join them in a little while, but just wanted to be outside, by herself, to think a bit. The guilt in not spending time with her family now that they'd come by was eating on her, but Shining Armor and Cadance both assured her that she could take all the time she needed. To keep busy, Spike gladly offered to take them on a formal tour around Ponyville.

Ascentia, having been present, stayed behind to keep an eye on her. Twilight was all too aware of that, but didn't mind. The Val'Kyr was good about giving her some space, and was close by if needed.

Twilight sighed, looking up at the sky for a moment. It was cloudy, she could even see some of the weather pegasi pulling in the clouds together. Clearly, calling for rain later on. Turning back to her book, she barely caught sight of light blue landing near her.

“Hey, Twilight.”

“Hey Rainb-” Twilight turned her head, and her eyes went wide, “-oh....”

In brutal honesty, Rainbow Dash looked awful. Her normally unruly rainbow mane was limp and just a mess, as if she hadn't brushed it in days. As well as that, her tail drooped, looking like a limp shred of fabric than the lively hairs of a champion. Ears were lowered, mouth downturned, eyes bloodshot and puffy, all the signs of a troubled mare. Even her wings looked as if they'd never flap again as they hung limply, feathers flared, at her sides.

“Here, I brought that uh...Daring Do book back,” the cyan mare said listlessly, placing a book on the balcony floor that she'd been holding in her hoof.

“Oh, well... thanks, Rainbow.” Twilight looked down at it for a brief moment, then back at her friend, “Are you okay? Pardon me for saying but...you look terrible.”

A humourless laugh escaped Rainbow as she plopped down onto her flank, staring at the hardwood. “Like I care.”

It wasn't even in the same manner about the fact that she didn't exactly care that she didn't take care of her appearance like Rarity would. There was something else ahoof, and Twilight had a good idea about what it was pertaining to.

Deciding not to beat around the bush, the lavender unicorn faced her friend seriously. “It's about Fluttershy, isn't it?”

Finally looking at her, Rainbow's cerise eyes went wide, then her gaze drooped once more. “She told you, didn't she?” It was more of a statement than a question.

Twilight nodded, closing her book and placing it aside. “I went by this morning, to give her some tea from Cadance. I found her, with Discord, and she was crying. So when I asked what happened, she told me.”

“...Yeah...yeah, I did reject her, okay? What next, I committed a horrible crime for even DARING to make Fluttershy cry?! Yeah, whatever! Go ahead! Like I don't hate that I made her cry enough!” Yelled the speedster, squeezing her eyes shut, likely trying to fight back tears.

“Hey, I'm not exactly pleased you made her cry, but it's not some crime sentence, Rainbow.” Twilight said sternly, shaking her head. “She can't help how she feels, you know that. It's not your fault.”

Rainbow didn't respond, then. She merely stared downward at the floor, trembling a bit.

“...Rainbow?”

“...Seeing Fluttershy cry like that... Because of me...because of how she feels... I just... I felt like somepony ripped off my wings. I still do! Every time I close my eyes, all I see is that big, sad look on her face. I....I don't even deserve this.”

Puzzled, Twilight wondered what she meant by that. But when the pegasus opened her wings, albeit slowly, she saw a creamy yellow feather nestled under one wing. It was a longer, much more shiny and groomed feather.

Rainbow sniffled, staring at the feather with despondency. “She gave me her primary feather, Twi. We pegasi give our primary feathers to the one we love, because it's the feather closest to our hearts, and is the most beautiful, healthy feather we have. It's not really like getting married, but it's a sign of our commitment to that pony. Stronger than any marriage license ever could be. ...Even when I turned her down...she gave it to me... I...I can't take it, Twilight...but I can't give it back to her, either.”

“...Well...maybe it's just her way to let you know she'll always love you.” Twilight murmured, speaking from experience, now. “...And even if you don't, she'll always be your friend.”

This didn't seem to help the distraught pony at all. “But I don't deserve it... She should give it to somepony who's going to love her back. Not me. Not an idiot like me... I don't deserve her, Twilight. I never did. I'm not good enough for her.”

“Why do you say that?” The unicorn wanted to know.

“Because! I'm too fast, too callous, too stupid, and too mean for-”

“STOP!”

Rainbow did, looking at her with wide eyes.

