What It Takes

>Walking down a path through Poneville, you keep one hand in your pocket, and both eyes on the ground.
>The odd pone stop to tell you hello, or wave, and you offer a weak mumble and nod in return.
>For the most part, you are ignored, which is just the way you like it.
>Because you are Anon, the extremely introverted.
>Seeing your destination coming into sight, you feel your palms beginning to sweat, and your mouth going dry.
>Coming to a stop, you look up at the local library as your heartbeat begins to quicken.
>You have a crush on the local librarian turned Princess, Twilight Sparkle.
>And today, she will be yours.
>Taking a few deep breaths, you knock on the door.
>After a few seconds, you begin to hear the sound of small pattering feet before the door opens.
>Looking down, you give the dragon Spike a nervous smile.
H-hey, ummm... I wa-
>"Twilight... It's him..."
>Looking past the purple reptile, you see the mare in question sitting at a table in the back.
>She gives a small, almost unnoticeable sigh as she stands and walks past the retreating Spike to greet you.
>Shifting your weight from foot to foot, you force yourself to meet her eyes.
>"...Hello again, Anonymous. How can I help you?"
U-uh, well... I brought you... these...
>You hold out a bouquet of Lavenders for her, knowing they are her favorite.
>"Thank you. That's very thoughtful of you."
>The flowers become gripped in an aura of purple magic as they float through the door and out of sight.
>You stand awkwardly in silence for a while, staring at each other.
>"Was... There anything else?"
Er... N... No, that w-was all...
>"Well, I appreciate the gift, as always. Have a nice day."
>She puts extra emphasis on the "always".
>Slowly closing the door and blocking your line of sight, you hear whispered words coming from inside.
>Sighing to yourself, you scuff at the ground with your shoe before turning and walking back home.
>Almost got her today.

>Sitting by yourself in the park, you quietly enjoy your lunch, occasionally dropping crumbs for the local birds.
>From the corner of your eye, you see a lavender blob coming down the dirt path.
>It appears to be Twilight Sparkle, and she looks a little down.
>Unacceptable.
>Giving yourself a mental pep-talk, you slowly work up the nerve to go inquire about her mood.
>Just as you tense your body to stand, a rainbow maned pegasus swoops down and engages Twilight in conversation.
>Letting yourself relax once more, you give it up as a lost cause.
>That blue one scares you.
>They continue walking in your direction, and you pick up tidbits of their conversation.
>"-ell, what about in Canterlot? Don't they have like, every book, ever?"
>"No, Rainbow. This was the only copy of a very special book, and the originals last known location is somewhere in Zebrica halfway around the world..."
>"Bwahaha, leave it to an egghead to get this upset about not being able to read a book!"
>She gives a peeved glare to her guffawing friend, neither paying you any mind while they pass by not 4 feet away.
>"Oh? Maybe I'll see how well YOU take it when I keep the next installment of Daring Doo to myself."
>"H-hey, let's not joke around..."
W-what book...?
>They both stop with a flick of the ears, and turn back to you.
>"Did you say something, Anonymous?"
>The blue one raises an... Eyebrow? Probably wondering how her friend knows the lanky monkeys name.
Er... What book were you t-talking about?
>"Oh, it was a copy of a very rare book on Zebra Shamanism that was apparently "misplaced", while it was being delivered to me."
>She stomps a hoof cutely and glowers as she says this, and you can sense the aggravation rolling off her in waves.
Ah...
>Turning back with her friend, they continue on their way while you lower your head and think.
>It seems you have a trip to make.

>3 months later, you return triumphant.
>You have developed muscle in parts of your body that you didn't want to know existed.
>Your clothes are torn to ragged strips, exposing a dark tan covering your new muscular frame, and a growth of beard extends from your face.
>You have traversed the dangers of dark jungle, made peace with the locals of the rainless savanna, and survived the deadly heat of sweltering desert.
>And you have come back, with prize in hand.
>Walking through town, the pones stop and gawk at you.
>"Is that..."
>"Where has he been? And why does he look so... Different?"
>"I never knew he could look so... Rugged..."
>Ignoring the observations of those around you, you make your way to the Library, thinking of the mare that drove you on.
>When you finally reach it, you knock on the door that you've seen so many times, and hear that soft pitter patter of feet once more.
>Opening the door, Spike gives you a look of awe, and speaks in a tone more akin to reverence than the usual annoyance.
>"Twilight... It's him..."
>Looking past him, you see the mare that made it all worth it.
>She slowly walks towards you, a look of disbelief in her eyes.
>"...Anonymous...? Where have you...?"
>Feeling the familiar sweat in your palms, and heartbeat that is nearly double it's normal rate, you hold out a book to her.
>Seeing the book in your hands, her eyes widen further.
>"Is this...?
Uhm... I brought it for you...
>You both stand in silence for what feels like an eternity, before she gives you a smile with all the blinding radiance of the sun.
>"Would you... Like to come inside?"
>Feeling a smile come to your own face, you slowly nod.
I would like that very much...