“Where are we going exactly?”

“An orphanage, Moondancer!” Minuette exclaimed as she pranced down the road and I rolled my eyes. Only she could be happy about going to an orphanage. Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine followed behind us.

“Okay let me correct myself,” I grumbled and straightened my glasses with my magic. “Why?”

“Because it’s almost Nightmare Night and Hearths Warming and it’s the right thing to do,” Twinkleshine chided as I glanced back at the white mare. I always jealous of her pink mane and tail. Don’t even get me started on her electric blue eyes.

“Okay?”

“Besides!” Minuette continued as she continued her prancing and I winced as she narrowly avoided a mare. “Who could resist their adorable little faces?”

I didn’t have a response to that. Could be worse. I could be alone with no friends again if it wasn’t for these three and Twilight trying so hard to get me to open back up. And Spike of course. Spike was there too.

The least I could do was go with Minuette and the other girls on this trip. Besides, I still didn’t know much about friendship. If I said I was busy or didn’t wanna go, I’d probably lose them as my friends.

We trotted inside the lobby as Lemon Hearts levitated the cardboard boxes in her magic a bit lower to make it through the doorway. A pink earth pony sat at the desk with a bored expression as she spun a pen around the top of the wooden desk.

“Hello!” Minuette said happily and placed her hooves on the desk.

“Hi,” the mare grumbled as she looked up. “Dropping off, visiting or adopting?”

“Just visiting!” Minuette giggled as she smiled. “Spreading holiday cheer, you know?”

“Uh huh,” the mare said as she slid a clipboard over. “All of you sign here, then you go straight through the doors and you’ll be at the rec area for the colts and fillies.”

We all signed our names as the mare pointed to a beat up box with a sign that had the words gifts written on it. Lemon Hearts shrugged and gently levitated them in before we followed Twinkleshine.

“She seemed a bit rude,” I commented casually as we entered a large room full of fillies and colts sitting lazily in circles, playing or talking.

“A bit,” Lemon Hearts admitted as she frowned slightly. “But the important thing is we’re here, we’re going to help out around here and make some fillies and colts day a bit better!”

I stood and looked around as my friends walked away in different directions. Lemon Hearts sat with a blue colt in front a chess board, Minuette sat with a filly next to a puzzle and Twinkleshine was talking to a bunch of colts about astronomy.

A white pegasus filly with a light blue coat and a cloud for a cutie mark caught my eye. She sat away from the other ponies with a pile of books surrounding her.

I raised an eyebrow and before I knew it, my legs were directing me over to her. I sat next to her and she didn’t spare me a look, her lavender eyes scanning the book.

“Hello,” I said and she glanced at me before going back to her book.

“Hi,” the filly said finally as I started reading over her shoulder. “What do you want?”

“Nothing really. Why aren’t you with the others?” I asked as I examined the books she had stacked up. Some pretty advanced books for what I guessed was a seven year old or so.

“Because I don’t fit in with them.”

I frowned slightly and glanced back at the others. Minuette locked eyes with me and gave me an encouraging nod and I sighed internally.

“How so?”

“Well, aren’t you an inquisitive one?” The filly spat as she turned a page and I glared a bit. “I don’t really do what other kids my age do. You see me reading books over here instead of playing. Doesn’t that strike you as different from other fillies or colts?”

I grimaced and looked down. I’m not exactly the greatest at reading ponies or talking to them. I can read a book no problem but a living thing? That’s a whole different buck ball court.

“I like to read,” I said finally. “I didn’t have many friends growing up either when I was your age. I only have about four friends, maybe five.”

“Aww, now here’s the part where you try to connect with me,” the filly mocked as she rolled her eyes. “Cute.”

I bit my lip to avoid making some snarky comment. That got under my coat way more than I was willing to admit.

“Not really trying to connect. Just making conversation,” I said and opened a book. “Enders Game, huh? Good to know fillies read the classics still.”

“Uh huh.”

“So uh you don’t have many friends?” I asked and started reading.

“Friend is another for word for fool,” the filly grumbled. “I have no need for friends, even less for enemies.”

“That was edgy,” I gave a faint smile as I tugged at the corner of my sweater.

“Truth hurts.”

It was scarily how alike she was to old me. I used to hate the idea of friends and believed it wasn’t for me after the Twilight incident.

“I’m Moondancer,” I said and pressed a hoof against my chest. “What’s your name?”

The filly looked up and examined me from head to hooves. I honestly started to think I wasn’t going to get a response till she sighed.

“I’m Cotton Cloudy.”

“Nice to finally know your name instead of referring to you as filly,” I gave another rare smile as she turned away but I caught a faint smile on her face as she did.

“Yeah well I guess now I can’t refer to you as the mare with the glasses,” Cotton Cloudy grunted as she glanced back at me.

“Guess we both lost then, now didn’t we?” I commented casually.

We each turned back to our respective books in silence. Doing so, I completely missed my three friends giving each other smiles.

I yawned as I stretched a bit and continued trotting forward. We had left the orphanage about an hour ago and we’re going to a restaurant upon Lemon Hearts insistence. I was perfectly happy going back home but oh well.

“So Moondancer,” Twinkleshine said as she slowed down to trot alongside me. “Who’s the filly?”

“What do you mean?” I asked even though I damn well knew what she meant.

“The bookworm filly.”

I shrugged in response as Twinkleshine nudged me with a smile.

“Come on, you can tell me. We’re friends after all,” Twinkleshine commented as she maintained her smile. I sighed and she looked at me expectantly.

“Cotton Cloudy. Interesting filly,” I answered as I watched Minuette and Lemon Hearts slowed down to look at a restaurant.

“I’d say so. The three of us have tried many times to get her to talk to us and she refused. Must like you a lot then,” Twinkleshine said casually as we followed the other two into the restaurant. “Oh great pasta again.”

“What’s wrong with pasta?” Minuette asked in confusion as we waited for a pony to come seat us.

“We have it every time we come back from the orphanage,” Twinkleshine answered as she flicked her tail back and forth.

“It’s closest to all of our houses,” Minuette explained as she looked at me. “Well, almost all of our houses.”

I watched curiously as the three continued their conversation as a pony with a black shirt on trotted up. I didn’t really know they argued ever.

“Table for four please,” Twinkleshine smiled as Lemon Hearts hid a yawn behind her hoof. It was pretty late, I’d guess about seven or eight pm. Give or take.

“Right this way.” we followed the mare to a booth and Minuette sat next to me as Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine sat across from us. “What can I can get you to drink?”

“Wine please,” Twinkleshine said. “Red.”

“Vodka for me,” Lemon Hearts raised a hoof and I watched curiously. I didn’t know they drank at all. Well that’s not true. I mean hard alcohol like vodka.

“Just a margarita for me please,” Minuette said as they all looked at me expectantly and I took a breath.

“Old Forester one hundred proof if you have it,” I said as my friends gave me incredulous looks.

“We unfortunately do not. We have Jim Bean if you want that instead,” the mare suggested.

“Got vanilla flavored?” I asked and she nodded. “I’ll take that please. Thank you.”

The mare trotted away as I levitated the menu up to my face as a blue aura slapped it down. Startled, I looked at my friends stern faces.

“Old Forester one hundred proof?” Minuette demanded. “Are you trying to kill yourself?”

“No of course not! Why would ask me that?”

“Because that’s a super strong whiskey. We’ve only tried it once and we were knocked out on flanks so fast after two shots,” Twinkleshine explained as she glanced at Lemon Hearts. “This one is a touchy drunk. Couldn’t keep her hooves above my waist that night. Lucky I didn’t blast her out of the house.”

“It’s not that strong. I used to drink it at night when I was studying. Especially in the winter. Used to warm me up,” I admitted sheepishly as my friends expression changed slightly. “Having a blanket wrapped around me with a candle, good book and a nice glass of whiskey to make a cold December night better.”

“Moondancer, do you think you have a problem?” Lemon Hearts asked gently. “I don’t think having a tolerance to that strong a whiskey is good.”

“I don’t know,” I shrugged and continued reading the menu. I half expected Minuette to slap it down again but she never did.

“We’re only asking because we care about you. That’s all,” Twinkleshine added as she peered over my menu. “We worry about you, with you in that empty old house that’s falling apart.”

“I know. And it’s not that old! Or falling apart. It’s quaint and besides, it’s just a house. Who cares about the looks as long as it houses me, holds my food and books and keeps me warm? I asked as the waiter mare gave us our drinks and quickly took our orders. Naturally, I got hay lasagna.

“Moonie, it’s old and falling apart. A house is more than just a place to sleep. It’s supposed to bring happiness and all,” Minuette pointed out with a smile. “Why don’t you come over in a few nights and we have a sleepover? It’ll be fun.”

I sipped my whiskey, savoring the burning sensation followed by hints of vanilla as I pondered her suggestion. I didn’t really have any research work this week and I didn’t want to potentially lose my friends by saying no.

“Yeah sure why not?” I said and Minuette gave a quiet cheer. Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine grinned and clapped their hooves a bit as I hid my face.

I’ll have to read up on what to do in a sleep over. The last one I had was when I was a filly with my sister, Amethyst Star, Sea Swirl and Minuette. I heard a rumor that Amethyst and Sea Swirl lived in Ponyville now. Apparently Amethyst even got adopted in the middle of the school year by a pegasus and that’s why she left Canterlot.

None of us had even known she was an orphan but I kinda was obsessed with gaining Twilight’s friendship that I didn’t really pay attention to anypony else.

“So how’s the astronomy work going? Is it hard rewriting all the astronomy books now that Luna isn’t in the moon anymore?” Minuette asked Twinkleshine curiously as she tossed the lime out of her drink and into her mouth.

“You have no idea. It’s pretty stressful. I always thought it was just how the moon was made or from a rock impacting it. I didnt realize there was a pony in it.”

“None of us did,” Lemon Hearts chuckled and stretched a bit.

I did but I wasn’t going to say anything. Our waiter returned with our food and we all started eating with small talk taking place randomly.

I was pretty damn lucky to have the friends I do.

“Moondancer! Open up!”

I rolled in bed and groaned, hoping whoever was at the door would just go away. And preferably come back later, but them never coming back would be acceptable too.

“I know you’re in there!”

Of course I would be in here. Where else would I be? Well other than the library or book store of course. The pounding on the door didn’t help my head ache either.

“Coming!” I called out hoarsely, wincing at how bad I sounded. I could use water or coffee or maybe more sleep. Sleep would be nice.

I rolled out of bed and my eyes widened as my hooves got tangled in the blanket, slamming my head into the nightstand.

“Ow!”

I rubbed my head as I untangled myself and trotted down the hall, pausing in front of the cracked mirror. I didn’t realize how awful I looked. My mane was pointed in all directions and my coat needed a good brushing. I levitated my manebrush out of my room and started idly brushing.

I trotted past the bathroom and levitated a toothbrush out of the room with toothpaste already on, shoving it on my mouth and absent mindedly brushed. I stopped in front of the door and opened it. I stared at Minuettes wide eyes as I continued brushing.

“Sweet Celestia, Moondancer! You look awful!”

“Gee thanks,” I grumbled around the toothbrush. I levitated it back up stairs and spit the excess toothpaste and spit on the ground outside.

“Ew!” Minuette exclaimed as she jumped to avoid it hitting her hoof.

“Sorry. What are you doing here?” I asked curiously as I gestured for her to follow me. She entered my house and shut the door behind her.

