Tenacious Dash

Chapters

Day Three - Exploration
Day Four - Confrontation
Day Five - Presentation
Day Six - Explanation
Day Eight - Patronization
Day Nine - Amalgamation
Day Ten - Revitalization
Day Eleven - Emancipation
Day One - Initiation
Day Two - Continuation
Day Seven - Dramatization

Day Three - Exploration

“Come on, Blondie! We’re on a mission!” Rainbow shouted, pouncing on the sleeping form of Applejack and violently awakening her. “There’s treasure out there in that orchard! They say it hides in the trees, and only the most powerful buck can claim it.”

Applejack’s vision focused at last on the strangely eager pegasus. She wore her pith helmet and a cocky grin. Applejack could only wonder where this determination had come from. She turned her head to read her clock. It was 5:30. Applejack was impressed. “Ya seem a might more chipper ‘n last night.”

“Yeah, I mean, why not?” Rainbow explained. “Like, we have all this time alone to think with my job and guitar lessons, so why should we let it bother us while we’re together? I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather enjoy hanging out than pussyhoof around.”

“Ah guess so,” Applejack said with a smile. “We still goin’ ta see Twilight, though?”

Rainbow grinned. “Who better to ask about the secret treasures of the apple trees than Ponyville’s biggest egghead?”

Applejack chuckled. “Maybe the pony with the treasure in her name.”

“Apple Bloom?” Rainbow teased.

Applejack shoved Rainbow off of her and got to her hooves, retrieving her own hat. “Alright, Daring, if’n we’re gonna do this, we’re gonna do it my way, ya hear?”

“Heh, you know that’s what I love about ya, Blondie.” Rainbow began to walk out of Applejack’s room before pausing as something occurred to her. “Uh, I don’t think that came out right.”

“Quit yer worryin’, sugarcube. Ah know what ya meant,” Applejack said, unable to keep a smile off her face. Rainbow returned the smile a bit sheepishly before shaking the thought away.

“We should eat up before we head out,” Rainbow advised. “It’s a long journey from here to that orchard.”

“Ah’m sure ya can handle it,” Applejack chuckled.

“With the awesome food they make around here? I’m sure I’ll manage.”

Applejack followed Rainbow with a new bounce to her step. She was right; they could worry about this at Twilight’s. For now, they could simply enjoy their time together.

“Mornin’, AJ, Rainbow. Yer lookin’ happier today,” Big Mac said from his usual spot on the table behind a newspaper.

“Any leads on the treasure, Mac?” Rainbow asked, sidling up beside him.

Big Mac eyed Rainbow strangely until Applejack caught his eye from behind her. She offered a shrug and a smile. Mac let out a chuckle, resigned to play along. “Ah hear they’re poppin’ up right quick. If’n ya don’ claim em soon, some a’ yer competitors might grab ‘em.”

“What? No way I’m gonna let that happen!” Rainbow turned to Applejack. “Let’s get this breakfast eaten fast; there’s no time to lose!”

“Whatever ya say, Daring,” Applejack giggled.

Over breakfast, Rainbow collected reconnaissance data from the other members of the family. Apple Bloom provided the most interesting lead. “Ah hear that when the time’s right, there’s some special treasure that pops up outta nowhere. And then zap! Before anypony can claim it, it disappears!”

Rainbow’s eyes widened dramatically. “Blondie, we gotta get our hooves on that stuff!”

Applejack nodded. “Ah reckon with that kinda treasure, ya could start up a whole town.”

“Well what are we waiting for, then? Let’s go get that loot!”

Rainbow burst out of the farmhouse with a determined air about her, Applejack following along happily, pausing to grab her saddle baskets.

“There! Do you see it?” Rainbow indicated a tree with fully-ripened apples. “And it’s all ours!”

At that assertion, a pink blur passed by the tree in question and the apples…

“Where’d they go?” Rainbow shot into the air, scanning her surroundings. That’s when she spotted her arch nemesis making away with her apples. She narrowed her eyes. “Candymane.”

Rainbow was off in pursuit, closing in rapidly. She couldn’t let her get away! Not this time.

Pinkie was bouncing along blissfully unaware of the impending danger headed her way. She had done it; taken treasure right from under Daring’s nose like she always wanted. And now she wasn’t even-

Rainbow bowled Pinkie over, snatching the apples before the pink mare could even hit the ground, and she was off. “Hehe, this is fun!” Pinkie bounced along to the next tree.

“I got her, Blondie! But I don’t think she’s gonna give up that easy. We’ve gotta teach her another lesson about messing with us!”

Applejack deposited their plunder in her saddle baskets, nodding in agreement. “Not even Candymane can stand up against both of us.”

Rainbow managed to intercept Pinkie before she could loot another tree, opening a window for Applejack to harvest the fruit. Pinkie watched in horror as all her hard work amounted to nothing after all.

“This isn’t over, Daring!” Pinkie declared, bouncing away in the direction of Ponyville.

“Yeah, we showed her!” Rainbow cheered.

“Did y’all set that up?” Applejack asked.

“Huh? No, I just kinda rolled with it. To be honest, I didn’t even know Pinkie read any Daring Do books.” Rainbow contemplated.

“Ah don’t suppose ya know how she found out, do ya?”

Rainbow looked at Applejack. “It’s Pinkie; I never know how she does anything.”

Applejack chuckled. “Ah hear ya.”

“We’ve still got a lot of treasure to claim, Blondie,” Rainbow stated. “Let’s get to work!”

The work day proceeded in much the same way, minus the appearance of Pinkie.

“Look over there!”

“Ah’m on it, Daring!”

With Rainbow’s shenanigans to add to the experience, Applejack found herself enjoying herself more than she could ever remember while bucking. Rainbow’s sharp eye was also useful in spotting ripe trees from a distance, and her flying abilities let her scout ahead.

“There’s one! A hundred hooves east!”

While Applejack knew every inch of the orchard by heart, having an airborne apple spotter definitely cut down the time. Before long, Applejack had to make a trip to the barn to empty her baskets. Normally on the first day of harvest, she wouldn’t find more than a dozen or so suitable trees, but Rainbow had already led her to at least twice that number, and the day wasn’t even over yet.

“All clear this way! Let’s tackle this clockwise!”

So the two mares made their way in a circle all around the orchard, harvesting every apple they could find. Rainbow even helped with some of the more isolated trees that would have taken Applejack too long to get to. About a quarter of the way through, Applejack returned from her third trip to the barn with a wagon.

“It’ll be easier ta take ‘em back all at once. Ah got yer bit hooked up, too, so yer helpin’.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Please, AJ. It’s the first day of Applebuck Season. How many apples could there be?”

As if Celestia was screwing with her, Rainbow came across a patch of at least two dozen ripe trees all in sight of each other.

“That many, huh?” Rainbow sighed. “Well I hope you at least brought me my own saddle baskets.”

Applejack answered by tossing said equipment at her, which Rainbow had to react quickly to catch and spare herself a headache. “Whaddya take me fer, Darin’? A novice?”

Rainbow shrugged as she donned her saddle baskets. “More like a taskmaster, really.”

“Well then hurry up ‘fore Ah break out the whip!”

“Kinky,” Rainbow quipped, trotting off to leave Applejack flustered and without a means for retribution.

Applejack pulled her hat over her eyes. “Celestia dammit, Rainbow.”

Rainbow didn’t leave Applejack much time to dwell on her friend’s comment, however, as she returned promptly with laden saddle baskets. “Come on, Blondie; pick up the slack, will ya?”

Applejack shook her head, muttering something under her breath. A vague sense of dread came over Rainbow as Applejack wandered off. What’s the worst she can do, right? she reassured herself. The day proceeded without much incident, to Rainbow’s relief, though she hoped that wouldn’t be short-lived.

“I think that’s the last of them!” Rainbow called from above, flying down to join Applejack in next to the wagon. The two had loaded a dozen more basket loads of apples into the wagon, far surpassing any first day of Applebuck Season Applejack had ever been a part of.

“Ya sure do work, Rainbow,” Applejack praised. “With yer help, we might even have Applebuck Season done before the month’s through!”

“You know what else? I was thinking I could probably get the higher ups to assign me the full-time weatherpony for Sweet Apple Acres! How’s that for a full package?”

Applejack grinned. “Whatever weather we want on-demand? We just might have ta keep you ‘round, sugarcube.”

“Yeah, this could be awesome! I should stop by the weather station while we’re out. I’m sure they’ll let Equestria’s greatest weatherpony take a special assignment,” Rainbow gushed.

Applejack shook her head in bewilderment. She never could have hoped she’d get this level of commitment from the labor-phobic pegasus. This could mean great things for the farm if she could convince Rainbow to stay on board after the month was over.

“Ah don’t suppose ya’d consider makin’ this here arrangement a bit longer?” Applejack ventured.

Rainbow smiled. “Applejack, if working on the farm can be this much fun, I might have to consider making this permanent.”

Applejack’s breath caught at that. She started to breathe heavily. The implications were just too much; for Rainbow to want to make her stay here long-term…

“Applejack?”

Unable to take it anymore, Applejack collapsed to the ground.

“Applejack!” Rainbow knelt down at her side. “Take it easy! You didn’t overwork yourself, did you?”

Applejack sat up, unable to look Rainbow in the eye. “Ah’m sorry, Rainbow. Ah promised Ah wouldn’t think about it, but…”

Rainbow’s face softened and gained a light blush. “AJ…”

“Ah know, save it for Twilight’s… It’s just so hard ta ignore, Dash.”

Rainbow placed a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “Applejack, relax. I’m not going to do anything that would make you uncomfortable.”

“Ah know ya won’t, Rainbow. It’s just-”

“Hey,” Rainbow interrupted, “I promised we’d get through this, didn’t I?”

Applejack opened her mouth to say something, but thought better of it and nodded.

“Now, we still have a couple hours before lunch,” Rainbow reminded. “Do you want to go see Twilight now or later?”

“Ah think Ah’d like a bit more time ta calm mahself down,” Applejack said.

Rainbow smiled. “Of course.” She opened her arms in an offer of a hug, which Applejack accepted.

“Thanks again for all this, Rainbow. Ya really didn’t have ta.”

Rainbow squeezed her tighter. “What are best buds for, right?”

Applejack smiled, nuzzling into Rainbow’s neck contentedly. Rainbow closed her eyes and sighed. Everything seemed to be looking up.

“Alright, now let’s get this wagon hauled back ta the barn,” Applejack said upon releasing Rainbow.

“Sure thing, AJ.” Rainbow picked her bit up from where it rested on the lip of the wagon, testing the ropes that connected it to said wagon.

“Don’ worry ‘bout it comin’ loose. Ah tested ‘em both ‘fore comin’ out here.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. This bit had been in Applejack’s mouth? It explained the faint taste of apples. Rainbow blushed, shaking the thought away.

Applejack touched Rainbow on the shoulder. “Ya alright, Rainbow?”

Rainbow shook herself again. “Fine, just… thinking too hard.”

“Careful,” Applejack warned, “ya might hurt yerself.”

Rainbow snorted. “Very funny.”

Next on their list of things to accomplish today was…

“Honestly, Ah thought buckin’ would take us all day. Ah… don’ really know what else ta do.” Applejack grinned sheepishly.

“Has Apple Bloom gotten started on the barn yet?”

Applejack snorted. “Yeah, and she’s refusin’ help. So unless ya wanna deal with a stubborn filly…”

“Eh, maybe not. Anything else need doing around here?”

Applejack thought. “Well, Mac’s out workin’ in the fields, but there’s not much ta do there right now. Ground’s tilled, seeds’re sown…”

“So… nothing, then?”

“Not ‘round the farm, at least,” Applejack confirmed.

Rainbow sat down in the shade of a nearby tree and thought. What now? We’ve got about… Rainbow double-checked the position of the sun, two hours before lunch. And then we’re going to Twilight’s. Actually, we could just cut out the middle mare and have lunch with Twilight. But that doesn’t help me now. Scratch is busy today, so guitar lessons are a no go. Rainbow looked up as Applejack sat next to her. I can’t help but feel I’m forgetting something… And for some reason she started to remember upon seeing her friend.

I’m not forgetting something about Applejack, am I? Rainbow tapped her temple. It’s not her birthday, is it? No, that’s not for another couple months. Rainbow observed that Applejack’s fur had a certain sheen to it despite their earlier activities. It looked… fluffy… and orange… and…

“Scootaloo!”

Applejack jumped at Rainbow’s sudden outburst. “Pardon?”

“Scootaloo; I totally forgot about her flight lessons. I have something to do after all!” Rainbow looked proud of herself.

“Just can’t sit still ta enjoy a nice day, can ya?” Applejack shook her head. To be honest, she was a little disappointed Rainbow had found a reason to not relax with her. She hoped it didn’t show.

“Nope!” Rainbow, on the other hoof, was thankful for the distraction. Sitting around with Applejack all day, while a strangely appealing option, would probably be way too awkward if past experiences were any judge.

But Applejack had an idea. “Ah don’t suppose ya’d mind if Ah tagged along, would ya?”

Rainbow looked at Applejack suspiciously. “Why?”

Applejack shrugged. “Ah don’t got much else ta do, and Ah don’t get ta see ya bond with Scootaloo as much as Ah’d like.”

Rainbow was given pause. She didn’t know how to take that comment, or whether it was creepy, flattering, or just… weird. What? Why would she… Is there something I’m missing?

“Ya’ve been mellowin’ out a bit since ya took ‘er in. Ah figure Ah could learn a couple things from her.”

That… Rainbow sat down again. I don’t… Rainbow blinked as a possibility hit her. Is she coming on to me?

Applejack, of course, had no idea that Rainbow was trying to dissect her whim. So when a questioning prod elicited a sudden movement from the brooding pegasus, both mares jumped back in surprise.

“I…” Rainbow stopped herself. “You know what? Let’s just go find Scootaloo.”

Applejack nodded slowly, following Rainbow silently.

Does this qualify as awkward? Rainbow wondered. I don’t even know what this is. I just… Scootaloo. Let’s go with that.

The filly to blame had many haunts Rainbow was familiar with, the closest of which being the Crusaders’ clubhouse, though it was unlikely given that the other Crusaders were occupied. She could be hanging out with Sweetie Belle if Apple Bloom’s off on her own. It suddenly occurred to Rainbow that she had no idea where Scootaloo’s house was. I should probably ask her some time.

Rainbow approached the clubhouse, intending to just poke her head in the window and be on her way when she spotted the lone figure of Scootaloo lounging around. Cocking her head, Rainbow entered to question the filly’s presence. “Scoot? What are you doing here all alone?”

“Huh?” Scootaloo stirred, rubbing her eyes after an apparent nap. “Oh, hi, Rainbow Dash. Sweetie Belle’s grounded for… something about fillyfooling and too many questions. And Apple Bloom’s not really approachable right now.”

Applejack raised a brow. “Sounds like a good day to stay home.”

Scootaloo shifted slightly, offering no comment.

“Well, how would you like to have your first flight lesson, then?” Rainbow offered.

Scootaloo was nose to nose with Rainbow instantly. “Really?”

“Not such a bad day after all, huh?” Rainbow happily led her minion outside.

Scootaloo followed, giggling all the way.

Applejack watched on with a smile. It never ceased to amaze her how Rainbow could always get Scootaloo worked up so easily. It really spoke to just how much Scootaloo looked up to her. With a chuckle of her own, she followed the two pegasi out to their designated training area in the west fields. She really is somethin’ else.

Applejack watched in contentment as Rainbow started the lesson.

“Alright, Scoot. I know you’ve probably worked yourself up over this, so show me some of that enthusiasm and show me what you’ve got!” Rainbow commanded.

“Okay!” Scootaloo’s wings started to buzz excitedly, though she didn’t manage to lift more than a hoof off the ground before running out of energy. She collapsed, panting. “That’s as far as I’ve ever gotten,” she said between gasps.

Rainbow studied her critically. “Okay, excitement’s good and all, but maybe you should try toning it down just a bit. You’re just trying to get off the ground here, no need to go all out. We’re pegasi, not hummingbirds.”

Huffing, Scootaloo got to her hooves and listened intently.

“Let’s just start off with the motions. I can see you’ve got the wing part down, but it’s more than just that. Right now your wings aren’t strong enough to provide all the lift you need to get into the air. So this time, try jumping into your first flap and see how long you can stay off the ground.”

Catching her breath, Scootaloo nodded obediently and jumped up as high as she could, timing a wing flap at its peak. Heeding Rainbow’s words, Scootaloo tried to slow down her wing beats, but when she felt herself wobble in the air, she fell back on old habits, falling to the ground shortly after with aching wings.

Rainbow offered a hoof, which Scootaloo used to right herself into a sitting position. “That was a bit better. But don’t be afraid of falling. You’re not gonna be going very high yet, and I’ll be there to catch you when you will. Alright?”

Scootaloo nodded. “Thanks, Rainbow.”

“Give it another shot when you’re up to it. Don’t worry if you can’t stay up very long. I’m just trying to see where you’re at.”

Scootaloo nodded again, shifting her wings into a more comfortable position and waiting for the soreness to subside. She replayed Rainbow’s words in her head, committing them to memory. These were some of the most important things she’d ever been told, and she wasn’t about to forget them. Flying was too important; if she wanted to be anything like Rainbow, she at least needed to be able to fly.

With a deep breath, Scootaloo stood again, coiling her body for another jump. Come on. You can do this. She sprang up into the air, matching her earlier jump in height, but she mistimed her first flap, losing a few inches. Trying not to panic, Scootaloo steadied herself with another measured flap of her wings. Looking down, she noticed that she was still about two hooves off the ground, though that distance was slowly shrinking. Despite her best efforts to develop a steady rhythm of wing beats, Scootaloo found herself on the ground once again, with energy to spare for once.

“That was great, Scoot! Nice job keeping calm there. You managed about five seconds of hovering!” Rainbow gushed, making it seem like a much bigger deal than Scootaloo thought was warranted.

“Five seconds? But you can fly around for like, five hours, at least!” Scootaloo grumbled.

Scootaloo was snapped out of her state by a comforting touch on her shoulder. “Scoot, I don’t know if you quite understand this, but that was a legit five seconds of real hovering. That was the first time I’ve ever seen anything close to hovering from you. This is a huge step, even if you don’t realize it now. Trust me.”

Scootaloo regarded Rainbow with big eyes, not entirely believing, but relishing the praise she was getting from her idol.

“In fact, I think you might be ready for the next step,” Rainbow went on. “You up for it?”

Scootaloo jumped up eagerly. “Of course, Rainbow Dash!”

“Good.” Rainbow turned to lead her protégé up a nearby hill. “Now, this might be a little scary at first, but remember, I’m gonna be right here to catch you.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened a bit in fear. “What do you want me to do?”

Rainbow reached the top of the hill, pausing for a moment before spinning around with a flourish. “Scoot, it’s time to try your first glide.”

Scootaloo gasped. “You mean like what you tried to get Apple Bloom to do before we met?”

Rainbow frowned, thinking. “Kinda, except without the silly glider.”

Scootaloo gulped. “Are you sure about this?”

Rainbow was quick to her side. “Scoot, I’d never let you do anything I didn’t think you were ready for. But you don’t have to if you’re not up to it.”

At that, Scootaloo took a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

“You sure?”

Scootaloo nodded.

“Alright, then get up there. You’re gonna need to take a running start, and then jump off as high as you can, like before, and just hold your wings steady. Give it a few flaps if you feel comfortable, but don’t worry about it too much. I’ll be right below you.”

Scootaloo nodded, taking another steadying breath. Okay, you can do this. Rainbow believes in you. Don’t let her down now. Pushing away her fears and shutting her eyes, Scootaloo took a leap of faith. She flared her wings out as she felt gravity start to pull her down, calming slightly as her descent slowed. She dared to open her eyes, looking out across the treeless fields that stretched before her. Below, Rainbow Dash was ready to react at any second to a sudden decline.

Scootaloo felt a smile come to her face as she felt the air breeze past her. She gave a flap of her wings, cheering silently as she rose ever so slightly. Making sure not to get ahead of herself, she focused on enjoying the remainder of her glide, keeping her wings steady. Before long, she felt a pair of strong hooves catch her as she came to a stop. Looking up, she saw the joy and pride in Rainbow’s eyes.

“That was awesome, Scoot,” Rainbow praised. “You’re really learning quick.”

Scootaloo merely nuzzled into Rainbow’s embrace in response.

Nearby, Applejack’s heart melted at the tender moment. Ya’d think they really are sisters, she mused.

“Thanks, Rainbow. For all of this,” Scootaloo said at length.

Rainbow smirked. “Hey, it’s far from over, Scoot. But with me teaching you, we’ll be sure to have you flying by the end of the month.”

Scootaloo nuzzled closer, marveling again at just how lucky she was to have such an amazing… sister. She smiled at the thought. Yeah, that sounds about right.

Rainbow pulled away from the embrace after a few more moments. “It’s about time we head out for lunch,” she said, more to Scootaloo than to Applejack. “Wanna come along?”

“Of course!” Scootaloo chirped happily.

“Great! Now we just need Twilight.”

“Ya sure ya want Scootaloo ta be around fer our chat with Twilight?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow frowned. “Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have lunch with us.” Rainbow turned back to Scootaloo. “You wouldn’t mind giving us a few minutes to talk to Twilight after lunch, would you?”

“No problem… But why do you need to talk to Twilight?”

Rainbow averted her gaze briefly. “It’s complicated. You wouldn’t understand. And I’d like to keep it between me and Applejack for now.” Rainbow ruffled Scootaloo’s mane. “If everything goes well, you’ll be hearing about it soon enough.”

Scootaloo nodded slowly, knowing better than to argue. She was already getting to eat lunch with her hero after her first ever flight lesson. That was enough for one day.

“Now come on, I’m getting hungry.” Rainbow set Scootaloo down and motioned to Applejack. The three of them headed into town for lunch.

“Whaddya think, AJ, you wanna ask Twilight to come with us to lunch? Kinda ease into it?” Rainbow asked, noticing Applejack’s apprehension.

“Ah guess. Might be fer the best.”

“You alright? You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

Applejack shook her head. “No, Ah’m fine. Ya said it yerself, Rainbow; we can’t figure this out alone.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Well, we probably could, but it’ll be a lot less stressful this way.”

“Ah hope so, Rainbow.”

Scootaloo looked on in confusion. Something was definitely going on here. Is it about that… thing we walked into? What was that anyway? She knew what it looked like, but… I’ll have to call a Crusader meeting later.

Golden Oaks Library slowly came into view, looking very much…

“Applejack! Rainbow Dash! You have to help me!”

A young purple dragon suddenly popped up before them, barely giving them enough time to not knock into him.

“Spike, what?” Rainbow looked curiously at their accoster. Behind them, Golden Oaks Library seemed to be...

“Twilight locked herself inside! I don’t know what’s going on! After she came back from the market yesterday she started acting all crazy. She made all these weird charts and graphs and spreadsheets. Then she asked me to get all sorts of books on psychology and relationships and stuff. And now she’s put the library in total lockdown and I can’t get in!”

Spike’s tale was met with a long, contemplative silence. While not unheard of, Twilight didn’t get this crazy very often. “What’s got her all worked up now?” Applejack asked at length.

“I don’t know!” Spike repeated. “All I know is she’s locked in there and I can’t get in.”

“So… I take it she doesn’t want to come to lunch, then?”

“You kidding, AJ? She’s not getting out of this one that easily.” Rainbow took to the air, grabbing a surprised Applejack by the waist and flying up to Twilight’s balcony. “She never remembers to lock her windows.”

Applejack regarded Rainbow dubiously before looking back down to the normal entrance. Scootaloo and Spike seemed to have devolved into some sort of debate, marked with flailing limbs and comical expressions. Before Applejack could open her mouth, Rainbow was already halfway through the window. Applejack let out a sigh, following her friend inside.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight’s sudden exclamation made the intruders jump. “You’re here! Is Applejack here, too?”

Applejack walked forward to peer over the ledge that marked Twilight’s upper floor. “Uh, yeah?”

“Great! Maybe you girls could clear up a few things for me!” Twilight ran upstairs to meet them, leaving her independent research behind. “First things first; are you two really dating?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,” Rainbow immediately responded. “Whoa. Back the buck up.”

“I take that as a no?”

“No, we’re not dating!” Rainbow fervently replied.

Applejack, meanwhile, was backing away slowly, flushed and stuttering.

“Then why is Applejack-“

“Twilight, we can talk about this later, okay?” Rainbow cut her off, taking Twilight’s shoulder and leading her a good distance away before continuing in a hushed voice. “Look, me and Applejack have been going through Tartarus recently, and the last thing we need right now is somepony on our case. Or, maybe that’s the first thing, but not like that.” Rainbow shook her head. “Anyway, we were coming here to ask if you’d like to join us for lunch. And then we wanted to talk to you.”

“What about?” Twilight asked, calming down a bit.

Rainbow blushed. “I think you can guess.”

Twilight beamed, making sure to keep her voice down. “Don’t worry, you can tell me all about your problems.”

“Good, just… Don’t put them in some sort of research paper, alright?”

Twilight’s face scrunched up as she nodded. It wasn’t the most convincing display Rainbow had seen, but she’d take it for now.

“And no weird questions over lunch, alright? Scootaloo’s joining us,” Rainbow pressed.

Twilight smiled, giggling lightly and offering a much more convincing nod. “I wouldn’t want an impressionable filly getting too many questions, either.”

Rainbow frowned. “Actually, it’s more like damage control at this point.”

Twilight laughed at that, marveling at her friends’ misfortune. If there was really so much going on, she’d have to make sure to pay extra attention to detail. Well, more than usual, anyway.

Applejack rejoined the group noticeably less flustered, though still with some color on her cheeks. Rainbow offered Applejack a quick one-hoofed hug before Twilight unlocked the front door.

“And then Sweetie Belle walked in and Applejack was-“

Rainbow rushed over to clamp a hoof over Scootaloo’s mouth just in time. Perhaps leaving a hyperactive filly with too much information unattended wasn’t the best idea. As she drew looks from everypony present, she could only hope Scootaloo hadn’t said much more.

Sanity, don’t give up on me now.

The group of five made their way over to one of Ponyville’s smaller eateries at insistence of Rainbow and Applejack. Paranoia made them want to avoid Café du Mane and its crowds for a while.

“So you managed to get Rainbow to commit a whole month to the farm?” Twilight asked in disbelief.

“Ah was a bit skeptical at first, too. But she’s been a great help so far.” Applejack shot Rainbow a grin. “She was even thinking we could get her assigned ta be the Acres’ full-time weatherpony.”

Twilight’s eyebrows shot up. “When did you suddenly get Rainbow wrapped around your hoof?”

“Hey!” Rainbow cut in. “I’m not wrapped around her hoof! I’m just… committed!”

Twilight giggled. “You sure that’s the word you’re looking for?”

Rainbow covered her rising blush with a hoof. “Dammit, Twilight.”

“Yeah, I think I can see it,” Spike said, rubbing his chin with a claw.

“See what?” Twilight asked.

“Them together,” Spike clarified.

“I told you we’re not-!” Applejack and Rainbow chorused, before donning matching blushes and averting their gazes.

“Definitely see it,” Spike concluded.

“Dammit,” Rainbow muttered under her breath.

“I saw it, too! All the Crusaders did!” Scootaloo piped up.

“I told you it wasn’t what it looked like,” Rainbow insisted.

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow disbelievingly. “But it looked like you were about to kiss. What else could it have been?”

Rainbow sighed. “We were just getting rowdy. You know, having a bit of a wrestling match. And you just happened to catch us in a bad spot.”

“It wasn’t all bad, sugarcube,” Applejack put in. “If they hadn’t come in when they did, Ah might not a’ found out a little bit about ya.”

Rainbow frowned. “Yeah, and it wouldn’t be half as awkward as it is now.”

“So you’re saying that you’re not dating?” Scootaloo inquired.

“No, we’re not dating,” Rainbow sighed.

“Not yet anyway,” Spike added.

Rainbow shot Spike a death glare. Spike gulped, offering an apologetic smile. Rainbow grunted. “We’re not dating.”

Scootaloo frowned. “I don’t buy it. You’re just saying that because I’m too young to understand, aren’t you?”

Rainbow’s hoof met her face. “There’s no way to get you to believe me, is there?”

Scootaloo and Spike shook their heads in unison.

Rainbow sighed, looking at Applejack for help. Applejack, however, had her face buried in her meal, doing her best to distance herself from the uncomfortable conversation.

“You know we can’t ignore this forever,” Rainbow prodded.

Applejack grunted. “Don’ mean Ah gotta stop now.”

Rainbow sighed again. “Sorry, guys. It’s kinda been getting to us.”

“I noticed,” Twilight giggled. “And she’s right, Applejack. Ignoring it isn’t the best way to deal with it.”

Applejack answered with a noncommittal grunt, not taking her eyes off her food.

“It’s not going anywhere, you know,” Twilight pointed out. “I really can’t see what’s so riveting about a salad.”

“That’s the point.”

“I don’t think we’re gonna be getting much out of her, Twilight,” Rainbow said. “And we’re gonna be talking about this soon, so maybe we should just leave her alone for now.”

Twilight frowned, but nodded nonetheless.

At Rainbow’s insistence, the rest of their meal was eaten in relative silence. Applejack seemed to appreciate the ceasefire as she relaxed visibly. Rainbow shot occasional glances Applejack’s way, mostly to make sure she didn’t wander off. Twilight merely observed the small exchange between the two, taking note of Applejack’s despondent attitude.

Hopefully she’ll be a bit more open than this, Twilight mused before returning her full attention to her meal.

Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked through the door of Golden Oaks Library with varying levels of confidence. Twilight practically exuded it as she sat on a rug in the main room. Applejack and Rainbow followed in a far more subdued manner.

“So,” Twilight began, “what can I help you girls with today?”

Rainbow coughed. “Well, me and AJ have been going through some weird stuff lately and we were hoping you could give us some advice on how to deal with it.”

Twilight cocked her head inquisitively. “This wouldn’t happen to be related to those rumors going around about the two of you?”

Applejack averted her gaze quickly, leaving Rainbow to nod sheepishly.

“Alright, then, we’ll do it like this; I’ll speak to each of you alone, then we’ll join back up for a closing statement.”

Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash, who shrugged. “Works for me,” Rainbow said.

“Okay then. Applejack, I’ll start with you. Follow me upstairs for a moment.”

Applejack gulped, looking to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow smiled and waved a hoof in encouragement. Sighing, Applejack followed Twilight upstairs, uncertainty slowing her steps.

Twilight entered her bedroom to pull up a chair next to her bed, offering the latter to Applejack. Applejack accepted the reprieve gratefully, laying herself out on her back and staring up at the ceiling.

“So, Applejack, what are some of the problems you’re dealing with? Any that you’d like to talk about?”

“Ah just don’t know, Twilight. What am Ah supposed to do? It seems everypony’s convinced that Rainbow and Ah are dating, and Ah’m not sure how I feel about it.”

“How you feel about the fact that everypony came to that conclusion? Or how you feel about the concept and its implications?”

Applejack sighed. “More o’ the second lately; Ah figure it’s gettin’ me nowheres tryin ta guess what other ponies‘re thinkin’ if Ah can’t even get mahself thinkin’ straight.”

Twilight paused, thinking. “Is there anything in particular that stands out as a problem point?”

“Ah talked ta Mac about it a bit. He helped a bit with dealin’ with, well, her bein’ a mare n’ all.” Applejack snorted. “But it’s not all simple as that, Twi. ‘Round the farm, there’s a way things gotta be. It don’ matter how Ah feel if we can’t keep the family line goin’, an’ Ah can do that with nopony but a stallion. Even if Ah don’ feel nothin’ fer any of ‘em. Ah can’t trust Mac n’ Apple Bloom ta do it for me, and Ah can’t say Ah’ve never thought about raisin’ a foal o’ mah own someday.”

Applejack sighed wistfully. “Ah remember helpin’ raisin’ Apple Bloom, after, well, the accident. An’ it was somethin’ special ta be sure. But she’s mah sister, an’ Ah knew there was somethin’ missin’ in it all.” Applejack shook away a stray tear. “Ah just can’t let the Apple Family end with me, Twilight. An’ Ah need ta face it.”

Twilight let out a long sigh, folding her hooves and setting her eyes firmly upon Applejack’s quivering form. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this, I see.”

Applejack answered with a meek nod.

Twilight sighed again. “Applejack… what if I told you… there was another way to bear foals?”

Applejack blinked. “Ya mean like adoption?” Applejack shook her head. “It’s not as simple as that, Twilight. It’s more n’ just havin’ ponies carry on the farm. It’s about heritage an’ blood.”

“Are your traditions really so important to you, Applejack?” Twilight asked heavily.

Applejack opened her mouth, shutting it soon afterwards and averting her gaze. “It’s one a’ the only things ya can count on, bein’ farm folk. We ain’t got your fancy magic, or pretty wings. All we got is the earth an’ what we make of ourselves.”

Twilight leaned back in her chair, studying the ceiling. Applejack held her tongue, fearing she had upset her friend in some way. Just as she was about to apologize, however, Twilight cut her off.

“I didn’t want to do this, but it seems there’s not much other choice,” Twilight grunted. “You’re nothing if not stubborn, AJ.” Twilight took a steadying breath. “A long time ago, before the time of Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna was more than just Princess of the Night. She also held dominion over all that transpired in her night, and all their intricacies. So it came that consecutive generations produced a major imbalance of the sexes, and it seemed that population had reached an impasse. There simply weren’t enough stallions to ensure the normal quota for conception.

“So Princess Luna had an idea. What if she could create another way to ensure her little ponies lived on in the face of such an anomaly? There were plenty of mares to carry the foals, and what few stallions there were couldn’t hope to mate with them all, nor would that ensure the diversity that makes us a people. If only there was a way for two mares to conceive a foal, without the need for a stallion.” Twilight smiled.

Applejack stared ahead, focused on nothing and everything at once. There’s another way? “Twilight, are you sayin’-“

“Yes. Princess Luna, after years of scientific study, crafted a spell to suit the needs of the populace. It could combine the essences of the two mares and implant a foal in each.” Twilight paused. “Naturally, this wasn’t an optimal solution, as it added to the already significant imbalance of the sexes, as two mares cannot conceive a colt, but the stallions of Equestria endured. There was certainly no shortage of potential mates, and hardly a stallion left unpaired. And as chance would have it, following generations would see a resurgence of colts from the minority pairs, and the scales slowly began to level.

“Some came to brand the era as a dark time, prime for scorn and unfair judgment, for as time passed, the need for such a spell was lessened, until it abruptly ceased in application.” Twilight smiled sadly. “Not long after, Nightmare Moon made her first appearance in Equestria. And as Princess Celestia was forced to banish her sister to the moon, the spell was lost for a thousand years, and all but the oldest history books forgot its existence.”

Twilight quickly ducked out of the room, leaving behind a blank-faced Applejack. She returned shortly after with a tome she laid on the bed before the farmer. The book was encased in a pitch black cover, with shadowy purple patterns spread across the front. In golden letters, it read, “The Dark Ages.”

Applejack reached a hoof out to touch the book gingerly for some fear of backlash. “Ah… Ah don’t understand.”

“This is one of the few remaining documentations of the so-called Dark Ages.” Twilight explained, regarding the book fondly. “It was one that Princess Celestia had hidden away when ponies decided it would be best to erase all evidence of it ever happening.” Twilight chuckled. “Of course, she could have relayed the tale to me personally, but it’s always nice to have a reference at hoof. As the book says, it wasn’t such a dark time as ponies came to view it as. It was actually the greatest time of acceptance for what we now call fillyfoolers. Even now, we have not yet made strides to match the level we once had, but with Princess Luna’s return, we have made progress. She’s even managed to bring coltcuddling into acceptance where it never in recorded history was considered socially acceptable. But when you get a place like Ponyville, where the mares so outnumber the stallions, it makes me wonder if we won’t need use of the spell again.”

Applejack made to reach out for the book again, but hesitated.

Twilight giggled. “You can borrow it if you’d like. It might do you some good to consider your possibilities.”

“Y-yeah…” Applejack still seemed dazed.

“I can see it’s a lot to take in. So if you’d like to end here-“

“No, no, Ah just… thank you.”

Twilight smiled. “You’re my friend, Applejack. I’m always here to help if you need me.”

Applejack smiled, running a hoof across the book’s surface, pondering how she’d transport the sizable tome without prompting unwanted questions. She wished she’d thought to bring her saddlebags with her.

“You can use mine,” Twilight offered. “Just make sure to return them once you’ve got the book in a good hiding spot.”

“Thanks, Twi,” Applejack repeated.

Twilight grinned. “Hey, what’d I just say?”

“Sorry,” Applejack laughed nervously.

“Now, is there anything else you’d like to talk about?”

“Ah… Y’know, Ah never thought Ah’d ever be considerin’ Rainbow’s offer o’ that other kinda labor ta pay fer her guitar.”

Twilight’s eyebrows shot up. “Whoa, slow down. I did not need that image.”

Applejack burst out laughing at Twilight’s face. She had never seen her friend so flustered before, and she had to admit it was kind of adorable.

“Remind me why I brought this up?” Twilight groaned, hiding her face in her hooves.

Applejack made an effort to calm her giggle fits, slowly devolving into spaced out chuckles before becoming silent once more with a sigh. “Sorry, Twi. Ah just… yer face.” Applejack let out another chuckle.

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Twilight giggled a bit. “Just… try to avoid giving me too much information in the future.”

“Alright.” Applejack sat up. “Well, thanks fer the chat, Twi. Ya’ve given me a lot ta think on.”

“No problem.” Twilight smiled. “Tell Rainbow to come in when she’s ready.”

“Will do.” Applejack made her way out the door and down the stairs to a fidgety Rainbow. “You alright, sugarcube?”

Rainbow jumped. “Oh, uh, yeah. I’m fine. Just… kinda nervous.”

Applejack chuckled, a sound soothing to Rainbow’s ears. “Ah am, too, Rainbow. But ya said it yerself, we’re gonna get through this.”

Rainbow gulped, shaking herself. “You’re right. We can do this.”

“Twilight’s ready fer ya whenever,” Applejack relayed.

“Okay.” Rainbow took a steadying breath before making her way up the stairs.

Twilight’s eyes widened when Rainbow came through the door. “Wow, Rainbow, you look worse than Applejack did. Everything alright?”

Rainbow scoffed. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” She continued before Twilight could apologize. “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

“Like what?” Twilight prodded.

Rainbow sighed. “Well, this whole thing with Applejack for starters. I’m not really sure how far it can go, or if I even want it to go anywhere.”

Twilight smirked, jotting down some witty comment or other.

“I mean, I like her and everything. But I’m just… not sure how far it goes yet.”

“Well, what’s stopping you from finding out?” Twilight asked.

“You kidding? Everything! Applejack said herself she doesn’t even know if she’s into mares, she’s kinda got a whole farm to take care of, and I’ve got responsibilities, too.”

“Well you have been helping Applejack with that farm work for the past couple of days, haven’t you?”

“I… yeah, I guess so.”

“And how has that been going?”

Rainbow lowered her head bashfully. “It’s been… fun. A whole lot of fun. Applejack’s been telling me how good a help I am. And I might have put some thought into extending it past the month.”

Twilight smiled. “What’s been the fun part? The work or spending time with Applejack?”

Rainbow blushed. “Do you really have to ask?”

Twilight giggled. “Just making sure. Anything else you might be thinking about?”

“Yeah, kinda. I was thinking that, well, the Acres is a good chunk of Ponyville on its own, and it takes some of the most work to maintain weather-wise. But if I could have some better access to inside information, I could, you know, probably do it all myself.”

“Are you sure you’re up to that?” Twilight asked.

“Well, yeah! It’d make balancing everything a whole lot easier. I’d never have to go far for my weather duties, so I’d always be around and-“

“Have more time to spend with Applejack,” Twilight finished.

“Not everything’s about Applejack!” Rainbow shot back stubbornly.

Twilight smirked and raised a brow. “Oh? Name one thing.”

“Clouds!” Rainbow quickly responded.

“Actually, from what you just told me, you’d be handling the clouds over Applejack’s farm…”

“Rainbows then!”

“Need I remind you of how Applejack got her cutie mark, or the resemblance between you and a Zap Apple?”

“Luna dammit! Uh… crap.”

Twilight grinned victoriously.

“It doesn’t matter! Even if I can’t name anything, there’s bound to be something.”

“But the fact that none of those things come to mind…”

“I know, I’ve been thinking about her a lot recently, okay? It’s kinda hard not to when you can’t even say hello to her without it being awkward.”

“It’s only as awkward as you make it,” Twilight pointed out.

“What are you trying to tell me?” Rainbow demanded, face flushed from equal parts frustration and embarrassment.

“I’m not trying to tell you anything. I’m trying to understand why you’re so averse to the idea of dating Applejack.”

“I just gave you a list! What more do you want?”

“For you to answer the one thing you haven’t given a solution to yet.”

“I…“ Rainbow paused. “I did just solve like half my problems, didn’t I?”

“Which leaves you with just one; Applejack’s uncertain orientation.”

“Smaller words, please.”

“Whether Applejack goes for mares or not,” Twilight giggled. “I assume that you do?”

Rainbow averted her gaze. “Yeah.”

“Any interest in stallions?”

Rainbow shook her head slowly. “What does that have to do with anything we’re talking about?”

“Just curious,” Twilight teased. “You’ve known Applejack longer than I have; have you ever seen her show romantic interest in anypony before?”

“Never. She’s always too busy with work and family. Which is kinda why I’m not sure she’d be that way. Can’t really be family oriented with another mare.”

Twilight smiled, but said nothing. Rainbow looked at her critically.

“Is there something you know that I don’t?”

“Perhaps.”

Rainbow bowled Twilight over. “If there’s a way to do this, you have to tell me!”

“You really think it would help your chances with Applejack?”

Rainbow nodded fervently.

“Well, then I’ll tell you as much as there is a way. I won’t get into specifics just yet,” Twilight said, carefully sidestepping the issue.

“I should tell Applejack! She-“ Rainbow paused. “Wait, how do I bring that up without sounding really creepy?”

“You let her bring it up instead,” Twilight answered easily.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “And how am I supposed to do that?”

Twilight grinned. “You’ll figure it out.”

“Tease,” Rainbow grouched.

Twilight giggled. “Well I can see this is clearly getting you worked up. So I’m pretty sure I know how you feel.”

“What about Applejack?”

Twilight frowned. “I can’t answer that, Rainbow.”

“Why not?”

“Because I can only give you advice. What you do with this is your decision, and if I take out or add a variable, you might take too much time or rush into it. And that can only end badly.”

“So you’re telling me I’m on my own?”

Twilight shook her head. “You’re forgetting Applejack. She’ll be there with you the whole way.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Rainbow groaned.

“So, assuming that’s all your problems answered…”

Rainbow fidgeted. “Actually, there is one more thing.”

Twilight listened quietly.

“I’m not really sure what it is, but it feels like something big that I’m missing. Like something’s gonna come along and change things between me and AJ.”

“So something in the future?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow nodded. “And I feel really stupid for not knowing what.”

“Well, then answer me this; where do you see yourself five years from now?”

“Captain of the Wonderbolts,” Rainbow answered without missing a beat.

Twilight smiled sadly. “And where does that leave Applejack?”

“She…” Rainbow’s ears splayed back. “Alone back at the Acres. You guys, too.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t come back and visit,” Twilight pointed out.

“Yeah, on the holidays maybe. Do you know how much time you have to put in to be a Wonderbolt? How far you have to travel?”

“Only what I’ve heard from my time in Canterlot.”

Rainbow sighed. “I’d have a month off every year at best. I… I can’t do that to her.”

Twilight closed her eyes. “Well, you’re going to have to figure it out. What’s more important to you, Applejack or the Wonderbolts?”

“I don’t know.” Rainbow sighed. “I’ll have to think about it.”

“You can do that,” Twilight said. “Just don’t take too long.”

Rainbow nodded. “Right.”

“Now come on. We’ll go get Applejack and wrap things up.”

Rainbow followed Twilight back down the stairs, taking care to measure her wing beats lest her thoughts derail her. Applejack was waiting patiently in the main room, flipping idly through a book.

Twilight prodded Applejack gently to get her attention. “As a closing statement, I’d like to say that this clearly means a lot to both of you. Don’t be afraid of things you can’t control, and don’t get down on yourselves. You can work this out and take it wherever you want.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s eyes met. The contact was quickly broken as their faces betrayed their thoughts. Slowly, though, their eyes met again, and they shared a smile. Everything was going to work out if they let it. They just had to figure out how to initiate. And they had plenty of time to do so.

“Why are you wearing Twilight’s saddlebags?” Rainbow asked after shooting periodic looks at Applejack over a minute’s span.

“She gave me somethin’, an Ah wanted it ta be a secret,” Applejack answered.

Rainbow frowned. “Even from me?”

Applejack chuckled. “’Specially from you.”

Rainbow’s frown deepened, though she couldn’t sustain it for long as the nondescript happiness she had been feeling bubbled to the surface again. Rainbow laughed, taking to the air and attempting to wrest Twilight’s saddlebags from Applejack’s back while cartwheeling over her. Applejack responded by whipping her tail around and whapping Rainbow in the face, disrupting her vision and causing her to crash ineffectually to the ground. Applejack was quick to jump at Rainbow in an attempt to pin her down, but Rainbow was quicker to dart out of the way.

“Get back here, ya thievin’ varmint!” Applejack called out playfully.

“No!” Rainbow shot back, punctuating the single syllable with giggles.

Rainbow made for another run to steal Applejack’s secret treasure; evading Applejack’s tail, but unable to grasp the tightly-drawn straps. Rainbow decided it was time for a change of tactics. If she couldn’t get the saddlebags, she’d just have to get the treasure directly. Rainbow made adjustments to her flying before diving in again. But in her excitement, she failed to notice that they had made it back to the orchards, and impacted a branch, throwing her wobbling off-course. She tried desperately to correct her path, but she crashed headlong into Applejack, throwing them both off balance and tumbling forward a good few yards before coming to rest in a tangle of limbs.

Through her aching everything, Rainbow was vaguely aware of something soft against her lips. It tasted vaguely of apples, though it was far more delicate. Curious, she shifted her position, opening her eyes to get a better view of-

Rainbow shot up from where she lay entangled in the limbs of her best friend. No, I did not just…

“What the hay was that?!” Applejack shouted in an abnormally high-pitched voice.

Rainbow’s eyes widened in fear, offering a squeak in apology as she rocketed off to her cloud home in search of sanctuary.

Applejack panted heavily, raising a hoof to gingerly touch her lips. She could still taste, still feel, Rainbow’s unexpected contact. She developed a heavy blush as she considered whether or not she enjoyed it. Looking up, she saw that she had chased Rainbow away in her shock, eliminating any possibility for reconciliation. Applejack sighed. Smooth, AJ. She got to her hooves, gathered Twilight’s saddlebags and the book contained within, and continued on her path home alone.

Just as it was getting’ good, too.

Rainbow locked her front door with quivering hooves, shaking all over as she ran to her room to throw herself on her bed and create a den of sheets.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Rainbow berated herself. How could you kiss Applejack? She shook her head as her mind began to rattle off reasons that were becoming painfully obvious. I blew it, she thought sadly. She’ll never look at me the same now. How could I not have noticed the damn trees?

Rainbow proceeded to bash her head unsatisfyingly against her plush cloud pillow. Frustrated, Rainbow couldn’t help but wish for a more solid bedroom to beat herself in. Her whole house was made of clouds, and what few solid items she had were much too soft to work.

What the buck is wrong with me? Rainbow ranted internally. Am I in love with her house now, too? Am I-

Rainbow paused, processing her question again. She cried out in frustration, burying her head under her pillow and falling into a fitful sleep.

Applejack entered her house tiredly, feeling some immense depression in light of her most recent encounter and subsequent rejection of Rainbow Dash.

“Hey, sis, everythin’ alright?” Apple Bloom’s voice carried from the living room.

“Jes’ dandy,” Applejack responded, barely able to project her voice five hooves.

Before she could make it to the stairs, Applejack was met with her little sister blocking her path. “AJ, Ah know somethin’s been goin’ on. An’ now yer comin’ home all mopey, an’ that just ain’t like you.”

Applejack averted her gaze. “It’s complicated, AB. And yer-“

“Too young ta understand, right?” Apple Bloom cut her off irritably. “Ah’m growin’ up, AJ. Ah know Ah don’t have mah cutie mark yet, but that don’ mean Ah’m not worried about ya.”

Applejack sighed, hanging her head. “Tell ya what. Let me just put this in mah room an’ we’ll talk, alright?”

Apple Bloom eyed her sister suspiciously, stepping aside and following closely. Applejack, however, managed to slip inside her room and lock her door before Apple Bloom could enter. Apple Bloom banged on the door. “Dammit, sis! Open the door!”

“Words ain’t gonna make this okay!” Applejack shot back, slipping off Twilight’s saddlebags and collapsing onto her bed, feeling her eyes start to tear up.

At her words, Applejack was relieved to hear the banging cease, and small hoofsteps move down the stairs. Applejack tucked herself under her covers and tried to fall asleep, but was interrupted by more powerful knocks on her door.

“AJ, Apple Bloom says yer shuttin’ yerself away again,” Big Macintosh’s voice came through her door.

“Leave me alone,” Applejack said with barely enough force to be heard.

Applejack heard Big Mac sigh from the other side of the door. “Ya can’t keep doin’ this ta yerself, AJ. We can talk about this.”

“Ah already done talked enough today. Just leave me alone, Ah just wanna go to sleep and ferget today ever happened.”

Big Mac turned to Apple Bloom with a frown. He placed a hoof on her shoulder. “We’ll get her outta this, AB. She just needs some time right now.”

Apple Bloom sighed. “Ah hate bein’ left outta things all the time.”

Big Mac smiled. “Ah’ll make sure she talks to ya ‘bout this. She’ll talk ta all’a us.”

“Ah really hope yer right, Mac.”

Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom sat around the dinner table, eyeing the two conspicuously unoccupied seats.

“Ya think AJ’ll be alright, Mac?” Apple Bloom piped up.

Big Mac shifted. “Ah think that’ll depend on Rainbow Dash.”

“Rainbow Dash? Is she the one makin’ AJ act all funny?” Apple Bloom frowned. “She ain’t pullin’ one o’ her pranks again, is she?”

“Were it only that simple, child,” Granny Smith mused.

“Then what is goin’ on?” Apple Bloom demanded.

“Ain’t our place ta say, Apple Bloom,” Big Mac answered sadly. “AJ’s gotta handle this herself.”

“So we can’t help her?”

Big Mac sighed. “No, not this time, AB.”

Applejack lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. How am I supposed to talk ta her now? Applejack was wondering how it all fell apart. Everything seemed to be going great; she almost had everything figured out. But that one kiss…

She did like it, she had decided. And going on a date with Rainbow seemed to get more appealing each time she thought about it. But she chased Rainbow away at the first sign of affection, however accidental it may have been. She had hurt Rainbow. And now she was supposed to be able to walk up to her and ask her out and have everything be okay?

Applejack sighed. She’d have to sit down and talk to her, and definitely apologize for overreacting. She could only hope Rainbow would hear her out.

Why did Ah have ta be so stupid? Ah coulda just been honest with mahself an’ kept on kissin’ her. Applejack groaned. And now Ah understand, it might already be too late.

Applejack buried her face in her pillow, lamenting her potentially missed opportunity with the mare she cared about like family. If she was going to fix this, she had to pour her heart out, and leave nothing unsaid. That shouldn’t be so hard, being the Element of Honesty, right?

Applejack fell asleep at last with a glimmer of hope.

Rainbow Dash stood before a crowd of screaming ponies. Looking down, she saw not a Wonderbolts uniform, but an electric guitar. Looking across from her, she saw herself, looking at her with disappointment. When she reached out to touch the phantom, everything faded to black, and she was alone. Somewhere in the blackness, she saw a vague green blur leaking some kind of liquid before-

Rainbow woke up from her sleep with a start. She rubbed her temples gingerly, painfully aware of a throbbing in her skull. It’s that dream again. But it was different this time. What is it supposed to mean?

Looking out the window, Rainbow determined it was around midnight. She felt an emptiness in her stomach, but couldn’t bring herself to consider eating anything. With a sigh, Rainbow rose to open her closet, where a mannequin stood bearing her uniform from the Wonderbolts Academy.

Twilight’s words echoed in Rainbow’s mind. Who’s more important to you, Applejack or the Wonderbolts? Rainbow felt a tear come to her eye, which she was quick to wipe away. She posed herself another question. Which is the more reachable goal now?

Another tear came to Rainbow’s eyes, and another. They came faster than she could wipe them away. She barely managed to make it back to her bed before she devolved into a fit of sobbing. Sleep seemed so close, but it wouldn’t come. She felt like her mind was punishing her. None of this would have happened if you had been more careful.

“Shut up. Just shut up!” Rainbow shouted.

After a few more minutes of self-deprecation, sleep finally saved her sanity at the last possible second. Suddenly, things weren’t turning out so great.

Author's Note

Sorrry for the wait! Have a chapter three. Next chapter should be out more promptly.

Day Four - Confrontation

Rainbow Dash woke the next morning feeling miserable. A brief reflection reminded her of why. She’d upset her friend, overstepped her boundaries, and made a foal of herself. On top of that, she was hungry, and unable to bring herself to brave Applejack’s home just yet.

She sighed heavily, getting up to scrounge around for what food still remained at her house. Her efforts were rewarded by a bowl of cereal, which was just as well, as she doubted she could stomach much else.

Rainbow looked around her empty home as she nibbled on her cereal. Normally at this time, she would be feeding Tank and, more recently, sitting down at the Apple family table for a hearty breakfast. But both lay amongst a vast orchard of apple trees on the outskirts of Ponyville. One, she remembered, she had pledged a month’s service to.

Rainbow groaned as she considered her options. She couldn’t hope to assist Applejack today, and she couldn’t just sit today out. Maybe Big Mac needed some help.

Swallowing her last bite of cereal, Rainbow resolved to do whatever she could to help out at the orchard that didn’t involve direct contact with Applejack. Why did this have to happen?

Applejack was awoken by an object colliding with her stomach. Rainbow Dash? But upon sitting up, she determined that the yelp of surprise and small body rolling off of her did not belong to the pegasus.

“Sorry, Winona.” Applejack reached out to give her canine companion a chin scratch. Winona barked excitedly in response, wagging her tail and darting out of her room.

What’s gotten her all worked up today? Applejack thought back on recent events, soon wishing she hadn’t. Oh, right.

Significantly less cheerful than when she had woken up, Applejack made her way downstairs to an empty-feeling kitchen table where breakfast sat, extravagant as ever.

“Ya feelin’ alright, sis?” Big Mac asked once Applejack had taken her seat.

“Ah’ll manage,” Applejack mumbled in response, taking only a single pancake from the stack. Foregoing syrup, Applejack immediately began her incredibly slow consumption of the normally-tasty treat.

Before she could make more than a visible mark on the pancake, she felt her throat clench as her stomach refused further nourishment. Applejack released her meal with a sigh, rising from her seat and heading outside without a word.

Big Mac shared glances with Apple Bloom and Granny Smith before excusing himself from the table to follow his remarkably depressed sister. Ah gotta know what’s makin’ her this way.

Mac found Applejack sitting at the base of a tree, trying to work up the strength to give it a proper buck. “AJ, this is gettin’ silly. Why don’t ya tell me what’s wrong?”

“Don’ wanna,” Applejack replied curtly, walking off to find another suitable tree.

Big Mac followed. “Sometimes ya gotta do things ya don’ wanna do.”

Applejack snorted. “Don’ care.”

“C’mon, AJ, yer startin’ ta worry me here. This ain’t like you. Whatever it is, Ah promise Ah won’ judge; Apple’s honor.”

Applejack turned to face her brother, exasperated. “Yer not gonna leave me alone, are ya?”

Big Mac shook his head stubbornly, a wry smile gracing his lips.

Applejack sighed heavily, plopping down into a sitting position. “Alright, if ya gotta know, things got outta hoof with Rainbow an’ me.”

Big Mac urged her on with a hoof, unsatisfied.

Applejack scowled. “She kissed me.”

Big Mac’s eyes widened. “Yer kiddin’? That’s great!”

“No it’s not great! It was awkward, an’ weird, an’…” Applejack sighed, losing her will to argue. “An’ Ah liked it.”

Big Mac advanced on Applejack, offering a hoof in support, placed soothingly across her shoulders. “So why’s that got ya down? Sounds like things are goin’ great.”

“They were,” Applejack insisted, “but Ah messed it up.”

Big Mac squeezed Applejack tighter when her voice faltered.

“Ah… Ah yelled at her, an’ chased her away. Ah’m not even sure it was on purpose. It was just so…”

“Unexpected?” Big Mac suggested.

“Yeah.” Applejack leaned against Mac’s side. “An’ now she probably don’ want anything ta do with me.”

“Sounds ta me like yer makin’ this bigger ‘n it is, AJ. Ya said ya weren’t sure she kissed ya on purpose?”

“Probably not,” Applejack admitted.

“Then she’s probably just as shaken up ‘bout it as you.” Big Mac focused on some distant spot in the sky. Applejack tried to follow his gaze, but whatever he had seen was no longer in sight. “Ah won’ make ya do anythin’ ya don’ wanna. But ya really should talk to her.”

“Ah’ll try,” Applejack promised.

With nothing left to say, Big Mac gave Applejack a hug, which she returned gratefully. He offered his sister a reassuring smile before heading back inside to finish his meal. Applejack merely sat where she was, collecting her thoughts for another attempt to buck the tree before her.

After a few more minutes offered no more conviction, Applejack righted herself, taking a deep breath. She spun in place to deliver a buck to the tree only to scuff it with a single hoof before collapsing in a heap. While such a failure usually frustrated her and emboldened her to try again, she found it now only made her feel worse.

“What chance do Ah got with Rainbow if Ah can’t even buck a tree right?”

Rainbow Dash circled high above Sweet Apple Acres, searching for a big, red stallion amongst trees that had developed a frustrating number of red fruit. “How am I gonna do this if I can’t even find him?” Rainbow didn’t dare fly any lower for risk of being spotted, but she was getting impatient.

Just as she was about ready to fly off, she caught sight of a red shape emerging from the tree-line, headed for the fields. Rainbow didn’t need more of a lead than that to rush down to investigate.

Big Macintosh turned as Rainbow landed behind him. “Thought Ah saw ya up there.”

“Hey, Mac. I was wondering if you needed any help today, since…” Rainbow struggled to come up with a convincing lie.

Big Macintosh smiled sadly. “Ah heard what happened with you an’ AJ. She’s pretty broken up ‘bout it herself.”

Rainbow sighed. “I just don’t know how it all went so wrong.”

“It might not be as bad as ya think,” Big Mac pointed out.

“Are you kidding? I kissed her, totally by accident, and she yelled at me! I don’t know how you’re supposed to send a clearer message.”

“Way Ah heard it, she was just surprised.”

“I would be, too, if Applejack suddenly decided to kiss me. But I wouldn’t have yelled at her for that.”

“Applejack handles things differently than you do,” Big Mac insisted.

“Yeah, and she only ever yells when I screw something up.”

“Ah ain’t debatin’ that. But yer missin’ the point here.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Oh, so there’s a point to being yelled at by your best friend.”

“Are y’all gonna listen or not?” Big Mac demanded.

“Are we gonna do anything else but lecture me all day?”

“Ah ain’t tryin’ ta lecture ya!”

“And I’m not listening.” Rainbow shot back before Mac could continue. “So if you don’t need my help, and I don’t need this, then I’m out.”

With that, she was gone, and Big Mac sagged. If he could barely get his sister to listen, why did he think he could convince her flighty friend? He could only hope that they’d work this out on their own.

Rainbow touched down at Ponyville’s weather headquarters in a huff. A quick glance at the bulletin board told her her assignment, and for once she was glad it wasn’t Sweet Apple Acres. Ignoring the curious glances from her co-workers, she set off towards Ponyville’s park, thankfully one of the more quiet areas the town offered.

Upon her arrival, Rainbow was baffled to see that the park was almost completely overcast. It seemed that she was the one to pick up the slack today. With a cocky grin, Rainbow set about clearing the skies, grateful for the outlet for her frustrations. Fueled by a need for distraction, she pushed herself harder, losing herself completely in her conquest. While not as entertaining as her previous days on the farm, it was certainly satisfying.

So caught up was she in her destruction of all things white, it didn’t strike her as odd when she spotted a cloud near the ground. With a battle cry, she hurtled after the stray cloud, preparing to give it a firm kick in the-

“Ah!” the cloud cried out in pain. “What in Equestria- Rainbow Dash! Would you care to explain why you are assaulting me?”

That wasn’t right. Clouds couldn’t talk. And they certainly didn’t know her name, or speak in such a high-class accent. In fact, Rainbow could only think of two ponies who fit both of those specifications. And only one of them was white.

“Rainbow Dash, I don’t have time for your games. Now are you going to apologize or not?”

“I…” Rainbow shook her head. “Sorry, Rarity.” She took off without another word, leaving behind a very confused, and slightly bruised, fashionista.

“Well, that was certainly… different,” Rarity said, rubbing the sensitive part of her flank where she had been kicked. “I wonder if Twilight would know what’s gotten into her.” Rarity changed her course to the Golden Oaks Library. Breakfast could wait.

“C’mon you damned apples. Fall already!” Applejack was trying everything in her power, but no matter what she did, she still couldn’t get a single apple for her efforts.

Applejack collapsed after another failed attempt to connect a buck to a trunk. Panting, she wondered, not for the first time, why she had been so stupid. Her stomach gurgled as if to taunt her, as every attempt to fill it ended in pain. Why can’t Ah do nothin’ right?

As Applejack scanned the trees for another suitable tree to attempt to harvest, something yellow caught her eye. Curious, she got up on shaky legs to investigate. The figure was in the direction of the farmhouse, sparking some vague worry in Applejack that made her quicken her pace.

Applejack burst out into the clearing to find Fluttershy waiting patiently by the barn. Intrigued, Applejack approached her. “Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy turned to face her. “Oh, hello, Applejack.”

“What are you doin’ here?”

“Well, Big Macintosh told me that one of your animals had come down with a fever, so I’m here to take him over to my cottage to treat him.” Fluttershy inspected Applejack closer. “You don’t look so good either. Is something wrong?”

Applejack sighed. “It’s a long story. Ah wouldn’t want ta trouble ya.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. If you want to talk about it, you can come with me back to my cottage. I’ll just have to get him settled first.”

“Ah think Ah will,” Applejack said, falling onto her haunches.

Fluttershy smiled. “Oh, good. I’ll make tea, and we can have a nice chat.”

“Ah hope so,” Applejack muttered.

Rarity composed herself before knocking on Twilight’s door. It was answered promptly by Spike.

“Oh, hi, Rarity,” Spike greeted her nervously. “It’s not time to go hunting for gems again already is it?”

Rarity smiled. “Not yet, Spike. I’m simply here to talk to Twilight about a… troubling encounter with Rainbow Dash.”

“She’s not hitting on you, too, is she?” Spike demanded.

Rarity blinked. “What? Heavens, no. Not unless you mean physically.” Rarity paused. “Why? Is she getting into relationship troubles, now? With whom?”

Spike stepped back to let her inside. “Twilight knows more than I do. She’s up on the balcony.”

Rarity halted to place a gentle kiss on Spike’s forehead. “Thank you, Spike.”

“Any time,” Spike said, wobbling in place before inevitably crashing to the floor.

Rarity shook her head and giggled, continuing on to where Twilight was said to be. She was indeed found where Spike had told her to look, gazing up into the sky absently.

“Good morning, Twilight,” Rarity began, gaining Twilight’s attention. “Apologies if I’m interrupting anything. But I just had an odd run-in with Rainbow Dash at the park, and Spike told me that she’d been having problems you would know about.”

“Why, what did she do?” Twilight asked, hoping her first suspicion was invalid.

“Well, I was merely walking along to my favorite breakfast location, when Rainbow Dash flew down and… well, kicked my flank,” Rarity turned to show Twilight the bruise, just below her cutie mark.

“I… I don’t understand. Why would Rainbow just suddenly decide to kick you?”

Rarity turned her gaze to the sky. “I thought about it, and it seemed that she was on one of her weather jobs early. Clearing clouds, I believe.”

Twilight frowned. “So… she thought you were a cloud?”

“It’s the only possibility I dare consider, though she must be terribly disconcerted to make such an error.”

“Well, I talked to her yesterday.” Twilight thought. “I didn’t think I’d given her that much to think about.”

“What about? Spike seemed to think it was something to do with a relationship.”

Twilight sighed. “Well, if he’s already said that much, I guess it can’t hurt to tell you she’s been having an awkward time with Applejack.”

Rarity gasped. “So the rumors are true, then?”

“Not quite, though they may be soon.” Twilight frowned. “You said she was out at the park?”

Rarity nodded.

“She’s supposed to be helping Applejack at the farm. Something must have happened. Do you have any idea where she might have gone?”

“Not in the slightest. Did she mention anything else she’d gotten herself involved with?”

Twilight shook her head. “She wouldn’t talk about anything except Applejack.”

“Then if something bad happened between them…” Rarity paused.

“I just hope she doesn’t do anything stupid.” Twilight hung her head.

“If our only lead on Rainbow Dash is Applejack, do you think it would be a good idea to look for her instead?” Rarity inquired.

“Possibly. She’d probably still be at the Acres somewhere.” Twilight flinched. “But are we sure we should be meddling in their relationship? It might just be something small that was blown out of proportion, and we’d only be making it worse. Neither of them have any prior experience, and you know how stubborn they can be.”

Rarity sighed. “Perhaps you’re right, Twilight. But if something happens…”

Twilight stepped forward. “Then we’ll be there to support them.” Twilight offered Rarity a hug, which was accepted. “They might be stubborn, but they’re also very close. I’m sure they can work out whatever it is that’s happened. I know it’s hard to stand by and do nothing, but we have to give them their space.”

Rarity sighed again. “Why do you always have to be right, Twilight?”

Twilight smiled. “Because in this town, somepony has to be.”

Fluttershy brought tea to her guest as soon as she had her patient settled. It smelled of apples, and Applejack was able to drink a few invigorating gulps.

“Now, tell me what’s wrong,” Fluttershy commanded.

Applejack smiled weakly. “Yes, ma’am.” She took a deep breath. “It’s about Rainbow. Me n’ her have been goin’ through a time together. It’s been all kinds o’ awkward, fun, n’ more ‘n a little confusin’. Rainbow went an’ got it in her head ta start a band together, an’ that’s been a bit of a hoot. She done bought some fancy expensive guitar. Damn well left her broke. So we agreed she would spend a month workin’ the farm in exchange fer food.”

“And how’s that been going?” Fluttershy prodded.

Applejack smiled. “It’s been a great time. She’s a real big help ‘round the Acres, an’ she helps make it fun in her own way. She even got the idea ta ask ta be assigned as the orchard’s sole weatherpony. Never exactly got around to it.

“She’d come up with the idea ta go see Twilight fer advice after a… an incident in the shower.” Applejack blushed. “She was a great help. Let me in on some long lost spell that lets mares have foals together. Gave me a book on it an’ all. Everythin’ was goin’ great. But then Ah did somethin’ stupid.

“We were headin’ home from talkin’ ta Twilight. She was gettin’ all rowdy tryin’a figure out what Twilight gave me. And then somethin’ happened an’ she crashed inta me. ‘Fore Ah knew what was goin’ on, our lips were touchin’ an’ she was leanin’ in all sexy like.”

“Oh my,” Fluttershy murmured.

“Ah didn’ know what ta do, so Ah panicked. Chased her right away like a damn fool.” Applejack sighed. “Stupidest judgment call Ah ever done made.”

“You didn’t say anything hurtful, did you?” Fluttershy fretted.

Applejack thought. “No, ah just asked her what she was doin’ all frantic-like.”

Fluttershy sighed. “Oh, good.”

“Pardon?”

“Applejack, you didn’t do anything wrong. You were just confused and needed more time to think.” Fluttershy took a deep breath. “This is easy to fix. All you need to do is talk to her, apologize for overreacting, and tell her how you really feel.”

Applejack frowned. “Is it really that easy?”

Fluttershy nodded. “It seems like more than it is because you care about her so much. But you’re forgetting how much she cares about you. She’s not going to give up on you so easily. That’s not the Rainbow Dash I grew up with. Just give her time and she’ll come to you, probably to tell you it was her fault. But don’t let her take the blame. She can be just as hard on herself as you.”

“Don’ Ah know it,” Applejack sighed. “Ya sure ‘bout this now? Ah don’ wanna make this worse ‘n it is.”

“Positive,” Fluttershy insisted. “Now you should get on back to the farm. Rainbow Dash could show up any minute.”

“Thanks fer the help, Fluttershy. Ah really appreciate it.” Applejack smiled.

Fluttershy wrapped her in a hug. “Don’t mention it. Get out there and win her back.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Rainbow Dash was wandering around the city, looking for nothing in particular when she found herself in front of Vinyl Scratch’s residence. That’s right. I have guitar lessons today. Rainbow groaned, letting herself in. “I’m here for my lessons, Scratch!”

Just inside the room, Octavia and Vinyl froze mid-make out session on the living room couch. They quickly moved to compose themselves for their sudden guest. “Oh, uh, hey, Rainbow. You’re here early.”

Rainbow looked for a clock dubiously. It read… “It’s only 10?”

“Yeah. Long day?” Vinyl asked.

“You could say that.” Rainbow sighed.

Vinyl shifted on the couch. “Where’s your guitar?”

Rainbow opened her mouth before closing it again, feeling along her back. She sighed again. “It’s back at Applejack’s.”

“Is everything alright?” Octavia asked.

“I…” Rainbow stopped herself short. “No, I can’t do this. Go back to what you were doing. I’m sorry for disturbing you.”

Before Rainbow could more than turn around, Vinyl had locked the door with her magic. “The hell is wrong with you, mare? You’re never polite.”

Octavia glared at her marefriend. “That’s Vinyl’s way of expressing concern. We can both tell something’s bothering you.”

Rainbow sighed, turning back around and seating herself on a chair. “I screwed up with Applejack. She hates me now.”

Vinyl cocked an eyebrow. “What’d you do, kill her sister?”

“Vinyl!” Octavia scolded. “I’m sure it’s nothing so bad, Rainbow.”

“But I kissed her!” Rainbow blurted.

“So? I kiss Tavi all the time, and we’re still going strong.”

“But she doesn’t yell at you!”

Vinyl laughed. “Are you kidding? She yells at me every day.”

“Only because I love you, Vinyl,” Octavia assured.

“So, let’s get this straight. You kissed her, so she yelled at you, and now you think your life is over?” Vinyl summarized.

Rainbow’s face became contemplative. That… didn’t sound quite right stated so plainly.

Vinyl laughed again. “You really are new at this, aren’t you?”

Rainbow averted her gaze, face reddening in embarrassment.

“Tell ya what; all you need to do is go talk to her. She’ll understand, I’m sure.” Vinyl smirked.

Rainbow nodded, feeling very sheepish and more than a little stupid. “I…”

“Don’t mention it,” Vinyl cut her off. “Just let me know when you’ve got your awesome new marefriend.”

Rainbow smiled. “Sure thing. Thanks, Scratch.” She stood up and saw herself out. “Be sure to use protection!”

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Now, where were we?”

“Kissing, I believe,” Octavia said before re-instigating.

“Awesome.”

Alright. I just have to get to Sweet Apple Acres and apologize to Applejack. I can do this. Rainbow Dash strode confidently out Vinyl’s front door, closing it behind her. She took to the sky, angling for Applejack’s farm, and rocketed off. The wind in her face offered her comforting familiarity. If all went well, she’d be-

“Hey, Rainbow Dash! What’s up?” A pink mare burst out of a nearby cloud.

“Not now, Pinkie. I’m on a mission.”

“Ooh, what kind of mission?” Pinkie put a hoof to her chin. “Is it some kind of super-secret spy mission from Princess Celestia?”

“No, it’s a mission to…” Rainbow shook her head. “No, it’s not that. And it’s not something you would guess, so don’t.”

“Not something I would guess, huh?” Pinkie thought harder. “Does it have to do with flying pigs?”

“No.”

“Evil bananas?”

“No!”

“Applejack?”

“No-“ Rainbow stopped.

“Aha! I knew it! You’re going to go ask Applejack on a date, aren’t you?”

“No, and I’d like to do it on my own if you wouldn’t mind.” Rainbow narrowed her eyes at Pinkie.

“Oh, I get it.” Pinkie winked. “Good luck getting Applejack to not go on a date with you!”

“Pinkie!” Rainbow tried to explain, but she was already gone. “I swear it’s always at the worst times.”

With no other recourse, she continued on to Sweet Apple Acres, slightly more flustered than before.

Applejack sat out on the porch of the farmhouse, waiting patiently for Rainbow to make her appearance. It only took a few minutes before she saw that rainbow trail she knew so well dart into her view. She stepped down from the porch to make herself seen and called out. “Hey, Rainbow!”

Above, Rainbow Dash froze. Oh Luna I’m not ready! She made to dart off again, but was stopped by another call from Applejack.

“Rainbow, wait! Ah need ta talk to ya. It’s important.”

Sighing, Rainbow accepted her fate, coming to land in front of Applejack. “Alright, just let it out. Don’t hold back.” Rainbow stood rigid, eyes firmly closed as she braced herself for a tongue-lashing.

Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. And the more she looked at her, the harder it was to resist doing something potentially stupid. In a streak of boldness, Applejack made sure not to hold back as she planted a kiss firmly upon Rainbow’s unsuspecting lips.

Rainbow’s eyes bugged out at the touch. “I… Applejack?” Rainbow managed.

Applejack giggled. “That makes us even, right?”

Rainbow’s face fell. “Oh, yeah. I guess.”

Applejack panicked when she realized her misstep. Her subconscious told her it had worked before, so she reached her head down to kiss Rainbow again. “Now you owe me!” Applejack squeaked.

A smile grew on Rainbow’s face as she started up in snorts. She soon devolved into full-blown laughter as she gripped Applejack in a vice.

“Can’t breathe,” Applejack wheezed, causing Rainbow to release her entirely. Before Applejack could miss the contact, Rainbow’s lips were on hers. Applejack giddily kissed her back, cherishing the moment that made the last few days worth it.

Rainbow pulled away from the kiss with a gasp. “AJ, I thought-“

“Ah thought Ah messed up, too,” Applejack cut in. “Ah wanted to apologize fer yellin’ at ya. It was stupid o’ me.”

Rainbow giggled. “Yeah, that wouldn’t have even happened if I had noticed that tree branch.”

“Was that what happened?”

Rainbow nodded. “I was so caught up I didn’t even notice we made it into the orchard.”

“Well, Ah didn’t even know ‘till just now.”

“Yeah, let’s not do all that again. Like, ever.”

Applejack smiled. “Sounds good ta me.”

They were silent for a time, just holding each other close, until a thought occurred to Rainbow.

“Wait a minute.” Rainbow frowned. “You… You just kissed me, right?”

Applejack blushed, nodding.

“So, that means…?”

Applejack took a steadying breath, blush deepening. “Ah like you, Rainbow. And Ah’d be honored if ya’d go out with me sometime.”

“Yes!” Rainbow answered instantly. “Oh, this is so awesome! So I guess you don’t really care about the whole family thing after all?”

Applejack chuckled. “Let’s not get ahead o’ ourselves, now. But yeah, Ah guess you could say Ah don’ have much to worry about anymore.”

“Did Twilight tell you about that ‘other way’, too?”

Applejack smirked. “She did more ‘n that, sugarcube. That thing Ah was carryin’ in Twilight’s saddlebags? It’s a book all about the spell that makes it work.”

Rainbow’s eyes lit up. “How does it work, then? Is it, like, kinky?”

Applejack pulled her head back. “Ah don’ know, Ah haven’t even read it yet!”

“Well what’s stopping you?” Rainbow prodded.

Applejack frowned. “Ah… kinda spent alla the time since ya kissed me thinkin’ Ah’d messed everythin’ up. It never really crossed mah mind.”

“Right. Sorry,” Rainbow apologized, nuzzling Applejack’s cheek.

“It’s alright, sugarcube. We got it all worked out now, don’t we?”

Rainbow put a hoof to her chin. “Well, we still have to figure out who’s top and who’s bottom.”

“Rainbow!” Applejack pushed Rainbow off of her, blushing and giggling.

“I know, I know, there’s time for that later, geez,” Rainbow placated. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t restrain her wings as they flared open. “Look at what you do to me, AJ.”

Applejack grinned deviously, crawling up to whisper sensually in Rainbow’s ear, “Only fer you, Rainbow.”

“Dammit, AJ,” Rainbow giggled. “Now I’ll never get my wings folded.”

“Good, ‘cuz in case y’all fergot, we still got apples ta buck!” Applejack declared.

“Actually, I’ve got an Apple to buck, you’ve got a Rainbow,” Rainbow snickered.

Applejack blushed heavily. “Dammit, Rainbow!” She tackled Rainbow in retaliation, pinning her to the ground.

“Eager, are we?” Rainbow countered.

Applejack frowned. “Ah’m gonna kill you one day.”

“You know you love it.” Rainbow gave Applejack a placating peck on the nose.

Applejack, suddenly feeling weak, collapsed on top of Rainbow.

“You alright?”

A growling stomach answered Rainbow’s question. “Late breakfast?” Applejack offered.

“Yes please.” Rainbow felt her own stomach growl in agreement.

Applejack stood up shakily, having to lean on Rainbow for support once she had stood as well. “Sorry, Ah never had dinner last night.”

“Me neither,” Rainbow chuckled. “But I did have a bowl of cereal earlier.”

Applejack chuckled along. “Tha’s not ‘nough.” She wobbled.

“Enough to keep you walking straight,” Rainbow chided.

“Shut up,” Applejack muttered.

Rainbow merely giggled in response.

Rainbow managed to heave the door open while ensuring Applejack didn’t fall, though the effort left her shaky. Together, the two mares hobbled into the kitchen, leaning against each other for support. As luck would have it, freshly-made pancakes awaited them. “Good ta see ya back,” Granny Smith greeted them.

Rainbow grinned sheepishly. “Um…”

The knowing glint in Granny Smith’s eye was hard to ignore. Both mares sat and busied themselves in their meals to hide their embarrassment. Across the table, they could hear Granny Smith chuckling good-naturedly.

Well, that could have gone worse, Rainbow decided. She and Applejack tore through their pancakes with ravenous abandon, each bite lending them strength. Both were thankful that Granny Smith had set aside extra-large portions for them.

Soon, their meal was devoured, and their limbs could support them again. Their throats were wet, and their stomachs were full. They were ready to start this awesome new day. They shared a glance, grinning before rushing out the door with simple good-byes and thank yous to Granny Smith.

“Don’ get too carried away now, y’hear?” Granny Smith called after them.

Rainbow paused mid-stride, falling down the steps of the short porch and landing in a confused heap.

“You alright there, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, fighting giggles.

Rainbow stood up sheepishly. “Yeah, great.”

“Y’know Apple Bloom’s gonna wanna know ‘bout us,” Applejack sighed.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “I thought she already convinced herself.”

“Maybe, but Ah’d feel better if we talked to her.” Applejack averted her gaze guiltily. “She’s feelin’ a little unimportant right now.”

Rainbow frowned. “AJ, you told me you’d stop doing this.”

“Well Ah am now,” Applejack assured. “An’ Ah promise ta ask yer permission ‘fore Ah get down on mahself again.”

Rainbow laughed, shaking her head. “You know I’m never gonna give you that.”

“Maybe that’s why Ah need ya in mah life.” Applejack smiled. “Still thinkin’ ‘bout that whole weather thing?”

Rainbow smiled, too. “You kidding? At this rate I’ll have to move my house over yours.”

“What, and have a place Ah can’t get to ya so’s you can start usin’ hit n’ run tactics?” Applejack challenged.

“Maybe.” Rainbow grinned deviously.

Applejack sighed. “What am Ah gonna do with ya?”

“Buck some apples?” Rainbow suggested.

“We’re already doin’ that.”

Rainbow grinned. “Then how about a kiss?"

Applejack laughed, unable to resist giving Rainbow a peck on the nose. “Yer impossible.”

“Well, if anypony can do the impossible, it’s you,” Rainbow waggled her brow.

Applejack snorted in mirth. “That was terrible.”

“Well then which is it?”

Applejack swatted at Rainbow playfully. “Both.”

Rainbow caught Applejack’s hoof, giving it a quick kiss. “Awesome.”

“We gonna start buckin’ or not?”

“Not even gonna set the mood first?”

Applejack snorted. “Ah meant the apples.”

“So did I,” Rainbow snickered.

Applejack’s hoof met her face, unable to grace Rainbow’s antics with a response. She decided that she’d have to start choosing her words more carefully around her new marefriend. Applejack paused, considering the word. Did it really describe what she now had with Rainbow? Or was it too early to use the term? She figured she’d ask Twilight when she-

“Oh, ponyfeathers, Ah fergot ta give Twilight her saddlebags back,” Applejack blurted.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, chuckling. “We’ll stop by when we head out for lunch.” She paused. “Does that count as a date now?”

“Ah guess it would.” Applejack shrugged. “Don’ mean we gotta make a big deal of it.”

A thought occurred to Rainbow. “Oh Celestia, imagine the gossip if the town finds out we really are dating now. And I have lessons with Scratch today.”

“Want me ta come with?” Applejack offered. “We could break the ice before Vinyl gets any ideas.”

Rainbow shrugged. “She did say to let her know when I get my awesome new marefriend.”

“When was that?” Applejack asked, unable to contain her blush at the new title.

“Earlier today. Like, half an hour ago actually.”

“Was Octavia there?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, but something seemed off.” Rainbow thought

Applejack cocked her head. “Off how?”

“She was really going at it with Scratch. I think she was using her super sexy earth pony seduction powers.”

“Ah thought she just had super earth pony cello powers.”

“That’s what she wants us to think!” Rainbow insisted, starting up another one of her tangents. “Maybe she’s actually some super badass superhero with crazy powers, and that’s what she uses to play the cello like that!”

Applejack paused. “No, Ah think she just practices a lot.”

“But you don’t know that!”

“Ya can ask her yerself if we see her.”

Rainbow huffed. “I don’t think you realize how serious this could be.”

Applejack eyed Rainbow. “Ah don’t think you understand how ta be serious.”

“Sure I do!” Rainbow pecked Applejack on the cheek. “See?”

Applejack blushed. “Yeah.”

“You know, we should probably get to applebucking.”

“That’s what Ah said ‘fore ya muddied the issue with yer…” Applejack searched for the word, “shenanigans.”

“But you love my shenanigans,” Rainbow pointed out.

“That’s not the point! Now are we gonna do this or not?”

Rainbow laughed. “Sure, why not.”

Applejack let out a heavy sigh, leading the tangential pegasus to the barn for saddle basket equipment. Somehow, the day was getting dragged out even more than before. Applejack hoped she still had her sanity at the end of the month.

“Just be sure to be gentle if you use your super sexy earth pony seduction powers on me,” Rainbow quipped.

Not likely, Applejack decided.

“You know, AJ. Now that we’re gonna be dating, we can be even more like Daring and Blondie,” Rainbow commented as they were strapping on their saddle baskets. She reached over to grab her pith helmet from the wall for emphasis.

“You know that only leaves one thing, right?” Applejack asked, sliding over to whisper sensually into Rainbow’s ear. “An’ that’s our first roll in the hay.”

Rainbow’s wings shot out as her face reddened. “Okay, you win,” she murmured, eliciting a laugh from Applejack.

“Gotta try harder ‘n that, sugarcube,” Applejack taunted.

Rainbow grinned, brandishing her wings. “I know one way to get you flustered.”

Applejack’s eyes shrunk. “Ya wouldn’ dare.”

Rainbow leapt at Applejack, pinning her down and tickling her along her sides with her feathered appendages. Applejack fell into a helpless fit of laughter.

“Knock it off, Rainbow!” Applejack demanded between laughs.

“Okay.” Rainbow lowered her wings abruptly, catching Applejack’s open mouth in a kiss.

Applejack moaned happily into the kiss. This was something she could get used to. She shifted her hips slightly, gasping as Rainbow’s wings brushed against her flanks.

Rainbow shot up from the embrace as soon as she registered the touch. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean- It was an accident! N-not to say that I don’t…” Rainbow trailed off at Applejack’s puzzled expression.

“Sorry fer what, sugarcube?” Applejack asked with a small chuckle. “Not the kiss, Ah hope.”

“I…” Rainbow blushed. “Never mind. I’ll tell you later.”

Applejack propped herself up with a foreleg. “Tell me what?”

“I’m not comfortable with-“

“C’mon, Rainbow; Ah don’ bite.” Applejack smiled.

“AJ, please. I’d rather…” Rainbow sighed. “I’d rather tell you when I’m ready. Can we just… get to bucking and talk about this later?”

Applejack frowned, wondering what had caused the sudden change. “Alright. We’ve wasted enough time as it is… Er, well, Ah wouldn’t call it wasted…”

“Come on, Blondie. There’s more treasure out there.” Rainbow smiled.

Applejack smiled back. “Right there with ya, Daring.”

Out in the orchard, there were significantly more trees with ripened fruit, which meant less time scouting, and a whole lot more time harvesting. Applejack took care of most of the bucking, while Rainbow ferried the harvested apples to the barn.

“Got another shipment fer ya, Daring!” Applejack called out, dropping off one set of saddle baskets and donning another.

“I’m on it!” Rainbow swooped in to nab their plunder to stow it back at the base. There, Granny Smith waited to sort through the spoils and organize them properly. “Got some more for ya, boss.”

“Much obliged, Daring,” Granny Smith rattled, barely taking her eyes off her task.

Splitting the workload made things far more efficient, and eliminated the arduous hauling period that usually marked the end of the day. So Applejack didn’t need to conserve as much energy and could work longer without consequence. Granny Smith had an easier time of sorting the apples in a steady stream as opposed to all at once. And with Big Mac free to assist in the bucking, the harvest was moving along at a brisk pace.

“You know, maybe we should try this more often,” Rainbow suggested upon rendezvous with Applejack.

“Which, the system er the goofin’ around?” Applejack chuckled.

“I have to choose just one?”

Applejack shook her head, moving to another tree.

“Though it might be nice to just take it easy and go at our own pace together some time,” Rainbow admitted. “You know, on a less hectic day, just to get some more time to talk and stuff.”

Applejack grinned. “Do Ah gotta ask just what that stuff is?”

Rainbow laughed. “That wasn’t quite what I meant, but I’m sure we could squeeze that in, too.”

“Sounds good ta me,” Applejack said, giving Rainbow a kiss on the nose. “Ah can’t say enough how much Ah appreciate havin’ ya here, Rainbow.”

“Hey, keep this up and I might have to really think about moving in.”

“Ya weren’t already?” Applejack playfully accused.

“Well, more than usual.”

Applejack laughed, offering her filled saddle baskets. “We’d love ta have ya.” She blushed. “’Specially me.”

“You drive a hard bargain.” Rainbow took Applejack’s saddle baskets. “I’ll have to get back to ya.”

“Don’ keep me waitin’ too long, now,” Applejack cautioned.

Rainbow smiled. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” She took off with a wink, leaving Applejack to watch her fondly until she left sight.

“What a strange few days it’s been,” Applejack mused, smiling brightly.

“Alright, that’s the last of ‘em.” Rainbow reached the barn with a smile, having walked back with Applejack on the final trip.

“Ya do good work together, you two,” Granny Smith praised. “Might have ta keep ya ‘round, Rainbow Dash.”

Applejack chuckled. “We’re sure thinkin’ about it, Granny Smith.”

“Happy ta hear it.” Granny Smith looked away from her work to smile at the two mares. “Now run along, y’all; Ah’ll take it from here.”

Applejack stepped up, placing a hoof on Granny Smith’s shoulder. “Thanks fer bein’ so understandin’, Granny.”

“Aw, ain’t nothin’ but a thing, Applejack.” Granny Smith chuckled. “Ah saw this ‘un comin’ a long ways away.”

“Seems the whole town did, too,” Rainbow put in.

“Don’ let it get ta ya none. Jes’ make sure ta show ‘em jes’ how right they were.” Granny Smith winked.

“Will do, Granny Smith.” Applejack nodded.

“Now git along. Ah’ve got apples ta sort.”

Nodding, the two mares waved good-bye, stopping by the farmhouse to pick up Twilight’s saddlebags before setting off on the road towards Ponyville.

On their way to Twilight’s, they passed Octavia in the marketplace, gathering ingredients for a hearty lunch.

“Hey, you two. Get everything sorted out?”

Rainbow nodded bashfully. “Yeah. I’ll tell Scratch when I come over for guitar lessons. Applejack just has to return Twilight’s saddlebags before we head out for lunch.”

“You could join Vinyl and I. I’m making a casserole,” Octavia offered. “You could talk over lunch.”

Rainbow looked to Applejack, who nodded. “Sounds great. Thanks, Tavi.”

“It’s no trouble at all, Rainbow Dash. I look forward to talking with the two of you.” Octavia paused. “And congratulations on finding each other.”

The two grinned nervously, gaining blushes. “Thanks,” they chorused.

Octavia shook her head, remarking on how cute they were together before bidding them a good day.

“Well, that takes care of lunch,” Rainbow said.

Applejack chuckled. “It’ll be nice ta talk to ‘em again. But first, we gotta drop this off at Twilight’s.”

“Yep. We can tell her about us, too.” Rainbow giggled. “I’m sure she’ll go on some long speech about how she helped us out.”

“Ah hope not. We might miss lunch!” Applejack quipped.

“If she keeps it short, yeah,” Rainbow joked.

Applejack laughed. “Come on, that lunch is soundin’ mighty fine ‘bout now.”

Rainbow followed as Applejack made her way to Twilight’s library, falling into step beside her and nuzzling her sneakily. Applejack smiled, reciprocating the gesture happily, not caring how many heads they might turn.

Among ponies to notice the exchange were another similarly inclined couple, Lyra and Bon Bon. “So, Rainbow’s finally got her mare,” Lyra observed. “Took her long enough.”

Bon Bon rolled her eyes. “Not everypony’s blessed with your disregard for society, dear.”

“The hay is that supposed to mean?” Lyra frowned. “If this is about that whole wedding fiasco again…”

“Did you hear something?” Rainbow asked suddenly.

Applejack stopped, looking around her. “Uh, no. Why?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Just thought I heard my name somewhere.”

Applejack hummed, falling back into step with Rainbow. “Ah’m sure it weren’t nothin’ important.”

“Hey, if it’s about me, it’s bound to be important,” Rainbow bragged.

Applejack smirked. “And here Ah thought Ah beat that outta ya.”

Rainbow grinned. “Nope! Not even your sexy powers can hold me back!”

“Oh yeah? What about mah other powers, then?” Applejack cocked a leg mid-stride.

“I thought that was part of your sexy powers.”

Applejack blushed. “Not that! Ah meant mah buckin’ powers.”

Rainbow smirked, “So did-“

Rainbow never got to finish her statement as she was given a whap on the rump by Applejack’s tail. “We ain’t discussin’ that in public.”

“Fine.” Rainbow was quiet for a few steps. “But that was pretty hot.”

“Ah’m still tryin’a figure out what ta do with ya,” Applejack mused.

“And I’m still full of awesome ideas. We can go on like this all day.”

Applejack snorted. “We better not. We’re here.” Applejack gestured to the door in front of them.

Rainbow needed no further invitation as she threw the door open. “Hey, Twilight!”

As it turned out, Twilight was already besieged by a hyperactive pink mare, bouncing around and apparently asking for something.

“-all about Rainbow and Apple-“ Pinkie cut herself off with a dramatic gasp, darting to greet them animatedly. “Ohmigosh, I heard all about it! Is it really true?”

Rainbow blinked. “What?”

“I saw you guys, you were in the marketplace, and you were talking to Octavia, and she was all ‘Hey, you two. Get everything sorted out?’ and you were like ‘Yeah.’ So I was thinking what you were talking about, and then Octavia congratulated you, so I knew something was going on, so I followed you guys, and Dashie got all up close to Applejack. And then I saw Lyra and Bon Bon in front of their sweet shop, and Lyra was like, ‘So, Rainbow’s finally got her mare’ and that’s when it all made sense! Ooh, I’m so happy for you guys! I guess the rumors were true after all, huh?”

Rainbow blinked again, trying to process Pinkie’s rambling. She thought she had been asked a question, but wasn’t quite sure.

Sometime in the interim, Twilight had walked up, and having understood Pinkie a little better, spoke in turn. “I have to admit, I didn’t think you guys were gonna pair up overnight. But I suppose there might have been some development I’m not aware of.”

“Oh, yeah! I saw Rainbow Dash earlier, and she said something happened with Applejack, and she was all sad. She told me she’d tell me what it is later, and now it’s later so what was it?” Pinkie batted her eyelashes.

“Uh… I…”

“Rainbow and Ah had a bit of a run-in last night.” Applejack explained. “We somehow ended up kissin’, an’ Ah overreacted. We talked about it earlier, an’ decided we’d give it a shot.”

“Uh… yeah.” Rainbow shook her head, giving up on deciphering Pinkie’s babbling. “Anyway, we just came here to give you back your saddlebags, Twilight. We have to go meet Scratch and Tavi for lunch, so…”

“Of course.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks for returning them. And congratulations, you two.”

Pinkie jumped. “Oh, and have lots and lots of fun!”

“Sure thing. We’ll see y’all later.” Applejack waved, leading Rainbow out the door.

“Okay. That happened,” Rainbow said once they were on their way to Vinyl’s house.

Applejack shrugged. “Good ta have Pinkie’s antics outta the way.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “For now, at least. She’s gonna be all over us later.”

“Ain’t all that bad, sugarcube,” Applejack consoled. “Not like she’s tryin’a get between us er nothin’.”

“I guess not. Just… let’s try to avoid her for a while. At least until she calms down.”

Applejack cocked a brow. “That’ll only take a hundred years.”

Rainbow frowned. “You’re right. We’re doomed.”

Applejack chuckled, nuzzling under Rainbow’s chin. Rainbow smiled at the touch, breaking out of her momentary despair.

Rainbow gave Applejack a peck on the cheek. “Thanks.”

“Any time, sugarcube.” Applejack gestured ahead to Vinyl’s house.

Rainbow came to a halt before Vinyl’s door. “Alright, let’s get this over with.” Rainbow strode into Vinyl’s house with an air of confidence. “Hey, Vinyl, guess who’s got a super awesome new marefriend!”

Applejack looked at Rainbow incredulously.

“What?”

“Rainbow, Ah said ta break the ice, not…”

“Well it’s broken now!”

“Ya coulda at least shut the door first!”

“Well which is it, AJ? Do you want me to go for it or not?”

“Ah told ya already, Ah-“

“Oh, look, Tavi. It’s the lovebirds again,” Vinyl called, waltzing in from the kitchen.

Rainbow pointed a hoof at Vinyl. “Hey, I came in here to you two making out. You got nothing.”

“Nah, I’ve got Tavi,” Vinyl made a downward motion with her hoof.

Rainbow snorted. “So if you’ve got Tavi, and you’re calling us lovebirds-“

“Oh, that’s easy. We’re love dinosaurs now.”

“Love what now?” Applejack interjected.

“I think it means their love is destined to an explosive end far in the future,” Rainbow stated.

“No! It means we’ve been lovebird-ing for way longer than you!” Vinyl shot back.

Octavia entered the room with a bemused grin on her face. “What I think she’s trying to say is that, since birds are thought to have descended from dinosaurs, that we in some way influenced your relationship with our own.”

Vinyl stared blankly at Octavia. “Actually I was just going off the fact that dinosaurs were around since way before birds, but that sounds pretty good too.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “Forgive Vinyl’s antics. She’s been rather… excited since you came by last, Rainbow Dash.”

“I was not!” Vinyl argued. “That totally had nothing to do with it at all!”

“What, so Scratch secretly has the hots for me?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

“No, I was just happy that you two were finally gonna do something about all those shenanigans!” Vinyl snapped. “Oh, Luna, dammit.”

“Aha! So you admit it!” Rainbow grinned triumphantly.

Vinyl turned to Octavia. “Help me, please.”

Octavia shook her head. “You got yourself into this Vinyl, and you’ll get yourself out.”

“Dammit, Tavi!” Vinyl groaned. “Fine, I’ve kinda been cheering for you two for a while now, and seeing you so messed up about Applejack made me think it was gonna happen finally. And now it did, so Tavi’s gonna hang it over my head for a million years.”

“One for every time you’ve overstepped your bounds,” Octavia clarified.

Rainbow snickered. “So you’re telling me you haven’t gotten Tavi to bed since that first day?”

Octavia giggled. “Three days can do a lot to a mare’s constitution.”

“I hate you, Tavi,” Vinyl grumped, “just so you know.”

Octavia placed a kiss on the tip of Vinyl’s horn. “I love you, too, dear.”

“Well, ain’t that jes’ the cutest thing ya ever did see,” Applejack mused.

“Nope! I had my eyes closed,” Rainbow asserted.

“Ah saw you watch the whole thing, ya liar,” Applejack chuckled.

“Oh? So you were enjoying the view? Of me watching the…” Rainbow paused. “Wait, does that count as second-hoof voyeurism?”

“Don’ it have ta be a bit sexier ta count?”

Rainbow raised a brow. “I don’t know where you’ve been, but horn play definitely counts as sexy.”

Applejack snorted, flustered. “Well Ah ain’t a master o’ sexy stuff like you.”

“You kidding? I’m just as clueless as you!” Rainbow paused. “Okay, maybe not that much, but I still have no idea what I’m doing here.”

Applejack’s eyes grew sultry. “Aw, then who’s gonna teach me all Ah need ta know ‘bout pleasin’ a pegasus?”

Rainbow grinned. “Don’t worry, AJ, I can teach you all about wings.”

Applejack chuckled. “Good, ‘cuz Ah might be needin’ it pretty soon with-“

“Okay, guys, can you just hurry up and buck already? We got lunch ready,” Vinyl cut across.

Both mares whipped their heads around with wide eyes and heavy blushes.

“Oh, yeah, right. Lunch.” Rainbow laughed nervously.

Applejack donned a sheepish grin. “Yeah, we’ll get right on that.”

“I don’t always call things adorable, but when I do, it’s that,” Octavia commented.

Vinyl face-hoofed. “Come on, Tavi. That joke is so played out.”

Octavia frowned. “What joke?”

“Never mind.” Vinyl rolled her eyes and led the way into the kitchen.

Applejack looked at Rainbow, who shrugged. “Hey, she’s the most interesting cellist I know.”

Applejack frowned. “What?”

Rainbow shook her head, following Vinyl and Octavia to the promised lunch.

“Alright, help yourselves. I made as much as I could,” Octavia revealed a massive, delicious-looking casserole that made one question why Octavia had a treble clef for a cutie mark. Well, more than usual anyway. It also begged another question entirely.

“If this is lunch, what do you do for dinner?” Rainbow marveled.

Octavia chuckled. “Most days, lunch is our dinner. Vinyl and I get so busy some nights; we don’t have time for a big supper. And before you say anything smart, I did not mean it like that. It’s actually becoming the norm for us, now.”

“So many gigs, so little time,” Vinyl commented between bites.

Octavia shot a glare at Vinyl. “Who said you could start eating?”

Vinyl swallowed her mouthful. “I thought you did.”

“I said help yourself, not dig in!”

“There’s a difference?”

Octavia huffed. “There is when we have guests, dear.”

“Yep! We get first dibs!” Rainbow snarked, reaching for a second helping.

Applejack grabbed Rainbow’s hoof. “No. We have ta mind our manners.”

Rainbow frowned. “When did you get manners?”

“In mah time in Manehattan,” Applejack answered smoothly.

“Wow, and it’s taken you so long to use them?” Rainbow teased.

“Don’ make me hit ya with this spoon.”

“You know what, forget this whole manners thing,” Octavia said. “We’re getting completely sidetracked here, let’s just eat.”

“We weren’t doing that already?” Vinyl quipped.

Octavia frowned. “You’re still not off the hook.”

“But you bait it with such awesome food!” Vinyl protested.

“Be that as it may, shut up and eat,” Octavia commanded.

Vinyl snorted. “Yes, Mom.”

Rainbow barely managed to keep from choking on her food. Applejack just shook her head and started eating as Octavia did the same. Applejack wondered how long she had before Rainbow’s lack of table manners got her in trouble, and how many times Vinyl’s had gotten Octavia in trouble.

Least we don’ go ta no fancy parties, Applejack mused.

“Oh, that reminds me!” Vinyl spoke up. “Me and Tavi have this big music awards thing coming up. You guys wanna come?”

Applejack frowned. She didn’t know which possibility worried her more; that Vinyl had mind-reading powers, or that she had just gone through the same thought process as the erratic DJ.

Rainbow swallowed her mouthful. “Hay yeah! When is it?”

“Some time at the end of the month. It’s up in Canterlot somewhere.” Vinyl gestured upwards. “Lyra and Bon are going. Colgate and Berry, too. Still have to ask Derp and C-Top.”

“So, you’re just inviting all your friends who also happen to be fillyfooling couples,” Rainbow observed.

“Hey, gotta show Canterlot what’s up somehow, right?” Vinyl shrugged.

“What about you, Applejack?” Octavia asked. “Will you be able to attend?”

“Sounds like a good time,” Applejack said. “An’ it’ll be a nice way ta celebrate yer month o’ service, Dash. Ah’ll have ta ask Granny Smith ‘bout the particulars.”

“Why bother? We already know she’s gonna say yes. With me helping out around the farm, we could take like a week off and still be good.”

“Great! The ceremonies take three days.” Octavia smiled.

Applejack frowned. “Now that might be trouble. But if we work real hard…”

“Yeah, yeah, motivation and all that stuff. We’ll be there.” Rainbow spat on her hoof and offered it to Vinyl, who reciprocated the gesture with a cocky smirk.

“Who knows, we might have you playing a chord or two by then,” Vinyl teased.

“Please, give me a month and they’ll be dying to have us play at the closing ceremonies,” Rainbow bragged. “Right, AJ?”

“Ah’m not sure a month is enough time ta-“

“Lessons!” Rainbow cut in. “How about those guitar lessons?”

“Shouldn’t we wait ‘till AJ and Tavi are done?” Vinyl asked consciously.

Rainbow snorted. “They’re big fillies, they can handle themselves.”

“Wish I could say the same for you two,” Octavia remarked, taking a sip of water.

“Not listening!” Vinyl called back in a singsong voice.

Octavia shook her head, watching as Rainbow Dash exited the room. “It’s good to see you two getting along so nicely.”

Applejack chuckled. “Wouldn’ be fun any other way.”

Octavia chucked as well. “Well, they do have their ways of keeping things interesting.”

“Yeah.” Applejack paused. “So have ya really not had a roll in the hay with Vinyl since that first time?”

Octavia blushed. “There have been a few encounters, but nothing on the scale of the first. I take it you haven’t yet with Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack adopted a similar blush. “N-no! Ah… Ah’m not ready ta… We just got this all settled. Ah mean, Ah think Ah wanna, but…”

“But you want to take it slow,” Octavia finished. “I understand. I did the same with Vinyl. It was well worth the wait. Have you ever…?”

“No, she’ll be mah first.” Applejack sighed wistfully. “Ah mean, when Ah’m… When we… Hers, too.”

Octavia giggled. “How cute. Vinyl was my first, though she apparently fooled around with Lyra in the past.”

“Ah can only imagine how that ended,” Applejack mused.

“It actually went surprisingly well. They’re still friends now, obviously.” Octavia leaned back in her seat. “Vinyl told me they came to the agreement that, while it was fun while it lasted, there just wasn’t anything to stick around for, as she put it.”

“What did she mean by that?”

Octavia smiled. “Basically that she enjoyed the sex and make-out sessions, but they just didn’t mesh properly to create that spark. They never got past ‘I like you,’ in other words. I’m thinking it could have ended differently were either of them more responsible. From what I heard, their relationship was taken much too fast.”

“Definitely tryin’a steer clear o’ that with Rainbow.” Applejack turned her head to watch Vinyl and Rainbow’s shenanigans in the living room.

Octavia followed Applejack’s gaze, smiling at what she saw. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. Rainbow may be brash, but she’s also loyal.”

“Don’ Ah know it,” Applejack chuckled. “She’s stuck with me this long.”

“Don’t be down on yourself, Applejack,” Octavia chided. “There’s far more than loyalty that keeps her amorous.”

Applejack shook her head. “Ah know. It just hasn’t really hit me yet that this all is real.”

Octavia smiled. “Don’t hold your breath.”

“No promises,” Applejack quipped, swallowing her last bite of casserole with a satisfied sigh. She downed the last of her apple juice, looking back up to see that Octavia had also finished her meal.

“Shall we go see what trouble our marefriends have managed to get into?” Octavia suggested, rising from her seat and stacking the dishes in the sink for later washing.

Applejack waited patiently for Octavia to reach her side. “If Ah see Rainbow caught up in a ball o’ guitar strings, Ah’m blamin’ Vinyl.”

Octavia laughed. “I would, too, Applejack. I would, too.”

As luck would have it, Rainbow Dash was not in fact being assaulted by guitar strings. Well, not physically at least. “How the hell am I supposed to do that with hooves?” Rainbow demanded, trying to replicate some chord that Vinyl had demonstrated.

Vinyl released the pick she had in her magical grasp, playing the same chord again with her hooves.

Rainbow scowled. “You don’t have to rub it in.”

“No, but I wanted to.” Vinyl played a short riff for bonus points.

Octavia was on Vinyl immediately, smacking her upside the head.

“Ow! What the hell was that for, Tavi?”

Octavia frowned. “You’re teaching her, Vinyl, not antagonizing her. I thought we moved you past this.”

“Well, sure seems she’s gone back on that now,” Applejack commented.

Vinyl looked offended. “You really expect me to work with Dash and not get in a few shots of my own?”

“T’aint really as hard as all that,” Applejack stated.

“Yeah, maybe for her marefriend,” Vinyl groused. “What am I supposed to do, just sit around and be her bitch?”

“Nope,” Applejack said plainly, advancing on Rainbow. “We ain’t havin’ none o’ that, neither.”

Vinyl groaned. “See what you did, Dash? Now they’re gonna start sitting in on all our lessons.”

“You’re just as much to blame as she is, Vinyl,” Octavia said, looking thoughtful. “Perhaps even more. And I appreciate the suggestion. We may just have to take you up on it.”

“Shucks, with Rainbow helpin’ out ‘round the farm, Ah don’ suppose Ah’ll have much trouble findin’ the time,” Applejack said a bit bashfully.

Rainbow smiled at her, saying nothing for fear of backlash.

Vinyl, on the other hoof, had no issue expressing her disdain. “Luna dammit, Tavi. If I wasn’t already hooked on you…”

Octavia laughed. “Then I’d find a way to make you mine.”

Vinyl pouted, saying nothing more as Octavia came over to console her. Vinyl immediately softened at her touch, reciprocating a hug without complaint.

“It’s amazing how much power Tavi has over Scratch,” Rainbow whispered to Applejack after shedding her guitar. “You starting to believe me now about those earth pony super powers?”

Applejack chuckled. “Maybe just a bit there.”

Rainbow licked her lips. “You should show me your super powers sometime.”

Applejack smirked. “Ah will when ya earned the right, sugarcube.”

“Can’t wait.” Rainbow nuzzled Applejack’s shoulder.

Applejack giggled at the touch, placing a kiss on Rainbow’s nose. “Now you play nice with Vinyl, y’hear?”

“Only for you,” Rainbow recited, placing a foreleg over Applejack’s shoulders.

Applejack nuzzled into Rainbow’s chest contentedly.

“Okay, are we gonna do this or not?” Vinyl demanded.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, reluctantly releasing Applejack from her grasp. “Yeah, yeah.” She retrieved her guitar and slung the strap back over her shoulder.

“So you asked me how to play this with hooves, right?”

Rainbow nodded curtly.

Vinyl demonstrated her motions. “Well, first you have to make sure your hoof is in front of the strings, not above them. You kinda have to bend your leg over the side and have your knee sticking out, and use your ankle to pluck the strings. It’s a little uncomfortable, but you’ll get used to it.”

Rainbow emulated Vinyl’s hoof position before awkwardly dragging her hoof along the strings. “Like that?”

“No, not like that you…” Vinyl stopped herself at a glare from Octavia. “You’re using too much of your hoof. You have to use just the tip of it, so your hoof isn’t actually touching the body of the guitar.”

Rainbow frowned, stretching her leg forward until she no longer had contact with the body of the guitar. It was an odd position, tiring to maintain for an extended period of time. She plucked a few strings with the tip of her hoof between many failed attempts where she missed entirely. She grunted in frustration. “This is stupid! Why can’t I just do it my way?”

Vinyl studied Rainbow’s form critically. “Because your way is way too clumsy; not every chord you play is going to have you playing multiple strings. And it’s damn near impossible not to screw up a note like that.”

“Well, you use your magic to play, right? Why can’t I use my wings?” Rainbow challenged.

Vinyl frowned. “Are you crazy? These are steel strings. You’d tear them up trying to play like that.”

“Actually, Rainbow may be on to something,” Octavia cut across. “If we could fit picks onto each of her primaries, it could offer her greater precision. It would also solve the predicament of strumming multiple strings that are separated by others at the same time.”

“See? Tavi’s got my back.” Rainbow smirked. “Maybe you should listen to me more often, Scratch.”

Vinyl huffed, crossing her forelegs.

“Ya don’ gotta be rude, Rainbow,” Applejack chided.

Rainbow’s shoulders slumped. “Sorry.”

“You shouldn’t be,” Octavia said. “I think this might do Vinyl some good to be bested by her student for once.”

Vinyl grumbled in response, flicking her eyes to Octavia briefly.

“But I’m afraid we don’t have the means for this method of yours at hoof. And Vinyl will need some time to cool off.” Octavia paused, thinking. “I’m sure you can find the appropriate equipment at the music shop. They have much everything else there, already.”

“Alright.” Rainbow packed away her guitar, hefting the case onto her back. “Well, it was nice talking to you anyway. Even if we didn’t really get anywhere with the lessons.”

“I’ll be sure to set up a time for another lesson after Vinyl stops ignoring me.” Octavia rolled her eyes. “Or if she doesn’t, then I’m sure something can be arranged.”

“Don’ go too hard on ‘er, now.” Applejack winked.

Octavia chuckled. “I’m not sure Vinyl has a limit, to be honest. Though I’m sure I’ll find it eventually.”

Rainbow smirked. “Abuse is only foul play when she doesn’t deserve it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“If Ah’m gonna be dragged along ta Rainbow’s lessons now, we should do this again,” Applejack suggested.

“It would be my pleasure,” Octavia replied. “It’s always fun to have you two around.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Rainbow led the way to the front door. “See ya later, Scratch!” she called back.

“Piss off!” Vinyl shot back.

“A real charmer, ta be sure,” Applejack joked. “Nice talkin’ ta the two of ya.”

Octavia nodded. “Be sure not to get ahead of yourselves.”

