Swapped (the first sequel)

Twilight Sparkle (II) Physics or Chemistry?

(A few days before the last chapter)

Twilight needed a break. Not from schoolwork of course, just...from her thoughts in general. If Twilight were to be serious, even science had her brain all fumbled. Like...chemical bonds for instance. Whichever attracted said atoms, they'd meet...and bond platonically...

Bonds. Was Twilight going crazy? Since when did science enter her life in a metaphorical fashion? Did Twilight's brain always work like this? Platonic. Was Twilight's issue...platonic? Was it...all in her head? Or...was Sunset Shimmer...her bond? She couldn't be.

This wasn't something Twilight could possibly study. She'd know...because she tried it. Too many times. All came out to be utter failures. Unfortunately to Twilight, this was the only thing that she could not research. She had to figure it out on her own. Although, it's not exactly equivalent to an experiment. Twilight would know, because she tried that too.

It really sucked. Twilight hates not knowing things. It doesn't come naturally to her. That's why when it comes to most situations, she uses science to find her way out of them...but this...this was different. If she were to do anything about it, she'd surely do it...wrong.

"...and I said, 'Oatmeal? Are you crazy?!'" Pinkie shrieked.

Twilight was taken aback by the loud voice of Pinkie Pie. She had completely zoned out as she was overtaken by her...confusing thoughts.

An array of laughter shook the lunch table as Twilight struggled to blend in with her friends, in attempt to subside their suspicions. Beside her was a preoccupied Rarity. Though, for once, not with Applejack, but with her nails of which she was filing.

"Uhh..Rarity?" Applejack asked in a wary tone.

"Yes, dear?" Rarity faced her from across the table, batting her eyelashes.

Applejack sat back in her chair loosely, "Do ya really have to do that at the table? Ah mean, we're eating here."

Rarity scoffed, "Well, it's not like I'm doing it over the table, as you can see..." she presented the fact that she was indeed filing over her lap.

She looked up at Applejack, not breaking eye contact, Rarity continued filing. Her expression was rather plain, though her filing appeared forced.

"That's nasty, Rarity." Rainbow Dash chimed in.

Rarity broke her stare and gave Rainbow a sour face, "I don't understand what is so wrong with a girl needing to shape her nails!"

"It's unsanitary!" Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Do you really need to be doing that right now?" Rainbow asked, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, in fact I do!" Rarity held her chin up.

"Your nails are fine Rares." Applejack sighed.

"Well, it's not my fault if I cannot stand even a single chip, Applejack!" Rarity said snootily.

"Can we like...eat in peace? Maybe?" suggested Sunset Shimmer.

She sat on the other side of Twilight, which she totally didn't notice. Not a big deal. Whatever.

"How can we eat in peace, if I can't even file my nails without one of you making a fuss of it hm?" Rarity complained.

"How about we all just leave Rarity alone. She's not bothering anyone is she? Honestly Applejack, you're almost as bad as Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy chimed in, frowning at the two girls who sat on either side of her.