“Just visiting. Pretty wild night last night don’t ya say?” Minuette asked with a grin as she examined my living room. Living room was being generous. All there is in here is a old couch and an old coffee table with a lamp on it.

“Oh okay.” I didn’t really know what else to say other than that. Years of being anti social aren’t that great for fostering friendships or how to talk to friends.

“Wow this place is messy,” Minuette said as she looked around. She leaned over and sniffed a stain on the floor, making a face. “And there’s this stain. I don’t even know what this is!”

I turned a bright shade of red and quickly turned around so she didn’t see. I knew what it was but it’s the kind of activity you don’t tell ponies about. I didn’t really want to tell her I often got off on the floor.

“It’s not that messy!” I retorted as I looked around my self, feeling my ears pressed against my head. Okay, it was pretty messy. Dishes were piled up on the sink, an empty pizza box was in the corner and a bunch of random books with papers that had writing on them strewn all over my desk.

“Uh huh,” Minuette said flatly as she levitated a wash cloth over to her. “Moondancer, do you want some help? I can get the girls over here and we can get this place completely fixed up.”

“I got it. Thanks for the offer though,” I said hastily and kicked a paper plate under the couch. I suppose I could get the fence fixed, it was falling apart. At least the hard ware store was nearby.

“Are you sure? This seems like a pretty big task for just one pony.”

“Yeah,” I said and gulped at the large mess around us. Damn me and my stubbornness. “Thanks for the offer.”

“What are friends for?” Minuette teased as she bumped her flank against mine and I jumped slightly. I opened the door and stepped outside, examining the exterior of my house. I didn’t know it had been this bad, sweet Celestia.

The door had a small hole in from where Twilight had accidentally knocked too hard, the shutters were falling off and the paint was flaking. Don’t even get me started on the state of the fence.

“I might stop by later. Is that alright?” Minuette asked as I nodded absent mindedly. I probably should have paid more attention. She gave a shrug and waved as she trotted off down the road, presumably to her own house.

I levitated my bits out of the house along with my saddlebags, mentally making a note to buy new ones. I shut the door and started my slow trot to the hard ware store.

Canterlot never failed to annoy me. So many stuck up, high and mighty ponies. In my haste to leave, I forgot my sweater. I felt naked in a way without it and we are pretty much always naked.

I should probably get a new sweater too. It was up there with books on my list of favorite things. My sweater keeps me safe throughout all the weather’s. Heat, cold, rain you name it, my sweater has been there. More than I can say for ponies.

I quickly shook my head to get rid of the negative thoughts. Bad Moondancer. No negativity. Positive thoughts only. I opened the door of the store and trotted in.

“Wow,” I said quietly to myself. “So much paint and wood and tools.” Half of these I didn’t even know the purpose of. I would have to research these. That idea excited me more than I was willing to admit.

“Can I help you find anything?” A salespony asked me as I examined the wood on the wall.

“Yes please. I’m looking to fix up my house a bit. I’m starting with the fence. Any suggestions?”

“Right this way miss,” he said and I followed him a few aisles down. “Right here is all our supplies. We got multiple colors and plain if you wish to paint yourself. Paint is in aisle ten.”

“Thank you sir,” I bowed my head respectfully as he smiled before walking off. I started examining the prices and almost fainted.

Who knew house repairs could be so expensive?

I gave a grunt as I shoved the final fence post into the ground, levitating the cement over and pouring it in with a sigh. It had cost a crazy amount of bits but I got the entire fence removed and the new one put in, and a bunch of other home supplies in the garage in the back. I made a mental note to buy a new garage too. I’ve made a lot of mental notes recently, it was getting hard to keep track of them all.

I set the cement bucket down on the ground and levitated the final board to connect the post to the others along with a hammer, starting to hammer.

I bobbed my head to the soft rock music I had coming from the record player I had set up by the house. Little known fact about me was I secretly enjoyed soft rock and hard rock.

“Hey Moonie!” I jumped slightly and slammed the hammer into my hoof. I turned my head back and glared at Twinkleshine with Lemon Hearts.

“Ow buck!” I cursed as the two flinched and I stared at my hoof.

“Sorry we didn’t mean to hurt you,” Lemon Hearts said apologetically as she and Twinkleshine examined my hoof.

“It’s fine,” I sighed as the pain started to fade. I could faintly feel it still as I pressed it down gently on the ground.

“Fixing up your place a bit?” Twinkleshine asked curiously. “Looks good. Why didn’t you get a professional pony to do it?”

“Don’t have the bits to hire anypony. Spent a lot on the supplies.”

“Supplies?”

“There’s more around back.”

The two gave each other confused looks before looking back at me. Lemon Hearts examined the fence as she levitated the hammer over and gave it a hard slam.

“Tada!” She exclaimed proudly as I gave the fence a gentle push. It didn’t move at all. “My dad is a handy pony. Taught me a lot.”

“How much did you spend anyway?” Twinkleshine asked curiously as I looked away. I named a number and the two gave me stunned expressions. “Seriously? Moondancer, my dad is a lumber pony. He could have gotten you all this for so much cheaper. It’s decent quality but you overpaid like crazy!”

“And my dad could have helped. He doesn’t charge that much. Or we could have helped you,” Lemon Hearts said as she placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Why didn’t you? You know we would help in a heart beat.”

“Well you know I’ve always been independent and such. Plus you guys have your own lives. I can’t expect you drop that to come help me with something like this,” I explained as I gave the empty cement bucket a gentle kick.

“Are you serious?” Lemon Hearts said flatly. “We have our lives sure, but we also have days off. We could have helped you out. What else you got planned?”

I looked at them nervously and scuffed my hoof on the ground.

“Painting the outside of the house. It’s uhm falling apart. Maybe fixing it up better?” I said weakly as Lemon Hearts squeezed my shoulder with her hoof.

“Then we will help you out. All you have to do is ask. We will come over this Saturday. All of us. And don’t you dare try starting early before we get here, got it?” Lemon Hearts said sternly as I weakly nodded. “We’re going back to the orphanage again next week or so. It’s been a week since we last went. Wanna come?”

“Yeah!” I said and gave an enthusiastic nod. I turned faintly red as the two chuckled. “Uhm sure. Why are you girls so adamant on helping me with everything?”

“Why not? We’re your friends. It’s what they do for each other,” Twinkleshine chuckled as she stared at my house. “Wanna come to my house? Minuette and Lemon Hearts are coming. Sleepover.”

“Sure I guess. Let me get my things,” I said and made a move to the door.

“Don’t worry about it. You can borrow my blankets and such,” Twinkleshine giggled as she waved a hoof.

“But I need something inside,” I said desperately and darted inside, searching around worriedly. My eyes fell on the two books I wanted on the floor and grinned. “There it is!”

I quickly darted back outside and shut my door gently. Didn’t want to break it anymore than Twilight accidentally did. Lemon Hearts gave me a confused book as she stared at the book.

“What’s with the book?” Twinkleshine asked curiously as we started our trot to her house. She lived on the other side of Canterlot so hopefully the way was clear of ponies.

“Nothing.”

“Come on,” Lemon Hearts whined as she took the book in her magic despite my protesting. “How to understand my friends and how to be a good friend. What the hay Moondancer? You don’t need this.”

“Yes I do. I don’t understand you all that well or well anything about friendship so a book helps. I may have one on sleepovers too,” I said sheepishly as the two burst out laughing.

“You’re just like Twilight!” Twinkleshine giggled as she took the other book in her magic. “I love you both but you can be very silly. What’s this one? Moondancers journal?”

“Don’t open that!” I said and turned bright red. All my recent entries were about them and my worries. I really don’t want them to see that. They might think I’m weird or something.

“Got a list of colts you like in here?” Lemon Hearts asked curiously and I honestly didn’t think I could get any redder. If only they knew I secretly loved Twilight. I didn’t know how they would react to me being gay so I haven’t told anypony. I probably wouldn’t ever tell.

“No. I don’t have time for relationships,” I said neutrally. While that wasn’t technically a lie, I hoped it would tide them over. I would kill to date Twilight one day but I’m me and she’s well her. She’s a princess and I’m a mare in a run down part of Canterlot.

“Oh okay. I don’t judge,” Lemon Hearts winked and gave me a slight nudge as we approached Twinkleshine’s house. It was a two story light pink house with a star decoration of her cutie mark on the door.

Must be nice to live on a quiet part of town. The royal guards are always on my street either dealing with drunk ponies or a fight. Just a few weeks ago there was a group brawl between two fans of opposing football teams. Obviously alcohol had been involved.

“Here we are!” Twinkleshine announced happily and opened her door. I stared in awe of the nicely decorated interior as I slowly followed them. I don’t think I’ve ever been in here before.

Minuette poked her head out of the kitchen with a massive grin as I noticed the mint green unicorn on the couch.

“Lyra?”

Lyra gave me a smug grin as she waved lazily before flipping through a magazine. I idly recognized it as a magazine for play mares and turned red. I often used that magazine to get off to mares and well, imagine Twilight in those positions.

“Surprise!” Minuette shouted with a grin. “Lyra is here. And hey Moondancer! Nice to finally have you come have a sleepover.”

“Hi,” I waved sheepishly as I watched Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts hug Lyra.

“It’s been so long!” Lemon Hearts exclaimed as she sat next to Lyra. “How’s Ponyville?”

“How’s Bon Bon?” Twinkleshine asked as she sat on the other aide of Lyra. Lyra stuck up both forelegs and the two stopped.

“It has been a while. Ponyville is nice. When we weren’t under attack by some monster. It’s always something going on every other week. And Bons is okay. She’s busy at the moment otherwise she would have came,” Lyra said as she closed the magazine and tossed it onto the counter. I was in awe at how she could toss material like that and not care that Minuette saw the cover.

“Who’s Bon Bon?” I asked curiously as I stayed by the door.

“My marefriend,” Lyra said as she glanced at me. “Sit. You don’t have to stand all the time, ya know?”

“I uh okay,” I said as a golden glow enveloped me and plopped me on a couch. “Woah!”

“Problem solved,” Lyra grinned at me and winked.

“So wait you have a marefriend?” I asked with wide eyes.

“Yeah. Is that a problem?” Lyra asked warily. I flinched a bit at her defensive demeanor. I can’t recall the last time Lyra looked this standoffish.

“No, not at all. And the others know?”

“Well duh!” Minuette chuckled as she poured five glasses of some brightly colored juice. “We all met Bon Bon at the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville a few years back. We didn’t really remember it well because we were half a few drinks in and the whole Luna thing happening at the same time.”

“Yeah it was pretty cool,” Lemon Hearts laughed softly and shifted on the couch. “Why do you ask?”

I didn’t really want to tell them I liked Twilight still after all these years. Not that they knew to begin with but based on Lyra’s expression, she might have had a small idea of why I was asking.

She always was scarily good at reading ponies or watching them. I never really trusted that aspect of her but I’ve gotten used to it. Not like I could tell her it made me uncomfortable. This was the first time we’ve seen each other since fillies I think. She was still the same old Lyra based on some stories the others told me about her.

“Just curious,” I lied and Lyra raised an eyebrow. She was definitely onto me I bet. I didn’t like lying but I hated being alone more.

“Uh huh. Anyway, how goes the planner gig Lemon?” Lyra asked as she flicked her gaze over to Lemon Hearts.

“It’s going pretty well. Already planning the next Gala,” Lemon Hearts said and rolled her eyes. “It’s so frustrating. Those nobles always changing theirs minds every five seconds or demanding this and that.”