“We’ll try,” Applejack promised.

“Later,” Rainbow added.

Octavia waved, closing the door behind the two as they made their way back home.

“So what are we gonna do now?” Rainbow asked. “I’ve already got all my weather jobs taken care of, so we’ve got the rest of the day to ourselves.”

Applejack thought. “We could head on over ta the weather center an’ try gettin’ that special assignment worked out.”

“I think I’d like to go over that with Twilight first. She’s way better at negotiating than either of us.”

“Then we could go pay her another visit,” Applejack suggested.

Rainbow frowned. “And risk running into Pinkie again?”

“Ah’m sure she’s run off somewheres by now. Besides, we still gotta drop yer guitar off back home.” Applejack grinned hopefully.

Rainbow chuckled. “Why so eager to go see her again?”

“Well, we never did get a chance ta thank her.”

“I guess not.” Rainbow glanced sideways at Applejack. “But if we run into Pinkie again, I’m blaming you.”

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head for lack of a proper response.

Applejack and Rainbow came back to a quiet farmhouse. A quick look around showed it to be empty. Rainbow smiled, giving Applejack a quick peck on the nose before darting upstairs to stow her guitar. Applejack walked into the den to wait for Rainbow on the couch.

“Applejack!”

Applejack froze at her little sister’s accusatory tone. “Uh…”

“Sis, are y’all gonna tell me already what’s been goin’ on?” Apple Bloom frowned. “Ah know Ah saw Rainbow kiss ya out there.”

Applejack took a deep breath before gesturing to the couch. “Sit down, AB.”

Apple Bloom did so, joined shortly by Applejack. “Yer not really datin’ ‘er, are ya?”

Applejack nodded. “Ah am now, Apple Bloom. We done had a bit of a misunderstandin’’ yesterday, but it all worked out jes’ fine.”

“So yer a… fillyfooler, AJ?”

“Ah guess ya could say that.” Applejack looked up as Rainbow entered the room.

Rainbow smiled gently, walking over to sit on the other side of Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom looked at Rainbow with big eyes. “So it’s okay ta have feelings fer another filly?”

“Perfectly normal, kiddo,” Rainbow confirmed. “Actually, I know five couples like that right here in Ponyville.”

Applejack frowned. “Five? Ah only know four. There’s Vinyl an’ Octavia, Lyra an’ Bon Bon, Colgate an’ Berry Punch, an’ Derpy and Golden Harvest.”

“You’re forgetting us, silly,” Rainbow laughed, pecking Applejack on the cheek.

Apple Bloom smiled at the gesture. “An’ those are just the ones ya know, right?”

“Yep. There’s probably tons more we don’t know about.” Rainbow paused, grinning. “Why, you got your eye on some lucky filly?”

“No!” Apple Bloom answered almost instantaneously, red in the face.

Applejack smiled. “Well ain’t that cute. Mah little sister’s got her first crush.”

“It ain’t a crush, AJ! An’ it’s…” Apple Bloom averted her gaze. “It ain’t jes’ one.”

Rainbow chuckled. “You know, when we were talking about this, I never really would have thought Apple Bloom would have been the one to really think about it.”

“Ya sure seemed convinced it’d be Scoot with all the questions,” Applejack observed.

Apple Bloom was on Applejack immediately. “Scoot’s got these feelings, too? What about Sweetie Belle?”

Rainbow’s smile grew exponentially. “That… is the cutest thing ever.”

Applejack laughed. “Never woulda thought ya kept track.”

“Don’t judge me!” Rainbow shot back.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, sugarcube,” Applejack said, smiling.

Rainbow relaxed, returning her attention to Apple Bloom. “So, you’ve got crushes on your fellow crusaders?”

“Ah’m not- Ah don’-” Apple Bloom made herself small. “Is that bad?”

“Not at all, Apple Bloom,” Applejack answered. “But Ah don’ know if it’s safe ta assume either of ‘em feel the same way.”

“But what if they both do? Would Ah have ta choose?” Apple Bloom questioned.

Rainbow frowned. “Well, then it would get complicated. I suppose it is possible for you all to have mutual feelings for each other, but I haven’t heard of many successful three-way relationships.”

“So yer sayin’ Ah can’t be happy with both of ‘em?” Applebloom asked in a quivering voice.

Rainbow threw a hoof around Apple Bloom’s shoulders. “I never said that. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up and risk having them crushed later. You three have one of the strongest bonds I’ve ever seen at your age. I’m sure that if anypony could make it work, you could.”

“Ya really think so?”

Rainbow nodded. “But we don’t know how Scoot and Sweetie feel just yet. Try bringing it up next time you’re all together.”

“Well, Scoot did call a Crusader meeting tomorrow,” Apple Bloom relayed.

“Did she say what about?” Applejack asked.

Apple Bloom shook her head. “She just said it was important.”

Rainbow and Applejack shared a glance. “Sounds like as good a chance as you’ll get,” Rainbow said.

Applejack nodded. “Don’ get yer hopes up too high, but don’ be afraid ta ask.”

“Try to keep a level head, basically,” Rainbow clarified. “You might just get lucky.”

“Ah’ll try,” Apple Bloom said, jumping up to give each of them a hug in turn. “Thanks, y’all.”

“Any time, AB.” Rainbow grinned.

“We’re always here ta talk,” Applejack added.

“Now go get planning!” Rainbow exclaimed. “You’ve got two fillies to woo and one chance to do it. You think you’ve got what it takes?”

“Yes, ma’am!” Apple Bloom answered confidently, rushing up the stairs to her room.

Applejack sighed when she heard Apple Bloom’s door close. “Ya think she’ll be alright?”

Rainbow smiled. “She’s a smart filly. I’m sure she can figure it out.”

Applejack nodded, rising from the couch. Rainbow followed her out the front door and out onto the path toward Ponyville. They passed Granny Smith coming back from grocery shopping, but still found no sign of Big Macintosh.

“I’m sure he’s just out in the fields somewhere,” Rainbow suggested.

“Ah hope so,” Applejack sighed. “Ah’m not sure Ah can take many more talks today.”

“Well this one was your idea, so come on,” Rainbow laughed, quickening her pace toward Ponyville.

Applejack chuckled, matching Rainbow’s pace. They cantered through Ponyville, drawing the attention of many a passerby. All that mattered to the two friends, though, was the mare they ran with. It was becoming easier and easier to ignore the ponies around them and not care for their judgment. For the only opinions they needed were their own, and maybe those of a few close friends. One of which they were on their way to see for the third time in two days.

“Twilight!” Rainbow burst through the library’s front door, followed closely by Applejack.

Twilight turned to regard the intruders. “If you two want to move in here-“

“No, we’re good,” Rainbow interrupted. “Anyway, Applejack wanted us to come over here so we could thank you for helping us out yesterday.”

“Well, you’re certainly welcome.”

“Y’all jes’ did so much fer mah confidence, Twi. And Ah haven’t even started on that book yet!”

Twilight shifted. “I’m flattered, really, but is all this really necessary?”

“O’ course it is! With Pinkie muddyin’ the issue we never got ta thank ya before,” Applejack pressed.

Twilight averted her gaze. “It was nothing, really. Anything to help a friend in need.”

“I think you’re making her uncomfortable, AJ,” Rainbow observed.

“Oh, Ah’m sorry, Twi. Ah didn’t mean ta-“

“It’s okay, Applejack. It’s all in the past now, so can we please just leave it at that?” Twilight asked in an odd tone of voice.

Applejack frowned. “Uh, Ah guess so-“

“Great! Now, if you wouldn’t mind, I have a lot of stuff to do before my trip to Canterlot tomorrow.”

“Oh, uh, sure. No problem, Twi. We’ll get outta yer way.” Applejack paused before leading Rainbow out of the library.

Rainbow blinked. “Okay then. Now what?”

Applejack thought. “Well, Ah’ve still gotta thank Fluttershy fer makin’ me stop actin’ like a damn fool this mornin’. An’ Ah’m not sure Rarity knows about us yet.”

“So more walking and talking,” Rainbow observed.

“Somethin’ wrong, sugarcube?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow sighed. “No, I’m just wondering when we’re gonna run out of boring stuff and get back to the excitement.”

“Well we ain’t exactly got a shortage of stuff ta do, at least,” Applejack said. “And Ah’d say the whole thing with Apple Bloom was plenty excitin’.”

Rainbow shrugged. “I guess, but when you spend the whole day doing one thing…”

Applejack frowned. “Well, what else do ya wanna do? We still got plenty of time ‘fore dinner.”

“I don’t know. I guess it’s just that we’ve spent more time going around town today than we’ve spent just you and me. And, well, this is our first day as a real… couple.”

Applejack smiled. “So ya wanna do somethin’ special?”

“It doesn’t have to be anything special, just… you know, spend some more time alone.”

“Well, we can do that before an’ after dinner. It won’t take too long ta go talk ta Fluttershy at least. She ain’t exactly the most talkative pony,” Applejack chuckled.

“Yeah, I guess I kinda do owe it to her after all we’ve been through.” Rainbow sighed. “Alright, let’s get going. The faster we get this done the more time we get to spend alone, right?”

“That’s the idea.”

“Then come on!” Rainbow surprised Applejack by grabbing her by the waist and taking to the air.

“Rainbow, what the hay, put me down!”

“It’s faster this way,” Rainbow explained.

Applejack looked down at the ground falling away from them. “An’ a whole lot more dangerous! What if ya drop me?”

Rainbow laughed. “Why would I do something stupid like that? I’ve got you, don’t worry.”

Applejack gulped, staring straight ahead stoically. Within a couple of minutes, Applejack felt the ground beneath her hooves again.

“See? That wasn’t that bad, was it?”

Applejack tested the ground with a few scuffs. “Ah guess not. Warn me next time ya do somethin’ like that.”

“Sure thing,” Rainbow said absently, going to knock on Fluttershy’s door.

“And next time, Ah ride on top,” Applejack continued.

Rainbow froze, hoof inches from the door. A blush spread across her cheeks, showing plainly through her fur.

Applejack leaned in to whisper in Rainbow’s ear, “That’s payback fer yesterday.”

Rainbow shoved Applejack, smirking. “Dammit, Applejack.”

Applejack stuck her tongue out, raising a hoof to knock at the door when it suddenly opened.

“Hi, girls. I heard you from inside, so I came to see what was wrong,” Fluttershy explained.

“Nothing’s wrong, Fluttershy.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Applejack here is just insisting on going around thanking everypony in Ponyville for helping her bag the coolest mare in Equestria.”

“Ah’m awful grateful fer the talk, Fluttershy,” Applejack said. “Ya got mah head back on straight.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Well, I’m happy everything worked out for you two. But, uh, I’m a little busy taking care of your sick animal.”

“Oh, right, no problem. Ah just wanted ta say thanks.” Applejack smiled.

“You’re very welcome. Bye, girls,” Fluttershy waved before closing the door and returning to her task.

Applejack spun in place, facing the road again. “See? Nice an’ easy. Now we just gotta find Rarity.”

“And then we can head home?” Rainbow asked hopefully.

“You got it, sugarcube.”

“Great! Let’s go.”

Carousel Boutique wasn’t too far from Fluttershy’s cottage, so Applejack was allowed to walk. They did have to pass by the orchard on the way, however, which meant Applejack had to act fast to stop Rainbow from escaping.

“Why are you so good at that?” Rainbow asked irritably.

Applejack grinned around Rainbow’s tail. “Because this tail’s mine now, sugarcube.”

“I don’t see your name on it,” Rainbow said, touching back down.

“It don’ need ta be. Ah’m sure ya’ll understand once Ah get ya ta bed,” Applejack quipped.

“Hot.”

“Always, sugarcube.” Applejack walked away with a sway in her hips.

“You get back here!” Rainbow called, giving chase.

Applejack flicked her tail in Rainbow’s face before breaking into a gallop. “Gotta catch me first!”

Rainbow grinned as she chased her marefriend through Ponyville, closing in slowly without the use of her wings. But Carousel Boutique was getting closer, and she was running out of time. So Rainbow took to the sky, dive-bombing Applejack barely ten hooves from Rarity’s doorstep. A startled Applejack and a victorious Rainbow Dash tumbled into Rarity’s front door, which swung open with little resistance.

Rainbow got up, glancing around the Boutique. The lights were out, and there was no sign of Rarity. “Did she forget to lock her door?”

Applejack ducked into the kitchen and listened at Rarity’s bedroom door. When no sound was heard, Applejack opened it. Again, Rarity was nowhere to be found. Frowning, Applejack exited the room and walked back downstairs. “She ain’t home, it don’ look like. Nothin’s missin’, but we should lock the door just in case.”

Rainbow nodded, exiting the Boutique after Applejack. “Well, you wanna go looking for her, or can we head home now?”

“We can head on home. It’s gettin’ late, an’ Ah’m not sure where she’d be.” Applejack relented. “Ah don’ think this is one o’ her spa days.”

“We’ll ask her next time we see her. Now come on, I’m not about to miss an Apple family dinner.”

Applejack chuckled, following Rainbow back home again.

“Soup’s on, everypony! Come an’ get it!”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were first to the table, followed shortly by Apple Bloom. Big Macintosh was still nowhere to be found, which was certainly cause for concern.

“Where do you think he went?” Rainbow asked.

“Ah’m not sure. It ain’t like him ta miss dinner.” Applejack thought.

Rainbow frowned. “Well, he’s missing and so is Rarity, and it’s dinner time. You don’t think they’re going out, do you?”

“He never told any o’ us he’d been seein’ anypony. Definitely not one of our friends.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Maybe he’s worried you’d be upset. Or maybe it’s the first date and nothing’s really happened yet.”

“Or maybe we shouldn’t jump ta conclusions,” Granny Smith cut in.

“Yeah, Big Mac would never do nothin’ behind our backs!” Apple Bloom piped up.

“Just throwing it out there,” Rainbow apologized.

“Ah’m a little worried Rainbow might be onta somethin’, mahself,” Applejack said.

Rainbow made an idle gesture with a hoof. “I’m sure everything’s fine, AJ. Let’s just eat so we can get to that alone time you promised me.”

Applejack frowned, but complied nonetheless.

The air at the table was decidedly uncomfortable. Not much talk was had over dinner as they all felt the conspicuous absence of the oldest Apple sibling. He did not make an appearance over dinner, nor for a good while afterwards.

Applejack and Rainbow went into the den to cuddle on the couch, though Applejack seemed distant.

“You alright, Applejack?” Rainbow asked, nuzzling her cheek.

Applejack sighed. “Ah’m just worried somethin’s goin’ on with Mac. He seemed fine this mornin’.”

Rainbow wrapped her hooves around Applejack’s neck. “Rarity probably just asked him out, and now they’re off having fun.”

“We don’t even know if Rarity fits inta any o’ this,” Applejack pointed out.

“But it does make sense. I said it before dinner. They’re a mare and a stallion, they’re both missing at the same time, which happens to be the time most ponies eat dinner…”

“But Mac done told me he…” Applejack stopped herself.

Rainbow cocked a brow. “Told you what?”

Applejack sighed. “Can we talk about this upstairs?”

“Sure.” Rainbow released Applejack and stood up, following as Applejack made her way to her room.

Applejack sat on her bed, thinking. Rainbow sat next to her, comforting.

“So what’s going on with Mac now?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack averted her gaze briefly before making eye contact. “Couple days ago he told me he was, well… inta stallions.”

Rainbow grinned. “No way. Top or bottom?”

Applejack couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Ah asked the same thing.”

“And?” Rainbow prodded.

“Ah didn’t get a straight answer, but he was all embarrassed about it, so Ah think Ah can guess.”

Rainbow giggled, picturing the big stallion in a submissive role. She soon burst out laughing, unable to stop herself. It was just too weird. “So… so you’re thinking… he can’t be involved with Rarity because she’s a… a mare?”

“Well, he said he ain’t strictly inta just stallions, but Ah’m not sure how much interest he has in mares,” Applejack pondered. “He seemed pretty self-conscious about it all, though.”

“I wouldn’t blame him. Coltcuddling tends to get a lot of hate.” Rainbow paused. “So you’re saying it sounded like he was leaning more towards stallions?”

Applejack nodded. “Ah don’ know the whole o’ it, but he sounded pretty serious.”

Rainbow threw a hoof around Applejack’s midsection. “So what, then? You worried he wouldn’t be happy with Rarity?”

“Ah don’ know. Just, ta think Mac might be goin’ out with one o’ our friends without even tellin’ us about it…”

“Hey, I’m sure it’s nothing like that.” Rainbow gave Applejack a squeeze. “He’s just as much of a romantic train wreck as us, right?”

Applejack chuckled. “Ah guess ya could say that.”

“Then what do you have to worry about? If he came clean to you that he likes colts, I’m pretty sure we can rule out the possibility he’s living a second life behind your back.”

Applejack smiled. “No, yer right. Ah’m jes’ worryin’ about nothin’ again.”

Rainbow kissed Applejack on the cheek. “Come on. Let’s just relax. It’s been a hell of a day, and we’ve finally got some time to ourselves.”

“Okay,” Applejack said, giving Rainbow a kiss on the nose.

Rainbow responded with a kiss on Applejack’s lips. Applejack blushed, returning the gesture with a small lick at the end. Rainbow narrowed her eyes, grinning deviously. Applejack smiled nervously.

“Ah’ve never really kissed anypony proper-like before,” Applejack mumbled.

Rainbow giggled. “Neither have I. But what better way to learn, right?”

Applejack nodded, blush deepening as she brought her lips to Rainbow’s. Rainbow licked the outside of Applejack’s lips, requesting entry. After a brief hesitation, she parted her lips, and Rainbow’s tongue invaded her mouth.

Applejack gasped as Rainbow bumped her tongue clumsily against hers. She made to reciprocate the gesture, meeting Rainbow’s advance in the neutral space between their locked lips. Applejack attempted to grasp Rainbow’s tongue in hers, succeeding only in drawing her tongue along the roof of Rainbow’s mouth in one particularly botched attempt. Rainbow moaned appreciatively at the unexpected touch, reciprocating it in turn.

Before either could do much more, the need for air made them separate, panting.

“That was… pretty awesome,” Rainbow gasped.

Applejack chuckled. “Ah’m sure we just… need a little more practice.”

“I… kinda wanna do that again,” Rainbow squeaked.

Applejack smiled. “What better way ta learn, right?”

“Awesome.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash spent much of the evening practicing their kissing techniques. Their tongues were still quite unskilled, though that would come with time. Mostly by accident, they found numerous pleasurable motions, repeating them until they were committed to memory. They tried multiple times to entwine their tongues, though never quite got it down. Either they would both turn their tongues in the same direction – or sometimes opposite – or their tongues would slip and collide with the sides of their mouths.

But despite all their failures, both mares thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and knew it would only get better.

“If this is just kissing, I can’t imagine how good sex is,” Rainbow commented.

“We’ll be sure ta try that out some time,” Applejack said. “But not before we’re ready.”

Rainbow nodded. “Doesn’t stop me from looking forward to it.”

“Good, ‘cause Ah am, too.” Applejack disentangled herself from Rainbow’s limbs and sat up.

“Where are you going?” Rainbow whined.

Applejack smiled. “Ta take a shower, ya silly filly. Ah ain’t goin’ ta bed like this.” Applejack looked back over her shoulder as she opened the door. “Yer free ta join me, if ya like.”

Rainbow needed no further invitation, jumping out of bed and racing Applejack to the washroom.

“Thought ya might like that idea,” Applejack chuckled.

“I’m never turning down an opportunity for a shower scene.” Rainbow grinned.

Applejack smirked, releasing her hair and tail ties as Rainbow started the hot water.

“Have I ever told you how sexy you look with your mane down?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack blushed. “Ya like it?”

Rainbow nodded. “You should wear it like that more often.”

Applejack smiled, looking at the tiled floor. “Well, it kinda gets in the way durin’ farm work. But Ah guess if it’s just around the house…”

“Awesome,” Rainbow said, stepping into the now-hot shower.

Applejack joined her shortly, blushing harder as she remembered the last time she had shared a shower with Rainbow.

Rainbow grinned “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll take it nice and slow.”

“What a gentlemare,” Applejack joked, pressing her lips to Rainbow’s.

After a short exchange, the kiss was broken by a mutual need to wash. Rainbow made sure to utilize her wings in the process far more than was necessary, running her wet feathers along Applejack’s back. Applejack shivered at the touch, bringing her tail around to begin her own sensual wash of her marefriend’s back.

Rainbow giggled at the touch, brushing a strand of Applejack’s mane out of her face with a hoof. Feeling adventurous, Rainbow lightly nipped at one of Applejack’s ears. Taken by surprise, Applejack jumped at the touch, losing her footing and tripping Rainbow Dash, causing both to end up in a pile of limbs on the floor of the shower.

“What the hay was that?” Applejack laughed.

Rainbow chortled. “Sorry. I wasn’t expecting you to jump like that.”

“Let’s just get washed up so we can do this somewhere a little less… slippery,” Applejack suggested.

Rainbow smirked. “I don’t know, AJ. Those sheets can get pretty tricky.”

“Just shut up and take the shampoo,” Applejack giggled.

The rest of their shower was mostly devoid of further antics, though there were a few kisses shared when neither could resist. Something about having water cascading around you made it feel so different.

Rainbow escaped the shower first, followed closely by Applejack. Rainbow threw a towel at her pursuant to slow her progress before taking one for herself. Rainbow took first use of the mane brush as Applejack watched, still taken by the novelty of the concept. She was snapped out of her daze as the brush flew through the air and connected with her nose.

“Ow! Rainbow!”

“That’s what you get for staring,” Rainbow stated before receiving a smack across the face.

“That’s what you get fer future starin’,” Applejack chided, grinning as she felt Rainbow’s eyes on her.

“I’m not staring!” Rainbow protested. “I’m… observing!”

“So am Ah, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled. “So am Ah.”

Rainbow continued to observe Applejack’s mane brushing until its completion, saying nothing more on the subject.

Applejack, unable to stay mad at the pegasus, kissed Rainbow on the nose before throwing their towels in the hamper. Rainbow snuck into Applejack’s room while she wasn’t looking, posing seductively on her bed. When Applejack opened the door, the blush that spread across her cheeks was almost too rich for Rainbow.

“Hey, sexy. Wanna have a good time?” Rainbow managed to say before breaking out into giggles.

Applejack swatted at Rainbow playfully before pulling back the covers. Applejack slipped into bed, making sure to leave room for Rainbow. “Not gonna make a mare sleep alone, are ya?”

“When she’s offering super sexy sleepy time cuddles? No way!” Rainbow joined Applejack under the covers, wrapping herself around her marefriend.

Applejack giggled, returning Rainbow’s embrace happily, giving her a kiss on the nose. “Good night, sugarcube.”

“Night, AJ.”

Author's Note

Whee, new chapter! As before, Day Five is already well underway, with shenanigans galore, which may or may not have to do with shipping. >.> <.< I don't have a problem, I swear!

Side note: Yes, all the chapter names are going to end in -ation. Don't judge me.

Day Five - Presentation

Rainbow woke the next morning to some pleasant feeling on the tip of her nose. Curious, she opened her eyes and saw Applejack snuggled against her, resting peacefully. Oh yeah, this is a way better thing to wake up to. Smiling, Rainbow reached down to place a kiss on Applejack’s nose.

Applejack’s ear flicked. “Mm, Rainbow,” she mumbled, still asleep.

Rainbow frowned. That was supposed to work. She tried again, this time earning a small giggle from the sleeping mare.

“That tickles,” Applejack muttered.

Growing impatient, Rainbow got an idea. Brandishing her wings, she began to tickle Applejack’s sides.

Applejack immediately started up in a giggle fit, “Okay, okay, stop, Ah’m up!”

“Aha! I knew it! You were just using me for free kisses!”

Applejack smirked. “Can ya really blame me?”

Rainbow tapped her chin a few times. “Nah, I’d have done the same thing.”

“Well, Ah guess Ah do owe ya one, now,” Applejack giggled, kissing Rainbow on the nose.

“Just one? I gave you two!” Rainbow protested.

Applejack grinned. “How do ya think I woke ya up?”

“So that’s what that was? You sneaky bastard.”

“Only the best fer you, Dash,” Applejack quipped, leading Rainbow downstairs.

“Macintosh! Where in Tartarus have you been?”

Rainbow and Applejack jumped at the sudden outburst. Applejack’s face showed great worry, which Rainbow observed fearfully. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard Granny Smith that mad before.”

“It don’ happen often,” Applejack said. “Ah should’a seen this one comin’. Granny don’ usually like us missin’ dinner for nothin’, but Mac ain’t even told anyone he was goin’ out.”

Rainbow gulped. “You don’t think she’s gonna give him some cruel and unusual punishment, do you?”

Applejack shuddered. “Ah never know what Granny’s gonna think up next.”

Trepidation in every step, the two mares slowly made their way to the kitchen, where Big Macintosh was pleading his case.

“Ah can explain, Granny, Ah swear! It weren’t nothin’ Ah had any control over!”

“Unless yer ta tell me ya done got yerself kidnapped by Timberwolves, Ah ain’t gonna listen!” Granny steamed.

“Granny, please!” Applejack moved in. “Ah know it ain’t like any o’ us ta miss dinner, but ya gotta understand that things happen sometimes.”

“Mah hard work don’ take no breaks, child,” Granny replied tersely before turning back on her quarry. “An if’n yer gonna take it fer granted like that, Ah’ve half a mind ta take it from ya!”

Big Mac took a deep breath. “Ya say it yerself every day, Granny. The farm’s got lots o’ needs. And one o’ them’s findin’ a mate so’s we can carry on our legacy. An’ if’n we can’t count on Applejack and Rainbow ta give us any, that just leaves me and Apple Bloom, and she’s just a filly!”

“Actually, you don’t have to worry so much about that,” Rainbow cut in. “Twilight’s got a way for me and Applejack to have foals.” Rainbow blushed. “W-when the time comes, I mean.”

Granny Smith broke out of her rage to ponder the new development. “An’ how exactly does that work?”

Applejack rubbed the back of her head nervously. “Well, we ain’t really clear on the finer points, but she gave us a book about it. It’s some kinda spell Princess Luna made ‘fore she turned inta Nightmare Moon.”

Granny Smith frowned. “Ah ain’t havin’ no dark magic in this house while Ah’m still alive.”

“It ain’t dark magic, Granny,” Applejack insisted. “This was before all that. It was a happy time ‘fore ponies started brandin’ it evil!”

Granny Smith thought for a few more moments before her face softened. “Well, be that all it may, child, Mac here still broke a sacred Apple Family tradition all willy-nilly.”

“And it sounds like he had a good reason!” Rainbow prodded. “Just hear him out before you do anything drastic.”

Face hardening slightly, Granny Smith nonetheless nodded. “Ya hear that, Mac? Applejack an’ Rainbow done won ya a chance ta speak. Don’ you go wastin’ it.”

“Ah won’t, Granny. Ah’ll tell y’all everythin’ that happened.” Big Mac sighed. “Ah was headin’ inta Ponyville ‘round noontime ta get some lunch. Ah was on mah way back some time later fer dinner and Ah done bumped into Rarity-“

“Called it!” Rainbow interrupted.

“Now ain’t the time, Rainbow,” Applejack chided.

“Sorry.” Rainbow smiled apologetically. “Go on, Mac.”

Big Mac shook his head before continuing his tale. “Ah bumped inta her an’ we got ta talkin’…”

“Oh! I’m terribly sorry I- Big Macintosh!” Rarity gained a blush. “I-I’m sorry, I… I just heard troubling news of your sister, and-“

Big Mac chuckled. “Ah reckon they got it all worked out now. Don’ you fret none.”

“So soon? I must say this is… unexpected. But good news indeed.” Rarity paused, scuffing her hoof on the ground in a show of uncharacteristic carelessness for her recent hooficure, something not lost on the silently observant apple farmer. “I… don’t suppose that means they’re… together now?”

Big Mac nodded. “Ah heard the whole thing. Might take ‘em a while ta get it off the ground, but I’m sure they’ll get it eventually.”

Rarity laughed weakly. “Yes, I don’t suppose they’re the most romantically inclined ponies in this town.”

“Comin’ from the love master herself,” Big Mac commented.

Rarity blushed harder. “I-I don’t know if I would say that…”

“Aw, shucks, Ah didn’t mean ta make ya all-“

“Oh, no, it’s quite alright,” Rarity assured. “Especially from a charming stallion like yourself.”

It was Big Mac’s turn to blush, though the redness was hardly noticeable. “Ah, uh…”

“I… said that out loud, didn’t I?” Rarity asked.

Big Mac merely nodded.

Rarity laughed nervously. “I’m terribly sorry, I just-“

“It’s alright, miss Rarity.” Big Mac smiled. “Ah don’t mind none.”

“Please, just Rarity is fine.” Rarity smiled, too. “I… don’t suppose you’d want to get something to eat?”

“Ah think Ah’d like that.”

“Now wait a durn secon’ there,” Granny Smith interrupted. “Ya got asked ta dinner an’ didn’ even think ta tell us about it?”

Big Mac frowned. “Ah wasn’t thinkin’ straight, Granny. Ah never been asked ta dinner before. And certainly not by such a pretty mare.”

Granny Smith’s frown matched Big Macintosh’s. “Continue.”

Rarity decided upon dinner at Horté’s Cuisine, one of Ponyville’s fancier restaurants. One you definitely couldn’t get into without a reservation.

“Are ya sure ‘bout this, Rarity?” Big Mac asked uncertainly.

“Positive,” Rarity responded. “The owner is a client of mine. I’ve actually designed so much of the place he offered me free reign of the place in exchange for a hefty discount.” Rarity blushed. “Being the hopeless romantic I am, it was hard to refuse.”

Big Macintosh chuckled. “Well it sure is appreciated.”

Rarity stopped before Carousel Boutique sheepishly. “I hope you won’t mind if I take a minute to prepare, do you? This was… hardly expected on my part.”

Big Macintosh smiled. “Take as much time as ya like.”

Rarity opened her door with a look of gratitude. “I’ll just be a minute. Feel free to come inside.”

Big Macintosh accepted the offer graciously, sitting down to wait on Rarity’s couch. It was certainly plush; almost what he imagined a cloud would feel like. Well, if you wrapped a cloud in high-quality silk, at least. He almost felt as if he was tainting it by sitting upon it. Unable to shake the feeling, Big Macintosh reseated himself on the rug, which was just as well, as the rug was still quite comfortable.

Within a few minutes, Rarity reappeared from upstairs looking absolutely stunning, if Big Macintosh’s slack jaw was any judge. Rarity giggled, blushing at the red stallion’s unchecked admiration.

Shaking himself, Big Mac worked his composure back up to an acceptable level. “Sorry, Ah just-“

“It’s quite alright, Mac,” Rarity interrupted. “It’s flattering, really, to see one so composed as you like that.”

Big Mac blushed. “Ah… we should probably uh…”

“I haven’t forgotten.” Rarity smiled. “Come along now. We don’t want to be out too late.”

Big Mac nodded sheepishly, following along. He spoke up, however, when he noticed something out of the ordinary. “Uh, ain’t ya gonna lock yer door, Rarity?”

Rarity frowned. “I would, but then I’d be locked out of my own house until morning. Sweetie Belle and her little friends got the idea of getting some sort of locksmith cutie mark. Needless to say, my keys are now at a proper locksmith for repairs.”

“But what if somepony tries ta break in?”

“I’m sure I can rely on my reputation to dissuade any further attempts of that,” Rarity said, thinking of the last time she had beaten a would-be thief with a coat rack.

Big Mac was unconvinced. “Ya sure that’s gonna be enough?”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “If it bothers you that much, we can get Twilight to cast a ward over the boutique. But I am not spending the night out of the comfort of my own bed.”

“Sorry, Rarity. Ah’m just tryin’a look out fer ya.”

“And I appreciate the thought.” Rarity smiled.

“Okay, Applejack, why are ya makin’ that face?” Big Mac questioned.

“No reason!” Applejack said quickly.

Big Mac frowned.

“Please, continue!” Rainbow pleaded with an unconvincing smile.

Rife with suspicion, Big Mac nonetheless continued his tale.

Twilight was disturbed for the eleventeeth time that day by a knock on her door. An irritated Twilight threw open the door unceremoniously. “What is it now?”

Rarity regarded the raging librarian fearfully. “Uh, perhaps this is a bad time…”

“Ah think we should go,” Big Mac agreed, fleeing the premises with Rarity beside him.

“If you have any further doubts about my reputation-“

“Nope!”

Needing no further chatter, Big Macintosh and Rarity continued on their rapid journey to nowhere in particular. As Rarity began to calm down, she noticed they were in the right district of Ponyville by some odd coincidence. Actually, the restaurant was right around the corner from their current position.

Big Macintosh suddenly felt his movement cease, though his limbs still flailed. “What in the-“

“We’re here, Mac,” Rarity answered, gesturing to the restaurant that their manic flight had miraculously taken them to.

“Oh.” Big Mac sheepishly stopped running as his hooves once again contacted the ground. He marveled briefly at the show of magical prowess by the seamstress before an advancing Rarity forced him to follow.

“Ah, good evening, Madame Rarity. I trust you are here to make use of our arrangement?”

Rarity turned to the source of the voice, surprised to see Horté himself by the welcome booth. “Oh, yes. I’m uh…”

Horté grinned. “No need to explain yourself. I can recognize a pair of lovers when I see them.”

Big Macintosh and Rarity developed heavy blushes.

Horté laughed at the display. “Come, I have a very special booth set aside for you.”

Big Mac and Rarity followed Horté to a particularly extravagant booth; one Rarity had very clear memories of designing. Looking around at the excessive use of romantic imagery, she admitted she may have gone a little overboard, despite her intentions for it to be utilized in this very manner. She laughed nervously as Big Macintosh shot her a confused glance.

“I shall be right back with your menus. But first, what may I interest you in from our fine collection of wine?”

“I-I’m not sure this is all really appropriate to-“

“But of course it is! You designed it yourself, no?” Horté winked.

“I…” Rarity’s head slumped to the table. “Just give us a bottle of champagne.”

Horté departed with a bow, leaving the flustered pair to themselves.

“Well, this is, uh…” Big Mac looked for the right word, “nice.”

“My apologies. I didn’t know Horté had such… extravagant things in mind for our arrangement.”

Big Mac blushed. “Well, might as well enjoy it.”

Rarity smiled, nodding.

Horté returned shortly with the requested bottle of champagne and two wine glasses. He filled each appropriately before producing a pair of menus. “I shall be back to take your orders shortly.”

“So, um… how are things at the farm?” Rarity asked.

“Good.”

“Any other interesting developments?”

Big Mac frowned. “Well, Rainbow’s started roomin’ on the farm. She got roped inta a month o’ free labor over somethin’ er other.”

Rarity blinked. “Twilight told me she’d been helping out, but a whole month? And she’s staying on the farm?”

Big Mac shrugged. “Applejack must mean a lot ta her, Ah suppose.”

Rarity shook her head in bemusement, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that two of her closest friends were now romantically involved. It seemed like it came out of nowhere, but she supposed she wasn’t privy to all the goings-on between the two. She might just have to prod them for gossip at some point.

“How about you, Rarity? Anythin’ excitin’ ta talk about?”

“Not particularly, no.” Rarity frowned, contemplating her choice of food. “Things have been rather quiet save for a few bulk orders, though those aren’t much to speak of.”

“Ah can’t even understand what most o’ these are,” Big Mac commented, flipping to another page.

Rarity laughed. “Here, let me help you with that.” Rarity moved to sit next to Big Macintosh, who was unsure of the advance, but allowed it all the same, knowing it was necessary.

Together, they picked out a four course meal made almost entirely of apple-based food items. They were made using apples from Sweet Apple Acres, though Big Macintosh was sure the confections couldn’t compare to Granny Smith’s culinary masterpieces.

Horté returned thankfully after Rarity had retaken her previous seat. He smiled at their choice of food, though refrained from comment. Instead, he silently took down their orders before dutifully departing to the kitchen.

“It ain’t a proper Apple Family dinner, but maybe ya could get some idea what-“

Rarity frowned, prodding Big Macintosh’s frozen form. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, fine,” Big Macintosh replied in a high-pitched, breathless voice. “Just wanna make sure Ah have fun ‘fore Ah die tonight.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Big Mac shivered. “Granny Smith’s gonna kill me.”

Rarity’s frown deepened. “Why would she-“

“Ya never miss an Apple Family dinner without tellin’ anypony!” Big Mac blurted.

“I’m sure it’s not as bad as all that,” Rarity soothed.

Big Mac regarded Rarity with glazed eyes. “Ya’ve never met Granny Smith before, have ya?”

“Of course I’ve met her. I come by the farm every-“

“Ya haven’t talked to her!”

“She’s the reason I-“

“Ya haven’t lived with her!” Big Mac insisted.

“I suppose not, but I don’t see what-“

Big Macintosh curled himself into a ball under the table, hiding from the world.

This is beyond bizarre. This is unseemly! I’ve got to do something to get him back together. Think, Rarity… Before long, an idea came to mind. One that had never been far from thought around Big Macintosh. One that made her face burn to think about, much less consider. But this was her chance, wasn’t it?

Pushing away her fears, Rarity joined Big Macintosh under the table. Big Mac looked at her with big eyes that begged for comforting. And that was exactly what Rarity had in mind. Pulling Big Mac’s head from his unreachable position, Rarity touched her quivering lips to his, hoping with all her heart this kiss would not end badly.

Big Macintosh gasped at the touch. Rarity? He felt himself lean into the kiss, his forelegs disentangling from his body to rest on Rarity’s shoulders. Tears coming to her eyes, Rarity threw her forelegs around Big Mac’s neck and kissed him with the strength of all her broken dreams, and most importantly, the one that came true.

“Uh, I suppose this is a bad time to tell you that your appetizer has arrived.”

Horté’s voice froze the two entwined ponies under the table. They moved to quickly distance themselves and return to their previous seating arrangement with all-too-forced smiles.

Horté shook his head. “Ah, to be young and in love again.” With that, he departed, leaving behind their first course.

“I’m sorry for-“

Big Mac and Rarity cut themselves off as they realized they had spoken at the same time.

“Uh, Ah…”

Rarity blushed. “I don’t suppose you enjoyed that?”

Big Mac, with his own unperceivable blush, nodded sheepishly.

And I don’t suppose he’s thinking of his impending doom anymore. Rarity, you are the most idiotic genius Equestria has ever known. She took a fritter from the plate before them and began to nibble on it.

Big Macintosh took one of his own and devoured it in a single bite.

Giggling, Rarity began to take larger bites, still sure to savor the taste.

Big Macintosh chuckled, eating another fritter at a saner pace.

The fritters could not withstand the might of the two hungry ponies for long, and were soon vanquished. Rarity wiped her mouth self-consciously with the pilfered white flag ponies called a napkin.

“You’ve got a little more up and ta the right,” Big Mac said.

Rarity searched for it with long, sweeping strokes, missing it narrowly each time. Big Mac took Rarity’s hoof and guided it over the crumbs stuck to her cheek.

“There ya go.”

“You know, that was your cue to be romantic and lick it off my cheek.”

“Oh, Ah’m sorry, Ah…”

Rarity giggled. “It’s quite alright. I’m only joking. Though I can’t say I’m averse to the idea.”

“Well, then Ah might have ta-“

“Okay we get it! Ya had a romantic dinner with Rarity. Can we move on already?” Applejack begged, thoroughly uncomfortable with the direction Big Mac’s adventures were headed.

“Yeah, ease up on the sap a bit, would you?” Rainbow added.

Big Mac rolled his eyes, skipping ahead a bit.

“I’d like to thank you for a lovely time, Mac. I hope you’d like to do it again sometime,” Rarity asked hopefully, walking with her date back to Carousel Boutique.

“Any time, Rarity.” Big Mac paused. “Can Ah call ya Rare? Rarity’s kinda long, no offense.”

Rarity giggled. “Why do you think I’m not calling you Big Macintosh?”

Big Macintosh chuckled. “Ah think Ah’ve got an idea now.”

Rarity bit her lip. “Would it be too forward to call you my coltfriend now?”

“Ah reckon not, o marefriend o’ mine,” Big Mac said.

Rarity blushed. “Great.”

They arrived at Carousel Boutique shortly, prompting farewells from both parties.

“I’m afraid I have to retire for the night. Thank you again.” Rarity smiled.

Big Mac smiled back. “Pleasure’s all mine, Rare. Sleep well.”

Rarity nodded, grasping her door knob in her magic and… “It… it won’t move. I’m sure I remembered to leave it open!”

“Ya don’t think someone came by after all?” Big Mac fretted.

Rarity shook her head. “I do hope not. But it seems I have nowhere to go…”

“Ah’d offer ta take ya back to the farm if Granny Smith weren’t there waitin’ fer me,” Big Mac said. “Ah wouldn’t want ya ta get caught up in all that.”

“I’m sure we could find somewhere on the farm she wouldn’t find us,” Rarity prodded.

“It ain’t her Ah’m worried about. She’s sure ta have Winona out on patrol.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to get her a bone to keep her busy.”

Big Mac frowned. “That might work. If yer alright sleepin’ in the barn…?”

“I’m sure I could find something to make it more comfortable.” Rarity smiled.

Big Mac smiled back. Plan in place, they went to purchase a bone just before the pet store closed. Rarity was glad she had thought to bring her purse. For the money it carried, anyway. She had Big Mac carry the bone, not wanting to get any of it on her easily-washable purse.

“So Mac got all the fun stuff yesterday,” Rainbow observed dryly.

Applejack chuckled. “Never woulda thought ya’d call a dinner date fun.”

Rainbow blushed. “Well, it’s better than walking around all day having ten second conversations with everypony in Ponyville!”

“Ya know, we still ain’t had our first proper date, Rainbow,” Applejack continued. “If some fancy dinner sounds like somethin’ ya’d like…”

“Can we not have this conversation in front of everypony?” Rainbow huffed.

Applejack smiled. “Think about it, sugarcube.”

Rainbow crossed her forelegs, grunting as a thought occurred to her. “Wait, Rarity slept with you in the barn, so that means she’s still in there now?” Rainbow suddenly looked ready to dash off in pursuit.

Big Mac shook his head. “She took off right after Ah woke up. She seemed mighty embarrassed by somethin’. Ah didn’t get ta ask what.”

Rainbow deflated.

Applejack looked to where Winona was happily chewing a bone. “Bribery, Winona? Really?”

Winona barked happily in response.

Applejack shook her head. “Ah still love ya.”

“So I guess this means we’ll be seeing Rarity around here a bit more,” Rainbow said.

“Could be,” Mac answered.

Granny Smith sighed. “Ah jes’ can’t punish ya fer that. So Ah’ll make an exception jes’ this once! Don’t ya ferget ta let me know next time ya go off with yer new marefriend!”

Big Mac smiled. “Ah won’t. Thanks, Granny.”

Applejack caught Rainbow’s eye, motioning to the living room. Curious, Rainbow followed, speaking once they were out of earshot. “I guess Mac will still be the only stallion in the family, eh?”

“Fer now, Ah guess,” Applejack chuckled. “Funny ta think we’re all pairin’ up now.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “I don’t know. Can you really call it pairing up when there are three fillies involved?”

“You know what Ah mean.”

Rainbow nodded. “Are we gonna eat soon? I’m hungry.”

Applejack’s stomach growled in agreement. “Ah’m sure Granny’s got it covered.”

“Soup’s on, everypony! Come an’ get it!”

“See?” Applejack led the way back into the kitchen, where Granny Smith had somehow managed to hide breakfast somewhere, or otherwise conjured it out of thin air.

Rainbow shrugged. “I’m not questioning it.”

Apple Bloom appeared at the top of the stairs, yawning and making her way down. “Sorry, y’all. Ah was up all night plannin’ fer our next Crusader meetin’ today.”

“You missed so much,” Rainbow laughed. “Mac?”

Big Mac sighed, almost wishing for some more direct form of punishment.

“You alright, AB?” Rainbow Dash regarded the sleepy filly after breakfast.

“What? Yeah, Ah’m alright. Jes’ a little tired,” Apple Bloom yawned.

“How much time ya got ‘fore ya gotta go ta that meetin’ o’ yers?” Applejack asked.

Apple Bloom glanced at the grandfather clock in the living room. “’Bout three hours, why?”

Applejack smiled. “Ya should probably rest up. Don’ wanna show up unprepared.”

“But what if Ah oversleep?” Apple Bloom protested.

“Today ain’t gonna be too busy. We got all the apples we need bucked fer now. We could come by an’ get ya up ‘fore ya gotta go.”

“Just give us a time and we’ll be there,” Rainbow added.

Apple Bloom smiled. “Thanks, y’all. Ah figure if ya could come by ‘round eight thirty, that’d be best.”

“No problem, kiddo,” Rainbow said, ruffling Apple Bloom’s mane.

Apple Bloom gave each of them a hug before heading back upstairs to catch up on sleep.

Applejack shook her head. “Ya really sure ‘bout this, Rainbow? She’s still just a filly.”

“So are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle,” Rainbow pointed out. “If they really want to try their hooves at romance, why stop them?”

“But none o’ this woulda happened if we’d been more careful,” Applejack insisted.

Rainbow frowned. “Careful about what? Neither of us knew that was gonna happen.”

“But we coulda-“

“AJ,” Rainbow interrupted. “Yes, we planted the idea in their heads by accident. But Apple Bloom seems really excited about this. What do you want to do, take away her shot at happiness?”

“No, Ah guess not.”

“Of course not! There are like, no consequences! If it doesn’t work out, they can still be best friends. If they have questions, we’re here to answer them, and so is Rarity. And if it gets to the point that they start thinking about sex, it’s not like we have to teach them about pregnancy ‘cuz they’re all fillies!”

Applejack flinched. “Ah ain’t gonna sit here talkin’ ‘bout mah little sister gettin’ frisky! We haven’t even done that!”

“So you don’t want Apple Bloom losing her virginity before you do,” Rainbow observed.

“That’s not what Ah meant! Ah can’t even believe we’re havin’ this conversation! They ain't even got their cutie marks yet!”

“I’m not saying it’s gonna happen, I’m saying it’s possible!” Rainbow took a deep breath. “I know it’s unlikely, but it’s something we have to think about. You said it yourself, this is all our fault. The least we can do is be there for them, right?”

Applejack sighed, backing down. “Ah’m sorry, Rainbow. Ah just…”

Rainbow moved next to Applejack and draped a wing over her shoulders. “I know it’s weird, but what hasn’t been weird these past few days? Worrying about it’s just gonna make it worse. Why not just let it happen?”

Applejack looked to her hooves. “’Cuz Ah’m afraid it ain’t gonna work out.”

Rainbow turned Applejack’s chin up. “Hey, listen to me. Everything’s gonna be alright. It’s just a fillyhood crush, nothing serious.” Rainbow grinned. “And hey, if you wanna ‘get frisky’ with me so bad, I’m sure it could be arranged.”

Applejack chortled. “Ah’m a might harder ta lay than that, sugarcube. We ain’t even been on a real date yet. Speakin’ o’ which, mah offer still stands.”

“So you’re saying that all I have to do to get you to bed is go on one date with you?” Rainbow snickered.

“Could be,” Applejack teased. “Ya won’t know ‘til ya find out.”

“I just might have to take you up on that offer, then.” Rainbow flashed a cocky grin.

“Lookin’ forward to it, partner.” Applejack leaned in to kiss Rainbow Dash, lips inches away-

“Y’all do know yer still in the den, right?”

Both mares jumped at Big Macintosh’s sudden remark, whirling on him with disgruntled glares.

“Just sayin’,” Big Mac laughed, walking off in search of his own (missing) marefriend.

Applejack seethed for a moment before Rainbow spoke up. “Don’t worry; we’ve still got him dead to rights.”

Applejack grinned upon recalling the dirt they had on Mac. “We’ll make sure he don’ ferget it.”

Rainbow nodded. “So, about that date. Today’s gonna be pretty quick, right?”

“Ah suppose Ah could make some time,” Applejack jested.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure Granny Smith will understand if we actually, you know, tell her about it,” Rainbow laughed.

Applejack chuckled. “So it’s dinner yer after, huh?”

“Maybe,” Rainbow answered aloofly.

“Ah don’t suppose yer expectin’ lunch, too, are ya?”

Rainbow grinned. “I’m sure we could eat something out.”

Applejack blinked, flicking an ear before bursting into laughter.

“What?”

“Oh, nothin’ ya gotta worry ‘bout, sugarcube,” Applejack giggled.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Anyway, we’ve still got like, three hours to kill before we have to wake up AB. Anything we really need to do around the farm?”

Applejack shook her head. “It’s too bad Twilight’s goin’ up ta Canterlot today. Ya coulda asked her ‘bout gettin’ that weather assignment worked out.”

“Yeah, I was actually thinking about that. Do you think we’re relying a little too much on Twilight lately? I mean, she’s a princess and all now, but that just makes her busier to even out all those freaky powers. I mean, it can’t be that difficult to get reassigned when you’re one of the bearers of the Elements, right?”

“Ah don’ suppose it would be,” Applejack pondered. “Ya said it yerself, though, and Ah ain’t the pony ya gotta convince.”

“Yeah, just making sure I’m not thinking stupid again.” Rainbow paused. “I can count on you to tell me when I’m doing that now, right?”

“Unless Ah find it too funny not ta,” Applejack promised.

“Why do I get the feeling that’s gonna come up a lot?”

Applejack stayed teasingly silent.

“Okay, seriously. I’m starting to get a little worried here.”

Applejack smiled apologetically. “Sorry.”

“Me too,” Rainbow quipped.

Applejack cocked a brow. “Why?”

“I lied,” Rainbow confessed.

Applejack socked Rainbow in the ear, eliciting a cackle from the dastardly pegasus.

“Come on, let’s head over to the weather center and see if we can work something out.”

Big Macintosh walked through Ponyville, making his way to where he assumed his marefriend would be; the locksmith. He opened the door to find the locksmith himself polishing a key with no white mare to be seen.

“Ho there, Big Macintosh. Something I can do for ya today?”

“Mornin’, Hooflocker,” Big Macintosh greeted. “Ya wouldn’t happen ta have seen Rarity come by here earlier?”

“Nope, haven’t seen her since yesterday. She hasn’t gone missing, I hope?”

Big Mac frowned. “Don’ reckon so. Ah jes’ figured she’d have come by ta pick up her keys. Guess that means she ain’t at her house, neither.”

Hooflocker laughed. “Took some work, that one did. That little sister of hers really did a number on it.”

“Ah can imagine,” Big Macintosh chuckled. “Well, if ya see her, let me know.”

Hooflocker nodded. “Don’t let this one get away, Mac!”

Big Macintosh sobered slightly. “Don’t plan to.” He exited the shop with a sigh. Where else could she be? The spa was his next best guess, as he headed in that direction.

“Hi, Mac! What’cha looking for?”

Big Mac grinned. “Mornin’, Miss Pinkie. Ain’t so much a what as a who.”

Pinkie frowned. “You’re not still hung up on Cheerilee, are you?”

“What? No, Ah done moved on,” Big Mac sighed. “Ah actually had a date with Rarity last night and Ah-“

“Ooh! Tell me all about it!” Pinkie insisted.

Mac shook his head bemusedly. “Ain’t really much ta tell. Rare got us dinner at Horté’s, then she got locked out of her house, so Ah took her over ta spend the night at the farm.”

Pinkie grinned deviously. “How was it?”

“The date?”

Pinkie giggled. “No, silly. You know…”

Big Macintosh paused, blushing as he realized what Pinkie was talking about. “We ain’t done nothin’!”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie said, immediately convinced despite Mac’s obvious embarrassment. “So, why are you looking for her now? Did she give you the slip in the middle of the night?”

“In the mornin’, actually,” Big Mac corrected. “She seemed all flustered ‘bout somethin’ an’ took off ‘fore Ah could stop her.”

Pinkie frowned, thinking. “You don’t think she’s in heat, do you?”

Big Mac’s eyes widened. “Ah sure hope not. We’ve only been on the one date!”

“Well then you should go find her and ask her what happened!” Pinkie suggested.

“That’s what Ah’m already doin,” Big Mac said, cocking a brow.

“Wow, you’re fast! I don’t think even I could have done that so quick!”

Big Mac chuckled confusedly.

“So, you got any leads yet?” Pinkie asked, suddenly wearing some silly hat Big Macintosh could not place.

Big Macintosh decided not to question the new headwear. “Already done checked with the locksmith. He said he ain’t seen her since yesterday. Mah sister an’ her friends apparently wrecked her keys. That was why we couldn’t get inta Rare’s house. She said they’d be fixed today. So now Ah’m headin’ over ta the spa ta check there.”

“Ooh, that’s a good idea! Rarity usually goes there when she’s having one of her episodes!”

Big Mac nodded. “Not that Ah mind too much, but are ya gonna follow me ‘round all day?”

“Oh, I can’t, sorry! I’ve got stuff to do at Sugarcube Corner later.” Pinkie smiled, sparing a glance at Ponyville’s clock tower. “Oh no, it’s later already! Gotta go, bye!”

With that, Big Mac was alone again, though far more confused than he had been prior. Now, if she ain’t here, where ta try next? Big Macintosh pondered this as he stepped into the spa where he was greeted by the spa twins, Aloe and Lotus.

“Good morning, Mister Macintosh! How can we help you today?”

“Mornin’, ladies. Ah’m lookin’ fer Rarity, and Ah was wonderin’ if she’d come by here earlier today.”

Lotus shook her head. “No, we have not seen her since her last visit here with Miss Fluttershy.”

“When was that?” Big Mac inquired.

“Three days ago,” Aloe replied. “We hope there is nothing wrong.”

“Still tryin’a figure that out. Well, thanks fer yer time.” Big Macintosh departed after farewells had been said. Sighing at another failed attempt, he wandered off to the market, hoping to encounter her there.

“Hey, Rainbow, Ah just thought o’ somethin’,” Applejack began, catching Rainbow’s attention. “If yer the head of the Ponyville weather thing, how come ya gotta ask fer reassignment?”

Rainbow sighed. “The weather business is pretty strict on regulations. Any kind of special, off-the-chart thing you do, you have to run it by the administration for approval.”

Applejack frowned. “Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever heard ya use so many big words in a sentence before.”

“Well don’t get used to it,” Rainbow grunted. “I’ve had way more experiences with the higher-ups than I’d like to admit.”

“Ah can imagine,” Applejack jested. “Ya don’ exactly do things by the book.”

“Of course not! That’s way too boring.”

“Ah hear ya.”

Rainbow sighed before entering the building she had seen far too many times. “Rainbow Dash. What’d you do this time?”

“Oh shut up, Cloud Kisser! I’m just here to file a reassignment form.”

Cloud Kicker smirked. “Get demoted, did you?”

Rainbow stormed over to butt her head against the snarky secretary’s. “Just because you kissed up to the administration doesn’t make your desk job any more dignified.”

“No, but the pay sure does,” Cloud Kicker sassed.

“Just shut the hell up and get me an appointment with the head suit!”

“You really should see somepony about those anger issues, Rainbow Dash,” Cloud Kicker chided.

“Go to hell, Cloud Kisser.”

Applejack frowned as Rainbow marched pointedly away from her adversary, following concernedly. “What’s that all about?”

Rainbow scowled. “That jerkwad used to be on the weather team, but she got offered a job as a glorified secretary for better pay, so now she thinks she’s better than all of us.”

“What did she used ta do?” Applejack inquired.

“She was the head of the division before I took over,” Rainbow acknowledged.

Applejack’s frown deepened as Rainbow stopped before a door and knocked impatiently. The door swung open slightly afterwards, revealing a condescending pegasus stallion in a business suit. “What is it this time, Rainbow Dash?”

“I want to be reassigned,” Rainbow stated plainly.

“Head of the division not glorified enough for you?”

Rainbow scowled. “That’s not what this is about. I’m here with a proposal.”

The stallion eyed Rainbow up and down before stepping back to allow entry. “This better be worth my time, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash shot the businesspony a glare as the door started to close on Applejack. “She’s part of this conversation.”

“A proposal having to do with a country hick; I’m dying to find out more,” the stallion quipped.

“I don’t have to impress you, Shit Clock,” Rainbow growled.

“Oh, I believe you do, Miss Dash,” ‘Shit Clock’ dared. “I also believe you should watch your language before I kick you out of here.”

Rainbow grimaced. “Look, here’s the deal. I’m gonna be spending some time working at Sweet Apple Acres. You know, that thing that started this town and takes up like half its area by itself. And since I have close ties with the family that runs it,” Rainbow gestured to Applejack, “I figure I could take care of the weather for the orchard and free up some extra ponies to work the town.”

‘Shit Clock’ pondered for a time, considering the offer before him.

“That ain’t really his name, is it?” Applejack whispered.

Rainbow snorted quietly. “No. It’s Shot Clock. He used to work as a timekeeper for the EBA. But then he got offered this job and he ate it up.”

Shot Clock cleared his throat. “I appreciate the kind words, Miss Dash. As for your proposal, I admit it shows some promise. Though you know this would mean you could no longer lead the weather team.”

“Why not?” Rainbow challenged.

“You can’t exactly lead a solo operation now, can you?” Shot Clock smirked. “You would see a raise in your pay for the… promotion, I suppose. Though perhaps that’s not the right word to be used here.”

“How is that not a promotion?” Rainbow argued.

“Head of Weather Operations for Sweet Apple Acres isn’t the most prestigious title, Miss Dash.”

“It is when I’m doing all the shit myself!”

Shot Clock frowned. “I’m not here to argue semantics, Miss Dash. You would get the benefit of freedom of operation, however. Do you accept my offer or not?”

Rainbow thought for a moment. “So that means I wouldn’t have to report here every week?”

“Your reports will still be mandatory, though you can send them by mail. More importantly, you would not have to answer to me every time you breach regulations.”

Rainbow brightened at that. “How much would I get paid?”

Shot Clock did some calculations in his head. “It would come out to about a 20% increase in pay should you accept.”

“And who would replace me as head of Ponyville weather?”

“I do believe that title would fall to Cloudchaser,” Shot Clock supposed.

Rainbow looked to Applejack questioningly. “What do you think, AJ? Sounds pretty good to me. Cloudchaser’s a pretty cool mare, too. She’d probably thank me for the promotion.”

“It’s up ta you, Dash. This was your idea,” Applejack pointed out. “But if ya ask me, Ah’d say Ah’d be glad ta have the most dependable weatherpony Ah know workin’ the Acres.”

Rainbow smiled, blushing lightly. “Shot Clock? You’ve got yourself a deal.”

“Splendid,” Shot Clock remarked. “I shall be sure to inform your team of your departure, and Cloudchaser of her new role. Now be on your way, I have much paperwork to fill out thanks to you. I look forward to being free of you.”

Rainbow opened her mouth for a retort, but it died in her throat at a touch on the hoof from Applejack. Applejack shook her head, smiling softly. Rainbow smiled back, allowing herself to be led out of the room and back into the lobby.

“I’ve got bad news for ya, Cloud Kisser. You’re not gonna see me around here anymore,” Rainbow proclaimed.

Cloud Kicker smirked. “What, did Shot Clock finally decide to kick you off the weather team?”

Rainbow grinned. “Nope. I just got promoted. I don’t have to deal with your shit anymore. I’m heading my own operation now. So kiss my ass while you still have the chance, because I am free.”

Cloud Kicker frowned, unable to think of a proper response before Rainbow had strutted out of the building.

“Yes!” Rainbow cheered, taking off into the sky for a victory lap around the weather center she never needed to see again. She gave the building a kick for good measure.

“Ah’m glad everythin’ worked out so nicely for ya, Rainbow,” Applejack congratulated.

Rainbow shot over to Applejack, pulling her into an abrupt, passionate kiss. “You’re getting a pretty sweet deal out of this, too!”

Applejack smiled. “Ah reckon Ah am, aren’t Ah?”

“We have to go tell your family!” Rainbow insisted.

Applejack frowned. “Who would we tell? Apple Bloom’s asleep, and last Ah saw, Big Mac took off ta look fer Rarity.”

“Uh, Granny Smith?” Rainbow thought. “Maybe we should wait to get them all together.”

Applejack nodded, glancing up at Ponyville’s clock tower. “We still got about an hour ‘fore we gotta head back. Anythin’ else ya wanna do?”

“I kinda wanna go tell Fluttershy. She’s had her own share of experiences with Cloud Kicker, so I’m sure she’d be happy to know.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Fluttershy’s happy ‘bout everythin’, sugarcube. But Ah guess we could go talk ta her if ya want.”

Rainbow nodded before blushing. “You know, Fluttershy’s cottage is on the other side of Ponyville. It’d be a lot faster to fly there.”

“You offerin’ a pony ride?” Applejack laughed.

Rainbow nodded again, spreading her wings, which felt more effortless than it should have. Applejack hopped up onto Rainbow’s back, locking her forehooves around her neck.

“Ya sure ya can handle this?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow grinned. “Hey, who do you think you’re talking to?” With that, Rainbow shot up into the sky and began her flight to Fluttershy’s cottage with minimal signs of exertion. True to her word, Rainbow safely flew Applejack across Ponyville in a fraction of the time it would have taken on hoof.

Applejack dismounted Rainbow with a chuckle. “Ah gotta hoof it to ya, Rainbow. Ya sure do work.”

“You know it,” Rainbow boasted, reaching a hoof up to knock on Fluttershy’s door. This time, it was not answered pre-emptively. In fact, it was taking an unusual amount of time for any kind of response, even for Fluttershy.

Before either mare could start to worry, Fluttershy appeared at the door with signs of mental fatigue on her face. “Oh, hello girls. Big Macintosh isn’t with you, is he?”

Rainbow frowned. “No, why?”

Fluttershy relaxed visibly. “Oh, good. Come inside and I’ll tell you.” Once the door had been shut, Fluttershy called out, “It’s okay, Rarity. It’s just Applejack and Rainbow Dash.”

To the bewilderment of the new guests, Rarity rose from behind Fluttershy’s couch. “Oh, thank heavens. I don’t know if I can face him again.”

“Ah’m a little lost here. What’s all this about?” Applejack wondered.

“Rarity had a bit of a… hiccup with Big Macintosh,” Fluttershy explained.

Rainbow frowned. “Big Mac just told us he woke up and saw Rarity was embarrassed by something and then she took off.”

“So you mean he didn’t see-“ Rarity cut herself off, biting her lip. “I don’t know whether to be relieved or worried. I apologize for the secrecy, but I’m afraid I can’t tell you exactly what’s going on. I don’t want Big Macintosh finding out before I’m ready to tell him myself.”

Applejack smiled. “Ah’m sure he’ll understand whatever it is yer worried about.”

“Yeah, Mac’s pretty flexible with a lot of things,” Rainbow added.

Rarity pondered that for a moment before clearing her head with a forceful shake. “You mustn’t make assumptions, Rarity,” she muttered to herself.

“So, if you’re not here to look for Rarity, why are you here?” Fluttershy asked. “If you don’t mind me asking, I mean.”

Rainbow grinned. “Fluttershy, you’re looking at a free mare. No more having to deal with Cloud Kicker’s bullshit. I got a promotion!”

“Oh, how wonderful!” Fluttershy cheered.

“Rainbow’s gonna take over the weather duties for the whole farm,” Applejack continued. “She’s gettin’ a pay raise an’ everythin’!”

Rarity smiled. “Sometimes you two show more initiative than a married couple.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash blushed at the assertion.

“I don’t really…”

“Ah’m not…”

Fluttershy and Rarity giggled in unison. “Big Mac told me you had gotten together, but he never told me how cute you are as a couple,” Rarity marveled.

Rather than protest the assertion, both mares simply scuffed a hoof on the floor.

“If you’re really going to be having all your work at the farm, you should probably think about moving your house closer by,” Fluttershy suggested.

“I have,” Rainbow admitted.

“Then the next step is to take action!” Rarity urged.

“Ah guess,” Applejack noted.

Rainbow glanced at the clock. “We should probably get going.”

“Yeah, gotta go wake up Apple Bloom fer a Crusader meetin’,” Applejack finished.

“Well then we won’t keep you,” Rarity smiled. “Run along, you two.”

“Don’t tell Mac where Rarity is,” Fluttershy added.

Applejack spoke up, “Oh, and sorry fer lockin’ ya outta yer house yesterday.”

“That was you?” Rarity frowned.

“Yeah, Applejack was going around thanking everypony in Ponyville for helping us get together. And then she figured you’d want to know if something like that happened, since you’re all into romance and stuff. Then we got to your house and you weren’t there, Applejack noticed you didn’t lock your door, so she did that herself,” Rainbow explained.

Rarity smiled wryly. “Well, at least I know there wasn’t a robbery in that case. Now, really run along.”

Both mares nodded, promptly leaving the abode.

“Alright, back to the farm,” Rainbow said, starting off on the path.

Applejack followed silently, still slightly flustered.

Big Macintosh sighed as he made his way back to the orchard. All his searching had come up empty. Nopony had seen Rarity since yesterday, it seemed. It was actually somewhat of a theme. Two possibilities struck him; either Rarity had fled Ponyville, or something was being kept from him.

But how would all o’ Ponyville know somethin’ Ah don’t? Big Macintosh wondered, shaking his head. No, she’s probably just hidin’ out somewhere Ah didn’t think ta look. But was it really that bad that she had ta hide from me?

The more he thought about it, the less sense it made. There had to be something he wasn’t aware of. But how could somepony as observant as he miss it where all of Ponyville was in on it? Was all of Ponyville aware of it? Or just some ponies, while the rest were clueless like he was? Did anypony know about it at all?

“This is stupid!” Big Macintosh shouted, stomping his hoof on the ground, or rather, the porch he now stood upon. Behind him, Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at him strangely as they approached.

“Somethin’ wrong, Mac?” Applejack asked.

Big Macintosh sighed heavily. “Ain’t nothin’ ya gotta worry ‘bout. Ah gotta figure this out on mah own.”

Rainbow frowned. “What is this about?”

“Ah already told ya! If ya don’ remember, it’s yer own dang fault!” Big Mac snapped, shoving open the door to the farmhouse and slamming it behind him.

“What’s gotten into him all of a sudden?” Rainbow wondered.

Applejack sighed. “Ah don’ rightly know. Looks like there’s a lot goin’ on we don’ know about.”

“Like Rarity,” Rainbow finished. “Kinda makes me wanna know what it is.”

“An’ Mac’s started datin’ ‘er. Can’t imagine how much he wants ta know.”

“And we’re about to send your sister off to something that might change her life,” Rainbow mused. “Feels like everything’s happening at the same time.”

“Not much we can do ‘bout it now though, is there?” Applejack pondered, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“Haven’t we been over this enough in the past few days? Just chill, Applejack,” Rainbow urged. “We can’t fix everything, and we shouldn’t need to.”

“Ah know, but it’s just so hard not ta think about.”

Rainbow smiled. “Hey, we’re marefriends now, aren’t we? How about we focus on that instead?”

“That’d be great,” Applejack admitted. “And Ah think Ah know just how ta get mah mind off it all.”

“Thinking about our date tonight?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack nodded, blushing. “Ah have been a little stressed lately.”

“Just a little?” Rainbow prodded. “Well, I do know of one sure-fire way to relieve stress. And no, it’s not a trip to the spa, because ew.”

Applejack blushed harder. “L-let’s go wake up Apple Bloom ‘fore we start thinkin’ ‘bout that.”

Rainbow nodded, leading Applejack upstairs.

“Ya know, a trip to the spa does sound pretty good right now,” Applejack ventured.

Rainbow looked at Applejack strangely. “I thought Mac was the one dating Rarity.”

Applejack chuckled. “It ain’t as bad as all that, Rainbow. Just give it a chance. Ya used ta think readin’ was just fer eggheads. Ya gave that a try an’ now yer all crazy ‘bout Darin’ Do.”

Rainbow stopped, frowning, at the top of the stairs. “Would this be before or after dinner?”

“Ah’d have ta ask Rarity how late it stays open. Ah’d be fine with either one.”

“But we don’t even know where she is,” Rainbow lied convincingly, turning to give Applejack a meaningful glance.

Applejack smiled apologetically. She had forgotten that Rarity’s location was to remain a secret. That was some quick thinkin’ there, Rainbow, Applejack thought as she reached out to give Rainbow a grateful kiss.

“Let’s talk about this once we get off the second floor,” Rainbow whispered before facing forward again, walking to Apple Bloom’s door. Applejack followed, nodding. Once Applejack was by her side, Rainbow opened the door to find Apple Bloom resting peacefully.

Applejack walked over to her sister’s bed, shaking her gently. “Up an’ at ‘em, Apple Bloom; yer crusader friends are waitin’.”

Apple Bloom stirred, lifting a hoof to rub an eye tiredly as she sat up. “Is it time already?” she yawned.

“Yep, so get out there and get those fillies!” Rainbow cheered.

Apple Bloom nodded, shaking herself awake. “Thanks, y’all!” Apple Bloom bounded off her bed, rushing straight out the front door and off to the Crusaders’ clubhouse.

Applejack chuckled at her sister’s sudden burst of exuberance, leading the way back down to the den. “Ah sure hope it goes well for her.”

“Glad you’ve finally decided to stop worrying,” Rainbow smiled.

“Well, ya’ve gone and given me so much ta look forward to,” Applejack said. “Kinda hard ta worry at the same time.”

“So you’re saying all I have to do is occupy your every thought to keep you from worrying ever again? I think I can handle that.”

Applejack giggled, shoving Rainbow onto the couch before joining her. “But can ya handle me?”

“I’ve gotten this far, haven’t I?” Rainbow laughed, pulling Applejack into a hug. “Unless you mean in bed.”

Applejack smirked. “An’ what if Ah do?”

“Ooh, then I’d have to test you out.” Rainbow winked.

“Sounds like a good time.”

Rainbow grinned. “You know it.”

“We really should get around ta figurin’ that out,” Applejack suggested, blushing. “Ya know, not really jump right inta it.”

“You mean like a sex talk?” Rainbow guessed.

“Ah guess so. Just talk about where we are, what we’d like ta try...”

Rainbow giggled. “That might take a while, ‘cause I wanna try everything.”

Applejack smirked. “Everythin’? Ya sure ‘bout that now?”

Rainbow blushed. “Well, maybe not everything, but…”

“Ah get ya,” Applejack assured. “Ah’m curious, too.”

“Good thing we’ll be in it together, then.” Rainbow paused. “Since we already covered what we want to do, why not just have the talk now?”

“Ah guess we could do that,” Applejack admitted, blushing.

“Okay, then the other thing you mentioned is where we are. Honestly, I’m ready whenever you are, so all you have to do is instigate.” Rainbow blushed. “I’m guessing we’d be starting off, uh… traditionally, I guess… and then leave all the kinkier stuff for later?”

Applejack nodded. “Yeah, Ah think Ah’d like ta get a handle on it ‘fore we try anythin’ too… kinky.”

“Okay. That was easy. Just whenever you’re ready, then.”

Applejack nodded again. “We should probably head back over ta Fluttershy’s ta get those spa times.”

“I guess so. You promise it’s gonna be good?”

“If it ain’t, Ah’ll cover yer chores fer the next week,” Applejack asserted.

Rainbow smirked. “I’ll have to work on my acting, then.”

“It’ll take more ‘n actin’ ta fool the Element of Honesty, sugarcube.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, it’s worth a shot.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, nuzzling into Rainbow’s chest briefly before pulling out of their hug. “Let’s go tell Granny Smith where we’ll be tonight, then we can go.”

“Right behind you.” Rainbow followed obediently.

Apple Bloom arrived at the clubhouse not having the slightest clue what time it was, but strode inside nevertheless. “Hey, gals! Sorry Ah’m late!”

“Hey, Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo greeted cheerily, standing up from where she was sitting next to Sweetie Belle. “You look like you just got outta bed. What gives?”

Apple Bloom giggled. “Sorry, y’all. Ah was up all night plannin’ fer… uh, somethin’ er other.”

“Ooh, what do you have planned?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Apple Bloom blushed. “It ain’t really important.”

“Well if it kept you up all night it has to be something cool,” Scootaloo prodded.

“Yeah! Is it some new cutie mark idea?”

Apple Bloom shook her head. “Ah’ll tell ya girls later. First, why’d ya call us all here, Scoot?”

Scootaloo blushed. “Oh, uh, right. Yeah, I’ve uh… I’ve been doing some uh… thinking, and, uh…”

“What about?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Well, you remember how we walked in on that uh, thing between Rainbow and Applejack?” Scootaloo shuffled her hooves. “It’s kinda got me thinking…”

“Oh, Ah almost fergot!” Apple Bloom perked up. “Turns out we were right, girls. Mah sister’s started datin’ Rainbow Dash!”

“Aw, that’s so cute!” Sweetie Belle chirped.

“Uh, yeah, great.” Scootaloo’s gaze was firmly upon the ground, cheeks growing hotter. “Listen, girls… that, uh, thing we walked into… Rainbow told me before that all about the whole fillyfooling thing. I thought it was cool and all, because, hey, Rainbow Dash is one, right?

Scootaloo gulped. “But seeing them like that. It… really got me thinking about it. And I was kinda wondering if you girls, uh… ever thought about… us, like that.”

Sweetie Belle squeaked. “That’s what got me grounded for a week!”

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. “Really? Ah was jes’ thinkin’ bout the same thing. That’s what Ah spent all o’ last night plannin’, how ta tell y’all.”

Scootaloo laughed nervously. “And, uh… what did you think about it?”

Sweetie Belle blushed. “Um, I was thinking about how… happy they looked. And how I feel the same way whenever we’re crusading. And that maybe we could…”

“Try it out an’ see where it goes?” Apple Bloom suggested hopefully.

Sweetie Belle nodded shyly.

“Ah’m willin’ ta give it a shot if y’all are,” Apple Bloom said, blushing.

“But there are three of us,” Scootaloo put in. “Does that make it…”

Apple Bloom smiled. “Ah talked ta mah sister n’ Rainbow about it. They said it don’ happen often, but since we’re all so close already…”

Scootaloo smiled back, bringing both of her fellow crusaders into a hug. “Thanks, girls. I’m… really excited now.”

“You know what Ah’ve been wantin’ ta do…” Apple Bloom hesitated briefly before placing a gentle kiss on Scootaloo’s nose, then Sweetie Belle’s.

Sweetie Belle giggled, kissing Scootaloo as well before returning Apple Bloom’s.

Scootaloo beamed, giving each of her fellow crusaders extended kisses on the lips.

“Scoot!” Apple Bloom giggled, sharing a glance with Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle nodded, grinning. Together, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle converged on Scootaloo.

“Hey! Time out! No fair!” Scootaloo laughed.

“Hold ‘er down, Sweetie Belle!”

“Got it!”

“Quit it!” Scootaloo pleaded, giggling uncontrollably as Apple Bloom kissed her relentlessly.

Apple Bloom grinned. “Ah though this was what ya wanted, Scoot.”

Scootaloo tickled Sweetie Belle’s hooves with her wings, loosening her grip enough to wriggle away and pin the unicorn filly down. She started to pepper the hapless filly with light kisses, heedless of her squeals of delight.

Apple Bloom snuck up behind Scootaloo and lightly nipped her ear. Scootaloo gasped, shuddering at the unexpected sensation, turning to look at Apple Bloom. “Ah saw Rainbow do that ta Applejack once.”

Scootaloo grinned. “What else have you seen them do?”

Apple Bloom blushed. “Cuddle, mostly.”

“That sounds fun,” Sweetie Belle piped up.

“Sounds sappy,” Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom chuckled. “Can’t be all bad if Rainbow Dash does it.”

Before Scootaloo could protest further, she was tackled from behind by Sweetie Belle. Sensing her opportunity, Apple Bloom flung herself into the pile, kissing under Scootaloo’s chin and nuzzling Sweetie Belle’s horn. Sweetie Belle shivered at the contact, subconsciously brushing her hoof across Scootaloo’s wings. Scootaloo moaned lightly, wrapping a wing around each of her friends and snuggling into the center of the pile. Apple Bloom shifted her tail so it lay across all three of them, giggling. Sweetie Belle nuzzled into Apple Bloom’s tail.

“Change your mind about cuddling yet, Scoot?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“This is pretty awesome, I have to admit,” Scootaloo said, nodding.

“Ah can’t wait ta tell Applejack about this,” Apple Bloom giggled.

“And Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo added.

“Don’t forget Rarity!”

Scootaloo frowned. “You probably shouldn’t tell your parents if they grounded you for just thinking about it.”

“How did ya get outta yer house if yer grounded, anyway?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Oh! I did this!” Sweetie Belle rose from their pile-up and concentrated. Her horn glowed green briefly before she winked out of existence, reappearing moments later a few feet away.

“Wow, you can do magic now, Sweetie Belle? That’s so awesome!” Scootaloo gushed.

“Mah sister told me Rainbow Dash is givin’ ya flight lessons, too, Scoot,” Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle gasped. “Really? What about you, Apple Bloom?”

“Well, Ah’ve had ta do a bit o’ work fixin’ up the barn. Ah got most o’ it done, though there’s still a bit more ta do.”

“There must be a lot this year if you couldn’t get it all done in one day,” Scootaloo commented.

Apple Bloom laughed, averting her gaze bashfully. “Oh, c’mon, Scoot. Ah’m not good as all that.”

“Are you kidding? You’re like, the master builder!” Sweetie Belle insisted.

Apple Bloom blushed. “Shucks, thanks, y’all.”

Scootaloo gave Apple Bloom a kiss, prompting Sweetie Belle to do the same. Apple Bloom returned each with a giggle, smiling as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo kissed to complete the exchange.

“This is gonna be great,” Scootaloo said, leaning back after nuzzling her new fillyfriends.

“I really think you should just tell him, Rarity,” Fluttershy coaxed not for the first time. She had been trying to talk her into it ever since she came by. “I have no problem with it, and you heard what Applejack and Rainbow Dash said. It might not be so bad.”

“Be that as it may, Fluttershy, I still don’t-“ Rarity was interrupted by a knock on the door. She jumped at the sound, darting back to her hiding spot behind Fluttershy’s couch.

“It’s just us again,” Rainbow’s voice came through the door.

Rarity relaxed, sitting back on the couch properly as Fluttershy went to welcome them in.

“Sorry fer pesterin’ ya, but-“

“Oh, it’s no trouble, I assure you,” Rarity insisted. “I’m grateful for the reprieve, to be honest.”

“Reprieve from what?” Rainbow asked.

“Just my thoughts, I suppose.”

“Well, we were just stoppin’ by ta ask ya what time the spa usually closes,” Applejack explained.

Rarity blinked. “It closes at five. It is a day spa, after all. But… may I ask why you wanted to know? You’re not…” Rarity grinned. “Applejack, don’t tell me you’ve picked the day I have to lay low to live out one of my fantasies without me.”

Applejack chuckled. “Depends. Is that the one where Ah convince Rainbow ta join me at the spa for a little relaxation?”

“That’s the one,” Rarity giggled. “Oh, I am so jealous. Do tell me how it goes, at least.”

“Ya know, Mac’s locked himself up in his room. Ah’m not sure ya’d be riskin’ much ta come with.”

Rarity shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t take that chance. I can’t risk seeing him before I’m ready.”

Applejack smiled sadly. “Ah understand. Don’ take too long, though. Mac’s startin’ ta get a bit rattled.”

“I’d say a bit more than a… bit.” Rainbow frowned at her failed sentence.

Rarity nodded. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” She sighed. “I wish I could tell you girls what all this is about, but you understand why I can’t.”

“Ah reckon we’ll find out after Mac does.”

“I suppose that’s true,” Rarity giggled. “I will owe you girls the whole story, though.”

“Hey, just tell us what you’re comfortable with when you’re comfortable with it,” Rainbow said. “We’ve got plenty to keep us occupied until then.”

“Yep. Rainbow and Ah are goin’ on a date tonight.”

“Applejack!” Rainbow protested. “You weren’t supposed to-“

Rainbow was cut off as Rarity swept both her and Applejack into a hug. “Oh how wonderful! You must tell me everything when you get back!”

Rainbow struggled in Rarity’s grasp, which seemed to grow stronger whenever romance was involved. Applejack merely laughed and nodded in response.

“Well I simply will not keep you here when you have such plans,” Rarity said, abruptly releasing her captives.

“So you’re kicking us out, now?” Rainbow demanded.

“Yes. Do have fun, you two!”

Before either mare could say anything more, they were pushed out of Fluttershy’s cottage by a magical force, the door swinging closed behind them to seal their banishment.

“I really can’t understand her sometimes,” Rainbow stated.

Applejack chuckled. “You an’ me both, sugarcube. So, Ah guess we’ll fit the spa trip in between lunch an’ dinner. But we still got some time before then.”

“Need any weather work done on the farm?”

Applejack thought for a moment. “Some rain on the east orchard might be nice.”

Rainbow grinned. “You got it, boss.”

Big Macintosh sighed, looking out his window. Outside he saw some rain clouds coming in, led by a familiar blue pegasus. While she moved the bulk of them into position and coaxed the rainwater out of them, she covertly detached one from the group, bringing it over to start a downpour on the farmer directing her.

“What the hay, Rainbow!” Applejack spluttered, quickly becoming drenched.

Rainbow grinned from atop her now-white cloud. “What can I say? I just love the way you look with a wet mane.”

“Then why don’t ya take a closer look?” Applejack dared.

Rainbow suddenly found herself bound by a rope and dragged down to the ground, where Applejack pinned her down with a smirk, dripping water onto the prone pegasus.

“You’re right, you do look sexier up close,” Rainbow jested.

“If ya like it so much, how’s about we get you all wet, too?”

“What? No, Applejack!”

Applejack dragged a protesting Rainbow Dash under the rain clouds she had set upon the orchard, taking note of how Rainbow’s mane casted off little rainbows as the water cascaded off it. “Now yer lookin’ mighty fine yerself.”

“If we end up bedridden with colds tomorrow, I’m blaming you,” Rainbow asserted.

Applejack grinned. “Ya mean Ah might get ta spend the whole day cuddlin’ mah favorite pegasus?”

Rainbow blinked. “You know, that actually doesn’t sound too bad.” Rainbow gave Applejack a peck on the nose. “When did you start getting good ideas?”

“Ya must be rubbin’ off on me, sugarcube,” Applejack joked.

Rainbow grinned. “Only if I get to rub you off, too.”

“Well, we’ll just have ta wait an’ see about that.”

“You keep teasing me like this and I might not be able to hold myself back,” Rainbow warned jokingly.

“Maybe that’s what Ah want,” Applejack teased. “Can’t take me ta bed if yer not a hundred percent.”

“We can always fit that in after dinner, you know,” Rainbow urged.

Applejack smiled. “Ah’ll think about it, fer sure. We do seem ta be talkin’ about it quite a lot.”

“Maybe we’re just eager,” Rainbow suggested. “I know I am. And if it’s gonna happen anyway, why not get a head start? It’s not like the world’s gonna end if we have sex after the first date, right?”

“Ah reckon not. Still, Ah don’ wanna take this too fast. Octavia warned me about that,” Applejack frowned.

“You mean about Vinyl and Lyra?”

Applejack nodded. “Ah don’t want that ta happen ta us.”

Rainbow smiled. “You know, just because it didn’t work out for them doesn’t mean we’re gonna be the same way. They didn’t mesh together like we do. And I’d say we’re a bit closer than they were. We have our own pace. I’m not trying to pressure you into anything, but if you really want to go for it, what’s stopping you?”

“Well, it sure as hay isn’t traditional,” Applejack supposed.

“Do I look traditional to you?”

Applejack shook her head, chuckling. “Ah guess not. We’ll just have ta see how it goes. If we decide the time’s right, we can try it out, and if not…”

“Exactly!” Rainbow crowed. “Don’t worry about it, just let it happen.”

Applejack nodded. “Ah’m not sure we’ll get around ta it today, though. We do got a trip ta the spa ta look forward to. Don’t wanna do everythin’ at once, right?”

Rainbow nodded in turn. “The longer we wait, the better it’s gonna be.”

“Really now? Then Ah might just have ta drag this out a little longer,” Applejack teased.

Rainbow face-hoofed. “Remind me not to give you ideas anymore.”

“Ah’m jes’ kiddin’, sugarcube. Soon as I feel up ta it, ya’ll be the first ta know.”

Rainbow smiled. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Big Macintosh felt a touch of longing as he watched the rain-covered mares embrace. If only things could be that simple fer me an’ Rare. He leaned back once he registered the fact that he was watching his sister in a steamy situation, shaking his head violently. Ah’m sure she’ll come around eventually, he assured himself.

As Applejack and Rainbow Dash were about to set off to look for lunch, they were bombarded at the door by a tremendously bubbly yellow filly. “Rainbow! Applejack! Y’all will never guess what happened! Scoot and Sweetie were havin’ the same thoughts Ah was, and now we’re gonna start bein’ fillyfriends like y’all are!”

“Hey, that’s great, Apple Bloom!” Rainbow cheered, offering a hug.

Applejack joined the hug. “Ah’m happy for ya, sis.”

“Ah gotta tell Big Macintosh!” Apple Bloom perked up.

Applejack frowned. “Maybe that’s not the best idea right now, AB. Mac’s feelin’ a little upset about Rarity.”

“Why? What happened with Rarity?” Sweetie Belle spoke up, having since caught up to Apple Bloom.

“We’re not really sure,” Rainbow said. “All we know is Rarity’s gone missing and Mac’s all broken up about it.”

“Oh, so that means we can’t go tell her about what happened?” Sweetie Belle asked sadly.

“I never said that,” Rainbow reassured. “We can’t tell Mac, but Rarity’s actually staying over at Fluttershy’s so-“

“Well what are we waiting for, then?” Scootaloo piped up. “Come on, Crusaders!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle followed as they set off towards Fluttershy’s cottage. “Bye, sis! And thanks fer the help!”

Applejack and Rainbow waved, smiling as they watched the three fillies run out of sight. Despite the new development, it was as if nothing had changed between them, save for the occasional peck on the cheek. Applejack hoped they knew to show a little restraint in the public eye.

“So, where do ya wanna go fer lunch today?” Applejack asked as she and Rainbow set off on their own journey to Ponyville.

Rainbow thought. “We could go back to Café du Mane. You know, show off a bit and all that.”

Applejack gulped. “Ya mean go public?”

“We kind of already are anyway,” Rainbow pointed out. “It’s not like the gossip will be anything new, right?”

“Ah guess not. Ya have been tellin’ me ta stop worryin’. An’ it would be nice ta not have ta hold anythin’ back.” Applejack thought for a few seconds more before smiling. She stepped in closer to Rainbow, prompting her to drape a wing over her back. Comforted by the feathery blanket, Applejack nuzzled under Rainbow’s chin and planted a kiss that elicited a giggle from the pegasus.

“Cut it out, AJ. I’m ticklish there,” Rainbow laughed.

“Are ya now?” Applejack asked. “Any other spots ya’ve been hidin’ from me?”

Rainbow blushed. “Not any I’d be comfortable talking about in public.”

Applejack nodded, blushing lightly herself. “Well, we do have a trip to the spa after lunch…”

“Stop making me excited about that,” Rainbow demanded.

Applejack shook her head defiantly, planting a kiss on Rainbow’s cheek. Rainbow held her closer in response, kissing her back briefly before continuing on to their destination.

The lunchery had a pretty good crowd on hand to witness the two openly amorous mares get a table. Excited whispers soon broke out among the various occupants, save for one couple that rose from their seats, and started heading their way.

“I thought I saw you two acting lovey yesterday.”

Rainbow and Applejack looked up to behold Lyra and Bon Bon, the former grinning brightly.

“She’s all mine now,” Rainbow boasted, leaning in closer.

“And you’re mine,” Applejack added, wrapping a hoof around her marefriend’s shoulders.

“Wow, she’s already making you act sappy? She must have you good,” Lyra teased.

Bon Bon scoffed. “As if your sappiness doesn’t trump theirs combined.”

“It’s different when it’s just you and me!” Lyra protested.

Rainbow laughed. “Yeah, she hasn’t tried to rut you in public yet, has she?”

Bon Bon frowned. “Actually…”

Rainbow grinned. “You’re worse than me!”

“Yeah, well, I bet you haven’t even had sex yet!” Lyra shot back.

“Not yet, though Ah might be up fer it today er tomorrow,” Applejack put in.

Rainbow beamed. “Way to hype me up even more.”

“Yes, just hope she doesn’t get so excited she forgets that sex is a two way exchange,” Bon Bon said, glancing at Lyra.

“Don’t worry, neither of us have any idea what we’re doing,” Rainbow assured. “So it’s bound to go awesomely.”

“Hey, unicorn sex and earth pony sex are completely different!” Lyra argued.

“Ah’m sure the horn changes so much,” Applejack chortled.

Lyra crossed her forelegs, frowning. “I don’t have to impress you.”

Bon Bon laughed. “Yes, I’m sure your reputation speaks for itself.”

“Y’all wanna join us fer lunch?” Applejack offered. “Rainbow and Ah were gonna head over to the spa afterward.”

Lyra sputtered, holding back a fit of giggles. “The spa? Really, Rainbow?”

Rainbow frowned. “Don’t judge me!”

“She won’t,” Bon Bon assured. “I won’t let her. Lunch would be lovely, though the spa would conflict with our later plans.”

“Not that I don’t really want to be there to see Rainbow get a hooficure,” Lyra laughed.

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t make me do that, would you?”

Applejack shook her head. “Ah’m not really one fer hooficures, neither. Why spend money on somethin’ Ah’m jes’ gonna scuff the next day?”

“Good,” Rainbow said, slumping onto Applejack’s shoulder.

Lyra and Bon Bon took their seats. “Anything exciting happening around the farm?” Lyra asked.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Y’all don’t know the half o’ it. First off, Ah somehow managed ta get Rainbow ta convert her entire life over to the Acres.” Applejack paused. “Still don’t know how Ah did that.”

“Don’t listen to her! She knows she used those earth pony super powers to seduce me!” Rainbow protested.

“Earth pony super powers?” Lyra asked, cocking a brow.

Rainbow grinned. “Yeah! You know, like what Tavi uses to get Scratch to be her bitch!”

Lyra burst out laughing as Bon Bon rolled her eyes. “You really shouldn’t encourage her, you know,” Bon Bon warned.

As Lyra regained control of her breathing, Rainbow continued. “You know, Bon Bon’s an earth pony, too. She probably has you under her spell!”

Lyra’s eyes widened as she snapped her head around to look fearfully at Bon Bon, who placed a hoof over her face. “There is no such thing as earth pony super powers, Lyra. Seriously, do you have to believe everything you hear?”

“Hey, say what you want, but humans really could exist somewhere! Like in some weird alternate dimension where everything’s tainted by awkward romantic overtones.”

“So exactly like Equestria,” Bon Bon pointed out.

“No, Equestria’s thing is friendship. That’s totally different!” Lyra argued.

“So I’m to believe that in this other world, love is even more apparent? Does that include orgies in the streets?”

Lyra pondered for a moment. “No, but that sounds really hot. We should try that sometime. Ow!”

Bon Bon frowned, retracting her hoof. “I swear, if this becomes another one of your fantasies…”

“Don’t worry, I can make this work way better than that last one,” Lyra promised. “I have a backstory and everything! You see, there’s this weird portal somewhere in Equestria. Somewhere totally random, like a dinner plate, so nopony notices it. But then every once in a while it turns into this crazy robot Cyclops and rampages across Equestria. So Princess Celestia uses her magic to activate the dinner portal, and everypony goes through it to hide from the robot Cyclops and then suddenly we’re all humans and everything’s awesome.”

Bon Bon blinked. “It’s sad to think how that’s actually one of her less nonsensical stories.”

“I don’t see you coming up with anything, Bonnie!”

“And that’s why I keep you around,” Bon Bon assured, patting Lyra on the head.

“So what’s one of her more awesome stories, then?” Rainbow asked excitedly.

“Oh, there was this one time I-“

“Food’s here,” Applejack interrupted.

“But we haven’t even told them about all our shenanigans!” Rainbow protested.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ya can do that while ya eat.”

“Now you made me curious,” Lyra said through a mouthful of food before swallowing. “What kinda shenanigans are we talking about?”

“Mind your manners, Lyra. We’re in public,” Bon Bon chided.

“Please, Bonnie, we’ve been public for what, like two years now?”

“That’s not what I meant, but before you go off on another one of your rants…” Bon Bon looked to Rainbow Dash. “It might be best if you distract her.”

“I’m good at that!” Rainbow boasted. “So anyway, me and AJ started up this band a few days ago, and it was awesome! But then I had to get a guitar, and that was expensive, so I started working at Sweet Apple Acres for free food and stuff. Then things got really weird, and I can’t even really remember all of it, but the point is Applejack is like the greatest marefriend ever. So I got this idea at some point to try to be the weatherpony for the Acres, so everything would be at the same place, and we worked that out earlier today. I’m getting a raise and everything! Though I had to give up my previous position, but that’s alright, ‘cause Cloudchaser’s cool and all and she was my replacement.

“So after we got together, that’s when things started going crazy. Right now there’s this whole thing with Rarity and Big Mac. They went on a date last night, and that got Mac into trouble with Granny Smith for missing dinner without telling her, but he worked his way out of that. But then Rarity went missing, and she’s apparently hiding something from everypony, except maybe Fluttershy, but I wasn’t really clear on that. So Mac got all angry because Rarity was being all elusive, but I don’t think he looked everywhere, because we know where she is but we’re not supposed to tell Mac ‘cause Rarity’s working up some courage to tell Mac that secret thing, and if he found out… Yeah, bad stuff.

“Anyway, there’s also this thing going on with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. They walked in on us when we were wrestling on the bed, but it looked like we were about to kiss or something. But that was before me and AJ worked everything out, so it was a little weird for us, too. Well, in addition to the whole filling the minds of a trio of young and impulsive fillies with thoughts of fillyfooling thing. So Apple Bloom told us she’d gotten a crush on Scoot and Sweetie, and that Scoot had called a Crusader meeting today. Or, well, it was tomorrow, since it was yesterday that she told us, but whatever. So before we left she came back with Scoot and Sweetie and apparently they’re fillyfriends now and it’s probably gonna take some time to teach them about relationships and stuff.

“How about you guys? Anything interesting happening at the candy shop?”

Lyra and Bon Bon blinked. “Well, I’m starting to sell a new kind of candy,” Bon Bon offered.

“Ooh, like a new flavor?” Rainbow asked.

Bon Bon shook her head, blushing. “No, it’s something completely different. It’s a bit of an aphrodisiac, so I’ll have to be careful with hiding it and advertising it at the same time.”

Rainbow frowned. “Why’s that? Does the candy industry have something against afros now?”

Bon Bon cocked a brow. “No, it doesn’t. An aphrodisiac is something that heightens sexual desire and pleasure.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “So you eat it and you get horny?”

“I suppose, though on a much higher scale,” Bon Bon explained. “For its intended use in intercourse, you should probably have the initial desire covered yourself.”

“Sounds neat!” Rainbow turned to Applejack, who was silently eating her meal with a very noticeable blush on her cheeks. “We should try one of those candies sometime. You know, after we get past that first one, anyway.”

“Might be fun,” Applejack squeaked.

“I’m sure we could work out a discount,” Bon Bon suggested.

“That’d be great. But I think we should probably talk about it later. I think Applejack’s gonna explode.”

Applejack frowned, her blush lessening. “Well excuse me if Ah ain’t comfortable talkin’ about sex in a public restaurant!”

Rainbow looked around at the various ponies seated around them, more than a few of which looked to be experiencing varying degrees of discomfort. “She does make a good point,” Rainbow conceded. “But hey, at least the word’s out about that new candy, now.”

Bon Bon smiled. “I’ll be sure to factor that into our arrangement. But for now, Lyra and I must be off. It was nice catching up with you two. I hope you have half as many exciting stories the next time we meet.”

“Or more,” Lyra added. “Because, you know, more is better.”

Rainbow laughed. “Hey, if things keep going on like this, we’re probably gonna have twice as many next time.”

“Yeah, you have to tell me how good Applejack is in bed. All that applebucking should really pay off big time.”

“Lyra!” Bon Bon and Applejack chorused.

“Just saying,” Lyra assured before being dragged away by Bon Bon.

Rainbow turned to Applejack once their company had departed. “You know, she does have a good point there. All that applebucking has given you one sexy plot.”

Applejack blushed. “Yers ain’t too bad, neither. Definitely a might smaller ‘n mine. Which Ah like, don’t get me wrong, Ah…”

“You like a leaner plot,” Rainbow finished. “That works out great for me. I like ‘em big, personally. And yours is the hottest in Equestria.”

Applejack smiled, blush deepening. “Ah could say the same ‘bout yers.”

“And here I thought you weren’t comfortable talking about this stuff in public,” Rainbow teased, making Applejack jump as she remembered where they were.

“Ah’m not!” Applejack squeaked.

“Sorry,” Rainbow apologized. “We can get going if you want. Let me just-“

Applejack deposited the proper payment on the table before grabbing Rainbow and leading her away from the restaurant.

“That works, too,” Rainbow supposed. “So, we gonna head on over to the spa?”

“Ah didn’t think ya’d be so eager,” Applejack joked, calming down considerably.

Rainbow grinned. “I don’t know. Something about sharing a hot tub with my hot plot marefriend just makes me excited.”

Applejack blushed. “That’s not ‘til after the massage.”

“What else are we gonna be getting?” Rainbow inquired.

“What else do ya want? There really ain’t much more, ‘cept hooficures, the mud bath an’ the steam room.”

Rainbow gasped. “They have a steam room?”

“Ah take it ya’d like a go at that?” Applejack chuckled.

“Are you kidding? That’s like, one of the best places to make out ever!”

Applejack smiled. “Ah’m sure we could work that in somewheres.”

“Awesome.”

“Here we are, Ponyville Spa,” Applejack said, coming to a stop before the building.

Rainbow laughed. “Only you could ever make me excited to go in there.”

“Is mah hot plot jes’ too much ta resist?” Applejack jested, flaunting it as she sauntered inside.

Rainbow, despite her desire not to, entered after her marefriend with a very noticeable flare in her wings. This earned a smirk from Lotus, who stood behind the welcome desk as Aloe was elsewhere.

“What’s this? Ponyville’s two most tomcoltish ponies in our spa by themselves?”

“Applejack made me do it!” Rainbow insisted.

“Ya know ya like it, don’t lie,” Applejack retorted.

Rainbow frowned. “Only because of your earth pony seduction powers.”

Aloe giggled as she returned. “Yes, I see they’re working quite well.”

Rainbow blushed, trying futilely to regain control of her wings

“Now, what can we do for you girls?” Lotus asked. “I don’t dare hope you’re here for treatment?”

“Yep,” Applejack answered simply. “How much fer a massage, steam room an’ hot tub fer two?”

“Fifty bits,” Aloe answered with a smile.

“Let me get this one, AJ,” Rainbow insisted. “Can’t have you paying for this and lunch.”

“Then who’s gonna pay fer dinner?” Applejack laughed.

Rainbow thought. “We’ll split it.”

“Not to pry, but I can’t help but notice you two seem more… affectionate than last we saw you,” Aloe observed.

“Yeah, me and Applejack are dating now,” Rainbow relayed. “Or, well, we’ll be going on our first one tonight, but still.”

Lotus giggled. “Don’t have too much fun now.”

“No promises,” Applejack said, pausing to give Rainbow a kiss on the cheek before following Aloe and Lotus into the massage room.

“First, let’s work out that stress you carry in your muscles,” Aloe said, gesturing inside.

Applejack and Rainbow took two nearby mats, laying down on their stomachs as Aloe and Lotus fetched the massage oils.

“You ever had a massage before, Rainbow?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow shook her head. “Never been to a spa before, remember? Well, except for that one time we had that run in with the Poison Joke, and again during the Gabby Gums thing.”

Applejack nodded. “Well yer in fer a treat today.”

Rainbow moaned in delight as Lotus began her massage, expertly working out all the kinks in her muscles and leaving them feeling like jelly. Applejack chuckled at the dreamy look Rainbow had in her eyes as Aloe started her massage.

“This feels so good,” Rainbow groaned. “I’ve gotta start coming here more often.”

“We can afford it with that raise yer gettin’. Not ta mention the apple sales.” Applejack cooed as Aloe worked out a particularly thick knot in her neck. “Sure beats the shower back home, huh?”

“Definitely,” Rainbow murmured.

“I see you carry a lot of stress in your wings, Miss Rainbow,” Lotus spoke up. “I would ask permission, but your marefriend has a good set of hooves. We could guide her through the process if you’d like.”

“Wing massages from Applejack? Don’t make me beg,” Rainbow laughed.

Aloe led Applejack over to Rainbow’s mat and instructed her to grasp Rainbow’s right wing. Applejack’s newly-relaxed muscles still felt a little weak, but she complied without much trouble. She followed their instructions to the best of her ability, and it clearly showed. Under the spa twins’ guidance, Applejack had Rainbow in a state of bliss.

“Don’t stop,” Rainbow moaned, feeling heat begin to stir in her loins.

Once Applejack had the motions down, Aloe and Lotus stepped out to give them some privacy. Applejack started on Rainbow’s other wing, feeling the extent of her success immediately.

“Ya sure are enjoyin’ this, aren’t ya?” Applejack giggled. “Ah can’t say Ah blame ya. Ya really do carry a lot o’ tension in these wings.”

“Th-that’s not the only reason. Oh Luna, AJ,” Rainbow’s voice was lost for a few moments more. “The wings are a… a pleasure spot for pegasi.”

Applejack froze in her motions, blood rushing to her cheeks as she considered for the first time just how worked up she had gotten her marefriend. “Y-ya mean this all is… sexy?”

“So much,” Rainbow replied. “Why’d you stop?”

“Ah… Ah ain’t sure this is appropriate ta…”

“C’mon, AJ. It’s not like we’re doing it or anything. Besides, nopony’s watching.” Rainbow flexed the wing still held in Applejack’s hooves.

Applejack gulped and took a deep breath to calm her nerves before working through the rest of Rainbow’s primaries.

“That’s the stuff. Oh yeah.”

Applejack finished her work with a level head before coming around to kiss Rainbow on the nose as a way of notifying her of her task’s completion. Rainbow reluctantly rose as Applejack led the way to the shower, where she busied herself washing her fur.

Rainbow kissed Applejack on the cheek. “Stop being so timid, AJ. I’m not gonna do anything you don’t want me to.”

“But ya seemed so inta that massage,” Applejack said. “Ya won’t mind if Ah work ya up an’ leave ya hangin’?”

Rainbow blushed. “You know, I haven’t taken any time for relief since this all started. So I might be just a little pent up.”

“Well that’ll jes’ make it that much better when it happens, right?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow nodded. “But if I get a little heated, just… you know.”

Applejack simply nodded in response, not confident enough in her whims to say how much she was getting worked up, herself. We’ll see how it goes tonight. But if this keeps up, Ah…

Once they had finished their quick wash, they rejoined Aloe and Lotus in the steam room. Lotus, who was pouring hot water onto the heated rocks, offered a sly grin and a wink. Aloe just giggled as the two mares developed blushes.

“I take it the massage went well?” Lotus asked.

“It was pretty nice,” Rainbow admitted, shuffling her wings.

“Well I’m sure you won’t need any assistance finding the hot tub,” Aloe said. “So unless you need anything else, we can leave you to enjoy each other’s company.”

“That’d be nice,” Applejack said.

Smiling, the spa twins bowed before taking their leave, prompting Rainbow to look in Applejack’s direction. “So, about that make-out session…”

Applejack blushed, leaning in to press her lips to Rainbow’s, earning a questioning flick of Rainbow’s tongue against her lips. After a brief hesitation, Applejack gave into the temptation, pushing her tongue into Rainbow’s mouth as she pinned her marefriend to the bench. Rainbow moaned appreciatively, wrapping her hooves around Applejack’s shoulders and pulling her closer.

As Rainbow shifted her position slightly, Applejack found one of her forehooves stuck in an awkward position. As she removed the hoof, she felt it touch something fleshy. Rainbow gasped in response to the touch, while Applejack realized what she had done.

Applejack retreated from Rainbow’s embrace. “Ah’m sorry! Ah didn’t mean ta-”

“Applejack, it’s okay. Relax,” Rainbow smiled. “It was an accident. You don’t have to do anything else.”

Applejack averted her gaze, blushing heavily. “B-but what if… Ah think Ah want ta?”

Rainbow blushed, her eyes widening before a smirk came to her lips. “Then we can let any incidental contact here slide, rock that dinner out, and have the whole night to ourselves.”

Applejack smiled, turning back to face Rainbow. “Ah think Ah’d like that.”

“Then come here so we can make out some more!”

Applejack giggled and nodded as she rejoined Rainbow’s embrace, no longer caring where her hooves wandered. Applejack blushed as Rainbow’s hooves slid down her back and rested just above the dock of her tail. She responded by dragging her tongue across the roof of Rainbow’s mouth, earning a moan of appreciation from her partner.

As Rainbow’s hooves wandered farther, and Applejack’s tongue became more aggressive, the steam in the room began to disperse, if not in their minds. Rainbow did take the time to pull away, however. “Maybe we should take this over to the hot tub.”

Applejack grinned, getting to her hooves. “Then come on. Ah miss those hooves already.”

Rainbow nodded, following obediently, led by Applejack’s tail like a leash.

“Ya know, Ah can’t help but remember what ya said earlier about that other ticklish spot ya got on ya,” Applejack wondered idly. “Think ya might be up ta tellin’ me just what that is now that we’re alone?”

Rainbow blushed. “Can it wait ‘til we get to the hot tub?”

“It just did,” Applejack said, moving aside to unglue Rainbow’s eyes from her plot.

“Oh. Yeah, that’s definitely a hot tub…” Rainbow gulped, sitting down on the edge as Applejack dipped her hooves in.

“Ain’t ya gonna join me?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow sighed. “I guess I kinda have to tell you now, don’t I?”

Applejack cocked a brow, prompting Rainbow to continue.

“Remember that time the girls tried to convince me to get a hooficure?”

“And ya said ya don’ like ponies touchin’ yer hooves?” Applejack guessed.

Rainbow nodded. “Well, that’s because… my hooves are really sensitive.”

“How so?”

Rainbow frowned. “You know, really ticklish, kinda painful on rough surfaces, and… pretty awesome on soft stuff.”

Applejack brightened. “So like another one o’ yer pleasure spots?”

Rainbow nodded bashfully. “It’s just the back ones, though. I’ve never had any problems with my front hooves. So, like, don’t freak out if I uh… vocalize when I…” Rainbow dipped her hooves into the hot water, letting out a peculiar squeak as she did so.

Applejack smiled. “Well, Ah reckon Ah’ll have ta pay ‘em some extra attention tonight. And Ah might as well let ya in on mine.” Applejack blushed. “Ya already know about the spot behind mah shoulders, but Ah’m also pretty sensitive on mah belly, so…”

Rainbow grinned, advancing up to her hock as Applejack did. “I get the feeling we’re gonna have a lot of fun with this.”

“And we ain’t even gonna get to the kinkier stuff yet,” Applejack agreed. “There is some o’ that Ah really wanna try.”

Rainbow giggled. “I’d ask what, but I don’t wanna over-prepare myself. So I’m just gonna hope you share my curiosities.”

Applejack eased herself the rest of the way in, making an odd noise as her belly was submerged in the pleasantly hot water, trying not to notice the water get slightly cloudier. Rainbow, seated herself, leaned her head on Applejack’s shoulder, closing her eyes in contentment. Applejack smiled, running a hoof through her marefriend’s colorful mane, delighting in the softness it had achieved.

“So, you thought about where you wanna go for dinner yet?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack’s brow furrowed. “No, but Ah remembered somethin’ else just now. We still gotta pick up those… picks from the music shop ‘fore yer next lesson with Vinyl.”

“I’m sure we have time,” Rainbow assured. “Besides, it’s not like we’re going straight to dinner anyway. We could stop by there before then.”

Applejack nodded. “That’d be best.”

“So I take it we have no idea where we’re going for dinner, then?”

“Not a clue,” Applejack confirmed.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “We’ll find some place.”

“Don’t reckon we’ll be goin’ anywhere quite as fancy as that restaurant Mac an’ Rare went ta,” Applejack pondered. “But Ah’m sure yer not too hung up on that.”

Rainbow grinned. “Aw, you mean we’re gonna go somewhere we can actually read the menus?”

Applejack chuckled. “Ah’m afraid so, sugarcube.”

“So I brought my dictionary for nothing?”

Applejack blinked. “You have a dictionary?”

“Nope. Do you?”

Applejack shook her head. “Apple Bloom might. Ah heard ‘er talkin’ about it once.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Rainbow shrugged. “They’ve tried just about everything else, right?”

“Everythin’ appropriate fer a filly her age,” Applejack supposed.

“Hope they don’t run out of ideas before that list gets a little bigger.”

Applejack frowned. “Ah hope they have their cutie marks by then.”

Rainbow shrugged. “We’ll be here to put a cap on that if it happens.”

“Ah suppose,” Applejack conceded. “Though Ah’m hopin’ it don’ come to that.”

“We’ve been over this, haven’t we? Don’t worry about it unless we have to,” Rainbow said, nuzzling Applejack’s neck.

Applejack smiled. “Ah’m sure ya’ll have it worked outta me ‘fore too long.”

Rainbow smiled back. “That’s the plan.”

Applejack laughed, returning Rainbow’s nuzzle. “Ah suppose we got enough ta deal with already tonight.”

“Don’t remind me,” Rainbow joked, “I might explode.”

“Can’t have that,” Applejack agreed. “That’s not supposed ta happen ‘til later.”

Rainbow merely nodded, lapsing into silence as she enjoyed the hot water and the feel of Applejack’s wet fur. Applejack smiled at the pegasus leaning so lovingly against her, pulling her closer with a hoof and kissing her forehead. Rainbow smiled, kissing Applejack under the chin, noting the chortle it earned, and subsequent laughter from repeated attacks.

“Okay, okay, Ah’m ticklish there, too,” Applejack admitted through giggles.

Rainbow giggled, giving Applejack a proper kiss on the lips. “I know I said it before, but tonight is gonna be so awesome.”

Applejack smiled, giving Rainbow a squeeze before lying back in the water. It was shallow enough to lay flat and still have her head above the water. She rested her head on the edge of the hot tub, giggling as Rainbow lay down beside her and rested her head against her chest. Applejack’s hoof returned to its rightful place around Rainbow’s shoulders.

They lay in contentment for a while, interspersed with occasional nuzzles, simply enjoying the other’s presence. So it was that sometime later, Aloe and Lotus intruded upon the scene.

“Excuse me, girls,” Aloe began. “I apologize, but the spa is closing soon. So if you would be so kind as to dry yourselves…”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s heads shot up. Applejack blinked. “It’s five already?”

Lotus nodded. “I’m afraid so. You can always come back tomorrow, if you’d like.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that would be pretty awesome,” Rainbow said, turning to Applejack. “This has actually been really fun.”

Applejack smiled. “Maybe ya should listen ta me more, sugarcube.”

“I probably should if this is what happens,” Rainbow agreed.

Applejack chuckled. “Well, we should probably be gettin’ out anyway. How long we been in here?”

