Twilight bustled around the library's small kitchen stirring, chopping, and, as always, being a totally neurotic perfectionist about what she was doing.
She squinted at a cookbook through the steam. She'd read dozens of cookbooks to prepare for this as well as constantly bothering Pinkie, Applejack, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and anypony else she could think of who was a pretty good cook.
"Do you want me to help with anything?"
"No, Spike! Why are you still here?" She turned and glared at him.
"Just trying to help!" He grumbled.
"I'm sorry, Spike. I just really want to do this myself. I haven't gotten to spend any time with the princess for so long."
"Okay, I get it. I'm going." Spike pulled his backpack up onto his shoulders and headed for Fluttershy's cottage.
Twilight went back to her work and before long there was a knock at the door.
She rushed to answer it and when she opened the door there stood Princess Celestia. As always her beautiful aurora-like mane seemed to be blowing in the wind though there was no wind. She gave her faithful student a dazzling smile. "Hello Twilight. It's so good to see you."
"I'm so happy you could make it, Princess. Please come in. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes."
Celestia strode into the library. Twilight was as always entranced by the graceful movement of her long, slender limbs, the way her soft, snowy-white wings shuffled as she folded them elegantly against her back. "Can I do anything to help?"
"No, no. I have everything under control."
A bottle of wine floated up to Twilight. "I brought this. I've never seen you drink but I thought it might go well with dinner."
"Oh thank you. This will be perfect." Twilight was just old enough for alcohol by the laws of Equestria. She had never tried it yet but she was very pleased by the Princess's gift. She'd only read two or three books about wine but this was obviously a very old and valuable bottle.
"So will your friends be joining us?"
"No. Nopony else-" She was about to say nopony else could make it but the truth was she hadn't asked them and tonight was about telling the truth. "Nopony else." She repeated.
"Just the two of us, then. That will be very nice."
They ate and talked at the romantic candlelit table. As usual they mostly talked about magic and Twilight's studies. The wine tasted good and it made Twilight feel a bit more relaxed but she couldn't find a way to steer the conversation where she wanted it to go.
Celestia finished her desert and sighed contentedly. "That was a delicious meal, Twilight! You're a very talented chef." Twilight glowed with the praise. "Why don't we step outside for some fresh air?"
They walked out on the balcony. The moon and stars were unusually bright and there was a cool, gentle breeze. What a perfect setting. It was now or never.
"Princess, I've been wanting to tell you-""Here comes Luna." Celestia was looking toward the moon.
"Luna?"
"She said she might be able to stop by. I hope that's alright.""Of course." Twilight replied unhappily.
Princess Luna's night chariot came into view and soon landed on the branch next to the balcony.
Luna jumped out nimbly and joined them on the balcony. "GREETING, TWI-light Sparkle." Luna remembered to lower her voice. "Sister."
"Hello, Princess." Twilight said. "This is a beautiful night."
"I'm glad you like it. I tried to make it extra special for your little dinner party. Unfortunately I cannot stay. I trust you will take good care of my sister?" She gave Twilight a knowing smile.
Twilight nodded dumbly. "Yes. Goodnight." Had Princess Luna just given her blessing? But how in the world could she know?
"Goodnight, Luna. I'll see you later."
Luna flew away and they were alone again. "What were you about to say before, Twilight?"
"Oh, um, it wasn't important."
Celestia nodded and looked up at the stars again.
"No, wait! It was important!" Twilight plowed recklessly ahead. "The truth is I really, really like you, Princess. More than a teacher and more than a friend." She looked down at her hooves. "I just needed to say that to you. It's alright if you don't feel the same way. In fact I'm sure you don't feel that way and it's okay but-"
"Twilight…"
She somehow found the courage to look up at Celestia, her eyes filled with tears, and was shocked at what she saw. She had never seen the Princess looking so confused and unsure. Not even when Discord stole the elements of harmony.
"Twilight, in ten thousand years I have never had that sort of relationship with anypony." She paused "Ten thousand years, that's the problem. You know I'm not a normal pony. I don't age."
Twilight's heart sank. "So anypony you loved would eventually die. Oh Princess, I'm so sorry. I should never have said anything."
"No, Twilight. I'm glad you told me." She leaned down to gently touch her horn against Twilight's, filling it with a soft glow. Now there were tears in her eyes as well. "I'm sorry, I need to be alone and think right now. Goodnight." She turned and flew off of the balcony.