“I can believe that,” Lyra chuckled as she kicked her hindquarters out and sat up straight to my confusion and slight concern. There’s no way that’s comfortable for anypony.

“How can you sit like that?” I asked incredulously as the others groaned.

“Now you’ve gone and done it,” Twinkleshine grumbled as she levitated a donut up to her mouth. “Once she gets started, she never stops. Hey!”

Lyra rolled her eyes and smacked Twinkleshine upside the head with a pillow.

“It’s how the humans sat. It’s actually quite comfortable. I’ve been studying them for the past three years. I’ve learned quite a lot about them.”

I’ve heard the rumors about humans. I’ve done a little studying but not much as Lyra has apparently. I’ve always brushed them off as folklore.

“Fascinating,” I mused as Lyra smirked. “Would you uh be opposed to sharing some of your books with me to read?”

“Sure. I’ll bring them by the next time I come to Canterlot. Or you can always come back to Ponyville with me,” Lyra said casually as Minuette shrugged.

“I guess we could. It’s been awhile since we’ve visited. And you can see Twilight again!” Minuette exclaimed as she looked at me. I felt my cheeks go red slightly and I choked on air.

“Has Twilight talked to you yet?” Twinkleshine asked as she wiped her mouth with a hoof.

“Yeah she caught me at the train station. Kinda awkward really having her grovel for my forgiveness in front of a huge crowd of ponies. She also stopped by Derpys to apologize to Amethyst and Sassaflashs house to see Sea Swirl. Don’t know why she thought I was mad. I was used to her abandoning us.”

I was probably the only one who was angry at her. And was angry at the others. I don’t know why I was. They did nothing wrong but remind me of what happened by just being around them. Crazy how things like that work.

“You guys won’t believe who Twilight was telling me about,” Lyra said suddenly as she wrapped her tail around herself. “Sunset Shimmer.”

“I remember her,” Twinkleshine frowned slightly. “Didn’t she bully us?”

“Yeah,” Minuette muttered and scuffed her hoof. “Maybe she’s changed. I didn’t have the greatest opinion of her.”

I didn’t exactly have fond memories of her either. All I really remember is her being mean, offering to be friends and me turning her down for some reason I don’t remember.

“Twilight said she’s a completely different mare now. She didn’t tell me where she went through. All she said was it’s far away and that’s she friends with a few ponies I know very well. One is apparently Derpy but when I asked her about it, she had no clue.”

“Well enough of that. We can ask Twilight later. Now let’s play some games!” Twinkleshine exclaimed and levitated some board games that I hadn’t played since I was a filly.

I don’t even know if I remember how to play Battle Clouds but I can at least watch the others.

“So Moondancer. What do you do for work?” I asked curiously and stirred my hot cocoa with a spoon Twinkleshine had given me. Moondancer was sitting quietly in the corner next to Lemon Hearts.

“I work as a research assistant. Whenever the colleges across Equestria need a pony to either validate or invalidate their theories, they send me a letter. I get sent around Equestria to different places or out of the country. Been to Yakyakistan once. Interesting place,” Moondancer answered as she pushed up her glasses. “Paid trips and such. All I have to pay for is the hotel.”

“Wow,” Twinkleshine said and tucked her legs underself. “Pretty impressive. So that’s why we hadn’t see much of you before Twilight came to town. Pay well?”

Moondancer named a number and our eyes widened. I hadn’t been expecting that high of a number and I don’t think the others had either. Lyra spit out her hot chocolate and Twinkleshine glared at her.

“You’re cleaning that. I hope you know that.”

“Yeah, yeah I know. I’ll get it,” Lyra grumbled as her horn flashed and the stain in the carpet disappeared. “If you make that much, why does your house look like shit?”

“Lyra!” I exclaimed and shot her a look. I love her but she didn’t really have a filter. She’s like a less crazy, more calm Pinkie Pie.

“It’s okay. I never really cared about how my house looked. All I cared was it have me shelter and kept me safe. I started fixing it up a bit now,” Moondancer admitted nervously. “Can I uh have a cookie? I don’t want to impose.”

“Of course!” Twinkleshine giggled and levitated one to her. “You’re a friend, you don’t have to ask. I’m happy you’re here.”

I was just happy we finally got her out of the library. The amount of times I’ve had to take her to her house after finding her asleep muzzle first in a book is insane. Her fixing the house is icing on the cake.

A loud snoring sound came from the couch and we all looked over at Moondancer curled up in a ball, snoring. I covered my mouth with a hoof as we all laughed.

“About time!” Lyra snickered as she levitated the two books Moondancer had brought. “How to understand my friends and be a good friend? Boring! Ah her diary, excellent.”

Lyra tossed the first book onto a table next to Moondancer as Lemon Hearts covered Moondancer up with a blanket and shoved a pillow under her head.

“Lyra! We are not reading her diary. That’s private!” Lemon Hearts snapped as Lyra started flipping through.

“You’re right. We aren’t. I am, you aren’t,” Lyra said and I groaned. “Boring, boring, boring, boring, boring, ooh this has your guys names written in it.”

“Wait really?” Twinkleshine asked as she peered over Lyra’s shoulder. “Oh wow it does. Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Minuette are very fascinating individuals. I’ll be keeping track of my friendships in this journal, their own individual likes and favorite places. For example, Twinkleshine likes chocolate donuts with pink sprinkles. Lemon Hearts is obsessed with lemon based products. It is important I keep track of these so if quizzed, I know the answers so I don’t lose my friends and be alone again.”

“What the hay?” I muttered as I joined them. “She seriously thinks she needs to keep track of everything and if she doesn’t we will abandon her?”

“Apparently,” Lyra said as she flipped the page. “This is am interesting entry. I sometimes wonder if I should come out to the others. But I’m also worried they might abandon me if I do. Especially Minuette. Her parents were very strict apparently growing up.”

We all burst out laughing at that. That was kinda dumb of her. I was seeing a mare from Ponyville, Lyra had Bon Bon. I don’t know how to talk to her about this without revealing we read her diary.

“I can also never tell them about my secret love of Twilight. That might ruin everything between us,” Twinkleshine read as she giggled. “She thinks that’s a secret? Everypony knew she had a crush on Twilight. She wasn’t exactly subtle about it.”

“I know right?” I laughed quietly to not wake up Moondancer. This would be a very bad look if she woke up right now. Still felt kinda wrong to do.

“How exactly do we talk to her about this then? I think it’s safe to say she should probably get help with her anxiety,” Lyra said with a frown. “We all know she doesn’t really talk about her feelings.”

“So we have to make her,” I said and slammed my forehooves together. “We each take a day and talk to her about ourselves. Without giving away we read her journal.”

“I’m down.”

“Same.”

“Fuck yeah!”

“Why do I have a feeling that word is worse than buck?” I asked and shivered. Lyra gave me a grin.

“It’s how the humans cursed. It means buck but it’s like a really aggressive way. It’s awesome. They have similar curse words like we do. Bitch, shit the like. It’s well documented surprisingly.”

“Celestia help us all,” Lemon Hearts muttered as Lyra closed the diary and placed it quietly next to Moondancer.

“Hey, you girls remember when Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in a beaker that one time?” Lyra asked casually as she gave Lemon Hearts a smirk. We all burst out laughing as Lemon Hearts gave us the same look she did the last time we mentioned it to Twilight at the school.

“One time! One time I get my head stuck in a beaker and you girls have never let me forget it!”

I doubled over and laid back on Twinkleshine as we both continued laughing. Twinkleshine wiped a tear away from her eye as Lyra chuckled.

“Sweet Celestia that was funny. We love ya Lemons. Man, little Twinkleshine, Minuette and Lemon Hearts was adorable. You looked so terrified. How did you even get your head in there?” Lyra giggled as we slowly stopped laughing.

“I don’t know!” Lemon Hearts wailed as she flopped back on the couch with a smile. “I think I saw something in there and I was curious about it. Either that or Amethyst had dared me to try it. Thank Celestia horns are bendy under pressure.”

“Fair enough,” I said and yawned a bit. “Man, I miss being a filly. We were some adorable fillies back then. Remember when I had braces back then?”

“Remember the time Twinkleshine had se- mphfh!” Lyra gagged as Twinkleshine shoved her hoof in Lyra’s mouth with a blush.

“Shush.”

“Oh calm down. We all know you and Star Tracker hooked up a few years later in the dorms of the school. I felt bad for Lyra. She was your bunk mate and heard everything.”

“Minuette!” Twinkleshine gasped as she stared at me. “Wait everypony knew?”

“No,” I said with a grin. “But we do now!”

We all burst out laughing as Twinkleshine slumped over with a tomato face. Celestia, I loved my friends.

“Alright everypony bed time!” Lemon Hearts said and covered herself with a blanket. Twinkleshine curled up in a ball as she passed out pillows and blankets to the rest of us.

“Night,” I said as I looked at Lyra. She flopped on her back and started snoring as her hindlegs started kicking idly.

How she did that in a matter of ten seconds flat blew me away. I will never understand that mare.

I stretched my hindlegs out a bit as I opened my eyes, looking around the room and blinking in confusion. This wasn’t my house. Where in the wide world of Equestria was I?

I resisted the urge to panic and looked around, calming down at the sight of a sleeping Lemon Hearts, Minuette and Twinkleshine.

“Hey there,” Lyra said from behind me and I jumped slightly. Her horn glowed golden as she gave me a sheepish smile. “Didn’t mean to startle you. Good morning.”

“It’s fine. Good morning,” I yawned and climbed off the couch. “When did I get put on the couch? I was asleep on the floor last I checked.”

“Lemon Hearts. She put you on it.”

That made a bit of sense. I looked around for my journal and book, sighing in relief that they were where I left them last night. I didn’t think my friends would read either but it’s always good to be reassured. I should put a spell on my journal one day.

“You’re up early,” I noted and levitated my glasses on. “Why?”

“Oh I usually help Bon Bon stock the shelves of the store before she opens,” Lyra said as she levitated her saddlebags on and tossed some bits into one. “Five am isn’t really that early. I’m going to Joe’s to get some donuts for the others. Wanna come with?”

“Sure why not,” I said as I followed her out the door and shut it quietly behind us. I looked around outside as we started trotting.

I always did like early morning, when it’s not too dark out but not too sunny either. The perfect mix.

Garbage ponies were tossing trash into some carriages as some other unicorns were sweeping the streets with large brooms. I idly wondered how they got stuck doing that job. Having a broom for a cutie mark would suck a bit I think.

“How’s life?” Lyra asked suddenly as I glanced back over at her.

“Decent I suppose. You?”

“Pretty good. Bon Bon is great and all, the shop is going good. Got into a fight with Bon Bon recently and made her sleep on the couch but it’s okay.”

“Oh. Uh what about?” I asked cautiously. I didn’t know if that was private or not. But if it was private, then Lyra wouldn’t have mentioned it right?

“Oh this unicorn named Trixie came into town again recently. Bon Bon and a few other mares including one Minuette is seeing laughed at her and made her leave. Me and Minuette both got kinda angry at our partners and ignored them for a few days. It’s why I’m here and not in town. Don’t wanna see Bons right now,” Lyra said and her expression changed slightly. I’ve never seen Lyra angry except now I think.

“What did Trixie do?” I asked curiously as Lyra inhaled.