“About two hours,” Aloe answered, “though how much of that was spent in the hot tub, I wouldn’t know.”

Rainbow shivered as she stepped out, prompting her to huddle close to Applejack for warmth. Applejack smiled, accepting the towels offered by the twins gratefully, wrapping one around the shivering pegasus before donning her own.

The spa twins left the two mares to their quest for dryness, which would inevitably chain to a trip to the music shop, and end at a dinner date at some indeterminate location. It was the reward, however, that was on Applejack and Rainbow’s minds as they completed the first of three prerequisites.

“Alright!” Rainbow said, leading Applejack out of the spa with an authoritative air about her. “Let’s figure out this pick business and find ourselves a place to eat! We’ve only got about an hour and a half before sundown, and I’m not gonna waste a single minute of this night!”

“Ain’t we already wastin’ time sittin’ here talkin’?” Applejack laughed.

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “You’re right! This is a time for action! Come on!” Rainbow raced off in the direction of the music shop, leaving an amused Applejack to follow behind a pace.

“What’s with the sudden determination, Rainbow?” Applejack asked as she caught up.

“Are you kidding?” Rainbow glanced at Applejack sideways. “There’s sex to be had here, AJ!”

Applejack chortled. “As if Ah could ferget.”

Rainbow skidded to a halt before their destination. “Okay, let’s grab the loot and go!” Rainbow said, darting inside and out of sight.

Applejack rolled her eyes and shook her head as she entered after her. Though Rainbow wasn’t visible from the entrance, Applejack knew she’d be in the strings section of the store. But as she was passing by the percussion section that separated the two, something caught her eye. It was a drum set, one she swore was the same shade as a Red Delicious apple.

Applejack paused, regarding the drum set before her, wondering if their band could truly be complete with just vocals and guitars. While most of her experience with pertained to string instruments, she couldn’t deny the fact that every band needed good percussion. With a thoughtful frown, Applejack made to enter the strings section, only to find Rainbow already leaving with her plunder seized, if not paid for.

Rainbow didn’t notice until they had exited the store that Applejack seemed distant. “Something wrong, AJ?”

Applejack shook her head. “Just thinkin’.”

“About what?” Rainbow prodded.

“’Bout our band, actually,” Applejack admitted. “Ya’ve said yerself Ah don’t really need much work on mah singin’ skills, but yer off learnin’ a new instrument. Ah guess Ah feel like Ah should be doin’ somethin’, too. And, well, we ain’t really got a drummer.”

“I guess not,” Rainbow agreed.

Applejack smiled. “So, maybe we should be goin’ about this different. How’s about you take care o’ the guitars, and Ah’ll get ta learnin’ the drums. Then we could split the vocal work so we can both be contributin’ the same.”

Rainbow grinned. “I like the sound of that. What made you think of it?”

Applejack’s smile became sheepish. “Well, Ah saw this drum set in there the same red as an apple.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Rainbow giggled.

“’Cause ya know me too well,” Applejack answered.

Rainbow cocked her head. “So what, you want me to forget things about you?”

Applejack laughed. “No, ya silly filly. Ah figure we’re goin’ ta get ta know each other a little better tonight, anyway.”

Rainbow blushed. “Yeah, sure will.”

“What, no snappy comeback?” Applejack smirked.

Rainbow shook her head. “Sorry, I guess I’m just a little nervous is all.”

Applejack smiled. “That why ya were actin’ all funny earlier?”

Rainbow offered a non-committal shrug in response, turning her attention to finding someplace to eat. “That place looks pretty cool,” Rainbow pointed out a quaint little diner with a musical note emblazoned on the door.

Applejack chuckled at the change in subject. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous, herself. “Wanna go check it out?”

Rainbow nodded, leading the way inside. They were surprised to find upon entering that Octavia and her old quartet were in the middle of a set. While it didn’t look like much on the outside, the restaurant was actually quite large, yet still retained the homey air of a family-owned pub, if a bit quieter and more refined.

Applejack looked around in wonderment as she made her way to the welcome booth, Rainbow following with a similar expression.

“Do you have a reservation?” The stallion at the booth asked.

“Oh, we need a reservation here?” Rainbow frowned in disappointment.

Applejack sighed. “Well, Ah guess we’ll have ta find someplace else.”

Before they could make it to the door, they heard frantic hoofsteps behind them. “Wait, I know these two,” Octavia said, having vacated her place on stage. “They’re friends of mine. Surely we could work something out?”

The stallion at the welcome booth frowned, thinking. “Well, I suppose we do have one table without current occupants, though I’m not sure you would allow these two to dine at your own table.”

“Of course!” Octavia nodded fervently, smiling as Rainbow and Applejack brightened. She turned to them as the stallion produced two menus and led them to a table near the front of the stage.

“Ah never knew ya still did gigs with yer old quartet,” Applejack spoke. “Ah figured since ya got inta workin’ with Vinyl-“

Octavia interrupted with a giggle, shaking her head. “No, even with my new line of work with Vinyl, I still make time to perform here every week. This is actually where my quartet and I had our first show. It’s become a bit of a tradition.”

“That’s awesome,” Rainbow chimed in. “And you’ve got your own table and everything?”

Octavia nodded. “It’s one of the perks of being a world-renowned cellist, I suppose.”

They stopped before a particularly extravagant booth with the cutie marks of each member of Octavia’s quartet emblazoned on the table’s surface.

“Vinyl usually comes with me to these, though she had business of her own to take care of,” Octavia said, smiling. “I’m glad I’ll have at least two familiar faces in the crowd.”

“Thanks, fer this, Octavia. Ya really didn’t have ta.”

Octavia chuckled. “And miss an opportunity to improve your first date? I simply couldn’t resist.”

Rainbow grinned. “You’re the best, Tavi. Well, except for AJ, but I’m kinda biased on that one.”

Octavia nodded, smiling. “If you girls would excuse me, I’d like to serenade you with new vigor.”

“You do that,” Rainbow said, not entirely comprehending.

Octavia giggled, waving as she retook her place back on stage. She offered a smile in response to the questioning gazes of her bandmates, which seemed to placate them.

As the music continued, Applejack and Rainbow took their seats in the plush booth. The menu, while extravagant, was thankfully comprehensible. “And you said we weren’t going anywhere fancy,” Rainbow laughed.

“’Cause Ah really expected this ta happen,” Applejack shot back, laughing as well.

Rainbow placed a kiss on Applejack’s cheek. “Well I’m really glad it did.”

Applejack blushed, kissing Rainbow back before returning her attention to the menu. “Ah reckon they’ve got tons o’ fancy foods here. Anythin’ ya wanna try?”

“That pasta whatever thing looks pretty good,” Rainbow said. “And it says it serves two.”

Applejack smiled. “We’ll split it.”

“Just like the bill,” Rainbow laughed.

“If Octavia doesn’t insist on payin’ for it herself,” Applejack supposed.

“Yeah, she probably will,” Rainbow agreed.

“Don’ mean we gotta enjoy it any less,” Applejack pointed out.

Rainbow grinned. “Are you kidding? This means we can eat as expensive as we want!”

Applejack frowned. “Ah’m not sure Ah’m comfortable takin’ advantage o’ her like that.”

“I’m not either,” Rainbow said. “That was a joke.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “It’s hard ta tell with you sometimes.”

Rainbow shrugged, relaying their order when the waiter came around. Food taken care of, she slumped onto Applejack’s shoulder, closing her eyes and enjoying the music. Applejack rested her head against Rainbow’s, sighing in contentment.

Octavia smiled at them between songs, winking in encouragement. Applejack smiled back, pulling Rainbow closer to her. Octavia giggled before she began her next song.

Their food arrived shortly, and it was delicious.

“Ah gotta hoof it to ya, Rainbow. Ya do have an eye for quality,” Applejack praised.

“You seem to be hoofing me quite a lot these days,” Rainbow sniggered.

“Only ‘cause ya deserve it,” Applejack defended.

Rainbow grinned. “Really? Nothing else making you so generous?”

Applejack adopted a mischievous grin, herself. “Well, now that ya mention it, Ah have been spendin’ a bit o’ time with Rarity.”

“Don’t even joke about that,” Rainbow protested. “Seriously, just… no. Stop it.”

Applejack chuckled. “Sorry, Ah couldn’t resist.”

“I mean, Rarity’s a good friend and all, but…”

“Ah know what ya mean,” Applejack assured. “Ah have enough trouble bein’ around her more ‘n five minutes as it is.”

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Rainbow laughed.

“Ah think Mac’s good on her, though,” Applejack continued. “He’s much more patient than either o’ us could ever be.”

Rainbow nodded. “They do work kinda well together, don’t they? I mean, Rarity’s after a stallion, and you don’t really get more stallion than Mac. And even if Mac is kinda into stallions, that doesn’t mean they can’t work something out in the bedroom, right?”

Applejack blushed, shaking her head. “Ah don’ wanna think about that.”

“Sorry,” Rainbow apologized sheepishly. “But, you know, he never really told you just what his deal is with the whole double-hinged barn door, right?”

Applejack shook her head. “Ah guess not. Ah just thought he sounded a bit embarrassed about it.”

“You can only get so much out of that,” Rainbow pointed out. “Maybe he was embarrassed because he was lying. Ever think of that?”

“He wasn’t lying,” Applejack replied instantly. “Ah know mah brother, Rainbow, and Ah know honesty. There might be somethin’ a bit unclear ‘bout it all ta us, but Ah’m sure he’s got it all worked out in his head.”

“And that’s what matters, I guess,” Rainbow shrugged. “Still, I can’t help but think of how cool it would be if your brother dated a stallion. We’d be like, the gayest farm family ever!”

“Sure does defy tradition, don’t it?

“And what better way to start a new tradition?” Rainbow asked. “We could do so much with that.”

Applejack nodded, thinking about it herself.

Octavia approached them, which was odd, because they couldn’t remember the music stopping, though none was currently playing. Before either of them could question this new development, Octavia spoke. “I see you’re quite surprised,” Octavia laughed. “We’re just taking a break between sets, and I wanted to see how you two were doing. But seeing you so engrossed in your conversation told me enough.”

“I have to admit, that cello of yours is really something else,” Rainbow praised.

Something else it truly was. Their entire quartet was so masterful at ambience, even their transitions seemed natural. Even if that transition was into silence. And they provided such an air of levity that it was easy to get lost in whatever it is you were doing.

And to think, this was the same cellist who collaborated with DJ-Pon3 to make all sorts of abrasive, and otherwise, electronic music from just about every genre.

“Ya really are a master o’ yer instrument,” Applejack agreed.

Octavia smiled. “Thank you. But I really came to tell you that you don’t have to worry about your bill. I already have it on my tab.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “When did you do that?”

"Ah never saw ya leave the stage,” Applejack added.

Octavia giggled. “I’ll let that be my little secret.”

Both mares were left to wonder just when Octavia had become so stealthy as the cellist rejoined her quartet to start their second set.

“How in the hell…”

“Does it really, matter, sugarcube? We both knew it was gonna happen anyway,” Applejack offered.

“I guess not,” Rainbow admitted. “But still…”

Applejack rolled her eyes, resting her head on Rainbow’s shoulder as music once again flowed through the restaurant. Rainbow leaned back against Applejack. Or she would have, had Applejack been leaning on her to begin with. The uneven distribution of force had them toppling over awkwardly, as Rainbow’s head connected with Applejack’s flank.

Rainbow jumped. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to-“

Applejack started up in a fit of giggles, soon laughing uncontrollably as she moved to pull Rainbow back down on top of her. Rainbow found herself caught up in the mirth of the moment, laughing along as she nuzzled Applejack’s shoulder.

“Sorry,” Rainbow giggled as their laughter began to die down.

“It’s alright, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled. Got yer mind off Octavia’s sneakin’ skills.

“She really does have that effect on ponies,” Rainbow mused. “Octavia, I mean.”

Applejack nodded. “It is amazin’ how much she’s opened up, ain’t it?”

“I think we can thank Scratch for that,” Rainbow jested.

“Ah reckon we can,” Applejack agreed. “They’re good fer each other.”

“That does tend to be a theme, doesn’t it?” Rainbow laughed. “You’d think ponies would pair up haphazardly, right?”

Applejack shoved Rainbow playfully. “You know what Ah mean.”

“Or do I?”

Applejack grinned. “Well, maybe Ah’ll have ta show ya.”

Rainbow smiled at Applejack, who smiled back. Unable to resist, the two shared an extended kiss out of sight of all but Octavia’s quartet.

“You know, of all the things I expect to taste on your lips, pasta isn’t really up there,” Rainbow jested.

Applejack chortled. “Ah could say the same fer you, sugarcube.”

Rainbow sniggered, kissing Applejack again. “You know, if we did stop here, I don’t think I’d have too much of a problem with that.”

“Ah know what ya mean, sugarcube,” Applejack admitted. “It almost feels like it’d make all o’ this unimportant if we went all the way tonight.”

Rainbow smiled. “To be honest, I’m not really even sure I’m ready. I mean, I really want to, but…”

Applejack nodded. “It’s just such a big step.”

“Yeah, and maybe, you know, we shouldn’t really force it,” Rainbow went on. “Like what you were saying earlier about what Tavi told you about Lyra and Scratch.”

Applejack chuckled. “Now ya listen ta me?”

Rainbow blushed, averting her gaze.

Applejack turned Rainbow back to face her. “Y’know, Ah really was worried we’d be goin’ down that same path earlier. But now…”

Rainbow smiled. “This is really what sets us apart from them, right? I’ve got you to be responsible for us.”

“Ah suppose that’s true,” Applejack agreed.

“Tomorrow, though, good luck keeping me off you,” Rainbow warned jokingly.

Applejack laughed. “Gotta leave somethin’ ta look forward to, Ah guess.”

Rainbow smiled, pulling Applejack in for another kiss, which was happily returned. “You know, today really has been a whole lot of fun. We should really do this again.”

Applejack nuzzled Rainbow’s shoulder. “Whenever ya feel up for a little relaxation, jes’ let me know.”

Rainbow nodded, smile widening ever so slightly. “You got it, boss.”

Octavia looked down on the two mares embracing like a proud mother, having heard bits and pieces of their conversation. As if I needed any less reason to doubt them, she mused, packing up for the night. She had to admit, there was a fair bit of majesty to be found in playing music for two of her recently romantically inclined friends. She sighed wistfully, wishing Vinyl had been on hoof to witness it.

Octavia made her way backstage after packing up her cello and waving to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. She bid farewell to her quartet and made for the door leading outside, raising her hoof to-

“You were great out there, Tavi,” Vinyl’s voice sounded behind her.

Octavia beamed, turning around to throw her hooves around her marefriend. “How long have you been here?”

Vinyl smiled. “Long enough to see what you did for those two, and how happy you looked playing for them. My set ended early, so I figured I’d stop by to check on you. Can’t say I was expecting something like that, though.”

Octavia blushed. “I… It was just…”

Vinyl giggled, rolling her eyes. “Chill, Tavs. I’m happy I got to see you like that. And I know those guys need all the help they can get.”

“I don’t know, they seem to be doing well enough on their own.” Octavia smiled. “Reminds me of our first few days together.”

Vinyl groaned, face-hoofing. “Don’t remind me. I’m still trying to get over that spaghetti explosion.”

Octavia laughed. “Then perhaps I shouldn’t tell you they had a pasta dish of their own tonight. And no, it did not explode.”

Vinyl let her hoof drop to the floor, after having raised it to ask that very question. “Well, I guess the chefs here are a little bit better at cooking than me.”

“Just a little?” Octavia giggled.

“Okay, a lot better,” Vinyl admitted, rolling her eyes. “Now are we gonna just stand here all day? I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted.”

Octavia nodded, leading her marefriend out the door and back home.

Applejack and Rainbow were on their own way home after having their tab picked up by the sneaky cellist. They could have sworn they never saw her stray farther from her stage than to their table.

“Maybe she did it when she came by ta get us a table,” Applejack guessed.

Rainbow frowned. “That would have to be it. I just didn’t know she’d been taking lessons from Scratch.”

“Maybe Vinyl’s been takin’ lessons from Octavia,” Applejack pointed out. “Ya never know with them quiet ones.”

Rainbow giggled. “Yeah, I’m sure Tavi’s the mastermind behind their entire relationship. She already has Scratch brainwashed with those earth pony seduction powers.”

“Ya still goin’ on about that?” Applejack chortled.

“Hey, the evidence is all there and nopony’s proven me wrong yet,” Rainbow said. “Unless you’d want to show me sometime.”

Applejack shook her head in amusement. “Ah’ll be sure ta tell ya all about it tomorrow.”

“Awesome.” Rainbow nudged open the door to a quiet farmhouse. She had to admit, sleep did sound pretty good about now, especially with a sexy orange farmpony there to cuddle with.

“Ah don’t suppose we’ll need a shower after that trip to the spa,” Applejack acknowledged. “So if ya wanna hop right to it, that’d be alright with me.”

Rainbow nodded, leaning against Applejack as they made their way up the stairs and to their now-shared room, not to say that Tank was complaining about having the guest bed all to himself. Applejack dove under the covers first, Rainbow sliding in beside her to wrap her hooves around her.

“Big day ahead o’ us tomorrow,” Applejack said, nuzzling into the crook of Rainbow’s neck.

“Bring it on. With both of us there, days don’t stand a chance.”

Applejack chuckled at her marefriend’s confidence. “Good night, Rainbow.” She gave Rainbow a kiss on the cheek.

Rainbow smiled, returning the gesture before relaxing into Applejack’s embrace. “Good night, AJ.”

Big Macintosh lay awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling. After a day of contemplating his failures at finding Rarity, his mind still had enough questions to keep him from sleep. Sighing in frustration, he rose from his bed. When all else failed, counting apples always served to make him tired.

He made his way to the barn where the apples were stored, marveling not for the first time at just how many they had already managed to harvest. Rainbow Dash’s help was proving invaluable this time of year, and it was plain to see how happy she was making Applejack. She always did seem to be at her brightest around the speedy pegasus. He’d have to make sure to-

“Big Macintosh?” Rarity’s voice startled the stallion in reverie.

“Rare? What-“

Rarity stepped forward, placing a hoof to Big Mac’s lips. “Please, Mac. I… I can’t lie anymore.”

Big Mac’s eyes widened, tearing up as his mind came to a conclusion. “You… Ya don’ wanna see me anymore, do ya?”

Rarity jumped in alarm. “What? No, Mac, it’s not that at all!”

Big Mac regarded her dubiously. “It’s alright, Rare. Ah understand, ya don’ have ta-“

Rarity silenced Big Macintosh with a gentle kiss on the lips. He instantly softened at the touch, his fears calming. “Not that, Mac. Never that.” Rarity averted her gaze briefly. “Unless you don’t want to see me again.”

“What? Why would Ah not wanna see ya?” Big Mac asked sadly.

“Because I…” Rarity gulped. “I have something I need to confess.”

Big Macintosh waited quietly, mind racing with possibilities. But it certainly never occurred to him that-

“I’m not really a mare,” Rarity squeaked out.

Big Mac paused; face draining of emotion, his mind drawing a blank. “Ah… Ah don’…”

“I was born a colt,” Rarity continued, voice barely above a whisper. “But mother and father wanted a daughter. They did all they could to change me, to hide who I really am. On my first birthday they paid a professional for reconstructive magical surgery for my face. It was obviously a remarkable success. But there is one thing that magic cannot change, nor conceal but temporarily…”

Big Macintosh opened his mouth, but found no words to speak.

“They called me Rarity, for one I certainly was. They raised me as a proper filly, doing their utmost to ensure I could still be the daughter they had wanted.” Rarity sighed. “They asked a tutor to teach me a concealment spell for my… abnormality. It’s helped me out of many a tight situation, and allowed me a little more… leniency in my gait. Nopony was ever the wiser of my true disposition, even now. But my parents eventually grew dissatisfied of me. They wanted a real daughter, and got one in Sweetie Belle.”

Rarity averted her gaze. “I grew jealous of her. She was everything mother and father wanted, while I was forced to the side. More than ever, I worked to make them believe I was a real mare. I slowly worked my way back into their favor by being as marely as I could. I used everything I had been taught, I truly became what they had made me. More than them, I convinced myself. Being a mare was something I had always embraced, but it became more than that, almost an obsession. But the more attention they paid to me, the less was left for Sweetie Belle. It broke my heart to see her neglected in any way. So I did the most generous thing I’ve ever done. I left, set off to make it on my own.

“I bought Carousel Boutique at the age of fourteen and began to sell dresses to support myself. It came naturally, of course. I had made all my own dresses since I was five, custom made for myself. For while the concealment spell did make my abnormality invisible, it was still there, and showed through fabric.” Rarity laughed half-heartedly. “It’s funny when you come to think that it was all because my parents couldn’t find dresses that would allow me proper concealment. They got so frustrated one day that I thought to try my own hoof at dressmaking. And you can clearly see where that’s taken me.

“I looked back on those days, of course, but I knew things were better without me. Sweetie Belle got all the attention she deserved, and I was off doing what I loved, free of judgment. Left to myself, I dreamt of what life could be like if I was successful. I was always taken by the fashion scene of Canterlot, and the sophistication was something to be craved. I eventually heard tell of Prince Blueblood, and his availability. But we all know how that turned out. That’s what made me think that perhaps I was looking for love in the wrong places.

“It didn’t take long for me to develop feelings for you, though you were the brother of one of my long-time friends. It almost felt like I’d had them all along, but was always too afraid to act on them. I still was afraid when I asked you on that first date. I still am, more than ever. I thought that, perhaps if I got close to you before I revealed my true self that you would accept me and give me a chance, but now I…” Rarity trailed off, tears forming in her eyes as she contemplated her failure.

But Big Macintosh would have none of that. He gently kissed away Rarity’s tears before they could fall, feeling closer to her than ever before. He wrapped her in a tender embrace once her tears had been dried. Rarity leaned into the hug in a daze, scarcely believing her luck.

“Y’know, ya coulda just told me from the start,” Big Mac rumbled. “Ah figure yer just the mare Ah’ve been lookin’ fer.”

“What? How can you-“

“Mah barn door swings both ways,” Big Mac said through a heavy blush. “Ah tend ta prefer a mare’s figure and lack o’ judgment Ah’d get from bein’ with one, but… well, yer a stallion where it counts.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, blushing profusely. “So you’re saying you… like the fact that I have a…”

Big Mac nodded. “Ah know ya like bein’ the mare, but… maybe we could take it in turns?”

Rarity nodded emphatically. “Whatever you want, Mac, I’ll be happy to oblige. But right now I… I don’t know if I can make it back home like this.”

Big Mac’s eyes widened as he became aware of something stiff against his stomach. “I, uh…”

Rarity giggled, blushing. “Sorry. I’m just so excited.” She yawned. “And also very sleepy.”

Big Mac let out a chuckle that ended in a yawn. “Ah hear ya, Rare.” He gave her a peck on the nose. “There’s time fer that later. But fer now…”

Rarity squeaked as Big Macintosh heaved her up onto his back.

“Ya don’ mind if Ah still call ya mah marefriend, right?”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Mac.” Rarity smiled, wrapping her hooves around Mac’s neck.

Big Mac walked over to the front porch, sneaking in the door and moving quietly upstairs. They reached his room without incident, where Big Mac lowered Rarity onto his bed, shortly joining her. Rarity embraced him again when he laid down, nuzzling into his broad chest.

“Ya know, we’re probably gonna have ta tell the family ‘fore they start askin’ why we ain’t havin’ no foals,” Big Mac said.

Rarity giggled. “We haven’t even had sex yet!”

Big Mac blushed. “Ah know, but with the way things are running on the farm…”

“Your last hope for foals is Apple Bloom,” Rarity finished, smiling sadly.

Big Mac chuckled. “Nah, t’aint that. Applejack done told me she’s got a way ta get foals with Rainbow. She got a book on it an’ everythin’.”

Rarity giggled. “I wonder where they got it.”

Big Mac grinned. “Beats me.”

Rarity yawned. “Well I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted.” She kissed Mac on the nose. “Good night, Mac.”

“Night, Rare.” Big Mac returned the gesture, cradling Rarity’s head as they drifted off to
sleep.

Author's Note

Yay, massive chapter! And yes, sex is happening on day six. Because puns, kinda. Shutupidowhatiwant. And so many shenanigans, my god. They just keep happening. I actually hinted at the thing with Rarity in a blog post thing. Sneaky. Actually, it was more like speculation, and then it happened. Because that's my creative process, laid out in that wall of text. Yes, I know I'm weird.

Day Six - Explanation

Apple Bloom yawned, rubbing her eyes as she regained consciousness. She looked around, noting the pile of fillies she had become a part of with a giggle. After meeting up the previous morning, the three fillies had spent the day as any other. If you cut out the parts where kisses were shared, hugs were longer than normal, and cuddle piles were formed, anyway.

They had spent the night in Apple Bloom’s room, barely avoiding suspicion from Granny Smith. Apple Bloom really didn’t want to get Applejack and Rainbow in trouble for prompting their romantic shenanigans. But the day, and subsequent night, had raised many questions for all involved.

Scootaloo stirred from her rest, raising her head and smiling tiredly at Apple Bloom. “Morning, AB. Sweetie Belle still asleep?”

Apple Bloom nodded. “Ah’m thinkin’, though. Are y’all as… confused about this as me?”

Scootaloo cocked her head. “Confused about what?”

“Well, all o’ this,” Apple Bloom made a sweeping gesture, accidentally connecting with Sweetie Belle’s horn.

Sweetie Belle’s face scrunched up in her sleep. She mumbled something before turning and hugging Apple Bloom’s foreleg.

Apple Bloom shook her head in bemusement while Scootaloo’s face lit up. She donned a devious grin as she reached a wing around to sneakily brush against Sweetie Belle’s horn.

Sweetie Belle spoke again in her sleep, this time a little clearer, murmuring some strange combination of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo’s names. She opened her eyes blearily at a third touch to her horn. “Huh?”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “Mornin’, Belle. Sorry Scoot woke ya. But that’s just what Ah’m talkin’ about. What is that thing with yer wings and her horn? And now that we’re together, what do we even do? What can we do we that we couldn’t before? Why do Ah feel like Ah’m meetin’ y’all again fer the first time?”

“Why don’t you ask your sister? She’s the one who told you about this stuff in the first place, right?” Sweetie Belle suggested, still half asleep.

Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah, and Rainbow Dash! She knows all about this kinda stuff. And she’s got wings, so maybe she knows something about that.”

Apple Bloom chuckled. “Anythin’ ta get a chance ta talk ta yer idol, huh?”

“Shut up!” Scootaloo shot back.

Apple Bloom nodded, placating the flustered filly. If she didn’t know better, she might think her friend had a bit of a crush on the older pegasus. But she did know better, so she merely kissed Sweetie Belle on the nose in an attempt to wake her up faster. Sweetie Belle giggled and rose to a sitting position.

“So are we gonna go ask them?” Sweetie Belle yawned.

“Yup. Come on, Ah think they’re in AJ’s room still.” Apple Bloom made a forward motion before bouncing off the bed. Scootaloo followed along giddily, leaving Sweetie Belle to shake herself awake and catch up.

Apple Bloom knocked on Applejack’s door to no answer. Curious, she let herself in to find an adorable sight. Rainbow Dash lay draped over Applejack’s chest, wings tucked tightly around the farm mare, who had a single hoof wrapped around the midsection of her pegasus extension.

Sweetie Belle stepped into the doorway, and could not resist joining Apple Bloom in a chorus of d’aww. Scootaloo merely rolled her eyes and reached a hoof up to poke Rainbow Dash in the side.

“Not now, Applejack. We gotta set the mood first,” Rainbow mumbled, still very much asleep.

Confused, and slightly frustrated, Scootaloo poked her again, in the wing this time.

Rainbow chortled in her sleep. “Okay, we can skip all that. Now come on, we…” Rainbow trailed off, completing her thought a few seconds later. “Sexy time.”

Scootaloo frowned. “What?”

“Sexy time? What’s that?” Sweetie Belle asked nopony in particular.

Scootaloo shrugged aloofly. “I don’t know. You’re the dictionary.”

Sweetie Belle frowned. “And you’re the chicken.”

“I thought we agreed not to talk about that!” Scootaloo snapped.

“Girls, please!” Apple Bloom got between the two before they could butt heads. “Ah heard mah sister talkin’ about it with Rainbow once. It was somethin’ about… some kinda… Ah don’t know. They never said.”

“Well then let’s ask them!” Scootaloo said, shaking Rainbow fiercely, finally waking the slumbering pegasus, and her orange body pillow in the process.

“Not so rough, AJ, I-“ Rainbow blinked, taking in her sudden change of surroundings. She looked down to a dazed-looking Applejack in confusion. “So… I just dreamt all that stuff, right?”

Applejack tried to shrug, but found her movement restricted by Rainbow’s wings.

Rainbow retracted her wings sheepishly, apologizing. “Sorry. I may have gotten a little bit-“ Rainbow froze, staring with wide eyes at their young audience. She glanced back at Applejack to find a baffled expression on her face. “How… much of that did you hear?”

“We heard about the sexy time! What’s that mean?” Sweetie Belle chirped innocently.

Rainbow’s face fell into her pillow, which also happened to be Applejack’s chest. “Luna dammit,” she muttered.

Applejack laughed. “It’d have ta come up eventually, right sugarcube?”

Rainbow raised her head. “Wait, you’re okay with talking about sex with them now?”

Applejack shrugged. “Ya said yerself ya’d have it beaten outta me.”

“But so soon? I mean, I know I’m awesome, but…”

Applejack laughed again, kissing Rainbow on the nose before turning to the three fillies at the side of their bed. “Well, Ah’m sure ya have a whole lotta questions. But let’s start off with somethin’ a little less… sexy.”

”Okay, how about those weird tingly feelings I’m starting to get in my wings?” Scootaloo asked.

“Uh, we said less sexy…” Rainbow frowned.

“Wait, ya mean that’s what sex is about?” Apple Bloom cocked her head. “What about Sweetie Belle’s horn, then?”

Applejack chuckled nervously. “Ah, uh… Let’s just steer clear o’ the uh, physical stuff fer now.”

The three fillies adopted matching frowns briefly before shedding them in favor of expressions of excited curiosity. “Alright, then what else is there? Like, what are we supposed ta do now that we’re fillyfriends?”

“Other than kissing,” Sweetie Belle clarified. “We already do that.”

Rainbow scoffed. “Please, kid. Those little pecks aren’t real kissing. There’s gotta be way more tongue involved.”

Scootaloo’s eyes narrowed in befuddlement. “Tongue?”

Applejack nodded. “Ya gotta do it with yer mouths open. That way ya can… well, lick each other’s tongues, Ah guess.”

The three fillies’ heads shot back. “Lick each other’s tongues?” Sweetie Belle asked incredulously.

“You wouldn’t understand unless you tried it,” Rainbow said.

“Ah’m not sure Ah wanna,” Apple Bloom spoke for all three, evidenced by their nods of affirmation.

“Well, ya don’ have ta do nothin’ ya don’ wanna,” Applejack reassured. “There is other stuff ya can do, but Ah’m not sure it’d be proper at yer age ta date.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, as long as they’re careful and don’t upset the wrong ponies...”

“Ah guess so. Can’t imagine the kinda looks they’d be gettin’, though,” Applejack shuddered.

“Yeah, just don’t let strangers take you anywhere. Like, at all.”

Applejack blinked. “That’s not what Ah meant! Celestia, Dash, Ah don’ even wanna think about that!”

Rainbow laughed. “Nah, Ponyville’s a pretty clean town. You shouldn’t have to worry about that.”

“What the hay are you two going on about?” Scootaloo demanded.

Rainbow reached down to pat Scootaloo on the head. “Nothing you’ve gotta worry about, Scoot.”

“When ya say datin’, ya mean like what Mac told us ‘bout him an’ Rarity?”

“Pretty much, yeah,” Rainbow nodded. “There’s other stuff you can do, of course. Dinner’s probably above what you should be doing, though. Like, maybe a picnic at Ponyville Park for lunch or something like that.”

“That sounds like fun!” Sweetie Belle grinned.

“That does sound fun, Rainbow,” Applejack agreed. “An’ we ain’t done it yet.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “I’ll work on it.”

“Might even convince me ta ferget that little talk we had,” Applejack speculated.

Rainbow giggled. “And that brings us back to sex.”

Applejack nodded. “If ya’ve already started gettin’ tingly feelin’s, then it probably won’t be too long ‘fore ya start ta get them in other places, too. An’ ya might also get some urges. Now Ah’m not tellin’ ya not ta do nothin’ about those, but don’ go too fast with it. Yer still fillies, and ya will be ‘till ya at least get yer cutie marks. Understand?”

The three fillies nodded in comprehension.

“And hey, it might serve as an added incentive to get those cutie marks, right?” Rainbow grinned. “I can’t really talk from experience just yet, but I’m sure that will change pretty soon.”

Applejack laughed, shoving Rainbow to the bed playfully. “Don’ you get me started, sugarcube.”

“Of course not,” Rainbow promised. “That’s not until later.”

“What we’re tryin’a get at is that ya’ll probably start ta get those kinda tingly feelin’s down a bit lower,” Applejack explained.

“Yeah, right down between your legs,” Rainbow added.

Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shared an astonished glance, blushing heavily. “Ya mean down there?”

“But that’s where…” Sweetie Belle trailed off.

Scootaloo shook her head. “Oh Luna, that’s…”

Applejack nodded. “And we have yer word ya’ll wait ‘till ya have yer cutie marks, at least?”

The flustered fillies nodded in unison, all looking in different directions.

“I think we can trust them on this one, AJ,” Rainbow said. “Besides, I think they’ve still got a ways to go before then.”

“Ah reckon so, sugarcube,” Applejack agreed.

“Now head on downstairs for breakfast, alright?”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded again, taking on this new crusade with a remarkable lack of enthusiasm as they shuffled their way out of the room and down the stairs in silence.

“Well, that’s one way to start a day,” Rainbow supposed, sighing,

Applejack laughed, nodding. “Let’s head on down, too. Breakfast sounds real nice about now.”

Rainbow nodded in agreement, following Applejack downstairs to find none other than Rarity sitting at the Apple family dining table next to Big Macintosh. “Oh, hey Rarity. You get all that stuff sorted out with Mac?”

Rarity nodded, leaning her head against Big Mac’s shoulder. “And am I ever glad I did. It went better than I could have ever hoped.”

Applejack smiled. “Well, we’re happy ta hear it. An’ welcome ta the family.”

Rarity smiled broadly, reaching up to plant a kiss on Mac’s cheek. Big Mac blushed, pulling his marefriend closer. “We got somethin’ else ta tell y’all, too,” Big Macintosh prompted.

“I suppose we do,” Rarity agreed, waiting for the family to be seated before speaking. “I know this may come as quite a shock. Especially to you, Applejack and Rainbow. I’m sorry for keeping it a secret for so long. But it is now best that you know that I’m not the mare you think I am.”

Applejack and Rainbow both opened their mouths to inquire further, but realization’s dawning stopped their questions short.

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, Rarity’s a guy.”

Rarity smiled shyly in response.

A smile slowly came over Applejack’s face. “What was that ya were sayin’ yesterday ‘bout this bein’ the gayest farm family ever, Rainbow?”

Rainbow burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, this is just too perfect!” She struggled mightily to contain her giggles, but to no avail. “Oh my gosh.”

Applejack chuckled. “Ah’ll speak fer Rainbow. We’re definitely surprised ya manage to hide it so well, but we’d never think o’ judgin’ ya fer it.”

“An’ this is somethin’ ya want, Mac?” Granny Smith asked levelly.

Big Macintosh nodded firmly, pulling Rarity closer still.

“Too tight, dear,” Rarity gasped.

“Sorry.” Mac loosened his grip slightly.

Granny Smith chuckled. “Well, it sure is hay ain’t expected, but if it makes ya happy, Ah can’t say no.”

Big Mac smiled. “Thanks, Granny.”

Rainbow finally calmed down, gasping for air. “Are we… gonna eat or not?”

Everypony present shook their heads in bemusement, signaling the start of the most crowded Apple family breakfast anypony could remember.

Before Applejack and Rainbow Dash could leave the house after breakfast, they were stopped by Rarity. “Wait, girls, I feel like I owe you a better explanation. Would you… mind terribly if we could talk somewhere private?”

Applejack and Rainbow shared a glance. “Ah guess not.”

“It’s not like we haven’t talked enough for one morning,” Rainbow added, earning a pointed glance from Applejack. “I mean, sure. Why not.”

Rarity smiled gratefully. “Thank you for this. It will certainly help prepare me for confessing to Twilight and Pinkie Pie.”

“I don’t think anything can prepare you for that,” Rainbow speculated. “Twilight’s probably gonna lock you in her basement for science-y stuff, and Pinkie… I never know what she’s gonna do.”

“Throw a party, maybe?” Applejack suggested.

Rainbow paused. “Wait, Pinkie hasn’t even thrown a party for us yet…” Rainbow gulped. “Has anyone seen Pinkie since she found out?”

“Ah saw ‘er yesterday,” Big Macintosh said, sidling up next to Rarity. “She seemed a might worked up by somethin’, even fer her. She ran off ‘fore Ah could ask what it was.”

Rainbow fell to the floor, holding her head in her hooves. “If we don’t survive what she has planned, let it be known that I lived an awesome life.”

Applejack chuckled lightly, consoling Rainbow. “Ah’m sure ya won’t die alone, sugarcube. Or even a virgin.”

Rainbow smiled at that. “You’re right. We still have a few days if she’s planning something that big. That leaves plenty of time!”

Rarity’s eyes narrowed. “Could it be that our dear Rainbow has been saving herself for somepony special?”

“No!” Rainbow answered immediately. “I just never found anyone who could keep up with my awesomeness!”

Rarity grinned. “So Applejack isn’t special, then?”

“I… shut up!” Rainbow shot back, blushing profusely. “I could have had sex any time!”

“Yes, I’m sure your list of marefriends,” Rarity gestured to Applejack, “can attest to that.”

Applejack chuckled. “She’s right, sugarcube. Ya told me yerself ya’ve never been with another pony before.”

Rainbow frowned, muttering, “It’s not like I haven’t thought about it before.”

Applejack grinned, brows rising. “So yer tellin’ me ya’ve been pinin’ after me fer a while now?”

“In a totally sexual, non-romantic way!” Rainbow insisted.

Applejack laughed. “And that makes it better how?”

“Because you make me act funny! It’s your earth pony super powers, I swear!”

Rarity giggled. “Actually, Rainbow, I do believe the word you’re looking for is ‘love’.”

Rainbow’s blush reappeared, heavier this time. “I… I do not! I could… I… Luna dammit, you guys!”

Applejack chuckled, kissing Rainbow on the forehead. “Yer sweeter than ya let on, sugarcube. Ya done shown me that plenty,” she whispered.

Rainbow’s face softened, a smile coming to her lips. “The things you do to me, AJ…”

Applejack smiled back. “An’ that list has plenty o’ room ta grow.”

Rainbow blushed lightly. “I don’t suppose you’ve thought at all about uh… sex, have you?”

“Ah have,” Applejack admitted. “An’ we don’t really have much planned after applebuckin’ today, do we? Ya did offer a picnic. Maybe we do that, see where it goes…”

Rainbow smiled wider, kissing Applejack on the nose. “You have no idea how good that sounds.”

“Ah reckon Ah do, sugarcube,” Applejack countered. “Ah’ve been pent up just as long as you.”

“You don’t suppose we could just have it out in the orchard, do you? You know, somewhere… private and out of the way?”

“Ah don’t think Ah’d mind that,” Applejack acquiesced. “Ah know just the place, too.”

“Awesome,” Rainbow said, smiling.

“If you two are done conniving, I do believe I had your agreement for a talk,” Rarity chimed in.

Applejack nodded. “We’ll be right up, just give us a couple minutes.”

Rarity looked to Big Macintosh, who smiled. “C’mon, Rare. Ah reckon they want some privacy.”

Rarity smiled back. “Right behind you, dear.”

“Mah favorite,” Big Mac joked, earning a playful shove from his marefriend as they made their way upstairs.

Rainbow sighed as she was alone with Applejack again. “You don’t think they’re planning anything today, do you?”

“Nope, Ah reckon Ah’ll be able ta tease Mac ‘bout the fact Ah lost mine first,” Applejack speculated.

“You already got a marefriend before he got a coltfriend,” Rainbow said, before frowning. “Wow, that felt really weird to say.”

“Ah don’t think Ah’ll ever get used ta that,” Applejack agreed. “She’ll always be a mare ta me.”

Rainbow nodded. “Dick or vag, she’s still the Rarity we’ve known all these years.”

Applejack chortled. “That’s one way ta put it. Now c’mon, she’s got some ‘splainin’ ta do.”

Upstairs, Rarity waited patiently while Big Mac looked around his room idly. Applejack entered shortly, followed by Rainbow, and Rarity smiled. “Please, sit down. This may take a while.”

Rainbow shrugged at a glance from Applejack, and the two seated themselves on the floor beside the bed.

“Now, I’d first like to say that despite what you now know about me, I’d prefer if you still considered me a mare. Though I was born a colt, I was raised a filly. It’s really all I’ve ever known myself to be.”

“That would be a whole lot less confusing,” Rainbow said. “And hey, we were just talking about that.”

Applejack nodded. “Ah gotta ask, though. How come ya can still look just like a mare, even if yer really a stallion?”

Rarity smiled forlornly. “You can thank my parents for that. They… changed me when I was very young. Magic can do incredible things, especially when administered early. But there’s just the one thing it can’t.”

Rainbow frowned. “Why would your parents try to make you a filly?”

“Because they wanted one,” Rarity answered. “As I understand it, they were… upset when they found out I was a colt. And the surgeries involved aren’t cheap. Despite their intentions, I find it hard to resent them when I think of how much money they spent on me. It almost makes me a little depressed, knowing how much better off they’d be had I been born a filly.”

Big Macintosh offered a consoling hug, which Rarity accepted gratefully. “If none o’ that had happened, ya might not be where ya are today. Ain’t that worth all the money in the world?”

Rarity smiled. “If it brought me to you, they must have done something right.”

Applejack smiled wryly at the sight of her brother and one of her best friends so lovingly embracing. Rainbow surreptitiously extended a wing and wrapped in around Applejack’s side. Applejack giggled at the sentiment, leaning into Rainbow’s wing hug.

“Of course, it was hard to hide it from Fluttershy, what with our weekly spa trips,” Rarity continued. “Even with the spell I had been taught to keep myself hidden. I learned the hard way that invisible does not mean untouchable.”

“Wait, so you’re telling me you let Fluttershy feel up your dick?” Rainbow asked incredulously.

Rarity’s eyes widened as she developed a blush. “N-no! It was an accident! I would never consent to such a… such an intimate exchange with my best friend.”

“Hey, you’re looking at two best friends over here,” Rainbow ventured, pulling Applejack closer with her wing.

Applejack chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Ah don’ think that’s quite the same, Rainbow.”

Rarity, who had become quite flustered, was hugged tighter by Big Macintosh. “Ah’m sure it weren’t nothin’ big. How did it turn out?”

Rarity smiled gratefully, blush lessening. “Well, we were both shocked, of course. I will admit that the whole situation was… slightly arousing. But Fluttershy, being the dear she is, accepted me without question, though I insisted on a better explanation later.”

“She sure is a sweetheart, Miss Fluttershy,” Big Macintosh agreed.

“Do I detect a hint of longing, Mac?” Rarity poked deviously.

Big Macintosh chuckled. “Course not.”

Rarity giggled, kissing Mac briefly before returning her attention to her friends. “Apologies, Mac does have that effect on me. But yes, everything turned out alright. Fluttershy insisted it would take something far worse to end our friendship. It’s actually one of the reasons I chose to hide out the day with her.”

“So she was hidin’ somethin’ from me,” Big Mac observed. “Ah thought Ah saw somethin’ in her eyes.”

Rarity smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I’m sure you can understand why I wanted some time to think.”

Big Macintosh nodded. “Ah would, too, in yer situation.”

“Thanks,” Rarity squeezed Big Mac. “You don’t know how good it feels to be somewhere so accepting. I admit that I was a little worried that traditions might get in the way.”

“Tell me about it,” Rainbow chuckled, giving Applejack a peck on the cheek.

“So ya said they wanted a daughter, yer parents,” Applejack ventured. “What happened when Sweetie Belle came along?”

Rarity cast her gaze downward. “It was a… troubling time, to say the least. It’s my understanding that they gave up on me and tried again. And this time they got a real filly.” Rarity sighed. “I got jealous, and stole the attention back away from her. But… she was so young. She needed that attention more than I did. So the only thing I could think to do was to set off on my own. I was never around Sweetie Belle as much as I wanted in her early years. Running a business while barely older than she is now just… took so much time. I tried my best, but I always feel like I didn’t try hard enough.”

Big Mac hugged Rarity tighter. “Ya know that ain’t true, Rare. Ya did the best ya could, and Sweetie Belle don’t resent ya none fer it. She looks up to ya, wants ta do what you do. Ain’t that proof enough?”

“But we both know it’s not her true calling,” Rarity went on. “Had I been there for her, maybe I could have nurtured her real talent in singing.”

Applejack chuckled. “Trust me, Rarity, no amount o’ love n’ affection can set those fillies straight.”

Big Macintosh nodded. “After Ma n’ Pa died, Ah had ta be a father ta little Apple Bloom, on top o’ bein’ a big brother. If both of us couldn’t fix her, Ah don’t think ya’d have stood much of a chance alone.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Rarity conceded. “It’s just so hard not to blame myself for being a bad sister.”

“The fact ya care so much makes you a good sister, Rare,” Big Mac insisted. “And Ah won’t be havin’ none o’ this doubt from ya. Yer a wonderful mare, and Ah’m proud ta call ya my marefriend.”

Rarity smiled. “Thanks, Mac.”

Applejack looked on in wonderment as the two embraced again. Her brother seemed to have some sort of mastery at calming Rarity down despite having only been with her for so short a time. She wondered if Mac himself had sent any extra looks her way in the past. Rarity certainly did seem quite enamored with him.

“Not to interrupt or anything, but shouldn’t we be getting to applebucking soon?” Rainbow cut in.

Big Mac’s eyes shot open. “Right, the apples! Ah plum fergot, Ah’m sorry. Ya wouldn’t mind helpin’ us out a bit, would ya, Rare? Ah got everythin’ set up yesterday so the goin’ should be easier, but it’d be nice ta have Rainbow free fer buckin’ ta make it go faster.”

“I suppose I could, if the work isn’t too demanding. What would I be doing?”

“Just gatherin’ all the buckets ta one spot so we don’t gotta fetch ‘em all ourselves at the end. Ah can’t rightly say how many trees are ripe, or how spread out they are, but it shouldn’t be too bad with yer magic.” Big Mac smiled hopefully.

Rarity looked thoughtful for a moment before grinning. “I don’t know, it sounds like it might be rather difficult. But I suppose if you’d agree to a trip to the spa afterwards, I could let it slide this once.”

Big Macintosh frowned. “Ah ain’t never been to a spa before.”

“Precisely my point, dear,” Rarity giggled. “Now do you agree to my terms or not?”

Big Mac sighed. “Alright, but only fer you.”

“Perfect! I’ll make sure Aloe and Lotus make you look absolutely ravishing.”

“Why do Ah get the feelin’ Ah’m gonna regret this?” Big Mac despaired.

Rarity laughed, pecking Mac on the nose before exiting the room. Shrugging, Applejack and Rainbow followed, leaving Mac to contemplate his situation alone.

“Ah’m sure it won’t be so bad,” Big Mac assured himself. “And besides, if it really makes her so happy…” he smiled, “then it’ll be worth it.”

With three ponies each taking a third of the area, the work progressed at a fast clip. There were a few more trees than there had been the previous session, but Big Mac’s preparations took the work of catching the apples out of the picture. Rarity’s help with wagon loading certainly didn’t hurt, either.

Rainbow smiled as she crossed paths with Applejack. The work was laborious, as evidenced by the sweat on their coats, but Rainbow couldn’t help but think of how attractive Applejack looked this way. “Don’t tire yourself out too much or we’ll have no energy left for the after party!”

Applejack chuckled, wiping her brow with a forehoof. “Ah’m sure ya won’t be sayin’ that when I’m through with ya.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Rainbow snickered as she delivered a quick buck to another tree.

They bantered on about the day ahead of them, neither bothering to mention that they had purposefully worked through their sections to give them as much time together at the end as possible.

“How do you think Mac’s gonna handle the spa treatment? Sounds like Rarity’s gonna go all-out on him.”

“She didn’t get ta come ta yer first spa trip, either,” Applejack agreed. “Ah’m sure she’ll have him beggin’ fer mercy by the time they get home.”

“I can see it now, Rarity coming home with a big ball of red fur that used to be Mac,” Rainbow laughed. “Oh, it’ll be rich!”

Applejack nodded, laughing along. The day seemed to slow down whenever they were together, as if Celestia was holding the sun in place to give them more time in their day. It helped Rainbow appreciate some of the subtle nuances of life she normally didn’t care to observe. The way water beaded on the leaves, the sound produced by a solid buck to a trunk, the smell of apples all around them, things she had really come to know and love about being out in the orchard.

Though it had only been five days since she started her time on the farm, it felt like she’d been here all her life. Applejack’s family had welcomed her immediately, and made her feel like she really belonged here. Growing up as an only child, and having only Fluttershy to call a real foalhood friend, never really gave her the whole family experience. Rainbow smiled as she thought back on that first day she had met Applejack.

“Alright Rainbow, you can do this! There’s no way that Sonic Rainboom could have been a one-time thing! That’s a trick worthy of a Wonderbolt!” Rainbow psyched herself up, trying not for the first time to recreate that glorious moment that had earned her a cutie mark. Just because she’d failed the last five hundred times didn’t mean she’d fail this time.

Flaring her small, but powerful wings, Rainbow dove off the cloud she was perched on, driving herself to the ground as fast as her developing muscles would allow. She strained herself, pushing harder and harder, but that Mach cone simply would not form. She squinted, trying to discern any abnormal wind patterns around her, but none were to be found.

“This is stupid!” Rainbow cried out, giving her wings one massive flap… and crashing head-first into a painfully solid object. She was dimly aware of some pole-like structure breaking her fall before blacking out.

Rainbow woke some time later on some strangely comfortable surface, with some other equally strange layer of softness above her. It wasn’t quite as soft as a cloud, but it was definitely quite warm. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out why she would be surrounded by such a strange material. She vaguely remembered crashing against some most definitely non-cushioned surface. She must have been trying some sort of trick, but…

Rainbow shot up. “I have to do the…” The sudden movement made her feel strangely weak. Her head started to spin as she collapsed helplessly onto the strange fluffiness from before. Her vision swam into focus, and she found she was trapped in some sort of strange chamber. She tried to move, needing to escape, but her limbs wouldn’t cooperate.

Amidst the commotion, an orange filly with an oversized brown Stetson woke, having fallen asleep in the late hours despite her conviction to stand watch over the strange pegasus filly in her care.

“Yer awake!” Rainbow froze at the voice, slowly turning her head to regard her would-be captor. “Ya took quite a hit back there. Ah was startin’ ta worry ya mighta…”

Rainbow cocked her head as the filly trailed off, looking far less relieved than her voice had indicated. Rainbow considered her words. This filly certainly didn’t sound like an evil dungeon master. In fact, she sounded an awful lot like she was… “You… you saved me?”

The orange filly’s freckled cheeks reddened as she pulled her hat over her eyes. “Aw, shucks, it weren’t nothin’ as special as that.”

“You did!” Rainbow perked up. “Maybe you can tell me what happened. Or where we are.” Rainbow looked around the plain white room. “Or what this stuff is.” She indicated the surface she laid upon. On further inspection, it looked like a bed of some sort. It was a far cry from the plush cloud beds she was used to, but she couldn’t think of what else it might be. She poked at the mattress experimentally, before examining the strange sheets.

Her savior devolved into a fit of laughter at Rainbow’s antics. “Ain’t ya ever been in a bed before, sugarcube?”

“So this is a bed.” Rainbow frowned. “Why isn’t in made of clouds?”

“Ah don’t reckon us earth ponies can walk on clouds,” the filly replied.

“But then how did you get here?” Rainbow looked around again. “Where is here?” She returned her gaze to the Stetson-wearing filly, noticing for the first time that- “Oh my gosh, what happened to your wings!?”

The orange filly eyed Rainbow up and down. “Ah never had any. Ah’m not a pegasus like you.”

“Then how do you fly?” Rainbow demanded frantically.

“Ah don’t,” the filly replied slowly. “Did you get hit on the head or somethin’?”

“I don’t know! Everything here is weird! There are ponies without wings, beds made out of stuff that isn’t clouds, I don’t even know if this room is made of clouds!” Rainbow fixed the bemused filly with a panicked stare. “Where are all the clouds?”

“Up in the sky, where they belong.”

Rainbow’s brow furrowed. “Wait, you’re telling me we’re below the clouds?”

The filly’s face suddenly darkened. “Yer tellin’ me yer one o’ them cloud dwellers?”

“You mean you’re not?” Rainbow asked, a little frightened.

The filly snorted. “Ah’d hope not. You’re the ponies what killed Ma n’ Pa!”

Rainbow blinked. “What are you talking about? I didn’t kill anyone!”

Thunder echoed in the distance, causing the enraged filly to jump in fright. “Ya sure did! With one o’ them Celestia damned storms yer always makin’!”

“I don’t make the storms! I’m just a filly!” Rainbow insisted.

“That don’t mean ya gotta stand by and watch!”

Rainbow scowled. “I don’t have to listen to this!” She got to her feet through sheer willpower, moving to throw open the window.

“Where do ya think yer goin’?”

“Home. And you can’t stop me!”

At Rainbow’s defiance, a strong wind swept through the room, nearly knocking Rainbow off her hooves. The orange filly was less familiar with weather patterns, and was tripped up by the wind, her hat flying loose at escaping out the window. “Mah hat!” she cried.

Rainbow watched as the filly turned from a ball of rage to a catatonic statue. She looked absolutely devastated by the loss of her hat. Not even having to consider her options, Rainbow flared her wings and chased after the wayward hat.

The world below the clouds was certainly very different from her haven above, but she allowed herself no time to look at the scenery. She had something she had to do, and nothing would stop her. She turned this way and that, scanning for the hat. Even in the near-pitch blackness, she could make out the hat as it made its way to a formidable-looking sheer cliff.

Like a bullet, she was off in pursuit, far from caring about the Mach cone developing around her. It was almost in reach, just a little further… Rainbow cried out in pain as a protruding branch scored a gash along her stomach, but pushed through. The tears that formed in her eyes made it hard to see, but with her fullest extension, she grasped the brim of the hat between her teeth before it could fall down the cliff side.

Clutching at her stomach with a hoof, Rainbow laboriously made her way back to the hospital. The window wasn’t hard to spot, being the only one open on the whole building. She collapsed inside, skidding across the white floor and leaving a trail of red, but she kept the hat firmly between her teeth.

The window was quickly shut by the orange filly, who then turned to make sure Rainbow was okay. She froze as she saw a battered, yet triumphant, Rainbow Dash holding her hat. Her eyes began to tear up. This filly she had barely met, who she had just accused of murder, went out of her way to save the last treasure she had from her parents.

“I got this back,” Rainbow said, extending her neck to place it upon the filly’s head. “It’s important to you, right?”

Unable to control herself, the filly tackled Rainbow into a hug, sobbing into her shoulder. Rainbow winced as her stomach flared in pain, vision swimming as she collapsed to the floor. Just before she blacked out, she heard the filly cry for help.

Rainbow blearily opened her eyes, wincing as the light from the hospital room flared. Before she could work up the courage to open them again, she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her neck.

“Yer okay!” The orange filly from earlier cried. “Ah was so worried. Ya didn’t have ta do all that fer me. Ya coulda been killed!”

Rainbow felt a smile come to her face as she opened her eyes again, a filly now between her and the previous light source. “Hey, featherbrained stunts are what I do best.”

“Ah can never thank ya enough fer this…”

Rainbow grinned cockily. “Name’s Rainbow Dash.”

“Ah’m Applejack,” Applejack replied. “Ah was wrong about you, Rainbow Dash. Ah have ta make this up ta you somehow.”

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “Nah, this makes us even now, right?”

Applejack smiled, hugging Rainbow’s neck tighter.

“Rainbow? You alright, sugarcube?” Applejack’s voice snapped Rainbow out of her reverie. “Ya’ve been awful quiet.”

Rainbow smiled, unable to keep from embracing Applejack in a hug. Applejack, while surprised at the sudden display of affection, nevertheless returned the hug. “Sorry, I was just thinking about how we first met.”

Applejack smiled, eyes glassing over with nostalgia. “Ah still can’t thank ya enough fer what ya did, Rainbow,” Applejack said, removing her hat and gazing at it fondly. “Ya got this back ta me, and ya kept my spirits up while ya were recoverin’.”

Rainbow blushed, averting her gaze. “Aw, it wasn’t anything that special.”

Applejack suddenly burst out laughing, hugging Rainbow again. Rainbow couldn’t stop laughing herself as she nuzzled into the crook of Applejack’s neck. The bond they had created that day was one of true friendship, and now it was blossoming into something more. Rainbow couldn’t think of any pony she’d want to share a relationship with more. Applejack echoed those sentiments with a kiss upon Rainbow’s lips.

“Ya really are a sweetheart, Rainbow.” Applejack broke away to buck the last tree they needed that day, smiling as she watched the buckets float away in Rarity’s blue magic. “Now, about that picnic…”

Rainbow blushed, looking to the sky for help. She estimated they had about three hours before noon, which gave them plenty of time to prepare. Rainbow released the breath she didn’t remember holding. “So, what do we wanna bring?”

Applejack thought as they made their way to the loaded wagons. Rarity awaited them, triumphant and exhausted. She gave Mac a predatory grin, eliciting a nervous chuckle from the big stallion.

“Well, it’s gotta be more ‘n just apples, Ah guess,” Applejack contemplated. “Ah reckon we could pick somethin’ up at Sugarcube Corner.”

“You mean like muffins or something?” Rainbow asked.

“Ooh! Muffins? Where are they?”

Rainbow cocked her head, regarding the wall-eyed pegasus who had materialized out of nowhere. “Derpy? When did you get here?” Rainbow paused. “Why are you here?”

“Oh, you know, it’s not too far from the uh, carrot place and um… There was something else…” Derpy’s face scrunched up as she tried to remember.

“A letter, maybe?” Applejack suggested.

Derpy brightened. “Oh, yeah! I got one of those. It’s from, uh… I don’t remember.”

Rainbow took the proffered letter, reading the envelope. “It’s from Twilight,” she observed. “You don’t think something went wrong, do you?”

Applejack scanned the envelope over Rainbow’s shoulder. “It’s addressed ta both o’ us. How did ya know Rainbow would be here?”

“Um…” Derpy held a hoof to her forehead. “Carrot Top told me something that sounded smart, but I forgot what it was.”

Rainbow shrugged, opening the letter while Applejack unhitched herself from her wagon.

Dear Applejack and Rainbow Dash,

I apologize for the formality, but things have gotten a little hectic here in Canterlot. I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to be staying for another week to help sort things out. If you need anything from the library, Spike will be able to assist you. I trust you and the girls will be able to handle Ponyville while I’m gone.

Until then,

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack frowned, reading the letter over again. “Ya don’t think it’s anythin’ serious, do ya?”

“I don’t know. She’s not usually this… not-wordy. I mean, it’s nice to not have a wall of words for once, but…” Rainbow pondered for a moment. “Well, it’s definitely not like her, but I don’t know if that’s really anything to worry about. I mean, she did send a letter like she usually does.”

Applejack set about unloading her wagon, unsure what to think. Derpy had disappeared at some point, so she couldn’t ask how she had come about the letter. “Well, no use worryin’, Ah guess. Twilight can take care o’ herself.”

Rainbow nodded hesitantly. “I guess.” We do still have that picnic later, she supposed.

Applejack put a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder, making her jump slightly. “How come Ah’m the one who has ta get you ta quit worryin’ now?”

Rainbow shook herself. “Sorry, I just… There’s a lot on my mind right now.”

Applejack smirked. “Well, ain’t that a rarity.”

“Will you shut up about Rarity already?” Rainbow snapped, walking off into a corner of the barn.

Applejack’s smirk turned into a frown as she followed. “Rainbow, what-“

“I’m sorry,” Rainbow interrupted. “I’m just… frustrated right now and I don’t know why. I really feel like I…” Rainbow trailed off, adopting a heavy blush. “Like I need to get off.”

Applejack smiled gently. “Well, ain’t that what this whole picnic idea’s all about? Ya said yerself Ah’d have a hard time shakin’ ya. And, well, Ah’m startin’ ta feel it, too. So, how’s about we head on over ta Sugarcube Corner, pick up somethin’ sweet, then come back ta grab somethin’ from home, an’ get started on that picnic?”

“That… would be awesome,” Rainbow admitted. “Thanks for… putting up with me, AJ.”

“Think nothin’ of it, sugarcube,” Applejack returned, before pausing. “On second thought, think everythin’ of it. Ah do it only fer you… Dashie.”

Rainbow blinked, eyes slowly widening. “You know, for how annoying Pinkie makes that sound, you make it sound so…”

“Cute?” Applejack suggested, smiling.

“I was gonna say sexy, but… If that’s what you want, then I think I can live with it,” Rainbow smirked, “Jackie.”

Applejack chuckled. “We gonna be startin’ with the pet names, then?”

“Hey, we’re having sex later, right?” Rainbow giggled.

Applejack nodded. “Ah reckon so, sugarcube.”

“Then I can call you whatever I want,” Rainbow whispered into Applejack’s ear, giving it a sensual lick. Applejack shivered at the touch, blushing as she felt something stir within her.

“Let’s hold off on that fer now, Dash,” Applejack gulped. “Don’ wanna head inta Ponyville smellin’ o’ sexy intentions, right?”

“Whatever you say, Jackie,” Rainbow sniggered, making sure to add a sway to her hips as she walked out of the barn.

Applejack blushed heavier. This was one of those times she was really thankful she wasn’t a pegasus. Celestia help me, Rainbow.

Rainbow eased up on the teasing as they entered Ponyville, not wanting to attract too much attention. She’d be sure to rub it in Vinyl’s face that it only took her two days to her two months. I almost wish we’d thought of this sooner, Rainbow mused. But then I guess we wouldn’t have everything perfect like it is now.

Rainbow smiled as Applejack sidled up closer so that their flanks brushed against each other as they walked. Rainbow extended a wing over Applejack to pull her in closer still, making sure to brush a feather across her cutie mark, delighting in the soft moan in elicited. As long as the true meaning behind the gesture remained secret, Rainbow would make sure to use it as much as possible.

Don’t wanna be too forward, after all, Rainbow thought with a smile.

As they entered Sugarcube Corner, they found Mrs. Cake behind the counter. She ducked into the back room, presumably to fetch Pinkie Pie. For that very assumption, Rainbow and Applejack were confused when she returned alone.

“Everythin’ alright, Mrs. Cake?” Applejack asked as they walked up to the counter.

Mrs. Cake rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Yes, it just seems Pinkie’s off in her own little world right now. I can’t imagine what she’s planning this time.”

Applejack and Rainbow shared a glance. “I… think it might have something to do with us, getting overdosed on way too much party,” Rainbow suggested. “I don’t know how far down the grapevine it’s travelled yet, but me and AJ… kinda started dating a couple days ago.”

Mrs. Cake chuckled. “Oh, I’m sure Pinkie won’t be holding anything back in that case. I’ve heard her rambling on about the two of you, though I never made the connection, myself.”

“Yeah, uh…” Rainbow blushed, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “Um, this is kinda embarrassing, but uh…”

“Rainbow and Ah are gonna have a little picnic later today,” Applejack picked up, much to the relief of her marefriend. “And no picnic’s complete without a treat from Sugarcube Corner.”

“Well, I’m flattered that you would think so,” Mrs. Cake smiled. “What did you have in mind?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno. Cupcakes, I guess?”

Mrs. Cake brightened at that. “Oh, yes, that reminds me! Pinkie made these earlier, and she told me to give them to you if you came by before whatever party she’s planning.” Mrs. Cake produced a medium-sized box from under the counter. She opened it to reveal patterned blue and orange cupcakes.

Applejack and Rainbow looked to each other, grinning sheepishly. They should have known Pinkie would do something like this. She thankfully had the decency to place them in an undecorated box, and not one with big hearts that announced the contents to anyone who spared a glance. Applejack took the box and placed it upon her back, chuckling as Rainbow’s wing covered it.

“How much?” Applejack asked, reaching around in her saddlebag.

Mrs. Cake laughed. “I didn’t think I needed to tell you. No charge, dears.”

Applejack poked her head back out of her saddlebag, closing it again. “Uh, thanks, Mrs. Cake.”

“Oh, think nothing of it,” Mrs. Cake said, smiling. “I’ve seen enough couples come through here in my time, and you’ve been friends of Pinkie for quite a while now. I know you’re not the most romantically inclined pair, but sometimes I just can’t resist.”

“Uh, well, thanks anyway,” Rainbow said, pausing awkwardly before walking out with Applejack. “See you later, I guess.” Rainbow sighed as they exited the sweets shop. “I know Mrs. Cake isn’t Pinkie’s mom, but something about that was way more awkward than it should have been.”

Applejack chuckled. “She only means well, sugarcube. She’s just got a few more wits about ‘er than Pinkie does.”

Rainbow nodded. “I’m not the only one worried about what Pinkie’s gonna do to us, right?”

“Ah’m downright terrified, sugarcube,” Applejack admitted. “Ah just know how ta hide it.”

“You should teach me sometime. I really don’t,” Rainbow chuckled.

Applejack smiled. “Oh, Ah’m sure Ah’ll be teachin’ ya a thing er two pretty soon, Dashie.”

Rainbow smiled back, blushing lightly. “How many of those cupcakes do you think we’re gonna get through before we just buck it?”

Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin jokingly. “Ah reckon about two.”

Rainbow laughed, nodding. “This is gonna be the best day ever.”

“Count on it, sugarcube,” Applejack smiled.

Much too excited to grab more than a picnic basket and blanket from home, Rainbow and Applejack decided to simply buck the nearest tree to their picnic site and eat whatever dropped from it. Applejack carried the basket, draping the blanket over Rainbow’s flared wings with a snicker.

Rainbow gave chase as Applejack took off at a run to their destination. Not knowing where they were going meant Rainbow had to lag behind a bit, something she really didn’t mind for once. She might have to fall behind in their races more often if the view was this nice.

Applejack turned sharply, disappearing into a glade of trees. Rainbow barely managed to avoid crashing into a tree, only to run headfirst into another. Applejack’s head poked out between the trees as she giggled at Rainbow’s delayed reaction.

“Maybe if ya weren’t so busy starin’ at mah plot, ya woulda seen that one comin’,” Applejack sniggered.

“Yeah, well, maybe if you weren’t so sexy I wouldn’t have to… Wait, that didn’t make any sense.”

Applejack laughed, disappearing again through the trees. Rainbow followed her inside, the blanket still somehow caught in her wings. Her short trip to Applejack’s position revealed she had managed to keep hold of the basket, too. What’s more, it revealed a part of the orchard she had never seen before. The leaves of the trees created a canopy, blocking out most sunlight and giving the appearance of a much later hour. Off to one side of the clearing, there was a pool of water, complete with a little waterfall. Rainbow shook her head in awe, wondering how she had missed such an awesome hideout.

“After Ah gave Apple Bloom and her friends the clubhouse, Ah needed a place of mah own ta escape to,” Applejack began. “Ah found this place ‘bout a year ago. Kinda makes me wonder how it survived without any tendin’ to.”

“Maybe this place works kinda like the Everfree,” Rainbow suggested, looking around at the trees.

“It does have another secret Ah still ain’t got figured out,” Applejack said, delivering a buck to a nearby tree. To Rainbow’s astonishment, what fell weren’t normal apples, as would be expected. Instead…

“Zap Apples?” Rainbow inspected the fruit carefully. “But it’s not even Zap Apple harvest time!”

“These ones grow year-round,” Applejack explained. “Way Ah understood the stories, that’s how they worked in the Everfree.”

Rainbow paused as a thought struck her. “You don’t think this is a part of the Everfree they never cleared out, do you?”

“Ah don’ rightly know. Ah never asked Granny ‘bout it,” Applejack admitted. “Ah thought that, mahself. But then if it is, then why is it so… peaceful? Ah don’t know if it’s ‘cause it ain’t part o’ the main forest, er what. All Ah know is that fer the past year, this place has been mah haven. And yer the first pony Ah’ve ever showed it to.”

“It’s awesome, AJ,” Rainbow said, smiling. “You know, it is a pretty decent size. You could fit a pretty nice house in here.”

Applejack smiled back. “Ah’ve thought about that. But then Ah wouldn’t have anyone ta share it with.”

“I’m sure you could find somepony,” Rainbow laughed. “It’s not too far from the house, either. Seems like a pretty good place if we ever want a little privacy.”

Applejack blushed. “That would be really nice.”

Rainbow reached for the other Zap Apple that had fallen from the tree, offering it to Applejack. Applejack accepted the fruit while Rainbow laid out the picnic blanket. It fell easily, with little need for straightening. Applejack took up a pose on the blanket, raising her brow saucily. Rainbow’s wings shot up as she joined Applejack on the blanket, taking a bite out of her Zap Apple.

“Ya know, these things have always reminded me o’ you,” Applejack said, taking her first bite as well.

“I wonder why,” Rainbow laughed, delighting in the rainbow of flavor.

“It’s a mystery, “Applejack agreed, giggling.

Their Zap Apples were soon devoured, leaving that electrifying aftertaste in their mouths as Rainbow reached for the box of cupcakes. Her hoof was stopped as she found Applejack suddenly on top of her. The sensations of a kiss mingled with the tastes already on their tongues drove them wild.

Rainbow withdrew from the kiss, panting. “Applejack, wait. Are you really sure you want to go through with this? This is a pretty big step, and we’ve only been together for a little while. If you really don’t want to, we could just, you know, take care of ourselves and wait for another time.”

Applejack averted her gaze briefly. Even with a more level head, it didn’t take her long to come up with her answer. “Just shut up and kiss me, ya silly filly.”

Rainbow happily obliged.

Clop!

“Come on, Mac. It’s not so bad,” Rarity said, falling in step beside the hesitant stallion. “I promise I won’t have them do anything that would make you uncomfortable.”

Big Mac sighed, trudging along valiantly. “You know Ah ain’t sure ‘bout this, but Ah made a promise.” He smiled wryly. “Apple’s honor’s a might stronger ‘n that, Rare.”

Rarity smiled back, leaning against Mac’s side as she walked. They were on their way to the spa at Mac’s insistence after lunch and a quick pit stop at Rarity’s. “A promise ain’t a thing Ah take lightly,” he had said. It almost made her wonder just how far she could push before she found his limit. If things go well, I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough, Rarity mused, shaking her head lightly.

Lotus perked up as the door chimed, beaming as she saw who had graced their spa. “Well, Mister Macintosh. It seems you’ve found your mare.” Lotus chuckled, noting the look on Mac’s face. “Or perhaps she has found you.”

“Either way, he’s mine now,” Rarity returned, grinning. “And by extension, yours.”

Aloe popped up beside her sister. “Quite a specimen we’ve found ourselves with today, Lotus.”

“Let’s hope he’s as good as those two,” Lotus agreed.

“Don’t you worry, girls,” Rarity assured, looking up at Big Mac hungrily. “This hunk of stallion is as fresh as you can get.”

“We’ll be gentle,” Aloe promised, grinning deviously.

Unsure of what to expect, Big Mac let Rarity lead him into the main room, which housed most of the spa’s pools and hot tubs. There were a few ponies scattered about, though most seemed to be leaving. He was led to a side room which featured raised, cushioned platforms.

Rarity laid herself out on her stomach on one, gesturing to another. “Lotus and Aloe may be experts on all races, but I hear they do their best work on earth ponies such as yourself. Being that they are earth ponies themselves.”

Mac eyed the position Rarity was in dubiously. “Ah’m not sure what…”

“Just relax and let their hooves work their magic,” Rarity instructed as Lotus and Aloe walked in.

Big Mac’s face scrunched up as both mares converged on him. “Are ya sure this is… normal?”

“Don’t tell us you’ve never had a massage before, Mister Macintosh,” Lotus smiled. “A stallion as hardworking as you must build up a lot of tension.”

Big Macintosh gulped, taking a step back. “Ah’m not sure Ah’m clear on what a massage is.”

Rarity giggled from her perch. “I assure you it isn’t what you’re thinking, Mac. It’s certainly not wrong to enjoy it.”

Mac looked to Rarity apprehensively. Rarity smiled, nodding to the massage platform. Trusting Rarity’s word over his own unfounded doubts, he took a deep breath and mimicked Rarity’s prone position upon the platform. The hooves that went to work easing the stress he had built up these past few days immediately let him know he had made the right decision. He sighed in contentment, letting his body go limp as the spa twins worked their way up and down his back. Mac tensed as he felt a pair of hooves slide down his flank, relaxing again when they set to work massaging his legs.

“Your hooves seem to be in quite a state from all that work you put them through,” Lotus observed, inspecting one of his back hooves closely.

Aloe nodded, running a hoof along his to measure the imperfections. “We can have your hooves restored to a pristine state, if you’d like.”

Rarity shot up from her platform, forgetting entirely about her own massage. “Oh, that would be wonderful, dear,” she said, grasping another of his hooves. “The hooficures they offer can ease any pain you carry in your hooves.”

“Ah’m not sure that’s really necessary-“

“Nonsense,” Rarity interrupted. “Now that I have you here, I won’t let you leave unless you’re in the best state of your life. We could trim and wash your coat, make it look simply luxurious! And of course your hooves would be…”

Big Mac smiled, only half paying attention to the words Rarity spoke. Instead, the nurturing generosity behind them was what truly touched his heart. Such compassion may be shown within his family, but he had only really gotten to know Rarity a couple short days ago. He did admit that, even before his time with Cheerilee, Rarity had caught his eye on multiple occasions, but he never expected anything quite like this.

“…and your mane! You simply must let me style it for you some-“ Rarity was silenced by a pair of lips closing around her own. She smiled into the kiss, happy to coach her clueless coltfriend through a proper kiss.

Big Macintosh broke the kiss after a time, panting. “Rarity, Ah…”

Rarity held a hoof to Mac’s lips, smiling. “You don’t need to say anything more. Your happiness is all the thanks I could ever ask for.”

Big Mac smiled back, kissing Rarity’s hoof. “Ya’ll never have ta worry ‘bout that, Rare.”

Rarity blushed, nuzzling Mac sweetly. “You really are more than I could have ever imagined, Mac. Who would have thought my prince was so close all this time?”

Big Mac chuckled, shaking his head for lack of a proper response.

Apple Bloom was on her way home from school, alone. Something about that talk she and her friends had with Applejack and Rainbow earlier made things seem exceedingly awkward. They’d barely conversed the entire day, still trying to come to grips with just what this whole relationship thing could really entail.

Applejack had told her that it wasn’t something they should be doing any time soon, but that didn’t stop it from being so… confusing. On the one hoof, it was just about the most embarrassing thing she’d ever been told. She’d never thought her... private areas would ever be, well, more than that.

But on the other hoof, the way they talked about it… It was exciting, in a way. Like that if this was really a step she’d have to take, she couldn’t think of anypony she’d like to share that with more than Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. As the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they did everything together. Surely this was just another one of those things.

Apple Bloom shook her head uncertainly. Maybe this really was one of those things she couldn’t understand until she was older. Maybe once she started getting those urges her sister and Rainbow had talked about, it’d make more sense. Or maybe Ah should just quit worryin’ about it, Apple Bloom thought, chuckling.

Apple Bloom nudged open the door to the farmhouse to find Winona curled up atop Tank’s shell on the couch, both fast asleep. She smiled at the sight, wondering if they’d gotten the idea from Applejack and Rainbow, too.

Before the thought could formulate, the mares in reference entered through the front door. “Hey, AB,” Rainbow called. “What happened to Scoot and Sweetie?”

Apple Bloom turned to face them, looking a little sheepish. “Hey, y’all. We decided ta take some time ta cool off after ya done told us all that stuff earlier. Ah ain’t quite sure we’re ready ta think about all that just yet.”

Applejack smiled, walking over to place a hoof on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. “We didn’t expect ya to be, sugarcube. And that ya’d figure that out on yer own really tells me how much ya’ve grown up. Ya’ve started takin’ responsibility, even if ya can still be a little thick-headed ‘bout some stuff.”

Apple Bloom giggled as Applejack ruffled her mane.

“Take it from a mare all about speed, kid. Some things you can’t take too fast,” Rainbow said, glancing briefly at Applejack. “Your body can be ready all it wants, but it’s your heart that’ll tell you when it’s time.”

As Applejack moved to give Rainbow a kiss, Apple Bloom ducked upstairs to her room. She sat on her bed thinking. Mah body can be ready all it wants, but it’s mah heart that’ll tell me when it’s time? What does that mean? Apple Bloom got up from her bed and paced around her room. Is she just talkin’ ‘bout this, or is there more to it ‘n that? Mah body… Ah’m not sure it’s quite ready fer anythin’ just yet. But mah heart… what does it want?

Apple Bloom grabbed a pencil and a sheet of paper, sitting at her desk. She tried to think with her heart, and not her mind, about just what she felt about her fellow crusaders. She closed her eyes as she started to draw, afraid her body would warp what it saw into something false. The movements felt natural, like this was something she had done many times before, something she was familiar with on a higher level.

When she opened her eyes, she saw a picture of the three of them curled up together in an innocent cuddle pile and nothing more. The romantic overtones were plainly present, but beneath that was the same friendship they had always shared. Apple Bloom smiled. Maybe things didn’t need to change too quickly. Maybe things were perfect the way they were. Apple Bloom chuckled, “Or maybe we should just quit worryin’ so much.”

“That’s somethin’ Rainbow’s taught me,” Applejack said from Apple Bloom’s doorway. Apple Bloom looked up to see the two of them standing just outside her room. “Sometimes, ya gotta just let things happen. And other times, ya just can’t force ‘em.”

“Like Twilight told me, life is never black and white. It’s colored with all kinds of emotions, and shaded by all your experiences,” Rainbow said, smiling. “I guess you could say it’s like a painter’s masterpiece, in a way.”

“And yer the most colorful of ‘em all,” Applejack praised, nuzzling her marefriend.

Rainbow donned a cocky grin. “Yep. Even Scratch has nothing on-“

Applejack frowned as Rainbow froze. “Rainbow, sugarcube? You alright?”

Rainbow sat down, holding her head in her hooves. “I totally missed my guitar lessons today.”

Applejack couldn’t help but laugh, considering what they’d done instead. “Ah’m sure she won’t mind yer excuse too much.”

Rainbow blushed, trying to hide herself behind herself. The end result was a massive tangle of limbs that Applejack had to help her out of between giggles. She nuzzled Rainbow’s cheek once she was freed. Rainbow responded by grabbing Applejack’s hat and placing it over her face. Applejack shook her head; following her downstairs to make sure she didn’t bump into anything. Or at least be able to laugh if she did.

Mac sighed in contentment as he eased himself into the hot tub. Rarity joined him soon afterward, nuzzling into his chest. “You were right, Rare. This has been a lot o’ fun.”

“Maybe you should listen to me more often then, hm?” Rarity teased, kissing Mac under the chin.

Mac chuckled, kissing Rarity on the nose. “Ah’ll be sure ta keep mah ears perked.”

Rarity giggled, kissing Mac again, this time on the lips. Mac cocked a brow, grinning. Rarity responded by giving Mac a lick on the lips. Or she would have, had Mac not caught her tongue with his and instigated another lesson in kissing.

Rarity moaned into the kiss, straddling Mac’s chest as she deepened the kiss. So lost were they in the kiss that they conveniently forgot an essential part of stallion anatomy. Rarity was reminded as something warm and stiff prodded her rump.

Rarity recoiled, jumping back off of Mac and causing a decent amount of water to splash out of the hot tub. Mac immediately made to cover himself. “Ah’m sorry, Ah-“

“No, it’s… it’s quite alright. I was just… shocked, is all,” Rarity said, panting. “But perhaps it would be best if we… held off on that for now.”

Mac nodded, keeping his hooves firmly in place until he calmed down. “Ah’m really sorry, Ah wasn’t thinkin’.”

“Neither was I,” Rarity admitted. “Of all the things to slip our minds…”

Mac chuckled despite himself. “Yeah, at least there isn’t anypony around ta see us.”

Rarity scanned the room, finding truth to Mac’s claims. “Oh, thank goodness.” Rarity returned to her place beside Mac, making sure to not get carried away again. They simply relaxed for a time, delighting in the feel of the hot water and the jets. “These hot tubs are simply divine. Perhaps one of these days I could get Aloe and Lotus to let us stay past closing and enjoy them properly.”

Mac blushed heavily. “Ah’m not sure that’s…”

Rarity giggled. “I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. They practically offer those services already.”

Mac shivered, truly a feat in such a warm environment. Rarity laughed again, nuzzling Mac’s shoulder. “We should probably start headin’ home soon,” Mac said, looking out the window at the setting sun.

Rarity nodded. “The spa will be closing soon, anyway. But there’s always tomorrow.”

Mac chuckled, rising from the hot tub and shaking himself off. Rarity offered him a towel, which he accepted sheepishly. “Sorry.”

“It’s quite alright, Mac,” Rarity assured. “We simply mustn’t miss dinner again, after all.” In a stroke of boldness, Rarity copied Mac’s maneuver, drying herself somewhat before finishing the job with a towel. “You look simply ravishing, might I add.”

Big Mac shook his head in wonderment as he followed Rarity out of the spa. “Put it on my tab, will you, dears?” Rarity asked as they passed the counter.

“But of course, Miss Rarity,” Aloe smiled. “Do bring your coltfriend by again sometime.”

“I’m sure you’ll be seeing him again soon enough,” Rarity promised, exiting the spa.

They made good time back to the Acres, arriving a good half hour before dinner time. Applejack and Rainbow were present, but Apple Bloom was conspicuously alone. Applejack caught their eyes before they could question the development. She smiled, nodding reassuringly. Big Mac sagged in relief, earning a giggle and a kiss from Rarity.

“Soup’s on, everypony! Come an’ get it!”

They all seated themselves at the table to another of Granny Smith’s culinary masterpieces. Rainbow instigated an exchange of witty banter between all occupants of the table, giving it that air of levity she could always so easily provide.

“So, how was your day, Mac? Have any near-death experiences at the spa?” Rainbow chortled.

“Actually, it was a really good time,” Mac explained. “Rarity really gave me a work over, and Ah feel great! She’s told me Ah look pretty good, too.”

“Simply stunning, dear,” Rarity said, smiling. “How about you girls? What have you been up to?”

Applejack blushed. “Well, uh… that’s the thing, we um…”

Rainbow wrapped a hoof around Applejack’s shoulders, puffed out her chest, and donned a cocky grin. “Applejack and I had sex!”

Big Mac did a spit-take. Granny Smith looked on with a cocked brow. Apple Bloom blushed, averting her gaze. Rarity, on the other hoof, started laughing hysterically.

“Didn’t take too long, did it?” Rarity managed between giggles.

“Nope!” Rainbow answered confidently.

Applejack shrunk against Rainbow, trying to disappear below the table, unable to find the courage to speak.

“Well, unexpected as it is, Ah’m happy fer y’all,” Mac said with a smile.

“Whatever makes ya happy,” Granny agreed, shrugging.

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom added, eating to distract herself.

Applejack reached a hoof up to bonk Rainbow in the head playfully. Rainbow responded by extending a wing to tickle that spot right next to Applejack’s shoulders. Applejack quickly fell into hysterics. “Cut it out, Rainbow!”

“You started it!” Rainbow giggled, retracting her wing.

“And you’re never going to be finished, are you?” Rarity mused, shaking her head.

“Nope!” Rainbow pulled Applejack back up into a sitting position before resuming her meal.

Applejack laughed, following Rainbow’s lead.

After dinner, when everypony had retired for the night, only Rarity and Big Macintosh remained downstairs. “You know, Mac, I’ve been thinking a lot since that mishap at the spa,” Rarity began, leaning against Mac’s chest.

Mac extended a hoof to play with Rarity’s curly mane. “Thinkin’ about what?”

“About taking that next step,” Rarity replied, blushing. “I’ve thought about it before, but it was always some distant fantasy. But with you, I feel like maybe it can happen after all.”

Big Mac smiled. “Ya really are somethin’ special, Rare. Ah can’t say Ah haven’t thought about it, mahself. Though Ah never have before. Had sex, Ah mean.”

Rarity frowned. “Weren’t you with Cheerilee for almost a year? And you’re telling me you never got that far with her?”

Big Mac sighed, ceasing his hoof movements. “Ah never did tell y’all why Ah broke it off with her, did Ah?”

“I’m sorry, if it’s not something you’re comfortable with-“

“No, it’s alright, Rare. Ah know ya don’t wanna impose, but yer mah marefriend now,” Mac said, giving Rarity a kiss on the cheek. “It wouldn’t be proper ta keep somethin’ like that from ya.”

“If it’s really alright…” Rarity trailed off.

Big Mac took a deep breath. “Ya remember how it started, right?”

“Of course. My sister and her friends won’t be hearing the end of it any time soon if she did anything to hurt you,” Rarity assured.

“No, Rare, it ain’t their fault. They’re just fillies, an’ they were just tryin’a help,” Mac said firmly. “It’s mah fault Ah let it get ta me. Ah fell fer her so hard, Ah never even thought o’ how it might not have been the same with her.”

Rarity said nothing, only holding Mac tighter.

“It took me almost a year, but Ah found out just the same. It just made it all the more painful ta hear she didn’t care as much about who Ah was as what Ah was.”

“The most ravishing eligible bachelor in Ponyville,” Rarity concluded sadly.

Mac nodded. “It hurt even more that Ah didn’t even hear it from her. It was durin’ one o’ Pinkie’s parties when her sister was getting’ wasted like she always does. That look on Cheerilee’s face when Berry done blabbed her secret…”

Rarity felt her eyes dampen in sympathy as Mac cried into her shoulder. It had only been last fall when Mac let Ponyville know he was single again. If she had known… “You really do need to come out of that shell sometimes, Mac. Even if I wasn’t before, I’m here for you now. I’ll pull Sweetie Belle out of that class and teach her myself if I have to. You don’t need to-“

“No! Don’t… don’t make her life harder than it needs ta be. She really was a friend ta me once. Ah couldn’t stand ta see her sad, even now.”

Rarity smiled sadly. “You’re much too kind for your own good, Mac. But if you don’t want me to take action, then what would you have me do?”

“Ah just…” Big Mac took a shuddering breath. “Ah just need ta know… that ya’d never hurt me like-”

Before Mac could even finish his thought, Rarity’s lips were upon his in a kiss filled with all the love, adoration and passion she had built up in her time pining after the timid farm stallion. “Don’t you ever let me hear those words again, Mac. I love you, and I would never even think of hurting you.”

Mac gasped between sobs, clutching Rarity to him tightly. “Ah want ya so much, Rare. Ah want ta love ya fer all ya are, so ya never have ta go through what Ah did. Ah-“

Rarity silenced Mac with another kiss. “I want you, too, Mac. But that doesn’t mean we have to rush into anything. You’ve done more than enough for one night, but if you really want to go through with it, I won’t stop you.”

Big Mac let his breathing normalize before responding. “Maybe… somethin’ a little less than all that. Like, maybe…”

Rarity smiled, feeling her arousal stir within her. “I know just the thing,” Rarity whispered into Mac’s ear before leading him up to his room.

When Mac opened the door to his room, he looked around, confused. Rarity didn’t seem to be anywhere. He took a step inside, closing the door behind him before he felt a wet touch against his flank. Turning his head, he saw Rarity, smiling with her tongue still stuck out cutely. “There’s far more where that came from, Mac.”

Mac’s heart started to thump as Rarity pushed him to his bed, unsure of just what Rarity had in store for him.

More clop!

Applejack cuddled close to Rainbow as they prepared for sleep. Rainbow nuzzled her sweetly, holding her close. “We’ve got a lot to do tomorrow, huh?”

“Yeah, like apologize ta Vinyl fer skippin’ out on guitar lessons fer sex,” Applejack chuckled.

Rainbow laughed. “Yeah, that too. But I was more talking about all the stuff we can do now. Like that book! It’ll be a lot less awkward to read it now that we’ve had sex, right?”

“Ah’m surprised more sex wasn’t the first thing ya thought of,” Applejack teased.

Rainbow crossed her forelegs. “Hey, there’s way more stuff than sex to be had here. Like magical fillyfooler babies.”

“Ah’m sure we’ll get ta that eventually,” Applejack laughed. “But ain’t there a lot more ya wanna do before settlin’ down?”

Rainbow nodded. “It’s nice to think about, though.”

Applejack chuckled. “Ya really are somethin’ else, sugarcube.”

“I’m whatever you want me to be, Jackie.”

“Then Ah’d like ta keep ya just the way ya are, Dashie,” Applejack returned, kissing Rainbow on the forehead. “G’night, sugarcube.”

“Night, AJ.”

Author's Note

Day six is here! Sorry for the wait. Blame Jackie. My editor, not the character. You know what, blame her, too. She's too sexy for her own good. And don't worry, there will be backstory to the backstory. Because my mind is never satisfied with a linear story. It needs a world to work with. So it's making it through systematic tangents and random whims. Also, I may have gotten a little inspiration from One Piece for Applejack's hat. >.>

Day Eight - Patronization

Applejack woke the next morning feeling groggy. She reached out to nuzzle Rainbow, but found her muzzle stopped halfway. She blearily opened her eyes to see…

“Happy Birthday, Rainbow Dash!”

From the other side of the pink mare who had suddenly appeared between them, Rainbow jumped in shock and fell off the bed, the force bringing Applejack down on top of her, though Pinkie was nowhere to be found. Applejack successfully completed her earlier attempt to nuzzle her marefriend, who groaned, “Pinkie Pie, what the hell?”

Applejack, being slightly more awake, had enough of her wits about her to remember, “Pinkie, Rainbow’s birthday ain’t for another-“

“Eighty-six days, I know!” Pinkie lamented from atop Applejack’s bed. “That’s almost three whole months! But it’s never too early to celebrate, you know.”

“So aside from being random, why are you here?” Rainbow’s voice was slightly muffled.

“Oh! I’m here to invite you to my water party this afternoon!” Pinkie cheered. “I got too excited so I just had to come over and tell you myself, even though I told Mac to, but that’s okay because we talked that out.”

“And when did ya do that?” Applejack asked, rolling off of Rainbow to attempt to disentangle them from the sheets.

“Last night, of course!”

Applejack paused. “So ya’ve been here all night?”

“Oh, no, I went in and out when it was appropriate,” Pinkie assured them.

Rainbow managed to poke her head out of the tangle of sheets. “Appropriate for what?”

“For the plot!” Pinkie chirped.

Rainbow frowned, trying to think of what Pinkie might be going on about.

“Now hold on a damn second!” Applejack burst out. “You were watchin’ us?”

“Nah, that was one of those out times,” Pinkie explained. “I did hear you, though, and it sounded like a whole lot of fun!”

Applejack made to tackle Pinkie and strangle her, but a combination of a tug at her tail and the sheets being uncooperative had her fall back down in a thoroughly-annoyed heap. “Rainbow, why did ya-“

“Think about how bad Ponyville was without Pinkie, AJ. Do you really want that to happen again?”

Applejack scowled. “But she was bein’ all sneaky and spyin’ on us in a real private moment!”

“At least we know she’d be okay with the foaling spell,” Rainbow pointed out.

Applejack groaned. “Don’t remind me. Ah’ve got half a mind ta stomach one o’ them carrot muffins if it really is another option.”

“You know that wouldn’t work again in a million years, right?” Rainbow laughed. “What I wanna know is how it worked once.”

“Easy; she crit failed her deliciousness roll!” Pinkie answered, reminding the two trapped mares why they were in this situation to begin with. And also thoroughly confusing them.

“She did what now?” Applejack questioned.

“I think we’re getting a little off track here. Aside from your weird-ass invitation, why else are you here?” Rainbow prodded. “What else did you do?”

“Oh, well, I came here around the time you got back from the music shop, but then I couldn’t find Mac anywhere, and then I heard you two talking upstairs so I went to listen. You were talking about drumsticks and making all kinds of silly noises, so I figured out pretty quick what was going on. But then I was wondering why you were using drumsticks instead of something better, and then I remembered the party, and no party’s complete without gifts, right? So I got you this!” Pinkie held out a small plastic card.

“You got us what?” Rainbow asked from within her soft confines.

“Oh, right, you can’t see through sheets,” Pinkie tugged on a single fold of the blankets imprisoning her friends, managing to unravel the intricate series of knots and tangles and deposit the pristine sheets back onto the bed where they fell in perfect arrangement.

Knowing better than to question Pinkie’s antics, Rainbow simply took the proffered card, which turned out to be a gift card to… “Trixie’s Secret Stash? Wait, are we talking about the great and powerful Trixie? When did she get a store?” Rainbow inspected the card again. ”In Ponyville? Why haven’t I heard about that?”

“Because it’s a secret, silly,” Pinkie giggled.

Applejack’s brow furrowed. “Alright, then what’s in it?”

“I just told you; it’s a secret. You’ll just have to find out for yourselves!” Pinkie teased in a sing-song voice.

“Wait, if it’s a secret, then how come you know about it?” Rainbow challenged.

“Because I know all the secrets in Ponyville.” Pinkie grinned confidently. “I keep them all right here in my Pinkie Safe!” Pinkie brushed her mane to the side with a hoof to reveal some sort of cylindrical protrusion on her forehead. The only feature that could be noted before it was hidden again was that it was pink and furred.

Rainbow tilted her head this way and that, trying to get another glimpse at it, but it was impossible to see through Pinkie’s thick, poofy mane. “Has that always been there?”

“If that’s what I think it is, Ah’m not sure Ah wanna know,” Applejack put in before Pinkie could speak.

“That’s okay. It’s a secret, anyway,” Pinkie quipped.

Rainbow frowned. “What is it with you and secrets today?”

Pinkie gasped. “You’re right; there is something I needed to tell you!”

“Which is?” Rainbow prompted.

Pinkie bounced to the door and opened it before looking back over her shoulder. “Rarity asked me to help get you back for beating her, so I spiked your juice last night.”

“You what?” Rainbow managed before the door shut. Rainbow’s hoof met her face. “Why am I not surprised by that?”

“Ah don’t know, we were actin’ pretty silly last night,” Applejack supposed. “Also explains why Ah can’t remember much of it.”

Rainbow groaned. “Why do I get the feeling Rarity’s got a whole lot more dirt on us?”

“Ah’m sure it’s not that bad, sugarcube. Ah mean, it’s not like we woulda gotten frisky on the dinner table, right?” Applejack tried to console.

Rainbow froze. “Oh, Luna I hope not.”

Applejack chuckled, leading Rainbow downstairs for breakfast. Rainbow followed after placing Pinkie’s gift on Applejack’s nightstand.

Upon entering the kitchen, they were greeted by the harbinger of their night of drunken revelry. “Good morning, dears,” Rarity chirped. “I do hope the hangover’s not getting to you too badly.”

Applejack paused at that, shooting a glance at Rainbow, who shrugged. “Ah actually haven’t noticed one yet.”

“Yeah, but last night still seems kinda fuzzy,” Rainbow added, taking her seat beside Applejack. “How did you even do that, anyway? There was like, no time between me saying that and taking my first sip of juice.”

Rarity chuckled. “Well, I don’t know if she’s told you, but Pinkie overheard your sexual encounter. Naturally, she relayed her suspicions on to me, at which point I decided a little revenge was in order.”

Applejack frowned so deeply that her lower lip curled. “Do we gotta Pinkie-proof mah bedroom now?”

“But then she wouldn’t be able to join in!” Rainbow protested jokingly.

Applejack cuffed Rainbow’s ear lightly. “Call me selfish, but Ah ain’t gonna share you with nopony. Besides, you don’t even know if she’s inta mares.”

Rainbow shrugged. “It was just a thought.”

Applejack eyed Rainbow warily before turning her attention to Mac. “So, did AB spend the night over at Scoot’s?”

Mac nodded. “Don’t see why she wouldn’t have. You comin’ to the party today?”

“Hay yeah! When Pinkie throws a party, I am there,” Rainbow proclaimed. “Kinda wanna check out that Secret Stash, though.”

“How much is that card good fer, anyway?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow’s eyes moved to the ceiling, as if trying to see through it. “A hundred bits, I think.”

Applejack’s eyes widened. “Must have some fancy stuff there.”

“I’m just hoping it’s not one of those stores where everything’s in the same sized boxes with question marks on them and you don’t know what’s in it ‘till you buy it.” Rainbow shuddered. “Never again.”

“Ah, yes, where untrained wallets go to die,” Rarity chuckled. “A learning experience, to be sure.”

“Ah reckon we could go check it out ‘fore we head on over ta Sugarcube Corner fer the party,” Applejack offered. “But there ain’t gonna be any more days off, y’hear?”

“Yeah, yeah, maximum overdrive and all that stuff.” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively.

Applejack chuckled. “It’s gonna be more ‘n just buckin’ apples now. The ones we harvested last week are ours fer the season, and now we’ve got more trees ta work with, we can start sellin’ as many as Ponyville’s buyin’.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, if it’s good for business, I can’t say much.”

Applejack eyed Rainbow suspiciously. “What’s that supposed ta mean?”

“That I have absolutely no idea how to sell apples,” Rainbow clarified.

“And yer questionin’ mah methods?” Applejack frowned.

“Nah, I can see how it would work. Wouldn’t want ponies clamoring for apples you don’t have yet.” Rainbow cocked her head. “Come to think of it, why don’t you do that for cider season?”

“We do,” Applejack stated flatly, “and if we waited much longer, the apples would start goin’ bad.”

Rainbow’s ears drooped slightly. “I… I don’t have to worry about not getting any cider anymore, do I?”

Applejack chuckled. “Ya never had to, ya silly filly. We always keep a few barrels for ourselves, an’ Mac ain’t exactly the hardest drinker. Ah didn’t even know it was botherin’ ya ‘till last year. All ya ever had ta do was ask.”

Rainbow’s mouth formed a perfectly straight line. “You do realize I’m going to pillage your whole stock this year for not telling me sooner.”

“Only if ya think ya can beat me to it,” Applejack teased.

Rainbow grinned. “Oh, you are so on.”

“Ya do know cider season ain’t fer another eighty-some days, if Pinkie’s math skills are ta be trusted, right?” Applejack reminded.

Rainbow’s grin fell slightly. “Well, you’re on in eighty days, then!”

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head lightly.

From breakfast, the day proceeded with agonizing slowness. It felt like years since they’d started applebucking, and Applejack seemed prepared to work all the way until it was time to leave for the party. “Come on, AJ. If we tire ourselves out now, how are we gonna have fun at one of Pinkie’s parties?”

“By findin’ a nice quiet spot ta talk with Vinyl an’ Octavia,” Applejack answered easily. “Unless ya fergot we was gonna share stories with ‘em.”

Rainbow groaned, falling over and splaying out on her back dramatically. “Pegasus, your life force is running out!”

Applejack cocked a brow. “Ya look fine ta me.”

Rainbow rolled over onto her stomach. “No, it’s a… Oh forget it. You’ve probably never even played that game.” Rainbow got up and flew over to the next tree, leaving Applejack to ponder just what Rainbow was on about this time. “Is earth pony’s life force running out, too?”

Applejack shook her head slowly. If Rainbow had any interest in it at all, she’d be sure to know all about it within the course of the day. “Yeah, Ah’m comin’.”

“So you’re seriously telling me you’ve never played Hooflet? It’s like, the best game ever!” Rainbow started up upon Applejack’s return to her side. Applejack sighed; at least it was going to make Rainbow stop complaining. About applebucking, anyway.

Apple Bloom woke to the pleasant sensation of one of Scootaloo’s wings brushing across her face. She nuzzled into the feathery appendage, giggling lightly when it twitched. Scootaloo’s wings were finally hitting that growth spurt that would make flying much easier. They were far removed from the little stubs she had when they first met.

Sweetie Belle yawned from the other side of the bed, rubbing her eyes with a hoof. She looked around for a clock to find her side of the bed lacking a nightstand. “What time is it?” she mumbled sleepily.

Apple Bloom glanced to the side to check the clock. “About half past seven,” she whispered in answer.

“It’s times like these when I wish I could just have breakfast in bed,” Sweetie Belle groaned. Half a second later, she jolted upright. “Idea!”

Scootaloo woke at the sudden movement of the bed, jumping away from the point of contact and promptly colliding with Apple Bloom. “What the hay? Sweetie Belle?”

“Aw, now it won’t work.” Sweetie Belle frowned in disappointment.

“What’s going on?” Scootaloo prompted a second time.

“Ah’m not sure, mahself,” Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle perked up. “Oh, wait, another idea! Scoot, go back to sleep!”

Scootaloo blinked. “Why?”

“Because you have to be asleep for this to work, of course. Now go back to sleep!”

Scootaloo looked to Apple Bloom for an answer. Apple Bloom could offer little more than a shrug.

“Well, Ah’m getting’ kinda hungry,” Apple Bloom spoke after a pause.

“Me too,” Scootaloo added, getting up out of bed with Apple Bloom.

“You comin’, Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked, turning to see Sweetie Belle fast asleep.

“Don’t ask,” Scootaloo said before Apple Bloom could open her mouth a second time.

Apple Bloom frowned. “Well, she did seem kinda out o’ it. Said somethin’ about breakfast in bed.”

Scootaloo perked up. “Ooh, how about we bring her breakfast in bed?”

“Great idea, Scoot! Let’s go get that breakfast.”

As they left the room, Scootaloo could have sworn she heard Sweetie Belle mumble, “Stole my idea.”

“I swear I got back in time, but the stupid machine ate my token and killed my character!” Rainbow was going on. “It was the last level and I was so freaking close to beating it finally, but it’s just like ‘Nope! Try again!’ Of course, the next time I played, I beat it all with one credit, but still! Still pissed about that one.”

Applejack frowned. “Weren’t ya just goin’ on about how ya could only do that with an earth pony er a unicorn?”

“Well, maybe I went earth pony that one time, but only because I was frustrated! It’s not my fault they made the pegasus so underpowered,” Rainbow countered.

“And ya were runnin’ low on bits, weren’t ya?” Applejack asked with a knowing glint in her eye.

Rainbow crossed her forelegs. “Okay, yeah, that too. But I still beat it with the pegasus the next day!”

“You ever try with the unicorn er the donkey?”

Rainbow scoffed. “Please, I only play cool characters in my games.”

Applejack smirked. “And that happened ta include the earth pony?”

Rainbow flinched. “I… shut up!”

Applejack chuckled. “Ah might just have ta play with ya sometime.”

“Well, they are coming out with Hooflet II this year,” Rainbow suggested.

“Sounds like a plan, partner,” Applejack agreed, holding out her hoof for a spit shake, which Rainbow returned.

“Those monsters don’t stand a chance,” Rainbow boasted. “With both of us there kicking flank, there’s no way it’ll take us more than one try!”

“Maybe if ya teach me how ta play one o’ these days,” Applejack supposed.

Rainbow brightened. “That’s right, you’ve never played it. We have to find time to head on down to the arcade today or tomorrow.”

“Well, Pinkie’s party’s probably gonna take up most o’ the day, so how’s about tomorrow ya show me the ropes?” Applejack suggested.

“You bet your fine plot I will,” Rainbow promised.

Applejack chuckled, “Ya know, of all the things Ah expect outta you…”

“Hey, just because I’m an athlete doesn’t mean I can’t like video games,” Rainbow retorted.

“Never said ya couldn’t, sugarcube,” Applejack clarified. “Ya just keep findin’ new ways ta surprise me.”

Rainbow shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll run me dry one of these days.”

“Not sure if Ah should be grateful er disappointed.”

Scootaloo reached out to give Sweetie Belle a kiss on her horn. Sweetie Belle’s face scrunched in response as she offered a little groan before righting herself and rubbing an eye tiredly. Yawning and looking around blearily for anything out of place, a tray of food caught her eye.

“Eat up, sleepy head,” Apple Bloom giggled.

“You guys…” Sweetie Belle blushed.

Scootaloo puffed out her chest proudly. “It was my idea.”

“You sure about that, Scoot? Sweetie Belle was goin’ on about somethin’ before,” Apple Bloom pointed out.

Sweetie Belle smiled. “I was gonna suggest we bring Scootaloo breakfast in bed as a sort of welcome home present.”

Scootaloo smiled back. “Aw, that’s sweet of you, Sweetie.”

“No complaints about it bein’ too sappy for ya?” Apple Bloom jested.

“Hey, it’s different now that we’re fillyfriends,” Scootaloo argued. “The sap’s not gonna stop, so I might as well get used to it, right?”

Sweetie Belle giggled. “I think it’s really cute, Scoot.”

Scootaloo blushed. “Uh, thanks, Belle.”

“Get a room, you two,” Apple Bloom said in mock distaste.

“Only if you’re there with us,” Scootaloo returned.

“But we’re already in a room,” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

Scootaloo frowned. “Then what are we supposed to do now?”

Sweetie Belle’s stomach growled in response. “Um, eat?”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom laughed, each giving her a peck on the cheek and sitting down to wait for Sweetie Belle to consume her breakfast.

“Ah’ll take it from here, you two,” Big Mac called from another part of the orchard. “Go on an’ head to the party.”

Rainbow looked to Applejack hopefully.

“Alright, let’s go check out this Secret Stash o’ Trixie’s,” Applejack finally said after they had bucked just about every tree in the entire orchard.

Rainbow collapsed onto her stomach. “I’m pretty sure pegasus’ life force just ran out.”

“Well, good thing earth pony’s here ta help her up,” Applejack laughed, hoisting the prone pegasus onto her back.

“Onward, faithful steed!” Rainbow commanded between pants. Applejack rolled her eyes and headed into town.

Mac watched their antics with a smile; it was great to see Applejack enjoying herself so much. He hefted the last load of apples onto his back and started for the barn to organize what he’d be bringing into town for selling.

As Mac busied himself sorting through apples and loading the prettiest of the bunch onto a wagon, Rarity watched him from the doorway. “You know, it really is sweet of you to do all this for them.”

Mac chuckled in response. “Well, Ah reckon Ah owe it to ‘em after they helped me outta that mess with Granny. Usually ain’t so smooth when ya skip out like that.”

“Yes, I suppose your family does hold tight to traditions,” Rarity agreed.

Mac paused in his work. “Speakin’ o’ family, how long’s it been since ya’ve talked ta yers? They know ya’ve had yer eye on a simple farmpony like me?”

Rarity frowned. “No, I don’t suppose they do, nor can I properly gauge their reaction. But we needn’t worry ourselves about-“

“They’re yer family, Rare,” Mac insisted. “Even if ya ain’t too keen on ‘em, they’ve got a right ta know ‘bout who yer datin’ ‘fore ya get yerself hitched.”

“I wasn’t going to suggest we wait that long,” Rarity reproached.

“Why wait at all? Longer ya wait, the more likely they’re gonna have a problem with us,” Mac pointed out. “If they don’t think Ah can be proper ‘nough ta come clean ta them Ah’m datin’ their daughter-“

“Alright, that’s enough,” Rarity interrupted. “If it really means that much to you, I suppose there is some time left before the party.”

“Family should be important ta you, too, Rare. Ya only get one Ma n’ Pa, an’ ya never know when ya might lose ‘em,” Mac intoned. “Life’s too short ta hold grudges, and Ah reckon Ah learned that the hard way.”

Rarity blinked, a look of sympathy coming over her as she moved to comfort her coltfriend.

Mac sighed. “Ah’ve got apples ta sell today, Rare. An’ the party’s gonna be startin’ soon, so Ah ain’t got too much time ta do it.”

“I’ll come with you, and then we can confront my parents,” Rarity promised. “For you, I’ll make sure they have no choice but to love and accept you.”

Mac smiled. “Thanks, Rare.”

“So where is this place we’re lookin’ fer?” Applejack asked, meandering through Ponyville with a lazy pegasus lounging on her back.

“It’s downtown, 570 Saddle Lane,” Rainbow relayed.

Applejack frowned, but refrained from commenting. She was starting to get suspicions about what this place was. But they proved unfounded when they came upon the addressed building and found it empty. “What the hay? There ain’t anythin’ here!”

Rainbow clambered off Applejack to try to get a look through the cloudy window, but it was impossible to see anything. A test of the door revealed it to be locked. “So, Pinkie gave us a gift card to an empty store? I don’t buy it. There’s something we’re missing here.”

“Ah suppose it could just be closed today,” Applejack surmised. “That don’t explain why the windows are fogged, though.”

“Well, Pinkie said it was a secret, right? Maybe it’s just to preserve the illusion. I don’t know, but they can’t keep this up forever!” Rainbow pressed her face back up against the window.

“So what are ya gonna do, then?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow turned and grinned at Applejack. “We come back after the party and investigate under the cover of darkness.”

“So ya wanna break in,” Applejack deadpanned.

“No, just, you know, investigate!” Rainbow denied. “We’ll only use force if needed.”

Applejack sighed. “Well, Ah don’t suppose Ah could leave ya ta get arrested alone. Ah’ll come with ya.”

“Perfect! Everything’s coming together nicely,” Rainbow said in a dramatic voice, rubbing her hooves together dastardly.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s get to the party.”

Rainbow jumped back onto Applejack’s back. “Okay, but I’ve gotta ride in style.”

Applejack eyed Rainbow lounging on her back before rearing up. Rainbow fell to a confused heap at Applejack’s back hooves, until she noticed the view. A flank tap and a hoof to the face later, they were off to Sugarcube Corner.

By the time Applejack and Rainbow arrived, the party already seemed to be in full swing, despite having only started a couple minutes ago. A trip to the back room also revealed a new addition. Built into the floor was a sizable indoor pool, with several ponies lounging and playing in it.

“How do ya think she managed this one?” Applejack mused.

Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno, but knowing Pinkie it’s gonna be gone by tomorrow. Might as well enjoy it while-“ Rainbow paused. While scanning the crowd idly, she swore she caught sight of something rainbow-colored. Shaking it off as some sort of decoration Pinkie put up, she turned back to the pool and nearly jumped out of her coat upon seeing who stood before her.

“Rainy!” A pink-coated pegasus mare with a blue mane and a cutie mark of two lightning bolts embraced the startled pegasus.

“M-Mom?” Rainbow asked in pure confusion.

“Oh, we came as soon as we heard! Congratulations, Rainy!”

Rainbow cocked her head. “How did you hear about me and AJ all the way in Cloudsdale?”

The pink mare disconnected her hug to gaze uncertainly upon Applejack. “But Applejack’s an earth pony, sweetie.”

Rainbow bristled. “You have a problem with that?”

Rainbow’s mother blinked. “Of course not. But how did she get into the Wonderbolts if she doesn’t have wings?”