“You stop that nonsense right here and now!” Twilight scolded, standing up now. “I know you're upset about making Fluttershy upset with rejecting her. I get that, it's normal. But don't you dare start self-deprecating yourself like this! It's not going to solve anything, and frankly, it's not true! I think Fluttershy can decide for herself who she deems worthy of her love, and she chose that in you! She's not an idiot, and she can't help how she feels. But she still wants you to know that, to be honest with you, and share it with you! Fluttershy loves you, Rainbow Dash! Just because you don't love her back doesn't make it the end of the world, nor does it mean you're a terrible friend! But if you lied to her about how you felt and made her believe you loved her, when you didn't, then you'd be a louse.

“Don't do this to yourself, Rainbow. You can't help how you feel, and neither can she. But you two are the best of friends, you can still get past this. I know Fluttershy would never try to burden you like this, and I know you'd never resent her like that. Just give her some time alone. She needs that right now. But she'll be just fine, I promise. But she is heartbroken and really upset, there's no denying that. Just give her time. She'll be fine, and she'll be back to her normal register before you know it.”

A loud sniffle sounded from Rainbow Dash as she looked at the feather once more. Turning to Twilight, tears streamed down her face. It was astounding at how emotionally vulnerable she was, something the unicorn hadn't seen in her.

“You're not going to lose her. She's not going to hate you. She's just sad that she lost her chance at being with you. But it'll hurt her even more if you stop being her friend. You don't want to lose her, do you?”

Gasping, a look of sheer panic overcame the cyan mare's features.

It was all Twilight needed to know.

“So it's okay. You just need time to feel better, too.”

Sniffling again, Rainbow's wings drooped all the more, along with her ears. “T-Twilight... I...I...I don't know...”

“Don't know what?” Twilight repeated.

“I...just don't know...”

Unable to say anything more, Twilight embraced her friend. Soon enough, the cyan pegasus burst into sobs, holding to her tightly. Her mind was reeling with questions and possibilities about Rainbow's words, wondering if there could have been some kind of underlying confusion at hoof. It would've made sense, all things considered.

'When somepony...someone close to you admits that they love you in a different kind of way than just platonically... It can sometimes confuse you. You never thought of them that way, and they see you in a way you never expected. You're curious, you wonder if you could possibly feel the same way, you wonder if it could work. You wonder...if it's worth giving them a chance. Because they told you they're in love with you.'

Twilight couldn't help but find it interesting how similar their situations seemed to be, in a sense.

Pulling back a little bit, the prismatic-maned pegasus sniffled and wiped her eyes. “When... Fluttershy told me how she felt... I remember....feeling really good inside. Like it was an awesome flying session. Except...stronger, I guess... And she looked at me with such a sweet smile, looking really hopeful, and so full of life. It really made her so happy...”

Nodding, Twilight gently urged her friend to go on. She could see where this was going, but knew better than to interrupt her.

“...For a second... I just...wanted to say yes. I wanted to tell her I loved her, too. I knew it'd make her so happy...” Rainbow looked off the balcony, but seemed to be staring at nothing. “But I couldn't do that. I-I just...knew I couldn't say that.”

“So....you really don't love her?”

“I don't even know if I like mares.”

Twilight gave her a look. “You two slept together,” she deadpanned.

“I know, I know! But I'm serious! Before I started...doing all of that with Fluttershy, I never even really thought about dating. I was kinda unaware of the whole thing and how it all worked. You know I'm no good with sappy stuff! On top of that, you know I didn't want to ruin my friendship with her by dating!”

“Rainbow... I don't know how to break it to you, but you guys acted like a couple all the time.”

“...What?”

“And I don't just mean the night that we were all drunk. Even though that was pretty much were, since you were all over each other and kissing a lot. But never mind that. I mean to say that you two have a really special bond together. You really do things that you wouldn't do with the rest of us, and I don't just mean the way you two like to snuggle. In a way, you two kind of were dating. You just didn't think of it that way. And now you two were friends with benefits for a while. I remember when I saw you two that one time, you looked at Fluttershy with possibly the sweetest and most loving smile I'd ever seen,” Twilight smiled a bit at that memory. “You must've really enjoyed doing all that with her, didn't you?”

Rainbow Dash blushed, giving a nod.

“And you can't imagine sharing that with anypony else, can you?”

“No. I don't even really want to.”

“So, as friends with benefits, do you do anything else?”

“...Well, we kinda make out a lot...”

“And?”

“And what? We just do what we always do. We just happen to buck each other.”

“Crude terminology aside...” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Maybe you just need some time to yourself and to think about it all. What did you tell her when you turned her down?”