“She was doing a magic show in town. Rainbow Dash and a few other ponies challenged her and she dealt with them how I would have. Beat them in a magic show. And then they begged Twilight to do the same to her. Kinda angered me. She was just doing a show and dealt with a crowd of hecklers. Hell, Bon Bon and the others were even liking the show till the elements ruined things.”

“How exactly is beating them at magic dealing with hecklers? Wouldn’t it be better to just ignore them?” I asked as we stepped onto a sidewalk.

“Right, you’re not a showmare like myself or Trixie or Octavia. Octavia and Vinyl got angry at the elements too. Octavia is scary when she gets angry. Anyway, it’s not about beating them. It’s about shutting down hecklers in an entertaining method for the crowd. She recently beat Twilight in magic duel. Granted, she had the Alicorn thingy but still, winning is winning,” Lyra said casually as she sighed. “I’m sorry by the way.”

“For?”

“For being late to your party you threw so many years ago. I woke up late and forgot a gift so I had to rush around to buy one and make it in time. By then, well you remember how it ended.”

I remember how it ended all right. The others sticking around as I awkwardly opened the gifts they had gotten me. Clock from Minuette, camera from Lyra, telescope from Twinkleshine and a bunch of baking supplies from Lemon Hearts. Reminder to ask Lemon Hearts to help me try baking.

“It’s fine,” I said as Donut Joe’s came into view. I could make out the stallion behind the counter, pulling out trays of donuts with his magic. I opened the door with my magic and followed Lyra in.

“Well look who it is. Moondancer and Lyra. Haven’t seen you two together in a while,” Donut Joe said as he leaned against. I wonder if Donut was his first name or just a business thing.

“Hey Joe. How’s the family?” Lyra asked as she stared at him.

“Oh they’re good. Coffee Cake is learning how to walk. Scary as heck ya know?” Donut Joe smirked as I nodded. “What can I get for you two? Is Twilight back in town?”

“Nah, not that I’ve heard of. Just getting some breakfast before the other mares wake up. If that’s okay of course,” Lyra said as she placed her forelegs on the counter.

“Whatcha looking to get?”

“Three chocolate donuts with pink sprinkles, three lemon donuts, two mint donuts, one blueberry donut and a blackberry. What about you Moondancer?” Lyra asked as Donut Joe levitated the requested donuts into a box.

“Uhm just two strawberry filled donuts please,” I said as Donut Joe nodded. Internally, I was happy. My information about Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Minuette was accurate. Plus I had information about Lyra to add to my diary.

“Oh and five pumpkin spice lattes please. I wanna see the other girls reactions,” Lyra snickered as she levitated some bits onto the counter.

“Alright those will be ready in a few. Ten bits please.” Lyra cursed under her breath and added four more bits. “Thank ya. Just go sit down and I’ll call you up. Got some royal guards coming in apparently for breakfast.”

Lyra gave a nod as she levitated the box into her saddlebags and we sat down at a nearby table as two guards walked in. I looked outside as I remembered something Lyra said.

“Wait, Minuette is seeing a mare?”

I sat on the couch with Lyra as we watched others wake up. I still had no clue how that mare could sit upright without hurting her spine.

I took a deep breath and kicked my hindquarters out and strained to sit up right as Lyra glanced over with a raised eyebrow.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to sit like you,” I grunted as I fell on my pillow and tried again. My eyes widened as the floor got closer. “Woah!”

A light purple glow enveloped me as I floated in air and was tossed back on the couch. I glanced over at a exhausted Lemon Hearts looking at me.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” Lemon Hearts mumbled as she sniffed the air. “Do I smell lemon donuts?”

“Yes,” I said as Twinkleshine and Minuette started stirring. “Lyra and I went to get donuts this morning.” Lemon Hearts sat up and levitated a yellow iced donut her mouth, biting it and giving an approving sound.

“Thanks. And is that a coffee?” Lemon Hearts asked curiously as Lyra and I smirked at each other.

“Yeah,” I said as Twinkleshine took one in her magic and sipped at it. Apparently a pumpkin spice latte was a new thing going around Equestria and Lyra wanted our opinions. Twinkleshine spit it out and started gagging.

“What in Equestria was that?” Twinkleshine shouted as Minuette jumped to her hooves.

“Zombies?”

“Where did you get zombies from?” Lyra demanded as she snorted laughing. “It’s a pumpkin spice latte.”

“What the buck is a pumpkin spice latte?” Twinkleshine exclaimed as my jaw dropped. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her swear in my life. Well, according to Lyra there was a lot of cursing coming from her during the Star Tracker hook up incident but I don’t know. I wasn’t there thankfully.

“Here let me try one,” Minuette said as I levitated one to her and she took it in her hoof and drank some. “Huh, not bad. I like it.”

“Seriously?” Twinkleshine scoffed as she set hers on the nearby table. “It was the worst!”

I shrugged and levitated one to my mouth, taking a long sip. It was very pumpkiny. It wasn’t bad per se but it definitely wasn’t something I’d buy on my own.

“Yeah I’m with Twinkleshine. This is gross,” Lemon Hearts announced as she took another sip.

“Then why the Tartarus are you drinking it?” Lyra demanded as she tried her own.

“Because you paid for it! It would be rude of me to not finish it.”

“Imagine somepony just dumping a lot of pumpkin seasoning into one coffee, stirring it together and adding whipped cream,” Twinkleshine said as she stood up. “I would probably like it if there wasn’t just so many offensive flavors in it.”

“Says the mare who can’t cook to save her life,” Minuette giggled as Lyra took another sip of her coffee.

“No that’s Lyra. She can’t cook at all. Remember the time she tried disguise Hayburgers fast food as her own?” Lemon Hearts asked with a grin.

Lyra spit her coffee out and glared at Lemon Hearts as I burst out laughing and laid on my back. The others all gave me looks of disbelief as I finished laughing.

“Moondancer?” Lemon Hearts said with a stunned expression.

“Yeah?”

“D-did you just laugh?”

I frowned suddenly and nodded slowly.

“Uh yes? Did I do something wrong?”

“No, not at all! It’s just we haven’t heard you laugh in a long, long time,” Lemon Hearts admitted as they crowded around me. I won’t lie, it was a bit much but oh well. “It’s a nice sound to hear is all.”

“She’s right,” Minuette chimed in as she chewed a donut. I didn’t even notice she had gotten one. I didn’t really laugh that often. Mainly because I had nothing to laugh about. Think the last time was when we played soccer in my yard.

“Can I ask a series of stupid questions?” I asked hesitantly as Minuettes expression became surprisingly serious.

“There’s no such thing as stupid questions but go ahead,” she said as she sat down next to me. “What’s on your scarily smart noggin?”

“Shouldn’t you guys be like mad at me? For ignoring you guys and all?”

I raised an eyebrow in confusion as the others started laughing. Lemon Hearts placed a hoof on my shoulder as she grinned.

“Oh Twilight said the same thing when she visited. We aren’t mad at you. Like we told her, we were used to you being busy. And if your next question is why we care so much, it’s because we are your friends silly. It’s kinda gonna be harder to get rid of us than you think.”

I don’t really know how I should feel being compared to Twilight. We had a pretty healthy rivalry when we were fillies but time changes things. I don’t even know if I still have that rivalry with her or not. At the time I thought it was friendly but maybe I was trying to convince myself that at the time.

“Are you okay? You’re hyperventilating,” Minuette pointed out as I nodded. I didn’t even know I was. Did I do that every time I thought to myself? Celestia, I hope not.

“Are you really seeing a mare?” I asked curiously as Minuette nodded after a second.

“Yeah. Berry Punch. She’s a unique individual to put it mildly. When you catch her sober, she’s a fascinating pony to talk to. It’s finding her sober that’s the hard part. I haven’t really talked to her recently because we had a minor disagreement about a certain unicorn.”

“Trixie?” I asked as her eyes widened. “Lyra told me about her. Shame what happened.”

“I heard about that. What even is the Alicorn whatsitcalled?” Lemon Hearts asked as I winced internally.

“Alicorn amulet,” I corrected automatically. “Blesses the wear with untold power but the more the bearer uses the amulet, it corrupts them more. Only the bearer can take it off.”

“Yuck,” Twinkleshine shuddered. “Why exactly wasn’t it in a museum or under the Princesses care?”

“I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it was stolen or something. Books aren’t exactly clear. But since Princess Celestia pretty much manipulated Twilight’s life from the getgo, maybe she put it in that shop intentionally for Trixie to find as a test for Twilight,” I suggested as they all stared at me.

“Moondancer, that’s treason talk right there. Be careful,” Lemon Hearts warned after a moment.

“But what if she’s right?” Lyra muttered as she looked between us all.

“Then our entire life was a lie,” Twinkleshine admitted as her ears flattened against her head. “And we were just convenient for her agenda.”

“I don’t believe the princess would do that,” Lemon Hearts said and shook her head. She didn’t sound entirely convinced though.

“Let’s just keep this to ourselves for now. We can figure it out later,” Minuette announced as we all looked at each other. “Let’s get to work. We have a lot to do today.”

I gave a nod as we all started eating our donuts. I couldn’t help but feel right about my theory of Celestia. Time will tell.

“So this is the place huh?” Lyra asked as we stood in front of the orphanage we had visited recently. I grunted from the weight of my saddlebags as we entered the lobby. I had brought a few unneeded books of mine that I didn’t use to donate. Might as well let somepony else get a use out of them.

“Yep!” Minuette exclaimed with a grin as she placed her hooves on the desk.

“Adopting, visiting or dropping off?” The same pink earth pony from before asked as she lifted her head off the desk.

“Visiting again.”

“Uh huh. Sign your names on the clipboard and go through those doors.”

“Seriously?” Lyra scoffed as I signed my name and handed the clipboard to Lemon Hearts. “How often they come here and you still ask them that? You don’t recognize them?”

“Lady, I see hundreds of ponies each day. Now are you going to see some foals or are you going to talk to me all day?” The mare grumbled as she glared at Lyra.

“Come on Lyra,” Twinkleshine said as she wrapped a foreleg around our mint green unicorn friend. “Let’s go visit some colts and fillies, shall we?”

Lyra nodded wordlessly as we all trotted through the doors as the pink mare rested her head on the desk and yawned.

“Is she always such a bitch?”

“Lyra!” Twinkleshine snapped and glared at her. “Yes, yes she is, but now is not a place to talk about this.”

“Fair enough,” Lyra muttered as I looked around for Cotton Cloudy. I saw her in her typical spot once again surrounded by a bunch of books. Before I knew it, my hooves were moving in that direction. I sat next to her and levitated my new saddlebags off.

“Oh it’s you again,” Cotton Cloudy grunted as she glanced at me.

“Yep. Miss me?”

“No.”

I frowned slightly and levitated some books in front of her.

“Brought you some books. Rest of the Ender Game series. Figured they should be with somepony who will appreciate them.”

“Thanks,” Cotton Cloudy said as she closed her book and stared at me.

“Are you always this uncaring and sassy?” I asked as she gritted her teeth slightly.

“Where were you?”

“Uh where was I for what?” I asked and stared into her surprisingly bright lavender eyes.

“When the changelings attacked Canterlot,” Cotton Cloudy clarified as I sighed. I personally tried to not remember that day. It sucked to say the least. I had been captured in my house by a pair of changelings till they were blown out by some weird pink bubble thing. I should have sued honestly. It almost destroyed my house.

“I was at home. With two changelings that I tried to fight back against,” I answered as she raised an eyebrow. “Where were you?”

“Home.”