Rainbow’s hoof met her face. “Oh, that’s what this is about.”

Another pony sharing Rainbow’s distinctive mane color approached the group. “What else would it be about, squirt?”

Rainbow turned her head to regard the new arrival. “Hey, Dad. And, uh, didn’t you read the banners?” Rainbow indicated a pair of banners, one of which read, ‘Calling all fish to Sugarcube Corner,’ the other reading ‘Congratulations AJ & Dashie.’ The latter of the two banners also happened to be decorated with a Pinkie-sized amount of hearts.

“Oh, we-“

Rainbow interrupted her mother. “I know what you’re going to say, ‘Oh, we knew this was gonna happen because you talked about her a lot, blah.’ So don’t.”

Her mother flinched. “No, I wasn’t going to… it’s just that…”

“What, is it because she’s a mare?” Rainbow challenged.

“What your mother is trying to say is, are you sure?” Her father asked.

Rainbow frowned. “Yeah, I’m gay, so what?”

“It’s just that… last time you, uh…” Rainbow’s mother chuckled nervously. “Ah, brought a filly home, you…”

Applejack’s brow rose. “What’s this about bringin’ a filly home, now?”

“Ugh, it was a long time ago, and it was one of those stupid phases, and I, uh…” Rainbow trailed off.

“Can you believe she brought Gilda home one day and tried to convince us she was her fillyfriend?” Her father chortled.

Applejack recoiled in shock, scanning Rainbow’s face for a reaction.

“Like I said, it was a long time ago and I was just being stupid and…” Rainbow took in the hurt expression on Applejack’s face for the first time. “No, I swear we didn’t do anything, AJ. Like, literally nothing. Gilda wasn’t even really interested, and she just went along with it ‘cuz we were friends. I was just trying to prove some stupid point, and I just made myself look like a foal.”

“So you haven’t been lyin’ ta me at all?” Applejack asked gruffly.

Rainbow sighed. “AJ, everything I’ve told you is true. You were my first date, my first kiss, my first buck, everything!”

Applejack blushed at the last. “Uh, Rainbow, Ah’m not sure that-“

“Ooh, you’ve already done all that? You’ve gotta tell me all about it!” Rainbow’s mother piped up.

“Mom, please,” Rainbow muttered, cheeks coloring. “What I do with my marefriend is my business, alright? Well, mine and AJ’s, but you know what I mean.”

Her mother sighed. “Oh, well. It was worth a shot, I suppose. Don’t hold anything back now.”

“Ah don’t think ya gotta worry ‘bout that, Mrs. Dash,” Applejack chuckled.

“Please, call me Firefly,” Firefly offered a hoof, which Applejack shook. “It really is nice to finally meet you in pony after all Rainbow Dash has told us.”

“Mom, cut it out!” Rainbow reproached.

Applejack responded by taking off her hat and placing it on Rainbow’s head, who pulled it over her eyes gratefully. “Ah’m sure it ain’t half as bad as all the sap ya’ve covered me in the past few days,” Applejack reassured.

“And that was supposed to make me feel better how?” Rainbow grumped. “Now my mom’s gonna ask about that, too.”

Firefly grinned shamelessly.

“Well, she sure is a character, ta be sure,” Applejack laughed. “Yer father always been a quiet type?”

“Hardly,” Firefly answered. “He just knows when to give me space.”

“Comes from flying as her wingmate for fifteen years,” he chuckled. “Name’s Lightspeed, by the way.”

Applejack shook Lightspeed’s hoof. “Well, it sure is nice ta finally meet y’all. Can’t say Rainbow’s told me too much.”

“Well, a hyperactive mother who works at the Weather Factory after losing the energy to keep up with the weather team, and a waning team captain who always dreamed of the Wonderbolts as a colt isn’t really much to talk of,” Firefly supposed.

“Yep, you pretty much covered it all in one sentence,” Rainbow quipped, raising Applejack’s hat onto her head properly. “Applejack’s got way better family history.”

Applejack blushed. “Well, Ah wouldn’t say that…”

Rainbow grinned, returning Applejack’s hat. “AJ, your family single-hoofedly caused an entire town to form around you because your apples are just that good.”

Applejack’s blush deepened. “Well, Ah reckon Stinkin’ Rich had a hoof in all that.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Marketing only goes so far without an amazing product, you know. Don’t listen to AJ; she’s just way too modest about this stuff. Her Granny Smith is like, the lynchpin of Ponyville.”

Firefly cocked her head. “Is that a pony or are we talking about the apple?”

“Both,” Rainbow jested, laughing as Applejack’s hat fell over its owner’s eyes. She sidled up next to Applejack to whisper sensually in her ear. “Don’t tease the bull unless you’re looking for a rut, AJ.”

AJ’s face scrunched as she pulled her hat further over her eyes. Rainbow sniggered, giving Applejack a peck on the cheek.

Pleasantries exchanged, Rainbow’s parents let them mingle and enjoy the party. The double-edged sword came with the promise that they’d be stopping by again soon to hear all about their little romance. Knowing her mother’s eternal schoolfilly mindset, Rainbow accepted her fate with little more than a sigh.

Free at last from her overbearing parents, Rainbow flung herself into the pool to hide as much as cool off. Applejack chuckled, dropping down into the water beside her irascible marefriend. “Ah’m sure it won’t be as bad as ya think,” Applejack consoled, offering a hoof in support.

Rainbow’s head came to rest against Applejack’s shoulder. “Probably not, but it means we have one less day to work with.”

“C’mon, she ain’t that bad.”

“You’ve barely met my mom,” Rainbow countered. “What you saw right there was tame by her standards. If she didn’t have something else to do today, we’d have been talking about sex all day. And that’s not even including anything else about our relationship!”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “We got experience fightin’ Pinkie off. Ah’m sure we can handle yer mom.”

“Yeah, but Pinkie isn’t related to me,” Rainbow groaned. “Believe me, that adds a whole new level of invasiveness.”

Applejack sighed. “Well, yer family’s yer family, sugarcube. Ain’t nothin ya can do ta change it.”

“Exactly my point, AJ,” Rainbow grumbled.

Applejack nudged her mare. “C’mon, Dashie; this is a party, ain’t it? We can leave all that bellyachin’ fer later.”

Rainbow took a deep breath before splashing Applejack with a wave of water. Applejack blinked as her mane was soaked through. “This is a party, isn’t it?” Rainbow asked to Applejack’s bemused expression.

Applejack grinned. There was the Rainbow she knew. A space was quickly cleared for them in the middle of the pool for what was sure to be a splash fight for the ages.

Rarity stood before her parents’ house with a feeling of dread. “Well, I suppose we should get this over with.”

“Ah’m here for ya, Rare,” Mac promised.

“I know you are, darling,” Rarity assured, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She took a deep breath before reaching a hoof up to knock.

Rarity’s mother opened the door. “Oh, hello Rarity dear!” She smiled and hugged her daughter. “And who is this?”

“Mother, this is my coltfriend, Big Macintosh,” Rarity introduced. “Mac, this is my mother, Pearl.”

Pearl laughed, hugging a bemused Mac. “So our little Rarity’s gotten her first coltfriend, has she?”

“Uh, it’s nice ta meet ya, too?” Mac sounded unsure.

“Oh, where are my manners, please come in!” Pearl released Mac and stepped aside.

“Apologies, my mother can be a little… unorthodox,” Rarity murmured.

Mac chuckled. “What about yer father?”

“I’m a bit more worried about him,” Rarity admitted.

“So you’ve finally brought a stallion home to us, huh?” A male voice said in an odd tone.

Rarity sighed. “Yes, father, this is my coltfriend, Big Macintosh. Mac, this is my father, Magnum.”

Magnum’s nose twitched, otherwise staying completely still.

“So, tell us about yourself, Big Macintosh,” Pearl chimed in.

Mac blinked. “Well, Ah’m a real simple pony. Ah work mah family’s apple orchard with mah Granny and two sisters, Applejack and Apple Bloom.”

Pearl’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Oh, so you’re Applejack’s brother! I thought I recognized you from somewhere.”

Mac nodded humbly, thankful he wasn’t getting any resentment for his humble origins.

“To think, if we hadn’t interfered, you might be coming home with Applejack herself,” Pearl went on.

Rarity’s eye twitched. “Let’s not speak of this ever again.” Rarity coughed, recomposing herself. “Besides, if anything I would think you pushed me ever so slightly closer into the line of fire with what you pulled.”

Pearl blinked. “How’s that?”

Rarity blinked. “Applejack has no interest in stallions.”

“So she’s one of those fillyfoolers, huh?” Magnum scoffed, speaking at last. “Well, now we know where Sweetie Belle’s been getting all these awful ideas.”

Rarity scowled. “Father, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t speak of it as if it were something unclean. It’s a perfectly healthy lifestyle, and I’ll have you know that Applejack and Rainbow Dash are very happy together. Need I remind you that you are technically talking to two romantically involved stallions?”

It was Magnum’s turn for an eye twitch. “No, I think I’d prefer you didn’t.”

“If you really are so homophobic, then perhaps Ponyville is not the place for you,” Rarity continued. “I’m sure you’ve not noticed, but fillyfooling and coltcuddling happens to be quite rampant around here.”

“You know, that’s not a bad idea,” Magnum shot back. “We should be raising a filly somewhere more respectable, like Hoofington, maybe.”

Rarity recoiled. “No, you can’t do that! Sweetie Belle’s place is here in Ponyville, and I won’t let you take her away!”

“It’s too bad we still have legal custody of her for another six years, then,” Magnum haughtily replied.

“You’re monsters! I’ve tried so hard to convince myself otherwise, but it’s just one thing after another with you, isn’t it?” Rarity bristled. “Big Macintosh had such high hopes for you, and what do you do?” Rarity looked to her coltfriend for support. Mac simply offered a steadying hoof on her shoulder. “I am free of your custody, so it is with no small amount of pride that I can say that you are no family of mine. I disown you as my parents for this.”

Magnum grunted. “If you really feel so strongly about this…”

Pearl sighed, “You know, Maggy, maybe it’s time you gave it up. Are you really gonna separate your daughters just to make a point? What happened to the fun-loving stallion I fell in love with?”

Magnum winced at his wife’s tone. “Pearl, you can’t really tell me you’re okay with your daughter throwing away a chance at a family?”

“I’m okay with letting her make her own decisions,” Pearl chided. “She’s growing up, Maggy, and if this is what she wants, do you really think she’ll listen to you?”

“I just…” Magnum hung his head. “I can’t let my line end with me, hon. And we can’t keep trying again forever.”

Pearl shot Magnum a reproachful glare. “This isn’t about raising the perfect daughter. This is about family, and if you can’t accept your daughters for who they are, then what kinda father does that make you?”

“No father of mine,” Rarity restated. “Though I may have to reconsider about you, mother.”

Pearl offered Rarity a grateful smile before rounding back on her husband. “Well, Magnum?”

Magnum finally relented. “Alright, I guess I can apologize to Ma and Pa and just move on. But don’t blame me when they wring my neck.”

“So you’re not taking Sweetie Belle away?” Rarity demanded.

Magnum took a deep breath. “No.”

“And you’re gonna respect her decision to be with her fillyfriends?” Pearl added.

“Yeah, she can do whatever she wants,” Magnum rolled his eyes.

Pearl frowned. “Magnum.”

“Alright, alright,” Magnum resigned. “I accept her decision and I won’t interfere with her relationship.”

Rarity allowed a smile to grace her lips. “Then I think you’ve earned the right to know that you’ve no need to worry about your line ending.”

Magnum’s ear twitched. “What was that?”

“Our friend Twilight has managed to dig up an old spell that lets mares have foals together,” Rarity revealed. “But it’s good to know you wouldn’t mind either way.”

Magnum blinked twice before bursting out laughing and hugging Pearl. “You hear that, Pearl? We’re gonna get grandfoals after all!”

Pearl smiled, “It’s still her decision whether she wants them or not.”

“I do have to ask, though. If you really wanted grandfoals so badly, why did you raise me as you did?” Rarity questioned. “Surely you didn’t think I could bear a foal by merely believing I was a mare.”

Pearl sighed. “I told your father I wanted a daughter someday. And being as featherbrained as he is, he got a little carried away. I didn’t even really think about what he was doing to you until he came back one day with your face reconstructed. It took me another four years to convince him to have another foal to give you some time to recover and grow up without him smothering you, but the damage was already done by that point.”

Rarity blinked. “I thought you had Sweetie Belle because you were unsatisfied with me.”

“What? No, of course not, dear,” Pearl laughed, standing to give her daughter a hug. “I’ve never been unsatisfied with you. Even if you weren’t supposed to, you grew up to be a wonderful mare. I admit I was a little worried when you ran out on us, but it sure was a stroke of luck to run into somepony like Hoity Toity.”

Mac cocked his head. “Hoity Toity?”

“Oh, did Rarity never tell you that story?” Pearl asked.

Rarity blushed. “Well, he already listened to so much, and, well I don’t like to brag.”

“Nonsense, you tell him all about it!” Pearl insisted. “He’s a real keeper, so you don’t have to be!”

Rarity smiled up at Mac. “He certainly is.”

Mac beamed back down at his marefriend, unable to stop himself from planting a gentle kiss on her lips.

Rarity grinned. “Come on, Mac, you’ve gotta give me something better than that.”

Before Big Mac could ask what Rarity meant, he was tackled to the floor and kissed deeply. Mac smiled, opening his mouth to allow full access. It was all well and good until Mac felt something poke his stomach. “Heh, maybe we should take this somewhere a little more private.”

Rarity blushed. “At this rate, we’re going to miss most of the party.”

Mac chuckled. “You kiddin’? Yer all the party Ah’ll ever need, Rare.”

Rarity smiled, giving Mac a peck on the nose before giggling like a school filly and running out of the house. Mac laughed along, stopping to wave to Rarity’s parents.

“You have fun now, you two,” Pearl teased.

“Yes, ma’am,” Mac promised before chasing after his marefriend.

Clop

“Heh, you’re pretty good at this, AJ,” Rainbow admitted.

“You ain’t too bad yerself,” Applejack returned.

Rainbow grinned. “But I just thought of a way to end this right here.”

Applejack watched in bemusement as Rainbow breached the water and flew to the ceiling.

“You ready for this?” Rainbow taunted.

By the time Applejack knew what Rainbow was planning, it was much too late to do anything about it. Rainbow’s Atomic Rainbomb detonated just below the surface of the water, lessening its effects somewhat, but not enough to save a single droplet of water from its wrath. Rainbow blinked as she found herself at the bottom of an empty pool.

“Did… what just happened?”

Applejack sighed. “What did ya think would happen, ya crazy filly? That’s the same move ya used to blow up one o’ mah old barns!”

“I didn’t think the water would just… disappear!” Rainbow protested.

Applejack looked around herself to find the pool miraculously unharmed. “Yer lucky ya didn’t destroy the whole shop!”

“Hey, I was just trying to get you wet, not wreck the place,” Rainbow argued.

Applejack groaned. “There are other ways ta get me wet, Rainbow.”

Rainbow blinked, a grin slowly coming to her lips as Applejack seriously regretted her choice of words. But before she even had a chance to protest- “Oh, I’ve got an idea!”

With that, Applejack was alone at the bottom of the pool. She let out the breath she’d been holding.

Rainbow returned with a sizable raincloud, placing it over the pool and giving it a light buck. Satisfied with her work, she rejoined Applejack at the bottom of the pool amidst the downpour, grinning.

“Not what Ah expected, but just dandy all the same,” Applejack chuckled.

Rainbow licked her lips. “You know I can’t resist you with a wet mane, Jackie.”

Applejack blinked. “Wait, Rainbow, we’re in public here!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Chillax, AJ. It’s not like I’m gonna do anything sexy.”

Applejack eyed her marefriend warily before gulping. “Well, alri-“

Rainbow interrupted Applejack with a tactical tackle, pinning her to the floor of the surprisingly smooth surface at the bottom of the empty pool and smothering her with a kiss. Applejack had little choice but to reciprocate, and despite a little initial hesitation, found she was enjoying herself quite a bit.

Before too long, Pinkie came by with a hose in her mouth. Dispersing the cloud to the disapproval of the two mares in the midst of a make out session, she released the hose from her mouth and bounced away.

Rainbow shrugged and went back to kissing Applejack. This didn’t turn out to be the wisest decision, as the pool began to fill up at an illogical pace. Applejack and Rainbow found themselves completely submerged in the abrupt deluge of water before they floated back up to the surface.

Applejack broke the kiss. “What in the world did that filly do this time?”

“I dunno, but kissing underwater was more fun than I thought it would be,” Rainbow jested.

Applejack chortled, splashing Rainbow in false indignation. Rainbow was all too happy to splash her back, starting their descent back into their war of water.

Scootaloo leaned back with a sigh on the couch of her old living room. “You know, it’s kinda weird being back here, and seeing nothing’s really changed.”

“Almost like ya never left, huh?” Apple Bloom nuzzled Scootaloo’s shoulder.

Scootaloo’s wing reflexively extended to wrap around Apple Bloom. “I guess, but it’s still pretty hard to forget when it’s so fresh in my mind.”

“I’m sure you’ll get used to it again,” Sweetie Belle assured. “Nothing quite like knowing you always have a warm bed to come home to.”

Scootaloo frowned. “That reminds me. Aren’t you still grounded, Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle flinched. “Maybe?”

Apple Bloom sighed. “What are we gonna do with ya, Belle?”

“I can think of a few things,” Scootaloo said, licking her lips. “Like tying her down and making her-“ Scootaloo cut herself off as her eyes widened. “Why did my mind go there?”

“Were you thinkin’ about sexy stuff, Scoot?” Apple Bloom asked incredulously.

“I… I think so, but…” Scootaloo blushed heavily. “I’m not sure that…”

Sweetie Belle giggled. “You’re probably just not quite recovered from yesterday yet.”

“I don’t know,” Scootaloo admitted. “I mean… aren’t you girls at least a little curious what sex is all about?”

“Scoot, Applejack said we can’t just rush inta this stuff,” Apple Bloom warned. “She made us promise ta wait until we get our cutie marks.”

“And who knows when that’s gonna be?” Scootaloo went on. “Are we really gonna wait until some magic event in the uncertain future to tell us when we can have sex?”

Apple Bloom frowned. “This ain’t about our cutie marks, Scoot. It’s about maturity. Rainbow Dash said it herself; yer body can be ready all it wants, but it’s yer heart that’ll tell ya when it’s time.”

Scootaloo sighed. “I’m sorry, I just… I don’t even know why I’m so frustrated right now.”

“Maybe because our bodies have been ready for cutie marks for three years now,” Sweetie Belle offered. “We’ve tried everything but we still haven’t gotten anywhere.”

“Have you tried muffins?” Derpy called from the doorway, just having returned from a delivery.

Scootaloo’s brow furrowed. “I guess not, but what does that have to do with us?”

Carrot Top appeared to greet her wife back home. “What she means to say is maybe you shouldn’t be venturing so far out of your comfort zones. Ask your friends; what do they think makes you special?”

“Well, golly, Ah reckon there’s a lot that makes Scoot special,” Apple Bloom pondered.

“How are we supposed to pick just one?” Sweetie Belle challenged.

Carrot Top laughed. “You’re thinking too hard again. Cutie marks have to do with special talents. What do you really find special to you?”

Scootaloo frowned briefly before perking up. “I’ve always really wanted to be able to fly with Rainbow Dash!”

Sweetie Belle gasped. “And you were telling us just the other day about how you’ve been taking flying lessons from her!”

“It sounded like ya were doin’ pretty well, too,” Apple Bloom added confidently.

“And Sweetie Belle’s finally getting a hold of magic,” Scootaloo went on. “Maybe she should talk to Twilight about that!”

“But Twilight’s still away in Canterlot,” Apple Bloom lamented. “It might take her forever ta get back here!”

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to wait a bit longer for mine,” Sweetie Belle shrugged. “You said you were getting pretty good at fixing up the barn, Apple Bloom. Is there anypony around Ponyville who might know something about construction?”

Carrot Top shook her head sadly as she retreated, accepting defeat. She knew better than to try to derail any thought that went through either of her daughters’ heads. The fact that this particular one had caused Scootaloo to found a cult didn’t help much either.

“But where are we gonna get a jackhammer that ponies aren’t gonna take away from us?” Scootaloo questioned. “And don’t even think about asking my dad to get us one. She’d probably just come home with Applejack and a hammer.”

“But if your dad brought Applejack here, that might make Rainbow Dash show up,” Apple Bloom pointed out.

“But then what are we gonna do with the hammer?” Sweetie Belle wondered.

Scootaloo shrugged. “We’ll just keep it around for whenever we might need it.”

“Are we even sure that’s gonna work?” Apple Bloom hesitated. “And it’s not like we ain’t gonna get another chance ta set up flying lessons fer Scoot.”

“Eh, good point,” Scootaloo conceded. “But if we can’t get Rainbow Dash or Twilight or a construction pony today, then what are we gonna do?”

“Walk around Ponyville aimlessly while we look for clues that might get us closer to our cutie marks?” Sweetie Belle suggested.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo shared a glance before shrugging. “Works for me,” Scootaloo decided.

Shivering, drenched, and unabashedly cuddling for warmth, Applejack and Rainbow lay in the wake of their tremendous clash. The pool had lost a good six inches of water, despite the room being suspiciously dry.

In response to this newest crisis, Pinkie bounced by with what appeared to by a drinking straw in her mouth. Lowering the utensil to the water, she used her bizarro Pinkie Pie powers to raise the water level to the point where it was near overflowing. “Whoopsie!” Pinkie took the straw to the pool again and returned the water to the proper depth. “There we go!” Pinkie bounced away triumphantly. The room was left to share a collective shrug.

“Pretty slick moves out there, Dash,” Vinyl said, appearing at their side with Octavia in tow.

Rainbow laughed. “I don’t know, AJ got me pretty good there a few times.”

Applejack responded by nuzzling in closer with a shudder.

“Yeah, I think AJ’s had enough of the pool for a while,” Rainbow observed. “So, what’s up?”

Octavia answered. “Well, I was initially going to approach you two about getting to know each other a bit better, but I don’t think this is the most… ideal setting for idle chatter.”

“There probably aren’t too many ponies out front,” Rainbow pointed out. “We could try talking there, and if that’s a no go I’m sure Pinkie would be able to find us some place around here.”

As it turned out, there weren’t many ponies out front. In fact, it seemed positively barren. The only problem was that the noise from the back was still as loud and distracting as ever.
“Yeah, it’s so much better out here,” Vinyl deadpanned.

Rainbow harrumphed and faced away from Vinyl dramatically. It was then that she caught sight of a single pony off in the corner. It was Cloudchaser, sans Flitter, and looking miserable. That was more than enough reason for Rainbow to be curious.

While the other three members of their little group were occupied trying to find Pinkie, Rainbow approached the lone mare. “Cloudchaser? Why aren’t you in there having fun? And where’s Flitter? I never see you guys apart.”

Cloudchaser visibly winced at the mention of her sister. “I don’t feel like talking about it. It’s… really personal, and no offense, but as much respect as I have for you… I don’t really know you that well.”

“Well, maybe it’s something I could help you with. If it’s something to do with your new weather duties, I could…”

“I don’t need a life lesson from somepony younger than me,” Cloudchaser scoffed. “Besides, you’re single.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “No I’m not.”

Cloudchaser narrowed her eyes at her interrogator. “Since when?”

“Since AJ and I started dating a few days ago,” Rainbow answered. “Doesn’t anypony read the banners?”

“Yeah, and I’m sure it’s all sunshine and rainbows for you two,” Cloudchaser quipped, rolling her eyes.

“Well, half of that’s a given,” Rainbow pointed out. “And it’s not been all smooth sailing. We have our differences, and sometimes even our likenesses put us against each other. But we work out our problems and come out stronger for it.”

“I need a friend, not a self-help guru!” Cloudchaser blurted out. She face-hoofed when she caught her slip too late.

“Well, what do you think I’m offering here?” Rainbow frowned. “Does it have something to do with Flitter?”

Cloudchaser bristled at that. “You don’t have the right to ask me about this.”

“So it is about her. Did something happen between-“

“Just shut up and leave me alone,” Cloudchaser growled, rising from her table and exiting the building.

Rainbow wasn’t about to be dissuaded. “Hey, you get back here!”

Cloudchaser couldn’t get more than a block from Sugarcube Corner before she found herself pinned to the ground by powerful blue forelegs. “What the hell? Get off me you crazy bitch! Can’t you take a hint?”

“No, I guess I’m too stupid to get it. Now tell me what the hell’s gotten into you!”

“You’re the one who assaulted me!” Cloudchaser protested, struggling to break free to no avail.

“Don’t try to avoid the question,” Rainbow growled.

“Why do you even care?”

“Because you’re a Wonderbolts prospect, like me, and you’re my replacement as weather captain. Gotta make sure Ponyville’s in good hooves, right?”

Cloudchaser abruptly stopped her struggling to level Rainbow with an unamused glare.

Rainbow sighed heavily. “Okay, I know that sounded shallow, but give me a break! I’m out of my element here.”

“Yeah, and Pinkie had the sense to leave me alone,” Cloudchaser grunted. “If you weren’t such a Luna damned hothead, maybe you would have thought of that.”

“What was I supposed to do? Just ignore you and walk away?”

“Yes!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Look, I’m the element of loyalty. I don’t like seeing ponies suffer when I know I can do something about it. Now if you’d stop being so stubborn, maybe I could help you try to deal with banging your sister!”

With a surge of adrenaline, Cloudchaser catapulted Rainbow Dash off of her. “It’s not like that, dammit!”

Rainbow’s eyes widened; she didn’t think she’d hit so close to the mark. But before she could recover enough to continue the chase, Cloudchaser was nowhere to be seen. Rainbow sighed. “Smooth, Rainbow. Real smooth.”

Applejack snorted in frustration. They had found Pinkie Pie easily enough, but now they were missing Rainbow Dash. “Where the hay did that dang filly get off to?”

In answer, a disheartened Rainbow Dash stepped back into Sugarcube Corner with heavy hooves. She looked up to see her little entourage staring at her. “Oh, hey guys. Sorry, I just went for a little walk.”

Applejack blinked. “’Scuse me if Ah don’t sound convinced. Now let’s try that again; where exactly have ya been?”

Rainbow quickly glanced around the room. It was empty, but there was no telling how long it would stay that way. “Okay, something really private came up, so could we just go to wherever Pinkie said we could talk? You did find her, right?”

Applejack looked to Octavia and Vinyl, who shrugged in synchronization. “Come on, she gave us her room,” Applejack said at length. She offered many a loving nuzzle on the way up, though Rainbow was too distraught to reciprocate.

Octavia shut the door behind them before looking at Rainbow expectantly. “Well, what is it?”

Rainbow sighed, leaning against Applejack gratefully. “Well, I don’t know how well you all know her, but I saw Cloudchaser off in a corner looking all depressed.” Rainbow looked to Applejack. “She’s the pony who took my spot on the weather team, remember?”

Applejack nodded. “Captaincy not treatin’ her too well?”

Rainbow shook her head. “If it is, that’s the least of the mess she’s in. She has a twin sister named Flitter, and they’re practically inseparable from what I’ve seen. So to see her alone was also pretty worrying.”

“I think I remember those two,” Vinyl spoke up. “Purple coats, blue manes, right?”

Rainbow nodded. “So, from what I can gather, Cloudchaser, uh… bucked Flitter.”

Vinyl blinked. “No way. That’s hot.”

Octavia was quick to issue a hoof to Vinyl’s face. “It’s also a very serious matter, Vinyl.”

“So you’re not denying that it’s hot?” Vinyl laughed.

Octavia frowned and gave Vinyl another beating.

Rainbow turned to Applejack for her reaction to find her gazing up at the ceiling absently. Rainbow gave her a nudge, snapping her out of her trance.

“Oh, sorry,” Applejack mumbled. “You said they was twin sisters, right?”

“Still are, hopefully,” Rainbow chuckled.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Well, much as Ah hate ta say it, that sorta thing ain’t too uncommon ‘round farm folk. But Ah’m pretty sure they ain’t even workin’ at any farm. Not ‘round here, anyways.”

Rainbow shook her head. “Not that I know of. So, are you okay with it or…?”

Applejack shrugged. “Ain’t mah place ta judge, sugarcube. But if it makes ‘em happy, then Ah can’t see nothin’ wrong with it.”

“Where is she now?” Octavia asked after a pause.

Rainbow frowned. “I dunno, she ran off somewhere, and I don’t know her well enough to guess where she’d be. She said she needed a friend, though, so she’s probably going to one of them.”

“Do any of her friends know about all this?” Octavia wondered.

Rainbow frowned. “I don’t know. She seemed pretty lonesome, so maybe she-“

Before Rainbow could complete her thought, the door was thrown open. “Cloudchaser, are you in he-“ A very sheepish looking purple pegasus stood at the doorway. “Oh, uh, sorry for bothering you…”

“Flitter, wait,” Rainbow blurted before the mare could retreat.

Flitter glanced back curiously.

Rainbow sighed. “Well, your sister was just here, but I kinda accidentally chased her off.”

Flitter frowned. “Gee, thanks.”

“I’m sorry, I know I probably shouldn’t have gotten involved, but she seemed really broken up and I…” Rainbow trailed off lamely.

Flitter sighed. “Well, I guess that’s just as well anyway. She probably doesn’t want to talk to me right now anyway.”

Rainbow paused, trying to figure out how to approach the subject. Unfortunately, she didn’t have to.

“So, how was it rutting your sister?”

“VINYL!” Octavia smacked her marefriend. “I am terribly sorry for-“ Octavia cut herself off as she heard Flitter choke back a sob.

“Hey, calm down there, sugarcube. We ain’t judgin’ ya fer what ya did,” Applejack soothed. “Ah know we ain’t the most familiar ponies, but maybe ya’d feel better if ya talked about it?”

Flitter nodded, sighing. “It’s my fault, really. She was just so… miserable since she got rejected by Thunderlane… I… I just wanted to make her happy again. She kept going on about how she had her virginity tossed out the window by somepony she used to be so close to, and I just… I wanted to give her a second chance.

“I never would have hoped she’d say yes. I know it’s wrong for me to feel this way, but when she told me she’d wanted me since we were fillies… it was like she’d pulled me right out of Equestria, and all that mattered anymore was her; the pony I… love. It was the greatest night of my life, but when the morning came and she started apologizing… I never knew a kiss could drive somepony so far away…”

Flitter devolved into a blubbering wreck, prompting the four assembled mares to lift her up into Pinkie’s bed, where she soon cried herself to sleep.

Rainbow sighed. “Now I really wish I had gotten more of Cloudchaser’s side of the story.”

“Well, it seems we have a new directive,” Octavia giggled. “This is just far too sweet to go unresolved.”

“Adorable, hot, and related? That’s way too good to pass up,” Vinyl agreed.

“Not everything is about sex, Vinyl,” Octavia chided.

Vinyl shrugged. “Hey, it won’t hurt our chances.”

“But we all know that if there’s gonna be a gratuitous threesome, I’m their mare,” Rainbow boasted, getting a playful swat from Applejack. “Hey, who says we were gonna turn down a fourth?”

“Why do I get the feelin’ that by the time this is all finally over, y’all are gonna organize some great big orgy with every mare in Ponyville?” Applejack mused.

“Because that’s not a half bad idea!” Rainbow grinned.

“Half-baked, maybe, but definitely something I could get behind,” Vinyl added, looking at Octavia expectantly.

Octavia sighed. “You two are incorrigible. I truly dread the day we get Lyra in the same room as you.”

“Hey, great flanks buck alike,” Vinyl retorted. “Wait, that didn’t rhyme.”

“Neither does the original,” Octavia quipped.

“Well it kinda almost rhymes!” Vinyl insisted. “They both have the ‘i’ part. And the… the end isn’t like, a vowel sound in either of them.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “Yes, the similarities abound.”

Vinyl frowned. “But you said you weren’t ready for bondage yet.”

Octavia smacked her face with a hoof. “Why do I even bother?”

“Because you love me?” Vinyl suggested, batting her eyelashes.

Octavia remained silent.

Vinyl’s lower lip quivered. “Tavi?”

Octavia seethed briefly before smothering Vinyl in a fiercely aggressive kiss that left the stunned DJ twitching on the floor. “Apologies. I love her to death, but she can still get me quite heated.”

Rainbow blinked, her mouth slowly forming a grin. “Hey, AJ, how come you never kiss me like that?”

“Because Ah don’t tick the same way Octavia does,” Applejack returned.

Rainbow’s grin grew wider.

Applejack’s eyes widened in fear. “Wait, Ah didn’t mean-“

Before she could even turn to the door, Applejack was beset by the most fearsome creature in all the land; the tickle monster. The poor mare never had a chance.

Applejack was splayed out on the floor, panting heavily to try to regain control of her breathing. Rainbow lay atop her, in no better shape than her less-than-submissive prey.

Octavia giggled at the spectacle. “So, now that we’ve gotten that out of our systems, let’s return to the task at hoof, shall we?”

Rainbow’s head struggled to rise from Applejack’s chest. “What else can we do? I mean, it’s not like we can just stick around here until Cloudchaser shows up.”

“Perhaps not, but surely there was something she gave you. Even something small, anything we can use,” Octavia suggested hopefully.

Rainbow frowned, her head falling back down. “Well, she mentioned Pinkie, but-“

“Ohmigosh is everything okay?” Pinkie suddenly appeared in the doorway, rushing over to inspect the peaceful, sleeping form of Flitter. “Oh, thank goodness. I was worried something awful had happened!”

”Ah, we were just talking about you, Pinkie,” Octavia greeted.

“What happened to Scratchie?” Pinkie walked over to prod one of Vinyl’s hooves, the mare to which they belonged still unconscious from the sensory overload she had recently experienced.

Octavia blushed. “Oh, yes, that. Well, you see-“

“Tavi mouth-raped her,” Rainbow answered. “So, Pinks, what do you know about all this?”

Pinkie developed a scholarly expression and gestured to a blackboard that all the assembled mares could agree had not been there before. “Well, Twilight’s told me it all started when there was nothing but these little specks of dust floating around in outer space.”

“We meant about the developments between Cloudchaser and Flitter,” Octavia clarified.

“Oh, that!” Pinkie shoved the blackboard back into her closet. “It’s… complicated. Flitter’s all embarrassed because she got Cloudchaser to sleep with her on the rebound from Thunderlane, and she’s had secret feelings for her since that all started. And Cloudchaser’s all worried that ponies will think she took advantage of Flitter when she actually really cares a whole lot about her, so she’s trying to figure out how to approach the topic of a relationship, but she’s also worried that ponies won’t like that because they’re sisters.”

“Sounded to me like Thunderlane gave Cloudchaser a pretty rough go of it,” Applejack prompted.

“Tell me about it,” Pinkie sighed. “A drunken one-night-stand is never a good thing when one of the ponies really cares about the other and wants it to go further than that, but the other isn’t interested and is already in a relationship.”

“Ouch,” Rainbow observed. “So, Cloudchaser and Flitter both love each other, but don’t know how to deal with the obstacle of being sisters?”

“Pretty much, yeah,” Pinkie nodded.

“And neither of ‘em know how the other feels?” Applejack ventured.

“Not a clue,” Pinkie confirmed. “I’ve tried to get them to talk it out because they’re both being so silly, but Cloudchaser’s being really stubborn about it all. But giving them space doesn’t seem to be getting them anywhere either. It’s been going on for almost a week now and I’m really starting to get worried it won’t end with them being happy together.”

“Well, Ah reckon Ah’ve got some experience dealin’ with stubborn pegasi,” Applejack chuckled.

“Yeah, if you can’t get them to talk, you have to make them talk!” Rainbow added. “We just need to get them in a room together where Cloudchaser can’t escape, and Flitter can have her chance to win her back!”

“If you can be sure that won’t end horribly…” Octavia challenged.

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “Please, it’s not like they’re both being stubborn about it. All they need is a confrontation and they’ll both go home happy.”

“Yeah, we just gotta figure out how ta pull it off.” Applejack looked to Pinkie expectantly.

Pinkie grinned. “Okay, ponies, here’s the plan…”

“So, any ideas for today, Crusaders?” Scootaloo asked as her little troupe made their way through Ponyville.

“Well, there ain’t too many ponies in the streets,” Apple Bloom observed. “Ya think somethin’s goin’ on today?”

“Nothing bad, I hope.” Sweetie Belle shuddered.

“I’m sure it’s just another one of Pinkie Pie’s crazy parties or whatever,” Scootaloo assured. “I guess that means we’ve got most of Ponyville unprotected, then.”

Sweetie Belle gasped. “My sister told me that’s dangerous! We could get infections!”

“And since when do you listen to anything Rarity tells you?” Scootaloo cocked a brow.

“And how’re we gonna get infections just ‘cause all the adults are hangin’ out ‘round Sugarcube Corner?” Apple Bloom prodded. “I mean, look, there’s one right there who looks downright miserable!”

“Yeah, it’s not like we- wait, what?” Scootaloo followed Apple Bloom’s gaze to a lone, depressed pegasus mare. “What do you think happened?”

“Nothin’ bad, Ah hope,” Apple Bloom echoed Sweetie Belle’s earlier sentiment.

“Well we’re not gonna figure it out standing around here,” Sweetie Belle declared. “Come on, Crusaders!”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo hesitantly followed along as Sweetie Belle marched straight up to the potentially unstable mare.

“Hi! Why are you crying?” Sweetie Belle chirped innocently.

Cloudchaser sighed into her hooves. “Isn’t there anywhere I can go where I won’t be bothered?” She turned a twitching eye to regard who had disturbed her this time and paused. “Oh, hello little fillies.”

“We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and we’re here to help you!” Sweetie Belle proclaimed.

Scootaloo’s hoof met her face. “Sweetie Belle, I really don’t think this is the best time for-“

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders, huh?” Cloudchaser smiled slightly. “Aren’t you all a little old for that?”

“Hey, an epic quest like this takes a lot of time and hard work!” Scootaloo bristled. “You try doing everything you can think of for three years trying to find your special talent.”

Cloudchaser couldn’t keep from laughing. “So what makes you think cheering me up will get you your marks?”

“Well, it worked, didn’t it?” Sweetie Belle giggled.

Cloudchaser smiled. “A little bit, yes. But I’m sure you’re all much too busy to listen to a strange mare’s romantic troubles.”

Apple Bloom perked up. “Ah reckon we know a bit about that, girls.”

Scootaloo shrugged. “It’s worth a shot, I guess.”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Relationship Counselors! Yay!”

Cloudchaser laughed openly. “I really shouldn’t. I know how impressionable you little fillies can be.”

“How would you know that?” Scootaloo asked.

“I was one once, too,” Cloudchaser reminded. “And I have experience with one in particular. Though I don’t suppose I’ll be getting to see little Rumble too much anymore.”

Scootaloo blinked. “Wait, are you… Cloudchaser?”

Cloudchaser nodded slowly before scrutinizing Scootaloo. She suddenly perked up in recognition. “Oh, I thought I recognized you! You’re Dinky’s sister, aren’t you?”

“Name’s Scootaloo,” Scootaloo grinned.

Cloudchaser smiled sadly. “Well, I don’t know how much you’ve heard, then.”

Scootaloo’s face fell. “Enough to know you’re in a pretty bad spot.”

“I suppose I am, aren’t I?” Cloudchaser mused. “I’m not sure even Rumble knows how far out of hoof this has gotten, though.”

“Well, sometimes ya just gotta let it all out,” Apple Bloom counseled.

Cloudchaser bit her lip. “I still don’t want to go filling your little heads with any unsavory ideas.”

In response, Scootaloo stepped in between her fellow Crusaders and drew them close with her wings. After delivering a kiss to each of their cheeks, Scootaloo grinned. “I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

Cloudchaser beamed. “It seems I was beaten to it, hm? That really is adorable.”

Scootaloo’s protest died in her throat as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle chose that moment to return her kisses.

“Alright then, let’s see. I assume Dinky has told you about my sister, Flitter?”

Scootaloo nodded.

Cloudchaser sighed. “Well, things have gotten a little complicated between us. After Thunderlane was through with me, I got scared, and, well, she was there for me…”

“How far did it go?” Scootaloo asked knowingly.

Cloudchaser winced. “Farther than I’d like to admit. It’s… not that I don’t care about her. Maybe I care too much, even. I just… don’t know what to do.”

Scootaloo cocked her head. “What’s stopping you?”

“She’s my sister,” Cloudchaser emphasized. “That would be like if you started dating Dinky!”

“I thought about that once,” Scootaloo admitted. “But it turns out she likes colts, so…”

Cloudchaser blinked. “I don’t suppose that’s really stopping me, either,” she agreed. “It just came so quickly after what happened with Thunderlane, and I want to know if these feelings are really genuine. And Flitter can be a bit… sensitive. I would never want to subject her to the ridicule she’d get for dating her sister.”

Scootaloo smirked. “You know, us three used to get ridiculed for not having our cutie marks yet. But we shut them all up by showing them just how awesome we can be without them. If ponies don’t like it, then buck them!”

Cloudchaser took a deep breath, closing her eyes and trying to contain a smile. “I know I could shake it off, but Flitter’s a bit different.”

“Then you’ve just gotta be there for her,” Scootaloo suggested. “She looks up to you, doesn’t she?”

Cloudchaser nodded, blushing slightly.

“Then she’ll be fine if she knows you’re there to protect her,” Scootaloo concluded. “Trust me; I know what that’s like.”

“So you’re telling me I should just buck up and be a good marefriend for her?”

“Unless you don’t think you’re up to the challenge,” Scootaloo taunted.

Cloudchaser chortled. “Leave it to a filly to make everything seem so simple. Thanks, kid.”

“Hey,” Scootaloo protested. “The name’s Scootaloo.”

“I’ll be sure to remember that,” Cloudchaser assured.

“Now why are you still sitting around here? Go get that filly and make her yours!”

Cloudchaser nodded, taking off in the direction of Sugarcube Corner.

Scootaloo let out a breath. “Well, that went better than expected.”

“How do you know so much about all that?” Apple Bloom marveled.

“Yeah, I thought you’d never had a fillyfriend before,” Sweetie Belle added.

Scootaloo blushed. “Come on, guys, do you really have to ask?”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “Well, ya got us fer all that now.”

“Believe me, when the time comes, I’m not showing either of you any mercy,” Scootaloo promised, licking her lips.

Sweetie Belle blushed. “Make sure to use protection!”

Scootaloo turned a bemused eye to Sweetie Belle. “You know that’s only for colts, right?”

“This can’t possibly go wrong,” Rainbow capped off their discussion confidently. “By the time we’re done, Cloudchaser and Flitter will be so in love with each other, they’ll have to-“

The door opened to reveal the very mare in question. “Hey, is Flitter in here? Sorry about running off on you earlier, I just needed some time to think.”

Rainbow blinked. “You mean you… figured everything out by yourself?”

Cloudchaser shook her head, laughing. “No, I had the help of a little orange filly.”

“But… but we had a plan!” Rainbow insisted. “It was gonna be awesome and… and you can’t just come back and have everything be fine! There was way too much conflict for it to be resolved that fast!”

Cloudchaser shrugged. “Well, that’s just how things work sometimes, I guess.”

Applejack chuckled. “Do Ah have ta ask why yer so on about this?”

Rainbow shot Applejack a disgruntled look.

“I might have to,” Cloudchaser put in.

“Hey, we’re planning a big orgy at the end of the month, you two in?”

Octavia’s hoof returned to its rightful place upside Vinyl’s head. “There’s breaking the ice and there’s you, Vinyl.”

“Hey, what can I say? A mare’s got needs,” Vinyl replied, rubbing the back of her head.

“Where’d Pinkie get off ta?” Applejack asked suddenly.

Cloudchaser blinked. “Downstairs at the party; she greeted me at the door.”

“But we were just talking to her!” Rainbow challenged.

“Remember what we saw under that curly mane o’ hers,” Applejack chuckled.

Rainbow smacked herself in the face. “Why does that make so much sense?”

“So, is my sister here or not?” Cloudchaser cocked a brow.

“She’s in the bed,” Octavia answered.

Cloudchaser approached the pony-sized lump in the bed, just barely able to make out a lock of Flitter’s hair under the pile of pillows and blankets. She moved to touch her, but stopped when she heard a light snore. Smiling, Cloudchaser couldn’t bring herself to disturb her sister and merely settled down to wait on a chair that had not previously been next to the bed.

“Was that a yes or a no to the orgy?” Vinyl asked.

Cloudchaser laughed. “We’ll be sure to think about it.”

“Sweet.”

Rather than wait for Flitter to wake up, Octavia and Applejack made a concerted effort to lead their curious marefriends out of the way. Cloudchaser looked grateful for the privacy, offering a smile before they closed the door behind themselves.

“But that was like, the most interesting thing happening!” Rainbow protested. “What are we supposed to do now?”

“I don’t suppose there’s much other place in this confectionery that allows for optimal acoustics,” Octavia noted sadly.

“Just ain’t proper ta spy on such an intimate moment like that,” Applejack spoke louder than necessary, hopeful Pinkie’s omniscient ears would catch such a statement.

“Who are you talking to?” Vinyl asked, taking note of the tone Applejack spoke in.

“Pinkie snooped in on us having sex yesterday,” Rainbow answered off-hoofedly.

Vinyl’s eyes brightened. “Did you ask her to join in?”

“We didn’t even know she was doin’ it!” Applejack insisted.

Rainbow shrugged. “Well, it did seem a little too fortunate to have the house to ourselves, I guess.”

“Ah’ve half a mind ta Pinkie-proof the whole farm,” Applejack muttered.

Rainbow cocked a brow. “How are you gonna do that? Nothing’s gonna work on her, you know.”

“Bubble wrap usually works pretty well,” Vinyl suggested.

Applejack frowned. “We’re dealin’ with Pinkie here, not Derpy.”

Vinyl shrugged. “Hey, if it works on one…”

“But Pinkie doesn’t have a bubble cutie mark,” Rainbow pointed out. “That makes the whole thing fall through!”

“Hey, bubbles are kinda like balloons,” Vinyl defended. “They’re both round. And you can pop them. It’s just one’s louder than the other when you pop it.”

“So you’re saying if we popped Pinkie, she’d make a lot of noise?” Rainbow hypothesized. “How does that help us? We want her to stay away, not be louder.”

“Yeah, but if she’s popped, then she’ll eventually go quiet,” Vinyl smirked.

“Other than murder,” Octavia shot a glance at Vinyl, “what else would be a suitable distraction?”

“Well, we could get somepony else to do it,” Rainbow considered, misinterpreting Octavia’s attempt to change the subject. “Somepony with more experience popping balloons; a master of balloon-popping.”

“Ah remember seein’ somepony with a bobby pin fer a cutie mark,” Applejack supplied. “Ah think it was at Diamond Tiara’s cute-ceañera.”

Rainbow gasped dramatically. “We gotta find that guy! He might know the secret to stopping Pinkie!”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “I will take no part in this coup, thank you very much.”

“Come on, Tavi, it’s not like we’re gonna kill her,” Vinyl begged. “I mean, I have no idea what that guy’s like, but we should just get them in the same room and see what happens!”

“With the worst-case scenario being the loss of an element of harmony?” Octavia quipped.

“Hey, just because one of their cutie marks is the arch rival of the other doesn’t mean the guy’s gonna turn into a psychopathic murderer if we leave them alone together,” Vinyl argued. “I think I’ve been taking you to too many of the wrong movies, Tavi. It’s starting to mess with your head.”

Octavia’s hoof met her face. “For the last time, Vinyl, just because you were able to influence me to some degree when we were younger doesn’t make me a sponge.”

“Ah think we’re gettin’ a little off track here,” Applejack chuckled. “Ah don’t wanna change nothin’ about Pinkie; bein’ confusin’ is part o’ what makes her who she is, right?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I guess so. Doesn’t mean you have to be a buzz kill, though.”

“’Scuse me if ah ain’t keen on hearin’ Vinyl and Octavia’s adventures in absorbency,” Applejack retorted.

Rainbow frowned, going silent for a moment before starting up an entirely new subject. “So, am I the only one who thinks it’s a little weird how fast Cloudchaser came around? And, I mean, as hot as it is, Flitter’s her sister. I can’t speak from experience or anything, ‘cause I don’t have one, but that would be kinda like Applejack and Big Mac getting it on.”

Applejack recoiled. “He’s mah brother! Why would Ah ever think o’ doin’ anythin’ with him? ‘Sides, Ah ain’t even interested in colts.”

“So you’re saying if he was a mare, you’d have less of a problem with it?” Rainbow pieced together.

Applejack frowned. “That ain’t sayin’ much.”

“I take my victories where I can get ‘em.”

“So, now that we’ve run the gauntlet from murder to incest, is there anything else we can-“

“Oh, that’s right!” Rainbow perked up, cutting Octavia off unceremoniously. “Scratch, I was gonna teach AJ how to play Gauntlet tomorrow. You ever played that?”

“Please, I’ve played every game in that little caddy shack they call an arcade,” Vinyl waved a hoof. “You should see the stuff they have in Canterlot. One of the few things I miss about the old place.”

“You’ll have to show us someday when me and AJ are the world champs,” Rainbow boasted, wrapping a hoof around Applejack.

“I thought you were already occupied with your guitar lessons,” Octavia said, sounding bemused.

“Hey, nothing wrong with broad horizons,” Rainbow countered. “I mean, we haven’t even mentioned how I’m being recruited into the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow winced and face-hoofed at her slip when two pairs of eyes slowly came to meet hers.

Octavia’s hoof moved quickly to silence any comments that were seconds away from leaving Vinyl’s mouth. “I’m surprised to hear you don’t sound too thrilled about that, and moreso that it’s not been the talk of the town yet. But I shan’t pry; I know a complicated situation when I see one.”

“Thanks,” Rainbow smiled. Scanning the room for a distraction for the less reserved member of their quartet, she took notice to Fluttershy off in a corner, looking very out of place. Smile turning to a frown, she approached the timid pegasus. “Fluttershy, what are you doing here? I thought you didn’t like the bigger parties.”

“Oh, hello Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy smiled briefly. “I really don’t like being in a place with so many ponies, but Pinkie told me it would help break me out of my shell. But it’s just… so loud.”

“Like it isn’t back at your animal-infested cottage?” Rainbow smirked.

“It is when you’re not there to rile them up,” Fluttershy countered.

“Fair point,” Rainbow conceded.

“So have you just been sittin’ here this whole time?” Applejack asked, frowning slightly.

Fluttershy nodded sheepishly.

Applejack snorted. “That ain’t gonna fix anythin’, sugarcube. Pinkie brought ya here ta mingle, loosen up.”

“But I hardly know anypony here,” Fluttershy murmured. “When I’m with you girls, it’s okay because I feel safe, but when it’s just me, I…”

“There’s gotta be somepony ya know here,” Applejack insisted. “Like how about… Oh, howdy miss Cheerilee.”

Cheerilee offered a small smile. “Hello you two, and congratulations.”

“Uh, thanks.” Rainbow rubbed the back of her head.

“We were just talkin’ about how Pinkie’s tryin’a get Fluttershy here ta loosen up a bit,” Applejack relayed. “Ah reckon you know each other pretty well, an’ Fluttershy was sayin’ she was a bit more comfortable ‘round these big parties with a friend.”

Cheerilee blinked. “Oh, uh, I suppose I could take her off her hooves,” she suggested, not catching her small slip.

Rainbow cocked her head. “Don’t you mean take her off our hooves?”

Cheerilee chuckled a bit nervously. “Yes, of course.”

“Well, we won’t keep ya,” Applejack said, pulling Rainbow away. “Ah’m sure y’all have a lot ta catch up on.”

Fluttershy gave a small smile to the retreating pair before turning her attention to Cheerilee.

Applejack and Rainbow caught back up to Vinyl and Octavia over by the punch bowl, where they were sure to keep an eye out for a certain purple mare. Rainbow, on the other hoof, shot occasional glances back over to Fluttershy to see how she was holding up. From the looks of it, despite the slow and awkward start, Fluttershy and Cheerilee were soon having a grand old time.

“Somethin’ wrong, Rainbow?” Applejack asked, wrenching Rainbow’s attention away from the distant pair.

Rainbow shook her head, as much to clear it as to answer. “Just making sure Fluttershy’s alright with Cheerilee.”

Applejack frowned slightly. “When ain’t she okay ‘round her?”

Rainbow shrugged absently. “I dunno, just making sure.”

“Ain’t like Cheerilee’s gonna start puttin’ the moves on ‘er, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled. “Stop bein’ so protective of her, she can take care of herself.”

Rainbow frowned. It was true that she tended to get a little overprotective of Fluttershy at times, but that was pretty much a given considering they were practically sisters growing up. “Well, sometimes I just can’t help it, you know? It’s like how you get sometimes with Apple Bloom. Except she’s older than me.”

“Ah’m older than ya, too, sugarcube,” Applejack reminded with a smirk.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, by like a month. Doesn’t count until it’s at least two.”

“Speakin’ o’ months, Ah can’t help but remember you two goin’ on about somethin’ about ‘em,” Applejack said to Vinyl and Octavia.

“Ah, yes, that,” Octavia chuckled. “As much as I would love to speak of it in public, I fear Vinyl wouldn’t speak to me for about a month if I did.”

“You’re damn right,” Vinyl confirmed, crossing her forelegs defiantly.

Octavia laughed, nuzzling Vinyl back into a proper posture.

“That personal, huh?” Rainbow asked, arching her brows. “Sounds like we’ve got quite the stories to share.”

Vinyl groaned at that. “You’re gonna have to give me something good for all this.”

“I would, but Applejack’s told me we’re not ready for foursomes yet,” Rainbow returned, earning a cuff from Applejack.

Vinyl perked up. “You know, that gives me a great idea for a big orgy after the award show at the end of the month. That would be a good starting point for getting all of Ponyville involved.”

Octavia rolled her eyes, unable to refrain from kissing her single-minded marefriend.

“See, Tavi’s on board,” Vinyl grinned.

Rainbow turned to Applejack hopefully. Applejack just shook her head in bewilderment, wondering what she did to earn such a colorful partner.

Big Macintosh yawned, stirring from his rest to regard the position of the sun. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw how close it was to the horizon. He hurriedly woke Rarity, much to her displeasure.

“Mac, what in Equestria-“

“Rare, we gotta go now or we’re gonna miss dinner again!” Mac fretted.

Rarity moved to the window to see that despite Big Macintosh’s worries, they still had about an hour before that would become an issue. “Please, Mac, we have time for tea and idle chatter if we wanted.”

Mac stopped his pacing to fix Rarity with a curious gaze. “Well, Ah was wonderin’ about what yer mother was goin’ on about with Hoity Toity.”

Rarity averted her gaze. “It really wasn’t much, but if you really are so interested…”

Mac nodded expectantly.

“Well, let’s see, as you heard my mother say, it was tied to my departure from home,” Rarity began.

“Ah was actually thinkin’ about that,” Mac cut in. “Ya said ya were fourteen when ya bought this place, but ya also said ya’d missed out on a good bit o’ Sweetie Belle’s foalhood.”

“I did,” Rarity confirmed. “She was three when I left.”

Mac did some brief calculations in his head. “So ya were nine?”

“Ten, actually,” Rarity amended. “It was shortly after my birthday. I had just gotten my cutie mark to take some attention back from Sweetie Belle, but at her age…”

Mac frowned. “Why did ya run away, anyway? Seems a little… melodramatic.”

“Have you forgotten who you’re talking to?” Rarity’s eyes shone briefly.

“Good point,” Mac chuckled. “Still, ya spent four years without a home?”

“Hardly, dear,” Rarity assured. “It’s true I did spend some time peddling my wares to pay for my food without a home to sleep in, but that only lasted a few weeks at most. Hoity Toity happened to be in town around that time and took a liking to my works, and seeing as how I had no home I was willing to go back to just yet, he offered me his own.”

Mac cocked his head. “Ah thought Hoity Toity was some big shot fashion designer up in Canterlot.”

“Just because one is influential does not mean one cannot have humble origins,” Rarity philosophized. “It’s true that his rise to fame took place before my birth, but for whatever reason, he kept his home in Ponyville and visited occasionally.”

“So where was this home he took ya into?” Mac wondered.

Rarity smiled. “We’re standing in it right now.”

Mac blinked. “Yer tellin’ me this place is where Hoity Toity started out?”

“And where I did as well,” Rarity nodded. “He was very good to me, almost fatherly in a way. I suspected that might have had something to do with his otherwise inclined daughter.”

“Who’s that?”

“Vinyl Scratch,” Rarity smirked. “Shocking, I know. I met her a few times over the course of my apprenticing. Something about trying to make Vinyl more sophisticated once he realized all that Octavia was doing was being corrupted by her influence.”

Mac chuckled. “What made him think you’d be any different?”

Rarity shrugged. “I honestly don’t know what he saw in me. He knew I had a family, and I knew he had one of his own. But he always found time to visit me every week for four years.”

“Why’d he stop?”

“I had learned all he had to teach, and he took that to mean that Ponyville no longer required his presence,” Rarity explained. “He sold the boutique to me for twenty bits. I’m not entirely sure why he bothered at such a low price, but I have my suspicions.”

“Like what?”

Rarity smiled. “Advertising costs. I didn’t hear much from him after he left, but I certainly noticed a rise in interest for my wares.”

“Sounds like ya got off ta quite the start,” Mac mused.

“I did indeed,” Rarity agreed. “I was so excited I had to go back home to tell my parents all about it. Sweetie Belle listened, too, of course. I fear that might have been where she got a lot of her ideas to be like me.”

“Ah’m sure she’ll forgive ya someday,” Mac jested.

Rarity chortled. “I would hope she has already. If not, I can only imagine how mad she’ll be when she realizes I’ve been leading her astray.”

“It won’t be as bad as all that, Ah promise,” Mac laughed. “But we really should be headin’ over to the farm soon if we don’t wanna miss dinner again.”

Rarity rolled her eyes at Mac’s worrying, but followed along obediently all the same.

As Applejack and Rainbow Dash bid their friends farewell and set off for home, a peculiar scene caught their eye. Amidst the bustle of the party that would still continue for another hour or so, Fluttershy and Cheerilee were still talking. What was more, they wore matching blushes as they conversed, with Fluttershy’s wings at half-mast.

Rainbow turned to Applejack with an odd expression. But before Applejack could ask what the problem was, Rainbow spoke over her. “I knew you had superpowers!”

Applejack blinked. “Beg pardon?”

“You were just talking about how it wasn’t like Cheerilee was gonna put the moves on Fluttershy, and now look!” Rainbow gestured a hoof back at the conversing pair.

Fluttershy rubbed her forelegs together, head downcast and looking up meekly through her mane, a light smile and a heavy blush on her face. Cheerilee’s smile was more prominent, and her blush less so, as she lifted Fluttershy’s chin to plant a light kiss on her nose.

“Oh my goodness,” Fluttershy squeaked, recoiling slightly.

Cheerilee’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry, was that too forward?”

Fluttershy averted her gaze. “I… I’m sorry, I just… This is all going so fast, and nopony’s ever been interested in me before, and you’ve been my friend ever since I moved here, and I’m not sure I even like mares, and-“

Cheerilee’s hoof silenced the ramblings of the nervous mare with a sigh. “It’s alright, Fluttershy. It was a stupid idea at any rate.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she moved Cheerilee’s hoof away. “Oh, I’m not saying that I’m not willing to give it a shot,” Fluttershy insisted. “You’re my friend, and if you really feel that strongly about me…”

Cheerilee blinked.

“I’m sorry, I’m trying to be more assertive again, but not like last time where I took it too far, just on little things like this,” Fluttershy apologized. “Not that I’m saying this isn’t important, but it’s just between us, and it’s not like I’m doing this in public and-“ Fluttershy’s eyes went wide as she quickly hid herself in a corner. “Oh my goodness, oh my goodness.”

Cheerilee couldn’t contain a chuckle at Fluttershy’s expense, quickly amending herself by sitting between her and the bulk of the party. “We can stay here until the party’s over, if you’d like.”

Fluttershy blushed, a smile slowly coming to her lips as she nodded.

“See, what did I tell you? Cheerilee totally just hit it off with Fluttershy,” Rainbow went on. “Now if you could tell me who was gonna win the next Hoofball tournament so I could bet all my money on it, that’d be awesome.”

Applejack’s hoof came up to her face a bit hesitantly. “Rainbow, Ah don’t even know what ta say anymore.”

Rainbow frowned. “Why not? I just told you.”

Applejack shook her head, starting off on the path to the farm without another word.

“You guys would not believe what happened today,” Rainbow started upon seating herself at the table. “It’s really too bad you missed it. Rarity would’ve had a heart attack.”

Big Mac eyed Rainbow warily. “Remind me why that would be a good thing?”

Rainbow waved a hoof impatiently. “Yeah, I’ll do that later. Anyway, there are these pegasus twins on the weather team, Flitter and Cloudchaser, right? So, it turns out that Cloudchaser got shagged by Thunderlane, but she was being taken advantage of and it didn’t end well. So then Flitter comes in to the rescue and gets Cloudchaser to bed because she’d been secretly in love with her or something, but Cloudchaser was worried that she was the one taking advantage of somepony this time. But then Scootaloo apparently managed to talk some sense into her and now we’re gonna have a big orgy and it’s gonna be awesome.”

Rarity blinked, opening her mouth to speak, but Rainbow started up again.

“Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, you know what we saw before AJ dragged me back here? Cheerilee just snatched up Fluttershy and started kissing her, right after AJ said that Cheerilee wasn’t gonna put the moves on her. At first I just thought she was being silly, but now I’m completely convinced that AJ has superpowers and she’s been using this farm to live in secrecy while she goes out to fight crime all over Equestria in the dead of night.”

“That sounds like the worst action movie of all time, Dash,” Applejack deadpanned. “And Ah would know, ya’ve taken me to some pretty bad ones.”

“But we wouldn’t even need boring side characters for eye candy. You’re already the sexiest mare in… anywhere!”

Applejack rolled her eyes but was unable to keep the smile off her face.

“Can’t say Ah expected ta see Cheerilee take mah advice so fast,” Mac marveled. “Maybe Ah should be the one pairin’ up ponies from now on.”

Rarity frowned. “You just got lucky.”

“Ah reckon Ah did, didn’t Ah? That was the reason we missed the party.”

Rarity blushed. “Touché.”

“Well, Ah should probably get goin’, y’all,” Apple Bloom said with no small amount of reluctance. “Ya never know what’s happened back at the farm.”

Scootaloo frowned. “Do you have to go?”

Apple Bloom hesitated before nodding. “Ya leave mah family alone fer one day an’ ya might come back to a wrecked barn.”

“Alright,” Scootaloo sighed. “What about you, Sweetie Belle? Shouldn’t you be getting back before your parents get angry?”

Sweetie Belle winced. “They’re already pretty angry at me. They grounded me for just asking about fillyfooling! I didn’t even get around to telling them about us.That’s why I’d really rather stay here until things die down a bit, if that’s okay.”

Scootaloo perked up, giving Sweetie Belle a kiss on the cheek. “Of course!”

Apple Bloom felt a pang of longing at the display.

“Are you sure you can’t stay, Apple Bloom? It wouldn’t be the same without you,” Scootaloo prompted.

Apple Bloom sighed. “Alright, alright. But if they get inta trouble back at the acres, Ah’m blamin’ you, Scoot.”

Scootaloo squeed. “Fine by me! Come on, let’s head up to my room.”

“Have fun, you three,” Carrot Top called after them.

“The toys are in our closet!” Derpy added, earning a smack from her wife.

Sweetie Belle paused halfway up the stairs. “What kind of toys are they talking about?”

Scootaloo blushed, laughing nervously. “Uh, don’t worry about that. We promised not to have sex until we got our cutie marks, right?”

Apple Bloom’s face flushed. “Oh, them kinda toys.”

Scootaloo cocked her head, blush fading slightly. “How do you know about them, AB?”

“Well, when ya got Applejack and Rainbow hangin’ around the house…” Apple Bloom chuckled.

“I don’t get it,” Sweetie Belle stated.

Scootaloo laughed, giving Sweetie Belle a kiss on the horn. “We’ll make sure to keep it that way until we’re ready.”

Sweetie Belle frowned, but refrained from pushing the issue as she got swept up in her friends rush to Scootaloo’s room.

The sun had set, dinner had been consumed, and the party had long since ended. Whatever fatigue Rainbow had accumulated over the course of such an eventful day was shaken off in her eagerness to find out what secrets Trixie’s stash held. “Come on, Applejack, we gotta get there before moonrise!”

“Hold yer horses, Ah’m comin’,” Applejack panted, not fortunate enough to share in Rainbow’s nervous energy reserves.

Rainbow noticed this, and without another word, she stopped before Applejack and knelt down. “Hop on. Don’t wanna tire yourself out too bad, right? We haven’t even had our fun yet today!”

Applejack accepted the reprieve gratefully, clambering onto Rainbow’s back. The experience of such a ride was one she was really beginning to enjoy. Feeling Rainbow’s muscles contract against her chest as she flew, having them occasionally brush lightly against her hooves, the scent of rain ever present in the pegasus’ mane, the wind tousling her own, and above all else, the view it afforded. She had ridden in a hot air balloon on several occasions, but you were always limited in your field of vision by the basket. A pegasus’ back had no such restrictions, and the perspective was unlike any other. It did bring up the thought of how it would feel to fly under her own power, but being able to share in Rainbow’s talent for flight so intimately was something she wouldn’t trade for anything.

As Applejack’s head started to drift, she heard a gasp behind her, followed by an excited squeal. Before she could ask what had gotten Rainbow so worked up, they touched back to the ground. “Ohmigosh, AJ, look!” Rainbow prompted, pointing a hoof excitedly at the new sign above the previously barren store.

Applejack scanned the sign for anything unusual. It did indeed read ‘Trixie’s Secret Stash’, but…

“It’s a sex shop!” Rainbow squealed, pointing out the small ‘18+’ on the corner of the sign. “We have to go in, AJ! Imagine all the awesome stuff in there! Remind me to hug Pinkie next time we see her.”

A blush developed on Applejack’s cheeks at Rainbow’s eagerness. “Well, Ah’m not sure Ah’d be comfortable…”

“Pinkie said it was a secret, AJ,” Rainbow reminded. “And nopony at the party had heard of the place. And it’s not like we told them where it was. It’s probably so new that we’d have the whole place to ourselves! I mean, unless you want to wait until word starts to spread about it…”

Rainbow raised a good point. Applejack bit her lip as she considered her options. She had to admit she was curious, and maybe even a little excited about having some new ways to have fun with Rainbow… “Alright, Ah guess we can-“ Applejack never got to finish her statement as she was pulled into the shop, almost dreading what they’d find inside.

Trixie flipped through the pages of a magazine, trying to distract herself from the inevitable arrival of her first customers. Pinkie had promised her that she would be getting quite the adventurous pair of lovers to purvey her wares to. Trixie didn’t know if that made her more nervous or excited. But in all her anxious speculation, she never thought she would see a familiar looking blue pegasus almost crash into one of her shelves before the bell could chime once. She also never thought that said blue pegasus would be leading a similarly familiar orange earth pony wearing a Stetson.

“Whoops! Ha, years of training to avoid Twilight’s bookshelves must be paying off finally,” Rainbow laughed.

“Rainbow Dash, was it?” Trixie asked in a calm manner.

“The one and only.” Rainbow turned to Trixie with a smirk. “So, great and powerful Trixie. You here to upstage Ponyville with your spectacular sex toys this time?”

Trixie visibly winced. “I don’t want to be boastful. That’s not why I’m here this time.”

“Then why are ya here?” Applejack asked, having since recovered from Rainbow’s shenanigans.

“To start fresh,” Trixie admitted. “I know this probably isn’t the best town to do that in, but something about this place just makes it feel… homely. I haven’t been so kind to you and your friends in the past, but I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. And maybe even grace me with an answer.”

“An answer to what?” Rainbow inquired.

Trixie grinned. “How long have you two goofballs been together?”

Rainbow blinked. Was Trixie trying to be… playful? Applejack, however, understood the sentiment perfectly. “So, yer wantin’ ta turn over a new leaf, huh? Well Ah think that’s just dandy.”

“Uh, I guess so, yeah.” Rainbow was still occupied trying to process the situation, leaving Applejack to speak in her place.

“Don’t mind her, she’ll come around soon,” Applejack chuckled. “Well, Ah reckon me an’ Rainbow here have been together fer… has it been five days now?”

Trixie’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, so a very recent development, I see. How’s it been?”

“Been quite an adventure so far.” Applejack smiled at Rainbow. “Only took this one two days ta get me ta bed. But Ah guess when ya’ve been best friends fer so long, the pace gets messed up a bit.”

Rainbow snapped back into focus at the mention of sex. “Yeah, it’s been awesome, but even as much as it has, I think it would be way better if we didn’t have to use drumsticks for sexy times.”

“Well, I do have quite the selection, as you can see,” Trixie gestured around herself. “And I do believe you’ll find the pricing to your liking.”

Intrigued, Rainbow inspected the nearest item, which happened to be only three bits. Rainbow blinked. “Wait, I thought sex toys were supposed to be expensive.”

Trixie smirked. “Not when you make them yourself,” she reached up a hoof to tap her horn. “And with my level of experience, I know just the right materials to use. Indestructible, easily lubricated, heatable to any temperature you’d like, and best of all, inexpensive in bulk.”

“Wait, yer level of experience? Ah never even knew ya did this sorta thing ‘til just now.” Applejack challenged.

Trixie blushed. “Well, you wouldn’t have. It was mostly just a hobby of mine since I turned the age to get an interest in exploring my body. And, well, when I’m such a remarkable specimen, I can say I have first-hoof experience with every kind of toy in this store.”

Rainbow blinked, shooting a glance at the section of the store containing toys that could only be utilized by stallions. “How can you say that when you’re a mare? I mean, I guess you could use your horn, kinda, but you don’t have a dick.”

“Who ever said that?” Trixie asked with a nervous laugh.

“Wait, yer not tellin’ me ya went through the same kinda thing Rarity did, are ya?” Applejack questioned.

Trixie blinked. “Rarity is hermaphroditic as well?”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “Wait, so you have a dick and a vag under there? That’s so awesome! You could be with anyone you wanted! And you wouldn’t even have to worry about not being able to have foals!”

Trixie averted her gaze, blushing heavily. “Well, I suppose there have to be some benefits to outweigh all the teasing.”

“Other foals teased ya fer havin’ both?” Applejack guessed.

Trixie nodded. “But let’s not get into that here. We both know what really brought you here. So feel free to look around, and if you have any questions, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Okay!” Rainbow practically dove into one of the aisles, sweeping her gaze over the shelves with a hungry look in her eyes. Applejack followed along sheepishly, not able to keep from admiring the selection.

Clop? Idk.

After depositing their new stash away from the hooves of curious little fillies, Applejack and Rainbow collapsed onto their bed. “Some day, huh?” Rainbow chuckled.

“Kinda makes ya wonder when we’re gonna get a nice peaceful day all ta ourselves,” Applejack mused. “Might be nice fer a change.”

“Hey, at least we’re not going to sleep drunk tonight,” Rainbow pointed out with a giggle.

“Ah suppose there’s that,” Applejack chuckled. “How d’ya think Scoot managed ta talk sense inta Cloudchaser?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Well, she’s got the unfair advantage of being cute and adorable.”

“And you don’t?” Applejack challenged, nuzzling Rainbow for emphasis.

“It doesn’t really help when you’re trying to force information out of an unwilling target,” Rainbow admitted. “Wait, did you just call me cute and adorable?”

Applejack smirked. “You got a problem with that?”

“Yeah, you forgot sexy!” Rainbow protested.

Applejack chortled. “As if ya need me ta remind ya.”

“Not really, I just like hearing you say it,” Rainbow laughed.

Applejack smiled. “Well, g’night then, sexy.”

Rainbow smiled back. “Night, hot-flank.”

Author's Note

Here I am! It's a chapter. Because I like making convoluted, mostly-homosexual romance stories about colorful cartoon equines. Leave no pony unshipped! That may or may not happen. Don't worry, I'm sure to run out of ideas eventually.

Day Nine - Amalgamation

Author's Note

New chapter, finally! Took the whole semester, but it's finally all nice and clean. Can't wait for summer to roll around again. Hopefully I'll have another chapter out before then. Feels like forever since I wrote this.

Day Nine - Amalgamation

Rainbow Dash stirred from her slumber, opening her eyes to gaze upon the sleeping form of Applejack beside her. Just a week ago, she would never have considered this a possibility, but now it seemed one of the less remarkable occurrences of the past few days.

Frowning at that thought, Rainbow carefully slipped out of bed as to not disturb her partner and made her way over to the window. The sun was just making its way over the horizon line, illuminating the vast expanse of apple trees she had begun to call home.

In her trance-like state of wakefulness, Rainbow felt more contemplative than usual. What was more; it felt as though a haze had lifted from her mind, revealing a treasure trove of questions that seemed so obvious to ask. One of these in particular stood out to her as it came to her lips. “Why am I so calm about all this?”

Behind Rainbow, Applejack began to wake, both at the uttered inquiry and the lack of a pegasus by her side. Applejack rubbed an eye and yawned, looking blearily in Rainbow’s direction. “Somethin’ the matter, sugarcube?”

Rainbow glanced behind herself. “I don’t know. I’m just getting this sense that not everything’s alright. Almost like there’s something really important that we’re missing.”

“Ya mean how everythin’s kinda been happenin’ all at once?” Applejack guessed.

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, like, why now? Is there something going on that’s making all this go crazy? I mean, it wasn’t so bad when it was just us, but then everypony started pairing up for no reason! And why is it all the same thing? I know there hasn’t been any sort of big adventure happening lately, but why would that change so much? Scoot, AB and Sweetie kinda got the idea from us, but what about everypony else?”

Applejack cocked her head in thought. “And Twilight ain’t here ta answer any o’ those.”

Rainbow paused. “You don’t think Twilight not being here has anything to do with it?”

“Twilight’s been away plenty o’ times before, Rainbow. Ain’t nothin’ new,” Applejack pointed out. “But what’s brought all this on now? Ain’t like ya ta fret the small stuff.”

“This isn’t small stuff; this is about all of Ponyville!” Rainbow retorted. “Twilight left us in charge and everything’s blown up in our faces! How are we gonna tell her we bucked up so bad that the whole town started bucking?”

“Why are ya convinced this is our fault?” Applejack inquired. “Ah’m not even sure there’s a fault ta be had here. And ya seemed real excited ‘bout all this just yesterday.”

Rainbow bit her lip. “It really just hit me that Fluttershy’s gonna give it a shot with Cheerilee. I know Cheerilee’s a great mare and all, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying. Fluttershy can be really delicate, and this is gonna be something new for her.”

Applejack smiled. “Maybe now ya understand how Ah felt ‘bout Apple Bloom gettin’ with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Rainbow tore her eyes away from the window to smile back at Applejack.

Applejack closed the distance between them to offer a consoling hug. “Everythin’s gonna turn out alright, sugarcube. Twilight will be back soon, and we can get this all taken care of.”

Rainbow nodded, nuzzling into the crook of Applejack’s neck and sighing. Everything would be okay.

Cloudchaser woke to the soothing sensation of a wing stroking her back. She made to lean back into it only to find her movement abruptly halted by the back of the chair she had dozed on. The wing retracted, causing Cloudchaser’s eyes to seek answers.

Flitter giggled at her sister’s usual morning drowsiness, something she had come to find quite endearing. “Morning, sleepy head.”

“Flitter? I…”

“You must have fallen asleep waiting for me,” Flitter explained. “Though I do appreciate the sentiment.”

Cloudchaser shook her head in an attempt to focus her mind better for what she needed to say. “Flitter, I’m gonna be honest. I’m not sure either of us are ready for a romance just yet.”

Flitter blinked. “Why not?”

Cloudchaser sighed. “I haven’t even had time to get over what happened with Thunderlane. I just came to you for support, and we ended up having sex!”

Flitter frowned. “You were the one who instigated, Cloud. I didn’t mean to take advantage of you.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Cloudchaser answered quickly. “I liked it, and I’m glad I was able to share it with you. But I feel like we started off all wrong. Like we skipped the marathon and jumped all the way to the finish line.”

Flitter smiled. “Then perhaps the gentlemarely thing to do would be to ask me on a date so we can start over.”

Cloudchaser groaned. “You know I want to, but we can’t do that, Flit. We’re sisters! Can you imagine what ponies would say if they saw us on a romantic date? We’re not just some random ponies anymore; Rainbow Dash left me in charge of all of Ponyville’s weather.”

“I never said we had to be public about it,” Flitter argued. “But if you’re really so concerned about your public image-“

“I’m not!” Cloudchaser refuted. “I don’t care what ponies think about me; I never have. It’s you I’m worried about. You’ve always been really sensitive about teasing. That’s why I always stood up for you, remember? I just can’t bear to think that this time I might be the cause of it all.”

Flitter’s face softened. “You sound like you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

“Just in the heat of the moment,” Cloudchaser downplayed. “I’m not sure how much of it’s gonna stick with me when things cool off.”

“You’ve had a good night’s sleep to cool off already,” Flitter pointed out. “And that hasn’t seemed to have diminished the strength of your feelings at all.”

Cloudchaser frowned. “No, I guess it hasn’t, but…”

“Cloud, you know you can trust me. I’m not Thunderlane; I would never knowingly hurt you,” Flitter said with a consoling smile. “I know you want everything to be perfect, but doing nothing isn’t going to help either of us. If anything, that day apart gave you too much time to think, and now you’re making things seem too complicated again. So how about we simplify things? I love you. Do you love me?”

Cloudchaser smiled. “I do. I love you, Flitter, but-“

“Then why is it so bad that we acted on that love?” Flitter interrupted. “You’re already my sister and my best friend. What’s wrong with being marefriends, too?”

“Nothing,” Cloudchaser answered. “It’s the most perfect thing I could hope for.”

Flitter held back with all her might to refrain from kissing Cloudchaser, but found that her sister held no such restraints as she offered a peck on the cheek. Flitter kissed Cloudchaser’s nose in response, laughing as Cloudchaser had to contain a sneeze.

“I’m sorry for being so thick-headed all the time,” Cloudchaser apologized.

Flitter giggled. “It just makes it all the sweeter when I finally get through to you. But we should probably head on home and give Pinkie Pie her room back.”

Cloudchaser started. “Oh, crap, I totally forgot about that!”

Flitter laughed as Cloudchaser ran off in search of the pink mare, presumably to apologize. There were some things that would never change, and Flitter wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Okay, let’s think of what we have to deal with,” Rainbow said as they walked through the orchard. “We’ve got the Crusaders influenced into a pre-cutie mark relationship, and we still need to figure out what happened with Carrot Top and Derpy. I’ve got a pretty good guess, but I’m not sure how it would have worked if they never even saw her.”

“Well, it’s the only explanation that makes sense, sugarcube. Maybe Princess Celestia used some sorta invisibility spell ta hide herself,” Applejack suggested.

Rainbow frowned. “I guess that might work, but it still doesn’t explain why she did it in the first place. If she was willing to do it, why to it for just them? Was it some sort of freak accident, or was it on purpose?”

“We could always just ask her sometime, ya know,” Applejack reminded.

“But that would take all the fun out of the mystery! And how can we even be sure that was what happened, anyway?”

Applejack smirked. “Only one way ta find out.”

“There’s never just one way to do something, AJ,” Rainbow countered. “I mean, just look around Ponyville for a second. I’m pretty sure none of this would fly anywhere else.”

“That’s why we’re bringin’ it all ta Canterlot, right?” Applejack chuckled.

Rainbow cocked her head. “I don’t know; did we invite Flitter and Cloudchaser yet? Something tells me they would really upset some of those snooty types.”

“Well, even if the concept ain’t really unfamiliar, it still is a little off-puttin’ ta see it in practice, Ah’ve gotta admit.” Applejack shifted her hat out of her eyes. “Ah mean, if it makes ‘em happy, then Ah’ve got no place ta judge, but…”

“It’s definitely a little different,” Rainbow agreed. “But it’s still kinda hot.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Well, what about Mac and Rarity? That kinda felt like it came up outta nowheres.”

Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno. Rarity can get a little nutty when it comes to romance.”

“But even if Rarity’s been pinin’ after ‘im fer a while, how come Mac went along so quick? They ain’t exactly been takin’ it slow, either.”

“Neither have we,” Rainbow pointed out.

Applejack shook her head. “But that’s different when we’ve been best friends fer years. ‘Fore this all started up, the most Mac had ever seen o’ Rarity woulda been when he was out in the market.”

“Well, maybe Rarity just caught him at the right time,” Rainbow hypothesized. “It hasn’t really been too long since he and Cheerilee split.”

“And now they’re both at it again,” Applejack sighed. “Ah can see what’d bring Cheerilee and Fluttershy together, but it’s the same thing over again. It’s almost like Celestia put out a banishment notice fer any unpaired ponies by the end o’ the month.”

Rainbow’s brow furrowed. “Why would she do that?”

“It’s hypothetical, Rainbow,” Applejack chortled. “It’s what we were talkin’ about, wasn’t it? How all o’ Ponyville hooked up overnight?”

“Even Fluttershy’s in on it,” Rainbow laughed. “I know Twilight kinda has the excuse that she’s not here, but what about Pinkie? Why is she, of all ponies, still single in all this?”

Applejack shrugged. “Maybe she’s been havin’ some secret romance off ta the side without us knowin’. She sure seemed keen on secrets yesterday.”

“This is Pinkie we’re talking about. Why would she keep something like that a secret?” Rainbow challenged.

“Maybe she’s embarrassed,” Applejack offered.

Rainbow blinked. “Alright, now we’re just being silly. What else is Twilight gonna blame us for when she gets back?”

“Well, Ah ain’t sure it’s our fault, but that whole thing with Trixie seemed pretty nutty.”

“What, that she’s a herm?”

Applejack’s hoof met her face. “No, that she’d suddenly show up ta Ponyville a year later and open up a sex shop sayin’ it was some sorta old hobby. That don’t strike ya as the least bit funny?”

“It’s hilarious, but what does that have to do with what we’re talking about?”

Applejack sighed. “Ah meant that the other way. Ya know, the three questions about everythin’ in the past few days? Why here, why now, and what the hay?”

Rainbow shrugged aloofly. “She said it was complicated. We can figure that out later. For now, why question a stroke of luck like that?”

“’Cause it don’t make a lot of sense?”

“Neither does anything else we’ve talked about.” Rainbow heaved a great sigh after bucking a particularly stubborn tree. “Also, do you want rain today?”

Applejack snorted. “Might be nice later, Ah guess.”

Rainbow paused. “Is that a yes or a no? I can’t exactly tell a cloud to rain only if it feels like it.”

“Just a little drizzle,” Applejack decided. “Don’t want ya drownin’ mah trees.”

“I can do that,” Rainbow said confidently. “I’ll set it up before we head out for the day.”

Applejack nodded before returning to the task at hoof.

Fluttershy tended to her animals as usual, albeit with a bit more distraction. Something struck her as odd about Cheerilee’s advance yesterday, but she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. Angel sensed her distant air and poked her with his empty food bowl, scowling slightly.

Fluttershy squeaked at the sudden touch, before realizing Angel was trying to get her attention. She sighed at his less-than-pleased expression. “I’m sorry, Angel. I guess I have a lot on my mind today.”

Angel shot her a disbelieving glare, renewing the hunger-fueled assault of his caretaker.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn’t have the patience right now to deal with Angel’s impetuousness, merely fetching him a carrot from the cupboard.

Angel regarded the carrot dubiously, wary of this unexpected development. The quiet one did not often spurn his efforts, and when that was coupled with her seeming disinterest of him, he knew something was amiss. Sighing quietly, he set the carrot aside and hopped up onto her withers, poking the back of her head fixing her with the most concerned gaze he could muster.

Fluttershy turned her head to the odd sight of Angel offering his support. She patted him on the head with a wing. “It’s nothing bad, Angel. I just need some time to figure things out. Eat your carrot and set out food for the others, alright? I’m gonna go for a walk.”

Angel blinked; this was nearly unprecedented. Whatever was bothering the quiet one, it must have been something quite serious. He saluted a bit hesitantly, but the sentiment was enough for the quiet one to take her leave.

Angel sighed, sweeping his gaze over his fellow animals. This was going to be a long morning.

“Hey, Fluttershy, what are you doing out so early?”

Fluttershy froze at the greeting. She hadn’t thought of an excuse; it was the norm for her to stay in a bit later than others to spend time with her animal friends. And it was just her luck that Applejack and Rainbow Dash would be working the section of Sweet Apple Acres closest to the road she had to take into town. But then again, they were in a stable relationship; perhaps they could offer some advice?

Fluttershy sighed, as she felt like she had been doing a lot that morning. “Hi, girls. I’ve um…” Fluttershy looked around herself, conscious of her surroundings. “Could we, uh, talk somewhere a bit less open?”

Applejack blinked, looking to Rainbow, who shrugged. Seeing no reason to deny her request, they led the timid pegasus deeper into the orchard, away from prying eyes and ears.

“What’s up, Fluttershy?” Rainbow prompted as they came to a halt at the base of a particularly thick trunk.

Fluttershy averted her gaze. “I’ve been thinking about Cheerilee.”

Rainbow brightened. “What kind of thoughts?”

Applejack frowned, whapping her marefriend lightly with her tail. “What she means ta say is: how can we help ya?”

“Well, like I said, I’ve been thinking about her, and, well…” Fluttershy trailed off. “I guess what I want to know is what brought this all on, and why she wants me.”

Applejack offered her a sympathetic smile. “Ya ain’t gettin’ nowheres thinkin’ like that, trust me. Nopony’s ever gonna understand her perfectly ‘cept herself.” Applejack flicked her gaze to Rainbow briefly. “Instead o’ worryin’ about that stuff ya can’t ever change, ya should be thinkin’ about what you feel about it.”

Fluttershy frowned, thinking. “I… I don’t know. It all came on so suddenly, I’m not sure what to think.”

“Then what do you want to think?” Rainbow inquired.

Fluttershy cocked her head at that. “I’m not sure. I’ve never been in a relationship before.”

“What about that one time with Thunderlane?” Rainbow prodded.

Fluttershy’s mouth drew a line. “I don’t like to think about that.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Doesn’t really apply to a mare anyway.”

“Well, think about what ya might feel fer Cheerilee,” Applejack suggested. “Ya have quite a lot in common. That’s usually a pretty good start.”

Fluttershy put a hoof to her chin, but offered no response.

“Are you sure it really came out of nowhere?” Rainbow asked. “There must have been something different the last couple days.”

“Well, with Rarity spending most of her time with Mac now, Cheerilee has been really great to talk to,” Fluttershy admitted with a small blush. “I guess she did seem a little eager at times, but I never thought she would have done something like this.”

“And all of this waits until Twilight leaves for Canterlot,” Rainbow concluded. “You don’t think she was using some kind of spell, do you?”

Applejack fixed Rainbow with a blank stare. “We’ve been over this, Dash. If it was somethin’ Twilight was doin’, it woulda happened on her first trip out.”

“But this is the longest one I can remember!” Rainbow insisted. “Can’t it at least be a possibility?”

Fluttershy blinked at the sudden derailment of their conversation. “I’m sorry, what are we talking about now?”

“Me and AJ are on a quest to figure out why Ponyville exploded into romance,” Rainbow answered before Applejack could do more than open her mouth.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “We didn’t start talkin’ ta Fluttershy just ta dump our problems on her.”

Fluttershy blinked again. “The only new couples I know are you two and Rarity and Big Macintosh.”

“Then you’re missing the craziest ones!” Rainbow snickered. “You remember Flitter and Cloudchaser from tornado duty a couple years back?”

Fluttershy cocked her head. “I thought they were twins.”

“They are.” Rainbow grinned. “But I think my favorite has to be the Crusaders, ‘cause that was totally our fault.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Rainbow, you know how impressionable fillies can be! How could you be so careless?”

“It’s not like they’re complaining about it,” Rainbow laughed. “And besides, they’re about the age when they’d start dating, anyway.”

“But three-pony relationships can be very unstable!” Fluttershy went on. “Can you imagine what it would do to their friendship if it didn’t work out, or worse, if one of them got excluded?”

Rainbow blinked. “Calm down, Fluttershy. We’re talking about the Cutie Mark Crusaders here. You know, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle? It’s gonna take a lot more than an awkward romance to tear those three apart.”

Fluttershy sighed, unable to deny the truth to Rainbow’s words.

“So, you done now? Can we get back to what we were doing?” Applejack tested the waters.

Rainbow’s brow furrowed. “What were we doing?”

Applejack face-hoofed before turning back to Fluttershy. “So, now that ya know everythin’ that’s been goin’ on, ya think ya have any better idea how ta deal with Cheerilee?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I think I need to give it more thought. Thanks for uh, catching me up, I guess.”

“Don’t mention it,” Rainbow said with a bit more pride than the phrase warranted.

Fluttershy took her leave and made her way into Ponyville, hearing Applejack and Rainbow Dash get back to work behind her. She could only hope there wouldn’t be any more surprises waiting for her in town.

Scootaloo paced around in a buzz, both in her wings and mind. Never had she felt so close to her cutie mark than she did now. All she had to do was find Rainbow Dash, demand flying lessons, and she was in the clear!

Now if only the other two ponies it concerned would wake up already.

Scootaloo groaned in frustration. “Come on, guys, you can’t just sleep all day!”

Sweetie Belle’s ear twitched in her sleep, though the only thing she managed to succeed in doing was cuddle up closer to Apple Bloom and mumble something about Scootaloo being cute.

Scootaloo sat down at the foot of the bed, crossing her forehooves and sighing impatiently. “Am I really gonna have to do this?”

A soft snore from Apple Bloom hinted toward an affirmative.

Scootaloo glanced between the ticking clock and her peacefully sleeping fillyfriends a few times before coming to a decision. “Sometimes love is tough,” Scootaloo intoned before spreading her wings and beginning her feathery assault of the slumbering fillies’ most ticklish areas. For Sweetie Belle it was under her chin, and for Apple Bloom it was her belly.

Smiles appeared almost instantly on their faces as they tried to brush the wings away, but Scootaloo held fast. They slowly started up in giggles, and were surely mere seconds away from waking. But before she could tickle them past the point of no return, her wings suddenly gave out under the strain and she fell forward onto Apple Bloom’s belly, eliciting a gasp from its owner.

Scootaloo panted, trying to figure out why her wings betrayed her. She’d been making sure to train every day since her first lesson, so she couldn’t be out of practice. She poked one of the limp appendages, noting how little strength it still held. This didn’t make any sense.

“You alright, Scoot?” Apple Bloom asked, startling the brooding pegasus.

“Oh, hey, you’re awake,” Scootaloo gasped, trying to steady her breathing. “Now we can go find Rainbow Dash and – oh Luna,” Scootaloo felt nausea build up inside her, having to swallow to keep the bile from rising in her throat. “Okay, I… I’m good.”

Apple Bloom frowned. “You sure? Ya don’ look so good.”

Scootaloo snorted weakly. “Please, filly, I always look good.”

“Ah’m startin’ ta worry here, Scoot,” Apple Bloom murmured, making sure not to disturb Sweetie Belle as she lifted a hoof to brush Scootaloo’s mane out of her face. “Ya sure ya were really up fer last night?”

Scootaloo’s face hardened. “I’m fine. Just wake up Sweetie Belle and we’ll get going.”

Apple Bloom hesitated, wary of tackling the subject of breakfast. She watched as Scootaloo slumped off the bed and exited the room with shaky hoofsteps. Apple Bloom sighed; that could wait for later, she supposed.

Fluttershy walked through Ponyville with confidence that the fates were not conspiring against her. Unfortunately for her, this didn’t happen to be the case, as from around the corner appeared none other than Twilight’s old rival, Trixie.

Fluttershy gasped, looking for some place to hide, but she was caught in the open, and what few alleyways there were on the street were much too far away. Of course, had she remembered she was, in fact, a pegasus, this whole mess could have been avoided, and Trixie would not be approaching her with a spark of recognition in her eye.

“You’re another of Twilight Sparkle’s friends, right?” Trixie greeted.

Fluttershy relaxed slightly. That was certainly not the hostility she was expecting. Come to think of it, she remembered Twilight telling her after Trixie’s last visit to Ponyville that Trixie had asked for forgiveness. She noticed for the first time that Trixie lacked her old get-up, as well. Perhaps she was here to make amends?

Trixie was not dissuaded by Fluttershy’s silence. “Surely you must remember me? The great and…” Trixie hesitated, “humble Trixie.”

Fluttershy smiled. “I see you’re still having a little trouble with the reformation.”

“And I suppose I deserve the looks I get around town,” Trixie sighed. “But it’s impolite to bother you with my troubles. I’m afraid that, in my time here, I never got your name.”

“It’s Fluttershy,” Fluttershy answered. “I can’t say I was expecting to see you back here.”

“But you receive me without judgment for my past wrongs,” Trixie smiled. “One of my greatest hopes in choosing to settle here.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Oh my goodness, I had no idea you were staying here! Have you been able to settle in properly yet?”

“Well enough, for now,” Trixie assured. “I can always live out of my old cart, but I am still seeking a more permanent residence.”

“I’m sure somepony wouldn’t mind taking you in,” Fluttershy offered. “Like Twilight maybe. Sometimes I feel like she could use a little more companionship since she’s spending so much time at home lately. I know she has Spike and Owlowiscious, but I haven’t even seen her around Ponyville for a few days now, and I’m starting to get worried.”

“Have you checked on her recently?” Trixie asked.

Fluttershy frowned. “No, I guess I haven’t, but it’s not unusual for her to get into ruts like this. She’s just had so much responsibility dumped on her since her coronation; I think she gets overwhelmed sometimes.”

“Well if it’s in both our best interests, why not pay her a visit?” Trixie suggested, unable to keep a trill of excitement out of her voice.

Fluttershy chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Alright, if you insist.”

It had taken all her cunning, and most of her energy, but Apple Bloom had successfully woken Sweetie Belle, without having her fall back asleep five seconds later this time. Victorious, and in desperate need of sustenance, Apple Bloom led the way downstairs, expecting to see Scootaloo waiting for them impatiently, but she was nowhere to be seen.

“Good morning!” Derpy greeted with a wave.

Carrot Top turned around to greet them with a smile, but was given pause when Scootaloo was not among them.

“Scoot not come down yet?” Apple Bloom asked, getting a little frustrated.

Carrot Top shook her head. “Is everything alright?”

“Jes dandy,” Apple Bloom sighed before marching back up the stairs. Before she could start searching various rooms, an odd sound came from the bathroom, like a restrained hiccup of sorts. Rolling her eyes, Apple Bloom knocked on the door.

Scootaloo yelped at the sudden sound, nearly falling face-first into the toilet she was hovering over. “Who is it?”

“Who do ya think?” Apple Bloom answered irritably. “Ah know somethin’s wrong, and if it’s somethin’ we can help ya with and yer keepin’ it from us ‘cause o’ some stubborn pride, Ah-“

“It’s not like that, Apple Bloom! You wouldn’t understand. I don’t even understand. So please, just-“ Scootaloo dry-heaved into the toilet, “-leave me alone.”

Apple Bloom took a deep breath. “Alright. Come on down whenever ya feel like. Breakfast’s waitin’.”

Apple Bloom turned around to see Sweetie Belle standing there, looking very concerned for Scootaloo’s wellbeing. “Is she gonna be okay, Apple Bloom?”

Apple Bloom shook her head. “Ah have no idea, Sweetie Belle. But Ah sure hope so.”

“You don’t think she’s sick, do you?” Sweetie Belle gasped. “You don’t think she caught an infection?”

Apple Bloom cocked a brow. “Whatever it is yer goin’ on about, Ah’m sure it ain’t that.”

“But we didn’t use any protection last night!” Sweetie Belle fretted.

“Protection from what, the wind? Ain’t like we weren’t there with ‘er.”

“But she was the only one who-“

Apple Bloom sighed. “That’s enough o’ that, Belle. Ya can’t just believe everythin’ yer sister tells ya.”

“But what if it’s true and we could have stopped it?”

“Then ya can blame me,” Apple Bloom muttered. “Now come on, breakfast’s gettin’ colder the longer we wait here.”

Sweetie Belle frowned, following with no small amount of hesitation.

“So how long have you been here in Ponyville?” Fluttershy asked as she and Trixie made their way to the Golden Oaks Library.

“Only a couple days,” Trixie explained. “Pinkie Pie has been… helping me get integrated.”

“She does that,” Fluttershy laughed. “You’ll get used to it.”

Trixie waited patiently as Fluttershy reached a hoof to knock at Twilight’s door, but no answer was forthcoming. She tried again, but there was yet more silence. Fluttershy tried the door and found it swung in unlocked.

“That’s strange. Usually Twilight locks her door when she goes out,” Fluttershy frowned. She took a look inside to find everything intact and nothing missing, save the mare in question.

“Perhaps she has impeccable timing?” Trixie suggested.

Fluttershy made her way upstairs in place of an answer to find Spike and Owlowiscious present, though both were asleep. Knowing she’d have better luck with the former, she trotted up to Spike’s basket and jostled him awake.

“Huh? Twilight?” Spike muttered, looking around blearily before his eyes focused on Fluttershy. “Oh, hi Fluttershy. What’s up?”

“Do you know where Twilight is?” Fluttershy asked, wasting no time with pleasantries.

Spike blinked. “She’s still up in Canterlot. But she left me in charge of the library while she’s gone. So, you need anything?”

Fluttershy sighed, wondering why she had been out of the loop. “You could say that, though I would prefer if Twilight was here, too. You see, um…” Fluttershy hesitated. “I really don’t know how to say this any other way, so come on out, Trixie.”

Trixie did as she was told, ascending the last few stairs to come into their line of sight.

Spike gasped. “What’s she doing here? Oh, man, where’s Twilight when you need her?”

Fluttershy frowned. “Trixie’s here because she wants to settle down, and she chose Ponyville because of the kindness and forgiveness of its villagers,” Fluttershy looked at Spike meaningfully.

“Well, I still don’t like it, but if we’re not gonna be able to get rid of her…”

Fluttershy sighed, disappointed at Spike’s reaction, though she could not have hoped for much more. She turned to Trixie, who seemed a bit downtrodden, herself, and threw a hoof over her shoulders in support. “Yes, Trixie’s not going anywhere. In fact, since she has no place to stay yet, I was going to suggest she room here, with Twilight.”

Spike jumped out of his basket. “What! You expect me to share a house with… her?”

“You thought the same way about Owlowiscious, and that turned out alright,” Fluttershy reminded.

“That’s different!” Spike protested. “He never tried to show up Ponyville, or banish Twilight! You expect me to just forget all that?”

“Not forget, Spike. Forgive,” Fluttershy admonished. “I’ve forgiven her, and so has Twilight. Pinkie Pie has been helping her as she would any other new resident, and I’m sure Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity have all found it within themselves, too.”

Trixie chuckled nervously. “About that, actually…”

Fluttershy turned a questioning eye to Trixie.

“You know what, never mind. It wouldn’t be appropriate to discuss that in front of… children,” Trixie smirked slightly.

“Why would…” Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, I see.”

Spike sighed. At least it was better than being called a baby.

“Spike, please, this is really important,” Fluttershy begged. “I saw it in her eyes, Trixie really wants to live here in the library, and you’re the only one saying no.”

“How do you know? You haven’t even talked to Twilight yet!” Spike countered. “If Twilight says yes, then I guess my claws are tied, but she’s not even here, so-“

“Spike, I’m back!”

Trixie perked up at the sound of Twilight’s voice, having to restrain herself from rushing down the stairs, and instead followed impatiently behind Fluttershy, who moved much too slowly for such an occasion. She felt a scrabbling at her hooves as Spike pushed ahead between their legs and clutched Twilight’s foreleg.

“Twilight! You’d never believe me, but Trixie’s back and she wants to live here with us so she can steal your crown and become princess!”

Twilight blinked, losing control of her luggage in her confusion. “Spike, what did I tell you about sugar after midnight?”

“But it’s true! Fluttershy came in and tried to get me to agree to it all. Look!”

Fluttershy emerged from the stairwell, smiling. “Twilight, your timing couldn’t be better,” Fluttershy said before coming up to hug her wayward friend.

Twilight returned the hug a bit awkwardly, scanning the room for any signs of Trixie, when she spotted a hint of blue at the base of the stairs. As if sensing her gaze, Trixie stepped out of the shadows with a meek smile on her face. “Trixie, what are you doing here? I thought you were still out traveling the world.”

“Well, I was,” Trixie laughed awkwardly. “And I’m terribly sorry I missed your coronation; I was out in the griffin lands, you see, and…”

Twilight smiled, breaking away from Fluttershy’s hug to give Trixie a playful shove. “So what brought you back to Ponyville?”

“Nothing bad, I assure you,” Trixie began, shooting a glance at Spike. “It’s just that, well, I started to grow tired of the traveling life, and I thought it would be nice if I could, you know, settle down somewhere.”

Twilight blinked. “Then why did you choose Ponyville? The townsponies haven’t been giving you any trouble, have they?”

“Apart from the occasional glares, no,” Trixie assured. “I certainly haven’t come to bodily harm yet. I even managed to somehow work my way into the good graces of all your friends.”

Twilight’s brow rose as a smirk came to her face. “Even Rainbow Dash? How did you manage that?”

“Well, um, perhaps we could talk about that somewhere a little more private, if you wouldn’t mind,” Trixie smiled hopefully. “I have quite a lot to tell you, actually.”

Twilight smiled back. “Sure, we can go up to my room. Owlowiscious should be asleep by now, but he wouldn’t give us much trouble anyway.”

Trixie nodded gratefully, following Twilight upstairs as Spike looked on positively slack-jawed.

“So, about your claws being tied…” Fluttershy whispered in Spike’s ear.

Around the time breakfast was wrapping up was when a heavy-hoofed Scootaloo came bumbling down the stairs. Her coat looked paler than usual, and her shuffling gait was a clear departure from normalcy.

“You okay, Scoot? Any paler and you might start to look like me,” Derpy reached over to give Scootaloo’s mane a ruffle, not that it needed one; it barely managed to hang limply over her face.

“Scoot, you look awful,” Carrot Top agreed. “You should stay inside today-“

“No!” Scootaloo protested. “I’m fine, and I’m gonna show Rainbow Dash just how much I’ve been practicing, and I’m gonna finally get my cutie mark!” Scootaloo bolted, and the slamming of the front door resonated throughout the house.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom shared a look before excusing themselves from the table. Neither knew what had gotten into Scootaloo today, but both knew that they had to put a stop to it.

Scootaloo’s tramped trail was found easily enough, and they knew where she would be headed anyway, but despite her current state, Scootaloo had taken off at quite a clip. The trail winded and doubled back on itself in places, though whether that was an attempt to throw them off or a result of her apparent illness was unclear.

Before long, the barn of Sweet Apple Acres became visible through the trees, and they could just barely make out splotches of blue and orange. They came upon the scene just in time before they slipped away through the trees.

“Scoot, wait, ya don’t have ta do this!” Apple Bloom called.

Scootaloo spun around with a determined scowl on her face. “Of course I do. It’s for my cutie mark, guys! Isn’t that what we’ve always been about?”

“But you don’t have to do it right now,” Sweetie Belle pleaded.

“And what if something happens tomorrow and I never get another shot? I can’t have that happen, no matter what it’s gonna do to me!”

Before they could press the argument, Scootaloo slipped away to catch up to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave chase, going on Apple Bloom’s unspoken hunch of where they might be headed.

“How long was that?”

“Uh, only about three seconds. You don’t look so good, Scoot, are you sure-“

“How about that time?”

“Down to two.”

“Well, then how about this?”

“Scoot, wait!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle emerged from the trees just in time to see Scootaloo fling herself from the tallest hill in the orchard and flare her wings. They watched in horror as Scootaloo began to frantically flap her wings in an attempt to gain altitude, though the effort had her declining at an alarming rate. With one last weak flap, Scootaloo fell from the sky like deadweight.

Seizing the moment, Rainbow took off like a jet and was barely able to catch Scootaloo in her outstretched hooves, though being that they were along the ground did little to break her fall. Rainbow prayed that the cracking sound had been her mind playing tricks on her as she cradled Scootaloo as gently as she could in her hooves while still ensuring her grip.

“I’ve gotta take Scoot to the hospital,” Rainbow said, voice strained. “AJ, you go round up Carrot and Derpy.”

“What about us?” Apple Bloom tried to put in, but Rainbow was already off. Applejack, however, had the capacity to recognize her sister’s voice if nothing else.

“Yer comin’ with me,” Applejack grunted, flinging them onto her back with her tail and taking off at a gallop. It was all Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom could do to hold on.

“But what about Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle protested.

“Ya ain’t never gonna catch Rainbow, and the carrot farm ain’t too far outta the way,” Applejack relayed, never breaking her stride. “Ah know it seems bad now, but yer little friend’s in the most capable hooves Ah’ve ever known.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle huddled together on Applejack’s withers, trying to calm their heavy breathing. “We… we coulda stopped this,” Apple Bloom lamented.

“This is no time to be placing blame, Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle soothed. “Scoot needs us right now, and we have to be there for her.”

Apple Bloom took a deep breath. “Ya think she’s gonna be okay?”

Sweetie Belle offered a hopeful smile. “Hey, this is Scootaloo we’re talking about.”

Apple Bloom managed a smile back before they were jostled by a sudden stop, tumbling off of their transport’s back into a heap.

Applejack’s frantic knocking reached their ears. “Carrot, Derpy, open up! We gotta get ta the hospital! It’s Scootaloo.”

In an instant, Derpy and Carrot Top were at the door. Derpy stopped to gather Sweetie Belle onto her back, while Carrot Top took Apple Bloom as Applejack broke off at a frenzied pace. They could only hope Rainbow arrived in time.

“Doctor! I need a doctor!” Rainbow called out as she burst through the front door, holding out the limp form of Scootaloo.

A stretcher was quickly brought out, which she carefully laid Scootaloo upon.

“Don’t worry, she’s in capable hooves now,” the nurse assured before taking off to the emergency room.

Rainbow made to follow, but she was stopped by the receptionist, who had vacated the desk. “It would be best if you gave them space to work.”

Rainbow sighed, nodding as she took a seat to wait for Applejack. While her mind wandered, she wondered how many times a day something like this happened. They didn’t sound cold, but their lines did seem practiced. A glance over to the help desk revealed that the receptionist had retaken her position. She returned the glance with a smile that Rainbow knew had seen thousands of applications however genuine it looked.

“Would it kill anypony to show some character around here?” Rainbow muttered under her breath, for she knew the tired response she would get if she was overheard. We have to remain as bland as possible so we don’t upset our patients or their families. Come on, this isn’t Canterlot, ponies.

Rainbow’s ears perked up as she heard the front door swing open, looking up to see Applejack, alone, looking around frantically. Smiling, Rainbow got up from her seat to sidle up next to her and place a kiss on her cheek.

Applejack returned the greeting. “How is she?”

Rainbow’s face fell slightly. “I have no idea. They just took her in and told me not to follow.”

Applejack sighed, turning to face Rainbow fully. “Well, might as well make ourselves comfy while we wait.”

Rainbow chuckled before finally noticing that Applejack arrived alone. “Where’s everypony else?”

Applejack paused halfway to the bench, looking back to inspect the front door critically. “Ah thought they were right behind me.”

“You really expected them to be able to keep up with you?” Rainbow asked with a knowing glint in her eye.

Applejack hesitated, offering no immediate response.

Rainbow giggled at Applejack’s expression, feeling just a little bit of her anxiety wash away. Scootaloo was a hardy filly; it would take a whole lot more than this to keep her down. And with Applejack there with her, offering a strong shoulder to lean on, Rainbow got the feeling that everything would turn out alright.

Trixie hesitated at the threshold of Twilight’s room, uncertain about invading such a personal area. This uncertainty was quickly dispelled by Twilight, who beckoned her inside before shutting the door behind them.

“So, you were saying?” Twilight prompted innocently.

Trixie grinned sheepishly. “Well, I uh, let’s just say I… helped them find new ways to show their love to each other.”

Twilight cocked a brow. “And you couldn’t say that in front of Spike why?”

Trixie grinned harder. “I mean that in the more… intimate sense.”

Twilight blinked. “I thought they were already pretty intimate with each other.”

“Deeper than that.” Trixie gulped. “You know, like… sexually.”

Twilight’s eyes widened as she finally comprehended. “You mean you invaded their relationship?”

Trixie recoiled. “What? No, I’m just trying to find a way to tell you that I own a sex shop and I sold your friends some toys.”

“Oh,” Twilight said. A delayed blush quickly overtook her face as she considered this piece of information. “That… that definitely isn’t something we need Spike hearing.”

“Assuming he knows anything about it at all,” Trixie wondered aloud, hoping to divert the subject.

Twilight frowned. “I haven’t talked to him about it, but I don’t know what he does when I’m not around.”

“A true conundrum to be sure,” Trixie stated. “Have you ever thought of approaching him about the subject?”

Twilight shook her head. “I know I’m the closest thing he has to a mother, but I can’t shake the feeling of how… weird that would be. Especially after just having come back from Canterlot.”

“How were things there, by the way?” Trixie asked, mildly curious.

Twilight waved a hoof dismissively. “Oh, just some boring political troubles I’m sure you wouldn’t want to hear about.”

“Do you know what caused them?” Trixie prodded.

“Well, political issues rarely have a true cause behind them,” Twilight explained. “Unless you count things like money, power, leverage… But nothing with any amount of clear definition. Or at least not usually.”

Trixie sensed there was something more. “Is it possible this time could be different?”

Twilight frowned. “We have a hunch about what caused the divide between brutal honesty and fierce loyalty.”

Trixie blinked. “You’re saying there was an uprising?”

“To some extent, yes. Nothing violent before we got a hold of it,” Twilight assured. “Perhaps a better term would be… political unrest.”

“Unrest about what, exactly?” Trixie inquired, now legitimately interested.

“Just about everything, really,” Twilight sighed. “There were ponies who expressed their opinions about the social castes, unemployment, poverty and whatever else wasn’t already being done to alleviate the problems. And the other side of it stood by, well, us.” Twilight shuddered, ruffling her wings slightly.

Trixie eyed the appendages with a small amount of envy before shaking the thought away. “So it was all about defending the lower class, then?”

Twilight grunted. “If only it had been that simple. Honesty goes both ways. There were those upper-class ponies who certainly didn’t pull any punches, letting everypony know just how much they stood to profit on the suffering of others.”

“So I assume there was some divide among the lower class, as well?” Trixie smiled sadly.

“And that’s not even touching on the middle class,” Twilight groaned. “I’m just glad it died down before we had to do anything extreme.”

“Died down? Surely these issues were pressing enough to not solve themselves?”

“You’d think that, but it all falls into place when you think about that hunch the princesses and I had,” Twilight smirked. “Because sometimes those two can be more trouble than they’re worth.”

Trixie blinked. “Are we still talking about Applejack and Rainbow Dash?”

Twilight laughed. “Who else embodies the spirits of honesty and loyalty?”

Trixie frowned. “So you’re saying that they’re to blame for the uprising?”

