Twilight realized something over her years as Princess Celestia’s protégé.
The princess was absolutely starved for touch.
It was something she was familiar with- a lifetime of throwing herself into her studies instead of into friend’s hooves meant that hugs and nuzzles with her family and foalsitter Cadence made her feel warm and happy.
At first, she’d avoided touch with her instructor- it was unprofessional, informal.
But Princess Celestia wasn’t incredibly formal. She laughed at jokes; she fluttered her wings when excited. She was a mare just like anyone else- except she was over a thousand years old.
It had happened during a lesson. Twilight had managed a weak Dragonfire spell, and in her excitement had bounced up to Celestia and nuzzled her nose to the side of the alicorn’s neck. Celestia had immediately dipped her head and returned the gesture before Twilight even realized what she had done.
“Oh, I’m- Princess, I didn’t realize-”
“It’s fine, Twilight.” She smiled softly. “Don’t worry. You did well with the spell- would you like a break for the rest of the day?”
“No, I can keep going.” Twilight’s muzzle was flushed, but she stomped one hoof in determination.
“All right, then- cast it again, as best you can.”
The rest of the lesson passed easily, but the fact that Celestia had immediately returned the gesture stuck with her.
“Maybe she was just congratulating me for completing the spell?” Twilight paced in her room, Spike gnawing on a bracelet that had been given to him by the lost and found.
“Mmm. Maybe.” He popped off a small ruby from the bracelet and stuck it in his mouth. “She done it before?”
“Not that I can recall.” Twilight plopped down on her hindquarters.
“Try again. See if she does it again.” Spike crunched on the jewel, legs kicking lazily against Twilight’s bedspread.
“Repeated trials- it’s a good idea, but what if she catches on?”
“It’s not like you’re doing anything wrong.” Spike shrugged.
“I suppose… thanks, Spike!” She floated him over to pull into a hug.
“No problem, Twilight!” He beamed at the praise.
__________
She started small. Once every two or three lessons, when she did something particularly well, she made some gesture of affection to her teacher. Every time, Celestia returned it.
After the fourth trial, Celestia made a gesture of her own- a gentle brush with her wings over Twilight’s back, when Twilight was standing next to her after successfully completing a spell.
“Oh- excuse me. Good job.” She shifted away, but Twilight smiled.
“It’s all right, Princess. I don’t mind.”
“…Of course.” Celestia bowed her head slightly. “It’s not you, dear. I am a teacher, and you’re my student, and I don’t want to impose.”
“Princess, really, it’s…” Twilight rubbed her front left hoof on her right ankle. “You looked like you needed it. Excuse me for intruding, but… do you get hugs much?” She bit her lip, before Celestia… laughed?
“Always so astute, Twilight Sparkle.” The princess draped her wing over Twiight’s back and tugged her into a side-hug. “You’re right, but forgive me for not wishing to go into personal matters.”
“Oh, not at all!” Twilight brushed her side against her teacher’s. “I know how it feels, and I didn’t want you to be unhappy.”
“I’m used to it, but I appreciate the thought, my faithful student.”
The next lesson and every one after, when Twilight entered the room she greeted Celestia by cranking up her neck and pressing against her, while Celestia brushed her muzzle into the back of Twilight’s head.