Rainbow wiped her eyes again, sniffling. “I said that I didn't feel that way. She was upset, saying she wasn't good enough for me. But that's not true. She's way too good for me, Twi. So I told her that I couldn't be that pony for her.”

“Do you want to?”

“Of course I do!”

“And why is that?”

“Because! I know we'd be awesome together! I don't even really understand why that is, but I just know it! Besides, she's the best. I just really like everything about her, everything she does, just all of it! Fluttershy's awesome. She's my best friend, she's always been there, she's been my strongest support system, and she really has a lot of patience with me. I could go on for hours, but jeez, this is not helping!” Rainbow slumped over, sighing heavily. “I don't even know what to do anymore.”

“And she gave you her primary feather. This was after you turned her down?” Twilight reached over, touching her friend's shoulder.

“Yes,” said the cyan mare, “I don't think she should've. She was so ready and hopeful to hear me return her feelings...she took it off before she came to meet me. When I turned her down, she still gave it to me. Then I left.”

“Oh...” The lavender unicorn nodded as she processed this. “Well, it's like I said, she still just wanted to give you the symbolism of her love for you. That it doesn't matter if you don't have room in your heart for her. She still will devote to you, always.” A thought came to her, then. “...Would you give her yours?”

Rainbow looked surprised at the question. “Well, I... I don't know. I never really thought of it. Besides, it's not necessary to do that, it's just an extra symbolic thing. A tradition that existed ever since the dawning of ponies. Nowadays, it's just an option. It's not necessary. Kinda like the way unicorns wear rings on their horns if they're married but don't have to.”

“I figured that much, yeah.” Twilight agreed. “But aside from that, would you give it to her?”

“...I can't think of anypony else I would give it to, Twi.”

“Did you...suspect she liked you?”

“Kinda.” Rainbow admitted, looking away a little. “She gave hints and signs. There was always that voice in the back of my mind telling me that it was because she had feelings for me. My stubborn end kept insisting that she was just being affectionate and friendly since we were best friends. I didn't know which side was right. Until now.”

The lavender mare smiled. “I think you need to go off somewhere and think about everything. Take a walk, go flying, go do whatever you need in order to think. Take time away from everything. Trust me, it helps. You have a lot to think about and what you want. So do that. Then maybe, eventually, you'll have a much clearer answer for her.”

“And then what?” Rainbow wanted to know, wiping her eyes again.

“Just go from there, with whatever comes along.” Twilight encouraged.

A few moments passed as the daredevil pegasus looked at Fluttershy's primary feather, then toward the sky. She seemed to be working things out, or so Twilight was assuming. It was hard to read Rainbow Dash most of the time, and right now was coming to be one of those times. The look of concentration and yet mixed sorrows on her face was making it hard to wonder what she was thinking.

“I'll go out of town for a while.” Rainbow finally said. “I've got a few relatives in Port Pegasus. Maybe I'll go stay with them for a while. It's been a while since I'd seen them.”

Twilight smiled and patted her shoulder, “Good idea, Rainbow. I think it'll do you some good to get out of town, see some family, and try to work things out. And in turn, it'll give Fluttershy some space.”

A small, sad smile came to Rainbow's face. “Thanks Twilight. I guess I needed that.”

“Hey, no problem. What are friends for?”

“Thanks for that. Say...would you mind telling Fluttershy for me? I think I'm the last pony she wants to see right now.”

“Don't be silly. But yes, I'll tell her for you.” Twilight promised.

Smiling, Rainbow hugged her lightly, and then proceeded to fly off. Twilight watched her go for a little bit. She then gathered her books, deciding to head back inside. No longer feeling anxious, the unicorn was ready to continue facing the day. Most especially when Shining Armor and Cadance would return from Spike's tour. The thought made her giggle at how appropriate the setup was.

Inside the library, as she came in to put the books away, she came across the sight of Ascentia dusting off her bookshelves. Twilight giggled, watching for a few moments before the woman turned and saw her.

“Well, there you are. Did you and Rainbow Dash have a good talk?”

“How did you know she was here?”

Ascentia smiled. “I have my ways. But I also heard your voices as I was collecting some dropped items around the library. She sounded upset.”

“Yeah, go figure.” Twilight said, placing the books into their correct spots on the shelves. “We talked a bit about what was going on, and I gave her a suggestion of what she could do to help the situation.”

“Do tell.”

“I told her to get away for a while, to take time to herself and try to figure things out. From what she's said, she really doesn't know how she feels.”