“Not directly, or through any means they’re yet aware of,” Twilight explained. “You know what happens when elements are allowed to bond, right?”

“I’m afraid I’m not very well versed on the subject,” Trixie said sheepishly.

Twilight smiled. “Well then, I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you. As you may have guessed, there are six elements, and each is bonded to one of my friends. Applejack embodies honesty, Rainbow Dash is loyalty-“

“Not the other way around?” Trixie interrupted. “I do seem to recall that Applejack confronted me to stand up for her friends, while Rainbow Dash was more concerned with the truth behind my powers. Quite the tongue on her, as well.”

Twilight chuckled. “It is true that no two elements are as much alike as honesty and loyalty. Often they seem to go hoof in hoof-“

“Like on a date,” Trixie cut in.

Twilight frowned. “Not what I meant, but in this case, also applicable. Anyway, Fluttershy holds the element of kindness, Rarity’s element is generosity, and Pinkie Pie’s is, predictably, laughter. I do believe I have demonstrated my own on multiple occasions.”

Trixie cocked her head. “Which is…?”

Twilight blinked. “Magic. The sixth and most powerful element.”

“Unorthodox, but it does fit you,” Trixie said, brow furrowing. “But as far as I know, magic is not a necessary element of friendship. Applejack and Rainbow Dash go even deeper than that, but neither of them is a unicorn.”

“But friendship is magic!” Twilight argued. “Magic draws its power from all the other elements and acts as a hub to bind them all together. Without magic as a centerpiece, the elements couldn’t be combined!”

“Fitting for a ruler,” Trixie mused. “But you say that the elements cannot be bound without magic…”

“With the exception of honesty and loyalty,” Twilight extrapolated. “You see, the elements of harmony share many fundaments with the more mundane chemical elements, like hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. The thing that matters here is that not all are compatible in a one to one ratio, and seeing as how there can never be more than one of an element of harmony, they require the aid of a mediator of sorts. Coincidentally or not, the only pair that can be made otherwise is honesty and loyalty.”

“So if the element of magic serves as a hub for the other elements to bond to, and there only exist five other elements, why then does the symbolic star have six points?” Trixie inquired.

“I asked Princess Celestia about that once, but I never quite understood her answer,” Twilight began.

“And what was it?” Trixie prodded.

Twilight frowned. “She said that the sixth point of the star was special in that it could only facilitate the closest of bonds, but also that it can bond with any one thing. So that led me to believe that it was somehow flexible and could create that closest bond with anything. But then that didn’t make any sense as to how it remains unoccupied. But if one condition prevents the other, then it has no point!”

“It doesn’t have to have a point if it is the point,” Trixie intoned.

Twilight opened her mouth only to close it again when no words came out. “I don’t even know how to respond to that. Was that some sort of joke, or were you being serious?”

“Is it not possible to be thought provoking with frivolity?” Trixie returned.

“No, I guess not, because I think you just did that,” Twilight groaned. “Do you understand what she’s talking about?”

Trixie laughed. “I have a hunch, but it would not be appropriate to discuss it now. Instead, perhaps we should go back to our initial discussion of what happens when the elements are allowed to bond.”

“Oh, right,” Twilight perked up. “Sorry, I just… Anyway, like in the old story of the mare in the moon, the elements can be used to create a surge of the most powerful magic known to ponykind. So far, the only documented results of these surges have been banishment and petrification.”

“That doesn’t sound very friendly,” Trixie remarked.

“No, but under the circumstances, they were necessary,” Twilight defended. “And those were conscious efforts involving all six elements with clear direction.”

“Whereas in this case, it was an accident in the heat of the moment between two with no direction to speak of,” Trixie finished, smirking.

“This caused the surge to radiate in a five mile radius from Ponyville. And of course, knowing those two, it was bound to turn into a heated argument somewhere,” Twilight shook her head.

“And a ‘heated argument’ elsewhere, I’m sure,” Trixie sniggered.

Twilight blinked several times as a fierce blush overcame her. “I-I can’t say I ever thought of that,” she stammered.

Trixie laughed ruthlessly, “You must have, because I sure didn’t specify.”

“Well, your tone didn’t leave much room for imagination!” Twilight protested.

“I’m sure your troubles in Canterlot were only so bad because of its proximity to Ponyville,” Trixie assured between giggles.

Twilight’s eyes widened as a thought occurred to her. “And there’s only one place closer to Ponyville than Canterlot. And I didn’t see any signs of bedlam in the streets.” Twilight’s voice raised several octaves as she went on. “You don’t suppose that…”

“Yes, I’m sure you missed out on all the fun,” Trixie barely managed amidst raucous laughter.

Twilight groaned, covering her burning blush with her hooves.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow lifted her head from Applejack’s back. It took her a moment, but she recognized the doctor who had taken care of her back when she’d first gotten interested in Daring Do. Prodding her dozing marefriend until she got a response, the two of them got to their hooves to answer the call.

The doctor smiled at them. “We’ve gotten Scootaloo stabilized. She’s resting now, if you’d like to see her.”

“Yes, of course!” Rainbow insisted, shaking off her drowsiness. Applejack was a little slower on the uptake, but found herself dragged along by the hoof all the same. But the closer they got to where Scootaloo was resting, the further Rainbow’s mood dipped, until Applejack had to be the one keeping the pace instead.

“She’s just in here,” the doctor said, opening a door. “You did well getting her here so quickly. Now, if you’ll excuse me while we compile our findings.”

Rainbow wasn’t listening, however, as she approached the bed. “Should have known this would all blow up on us eventually,” Rainbow sighed, caressing Scootaloo’s sleeping face. “What the hell kinda trouble have you gotten yourself into this time, Scoot?”

“It ain’t yer fault, sugarcube,” Applejack soothed. “Ya never coulda known somethin’ like this woulda happened.”

“Of course it’s my fault!” Rainbow protested. “I’m the one who got her started on this in the first place! I made her abandon her home for three years, and now she goes and puts herself in the hospital just to try and impress me! Even her wings are all busted!”

Applejack winced, casting her gaze over the sleeping filly, but the only thing that seemed amiss was the casts binding her wings. “The doc said she’d be alright. And Ah’m not gonna just stand by while ya beat yerself up,” Applejack soothed, walking up to rub a hoof across Rainbow’s back. “Ah know what that can do to ya.”

Rainbow sighed, looking very vulnerable as she tore her gaze from Scootaloo and fixed it upon Applejack. “You sure she’s gonna be okay?”

Applejack nodded, offering a smile. “And Ah’m sure it weren’t nothin’ ya coulda stopped.”

Rainbow nodded back before slumping against Applejack’s chest. Applejack happily wrapped her marefriend in a loving hug, kissing her gently on the forehead. Utilizing her impressive strength, she lifted Rainbow off the ground, chuckling as the movement made their hips collide, and carried her over to a chair in the far corner of the room.

Rainbow, now sitting atop Applejack’s lap like an oversized foal, expressed her appreciation of the new position by cuddling in closer and closing her eyes with a dopey grin plastered across her face.

That moment so happened to be the one that Derpy, Carrot Top, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle intruded upon in their haste to see Scootaloo. Applejack was thankful that Scootaloo lacked a roommate, as the room started up in concerned babble.

“She’s gonna be just fine,” Applejack assured, projecting her voice. “Now why don’t you all settle down before ya-“

“Wha…? Where am I?”

“-wake her,” Applejack finished with a sigh.

Rainbow quickly dismounted Applejack’s lap to join in crowding around Scootaloo’s bed. Scootaloo smiled when she saw Rainbow among the ponies assembled. “Hey, Rainbow Dash. Did I blow you away and get my cutie mark?”

Rainbow smiled sadly. “Afraid not, Scoot. You took a pretty nasty fall, and by the looks of it, broke both your wings.”

Scootaloo jolted upright, scanning her sides and groaning when she saw the casts. “Guess I’m gonna have to wait a while to try again. Maybe last night wasn’t such a great idea after all.”

“What were we just tryin’ ta tell ya?” Apple Bloom asked, reaching out a hoof to brush against Scootaloo’s face.

Scootaloo frowned. “I’m really sorry I didn’t listen to you guys. Probably would have saved all of us a lot of trouble.”

“And you wouldn’t have to be in the hospital,” Sweetie Belle added. “You could be resting at home, and we could be helping you get better. Rarity always tells me how romantic that is in her novels.”

Scootaloo snorted in amusement. “Yeah, because Apple Bloom and I wouldn’t be bored to tears in one of those.”

“Ah don’t know, it might be nice fer a change,” Apple Bloom countered. “Ya know, just relaxin’ at home and not havin’ ta worry about our cutie marks.”

“But we just figured out how to get them!” Scootaloo protested.

Apple Bloom cocked a brow. “You sure about that, now? How many times outta ten does somethin’ related ta yer cutie mark put ya in a hospital?”

“Actually…”

“Excludin’ the obvious,” Apple Bloom cut Rainbow Dash’s assertion off.

Scootaloo cast her gaze to her hooves. “Yeah, I guess.”

“So what’s all this about last night, now?” Rainbow spoke up.

Scootaloo sighed. “Well, I’d been training really hard since our first flight lesson whenever I got the time to spare. And yesterday, me and the girls finally figured out how to get our cutie marks, and, well, I guess I got a little caught up in the excitement.”

Rainbow motioned a hoof for her to continue, not entirely sure she liked where this was going.

“I felt so close; I just had to show them. And maybe, you know, show off a bit, too,” Scootaloo sighed again. “But I couldn’t really do much, and I got frustrated. These are the fillies I love here, and I wasn’t about to let the night end like that. So I pushed myself harder than I ever had before, and I broke my old five second hovering record! But after that, I felt… weak. This morning, it took a little while, but when it hit me I felt… terrible. Exhausted, nauseous, all kinds of bad stuff, and I still didn’t have my cutie mark after all that.

“I tried to keep it from the girls so they wouldn’t hold me back, but I just ended up hurting them. I thought that maybe if you were there, too, it would give me what I needed to finally get my mark, but…”

The doctor chose that moment to come by with news of Scootaloo’s health. “You’ve got yourself in quite a state, little filly. Exhaustion, dehydration, and wings in one of the worst states I’ve seen. It’s a wonder you stayed conscious as long as you did. It certainly doesn’t help that you over-exerted yourself in a capacity your body is barely capable of.”

Scootaloo winced, casting a worried eye to Rainbow.

Rainbow’s attention was fixed firmly on the doctor however. “What do you mean by that?”

The doctor blinked. “You mean to tell me you never knew of Scootaloo’s disability?”

“Please, don’t-“

“Disability?” Rainbow interrupted Scootaloo, giving her a shocked look. “Scoot, you never told me that-“

“Well, you see, I uh-“

“Scoot, you haven’t been endangering yourself with your flying practice, have you?” Rainbow worried. “Because if you have been, then you need to stop. I know you want to be like me, but if it’s gonna put you in-“

“I know! I know I’ll never be like you, Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo choked back a sob. “But does that really mean I can’t even dream? I know it’s not Dad’s fault I can’t fly, but when I met you that first time, it just gave me so much hope. I really wanted to be like you, but I can’t! I’m just destined to be useless forever.”

Scootaloo buried her face in Rainbow’s chest and started to bawl her eyes out. Rainbow could barely hold the tears back herself as she comforted the filly she’d come to think of as a little sister. “Hey, Scoot, come on. Nopony thinks you’re useless, and you should never feel that way about yourself. You have a very special gift that you’re completely overlooking here, and I’m not just talking about your fillyfriends. Just ask them what they really feel makes you special. I’m sure it has to have clicked by now, Scootaloo.”

“You make it sound like something we should already know,” Sweetie Belle complained.

Apple Bloom frowned. “Well, maybe it is. We’ve been searchin’ all this time and still nothin’. Maybe it’s like lookin’ fer somethin’ ya lost, how it’s always in the last place ya look.”

Scootaloo sniffled. “It’s always in the last place you look because you stop searching after that.”

“I don’t think that’s what she meant, Scoot.” Sweetie Belle looked to Apple Bloom. “Like the last place we would think to look, right?”

Scootaloo frowned. “A library?”

Apple Bloom chuckled. “No, silly. Think about it like if ya ever lost yer scooter. Where would be the last place ya’d think ta look?”

“There wouldn’t be a last place I’d look. I’d look everywhere!” Scootaloo protested.

“Just like our cutie marks,” Sweetie Belle saged.

Scootaloo blinked. “Yeah, I guess so. So you’re telling me I’d never find it again?”

Apple Bloom smiled. “No, Ah’m sayin’ that at the end of it all, when ya’ve looked all over Equestria, ya realize somethin’ that seems so obvious, but ya never really thought about it ‘till just then.”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes began to tear up. “Something that’s kept you going through it all.”

Scootaloo’s tears stopped abruptly as the answer dawned on her. “I was riding it all along. But that’s not the only thing. I had you guys with me the whole way. And at the end of it all, we found way more than just a dumb old scooter.”

“We found love,” Sweetie Belle contributed.

“And who we’re meant ta be,” Apple Bloom finished.

Scootaloo’s tears began anew as she began to intone, for perhaps the last time, an age-old vow. “And no matter what happens…”

“We’re gonna be in this together,” Apple Bloom picked up.

Sweetie Belle squeaked. “Because we are…”

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

As a nearly-blinding flash of light began to emanate from each of their flanks, the three fillies met at the center for a tender group hug that inevitably led their lips together. Unaware, and uncaring for that moment in time, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle experienced the most intense rush of love they ever had in their yet young lives.

Applejack squealed in an entirely uncharacteristic show of her entirely characteristic pride, clutching Rainbow tightly and placing a great big kiss on her lips. Carrot Top and Derpy similarly embraced, practically glowing with pride.

“I love you two so much,” Scootaloo murmured, breaking away to fall back onto the bed and slip back out of consciousness, with the blanket sliding into place to conveniently cover her no-longer-blank flanks.

“Scoot, you alright?” Apple Bloom worried.

“She’ll be fine; she should be lapsing in and out of consciousness for a couple days now, and after all she just went through, I can see how she would shut down afterward.”

Derpy stared at the doctor. “Why are you still here?”

The doctor blinked. “I’m a doctor; it’s my prerogative to monitor the condition of my patients.”

Derpy frowned. “That’s creepy. Go away.”

The doctor, unable to come up with a compelling argument, did as he was told.

In the meanwhile, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had curled up to sleep next to Scootaloo, careful not to disturb her casted wings. The three of them were in for quite a surprise when they woke up.

“Well, it is possible the surge could manifest in different ways,” Twilight supposed, making a note on her chalkboard. “And by all logic, Ponyville should have been the hardest hit, but I didn’t see anything wrong when I got here. And if Canterlot was subject to violent uprising, that might mean that Ponyville was subject to their softer sides, which would lead me to believe that… Oh dear.”

“Is something the matter, Twilight?” Trixie asked innocuously.

“Well, when I left for Canterlot, Applejack and Rainbow Dash had just gotten together,” Twilight extrapolated. “It really was hilarious to see them so flustered and confused. But they meant enough to each other to not rush headlong into a relationship like you might expect them to. So at the time, their softer sides were far more prevalent, of course, which means that what happened in Canterlot could only be a small fraction of the backlash.”

“So this magical outburst might have been why the Ponyvillians kept their hostility towards me in check?” Trixie hypothesized.

Twilight blinked. “I… actually hadn’t thought of that. But good thinking.”

Trixie blinked back. “Then what were you getting at?”

Twilight hesitated. “Well, what’s the softest, sappiest thing you can think of?”

“Romance,” Trixie answered, “but what does that have to do with…” Trixie’s eyes grew fearful. “Oh dear Celestia.”

“There’s no telling how many relationships might have sprung up in the last few days I was gone!” Twilight fretted. “Just think of how many ponies could be hurting after the end of the magic surge cut off some of the weaker bonds!”

“It also bears to note how many waxing relationships may have been saved by the timely surge,” Trixie countered. “If there was really nothing but magic holding two ponies together, then wouldn’t it be best for them to not pursue false avenues?”

“I suppose that’s true, but we can’t assume all the participants were on a level playing field. Could you imagine what it would be like to have a taste of romance with a long-time crush, only to have it swept away the next moment?”

“I certainly can,” Trixie muttered a little too loudly.

Twilight smirked. “Why’s that? It can’t be that the great and powerful Trixie is harboring feelings for somepony?”

“There are many things I harbor that might surprise you,” Trixie spoke without thinking.

Twilight cocked her head. “Like what?”

Trixie blinked, trying to fight back her rising blush. “A-actually, I should probably go…”

“What? But you just-“ Twilight watched in bewilderment as Trixie fled. Some force led Twilight to her balcony to watch Trixie’s escape.

Somewhere down the road, Twilight heard a female voice cry out, “It’s Trixie! She’s returned!”

A male voice answered. “Yeah, and she just came out of Princess Twilight’s library!”

“While she’s away in Canterlot?” A third voice of questionable gender chimed in. “Just think of what she might have stolen!”

“Well, we’ll teach her Ponyville ain’t to be trifled with, even if the Princess is away,” the male voice threatened.

“Oh horseapples!” Trixie’s voice could barely be heard.

Twilight finally spotted Trixie backed into an alleyway with a mob of vengeful ponies bearing down on her. In a flash of magic, Twilight interposed herself between the two parties and rounded upon the mob. “And just what in Tartarus do you ponies think you’re doing, antagonizing an innocent mare?”

“Innocent mare? Princess, this known offender just came boltin’ outta your library like she’d committed some sorta crime!”

“A library in which she was my personal guest, whom I was just sharing a pleasant conversation with.” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “And have you forgotten the last time she came here to ask for forgiveness?”

The speaker winced visibly. “Well, uh, that was a long time ago, and…”

“That was last year,” Twilight corrected. “And right after she sent Ponyville into chaos.”

Trixie recoiled, not sure what to make of this abrupt shift.

“But she’s changed since then. From what I’ve been told, she’s used this past year to try and reform herself through her travels, and I believe her,” Twilight turned her head to smile at Trixie. “I also believe that the word of a princess should carry some weight around here.”

“O-of course!” The mob began to recede. “We’ll just, uh… Real sorry ‘bout that, Princess.”

Twilight laughed. “Just be sure to save that energy for a real threat next time.”

“That wasn’t really necessary,” Trixie insisted. “I could have gotten out of that myself.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “And I probably wouldn’t have seen you around Ponyville again. Can’t be having that. Now come on back. I promise not to pry if you don’t want me to.”

Trixie smiled. “Sorry for the trouble, Princess.”

Twilight chortled. “Don’t you dare start with that; I’m just Twilight to my friends.”

Trixie happily accompanied just Twilight back to the library, proud to have earned the title of friend.

Rainbow collapsed onto the couch of Applejack’s living room with a sigh. “All that and it’s still only lunchtime. Are you sure days always used to be this long?”

“They are when ya don’t nap through half of ‘em,” Applejack said from the kitchen. “Now don’t get too comfy, we’re just here ta pick up some apples fer lunch.”

“Can’t we just go have lunch at Tavi’s? That casserole she makes is awesome,” Rainbow suggested.

“Ah told ya, we can’t just go around invitin’ ourselves in ta other ponies’ houses,” Applejack returned. “We’ll have plenty o’ time fer our lessons later, or did ya forget we had ta pick up those, too?”

Rainbow groaned. “But we’ve already done so much stuff today! Can’t we go take a nap just this once?”

“Well Ah’m sorry if mah active lifestyle ain’t somethin’ ya think ya can keep up with,” Applejack teased, coming out of the kitchen to lob an apple at Rainbow’s head. Rainbow caught the apple in her mouth in more of a show of Applejack’s accuracy than Rainbow’s agility.

“And I’m sorry if six hours of sleep just doesn’t cut it sometimes,” Rainbow shot back through a mouthful of apple.

“What was that? Ya gotta take the apple outta yer mouth first,” Applejack laughed.

Rainbow righted herself on the couch and held the apple in her hoof. “How is it that you make that sound sexy?”

“Maybe because ya get distracted so often by the ones on mah flank,” Applejack suggested, brandishing her cutie mark. “Now come on, Ah ain’t carryin’ yer guitar.”

Shrugging, Rainbow fit the rest of the apple into her mouth and followed Applejack upstairs. “Feels like forever since we’ve had any time for band stuff, huh?”

Applejack turned to see that Rainbow was still chewing on her apple. So instead of answering, Applejack made a scene of pressing her lips against Rainbow’s for a kiss. Rainbow needed no further encouragement to open her mouth in acceptance, delighting as Applejack’s tongue slipped in, wrapped around the apple in her mouth and-

“Hey!” Rainbow protested, but Applejack had already retreated with her prize. “I was eating that!”

Applejack swallowed the last of it. “Well, then ya shouldn’a kept it where Ah could get at it.”

Rainbow chuckled. “What’s with you all of a sudden? You’re more flirty than usual.”

“Well, maybe Ah’ve got somethin’ on mah mind,” Applejack cooed. “Somethin’ we never got ta doin’ yesterday.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “I like where this is going. Continue.”

Applejack giggled. “Stop makin’ it so hard ta keep this up. Ah swear, Ah try ta be sexy for ya…”

“You know there are only two ways out now,” Rainbow quirked her brow, “horny and distracted or relaxed and satisfied.”

“You really gotta ask which one Ah’m after?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Just making sure.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Why do Ah get the feelin’ we’re gonna be havin’ that nap after all?”

“What can I say, I’m an exhausting ride,” Rainbow jested.

Applejack snorted in amusement. “Fer you, maybe. Now c’mere, you!”

Guess what.

“Alright, ready ta head out?” Applejack called before exiting the bedroom. There just beyond the door she found Rainbow frowning at her. “Somethin’ wrong, sugarcube?”

“Aren’t you gonna bring your drums?” Rainbow asked, indicating Applejack’s unencumbered form. “I thought this was what that was all about.”

Applejack cocked her head. “Well, yeah, but how much can Vinyl really help out with that?”

Rainbow snorted in amusement. “Just because Scratch is all about electronic music doesn’t mean she doesn’t know a thing or two about heavy metal.”

Applejack hummed. “What is that metal thing ya keep talkin’ about? Ah thought we were startin’ a rock band.”

“Well, it’s kinda like rock, but different,” Rainbow explained as she marched Applejack back into the bedroom. “It’s a newer thing, so it’s not really too big yet. It basically just takes the heavier aspects of rock and makes them, well, even heavier. That’s why it’s called heavy metal.”

Applejack cocked a brow. “But metal is already heavier than rocks. Why do ya gotta specify? Ah ain’t ever heard o’ any light metal, but Ah guess we haven’t really gotten too far inta that stuff just yet.”

Rainbow paused. “You know, that’s a pretty good point. Maybe something to think about when the genre starts expanding.”

“Is that what yer tryin’ ta do then? Add a little somethin’ ta what’s already there?” Applejack hypothesized.

Rainbow turned to face Applejack with a smile. “Well, I’m pretty sure nopony’s tried blending it with country yet. Believe me when I say I wouldn’t be doing any of this without you.”

Applejack blushed. “Ya big sap,” she laughed giving Rainbow a kiss after securing the bulky instrument on her back.

“Now we’re ready to go,” Rainbow grinned. “Come on, if we do this quick we might have enough time left to hit up the arcade!”

“Ah fergot about that,” Applejack admitted with a chuckle.

“You shouldn’t,” Rainbow instructed. “The world’s evolving, AJ, and I’m not gonna sit by and watch the farm fall to technology.”

Applejack smiled at the sentiment. “Ah don’t think we gotta worry about that too much. We showed all of Ponyville what good old fashioned hard work can do when we chased off Flim and Flam, right?”

Rainbow chuckled. “Have I ever told you how much I love having my birthday in the middle of cider season?”

“Funny how things work sometimes, huh?”

“Awesome, too.” Rainbow held the front door open for Applejack to trudge through. “You need any help carrying that?”

“Nope,” Applejack smirked, “one o’ the perks of bein’ an earth pony. We’re built ta carry a lot more weight than a pegasus like you.”

“So that’s mind control and super strength. Do you have any other superpowers I should know about?”

Applejack laughed. “Yer never gonna let that one go, are ya?”

“Why would I? Even if it wasn’t airtight, I can always get a laugh out of you at least,” Rainbow returned.

“Since when have you been a laugh expert?” Applejack teased. “Not tryin’a steal Pinkie’s job now, are ya?”

“Well, we were talking about how to get her off our backs yesterday…” Rainbow smirked.

Applejack put a hoof to her forehead. “You’ve got an answer ta everythin’, don’t ya?”

Rainbow cocked her head. “Nah, that one was just a coincidence. I usually just make things up as I go.”

“That would explain a lot.”

Rainbow frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothin’ ya ever gotta worry about, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled. “Just one o’ those things Ah love about ya.”

Rainbow felt a dopey grin spread across her face. Neither of them had yet to say it outright, nor were they ready to call it that, but just thinking about it always made Rainbow feel funny. She opted not to call Applejack out on it, figuring it was probably just a slip of the tongue. What she couldn’t see, however, was the burning blush on Applejack’s face as she caught her own slip too late.

The rest of their walk was completed in slightly awkward silence as they came to Vinyl’s shack and noticed that all the lights were out. Before Applejack could suggest that she might be over at Octavia’s, Rainbow reached a hoof up to knock on the door.

From within the dark house, a barely intelligible groan came from the white unicorn splayed out on the couch, “Go away.”

Rather than obey the command, Rainbow tried the door to find it locked. Undeterred, she moved to a window that offered no such resistance and slipped inside. “Rainbow, what are you-“

Applejack was cut off as the front door swung open. “Applejack, I’m gonna need you for this.”

Shaking her head in bewilderment, Applejack followed Rainbow inside.

“Dammit, Tavi, I told you I-“ Vinyl blinked as she regarded her visitors. “Oh, uh, hey Dash. What’s up?”

“That’s my question,” Rainbow returned. “What the hell’s wrong with you?”

Vinyl grumbled as she massaged her temples. “Well, since I know I’m not getting rid of you without an answer, it’s about me and Tavi.”

“Somethin’ happen? Ya seemed real happy together before,” Applejack prodded.

“We are, but that just makes this harder,” Vinyl complained.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “What did she do that you’re blowing out of proportions?”

“She gave me an ultimatum,” Vinyl cringed. “She’s really starting to push the issue.”

“Which is?” Rainbow prompted.

“Moving in with her,” Vinyl clarified. “She told me I’ve been avoiding the issue for weeks and she’s had enough. So now it’s her or the house.”

Rainbow frowned. “That sounds like a no-brainer.”

“Out of context, yeah,” Vinyl admitted. “But she didn’t stop there. She thinks I’ve been having a little too much of a field day with all the new couples popping up. I told her it was mostly just a joke, but now she thinks that I think that she’s not good enough for me.”

“And now yer thinkin’ yer not good enough for her,” Applejack finished with a sigh. “Vinyl, ya ain’t gonna get nowhere thinkin’ like that but the bottom of a bottle. She’s invitin’ ya into her home, to be with her every minute of the day. That means dealin’ with ya without any of the breaks. Ain’t that enough ta let ya know how much ya mean to her? If you don’t go back there, she’s gonna be just as miserable as you are, maybe even more. You really wanna do that to her?”

Vinyl sniffed. “I just don’t want to hurt her. She’s the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me, and if my wandering eye is really gonna be a problem…”

“Then you two will just have ta figure that out together,” Applejack suggested. “Let her know that’s all it is, She’s gotta understand ya’ve got a wanderin’ eye, not a wanderin’ heart.”

“Well, just look at you two,” Vinyl shot back. “Rainbow’s had sexual feelings for you for years, and now they’ve evolved into romantic feelings. I never want that to happen. I love Tavi too damn much.”

Rainbow was thankful Applejack couldn’t see her face right now. “Why would that be a problem? Do you have sexual feelings for somepony right now?”

Vinyl nodded hesitantly.

“And who is it?”

“Lyra,” Vinyl admitted with a small blush.

“But you already went through a relationship with her and it didn’t work out,” Rainbow pointed out. “Why do you think it’s gonna be different now that your romantic feelings are already with Tavi?”

“And she never seemed ta argue too much when ya suggested somethin’ that included her 'til just recently,” Applejack continued. “And Lyra’s already got Bon Bon, too. Sounds ta me like you’ve got a real nice opportunity ta get her sold on the idea.”

“You mean like a… foursome?” Vinyl’s face heated up.

“I remember you asking us about one of those, too,” Rainbow smirked.

Applejack nodded. “And Ah was already considerin’ it, but if it can help ya with Octavia, then Ah’ve got no reason ta say no.”

Vinyl’s face grew hotter. “Uh… Okay, so I just…”

“Don’t bring it up right away,” Applejack warned. “Spend time with her alone first. Ya’ve still got a rough patch ta mend, anyway.”

“And how am I supposed to do that?” Vinyl fretted.

“Make a statement. Something bold she can’t misunderstand.” Rainbow shared a glance with Applejack. “Sell this house.”

Vinyl’s eyes widened. “But it’s a mess!”

“That’s why ya’ve gotta clean it up a bit first,” Applejack instructed. “Rainbow and Ah will take care o’ the buyer; you take care o’ the house. We’re gonna get the deal of a lifetime worked out here.”

“I… you guys don’t have to do this,” Vinyl protested weakly. “I can work this out on my own.”

“And risk losing Tavi?” Rainbow chortled. “No way, Scratch; you’re gonna get help and you’re gonna like it.”

With that, Applejack and Rainbow departed, leaving their instruments by the door. “Well, certainly wasn’t expectin’ that. Come on, there should be a copy of the registry at the library.”

Rainbow nodded, following Applejack to their new destination.

Trixie sighed as she crossed the threshold of Golden Oaks Library. “Thank you again for doing all this for me. You really didn’t have to.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “And what else was I supposed to do, leave you out in the streets?”

“But this is twice now you’ve helped me, and I haven’t done anything for you,” Trixie went on.

“I told you, this is what friends do for each other,” Twilight reiterated. “You don’t have to do anything for me. Just try to learn to accept help without smothering me in thanks!”

Trixie frowned. “My apologies. It’s just that, well, it’s been so long since I’ve experienced such kindness. And I still need to make it up to you for-“

“No!” Twilight reproached. “You don’t have to make anything up to me. And you don’t have to thank me every time I do so much as hold the door open for you! I swear, it’s like this is some alien concept to you.”

Trixie hesitated. “Then what do you want from me?”

“I want you to settle down, be happy, and find yourself some middle ground to work with,” Twilight instructed. “If you can do that for me, then that’s all you’ll ever need to do, alright?”

“Okay,” Trixie accepted. “I’m sorry if I’m making you uncomfortable. It’s just that where I grew up, kindness like this was a token occurrence. It was more of an every mare for herself atmosphere. But here in Ponyville there’s just this odd sense of camaraderie I’ve not seen anywhere else. It will take some getting used to.”

Twilight’s face softened. “It sounds like you had it pretty rough. Where did you grow up, exactly?”

“Manehattan,” Trixie answered. “So, maybe you could understand that this all is a little alien to me. I really have no idea how I’m supposed to deal with it.”

Twilight laughed. “Well, I have a bit of first-hoof experience adjusting to life here. Though I don’t know how much it’s changed since I left. And it sounds to me like you might be in need of a little coaching.”

Trixie smiled. “That would be wonderful.”

Twilight smiled back, but before she could say any more, a knock came from the front door. Smile faltering, she went to answer it and found Applejack and Rainbow Dash at the door.

Rainbow blinked. “Twilight? When did you get back?”

“Earlier this morning,” Twilight answered. “Was there something you needed?”

“Yeah, ya wouldn’t happen ta have a copy o’ the town registry somewhere around here, would ya?” Applejack asked.

Twilight cocked her head. “Yes, I do, but why would you need that?”

“We’ve got a bit of a situation on our hooves,” Rainbow explained. “Short version is we need to know if there are maybe any ponies new in town looking for a place to live.”

“Well I don’t think I’m going to need the registry to show you one such pony,” Twilight said, stepping aside to reveal Trixie sitting at the other end of the room.

“Oh, hey Trix,” Rainbow greeted. “You’re still looking for a place?”

“Sort of, yes,” Trixie confirmed. “Twilight’s offered me her home, but I really wouldn’t want to impose. Besides, I would need some place a little more private to store my… merchandise.”

Twilight and Applejack blushed, while Rainbow grinned. “I’m sure Scratch wouldn’t have a problem with that.”

Twilight blinked. “Wait, Vinyl’s selling her house?”

“Yeah, she and Tavi had a bit of a fight about getting Scratch to move in,” Rainbow revealed. “And it sounds like Trix needs a little hideaway. So everything works out great, right?”

“It also sounds like there’s been a lot going on since I left,” Twilight pressed.

“Trust me, you don’t know the half of it,” Rainbow sighed. “But hey, you were just in Canterlot, so maybe you know about any possible banishment notices lately? Specifically one for ponies not currently involved in a relationship?”

Twilight frowned, furrowing her brow. “That’s oddly specific. And a little bit worrying. But no, the Princesses and I had no part in what’s been going on. That’s your fault.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “How is it my fault? I mean, I guess we kind of had a hoof in the Crusaders, but everything else happened by itself.”

Twilight groaned. “So you’re telling me that you two influenced three innocent fillies to pursue a complex relationship?”

“It ain’t like they’re unhappy, Twi,” Applejack chimed in. “Ah really haven’t seen mah sister so happy since she and her friends started crusadin’.”

“Yeah, but I get the feeling that’s not gonna last too much longer,” Rainbow added.

“You mean they’re being driven apart because of what you did?” Twilight demanded.

Rainbow chortled. “No, I mean they finally got their cutie marks. You’ve really gotta stop thinking in worst-case scenarios, egghead.”

Twilight blinked multiple times. “So it’s actually… working out?”

“Just about everythin’ seems ta be,” Applejack chuckled. “Apart from this little mess between Vinyl an’ Octavia, anyway.”

Twilight felt a smile spread across her face. “Then… what else happened while I was gone?”

“Let’s see, Rarity hooked up with Mac, Cloudchaser and Flitter are having hot twin sex, and Fluttershy got hit on by Cheerilee. That about cover it?” Rainbow turned to Applejack.

“There’s also how ya stood up ta the weather committee and got yerself assigned ta work the farm full-time,” Applejack reminded.

“Oh yeah, she wasn’t here for that, was she?” Rainbow chuckled. “She wasn’t even here when I got accepted into the Wonderbolts!”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, congratulations, Rainbow! You’ve worked so hard for this! Oh, you must be so excited and why don’t you look happy about this?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Rainbow said with the most convincing smile she could muster. “Just something me and AJ have to figure out.”

Twilight frowned as the implications dawned on her. “Oh, yeah, that would be a problem, wouldn’t it?”

Applejack threw a hoof around Rainbow’s shoulders and nuzzled her cheek. “Come on, sugarcube. No need ta mope about it. Ah promise we’re gonna figure somethin’ out.”

Rainbow smiled genuinely. “Right, we’ve still got a house to sell. And a foursome to potentially have!”

“There ya go,” Applejack chuckled. “Now Ah know yer probably buzzin’ with questions over there, Trixie. And probably you, too, Twi. So don’t hold back; we’ve still got a good while before Vinyl finishes tidyin’ up.

“This town is going to take more getting used to than I thought.” Trixie shook her head in bewilderment.

“It certainly is one of the more colorful places I’ve been to,” Twilight agreed. “So, Pinkie and I are the only ones left unpaired, then?”

“Well, you never know with Pinkie, and Fluttershy’s still trying to figure out what to do about Cheerilee, but yeah. Better find yourself a love interest before you fall behind!” Rainbow teased.

“She’s plenty behind already, sugarcube,” Applejack laughed. “Unless ya forgot what we’ve been up to lately.”

Rainbow’s wings flared. “Uh, no, of course not.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Twilight rolled her eyes humoredly.

Rainbow grinned. “Well, maybe you’d be surprised to hear about what Big Mac’s been up to-“

“She don’t need ta hear that!” Applejack interrupted. “And we ain’t gonna break Rarity’s trust just because I got ya a little flustered.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Fine, but I still want to see her face when she finds out.”

“What are you two going on about?” Twilight asked, utterly confused.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” Rainbow and Applejack answered in unison.

“That was adorable,” Trixie teased.

Rainbow frowned. “You shut up!”

Trixie laughed in blatant defiance of Rainbow’s demands.

“Some things never change,” Applejack chuckled.

Octavia sat alone on her couch after cleaning up lunch. What was she supposed to do now? Was the next move even hers to make? Octavia cringed as she considered the possibility that there would be no next move.

Octavia sighed, slumping to the side and hugging a pillow to her face. Even if her feelings weren’t entirely mutual, could she bear to end it so soon after it had begun? She knew in her heart that she would still love Vinyl regardless of her answer. But did Vinyl still love her?

“Way to go, Octavia,” she groaned, rolling over to bury her face in the couch. “Couldn’t just make this easy on yourself, could you?”

It was true that it hurt whenever she caught Vinyl’s gaze on another mare, or when she suggested group intercourse. But how much of that was on Octavia herself? Since that first day they had been approached by Applejack and Rainbow Dash, there had been no sex in their relationship. Was that all Vinyl really cared about? Vinyl’s previous encounters with Lyra had been fueled entirely by lust, and they were quick to die out. Was she destined for the same fate?

Octavia pounded her head against the pillow in an attempt to beat the stupidity out of herself. All she succeeded in doing was making herself red in the face. Sighing and discarding the defective pillow, she rolled onto her back to stare up at the ceiling. It was so much further away than in Vinyl’s shack. There she might be able to touch it if she stretched; here her hoof only met open air. That hoof then came down to rub her sore muzzle.

“Funny, I always thought the term ‘beating yourself up’ was a metaphor,” Octavia mumbled with little true humor in her voice. “No, that’s something Vinyl would say.” Octavia frowned, wondering why she felt anger building up inside her. The answer came to her shortly thereafter. Picking up the discarded pillow, Octavia held it in front of her with trembling hooves as she imagined Vinyl’s face upon it. “That’s right, this isn’t about me. This is all your fault!”

But now Octavia was at an impasse. Half of her wanted to punch the pillow across the room, and the other half wanted to hug it to her chest and never let go. Settling on throwing it away violently, Octavia groaned, “I don’t even know what to do with you anymore.” Octavia returned her gaze to the ceiling. “But lying here all day is just gonna make me feel worse.” She sat upright, steeling herself for her next move. Warring emotions or not, unstable footing or solid ground, Octavia was going to march up to Vinyl’s house and… do something!

Throwing her door open and only barely remembering to lock it behind her, Octavia tore through Ponyville to Vinyl’s shack. In her wake, many ponies were left staring at the normally restrained cellist, though Octavia was far from caring at that point.

Octavia threw herself at Vinyl’s door to find it offered less resistance than she expected, causing her to fall in a heap on the welcome mat. Startled by the noise, Vinyl jumped to her hooves, blinking at the sight that greeted her. “Tavi? What…”

Mindful of her prone position, Octavia heaved herself up onto her hooves, dusting herself off with her tail. But after setting her stance, she found herself met with the same conflicting desires as she had when facing the pillow, only with one more thrown into the mix that made things infinitely more complicated. Unable to commit to one of her many options, she grabbed the doorknob with her tail and slammed it closed. “What the hell am I going to do with you, Vinyl?”

In a surprising move, Vinyl smiled, picking something up from the floor in her magic and holding it before her. “Maybe this would help you decide?”

Frowning, Octavia snatched the offending object that had begun poking her in the chest, and was about to throw it away before she realized just what it was. Tears brimmed in Octavia’s eyes as she read the scribbled words, “For Sale.” Looking up at Vinyl with an expression of disbelief, Octavia found she could not form words. Vinyl just smiled and nodded at Octavia’s unspoken question.

Before Vinyl understood what was going on, she was tackled to the floor and wrapped in a crushing hug. “T-tavi?” Vinyl barely managed to squeak out against the tremendous pressure around her neck.

Hearing Vinyl’s strangled response, Octavia loosened her grip. “I’m sorry I snapped at you, Vinyl. I really didn’t mean it; I know how difficult this is for you. I know you’re never far, but I’ve just been feeling like you’ve been drifting away since our first night together, and I don’t ever want to lose you, so I just thought-“

“No, you were right, Tavi. It’s about time I started committing to you. I’ve had plenty of time by myself these past few years, and I don’t really know why I’ve been hanging on to that.” Vinyl took Octavia’s hoof in her own. “I hope you haven’t shut your door for me yet.”

Octavia’s eyes began to water as she wrapped Vinyl in another, albeit gentler, hug. “I can promise you anything you want, Vinyl. Just name it and it’s yours.”

Somewhere in the back of her head, a nagging little piece of tactlessness told her to ask about what had been on her mind. Paying it no mind, Vinyl spoke instead from her heart. “There’s only one thing I can think of that I really want right now. And that involves you, me, and giving this old place a hell of a send-off.”

A blush graced Octavia’s cheeks. “I can’t say that didn’t come to mind, either. That night was the greatest I can remember.”

Vinyl smirked. “Well, it’s a good thing we’ve got a lot of catching up to do. ‘Cause we’re not stopping for dinner.”

Make-up sex go!

“Alright, so we have a budding incest relationship between twins spawned by a bad experience from a long-time crush, an under-aged polygamous relationship influenced directly by you two, awkward romantic advances from a surprising source, and however you want to classify what’s going on between Rarity and Big Macintosh,” Twilight summed up after a lengthy discussion about what all had transpired in her absence, sans a few details. “And through all of them, the only male involved is the aforementioned Mac. So, adding these relationships to the ones I already know, that leaves us with eight homosexual pairings against just four heterosexual ones.”

“Sounds about right,” Rainbow added.

Twilight frowned. “That doesn’t strike any of you as odd?”

“Well, we already know that the mares outnumber the stallions in this town by a similar margin,” Trixie pointed out. “And even then you can’t expect every stallion to hold an interest in mares. So assuming an even split, that leaves the heterosexual stallions outnumbered four to one. Barring polygamy, that leaves three quarters of Ponyville’s mares to either pair up or live alone. Again, assuming an even split of orientations, that leaves a quarter of the mares unpaired. That leaves us with homosexual relationships outnumbering heterosexual ones three to one. Take the homosexual stallions out of the picture and you’re left with a two to one split. So I would venture to say that these numbers are an accurate representation of romance in Ponyville, despite the small sample size.”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack blinked, while Twilight’s brow furrowed. “But not every stallion and homosexual mare is in a relationship. Say you have a hundred mares and fifty stallions, but set ten of each, five heterosexual and five homosexual, aside to be left unpaired. That leaves us with a forty five to twenty disparity, rather than a-“

“Now hold on just a minute, now you’re straying away from percentages!” Trixie interrupted. “While they’re not foolproof, they’re more reliable than fixed integers.”

“But if we keep using percentages, the numbers can’t remain clean in a small sample size,” Twilight protested. “If we took five percent of each category out, we’d be dealing with fractions, and last I checked you have to be a whole pony in order to stay alive.”

“That would merely mean we would have to increase our populations,” Trixie answered easily.

Twilight groaned. “That would make our data unrealistic! We’re not dealing with Canterlot or Manehatten here. I don’t think you could even fit fifteen thousand ponies into Ponyville, and that’s the lowest we could go to eliminate all the fractional ponies.”

“Well, what is the population of Ponyville, then?” Trixie demanded. “It certainly can’t still be that small.”

“At last count, it was under five thousand,” Twilight informed.

“I meant a number, not a range!” Trixie barked.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fine, it was four thousand eight hundred thirty six.”

“Aha, so we would be dealing with fractions all the same!” Trixie declared triumphantly.

“That’s the reason we’re working with sample sizes!” Twilight retorted. “You can take a hundred out of four thousand eight hundred thirty six, but you can’t take fifteen thousand out of it!”

“Well, what are we even trying to achieve, then, accuracy or neatness? If whole numbers really make that much of a difference to you, we could always round-“

“Rounding wouldn’t solve anything!” Twilight cut Trixie off. “Well, it would, but more problems would arise!”

Applejack leaned in close to Rainbow. “You have any idea what they’re goin’ on about?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I don’t know, I usually slept through math. When you’re an amazing athlete like me you don’t need straight A’s to get through school.”

“Ah thought Ah had that attitude beaten outta ya,” Applejack teased.

Rainbow scoffed. “As if! I just figured you didn’t need to be reminded of how awesome I was any more after you totally fell head over hooves for me.”

Applejack smirked. “Actually, if’n Ah’m rememberin’ it right, you were the one who gave me that first kiss.”

“That was an accident, it doesn’t count!” Rainbow overruled. “You were the one who came crawling back to lay one on me!”

“Only ‘cause you started it!” Applejack shot back.

“Only thing I started was the sex, AJ,” Rainbow chirped.

Applejack frowned. “Now hold on a dang minute; that was a joint decision!”

“Yeah, but I’m the one who brought it up in the first place.”

“Don’t mean Ah wasn’t thinkin’ about it!”

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed. “Oh really now? How long did you want me before we got down to it?”

“Not as long as you, Ah reckon,” Applejack chuckled.

“Oh come on, that was like one time! It was right after the Running of the Leaves, you just tackled me out of the sky, and you looked so damn sexy with all that sweat and dust on you…”

“So you like it when Ah take the lead? Here I was thinkin’ Ah was gonna have ta fight ya fer toppin’ rights.”

Rainbow blushed through a scowl. “And what makes you think you’ve won?”

Applejack grinned. “The way Ah saw you squirm when Ah-“

Applejack never got to finish that thought as Rainbow couldn’t hold back her burning desire any longer and rammed her face up against Applejack’s to shut her up with a kiss. After the initial shock wore off, Applejack smiled around Rainbow’s insistent tongue before she allowed it entry into her mouth.

Twilight and Trixie, having settled their dispute mere moments before, looked on with fierce blushes as a similar argument about nothing in particular ended in the throes of passion. Despite her best efforts, Twilight could not dispel the image in her mind that swapped their places. Trixie, meanwhile, was praying to Celestia that nothing felt the need to collide with her belly for the next few minutes.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash, however, showed no signs of stopping. To the contrary, they seemed to be getting more heated with each passing second. If allowed to continue much further, it wouldn’t be too long before-

“Am I missing something here?”

All four mares, including the two otherwise occupied, jolted upright and fixed their gaze on the young, scaly intruder.

“Oh, uh, hey Spike. What’s up?” Rainbow chuckled nervously.

“Eh, not much, just watching you make out with Applejack there,” Spike answered casually. “Great show, by the way. Ten outta ten, would watch again.”

Twilight frowned. “Spike, what have I told you about suitable viewing material for a dragon your age?”

“Well, you leave me alone for almost a week…”

“Spike, go to your room,” Twilight instructed exasperatedly.

Spike rolled his eyes and departed, but not before pausing at the base of the stairs. “Remember what I told you about curbing your desires.”

Twilight’s cheeks grew hot. “Dammit, Spike, I meant now!”

Snickering, Spike did as he was told.

Rainbow let out a guffaw once she heard the door shut. “Since when did Spike become a player?”

“I can only imagine,” Twilight muttered, making a mental note to throttle Rarity the next time she saw her.

“Can we please go see that house now?” Trixie begged, having backed herself into a corner in an attempt to hide the new color of her face.

Rainbow’s snickering grew into a fit of giggles that Applejack could not help but join in. Smacking her face with a hoof, Twilight extricated Trixie from her corner and dragged Rainbow along by the ear with her magic.

“Ow, okay, sorry, geez,” Rainbow grumbled after breaking free of Twilight’s grip. Applejack chuckled at Rainbow’s expense before apologizing with a peck on the cheek.

A knock at the front door jolted Vinyl awake. She cursed her trained ear and envied Octavia, who was still asleep. But after a failed attempt to snuggle closer to a now empty space, Octavia was roused as well thanks to another, more insistent knock.

Octavia yawned and rubbed at an eye. “Vinyl, what-“

“I think we spent all the time I was supposed to be cleaning the house having sex,” Vinyl stated bluntly.

Octavia blinked as a blush came over her face before she realized the significance of Vinyl’s words. “Oh, you mean you’ve already found a buyer?”

“I didn’t do anything,” Vinyl grumbled, sliding off the edge of the bed. “Applejack and Rainbow Dash came over and decided everything for me.”

“So you’re only moving in with me because they forced you to?” Octavia asked, hurt.

Vinyl paused. “What? No, I’m moving in with you because I want to. I just didn’t plan on selling my house within the hour!” Outside, their impatient guest started to pound the door. Vinyl stuck her head out into the hallway with a scowl. “Shut up, I’m coming!” Returning to her earlier position, Vinyl sighed. “You think you can help me out here? Your place is like, impossibly clean, and I don’t know what they’re expecting.”

Octavia smiled. “I think I can handle whatever messes I can find around here.”

“Great! I’ll stall them.” Vinyl trotted confidently to the door and opened it to reveal more ponies than she was expecting. What was more, she certainly didn’t expect one of them to be… “Trixie? What the hell are you doing in Ponyville?” Vinyl asked in a not entirely unfriendly tone.

Trixie frowned. “Looking for residence, of course. Why else would I have been brought along?”

Glancing behind her to check on Octavia’s progress, Vinyl saw her opportunity to stall for time. “Last time I saw you, you were trying to run Twilight here out of town. And now she comes back from Canterlot with you by her side?”

“Actually, I came here of my own volition,” Trixie explained. “Twilight was merely kind enough to offer me her home in the interim.”

Vinyl smirked. “Wait, so I don’t even know you two are dating and now you’re already shacking up together?”

Rainbow snickered. “She does have a point, you know.”

Twilight blushed. “What? No she doesn’t! Trixie and I are most certainly not dating. I didn’t even know she was in Ponyville until I got back from Canterlot!”

“Yes, and it was Fluttershy who suggested I room with Twilight until I could find a place of my own,” Trixie frowned. “And I heard you were falling on rough times with your marefriend, so I assumed you would be more accepting of my charity.”

Vinyl scoffed. “Charity? Filly please, have you even seen my house?”

“Probably not, but I have. And from what I’ve seen, your place is gonna need a lot more than a little TLC to look appealing,” Rainbow teased.

Applejack frowned. “Rainbow, we’re supposed ta be helpin’ Vinyl sell her house, not sabotage her!”

Rainbow shrugged. “You know what they say about false advertisement.”

Vinyl looked behind her in time to catch Octavia give the all-clear signal. That was fast, Vinyl mused. “Same thing they say about downplaying a masterpiece, right?” Vinyl stepped aside to let her guests take in the state of her abode.

Octavia certainly came through in the clutch, as Vinyl had not seen her house so pristine in years. Applejack and Rainbow Dash, having been there only an hour prior, gawped at the change. Trixie, meanwhile, beamed. Without the usual clutter spread around, the home seemed more cozy than cramped. While it was still rather small, Trixie did not see herself needing too much space for her uses. It was definitely a place she could be happy to call her own.

Leaving the visitors to explore the house, Vinyl ducked out to where Octavia was waiting. “How did you do that so fast?” Vinyl whispered. “Where did you even put it all?”

Octavia smiled and gestured to the closet. Within was everything Vinyl needed to take with her, all tucked neatly away for the move out. “You did most of the work for me. All I had to do was a little bit of sorting. Well, and cleaning up a few stains.”

Vinyl blushed as she realized what Octavia was implying. “Oh, right. That, uh… that wasn’t too bad, was it?”

“Not at all,” Octavia chuckled. “Especially if my reward is to get you flustered for once.”

Vinyl giggled and placed a kiss on Octavia’s forehead. “If I knew moving in was gonna be so easy, I would have done it years ago.”

“We’ve only been together for two months, Vinyl,” Octavia reminded.

“I know,” Vinyl laughed, earning a playful smack from her marefriend.

Octavia sighed and nuzzled into Vinyl’s chest. “Maybe things are finally going to calm down around here.”

“Might be nice,” Vinyl admitted. “But we’ve still got that one last performance before the CMAs, remember?”

Octavia smiled. “As if I could forget. After that, we have the rest of the month to enjoy ourselves.”

“Can’t forget Dash’s guitar lessons, though,” Vinyl pointed out. “And from the looks of it, AJ wants in on some of the action.”

“I’m sure we can deal with teaching a couple of stubborn, clueless mares their instruments before the end of the month,” Octavia chuckled. “Surely can’t be as hard as anything else we’ve been through.”

“True,” Vinyl smirked. “But can you deal with me being around twenty-four hours a day?”

Octavia grinned. “Well, at least I won’t need to worry about going to sleep horny.”

Vinyl’s smirk reached the other side of her mouth. “You did bring everything, right?”

“What do you take me for, an innocent school filly?” Octavia teased.

“I don’t know, I hear it’s about time for some fillies to test their boundaries,” Vinyl chortled.

“Normally I would ask how you know that,” Octavia chortled. “But I’m not entirely sure I want to know this time.”

Vinyl shrugged. “It’s summer, always time for some fillies to experiment. Besides, the crusaders looked like they were just about ready.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “What was that mantra you told me once about young fillies?”

Vinyl frowned. “If the flank ain’t blank, it’s okay to spank?”

“And do the crusaders have their cutie marks yet?” Octavia asked.

“Hey, you never know,” Vinyl supposed. “I mean, it’s gotta happen eventually. What are they, like twelve?”

Octavia shook her head in bemusement. “Well, let’s hope for their sakes that they’re still searching.”

Scootaloo woke slowly, staring at the ceiling for a few minutes before she realized she was awake. Shaking off her drowsiness, she righted herself to look around. One of the first things she noticed was her two fillyfriends on each side of her, fast asleep. Smiling at the sentiment, she felt her wings begin to stir. Attempting to stretch them out, she found she could not.

“So tired I can’t move my wings? That’s a new one,” Scootaloo mumbled, sparing a glance to her sides and found that they were already extended. What was more, they were held in that position by a thick wrapping of bandages. After a brief moment’s panic, she remembered what had happened and sank back into her pillow with a sigh.

Sweetie Belle began to stir, nuzzling into Scootaloo’s shoulder in an attempt to lull herself back to sleep, but to no avail. Opening her eyes with a groan, she locked eyes with the target of her snuggles. She smiled and gave her fillyfriend a peck on the cheek. “Where’s Apple Bloom?”

Scootaloo gestured to the other side of her, where Apple Bloom was waking as well. Apple Bloom let out a tremendous yawn before jumping to her hooves. “Alright, Ah’m ready! What’re we gonna do next y’all?”

Apple Bloom frowned at the looks her friends were giving her. “Oh, right, Scoot’s still hurt, isn’t she?”

“Apple Bloom, that doesn’t matter right now,” Scootaloo gasped. “Look at your flank!”

Apple Bloom cocked her head. “Mah flank? Ah thought we weren’t gonna-“

Whatever Apple Bloom was going to say died in her throat. As soon as she registered what she saw, she tore the covers right off the hospital bed in an incredible show of adrenaline-fueled strength. There, she saw similar marks on the flanks of each of her two fillyfriends. “Oh mah gosh, guys, we’ve got our cutie marks!”

Sweetie Belle bounded over Scootaloo to tackle Apple Bloom to the bed and pepper her with kisses. Chuckling, but also feeling a little left out, Scootaloo nosed her way into the pile-up. Moments later, she found herself assaulted from both sides in an intense display of affection with just a hint of desire.

Unable to take any more, Apple Bloom retreated from the battle, panting heavily. “They’re perfect, y’all. Ah couldn’a asked fer anythin’ more.”

“Are they all like yours?” Sweetie Belle asked hopefully, because the image on Apple Bloom’s flank had no shortage of sentiment. It showed the emblem of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, with a paintbrush in the pony’s outstretched hoof.

Apple Bloom nodded, “You’ve got a microphone, Sweetie, and Scoot’s got a scooter, o’ course.”

Scootaloo cocked her head. “So what, is the scooter beneath or something, or am I holding it in my hoof?”

“Yer ridin’ it, silly,” Apple Bloom chuckled. “Nah, Ah guess yer just the oddball who don’t got nothin’ in her hoof.”

“Well, she has the handlebar. I think that should count,” Sweetie Belle countered.

“The important thing is we all got them together,” Scootaloo smiled.

“Wow, Scoot. Sappy much?” Apple Bloom teased.

Scootaloo giggled. “You shut up, Apple Bloom.”

“Not unless ya make me!” Apple Bloom laughed.

Scootaloo shared a glance with Sweetie Belle before turning back to Apple Bloom with a wicked grin. “Challenge accepted.”

“Wait, y’all, Ah didn’t mean that-“

“Hold her down, Scoot!” Sweetie Belle instructed.

“You guys, quit it!” Apple Bloom managed between giggles.

Scootaloo smirked. “Not until you admit defeat!”

“This ain’t even fair!” Apple Bloom cackled. “If ya want me ta be quiet, why do ya gotta tickle me?”

“Because tickling solves everything!” Scootaloo proclaimed. “And also Sweetie Belle wanted a turn, since I can’t really use my wings.”

“Resistance is futile, Apple Bloom! You will be assimilated!” Sweetie Belle warned dramatically.

“Ah don’t even know what that means,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Neither do I, I just thought it sounded cool,” Sweetie Belle returned, not dropping her dramatic voice.

“If Sweetie Belle doesn’t know what it means, it must be one complicated word,” Scootaloo chortled.

“So this ain’t gonna happen again, is it? You learned yer lesson, Scoot?” Apple Bloom inquired.

Scootaloo blushed. “Uh, yeah, I think so. Sorry for putting you girls through this so suddenly. I guess I should do a better job of communicating.”

“It’s okay, Scoots,” Sweetie Belle smiled. “And once we get your wings healed, you can go back to the basics, and stay there.”

“Imagine what kinda neat tricks ya could do while yer glidin’,” Apple Bloom added. “Ah’m thinkin’ if ya just started flyin’, that’d take all the fun outta it.”

“Yeah, I guess it wouldn’t be criminal to add just a little bit of hang time,” Scootaloo supposed.

“Not that we’re saying you should set rules for yourself,” Sweetie Belle amended. “Just, you know, try to stay safe, alright?”

Scootaloo smiled. “Promise. And I really am sorry about this. I was just being stupid, trying to prove to you guys, and myself, what I already knew wasn’t true. I should’ve been happy with the small victories, but with the way Rainbow Dash is, I kinda felt like I owed it to her to keep going. I know it sounds stupid, but between crusading and school, she was my life for three years.”

Apple Bloom surprised Scootaloo with a tender kiss on the cheek. “Ya don’t ever have ta apologize fer bein’ yerself, Scoot. We just don’t wanna see ya hurt like this again. Ya gotta remember that yer not alone fer any o’ this. Even if we don’t got wings like Rainbow Dash, that don’t mean we can’t help ya.”

“And I know that now,” Scootaloo assured. “You guys have always been there for me, even when I thought I didn’t want you to be. But that’s just me being stubborn. Next time I try to go off and do something on my own, do whatever you can to stop me. Even if that involves tying me up or knocking me out. I’ll thank you for it later.”

“Especially if it saves you from having your wings bound for a few weeks, right?” Sweetie Belle joked guiltily.

“It’s a learnin’ experience fer all of us,” Apple Bloom said, drawing them both in for a hug. “Can’t say this is how Ah dreamed of gettin’ mah cutie mark, but you know what this means fer us, right?”

Scootaloo thought for a moment before blushing heavily. “That we have your sister’s permission to have sex now?”

Apple Bloom recoiled. “What? No, that’s not… Ah didn’t mean…”

“I’m with Apple Bloom; I’m not in too much of a hurry for that,” Sweetie Belle said, fighting a blush of her own. “That’s a really big step, and we’re still really young.”

“Yeah, Ah don’t think mah body’s quite ready fer that yet, Scoot,” Apple Bloom apologized.

“I didn’t mean right now,” Scootaloo clarified. “Just, you know, whenever we’re ready now. It’s just on us and not on our cutie marks anymore.”

“And as soon as I feel up to it, you girls will be the first to know,” Sweetie Belle promised. “Well, as long as Rarity doesn’t catch me first.”

“And Applejack’s probably already thinkin’ about that,” Apple Bloom added.

“And we can probably count on Rainbow Dash to stay cool about it,” Scootaloo nodded. “She’ll probably keep Applejack off our hooves, too. And Mac’s pretty strong, so he should be able to handle Rarity. So we can take it as slow as we want.”

Sweetie Belle giggled at Scootaloo’s tone. “I think you need to work on your sexy voice, Scoot.”

“Ah didn’t think it was too bad,” Apple Bloom defended. “But yeah, it could use some work.”

“Whose side are you on here?” Scootaloo demanded of Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom shrugged.

Finished with her tour of the abode, Trixie returned to the living room where Vinyl awaited. Octavia had made herself scarce on request from Vinyl. “So, how much are you asking for this place?”

Vinyl blinked. “How much do you have?”

“Well, nothing on me right now, but I have about twenty thousand,” Trixie revealed after a brief hesitation.

Vinyl frowned, thinking for a moment before demanding, “Alright, give me three and we’ve got a deal.”

Trixie blinked. “Three thousand?”

Vinyl nodded. “Yeah, it’s the fifteen percent rule, right?”

Trixie eyed Vinyl strangely. “That’s for tips.”

Vinyl cocked her head. “Tips of what?”

Trixie face-hoofed, “Never mind. Are you sure you don’t want anything more? That seems a little… low.”

“Nah, I’m not really hurting for money,” Vinyl shrugged. “Sounds like you could use a bit more, though.”

“W-well, thank you, in that case,” Trixie stammered. “I… can’t say I expected this sort of kindness.”

Vinyl shrugged again. “It’s really not a big deal. I’ve wanted to get rid of this place for a whole three hours. I figure that’s a thousand bits per hour, so that’s one hell of a salary.”

“I suppose so,” Trixie returned slowly. “I trust you wouldn’t mind if we wait until tomorrow to finalize. I still need to organize my things, and I can’t say I expected anything quite like this.”

“Yeah, that’s fine,” Vinyl nodded. “Gotta get my stuff carted over, too.” Vinyl turned to Rainbow Dash. “And maybe get around to your lessons finally.”

“Well, we’ve only got about two hours before dinner time,” Rainbow pondered. “And if we helped you move your stuff, we’d barely have enough time to make it back to the farm.”

“If only there were somepony who could dash on over and let Granny know we’ll be eatin’ out tonight,” Applejack hinted. “Then we could take as much time as we like, have a nice dinner and get right down ta what we came here for in the first place.”

Rainbow’s brow furrowed. “That would be nice.” She double-checked the clock. “You mean right now, or…?”

“Ah don’t know, leavin’ me alone with two other fillies? Ya really think Ah could control mahself?” Applejack joked, unable to maintain a straight face.

“Good point,” Rainbow smirked. “You’re coming with me.”

Before Applejack could react, Rainbow darted between the farmer’s legs and stood tall, causing Applejack to reflexively wrap her hooves around Rainbow’s neck. No sooner than she felt Applejack secure herself, Rainbow sprinted through the thankfully open door and took flight for Sweet Apple Acres.

“Warn me next time ya do that,” Applejack breathed.

“No promises, AJ,” Rainbow chortled. “Do you really blame me for wanting a little fresh air after all of that?”

“Don’t suppose I can,” Applejack admitted.

“I get the feeling everything’s finally gonna start calming down now,” Rainbow sighed. “Everything’s resolved – well, almost everything – so unless there’s some big surprise waiting for us tomorrow, I think we can finally get back to where this all started.”

“Ah’d really like that,” Applejack agreed, nuzzling into Rainbow’s mane to plant a kiss on her neck.

Rainbow lurched in response, giggling. “Cut that out.”

“What if I don’t wanna?” Applejack teased.

“Then I hope you don’t mind living out your lifelong dream of becoming a pancake,” Rainbow returned.

“Ya sure that’s not your lifelong dream?” Applejack snickered.

Rainbow shrugged. “Well, I do really like pancakes. But I think I like you as an apple more. I can use you to fight off doctors!”

“So long as ya remember ta take me every day,” Applejack laughed.

Rainbow grinned. “If that’s a challenge, you are so on.”

“We do still have that day ta make up for,” Applejack reminded.

“We better get that done before the end of the day, then. Those doctors are just waiting for that moment when the clock strikes midnight. And before you know it, we end up tied to the wall of a sex dungeon where Trixie molests us daily as punishment for our negligence.”

“Just as long as ya let Twilight join in, sugarcube,” Applejack calmly replied. “Ah saw those looks she was givin’ her.”

“You think she knows about Trixie’s dick yet?” Rainbow wondered.

“Ah’m sure she’d be all abuzz if that was the case,” Applejack chuckled. “She doesn’t even know about Rarity yet.”

“Oh mare is she gonna have a field day,” Rainbow sniggered before touching down to the porch of Applejack’s farmhouse. “Let’s hope Granny’s awake, huh?”

Rather than remark on the fact that Rainbow had called Granny Smith that for the first time, Applejack merely nodded while allowing herself a smile. She never expected Rainbow to adapt to a family life so quickly. It gave her hope for when that day came for them to start their own, and a warm, fluttery feeling in her belly.

“You coming, AJ?” Rainbow asked, holding the door open.

Applejack was quick to respond by walking up next to Rainbow and nuzzling her shoulder. Rainbow certainly wasn’t complaining about the show of affection, giving Applejack a peck on the cheek while extending a wing to pull her closer.

Big Macintosh walked out from the kitchen in time to behold the scene, on which he refrained from commenting. “You two are back early.”

“Yeah, we just stopped by ta tell Granny we’d be havin’ dinner out,” Applejack explained. “She awake?”

Mac shook his head. “Nope, she’s still havin’ her nap. Ah’ll tell her, though, so y’all can run along.”

“Thanks, Mac,” Rainbow saluted.

Big Mac chuckled. “Don’t mention it. Rare’s got me in a real good mood today.”

“I wonder how,” Rainbow snickered. “Oh, and is she in, by the way?”

“She’s upstairs, why?” Big Mac returned.

“Twilight came back from Canterlot, and we filled her in on most of what’s going on,” Rainbow revealed. “Left out a few details, of course, and I doubt Twilight’s gonna be satisfied once she settles back in after all this mess. So, just a heads up to look out for her, and maybe start getting that whole explanation thing worked out.”

“Ah’m sure she’ll be delighted ta hear that,” Mac jested. “Just when ya think yer in the clear…”

“Even if we ain’t quite out of the woods yet, Ah don’t think it should be gettin’ in the way too much anymore,” Applejack assured. “Well, fer me and Rainbow, anyways.”

“And that’s all that matters!” Rainbow declared. “Because damn if we’re not way behind schedule already.”

“Ah’m sure it’ll all work out in the end, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled. “Just you wait, Twilight’s gonna come up with some time spell ta get all caught up in one day, and it’s gonna throw everythin’ outta whack and we’ll have a whole extra week ta work with.”

“I don’t know, with her track record, time spells might as well be a doomsday scenario,” Rainbow joked. “But I don’t think standing around here is doing anything to help.”

Applejack blinked. “Right, we gotta help Vinyl move her stuff.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “When did I suddenly become the responsible one?”

“We must be rubbin’ off on each other,” Applejack chortled, leading Rainbow outside.

Rainbow’s eyes brightened. “I hope so, ‘cause that would be hot.”

Applejack shook her head. “Alright, let’s leave the fantasizin’ till after we finish crammin’ everythin’ in the last- Would you stop snickerin’?”

Rainbow fought to contain her mirth. “Sorry, sorry.” Taking a deep breath of the afternoon air, Rainbow could not contain a dopey grin as she looked to the pony beside her. “Ready to go?”

Returning the same silly smile, Applejack nodded before clambering onto Rainbow’s back and burying her face in Rainbow’s mane to give her neck another kiss. Needing no further encouragement, Rainbow’s wings stood at attention, and she set course back to what would soon be Trixie’s shack.

Big Macintosh returned to his room where he fell onto his bed beside his marefriend.

Nuzzling him in welcome, Rarity asked, “Who was it, dear?”

“Just AJ and Rainbow comin’ ta say they’d be skippin’ out on dinner tonight,” Mac replied with a sigh. “And also to watch out fer Twilight, since she’s back in Ponyville an’ burstin’ with questions.”

Rarity sagged onto Mac’s broad chest. “To be honest, I was hoping I’d have a bit more time. I’m sure I can take any questions she’ll have, but I’m afraid she’ll lose it when she hears that magic played a big part in my upbringing.”

“Kinda like when Trixie came back ta town and Ah had ta make mahself up like AJ,” Mac chuckled. “Except the other way, Ah guess.”

Rarity winced. “Oh, right. I do hope she’s holding up well.”

Mac turned a confused eye to Rarity. “Who?”

“Trixie, of course,” Rarity cocked her head. “She came by a few days ago to start up her new business selling wares of the… erotic nature.”

Rather than brighten, Mac only grew more confused. “Wait, what?”

Rarity lilted. “I know it sounds improbable, but believe me when I say she was most sincere, both in her apologies and her sales pitch. I assured her that she had made her amends long ago, but I certainly could not turn down her idea for such a delightfully appropriate gift for Applejack and Rainbow Dash. A sign of goodwill I’m sure at least one of them saw for what it was.”

“Okay, slow down, Ah have no idea what we’re talkin’ about here,” Mac interrupted. “You say Trixie’s back in Ponyville ta sell that kinda stuff completely outta nowhere?”

“Oh, no, I assure you that she had her reasons,” Rarity explained. “And it certainly wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision on her part. Ever since that whole incident with the Alicorn Amulet, Trixie had been working to reform herself while she traveled around Equestria. Not to impose her talents onto innocent citizens this time, but to see what she’d been missing before. And whenever she came to a town where she had built a disdainful reputation, she took the extra effort to make amends.

“And apparently, while she was traveling, she also made note of what she might be able to bring to one of these villages. But the only thing consistently pointed to was something that only Ponyville seemed to lack; a sex shop.” Rarity grinned deviously. “Previously, in order to find such wares, a citizen of Ponyville would have to brave the night scene of Canterlot. Not exactly the most convenient, or stealthy, way to go about such business. And this is where Trixie saw her opportunity. Ironic that it would bring her back to where it all started, isn’t it?”

Mac frowned. “That still doesn’t really explain how she got into it in the first place. Ah’m not a unicorn, but I’m pretty sure there ain’t any common ground between the two.”

“Then you would be rightfully surprised,” Rarity giggled. “I won’t quite get into the specifics, but let’s just say that it’s all in the presentation. And it certainly didn’t hurt that she had such a colorful history to draw from, either.”

“What do ya mean by that?” Mac inquired.

“Well, she certainly has all you’d ever need to test and develop all sorts of products without any need for outside assistance,” Rarity hinted. “For she lacks any limitations of a single sex.”

Mac blinked. “Ya mean she’s got both?”

“A rare specimen to be sure,” Rarity nodded. “Perhaps even more so than me, hence my concern for her well-being if Twilight has indeed returned.”

Mac’s face grew thoughtful. “Ah didn’t even know that was possible. Always figured it was some kinda fantasy-type thing.”

“While I cannot say I have confirmed it visually, I can assure you it is a very distinct possibility,” Rarity grinned. “Almost makes me a little jealous. But I suppose foals are a small price to pay to have found somepony like you.”

Mac blushed. “Well, shucks, Rare. Ah like ya just perfect the way ya are. Ah’ve never really been too interested in that bit anyway.”

Rarity quirked her brow. “My oh my, could it be that our innocent little Mac had always been harboring such erotic desires?”

Mac’s blush deepened. “Maybe just a bit. But Ah never even asked ya how things went with Spike today.”

Rarity giggled maliciously. “Oh, it’s far too late to get out of it now, Mac.”

Mac gulped and braced himself to whatever he had gotten himself into.

All the sex!

Trixie allowed herself a smile as she found her gaze drawn to Twilight as they made their way back to the library. “It’s amazing how different you look with those wings.”

Twilight smiled back, shuffling them slightly. “But I’m still the same pony. No amount of power or responsibility can change who I am.”

“And I am eternally grateful for that,” Trixie assured. “I don’t know what I would have done if you had turned me away.”

“Why would I do that? You’ve shown me you can be a good pony,” Twilight pointed out. “And it really is nice to talk to somepony who understands magic like I do.”

“You get to talk to the princesses,” Trixie reminded.

Twilight nodded. “I know, but it’s not quite the same. No matter how much they tell me that we’re equals now, I just can’t compare myself to them. But you’re just another pony, like me.”

Trixie averted her gaze. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“To say that you’re a pony?” Twilight chortled.

Trixie couldn’t contain a giggle. “No, that I can be viewed as your equal.”

Twilight rolled her eyes humoredly. “Don’t you dare start with this. You’ve done some things in the past, but it’s the present that should always define you. And even if I was the only pony who could see that, it wouldn’t make it any less true.”

Trixie smiled as Twilight held the door open. “Thanks again for welcoming me into your home.”

“I can never say no to a sleepover,” Twilight laughed.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie appeared from behind the center table. “Did somepony say sleepover?”

Twilight face-hoofed. “Pinkie, I-“

“Ohhh, is this a private sleepover?” Pinkie interrupted, raising a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “Well, you two have fun then!”

Before Twilight could dispute Pinkie’s claim, she was gone. Twilight sighed as an air of awkwardness fell over the library.

“Is she always like this?” Trixie asked.

“You’ll get used to it,” Twilight assured. “Whenever I stop to think there might be more than one of her, I just have to remember the mirror pool incident.”

“Mirror pool?” Trixie cocked her head.

Twilight nodded. “Imagine that just now, but multiplied by two hundred.”

Trixie blinked. “It’s a wonder Ponyville’s still standing.”

Twilight laughed. “It’s what keeps life in Ponyville interesting. In bigger towns like Canterlot, there’s already so much going on every day. But here in Ponyville, you’ve gotta have something big to offset the usual peacefulness.”

Trixie smirked. “In that case, you’re welcome.”

Twilight shook her head. “Ponyville wouldn’t be the same without you, Trixie.”

“But there was one thing we never got to discussing about the elements of harmony that I’ve been curious about,” Trixie brought up.

“Ask away,” Twilight offered.

“In the story of the mare in the moon, Princess Celestia alone used the powers of the elements to banish her sister, but as it stands now the elements are one to a pony. Has this diminished their power in any way?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, if anything it’s made them more potent. Because my friends are the true embodiments of each element, the power of each is heightened considerably. That’s how we were able to dispel Nightmare Moon where the princess could only banish her. You see, each kind of pony can hold one element of harmony without strain, or two with a tax. Being that Alicorns are all three types at once, they can have one bound to each for a total of three without burden.”

“So that means that Princess Celestia had to shoulder that for a thousand years?” Trixie marveled.

“It’s one of the reasons I have so much respect for her,” Twilight nodded.

Trixie hummed. “Well then, my second question. You talked about the bonding of elements and the power they can unleash, but you never specified the force behind the activation.”

“That would be love,” Twilight explained. “Be it the platonic love I share with my friends, or the romantic love between Applejack and Rainbow Dash…”

“Or the love of self that Celestia must have in order to activate the elements alone,” Trixie pointed out.

Twilight frowned. “I… never thought about that. And now I wish I’d stop.”

“Sorry,” Trixie apologized. “Now, I assume that the strength of that love influences the power of the surge?”

“Yes, which might explain why Celestia could only banish Luna to the moon,” Twilight exhaled.

“And also perhaps the potency of this latest surge,” Trixie added.

“Also a valid point,” Twilight agreed. “But we’ll just have to wait until tomorrow to do damage control. It’s much too late to start today.”

Trixie turned to glance out the window, where the sun was halfway set. Looking on with an odd sense of calm, she watched it wink out of sight to leave Equestria unlit for a time. Looking to the opposite window expecting to see the moon rise, she instead saw a flash of purple light illuminate the twilight sky, radiating outward in all directions in the pattern of a six-pointed star. Glancing back just in time to see the glow of Twilight’s horn die down, Trixie’s eyes grew wide.

Twilight blushed at Trixie’s attention. “It’s just one of my new daily duties as a princess.”

Over the horizon to the east, the moonrise began unwatched by Trixie. Realizing at last that she was staring, she shook her head and developed a light blush. “You are quite lucky to have such a perfect view of the rising and setting of the moon and sun.”

Twilight smiled. “You mean through my windows? If you’re looking for a good view to wake up to, the balcony is a much better vantage point. And it’s no accident that my house is aligned perfectly. I need to know when twilight comes, right?”

Unable to resist, Trixie giggled. “I would hope you wouldn’t need to double-check.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure to mark that off the secret checklist every night.”

Thoroughly beyond help, Trixie collapsed onto the guest bed ride out her wave of mirth.

Touching back down before Vinyl’s shack with a sigh, Rainbow waited for Applejack to dismount before testing the door, which flew open dramatically at her touch. Not needing to see their host red-horned to understand the mischief at work, Rainbow held the door open for her marefriend, just in case.

Vinyl frowned momentarily as her not-so-secret plans were foiled before donning her usual cocky grin. “We were just about ready to start without you guys. You didn’t take a sex break and not invite us again, did you?”

Rainbow scoffed. “You’re just mad ‘cause you never get any.”

“Not so, my rainbow-colored friend,” Vinyl retorted in a poorly-imitated Canterlot accent. “I will have you know that not two hours prior, Miss Octavia and I fornicated in a most auspicious manner.”

Octavia blinked. “Was that supposed to be your father?”

Rainbow chortled in amusement. “Yeah, I’m sure he and Photo Finish have to cancel their tours whenever they get in the mood.”

“You might be surprised,” Octavia ventured. “I happen to recall one such incident that led her parents to the decision to tour separately.”

Vinyl groaned. “Don’t remind me. It was all over the papers.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. “AJ, remind me to stop clipping the fashion sections out of my newspapers.”

“Ah’m sure they’re filled with tons of sex scandals you’ve been missing out on,” Applejack humored.

“Just wait till the media finds out about Mac and Rarity!” Rainbow snickered. “I’m sure they could have one hell of a field day with that.”

Applejack sighed. “Just so long as they don’t go snoopin’ fer eyewitness reports.”

Rainbow frowned. “You know I’d never do that to you, right?”

Applejack chuckled. “Not what Ah meant, but thanks.”

“Alright, let’s just get this stuff carted over to Tavi’s already,” Vinyl interrupted. “I always feel like this place is listening to everything we say.”

“That’s just the crime shows talking, dear,” Octavia assured with a mirthful smile.

“But how can we ever know for sure?” Vinyl pressed.

Octavia’s smile widened. “By getting you settled into your new home where your Tavi will always be there to protect you.”

Vinyl smiled back. “We’re fillies, Tavi, we don’t need protection.”

“Just each other and that burning desire you have so much of,” Octavia agreed.

“I’ve really got to listen to you more often,” Vinyl giggled.

Wandering the streets of Ponyville aimlessly, Fluttershy found her thoughts no less confused than they had been that morning. And the more she thought about it, the more a feeling of depressed loneliness came over her, to the point where her eyes watched only her hooves as they dragged along the ground.

Raising her head at the sound of familiar voices, Fluttershy spotted Applejack and Rainbow Dash departing Vinyl Scratch’s house with heavy loads on their backs. Despite the strain they must have been under, they were all smiles as they exchanged friendly banter with the less encumbered ponies who accompanied them, Octavia and the aforementioned Vinyl. Seeing them so happy made Fluttershy’s heart ache, but more than for Cheerilee; she dearly missed Rarity.

As wonderful as Cheerilee was, she could not replace the companionship of her best friend. It had only been a few days, but it felt like years since she had been able to share even a simple conversation with the romantically distracted fashionista. And it was times like these that Fluttershy needed her more than ever.

By chance or by fate, Fluttershy’s hooves led her to Ponyville’s premier restaurant, Horté’s Cuisine. There, rather than at her special table, Rarity and Big Macintosh sat gazing up at the stars. Noting Big Mac’s strong hoof draped over Rarity’s shoulder, Fluttershy did not know who she envied more at that moment. Though they were not as well acquainted as she was with Rarity, the big stallion had managed to catch her eye on occasion; particularly whenever he called upon her to care for a sick or injured animal.

More than anypony else of the Apple family, Mac worked with the farm’s animals in his off time. While Applejack handled the more heart wrenching tasks like herding, Big Macintosh did his best to feed them, monitor their health, and harvest whatever they had to offer.

Shaking her head violently as she realized she was now swooning after Rarity’s coltfriend, she proclaimed in the loudest voice she had ever mustered, “I’m so confused!”

Rarity’s ear twitched at the barely noticeable outburst that only somepony intimately familiar with Fluttershy could make out. But this time it was louder than it usually was, and she didn’t see her friend anywhere. Reaching up to kiss Mac on the chin, Rarity freed herself from his grasp. “I’ll be right back, dear.”

Following the sound of Fluttershy’s quiet sobbing, Rarity found her tucked into an alleyway, curled into a ball of misery. “Fluttershy dear, what’s wrong?”

Tears ceasing at the sound of Rarity’s voice, Fluttershy’s head poked up and offered a weak smile. With a sigh, she nuzzled into Rarity’s shoulder, who offered a consoling hug. “I’ve missed you so much, Rarity. There’s so much going on, and I feel lost without you.”

Rarity smiled sadly. “I’ve missed you too, darling. I’ve just been so busy between dress orders and mending my friendship with Spike, all the free time I have is spent with Mac. But I didn’t know you were hurting without me. I promise, Mac will understand if you want to talk.”

Breathing starting to normalize, Fluttershy shook her head. “No, it’s okay. You’re on a date right now, and-”

“Fluttershy, dear, you know you can talk to me about anything. So please, tell me what’s bothering you.”

Fluttershy sighed. “Rarity, I… I think I love you.”

Rarity froze up, at a complete loss as to how to respond to such an advance.

Fluttershy took a deep breath before nodding, fighting with all her might against an intense desire to kiss her friend. Rising to her hooves stoically, Fluttershy started off back home with the calmest stride she could manage.

“Wait, Fluttershy,” Rarity’s voice gave Fluttershy pause.

Fluttershy turned around to fix Rarity with a hopeless gaze.

Rarity sighed. “Do you… really mean that?”

Fluttershy nodded meekly. “I know Cheerilee has her eye on me, but she just doesn’t mean as much to me as you do. I never wanted her to replace you.”

“Wait, Cheerilee?” Rarity pressed. “I had no idea there was anything between the two of you.”

“Well, not until recently,” Fluttershy amended. “She asked me on a date, and I didn’t know what to say. I’ve been trying to figure it out all day, but my thoughts just kept drifting back to you. And then I started thinking about Big Macintosh, and I just feel like such a terrible pony.”

Rarity placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “You’re not a terrible pony, Fluttershy. You’re just confused right now. I promise I’ll talk to Mac about it. But for now, you should get some rest. We can talk more tomorrow at the spa.”

Fluttershy nodded before starting off for home again, barely able to maintain her balance amidst her whirling thoughts.

Rarity looked to the stars for guidance, but found no answer forthcoming. This was something she had to figure out on her own.

Rainbow Dash collapsed dramatically at the foot of Octavia’s couch. “What the hell is in these things?” Rolling over to look inside the oversized luggage, Rainbow’s eyes were met with a confusing tangle of wires and strange devices. Question hardly answered, Rainbow asked it again.

“Just some music equipment,” Vinyl answered. “It’s not that heavy, is it?”

Wriggling out from under the sack of wires, Rainbow Dash advanced on Vinyl. “And just what the hell were you carrying?”

Vinyl smirked as she indicated a particularly incriminating bulge in the sack she was levitating.

“Why did I even bother asking?” Rainbow groaned. “Please tell me Tavi at least worked her earth pony magic to get dinner started already.”

Vinyl grinned and leaned in to whisper conspiratorially, “She can’t hear you, she’s in the kitchen.”

Rainbow grinned back. “Silver linings.” Seating herself on the couch, she looked over to where Applejack was dragging the sacks out of the way. “You okay over there, AJ?”

Spitting out the drawstrings victoriously, Applejack walked over to sink onto the plush couch beside Rainbow. “Glad that’s over with. Yer on yer own settin’ that stuff up, though, Vinyl.”

Vinyl waved a hoof dismissively on her way into the kitchen. “You’d probably just break it anyway.”

Giggling as Vinyl sneaked up behind her and gave her a peck on the cheek, Octavia bumped Vinyl aside. “What have I told you about interrupting me while I’m cooking?”

“That sex on a stove is a good way to burn your tail off?” Vinyl guessed.

“I’ll let that one slide,” Octavia chortled.

Vinyl stretched out in an exaggerated fashion as she pulled a chair up with her magic. “Really feels different to think this is gonna be my home now.”

“But it feels exactly the same to have you stare at my flank while I cook,” Octavia returned.

“Hey, I’m not staring! I’m watching you work so I can pick up a few things if you ever force me to cook for myself,” Vinyl defended.

“And what have you learned so far?” Octavia challenged.

Vinyl put a hoof to her chin. “That salt is the same color as semen.”

Octavia chuckled. “Only you, Vinyl.”

In the living room, where Rainbow was starting to doze off, Applejack jolted suddenly, disturbing her partner. “We didn’t ferget the instruments, did we?” Applejack called into the kitchen.

“What do you think was in your sack?” Vinyl called back.

Applejack relaxed, letting Rainbow’s head rest on her shoulder again and stroking her marefriend’s mane idly. “Funny ta think we started livin’ together ‘fore we even hooked up, huh?” Applejack mused, mostly to herself.

Rainbow, having already dozed off, mumbled something or other with apparent sexual implications.

Chuckling, Applejack grabbed Rainbow and lay out on the couch. “Ya make a mighty comfy blanket, Rainbow. Might have ta rethink that little arrangement of ours.”

“Make a good pillow, AJ,” Rainbow returned, nuzzling under Applejack’s chin.

Applejack chuckled. Over the years, Rainbow had gotten craftier in her napping habits, and could now maintain some level of awareness in sleep. This, of course, proved problematic when Applejack could no longer buck her out of any tree on the orchard. But perhaps because of the repeated bumps and bruises she got on the way down, Rainbow’s body had adapted to the abuse. Perhaps Applejack was the cause of her own frustrations.

Thinking a little harder, Applejack considered just how much each of them had adapted to the other over their long friendship. Whether it was smaller things like table manners, or something as big as who they were, they had a lot to thank each other for. Bucking ponies out of trees was certainly a lot more taxing than bucking apples, for instance. However small, Rainbow gave her a workout each time.

Even things she might have taken for granted could be traced back to her flighty friend. She wouldn’t be half as proficient with a rope as she was today if Rainbow hadn’t been prone to fly away at any given moment. She liked to think that evading that rope had given Rainbow a good amount of aerial agility training.

From the day they met, their relationship had been about bettering themselves, be it as ponies, athletes, or friends. And that was not something Applejack could say she shared with any other pony in Equestria, not just her friends. It was a unique feeling of companionship, rivalry and comfort all at once. Perhaps that was what had gotten them this far, or perhaps there was yet more to be unearthed. But if Applejack knew one thing, it was that she-

“Hello? Can you even hear me?” Vinyl’s voice cut through Applejack’s thoughts. “Tavi and I are gonna start dinner, so if you two just wanna lay there cuddling all day…”

Applejack raised her head to smile apologetically at their host. “We’ll be right in.”

Vinyl nodded and ducked back into the kitchen.

The moment lost, all Applejack could do was blush as she considered where her thoughts had been heading. It certainly seemed to be coming up quite a lot in her mind recently, but it felt far too early to consider such a thing a possibility.

Putting it out of her mind for the time being, she placed a kiss on Rainbow’s nose. Rainbow’s face scrunched slightly, but she did not stir. Applejack frowned, as that had been a surefire way to wake her in the last few days. What was more, she hadn’t even perked up at the mention of dinner, and few things could get a rise out of Rainbow better than food.

A smile grew across Rainbow’s lips as she nuzzled into Applejack’s cheek. “You’re the best, AJ.”

Applejack was proud to be one of them. “Guess what yer cowpony’s got fer ya today.”

“Sexy times?” Rainbow mumbled back, somehow able to convey that note of hopefulness through her sleep.

“Better ‘n that, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled.

Rainbow frowned. “What’s better than sex?”

Applejack maneuvered herself to place her lips right against Rainbow’s ear before she answered, “Food.”

Rainbow shot upright, nearly toppling the whole couch with the strength of her outburst. “Where is it?”

To Rainbow Dash’s bewilderment, Applejack burst out laughing.

“Yeah, haha, very funny. Now where is it?” Rainbow demanded.

“Where’s what, hon?” Applejack teased.

Rainbow frowned. “The food you promised me!”

Applejack donned a look of confusion. “You sure that wasn’t just a dream, Dash?”

Rainbow Dash knew when Applejack was pulling her leg. This was surely one of those times, as Rainbow fixed a hardened stare on her marefriend.

Unable to maintain the act any longer, Applejack’s face broke out into a silly smile. “All ya gotta do is follow me.”

Rainbow followed along obediently to the promise of food. Applejack thought about making a few detours, but decided against teasing her any further as she led her into the kitchen where Octavia had certainly outdone herself in such a small period of time.

Rainbow flew over to her seat to fidget impatiently for Applejack to follow. The instant Applejack’s rump contacted the chair Rainbow began to devour the plate in front of her.

Applejack shook her head in bemusement. While her table manners were getting better, Rainbow still had a long way to go before she could pass at any sort of fancy establishment. Not that Applejack had any desire to put the both of them through that kind of torture.

“Mind slowin’ down a bit there, Rainbow?”

Rainbow paused mid-bite to point an accusing hoof at Applejack. “This is your fault for stealing my lunch!”

Applejack blinked, taking a few moments to recall the event. “Uh, right, sorry,” she answered with a blush.

Vinyl’s brow rose at this latest development. “Sounds like something happened with you two.”

“Ah honestly fergot all about it,” Applejack chuckled. “She does tend ta get a little snappy when she’s hungry.”

“It doesn’t sound like you to steal your friend’s lunch,” Octavia ventured.

Applejack blushed heavier. “It was a heat of the moment thing, and Ah wasn’t really thinking about it…”

Rainbow Dash, having devoured her meal, answered in the reluctant Applejack’s place. “She kissed me when I had an apple in my mouth and stole it from me.”

Vinyl cackled. “Sounds like you got what was coming to you.”

“How was I supposed to know she was gonna pull something like that?” Rainbow shot back, throwing her hooves up in the air.

“I’m sure she at least made it up to you,” Vinyl suggested.

“Big time.” Rainbow grinned. “I’m still feeling it.”

Applejack covered her face with her hat to conceal her burning cheeks.

Vinyl grinned. “Sounds like you two had fun. You should invite us next time.”

Rainbow paused briefly to gauge Octavia’s reaction. “I would, but I owe Applejack another round.”

“Just don’t hurt each other,” Octavia chimed in.

Rainbow shrugged. “It’s not rough if it doesn’t hurt afterwards.”

“Ah think she meant somethin’ more than a little bruisin’,” Applejack murmured.

Rainbow Dash used the momentary distraction to snatch a bite off Applejack’s plate.

“Wh-hey! Ah was eatin’ that!” Applejack protested, forgetting her embarrassment.

“Payback for lunch,” Rainbow grinned. “And it’s not like I took your whole plate.”

“There wasn’t hardly anythin’ left of yer apple when Ah got to it!” Applejack argued. “Besides, there weren’t no table back then.”

“So table manners only apply when there’s actually a table?” Rainbow inferred. “That seems kinda broken.”

“Why else would ya call ‘em table manners if the table was optional?” Applejack demanded.

Rainbow threw her hooves in the air. “I don’t know, a lot of the things with tables don’t make sense. Like tablespoons. They’re nowhere near the size of tables!”

“Ah told ya it’s just a silly name. They don’t have anythin’ ta do with real tables,” Applejack explained. “Like how teaspoons don’t actually taste like tea.”

“That one was even more disappointing,” Rainbow grumbled. “Why would you name something with something else in its name that has nothing to do with the thing? It’s false advertisement!”

“It’s called a teaspoon because it has always been made to be the proper size to stir the contents of an average teacup,” Octavia informed. “And a tablespoon is called such because it is the kind of spoon that is placed on a table for eating.”

“Well, it’s not directly related, then,” Rainbow amended. “But it’s still a stupid name!”

“Is anyone else here able to draw a weird parallel between sex and spoons?” Vinyl asked. “Because I don’t know if you meant to do that, but they’re totally related. They even start with the same letter. Freaky.”

Octavia frowned and put a hoof to Vinyl’s forehead. “Are you feeling alright, dear?”

“What? It never killed anypony to have an active imagination,” Vinyl defended. “Besides, I can’t just sit there and do nothing like you can. I need something to keep me occupied somehow.”

“And food only has so long on this world when it’s set in front of you,” Octavia added.

“It’s not my fault you can’t make enough to satisfy my appetite,” Vinyl shot back.

“If I did that, you’d be too heavy to move from the table,” Octavia reasoned, “and I care about your figure too much to let that happen.”

Vinyl frowned. “So you don’t let me eat all I want because I’m too sexy?”

Octavia chortled. “Something like that.”

Rainbow perked up after seeing that Applejack had cleared her plate. “Oh yeah, you guys would never believe what happened this morning.”

“Is it about sex?” Vinyl guessed.

“No, it’s…” Rainbow paused, thinking. “Actually, it kinda is, in a way.”

Applejack covered her face with a hoof, regretting her choice of words that day.

Vinyl put a hoof to her chin. “Hm… Is it that Rarity is secretly a transgendered stallion and uses a spell to keep her dick invisible so nopony notices?”

Rainbow blinked. “I… that’s… what?”

“That’s awful specific,” Applejack completed.

“Yes, she’s been telling me this for the past couple of days,” Octavia sighed. “I keep telling her it’s absolutely ludicrous, but she remains convinced.”

“Because I saw it!” Vinyl insisted. “Or, well, more like saw nothing.”

Applejack cocked her head. “Come again?”

“Well, she uses that spell, right? So it looks like there’s just nothing there,” Vinyl explained. “And, well, I caught a couple glances under her tail one day, and I noticed something was missing. She’s got a great plot, by the way. Almost as awesome as Tavi’s, but not quite.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “Can you please just tell her she’s jumping to completely ridiculous conclusions? I’m not a unicorn myself, but if I could do something like that to avoid any perverted glances, I certainly would. Unlike Vinyl, who probably enjoys the looks she gets.”

“Hey, if you’ve got it, why not flaunt it, right?” Vinyl shrugged. “Anyway, it’s like, the only thing that makes sense. Why else would she have something that looks suspiciously like a package when she’s got fabric draped over her?”

“I know for a fact that she owns multiple balls of yarn,” Octavia argued. “It’s entirely possible that you were merely seeing it as you wanted to.”

“Why would I want to see that?” Vinyl shot back. “You know I’d take a good vag over a dick any day.”

Rainbow leaned into Applejack as their argument increased in volume. “So, should we tell them, or…?”

“Well, it sounds like Vinyl already knows,” Applejack supposed. “And Tavi kinda does, too. So Ah guess there wouldn’t be too much harm in settin’ it straight.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Uh, actually, you guys. Would you just quit arguing about this? Vinyl’s got it right. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. She was born a colt and had some freaky magic done on her to make her look like a filly.”

Octavia frowned. “You aren’t just pulling my leg, are you?”

“We ain’t exactly seen it ourselves, ‘cause that would just be all sorts of awkward, but Ah can vouch as the element of honesty,” Applejack put in. “She’ll always be a mare ta us, but she’s a stallion in the bedroom.”

“See? What did I tell you, Tavi?” Vinyl boasted. “You should really listen to me more often.”

Octavia sighed, but knew when to admit defeat. “Alright, Vinyl, that’s quite enough.”

“But that’s actually not what we were talking about,” Rainbow revealed. “Though it is on that same kind of scale of impossibility.”

“Ain’t impossible, Dash,” Applejack chided. “We all knew it had ta happen eventually. Just maybe not quite so suddenly.”

Vinyl thought for a moment. “Fluttershy lost her virginity?”

Rainbow recoiled. “What? No! She isn’t even sure what to do about Cheerilee yet.”

“Unless there’s somethin’ she ain’t tellin’ us about that one time with Thunderlane, Ah’m pretty sure that ain’t happened yet,” Applejack added.

“Well, you said it had something to do with sex,” Vinyl shrugged.

“Not like that!” Rainbow shook her head furiously. “It’s way more indirect than that.”

“Only ‘cause of somethin’ Ah said,” Applejack confirmed.

Vinyl thought again. “You lost your virginity?”

Rainbow’s brow furrowed. “Scratch, I’ve had sex with AJ like four times. I think my virginity is well out the window by now.”

“Well then I’m out of ideas,” Vinyl huffed.

Applejack sighed. “Ya just had ta get her started on sex. Now she’s probably gonna get some kinda awful ideas.”

Rainbow smirked. “If Vinyl goes anywhere near them, we’ll be there to kick her ass, right?”

“If it really comes to that…” Applejack shook her head sadly.

“Now I’m curious what you two are talking about,” Octavia spoke up. “It’s not something serious, is it?”

“No, it ain’t anythin’ bad,” Applejack assured. “And by now ya got no hope of guessin’ so Ah’m gonna just tell ya. Mah sister and her friends got their cutie marks.”

Octavia froze, slowly turning a fearful eye to Vinyl.

“What? I was just kidding earlier, geez,” Vinyl defended. “I don’t always tell the truth, you know.”

Applejack and Rainbow shared an uneasy glance before shaking it off as nothing.

“Anyway, yeah. Kinda came out of nowhere, but Scoot got herself all worked up over flying and ended up in the hospital,” Rainbow explained. “I guess that was some kind of wake-up call for them, ‘cause after that everything just happened all at once.”

“Definitely the sappiest cutie mark story Ah ever heard,” Applejack chuckled. “But Ah told ‘em not ta do anythin’ sexy ‘till they got their cutie marks. Never woulda thought that’d come so soon.”

“Well, we did say that we would come together to share stories of our past,” Octavia started. “And I feel that’s as good a way to start as any.”

Vinyl frowned as Octavia began to clear the table. “It might cut into the time we have for music lessons, but if you want to, I guess we could do that.”

“We don’t got anywhere we gotta be,” Applejack offered.

Octavia led the group out to the den, where she and Vinyl took up seats on the couch, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash to curl up on the plush rug.

“Alright, well, I’ll start then,” Vinyl began. “Way back when we were just fillies, my dad didn’t like the way I behaved around ‘esteemed guests’ and punishing me for it just made me hide behind Mom. She was always more open-minded than my dad. So she came up with the idea for me to meet some friends who acted properly in the hope that it would rub off on me. That’s how I eventually met Tavi, and we were pretty much inseparable since.”

Vinyl frowned. “Well, at least until I met Lyra. We were at a music convention, and Tavi was trying to teach me why classical music was better than electronic music, but nopony was giving me a very compelling argument. Again, until I met Lyra. It was weird, she was loud and disrespectful like me, but she played the lyre. Apparently well enough for ponies to excuse her behavior, too.”

“So, me and her got to talking, and we kinda didn’t stop,” Vinyl turned her gaze to Octavia guiltily. “We just had so much in common, and we were younger and stupider, so before I knew it, I was waking up with her in my bed.”

Vinyl took a moment to breathe, in which Octavia soothed her by stroking her mane lovingly.

“Sorry, anyway, it was really confusing how that ended up happening. I mean, I knew what happened, but it felt like there was something else that happened that night that I couldn’t quite remember,” Vinyl sighed. “But it was hard to deny that I had fun, and I kinda wanted to do it again. So we rode it out, had sex a bunch more times and tried dating. But it was kinda rough in Canterlot, and I couldn’t shake that feeling that something wasn’t right. “

“So after about a month, I broke it off, because I wasn’t even really feeling the sex anymore. I felt really lost and confused, and what was worse is that I hadn’t talked to Tavi in weeks. I hadn’t even really thought about her, like Lyra was somehow starting to take her place. But when I went over to her parents’ house, they told me that Tavi moved away three weeks ago.”

Octavia cooed soothingly as Vinyl turned to bury her face in her lover’s chest. “That was what she had forgotten that day,” Octavia said sadly. “That was to be our last week in Canterlot. Vinyl had gotten me sold on the idea of moving somewhere a bit more rural, away from the pressures of the big city. We were going to buy a house together here in Ponyville, but when Vinyl disappeared…”

Octavia sighed. “Without Vinyl there with me every day, I started to realize just how much I hated the lifestyle I was leading in Canterlot. Her support was a lot of the reason I was able to put up with all the nonsense that came with living there on a daily basis, not just the ponies of the music industry. I hated myself for doing it, but I left without her. I bought this house and tried to assimilate myself into the new life, but it was impossible not to think about who I was leaving behind.”

Vinyl took a shuddering breath. “Once I remembered, I dropped everything and took the next train to Ponyville. I didn’t even care that they charged me extra for a walk-on, or that I was leaving all my stuff behind at my apartment. I just had to see her again. Because on that train ride, I realized what was missing between me and Lyra, and it was something I had always shared with Tavi. I realized for the first time that, well, I loved her.”

Octavia smiled gently and gave Vinyl a kiss on the cheek. “You certainly didn’t give me any time to think.”

Vinyl’s cheeks reddened. “Yeah, when I got off the train and finally found Octavia, I just couldn’t help myself. I hadn’t seen or talked to her in months, and what was the first thing I did? I ran up to her and kissed her.”

“It took me some time to come to terms, but I can say without a doubt that it was the best decision of my life to give her a chance,” Octavia added. “Even when she told me what had kept her occupied those months we were apart, it was impossible for me to resent her for it. She knew she had made a mistake, and she had every intention of setting things right.”

“I wanted her so bad that first day,” Vinyl admitted. “But when it finally did happen, it was well worth the wait.”

“I’d say your experience served us rather well, despite your thoughts otherwise,” Octavia prompted.

Vinyl sighed. “You know how much I beat myself up about that. Looking back on my time with Lyra, I was just so mad at myself. I’d thrown away my virginity to the first mare who asked for it. Tavi told me it wasn’t important, and that it was in the past and all that, but it mattered to me. I couldn’t take back what I’d done with Lyra, and Tavi could never be my first.”

“But you could still be mine,” Octavia soothed. “I couldn’t ask for anything more from you. All I want is for us to be happy together, without all that mess that came before. And if I can’t make you forget, then at least let me make this time we have now more than you’d ever shared with Lyra.”

“I told you before, there’s nothing I didn’t do with Lyra,” Vinyl moped.

“You didn’t have foals,” Octavia was quick to remind. “You didn’t get married, or even fall in love. And I’ll bet you never even let anypony else into your bed.”

Vinyl was shocked out of her state by the last. “Tavi, I don’t-“

“I know you, Vinyl,” Octavia interrupted. “Very well, I might add. And if that’s what I have to do to get you to understand just how much you mean to me, well… I’ll be more than happy to oblige.”

Vinyl’s eyes began to water. “Tavi, I… I love you so much.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked on in wonderment as the two embraced. This was hardly something either of them was expecting, and for once, neither of them knew what to make of it.

“So, was that an invitation, or…?”

The only immediate response that Rainbow received was a light snore from the two mares tangled upon the couch.

Applejack smiled and nudged Rainbow in the shoulder. “C’mon Rainbow, Ah think it’s about time we headed home.”

“But what about the lessons, AJ?” Rainbow protested. “We can’t just let days just keep passing by like this.”

“It’s just one more day, sugarcube,” Applejack reassured. “Ah promise, we’ll come here early tomorrow and get a good lesson in. Then after the next day, we’ll be comin’ ‘round here every day. Ah just can’t bring mahself to wake ‘em up after somethin’ like that. Besides, Ah’m gettin’ pretty tuckered out after a day like this. There’ll be plenty of time tomorrow ta get everythin’ taken care of. Even that second round ya owe me.”

Rainbow smiled. “Alright, but tomorrow better be a day for the ages.”

“Bet on it, sugarcube,” Applejack smiled back.

Starting off on their way home, Applejack could not keep her head from resting against Rainbow’s shoulder. Rainbow wrapped a wing around Applejack’s shoulder and pulled her closer in response. With everything foreseeable and otherwise out of the way, it was hard to dispel a feeling of accomplishment at the end of such a hectic day.

Apple Bloom yawned as her eyelids started to get heavier. Spending the whole day in a hospital room was more taxing than she had expected. But on this day, there was no way she would leave Scootaloo’s side.

Sweetie Belle tipped over slightly to rest against Apple Bloom’s shoulder, sparking a chain reaction that caused them both to end up sprawled out at the foot of the bed.

“You guys really don’t have to stay. I’ll be fine by myself,” Scootaloo offered.

“Ah ain’t leavin’, no way, no how,” Apple Bloom stood firm.

Sweetie Belle nodded. “We’ll stay with you until you get out of this hospital and we can sleep wherever we want.”

At that moment, the door opened and Scootaloo’s doctor came in. “I see you two are still here,” he said to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Hospital regulations cannot allow visitors after-hours.”

“We ain’t budgin’,” Apple Bloom defied.

Scootaloo sighed. “Listen, Doc, I know it’s probably a lot to ask, but could you please let it slide just this once? We’ve all had a bit of a rough day and I can promise you they’re not gonna get in the way.”

The doctor studied them critically for a moment before relenting. “I’ll allow it this once, but please get your rest. You’ll recover faster and have more time for your friends afterwards.”

Scootaloo smiled. “Not just friends, Doc. Fillyfriends.”

The doctor’s gaze softened. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

The door swung closed and they were alone once more.

Apple Bloom smiled. “Feel any better?”

“Knowing that you girls will be here with me?” Scootaloo rose from her bed to give them each a kiss. “Yeah, I think I’ll be okay.”

Sweetie Belle grinned, happily returning Scootaloo’s kiss before curling up with Apple Bloom at the foot of the bed.

“Sorry we can’t cuddle with ya tonight,” Apple Bloom apologized. “Wouldn’t wanna hurt yer wing.”

“It’s alright,” Scootaloo assured. “Just being here is enough for me.”

Apple Bloom smiled, reaching out to give Scootaloo a kiss good night. “We’ll get through this before ya know it. Ah love ya, Scoot.”

“Love you too, AB,” Scootaloo returned with a smile. A quick glance revealed that Sweetie Belle was snoozing peacefully. “Belle, too, even if she falls asleep before I can say it.”

Apple Bloom chuckled. “Ah’m sure she already knows. Even if we ain’t spent any time at her place yet.”

“Only fair if we rotate, right?” Scootaloo supposed. “I’m sure her parents wouldn’t mind too much.”

“Ah sure hope not,” Apple Bloom yawned. “Ah’m getting’ kinda tired, too. How’s about we call it a night?”

“That’s fine with me,” Scootaloo agreed. “Night, Apple Bloom.”

“G’night, Scootaloo.”

Big Macintosh and Rarity arrived back at the farm to the sight of Granny Smith asleep at the kitchen table. Sneaking upstairs without waking her, Rarity sighed as she slumped onto Mac’s bed.

“So, what was that thing ya had ta take care of earlier?” Mac began.

Rarity sighed before sitting up on the bed. “Something I need to talk to you about. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Fluttershy has been approached by Cheerilee about a possible relationship. The whole thing seems to have gotten the poor dear terribly confused about her sexuality and who she really cares for.”

“Since we’ve gotten involved, ourselves, I haven’t had any time to spend with her. It doesn’t seem like much, but this is a big moment in her life.” Rarity paused. “Apart from that little incident with Thunderlane, this is her first taste of romance. And, well, rather than ask me what to do about Cheerilee, Fluttershy… expressed interest in me.”

Big Macintosh blinked. “What did ya tell her?”

Rarity sagged. “I just couldn’t say no. She was so broken up, and I can’t deny that I care about her as well. I told her I would talk to you about maybe coming up with some sort of compromise.”

“Compromise, huh?” Mac rumbled.

“Please, Mac, understand that I love you and would never want to do anything to betray you. Fluttershy is a very dear friend, and our weekly spa day is tomorrow. If she comes on to me then, I don’t know how I could get out of it without seriously damaging our friendship. So please, if you could just consider giving me permission…”

Mac sighed before donning a small smile. “Ah’d be some kinda terrible coltfriend if Ah told ya no, wouldn’t Ah?”

Rarity turned a tearful gaze to Big Macintosh, disbelieving. “Do you mean that…?”

Mac’s smile widened in compassion. “If it really means that much ta both of ya…”

Rarity threw herself at her coltfriend to grab his neck in a strangle hold. “Oh thank you, Mac! I promise this won’t change anything between us.”

“Ah just can’t stand ta see ya sad, Rare,” Mac soothed.

As Rarity came down from her emotional high, something else occurred to her. “Oh, actually, Mac, there was one thing I forgot to mention.”

“If it’s about the possibility of sex, ya have mah permission,” Mac affirmed.

Rarity smiled. “Thank you, but that wasn’t what I was getting at. You see, Fluttershy also expressed a bit of an interest in you.”

Mac blinked. “Really now? Well, if you’d be okay with that…”

“It would only be fair,” Rarity chuckled.

“But where does all this leave Cheerilee? Ah’d hate ta steal Fluttershy away from her.”

Rarity sighed. “That’s the difficult part. I’m not sure if she was just lost in the moment, but she told me that I meant more to her than Cheerilee did. It seemed like she had the idea that Cheerilee was going to replace me in her life.”

“So she does still feel somethin’ fer Cheerilee?” Mac ventured.

Rarity nodded. “Though I think we’ll have to wait until she calms down in the morning to figure that out.” Rarity took a steadying breath. “I can’t thank you enough for this, Mac. I promise, if there’s any way I can pay you back for this…”

Mac chuckled. “Ya ain’t gotta do anythin’ fer me, Rare. Ah’ve already got all Ah’ll ever need.”

Rarity placed a tender kiss on Mac’s lips. “You truly are the most perfect stallion a mare could ask for.”

Mac blushed. “Ah wouldn’t say that.”

“Which is why I have to say it for you,” Rarity giggled. “I love you, Mac.”

Mac kissed Rarity gently on the forehead. “Ah love ya, too, Rare. Now let’s get some sleep.”

Rarity was all too happy to oblige.

Rainbow Dash sighed as they came to rest on the porch. While she definitely preferred flying on most occasions, she’d find it hard to say no to a late night stroll through the orchard again. “Feels like the days just keep getting longer, huh?”

“They’d better, else we might run outta time ‘fore the big show,” Applejack asserted.

“Come on, AJ, we’re awesome. I don’t think we need to worry about that,” Rainbow boasted.

Applejack chuckled, entering the house. “It does feel pretty good ta finally have everythin’ else outta the way, don’t it?”

“I get the feeling there’s still a whole lot going on, but it’s nice to know we won’t be the ones dealing with it anymore,” Rainbow agreed. “I mean, we’re the only ones here working with a deadline! You’d think ponies would respect that, but no.”

“The world don’t just stop ‘cause ya need it to,” Applejack mused. “But that don’t mean we gotta let it get in the way.”

“Except for when we do,” Rainbow said, nudging Applejack’s door open. “Like sleeping.”

“You would be the expert on that, wouldn’t ya?” Applejack laughed.

“Hey, I don’t take naps just ‘cause I want to. It just kinda happens when nothing interesting is going on,” Rainbow defended.

“And Ah’m sure ya only nap in mah trees ‘cause they just happen ta be the closest thing,” Applejack smirked knowingly.

Rainbow shrugged. “Why nap on your trees when I can nap on you now? You’re way more comfortable than a tree. Way sexier, too.”

