Book two of "Who We Become".
Being a princess means always worrying what everypony thinks about you. So when Twilight overhears a private conversation, she has to come to terms with how she feels about herself, love, and a certain somepony, all whil...
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Everywhere they walked, they drew attention to themselves. Twilight had always hated it, but it was particularly frustrating since she started dating Fluttershy. In Ponyville, she didn't have to worry so much. Everypony knew her there; not as a princess, but as a neighbor. But in Canterlot, friendly waves and casual greetings were replaced with open stares and awkward bows. Even when ponies did greet her, it was always with far too much formality, calling her 'Your Highness', and talking about how it was 'an honor to meet her'.
When they first departed the train, she had been a nervous wreck at the thought of coming out to her parents. But after strolling through the city, it almost felt like it would be a relief. Her mood wasn't improved by the fact that she was exhausted, even after sleeping a bit on the train, and she kept reminding herself that she wouldn't be so tired if she hadn't waited until the last minute to prepare.
She looked at Fluttershy, who smiled. Even in the snow, that smile warmed her heart. Spike was riding on her back. He had decided that if he attempted to hitch a ride with Twilight in her current mood, he'd just wind up face first in the snow. He was probably right.
Of the three of them, Spike was the only one in the holiday spirit. He even waved at all the slack jawed onlookers. He chattered most of the trip, telling Fluttershy all about their family. While Twilight tuned most of it out, she did find it cute how excited he was. For him, this was just a holiday family reunion. Hopefully his excitement would help put Fluttershy's mind at rest; Twilight knew she was more nervous than she let on.
"...and wait until you try Dad's peach cobbler! He makes it every year, and it's the best!"
"Well, this is the street," Twilight announced as they rounded the last corner. She was amazed at how familiar everything felt. "That's the house right over there."
"Oh." Fluttershy stopped, and her eyes grew wide at what Twilight had called a house, but was really more of a manor. "It's so, uhm... big."
After glancing around to make sure the coast was clear of nosey neighbors, Twilight pulled her marefriend into a hug. "It'll be fine, Shy."
"It's just, uhm." Fluttershy broke her gaze away from the house and instead stared down at her hooves. "They must be very important."
"You mean snobby." Twilight smiled. "Trust me, they're not. Yes, they're a little on the fancy side, but they're regular ponies."
"They're not regular ponies," Spike said, jumping down to properly talk to Fluttershy. "They're the best ponies. And seriously, they're gonna love you. They'd be happy just because you make Twilight happy, but even besides that, you're, well, you. What kind of parent doesn't want somepony like you dating their daughter?"
Fluttershy picked up the little dragon and hugged him. "Oh thank you, Spike. You're right, both of you." Setting him down she looked back at the house. "And it is a lovely house, really."