“So you weren’t always in this place?”

“Watch it,” Cotton Cloudy warned as she narrowed her eyes. “You’re getting pretty damn close to dangerous territory and I will bite you if I have to.”

I gulped nervously as she sighed and grabbed one of the books I brought along with me to give to her. Celestia knows why I did. I don’t even know why I care but I do for some reason.

“The Maretanic? The buck is that?” Cotton Cloudy demanded as I rolled my eyes.

“It was that one ship that crashed into an iceberg,” I said and rolled my hooves. “Allegedly of course.”

“Allegedly?”

“Well yeah. You got someponies who say it was on fire before-”

“Hold on. It’s a wooden boat. How in Equestria would a wooden boat survive the water after being set on fire?” Cotton Cloudy demanded as she waved her hooves in the air.

“Precisely my point,” I said as I gave a shrug. “Anyway, it’s not like we know exactly where it crashed. Who knows, maybe somepony hijacked it and slaughtered the crew?”

“That’s really dark for a filly to know,” Cotton Cloudy said as my eyes widened. I had completely forgotten about that. “Relax, don’t have a panic attack or anything like that. I read about massacres and wars all the time.”

I didn’t entirely know who thought letting her do that was a good idea. You would think they would double check the contents of the library or wherever she got these books. I can’t judge though. I accidentally read a smut novel my sister left on a desk at home and thought it was just a normal book. I still don’t think mom and dad forgave her for that.

“You’re weird, you know that?” Cotton Cloudy commented as she stood up and stretched.

“Uh thanks? I think?”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

“You have an attitude issue you know that?” I grumbled and folded my forelegs across my chest as Cotton Cloudy nodded.

“I know. Makes ponies leave me alone but not you for some reason. You’re different than the rest and it’s weird as Tartarus. It made the rest of your posse leave me alone except for Mint Hair.”

“Mint Hair?” I asked even though I had an idea who she meant.

“Harp butt.”

“Lyra,” I clarified as she rolled her eyes. "And it's a lyre." I remember getting the two mixed up and Lyra was less than enthused. Mainly ranting for an hour about the differences between the two.

“I could care less what her name is. My question is, why do you personally keep coming back? Don’t you have like a stallion at home or a mare or a child? Most ponies either come here because it makes them feel better because their life is miserable and they need to be reassured others have it worse, they come to adopt or in my case, overlook me, or they never come back because they get depressed here,” Cotton Cloudy said as she pressed a hoof against my chest. “What do you gain from all this? What is your reason for showing up? I know Minuettes reason, but you’re different from her and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about it.”

For once in my life, I didn’t have an answer and I sorely wished I did.

“I see,” Cotton Cloudy said as she gave me a smug look. “Hopefully you figure it out one day, and maybe you can enlighten me.”

“I hope so too.”

“Celestia you’re so different.”

“Isn’t being different a good thing?” I asked curiously and looked around for my friends. Lyra sat with the others as she levitated a harmonica to her mouth. For a little filly, she was scarily bright.

“Depends on the pony. For you, I guess. I was already raised to be unique be myself but I already am by being a sassy jerk and being alone because I prefer it,” Cotton Cloudy admitted as she brushed her blue mane back with a hoof. “Thanks for the books. You uh don’t want them back do you?”

“No,” I said and shook my head adamantly. “They’re yours to keep. I loved them to death as a filly and don’t really use them anymore. Time for them to go to a new home.”

Surprisingly, she didn’t have a comment like I expected. She just gave me a nod as we each opened our own books and started reading quietly.

“Everytime I see this house, I get reminded how awful it is,” I sighed as we all sat around my dining room table. If it acould be called that. It was just a misshapen cut piece of plywood on a cement block.

“Don’t worry!” Lemon Hearts grinned as she wrapped a foreleg around me. “We will get this place fixed up in no time!”

“It’ll take a bit. Starting with this table. If it can be called that,” Lyra frowned as she examined the table. “I honestly don’t know how you thought this was a good idea. And your walls have some weird liquid dried at the top. And your carpet smells like cum.”

“Is that what I smelled a few weeks ago when I stopped by?” Minuette demanded as my cheeks turned red and I looked away. “Oh my Celestia, it was!”

“Who gets off on the carpet?” Twinkleshine asked as she gave me a smile. “Don’t be embarrassed, we all masturbate. We all have needs and it’s okay, don’t worry.”

“Yeah!” Lyra chimed in with a smile. “I mean just last week Bon Bon and I-”

A light blue glow enveloped her head as Twinkleshine gave me an apologetic grin as I glanced at her glowing horn.

“Pretty sure you don’t want to hear about her well experiences,” Twinkleshine smirked as we watched Lyra wave her hooves around. I don’t think she realized we didn’t hear her yet.

“Thanks,” I sighed in relief and looked at Minuette. “I’m uh sorry. I didn’t really feel comfortable telling you and I figured I’d scare you away forever if I told you the truth. There’s a uh lot you don’t know about me.”

“I know,” Minuette said and I raised an eyebrow as a yellow hoof smacked her upside the head. “Ow!”

“Uh what do you mean by that?” I asked worriedly. “Did you girls actually read my journal?”

“No! Everypony has secrets is what she meant,” Lemon Hearts said as she shifted her glare from Lemon Hearts to give me a smirk. “Let’s get this house fixed up, shall we?”

“Where do you want us to start?” Twinkleshine asked as she levitated some paint buckets and other random tools on my makeshift table.

“Uh I don’t know,” I muttered as my ears flattened against my head. “I’m not really well versed in house repairs.”

“I got this,” Lemon Hearts announced and stood up. “Lyra, Twinkleshine, you two started cleaning off the walls for the new paint. Moondancer, Minuette, you two start cleaning up the bedrooms and throwing away unnecessary items. I’ll do the same in these rooms.”

“Aye, aye captain!” Lyra mocked and tossed her a salute as she levitated two wash cloths and bucket full of water on the carpet. “Add new carpet to the list.”

I grunted in response to that as Minuette followed me into one of the rooms as her eyes widened. I had four massive books shelves filled with books, neatly dusted and the rest of the room was messy.

My bed was messy with the blankets tossed everywhere, the pillows strewn about and I turned faintly red as Minuette stared at me.

“Moondancer, I honestly don’t even know what to say about this. This is just a huge no! First off, your curtains don’t even match your sheets!”

“My curtains? What?”

“Everypony knows you need blue curtains to match your white walls and blue sheets!” Minuette exclaimed as I rubbed my chin with a hoof.

I think it was pretty obvious by now I didn’t understand anything she was saying. Color matching isn’t necessarily my strong suit. I just buy whatever fits my bed or fits me.

“And sweet Celestia, so many books! You’re like a second Twilight!” Minuette continued as she examined my book shelf.

For the next hour or what felt like an hour, we cleaned the three bedrooms I had, tossing out the sheets and the bent curtain holders. I vigorously scrubbed the wall as I smirked at the sound of Lyra and Twinkleshine laughing.

“So what’s Berry Punch like?” I asked curiously as we finished up in the final room. How Minuette answered this question would be the deciding factor if I came out to her.

“She’s a complicated mare. She’s pretty good obviously or I wouldn’t be dating her. Her daughter is adorable as usual. Just like Cotton Cloudy,” Minuette said and winked as I blushed for some unknown reason. “We’re just having some issues right now. Me and the others are going to visit Ponyville and Twilight if you wish to come along. Berry Punch is a recovering alcoholic but she slips up sometimes.”

“I would but I’m spending my bits on fixing the house. I don’t have any more till the next payment comes in from the last university I did some work for,” I said as I levitated some unneeded items into the hallway.

“I got it. Don’t worry,” Minuette winked as we examined the now empty room.

“Are you sure?” I asked incredulously. “A train ticket isn’t cheap.”

“I’m sure. Don’t you worry.”

I reared up on my hind legs and hugged her as she raised her eyes before hugging me back. I didn’t really do touch often.

“You’re a good friend, Minnie,” I said as we dropped down to all fours.

“I know.”

I gave a faint laugh as I inhaled, flicking my eyes to Minuette examined a window.

“Can I uh tell you something?”

“Shoot.”

“I’m serious. The others can’t know,” I said as Minuette turned around and patted the floor with a hoof.

“I’m listening. Here, sit down and tell me everything,” Minuette said and I sat nervously next to her.

“So you know Twilight right?” I asked as Minuette nodded. “I well you know, love her. And I’m well, gay.”

“I know,” Minuette admitted as I recoiled. I hadn’t known anypony knew. “Before you freak out, hear me out. You weren’t exactly subtle about your feelings, all the way down to the same manestyle.”

“And you don’t hate me for it? I know your parents were strict about it growing up.”

“Moondancer, none of us hate you for it. Hell, Lyra is dating a mare, I’m dating a mare. I’m bi, Lyra is gay and the others are perfectly okay with it. I’ve been with a fair share of stallions, romantically and one night stands. It’s up to you if you want to tell the others but I think you should,” Minuette explained as she placed a hoof on my shoulder. “My parents came around and all, I know you have your parents anymore but your sister won’t care either.”

“So you’ve uhm,” I searched for the right word.

“Had sex? Yeah, with mares and stallions. Don’t rush it. It’ll happen when it happens, Moonie. Let’s focus on getting you a marefriend first okay?”

“Okay,” I muttered sheepishly with bright red cheeks and traced a hoof in a circle on the floor. “Sorry for uhm asking personal questions.”

“If it helps, I have nothing to hide. Under normal circumstance, the sex questions would be awkward but you’re my friend,” Minuette smiled warmly as she wrapped a foreleg around me. “How about you come over to my house in a few days and I can loan you some books that can give you everything you need to know. Stuff you won’t find in a library.”

“I guess I can find the time. Can we uh keep that between us for now?” I asked hopefully and she gave a quick nod.

“Hey guys,” Twinkleshine said as she stepped into the room. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything, but Lemon Hearts is going to get us some take out and will bring it back here. She just left. Figured I should let you two know.”

“Okay,” I said as I glanced outside and flinched at the sun setting. I didn’t know we had been working all day. Guess things truly are better with friends. “And thanks Twinkleshine. For helping.”

“What are friends for?” Twinkleshine winked as she yawned. “We got the whole living room, dining room and kitchen cleaned up and the furniture out on the street. We can go get new furniture whenever you want. Heck, I think I might have some spare couches I don’t use anymore.”

“And we can always ask Twilight if we can reuse some of the stuff in her old Canterlot house,” Minuette agreed as she stood up and stretched.

“Okay. She does have some pretty nice couches in there. I uh may have fallen asleep there accidentally,” I admitted as the other two mares snickered.

“Oh why am I not surprised?” Minuette giggled as I joined her in standing up. “Maybe we should use it as a sleepover spot one of these days.

Yeah, maybe we should. Pretty decently large area. But who knows? Maybe even Twilight would join us. And Spike, of course.

But first things first, I had dinner to look forward to with my friends.

“This place looks nice,” Lyra commented as well all stood outside my house. For the past couple days, we painted the outside a bright cream color that matched my coat. Twinkleshine had somehow made a sign in the front yard with my cutie mark on it.

“It does,” I agreed as I circled the house and closed the storage shed door. “All I have to do is get the roof fixed. Some ponies will fix that while we are in Ponyville.”

We had decided to not get any new furniture yet, besides we had to get Twilights permission before we took anything out of her old house. It didn’t entirely feel right to just take the stuff, even if she no longer used it.