Applejack chuckled as she hopped into the bed. “Come on, ya silly filly. We got plans tomorrow and we don’t wanna be late, now do we?”

Rainbow joined her under the covers and let her wing drape over Applejack’s side. “Only one way to be sure, right?”

“G’night, Rainbow,” Applejack said with a kiss.

Rainbow smiled and returned the kiss. “Night, AJ.”

Day Ten - Revitalization

Vinyl groaned as she opened her eyes, wincing when the sun assaulted her sensitive red irises. Fumbling around for her shades, she found that instead of her nightstand, her hoof only met open air. Settling back down and attempting to hide her face from the morning, she realized that whatever it was she had been sleeping on was considerably more comfortable than she was used to. What’s more, it was warm, and rather fuzzy, unlike the coarse blankets that would tell her that she was home.

Well, whatever this was she was laying on, it made her want to snuggle in closer and-

“Good morning, Vinyl.”

Vinyl jolted upright, losing her balance and falling from the couch in the process. After taking a few moments to catch her breath and take in her surroundings, Vinyl laughed. “Don’t scare me like that, Tavi.”

“I had to do something before you started to feel me up,” Octavia chuckled. “It’s much too early for that.”

Vinyl turned her head to glance out the window, immediately wishing she didn’t. Whimpering and shielding her eyes, she grumbled, “What time is it, anyway?”

“Only about six,” Octavia informed.

“Too early,” Vinyl protested.

“Well we can only sleep in so well in a room with so many windows.”

Vinyl groaned. “Remind me to drag you to the bedroom next time. And could you please close those damn blinds?”

Octavia did one better, drawing the curtains closed as well to trap any light that seeped through the blinds. “We’ll have to go out eventually, though. We still have a sale to finalize, after all.”

Vinyl grunted in recognition. “Do you know where my shades are?”

Octavia sifted through one of the smaller bags of luggage before producing the requested item. “Though I would prefer if you refrained from wearing that oversized sack of yours.”

“It’s called a hoodie, Tavi,” Vinyl corrected. “And it protects my skin from sunburn. Can’t count on the pegasi to make it overcast every day.”

Octavia sighed, relenting with a nod. She knew it was often necessary for Vinyl to cover up on sunny days due to her albinism, but that didn’t keep her from wishing she could have a normal morning stroll with her once in a while.

“Hey, what happened to Dash and AJ?” Vinyl asked, finally noticing their absence.

“I would imagine they went home,” Octavia ventured. “You were out like a light last night.”

“You fell asleep, too,” Vinyl reminded pointedly. “You don’t think we scared them off at the end there, do you?”

“You do know who you’re talking about, right?” Octavia chuckled. “I don’t think they minded the invitation.”

Vinyl hummed. “We should do that tonight. You know, kinda like a prelude for tomorrow.”

“How many times have I told you that sex in a club is a good way to get kicked out?” Octavia bonked Vinyl lightly on the head. “Especially if you’re the ones on stage.”

Vinyl frowned. “Well, maybe we’re not going to the right clubs, then.”

“I hope you wouldn’t mind going alone if that were the case,” Octavia threatened.

“What, and leave me alone in a room full of mares bumping and grinding on each other?” Vinyl grinned. “You sure you trust me enough to keep my cool?”

Octavia sighed, her hoof meeting her forehead. “What am I going to do with you, Vinyl?”

Vinyl thought for a moment. “Tie me down and torture me so I can’t leave?”

Octavia frowned. “You know I’m not comfortable with bondage, Vinyl.”

Vinyl shrugged. “Hey, a mare can still dream, right?”

Octavia rolled her eyes and strolled into the kitchen to get started on breakfast.

Rainbow let out a sigh of satisfaction as she stepped out onto the porch. After a breakfast that had been, by coincidence or shenanigans, comprised of two of her favorite foods, pancakes and apples, the sight of a perfectly beautiful day had her spirits high.

Applejack noted this fact. “We got a whole day with nothin’ but music and apples ahead of us, and there ain’t any more ponies who could distract us.”

Rainbow’s brow furrowed. “I wouldn’t say that, but hopefully she’s occupied today. She didn’t bother us yesterday, though.”

“Haven’t really been seein’ a lot of her around,” Applejack agreed. “Ya’d think she’d be bouncin’ off the walls after something like this.”

“Or maybe she’s finally swamped by everything that’s going on and managed to exhaust herself,” Rainbow hypothesized. “Even she has to have limits.”

“Any reason we ain’t sayin’ her name?” Applejack chuckled.

“Yeah, so she doesn’t pop out of nowhere because she heard her name halfway across Ponyville,” Rainbow cautioned. “She’s got ears everywhere, AJ. I bet if you took a closer look at some of the leaves on these trees you’d find some kind of camouflaged transmitter device of some sort.”

No sooner than Rainbow had finished stating her theory, a loud rustle of leaves overhead diverted the attention of the two mares. To Applejack’s bafflement, the very mare in question popped out of one of her trees.

“They’re on to us, Gummy!” Pinkie Pie gasped. “I bet it was your eyes that gave you away. You really need to let me put those contacts in next time.”

Before Applejack could ask if this was staged, Pinkie zipped away through the trees while Gummy latched firmly to her tail.

“I was thinking more like a tape recorder, but I guess Gummy works, too,” Rainbow supposed.

“You’re gettin’ really good at that, aren’t ya?” Applejack mused.

Rainbow shrugged. “Well, she’s an earth pony, right? Maybe she used her superpowers to read my mind in the future and got the idea from me, so she decided to try it out, but forgot I would come up with it, too, causing her to foil her own plans and leaving us to figure out what just happened.”

“Yeah, because that’s possible,” Applejack quipped.

“Just like everything else she does, right?” Rainbow countered.

Applejack cocked her head. “You know that ain’t because she’s an earth pony, right?”

“Maybe not, but she’s as good an exhibit A as I’ll ever find.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, offering no further comment on the subject.

Twilight yawned and sat up in bed, grateful to be back in Ponyville after such a hectic time in Canterlot. Stretching out her wings and flapping them a few times before folding them, she noticed a suspicious lump occupying the guest bed that was far too big to be Spike.

It took Twilight a few moments to remember just who had slept over, but when she did, the knowledge brought a smile to her face. At least until a particularly loud snore from the bed’s inhabitant turned that smile into a frown.

Not far away, Spike was roused by the sudden outburst of sound. “What’s going on?”

“She’s almost as bad as Rainbow Dash,” Twilight mused.

Despite Twilight’s comment, however, Trixie’s snoring had all but ceased afterwards, though the reason for that was that Trixie had woken herself up with that snore and was now attempting to fall back to sleep in the comfort of a warm bed.

When Trixie’s efforts proved fruitless, she sat herself upright before slumping down on her stomach. Opening her eyes, she saw Twilight looking at her strangely. Distressed, Trixie sat back up and began to apologize. “I’m sorry; I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“Not me,” Twilight chuckled. “Though you did wake up Spike.”

Trixie’s ears drooped abashedly. “I guess I forgot to tell you last night. I have a terrible snoring problem, though I am a light sleeper. I use a spell to stop my snoring so I can sleep through the nights, but it only lasts for six hours. When I was living alone, it was like an alarm clock of sorts.”

Twilight smiled. “Remind me to learn that spell so you can sleep in for once.”

Trixie blinked. “I… that’s really not necessary, I’ve been perfectly fine with my sleeping schedule for all these years.”

“Maybe so, but I can’t guarantee Spike will feel the same,” Twilight smirked. “Besides, wouldn’t it be nice to wake up on your own for once, without your snoring?”

“I suppose it would be,” Trixie admitted. “It’s not a very complicated spell, but casting it always makes me a little drowsy.”

“Some kind of a multi-purpose sleep spell then, hm?” Twilight giggled. “Well, come on downstairs and we’ll get started on breakfast.”

Trixie followed along happily, thinking she could get used to mornings like this.

Applejack was thankful that they were ahead of schedule and could afford a slow day, because she just couldn’t get her head on straight. So distracted was she that she missed the tree she was about to buck entirely, causing her to tumble in a heap of tangled limbs.

“You okay over there, Applejack?” Rainbow called, hearing the steady rhythm of Applejack’s bucking be interrupted by the fall.

Rather than answer right away, Applejack picked herself up and moved over to the next tree in Rainbow’s path, forcing her to stop.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow at this latest development. “Something wrong, AJ?”

Applejack sighed, sitting down and resting against the sturdy trunk behind her. “Ah don’t know, did anythin’ seem ta really stick out about yesterday to you?”

“You mean like what happened with Scoot and the Crusaders?” Rainbow guessed.

Applejack frowned. “Well, there’s that, too, but not what Ah was gettin’ at. Somethin’ a bit more recent.”

“Twilight and Trixie making a surprisingly cute couple?”

Applejack chuckled at that. “No, not that either. Ah’m talkin’ about that whole mess with Vinyl and Octavia. I mean, other than the fact that it kinda felt like it came outta nowheres. Just somethin’ one of ‘em said or somethin’.”

“Well, there was a lot of talking, wasn’t there?” Rainbow prodded, sitting down beside Applejack.

“Ah don’t know, it just all seems kinda funny ta me,” Applejack repeated. “Ah mean, who knew her history with Lyra was so complicated? Almost sounded like Vinyl resents her fer what happened, but they get along just fine now. She even still has a sexual interest in her.”

“Well, what else would Vinyl do about it?” Rainbow countered. “I mean, it’s not like her to go around and mope all day. She’s more the type to face her problems head-on, like me. But even I can’t completely solve all the problems I might have. Besides, we don’t even know how long it’s been since then.”

“Not long enough fer Vinyl ta be over it,” Applejack inferred. “But if she can stand ta be around her, even be friends with her still, she can’t be the type ta hold grudges.”

“How would you even hold a grudge about that? It all sounded pretty consensual to me, and Vinyl’s the one who broke it off.”

Applejack sighed. “Probably ain’t doin’ much good wonderin’ about it now, though. We could always bring it up when we head over later.”

Rainbow nodded, getting back to her hooves slowly. “Kinda killed the mood for work, though.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean ta get ya all worked up,” Applejack apologized. “Maybe we should go on a little walk ta clear our heads.”

Rainbow nodded, helping Applejack to her hooves before falling into step beside her. “You know, I’ve kinda been thinking, too.”

“’Bout what, sugarcube?” Applejack pressed.

“Well, for the last few days, nothing’s really been about us,” Rainbow began. “It’s all about things going on around us and us having to deal with it. I mean, lately the only time we have to ourselves is when we’re bucking; trees or each other.”

Applejack blushed. “Ah didn’t know it was botherin’ ya. Ya usually seem pretty excited about that last bit.”

“Well, yeah, of course it’s exciting, but that’s really all we’ve been doing lately,” Rainbow continued. “I mean, wouldn’t it be nice to have some time, just the two of us when we don’t have to worry about anything else?”

Applejack smirked. “Rainbow, are you askin’ me on a date?”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Rainbow was a little too quick to defend. “But, you know, it might be nice for a change. We are marefriends, right? Not just, you know, friends with benefits.”

Applejack stopped and put a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder to get her to stop as well. With their forward movement halted, Applejack reached out to give Rainbow a tender kiss; nothing burning with passion or desire, but a genuine, comforting, affectionate gesture. “Is that how you’ve been feelin’ the past few days?”

Rainbow frowned. “Kinda, yeah. It’s just that, well, chances are the Wonderbolts will get in the way of anything but this. And we have the time now, but we’re just spending it on stupid things and not what’s really important. I don’t want to run out of time here without knowing just how deep this all really goes.”

Applejack smiled. “Well, we’ve still got three more weeks ta figure it out, don’t we?”

Rainbow smiled back. “So, what do you say to a night out on the town, doing what we want to do for once? And like, not get completely exhausted by the time we’re ready.”

“The days are only so long, Rainbow,” Applejack mused. “We’ll have ta set a lot of that curiosity aside if we want the whole night to ourselves.”

Rainbow nodded.

“And I get the feeling we’re gonna need ta keep a look out fer Twilight today,” Applejack added. “Trixie and Vinyl still have to get that deal worked out, and I’ll bet Twi’ll be there too.”

“So we just have to sit down for an hour and talk about our feelings or whatever,” Rainbow shrugged. “It shouldn’t be all that bad. I mean, as long as she and Trixie don’t start making out, I think we’ll be good.”

Applejack chuckled. “Not everythin’s gotta have sex involved, sugarcube.”

“Maybe not, but you can’t deny it would be cool to watch them get it on,” Rainbow countered. “I mean, how often do you see a mare with both parts?”

“Kinda makes me surprised you’d even be interested in the other bit,” Applejack ventured. “Didn’t think yer barn door swung that way.”

Rainbow tilted her head. “Well, not really. I mean, there’s no way I could be attracted to a stallion. Their proportions and stuff are just way off. But Trixie’s got a mare’s body and everything, so it kinda changes things. Like, it turns the dick into like a permanent strap-on or something. I mean, it would probably get in the way sometimes, and it’s definitely not aerodynamic, but she’s a unicorn so she doesn’t have to worry about that.”

“So what yer sayin’ is that one toy we got really tickles ya, huh?” Applejack hinted.

Rainbow turned a shining eye to Applejack. “You have no idea. But we still have work to get done, so that’ll have to wait ‘till later.”

“Lookin’ forward to it, Dashie,” Applejack cooed.

Rainbow blushed as she accompanied Applejack back to their earlier site in the orchard.

Rarity woke to a strange realization. Today, she would be involved in a romantic, perhaps even sexual, encounter with somepony other than her coltfriend. Not even a colt, but her best friend of many years, Fluttershy.

Rolling over and finding Big Macintosh absent from the bed, she found that she was hesitant to leave. Despite the fact that she had been given permission, she still felt like she was being unfaithful. Thankfully, Spike would not be expecting her today, so she would still have plenty of time to spend with him, barring any further developments with Fluttershy.

Drawn to the subject of Spike, another thought hit her. How was she going to explain that she was accepting the advance of Fluttershy despite being already committed and not to his? She could only hope that Spike had lost all interest in her romantically after discovering who she really was, or this could turn into one big mess.

After taking a steadying breath, Rarity rose out of bed and forced her hooves to carry her to the door. She was thankful that she was a unicorn; else she might not have had enough determination to raise her hoof and turn the knob.

Rarity walked downstairs to find the rest of the house empty save for Granny Smith asleep in her rocker. “Mac must have let me sleep in today,” she sighed. Luckily, breakfast was still warm. She wondered if perhaps this had been a conscious effort.

Filing the thought under things to be thankful to Granny Smith for, she ate her meal in silence, unable to stop thinking about the day ahead of her, and in particular the upcoming spa trip. No small part of her wished that Mac was still around to reassure her of his acceptance, but at the same time, she knew that this day would be about herself and Fluttershy. She almost wished Twilight was around for advice.

Remembering that she in fact was, she looked to the clock hopefully. But as early in the morning as it still was, there was no way she could afford enough time to indulge her friend’s curiosity. She needed to leave soon or risk Twilight coming to her. No sooner than she had completed this thought, she froze as a voice called out to her.

“Hey, Rarity, what are you doing in here all by yourself acting all sad and stuff?”

Rarity let out the breath she was holding. “Not now, Pinkie.”

Pinkie stopped bouncing. “Aw, why not?”

“I have something serious I need to take care of,” Rarity explained. “And no, you cannot come along.”

Pinkie’s ears drooped. “But now’s usually the time you start heading to the spa to meet up with Fluttershy, but she’s been really sad too lately.”

“Everything’s fine, darling,” Rarity assured before exiting the farmhouse.

To nopony’s surprise, Pinkie appeared next to her again. “Are you sure? I’m starting to have a bit of a hard time keeping up with everypony lately. That’s why I was here to try to get Gummy to listen in from the trees, but Rainbow Dash figured me out. Can you believe that she actually asked Applejack on a real date?”

“While that normally would get a rise out of me, I don’t have the time to gossip today,” Rarity returned.

This gave Pinkie pause. Rarity was never one to turn down gossip, especially when it involved two of their close friends. There must be something really important going to happen at the spa. Now if only she could find a way to get inside without being noticed…

Fluttershy leaned back and sighed after setting out food for all of her animals, including Angel, who appreciated the change. “Alright, Angel, you be good while I’m out, okay?”

Angel saluted, sensing this was more important than the quiet one let on.

Fluttershy nodded before making for the door. Taking a deep breath of the morning air, she glanced around, noticing that everything seemed a little brighter than yesterday. She also noticed a big red stallion watching her from the tree-line of the apple orchard.

Mustering up the courage to give a surreptitious wave, Fluttershy was heartened when Big Macintosh responded with a gentle smile and a nod before disappearing back between the trees.

Knowing she had Big Macintosh’s approval, Fluttershy started making her way downtown with a spring in her step, happily greeting any passing ponies. It almost felt like she was coming home after a long absence.

As if to add to that feeling of home, a pink mare bounced up to her. “Hiya, Fluttershy! You look a lot happier today.”

Fluttershy smiled. “I guess she can do that to me.”

“Who?” Pinkie asked innocently enough.

Fluttershy shook her head. “I’ll tell you later.”

“Aw, come on!” Pinkie pleaded. “Is it Cheerilee? Are you going on a date with her today, and that’s why you’re so excited?”

“No, but I guess you could call it a date if you wanted,” Fluttershy said, unable to keep herself from smiling. “Probably not the kind you’re thinking of, though.”

Pinkie paused. “Wait, you’re going on a date with another mare who isn’t Cheerilee?”

Fluttershy took this opportunity to put some distance between herself and the pink road block. “You’ll just have to find out later.”

Pinkie gawped, watching as Fluttershy continued on her way. It was a long shot, but she thought she had an idea of what was going on. And it seemed she’d have to find out the hard way.

Reaching her destination, Fluttershy threw open the doors of the spa with a bit more vigor than usual. That is to say, she was able to make it through them before they swung closed again. Inside, she was greeted by the spa twins, one of whom looked a bit more chipper than usual.

“Miss Rarity is waiting for you inside,” Lotus informed, leading the way to the baths.

Fluttershy inspected Aloe carefully along the way, sensing something amiss.

Upon their arrival, Aloe spoke, “We’ll leave you two to get settled.”

Fluttershy blinked. That wasn’t Aloe’s voice at all. It sounded remarkably like a Stalliongrad accent, in fact. Glancing up to see if Rarity had noticed this, as well, she found that she had not even been noticed yet.

Ascending the steps to the bath, Fluttershy prodded Rarity, who jumped in response. “Oh, Fluttershy, darling. I’m terribly sorry; my mind has been on the fritz lately.”

Fluttershy smiled as she lowered herself into the water. “It’s okay if you’re nervous. I am, too.”

Before Rarity could respond, the spa twins returned. “I apologize, I do seem to have come down with a bit of a cold,” Aloe said in a much more normal voice.

Fluttershy cocked a brow. “In the middle of summer?”

“I would have to agree with Fluttershy, dear; your coat looks more vibrant than ever, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen your eyes so bright,” Rarity ventured.

Fluttershy frowned upon further inspection. “And why do you have your cutie mark taped?”

“So it doesn’t fall off, silly,” Aloe blurted out in a voice entirely not her own.

Fluttershy sighed, rubbing her face with a hoof. “Pinkie, I said I’d tell you later.”

“Ugh, fine,” the imposter relented, reaching behind a plant far too thin to properly conceal any healthy pony and produced the real Aloe, who was missing her mane and tail. All ponies present watched in wonderment as Pinkie dislodged Aloe’s mane and tail from her own body, causing her normal poofy hair to spring forth, and re-attached them to Aloe.

Giving her tail an experimental flick, Aloe was shocked to find that not a single hair came loose. A quick tug on her mane revealed that those roots had also retaken. But before either of the spa twins could confront the strange mare about her miracle hair restoration techniques, Pinkie showed herself out.

“We’ve learned not to think too hard about it,” Rarity advised.

Lotus began to lead the discombobulated Aloe to another room. “If you would give us a minute…”

“Of course, dears,” Rarity waved before sighing and turning her attention back to Fluttershy. “Well, that’s one way to break the ice.”

Fluttershy could not stop herself from giggling as she sidled closer to Rarity. Sensing the advance, Rarity closed the distance between them and blushed as Fluttershy rested her head against the fashionista’s shoulder.

“I’m really glad you came,” Fluttershy whispered.

Rarity felt a smile come to her lips. “Of course I did, darling. You’re a very dear friend of mine, and if you think there can be something more between us, well… I can’t say I’m opposed.”

Fluttershy nuzzled closer in response, turning her head to place a gentle kiss on Rarity’s cheek, which heated up at the contact.

“Though I would like to know what brought this all on,” Rarity insisted.

Fluttershy smiled. “Well, I guess Cheerilee just got me thinking when she asked me on that date. And, well, the only reason I started spending time with her was because you weren’t there, and if that’s where that got me with her, when we’ve shared the same kind of friendship for years… I just don’t know how I could have accepted that without even thinking of you.”

“Even considering that I was already committed, and Cheerilee has nopony for herself?” Rarity ventured.

Fluttershy sighed. “I guess that is a little selfish, huh?”

“I’m not telling you how to go about this, but it would do my heart good to know that Cheerilee is not hurt by this,” Rarity amended. “You already put other ponies ahead of you so much that I can hardly fault you for putting your own needs first this once. You should never have to change yourself because of what other ponies want of you.”

“I know, it’s just that, well, I don’t know her as well as I know you,” Fluttershy extrapolated. “You’ve been my best friend since the day I met you. And you know how important it is for me to have foals someday.”

“And that’s something I can give you that Cheerilee cannot,” Rarity sighed. “I just… need to know how much I really mean to you.”

Fluttershy blushed, swirling her hood timidly in the water. “Well, I… can’t say I haven’t thought about, um… exploring that with you.”

Rarity fought against a rising blush as she insisted, “I meant love, not lust, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Well, how about this?” She extended her wing, trailing it across Rarity’s back before letting it come to rest against her cutie mark.

Rarity had read enough romance novels to understand the meaning of the gesture, and had to take a few breaths to calm her pounding heart. As soon as she had the opportunity, she reached out to place a tender kiss on Fluttershy’s lips. Fluttershy pushed back, flicking her tongue against Rarity’s lips in request of something deeper.

Rarity, however, pulled away. “Fluttershy, please. This is all going so fast. Can we please just take this a little more slowly?”

Fluttershy blushed conscious of where her actions were headed. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I lost my head for a moment.”

Rarity smiled. “That’s alright, dear. Just remember this is something new for both of us.”

Fluttershy nodded, retreating to the other side of the pool sheepishly.

Rarity followed after a pause. “I didn’t mean we couldn’t sit together, just to ease off on the kissing a bit.”

Fluttershy sighed, nodding a second time before resting her head against Rarity’s shoulder.

Scootaloo groaned as she opened her eyes to the glare of the all-white hospital room. Glancing around blearily, she noticed Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle curled up together at the foot of the bed. Despite knowing the arrangement was necessary, Scootaloo could not stop from feeling a pang of jealousy. But with that came a much stronger feeling of disappointment in herself.

Even if they had gotten their cutie marks, it was her fault they were confined to a single room with nothing to do but talk. And the fact that neither Apple Bloom nor Sweetie Belle had left her side but for the basest of needs really made Scootaloo appreciate just how wonderful they were in comparison.

Shaking her head to clear away such deprecating thoughts, Scootaloo made to sit up. It was a small victory, but important nonetheless as the movement did not spark a debilitating protest from her wings, though it did make her a little dizzy.

Knowing she should be satisfied, but wanting all the same to at least be free of this bed at all hours, Scootaloo strained with her hind legs to raise herself into a standing position. While she found she was capable of such a feat, she did not get more than halfway up before her weak sense of balance was threatened, forcing her back to the bed.

With a sigh, Scootaloo rubbed at the side of her head to make the spinning stop. Perhaps she would feel better after a proper breakfast.

Thankfully, her fellow crusaders began to stir without further need of encouragement. Apple Bloom blinked her eyes open and noticed Scootaloo’s new position with a smile. “Hey, yer sittin’ up, Scoot.”

“What?” Sweetie Belle jolted awake, nearly knocking Apple Bloom off the bed.

Scootaloo chuckled. “Morning, girls. You think you could get me something to eat? My appetite’s starting to come back.”

Apple Bloom made to stand, but Sweetie Belle was already out the door. Shaking her head in bemusement, Apple Bloom sat back down and inched closer to Scootaloo. “So, ya think ya might be able ta move around some today?”

Scootaloo nodded. “I know I’ve said it before, but-“

“Scoot, ya don’t have to apologize,” Apple Bloom interrupted. “If any of this hadn’t happened, we might not be sittin’ here with our cutie marks.”

“Yeah, we’d be out playing like we usually do,” Scootaloo countered.

“With the same old blank flanks,” Apple Bloom finished. “Scoot, Ah know yer bummed about holdin’ us back, but there ain’t anywhere else we’d rather be right now.”

Scootaloo cocked a brow dubiously. “You’d rather be cooped up in a hospital room than sleeping back home in your own bed?”

Apple Bloom blushed. “What Ah meant was all of us together.”

“But it’s not all of us,” Scootaloo pressed. “What about Babs? We can’t be the Cutie Mark Crusaders if we have our cutie marks.”

“Why not?” Apple Bloom cocked her head. “Just ‘cause we got ours don’t mean we can’t help other ponies find theirs.”

“But nopony in this town needs our help. Everypony’s either way too young or already has theirs. And by the time they grow up, we’ll be adults.”

“We can still serve as inspiration for the other Crusaders,” Sweetie Belle chimed in, having returned from her mission. “Babs has a ton of new recruits in Manehattan. Once they hear that the founders have their cutie marks, maybe she’ll find even more ponies and turn it into something fantastic.”

“But then we won’t be a part of it anymore,” Scootaloo moped.

Apple Bloom placed a hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder gingerly. “Hey, don’t say that, Scoot. We’ll always be the Cutie Mark Crusaders no matter what, right? It says so right there on yer flank.”

Scootaloo looked down at the symbol on her flank, then to Apple Bloom’s, then to Sweetie Belle, who seemed a little too eager to show it off. “Yeah, until the end.”

“And we’ll always be here for you, Scoot,” Sweetie Belle put in. “Because that’s what fillyfriends do, right?”

Apple Bloom blushed. “Well, that and kissin’.”

“And whatever else we want to do, whenever we want to do it,” Scootaloo added.

“Exactly!” Sweetie Belle chirped. “Now, eat this so we can go do stuff.”

Scootaloo giggled at Sweetie Belle’s enthusiasm, nodding as she consumed her meal.

With the morning beginning to slow down and their work coming to completion, Rainbow stretched and let loose a tremendous yawn. “I think I’m about ready for a nap.”

Applejack chuckled. “Tired ya out already, huh? Shame, coulda used a little company in the shower. Gotta look nice fer our night out, right?”

Rainbow blinked. “Oh, yeah. I was uh, just thinking about something else we do in the shower.”

Applejack smirked. “Why do ya think Ah want company? Ain’t gonna do much good on mah own.”

Rainbow smirked back. “You’re not gonna wuss out this time, are you?”

Applejack waved a hoof. “Nah, there’s still plenty o’ time left in the day.”

“Good, ‘cause I’m still sore from last time,” Rainbow admitted.

Applejack chortled, holding the front door open for Rainbow. “Ah’ll make sure ta go easy on ya this time.”

“Who said you’re gonna be on top today?” Rainbow retorted. “I’m not the kind of pony to go down without a fight, you know.”

Applejack paused outside the washroom door. “So, wrestlin’ counts as foreplay for ya?”

“Oh you shut up,” Rainbow laughed, giving Applejack a shove through the now-open door.

Ping pong

Fluttershy returned home to sink onto her couch with a sigh of utter contentment and a grin that was beginning to hurt her face. Things with Rarity had gone better than she hoped, and if it weren’t for Rarity being busy with other things, Fluttershy would still be draped all over her like some bold new fashion statement.

A knock at the door disrupted her idle musings and confused her thoroughly. Trying not to get her hopes up, Fluttershy opened the door to find Twilight standing there, Trixie beside her.

“Oh, um, hi Twilight, hi Trixie, was there something you needed?” Fluttershy greeted.

“Well, I was just interested in what you’ve been up to while I was gone,” Twilight answered. “I heard you were approached by Cheerilee about a possible relationship. How’s that going?”

“It’s… not,” Fluttershy spoke hesitantly. “There’s… something else going on…”

“Or perhaps somepony else?” Trixie inquired.

Fluttershy blushed, drawing circles in the ground with a hoof. “Um, maybe.”

“Well, don’t keep us in suspense,” Twilight prodded, taking a seat on the couch. “Who is it?”

Fluttershy closed the door after Trixie, sighing. “It’s Rarity.”

Twilight blinked. “Isn’t she with Big Macintosh?”

Fluttershy nodded, grinning sheepishly.

“So you’re trying to come between them?” Twilight demanded.

“Oh, goodness, no,” Fluttershy assured. “We have Mac’s permission for whatever might happen between me and her.”

Twilight frowned, while Trixie grinned. “So, what has happened so far?”

Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, nothing yet. I mean, we just started. Not to say I don’t want to, but… Is that a problem?”

Twilight sighed. “No, of course not. I just wasn’t expecting anything quite like this.”

“Well, Rarity and I have been close for years, so maybe…”

“But why now that she’s already committed, and while you have a standing offer of your own?” Twilight challenged.

“Perhaps this goes back to the limitations of the Elements we discussed yesterday,” Trixie chimed in. “You said yourself that the only pair that could be made of the elements was Honesty and Loyalty, but I don’t recall you ever saying anything about a triangle.”

Fluttershy tilted her head. “But Big Macintosh doesn’t have an Element…”

“Not one of the prime ones, no,” Twilight extrapolated. “There are other, less powerful elements in Equestria that have links to ours, but lack some of their limitations. For example, there can be any number of duplicates of a lesser element, and ponies can carry more than one.

“Considering what you’ve told me, Mac might very well possess one or more of these. He’s shown an exceptional level of compassion and acceptance in agreeing to such an arrangement, the former of which synergizes with your Element, Fluttershy, and the latter has strong ties to Rarity’s. So I suppose it would make some level of sense for Big Macintosh to be able to facilitate this sort of bond that lay dormant between you for however long it might have been.”

“Well, um, I guess I started thinking about her a few months ago, on that one spa trip where I…” Fluttershy hesitated. “Never mind.”

“But that would have been before she became involved with Mac,” Twilight pointed out.

Trixie sighed, placing a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “While the Elements may guide you in some ways, I find it hard to believe that they would stand in the way of love. Perhaps the compatibility of Elements is not mutually exclusive with the compatibility of ponies. For they are not one in the same, are they?”

Twilight frowned. “No, I guess not, but if it can make sense now when it didn’t before…”

“Not everything is grounded in logic,” Trixie reminded. “Perhaps this bond between Rarity and Fluttershy is strong enough to overcome the obstacles set by their Elements, or perhaps the Elements have nothing to do with it, and any sense you can make of it is merely coincidence.”

“But everything else has rules,” Twilight insisted. “Why would love be any different?”

Trixie chortled. “Because it involves ponies, of course.”

“So, um, are you telling me that all this was destined to happen?” Fluttershy spoke up, not entirely sure she liked the implications.

Twilight sighed. “The only thing destined to happen was for all the Elements to become friends. Other than that, I guess everything is free to work itself out.”

Trixie nodded. “And that’s the way it should be. Things can lose their meanings if you think too hard.”

“I suppose you’re right, but-“

Twilight was interrupted by a knock on the door. Curiously, she opened it with her magic to reveal somepony she very much wanted to talk to. “Hey, Rarity. I’m glad you’re here.”

Rarity blinked. “Oh, hello, girls. Might I ask what brings you here?”

“We were just catching up,” Twilight explained. “And Fluttershy’s told me some very interesting things about you.”

Rarity frowned, turning a questioning eye to Fluttershy. Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide before she shook her head emphatically. “What kinds of things were said, exactly?”

“Well, Fluttershy has said that you two have become well acquainted recently,” Trixie teased.

Twilight frowned at Trixie. “What she means to say is you’ve become romantically involved.”

“Why, yes, we have, but I don’t see what the problem would be with that,” Rarity defended. “Am I not capable of having two lovers to warm my bed?”

Fluttershy blushed, shying away at the imagery.

“I wasn’t saying there was a problem,” Twilight amended. “Just wondering why Fluttershy would fall for you all of a sudden and not Cheerilee.”

“Well, I suppose there is the question of Fluttershy’s sexuality,” Rarity admitted.

Trixie nodded, while Twilight stared blankly. “Uh, what are you talking about?”

“That there is one very important thing that sets me apart from Cheerilee,” Rarity hinted, smiling as Fluttershy rose up to give her a nuzzle.

Twilight cocked her head. “Your horn?”

“Not what I was getting at, but I do suppose that’s one thing,” Rarity amended.

“I don’t think Twilight’s going to guess, Rarity,” Fluttershy prodded.

Rarity sighed. “Well, I suppose I do owe her a proper explanation at any rate. Twilight, I haven’t been completely honest to you about who I really am. So I hope it doesn’t change your opinion of me to know that I was born a colt.”

Twilight blinked. “You… what? How is that even possible? I swear I made that spell up that one time. Trixie was right; nopony can do that spell, not even the Princesses!”

“It’s not perfect,” Rarity revealed. “It was done at a young age, so I’ve had plenty of time to fill out into a mare’s body. But there is one very important thing that classifies me as otherwise.”

Twilight frowned. “The way you view yourself?”

Rarity shook her head. “You know I’ve always thought of myself as a mare, Twilight, and that’s the way I’d always like it to stay. It’s just that, well, my plumbing is a bit different from yours.”

“Um, in other words, she still has a penis,” Fluttershy added.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh, uh, that would be a pretty big thing.”

“Come now, Twilight, I’m sure it’s not that big,” Trixie snickered.

Twilight gave Trixie a light smack in retribution. “But if that’s the case, how come I’ve never seen it?”

“There’s a spell you can use to keep it hidden from the eye,” Trixie said while rubbing her muzzle. “It’s still susceptible to touch and smell, but it can’t be seen.”

Twilight furrowed her brows and rounded on Trixie. “Why would you know that?”

Trixie recoiled. “Oh, um, no reason.”

“You’re going to have to tell her eventually, dear,” Rarity counseled. “And this seems as good a time as any.”

Trixie hesitated.

“I know I said I wasn’t going to pry, but Rarity’s starting to get me curious,” Twilight coaxed.

Trixie sighed. “I’ll tell you later. I’m not entirely comfortable with an audience.”

“Now that doesn’t sound like the Trixie we’ve come to know at all,” Rarity chuckled.

“Well this is different,” Trixie countered. “It’s brought me shame and ridicule and loneliness.”

“And how is that so different from your stage personality?” Rarity ventured.

“I just….” Trixie sighed. “This is just something I need to talk with her alone about. You can tell Fluttershy if you want to, but please…”

“Alright, but don’t leave it too long, dear,” Rarity relented.

Trixie nodded before standing up. “Well, while it has been nice talking to you, I do believe another matter has come up that requires my attention. Twilight, if you would accompany me back to the library…”

Thoroughly intrigued, Twilight needed no further coaxing to follow at Trixie’s heels.

“So, um, what was that about?” Fluttershy asked once she was alone with Rarity.

“Why I came here or what we were just going on about?” Rarity returned.

Fluttershy blinked. “Oh, um, both I guess, but more the second one.”

Rarity chortled. “It really is a case I never thought I’d see, despite my own token upbringing.”

Fluttershy nodded expectantly.

“Trixie is not strictly a mare, but neither is she a stallion,” Rarity explained. “Despite her outward appearance of a mare, she is actually both.”

Fluttershy cocked her head. “Both as in… she has both?”

“Precisely,” Rarity grinned. “Though I don’t know if she’s sterile, I imagine she would make quite the partner.”

“I’ll say,” Fluttershy said, shaking her head. “I think I prefer your, um, arrangement, though.”

Rarity chuckled. “Now, about why I’m here. After staring at a bare ponnequine for half an hour, I decided I needed to clear my mind before I got to work. And now that it is no longer the heat of the moment, I’d like to know if you still feel the same way about all of this.”

“Of course I do,” Fluttershy insisted. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Even the bit involving Cheerilee?”

Fluttershy sighed. “Rarity, is it really so bad if I’m just not attracted to her in that way? She’s been a good friend in your absence, but that’s the only way I’ll ever see her, alright? And why do you keep bringing this up? Are you trying to get rid of me?” Fluttershy’s eyes began to tear up. “Do you not feel the same way? I love you, Rarity, but I haven’t heard you say it back.”

Rarity closed her eyes briefly before taking a step towards Fluttershy to hold the shy pegasus’ hoof against her chest. “Fluttershy, please don’t misunderstand me. I care about you very much, but if nothing else, we still owe Cheerilee an apology. I just want to make sure you can really love somepony like me, knowing what you do. But please understand that I haven’t had as long to think about this as you have, and I’m not ready to classify it just yet.”

Fluttershy sighed. “Well, when will you be?”

“After we’ve spent some more time together to figure things out,” Rarity promised. “I know you’re probably jealous of Big Macintosh, but I really can’t explain why things happened so fast between us. I feel like they may have gone a little too fast. That’s why I want to do right by you.”

Fluttershy smiled. “It’s just a different road to the same destination, then?”

Rarity smiled back. “In all likelihood, yes.”

“Then that’s good enough for me,” Fluttershy sighed in contentment.

Despite Trixie’s apparent misgivings, Twilight could not contain her enthusiasm. She had a good idea about what Trixie was about to tell her, and already her mind was abuzz with possibilities.

Practically leaping through the front door, Twilight wasted no time beating around the bush. “So, what was it that you wanted to tell me?”

Trixie hesitated. “Well, what do you think this is about?”

Twilight blinked. “I don’t like to jump to conclusions, but I’m guessing you’re in a situation similar to Rarity’s.”

Trixie sighed. “Similar, yes, but not quite the same.”

Twilight brightened. “Oh, you have to tell me all about it! It was crazy enough to know Rarity had something like that going on, but you! I mean, we’re going to be living together, so I don’t have to go out of my way or bother Rarity, when I can just ask you!”

“I’m sorry to disappoint, then, because my ‘situation’ is a bit different,” Trixie frowned.

Twilight cocked her head. “Were you not born a colt?”

“I was born exactly as I appear now,” Trixie answered.

Twilight frowned in confusion. “You were born transgendered?”

Trixie sighed. “I’m not transgendered, Twilight. I’m hermaphroditic.”

Twilight’s eyes bugged out as she gasped. “Oh my gosh, no way! That’s incredible! I never knew that was even possible! I always thought it was just somepony’s fantasy, but to think somepony so close is a living example… Oh, I have so many questions! Is one more sensitive than the other? Does the fact that you have the appearance of a mare correlate in any way to your genitalia? Do you have two urethras, or even two bladders? How does that even work? Are both of your parts fertile? I-“

“Twilight, please,” Trixie interrupted, face burning. “Could you please just… lay off on the questions a little bit? I didn’t expect you to take it quite so… well? This is the first time for me that my particular arrangement has been the subject of anything but ridicule.”

Twilight had the decency to look abashed. “Oh, I’m sorry, Trixie. I… kinda tend to get a little carried away sometimes.”

Trixie took a calming breath. “That’s quite alright. We all have our quirks. But I have to know… This doesn’t change anything between us, does it?”

Twilight was about to answer when the weight of the question hit her. “What do you mean?”

Trixie hesitated. “I don’t want you to view me any differently. I’m still a pony, just like you. I want to be your friend, Twilight, not an exhibit.”

“Oh,” Twilight responded, unable to shake off a pang of confusing disappointment. “Trixie, I would never let something like this come before friendship. I’m just curious about a lot of things, and I guess I could use a little work at hiding it. And I know it sounds silly, but I wouldn’t be half as excited as I am if you weren’t my friend.”

“And why is that exactly?” Trixie prompted.

“Well, in my experiences, friends are a bit more open to that sort of thing,” Twilight explained. “Maybe it’s just because they know to humor me. But that you’re at least willing to hear me out is enough for now. I promised I wouldn’t pry, and breaking a promise is one of the fastest ways to lose a friend forever.”

Trixie smiled. “Clearly there’s still much I can learn from you.”

Twilight smiled back. “Likewise.”

Trixie chuckled. “And so you know, I do have two urethras, but only one bladder.”

Twilight blinked. “That sounds like it would be really awkward.”

“It’s an art to be sure,” Trixie admitted. “But it does cut down on the amount of time I have to sit still.”

Twilight giggled. “I guess it would. I assume you use the fillies’ room, then?”

Trixie cocked a brow. “Of course; I can hardly imagine what crude rituals transpire in the colts’ room. Not to mention the looks I’d get.”

Twilight chuckled. “I feel terrible about laughing at this.”

Trixie smiled. “Don’t. It’s nice to be the source of harmless humor for once.”

Twilight wrapped a hoof companionably around Trixie’s shoulders. “Feel free to ignore my, uh, other questions for now.”

Trixie snickered. “Keep pampering my good side and you might find out.”

Twilight blushed, retracting her hoof. “I… I didn’t mean that-“

Trixie cackled at Twilight’s expression. “Feeling a little naughty, are we?”

“Well, it sounded like you were coming onto me!” Twilight insisted.

“All in good time,” Trixie teased. “Nice to know the offer’s on the table, though.”

Twilight could not figure out anything to say that wouldn’t lead to more embarrassment, so she opted to remain silent while Trixie had her laugh. At least until a hint of green disappeared out of the corner of her eye in the direction of the stairs. Twilight sagged onto the floor and attempted to hide beneath her hooves. She could only hope Spike hadn’t heard anything incriminating.

As Applejack gazed upon her drum set, she thought back to something they had talked about yesterday. “Hey, Rainbow?”

Rainbow’s head popped up from the far side of the bed. “What’s up?”

“Ah remember askin’ ya yesterday about what all this stuff is we’re gettin’ inta; this heavy metal stuff,” Applejack began. “But Ah never remember you tellin’ me where it came from.”

Rainbow chortled. “Because I know you’re never gonna believe me.”

Applejack frowned. “Try me.”

Rainbow appraised Applejack for a few moments before speaking. “Alright, this is gonna sound ridiculous, but you remember that one time the Cutie Mark Crusaders tried to play their theme song for the school talent show a few years back?”

Applejack’s brow furrowed. “Yeah…”

Rainbow coughed. “Well, I dunno if you noticed, but not everypony was laughing out there. You see, as bad as they were, they brought something that ponies had never heard before; a certain kind of edge that was really just Scoot singing way off key.”

Applejack blinked. “So yer tellin’ me they messed up so bad, it wasn’t even rock anymore?”

“No, it was still rock, but more… abrasive. Heavier than anything else at the time,” Rainbow clarified. “So, what should have been an unmitigated disaster actually managed to spark something in a few ponies in the audience, and, well, that eventually lead to heavy metal being born.”

Applejack sputtered for a few moments before regaining the ability to articulate. “Let me get this straight, mah sister and her friends created a whole new genre of music all because Scootaloo can’t sing?”

“I said you weren’t gonna believe me,” Rainbow shrugged.

“And now we’re doin’ somethin’ that wouldn’t even exist if the Crusaders had just stuck to what they’re used to?” Applejack continued.

Rainbow nodded calmly. “Funny how things turn out sometimes, right?”

“Ah… Ah don’t even know what ta say anymore,” Applejack muttered.

“Good, ‘cause if we wait too much longer, Tavi and Scratch will probably start lunch without us,” Rainbow jested.

Applejack shook her head in defeat before hefting her heavy instrument and following her hungry marefriend out the door. It was things like this that really challenged her view of the world. But sometimes things happen, and sometimes they happen faster than you expect.

Looking ahead at Rainbow pacing impatiently, Applejack smirked. No matter what happened, she could always count on Rainbow to be the first one to discover what happened next. That’s what this day was to be all about; putting everything else aside and focusing on what mattered most, and wherever that may take them.

“You think Tavi’s gonna make that casserole again today?”

But of course, even the most important days could not be spent in total solitude.

“Whatever it is, Ah’m sure it’ll be a nice treat,” Applejack assured.

“I swear, she’s almost as good a cook as you!” Rainbow praised. “Almost. Not much can beat one of your Zap Apple pies. You know, that gives me an idea, have you ever tried to make Zap Apple cider?”

“Not that Ah ever heard of,” Applejack admitted. “Zap Apple harvest ain’t too far away, neither.”

“But what about those year-round Zap Apples you showed me?” Rainbow pressed.

Applejack chuckled. “You do want that ta stay a secret, don’t ya?”

“I could help with the brewing! Come on,” Rainbow insisted.

Applejack shook her head. “No can do, sugarcube. Takes a bit more ‘n hard work ta whip up a proper batch.”

Rainbow frowned. “Well, then what do you need?”

“An extra barrel, fer one,” Applejack answered smoothly. “Nothin’ gets past an Apple family inspection.”

“We could always just buy one of those,” Rainbow offered.

“With whose money?” Applejack poked. “Mac would find that quicker than a worm in an apple. Besides, we need a whole lot more than an empty barrel and an apple ta make cider.”

Rainbow’s head sagged. “Fine, but I get the first mug.”

Applejack rolled her eyes humoredly. “Ah’ll pour yers first, but you ain’t gonna drink ‘till we toast. Never know what ta expect when ya try somethin’ new with Zap Apples.”

Rainbow blinked. “Why, you ever had a bad experience with them before?”

“Word of advice, never try ta eat a Zap Apple raw unless ya wanna lose half yer tongue.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “What? Are they sharp or something?”

“Nah, but it’ll give ya a pretty nasty shock. Probably burn yer taste buds off,” Applejack clarified.

“Not talking from personal experience, I hope?” Rainbow ventured.

Applejack chuckled. “’Course not. How else could Ah taste the difference between different kinds of apples?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno, make something up?”

“You know how good Ah am at lyin’,” Applejack jested.

Rainbow chortled. “Yeah, probably not the most effective method.”

Applejack nodded, lapsing into silence.

Given a chance to wander, Rainbow’s mind settled on a new topic. “Wonder how things are going with Fluttershy.”

“Wonder er worry?” Applejack smirked.

Rainbow sighed. “Could you really blame me if I said both? You already know how hard it is not to worry about her, and you don’t have the kind of history I do with her.”

Applejack’s smirk softened to a smile. “Ah know, it just ain’t like ya ta worry.”

“Well this is the first time she’s been hit on by somepony who mattered,” Rainbow insisted. “I mean, she shrugged off that mess with Thunderlane just fine, but that’s different. Thunderlane’s just a jerk, but Cheerilee means something to her.”

“What happened ta focusin’ on us today?” Applejack challenged.

Rainbow took a deep breath. “You’re right, I’m sorry… I guess I’m just a little nervous.”

“Nervous about tonight?” Applejack cocked a brow. “Rainbow, we’ve been rollin’ in the hay every day.”

Rainbow blushed. “Well, yeah, but that’s different. With sex, we can just do whatever and don’t have to worry about romance.”

Applejack frowned. “So yer sayin’ yer only gettin’ frisky with me ‘cause you think Ah’m sexy, not ‘cause ya like me?”

Rainbow recoiled. “What? No, that’s not what I’m saying at all!”

Applejack stopped in her tracks to fix her gaze firmly on Rainbow. She waited for Rainbow to stop before asking, “Then what are ya sayin’?”

Rainbow sighed. “Applejack, we already know that we really like each other. That’s why this all started. But now we’re going to really have to start thinking about stuff instead of just letting it happen. Doesn’t that make you at least a little bit nervous?”

Applejack remained silent for a few moments to formulate the most probing question. “What exactly haven’t you been thinkin’ about ‘till now?”

Rainbow hesitated. “Well, maybe that’s not the right word. There really hasn’t been anything I haven’t thought about. But we’re going to have to really do something about it now, and I don’t mean sex or kissing.”

“Care ta specify?” Applejack prompted.

“Well, you know…” Rainbow tried to insinuate.

Applejack held firm.

Rainbow sighed, finally relenting. “I’m talking about love, alright? Commitment. Things that are going to be hard for us.”

Applejack scrutinized Rainbow. “And why is commitment gonna be hard for us?”

Rainbow blinked. “Applejack, I got accepted into the Wonderbolts and have a month to decide what to do with the next ten years of my life.”

Applejack sighed, casting her head down.

Rainbow donned a sad smile as she threw a hoof around Applejack’s shoulders in comfort. “I wish it could be easier, too. All I want is to have more time to figure us out without anything bearing down our necks, but we can’t have that. The Wonderbolts don’t wait for anypony, and this is gonna be my one chance to get in. Is it really so bad to be nervous about who I’m going to be committing the rest of my life to?”

Applejack looked up at Rainbow with an expression of shock.

Rainbow chuckled. “Come on, AJ. You’ve gotta give me a little more credit than that.”

Applejack found herself unable to articulate words for several moments before she managed to speak again. “Rainbow, Ah really like you, but Ah’m just not ready ta start thinkin’ about marriage yet.”

Rainbow’s eyes threatened to pop right out of her head. “Wh-I-That’s not what I meant! I mean, yes, but… I can’t… I just meant whether I’m gonna be spending the next ten years with the Wonderbolts or with you on the farm.”

“Oh,” Applejack offered in response.

Rainbow averted her gaze from Applejack in an attempt to conceal her burning cheeks, but immediately wished she hadn’t. “Uh, Applejack?”

“What’s up, sugarcube?” Applejack attempted to ask casually.

Rainbow gulped. “We didn’t just have this conversation in the middle of the road, did we?”

Applejack’s limbs locked up, nearly sending her tumbling to the ground. Rainbow, however, reacted quickly enough to stop her fall. All too conscious of the stares following them, Rainbow led the rest of the way to Octavia’s house in silence.

As soon as the door cracked open in response to Rainbow’s insistent knocks, Rainbow, Applejack and Vinyl Scratch fell into a jumble of limbs on the welcome mat. Much to the relief of the former two mares, the door had somehow shut amidst the confusion.

Applejack helped Vinyl to her hooves before quietly taking her seat on the couch next to Rainbow Dash.

“Is everything okay?” Vinyl asked slowly.

“Just dandy!” Applejack answered.

“Except that me and AJ just damn near proposed to each other in the middle of Mane Street!” Rainbow added.

Vinyl blinked slowly. “I’m gonna go check on lunch now.”

Rainbow groaned, slumping onto Applejack’s shoulder. “Next time, could you please just let it go?”

“Ah reckon Ah heard all Ah needed and then some,” Applejack agreed.

“Of all the times to live in a small town,” Rainbow lamented.

Applejack blushed. “Ah’m sure there’ll still be a few ponies we can talk to.”

“And one in particular who’s gonna be all over us the minute we leave this house,” Rainbow added.

Applejack sighed. “Why do we keep doing this to each other?”

“Normally I’d make a joke about tough love, but I really don’t want to talk about love right now.”

Despite herself, Applejack could not contain a chuckle. That chuckle turned into a giggle, and before long, she found that she could not stop laughing. Rainbow couldn’t help but join in as all the tension in the room seemed to melt away.

“You do know we owe those ponies a show now tonight, don’t ya?” Applejack jested.

Rainbow snickered. “Just so long as you wait ‘till we make it home before we throw down.”

“Good thing the roads ain’t paved with hay,” Applejack giggled.

Rainbow cackled. “I’m not the only one who just got the idea to hide in a pile of hay in the barn for the night, am I?”

Applejack chortled. “Ah’m sure givin’ it a good romp will do wonders fer the flavor.”

“That is now my fetish,” Rainbow proclaimed.

In the kitchen, Vinyl and Octavia shared a few giggles of their own as they let their guests blow off some steam.

After a brief visit from the doctor, Scootaloo was given clearance to walk around the hospital, much to the delight of the Crusaders, and Scootaloo in particular.

Scootaloo stretched her limbs out, sighing in contentment. “Feels good to be out of that bed all day.”

“Hopefully we’ll get to take you home soon,” Sweetie Belle chirped.

“Still gonna be a while ‘fore you can get back to scooterin’, though.” Apple Bloom added.

“I’ll just be grateful to sleep in whoever’s house we go to,” Scootaloo chuckled. “We haven’t been to Sweetie’s house in a while.”

Sweetie Belle frowned. “Not since we got together.”

“Yer parents aren’t still mad at ya, are they?” Apple Bloom asked gently.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “I don’t know. I hope not. But we’d probably be better off going to your place, Apple Bloom.”

“Don’t you miss sleeping in your own bed?” Scootaloo ventured.

Sweetie Belle blushed. “I’m happy sleeping wherever you two are.”

Apple Bloom smiled. “Well, ya have ta stand up to ‘em eventually. But we won’t rush ya.”

Scootaloo nodded. “We’re here for you, too, Belle.”

“Thanks, you guys,” Sweetie Belle said, giving each of them a nuzzle on their way out of the hospital room.

“So, where to, y’all?” Apple Bloom prompted.

Scootaloo’s stomach rumbled in answer. “Uh, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m still pretty hungry.”

“That’s great!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “I mean, both because it must mean you’re feeling better, and because I’m feeling pretty hungry, too.”

Apple Bloom chuckled. “Well, lead the way then, Sweetie Belle.”

“Oh, um, actually, I have no idea where the food court is,” Sweetie Belle revealed.

Scootaloo cocked her head. “Then where did you get that apple?”

“Uh, well, there was this food cart nearby, and um, I don’t actually have any money, so…” Sweetie Belle smiled nervously. “I may have just stolen it.”

Apple Bloom blinked. “Livin’ on the edge, Sweetie.”

“It was for a good cause!” Sweetie Belle argued. “Besides, it’s not like they saw me or anything. Magic’s good for that sort of thing.”

“Well, it can’t be too hard to find the food court, right?” Scootaloo supposed. “We just need to find one of those map things.”

Upon finding one such terminal a short ways from her room, Scootaloo scanned the map for the distinctive eating utensils that usually signified the food court of an establishment. “Okay, looks like it’s on the second floor. Where are we?”

Sweetie Belle indicated the red dot that held the words ‘You are here.’

“Oh, cool, we’re on the second floor!” Scootaloo cheered.

“Now we just have to figure out how ta get there from here,” Apple Bloom said, feeling as though she was playing one of those pencil maze games, only she didn’t have a pencil to mark her tracks.

“Couldn’t they make it a little less confusing? I mean, it’s not like you have to fit everypony in Ponyville in here,” Scootaloo grumbled, tracing a hoof along a possible path that lead to another dead end.

“And why are there so many bathrooms?” Sweetie Belle wondered. “I mean, I know they’re probably one-pony bathrooms so they don’t spread anything, but still.”

Scootaloo frowned. “Wait, why would having one pony at a time per bathroom make it so they don’t spread anything?”

“Well, it would limit the time the ponies would be in contact with each other,” Sweetie Belle explained.

“If there’s not a line, yeah,” Scootaloo supposed. “But it’s not like they clean the rooms between ponies or something, is it? I mean, if you have multiple stalls, then at least you’re not guaranteed to be sitting on the same toilet every single time.”

“Applejack told me that’s only a problem for ponies with certain kinds of conditions,” Apple Bloom cut in.

Scootaloo frowned. “So what, they have special bathrooms for those ponies or something?”

“That sounds like it would be really confusing,” Sweetie Belle agreed.

“Well, what in this place isn’t confusin’? We can’t even figure out how ta get to the food court!” Apple Bloom insisted.

“Wait, I think I found the way!” Scootaloo said, waving her free hoof. “Yes! Okay, I think I got it. Stay close so we don’t get lost.”

Sweetie Belle cheered while Apple Bloom followed along uncertainly. Wherever they ended up, it was going to be a miracle if they ever made it back.

“So, I take it we’ll be hearing about your shenanigans for the next few days,” Vinyl snickered as Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat themselves at the table.

Rainbow shrugged. “They can say whatever they want, because I’m pretty sure this was all an accident. No way am I thinking about marriage yet.”

“Well, maybe we should,” Applejack supposed. She continued at the raised eyebrow from Rainbow. “Ah mean, chances might be this is the last month Ah’m really gonna be able ta spend with you fer a long time.”

“AJ, come on, you know I’m not gonna just ditch you for the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow punched Applejack lightly in the shoulder. “I’m not the fastest flyer in the world for nothing, you know.”

“I don’t know, in my experiences, speed and endurance tend to clash,” Vinyl chimed in.

Rainbow frowned at Vinyl. “Shut up, Scratch.”

Vinyl held her hooves up in a pacifying manner, returning to her meal.

Applejack sighed. “You know Ah’ll support ya no matter what ya decide, Dash, but Ah can’t ask somethin’ like that of ya.”

Rainbow cocked a brow. “Why not? It’d probably help with my conditioning.”

“Ah don’t wanna see ya hurt yerself just fer me,” Applejack worried. “What would you want me to do if Ah found you passed out on the porch?”

“I’d want you to take me in and cuddle up next to me on the bed,” Rainbow answered with a smile.

“Wow, sappy much?”

Rainbow grit her teeth. “I thought I told you to shut up, Scratch.”

“Yes, please, Vinyl. Their situation is delicate enough without your snide remarks,” Octavia added.

Rainbow relaxed visibly. “Thanks, Tavi. And I wouldn’t just be doing this for you, AJ. I’d be doing it for us.”

Applejack smiled. “Yer real sweet, Rainbow.”

Rainbow smiled back, giving Applejack a nuzzle. “Only for you, AJ.”

“Now can we get to the lessons already?” Vinyl harped.

“Chillax, Scratch. We haven’t even eaten yet,” Rainbow placated.

Vinyl harrumphed. “Well hurry up.”

“Grumpy today, are we, Scratch?” Rainbow teased.

Vinyl frowned. “I’m not grumpy. I’m impatient.”

“Then perhaps a change of topic is in order,” Octavia suggested. “Now, what would be the best kind of topic to distract Vinyl?”

“Oh, I know!” Rainbow answered almost instantly. “If you could have a threesome with anypony in Equestria, who would it be?”

Vinyl scoffed. “That’s easy, I’d pick-“

Octavia blinked at Vinyl’s abrupt cut-off. “Who would you pick, dear? I promise I won’t be offended by your answer.”

Vinyl shook her head. “No, it’s… We just made up over something like this.”

Octavia frowned. “I would prefer you not keep secrets from me, Vinyl.”

“Alright, fine,” Vinyl groaned. “Just don’t be mad at me, please.”

“I already promised you that, Vinyl,” Octavia restated.

Vinyl sighed. “Lyra. Hooves down.”

Octavia cocked a brow. “I thought you said things didn’t work out between you.”

“They didn’t!” Vinyl insisted. “Well, I guess they kinda did for a while. But then I started thinking about you, and I just couldn’t believe how far I’d gone without you, and I hated myself for liking my time with her, but…”

Seeing Octavia unsatisfied, Vinyl turned her gaze to her hooves instead. “I know I’ve never really explained it that well. But I never loved her, and sometimes I even wondered if I liked her. But there was just something that always brought me back to her. I guess you could call it a love-hate relationship, except more lust than love. And I guess that lust never really went away.”

After Vinyl lapsed into silence at that admission, Octavia sighed, at last allowing some emotion back into her features. “Do you care about her more deeply than that?”

Vinyl closed her eyes. “Beyond a lingering feeling of sexual attachment, all I can ever see her as is a friend.”

“And what do you see me as?” Octavia prompted.

Vinyl opened her eyes and smiled. “I see you as a lot of things, Tavi. My lover, my best friend, my marefriend… But more than anything, Tavi, you’re the pony I love.”

Octavia let out a breath. “You’ve really become one complicated mare, Vinyl.”

“I’m not asking you to understand me,” Vinyl ventured, “just to love me.”

“You realize I take that as a challenge,” Octavia smiled.

Vinyl smiled back. “Didn’t expect anything less.”

“And that’s all of your secrets now?” Octavia inquired.

“And here I was thinking I’d get by without letting on my top secret wedding plans,” Vinyl jested.

Octavia chortled. “I take that as a yes.”

“Does that mean we’re married now?”

Octavia shoved Vinyl lightly before rethinking the motion and pulling her into a kiss. “One of these days, I’m going to figure out what to do with you.”

“A noble life goal,” Vinyl proclaimed. “I’ll have to come up with one of my own some time.”

Octavia smiled. “I love you anyway.”

“Well I love you always,” Vinyl retorted.

Octavia smirked. “I love you forever.”

“Then I love you five-ever.”

“And that’s why I love you,” Octavia concluded.

Vinyl cocked a brow. “Because I love you more?”

Octavia chuckled. “I meant because of your adorable grasp of grammar.”

“Oh. Well, I do,” Vinyl declared.

Having finished her meal, Rainbow turned her attention to Applejack. “So, how about you, AJ?”

Applejack blinked. “Beg pardon?”

“The question,” Rainbow reminded. “If you could have a threesome with anypony in Equestria, who would it be?”

Applejack frowned. “Ah don’t know, Rainbow. Ah guess that’s more your thing.”

“You mean you wouldn’t?” Rainbow cocked a brow.

Applejack shrugged. “Ah’m fine goin’ along with whatever you want.”

“So you wouldn’t enjoy a threesome?” Rainbow pressed.

“Of course Ah’d enjoy it,” Applejack assured. “Just, well, you’re really the only pony Ah’m attracted to. So Ah’d just go with whoever you choose.”

Rainbow frowned. “So just anypony, then?”

Applejack hesitated. “Well, Ah guess Ah would have ta keep some standards. Like, no relatives or nothin’.”

Rainbow chortled. “Aw, so the threesome with Braeburn is out of the question?”

Applejack cringed. “Of all ponies, ya had ta say Braeburn.”

“Well, he’s the only cousin of yours I know,” Rainbow shrugged.

“There’s Pinkie, too,” Applejack insisted.

“Oh, yeah,” Rainbow nodded. “Wait, what?”

“Ain’t important,” Applejack deflected. “Who’d be yer pick?”

Rainbow blinked. “Well, apparently Pinkie’s out of the question, then. Doesn’t really make it any easier, though. There are just so many ponies; I don’t know how I’d pick just one.”

“Then can Ah at least know who’s in the runnin’?” Applejack asked. “Gotta know what to expect and all.”

“Well, if we’re just talking about threesomes, then Trixie, obviously. And let’s see, there’s Spitfire and Daring Do and Twilight…“

“Twilight?” Applejack balked.

“Well, yeah. She’s got a pretty nice body for an egghead. And she did help us get together,” Rainbow explained.

“But why just her, and not any of our other friends, then?”

“Well, you just said no sex with relatives, and Rarity’s with Mac, so that rules out a foursome. Fluttershy would never agree to something like that, and rape is definitely not cool. Plus, Cheerilee’s like, older. And if Pinkie’s your cousin that rules her out, too.”

Applejack frowned. “Well, Ah guess so.”

“Besides, if Twilight and Trixie really do have a thing, that would be a killer foursome,” Rainbow added. “Wait, does it count if the other ponies are relatives, but not to either of us?”

Applejack thought for a moment. “Well, if they’re already goin’ at it themselves… Ah don’t know, it’d be kinda weird.”

“Fair enough,” Rainbow supposed

“So, that all the ponies on the list?” Applejack asked.

“Well, if we could ever track down Lightning Dust…” Rainbow smirked. “She’s pretty hot. Though if we were talking about foursomes, that’s a whole different story.”

“So fictional characters and possible relationships aside, that just leaves Spitfire and Lightning Dust,” Applejack concluded.

“Hey, Daring Do could be real,” Rainbow insisted. “I mean, who wouldn’t do somepony like that?”

“Somepony who isn’t daring enough to do her, obviously,” Vinyl chimed in.

Rainbow’s mouth drew a line. “Scratch, I don’t think I need to tell you how bad that was.”

Vinyl shrugged. “Hey, don’t name your character something suggestive, then.”

“Moving on,” Rainbow dismissed, “Spitfire would make for a pretty awesome threesome. And Scratch, if you’re going to make a joke about how she’d be a hot buck, don’t.”

“Eh, it wouldn’t be funny anymore anyways,” Vinyl supposed.

“You sure she’s single?” Applejack ventured.

“Unless she’s really good at hiding it, yeah,” Rainbow confirmed. “Besides, I kinda saved her life that one time, so she owes me.”

“Ah’m sure she fantasizes about ya every night,” Applejack joked.

“Just as long as Soarin’ doesn’t,” Rainbow shuddered. “That would be creepy.”

“Soarin’s not that bad,” Vinyl countered.

“Have you ever been to a Wonderbolts airshow where a stallion did a flyby over your head? That was the first time I saw balls,” Rainbow quipped.

Applejack blinked slowly. “Well, how about Lightning Dust?”

Rainbow tilted her head. “I don’t know. She might hate my guts. But if she doesn’t…”

“So, not that this hasn’t been a riveting conversation, but I am getting rather eager to hear the story of how you two met.” Octavia cut in.

“It’s nowhere near as complicated as yers is,” Applejack warned.

“So, something that won’t leave us incapacitated afterward so we can actually do stuff?” Vinyl hoped.

“It’s not really all that interesting,” Applejack confirmed.

“Hey, it was plenty interesting!” Rainbow argued. “There just wasn’t any sex or anything.”

Applejack frowned. “We were ten, Dash. Of course there weren’t no sex.”

“So, anyway, it was a couple months since we got our cutie marks,” Rainbow began. “I got bored of school because it wasn’t teaching me anything about flying, which was stupid because I just got a cutie mark in that and nothing changed, and it was the last day anyway. So I decided to ditch school that day and go on an adventure instead.

“At some point, that lead me to Sweet Apple Acres. I’d always loved apples, so seeing that many got me really excited. I flew up to the most delicious-looking tree, ate all the apples on it, and fell asleep.”

“Only problem was that was the same day Ah was gonna start apple-buckin’,” Applejack picked up. “That was gonna be the first tree Ah ever bucked, ‘cept there weren’t no apples on it no more.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, I had no idea they belonged to anypony. That was the first time I’d seen an apple tree up close.”

“Well, anyway, we had the spot all marked up, which mighta been why Rainbow was drawn to it.”

Applejack yawned, popping out of bed, grabbing her trusty new hat and racing downstairs. “Today’s the day, Mac! Ah’m gonna buck mah first tree!”

“Ho there, youngin’. You ain’t gonna do nothin’ ‘till ya’ve had yer breakfast,” Granny Smith called before Applejack could escape.

Applejack hung her head slightly and trotted over to the kitchen.

Big Macintosh was there to give Applejack’s mane a rustle. At least he would have if his hoof was not blocked by Applejack’s new headwear.

“Ha, you can’t do that no more, big brother. Ah’ve got protection now!” Applejack cheered.

“That what that is now?” Big Mac chuckled. “Ah know yer excited ‘bout today, but things are gonna be a little rough this year. Just gonna be us this time, so Ah’m gonna need yer help all summer, not just an afternoon.”

Applejack sighed and cast her eyes to the plate before her. “You sure we’re gonna be able ta do it all by ourselves?”

“Ain’t gonna find out just talkin’ about it. Now eat up so we can get goin’,” Big Mac said, excusing himself from the table.

As Applejack began to eat, Granny Smith sighed, rocking the crib of little Apple Bloom absently. “Ah know he looks fine, but he’s hurtin’ too, child.”

“Hurting about what?” Vinyl asked.

Applejack sighed. “That weren’t too long since Ma n’ Pa passed. It was a tough Applebuck Season, but we got through it just fine.”

Rainbow offered Applejack a supporting hoof until she recovered enough to continue.

The apple siblings came to Applejack’s designated tree to find it puzzlingly bare of apples.

Big Mac frowned. “That’s funny. Coulda sworn this tree was ripe an hour ago.”

“Maybe they’re just hidin’,” Applejack supposed.

“Ain’t ever heard of such a thing,” Big Mac grunted. “Now come on, we’ll just need ta find another tree fer you ta-“

“No! Ah don’t want another tree!” Applejack protested. “This is the first tree Pa bucked, the first tree you bucked, and dang if it ain’t gonna be the first one Ah buck!”

Before Mac could offer a retort, Applejack reared up and delivered a powerful kick to the storied trunk. Through the haze of her passion, she was barely able to make out the sound of something rustling in the branches.

“See? What’d Ah tell ya? They’re just hidin’!” Applejack proclaimed victoriously. “Just need one more buck ta-“

Before the apple siblings’ bewildered eyes, a spectacularly colorful pony fell from the branches and landed perfectly into the apple bucket face-first. Judging from the snore magnified by the acoustics of the bucket’s small confines, the pony was also spectacularly asleep.

“Maybe she’s the one who took all the apples!” Applejack concluded, stomping a hoof for emphasis. Tipping the bucket over so the rainbow-maned pegasus spilled out solved nothing, so Applejack lowered her mouth to the problem pony’s ear and shouted, “Wake up, ya thievin’ varmint!”

Rainbow Dash jolted awake, smacking her forehead painfully against Applejack’s and sending each of them tumbling in opposite directions. “Ow, what was-“

“Gimme back mah apples!” Applejack demanded.

Rainbow blinked. “Your apples? They were just sitting here in this tree!”

“So you did take ‘em,” Applejack accused.

“If by take you mean eat, then yeah,” Rainbow affirmed. “You got a problem with that?”

“Of course Ah do!” Applejack snapped. “You come inta my orchard, eat all the apples in the one tree Ah was gonna buck, and then ya have the nerve ta fall asleep in it! Ah don’t even know who you are!”

Rainbow grinned. “Name’s Rainbow Dash. Fastest filly in Equestria.”

Applejack snorted, unimpressed. “Oh, really? Then how come ya didn’t speed on outta here when ya had the chance?”

“Because naps take priority sometimes,” Rainbow shot back. “It’s not easy staying awesome all day. Why, what super amazing thing did you do to get a cutie mark like that?”

“Exactly what we’re talkin’ about,” Applejack boasted. “Me an’ mah brother run this here place. We own all these trees all around ya, and even the ground yer sittin’ on. We grow and harvest these here apples so we can sell ‘em at the market and feed our family. Ah don’t see yer family anywhere.”

“Of course you don’t, I live in the clouds,” Rainbow sneered. “So all you do is buck these trees all day, huh? That doesn’t sound so hard.”

Applejack bristled. “Oh yeah? Well why don’t you try it, featherbrain?”

“Maybe I will!” Rainbow retorted. “Watch and learn, apple girl.”

Mac spoke up apprehensively, “Wait, Ah don’t-“

Rainbow reared up in a display of a complete lack of proper technique before lashing out awkwardly with a single leg. Upon contact, Rainbow’s leg crumpled at an impossible angle, which Rainbow acknowledged with a howl of pain before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

“What happened? What did she do?” Applejack fretted, examining Rainbow’s prone form.

“Ah’ll go get Granny, you stay here in case she wakes up,” Mac instructed.

Applejack nodded feebly.

“So wait, Applejack, does that mean Rainbow was your first buck in more ways than one?” Vinyl interrupted.

Applejack blinked. “Uh, Ah guess so…”

“And Applejack gave me my first broken bone,” Rainbow added.

Applejack chuckled. “First of many.”

Rainbow grinned. “Still counting.”

Rainbow opened her eyes blearily, slowly focusing upon a round, orange shape.

“Oh, thank Celestia you’re awake,” Applejack sighed in relief. “You really had me worried there.”

Rainbow blinked. “Wait, what? Where am I?”

“Yer in mah room,” Applejack explained calmly.

Rainbow recognized the face her vision settled upon. “You’re that girl from before. But why would you…?”

“Ah couldn’t just leave ya out there, now could Ah?”

“But all I did was cause problems and talk down to you, and now you bring me to your home?” Rainbow pressed, attempting to sit up.

Applejack’s hoof pushed Rainbow back down before she could tweak her injury. “You ain’t goin’ nowhere with that leg, sugarcube. Granny says you broke it pretty bad. Yer hooves looked awful, too; not just the one ya cracked. You don’t use ‘em much, do ya?”

Rainbow frowned. “Uh, no, I usually just fly everywhere.”

“Well, we trimmed ‘em down for ya,” Applejack informed. “Can’t imagine they weren’t hurtin’ somethin’ fierce.”

“Wait a minute, I was supposed to be in school today,” Rainbow remembered. “I should have been home by now. I can’t get stuck down here without telling my parents where I am.”

“Mac’s already got a letter written up if ya wanna add anythin’ to it,” Applejack answered. “We just gotta know where to send it.”

“Oh, I could just put the address on the envelope. But why would you go through all this trouble for me?”

Applejack chuckled. “’Cause Ah can tell we got off on the wrong hoof. And if yer gonna be stayin’ with us a few days, might as well make friends, right?”

Rainbow smiled. “I do really like apples. What’s your name, by the way?”

“Ah’m Applejack,” Applejack introduced herself. “Pleased ta meet ya, Rainbow Dash.”

“Aw, how cute,” Octavia chuckled at the completion of their tale.

“I still don’t buy that not ending in sex part,” Vinyl added.

“It did,” Rainbow defended, “just not for another eight years.”

Applejack chortled. “It was a good thing ya only broke one o’ yer legs, er ya mighta been around long enough fer that ta happen.”

Rainbow blinked. “You mean you were secretly fantasizing about me way back then?”

“No, Ah meant ya mighta stayed the whole eight years,” Applejack clarified. “We were just fillies, Rainbow. Ah didn’t even know what sex was.”

“So, if you had known, would you have done it with me?” Rainbow ventured.

Applejack frowned. “Rainbow, ain’t it enough we’re doin’ it now? Who knows what coulda happened?”

“You could have gotten bored and never approached each other romantically,” Octavia suggested.

“Ah don’t even know why we’re talkin’ about this anymore,” Applejack sighed. “Now can’t we just get on to what we came here for?”

“I don’t know, I think you’d have to set the mood first,” Vinyl jested.

“Ah meant the lessons, not the foursome!” Applejack insisted.

Vinyl grinned. “So, that is still on the table, then?”

“Yeah, but not today, Scratch,” Rainbow came to Applejack’s defense. “AJ and I were just gonna come here for our lessons before we hit the town tonight.”

“You mean you’re finally going to go on a proper date?” Octavia guessed.

Rainbow frowned. “I don’t know about proper, but yeah. It’s not like we’re putting on fancy dresses and going to eat at some snooty restaurant. I mean, not that it’s not a special occasion, it’s just that we really prefer not to get dressed up. We only really go along with that stuff when we’re in a group so we don’t stick out or anything. Peer pressure and all that stuff.”

“And Ah’d prefer ta eat somewhere portions are bigger ‘n a mouthful,” Applejack added. “But it’dbe nice not ta have to interrupt the night goin’ all the way home fer dinner.”

“So we’d probably stick to somewhere… normal,” Rainbow concluded.

Vinyl shrugged. “Fair enough. The living room fine for you, Tavi, or should we use the music room?”

“Wherever is fine,” Octavia smiled. “I rather enjoy watching you get worked up.”

“Cool, I was thinking you could help AJ out with her drums,” Rainbow put in.

Octavia cocked a brow. “I know nothing of percussion instruments. And I would say that Vinyl is the expert on hitting things in this house.”

“Well, yeah, but you’re an earth pony,” Rainbow continued. “So you have to hold that thing you use for your cello in your hooves. And Applejack’s gonna have to do that with her drumsticks, so…”

“Ah, it’s actually not as difficult as it looks,” Octavia explained. “And Applejack has a much larger area to grasp than I do. Really all you have to do is clutch it against your leg with your ankle.”

Reaching for said objects, Applejack attempted to pick them up in the manner Octavia described. It proved easy enough to hold just one. The problem was getting a grip on the second without losing her grip on the first. Applejack attempted this several more times before finally thinking to use her tail, completing her task with a satisfied grunt.

“Now the trick is to not grasp too tightly, so you can maneuver the sticks without dropping them,” Octavia coached.

It took Applejack a few tries, but she got the technique down. “Alright, what now? Don’t suppose you know anythin’ about drums, do ya, Vinyl?”

“I know the basics, but nothing advanced,” Vinyl explained. “You’d have to figure some of it out on your own.”

“It shouldn’t be that difficult,” Rainbow voted. “I mean, you already smack things for a living, and you’ve got your wood right there, and the sides are colored like apples.”

Applejack blinked. “Ah guess, but the only thing that comes outta these things is noise.”

“And the only thing you’d be using your back legs for is the bass drum,” Vinyl mentioned. “Still, I guess it’s sorta like bucking trees. In some weird kinda way that won’t really help us out.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, I’m already using my wings to play. Figured there must be something Applejack can use.”

“It’s more about technique and precision than power, though,” Vinyl explained. “Speed, too, to some point. All you’d get from power is a busted drumhead or cracked cymbals.”

“But the harder you hit it, the louder the sound, right?”

“Playing loudly isn’t the same as playing well,” Vinyl frowned.

Octavia cocked a brow. “Which is precisely the reason you always play your music so loudly, yes?”

Vinyl bristled. “Hey, it’s easier to appreciate something if it’s louder, alright? It’s not like classical music where everything’s right there. There’s other stuff that’s harder to make out when it’s quiet.”

“Yes, I’m aware of how sound works, Vinyl,” Octavia quipped. “But there is a tolerable volume for everything that I believe should not be exceeded. Quite frankly I’m amazed that your ears have not ruptured from the abuse you subject them to.”

“Lucky for us drums have a built-in limit,” Vinyl grunted. “Well, unless you hooked them up to an amp, but that seems kinda… weird.”

“Redundant is the word you’re looking for, I believe,” Octavia chimed.

Vinyl was not listening as she went on, “I guess if the space was big enough it’d do something. But then you’d still hear the un-amped sounds if you were up close, and that’d be kinda weird. So then you’d have to do something to muffle that somehow…”

“Ah think we lost ‘er,” Applejack observed.

“You know, with a few modifications I think I could make this work,” Vinyl grinned. “Can I borrow this for a sec?”

Applejack could barely give a shaky assent before Vinyl seized her drums. “Ah never knew you were hoofy, Vinyl.”

“I’m not hoofy, I’m techy!” Vinyl called as she retreated upstairs. “There’s a difference!”

The unnecessarily-forceful shutting of a door signaled the start of a period of silence.

“Well, now what?” Rainbow spoke up.

Octavia sighed. “We’ll be lucky to see her before dinner time. I suppose I could offer Rainbow a bit of assistance with her form if nothing else. Standing on your hind legs can be difficult; especially without support. And you won’t be able to use your wings to stabilize you, either.”

“I’ve seen Lyra do it a few times,” Rainbow mentioned. “Never understood why; she can just use her magic to play her harp-thing.”

“It’s called a lyre,” Octavia informed. “Rather hard to forget.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “Wait, so is somepony who plays that called a lyrer?”

Octavia chuckled. “Humorous, but no; such ponies are called lyrists.”

“Aw, that’s boring,” Rainbow lamented.

“Well, somepony who plays a guitar is called a guitarist. How is that any different?” Octavia probed.

“It’s not; I wanna be a guitar…er... Okay that one sounds kinda dumb, but too many damn things are ists in music. There aren’t enough ers!” Rainbow complained. “Like AJ, she’s gonna be a drummer, not a drummist. I mean, think of the hilarious sounding possibilities. You could be a celler. That sounds amazing!”

“I’m sure the music industry would be captivated by your argument,” Octavia assured, unable to contain a giggle.

“Okay, I got it!” Vinyl cried triumphantly, charging back down the stairs.

Octavia blinked. “That was fast.”

“Try hitting it now,” Vinyl instructed.

Applejack tapped the snare drum gently, afraid of breaking it.

Vinyl smacked herself in the face. “Not like that. Harder!”

Applejack frowned, striking the drum with a bit more force. Where she would normally be rewarded by a light, cracking sort of sound, all that was heard was a muffled thump. “Ah don’t get it.”

“I stuffed it with packing peanuts,” Vinyl explained. “Not the best solution, but workable. Point is, it doesn’t make any sound, but it can still transfer an electrical signal. Which, when I plug it in here…” Vinyl produced what appeared to be a miniature amp and connected a wire that Applejack had not noticed into it. “Now try hitting it.”

Applejack repeated the motion. All mares assembled minus Vinyl jumped at the outburst of sound from a speaker that Vinyl had also managed to set up without anypony noticing. Vinyl, meanwhile, grinned at her success. “Now you can play the drums at whatever volume you want!”

Octavia put a hoof to her forehead in a gesture of exasperation. “Alright, first of all, Vinyl, how did you manage to find packing peanuts in the studio?”

“I didn’t; I had them in one of the bags,” Vinyl explained.

“And why did you bring packing peanuts with you?” Octavia inquired further.

“To make sure stuff didn’t get damaged on the way here, duh,” Vinyl answered smoothly. “Besides, you never know what kind of uses you can find for things.”

“So that’s why your old house was such a mess, then?”

Vinyl thought for a moment. “Well, that and I don’t clean very often.”

“So do you not clean because you can find uses for your trash, or do you find uses for your trash because you don’t clean?”

“Yes,” Vinyl answered confidently.

“A self-perpetuating problem at its finest, to be sure,” Octavia sighed, shaking her head slowly.

Vinyl blinked. “I have no idea what that means.”

“I’d hold it against you if you did,” Octavia returned.

Applejack, in the meanwhile, was staring at the snare drum in her hooves. “So, did ya wreck everything else, er what?”

Vinyl waved a hoof dismissively. “Nah, that was just a prototype. Had to make sure it worked before I did it again.”

Applejack grunted noncommittally, striking the drum again to test how easily her stick rebounded, with less than favorable results.

“It’s still in the testing phases,” Vinyl defended. “Anyway, I’ll go get my guitar so we can start.”

“We made it!” Scootaloo cheered, climbing up onto a chair and resting on the table before it.

From behind an empty counter nearby, a familiar pink mare popped up as all sorts of sweets appeared all around her. “Yay, I knew it!”

Apple Bloom blinked at Pinkie, who stayed in an exuberant pose. “Knew what now?”

“That you guys would find your way here, silly!” Pinkie explained. “You know, I was a little worried for a while, but I guess it is kinda easy to get lost in here. Anyway, I heard you guys were stuck in the hospital so I thought I could cheer you up by setting up a counter here! I tell you, though; the rates for this place are crazy.”

“So um, not that we’re not happy to see you, but uh… How did you know we’d be here?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Everypony gets hungry eventually,” Pinkie giggled.

Scootaloo lifted her head from the table. “How long have you been here?”

Pinkie perked up. “Oh, since right about when you left your room. I saw Sweetie Belle take that apple, so I figured you guys must be hungry.” As Sweetie Belle’s eyes grew fearful, Pinkie suddenly appeared behind her to whisper, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anypony.”

Sweetie relaxed visibly, hopping up to a chair next to Scootaloo, prompting Apple Bloom to do the same.

“So, wait, you know yer way around this place?” Apple Bloom inferred.

“You just have to know the shortcuts,” Pinkie nodded. “They don’t show up on the map.”

Scootaloo groaned. “Why do I get the feeling these shortcuts involve breaking down walls?”

Pinkie blinked. “Why would I break through a wall when I can just use the door? It’s a lot easier that way. And less expensive.”

Unable to offer a rebuttal, Scootaloo accepted Pinkie’s pastries gratefully.

After a brief reconnaissance mission that also involved the recovery and restoration of Applejack’s drum kit, the four mares reconvened in the living room.

“I never knew you could take the top off a drum before,” Rainbow commented. “That’d be a great place to stash stuff.”

“If ya always had the right tools at hoof, Ah guess.” Applejack tilted her head thoughtfully. “Sounds like a whole lotta trouble ta go through.”

“I didn’t mean like stuff we’d need often,” Rainbow clarified. “Just like… secret stuff.”

Applejack smirked. “Like yer secret collection of-“

“They don’t need to know about that!” Rainbow fervently interrupted. “And uh, yeah. That kind of secret stuff. Not like, you know, things we need to hide for uh, other reasons.”

“Gotta keep those in reach,” Vinyl snickered.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Like you don’t.”

“Except I don’t hide them,” Vinyl teased. “Only ponies that come in our bedroom are me and Tavi. With perhaps a few special exceptions.”

“Aw, how cute, Vinyl thinks you two are special,” Octavia giggled.

Vinyl frowned and swatted a hoof at Octavia, who dodged the feeble attempt at attacking. “You shut up and let me teach.”

“Certainly not the first demand I would expect from you,” Octavia commented.

Rolling her eyes and noticing that Rainbow had successfully affixed her wing-picks, Vinyl hefted her own guitar. “Alright, now you’ll be using a bit of a different technique than I do, but I can still teach you a few things. You’ll obviously be able to play a lot faster than I can once you get the hang of it, but you’ll probably have a bit of trouble with things like pick-slides.”

“That’s where you take the pick and slide it down a string, right?” Rainbow asked. “Why can’t I just do that with all the strings at once?”

Vinyl frowned. “Because that would probably sound terrible. But what you could do is use your hoof for things like that. Not that you’ll be doing that too often, anyway. You’ll mostly just be using your wings.”

“You mean both?” Rainbow cocked a brow.

“Well, yeah, unless you find it easier to fret with your hoof,” Vinyl clarified. “I always just use magic for that; it’s too hard to fret just one string with hooves. Ankles don’t really bend like that. Also kinda hard to fit them between frets.”

Rainbow blinked. “Why are we worrying about strings?”

Vinyl’s hoof met her face. “You spend way too much time around Applejack.”

“I do not!” Rainbow argued.

Applejack chuckled.

“It’s a different kind of fret.” Vinyl indicated one with her hoof. “These metal strips here, on the fretboard. That’s kinda why they call it that. They’re pretty much just guides to help you play chords right. You hold the string against one of them to change the pitch. The closer to the base, the higher it goes.”

Rainbow experimented with a few different frets on different strings before she noticed Vinyl frowning. “Am I doing something wrong?”

“No, but your guitar is way out of tune,” Vinyl grunted. “Give it to me and I’ll fix it for you. You’ll develop an ear for it eventually.”

While Vinyl was occupied, Rainbow studied Vinyl’s guitar. “This the same model as mine?”

“A Bitson Les Pone, yeah,” Vinyl answered distractedly. “Good thing, too; probably woulda turned you away if you came in here with anything less than a Bitson.”

Rainbow blinked. “I didn’t know there was that much of a difference.”

“Bitson’s the only decent make,” Vinyl indoctrinated, returning Rainbow’s guitar. “Never owned anything else.”

“Then how do you know it’s the best?” Rainbow pressed.

Vinyl snorted. “Only thing that felt right in my hooves. Don’t even know why music shops carry other makes.”

“It all comes down to personal preference, Vinyl,” Octavia chided. “You’d complain if there wasn’t a choice.”

“Yeah, ‘cause I wouldn’t know if it could be done better,” Vinyl harped. “Now I know who does it best, so the other ones can go away.”

Octavia sighed. “You’re impossible to argue with sometimes.”

“That means I always win,” Vinyl boasted.

Octavia chortled. “I said sometimes, dear, not always.”

Applejack sighed, content to watch as the session devolved into drivel. Casting a glance to her drum kit, she figured there couldn’t be too much to learn about the rhythmic smacking of objects anyway. Practice would probably be enough.

Seeing Rainbow so engaged in something that wasn’t flying brought a smile to Applejack’s lips. It seemed they could finally share a hobby that didn’t end at each other’s throats, or more recently between their legs.

Applejack shook her head slowly at that thought. If things went well tonight, that list would be sure to grow. Now if only there were some way she could use Rainbow’s competitiveness to her advantage...

“How am I doing it wrong? It sounds exactly the same as what you’re doing!” Rainbow’s voice broke through Applejack’s thoughts.

“I already told you that you’re flat, now try again!” Vinyl commanded.

Rainbow grunted, playing the same sequence of chords again.

Applejack recognized the tune as something her father used to play for her at bedtime. Sighing wistfully, Applejack intoned, “And she’s buying a stairway to Cloudsdale…”

Vinyl blinked. “You know this song, Applejack?”

Applejack nodded. “It was one of mah Pa’s favorites.”

Rainbow’s hoof shot to Applejack’s shoulder and pulled her closer.

“I’m sorry, we can play something else if you want,” Vinyl offered.

Applejack shook her head. “It’s alright. Just weren’t expectin’ ta ever hear it again.”

Rainbow’s hoof remained firmly around Applejack as they continued. Applejack found it hard to complain as she nuzzled into the crook of Rainbow’s neck. This was the kind of unquestioning support Applejack had always loved Rainbow for. And now as that love was starting to become more than just platonic, it made it ever sweeter.

Rarity sighed as she entered the Apple family farmhouse, where she was greeted by her coltfriend.

“Hey, Rare,” Mac smiled. “How’d things go with Fluttershy?”

“Well enough, I suppose,” Rarity returned. “She seems to be getting very attached to me. But she also made me think about us.”

Mac blinked, his throat catching briefly. “Nothin’ bad, Ah hope?”

Rarity was quick to calm the big stallion with a kiss. “No, of course not. Though I do believe we should back off a little.”

“What do ya mean?” Mac questioned, fears resurfacing.

Rarity averted her gaze for a moment. “Well, I realize now that I haven’t really been thinking things through very well. I care about Fluttershy very much, but I’ve already committed so much to you in so short a time, and I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. But I also don’t think I’m quite ready to share what I have with you with her.”

Mac smiled in understanding. “Ya mean sex, don’cha?”

Rarity nodded. “And I’m not sure I was ready to share that with you, either. So perhaps when we’re all ready, the three of us can explore this together.”

Mac chuckled. “Yeah, maybe we did go a little fast.”

“Not to say that I didn’t enjoy it,” Rarity was quick to amend. “But perhaps Fluttershy’s innocence is helping me keep my lust in check.”

“She came onta ya, didn’t she?” Mac inferred.

Rarity nodded slowly. “So I hope you don’t mind that I sleep in my own bed tonight?”

“Whatever ya gotta do, Rare,” Mac accepted. “Maybe someday we’ll all end up sleepin’ at Fluttershy’s.”

Rarity smirked. “So long as her animal friends don’t mind the disturbance.”

Mac shook his head slowly, offering Rarity a kiss before she departed.

“Alright, so you just practice that song and I’ll measure your progress when we get back from Canterlot,” Vinyl instructed.

“Perhaps you could join us tomorrow night,” Octavia offered. “Though we only have one room booked.”

Vinyl grinned. “I know where this is going.”

Octavia rolled her eyes.

Rainbow turned to Applejack. “Whaddya think, AJ? Might be kinda fun.”

Applejack tilted her head thoughtfully. “Well, we’re already ahead o’ schedule. Though Ah think it’s gettin’ ta be our turn ta run the stand.”

“So we could just get Mac to cover another day and add another to our stint,” Rainbow solved. “He doesn’t mind it that much, does he?”

Applejack shrugged. “No harm in askin’, Ah guess.”

“Yep, definitely know where this is going,” Vinyl affirmed, kicking back in her seat.

Octavia gave Vinyl a playful smack. “Not everything has to end in sex, Vinyl.”

“Maybe if she’s good,” Applejack chuckled.

Vinyl grinned. “Score!”

“Yeah, this should be a fun couple of days,” Rainbow said, giving Applejack a grateful nuzzle.

“That goes fer you, too, y’know,” Applejack challenged.

Rainbow chortled. “Please, AJ, when am I not good?”

Applejack smiled and head-butted Rainbow’s chest. But before she could make a victorious retreat, Rainbow’s hooves came up to lock her in place. “Gotta do better than that, AJ.”

Applejack smirked, reaching out to kiss the ticklish spot under Rainbow’s chin. The brief giggle that came from Rainbow gave her all the time she needed to make her advance, locking her lips around Rainbow’s and waiting for her grip to weaken under her tongue’s assault.

Rainbow held on for as long as she could, but could not contain the desire to grab the back of Applejack’s neck and pull her closer. That briefest of instants was enough for Applejack to slip away, causing Rainbow’s hooves to instead grasp Applejack’s hat.

With a grin concealed by the Stetson on her muzzle, Rainbow held the hat behind her back. “Ha, it’s a hostage situation now!”

Applejack frowned. “You give that back. It ain’t sexy time yet.”

“So you’re saying all I have to do is wear your hat and I can be on top whenever I want?” Rainbow teased.

Applejack smirked, grabbing the hat out of Rainbow’s hooves with her tail, which she had been sneaking behind her quarry. “Only if ya think ya can keep it.”

Rainbow narrowed her eyes. “You are so on tonight.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled, giving Rainbow a peck on the cheek.

“So it’s all about who wears the hat in your relationship, huh?” Vinyl piped up.

Rainbow frowned at Vinyl. “Scratch, how many times do I have to tell you to shut up?”

“As many as it takes for me to listen, Dash,” Vinyl grinned defiantly.

Scootaloo collapsed back on her hospital bed, legs aching. “Who knew a day of rest would make walking so hard?”

“Ah think ya can blame the hospital fer that,” Apple Bloom quipped, heaving herself onto the bed.

“It doesn’t even look that big from the outside,” Sweetie Belle complained.

“Well, as weird as her shortcuts were, I don’t think we’d have even made it back without Pinkie,” Scootaloo sighed. “I just hope it’s a bit easier to get out when it’s time to go home.”

“Er at least make it so we don’t have to cut through any operatin’ rooms,” Apple Bloom put in.

“Please don’t say cut,” Sweetie Belle groaned.

Scootaloo shivered. “You’re not the one who had it done to you.”

Sweetie Belle was quick to offer a comforting hoof. “Sorry.”

“They got ‘em all back to normal, though, right?” Apple Bloom asked.

Scootaloo nodded. “I think so. I might have to come back to take off the casts, but hopefully nothing else.”

“You think they’ll let you leave soon? I mean, you’re back to walking and everything,” Sweetie Belle hoped.

“We’ll have to ask the doc,” Scootaloo sighed. “Whenever he comes back around to check on me, anyway.”

Rainbow stretched out on the porch while she waited for Applejack. She felt a great deal of satisfaction about the fact that they’d finally have some proper time off together.

Applejack joined Rainbow shortly with her saddlebag. “Ready ta go?”

“We’ve got the whole rest of the day to ourselves. What do you wanna do?” Rainbow deferred.

“Well, we’ve gotta have dinner at some point. Other ‘n that Ah was thinkin’ a nice walk in the park, maybe hit up that arcade…”

Rainbow grinned. “Sounds pretty good to me. You do realize though that we’re probably gonna attract a lot of attention in the park, though.”

Applejack chuckled. “No harm in that, is there? Ain’t like ponies will think yer goin’ soft.”

“If anypony says anything, I have no problems with tossing you onto a bench and making out in public,” Rainbow smirked. “’Cause if we’re gonna be kissing, we’re gonna be doing it the cool way.”

“As long as ya don’t lose yer head,” Applejack cautioned.

Rainbow snorted. “Like I’d go down on you in public. What kind of mare do you take me for?”

“One with confusin’ standards,” Applejack answered.

Rainbow shrugged. “Gotta keep up my image is all.”

Applejack rolled her eyes and led Rainbow down the road to Ponyville.

Just as Scootaloo was about to fall back to sleep, a knock came at the door. “Come in,” she called, rubbing her eyes.

The doctor appeared at last to check up on his patient. “Good afternoon, Scootaloo. How are you feeling today?”

“A lot better than yesterday,” Scootaloo yawned. “Been able to walk around and stuff. Appetite’s back, too. We went to the food court a little while ago. Kinda tired after that, though.”

The doctor hummed thoughtfully. “Well, that bodes quite well. I dare say you’re well on your way out of here. But just as precaution, I’d like to keep you here another night before we let you go.”

Sweetie Belle perked up. “You mean we can go home tomorrow?”

The doctor blinked. “You can go home whenever you like. There’s nothing keeping you here.”

Sweetie Belle frowned, shuffling closer to Scootaloo. “Yes there is.”

“We ain’t leavin’ ‘till she does,” Apple Bloom agreed.

“Of course,” the doctor smiled. “There’s also somepony here to see you. I’ll bring her in shortly.”

Scootaloo smiled back. “Thanks, Doc.”

The doctor chuckled. “Please, call me Doctor Stable.”

Sweetie Belle blinked after the door swung closed. “Was… that supposed to be a pun?”

Apple Bloom shrugged. “Sounds normal enough to me.”

Scootaloo groaned. “Just stop, please.”

The door cracked open again before a purple unicorn filly popped in. “Oh my gosh, Scoot, are you alright?”

Scootaloo grinned. “Oh, hey Dink. Where were you yesterday?”

Dinky blushed. “Oh, I was just uh, sleeping over at Rumble’s, so I didn’t even hear about what happened until today.”

“I’m fine, by the way. Doctor Stable says I should be able to go home tomorrow,” Scootaloo informed. “No idea how long until my wings heal, though.”

Dinky sighed in relief. “That’s good.”

Scootaloo smirked. “So, a sleep over, huh? Anything big happen over there?”

“N-no!” Dinky defended, blushing furiously. “I mean, not what you’re thinking. Of course we, um, slept together and everything.”

The brows of the three fillies on the hospital bed rose.

“Not like that!” Dinky insisted. “I just meant in the same bed. You know, so we could um, cuddle and stuff.”

Scootaloo cackled. “Oh mare you’ve got it bad for him, don’t you?”

“M-maybe,” Dinky admitted. “But what about you? Sleeping with two fillies at the same time?”

“Believe me, I’ve had that talk with them,” Scootaloo quipped, looking to each side of her. “But we’ve still got a ways to go before that’s on the table.”

“Mah sister said these kinda things take time,” Apple Bloom put in.

Scootaloo snickered. “Yeah, ‘cause there’s absolutely no way Rainbow’s already gotten that far, right?”

“But they’re older,” Sweetie Belle piped up. “They can do that kind of stuff without getting in trouble.”

“We’re just too young,” Apple Bloom concluded.

Scootaloo smiled. “I know, it’s just too fun to tease you guys. Like I said, I’m not ready, either. If you want me to stop, I will.”

Sweetie Belle sighed. “We really shouldn’t be worrying about that just yet.”

“Yeah, it’d be nice if you could just lay off a little,” Apple Bloom agreed. “Ah know yer excited about our cutie marks; Ah am, too. But that ain’t enough fer right now, alright?”

Scootaloo nodded. “Sorry.”

Sweetie Belle smiled. “It’s okay, Scoot. We just don’t want anything to happen before we’re ready.”

“Just like our flanks say, Scoot; we’re in this together,” Apple Bloom added.

Dinky blinked. “Wait, what?”

Scootaloo brightened. “Oh yeah, you won’t believe this. Check it out!”

Scootaloo turned sideways, prompting Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to do the same. Dinky could do nothing but stare at the marks emblazoned there.

“Pretty cool, huh? I guess it was the kind of wake-up call we needed to start thinking straight,” Scootaloo said with no small amount of pride in her chest. “I guess we can thank Apple Bloom for the awesome design.”

Apple Bloom blushed. “Ah really never expected it to mean so much back then. Ah just figured it’d be neat to have a logo. Sweetie Belle’s the one who put it on our capes.”

Sweetie Belle smiled bashfully. “I just thought it’d be cool if we could hang something like that over our flanks.”

“And capes are awesome,” Scootaloo praised. “Though I guess it’d be kind of weird to wear them now.”

Dinky chuckled, finally recovering from the shock. “Well, I guess that’s one less thing I can tease you about. Congrats, you guys.”

“Thanks,” the three fillies said in unison.

“I’ve gotta get home soon, though,” Dinky said regretfully. “So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Scootaloo grinned. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

“You know I will,” Dinky said with a wave before closing the door behind her.

Scootaloo leaned back and sighed. “Well, I think I’m about ready for a nap.”

“We ain’t stoppin’ ya,” Apple Bloom chuckled, giving Scootaloo a peck on the cheek. “Sweetie Belle and Ah can find somethin’ ta do.”

A glance over to the aforementioned unicorn filly, however, revealed her to have taken her own initiative, signified by a light snore.

“Well, Ah can find somethin’ ta do,” Apple Bloom amended.

Scootaloo smiled tiredly, pulling Apple Bloom down on top of her in a hug before falling into a contented sleep.

Apple Bloom sighed, not seeing many other options. Securing herself with her hooves so she wouldn’t roll off onto Scootaloo’s wings, she nestled her head into the crook of the pegasus’ neck and waited for the embrace of sleep to take her.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash paused as they reached the town square. “Alright, where to first?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack took a quick look at the clock tower. “Well, we’ve still got a couple hours ‘till sundown, so how’s about we head on over to the arcade, grab some dinner, and end with that walk in the park?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Sounds good to me.”

As Rainbow turned to lead Applejack in the direction of the said establishment, however, a particular pair of ponies caught her eye. Turning a corner to head in the same direction were the romantically involved twin sisters, Flitter and Cloudchaser.

Rainbow caught up to them. “Hey you guys. Nice to see you taking some initiative.”

Cloudchaser blinked. “Oh, hey Rainbow Dash. And what do you mean by that?”

Rainbow frowned. “You’ve got your wing around Flitter’s back.”

Cloudchaser jumped, quickly retracting the appendage and hoping nopony else had noticed. “Oh, I uh, that wasn’t really…”

“So, you two get things figured out yet?” Applejack asked.

Flitter giggled. “I think I still have a bit more work to do, but it’s nice that I’ve at least been able to get her out of the house.”

“Well, there aren’t any other ponies at home,” Cloudchaser defended. “So we can just do whatever and not worry about being seen and recognized.”

“It’s not a crime to love a sibling in Ponyville,” Flitter pointed out. “And even back in Cloudsdale it’s only a misdemeanor.”

“Doesn’t mean ponies won’t get on our case about it,” Cloudchaser grumbled.

“So, Twilight come by to bug you guys yet?” Rainbow inquired.

Flitter furrowed her brow. “Why would she do that?”

“She’s not gonna put some kind of royal judgment on us, is she?” Cloudchaser fretted.

Applejack chuckled. “Naw, she’s just been away fer a few days, so she missed a lot of what’s goin’ on. Kinda surprised she hasn’t tracked you down yet. Sounds like the kinda thing that’d jump out.”

“Well, she’s got Trixie to deal with,” Rainbow supposed. “And she always tries to put friends first anyway. You guys have hardly even talked to her before.”

“But she ain’t gonna be judgin’ you in any way,” Applejack assured. “She’s just curious is all, so try ta humor her.”

Cloudchaser nodded. “Well, thanks for the heads-up. I’m sure with her kind of knowledge she could be on us pretty quick.”

“And I wouldn’t worry too much about ponies giving you a hard time,” Rainbow added. “Ponies are pretty chill here for the most part. Well, barring any imminent disaster, anyway.”

“Just don’t go rubbin’ it in anypony’s faces that yer sisters,” Applejack coached. “Just act like anypony else on a date and you should be fine.”

“Good to know,” Flitter smiled. “I was a little worried I might have to back off in public.”

Cloudchaser shied away as Flitter attempted to give her a kiss, however. “I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet, though.”

Flitter rolled her eyes with that smile still on her face. “Just don’t keep me waiting too long.”

“I promise, as soon as I’m comfortable I’ll be all over you, alright?” Cloudchaser offered.

“I can hardly wait,” Flitter chirped.

Rarity looked up as her work was disrupted by a gentle knock on the door. Hardly needing to open in to know who had come to visit, Rarity smiled and turned to greet her guest. “Fluttershy dear, do come in.”

Fluttershy nudged the door open and took a look around the room, noticing the various fabrics scattered around. “Oh, um, is this a bad time?”

“Of course not,” Rarity assured. “I can always make time for a dear friend.”

Fluttershy shuffled her hooves nervously. “Well, um… I just came to say that… About all this… you really don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

Rarity chuckled. “Nonsense, darling. I just had a talk a while earlier with Mac, and he’s agreed to give us the space we need to make up for lost time. I promise that you can have me to yourself for as long as you want.”

Fluttershy blinked. “You mean to catch up to where you are with Mac?”

Rarity nodded.

“And that includes…?” Fluttershy prompted, a blush rising to her cheeks.

“Whatever you want it to,” Rarity offered. “I want you to feel that you’re just as important to me as Mac before we move on with the three of us together.”

“And you’re not going to try to push me off on Cheerilee anymore?” Fluttershy ventured.

Rarity sighed. “I never meant it like that, Fluttershy. I just wanted to make sure you were making the right decision. I know how easy it is to get caught up in fanciful thoughts of the perfect romance and lose sight of who is really important to you.”

“I told you that Cheerilee is just a friend,” Fluttershy insisted. “And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop treating me like a filly with her first crush.”

“All I’m asking for you to do is talk to her. Leading somepony on is far worse than turning them down.” Rarity advanced to put a hoof against Fluttershy’s cheek. “I’m just trying to give you options.”

Fluttershy sighed, nuzzling against Rarity’s hoof. “We both have ponies we need to talk to. Or in your case a dragon.”

“I’m not sure what more I have to do to put your heart at ease,” Rarity lamented.

Fluttershy smiled, fighting a rising blush. “Well, a kiss would be nice.”

Rarity smiled back and pressed her lips to Fluttershy’s. This time, when Fluttershy made to push her onto her couch, Rarity did not resist, opening her mouth to accept the advances of Fluttershy’s tongue.

Rarity winced as she felt herself becoming aroused. But when she opened her eyes, the only indication that Fluttershy had noticed was a burning redness in her cheeks. She made no motion to act on impulse, merely pouring out her affection through their kiss.

Satisfied, Rarity closed her eyes and pulled Fluttershy closer. But as Fluttershy began to inch up Rarity’s chest, an intimate touch to a sensitive area made Fluttershy jump, breaking the kiss and fervently apologizing.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen, I’m sorry, please don’t be mad at me, I’m sorry!” Fluttershy rambled, looking anywhere but at Rarity.

Rarity sat up, conscious of the position she had been in. Hiding her excitement behind her hooves, Rarity sighed. “That’s alright, Fluttershy. I probably should have expected something like that to happen. I really don’t mean to tease you. I just wanted to…”

Fluttershy took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her pounding heart. “I should probably go before I do something I’ll regret.”

Rarity frowned slightly in disappointment, silently cursing herself for ruining such a moment. “Well, know that my door is always open to you, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy nodded, slowly making her way to the door on shaky hooves. Rarity fought against the desire to call back the retreating pegasus before coming to a decision.

“Fluttershy, wait,” Rarity spoke just before Fluttershy’s hoof could reach the doorknob.

Fluttershy cast a wary eye to Rarity.

Taking a deep breath, Rarity relaxed her stance. “If it really does mean so much to you… I suppose I could-“

“You don’t have to do that for me, Rarity,” Fluttershy interrupted with a small smile. “The timing’s all wrong, anyway. I’d much rather be coming home from a great night out before this comes up again.”

Rarity smiled back, feeling her heart start to ache for Fluttershy’s inevitable departure. “I do have that special booth at Horté’s Cuisine.”

“Not tonight,” Fluttershy declined. “You’ve already done so much for me today.”

“You really know how to turn the tables on me,” Rarity giggled.

Fluttershy laughed. “Only because I know you so well.”

“The offer’s open whenever you might want to take me up on it.”

“How does tomorrow night sound?” Fluttershy suggested.

Rarity smiled. “Like a wonderful first date.”

Fluttershy hesitated at the doorway. Taking a step back, she gave Rarity a kiss on the tip of her horn. Rarity had to suppress an outburst at the touch. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Now you run along before I do something I’ll regret,” Rarity chirped.

Fluttershy giggled, giving a little wave before making her exit.

Rarity let out a tremendous sigh as she lay back on her couch. “Perhaps I really should just let it happen,” she mused, waiting for her arousal to subside before returning to her work.

“Here we are, AJ.” Rainbow indicated the sign above the building that left no room for misunderstanding. “This place is awesome, come on.”

Applejack followed Rainbow through the double doors to lay eyes on an astonishing number of arcade consoles. She had of course heard of such places, but she never thought they were quite so developed. “Just how many of these games are there?”

“Lots! Of course, none of them are as awesome as Hooflet, but some of them get more attention anyway. Like Pac-Mare, Donkey King, Moon Invaders… Hooflet never gets enough credit.”

“If this is one of the smaller ones, then what’s the one in Canterlot like?” Applejack mused.

“Well, we’re probably gonna have a bit of free time before Vinyl and Tavi’s show tomorrow. We could probably go check it out,” Rainbow suggested. “But while we’re here we might as well…”

Applejack frowned as Rainbow trailed off. “Might as well what?”

Rainbow blinked several times before speaking again. “Is that… Bulk Biceps over there?”

Applejack followed Rainbow’s gaze and saw that tucked away in a corner was the stallion in question, hunched over an arcade console.

“And he’s playing Ms. Pac-Mare?” Rainbow observed.

“You never seen him around here before?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow paused. “Well, sometimes he comes by to pick up his little brother, but I’ve never seen him actually playing anything before.”

Applejack blinked. “But wasn’t Featherweight over there playin’ with the colt with the silly hat?”

Rainbow shrugged. “He can get a little distracted sometimes. Besides, doesn’t look like Featherweight’s too eager to leave anyway. He and Button are pretty deep into that Wizard of Horse game.”

“That anythin’ like Hooflet?” Applejack asked.

“Kinda, but it’s annoying to play solo,” Rainbow answered, continuing on her way deeper into the arcade. “Of course, there is another reason Featherweight probably doesn’t want to leave yet.”

Applejack cocked her head. “What’s that?”

Rainbow snickered. “I’m telling you right now, Featherweight totally has a crush on Button.”

Applejack blinked, casting her gaze back to the two colts. “Ain’t they a little young ta know about that kinda stuff?”

“They’re the same age as the Crusaders,” Rainbow pointed out. “Besides, Featherweight’s probably subjected to that a lot already with how ragingly gay Bulk is.”

Applejack paused. “You think so?”

“Pretty sure no straight stallion would do half the things he does,” Rainbow confirmed. “Anyway, here we are. The most awesome part of any arcade.”

Applejack chuckled as Rainbow touched the Hooflet console with reverence. “Really that great, huh?”

“Hay yeah! I mean, next to the Wonderbolts and Daring Do…” Rainbow hesitated. “Okay, maybe not quite on that level. But still awesome!”

“Ah think we’re fergettin’ somethin’, though,” Applejack mentioned.

Rainbow blinked. “Huh?”

Applejack indicated the coin slots. “Says here this thing takes tokens to play.”

“Oh, yeah, there’s a machine for that over this way,” Rainbow explained, following the familiar path from the console to the token dispenser.

Applejack sized up the machinery. “How many ya think we’ll need?”

Rainbow thought for a moment. “Well, I’ve never played with anypony else, so I don’t know how much competition there’d be for food. I’d say just start with five bits; you get four tokens per bit so that’s twenty tokens.”

Applejack nodded, reaching into her saddlebag. “Sounds reasonable enough.”

“It takes a bit to get used to, so just to be safe.” Rainbow turned and led the way back to the Hooflet machine.

“Make this walk pretty often, don’t ya?” Applejack observed.

Rainbow shrugged. “Not as much anymore. The better you get, the less you need.”

Applejack frowned. “Is Hooflet the only game ya play?”

“Usually, yeah.” Rainbow admitted. “I don’t always have a whole lot of time to spend here, so it’s good to have something to just jump in and out of.”

Applejack nodded as she fit a token into the first slot. Rainbow did the same for the fourth. The corresponding characters, the earth pony and the pegasus, appeared on the screen.

“Alright, now how do you play this thing?” Applejack asked.

