Sunset Shimmer tentatively approached Aurora.
"Flying Light, your reaction always feels too... calm. Are you really okay? I'm very worried about you."
"Do you really want to see me lose my temper?"
Aurora said jokingly.
"Honestly, I have never seen you angry."
Sunset Shimmer took her joke in stride.
Even when she had treated her so meanly in the past, she had accepted it all with great tolerance until they truly became friends.
Aurora was the first pony besides Celestia who could accept Sunset Shimmer, so she cared deeply about her feelings.
"Twilight, come a little closer."
Twilight Sparkle obediently walked a few steps closer.
When she was parallel to Sunset Shimmer, Aurora suddenly hugged them both.
Being able to pet both Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle at the same time, this feeling was truly wonderful.
So soft! So fragrant!
Aurora felt that today wasn't so tiring after all.
However, this sudden action of hers made the two of them even more confused about the situation, and they didn't know what to do for a moment.
"It's not that I don't treasure those books; I just care more about you, that's all. Dealing with those troublesome social interactions is really tiring, and being able to see you after coming back, I feel there's nothing better than this."
"Oh, me too! Being able to have you as my Senior Sister, this feeling is truly great!"
Twilight Sparkle sniffled and hugged her back tightly.
From the first time they met, Aurora had been the pony who always tolerated and supported her, but everything incredible that happened today made Twilight Sparkle even more convinced of Aurora's generosity and sincerity.
Aurora is the "World's Best Senior Sister."
"Let the three of us clean up the rest together. Many things happened today, and I think we are all very tired. Senior Sister still has to catch a train tomorrow morning, so she needs to go back and rest early."
After cuddling for a while, Aurora, with her energy fully restored, found a broom and a mop, preparing to clean up the parts burned by the fire and then end the day.
Reminded, Sunset Shimmer remembered that before the fire started, she and Twilight Sparkle had discussed inviting Aurora to go to Ponyville together.
However, with these twists and accidents having occurred, she wasn't sure if it was appropriate to bring it up now.
While Sunset Shimmer was hesitating, Twilight Sparkle nudged her with her elbow from the side and signaled with her eyes for Sunset Shimmer to hurry up.
There wasn't much time left today; if they didn't speak up, they would leave Aurora behind tomorrow, which would surely be a terrible thing.
"What's wrong with you two?"
After filling the bucket with water, she turned her head and saw the other two pulling at each other, Aurora asked with some confusion.
"Actually, Sunset still has one thing she wants to ask for your opinion on."
Twilight Sparkle took a step back and let Sunset Shimmer out, forcing her to muster the courage to speak.
"Ahem... when you weren't here, Twilight and I discussed it, and we plan to go together tomorrow."
Sunset Shimmer didn't know why she was nervous when speaking; she smiled awkwardly, not daring to meet Aurora's eyes.
"What I mean is... would you be willing to go with me?"
"You're only asking for my opinion now?"
"I know it's too late, but I just... never found the right time to bring it up... I'm very sorry, if you don't have time..."
"What are you saying? Of course I want to go! Not to mention that even Twilight plans to go with you, then I must go even more!"
"But, but I thought you didn't seem very interested before?"
"I was just wondering when you, Senior Sister, would open up to me."
Aurora revealed a cunning smile, stroked Sunset Shimmer's chin, and helped her close her mouth, which was slightly agape from surprise.
"It's just that this time was longer than I expected; it seems your feelings for me are just so-so..."
"Wha... no, that's not it, Flying Light! I didn't—"
Sunset Shimmer panicked and wanted to stop Aurora, who was walking away, but noticed she wasn't really sad; instead, she was secretly observing the changes in her expression.
Clearly, she had been teased by her again.
"Flying Light!"
"Hee hee~"
Watching such a harmonious scene, the depths of Twilight Sparkle's pupils brightened. She suddenly thought of something, so she used magic to grab a quill and began to write on paper:
'Dear Princess Celestia:
I am very sorry to write to disturb you so late, but I want to share with you what I learned today.
You often emphasize the importance of friendship to us, but I haven't taken it seriously enough. However, today I truly learned knowledge about friendship from Aurora.
Because of my and Sunset Shimmer's negligence, Aurora's most cherished bookshelf was burned to the ground.
I originally thought she would be furious and even drive us away.
But she didn't; she tolerated our mistakes and was considerate of our feelings everywhere. What a loyal and righteous pony she is!
Aurora is always able to handle all problems rationally and calmly, including facing friends' mistakes. How I wish I could also become a perfect pony like her.
Her tolerance does not mean she doesn't care about the loss, but rather that she chooses to cherish each other.
When a good friend makes a mistake, it's not about holding them accountable immediately, but standing in their shoes to consider their feelings, and then working together to solve the problem. Putting yourself in others' shoes—this courage and gentleness are far more powerful than any spell.
Your forever faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.'
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