Brushies

Celestia ran the brush through the candy-cotton tresses of Cadence's mane. She smiled to herself- it had been a long time since she had last done something like this.

She smoothed down the last fly-away and levitated the brush back on to the vanity. It landed with a clack. She curled her legs around the pillow that was situated between Cadence and herself and said, "What do you think?"

Cadence leaped to her hooves and trotted quickly over to the vanity, peering back at her reflection. After a moment's contemplation, she beamed, "I like it! You did my bangs different than mama. Thank you Auntie 'Tia! I love you!"

Another smile stole over Celestia's face, "I love you too Lu--" She froze, stomach clenching uncomfortably as she corrected her mistake, "Cadence."

A brief pause was followed with a questioning gaze and a soft, sad voice, "You really love your sister, don't you?" In Cadence's eyes was a wisdom that startled Celestia- but then again, the alicorn was the princess of love. She could easily read other ponies emotions.

"Very much." Celestia replied as she got to her feet and closed the distance between the pair, "I miss her. Every night I regret sending her away."

Cadence nodded her head, "I bet she misses you too."