“You use the stick there to move, the fire button to shoot and the magic button to use a potion,” Rainbow instructed. “You need to get a potion before you can do that, obviously.”

Applejack nodded, testing each button before charging headlong into a row of enemies.

“I’ve not seen such bravery!” A robotic voice emanated from the machine.

Applejack blinked, looking around her. “Who said that?”

“That’s the narrator, from the game,” Rainbow explained. “It’s commending you for that risky move you just pulled.”

Applejack frowned. “Risky how?”

“You can attack from a range, and most of the enemies can’t,” Rainbow explained. “So it’s usually better to stay back so you don’t risk losing health.”

“Alright then.” Applejack waited while Rainbow dispatched another monster spawn point. “So, where’s this little black spot go?”

“To the next level.”

“And how many levels are there?”

Rainbow hesitated, “Uh, nine-hundred ninety-nine?”

Applejack blinked. “And you said you beat all of ‘em?”

“Maybe,” Rainbow defended unconvincingly.

“You ain’t gonna make me sit here fer all that, are ya?” Applejack questioned.

Rainbow waved a hoof. “Nah, just until we get bored. That’s how it’s supposed to go, anyway. When you clear level nine-hundred ninety-nine it just loops back to level eight.”

Applejack frowned. “Why eight? Wouldn’t it make more sense ta go back to one?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Well, the first few levels have a bit of a tutorial in them, so I guess they didn’t want to program that out. Probably never expected anypony to get that far anyway.”

Applejack paused, scanning the screen for the pegasus. “Where’d you go?”

“To the next level, through the black spot there,” Rainbow said, indicating it on the screen.

“Oh.” Applejack followed along.

“So, here’s where its starts to get interesting,” Rainbow commented. “No more straight hallways here.”

“Earth pony shot the food,” the game said.

Rainbow furrowed her brow. “Why would you do that?”

“Ah didn’t know that would happen!” Applejack defended. “How was Ah supposed to know you could kill food in this game?”

“It’s because it was a pear, wasn’t it?” Rainbow snickered.

“Ah- That may er may not have factored inta the decision,” Applejack admitted.

Rainbow giggled. “You’re so easy, AJ.”

“You have found my treasure,” the robotic voice sounded.

“Why is there a little number on the top of the screen?” Applejack asked.

“Because we’re timed while we’re in here,” Rainbow explained. “And you don’t have to follow me in here. If we spread out we can find more treasure.”

“But what happens if we run outta time?”

“Then we lose the treasure we got in here, so we just have to grab treasure and find an exit before that happens,” Rainbow explained in a rush as Applejack barely made it out before time expired. Rainbow sighed in relief. “Okay, next time just go some other way, don’t get too greedy and find an exit.”

“Gotcha,” Applejack affirmed.

“Okay, there’s a potion on this level,” Rainbow mentioned. “Don’t shoot it, because you can kill them, too. And potions can be clutch, because they kill all the enemies on the screen when you use them.”

“Sounds nifty,” Applejack agreed.

“Pegasus shot the food.”

Applejack blinked. “Why did ya do that?”

Rainbow frowned. “It was an accident, shut up.”

Applejack had a chuckle at Rainbow’s expense.

After visits with Big Macintosh, Vinyl and Octavia, Scootaloo’s family and a run-in with Pinkie, Twilight felt she had reached her quota of information for the day. Trixie expressed interest in the pegasus twins, but Twilight had insisted that it was too late to bother them now.

“Are you sure we can’t just say hi or something? There’s still time left before dinner time,” Trixie begged as she followed Twilight into the library.

Twilight sighed. “I know you’re curious. Heck, I am, too. But it’s not like I’m even that well acquainted with either of them. You can’t expect me to just run up to them right as they’re about to set their table and question them about a taboo relationship I shouldn’t even know about.”

Trixie opened her mouth to speak, but Twilight interrupted whatever rebuttal she had in mind.

“You can’t become friends with ponies in less than an hour,” Twilight continued. “And even if we tried, bringing up something like that so soon would only get a door slammed in our faces.”

“I thought you said this was a nice town,” Trixie argued.

Twilight groaned. “Not that nice. Even if it’s not illegal here, it’s still a very sensitive subject. And the way Rainbow made it sound, they’re not even ready to define it, much less explain it.”

Trixie huffed. “But relationships are always more intriguing when they’re fledging. I can only imagine that’s magnified in one such as theirs.”

“It’s almost like if I started dating my brother,” Twilight agreed. “Except then it would still be heterosexual. I can only imagine what they’re going through. Right after Thunderlane manipulated her for a quick buck, no less!”

“One that took her virginity as well as her innocence,” Trixie added. “How can you not want to know more?”

“I do, but we can’t do it today,” Twilight deflected. “Something like this is going to take time and very careful interaction.”

“Hey girls,” Spike greeted as the two came into view of the kitchen. “I got dinner started for you. No need to thank me or anything.”

Twilight chuckled and gave Spike a pet on the head. “Hey, Spike. Did Rarity come around here today?”

Spike blinked. “No, why?”

“Just wondering if I’d have another opportunity to lay into her about what kind of things she’s filling your little mind with,” Twilight explained while withholding the whole truth.

“Yeah, she had her spa trip with Fluttershy today, so I wasn’t expecting her anyway,” Spike admitted. “It’s getting easier to accept that she’s a… Wait, did she tell you yet?”

“About her penis, yes,” Trixie answered before Twilight could do more than open her mouth.

Twilight closed her mouth sheepishly, blushing at how bluntly Trixie brought it up. She had to shake her head to dislodge the thought of Trixie’s.

Spike eyed Twilight for a moment before continuing. “Well, yeah, to accept that she’s got one of those. It’s hard to say if I would have chased her all this time if I’d known that, but it’s also kind of hard to say it really changes the way I look at her.”

“You’re not saying you still have feelings for her, are you?” Twilight frowned.

Spike scoffed. “Of course I do. It’d take a lot more than that to stop me after all this time. But it’s pretty much a lost cause at this point.”

Trixie blinked. “So you still love her even knowing she’s not who you thought she was?”

“Yeah, I was after her heart, not her junk,” Spike stated bluntly. “And I guess it didn’t really help that it looks kind of… elegant on her.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “You mean you saw it?”

“Yeah, she showed it to me,” Spike explained.

“But you’re-“

“A baby dragon, I know,” Spike sighed. “No need to rub it in, Twilight.”

Twilight bit her lip, offering Spike a consoling hoof. Spike made no move to acknowledge Twilight’s comfort, and merely heaved another sigh.

“I’m really sorry, Spike. I know this must be hard for you,” Twilight apologized. “And I’m not sure it’s gonna get any easier. Just remember that I’m always here for you.”

“When you’re not away in Canterlot, anyway,” Spike quipped.

Twilight’s face fell further. “That was an emergency, Spike. And nothing short of that would make me leave you here until you’ve come to terms with everything.”

Spike turned to hug Twilight, who sheltered him with her wings. Trixie looked upon the scene with a smile and a touch of longing. What better pony to be rooming with if she was to learn about friendship?

Feeling conscious of her presence, Trixie made for the living room, only to be stopped by a tug of magic on her hooves. Turning to glance behind her, Trixie saw Twilight flash a smile that made Trixie want to stay. Trixie sat herself off to the side so as to be out of the way without being far away.

Spike retreated from the hug after another moment.

“You gonna be okay?” Twilight asked.

Spike nodded. “Yeah. I think I could use a nap right about now, though.”

Twilight smiled. “I’ll be right up to tuck you into bed.”

Spike smiled back. “Thanks, Twilight.”

As Spike made his way up the stairs, Twilight turned her attention to Trixie. “You don’t have to feel so out of place here. Spike will get used to you. You just need to give him time.”

Trixie nodded, not speaking for fear of letting slip the fact she was more focused on Twilight’s motherly nature than Spike’s plight. Taking a seat at the table as Twilight took her leave, Trixie watched the pot on the stove simmer without really looking at it. Her mind was elsewhere, as she could not shake the thought of how it would feel to have those beautiful wings wrapped around her instead.

She did not have long to muse, though, as Twilight returned from her task with a distracted smile. Twilight made no effort to start up a conversation as she sat quietly at the table.

In an attempt to ward off the awkwardness she was beginning to feel, Trixie started up her own. “How long has Spike been keening after Rarity?”

“Three years,” Twilight answered, smile wavering. “Since the moment he laid eyes on her.”

Trixie frowned. “Seems a tragic way for it to end.”

“I just hope he doesn’t take it too hard,” Twilight worried.

Trixie cocked a brow. “Take what too hard now?”

“The fact that Rarity’s juggling two lovers and Spike isn’t one of them,” Twilight explained. “I’m worried that’ll make him think he’s not good enough for her, since existing relationships will have been proven not to be a barrier.”

“I suppose that is a quandary,” Trixie agreed.

Twilight sighed, rubbing her face with a hoof. “I don’t have any doubt that Rarity cares for Spike, but sometimes I wish she’d be a little more sensitive about his feelings. If Spike gets the wrong idea, he might start thinking Rarity’s a whorse, or worse!”

Trixie frowned. “You don’t think that, do you?”

Twilight recoiled. “Of course not, Rarity’s my friend! I would never think of her like that. I just wish she’d be more… sensible!”

“Perhaps you should have told her that this morning,” Trixie suggested.

Twilight flopped on the table. “I don’t know. I really don’t want to see Spike like this, and I know it’s only going to get worse. What would you do in this situation?”

“I’d let them work it out on their own,” Trixie stated. “I don’t know enough to be of help to either side. And it sounds as though you’re starting to doubt Rarity’s character. Letting her show you she can handle the situation may bring her good qualities back to light in your mind.”

Twilight smiled. “I thought you didn’t know anything about friendship.”

“I’m an entertainer, Twilight,” Trixie chuckled. “I know a lot about ponies, just not how to be friendly towards them.”

“Well, I think I’m gonna take your advice,” Twilight said, straightening up. “The worst thing I could do right now is get it into my mind I have to fix this myself.”

“Talking from experience, I’m guessing?” Trixie smirked.

Twilight chuckled. “You be quiet.”

Turning the stove off as the water began to boil, Twilight set out a couple of bowls while they waited for the soup to cool.

“It’s quite heartwarming to see how much he looks up to you,” Trixie mentioned.

Twilight smiled. “Well, I’m the closest thing he has to a mother.”

“And I’d say you’re doing a fine job of raising him,” Trixie praised.

Twilight blushed. “I’m sure somepony like Fluttershy would be better for him.”

“Does Fluttershy know as much about dragons as you do?” Trixie prodded. “Does she have the kind of time to nurture him and shower him with the singular affection a growing child needs?”

Twilight twiddled her hooves. “Well, I guess I do have a lot of time on my hooves.”

“There’s no need to be so modest, Twilight,” Trixie smiled. “You’re the perfect mother for Spike.”

Twilight cast her gaze to her hooves. “Uh, thanks.”

“It seems there are a few things I can teach you about self-confidence,” Trixie chuckled.

Twilight’s blush faded as she served the soup and began to wordlessly eat.

“A smart mare like you should know not to worry so much.”

Upon reaching level fifty, Applejack grew hungry. Something about eating all that virtual food for health struck her stomach. A rumble from Rainbow’s belly told the feeling was mutual.

“You ‘bout ready ta head out fer dinner?” Applejack asked.

“I am getting kinda hungry,” Rainbow admitted, stepping away from the machine. “Where do you wanna go?”

“Nowhere too fancy,” Applejack prefaced, following Rainbow out of the arcade after gathering their excess tokens for later use. “Just the usual café would be fine.”

“Aw, there goes my plan for Rarity to do us up in some prissy dresses and head over to that fancy Prench restaurant she likes,” Rainbow joked.

“Ah’m sure yer heartbroken,” Applejack quipped.

Rainbow chortled. “Is it just me, or does the timing seem like we’re gonna be taking that walk at sunset?”

“Rarity would be jealous,” Applejack chuckled. “Ah would prefer some light fer that, though.”

“Why do you want to go for a walk in the park anyway? We get plenty of exercise already,” Rainbow questioned.

Applejack shrugged. “Just seemed like somethin’ ta do on a date.”

“What, no movie?” Rainbow jested.

“Might be somethin’ better later if yer good,” Applejack teased.

Rainbow grinned. “Ah, so an X rated movie, then?”

Applejack snorted in mirth and shoved Rainbow lightly. “Ah hope you won’t mind if Ah forgot the soundtrack.”

“Aw, that’s one of the best parts,” Rainbow complained jokingly.

Applejack rolled her eyes and turned the corner to their usual eatery.

Sitting down at a vacant table, Rainbow put a hoof to her chin. “I can’t remember if there’s something special we have to do at dinner.”

Applejack took the seat beside her and gave her a peck on the cheek. “How ‘bout that?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I can roll with that.”

“No reason ta treat it any different,” Applejack philosophized. “Dinner’s dinner.”

Rainbow nodded. “So, what’d you think of Hooflet?”

“Pretty fun,” Applejack admitted. “Though Ah’m thinkin’ it’d be better with all four.”

“Maybe we could get Tavi and Scratch to play with us some time,” Rainbow suggested. “And laugh when Tavi gets stuck as the donkey.”

Applejack chuckled. “Ah’m not sure she’d care much.”

“Yeah, I guess she’s not as crazy as Rarity.”

“If you could get Rarity ta play Hooflet, Ah’d be impressed.”

“She’d complain that there aren’t multiple outfits per character,” Rainbow snickered. “Though different colors might be nice.”

The waiter came around to take their orders, which Rainbow was quick to give. Applejack furrowed her brow, placing her own order before questioning. “Whaddya mean?”

“Well, it’s kinda lame that the donkey gets blue and the pegasus is stuck with green,” Rainbow extrapolated. “If any of the characters should be green it’s the earth pony. I mean, the grass is green and stuff, and the sky’s blue.”

“But that’d be further from orange than red is,” Applejack pointed out.

“Okay, then just give an option to choose your color or something, I don’t know. I just want to be a blue pegasus, is that too much to ask?”

“Don’t think so. You already are one, ain’t ya?” Applejack jested.

Rainbow frowned. “You know what I mean.”

“Ah’m kinda wonderin’ why they picked green and not orange, though,” Applejack went on. “Ah mean, if ya have to pick any secondary color…”

“Well, green’s the most different from the others,” Rainbow countered. “I mean, orange is like, really close to red and yellow. And I’m not just talking about your siblings. And purple’s pretty close to blue and red. But I always wondered how you even get green from blue and yellow. Doesn’t really make sense to me.”

Applejack cocked a brow. “You tryin’ ta tell me ya didn’t play around with paints as a filly?”

“Well, obviously, but that doesn’t make it any better. Green is just… weird. I never really trusted it,” Rainbow admitted.

“That why yer always off flyin’ everywhere?” Applejack inferred.

Rainbow paused. “No, that’s because it’s more fun to fly. It’s not like I’m scared of green or something. I’ve been surrounded by it every morning, haven’t I?”

Applejack chuckled. “Ah’m just playin’ with ya. Ah think Ah’d have noticed if ya were scared of a salad er some such.” Applejack frowned. “Actually, come ta think of it, ya don’t really eat too many greens.”

“I eat green apples sometimes,” Rainbow defended.

“About the only thing green you’ll eat,” Applejack smirked. “Can’t imagine why.”

Rainbow narrowed her eyes. “Are you implying something?”

“Just that they seem ta be yer favorite food,” Applejack chortled. “You ain’t just usin’ me ta get closer to the apples, are ya?”

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “Nah, that’s just a bonus. I mean, an awesome, smoking hot mare who also happens to be the source of the best food ever? How could I say no to that, right?”

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head slowly. “Ah’m flattered, honest.”

“You’re honest, I’m loyal,” Rainbow reminded.

Applejack’s hoof met her face. “Ah’m not even gonna respond ta that.”

Rainbow cocked a brow. “You just did.”

“You shut up.”

“Why don’t you make me?” Rainbow challenged.

Applejack rolled her eyes, knowing it was a ploy but unable to curb the desire anyway. She pushed Rainbow against the back of her seat and locked their lips.

The waiter came back to this scene, coughing awkwardly. Rainbow waved a hoof in response without breaking the kiss as it started to get more and more heated. Knowing they had drawn some attention with their conduct, Rainbow pushed back against Applejack, only to send them both tumbling from their seats.

But Rainbow didn’t stop, keeping up the pressure despite their change of scenery. It wasn’t until their roll for dominance caused them to smack up against the leg of the table that they separated.

Rainbow sat up, rubbing her withers as they started to ache. “Okay, remind me not to give you a home field advantage. These things might not be trees, but they still hurt.”

“Ah’m sorry,” Applejack chuckled. “Wasn’t exactly payin’ too much attention there.”

Rainbow nodded, heaving herself back up onto her chair. “Hey, when did our food get here?”

Unable to help herself, Applejack fell into a fit of giggles at their own expense.

After a mostly uneventful meal, Applejack and Rainbow Dash made their way over to Ponyville’s park. Upon arriving, Rainbow grew thoughtful. Something about the dying light of the sun helped to put things in perspective.

The day had been fun, but without any external crisis to distract her, Rainbow started to feel unresolved complications start to weigh down on her again. It was enough to put a frown on her face and a damper on her mood despite wanting nothing more than time alone with Applejack.

Somehow it was easier to forget her own troubles when faced with more immediate problems. But Rainbow knew they wouldn’t stay distant too much longer.

Rainbow sighed. “Hey, AJ?”

Applejack turned her head. “What’s up, sugarcube?”

“About this whole Wonderbolts thing…”

Applejack smiled. “Don’t you fret, Rainbow. We’re gonna figure somethin’ out.”

“You keep saying that, but how?” Rainbow pressed. “I mean, if I do go off and join them, would we still be cool?”

“Of course,” Applejack answered instantly. “Why would Ah hold somethin’ like that against ya? Ah know how much it means to ya.”

“But knowing that it’s a possibility, why do you still want to be with me? I mean, as my marefriend. Ten years is a long time, AJ. Are you really sure you can handle that?”

“Just as well as you can,” Applejack assured.

Rainbow sighed. “I mean seriously, Applejack. I know it would be hard to stay faithful when I’m not around. And I really don’t want you to have to spend the prime of your life all alone. So if you go and hook up with somepony else, that’s okay. Just promise me you’ll come back?”

Applejack paused on the path, causing Rainbow to stop as well. “Rainbow, Ah’m an honest mare. You know that. Ah’d never betray yer trust like that.”

“But you said yourself that you want foals, and by the time I’d retire from the Wonderbolts, we’d be almost thirty!”

“And if that’s how long Ah’d have to wait, Ah’m okay with that,” Applejack promised. “Ah don’t wanna have to worry about any o’ that ‘till we’re both ready ta settle down fer good. We’re way too young to be havin’ this kinda conversation anyway, Dash.”

“So we’re just gonna wing it and hope it all turns out okay?” Rainbow demanded.

Applejack smiled. “That’s what you normally do, ain’t it?”

Rainbow slumped, feeling Applejack’s words cut deep. “I like to think I’ve changed over the years, AJ. Maybe I still put myself in more danger than I probably should, but I never want anything bad to happen to my friends. That goes double for you.”

“You know Ah can take care of mahself,” Applejack frowned.

“We’re not talking about Chrysalis or Nightmare Moon here, AJ. We can’t just buck this problem in the face and make it go away. Whatever happens now will change the rest of our lives. We might not even be the same ponies at the end of it. Can we really just ignore it and pretend everything’s gonna be okay?”

Applejack sighed, leading Rainbow to a nearby bench. “Sounds like we’re changin’ already. First time Ah’ve ever head you take anythin’ this serious.”

“Why wouldn’t I be serious about this, AJ?” Rainbow questioned. “Before now, there’s always been some easy solution to all our problems. But now no matter what I pick, I can’t really be happy. How am I supposed to choose between my best friend and my lifelong dream? As much as I love the Wonderbolts, I’m starting to think I might love you more.”

Applejack’s face softened. “Never woulda thought you’d be the first ta say it,” she mused. “Ah love you too, Rainbow. And it’s gonna be that love that gets us through this, ya hear?”

Rainbow took a shuddering breath. “Can I just… hold you for a while, AJ?”

Applejack smiled. “Whatever ya need, sugarcube.”

“I don’t think you understand how much you mean to me, AJ,” Rainbow choked.

“Ah understand more than ya think,” Applejack returned. “Ah’ve always thought of ya as family. And now Ah reckon we’re gettin’ pretty close ta makin’ that official.”

As Rainbow tightened her grip, Applejack was vaguely aware of a mocking voice somewhere nearby. She turned her head to watch a couple of snickering mares making their retreat.

Applejack smirked as an opportunity presented itself. “Ya know, Rainbow, Ah’m pretty sure somepony just said somethin’. What was that ya said you’d do if that happened?”

Rainbow shoved Applejack away in response. Applejack briefly wondered what she had done wrong before Rainbow descended on her to make good on her promise.

But as they descended further into the throes of passion, Applejack felt a wandering hoof make a subtle advance. Applejack broke the kiss, to Rainbow’s confusion. “Ah thought ya promised ya’d wait ‘till we got home fer that.”

Rainbow blinked before noticing a strange wetness on her hoof. Rainbow blushed fiercely as she stammered out, “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to- I wasn’t even…”

Applejack chuckled. “Well, you gonna mare up and take me home er what?”

Rainbow seized Applejack around her withers and darted off towards the farm. Applejack’s eyes widened as she clutched Rainbow’s chest for dear life. “Ah didn’t mean like this!”

“Well, too bad!” Rainbow cracked. “We’re here.”

Applejack tilted her head back just in time to see her open window before she was flung inside to land splayed out on her bed. The last thing Applejack was aware of was Rainbow closing the window before everything fell into a haze.

Ping pong round 2

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay?” Twilight asked, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice. “You’re more than welcome.”

Trixie shook her head. “I really should be sleeping in my own bed now that I have one.”

“You don’t have to,” Twilight insisted. “I could wake up Spike before your snoring does. Or better yet you could teach me that spell and you could sleep in.”

Trixie sighed. “It really is a kind offer, but-“

“Please?” Twilight begged. “I really want Spike to get used to you being around. And, well, I really have been enjoying your company.”

Trixie smiled. “If my presence is really so important to you, I suppose I could stay another night.”

“Yes!” Twilight cheered. “I promise, by tomorrow night, you’ll be the one begging me for another night.”

“Is that so?” Trixie smirked mischievously. “I might just have to stick around to see how you pull that off.”

Twilight chuckled nervously, fighting against a blush. “It’s better than eating peanut butter crackers for breakfast, isn’t it?”

Trixie chortled. “I suppose it is at that.”

Twilight smiled. “Come on, we can read a quick story before bed.”

Rarity collapsed onto her bed with a sigh, knowing she had failed to muster up the courage to confront Spike today. Their situation was delicate enough, and surely putting it off any longer would cause more harm than good, but she just couldn’t figure out how to put it gently.

“Maybe a good night’s rest in my own bed will clear my head,” Rarity supposed. “If it doesn’t, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Author's Note

A third of the way through! And it only took me like a year to get here.

A few things to note:
Donkey King = Donkey Kong, but instead of Cranky it's a fat donkey with a crown
Pac-Mare should be obvious
Moon Invaders = Space Invaders
Wizards of Horse = Wizards of Wor

And yes, ping pong is my new euphemism for sex.

Day Eleven - Emancipation

Applejack woke in a daze, rubbing the side of her head to make the room stop spinning. Memories of what happened last night were hazy at best, but she didn’t have to inspect the state of her coat to know the short of it.

Yawning and nuzzling back down to Rainbow’s neck, Applejack drifted off for a few more minutes before a knock on the door startled her awake.

Rainbow groaned, opening her eyes to a fuzzy world. She rubbed at one to gain some definition of the orange farmpony rising from the bed. Before she could protest, the door was thrown open, and Rainbow had to shield her eyes from the light that invaded.

“What’s up, y’all?” Applejack yawned. “Ain’t it a little early ta come visit?”

“Tell me about it,” Vinyl groaned, taking refuge in the shadow of the door. “But Tavi says we should leave early so we have time to settle in before the show.”

“And I wanted to make sure you’re still going to join us,” Octavia added.

“Uh, yeah, just hold on a sec,” Applejack said, approaching the bed to nudge Rainbow awake again.

“What now?” Rainbow growled.

Applejack placated the groggy pegasus with a kiss. “We should probably wash up ‘fore we head out. Ah’m gonna take mah shower now if ya’d wanna join me.”

Rainbow nodded, much too tired to think of doing anything other than cleaning.

“Rough night?” Octavia smiled.

Applejack chuckled. “Mighta been. Can’t really remember too well.”

“It’s only three!” Rainbow complained, getting a glance at the clock.

“We can sleep on the train,” Applejack promised.

Rainbow grumbled, nudging her way into the washroom.

Twilight woke in a cold sweat, whipping her head around the room. She sighed as her eyes settled on the clock, falling back onto her pillow and trying to fall back to sleep. But it was no use, as her mind stayed stubbornly awake.

Sighing, Twilight got up from bed, heading downstairs to make some tea and attempt to clear her mind. She knew there was nothing she could, or should, do, but she could not stop worrying about Spike.

As Twilight made her way down the stairs, Trixie lay awake on the guest bed, staring up at the ceiling. She debated renewing her anti-snoring spell, but decided against it. She could not keep her mind from wandering back to last night’s events.

They had been reading a short story before bed when Twilight fell asleep, leaning her head against Trixie’s shoulder. Trixie found herself fighting against a strong desire to offer the young Alicorn a kiss goodnight. She had extricated herself from Twilight’s blankets and cast her sleep spell to make sure she didn’t do anything stupid.

But now as she lowered her gaze to Twilight’s empty bed, Trixie found her limbs acting of their own accord. Against her better judgment, she made her way downstairs to take a seat across from a surprised Twilight.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t wake you did I?” Twilight worried.

Trixie shook her head. “No, I woke up before you did.”

Twilight frowned. “Are you alright?”

Trixie nodded after a brief hesitation. “I’m more concerned about you.”

Twilight sighed, lifting the tea kettle seconds before it would start to whistle. “I know you said I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop worrying about Spike. He’ll be crushed when Rarity tells him about Fluttershy.”

“That’s why you’ll be there for him,” Trixie reminded. “What more can a mother be asked to do?”

“It’s just really hard for me to sit here and do nothing,” Twilight said, levitating a second teacup to the table and pouring tea into each. “Usually there’s something I can do to make everything better, but this time I can’t.”

“Then perhaps the best thing to do would be to get your mind off of it,” Trixie suggested.

Twilight frowned. “Did you have something in mind?”

“Nothing you’re likely to agree to,” Trixie admitted.

Twilight nodded absently and took a sip of her tea, succeeding in nothing but scalding her tongue.

Trixie smirked. “Something that doesn’t involve injuring yourself.”

Twilight sighed. “I should probably go check up on Spike.”

“I’ll keep your tea warm for you,” Trixie called after her, wondering if she had done something wrong.

Being a slow riser, Rainbow had a tough time staying awake, even with hot water raining down on her. Applejack had to do most of the work, which suited her habits just fine. But by the time they dried off, Rainbow curled up in her towel and dozed off.

Chuckling, Applejack decided not to wake her, instead lifting her off the makeshift bed and onto her back, where Rainbow’s hooves wrapped around her neck as she nuzzled into Applejack’s soft mane.

Earning a couple of raised eyebrows at the sleeping pegasus draped across her withers as she stepped out, Applejack simply raised a hoof to her lips before retrieving her hat. “Ah’m just gonna write a quick note about where we went, then we can go.”

Thus, after a brief pause to affix a note to Applejack’s door, the three conscious ponies made their way off to the train station to catch the four o’clock train into Canterlot.

“Honestly, I thought Vinyl was bad about sleeping all the time,” Octavia remarked as they stepped out to the light of the moon.

“We… had a bit of a moment,” Applejack admitted. “Can’t really blame her for bein’ out like this.”

“Well, we’ll need our rest if we’re to survive the Canterlot night life,” Octavia supposed.

Applejack chuckled. “That much of a difference, huh?”

“It’s beautiful, I swear,” Vinyl chimed in. “One of the only things I miss about the old place.”

“Maybe you could show us around a bit,” Applejack suggested. “About all we’ve been to is the castle, the station and this one donut shop. And Ah remember ya sayin the arcade in Canterlot was a lot bigger ‘n the one here, Vinyl.”

“I should come with you if you’re gonna go exploring,” Vinyl cautioned. “You’d probably get lost in there.”

“That big?” Applejack cocked a brow.

“And then some,” Vinyl nodded. “There’s also this pretty cool casino over there. Nothing on Pegasus, but still pretty swanky.”

“But casinos are about all they have in Las Pegasus,” Octavia jested.

Vinyl shrugged. “They’ve got some nice restaurants, too.”

“So, we meetin’ anypony else or is it just gonna be us?” Applejack inquired.

“Should be just us,” Vinyl answered. “Punch came down with something, so Colgate’s taking care of her, and I know Bonnie’s busy today, so Strings probably won’t show.”

Octavia smirked. “It’s been a while since I last heard you call her that.”

Vinyl blushed. “Well, you said it was okay, right?”

Applejack cocked a brow. “What’s this now?”

“Vinyl issues nicknames as terms of endearment,” Octavia replied. “I always thought it was rather cute.”

“I dropped Lyra’s nickname when I got with Tavi,” Vinyl explained. “I didn’t want her to think I was still interested in her.”

Applejack frowned. “Wouldn’t that have been a lie, then?”

Vinyl sighed. “Yes and no. I mean, some part of me still felt for her, but most of me was way too focused on Tavi to notice.”

“And now that we’re steady, her mind is free to wander,” Octavia finished.

Vinyl nodded. “I just hope we can get through today without any drama for once.”

“I’m sure we’ll be alright if we just lay low until the show,” Octavia assured.

“Ponies givin’ ya trouble back in Canterlot?” Applejack guessed.

“Something like that,” Octavia skirted the issue.

Vinyl lifted her head. “Well, since it’s just us, I think we can get by for one day.”

Applejack noticed it first, but when Vinyl recognized a shape in the distance, she all but froze on the path. But as fate would have it, there would be no escaping this encounter.

“Hey, Scratch, been waiting for ya,” Lyra called, stepping away from the railing she had been leaning on.

Vinyl composed herself. “Strings, what are you doing here? I thought you said Bonnie was busy today.”

“Doesn’t mean I am,” Lyra quipped. “Things were getting a little boring, and Bonnie said she could handle the shop for today, so I figured I could tag along with you guys. Didn’t realize we’d be having company, though.”

Vinyl put a hoof to her forehead. “I know I’m not gonna be able to get rid of you, so could you at least promise not to make a scene?”

“We wouldn’t want to attract any… unwanted attention,” Octavia added.

Lyra chortled. “Lighten up, Tavs. It’s not like your parents can do anything to you anymore. You’re a free mare, aren’t you?”

Octavia grunted. “If we have to discuss this, can we please not do it in public?”

Lyra shrugged. “I always thought publicity made things more interesting, but whatever.”

Applejack shuffled her hooves, wondering what she had just gotten herself into.

Twilight returned to find Trixie waiting patiently at the table, sipping her tea.

“It’s alright to drink now, by the way,” Trixie said needlessly.

Twilight simply sank into her chair and draped her front half over the table. “Of all the responsibilities I have now, Spike is still the hardest one.”

Trixie offered a sad smile. “Unless you have some plans to offer yourself to him, there’s not much you can do.”

Twilight frowned, lifting herself off the table. “Trixie, that’s… He’s only nine! And I’m practically his mother!”

“I was just trying to lighten you up,” Trixie returned. “It hurts to watch you so torn up about this.”

“I’ve known him since the day he was born. How could I not be torn up about this?”

“You really need to get your mind off of it,” Trixie went on. “I know it sounds cruel, but the last thing Spike wants right now is to have to cheer you up. You’re the one who needs to offer him support, and you can’t do that as you are.”

Twilight winced. “But what if he comes asking me for advice?”

“Then you can tell him what you know, and not over-analyze what you shouldn’t,” Trixie answered. “If he wants your help, he’ll ask for it. Don’t try to force it on him.”

Twilight sighed. “No, you’re right. I just can’t stop thinking about how he must be feeling.”

“Then perhaps you should focus on what you’re feeling,” Trixie suggested.

Twilight frowned. “How I’m feeling about what?”

Trixie shrugged. “Whatever you can think of that doesn’t have to deal with Spike.”

Twilight hesitated. “You mean… you?”

“If I’m really the first thing you thought of, then sure. How do you feel about me?”

Twilight bit her lip. “Well, I um… It’s been great having somepony to talk magic with. And it’s always a plus when I can feel like I’m helping. But to be honest I don’t really know that much about you.”

Trixie chuckled. “If my life story is what I have to divulge to get your mind off it, then I suppose we’ll be here a while.”

Twilight smiled. “I don’t mind. Spike’s still sleeping pretty soundly. He shouldn’t be up for another three hours at the least.”

“Well, as I said before, I grew up in Manehatten,” Trixie began. “As a city of conformity, you can imagine how difficult it was for me. Hermaphroditism is quite a rare occurrence, and it kept me from fitting in almost anywhere. The only support I ever got was from my parents.”

“The other foals made me feel so weak and powerless; I couldn’t help but show them all I could be. When I got my cutie mark, I finally had something to draw attention to something other than my unusual genital arrangement; something that brought me praise and admiration instead of the usual ridicule. It was exhilarating; I felt like I had transcended to a higher level of existence, leaving all my problems behind.”

Trixie sighed. “But there was still the problem of exposure, and all the ponies in my neighborhood knew that I was different. When I set off to make it on my own, I needed a cover-up. That’s where my costume came in. Back when I was younger, the cape was long enough to protect me from most angles, and flashy enough for it to be the first thing a pony would notice about me.”

“Of course, when I learned of the concealment spell, it was no longer an issue, so I felt no need to elongate the cape as I got older. Instead, I put the extra fabric to another use; my hat,” Trixie grinned briefly. “I was received so well wherever I went, I guess my head got a little big. Your friends were actually the first ones to call me out on it. And you were the first to show me up.”

Twilight winced. “I’m sorry; I didn’t know it was that important to you. But you did have a way of rubbing it in ponies’ faces.”

“I realize that now, and I apologize for it,” Trixie assured. “But perhaps you could understand my frustration when word started to spread. It was like I was a foal all over again, except this time it was the very thing that kept me going that was haunting me. I felt like I’d never find my place in the world again.”

Twilight offered Trixie a comforting hoof. “It sounds like I have a lot to apologize for, too. I never meant to cause you any harm, or even to show you up. The town was in danger, I had no choice.”

“I’ve had more than enough revenge to no longer think anything of it,” Trixie admitted. “I don’t think I ever properly thanked you for getting that amulet away from me.”

Twilight smiled. “The town was in danger, I had no choice. But looking back on it, I’m glad I did, too.”

Trixie smiled back. “If only the ponies of Manehatten were as kind and accepting as you are.”

“Well you never have to deal with them again if you don’t want to,” Twilight consoled. “You’ll always have a place here in Ponyville, even if the locals will need a bit more time to get used to you. And nopony needs to know about your secret. But if you ask me, I think you’re pretty special.”

Trixie blushed. “Thanks, Twilight. It’s nice to know somepony approves.”

“Now if only Spike were so easy to please,” Twilight said, prompting a groan from Trixie.

Rainbow yawned and rubbed her eyes. Looking around, she found she was not at the Acres anymore. “Where are we?”

“On the train inta Canterlot,” Applejack said, giving Rainbow a good morning kiss. “Shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“Did you carry me all the way to the station?” Rainbow asked, cheeks reddening slightly.

Applejack chuckled. “Weren’t no trouble, sugarcube. Ya looked like ya needed it after last night.”

Rainbow blinked. “I’m actually not feeling too many effects of that anymore.”

“Ah meant before that,” Applejack amended. “You were bein’ too hard on yerself, Dash. Ah don’t need ya by my side every second of the day ta love ya.”

“Even if you only got a second each day to see me?” Rainbow pressed.

“Well Ah’d be sure ta make it the best damn second of both our days,” Applejack jested.

Rainbow smiled. “I’m gonna have to hold you to that.”

“Now, enough frettin’ the future. We got a fun day ahead of us.”

“Might be nice to have a welcome distraction for once,” Rainbow supposed.

Applejack nodded. “Help get our minds off things.”

“I told you not to say that name ever again!” Vinyl’s voice carried through the wall of their adjacent cabins.

Rainbow blinked. “Something going on?”

Applejack sighed. “Startin’ ta seem like we can’t ever catch a break, huh?”

Curious, Rainbow poked her head out of their bed car. Applejack could do nothing but follow along at a safe distance. When Rainbow nudged open the other cabin’s door, her wings flared out and a blush spread across her face. Applejack pulled even with Rainbow to see what had garnered such a reaction.

While Octavia was sheepishly twiddling her hooves off to the side, Vinyl and Lyra were locked in what looked to be a very heated make-out session. Octavia looked up when she heard the door creak, offering a nervous smile to their guests.

“Ah… guess this is some kinda reunion going on here?” Applejack ventured.

Vinyl broke away from Lyra a little late to avoid being seen by their guests. “Sorry, I just… had to get that off my chest.”

Octavia sighed in contentment as Vinyl sat down by her side and wrapped a hoof around her. “It’s alright, Vinyl. I did give you permission, after all.”

Vinyl smiled, giving Octavia a kiss that the cellist broke after a few seconds.

“I know where that mouth’s been, dear,” Octavia chuckled.

“You wanna go there, too?” Lyra piped up.

Vinyl took a pillow from the bed and threw it at the upstart. “Sorry about her. She’s kinda…”

“Overbearing?” Octavia suggested.

Vinyl blinked. “I was going to say excitable, but that actually works better. Once she gets worked up, it’s hard to bring her back down.”

Lyra frowned. “Sometimes I wonder if Bonnie’s the only mare who really gets me.”

“Oh yeah, you sure she’s not gonna get mad about that just now?” Vinyl asked.

Lyra cocked her head. “Mad about what?”

Vinyl quirked a brow. “We just made out.”

“Oh, that, pfft,” Lyra waved a hoof dismissively. “Bonnie’s cool. She knows all about how you’ve still got the hots for me.”

Vinyl’s eyed narrowed. “I do not!”

“Actually, Vinyl, dear, I do seem to recall us having a conversation about this,” Octavia brought up.

Vinyl turned to Octavia. “You’re not helping! Do you want to get through today with your flank intact or not?”

Lyra smirked. “I was gonna wait for dinner and a movie, but-“

“No,” Vinyl interrupted. “Just stop. I’m not getting in trouble with Bonnie again just because you’re… well, you.”

Lyra rolled her eyes. “You just want Bonnie in on it, too.”

“Eventually, yes, but right now. I had a great plan for me, Tavi, Dash and AJ to have a nice night together before you showed up,” Vinyl grumbled. “And you’re not gonna mess that up, got it?”

“Alright, alright, fine, I get it. Silly me for thinking it might be fun to have a night out with my ex-marefriend and her new mare,” Lyra sighed.

Vinyl groaned. “Don’t throw this back in my face, Strings. I know it’s short notice, but this was a standing offer.”

Lyra turned her eye to the pair who had intruded on her territory. “Never knew Dash meant more to you than I do.”

“Okay, this right here? This is what I can’t take.” Vinyl waited for Lyra to return her gaze. “This is why I stopped feeling it with you. You just won’t let anything die. There was a time back then when I thought I might have loved you, but then this happens. I don’t even know why I kept coming back. I mean, the sex was great and you were always up for anything, but you can be so damn frustrating sometimes, you know that?”

Lyra took a deep breath. “If you didn’t want me to come, you could have just said so.”

Vinyl bristled. “You know what? Fine. Get out of here. I’ll pay for your ride back if you want me to. Whatever I have to do for you to leave me alone.”

Lyra’s face fell. “Okay. Just… are we still cool?”

“Uh, yeah, I just want a nice night with no Strings attached,” Vinyl said, softening. “We still on for whenever Bonnie gets some free time?”

Lyra smiled. “Yeah, of course. I… sorry. Bonnie’s helping, but I guess I’m still not quite over you.”

Vinyl smiled back, placing a hoof on Lyra’s shoulder. “You don’t have to be. I’m not either. Nopony’s saying we’ve gotta stop.”

Lyra gave Vinyl’s hoof a squeeze as the train came to a stop. “You have fun tonight, okay?”

“Promise,” Vinyl returned, giving Lyra a quick kiss in farewell.

Once they had put a significant distance between themselves and the station, Vinyl visibly wilted.

“Sorry about all that,” Octavia spoke up. “Their relationship can get a little confusing sometimes, but I think it’s very cute.”

Vinyl’s lips twitched upwards as she leaned against Octavia.

“Has Lyra always been so…?” Rainbow queried.

“For as long as I’ve known her,” Octavia confirmed. “Though that’s not nearly as long as Vinyl has.”

Applejack chuckled. “Kinda puts things in perspective a bit, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Rainbow paused. “Kinda glad our thing isn’t as complicated as all that.”

Applejack gave Rainbow a nudge. “What do we gotta do ta get ya ta stop mopin’ about it? Go talk to one of them Wonderbolts?”

“That might be kinda nice,” Rainbow supposed. “Though I’m not sure how much help it’d be.”

“Never know ‘till ya try,” Applejack encouraged.

“I’m not really sure when the next time we’d get a chance is, though,” Rainbow admitted. “I’ve kinda been slipping on my dates since this all started.”

“Well, no need ta worry about it right now. Tonight’s gonna be all fun and games, y’hear?”

Rainbow smiled. “I hear.”

Scootaloo was reminded that they had forgotten to close the curtains last night in the worst way possible. She tried to fight it, but the sun was too strong, and her defeat was signaled by a yawn. Smiling as she noticed her fillyfriends resting their heads on her belly, she relaxed back onto her pillow to avoid disturbing them.

Out the window, the world looked more radiant than usual as she came to the realization that she would today be rejoining it. Unable to contain her eagerness, she roused Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, the latter naturally taking more effort to wake.

“What’s up, Scoot?” Sweetie Belle yawned.

“We get to go home today you guys!” Scootaloo cheered.

Sweetie Belle snapped to attention at once, beating Apple Bloom to her hooves and leaping off the bed.

“Where ya goin’, Belle?” Apple Bloom queried.

“To find a doctor so we can go home,” Sweetie Belle answered as if it should be obvious.

Scootaloo frowned. “You know I can just call the doctor with a button here, right?” Scootaloo made her way to the foot of the bed to inspect the labels on each button.

“Oh.” Sweetie Belle returned to the bed. “Well, can you tell him to bring a wheelchair so we don’t have to wait for him twice?”

“I don’t know, it doesn’t look like I have too many options here,” Scootaloo observed. “The other buttons are just the bed controls.”

“Well, what are ya waitin’ for, then?” Apple Bloom prompted.

Scootaloo shrugged, pressing the button to call Doctor Stable. Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait long, and the doctor had the initiative to bring a wheelchair, as well as some unexpected company.

“Ready to go?” Carrot Top prompted.

Scootaloo smiled. “Hey Mom, hey Dad. And mare am I ever.”

“We’ve already signed all your release forms, so we can get going whenever you like,” Carrot Top informed.

“We got tons of muffins back home to make you feel better!” Derpy put in.

Rather than point out that muffins could not mend broken bones, Scootaloo approached her father and gave her a hug.

“Yay, hugs!” Derpy lifted Scootaloo in her forelegs and nuzzled her happily.

Carrot Top joined in to place a kiss on Scootaloo’s forehead. “There’s a lot that makes you special, Scootaloo. It just took you a little more time to realize it.”

Derpy placed Scootaloo gently in the wheelchair. “Now come on, the muffins won’t stay hot forever!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle offered smiles before they started off.

Derpy paused. “Wait, will they? I never waited long enough to find out. Maybe you could use them to keep warm in the winter! Like… muffinsulation.”

Carrot Top looked at her wife for a moment before bursting out in laughter. Derpy joined in after a few seconds, despite not knowing what she had done that was funny.

Scootaloo, being the only one of the crusaders to catch and understand the double entendre, groaned and used her hooves to hide her growing blush.

Apple Bloom frowned. “Ah don’t get it.”

“I thought it was kinda funny sounding,” Sweetie Belle admitted.

“It’s… not that,” Scootaloo murmured. “I’ll tell you guys later.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shared a glance and a shrug, looking forward to see the exit at long last. Apple Bloom was particularly enthusiastic about being outside again, while Sweetie Belle was just happy something was going on. Scootaloo felt herself getting weak at the thought of sleeping in her own bed again.

Derpy and Carrot Top were discussing the logistics of the heat stored and emitted by a well-baked muffin. Or more accurately, Carrot Top was talking about them while Derpy was thoroughly confused.

“Feels good to finally be out in the world again,” Scootaloo sighed, curling up on her father’s back to rest her limbs.

“So, is Pinkie really your cousin?” Rainbow brought up as they walked down the streets of Canterlot.

“Some kinda fourth cousin, removed however many times,” Applejack clarified.

Rainbow frowned, unable to get the strange picture out of her mind. “So not only did she grow up on a rock farm, she’s an apple now, too?”

“Of course I’m an apple, silly! A pink, party loving equine!”

Rainbow rounded on the pink, party loving equine. “Why are you here now? We’re not even in Ponyville anymore! What happened to yesterday, when AJ and I went on a date?”

Pinkie gasped. “You two went on a date yesterday? What a coincidence!”

Rainbow blinked. “Wait, you went out yesterday?”

“Ya weren’t out with that Pokey Pierce feller, were ya?” Applejack inquired.

Pinkie made a face. “What? No! Why would I date Pokey? He pops my balloons! Talk about an ungrateful partier.”

Rainbow cocked a brow. “So who were you on a date with?”

“Oh, you wouldn’t know him,” Pinkie blurted.

Applejack and Rainbow shared a glance.

Pinkie blushed. “Uh, I mean, nopony! I wasn’t on a date yesterday! No siree!”

“Uh huh, and the reason ya weren’t around wasn’t cause you were here in Canterlot, right?” Applejack probed.

Pinkie grinned nervously. “I was in Ponyville yesterday morning. Just ask Fluttershy and Rarity!”

Applejack paused. “Wait, Fluttershy and Rarity?”

“Yeah, it was their spa day yesterday,” Pinkie responded immediately, grateful for the shift in topic. “I tell you, though, they were acting pretty weird. They wouldn’t even tell me what was going on!”

Rainbow offered Applejack a comforting hoof as the farmer’s face fell. “I’m sure everything’s alright, AJ. Weren’t we just talking about worrying?”

Applejack took a deep breath and donned a shaky smile. “Yeah. Besides, Rarity wouldn’t cheat, would she?”

Rainbow lifted her gaze. “It didn’t look like they were-“

Pinkie had apparently taken her leave.

Rainbow groaned in frustration. “Remind me to wring her neck next time we see her.”

“Ain’t that a little harsh, sugarcube?” Applejack asked gently. “Weren’t her fault she saw somethin’ she shouldn’a.”

Rainbow sighed. “No, but she never told us who she was going out with.”

Applejack quirked a brow. “Why does that matter now?”

“Might have been a welcome distraction,” Rainbow huffed, walking off to catch up with the group.

Applejack hesitated before following. Rainbow’s problems were far more real than a simple misunderstanding.

Octavia noticed the two stragglers rejoin the main group. “Something happen?”

“Nothin’ worth talkin’ about,” Applejack returned, gaze fixed on Rainbow.

It took a minute for Rainbow to understand the sentiment, but when she did, she relaxed against Applejack’s shoulder as they walked.

Applejack smiled, glancing back briefly. “That’s more like it.”

Rainbow placed a kiss on Applejack’s ear before straightening. The giggle that touch elicited from Applejack made Vinyl glance back at last.

“Finally ready to come back to us, Scratch?” Rainbow prompted.

Vinyl sighed. “Guess so.”

Rainbow turned her eyes back to the path, noticing their only possible destination. If the exterior was any indication, this was a very expensive hotel. In fact, with the garden, hedge maze, fountain and cobblestone walkway, it looked more like a mansion than a hotel. “Are you sure this is the right place?”

“I’ve never been here myself,” Octavia admitted. “Must have been something I missed.”

“Needed a place to go for sex n’ stuff,” Vinyl explained, nudging open the double doors with her nose.

As much of a spectacle the outside of the hotel was, the inside was something else entirely. High walls of marble that stretched all the way to the ceiling gave a sense of enormity, while arches far overhead supported a glass ceiling allowed the room to be lit naturally.

The front half of the elongated foyer was adorned with plush furniture, while the reception desk was near the far wall on an elevated platform. In the center of the room, an enormous evergreen tree was surrounded by a gold railing.

Three spiral staircases on both sides of the hall offered easy access to and from the rooms on five floors. Walkways extended from each level, connecting each of the five archways per floor that led to what could only be luxury suites.

“Is there even a penthouse in this place?” Rainbow wondered.

Vinyl shrugged. “Just got one of Mom and Dad’s old suites.”

“Vinyl Scratch,” the receptionist marveled. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you here. And I see you’ve brought guests.”

Octavia smiled. “Octavia Melody. Vinyl’s feeling a bit under the weather at the moment. Some kind of withdrawal symptom, I suppose.”

The receptionist blinked. “Withdrawal from what, might I ask?”

“Strings,” Vinyl answered simply.

The receptionist gained a twinkle in her eye. “Still wrapped up with her, I assume?”

“Not exactly,” Octavia chuckled. “Vinyl cut ties with Lyra to chase after me. We’ve been happy together for almost two months now. Lyra’s just now coming back into her life.”

“Well, it sounds complicated, so I won’t pry,” the receptionist stepped back. “Here’s the key to the suite.”

Octavia accepted it in place of Vinyl with a nod. “Lead the way, dear.”

Vinyl grabbed the key from Octavia’s hoof in her mouth and ascended the stairs to the third floor. After pausing to count the hallways, Vinyl continued on down the second of five. Vinyl halted briefly to collect herself when they came to the door. With a quick twist, the interior was laid bare.

Before them was a cozy living space, with a kitchen off to one side. Doors at the far end of the room led to the suite’s washroom and bed chambers. In all, it looked more like a fancy apartment than a hotel room.

“Feel free to explore,” Vinyl offered, shuffling her hooves toward the bedroom. “I’m gonna go take a nap.”

After the door swung closed, Rainbow spoke up. “I think you were pretty spot on with that withdrawal thing.”

“Addiction is never a healthy thing,” Octavia sighed before following Vinyl into the bedroom.

Rainbow heaved a great sigh, taking a seat on the couch. “Not exactly how I expected today was gonna start.”

Applejack nodded, sitting down beside Rainbow. “Haven’t even had breakfast yet. Think there’s any place ta eat around here?”

“Should be. Seems like a pretty up-scale place.” Rainbow looked to the closed bedroom door. “I don’t know if we should be wandering around without the key, though.”

“Vinyl said we were welcome to explore,” Applejack pointed out.

“I think she meant around the suite,” Rainbow countered.

Applejack shrugged. “Not sure how long we’re gonna be sittin’ around here.”

Octavia emerged from the bedroom with a sigh.

“Everythin’ alright, sugarcube?” Applejack asked gently.

Octavia nodded. “Yeah, I just had to talk her down. She was worried I was getting jealous.”

Rainbow cocked her head. “That’s all?”

“No, she was also pretty disappointed she had to make Lyra leave,” Octavia let on. “Though in all honesty I’m not sure I’d be ready for how a night like that might end. I’d feel a lot more comfortable if Bon Bon were around.”

“She the jealous type?” Applejack guessed.

Octavia shook her head. “Not particularly, no. Though she can get a little protective at times. I just wouldn’t want to slight her in any way; for personal reasons, not for fear of any backlash.”

“Ah hear ya.” Applejack paused. “She gonna be out long?”

“It’s always hard to tell with her,” Octavia admitted. “I’d rather wait here for her, but I got the key from her if you’d want to get some breakfast.”

Applejack turned to Rainbow, who hesitated. “I don’t know. I’m not really that hungry yet, and Scratch probably will be when she wakes up, so…”

“Any place ya wanna check out, then?” Applejack offered.

Rainbow shrugged. “Wouldn’t know where to go without a guide, and I don’t really feel like exploring right now.” Rainbow’s head fell across Applejack’s withers. “I’d rather just hang out around here. This couch is practically a cloud.”

“And mah flank’s a good pillow, huh?” Applejack jested.

Rainbow responded by turning her head and giving Applejack’s cutie mark a lick. “Tasty, too.”

Applejack blushed, shivering at the contact.

Octavia chuckled, turning on the television to help pass the time.

“You think they get any of those fancy channels here?” Applejack asked.

“You mean cable?” Octavia guessed. “I would assume so. Why?”

Applejack shrugged. “Apple Bloom wants us ta get it so she can watch more things when she’s got the girls over. Kinda thought it was a little silly ta spend so much on it.”

“It’s actually not too expensive anymore.” Octavia browsed through the channels. “Especially if Apple Bloom can do the set-up herself. You’ve got some excess income since Rainbow started working at the farm, don’t you?”

Applejack hesitated. “Ah’d hate ta take her money fer somethin’ like that.”

“Eh, it’s fine. I should be getting my first bigger paycheck soon anyway,” Rainbow offered. “Not really sure what it’d get us, though.”

Octavia blinked as she discovered a relevant channel. “There’s a Wonderbolts channel.”

“Dammit, Applejack, you are taking my money,” Rainbow insisted.

Applejack chuckled. “Alright, Ah’ll see what Ah can do.”

“You could use it to catch some of my shows you can’t make it to!” Rainbow grinned briefly. “I mean, if that’s what I end up choosing, anyway.”

“Yer startin’ ta sound like Fluttershy, Rainbow,” Applejack quipped. “It’s scarin’ me.”

Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. “Sorry.”

“Looks like they’re getting ready for the show today,” Octavia observed.

Rainbow perked up. “Where?”

Octavia hesitated. “Canterlot. The one Vinyl and I are playing the after-party for.”

Trixie sighed, collapsing onto the couch. “So there’s really nothing I can do to get you to stop worrying, is there?”

Twilight shook her head defiantly.

“Well, there’s always been one kind of thing that’s helped me get my mind off of anything,” Trixie suggested. “And I happen to be a purveyor of such wares.”

Twilight blushed. “Ah, I uh, no, that’s…. that’s okay. I would… feel weird asking you for that.”

Trixie frowned. “Why’s that?”

Twilight hesitated. “Well, you’ve just told me so much about you, and, well…”

“You’re wondering if the real thing is better,” Trixie ventured.

“N-no! That- no!” Twilight’s cheeks were ablaze. “I was just saying that, well, I haven’t really told you too much about me, and-“

“It’s alright, Twilight; I don’t mind,” Trixie interrupted.

Twilight averted her gaze. “What I mean to say is… You’ve shown me you can be sweet, and you’re wonderful to talk to, but… I’m really not up for a relationship right now. You’re great, and I think I kind of like you, but I don’t want Spike getting the wrong idea.”

“Oh, I see,” Trixie chuckled nervously. “I um, I’m sorry if I came on a little strong just now.”

Twilight giggled. “It’s alright, Trixie; I don’t mind. Just… not right now. I’ll give it some thought when we have Spike back to his normal self again.”

Trixie sighed. “It’s going to take even more than that to distract you, huh?”

A creak from upstairs caught Twilight’s ear. “Hold on, I’ll be right back.”

A quick glance around the room confused Twilight, as Spike’s bed was empty and there was no immediate sign of him. A second look drew her attention to the balcony, the door to which was wide open.

Making her approach and knocking on the open door so as not to startle the young dragon, Twilight came to sit beside Spike wordlessly.

Spike sighed, leaning his head against Twilight’s shoulder. “What am I supposed to do now? Rarity was my everything, and now somepony else has beaten me to her just because I’m too young to satisfy her.”

Twilight frowned. “Spike, you know it isn’t as simple as that.”

“Isn’t it, though?” Spike challenged. “That was the only excuse she ever gave me, and now she expects me to just forget about her because she’s got the wrong junk?”

“Have you tried to tell her that you don’t mind that part about her?” Twilight suggested.

Spike scoffed. “No. I know what she’d say to me anyway. That I’m too young to take such a big life decision so lightly.”

“Well, maybe you are.”

Spike bristled. “Don’t you get that it’s not important to me? I could happily die a virgin if it meant I could be with her. Love isn’t all about sex.”

“No, but it can be an important part of a relationship,” Twilight pointed out.

“And I’d be happy to give that to her if it was what she wanted,” Spike countered. “Even if she had to get that from somepony else, I wouldn’t care! Just to know that she’d always come back to me, I… I’d do anything.”

Twilight felt a pain deep in her heart as Spike buried his face in her chest and started to cry. She turned her gaze helplessly to the mare who had been silently watching.

Trixie walked over to sit on the other side of the wailing dragon. “Hey, Spike, it’s okay. You’re missing out on the big picture here.”

Spike turned a wary eye to the mare who had given Twilight so much trouble.

“I know I’m probably not the best pony to give advice, but maybe there’s something you’re overlooking here,” Trixie suggested. “There has to be somepony you can turn to. Be it a friend or anypony else your age.”

Spike wiped his eyes. “You’re telling me I should just go replace her with somepony I don’t even know?”

“No, but perhaps now that Rarity won’t be ruling your life, you could try to live a life someone your age should,” Trixie amended. “I know it might seem hopeless, but there are other wonderful ponies out there. I’m not saying you should forget about or replace her, and it will take time for those wounds to heal. But if you use that time to make a special friend, perhaps you’ll come out of it with something you didn’t expect.”

“But there isn’t anypony else,” Spike lamented.

“It’s far from too late to find somepony,” Trixie smiled. “You just have to know the right place to look.”

Spike hesitated. “I guess I could try making friends of my own. Between helping Twilight and chasing after Rarity, I’ve never really had too much time for myself.”

“You can take all the time you need, Spike,” Twilight promised. “All I want is to see you happy again, no matter what that takes.”

A small smile played across Spike’s lips. “Thanks, you guys.”

“And who knows, maybe Twilight will be going steady soon, too,” Trixie jested.

Spike chuckled. “You keep working on that.”

Twilight cocked a brow. “You mean you’re not upset about Trixie coming into my life?”

“I’m a hopeless romantic, not selfish,” Spike poked fun at himself. “Nah, it’s been kinda nice to see you enjoying yourself. It’s been a long time coming if you ask me.”

Twilight smiled. “Thanks, Spike.”

“But since you got me started on this, I’m not leaving ‘till I see you two kiss,” Spike smirked.

Twilight and Trixie both blushed. “I- Spike, I’m not sure I-“

“You’re not fooling anypony, Twilight,” Spike laughed. “I know you want to.”

“B-but Spike, I’ve never kissed anypony before!” Twilight fretted.

Trixie smiled shyly. “Neither have I.”

Twilight paused, turning her gaze slowly on Trixie. “I… really?”

“Such is the life of a traveling entertainer,” Trixie admitted. “Bringing happiness to other ponies without truly knowing it yourself.”

“And you really think I’m the pony to give that to you?” Twilight ventured.

“There’s only one way to find out,” Trixie teased.

Twilight, blushing heavily, found her head moving as by its own accord. Before she could understand what was happening, she felt a soft touch against her lips and threw all her worries off the balcony.

With a self-satisfied smile, Spike took his leave, lest he stop them from acting on their desires.

As soon as Twilight’s mind registered what she was doing, her eyes widened as she retreated with a gasp.

Trixie frowned, wiping the excess saliva from her lips. “Was I going too fast?”

“No, I…” Twilight looked around to find that Spike was no longer present. “I just… got a little carried away. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, but…”

Trixie smirked. “What would you say to a date tonight to get rid of some of that uncertainty?”

Twilight hesitated, cheeks reddening again. “I… I don’t know, Trixie. I mean, you’re great and all, but-“

Trixie bristled. “But what, Twilight? We helped Spike, and you said after we did that you’d give it some thought. Now do you like me or not? A clear answer is all I want.”

“Well, of course I like you, but-“

Trixie huffed upon hearing the treacherous word again. “It’s because I’m not a stallion, isn’t it? You don’t want to make a statement as an openly homosexual princess so soon after your coronation, right?”

Twilight frowned. “Trixie, I-“

“I know it’s not entirely homosexual, but to all outward appearances I’m simply a mare,” Trixie interrupted. “And it would be far too much trouble and embarrassment to explain how I’m actually a hermaphrodite. Not to mention how I might react to such a public breach of privacy. I could run away from Manehattan just fine, but all of Equestria?”

“Trixie, just shut up and listen to me!” Twilight burst out, shocking Trixie into silence. “Now I don’t know how much you know about how these things work, but not everypony’s ready to jump into a relationship at the drop of a hat. What’s happened these last few days is an anomaly, we’ve been over that. I’ve never had romantic or sexual feelings for anypony before, so I’m not sure what I’m feeling right now. What I do know is that you’ve been a great friend these past few days, and I’m feeling closer to you each day.”

Twilight paused, considering her next words carefully. “But if I wasn’t at all interested, I would have just said no. I think I’d like to go out with you, but I don’t want it to be something I’ll regret later. So how about we just pretend this never happened, and have a nice, relaxing day to ourselves?”

Trixie smiled hopefully. “You mean, just the two of us?”

“Whatever you want, Trixie,” Twilight promised. “Just please don’t push me anymore? I’ll let you know when I’m ready, but until then…”

Trixie took a deep breath. “Alright, I suppose I can live with that.”

“It’s better than a no, isn’t it?” Twilight consoled.

Trixie’s smile returned. “I suppose it is, yes.”

“Scratch, wake up, dammit!” Rainbow growled, shaking the sleeping unicorn violently.

Vinyl blinked her eyes open. “What?”

“Why didn’t you tell me your show was gonna host the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow demanded.

Vinyl frowned, lifting herself off her pillow. “I thought you’d be psyched. Wanted to keep it a surprise.”

Rainbow sighed heavily. “You’ve put me in a real bad spot, you know that?”

Vinyl tilted her head. “Why?”

“Because the Wonderbolts recruited me and they’re expecting a response by the end of the month!” Rainbow revealed. “If I show up to that party, they’ll be expecting an answer.”

“Then why don’t you give them one?” Vinyl ventured.

“I need more time!” Rainbow insisted.

Vinyl’s face settled on a look of confusion. “I kinda thought you’d be throwing yourself at them once this came up.”

Rainbow groaned. “Don’t you get it? This is a life-changing decision. If I want to be a Wonderbolt, this is my one chance to go for it. But if I do, I’ll be leaving AJ behind for ten years!”

“Can’t she just go with you?” Vinyl suggested.

“She’s got her farm to worry about. I can’t take that away from her,” Rainbow shot down.

“And you have your life-long dream in front of you,” Applejack put in. “Ah can’t take that away from you, neither.”

“It sounds like you’ve met a crossroads, then,” Octavia spoke. “Perhaps it would be in your best interests to put your romance on hold for now.”

“For ten years?” Rainbow countered. “How the hell am I gonna come back when I’m almost thirty and expect Applejack to still be there for me? How am I gonna deal with being alone in the prime of my life?”

“You could always appeal to them,” Vinyl suggested.

Rainbow paused. “What?”

“You know, compromise,” Vinyl clarified. “I’ve had a few run-ins with Spitfire before. She’s kind of a hot-head, but she’s got a good side like anypony else.”

Rainbow scoffed. “What, so I go down as Equestria’s first special needs Wonderbolt?”

“Now hold on just a minute, Rainbow,” Applejack cut in. “Don’t go writin’ this off just yet. There might be somethin’ to it. You were the first pony ta pull off a Sonic Rainboom, weren’t ya?”

Rainbow frowned. “That’s completely different.”

“Ah’m just sayin’ ya’ve already got a knack fer bein’ the first to do things,” Applejack clarified.

Rainbow’s frown deepened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That you’re fast enough ta make this work,” Applejack went on. “We talked about it last night, didn’t we? You can go off and do yer thing with the Wonderbolts, while Ah hold down the farm, and we can meet up at night.”

“If I fly until my wings fall off, maybe,” Rainbow snorted. “Do you know how far the Wonderbolts tour normally? Manehattan, Las Pegasus, Vanhoover, Baltimare, the Crystal Empire... And that’s not even talking about the special shows they do internationally. Any given day I could be halfway across the world!”

“Ya sounded a whole lot more confident last night.”

“Well, I had all these sappy thoughts in my head, and now I’ve had time to think about it,” Rainbow defended.

“So yer sayin’ ya ain’t mare enough ta manage it?” Applejack challenged.

“Alright, fine, we’ll talk to her,” Rainbow relented. “Just don’t blame me when it blows up in our faces.”

Applejack frowned. “Do you want this ta work or not?”

“What? Of course I want it to work, but it’s just not that easy,” Rainbow insisted.

“Well it ain’t gonna work if we don’t even try!”

Rainbow took a deep breath. “I never said I wasn’t gonna try, AJ. I just don’t wanna get too high up on this so it doesn’t hurt even more if we don’t make it.”

“And Ah told ya it don’t need ta be perfect,” Applejack reminded. “Like ya said, ya could be anywhere any day outta the week, but that don’t mean yer never gonna be close ta home. Besides, the normal tour is more days outta the year than those big trips anyhow, ain’t it?”

“Well, yeah, but with all the customs and international policies and all that crap, I might get hung up for a week each trip,” Rainbow warned.

“Ah’m sure it ain’t as bad as all that. That’s what ya’ve got the management fer, right? So they can take care o’ all that for ya? Besides, we were talkin’ about compromise anyhow, weren’t we? Would it really be so bad ta miss out on the odd trip out to the Griffin kingdom er wherever?”

“If we get her to listen, I guess,” Rainbow supposed.

Applejack smiled. “Right, and there ain’t no harm in tryin’, is there?”

Rainbow took a steadying breath and nodded. “Yeah, we can get through this. Just might need a little help, is all.”

Applejack gave Rainbow a kiss on the cheek. “There ya go, now yer startin’ ta sound like the Rainbow Ah love.”

Rainbow blushed, giving Applejack a little shove. “Cut that out.”

“Don’t wanna,” Applejack defied, giving Rainbow another kiss on the nose. But Rainbow was ready this time, and caught Applejack’s head with her hooves before she could retreat and held it against her chest.

“Ha! Nowhere to go now, AJ,” Rainbow grinned victoriously.

Applejack was much craftier than Rainbow gave her credit for, though, and with a devious smirk, Applejack snuck through the headlock and placed her lips against the underside of Rainbow’s chin.

Rainbow lost her grip in response to the unexpected gesture, fighting against a giggle. It was then that Applejack made her escape and asserted her dominance by pinning Rainbow to the floor and assaulting the pegasus in all manner of pecks and kisses.

“No!” Rainbow half-cried, half-giggled out, squirming against the superior grip of the farmer. “I’ll get you back for this, AJ!”

Applejack nickered into Rainbow’s neck, working a blush into Rainbow’s cheeks. Rainbow was helpless to contain her squeals as Applejack nipped her ear. But Applejack was careless with the distribution of her limbs. If Rainbow angled her hips just right, she could-

“If this is a sappy moment for you two, I can’t wait to see what the sex is like,” Vinyl snickered, earning a smack from Octavia.

Applejack scrambled off of Rainbow, who hastily righted herself and flattened her mane, flashing a nervous smile.

Octavia chuckled at the display before turning to Vinyl. “So I assume you’re feeling better now?”

Vinyl rubbed her cheek tenderly. “Not after that! Are you trying to break my face?”

“I’m taking that as a yes,” Octavia nodded.

“Yes you are or yes…” Vinyl’s face scrunched uncertainly. “Never mind. But yeah, it’s always been like that. She’s like crack to me; I know she’s not good for me, but I keep going back, and I miss her when she leaves.”

Octavia chuckled at Vinyl’s analogy. “As long as you know it’s not healthy.”

Vinyl waved a hoof dismissively.

“So, can we get breakfast now?” Rainbow suggested. “I was lying, I’m actually really hungry. I just didn’t want to leave Scratch behind.”

Applejack chuckled. “Aw, how cute.”

“You know she would have complained!” Rainbow insisted.

“Yeah, probably,” Vinyl admitted.

“See?” Rainbow grinned.

“Still cute that you’d think of me, though,” Vinyl teased.

Rainbow grunted, purposely letting her tail smack against Applejack’s flank as she spun around and skulked away.

Rarity sat in her kitchen, staring into her coffee cup. Every time she tried to take a sip, her throat clenched and made swallowing painful. But on a morning like this, she needed every bit of motivation she could get.

Sighing, she looked instead up at the ceiling. If there was one pony she wanted to see right now it would be Twilight. Her advice could prove invaluable to her inevitable heart to heart with Spike. But there was no way she could manage that in her situation. She could only hope she’d be afforded enough time to collect herself before she encountered the young dragon again.

Perhaps she was making more of it than she should. After all, Spike seemed to take it well enough the first time. But then again, if monogamy was not an issue to her, then would Spike feel slighted by not being allowed to partake?

Rarity groaned into her mug, wishing at least that she could drown its contents. Steeling herself, she brought it to her lips and forced the dark liquid down. Her effort awarded her a small boost of energy in addition to a sore, burning throat.

A sniffle produced a wetter sound than expected, goading Rarity wipe her nose with a tissue. Were this any other day, she might have worried she was coming down with the flu. But she knew this feeling all too well to mistake it.

For once, Rarity was thankful she had not applied any mascara.

As the first few tears began to fall, a knock sounded from her door. In a brief panic, she realized that the boutique was normally open at this hour. But the rational part of her brain reminded her that customers usually just showed themselves in.

Still a little wary, Rarity remained where she was, hopeful that whoever it was might go away if they didn’t get an immediate response. That hope was crushed as the knocking resumed, forcing her to her hooves.

Despite feeling significantly less than presentable, Rarity cracked the door open to peek out. But no face met her eyes, nor did any sound touch her ears. Disgruntled, Rarity was about to close the door, until the downward motion of her head as she pulled away locked her eyes with an intruder significantly scalier than anticipated.

Rarity stiffened. “Oh, Spike, I didn’t expect you to…”

Spike cocked a brow. “Didn’t expect me to what?”

Rarity shook her head. “Never mind.”

Spike’s claw caught the door before it could swing closed. “Are you… feeling alright, Rarity? You’re not wearing any make-up.”

Rarity sighed, resigning herself to the confrontation. “Spike… why are you here?”

Spike blinked. “What do you mean? We were supposed to spend some time together today, remember? After your spa day with Fluttershy?”

Rarity could not stop herself from wincing at the sound of Fluttershy’s name. “Why, yes, of course!” She tried to play off, hoping Spike wouldn’t notice.

But if Spike hadn’t noticed the wince, he’d certainly noticed the abrupt and unconvincing about-face, and the clearly feigned happiness in her voice. And considering this was the dragon who’d spent the last three years obsessing over every little detail of her, Rarity didn’t even know why she bothered to try.

“Rarity, I thought we promised we were done with the secrets,” Spike accused. “What are you trying to hide from me this time?”

Rarity sagged onto her couch, knowing that any further denial would hurt her cause at this point. “I… seem to have gotten myself into a bit of a… romantic predicament with Fluttershy.”

“Oh,” Spike replied, pausing for a moment before climbing up onto Rarity’s couch beside her. “Fluttershy, huh? What about Big Macintosh?”

Rarity hesitated. “It’s only as big of a problem as you make it.”

Spike frowned. “You mean you’re not even gonna tell him?”

“What? Oh, heavens no!” Rarity quickly amended. “I simply meant that there are times when certain boundaries can get in the way of…”

Spike cocked a brow as Rarity trailed off. “Go on…”

Rarity bit her lip. “Well, polyamory isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

Spike’s lower brow rose to meet the other. “Come again?”

Rarity sighed. “I’m in the process of courting Fluttershy in an attempt to form a happy relationship with both her and Mac.”

“So you shrug off my advances because you were already committed, and then you go hook up with Fluttershy just like that?” Spike demanded. “What’s she got that I don’t?”

“The ability to accept me for who I am, and to understand that I’m not a perfect pony,” Rarity affirmed. “She’s also much closer to my age, and therefore a more suitable partner.”

“You really think I care that you’ve got the wrong parts?” Spike ranted. “You think I’d just throw all my feelings out the window because of something I never even took time to consider? I love you for who you are. Why would a dick change that?”

“It shouldn’t,” Rarity agreed. “But it’s not your decision to make, Spike.”

“I’m not even sure you care anymore,” Spike continued, pacing in circles. “I know I’m a little younger than you, but why is that where you draw the line? It’s not like I’m gonna be young forever.”

“Spike, there are laws against such a relationship,” Rarity reminded. “And you still have four years before you’re legal. I don’t want a love that’s criminal, a love that I’d have to keep secret. And there are certain needs I have that you just can’t fill.”

“Right, because my dick’s not big enough,” Spike surmised.

“I’d prefer if you’d refrain from such crude language, Spike,” Rarity frowned.

Spike scoffed. “Because it’s true, right? Fluttershy doesn’t even have one and you let her in.”

“Exactly,” Rarity nodded, giving Spike pause. “I didn’t mean sexual needs, Spike. I meant from a more romantic sense, like taking me out to dinner or to see a movie; things that would get me in trouble if I did them with you.”

“Well you’ve already got Fluttershy and Big Macintosh for that, so why would you need it from me?” Spike pressed. “I don’t care if you go out without me, I don’t care if you have sex with other ponies. All I want is for you to love me when you come home. I don’t care if nopony ever knows, because you’re still the only pony I’ve ever felt for this way.”

“That doesn’t mean there won’t be others,” Rarity offered.

“After all that you’re still turning me away?”

Rarity sighed. “Spike, even if any of that could work, I wouldn’t feel right accepting it. More than the law, it would go against my own morals, and that’s something nothing can hide from.”

Spike’s face fell. “I don’t want this to be the end, Rarity.”

“It won’t be,” Rarity promised. “You’ll always be my little Spikey-wikey.”

Spike frowned. “Because that’s gotten me so far.”

“So our friendship has meant nothing to you?” Rarity countered.

“I thought we had something, Rarity,” Spike defended.

Rarity narrowed her eyes. “That’s really all you’ve ever cared about?”

“You’ve been leading me on for three years!” Spike shot back.

“My love for you has never been anything more than platonic.”

“Well you did a hell of a job conveying that!”

Rarity looked away, face hardening. “I think you should leave, Spike.”

“Fine!” Spike got up and stormed out the door.

Rarity sighed, feeling regret welling up within her. Right now she wanted nothing more than to sink into Fluttershy’s gentle hooves and forget her worries. Waiting a few more moments to ensure she didn’t run into Spike along the road, Rarity acted on her impulse and started to make her way over to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“So, where exactly are we going?” Rainbow questioned as Vinyl led the way down to the lobby.

“Just another thing that makes this place great,” Vinyl answered smoothly.

“It ain’t too far, is it?” Applejack picked up.

Vinyl frowned, stopping briefly to look at Applejack. “Uh, no? This place isn’t really all that big.”

Applejack shrugged. “Ah guess it’s no Manehattan, but it’s still bigger ‘n Ponyville.”

Vinyl’s face scrunched in bafflement as she looked around the lobby. “Are you high or something?”

Rainbow snickered at that, while Applejack just looked more confused.

“I do believe I’ve lost track of the conversation,” Octavia admitted. “What exactly are you talking about now?”

“Well, apparently Applejack’s convinced all of Ponyville can fit in this one hotel,” Vinyl began.

“Wait, we were just talkin’ about the hotel?” Applejack interrupted.

Vinyl blinked. “Uh, yeah. What else would ‘this place’ mean?”

“Ah thought you meant all of Canterlot,” Applejack defended. “You weren’t exactly bein’ specific. How was I supposed ta know there was a restaurant in here?”

“Eh, it’s more like a food court,” Vinyl clarified.

A frown returned to Rainbow’s face. “Wait, why didn’t you tell us there was a food court in here?”

“Because you would have gone without me,” Vinyl smirked.

“I’m not-“ Rainbow began to refute, but cut herself short. “Actually, yeah, I probably would have.”

“Ah woulda stopped ya,” Applejack challenged.

Rainbow scoffed. “You really think you can stand between me and food?”

“Ah, yes, a forbidden love I know all too well,” Octavia hummed.

Applejack chuckled, prompting a quick eye-roll from Rainbow. At least until Vinyl threw open the double doors and the aroma of freshly baked goods hit Rainbow’s nostrils. Applejack barely reacted fast enough to catch the tip of Rainbow’s tail in her teeth.

“Dammit, AJ, I’m hungry!” Rainbow complained, fighting against Applejack’s vice grip.

“Ah am, too,” Applejack reminded through the tail in her mouth. “But this is a nice place, Rainbow.”

“They don’t really care too much about manners around here,” Vinyl mentioned. “I mean, why else would I still be allowed in, right?”

Applejack groaned, releasing Rainbow’s tail from her teeth. No sooner than she had done so, Rainbow compiled a tray stacked with all sorts of assorted foods.

Rainbow paused mid-transit to a vacant table as she felt a number of eyes on her. “Wait, the stuff here’s free, right?”

Vinyl sighed, walking up to a traumatized baker and showing her key card. “She’s with me; just put it on my tab, alright?”

The baker nodded slowly, grateful that Vinyl was such an easily recognizable pony even after almost a year since he had last seen her around.

Satisfied, Vinyl made her way over to the table that Rainbow had claimed to find almost half of the food already gone. “Uh, aren’t you gonna save any for me?”

Rainbow frowned, swallowing her mouthful. “I didn’t know we were sharing.”

Vinyl sighed, snatching a cinnamon bun from Rainbow’s still-formidable pyramid. “So, anything else happen while I was asleep?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Me and AJ decided we’re gonna get cable.”

“All it took was findin’ out there was a Wonderbolts channel,” Applejack supplied.

Vinyl frowned, turning to Octavia. “So that’s how that came up, huh?”

“I honestly didn’t know it existed!” Octavia defended. “All the channels I usually watch are lower numbers. I didn’t even know there were a hundred channels.”

“The Wonderbolts channel is only thirty-six in Canterlot,” Vinyl pointed out. “And you’re not usually one to exaggerate.”

Octavia sighed. “Alright, I knew the highest channel was one hundred two, but only because I hit down too many times trying to get to channel two. I don’t even remember what it was.”

Vinyl grinned. “The Playcolt channel.”

Octavia frowned. “You would know that.”

Applejack blinked. “Never took Vinyl as one fer foals.”

“What?” Vinyl cocked her head so far it looked like it might fall off. “Now I have no idea how that came up, but I’ll have you know that-“

“I think she misunderstood what we’re talking about.” Rainbow interrupted. “Playcolt’s a dirty magazine, AJ. You know, like pornography?”

Applejack recoiled. “Yer kiddin’?”

Rainbow shook her head.

“But… why?” Applejack fumbled. “Ah mean, Ah get that some ponies get a kick outta seein’ other ponies private bits, but… Playcolt? That sounds like some kinda foal’s show. And why would it have a channel if it’s just a magazine?”

“Videos are usually more exciting than pictures,” Rainbow chortled.

Applejack paused before taking a stab at it. “So it’s just a bunch ’a stallions showin’ off their private areas?”

Vinyl laughed at Applejack’s innocence.

Rainbow rolled her eyes at Vinyl’s outburst. “Nah, it’s called Playcolt because it’s intended for a male audience or something. So it’s all mares and no stallions. Why else would I know about it?”

“A playcolt is a stallion who chooses a life of pleasure without any of the attachments of a traditional romance.” Octavia put in.

Rainbow blinked. “Oh, so kinda like I was thinking before this whole thing with AJ.”

“But why in Equestria would ponies go around doin’ all that in public?” Applejack went on. “Ain’t they got better things ta do than embarrass themselves like that?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno. It’s pretty good for figuring out if you like mares or stallions, at least. And it’s not all vag anyway. They’re usually pretty good about teasing. But they don’t take the pictures in public. That’d just be weird.”

“Well, ain’t it pretty much the same thing if anypony who picks up the magazine can see it?” Applejack challenged.

“I’m not defending it, AJ,” Rainbow placated. “The real thing’s way better.”

Applejack sighed. “Just can’t imagine what’d happen if somethin’ like that got in some little filly er colt’s hooves.”

“You’d get about half our generation,” Vinyl put in. “Colts more than fillies though. We already know what our own parts look like, after all. And there’s not really any equivalent for stallion bits.”

“I got all the stallion junk I needed from going to Wonderbolt shows,” Rainbow shuddered.

“More like Wonderballs, right?” Vinyl jested.

Rainbow groaned. “Too far.”

Vinyl shrugged. “Just saying. I mean, they’ve gotta make those suits tight so they don’t dangle out, right?”

“Vinyl, just shut up and eat,” Octavia came to the rescue.

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Fine.”

Fluttershy hummed a tune to herself as she flew around her cottage delivering food to all of her little animal friends. They all seemed to appreciate the return to normalcy, though none were as relieved as Angel.

“I know you worked hard the last couple days, Angel bunny, so I’ve got a little surprise for you,” Fluttershy revealed, reaching into the fridge to produce a freshly prepared bowl of Angel’s favorite salad.

Angel happily devoured his treat, even going so far as to look grateful for once.

Fluttershy sighed wistfully, venturing outside to tend to her other critters. A smile came to her face as she noticed Rarity on her way down the road.

Forgetting her responsibilities for a moment, Fluttershy approached Rarity and wrapped her in a hug. Her lips were inches away from Rarity’s cheek when she remembered Rarity’s words from yesterday and pulled back sheepishly. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m just happy to see you. What are you doing out here so early?”

Rarity sighed. “Forget what I said yesterday, Fluttershy. Don’t hold yourself back. I could really use the support right now.”

Fluttershy frowned, giving Rarity a gentle kiss on the cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“I just had a run-in with Spike,” Rarity admitted. “I’m not sure if I’ll be seeing him again for quite a while.”

“Don’t say that,” Fluttershy soothed. “Spike cares a lot about you. Letting him down gently is the only thing you could have done.”

Rarity groaned. “It was all going so well before I just had to coddle him. We were just going to spend a little time apart to give him some time to heal. I can’t imagine how many painful memories I brought up with just one word.”

Fluttershy sighed. “Spikey-wikey?”

Rarity nodded shamefully.

“Well, as long as he knows to stop chasing you and move on, there’s hope for him to come around some day,” Fluttershy assured. “He’s a very sweet dragon, and any little filly would be lucky to have him.”

“And I hoped to help him through that process, but it seems I underestimated the strength of his attachment,” Rarity despaired. “Perhaps it is for the best that we part, but as strange as it sounds, I think I’m going to miss his infatuation.”

“It almost feels wrong to think he might start fawning over somepony else, huh?” Fluttershy prompted.

Rarity winced. “There’s a limit to the amount of love anypony can endure, and I cannot justify a relationship with somepony half my age. And I’m already in deep enough as it is with you and Mac.”

“I know it’s hard to turn him away because of something that sounds so simple, but it’s better than leading him on any further,” Fluttershy consoled.

Rarity sighed. “I just want to curl up with you on the couch for a while if that’s alright.”

Fluttershy smiled. “It’s no trouble at all. Just let me feed the rest of my animals and I’ll be right in to make us some tea.”

Rarity smiled back. “Would you mind if I watched?”

“Oh, um, I guess not,” Fluttershy supposed. “Any particular reason?”

“I just love to see you use those beautiful wings of yours. I’ve always been a little jealous how gorgeous you can be without even trying.”

Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, Rarity. I’m not anywhere near as beautiful as you are.”

Rarity chuckled. “Perhaps we should continue this debate after your little friends are taken care of. Celestia knows how long I could keep going.”

“Well I hope looking is enough for now, then,” Fluttershy giggled.

As Rarity watched Fluttershy move about so gracefully, she felt strangely at peace. Despite the less-than-stellar start to her day, it didn’t seem so bad when she knew that she had a dear friend’s unconditional love to help her through.

“Um, Rarity?”

Rarity blinked, coming out of her daze to see Fluttershy looking at her with a blush on her face. “What’s the matter, darling?”

Fluttershy gulped. “Uh, you forgot your um…”

Rarity tilted her head, following Fluttershy’s gaze. “Oh! I’m terribly sorry, I must have been, uh…”

Fluttershy smiled shyly. “It’s okay, I don’t mind. I actually kind of like it when you stare at me.”

Rarity blushed. “It’s hard to resist when you’ve got such a hypnotic body.”

“Well, I’m done feeding my animals,” Fluttershy ventured, “was there something else you wanted to do besides cuddle on the couch?”

“I-I’m alright, thank you,” Rarity shied away. “I wouldn’t want to… Besides, it’s much too early to…”

Fluttershy laughed, a sound that instantly calmed Rarity. “I’m just teasing. You always seem to do it so well, so maybe I wanted a little revenge this time.”

“I assure you I don’t mean to,” Rarity defended.

“Just like I’m sure you don’t mean to leave yourself hanging out like that,” Fluttershy took another playful jab.

Rarity quickly covered herself, grinning apologetically while embarrassment tinted her cheeks. Her horn it up as she prepared to cast the spell that would save her further awkwardness. Fluttershy, however, made an unexpected advance, effectively disrupting Rarity’s magic with a kiss on her horn.

“Don’t,” Fluttershy insisted. “If we’re going to cuddle, I’d like to see all of you, if that’s alright.”

Rarity calmed herself with a deep breath before nodding. “Just… please don’t do anything rash. We haven’t even been on a proper date yet.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Well, we did agree on one tonight, didn’t we?”

Rarity nodded. “Though I must say, I certainly wasn’t expecting you to be so forward.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just…” Fluttershy sighed. “When I first, you know, found out, I… Well, I couldn’t stop thinking about it for the longest time. I know you said it shouldn’t change anything between us, but…”

“I can’t say I didn’t wonder where we stood for a while after that, either,” Rarity admitted. “I also couldn’t help but think how it might have gone differently if I had the proper set.”

Fluttershy blushed. “I don’t think it would have changed anything. I love you, Rarity, not your penis. I mean… not to say that I don’t love that, too, but um…”

Rarity chuckled. “Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside.”

Fluttershy nodded, peeling her eyes away from Rarity to lead the way to a more proper environment for such talk. With Rarity making herself comfortable on the couch, Fluttershy used the distraction of tea to calm her nervous mind, while Rarity was happy to use the intermission to suppress her own desires.

Angel raised an eyebrow at the quiet one’s unusually flustered appearance. A quick glance into the den, however, connected the dots in his mind. Sighing heavily at what the day and subsequent night were sure to bring, he found himself wishing that they would away to the fussy one’s abode. Or at the very least that he could convene with Opalescence to discuss revenge tactics.

Once the tea kettle had been set on the stove, Fluttershy sauntered back into the den on lighter hooves than usual. Rarity noticed this with a smile, making a space for Fluttershy to sit on the couch. Fluttershy happily nestled into Rarity’s embrace with a sigh of contentment.

“I don’t suppose you’ve had breakfast yet, have you?” Rarity ventured.

“Oh, no, I always make sure to feed my animals before myself,” Fluttershy assured. “Why do you ask?”

Rarity hesitated. “Well, I’d hate to make you get up again, but I am starting to feel rather hungry.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Good thing I decided to put the biscuits in, too.”

Rarity smiled back, showing her appreciation for Fluttershy’s initiative with a nuzzle. Lifting the television remote from the coffee table, Rarity turned on the morning news for a little added ambiance.

One of the headlines quickly caught Fluttershy’s eye. “The Wonderbolts are performing today in Canterlot? You don’t think Rainbow’s going to drag Applejack along to that, do you?”

Rarity chuckled. “You never know with those two.”

“C’mon, you guys, we’ve still got plenty of time to explore before the Wonderbolts show,” Rainbow urged, practically dancing in the air at the front of the pack.

“So yer wantin’ ta go after all, huh?” Applejack inferred.

Rainbow paused mid-air. “Well, yeah. I just don’t want them to see me.”

Applejack chuckled. “Unless Vinyl knows some kinda invisibility spell, Ah don’t see how that’s gonna work.”

“I could hide under you,” Rainbow suggested.

Applejack cocked a brow. “Then ya wouldn’t be able ta see anythin’.”

Rainbow’s face scrunched up in thought. “Okay, how about if I just wear your hat? I’ll be harder to recognize without my mane showing.”

Applejack frowned. “You know how Ah feel about ponies messin’ with mah hat.”

“But I’m me,” Rainbow pleaded. “Come on, just this once?”

Applejack sighed, lifting her hat off her head and tossing it to Rainbow. “Just this once, ya hear?”

Rainbow grinned, happily gathering up her mane and securing it atop her head. “You know, this thing is a lot roomier than I thought it was.”

“Don’t you dare lose it,” Applejack warned.

Rainbow smiled, nuzzling Applejack’s cheek. “Come on, you know you can trust me, right?”

Applejack smiled back and nodded.

“So, where did you guys wanna go first?” Vinyl asked, joining the group in front of the hotel clad in her protective hoodie and trademark shades.

“Finally!” Rainbow cheered.

“What’s with the get-up?” Applejack questioned.

Vinyl squirmed briefly before drawing the hood over her head. “It’s to help me deal with the sun. I’m an albino, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

Applejack blinked. “A what now?”

“It means that her body cannot produce melanin, which is what colors the skin and coat in ponies,” Octavia explained. “The lack of it also means she’s more sensitive to sunlight, and at a constant risk of sunburn.”

“Then what about her mane, or her eyes?” Rainbow picked up.

“I dye my mane and tail,” Vinyl replied. “Kinda boring to have a white mane on a white coat, so I decided to make it cool.”

“It’s a bit garish, but it has grown on me over the years,” Octavia admitted. “Certainly eye-catching. And about those, her eyes appear red because the lack of melanin renders her irises transparent, so the red you see is from the blood cells in her retinas. It also causes problems with her vision, as melanin plays a role in the development of the eyes. Her sunglasses are specially made to alleviate those problems, which is why she rarely takes them off.”

“So basically I look cool because I have to,” Vinyl added.

Rainbow blinked. “Maybe something got messed up somewhere down the line and I got all your color on top of mine.”

Applejack looked at Rainbow dubiously. “Ah kinda figured ya got it from yer pa.”

Octavia frowned. “I suppose your unusual coloration could be due to some strange variation of melanism, though I highly doubt it’s related to Vinyl’s albinism.”

“I don’t even like melons,” Rainbow revealed. “But if they’re what make you colorful, you should probably get Vinyl to eat some. You said they’d help with her eyes, too, right?”

Octavia’s face met her hoof. “I take it you didn’t understand a word of what I said.”

“Of course I understood you, I just have no idea what you’re talking about,” Rainbow defended.

Octavia sighed. “Perhaps we should get going, lest we spend all day here explaining the difference between melons and melanin.”

Vinyl blinked. “Oh yeah, we were gonna show you guys around.”

Octavia nodded. “Come along then, you two. There are plenty of interesting destinations around here.”

“They’re all a lot cooler at night, though,” Vinyl quipped.

Octavia rolled her eyes. “You just like the neon lights.”

Vinyl’s eye twitched behind the dark glass of her shades. “I’ll just pretend you didn’t say that.”

Octavia cocked a brow while looks of confusion played across the faces of Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

“You know we’re probably going to run into him at the awards ceremony,” Octavia pointed out.

“Just… don’t talk about him,” Vinyl grunted.

While Vinyl took a moment to quietly fume, Octavia dropped back to whisper an explanation. “Neon Lights is the name of Vinyl’s brother. They’re not on the best of terms.”

Rainbow frowned. “Never heard of him.”

“Not many have,” Octavia returned. “He fancies himself a DJ – a better one than Vinyl, at that – but he’s rather unremarkable. And no amount of talent would excuse his horrid personality.”

“Ah’m sure he ain’t all that bad,” Applejack assured.

Octavia frowned. “He faked an illness for three weeks so their parents would cover his ‘medical bills’. He spent it all on booze.”

Applejack could offer no rebuttal.

“Was that what we heard Vinyl yelling about on the train?” Rainbow wondered.

Octavia sighed. “Yes, it was. During Lyra’s first encounter with Neon, she accused him of being Vinyl’s secret coltfriend. Vinyl’s never quite forgiven her for that.”

“I wouldn’t, either,” Rainbow added. “I can think of a couple of ponies like that in Ponyville. Wouldn’t be caught dead with either of them.”

“You about done talking behind my back?” Vinyl grumbled.

Octavia offered Vinyl an apologetic nuzzle. “Sorry, Vinyl. I felt they had a right to know. They are going to be sharing a bed with us tonight, aren’t they?”

Vinyl’s face slowly cracked into a smile.

“Now, was there anywhere in particular you had in mind?” Octavia queried.

“I wanted to check out the arcade,” Rainbow replied.

Vinyl nodded. “That doesn’t really get too much cooler at night. We definitely have to wait ‘til night before we hit the casino, though. It’s a totally different place all lit up. You guys are eighteen, right?”

“Just this year,” Applejack confirmed. “Haven’t really gone anywhere special yet, though. Not like when Rainbow took her first drink of hard cider. That was some kinda party.”

Rainbow grinned. “Just when I thought cider couldn’t get any better, right?”

“Coulda done without all the flirtin’, though,” Applejack chuckled.

Rainbow blinked. “Wait, I flirted with you back then? And I don’t even remember it?”

“You must have been wasted,” Vinyl lauded. “I’m pretty sure I’d remember if I got rowdy with Tavi.”

“Kinda thought it was just the cider talkin’ back then,” Applejack admitted. “Took ya two years ta prove me wrong.”

Vinyl blinked. “Wait, two years?”

“Uh, yeah?” Applejack cocked her head.

“You’re telling me the drinking age in Ponyville is sixteen?” Vinyl demanded.

“Isn’t it in Canterlot?” Rainbow asked.

Vinyl groaned. “No, I had to wait. It’s seventeen in Canterlot. If I had known Ponyville was so cool, I swear…”

“That seems kinda silly,” Applejack mused. “You can have sex at sixteen, you can drink at seventeen, and ya can gamble at eighteen?”

“You can have sex at sixteen, too?” Vinyl burst. “I freaking hate this place.”

“Well, you can technically have sex any time you want. You just won’t get in trouble for it if you’re over sixteen,” Rainbow mentioned.

“Ah whatever, at least it’s not Manehatten,” Vinyl supposed. “They make you wait ‘til you’re eighteen before you can have sex, and twenty-one until you can drink and gamble. I don’t think I could take waiting another two years for booze.”

“Guess I picked the right place to move, then,” Rainbow jested. “I mean, a casino would be nice, but cider’s way better. Me and AJ have already done plenty of gambling anyway; just for bragging rights and not money.”

“Don’t think there are any racing games at a casino, sugarcube,” Applejack chortled.

“They’ve got some of those at the arcade, though,” Rainbow grinned.

“You play any of those?” Vinyl inquired.

Rainbow shrugged. “Eh, not really. I mean, I can do that every day in real life. It’s not every day I can fight a pack of timberwolves or a horde of changelings, though.”

“Can’t always count on farm work ta be too excitin’,” Applejack added.

“And that’s why we’re branching out,” Rainbow finished.

“Ah, so you really are an apple if you’re branching out, right?” Vinyl grinned.

Octavia blinked. “Vinyl, apples don’t have branches.”

Vinyl frowned. “Wait, what?”

“The trees have branches, not the fruit,” Octavia explained.

“Then what about those little things on the top?”

Octavia chuckled. “Those are stems, Vinyl.”

Vinyl paused, thinking for a moment. “So, Rainbow’s a tree, then?”

“If ya asked her, she’d say it’s Fluttershy who’s a tree,” Applejack snickered.

Rainbow frowned, brandishing a hoof but unable to bring herself to do anything but place it atop Applejack’s head and give her mane a ruffle. “Hey, what happened to your hat?”

Applejack cocked a brow. “Didn’t we just go over this?”

Rainbow blinked. “Oh yeah, I’m wearing it now.” Zoning out for a few seconds, Rainbow then realized that her hoof was still moving atop Applejack’s head. “Wait, is it okay if I do this?”

Applejack rolled her eyes and brushed Rainbow’s hoof off her head. “Don’t go gettin’ used to it.”

Rainbow smirked. “Better watch out, AJ. I’ve got topping rights now.”

Rainbow laughed and stuck her tongue out as she dodged Applejack’s hoof seeking to reclaim her symbol of dominance.

“It was just a joke, gosh,” Rainbow sniggered. “We’re still gonna fight for it.”

Applejack put a hoof to her head and sighed helplessly as Vinyl joined in the deprecating mirth.

Rainbow nudged Applejack in the ribs. “Lighten up, Apples. It’s not like we have to use the top and bottom system, right?”

“No, but Ah’d appreciate it if we didn’t talk about this in public,” Applejack hinted.

Rainbow blinked. “Oh yeah. Hey, did you see if we got any looks?”

Applejack shoved Rainbow lightly, unable to stay mad for long. “Let’s just get on over to the arcade already.”

Scootaloo sighed, happily leaping up onto her own bed again. Upon doing so, she noticed that a fresh plate of muffins had been set on her nightstand.

“Alright, so now that we’re out of the hospital, what do y’all wanna do?” Apple Bloom prompted.

Scootaloo shrugged, picking a muffin off the plate and turning to Sweetie Belle. “Got any ideas, Belle?”

Sweetie Belle put a hoof to her chin, sticking her tongue out in intense thought. “Hm… You know, since we have our cutie marks now, some of the things we’d normally do seem a little silly.”

“That a muffin ya got there, Scoot?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Dad did promise them, right?” Scootaloo grinned. “There’s one for each of us.”

Sweetie Belle carefully levitated the plate off of the nightstand. When her magic inevitably failed her, the plate was thankfully close enough to the ground to avoid shattering. She opted to use her mouth to claim her reward.

“You could have just come up here, you know,” Scootaloo mentioned.

Sweetie Belle shrugged, dropping the muffin into her hooves. “I think I’m more comfortable lifting a plate than myself.”

“Ah think she meant just jumpin’ up,” Apple Bloom chuckled, grabbing her own muffin and joining Scootaloo on the bed.

Sweetie Belle blinked. “Oh yeah.”

Scootaloo cocked a brow as Sweetie Belle took a bite of her muffin while staying put on the floor. “So, are you coming up or not?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry,” Sweetie Belle snapped out of her temporary daze and hopped up to join her friends.

Scootaloo watched in horror as a yellow-green glow enveloped the plate on the floor. Dropping her muffin, she slid off the bed to snatch the plate before it could raise too far off the ground. “Uh, let me get that.”

With Scootaloo’s timely intervention, the delicate piece of tableware was returned safely to the nightstand. And more importantly, she-

“Welcome home, Scoot!”

The sudden shout made Scootaloo jump and lose her grip on the plate, which crashed down onto the hard floor. Scootaloo rounded on the intruder and barked, “Dammit, Dinky, look what you made me do!”

Dinky blinked. “Oh, sorry.”

Derpy appeared at the doorway. “I heard an explosion!”

“It’s just a plate, Dad,” Scootaloo indicated the mess of sharp pieces on the floor.

Before everypony’s eyes, the shattered plate was enveloped by a yellow glow. Scootaloo turned a frightened eye to Sweetie Belle, who cocked her head. Sighing in relief as she noticed that Sweetie Belle’s horn was not active, she returned her gaze to the plate.

“Wait, what?” Scootaloo balked. The plate had been miraculously restored in the time she had been distracted. “How did you do that?”

“I didn’t do anything.” Sweetie Belle pointed to Dinky, whose horn was just losing its glow. “Dinky did that.”

Scootaloo frowned. “Since when can you fix plates, Dink?”

“It’s not like I did nothing when you were away,” Dinky giggled.

“Ya do good work, Dinky,” Apple Bloom praised.

Dinky grinned. “Thanks, Apple Bloom. Somepony’s gotta clean up around here, with all the shenanigans Mom gets into.”

Apple Bloom blinked. “Wait, Carrot Top’s getting inta trouble now?”

Dinky frowned in confusion. “Uh, no?”

“My dad’s her mom, remember?” Scootaloo pointed out.

Apple Bloom groaned. “Why does yer family have ta be so confusing, Scoot? Can’t just one of them be the mom and the other be the dad?”

“If they were a mare and a stallion, sure, but they’re both mares, so it’s different,” Scootaloo shrugged. “Besides, this way it’s fair. Both of them get to be mom to one of us and dad to the other. And technically, Derpy is my dad, the same way Carrot Top is technically hers. So, I guess maybe I’m just used to it by now.”

“It’s not really all that confusing,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “I mean, they’re just mystery parents, right?”

Scootaloo’s face scrunched uncertainly. “I guess that’s one way of putting it.”

Sweetie Belle grinned triumphantly while Apple Bloom propped her head up on a hoof and wondered when she had been intellectually bested by her fellow crusader.

“So… you gonna eat those?” Derpy prompted.

Dinky turned around. “Mom? When did you get back?”

Derpy frowned, looking over her shoulder. “I’m not that fat am I?”

“I… what?” Dinky shook her head. “No, Mom, you’re not fat.”

Derpy did not look convinced. “Maybe I should cut back. I’m gonna go ask Carrot.”

As the door swung shut behind Derpy, Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo. “Yer mom, er, dad, feelin’ alright?”

Scootaloo waved a hoof. “She’s always like that. You kinda get used to it. Sorta like Pinkie Pie.”

“She never left, by the way,” Sweetie Belle mentioned. “Kinda surprised you didn’t notice.”

Dinky nodded distractedly. “I should probably go make sure nothing’s happening downstairs. I’ll be right back. Don’t do anything stupid!”

Scootaloo smiled. “Don’t worry about me, I learned my lesson.”

“We’ll make sure o’ that,” Apple Bloom added.

Dinky chuckled, showing herself out and leaving the Crusaders to their muffins.

Scootaloo sighed, stretching out on her bed. Even if she still had casts on her wings, it was good to be home. She did feel a little bad that they’d spent so much time at her house, but Sweetie Belle’s was the next in the rotation, and whenever Scootaloo asked, Sweetie Belle would insist against it.

Apple Bloom was enjoying her time away from home, too. Apparently five ponies in the house was just that many more than three. So for better or worse, they’d be spending a bit more time on the carrot farm.

The door swung open, and in walked Dinky, who sighed. “Sorry about that.”

Scootaloo rolled over onto her side to greet Dinky, “Is Dad alright?”

Dinky nodded, “Yeah, she’s fine. Dad talked her down by telling her carrots would help.”

Apple Bloom frowned, glancing over to Sweetie Belle.

“Okay, that is getting a little confusing,” Sweetie Belle admitted.

Scootaloo shrugged. “So, anyway, anything happen while we were gone?”

Dinky seemed to sag slightly. “Rumble’s been kinda on edge lately. Things haven’t been going too well at home.”

Scootaloo frowned. “Like what?”

Dinky hesitated, not wanting to trouble her sister’s friends, but it seemed like she had their attention anyway. “Well, Thunderlane just got dumped pretty hard. Blossomforth just got fed up, I guess.”

“I thought you said she didn’t care about what happened,” Sweetie Belle questioned.

“Apparently she did,” Dinky said, sounding as lost as any of them. “I guess it just took a little while for it to hit her that he cheated, or something.”

“Why, though?” Scootaloo wondered. “Doesn’t he normally do stuff like this anyway?”

“Hitting on other mares, yeah, but nothing that bad,” Dinky clarified. “Maybe Blossomforth wasn’t expecting it to go that far. But whatever happened there, it’s not the bad part. Rumble came over with a black eye yesterday. He said it was an accident, but I really doubt it.”

Scootaloo winced. “Ouch, that sounds pretty rough. You’re thinking that Thunderlane hit him?”

“This Thunderlane guy sounds like a big bully,” Apple Bloom observed.

“Bully or not, they’re still brothers,” Dinky sighed. “It’d be a tough even if he wasn’t a drunk.”

“But then none o’ that woulda happened, right?” Apple Bloom pointed out.

“Maybe, but there’s no going back now,” Dinky lamented. “And there’s more to it than even that. Cloudchaser used to watch Rumble when Thunderlane went out drinking, so now he’s stuck at home those nights. There really isn’t a way it could have played out worse than it did.”

Scootaloo went rigid. “Cloudchaser wasn’t in heat, was she?”

Dinky cringed. “Oh, Celestia I hope not. But Rumble hasn’t seen her since, so there’s no real way to know right now.”

“We ran into her not too long ago and she didn’t really seem that broken up about it,” Sweetie Belle offered. “So maybe it’s not really as bad as we think?”

Dinky nodded. “We can only hope so. She can come on a little strong sometimes, but Cloudchaser’s a good mare.”

“No word from her sister, either, I’m guessing?” Scootaloo prompted.

Dinky shook her head. “Nothing at all. I know it’s not really my place, but I can’t help wanting to reach out. From all Rumble’s talked about her, I almost feel like I know her myself, you know?”

“You never ran into her before, all those times you’ve gone to Rumble’s house?” Scootaloo pressed.

“Nothing more than a few words here and there,” Dinky amended. “I’m pretty sure all she knows me as is Rumble’s fillyfriend, though.”

“Still better than Rumble’s fillyfriend’s twin sister, right?” Scootaloo encouraged.

Dinky cracked a smile. “I guess, but it still wouldn’t feel right. Maybe Rumble will want to go talk to her soon, but I’m not gonna be the one to suggest it.”

Scootaloo chuckled, giving her sister a light punch in the shoulder. “You’re too soft sometimes, Dink. If you don’t do something soon, Rumble will probably think he owns you.”

Dinky blushed, about to say something before Scootaloo cut her off.

“Not like that!” Scootaloo insisted. “Luna, maybe it’s already happened.”

Apple Bloom shared a glance with Sweetie Belle, who shrugged. It really started to hit the farm filly that she knew next to nothing about Scootaloo’s personal life. Sweetie Belle at least had known her for a few years before she’d run away.

The touch of a hoof stopped Apple Bloom’s inner musings before they could become self-deprecating, and she looked up to see that it belonged to Scootaloo. Apple Bloom gave her a smile, which seemed to satisfy the pegasus as that hoof moved to wrap around her side and pull her closer. Apple Bloom was content to lean against Scootaloo as she conversed with her sister. Maybe she didn’t know much now, but there would be plenty of time to learn.

“Here we are,” Vinyl said needlessly as they approached the arcade.

Rainbow regarded the face of the establishment with reverence. From what she could see, it was stylized to look like it was made of gold, and shaped like some sort of magic box chest, with a fake keyhole above the bold lettering. It looked like the kind of thing you would keep your most awesome prized possessions in, giving the appearance of being top secret despite being open to the public.

However she could ramble about it, there was one word that surfaced in Rainbow’s mind. “Is everything in Canterlot this awesome?”

Vinyl chuckled. “Wait ‘til you see the casino. It’s got this massive fountain out front, waterfalls on the face feeding down to a big moat with this elegant as buck bridge over it… This little game box has nothing on it.”

Octavia shook her head slowly as they made their way inside.

If the exterior of the arcade wasn’t eye-catching enough, the interior screamed fun in a way rivaled only by Pinkie Pie, and in a far more tolerable manner. Because upon further investigation, it turned out this was far more than just an arcade. Just how much more was something Rainbow Dash was all too eager to find out.

“Ye’re not runnin’ off again, ya hear?” Applejack asserted. “We came here ta have fun together.”

“I could carry you,” Rainbow offered.

Applejack frowned. “No.”

Rainbow pouted, landing at Applejack’s insistence. “Well how else are we supposed to get around this crowd?”

“This is nothing,” Vinyl scoffed. “Try taking to the streets of Manehattan at rush hour without wings.”

“Or enough competency with magic to be able to perform a teleportation spell,” Octavia added.

Vinyl rounded on Octavia and pointed an accusing hoof at her. “Hey, you get yourself a horn and try magic sometime. It’s harder than it looks.”

“Yes, I’m sure any kind of cheap imitation would be about as functional as yours,” Octavia teased.

Vinyl frowned, using her outstretched hoof to smack Octavia lightly in retribution. “I can levitate records and work a turntable, that’s all that matters.”

Octavia chuckled despite the abuse. “And here I thought being a DJ took a backseat to other activities.”

“Well, a lot of cool stuff ends with J,” Vinyl defended. “Like, BJ, or uh…”

“AJ,” Rainbow added.

Applejack smiled. “Sweet of ya ta think of me.”

“We are talking about cool stuff, right?” Rainbow pointed out. “Why wouldn’t I think of you?”

“You know, we do have the technology to give AJ a BJ while she DJs,” Vinyl chimed in. “Now if only CJ was a thing.”

“You work on that while the rest of us do what we came here to,” Octavia jested.

Vinyl blinked, remembering where they were. “Right, let’s get moving before some foal asks what a BJ is.”

Octavia smirked as they weaved through the crowd. “I thought you were in favor of starting them young.”

“Not when their parents get on my case about it,” Vinyl shot back over her shoulder. “Believe me, in a world without consequences, there’d be no legal age.”

Once they were safely on the other side, Vinyl stopped for a breather.

“So, why is everypony going that way when the game room is in here?” Rainbow struck up.

“Like I said, there’s more than just an arcade in here,” Vinyl explained. “Plus, I bet you about half of those ponies either don’t know where they’re going or can’t get out of the crowd.”

“It helps for not being noticed,” Octavia added. “Kind of like Vinyl’s hoodie, I suppose.”

Vinyl looked up to her forehead. “Oh yeah, I can probably lose the hood now.”

As Vinyl shook out her mane to its normal shape, she thought she heard a gasp nearby. Before she knew what was going on, a crowd had gathered around them.

“Oh my gosh, it’s DJ Pon-3!” One of them exclaimed.

Vinyl froze, casting a wary eye at the ponies around her. “Oh Luna, not again.”

“Mare, I wish I got this much attention,” Rainbow envied. “You’d think a pegasus who can do a Sonic Rainboom on command would be some kind of celebrity.”

“Ah’m sure you would if ponies knew about ya,” Applejack assured, conveniently forgetting the ponies closing in around them from all sides for a moment. “So, this happen often?”

In place of an answer, Applejack crashed against a wall, which was odd considering that none of them were moving. Before she could regain her bearings, a weight fell atop her, which at a glance revealed itself to be Rainbow.

“Okay, I think we’re safe here,” Vinyl whispered.

Applejack frowned. “Safe where, exactly?”

Offering a quick apology, Rainbow got up off of Applejack, who regained her sight now that her face was not covered by multi-colored strands of hair.

Applejack’s frown deepened at what she saw. “When exactly did we get to the bathroom?”

“We’re lucky it’s empty,” Octavia chided. “I would ask you to warn us the next time you endanger our lives like that, but I know you wouldn’t listen.”

“Wait, what’s going on?” Rainbow queried.

“Just getting some practice in is all,” Vinyl answered smoothly.

“Vinyl decided the best course of action was to miraculously teleport us to a vacant bathroom,” Octavia explained.

Vinyl frowned. “I was expecting a thank you. And I could do without the ridicule, thanks.”

Octavia took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, and thank you.”

“I thought you said you couldn’t do a teleport spell,” Rainbow mentioned.

“I can when it’s important,” Vinyl boasted. “Some kinda unicorn adrenaline thing.”

“Though I’d appreciate a more relaxing experience,” Octavia mumbled.

Vinyl pulled her hood back up over her head. “Happy?”

“In this unique situation, yes,” Octavia nodded.