“Ah,” Ascentia nodded, turning back to the shelves as she continued to dust, “so it's likely that confusion is playing a part in this.”

Twilight nodded, taking a feather duster off the table and proceeding to help out as well. “Mm-hmm, I was beginning to see that now, too. After that, well, I don't know.”

They exchanged glances, shrugged, and then went back to dusting.

Later on, Twilight regrouped with Shining Armor and Cadance when they returned from the lively tour. They'd had dinner together, prepared by Spike and Twilight, letting the two rest from a long day. Afterward, Cadance announced that she was feeling tired and retired to bed early. Spike even went to bed as well, having fallen asleep soon after dinner, and so Twilight helped him to bed.

Outside on the balcony, Twilight sat watching the night sky. Behind her, she heard Shining Armor coming outside.

“Hey there, Twiley. Why are you out here?”

Twilight shrugged, looking to her brother. “Just getting some air and watching the stars, I guess. You know, thinking about all this.”

“Heh, I know what you mean,” he said, taking a seat beside her, “Cadance was telling me what happened earlier, about why you were upset.”

Ears drooped, a sheepish smile overcame the smaller unicorn's face. “Yeah, sorry... I was a little bit frazzled about something going on with my friends. I didn't really know what to do or to think, especially since it was kind of sad, you know?”

Shining Armor nodded in understanding, bringing a hoof up to pat her back. “I know what you mean, yeah. Sometimes issues with your friends can bring you down, too.”

“No kidding...” Twilight murmured, shaking her head. “She even told me about the fact that you rejected her at first!”

All at once, the white stallion's eyes widened as his cheeks flushed. A sheepish smile came to his face as he laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof. “Aw, jeez....she told you about that?”

“Well, yeah... It seemed like an appropriate story, didn't it?” Twilight shrugged.

“Aw man... That's story is embarrassing.”

“Come on, I couldn't possibly hold you accountable for something that happened years ago.”

Chuckling, Shining nodded in agreement. “I guess you're right, sis. But I did feel pretty bad at the time, since I knew Cadance really liked me. I can't really say why, I guess I just wasn't ready. I was in complete denial of my feelings, convinced that everything between us was just because we were good friends. It didn't help that I was at that kind of age, you know?”

Cringing slightly, Twilight only nodded, needing him not to elaborate further.

“Nonetheless, I was a moron. But I guess as I thought more about it, I realized that it happens. Sometimes we all get into unrequited crushes. Heck, even I've had a couple. I've liked mares who didn't like me back, one of them was even a friend of mine. It's not fun being rejected,” he said.

“I...never really was rejected, I never had a crush on anypony.” Twilight admitted.

“And now you've got a powerful biped from another world crushing on you!” Shining Armor joked.

Twilight blushed heavily, looking away. “Stop it!”

Ruffling her mane, the Royal Guard captain grinned, “Aww Twiley, you're too much. I've still got it.”

“Unfortunately,” she muttered. “But anyway, how did you realize you loved Cadance?”

“Well...” Shining looked up to the sky as he contemplated for a moment or two. “I thought a lot about our friendship, everything we'd done over the years, all that stuff. Good times and bad, Cadance and I went through a lot, even before we were dating and married. But as I had the time to think about it, to realize the true extent of her feelings, I was ready to give it a shot. I knew by then that I felt something strong for her. I was sure I loved her too, and wanted to give her a chance. That's if she even still felt that way. There isn't much to it, I just realized I was attracted to her, that we could probably be great together, and so I took a chance. And boy, I'm glad I did.”

“You guys wouldn't be here now if you didn't.” Twilight smiled. “I'm real glad it all came together. Even if the wedding was crazy!”

Shining Armor laughed, ruffling her mane again. “You said it, sis! So, how about your friends? You think they'll be okay?”

“...Well, I don't know for sure right now, but I know Rainbow has a lot to think about. Who knows?”

'And what about me? Am I willing to take a chance? Will I realize how deep my own feelings run?'

Twilight wasn't sure what to think, and just sat there with her brother, staring up at the stars. She too, had a lot to think about.

Author's Notes:

The primary feather idea comes from a couple of fanfics, while some varied in how they worked, it was still the same concept. And honestly, I find it cute. So I tried it out here as a bit of a test run kind of thing, and I might bring it into play in future works if I can work it in. Otherwise, it's more of a nifty little bonus I'll play with.

Other than that, not much else to say about this one. XP