Here is the first scene to this Saturday's exciting new chapter of A Journey Beyond Sanity! Enjoy!

 

"Where do you want these?"

"Section M, second shelf."

Nodding obligingly, I carried the piled books on my back towards their respective places, helping the mare clean up the library for this traditional weekly day. As soon as that was completed, I walked back to the next waiting pile.

"And these?"

"Section S; sixth shelf on the left."

This was one of of those days where I casually enjoyed; helping Twilight clean up the whole library, together. As Spike typically was busy with some other chore, I offered to help the mare, our love and passion for books getting all this done sooner than later. But there was no hurry.

"And these? Also where's Spike?"

"Section L, on the bottom third row. And I've sent him out to help Rarity this morning with a delivery she must make for Manehattan."

"Of course." I commented knowingly, placing the books in the right shelf. "I trust he rushed out the door at the mere mention of Rarity?"

"Hm, he immediately got out of bed upon the mention." Twilight responded humouredly, magically rearranging and setting books back herself, ticking off a list. Nodding in satisfaction, she glanced my way, "I think there's just the J, K and Q sections that remain."

"Alright." I said, an idea popping up in my mind as we handled the last piles of literature. "So then... We're alone for the morning?"

Twilight smiled slightly, "Unless Rainbow pops in again like she's done these last few mornings, hooping an early release of the upcoming Daring Do book has arrived, I'd say so."

Of course. That pegasus recently visited the house and spreading to the entire town over her enthusiasm for the next addition to the series. Not that I blamed her; getting hyped for your favourite book series is something I related with absolutely. Though, as I had commented to an amused Twilight, Rainbow's excitement makes every female bookworm back home look restrained.
Still, while we're alone...

"And... Finished!" Twilight announced happily, ticking off the list and looking up at the shelves proudly, oblivious to my sneaking up towards her back. "And just in time too; we can help Fluttershy with- Whoa!"

Whoa indeed, love.

Grabbing her unsuspecting shoulder, I playfully whirled the surprised Twilight and embraced the mare, who instantly blushed at my intentions and immediately softly placed her front hoofs on my chest. The magically floating list and quill fell harmlessly onto the floor, but my attention was more focused on the mare's shy expression and sparkling violet eyes.

"Since we're alone, I suppose you wouldn't object to a little quality time together before we visit our friend?" I asked teasingly, prompting the redness on her adorable features to deepen.

"I suppose... Fluttershy wouldn't mind waiting a little longer..." Twilight replied shyly, grinning a little. Our faces inched closer towards one another.

"It's as you said, my dear Twilight; we should enjoy this while we can..."

"I can hardly disagree..." I felt her breath against my muzzle. Our pony lips were about to meet-

The front door burst open. "Twilight! I came by to check if- ...Oh."

As if a spell had broken, our closing eyes widened and we both looked at the smirking Rainbow in shock. Immediately, I frowned hard at the interruption. Dammit Rainbow!

Twilight, also looking peeved, softly broke off our embrace, "The next Daring Do book hasn't arrived yet, if that's why you're here Rainbow. It won't be for a while at least. I told you this already."

The blue mare shrugged, "Just had to check Twilight. Didn't mean to ruin your little moment there." My frown deepened, prompting her peaceful gesture, "Hey, you can't blame me for being excited! This is Daring Do we're talkin' about here! What could be more important than reading the next chapter of the Daring Do series?"

Sighing tiredly, I rubbed my forehead in exasperation while Twilight smiled patiently, "I share your enthusiasm, Rainbow, but you can wait a little longer for the next volume to be released. These things take time."

Rolling her pink eyes, Rainbow said exaggeratedly, "But that's just it Twi! This next book is taking forever to publish! I need that book and I need it now! I'll come by again tomorrow! See you lovebirds tomorrow!" Before either of us could respond, the stubborn pegasus flew out the library, the wind from her departure slamming the red door shut.

"...I wonder if pegasus-repellent is a thing." I commented dryly.

"Sadly, it isn't." Twilight said, sounding both annoyed and humoured before walking off, "Come on, let's not keep Fluttershy waiting."

 

"So much for quality time..." I muttered, and Twilight glanced over in my direction with sympathy, flattery and bliss.