Twilight: knocks on Stella’s door Stella? Honey?

<del>Silence</del>

Twilight: sighs, rolling her eyes I can easily break these magical locks, Stel. Please, just let me in?

……..

the locks slowly dissipate, and the door unlocks itself

Twilight: looks to Flash, tilting her head towards the door

Flash: nods, silently stepping in

Stella: sniffling, her back to the door

Flash: ears lower as he walks closer, slowly resting beside her on the bed and draping a wing over her

Stella: opens her tear filled eyes, expecting purple feathers. She is instead greeted by orange ones ?! looks up with a start

Flash and Stella: share a silent moment, just looking at each other

Stella: looks away in shame, tears falling from her eyes

Flash: gently nuzzles his daughter

Stella: sniffs I-I’m sorry, Daddy…

Flash: feels a small wave of relief, seeing that she doesn’t hate him Shhhh…it’s okay, my little star..~

Stella: sniffs a bit more, pressing closer to him

Flash: pulls his head away, looking around her room as he picked his next words ….I’m confused too, Stella.

Stella: ? looks up at him

Flash: Tell me, though…. looks to her What is it that you fear?

Stella: …… ears lower as she looks down, her hooves shuffling on her pillow …..I’m….scared that…I’ll lose you. Th-That….they’ll replace me and mom….. voice cracks a bit as more tears fell I know it’s selfish….it’s so selfish! But….I-I don’t…I don’t want to lo-!

Flash: pulls her into a gentle, yet firm embrace

Stella: ! …..

Flash: pulls away slightly, looking into her eyes to show his sincerity I promise…I will never abandon you, or your mother. You both are important to me…nothing will change that. I promise.

Stella: …. feels relief wash over her, smiling for the first time today P-Pinkie Promise..?

Flash: smiles, doing the respective motions Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye~

Stella: I-I’ll keep you to this..~

Flash: smiles happily

Stella: wipes her eyes Though…you said you’re confused too….what’s wrong?

Flash: smile shifts to a serious frown Well…while she’s not related to me by normal means…I feel some responsibility to her. I wouldn’t ever feel right knowing that I denied her a chance at a father. She deserves that much, don’t you think?

Stella: thinks it over, trying to put herself in Flare’s place, slowly nodding I do. ears lower as she recalls her earlier outburst I feel like a total dolt…

Flash: It’s okay Stella..you were overwhelmed. It wasn’t right for us to throw that at you all at once. I’m sure if you just apologize and explain yourself, all will be settled on this matter.

Stella: Right…I-I will.

Flash: Good~

Stella: yawns slowly

Flash: chuckles, slowly rising off the bed and steps back onto the floor Get some sleep sweetie. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.

Stella: Okay… yawns, resting her head I love you, Daddy..

Flash: I love you too, Stelly~ slowly walks out of her room, quietly closing the door behind him

Twilight: looks to him, smiling proudly as she nuzzled him

Flash: returns both before they head off to their chamber for the night