“Our train will be here shortly. Let’s get moving!” Minuette exclaimed as she pranced around us. “I’m looking forward to hanging with Pinkie Pie.”

I vaguely remember Pinkie Pie. It would be hard not to. She was a very interesting mare, to put it mildly. And I thought Minuette was overly energetic, that’s nothing compared to Pinkie Pie. She was nice in a way I suppose.

Though she was rather confusing, going off about something called viewers sympathizing with me. I still didn’t know what that meant. I don’t think anypony did. Minuette and Twilight sure didn’t question her.

“Thank Celestia we’re almost to the train station,” Lyra grumbled as we continued walking. “My hooves are tired.”

“Why didn’t we just teleport?” Lemon Hearts wondered aloud.

“Because my teleportation field sucks,” Lyra answered. “Minuette can teleport for short distances along with you and Twinkleshine.” Everypony looked at me as I shrugged sheepishly.

“I could have teleported us there but nopony asked,” I said as they all groaned. Sorry.”

“It’s whatever. Next time you’re teleporting us then. Maybe even to Ponyville,” Lemon Hearts winked as we climbed up the platform.

“I’m not that powerful. That’s Twilight levels right there,” I answered as we levitated our tickets to the engineer. We trotted onto the train and picked seats close to each other.

“Hey isn’t that the filly Moondancer talks to at the orphanage?” Twinkleshine asked and pointed a hoof to Cotton Cloudy hoofing a ticket over to the engineer.

“And why does she have royal guards with her?” Minuette wondered as the two guards followed her onto the train. “And where is she going?”

“I don’t know,” I answered as I stood up and trotted over to her with Lemon Hearts.

“Oh Celestia it’s you and your lemon obsessed friend,” Cotton Cloudy grunted as she shifted her focus off the window and onto us as we sat on either side of the filly. Surprisingly, the guards didn’t try to kill us. “What are you two doing here?”

“We could ask you the same,” Lemon Hearts said smoothly as she smiled. “Where you headed.”

“Ponyville. I go to school there.”

“What?” I said as Lemon Hearts and I shared a stunned look. Ponyville was a bit far away just to go to school. And I’m pretty sure orphanages had schools in them but I could be mistaken.

“I’ve been kicked out of all the schools in Canterlot for fighting. I think the last one was the one near the castle. Broke a colts nose for being a prick. Miss Cheerilee is quite nice. It’s an interesting class, you got the flightless the chicken, the annoying rich fillies and more,” Cotton Cloudy said as she turned to a guard. “Can you give me my books please?”

I raised an eyebrow as the guard pushed some books her way. That was more respect than she’s ever shown I think. I still entirely understand why there was guards here.

“Why is there two guards with you?” Lemon Hearts asked as the train started moving and I grabbed the edge of my seat. Even though I’ve been on hundreds of trains, I never quite got comfortable with them.

“Because my parents were guards,” Cotton Cloudy said as she stacked the books and I read the titles quietly to myself. I was slightly happy that the books I gave her were in the stack.

“And where are they?” I asked and immediately regretted it as Cotton Cloudy gritted her teeth and let out her breath.

“They were killed in the invasion. You know, the bugs.”

“I’m sor-” Lemon Hearts started as Cotton Cloudy glared at her and she closed her mouth.

“Don’t finish that sentence. I’ve heard it from everypony else and it’s annoying. At least Celestia quit. She’s weirdly interested in my life. Sends the guards with me to Ponyville everytime,” Cotton Cloudy grunted as she yawned and curled up in a ball. “I’m going to sleep. Don’t wake me up or I’ll bit you. I’ve bit other mares and I’ll do it you too.”

I exchanged a nervous look with Lemon Hearts as the filly started to snore. It was weird that I knew two ponies that could fall asleep within seconds. I could really use that talent.

“How you can put up with that attitude is beyond me. She’s interesting at least. And at least she has ponies looking after her,” Lemon Hearts said as she stroked the fillies mane.

“Be careful,” a guard warned. “She doesn’t like being woken up. Some changelings did and it didn’t end well.”

Lemon Hearts gulped nervously and slowly removed her hoof. She shifted her focus to the window as we watched trees and other foliage racing past us. It was only an hour and half ride to Ponyville. How the filly did this every day, I’ll never know. Or she probably stayed back until the week ended.

“I could fit another bed in the house. I got spare room after all,” I muttered to myself as Lemon Hearts glanced at me.

“What was that, Moondancer?”

“Nothing. I’ll tell you when we aren’t on a crowded train,” I said as she gave a brief nod.

We turned our attention to a laughing Twinkleshine as Lyra tried to balance on her forelegs and faceplanted into the seat.

“We have weird friends,” I muttered under my breath as Lemon Hearts snickered.

“Yeah, yeah we do. I wouldn’t give them up for anything though,” Lemon Hearts admitted as I looked down at the filly between us. She certainly looked nicer asleep than she did awake. “She looks peaceful, doesn’t she?”

“Yeah, yeah she does.”

We didn’t say another word as we watched Minuette and Lyra make jokes about Celestia knows what.

Hopefully the trip was over soon. I didn’t really like trains all that much. Too many accidents happen on them.

I stifled a yawn as we stepped off the train and I looked around curiously. I’ve never been to Ponyville and the others had told me stories about it being a super tight knit farm community and based on what I saw so far, I could verify one of those two claims.

Cotton Cloudy got off the train and went a different direction with her two guardponies as the town folk gave them curious looks. I was used to seeing the guards all over the place.

Lemon Hearts and I had talked to her a bit more. Naturally, the conversation was full of sarcastic, snippy borderline rude comments but I oddly found myself enjoying her quips and even returning a few of my own to the astonishment of the others.

I paused as a cream mate with two tone blue and pink curls approached us along with a mulberry colored mare with a raspberry mane.

“Lyra,” the cream colored mare said nervously as I stayed back with Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts. “Uh are you coming home?”

“Bon Bon. Yeah sure, I forgive you. Just don’t ever treat Trixie like that again or well, we will argue again,” Lyra said as the mare I presumed to be Bon Bon sighed.

“I understand. I tried to find Trixie to apologize, we all did but she’s just gone. Hey Minuette, hey Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine. Who’s the friend?” Bon Bon asked as Minuette scoffed and looked away. I never seen Minuette be upset about anything ever.

“Bon Bon, Moondancer. Moondancer, Bon Bon,” Lyra said and pointed at us. “There, everypony is acquainted.”

“Hey Minuette,” the mulberry mare said as I watched nervously. I didn’t really do confrontation often. “I’m really sorry. My own daughter is calling me a bully. Will you please come stay with me instead of getting a hotel.”

“Sorry Berry. I’m going to stay with Twilight,” Minuette said as Berry groaned. “Tell Ruby I said hi please.”

“Tell her yourself,” Berry said as a tiny unicorn peered out of her mane and I resisted the urge to squeal. Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine, on the other hoof, didn’t.

“Hey Ruby,” Minuette grinned and rubbed the fillies mane.

“Hey Minuette. I know mom was a bully,” Ruby said as Berry grimaced and looked away with Bon Bon. “But you should really forgive her. I have. I just like being the adult pony.”

“We will see. Now let’s go girls. I’m eager to see my friend. Oh and Berry Punch, meet Moondancer. Shes a friend from my filly hood along with Lyra,” Minuette gestured to me as Berry examined me before sticking out a hoof.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Berry said as I hesitantly reached out and shook her hoof.

“Uh likewise.”

“Hi Moondancer!” Ruby waved a tiny hoof as I smiled and waved back.

“Hi there.”

“Am I the only pony who feels awkward right now?” Twinkleshine whispered as I followed Lyra and Minuette off the platform. I idly noticed Bon Bon and Berry Punch following us but didn’t care.

“Nope I do too,” Lemon Hearts whispered back as I nodded my agreement. “Maybe we should have snuck away while they talked.”

“Maybe,” I agreed as Lyra slowed down to walk alongside us. “So where exactly does Twilight live? I expect a castle or something.”

“Castle?” Lyra snickered and hip bumped me. “You’ll like this. She lives in a library with Spike.”

My eyes must have widened because all the others laughed, Berry and Bon Bon included as I felt my cheeks burn.

“See, told ya she would like that. It’s full of books. Multiple rooms. And why would you think Twilight lives in a castle?” Minuette asked as she hid a giggled behind a hoof. “This is Twilight Sparkle we are talking about. She would never live in a castle.”

I forgot about that. While I didn’t get to entirely know Twilight as a filly, I knew she was more so modest than our other classmates were. Mainly Blueblood, but I didn’t see him thankfully often because he was always in the higher classes. Hated that stallion and I rarely hate anypony.

“Is Pinkie around?” Minuette asked curiously as I looked around the town curiously. All the houses pretty much looked the same except for a house that looked like a gingerbread house and weird looking white and purple building.

“Uh yeah I think she’s working the counter right now at Sugarcube Corner,” Berry said as Bon Bon gagged.

“What’s wrong with Sugarcube Corner?” I asked curiously as Lemon Hearts frantically slashed at her neck with a hoof.

“They’re the competition!” Bon Bon growled and slammed a hoof into the ground. “I run my own candy shop with Lyra. I had to work as a garbage pony to get some bits together for the shop. A garbage pony. And then Fluttershy covered me and Cherry Berry in garbage when she coulda just flew over us!”

Lyra placed a hoof on Bon Bons back as I stared at large tree house with a few bees flying around one of the branches. Bon Bon took a few breathes as Minuette knocked on the door. The door swung open and I stared into Twilight’s eyes nervously.

“Minuette, Lyra, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts!” Twilight shouted and hugged each mare quickly before gasping. “Moondancer? Oh my Celestia, you’ve actually came to Ponyville!”

I gasped for air as I felt Twilight hug me. I faintly made out the others laughing as I turned bright red.

“Air Twilight, air!” I managed to get out as Twilight gasped and let me go. I fell on my legs as I breathed.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t expect you girls to get here so fast,” Twilight said as she levitated me up. “Come on inside girls. Does Lyra, Berry and Twilight Time filly need to stay as well.”

“Nope,” Lyra said and smirked. “I’m going home, Berry and Minuette are taking a break. Maybe Ruby will go back home, who knows.”

“Nah I gotta get her home. She has school tomorrow,” Berry said and shook her head. Together, we watched the pair along with Lyra and Bon Bon disappear as Twilight dragged us all into her library and the door slammed shut.

“Twilight Time?” I asked in confusion as Twilight groaned.

“It’s these group of school fillies who are obsessed with me. Liza, Dinky, Noi, Boysenberry, Twist and a few others. It’s really complicated. I’ll explain tomorrow, you girls must be exhausted. Spike!” Twilight shouted as I examined her bookshelf. “Spike! Oh, I forgot he was helping out Golden Harvest today at the fields.”

She levitated multiple pillows and blankets out of closet and made a few beds on the floor, giving us sheepish smiles.

“Sorry I don’t have any spare beds. I wasn’t entirely expecting you girls to be here so fast,” Twilight said as Minuette hugged her.

“This is great Twilight. Let me brush my teeth and I’ll be back,” Minuette said as we watched her disappear into a bathroom.

I yawned and crawled under one of the makeshift beds, hoping Twilight didn’t catch my blush. Relax, Moondancer. I’m just sleeping a few feet from my crush. No biggie. I’ve done harder things.

Hopefully it was no biggie like I was telling myself.

I finished examining Twilight’s book shelf as the door was kicked open and I caught the door in my aura. Lemon Hearts and the others had left to to do something down town and I assume, based on the door, Lyra was back.

“Hey Moondancer,” Lyra said as I internally pumped a hoof in the air. I was on a roll today.

“Hey Lyra,” I said as I turned around. “Hey Spike, hey random filly.”

“Hey Moondancer,” Spike said and waved. “I’m going back to sleep. Berry Punch had me running around her vineyard for her. I’m exhausted. Grapes are annoying.”

Lyra and I laughed quietly as Spike flopped onto a small bed that looked to be a doggy bed and started snoring.

“That’s Liza by the way. She’s me and Bon Bons adopted daughter,” Lyra said as I raised an eyebrow.

“Since when?”

“For about a year now, give or take. Didn’t I mention her?”

"No, you didn’t.”

I wasn’t mad to be honest. Lyra was always the most forgetful and impulsive of us all. I can’t remember how many times she either forgot to do something in school or chose to do something more entertaining instead.

“Oh well sorry about that,” Lyra scratched her mane with a hoof. “Liza, Moondancer. Moondancer, Liza. I went to school with MD a good few years back.”

“Hello,” Liza said casually as she examined me back and poked at my mane. “We came to pick you up. Mom and well, mom want you to come over for dinner. If you wish of course.”

“Yeah sure,” I said with a shrug. “I can teleport us there if you want.”

“Just give me a second to prepare,” Lyra said and let Liza climb on her back. “Last time I teleported back home, I fell on top of Bon Bon and Junebug as they were making dinner. Though your teleportation might be a bit more accurate than mine is.”

I could believe that. I remember the last time Lyra tried teleporting us somewhere was when we were fillies and we were stuck on the top of the castle for hours till Princess Celestia came and got us down herself.

“Alright, ready.”

I gave a short nod and closed my eyes, focusing on my spell as I felt my horn surge followed by a loud popping sound.

“Nice! Fastest way to travel!” Lyra laughed as I opened my eyes in time to see Bon Bon run out of the kitchen with a spoon in her hoof and I stepped back nervously.

“Oh it’s just you,” Bon Bon sighed in relief and lowered her hoof. “Thought it was Lyra. I had to ban her from teleporting in and out of the house after the last incident.”

I bit back a snicker as Lyra rolled her eyes.

“I see you met Liza. I’ll let you and Lyra talk while Liza helps me with dinner if that’s okay with you?” Bon Bon suggested but I had a feeling I had little say in the matter based on the look on her face.

“Yeah sure,” I said as Liza waved before following Bon Bon into the kitchen, leaving me and Lyra. I gave a shrug and followed her example of sitting down and looked around her house curiously. “Nice place.”

“Thanks. Hopefully you like stewed cabbage and carrots,” Lyra said as she levitated her lyre to sit on her lap and idly strummed it.

“That’s fine,” I said and relaxed as I listened to her music. I really had to be in the mood for classical music but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t help make me at peace. “So how exactly did you go about adopting Liza? Never thought you’d be the one to have kids. You were always a very free spirit.”

“You ever just met a pony and instantly fall in love?”

“Uhm.”

“Not in the pedophile way don’t worry,” Lyra reassured me and I sighed in relief. I really didn’t know where she was going with that at first. “I mean like, just meeting another pony who you click with. That was Liza. Me and Bon Bon met her when she came into the shop one day and said that she didn’t get much candy at the orphanage and wanted to buy some from us. Naturally, we gave her it for free but she kept visiting us. Bon Bon had never met another pony that was as experienced in candy making except Pinkie. I personally never met such a young pony with such knowledge of classic music.”

I gave a nod as Lyra smiled faintly and stared at a picture of the three on one of the brown walls. Whoever decided to paint the house brown was weird in my opinion. I prefer white or blue for houses but not my house.

“Anyway, I told Bon Bon that I thought the kid was cool and absolutely worth taking in, Bonnie agreed and said she had been thinking the same. We did the paperwork, got our house inspected and all, passed and boom, a few months later we had a daughter.”

“Just like that?” I asked in surprise. I could have sworn the adoption process was longer than that but I’ve never really cared enough about kids. “What about her biological parents? What happened to them?”

“Well there was a bit more than that to do but yeah,” Lyra admitted as she levitated her lyre back to it’s stand in the center of the room. “And she has a decent relationship with her biological mom. She was a mare of the night and willingly gave up Liza because she wanted a decent family to raise her and she knew she couldn’t do that with her line of work. I respect her, it takes a lot to admit you don’t have what it takes to raise a kid and find some ponies that can. Takes even more courage to lay that all out on the table and still meet your kid.”

"Wow,” I said and locked eyes with Lyra. “You seem to have everything together. I’m happy for you, Lyra.”

“Thanks. So what about you and Cotton Cloudy? You remind me of myself when I first met Liza, talking to her at the orphanage a lot, caring about her, donating her stuff. What’s going on there?” Lyra asked curiously as she folded her forelegs.

“Just me being nice. I’m not entirely sure I’d be a good parent. I mean, you saw my house.”

“You’re right, I did. And it’s completely different now,” Lyra commented as she frowned at me. “It’s like I went from a horrible dumpster-”

“Hey!”

“-and went to an amazing home that’s just there and could have so much more happen to it,” Lyra continued as she ignored my outburst. “Sounds like dinner is ready. Now why don’t we go hang out with the others and you think on what I said, okay?”

“Okay.”

I gave a sigh and dropped off the couch onto my legs, and followed Lyra. I almost froze when I realized she was right.

Oh my Celestia, I care about a filly.

I gave a long yawn as I trotted to Twilight’s tree house library. I had originally felt slightly uncomfortable just dropping by out of the blue like we did but Lyra insisted Twilight would be fine with it and she surprisingly was.

"You know, if this was Canterlot, I'd advise against being out this late at night." I jumped at the voice and spun around, my horn glowing to light up the dark street. A familiar pegasus gave me a smug smirk as she brushed her blue mane out of her eyes.

"Cotton Cloudy. Scared me," I admitted as Cotton stood on her hind legs and leaned against a random business.

"Sorry," Cotton Cloudy said and I raised an eyebrow. I've never in my short time knowing her say sorry. "Don't get used to me apologizing, by the way."

"Oh I won't," I gave a dry chuckle as Cotton Cloudy dropped to her hooves. "Where you staying anyway? Why do you come to Ponyville for school?"

"One question at a time old mare," Cotton Cloudy smirked and I bit back my comment. I wasn't old. I was only twenty nine. That is not old, that is young. "For starters, I'm staying with Merry May and her sister, Rainbowshine temporarily. They are foster parents and look after fillies who get sent across towns for learning. Secondly, Luna and Princess Twilight thought it was a good idea to have me get away from Canterlot after the invasion. Clear my head and see a new part of Equestria I normally wouldn't."

That made a bit of sense. I didn't know Twilight had played a role in Cotton Cloudy getting education here but I can believe it. Twilight seemed like the type to throw herself at cases like this, especially if the parents were dead.

"Why would Princess Luna have an interest in you?"

"Right, you don't know her that well," Cotton Cloudy inhaled. "I'll walk you back to the library. We can walk and talk at the same time."

"Okay," I said with a shrug as we fell into step alongside each other.

"Luna always was the more military driven of the two sisters. Most Royal Guard families have a crest of Luna in the house. We had one above the doorway. Luna always looked after the family of fallen guards and often sat with her soldiers on the front lines in ancient Equestria back when wars were more common," Cotton Cloudy explained.

I had known a bit of the exploits Luna had in ancient Equestria. Mainly against the griffons back when Equestria and Griffonstone were enemies. There's even famous art work of Luna fighting the griffon leader.

"Did she know your parents?" I asked cautiously as she shook her head.

"Nah. All that mattered to her was they served alongside her."

"Oh." We walked quietly as I sorted my thoughts out. That was a bit more information than I planned on receiving from her. She was surprisingly forth coming tonight. "Why aren't you with Rainbowshine and Merry May right now?"

"Wanted to go for a walk. So I flew out the window. They're pegasi, they can catch me if they truly wish to," Cotton Cloudy said casually and rolled a hoof in the air. "I oddly like it here but it's no Canterlot. At least I have a few acquaintances with the exception of Spoiled Bitches daughter."

"Spoiled Bitch?" I asked hesitantly and winced. I don't swear often unless I'm having a session or I've dropped multiple books on myself in the library, trying to reach one on the very top shelf.

"Diamond Tiara. She bullies the others but she leaves me alone."

"That's nice and I'm almost afraid to ask but why does she leave specifically you alone?" I asked curiously as we turned down a street.

"Because she knows I'd knock all her teeth out and stomp on her stupid little tiara," Cotton Cloudy answered with a cruel, thin grin. "I don't tolerate attitude. The first time she insulted me, I flew her up to a cloud and threatened to let go. She got the message and steered clear of me after that."

I gulped nervously as I shifted on my hooves a bit. I didn't really like violence all that much. I don't know anypony who does except Lyra with her violent video games as she calls them.

"I didn't think you could lift a filly," I blurted out and wanted to facehoof instantly. Out of all the things I could have mentioned to her, I said that.

"I'm stronger than I look. But don't worry, I don't get violent often. Mom always did say that violence was always a final solution," Cotton Cloudy sighed and looked at the moon.

"Are you-?"

"I'm fine," she snapped and I recoiled a bit. "Looks like we're here. Tell the Princess I said hi."

"Or you can tell me yourself," Twilight said as she landed behind us clumsily. I would guess she had been on the deck, looking out her telescope. "Hello Moondancer, Cotton Cloudy. I didn't know you two knew each other."

"Oh we're old friends," I said sarcastically and smirked, waving a hoof. "I didn't know you knew her either."

"She took part in Twilight Time a few times. And I met her once before then," Twilight answered as she opened her door. "Come in, come in. The others are asleep at the moment except for Twinkle. She's up at the telescope."

I had a feeling she was telling Cotton more than me. We followed her in and I sat down on the bedding I was sleeping on as Lemon Hearts snored quietly. I turned faintly red when Twilight sat down next to me, close enough to feel her tail on mine. She was a really gorgeous mare and I knew I didn't really have a chance with a princess.

"So. How are you Twilight?" I asked and nervously tapped my hooves together as she sighed.

"I'm fine I guess. How are you two?"

"Why just fine?" I asked and stared down at the ground. "And I'm good. Can't speak for Cotton Cloudy but I can speak for me."

"I guess I just don't know what I'm supposed to do as a princess in Equestria. All I really do is smile and wave," Twilight explained as she gave an exaggerated smile and waved a hoof.

"Not really true," Twinkleshine chimed in as she trotted down the stairs. "You have an important role in Equestria. Defeating the changelings, Nightmare Moon, getting ponies to be better friends do each other."

"I guess," Twilight sighed as a quiet snoring made us all look at Cotton Cloudy. The filly was curled up in a ball, snoring loudly.

A part of me forgot she was a filly and presumably used up her energy at school. Kids tended to do that often I noticed.

"Well looks like some filly was tired," Twinkleshine giggled behind her hoof.

"I'll send Rainbowshine and Merry May a letter real fast. I don't them well but they won't have a problem with her staying her for the night," Twilight commented as she stood up, stretching and I turned red once again. "Excuse me for a moment."

We watched her exit the room quickly up the stairs as I levitated Cotton Cloudy on the bedding I slept on and tucked in her.

"She's adorable when she's asleep," Twinkleshine commented as we both looked down at the filly.

"Mhm."

I yawned and rolled over on my side, draping a foreleg over Cotton and pulled her closer to me.

Hopefully she didn't kill me in the morning for this.

She didn’t kill me, thankfully. I think that was the first time I’ve ever seen her blush as well when she woke up in my hooves with my muzzle a few inches away from the back of her neck.

“Uhm hi.”

“Good morning.”

“Could you uh please let me go?” Cotton Cloudy asked sheepishly as she shifted around in my hooves.

“Oh uh right!” I said hastily and let her go. I raised an eyebrow as she took a moment to move. “I let you go.”

“R-right!” Cotton Cloudy laughed nervously and flapped her wings to land next to blobs that I presumed were Twilight, Lemon Hearts, Minuette and Twinkleshine who all watched in amusement.

“Were you all just watching us sleep?” I demanded as I levitated my glasses on as the blobs at the table became ponies.

“Uh maybe?” Twinkleshine offered weakly as she sipped her coffee. “You two looked adorable. Be grateful Lyra wasn’t here.”

“For real,” Lemon Hearts chimed in. “She would have taken pictures.”

“But us?” Minuette giggled as she leaned in close till our muzzles pressed against each other. “We took mental photographs.”

“Oh great,” I said and rolled my eyes. “Better than actual photos.”

“Yep!”

I resisted the urge to slam my muzzle into the table as Cotton Cloudy examined the bookshelves. I almost asked if she should be in school when I remembered today was a Saturday morning.

“Find anything interesting?” I asked curiously as Twilight placed a coffee in front of me with a donut. “Thank you Twilight.”

“Yeah I found a few books,” Cotton Cloudy admitted as she lifted one up and dropped it in my hooves as I read the title, turning bright red.

How To Ask Out A Mare? I internally read and cursed in my head. May Celestia have mercy on me. If a filly could tell I had feelings Twilight, then she probably could too. Cotton Cloudy winked and gave me a mischievous smirk as I shoved the book into my bag. I could use that later actually.

“Hey, Twilight?” I said cautiously as Cotton Cloudy watched intently.

“Yes, Moondancer?”

“Wanna go hang out tonight?” I asked hopefully as Cotton Cloudy nodded approvingly. Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine and Minuette shared a smirk as I gulped.

“Yeah sure. Why not?” Twilight commented and gave a shrug. “I’m always down to hang out with ponies from my past.”

I turned faintly red and mouthed thank you to the filly hovering behind me.

Cotton Cloudy smirked and gave a mock salute before settling down with a book next to me.

“Moondancer, let’s go for a walk,” Lemon Hearts suggested and I raised an eyebrow slightly. “You too Cotton Cloudy.” I opened my mouth to argue, but the look on Lemons face told me there was no real chance in the matter.

“Okay,” I sighed as she lead me outside with the filly above us.

“We will be back soon Twilight!” Lemon Hearts called out as she opened the door and ushered me out.

“Have fun!” Twilight called back as the door shut and the three of us stood on the door step. I was slightly nervous, mainly due to the serious expression on Lemons face.

“So uh what’s this about?” I asked curiously and a bit worried as I looked around. The sun had just came up about an hour ago based on it’s position in the sky.

“It’s about your cowardice towards the princess,” Cotton Cloudy said bluntly as I winced.

“I wouldn’t put it that way but I guess that works,” Lemon Hearts frowned slightly. “Be nice Cotton. So I have a confession, Moondancer. We did read your diary that time you had a sleepover with us at Twinkles house.”

“W-what?” I stammered nervously as I took a step back.

“We’re sorry,” Lemon Hearts said as her ears flattened against her head. “I was against it along with Minuette and Twinkleshine. But I can’t go on with you thinking we would quit being friends with you because you’re gay. We’re your friends, we don’t care who or what you like. You could like a tree and we would still be your friend.”

I inhaled a bit as we started walking and I felt Cotton Cloudys eyes locked on me.

“Really?” I asked quietly. Lemon Hearts rolled her eyes with an amused grin.

“Of course! Minuette is dating a mare as is Lyra for crying out loud. That should have told you everything. Besides,” Lemon Hearts smiled and pointed at the three hearts on her flank. “Telling when ponies have feelings for others is my special talent. I could tell immediately you liked Twilight. And of course, I planned on helping you confess to Twilight.”

“Wait,” I said and waved a hoof as I watched Cotton Cloudy land next to me. “Does that mean you could tell me if Twilight liked me back?”

“Oh dear Moondancer,” Lemon Hearts giggled as she covered her mouth with a hoof. “I can’t tell you something like that! Ruins the fun!”

“The fun?” I echoed in confusion.

“You know, the chase! The uncertainty of whether or not your feelings will be reciprocated and the end when you two agree to date for the first time!” Lemon Hearts gushed as Cotton Cloudy and I looked at each other.

“She’s going to be doing this for a while, isn’t she?” Cotton Cloudy asked in an unamused tone as I chuckled.

“I have a feeling she will, yes.”

Together, we stood there and watched Lemon Hearts continue her rant about true love and the ultimate reward. I internally hoped this conversation wouldn’t turn explicit for the fillies sake. And the other ponies walking down the street giving us weird looks.

“Hey Lemon,” I said and touched her flank.

“Yeah?” Lemon Hearts asked as she paused her speech.

“We should probably get back to the library. We’re uh being looked at.”

Lemon Hearts looked around with a growing blush as she took in the townponies giving her confused looks.

“It would appear we are yes,” Lemon Hearts said sheepishly. “You two go hang out, I’ll meet you at the library. I’m gonna go make a reservation for you and Twilight so you can confess your love!”

We watched her gallop off as I sighed.

At least she was calmer and more thought out than Lyra would plan this out.

“Are you sure I need a dress?”

“Yes Moondancer!” Lemon Hearts exclaimed as she waved a hoof at a weirdly shaped building in front of us. “Twilight does know this is a date, right?”

“Uhhhh,” I said as my eyes locked everywhere except the yellow unicorn.

“Okay,” Lemon Hearts slammed a hoof into her face. “Alright, you stay here. Sit down.”

“Uh why?”

“I’m getting Twilight. And you’re telling her.”

“Wait!” I called out and she froze, looking back at me with a raised eyebrow. “Twilight won’t be wearing a dress after all. Why do I need one?”

“Uh fair point,” Lemon Hearts admitted sheepishly. “Looking your best is important for a first date. Especially since this could make or break your potential relationship.”

I gulped nervously as Rarity approached out of the corner of my eye. Lemon did know more about this than I ever did or would.

“Hello darlings. Whatever can I help you with?” Rarity asked with a smile. I only knew her because Minuette had pointed her out a few days before while our fellow unicorn was heading into the spa.

“Hello Rarity!” Lemon Hearts smiled back and I internally sighed. The likelihood of getting out of this was slim to none. “This is my friend Moondancer. She has a date tonight and she needs a dress.” Rarity gasped and clapped her hooves excitedly.

“You’ve come to the right place then darlings! Tell me, who’s the lucky stallion?” Rarity asked eagerly as I looked down sheepishly.

“It’s a mare,” I whispered and Rarity nodded with the same smile.

“Well then, who’s the lucky mare?”

“Twilight,” I muttered as Rarity squealed and hugged me. I slightly felt uncomfortable but I didn’t want to be rude.

“Oh, finally. About time that mare got a date. I’ve been trying for years!” Rarity finally let me go and practically shoved the two of us into the boutique. “Now, I think I have something that might work. Please, wait here darlings.”

I nervously stood on an elevated platform as Lemon Hearts started examing some dresses on stands. I wasn’t entirely sure about fashion, I only really had my sweater.

“I don’t think this was a good idea,” I muttered as Lemon Hearts frowned slightly.

“It’ll be fine, don’t worry. Rarity is very professional and kind,” Lemon Hearts reassured me and placed a hoof on my back.

“I’m ugly though. I’m not worthy of Twilight,” I grumbled as Lemon Hearts glared at me.

“I disagree darling,” Rarity announced before Lemon Hearts could voice her anger. “You’re a gorgeous mare, just we brush your mane, get that sweater off and put you in a dress and voila! Perfection!”

I for one didn’t share her optimism.

“Now close your eyes darling. I’m going to brush your mane, style it and then prove to you that can indeed be beautiful. Lemon Hearts, if you could be so kind to get my mane brush, spray and supplies.”

“You got it Rarity!” Lemon Hearts chimed in happily as I closed my eyes. I felt my sweater being levitated off and I resisted the urge to fight back. “Here you go.”

“Thank you darling,” Rarity said as I winced slightly as I felt my hair being yanked by the hair brush. “Sorry. Your mane is quite matted in some spots, trying to be gentle.”

“It’s fine,” I mumbled as Rarity sprayed something in my mane and it was pulled again as I winced.

“Alright, let me put the dress on you and then we will tell you when to open. Lemon Hearts, if you would be so kind as to guide her hooves in for me please.”

I felt my hooves be taken in a magical aura and I failed to resist the urge to giggle as I felt a silky fabric on my coat. Magic always did feel ticklish to me.

“Alright, open them eyes up Moonie!” Lemon Hearts proclaimed happily. I opened my eyes and opened my mouth to give a snarky comment as my breath hitched in my throat.

My hair was done up in a bun while my sweater had been replaced by a red dress that matched my mane. I didn’t know anything really about fashion but even I could tell it was expertly made. But that wasn’t the first thing I had noticed. I looked beautiful.

“I look beautiful,” I whispered as Rarity wrapped a hoof around me and I felt her breath on my ear.

“Of course you are darling,” Rarity whispered and I shivered slightly. “Never forget that. Twilight is very lucky to have a mare like you interested in her.”

“She’s right,” Lemon Hearts chimed in from my left. “Don’t ever doubt yourself, Moondancer. You’re a very good pony after all.”

For once in my life, I didn’t try to find the words to argue with them. I stared in the mirror with a growing blush as I turned around slowly, looking back. The dress surprisingly gripped my flanks quite well.

“How did you just have this here?” I asked Rarity as the white unicorn chuckled quietly. “It’s beautiful.”

“I do appreciate the compliment, Moondancer. As for how, I had made this late one night after a few glasses of wine and had a stroke of inspiration. Never found any use for it. I might need to adjust some things here and there to fit your barrel and hooves but that’s all that I may need to do,” Rarity said and waved a hoof as she faintly blushed. “It’ll be ready about six. Is that okay?”

“Perfect,” Lemon Hearts said as she nodded. “That will give us more than enough time to get her in the dress and to the restaurant where we will hopefully beat Twilight. Hopefully.”

“Oh darling nopony beats Twilight at being on time,” Rarity laughed as she pressed a hoof to her mouth. “Trust me on this one.”

She started to levitate the dress off and I shook my head sheepishly as Rarity gave me a confused look.

“Can I uh take a few pictures in it?” I asked nervously as Rarity smiled at me.

“Of course darling. Take as long as you need.”

Rarity levitated a camera over to Lemon Hearts waiting hooves.

“How much do I owe you?” I asked worriedly as Rarity waved a hoof.

“Not a bit darling.”

“But I-”

“The only payment I will require is you give Twilight a good time and have fun yourself darling,” Rarity said firmly as she raised a hoof to cut me off.

I gave a faint nod as she smiled. Lemon Hearts gestured for me to look at her and I smiled widely. I blinked the flash out of my eyes as Lemon Hearts gave me a nod.

I know I said this before or multiple times by now, but I’m lucky to have my friends.