Vinyl sighed, sagging against a wall. “I tell you, though; magic takes a lot out of you.”

“So does everythin’ else that’s been goin’ on,” Applejack put in.

“But we just gotta push on through it, right?” Rainbow added. “What was that one word Twilight used? Antenna, or… something.”

“Tenacity?” Octavia suggested.

“Yeah, that was it. We’ve just gotta be tenacious,” Rainbow declared. “Or, wait, that is a word, right?”

Octavia nodded, smiling in amusement. “Yes, that is a valid form of the word.”

“Okay, good, ‘cause that sounds kinda cool.” Rainbow thought for a moment. “You know, maybe I should make that one of my middle names; Rainbow Tenacious Dash.”

“Never understood why ya’d need so many,” Applejack mused.

“Maybe she should have one for each color in her hair, so it’s like the different colors of the rainbow are split personalities that are awakened when you say their names,” Vinyl rambled.

“Let us know when the movie comes out,” Applejack quipped.

“I should get it directed by George Moocas,” Vinyl snickered.

Rainbow smirked. “He’d be down with the colors, at least.”

“Don’t forget the lasers and stuff, those are the most important,” Vinyl admonished. “Can’t have Star Ponies without lasers.”

“So, are we just gonna go back to the hotel or did you have some kind of plan?” Rainbow prompted.

“Well, the show’s not until seven, so we’ve still got like five hours to kill,” Vinyl said after glancing up at the clock that was hanging on the wall. “I don’t know if they got a good look at you guys, but I should look pretty anonymous like this.”

“Just so long as we come up with some sort of non-magical escape plan,” Octavia warned.

“Hey, I wasn’t even trying to do anything,” Vinyl defended. “It just sorta happened.”

Octavia chuckled. “I wasn’t condemning you, Vinyl.”

“So what’s this Star Ponies thing you were talkin’ about?” Applejack asked. “And what did ya call the guy? George Mucus?”

“Ha!” Vinyl laughed.

Rainbow cocked her head. “You mean you never went to go see it?”

“Well, no,” Applejack admitted. “Ah’ve never really been to any movies before.”

Rainbow blinked. “You mean like, not even when you were a filly? I mean, I know you never wanted to come with me to see things, but I thought you just didn’t like the same movies I did. You’ve really never even been to one?”

Applejack shook her head. “Never really spoke ta me, Ah guess.”

“Well now I’m not taking no for an answer anymore!” Rainbow burst out. “I’m pretty sure it’s still in theaters somewhere. But even if it’s not, you’ve gotta see something. You can’t just never go to the movies, AJ.”

“The theater around here is usually pretty good at keeping the hits showing for a while longer than other places,” Vinyl mentioned. “Besides, Star Ponies is like, the most important movie in the history of ever.”

“There’s a couple hours right there,” Rainbow grinned. “Come on, AJ, it’ll be fun!”

Applejack hesitated. “Ah guess it’d be somethin’ ta do, at least. Pretty sure we’re not gonna be spendin’ five hours here.”

“Awesome!” Rainbow cheered. “Plus, I already know all the good parts, so we can just make out in between. Because that’s what you do when you take a date to a movie, right?”

“That’s what Strings and I always did,” Vinyl agreed. “What do you think, Tavi? Think you can stick it out for an action movie this once?”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “I’ll try, though it doesn’t sound like I’m being given a choice. Just know that I’m not going to hold back.”

Vinyl grinned. “I figure I’ve got a way to shut you up now.”

Octavia chortled, swatting a hoof at Vinyl. “What makes you think I’ll cooperate?”

“I’m hot, duh,” Vinyl deflected.

Octavia sighed helplessly.

“I’ll just swing over by the theater to check,” Vinyl offered. “It’s not too far, and you shouldn’t get too much attention with me gone. So you guys can go get started without me, I’ll be right back.” Vinyl slipped out of the bathroom and back into the crowd of partly-lost ponies.

“Well, I guess we could find something to do while we wait for her,” Rainbow supposed. “You ever been to an arcade, Tavi?”

“Do we have to do this right now?” Trixie complained as Twilight led her through Ponyville.

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to,” Twilight pointed out. “But you’re the reason I’m doing this in the first place.”

Trixie sighed. “And here I was thinking today was going to be relaxing.”

“It will be, I promise,” Twilight smiled. “I just have some things I need to take care of first.”

A short trip to Carousel Boutique revealed it to be empty, however. Twilight searched the house, but the only creature she encountered was Opal, curled up on Rarity’s bed.

“That’s weird,” Twilight said as she emerged from the boutique. “I guess she forgot to lock her door.”

“So does that mean we can go back now?” Trixie asked hopefully.

Twilight smirked. “Oh, no, I’ve still got plenty of places to check.”

Trixie sighed as she was lead down the road again. “The great and powerful Trixie never had to deal with this.”

“She also didn’t have any friends, remember?” Twilight teased.

Trixie frowned, wondering if this friendship thing was worth all this. But when Twilight laughed at the face she was making, she felt a smile touch her lips. Maybe not friendship, but this budding relationship certainly was.

Was it a relationship, though? Trixie was rather uncertain where exactly she stood with Twilight at the moment. Sure, they had kissed, but only at Spike’s insistence. Was Twilight just sugarcoating a no, or was she seriously considering the proposal? Was this the way relationships were supposed to start, or was she destined to be just a friend forever? How long was she supposed to wait for her answer? What-

The sound of a hoof rapping against a solid wooden object shocked Trixie from her stupor. She looked up to see that they stood in front of Fluttershy’s cottage. Silently berating herself for letting her mind wander during a perfect opportunity for conversation, Trixie smiled at a glance from Twilight.

Fluttershy came to the door, but only her head poked out.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” Twilight greeted, seeing Fluttershy relax. “Sorry to bother you again, I was just wondering if Rarity was here.”

“Oh, um…” Fluttershy hesitated, pulling her head from the door and closing it.

Trixie frowned, wondering if they had been dismissed, but Twilight stayed put. A few moments later, Rarity’s head poked out of the door.

“Yes, what is it, Twilight?” Rarity queried.

“Can we come in?” Twilight requested. “I wanted to talk to you about Spike.”

“Ah, yes, Spike came by the boutique earlier,” Rarity admitted. “I do wish it could have gone better.”

Twilight hesitated, fearful of what Rarity meant. But her question went unanswered as Rarity’s head retreated.

“Is this normal?” Trixie asked dubiously.

“Not exactly, no,” Twilight admitted. “Did Rarity look a little hot in the face to you?”

Trixie opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted as Fluttershy opened the door for them like a normal pony.

“Is everything okay in there?” Twilight prompted.

“Oh, yes, everything’s fine, we just um…” Fluttershy hesitated. “Uh, come on in, I’ve got tea and biscuits in the oven.”

Trixie blinked. “Is that some sort of innuendo?”

Fluttershy blushed. “No, it means that…”

Before Twilight or Trixie noticed anything had changed, they found themselves in a heap on Fluttershy’s doormat, the door firmly closed behind them.

Trixie shook her head to regain her bearings. “If that was over the line, you could have just said so.”

“I’m sorry, that was my fault,” Rarity apologized. “I forgot to conceal myself this morning, and Fluttershy and I were just here on the couch…”

Twilight and Trixie shared a glance.

“A-anyway… I told him about Fluttershy, and from there he started to get rather hostile,” Rarity revealed after a pause. “I tried to get him to see reason, but in the end I had to tell him to leave.”

Twilight sighed. “I guess that would be for the best.”

“It was no easy thing to do, I assure you,” Rarity added. “I actually came to Fluttershy here for support.”

“And there isn’t any resentment between you two, I hope?” Twilight broached.

Rarity hesitated long enough for Twilight to get her answer.

Twilight frowned. “Well, I hope he didn’t get the wrong idea, at least?”

Rarity blinked, brow rising. “And what exactly would that wrong idea be?”

Twilight flinched. “Oh, uh, well, I was just thinking that, you know, because you’re being so… generous with your affections, I didn’t want Spike to think it was anything against him as a dragon.”

Rarity closed her eyes briefly in a moment of reflection. “He’s simply much too young for me to consider, Twilight. Not to say that I haven’t anyway on occasion. But if he were just a bit older, I might in fact be in very different company right now.”

Fluttershy frowned, slightly hurt.

“Though it’s hard to say I regret that,” Rarity smiled, giving Fluttershy a nuzzle. “Spike is a wonderful friend, but to think he might have come between the two of us…”

“I think you mean three of us,” Fluttershy giggled.

Rarity smirked. “He’s not here right now, though, is he? And he won’t be tonight, or when we wake up in each other’s hooves…”

Fluttershy blushed, hiding behind a lock of her mane.

“You mean to say you’re going on a date tonight?” Trixie spoke up.

Rarity nodded. “Fluttershy and I have a lot of catching up to do before we can bring Mac back into the picture. Why do you ask?”

“No reason, really,” Twilight cut in, blushing slightly. “She’s just curious.”

Trixie grinned. “Now Twilight, it would hardly be proper not to share our own stories now, would it?”

“I’m the expert on friendship and I said no!” Twilight insisted.

Rarity blinked. “Don’t leave us to make assumptions, girls.”

“Twilight and I were going to have a relaxing day together while she considers my own proposal of a date,” Trixie answered before Twilight could speak.

Twilight glowered. “What did I say about pushing me, Trixie?”

Rarity’s eyes twinkled. “There’s no reason to be ashamed, Twilight. You’re simply exploring your options.”

Twilight shot a glare at Rarity. “We’re not discussing this. I’m going to make my own decision, and I’m going to do it without any outside influences.”

Rarity shrunk back at Twilight’s unexpected outburst. “Are you feeling alright, darling?”

Twilight sighed, forcing herself to relax. “Yes, I’m… I’m sorry I snapped at you, it’s just… I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, alright? I don’t even know why I came to talk to you about this today. This was supposed to be a relaxing day with just me and Trixie, not worrying about what may or may not be developing between us, or what Spike’s going through right now. But silly me, I just had to bring up both at the same time.”

Trixie offered a consoling hoof, which Twilight accepted without complaint. Rarity and Fluttershy shared a concerned glance, but remained silent through the exchange.

Twilight gathered herself. “I’m sorry for interrupting your intimacy. We’ll be going now.”

Rarity frowned, while Fluttershy averted her gaze embarrassedly. “It wasn’t like that, Twilight.”

“Whatever you want to tell yourself, Rarity,” Twilight returned half-heartedly before the door swung shut behind her.

Rarity sighed, turning to Fluttershy. “I suppose it was wrong of me to forget Twilight in all this.”

Fluttershy offered Rarity a comforting nuzzle. “Don’t say that, Rarity. You couldn’t have known there was anything going on.”

“Are the tea and biscuits almost ready yet?” Rarity asked, not wanting to dwell on the topic. A high-pitched whistle coming from the kitchen answered her question sufficiently.

Fluttershy sighed as Rarity retreated to the kitchen. Was it too much to ask for some normal alone time with her best friend?

Making her way back to the arcade with four tickets in her pocket, Vinyl took a moment to think about where the day was headed. There was little doubt in her mind how she wanted it to end, but was Octavia only going along with it to please her?

Vinyl scoffed at the stupid thought. Octavia would never have agreed to anything like this without her. But was it something they could enjoy together or something Octavia would have to suffer through? Vinyl began to worry it was the latter, but simply decided to ask that question when it became appropriate.

More than that, though, was Octavia only friends with Applejack and Rainbow Dash because Vinyl was, or was it more legitimate than that? And what about Lyra? Would Octavia come to resent her for the time they’d spent together? Was there some way to show that she could remain faithful?

Vinyl shook her head to shoo her internal doubters. Applejack and Rainbow Dash weren’t just friends, and they weren’t just going to be their first guests. They were also a stepping stone to gain Octavia’s trust, and with any luck, it would all work out perfectly. Maybe they’d even become regular partners.

The first impression was always the most important, and Vinyl couldn’t think of a better pair to make that with. It had only been a year since they’d met, but it somehow felt a lot longer than that. Vinyl supposed that was how it was with all good friends. But the one thing that was for certain was that tonight was going to be one to remember.

The crowd inside the arcade had thinned a bit since she had left, making navigation quite a bit easier. She didn’t know what she expected to see upon entering the arcade, but what she did put a smile on her face.

Octavia was hunched over a pinball machine, tongue stuck out in concentration, while Applejack and Rainbow watched from a safe distance. Rainbow looked up to spot her, waving a hoof before placing it over her lips.

Vinyl sauntered up behind Octavia, unable to resist such a perfect opportunity. In a shamelessly risqué advance, Vinyl lifted herself up onto Octavia’s withers, causing the helpless cellist’s face to burn.

Vinyl hummed as she watched Octavia play, thoroughly impressed. Octavia was actually really good for her first time playing pinball. Vinyl gave Octavia’s ear a quick nibble before dismounting to let her play in peace.

Octavia’s constitution was put to the test as she tried to shake off Vinyl’s greeting, and she fared quite admirably. But her mind inevitably got the better of her and before she knew it she was looking at an empty rack.

“Dammit, Vinyl, you knew that was going to happen,” Octavia said through a mutinous smile, trying her best to sound angry.

Vinyl shrugged. “Hey, that’s what happens when you let me go off on my own knowing there are a couple of fine mares staying behind to keep you company.”

“Well these fine mares take offense to that remark,” Rainbow smirked. “I think we know better than to make a move on your girl when you’re not around.”

“Or in a public place with foals runnin’ around,” Applejack quipped.

Vinyl waved a hoof dismissively. “Like they’ve never seen their parents do that, am I right?”

Octavia bonked her marefriend lightly on the head. “Am I to take that as a marriage proposal?”

“All in due time, Tavi babe,” Vinyl replied silkily.

Octavia rolled her eyes at Vinyl’s all-too-lovable antics. “Well, now that you’re back, perhaps we could do something that involves all four of us.”

Vinyl grinned. “You mean like foreplay?”

Octavia lifted her hoof to smack her own face, but thought better of it and instead smacked Vinyl’s.

“Ow, hey, it wasn’t that bad, was it?” Vinyl complained, rubbing her nose.

` “You know what I meant, Vinyl,” Octavia chided. “Unless there aren’t any games around here compatible with four ponies?”

“There’s always Hooflet,” Rainbow suggested.

Vinyl thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Sure, why not. Haven’t played that in a while. And hey, maybe we could use it to break Tavi into the whole action scene, eh?”

Octavia frowned, but offered no comment as she followed the group into the maze of arcade machines.

“I call dibs on the pegasus,” Rainbow declared.

“Earth pony’s the one Ah know,” Applejack added.

“And the unicorn’s the only one I’ll ever play,” Vinyl finished. “So I guess that leaves Tavi as the donkey.”

Octavia cocked a brow. “Can there not be two earth ponies?”

“Doesn’t work that way,” Vinyl denied. “Besides, the donkey’s really beefy so you’ll have a hard time dying.”

“Lovely,” Octavia quipped.

“Here’s one,“ Vinyl observed, walking up to a machine with a bit slot and a basin.

“This is an arcade machine?“ Octavia asked dubiously.

Vinyl snorted. “No, this is just the thing we need to get tokens.“

Octavia watched as Vinyl inserted several bits into the slot up top. The machine rattled for a moment before sending a cascade of tokens into the basin at the bottom. Vinyl gathered them into piles and evenly distributed them to their guests

“You use this machine to exchange bits for a currency only used by arcade machines?" Octavia gathered.

“Equestria’s the only country that uses bits,“ Vinyl reminded. “Makes it easier if you don't have to make special consoles depending on where it gets sold.“

“Yeah, let's just get on over to the consoles already,“ Rainbow goaded.

Vinyl placated the impatient pegasus with a nod, starting off through the sea of arcade machines to where the Hooflet consoles were located. Once they arrived at one, Rainbow wasted no time inserting her tokens into the fourth slot, barely able to stop herself from hitting the magic button on impulse.

Vinyl helped Octavia feed the frustratingly small discs into the second slot before placing her own into the second. Applejack took up her place at the first set of controls and waited for somepony to start, which Rainbow did immediately.

A dungeon appeared on the screen before them with four sprites representing their characters. Rainbow's pegasus started off down the screen toward a black box, disappearing the instant she walked over it. Applejack's earth pony followed close behind, followed by Vinyl's unicorn.

“I don’t understand,” Octavia stated.

“You use the stick there to move and you’ve got two buttons next to it. One’s to attack, the other’s to use magic, but you need a potion for that,” Vinyl explained. “We’ll be finding those all over, but only use them when we’re getting swarmed, ‘cause they clear the whole screen.”

Octavia nodded, getting a feel for the joystick before joining the others in the black box they’d disappeared into. “So what, we just shoot things and traverse this maze?”

“Pretty much, yeah,” Vinyl affirmed.

“Donkey shot the food,” the game droned.

Vinyl face-hoofed, “Not the food; you eat that, not shoot it.”

“But there’s no button to eat,” Octavia observed.

“You don’t press a button, you just walk over it.”

Octavia frowned. “That’s hardly realistic.”

“Are you guys coming? Time is health, you know,” Rainbow spoke up, standing at the end of the now monster-free level with Applejack.

“Calm down, it’s the first level. And you have more health than us anyway,” Vinyl returned.

“Not my fault you’re too slow to keep up,” Rainbow taunted.

Vinyl sighed. Octavia would have to learn on the go.

“So much for today being relaxing,” Trixie remarked dryly as she plopped down on the guest bed.

Twilight sighed, still trying to gather herself as she made her way up the stairs. “I just… need a minute. I made you a promise, and I’m not about to break it.”

Trixie propped her head up on a hoof to watch Twilight. “I was just teasing, you know. I didn’t mean to upset you. You told me I should be more comfortable around you.”

Twilight sat down on the edge of her bed. “I know I did, but there are some things I’m just not comfortable discussing, and I’d appreciate it if you’d respect that. I told you I’d let you know when I’m ready.”

Trixie frowned, letting her head fall back to the mattress. “Ready to talk about it or to do something?”

“We already talked about it, and I’ve said all I’m going to,” Twilight reminded pointedly. “And the more you bring it up, the longer it’s gonna take me to come up with an answer.”

“So I’m supposed to be ready to pick up and go whenever you feel like it?” Trixie gathered.

Twilight cocked a brow. “It didn’t sound to me like that was going to be a problem.”

“I don’t like not knowing things,” Trixie admitted. “Especially when it’s something important.”

“Well you know all I do,” Twilight reiterated. “And so far that’s nothing.”

Trixie huffed, rolling over to face away from Twilight. “Whatever, just do what you need to do so we can get on with that relaxation you promised me.”

Twilight raised herself off the bed and made her way over to the balcony. She wasn’t entirely sure she liked the tone Trixie was starting to use, but decided against bringing it up. Whatever rough patches there were could be cleared up once she got her head straight.

Trixie started to regret ever bringing it up. If she couldn’t even talk to Twilight, how was she supposed to be anything more than a friend to her? Maybe Twilight wasn’t trying to push her away, but that’s what it was starting to feel like.

Sighing, Trixie got to her hooves and joined Twilight out on the balcony. “Do you like me, Twilight?”

Twilight frowned, “Trixie, I said-“

“Be honest with me Twilight,” Trixie insisted. “Do you like me, or should I move on?”

“Move on?” Twilight picked out. “Trixie, you’ve barely given me any time to think.”

“What’s there to think about?” Trixie pressed. “Do you like me or not?”

Twilight paused. “I’m not sure how to answer that right now.”

Trixie sighed. “Well, do you like being around me?”

“Generally, yes, but lately you’ve been acting strangely, and I’m not sure if I like this new you,” Twilight revealed.

Trixie cast her head down. “Oh. Do you like… talking to me?”

“When you’re not jumping down my throat,” Twilight grumbled.

Trixie’s lower lip began to quiver. “Do you like anything about me?”

Twilight huffed. “If you’d just buck off for one second so I could think! Now I don’t know what kind of ideas you’ve been getting about how things work around here, but-“ Twilight cut herself off as she noticed Trixie was on the verge of tears.

“Well, if that’s how you really feel…” Trixie trembled.

Twilight placed a hoof gently on Trixie’s shoulder. “Trixie, no, I didn’t mean that. It’s just that you’ve been smothering me the last couple of hours when I told you I needed space. That doesn’t mean I don’t care about you, or that I don’t value your opinion, but this is something I need to figure out for myself.”

Trixie nodded hesitantly.

“Now how about you tell me what’s going on?” Twilight suggested. “Ever since Spike made us kiss, you’ve been all over the place. Are you okay?”

Trixie took a deep breath, closing her eyes. “Remember when you asked me if I’d been harboring feelings for somepony?”

Twilight simply nodded, not wanting to jump to conclusions.

“Well, it’s… I still don’t know how to answer that. I mean, there was a point in my life when I hated everything about you. Back then I was certain there was no way I could view you as anything but the pony who ruined my life. But then, to forgive me after all I’d done to you…

“It’s safe to say you were definitely my rival before, but then, I… I didn’t know what to think of you anymore. But whatever it is I felt, or whatever I feel now, I can proudly say that you became my inspiration from that day forward. I wanted to be more like you, so accepting and kind, not at all like the judgmental ponies from my foalhood.”

Trixie sighed. “This is starting to sound stupid even to me. It’s the same kind of bond you share with Princess Celestia, right? Purely platonic without any chance of becoming anything else. But I’ve never had the chance to dream before, you know? There was never anypony who cared at all about me. And any who might couldn’t see past what an abomination I am. Maybe it’s stupid to get so attached to the first pony I connect with, but after so long…”

“But now I’m just rambling,” Trixie realized. “I’ll just head on home and give you some space to think.”

But as Trixie made to stand up, Twilight’s hoof shot out to grab hers. Trixie looked back over her shoulder, more confused than hopeful.

“I guess I didn’t realize I meant that much to you,” Twilight admitted sheepishly. “I’ve never really been one for romance. That’s more Rarity’s thing. But I guess Fluttershy’s got her in a similar situation. And she’s not holding back even when she’s got Big Macintosh to worry about. I guess that’s what trust will do for you, huh?”

Trixie smiled hopefully.

“I guess it’s not right to say I’m not ready. I mean, I’m gonna be nineteen soon and I’ve got less dating experience than some twelve year olds,” Twilight supposed. “It’s just so soon after the whole town started up like this, so it almost feels like I shouldn’t, but…”

“But what?” Trixie prompted.

Twilight chuckled. “You’re insatiable.”

“Can you really blame me?” Trixie quipped.

“No, I guess not,” Twilight admitted.

“You’ve been doing a lot of that recently,” Trixie pointed out.

“I guess I have,” Twilight answered, prompting a laugh from Trixie. “But I’d still like a little more time before I commit. And I did promise you a day of relaxing and not worrying about all this, didn’t I?”

Trixie nodded with a smile. “That you did.”

“So, what time’s the movie?” Rainbow struck up after Octavia vented upon shooting another potion.

Vinyl grinned. “Four twenty.”

Rainbow craned her neck to find a clock to check the current time. “Okay, so that gives us a couple hours to kill. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m getting pretty hungry.”

Instead of answering, Vinyl sighed in exasperation. “Oh come on, not even you, Dash?”

Rainbow frowned at the strange wording. “Uh, yeah, I’ve got a big appetite.”

Vinyl folded her hooves and looked away, grumbling. “Strings would have gotten it.”

“Well, when Rainbow’s hungry there’s not much you can do about it,” Applejack supposed. “You comin’, Octavia?”

“Wait, I have to kill this damned generator!” Octavia protested, locked in a seemingly-endless duel with a stream of enemies that would not give an inch.

Vinyl rolled her eyes, coming to Octavia’s rescue by coming from the other side to divert the flow of enemies into two waves so the strangely-fanatical cellist could finish the deed.

“Alright, let’s get going, then. There’s a food court in here we can eat at,” Vinyl said, leading the way through the maze until she realized that Octavia was not with them.

Vinyl turned around to find Octavia still engrossed in the game, having even taken the initiative to move all of their characters to the next level so she could keep playing. Vinyl sighed, wrapping Octavia’s midsection in her magical grip and attempting to pry her from the machine.

“No, wait, we’re almost at the end!” Octavia protested, clinging to the joystick for dear life.

“There is no end, Tavi,” Vinyl grunted, engaging her hooves as well as her horn. “When you get to the last level it just starts over again.”

Octavia blinked, loosening her death grip. She had just enough time to say, “Oh,” before she was wrenched violently away from the machine, sandwiching Vinyl painfully between herself and the next row of consoles, which just so happened to be bolted to the floor.

Octavia stepped away carefully, turning a concerned eye to the battered DJ. “Are you alright, dear?”

Vinyl shook herself to regain her composure. “Remind me to never take you to an arcade again.”

Octavia chuckled sheepishly, helping Vinyl back to where Applejack and Rainbow Dash were waiting for them, the latter of whom could not seem to stop snickering.

Vinyl gave Rainbow a smack in retribution. “Shut up and round us up some food.”

Rainbow frowned. “Hey, I am not a service mare. Besides, I don’t even know where the place is. That’s kinda why we need you to lead the way. So if anything, you’re the service mare.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever,” Vinyl returned. “So, Tavi, you think you’re up for watching somepony else fight stuff now?”

“Something about pixilation makes it more tolerable,” Octavia stated. “I’m to take it these will be actual ponies, correct?”

“Of course, it would look weird otherwise,” Vinyl pointed out. “Besides, it’s not like there’s any gore or anything. It’s only PG-13, so it’s a pretty good starting point for breaking somepony into the whole action thing. In addition to being totally awesome, with all sorts of special effects and futuristic technology, and in space!”

“When have I ever expressed interest in your technological fantasies?” Octavia shot down.

Vinyl shrunk. “You don’t have to be so honest about it.”

Octavia smiled, nuzzling Vinyl apologetically. “You know I try.”

Vinyl nodded, ears perking back up. “Alright let’s go…” Vinyl trailed off as she noticed her party was missing one member. “Uh, where…?”

“She got impatient, said she was gonna go find it on her own,” Applejack answered easily.

Vinyl narrowed her eyes. “And you didn’t stop her why?”

Applejack shrugged. “She’s got a good nose fer food. She’s probably there waitin’ fer us right now.”

Vinyl sighed, striking up the path to the food court. “Well, I hope you’re right, because I’m not gonna go looking for her.”

“Wouldn’t have to, Ah’m more n’ capable of findin’ her myself,” Applejack pointed out. “Not like this doesn’t happen dang near every day as it is.”

“I don’t care how good the sex is, you couldn’t pay me to put up with this on a regular basis,” Vinyl grunted.

Applejack chortled. “Good thing Ah’m the one courtin’ her, then. You should be grateful we’re lettin’ you skip the first couple steps. Just don’t go gettin’ used to it.”

Vinyl frowned in disappointment. “You mean this is just gonna be a one-time thing?”

“We’ll see how it goes,” Applejack assured despite a hint of exasperation.

Vinyl grinned, lapsing into a prideful silence as she marched the two level-headed mares behind her to the place they would hopefully reconvene with the fourth, not so level-headed member of their group.

And sure enough, Rainbow was in Vinyl’s face within moments of coming into sight of their destination. “There you are! What took you so long? I could’ve already eaten by now if I remembered I didn’t have any money.”

Octavia cocked a brow. “Why would not having money help you eat?”

“Because I would have snagged one of your wallets, of course,” Rainbow explained as though she had been doing nothing but brooding on her missed opportunity.

“But then ya woulda missed out on eatin’ with me,” Applejack smirked.

Rainbow blinked. “Okay, good point. Now let’s go, I’m hungry!”

Applejack chuckled, following along with a bounce in her step.

Vinyl stayed back, questioning her choice in suitors, until Octavia’s flank bumping into her own brought her back to Equestria with a smile.

“Hurry up or we might lose them,” Octavia jested.

If Vinyl knew one thing, it was that she could follow that tail around all day.

“Can you believe the kind of food they have here?” Rainbow marveled, going through the line with Applejack.

Well, and that Canterlot food was something she didn’t realize she missed so much. Vinyl grabbed herself a tray and got into line behind them, grateful her income was more than sufficient to splurge every once in a while. Octavia was eyeing a more moderately sized meal to balance things out anyway.

Once they were all gathered at a table with their varied trays, Applejack struck up a conversation. “So, what exactly is this movie about?”

“It’s about space, fighting, shiny things, laser beams, amazingness,” Vinyl listed. “What more do you want?”

“Yeah, Ah got that much, but Ah mean, does it got a story er anythin’?” Applejack ventured. “You know, characters, morals, a plot…”

“We already got plenty of plot at this table,” Vinyl grinned.

“So Ah’m not gettin’ anywhere, am Ah?” Applejack inferred.

Vinyl scoffed. “I’m not gonna spoil the movie. That just takes the fun out of it.”

Applejack turned to Rainbow, who shrugged.

“She does have a point,” Rainbow admitted.

Applejack sighed. “Well, is there anythin’ at all ya can tell me without spoilin’ the movie, then?”

“It’s rated PG-13,” Vinyl mentioned.

Applejack frowned. “The hay’s that mean?”

“I dunno, never really knew what it stood for. All I know is that you’re supposed to either be over thirteen or have somepony over thirteen with you to watch it,” Vinyl elaborated.

Applejack hummed. “Seems kinda specific. Like somethin’ Apple Bloom would complain about.”

“Ha, that’s right; she’s only twelve, right?” Vinyl snickered.

“Gettin’ ta be that age, yeah,” Applejack sighed. “We… gave her a bit of a talk already, but Ah’m not sure how long that’s gonna keep ‘er satisfied.”

“Just be glad she’ll be complaining about PG-13 movies and not R movies,” Octavia mentioned.

“What‘re those?” Applejack asked a bit hesitantly.

“The step above PG-13,” Vinyl continued. “That’s where things start to get interesting. With real violence, blood and stuff, and even some sex sometimes. Though they never really give you too good a show of it. I kinda wish Star Ponies was R, but it’s fine as it is, I guess. Better to have a cool, futuristic scene than some boring straight sex scene where they don’t even show you the bits.”

“Gotta delve into some of the X stuff if you want some of that,” Rainbow added.

“And… what’s X?” Applejack asked sheepishly.

Vinyl threw back her head to let out a short laugh. “You really are clueless, aren’t you?”

“Hey! Ain’t mah fault Ah never went to a movie before,” Applejack protested.

“X is like, the step between R and a porno,” Rainbow explained. “Still with enough of a story to feel like an actual movie, but with more than a little bit of a focus on sex.”

“And they don’t tease you by hiding the bits, either,” Vinyl picked up. “Never really seen one that was all that interesting, though. I mean, like, in terms of action and stuff. Non-sexual action, anyway. So it’s kind of a compromise there.”

“I thought Life of a Fillyfooler was kinda cool in its own way,” Rainbow debated. “Plus, the action’s right there in the title.”

Applejack frowned. “You’ve been to one o’ those before?”

Rainbow glanced at Applejack. “Uh, maybe?”

“It’s not like it’s any worse than Playcolt,” Vinyl supported. “But yeah, I guess that one was kinda deep. I mean, when I wasn’t too focused on the sex to care about the story, anyway.”

“Well, obviously the sex was one of the best parts,” Rainbow agreed. “But it’s kinda nice to see something a little more out there from Applewood, you know?”

“I hear you there, Dash. But anyway, the big difference is that they’ll let kids go to R movies with their parents, but you can’t go to an X movie unless you’re legal,” Vinyl concluded.

“So basically, R is a warning, X is a requirement,” Rainbow wrapped up.

“The PG in PG-13 stands for parental guidance, by the way,” Octavia mentioned.

“Ah, that makes sense,” Vinyl nodded. “But what do R and X stand for, then?”

“R stands for restricted, but I’m not actually sure X is an abbreviation,” Octavia continued. “My best guess would be extreme, though that doesn’t actually start with an X.”

Vinyl nodded. “That starts with an E, right?”

“Indeed it does,” Octavia confirmed, sounding pleased.

“Just like every, enemy, energy, any and other stuff,” Vinyl assumed.

“No, any doesn’t start with an E,” Octavia corrected.

Vinyl frowned. “Then what the hell does it start with?”

“It starts with an A.”

“An A?” Vinyl’s face scrunched in confusion. “Is there some kind of dumb rule where E and A sound the same if they’re at the beginning of a word or something? What makes the ‘ah’ sound, then, an O?”

“Not in most cases, but it can occasionally,” Octavia explained.

Vinyl balked. “So if a vowel can make whatever the hell sound it wants, then what’s the point of having them all? And how are you supposed to know which vowel makes what sound when?”

Octavia shrugged again. “Equestrian has taken words from a lot of different languages, so the way it’s written is obviously going to suffer. Or perhaps the way it’s pronounced, depending on how you look at it.”

“It doesn’t make any sense!” Vinyl complained. “Why can’t it be like Germane where every letter has its own sound and not just steal other letters sounds? Who even thought that would be a good idea in the first place?”

“Well, to be fair, Vinyl, the same could be said of articles in Germane,” Octavia countered. “Having the universal article ‘the’ and the simple rule of whether to use ‘a’ or ‘an’ is much easier than having every word have its own article that isn’t hinted at in any way.”

“There’s only three articles, just like in Equestrian,” Vinyl defended.

Octavia scoffed. “More like three variations of each, and then some. Even the possessives have variations depending on the noun.”

“Uh, what are you guys talking about?” Rainbow interrupted, completely lost.

“Equestrian’s my second language,” Vinyl explained. “What, did you think I was just stupid or something?”

Rainbow shared a glance with Applejack. Did they really know so little about these two?

“That’s hardly an excuse for you, Vinyl,” Octavia disarmed. “You barely had a grasp on your first language by the time we met.”

“Well, I still grew up around Germane,” Vinyl insisted. “Equestrian didn’t really come into play until I met you.”

“And I imagine your mother merely wanted the language to stick with you,” Octavia hypothesized. “It’s easier to retain knowledge from a young age. And seeing as how we both grew up in Canterlot, it would make sense for you to pick up some Equestrian on your own. Even if you do still need a little help now and again.”

”So wait, you’re saying Tavi taught you Equestrian and not your dad?” Rainbow inferred.

“My dad wasn’t really around enough to teach me too much, and my mom usually spoke Germane around the house anyway,” Vinyl extrapolated. “So yeah, apart from what I picked up when Dad was around, I learned everything I know about Equestrian from Tavi.”

Applejack hummed. “So, that why you say ‘Tah-vee’ and not ‘Tay-vee’?”

Vinyl frowned. “What?”

Octavia brightened. “Actually, that is quite possible. I’d never really thought too much of it before, but you do pronounce it differently than the segment of my name you take it from. Perhaps when you devised my nickname, it was early enough to be influenced by Germane pronunciation rather than Equestrian.”

Vinyl’s frown deepened. “What?”

Octavia chuckled. “Oh, just thinking aloud, I suppose. It’s an interesting thought, if nothing else. Though I do believe I’ve taken a bit of an extra shine to my nickname now.”

“Don’t think Ah’ve ever heard ya speak any Germane, Vinyl,” Applejack struck up.

“Well, the only pony I really know who speaks it is my mom, so I guess I’ve just never had much reason to around you guys.” Vinyl shrugged. “I mean, it gets kinda confusing when my mom pops in and Tavi’s around. But she’s picked up a bit here and there.”

“Nothing to really speak of,” Octavia insisted, blushing at Vinyl’s praise. “I don’t think I could even form a coherent sentence.”

“Always gotta start somewhere, Tavi,” Vinyl smiled.

Octavia smiled back before busying herself with her food in an attempt to hide the rising heat of embarrassment in her cheeks.

Spike sighed, coming to a halt before the library he called home. He’d been wandering aimlessly around Ponyville in the hours since his confrontation with Rarity, but now he was getting hungry.

Showing himself in, he was greeted by Twilight, who had been sharing some companionable silence with Trixie. “Spike! There you are. I was starting to get a little worried. How are you feeling?”

“Betrayed,” Spike answered. “I was just going over to spend some time with her and hopefully talk about finding a friend closer to my age. But then she decided to drop a bomb like that on me, and now I don’t know what to do.”

“Well, what’s stopping you from continuing your friend search on your own?” Trixie queried.

“I don’t really know how to make friends on my own,” Spike admitted. “And I started getting hungry.”

“It is about lunchtime now, and you never even had breakfast,” Twilight pointed out. “Did you want to go out to eat?”

“Here is fine,” Spike assured. “I think I’ve done enough walking for now.”

“You know you don’t have to be alone, right?” Twilight offered. “We can help you through this if you’re feeling lost.”

“I guess it would be nice to know where to start,” Spike supposed.

“Well, is there anypony in town you like already, or would like to know more about, or even that you think is cute?” Twilight prompted.

Spike blushed. “If I tell you who I’m thinking about, do you promise you won’t laugh?”

Twilight blinked. “Of course. I didn’t realize you already had somepony in mind.”

Spike took a deep breath. “Pipsqueak.”

Twilight blinked again. “Pipsqueak is a colt.”

“I know, but he’s always so nice, and he was born outside of Ponyville like me, and he always likes to try new things. Not to mention his speckled coat…”

“I… don’t understand. When did you become gay?”

“To be honest, I see your parts every day and I’ve never really thought they were all that special,” Spike revealed, causing Twilight to cover herself with her tail self-consciously. “And, well, when Rarity showed me hers…”

“You liked it enough to place it higher than the charms of a filly?” Trixie surmised.

Spike nodded bashfully. “I know it’s not something I should be thinking about at my age, but sex is gonna become a part of my life someday. I’d hate to be unsatisfied with a filly when I get older, and my chances of finding somepony like Rarity are close to zero. And I already kinda know him. And he’s really cute.”

“Well, as long as you’re sure…” Twilight supposed.

“I’m sure,” Spike stated confidently.

“What do you think of that, Twilight? Spike seems to know what he wants and he’s less than half your age,” Trixie goaded.

Twilight sighed. “If I agree to go on a date with you tomorrow will you stop bringing this up?”

“I suppose those are agreeable terms,” Trixie accepted.

Twilight smiled. “Good. Now, we have to raise Spike’s confidence so he can win himself a coltfriend.”

“I think I’ve picked up a thing or two already,” Spike teased.

Twilight groaned. “Now look what you’ve done, Trixie.”

“I’d say our little dragon’s well on his way already,” Trixie snickered.

“Don’t listen to Trixie, Spike. The last thing you want to do is come on too strong,” Twilight coached. “Make sure he likes you before you do anything. Be his friend for a while, talk to him, get to know him and let him get to know you. Find your common ground and expand upon it. And then when you feel like you understand each other, that’s when you make your move, not before. Got it?”

Spike nodded in understanding.

“And don’t seem too obvious. If it turns out he’s already with somepony, that’s no reason to give up. At your age, relationships aren’t too common, and most don’t last very long. Just stay available, stay interested, and stay focused.”

“Okay, but how do I do all that?” Spike inquired.

Twilight sighed. This was going to be a long day.

Vinyl stretched and got up from her seat. “Alright, we should probably head on over to the theater pretty soon.”

Applejack frowned, looking up to the clock. “You said it ain’t ‘till four somethin’, right? We still got about an hour.”

“Yeah, but you never know about those snack lines,” Vinyl saged.

Octavia cocked a brow. “Vinyl, we just ate.”

“Like an hour ago or something!” Vinyl defended. “Besides, you can’t just go to the movies and not have popcorn. It’s against the rules!”

Applejack blinked. “There’s rules fer goin’ ta see a movie?”

“Don’t mind her, she’s just being silly,” Octavia returned. “A bit of Lyra’s influence, perhaps.”

Vinyl narrowed her eyes. “If you’ve got a problem with Strings, just say it.”

Octavia rolled her eyes. “There’s no arguing with this one, so you’d best come along. Besides, a bit of monotony can balance out a day full of excitement.”

Rainbow shrugged as they started off. “I guess so. Kinda seems pretty full-booked, actually. You think we’ll be able to fit in any kind of real trip to the casino?”

Vinyl frowned. “Well, maybe not. But it’s not like this is the only time we’re gonna be in Canterlot, right? We could just save that for one of the nights before the CMAs.”

“Yer plannin’ ta stay more ‘n one?” Applejack inquired.

Vinyl blinked. “Well, yeah, why not? It’s nice to get back into the Canterlot night life every now and then. Maybe give fans a chance to pester us before it’d be too close to the show.”

“You hate that just as much as I do,” Octavia pointed out.

“Would you rather have them at our necks right before the show, then?” Vinyl challenged. “It’s all about breathing room here.”

Octavia scrutinized Vinyl. “I suppose, but if that’s the case, then why did you flee earlier?”

“Because we were in the middle of something,” Vinyl explained. “And there’ll be less to do, since we’ll have already done a whole lot, so why not use the time wisely?”

Octavia hummed, impressed. “You surprise me sometimes, Vinyl.”

Vinyl grinned. “Come on, Tavi, you’ve gotta give me some credit.”

“If you keep this up, perhaps,” Octavia supposed. “But for now, let’s just worry about the day ahead of us, hm?”

“And the popcorn!” Vinyl added.

“She’s kinda right, though,” Rainbow put in. “Movies just aren’t the same without popcorn.”

“One for each couple to share, then, I suppose,” Octavia concluded. “And whatever else Vinyl will end up gorging upon.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get all the snacks sorted out before the movie,” Vinyl promised. “I don’t want you missing out on any of this one.”

“How very generous of you,” Octavia sarcastically replied.

Vinyl grinned. “Not making any promises about keeping my mouth clean for any make-outs, though.”

“Why do you think I’m not letting you go off on your own?” Octavia smirked. “If I can’t stop you, the least I can do is control the quality.”

“Don’t do it, it’s a trick!” Rainbow cut in. “She’s gonna steal it out of your mouth, just like AJ did with that apple!”

Applejack snorted in amusement. “Ah could do that again at any time. Anything in yer mouth is fair game, right?”

Rainbow hesitated, suddenly fearful. “You’re not gonna go for my teeth next, are you?”

Applejack paused mid-stride to give Rainbow a look of confusion, distaste, and uncertainty.

“What? I can’t eat without those,” Rainbow pointed out.

Applejack shook her head before making up the small distance she had lost, completely at a loss for a suitable response. But when she felt Rainbow’s wing fall across her withers, Applejack just sighed and leaned into the embrace, instantly forgetting what had caused her momentary distress.

“Are you coming?” Vinyl’s voice cut through their thoughts.

Rainbow and Applejack looked up to see Vinyl waving from the entrance of the movie theater some distance away. Sheepishly, Rainbow retracted her wing and caught up with the group, leaving Applejack feeling strangely vulnerable. But a glance back from Rainbow perked Applejack up again, and she followed along with a smile, completely oblivious to the inner machinations at work.

“You okay, AJ?” Rainbow chuckled. “I didn’t think my teeth meant that much to you.”

Applejack gave Rainbow a playful shove to show her recovery from her brief mental lapse. “You sure you’re not taking weirdness lessons from Pinkie?”

“It was just a joke, gosh,” Rainbow muttered, cheeks tinting slightly. “You’re the one related to her.”

“Distantly,” Applejack mentioned.

“Still more than I can say,” Rainbow shot back.

Octavia coughed, drawing Applejack and Rainbow’s attention away from their silly debate. “I do believe Vinyl’s gone and wandered off. The doors won’t open for another half hour, but I have your tickets here in case we get separated.”

Applejack blinked, eyeing the front of the theater. “It ain’t that big, is it?”

“Not really. I was more thinking if you got bored waiting around, you could go off on your own somewhere,” Octavia smirked. “I imagine you’ll be picking out the seats, if prior experiences are anything to go by.”

Rainbow thought for a moment. “I don’t know, sex in a movie theater sounds kinda risky.”

Octavia chuckled. “Not what I meant, but if that’s your plan…”

Rainbow looked to Applejack for input, who cocked a brow and shook her head. “Nah, we’ll probably just wander around and check out some movie posters or something.”

Octavia nodded before starting off in search for Vinyl.

Applejack gained a smirk as Octavia departed. “You know, if ya wanted a more open space, we could always go somewhere a little safer, like the barn.”

Rainbow grinned. “You wouldn’t be afraid of somepony coming in?”

“Not in the middle of the night,” Applejack amended.

Rainbow shrugged. “Guess not. Still, you gotta admit it would be kinda hot.”

Applejack rolled her eyes and led Rainbow down the hall. “So, what’s all this yer gettin’ me into? Ah’m not gonna regret it, am Ah?”

“Just showing you the world, babe,” Rainbow assured. “Music’s changing, movies are getting more awesome, arcades are amazing…”

Applejack cocked a brow. “And apples are the same as ever, huh?”

Rainbow frowned. “Uh, I guess so. Why, is that a bad thing?”

Heartened that Rainbow did not understand her train of thought, Applejack merely chuckled. “Gotta have somethin’ ta rely on in this crazy new world.”

Rainbow smiled at that. “I guess I’m kind of glad mine’s a pony and not a fruit.”

Applejack winked and bumped her flank against Rainbow’s. “Not gettin’ soft on me, are ya?”

Compulsively, Rainbow extended a wing across Applejack’s back and pulled her closer. “Nah, I just figure if I dump all the sap on you, I won’t have any left to show anypony else.”

Applejack smirked. “You do realize we’re in public, don’t ya?”

“Movie theaters don’t count,” Rainbow deflected. “Besides, this is Canterlot, and we’re both mares, so it’s like we’re rebelling against the social norm, you know?”

“Sounds like you put an awful lot of thought inta this,” Applejack commented.

“More like I just don’t give enough of a crap about ponies around here,” Rainbow clarified. “All the cool ponies are with us back in Ponyville and up in Cloudsdale.”

Applejack nodded, taking a look down at their tickets idly. “Well, we still got a bit of time before the movie starts. Anythin’ else ya might want to rebel against?”

Rainbow paused mid-stride. “Are you offering a public make-out session?”

“Wouldn’t hurt to get warmed up, would it?” Applejack pointed out.

Rainbow needed no further coaxing to pin Applejack to the wall and smother her in an eye-catching display of affection in blatant disregard to anypony who happened to walk by. And even more so to any unsavory comments that reached her ears.

Applejack was content to let Rainbow’s hooves wander, and even found her own attempting to grasp onto something. That something soon became a pair of soft, feathery appendages growing out of Rainbow’s back. Her wings.

Rainbow crooned as Applejack began to play with her primaries, reaching her hooves further down Applejack’s back to return the favor. Applejack gasped as Rainbow’s hoof hooked around her tail. Pushing her away without giving Rainbow any time to react, Applejack retreated into a nearby alcove.

Blinking in confusion, Rainbow followed. “What was that about?”

Applejack sighed, punching her hoof against her forehead. “Ya can’t just go feelin’ me up like that in a public place, Dash.”

“I was just gonna play with your dock, AJ,” Rainbow assured. “Pretty much the same thing you were doing to me.”

“How is that the same?” Applejack shot back in a more hushed tone. “And keep yer voice down.”

Rainbow frowned, lowering her voice. “They’re wings, AJ. They have to be kinda sensitive to be able to feel the subtle changes in wind currents. You know, the same way horns are for unicorns, and docks are for earth ponies? I swear though, you keep yours pretty buried in there, don’t you?”

Applejack blinked, a blush slowly rising to her cheeks. “So… yer sayin’ what I did just then was like if…”

“Like if I was a unicorn and you started stroking my horn, or if I was an earth pony and you went combing through my tail for my dock,” Rainbow confirmed, feeling a little bemused that she had to explain this. “Do you really know that little about pegasi?”

“W-well, why would Ah need ta know about that kinda stuff anyway?” Applejack defended. “Ain’t like a pegasus ever so much as showed up around the farm ‘fore you did. An’… we never really…”

Applejack coughed. “Only things Ah’ve ever really learned about pegasi ‘re from what you’ve told me when you weren’t goin’ off about the Wonderbolts.”

“That’s not really that much,” Rainbow supposed.

“Actually, come ta think of it, how come you know so much about earth pony culture anyhow?” Applejack probed.

“Uh, same way you do?” Rainbow answered slowly.

“You mean you… actually listened all those times?” Applejack inferred.

“Yeah, of course. I mean, if it’s important to you, the least I could do is listen,” Rainbow affirmed, not sure is she should be offended or not.

Applejack smiled. “So you’ve been a big softie all along, then?”

“I never said I enjoyed it,” Rainbow insisted, crossing her forelegs and turning her head to try to conceal the redness in her cheeks.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, you’ll always be mah big, strong mare. Just nice to know ya care so much.”

“Well, we need to get you educated about the finer points of a pegasus,” Rainbow went off, hoping a shift in topic could preserve some of her dignity.

Applejack knew her far too well than to be fooled, but played along nonetheless. “Any secret love rituals Ah should know about?”

Rainbow tensed. “Dammit, AJ, let’s just go find the stupid theater.”

Applejack chuckled, following Rainbow as she stomped down the hall. “Y’know Ah’m the one with the tickets, right?”

Rainbow groaned, turning around to take her ticket out of Applejack’s extended hoof, missing entirely the mischievous glint in Applejack’s eye.

Applejack waited until Rainbow had taken a good number of steps away before letting her in on another piece of information. “And the theater’s right here, by the way.”

Rainbow collapsed to the floor. “That’s it, I’m just… I’m done.” She rolled over onto her back to splay her limbs out dramatically.

Applejack could not contain another laugh at the sight. Sauntering over to stand above the fallen mare, Applejack leaned her head down to whisper in Rainbow’s ear. “You’re real cute when you’re embarrassed.”

Rainbow frowned, turning her head away, but not before Applejack snuck in a kiss on her nose. But at last, it seemed like she was going to be left to play out her death scene in peace.

At least until she noticed a distinct lack of paper against her hoof. Sitting up, Rainbow searched the ground around her to no avail. “Where the hell’s my…”

“Y’mean this ‘un?” Applejack’s slightly-muffled voice sounded behind the confused pegasus.

Rainbow turned her head to see that Applejack had both of their tickets firmly grasped between her teeth. “Luna bucking dammit, AJ!”

Applejack retreated into the alcove before the theater door, if only to prolong this precious moment. What she didn’t anticipate, however, was the door to swinging inwards when she attempted to brace herself against it, leaving her to tumble backwards. The floor below was carpeted, but the impact was still enough to jar the tickets free of her mouth. Seizing the moment, Rainbow pounced on Applejack, thrusting her head down to grasp one of the fallen tickets where it lay between Applejack’s head and shoulder.

“Contain your enthusiasm, ladies,” Vinyl teased from behind the two combatants. “The movie hasn’t even started yet.”

Rainbow snorted, mouthing the slightly-chewed tickets over to the booth behind which stood a very confused stallion. Once her mouth was free, Rainbow got straight to the point. “Buck you, Scratch.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” Vinyl snickered, adding the other two tickets to the pile.

“You could at least help me carry some of this, Vinyl,” Octavia chided, fumbling with an obscene amount of candy boxes.

Vinyl rolled her eyes, taking the topmost box from atop the tower between her teeth.

“Oh, thank you, that helps so much,” Octavia quipped.

“’S what I’m here for,” Vinyl grinned around the box in her mouth.

Applejack came to Octavia’s rescue, shouldering most of the load herself as they found their way to the seats Vinyl had already picked out. After all this, she could only hope the movie would be half as exciting.

Cloudchaser slumped forward onto the table she was sharing with her sister. Flitter had insisted that they eat out, feeling that they’d been spending too much time around the house lately. Flitter was of course justified in thinking so, but even if Cloudchaser didn’t say no, it didn’t mean she was entirely comfortable with it.

“Cloud, are you sure you’re okay?” Flitter broached. “You’ve barely touched your food.”

Cloudchaser sighed, straightening up again and taking a few bites from her plate in an attempt to humor her sister.

“It’s not like this is something we didn’t do regularly before all this,” Flitter went on. “What’s really so different this time?”

“Can we please not talk about this here?” Cloudchaser rebutted.

Flitter frowned. “Could you at least tell me what you’re worrying about? Is it me? Is it your promotion? Is it Thunderlane?”

“I don’t want to talk about Thunderlane,” Cloudchaser grunted.

“He’s not going to show up just because we’re talking about him,” Flitter goaded.

Cloudchaser scoffed. “You’re not the one who has to deal with him. I really thought I could just walk away and have him out of my life, but then I got that stupid promotion and now I have to order him around. Do you know how frustrating it is to have to keep him around? To not have the authority to just drop him from the team?”

“Maybe I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care,” Flitter assured. “I’m always here for you, whatever you need me for.”

Cloudchaser turned away, just in time to see a certain white pegasus headed towards their table.

“Oh great, here comes the devil’s concubine herself,” Cloudchaser spat. “No doubt Thunderlane’s just around the corner, come to torture me some more.”

Blossomforth stood unflinching, accepting the ridicule. “I’m here alone, and I’m not here to antagonize you. I saw you across the street and figured you might want to know that I kicked Thunderlane’s sorry ass to the curb.”

“Yeah, sure, and you’ll go crawling back to him in a week when you realize you’ve got nopony to buck, just like last time,” Cloudchaser sneered.

Blossomforth sighed. “What Thunderlane did to you was terrible, and I apologize for that, but it affected me as well. The entire reason I left him the first time was because I was afraid he would cheat. And for a while after it happened, it didn’t feel real.”

Blossomforth looked up to see that she had Cloudchaser’s begrudging attention. “I know it was wrong of me, but I tried to ignore it at first. I’ve been around the block a few times, myself, after all. But I made sure I never hurt anypony with any false promises, and what happened was always consensual.”

“Thunderlane was the first to tie me down for any amount of time. I always felt we understood each other. But it turns out he was just a jerk all along and it took me so long to figure that out I let somepony get hurt with me. Part of me knew this was bound to happen someday, but I was too stupid to do anything about it.”

Blossomforth paused. “Call me what you want, a whore, a slut, a bimbo… but one thing I never want to be called again is Thunderlane’s wench.”

Cloudchaser grumbled, glancing over to Flitter, who was absorbing the encounter in silence. “Alright, I guess I can respect that. Celestia knows I want nothing to do with that dick anymore. So what do you want?”

Blossomforth fumbled for words, not expecting such a measured response. “I just wanted to see how you were holding up. I know he meant a lot to you.”

Cloudchaser snorted. “Don’t try to matronize me; I can take care of myself. Besides, I’ve got the best support in the world already.”

Blossomforth caught the flick of Cloudchaser’s eyes with a smile. The bond of a sister was one she had never known, but she could imagine it was like that of a close friend. Little did she know how deep this particular sibling bond actually went.

“Besides, without Thunderlane holding you back, it’ll be easier to find a lot more stallions to bed,” Cloudchaser supposed. “You’ve probably scoped out every dick in town by now, you’re practically an expert on it. Can’t imagine he ranked very high on that scale.”

“It’ll take some detective work to see which ones are still available.” Blossomforth winked

Cloudchaser relaxed at Blossomforth’s friendly tone. “Don’t happen to have any favorites, do you?”

“It wouldn’t be in my best interests to share that knowledge with my competition,” Blossomforth smirked.

Cloudchaser rolled her eyes. “Please, I’m done with stallions.”

Blossomforth cocked a brow. “Really? Well, now you’ve got me interested.”

Cloudchaser froze at the unexpected advance. “Uh, well, that’s, uh…”

“Aw come on, don’t go telling me you’re already spoken for,” Blossomforth prompted.

“As a matter of fact, she is,” Flitter cut in, jealousy getting the better of her.

Cloudchaser turned a panicked eye to Flitter, all hope fading as she looked into her eyes. She could only hope Blossomforth would leave it at that.

But Blossomforth had her own agenda. “And I suppose her sister is the resident expert about her sex life?”

“She didn’t even have a sex life before Thunderlane,” Flitter revealed.

Cloudchaser felt the color drain from her face as she was thrown so readily under the bus.

“Then perhaps she’d be more accepting of a mare’s touch,” Blossomforth challenged.

Flitter grinned cockily. “As a matter of fact, she was.”

Cloudchaser shrunk into herself, trying her hardest to disappear. Oh please, no. Not like this, not like this.

“Oh, and I suppose you were there to deduce that?” Blossomforth egged.

Flitter laughed. “There? Please, I was the one-“

Cloudchaser’s hoof shot out to cover Flitter’s mouth, but it was too late. The damage had been done, and all she could do was wait for the inevitable.

Blossomforth was silent for a few moments. Probably too disgusted for words, Cloudchaser surmised. It was only a matter of time now before word spread, and they became social outcasts, forced to skip town and start a new life. Any second now, she’d hear the hoofsteps of Blossomforth running through the town, yelling for all to hear.

“That’s…” Blossomforth stuttered, cheeks flushed. “That’s actually kinda… hot.”

What? Cloudchaser raised her head to see Blossomforth staring at Flitter intently, licking her lips as it seemed like she was holding back a million different words.

“Did you, like, use your hooves?” Blossomforth pried.

Cloudchaser grabbed Flitter’s hoof and tried to make a break for it, but found her sister glued to the spot.

Flitter turned to Cloudchaser, giggling at the look on her face. “I think Cloud’s getting a little embarrassed. How about we find someplace a little more private to discuss this?”

Blossomforth grinned. “I like the sound of that.”

Cloudchaser sagged. It was better than talking out in the open, at least. But the pace they set off at was torturously slow, and any input she might have had about it was ignored. The only thing she could do was hide between the two chatting mares in the hopes that ponies would forget she existed.

“I never knew you had any interest in mares,” Flitter began as they set off in the direction of home.

Blossomforth chuckled. “I’m a yoga instructor; I live for the stretch. Have you seen how thick hooves are? Makes me weak just thinking about it.”

“Is that why you’re always in search of so many stallions?” Flitter gathered.

Blossomforth nodded. “But sex is when I want to wind down after teaching a whole group of ponies. Dealing with so many stallions loses its majesty pretty quick.”

“So Thunderlane gave you what you wanted all by himself?”

Blossomforth snorted. “Please, show me a stallion that gives a crap about what the mare feels. Thunderlane was no different.”

Flitter frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

“All stallions care about is their dicks,” Blossomforth explained. “They’ll put it wherever you want them to, but that’s about it. But with a mare I could just reciprocate and have them be satisfied with that.”

“That sounds way too intense for me,” Flitter giggled.

“You two should come to my yoga classes. I can show you the real limits of your body and how good it feels to push them. I’d even let you stay after class for some personal tutoring.”

Flitter blushed. “Oh, I don’t know…”

Blossomforth adopted a hopeful grin as they came to the pegasus twins’ house. “How about I give you a little demonstration?”

Flitter looked to Cloudchaser expectantly.

Cloudchaser turned to Blossomforth. “Do you really not mind, or are you just looking for some action?”

Blossomforth frowned at the cryptic question. “Do I not mind what?”

Cloudchaser sighed. “You know, about me and Flitter.”

“It’s not my place to judge, but as long as you care about each other I don’t see any problem with it.”

“Well, thanks. That means a lot coming from you.” Cloudchaser smiled.

Blossomforth tilted her head. “I don’t understand.”

“We were born in Cloudsdale,” Flitter explained. “We only moved here to Ponyville a few years ago. Ponies think differently up there about… incestual relations.”

“When Flitter blabbed I was worried you were gonna go shout it from the rooftops and chase us out of town,” Cloudchaser admitted. “Especially considering our history.”

“Oh, well, you’re welcome then, I guess,” Blossomforth replied.

“I’m still adjusting to being in a relationship with my sister, but you’ve really helped me along,” Cloudchaser went on. “You mentioned your yoga class. When do you meet?”

Blossomforth held up a hoof and reached behind her with the other. After a few moments, she produced what looked to be a business card, albeit a good deal thicker and suspiciously devoid of any sharp edges.

“You aren’t wearing any saddlebags,” Flitter recalled.

Blossomforth nodded. “This is true.”

“I don’t want to know,” Cloudchaser put in before Flitter could question further. “But thanks; we’ll try to drop in some time. And maybe someday you can teach us a thing or two.”

Blossomforth grinned. “I look forward to it.”

“But for now, let’s keep this platonic,” Cloudchaser added.

Blossomforth frowned. “I’ve never had a friend who didn’t want to have sex before, but alright.”

Flitter giggled. “Believe me; we’re very different from the colts you hang around with.”

“Well, I should get going, then. I’m feeling pretty horny,” Blossomforth bade, making her way to the door.

“We didn’t need to know that,” Cloudchaser called after her.

Blossomforth paused before the door, looking back to flash an apologetic smile at her new, platonic friends. And with that, the twins were left to themselves, though one of them was in much higher spirits than she had been.

“So, are you ready to go public now?” Flitter asked hopefully.

Cloudchaser frowned. “Don’t push it.”

As the credits began to roll, Applejack started to clap her hooves together, only to stop and feel a little sheepish when nopony else joined in.

Vinyl cringed and held an empty candy box in front of her to shield herself from the sudden explosion of light that always followed the end of movies, but it was a losing battle as the light sources proved too many to be blocked by Vinyl’s flimsy defense.

“Yeah, everypony’s already seen this thing like a hundred times,” Rainbow snickered. “This is like its fourth or fifth trip through the theaters.”

“Well, Ah figured it’d be like a play er somethin’, where ya give a round of applause at the end of it,” Applejack defended.

“Applejack, it’s a screen. It can’t hear you,” Rainbow teased.

“I don’t believe the purpose of this little escapade was to harass your marefriend,” Octavia cut in. “Now if you wouldn’t mind moving, Vinyl’s created quite a mess.”

Vinyl rolled her eyes and pulled Octavia along with the group. “That’s what the staff is for, Tavi. We’ve only got half an hour to get over to the stadium, remember?”

Octavia sighed, grudgingly allowing herself to be led away.

“So, Applejack, what’d you think? Pretty awesome stuff, huh?” Vinyl prompted.

“How long did it take them to build all that stuff?” Applejack wondered.

Vinyl frowned. “They didn’t build anything. None of that was real; it was all just computer animation.”

Applejack cocked a brow. “Even them shiny swords they were usin’?”

“Lightsabers,” Vinyl corrected. “And not if I have anything to say about it. I could totally figure something out; those things are way too cool to be fake. I mean, come on, that sound they make is awesome. It’s like a… wub.”

“You’re about to start one of your tangents again aren’t you?” Octavia remarked dryly.

Vinyl continued, ignoring Octavia’s comment. “And they look awesome, too! You could make them different colors and stuff, so that when you’re flinging them around, you get a cool sound and a light show.”

Rainbow shrugged. “I guess I could see that.”

“Just imagine if you put one on like a string, and then you had Applejack twirl it around like a lasso,” Vinyl gushed. “There’s so many possibilities, you guys! I’ve gotta make this happen.”

“I’m sure there are copyrights in place already, dear,” Octavia shot down.

Vinyl frowned. “I didn’t mean like, rip them off completely. Just, you know, the idea. And it’s not like we could even make that stuff anyway. I meant that you could just like put some glowy thing in some kind of a stick, and then have it make noise when you swing it around.”

“Actually, that second part might not be so easy, actually,” Vinyl amended. “And if there’d be like, a million people with them, it’d probably sound weird with all of them overlapping.”

“Okay, so, you take the glow sticks, and have those, and do something else with the sound. Like… music!”

“And you’re really expecting this to catch on, now?” Octavia challenged.

Vinyl affixed her marefriend with an unamused stare. “Shut up, it’s awesome and you know it.”

“Remind me to buy earplugs when we get back to Ponyville,” Octavia quipped.

They arrived at the stadium a few minutes early; affording time to buy snacks, but Rainbow insisted they find their seats first.

“So, where are our seats?” Rainbow asked. “Please tell me we’re in the first row.”

Vinyl snickered. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Dash. I’m afraid we’re a bit higher up than that.”

Rainbow pouted. “But you’ve got like a million bits or something! How come we have to sit in the cheap seats?”

“I never said anything about cheap seats,” Vinyl grinned.

Rainbow sighed as they passed by yet another section. By this point it would have surely been easier to fly straight across the stadium to reach their destination. And back here their view would be blocked by the box seats. At least there were a lot of food stands around.

Rainbow paused. “Wait a minute. You’re pulling my leg, right?”

Vinyl stopped in front of the door of one of the private suites. “Not until tonight, Dash.”

Rainbow’s eyes threatened to burst from their sockets as Vinyl made a show of reaching into her saddlebags and producing a key, which she brandished dramatically before using it to unlock the door to their seats.

“You are a god.” Rainbow intoned reverently.

“Are you gonna go in or just sweet-talk me all day?” Vinyl teased.

Rainbow needed no further coaxing, bowling past Vinyl in her haste to experience the interior of the room.

“We’ll join you in a bit,” Vinyl called. “Gotta make a quick trip around the food court first.”

“Ah don’t think she’s goin’ anywhere fer a while,” Applejack assured with a smile.

Vinyl nodded and shut the door.

Rainbow walked to her seat and double-checked to make sure not a single strand of hair was leaking from under her borrowed hat. In a private box, she wouldn’t have as many other ponies to hide behind, so she needed to be sure to look as anonymous as possible.

Applejack chuckled. “Never seen ya fuss over somethin’ quite so much before.”

“We can’t let her know I’m here,” Rainbow muttered.

Applejack cocked a brow. “Her?”

“Spitfire,” Rainbow reminded, tucking her tail between her legs and sitting upon it.

Applejack frowned at the name. “Wasn’t she one of the ponies you saved a couple years back at the Young Flyer’s Competition?”

“What about it?” Rainbow returned once she was as comfortable as she was going to get.

“Well, shouldn’t she owe you a favor, then?” Applejack wondered.

Rainbow snorted. “I doubt she even remembers. How would that help us, anyway?”

“You could ask her to make some sorta exception for us,” Applejack suggested.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “We’ve been over this already, AJ. I don’t want any notes next to my name in the history books other than best Wonderbolt ever.”

“Right, but didn’t all the great Wonderbolts make some sort of big change that affected the whole future of the team?” Applejack pointed out. “If you wanna make yourself stand out as somepony important, ye’re gonna have to do somethin’ bigger ‘n bein’ the captain.”

Rainbow frowned. “Are you saying I’m not good enough to be awesome all on my own?”

“Ye’re not on yer own, Rainbow,” Applejack pressed. “Ah’m right here with ya, and we gotta do somethin’ ta keep it that way. And if that ain’t somethin’ that’s possible right now, then we gotta make it possible ourselves. Wouldn’t that be somethin’ ta put in the history books?”

Rainbow sighed. “We can keep telling ourselves that, but what if it doesn’t work out? Then we’d have done all that trying for nothing, instead of just being happy that we’re together now.”

Applejack closed her eyes. “Can’t say Ah’m a fan of that tone ye’re takin’.”

“We started a band almost two weeks ago and we still don’t know how to play our instruments,” Rainbow lamented. “Saying that other things got in the way is just an excuse. If that’s how things are going to be with us, how can we say that we’re ready for this?”

Applejack took a deep breath and opened her eyes. “We know how to get things done. Me and Mac have run the whole Sweet Apple Acres on our own fer eight long years, and the only time we ever needed help was when Mac got hurt. You’ve been on yer own fer four years and you worked yer way up to head of the Ponyville weather team in less than one. Just recently we worked out a deal to get you workin’ a solo weather job fer Sweet Apple Acres in just one day and even got you a pay raise out of it. And now we’re on the road to a whole new line of work with some of the best connections in the business without missin’ a beat on our current jobs. The Wonderbolts are just another domino in the line, sugarcube. Ah guarantee it.”

Rainbow slowly began to relax as she absorbed Applejack’s supportive rant. “Remind me how you were single all these years.”

Applejack chuckled warmly. “Ah guess nopony came by what caught mah interest.”

Rainbow leaned against the farmer, smiling as Applejack’s hoof extended around her shoulders to pull her closer.

“We’re back, bitches!” Vinyl proclaimed levitating what had to be every food item the stadium offered, some of which already had bites taken out of them. “I see you two have already gotten started without us.”

Rainbow stuck her tongue out in defiance.

Applejack eyed Vinyl’s massive dinner. “How in the hay do you eat so much and not get fat?”

Vinyl smirked. “You’ve never been to one of my shows before, have you?”

Applejack frowned. “Ah can’t say Ah have, no.”

“Then you’ll get your answer soon,” Vinyl replied. “Now, let’s kick back and watch some awesome action.”

On cue, the Wonderbolts began their airshow. Their skillful flying gave Applejack a sense of majesty, akin to what she felt whenever Rainbow showed off her own talents. It was easy to imagine Rainbow among the performing pegasi, but a bit harder to imagine Rainbow gone from her side.

Sensing Applejack’s discomfort, Rainbow extended a wing around the farmer to pull her close. “We’re in this together, AJ,” Rainbow murmured. “You’re too important to leave behind.”

Applejack exhaled, nodding more to herself than to Rainbow, and nuzzled into her embrace. More than near any place else, Applejack felt safe at Rainbow’s side. It was a comfort she never wanted to lose, and with any luck she would never have to.

“Are you ready to go now?” Fluttershy asked as the clock struck seven.

“I suppose so,” Rarity relented, allowing Fluttershy to stand.

Fluttershy escaped Rarity’s embrace and helped her marefriend to her hooves. Rarity was reluctant to go out without any make-up, but Fluttershy assured her that she looked fine. Rarity insisted that they make a trip over to the boutique so she could grab her purse, however, which Fluttershy accepted.

“Was there some place you had in mind?” Fluttershy asked as they left her cottage.

“Horté’s Cuisine,” Rarity divulged. “I took Mac there, and I will do the same for you.”

Fluttershy frowned. “But isn’t that place really expensive? And I think we’d need a reservation.”

“I have connections with the owner,” Rarity assured. “And money is no issue.”

Fluttershy sighed, knowing it would be an argument she couldn’t win. So instead, she remained quiet until they came to the town square, where they happened upon a familiar face.

“Fluttershy!” Cheerilee greeted. “I haven’t seen you around in a few days. What are you up to?”

Fluttershy hesitated. “Oh, um, well, Rarity and I were just…”

Rarity nodded in encouragement.

Fluttershy sighed. “We were heading out to go on a date.”

Cheerilee frowned. “I thought Rarity was with Big Mac.”

“She is, but we’re all open to polyamory,” Fluttershy explained.

Cheerilee perked up. “Oh, then I don’t suppose I could join you girls?”

Fluttershy bit her lip. “Well, the thing is, Rarity and I were taking some time to ourselves to catch up to where Rarity left off with Mac. And I’m not really sure I’d be comfortable with another mare.”

Cheerilee cocked her head. “Rarity is a mare, if I’m not mistaken.”

“Well, yes, but she’s a trans mare,” Fluttershy divulged. “Meaning she was born a colt and still has a penis.”

Cheerilee’s eyes widened. “She does?”

Rarity nodded.

“And you’ve… seen it?” Cheerilee pried.

“Several times, yes,” Fluttershy affirmed.

“And you’re sure there’s no way I could be a part of this?” Cheerilee despaired.

“Well, a foursome would involve Mac…” Fluttershy reminded.

“We’ve already made up,” Cheerilee assured. “And if you’re already involved with a trans mare, is a biological mare really that much of a difference?”

Cheerilee made a compelling argument, one that Fluttershy didn’t know how to handle. The goodness in her heart told her that Cheerilee deserved a shot, but she didn’t know what Rarity would think of such a thing.

“Well, I guess we could give it a try,” Fluttershy relented. “If Rarity’s okay with it, I mean.”

“If you would allow Fluttershy and I this night, I would have no problems with allowing you two to explore an expansion to our romance,” Rarity proposed.

Cheerilee grinned. “Wonderful! I’ll leave you two girls to it, then. See you tomorrow, Fluttershy!”

Rarity turned to Fluttershy as Cheerilee departed. “I thought you told me that Cheerilee was just a friend.”

“So did I, but I couldn’t just turn her away,” Fluttershy defended. “Besides, four isn’t so much more than three, is it?”

“I suppose not. But we should be going if we want to have any time before bed.”

“Do you think Mac will mind?” Fluttershy worried.

“We’ll talk to him tomorrow, dear. Tonight is about us.”

Fluttershy sighed and nodded.

“Is something the matter?” Rarity pried.

Fluttershy cast her head down. “I just feel like we’re being unfair to Mac. I know you say you want to take this slow, but how long is that going to take?”

Rarity frowned. “I know you’re eager, darling, but…”

“I know you want it as much as I do,” Fluttershy ventured. “I know you want this to be special, but who’s to say sex would ruin that?”

“Nothing but the idealistic romance novels of my foalhood, I suppose,” Rarity admitted. “If it would really mean so much to you, I suppose I’d be a fool to deny you.”

“So can’t we forget all this silly courtship and mate like the animals we are?” Fluttershy requested.

“If you’d humor me with this one night of romance, it would mean a lot to me,” Rarity returned.

“And then we could mate when we get home?” Fluttershy hoped.

“Tomorrow,” Rarity compromised.

Fluttershy thought for a moment. “Deal.”

Rarity smiled. “Now come along. I’m feeling rather famished.”

Fluttershy nodded, contentedly following. It seemed unnecessary to her, especially when considering how long they’d known each other, but if it made Rarity happy she couldn’t say no. She only worried the unicorn wouldn’t spend too much on her.

After a stop at Carousel Boutique, the restaurant wasn’t a far walk from the town square, and rightfully so. Few could afford to dine at Horté’s Cuisine regularly, but even those that couldn’t enjoyed the atmosphere. Sophistication wasn’t something Ponyville prided itself on, but diversity certainly was. There wasn’t much you couldn’t find in their quaint little town, and that list was growing shorter each day.

Rarity strode through the door of the establishment with an air of confidence. And as coincidence would have it, she found the same stallion at the booth as she had in her previous trip.

“Madame Rarity, back so soon?” The colt greeted. “And I see you’ve brought a new flame.”

“I’ll spare you the details, but she is an addition and not a replacement,” Rarity divulged.

The colt nodded. “But of course. I would not expect a mare of your stature to have such boundaries. If you would follow me to your table, we can seat you immediately.”

Fluttershy shared a glance with Rarity as they were lead to what must have been the most elegant table in the restaurant. She hadn’t realized the fashionista had garnered such a reputation among the staff here.

“A waiter will be with you shortly,” their escort bade with a small bow.

Rarity nodded to him, waiting until he departed before turning to Fluttershy. “I helped design this place myself. Needless to say I’m entitled to special treatment from the employees.”

“Is this a private booth?” Fluttershy wondered.

“My very own,” Rarity affirmed.

Fluttershy was not given much time to marvel as a waiter arrived to take beverage orders. Rarity wasted no time in ordering one of the most expensive wines they had to offer. She already had her entrée already in mind, but refrained from placing the order in respect to Fluttershy’s decision.

“My goodness, Rarity, you didn’t have to do that,” Fluttershy whispered in awe as the waiter bowed out.

“Nonsense, I won’t have anything but the best for you, darling,” Rarity coddled.

Fluttershy shifted uncomfortably, hoping that Rarity would leave it at that. Looking through the menu for some less extravagant options and finding few, she decided on a fruit salad to spare the unicorn greater expenses.

“Pick anything you like, my dear. It’s my treat,” Rarity encouraged.

“It’s fine, Rarity,” Fluttershy assured.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer something more… filling?”

“I’m sure.”

“Price is no issue, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy sighed. “I know, but I’m just not comfortable with you spending so much on me.”

“But there are so many exotic dishes they have to offer here. You can have fruit any day, but when was the last time you had a nice pasta meal?”

“Please just drop it.”

“If I ordered a pasta dish, would you have some?”

“I… okay, just please don’t pull out any more surprises.”

Rarity nodded. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, Fluttershy. I just want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well as your animal friends.”

Fluttershy smiled. “I appreciate your concern, but I don’t need as much as somepony like Mac.”

Rarity blinked. “Why, yes, of course you don’t… I apologize.”

Fluttershy giggled. “See? You’re thinking about him, too.”

Rarity blushed, not opening her mouth for fear of embarrassing herself further.

“Your wine, madams,” the waiter announced, startling the distracted mares.

“Uh, yes, thank you,” Rarity fumbled.

“Have you decided on your meals or would you like more time?”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Yes, a fruit salad for my friend, and I’ll have the Fettuccine Alneighdo.”

The waiter jotted down their order and absconded in respectful silence.

Rarity took a deep breath, still trying to compose herself.

“Oh, so I’m just your friend now, hm?” Fluttershy teased.

“Remind me never to take you anywhere again,” Rarity quipped.

“It’s actually kinda nice going out to a restaurant but still having our own private booth,” Fluttershy related. “It’s almost like we’re not really in public.”

“If only I could share your sentiment,” Rarity lamented.

“Well, you’ve got all night to try.”

Rarity sighed, wondering why she thought it would be a good idea to bring Fluttershy here. She had a very different idea of romance, and certainly made Rarity’s seem silly, even to herself.

Fluttershy frowned. “I’m sorry, was that too much?”

“Not at all, dear,” Rarity assured. “I’m just wondering how two so similar ponies can be so different.”

“It’s not like I don’t get where you’re coming from,” Fluttershy returned. “Everypony dreams of having the perfect mate and taking them to all the places they want to go. But I don’t really need all these expensive things to know that I’m loved. A winter’s night spent cuddling by the fire, a walk through the park in springtime when all the flowers are blooming, or even just a little tenderness before bed; those are the kind of things that make me feel special.”

Rarity turned her gaze inward, realizing she’d been going at this the wrong way.

“But a nice dinner with a pony I love can be just as special,” Fluttershy added.

Rarity smiled at that. “And I love you for going along with this.”

“And that’s all I need,” Fluttershy reminded, reaching out to nuzzle her marefriend.

Their meal was eaten in companionable silence, save for a few giggles whenever one of them worked up the courage to sneak a kiss on the other’s cheek. Prejudice was hard to come by in Ponyville, so neither party had any reason to hide their affection other than the inevitable revenge of their partner.

Despite ordering separate meals, the two mares found themselves eating as much off their date’s plate as their own, especially when the opportunity arose to bump noses accidentally on purpose. They were not the most refined exchanges, but Rarity had a hard time complaining nonetheless.

But as their meals shrank, their passion grew, leading Fluttershy to wonder if their agreement from earlier was still in effect. Trying her hardest not to lock lips with the unicorn right there as their last bite was consumed, Fluttershy was surprised to find Rarity instigate in her place.

Fluttershy accepted the request eagerly, tasting the odd mix of fruit and cheese on Rarity’s tongue as they danced, but Rarity broke away before the kiss could get too heated.

At Fluttershy’s disappointed frown, Rarity leaned in to whisper in her ear, “There’ll be plenty of time for that tomorrow.”

Fluttershy blushed at the thought of what the morning would bring. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t still kiss, right?”

“No, but I’d rather get back to your cottage before we continue with that,” Rarity teased.

Fluttershy huffed, “Well let’s just pay and get out of here, then.”

Rarity nodded, signaling the next waiter that walked by. A quick exchange of bits and they were free to go, though Fluttershy decided that Rarity needn’t use her hooves, dragging her out the door and into the night sky.

“Fluttershy, what are you doing? Put me down!” Rarity protested as her hooves left the ground.

“It’s okay, you’ve not that heavy,” Fluttershy assured.

“You realize I’ve not recast my concealment spell,” Rarity reminded.

Fluttershy nearly fell out of the air in shock, but remained in control long enough to place Rarity back on the ground. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry.”

Rarity lilted. “It’s alright, Fluttershy. It’s much too dark to make it out anyway.”

Fluttershy sighed in relief.

“Though I would appreciate a little warning next time,” Rarity requested.

Fluttershy nodded, too embarrassed to form words at the moment.

Rarity giggled. “It’s nice to have you on the defensive for once tonight.”

Fluttershy took a deep breath, reminding herself that Rarity would protest if she pounced before they made it home. “Tonight was actually kinda nice. I don’t think I’d be opposed to doing it again.”

Rarity snorted. “After the way you behaved? You’re never coming back here again.”

Fluttershy sagged, not expecting to be scolded for enjoying Rarity’s side of romance.

“I was only joking, darling,” Rarity amended upon seeing Fluttershy’s reaction.

“Oh, good,” Fluttershy said, a smile returning to her face.

“That’s better,” Rarity approved, smiling back.

Fluttershy extended a wing over Rarity’s back and pulled her closer, subtly brushing the tips across her cutie mark. Rarity had read enough romance novels to understand the gesture, melting into Fluttershy’s embrace with a big, dopey grin on her face.

The walk back to Fluttershy’s cottage seemed to be over in an instant, but Rarity had no intentions of escaping her feathery blanket. Fluttershy unlocked the door with her other wing, letting them inside to climb up the stairs and into the bedroom.

Rarity was asleep in a matter of seconds, denying Fluttershy any hope of anything further. But her own eyelids were beginning to droop as well, and with a kiss beneath the base of Rarity’s horn, Fluttershy snuggled in and closed her eyes.

As the four mares left the arena after the show had ended, Rainbow found herself on edge with no way to conceal her colorful tail. “Are you sure we’re not gonna run into Spitfire on the way over? Or when we’re there?”

Vinyl rolled her eyes, though the gesture went unseen as she spearheaded the pack. “Would you just relax? I’ve got years of experience sneaking into my own shows. Just stick with me and nopony will know we’re there.”

Octavia snorted. “Yes, for all of five seconds before you announce yourself.”

“Don’t hate, Tavi.”

Octavia shook her head helplessly. “I suggest the two of you head for the bar if you wish to go unnoticed. Rainbow looks like she could use a good drink anyway.”

Rainbow perked up. “Do they have cider?”

“Of course they have cider, what are you, twelve?” Vinyl accused.

“Hey, don’t blame me, it’s Applejack’s fault I like it so much,” Rainbow defended.

“That seems to be the case for many things,” Octavia noted.

Ignoring Rainbow’s foolish obsession with cider for the moment, Applejack brought up, “What kind of entrance should we be expectin’ here? Ah’m not exactly eager to get a criminal record.”

Vinyl snickered. “We’re the headlining act and you’re our guests. It’s not a crime to prefer using the back door.”

Octavia smirked. “If it were, I dare say Vinyl would be incarcerated for life.”

“Tavi, I swear to Celestia if you weren’t so hot I would kill you,” Vinyl snapped.

Rainbow caught on quickly. “So that’s why you’re having so much trouble getting action, huh?”

“I came out here to have a good time, and honestly I’m feeling attacked right now,” Vinyl stated. “Now if we could please leave my sexual preferences out of this until tonight I think we’ll all have a better time.”

Applejack frowned at the mention of sex. “Ah feel like Ah missed a chapter here.”

“Back door is another word for butt, AJ,” Rainbow explained.

Applejack blinked as heat began to suffuse her cheeks. “Uh, thanks, Ah guess.”

Rainbow cackled at Applejack’s obliviousness while the farmer began to question her terminology.

Exceptionally bright lights in the ever-decreasing distance distracted the two uninitiated mares from the situation, leaving both wondering how exactly they were supposed to get inside such a well-lit establishment without being noticed.

Vinyl strode past the front door confidently, flipping her hood up briefly to disarm the security and slipped down an inconspicuous alleyway. This was clearly a venue she had played before, as there was very little chance this alternate entryway would be noticed without the knowledge of its existence.

“I bet you thought I wasn’t being serious,” Vinyl gathered from her guests’ bewilderment.

“I think I understand why you wear shades now,” Rainbow quipped, placing Applejack’s hat back atop her head after using it to ward off the glare. “It’s not as bad inside, is it?”

Vinyl shrugged. “It depends what you mean by bad.”

“The bar is to the left,” Octavia informed. “Don’t worry about bumping into anypony. It’s a dancefloor, so it’s to be expected.”

Suddenly much less confident, Rainbow attempted to protest, but was blinded by the neon light show inside as Vinyl opened the door.

In a better state of mind to deal with the visual assault, Applejack escorted Rainbow through the throng of ponies, barely able to achieve a safe distance before Vinyl burst out her greeting.

“You bitches ready to party?” Vinyl roared over the music, drawing all eyes in the club to her as she shed her protective clothing. The response was nothing short of deafening, and Vinyl wasted no time charging up to the stage, not even looking back to make sure Octavia was keeping up as she knew she would be.

It was becoming a familiar ritual to the once-refined cellist, as Vinyl’s method of DJing hardly allowed her room to feel out of place. She only hoped Vinyl never intended to make it more sexualized than it already was, and that she had the decency not to incorporate some of her more recent inventions into their shows.

Across the room, Rainbow and Applejack were safely situated at the bar. With Vinyl’s showmareship it had been easy to avoid detection. Rainbow was all too eager to climb up onto one of the barstools and tuck her tail beneath herself. She began to relax once she had her anonymity secured, but she still felt on edge.

Unsurprisingly, Rainbow ordered a mug of hard cider, both to help calm her nerves and because it was cider. Applejack refrained from partaking; knowing anything she ordered would merely be stolen from her before she could finish it.

“Feelin’ alright there, Rainbow?” Applejack prompted.

“Hopefully once I get some cider in me,” Rainbow muttered.

As soon as the mug was placed in front of her, Rainbow lifted it to her lips and took several gulps of the frothy liquid, stopping only when she needed to breathe.

“That’s the good stuff,” Rainbow remarked, wobbling slightly until she collided with Applejack, who was grateful for the closeness.

“Startin’ to feel better now?” Applejack assumed.

Rainbow shifted uncomfortably, unwittingly freeing her tail from under her in the process. The cider should have been relaxing, but she felt strangely vulnerable without a pane of glass between her and Spitfire.

Rainbow sighed, taking another drink from her mug. All they had to do was lay low and they’d escape the day without any confrontations. Not that she was afraid of one, of course, but it would be a lot easier if-

“Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow jumped as her name was called. She pried her gaze away from Applejack to see…

“Hey, recruit. Didn’t see you in the crowd.” Spitfire greeted. “You come to give us the good word?”

Rainbow hesitated, looking to Applejack for support. “Actually, about that…”

“Who’s your friend here? Seems like more of a down to earth type than I expected to see you with,” Spitfire probed.

“Ah’m Applejack,” Applejack held out a hoof. “Rainbow’s best friend, and more recently, marefriend.”

Rainbow winced at Applejack’s brash assertion, turning a fearful eye to Spitfire.

Spitfire smirked. “I always knew you were a fillyfooler, recruit. Kinda got the idea when you had your eyes glued to me in the locker room that day you won with us a couple years ago.”

Rainbow shifted as she felt Applejack’s eyes upon her. She made a placating gesture in her marefriend’s direction before rounding on Spitfire. “You got a problem with that?”

Spitfire grinned. “I go both ways, myself. Looks to me like this is more than a fling, though. It’ll be a shame to have to break such a cute couple up.”

“Ya make it sound like it’s yer decision,” Applejack challenged.

Spitfire turned to fix Applejack with an unnerving stare. “It is my decision; my word’s tops. If you can’t handle that, you don’t belong here.”

Rainbow snorted. “How many times to I have to save your ass before I get some respect? If you’ve got a problem with my marefriend, you’ve got a problem with me. Take it or leave it.”

“Are you challenging my position, recruit?” Spitfire demanded.

“And what if I am?” Rainbow snarled. “You know, sometimes I wonder how the Wonderbolts function when their captain’s such a bitch.”

“Rainbow, Ah-“

“Stay outta this, AJ,” Rainbow cut off. “If you wanna watch these wings fly on by, then be my guest. I’ve got better things to do.”

Spitfire waited to see if Rainbow had anything else to say. When nothing was forthcoming, she grunted. “You’ve got some serious balls, kid. Half the team wouldn’t have the courage to stand up to me like that. Make sure it stays that way before I dock you for insubordination. I’ll be watching you, Rainbow Dash. Show me that she won’t hold you back and I might just have to rethink my stance.”

Rainbow saluted casually. “Just doing what I have to, sir. You stick up for what’s important to you, and so do I.”

Spitfire frowned at Rainbow. “I’ll keep that in mind. Dismissed.”

Applejack moved quickly to save Rainbow from falling face-first into her mug of cider. “You alright, sugarcube?”

Rainbow turned her head to reveal the smile that was spreading across her face. “Yeah. I think I’m gonna be fine. Not quite the way I wanted it to go, but damn did that feel good.”

Applejack smiled back, licking off the drop of cider that had come into contact with Rainbow’s nose. “Told ya so, Dashie.”

“Maybe I should start listening more, then,” Rainbow chuckled.

Applejack chuckled along as Rainbow leaned against her happily, taking a swig of her cider. “So, what was that bit about you checkin’ her out in the locker room?”

“It’s not like I didn’t know what I liked back then, AJ,” Rainbow pointed out. “Besides, she’s got a pretty hot body, even if her attitude isn’t all there. Didn’t really know about it back then, though. And I was checking you out back then, too. Just got more experience hiding it is all.”

Applejack rolled her eyes at Rainbow’s attempted flattery. “To think Ah believed that nappin’ excuse when you were actually watchin’ me up in those trees.”

“Hey, there were some times when I was actually napping,” Rainbow defended. “Why else do you think I brought a pillow and blanket?”

Applejack blinked. “You weren’t… cloppin’ up there, were ya?”

Rainbow grinned a little too widely. “What, and risk missing a glimpse under your tail?”

Applejack blushed heavily, reaching up in an attempt to pull her hat down over her eyes, only to remember than Rainbow was still wearing it. But before she could snatch it from the grinning pegasus’ head, Rainbow held it up out of Applejack’s reach.

“Dammit, Rainbow, give it back!” Applejack demanded.

Rainbow, however, leaned in to give Applejack a kiss while she placed the hat upon its rightful head. Pulling back from the contact with a more genuine smile, Rainbow tipped Applejack’s hat backward. “You look cute when you blush.”

Applejack blinked, blush subsiding slightly. “Pardon?”

“Nothing, I-“ Rainbow sighed and turned away. “Forget it.”

Applejack put a hoof on Rainbow’s cheek and forced her to look back. “What if Ah don’t wanna? Ain’t like ya ta be sappy like that without a reason.”

Rainbow blushed. “Well, maybe I couldn’t help it this time.”

Applejack smiled, giving Rainbow a peck on the nose. “You look cute when ya blush, too.”

Rainbow reached down to her mug the instant Applejack let her go, taking a swig to try to preserve some of her dignity. “Quit doing this to me, AJ.”

“Quit doin’ what?” Applejack chuckled.

Rainbow frowned, muttering, “Making me love you.”

Applejack smirked. “No can do, sugarcube.”

“So, how’s it going over-“

“You didn’t hear that!” Rainbow interrupted, spinning around to fix Vinyl with a firm stare.

Vinyl blinked. “Uh, okay. I just figured we’d come over to hang out with you after our set, but…”

Applejack sniggered. “Don’t mind Rainbow, she’s just bein’ silly.”

Rainbow grunted, folding her hooves against her chest.

“Ah think Spitfire’s sent her fer a loop,” Applejack mentioned.

Vinyl’s short-lived smile faded. “Wait, Spitfire came by? And you didn’t call me over?”

“I think I got my point through her thick skull,” Rainbow bragged.

Vinyl sighed, covering her face with a hoof. “That’s not how you get her to listen, Dash. Back-talk just pisses her off.”

“She said all I had to do was prove that Applejack wouldn’t get in the way of me being a Wonderbolt for her to reconsider,” Rainbow harped.

“Did she specifically say that she’d let you in and keep Applejack?” Vinyl pressed.

Rainbow frowned. “Well, no, not exactly…”

“Then you just got her angry for no reason!” Vinyl threw her hooves up in exasperation. “You’ve gotta play to her good side if you want to make any kind of headway. Once you tick her off, it’s impossible to get her to calm down without giving her time to cool off.”

“So, what are ya sayin’ exactly?” Applejack asked hesitantly.

Vinyl took a deep breath. “You’ve got yourself in a tight spot, Rainbow, and I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to get you out. It might have sounded like she was giving you a vote of confidence, but she wasn’t. Think about what she said, anything at all that could have been a threat.”

“Well, she did say she might dock me for insubordination right before that,” Rainbow admitted.

“Then that’s what she was referring to when she said she’d reconsider,” Vinyl groaned. “It wasn’t a compromise, it was a challenge. In her eyes, if you don’t have the heart to leave Applejack behind, you’re not fit to be a Wonderbolt.”

Applejack’s face went pale. “Beg pardon?”

“You’ve put yourself on a bad route, Rainbow,” Vinyl chided. “This is exactly why I didn’t want you to do this without me. But now it’s probably gonna be better if I don’t get involved directly. I could have helped you work yourself into her good graces, but now you’re gonna have to do the impossible; break through the front door.”

Rainbow shared a panicked glance with Applejack. “So you’re telling me I’ve got no chance anymore?”

Vinyl smirked. “They used to say the Sonic Rainboom was impossible, too, right? If anypony can do it, it’s you. Just gotta make a plan to break that heart of steel and give it your best shot. And what better way to break steel than with metal?”

Octavia cocked a brow, making a mental note to discuss this with Vinyl in the morning.

Rainbow took a deep breath. “Well, we’ve got three weeks. Think that’s gonna be enough time?”

“Only if I’ve got your undivided attention,” Vinyl prefaced.

Rainbow turned to Applejack. “You think the Acres will be okay without us ‘till then?”

Applejack sighed, holding her head in her hooves. “You sure about this, Rainbow? Sounds like a long-shot. Wouldn’t it be easier ta just call it quits?”

“Of course it’d be easier,” Rainbow replied. “But I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t put up a good fight. So, are you gonna stand there with me, or am I on my own?”

Applejack cracked a smile. “Shucks, Rainbow, you know Ah’ve always got yer back. But we might have ta call in a couple favors.”

“Whatever it takes, AJ,” Rainbow affirmed.

Applejack reached out to give Rainbow a tender kiss. “Then count me in, partner.”

“You were talking about being tenacious before, right Dash?” Vinyl reminded. “Well, you know what that sounds like to me? An awesome name for a band.”

Rainbow grinned. “Now more than ever, right?”

“When ya first came ta me with this whole idea… Well, Ah had no idea this is how it’d turn out,” Applejack mused.

“But that’s what makes it exciting,” Rainbow pointed out. “You never know what’s gonna happen next!”

“I think I’ve got an idea for something we can do after this set,” Vinyl mentioned. “We’ll call it our first ever collaboration.”

“I’m surprised you even know what that means, dear,” Octavia said, walking up behind her marefriend.

Applejack blushed, rubbing the back of her head. “Well, Ah guess it would be nice ta blow off all this steam.”

“Only one thing to decide now,” Rainbow began, drawing attention to her next words. “Who’s gonna wear the hat?”

Sex

Cheerilee beamed, falling back onto her bed with a satisfied sigh. Tomorrow she would have her chance, and she didn’t intend to blow it.

“You’ll be mine soon, Fluttershy,” Cheerilee said to herself. “Even if I had to share you with Discord, it would all be worth it.

Author's Note

We back bby

Day One - Initiation

Rainbow Dash stood before a crowd of screaming ponies. Looking down, she saw not a Wonderbolts uniform, but an electric guitar. Looking across from her, she saw something that made everything fall into place. A smile came to her face as she realized that it didn’t matter what she did, but who she did it with…

Rainbow Dash shot up in bed, looking around apprehensively…. hopefully…. fearfully… She held a hoof to her head, trying to organize the rush of questions suddenly surfacing. It was a losing fight, as she signified by slamming her face into her headboard with a resounding pomf.

Oh, right, clouds, Rainbow mused. It did result in disrupting her thoughts, at least. She sighed as she regarded the sky outside her window and found it tinted orange. She trotted over to her window to better inspect the anomaly and found that it was sunrise. I never wake up this early.

Rainbow returned to her bed and flopped down on it, but try as she might, sleep would not come. Resigned to an early morning, she gave her pillow a half-hearted punch as she made her way to her bathroom.

Stupid dream…

The sun beat down on Sweet Apple Acres, the heat torturous reminder of how even Princess Celestia herself could be a bitch at times. Or at least, that was the gist of the thoughts harbored by a certain orange farmpony toiling away on an unusually blistering spring morning.

“Fer Celestia’s sake, Ah’m burnin’ up faster n’ a pig over a bonfire.” Applejack muttered. Before she had time to consider everything wrong with such a statement, she was unceremoniously bowled over by some unknown force. Though, if she had to guess, she was entirely sure who-

“AJ!” Came the scratchy voice of the pegasus responsible. “Hey, AJ, you’re cool right?”

As Applejack shifted to a sitting position, she recalled the last conversation she’d had with Rainbow Dash that had started along these lines. With a frown, she sighed and grumbled, “What’d ya break this time, Dash?”

“What? No, I didn’t do anything, I swear! This is something completely different!” Rainbow said in a rush.

Applejack was not convinced, and hardened her glare. “Dash…”

“Anyway, you’re cool, right? Of course I’m right, I’m always right. So, I just had the coolest idea and you’re the only pony I trust not to screw it up!”

Applejack tilted her head. “If this is another one a’ yer distractions-“

“Come on, AJ, would you just drop it already? I Pinkie promise I didn’t break anything. Unless we’re talking about records, cuz I break those all the time. So, how would you like to start a band with me?”

The question was met with a long silence as Applejack considered this latest potentially disastrous idea the pegasus had come up with. But those previous ones had usually been some kind of stunt that left Rainbow in the hospital with a broken bone of some sort. This… this was new. She knew Rainbow was rather fond of music in her own right, but this had come entirely out of left field. It still held its risks, but Applejack couldn’t think of any that might lead to physical injury this time, though you could never put anything past the brash Dash.

“AJ?”

Applejack sighed in defeat. No matter how stupid the idea, she could never say no to Rainbow. “Alright, Ah’ll do it. But ya gotta promise me ya won’t run the whole thing.”

“What, me? No, I already got all this figured out. I figured you wouldn’t want to do something awesome, so I’ll let you do what you want with the vocals and I’ll do my thing with the guitars and stuff.

“And just where are ya gonna get a guitar?”

“Way ahead of you!” Rainbow opened a case strapped to her side that had been hidden behind her wings and pulled out a state-of-the-art electric guitar.

Applejack looked the guitar up and down, prodding it a few times to make sure it wasn’t made of paper or some such. But despite her scrutiny, it appeared to be just that, a state-of-the-art electric guitar. “Where exactly did you get-“

“Pinkie.”

“…Okay, where exactly did Pinkie-“

“AJ, she gathered enough instruments for a one-mare band during a parasprite invasion. What makes this so different?”

“Ah suppose so…” Applejack trailed off. “But even Pinkie can’t make things outta nothin, so she musta gotten it somewheres…”

Meanwhile, in Ponyville.

Vinyl Scratch yawned and stretched her limbs, still sore after a night of shenanigans. She regarded the mare sleeping beside her who assisted in said shenanigans with a smile on her face. Not one to wait, Vinyl nuzzled her bedmate incessantly until she began to stir.

“Bwuh… Vinyl-“

“Morning, Tavi!” Vinyl cut her marefriend off.

Octavia had come to expect such antics from the DJ she had become so attached to, rubbing her eyes and accepting her fate of an early rise. She was still exhausted from the previous night and could have admittedly used a couple more hours. “Good morning, Vinyl.”

“Have fun last night?” Vinyl asked, entirely too energetic for having just woken up.

“Yes, I-“ Octavia cut herself off as she noticed something amiss.

“Tavi? Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

“Yes,” Octavia answered simply.

Vinyl furrowed her brow, certain Octavia was teasing her. Or at least she was before the movement made her aware of something papery stuck to her forehead. She ripped off the offending object and was about to discard it when she saw that it was in fact a sticky note.

“Hey, Scratchie! I hope you don’t mind, but I borrowed your guitar for a bit. I promise I’ll get it back to you soon! Hugs!

-Pinkie”

Vinyl tossed the note away unceremoniously and rushed over to where she kept her prized Coltson guitar, only to find it conspicuously missing.

“Vinyl?” Octavia’s voice followed the perturbed mare.

“Dammit, Pinkie!”

Rainbow shrugged. “Who knows? Anyway, the thing is I have it and now we can get started!”

Applejack frowned. “In case ya hadn’t noticed, Ah’m still workin, Dash. We can do this later.”

Rainbow sagged, crossing her forelegs and adopting a pout. “You’re no fun,” she groused, flying away slowly.

Applejack sighed, catching the pegasus’ tail before she flew out of reach. Rainbow responded with an exclamation of pain at the tug, followed by a hopeful glance behind her.

“So?”

Applejack sighed again. “Ah guess Ah can come back ta this tomorrow.”

“Yes! This is gonna be so awesome! Come on, let’s get to the barn, it’s way too hot out here.”

For the first time this morning, Applejack had to agree with Rainbow. She shook her head, wondering not for the first time why she put up with the pegasus. Rainbow giddily led Applejack to the barn, imagining the look on her face when she laid down a sick riff.

“Alright, let’s do this!” Rainbow shouted once she had gotten set up, having somehow deposited amps in the barn without Applejack noticing. Before she could question this development, her ears were assaulted by an awkward, screeching riff.

Once her ears had stopped ringing, Applejack accosted her would-be bandmate. “What in tarnation was that?”

Rainbow responded with a nervous smile. “I have no idea how to play the guitar.”

Applejack brought her hoof to her face, unable to dignify any other response. This was going to be a long day. But even with that thought, she couldn’t help the smile that came to her muzzle.

“Well, unless ya learn right quick, this ain’t gonna work,” Applejack stated.

“No, wait, I got this!” Rainbow carefully plucked the strings one at a time, working from the bottom up. The result was akin to a foal attempting a glissando on a piano, minus the falling flat on her face. “Ha, see? Easy peasy!”

“Yeah,” Applejack joked, “that’s a beat Ah can sing to. Ah’m sure everypony in Equestria would pay to see that.”

“Geez, you don’t have to rub it in,” Rainbow mumbled. “Just gimme a sec, I’ll figure it out.”

“Unless ya mean that literally, Ah got a better idea.” With that, Applejack took Rainbow’s guitar, put it back in its case, turned around and walked out of the barn.

Rainbow was quick to follow. “What? Hey, get back here! You can’t just give up!”

Applejack smirked, but kept walking.

“I know you’ve got stuff to do, but this won’t take long. I promise!”

Applejack made no effort to shoo the pegasus away, merely continuing on her path toward town. Rainbow huffed and followed along for a distance. If Applejack was anything, she was stubborn, and Rainbow knew that better than anypony. She began to wonder where exactly Applejack was going without actually paying attention to her surroundings.

Maybe she’s going to Twilight to ask for help. But what does that egghead know about music? I guess Fluttershy knows a little about leading a choir of birds, but that’s not really the same. Oh, maybe she’s going to Rarity to get us some cool band gear! Wait, does Rarity actually make that stuff? Ugh, she’d probably just put us in dresses. That’d really fit the scene. She could also be going to Pinkie to… Rainbow looked again at the guitar case on Applejack’s back. Oh crap, she’s probably going to give the guitar back to Pinkie!

“Come on, AJ, I can do this! Just give me some more time!” Rainbow protested.

Applejack smirked. “No can do, sugarcube. Everypony has her limits.”

“But… but… this was gonna be so awesome,” Rainbow deflated, falling to the ground with a soft thud.

Applejack’s smirk became a genuine smile. “Ah never said Ah was givin’ up.”

At that remark, Rainbow noticed for the first time where they were heading. Sugarcube Corner was on the other side of town. She also noticed whose house they stood before. “What are we doing at Scratch’s place?”

“Ah figure she knows so much about these kinda fancy instruments that she’d be able ta give ya some lessons.” Applejack shifted the guitar case on her back for emphasis. She confidently knocked on the door and backed up a step.
Inside, they could hear a muffled commotion in response, though neither could make out any words. As the door opened, they could hear the voice of Vinyl cry out, “Tavi, no!”

Before the pair of bemused visitors stood not the expected resident, but the world-renowned cellist, Octavia Melody. While not alien to them, Octavia’s presence at such an hour…

“No way,” Rainbow squeaked. “Way to go, Scratch!”

A very red Vinyl Scratch appeared at the door, shoving her marefriend out of the way. She lacked her trademark glasses, which added a bit more red to her face by way of her eyes. In all, not a very familiar expression adorned the cocky DJ’s face.

“Of all the ponies…” Vinyl mumbled. She shook her head. “Well, at least you won’t hold it over my head as much as Lyra would, Dash.” Vinyl finally took notice of the other pony at her door, and the object on her back. “My Coltson!” Vinyl wrested her guitar off the farmer’s back and cradled it. From off to the side, they could hear Octavia snicker as Vinyl cooed softly to her instrument.

“So it was yours. I thought it looked familiar,” Dash chortled.

“Why did you have it? I thought Pinkie took it.”

“How did y-“

“She left a note on my forehead,” Vinyl her off.

Dash suppressed another giggle. “I bet that was quite a surprise for Octavia.”

Looking back and forth at Rainbow’s mirth and Vinyl’s embarrassment, Applejack spoke up. “I feel like I’m missing something here.”

“Good, I don’t need more ponies to-“

“Don’t you know? Scratch and Octavia finally started going out a few months ago, and now Scratch got her to bed!”

“-know,” Vinyl finished sheepishly, her blush darkening.

Applejack gained a similar redness to her cheeks as she finally understood the situation. “Oh,” was Applejack’s simple reply.

Vinyl looked over their heads to make sure nopony else was watching before ushering the pair of them inside. “So, what else are you doing here?”

“Well, AJ and I…”

Vinyl and Rainbow were soon lost in a conversation of epic proportions, judging by their wild gesticulations and raucous laughter, but Applejack could only see Rainbow’s half as she found she could look at nothing else. Seeing Rainbow enjoying herself so much always gave Applejack a surge of some emotion she had yet to identify.

“It’s hard to understand those two sometimes,” Octavia mused, finally breaking Applejack’s fixation on Rainbow as she noticed Octavia had been standing beside her for some time.

“Whaddya mean by that?” Applejack asked, flicking her gaze briefly to Octavia before resettling on the conversation before her.

“Have you told her yet?” Octavia answered with her own question.

“Told her what?”

Octavia smiled sadly. “So you still haven’t even figured it out yet? Such a shame.”

Applejack pondered what Octavia was going on about while she fell back into observing Dash’s face and movements. Rainbow’s gaze broke off from Vinyl’s as she offered Applejack a quick smile and wave before returning to her exchange of tales. Applejack felt heat rise to her face at the sentiment, but quickly shook the feeling off. Octavia giggled beside her, shaking her head slowly.

Once Rainbow and Vinyl ran out of things to talk about, the four of them went to have breakfast at Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow was quick to relay the goings-on in Vinyl’s bedroom to Pinkie, much to Vinyl’s chagrin. Pinkie thankfully merely offered a wink in lieu of a flood of teasing remarks. They found themselves a booth while Pinkie fetched them breakfast, Vinyl and Octavia on one side and Rainbow and Applejack on the other. Vinyl gave Octavia a subtle squeeze and raised an eyebrow at Rainbow in question. Rainbow merely blushed and shook her head in response.

“Mind if I join you guys?” Pinkie asked after she had returned with food, pulling up a chair. They all naturally acquiesced, and soon more tales were being told from all parties. Applejack caught a few glances of Rainbow through the conversation, though managed to avoid the gazes she was unwittingly receiving in return.

What was it that Octavia was goin’ on about? Does she know somethin’ Ah don’t? Applejack pondered, flicking her gaze between Octavia and Rainbow. She said something about me tellin’ somethin’ ta Rainbow; somethin’ that Ah don’t even know yet. But she does? Applejack shook her head. No, Ah’m a simple pony, and Ah don’t keep secrets. ‘Specially from mahself.

“So, AJ,” Rainbow started, “you said we weren’t quite through yet, right?”

“Ah’m willing to keep at it as long as you are, sugarcube.”

“Still thinking we can get Vinyl in on this?”

“Ah’m sure she won’t mind.”

“Woah woah woah woah,” Vinyl cut in suddenly. “I never remember agreeing to any of this.”

“Aw, c’mon, Scratch. Who else am I gonna learn guitar from?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow teasingly.

“Wait, what?” Vinyl repeated the exchange in her head. “Oh, right, yeah, sure.” Vinyl offered in response, fighting to keep down her rising blush. Maybe later, Vinyl reminded herself, glancing in Octavia’s direction. Octavia raised a brow at her, a smirk and a playful shove given when she took in Vinyl’s blush.

“Maybe later,” Octavia repeated Vinyl’s thought in a whisper to Vinyl’s perked ear.

I have the greatest marefriend ever, Vinyl thought with a giggle. “So, you wanna learn to play guitar, huh?”

“Yeah, I had this awesome idea for me and AJ to start a band!” Rainbow gushed. “Because, you know, I’m awesome, she’s awesome, and music’s awesome; so that’s like, three awesomes!”

“I never knew you could count that high,” Vinyl teased.

“You’re one to talk, dear,” Octavia cut in before Rainbow could protest. “Though, I must agree with Vinyl. None of Ponyville is unfamiliar with your ‘awesome ideas’ by this point, but this seems… odd.”

“Ah said the same thing,” Applejack mused. “If Ah didn’t know any better, Ah’d say she’s goin’ soft.”

“Hey! This is plenty dangerous! What if I electrocute myself with some wires, or something?”

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. “Then you’ll get a little tingly feeling in your hoof.”

“Who asked you?” Rainbow accused.

“I thought you were asking her for guitar lessons!”

“Shut up, Pinkie!” Rainbow and Vinyl chorused.

In spite of their demands, Pinkie rebelliously erupted into a fit of gigglesnorts, which soon grew infectious. Octavia was left to shake her head at the typical breakfast antics, though unable to keep from chuckling, herself.

“Alright, you got a deal,” Vinyl said, “but no touching my Coltson. That thing’s too damn special to me, okay?”

Pinkie laughed nervously, rubbing an ear with a hoof, mostly to hide the redness that had appeared from nowhere at the roundabout accusations.

“Yes! This is gonna be so awesome, AJ!” Rainbow threw a hoof around a bemused Applejack. “We’re gonna be famous for sure! The Wonderbolts will have to notice me!”

“What does music have to do with flying?” Vinyl asked.

“Plenty of stuff. Like awesomeness. And me!”

“Wow, they’re sure to be begging you to join them, then. Ow! Tavi!”

“Behave, Vinyl,” Octavia admonished, lowering her hoof.

Rainbow and Applejack laughed at Vinyl’s expense. Pinkie seemed to have vanished at some point, along with their empty plates and the chair she had pulled up. Vinyl rubbed her cheek, muttering something under her breath, undoubtedly plotting her revenge.

“So, when do I start?”

“I have some free time tomorrow around noon.” Vinyl leaned back in her seat with a cocky smirk. Octavia shook her head, wondering what she was in for this time.

“Sounds good.” Rainbow looked to Applejack. “You free today?”

“Ah can be if ya let me get some work done tomorrow.”

“Awesome!” Applejack narrowed her eyes at Rainbow’s outburst. “I mean, yeah, no problem.” Rainbow smiled hopefully. Applejack met it with a playful shove before climbing out of the booth.

“We’ll see y’all later. Ah think Rainbow has somethin’ planned fer me.”

“Later!” Vinyl called, lazing around until Octavia pulled her out of the confectionery shop. “Hey!”

“I have something planned for you, too, dear,” Octavia said in a dangerous whisper that Vinyl met with fearful eyes.

“Be gentle,” Vinyl squeaked.

“I’ll be right back, gotta get something real quick,” Rainbow said after she and Applejack had walked about three hooves, rocketing off into the sky without giving Applejack a chance to protest.

Applejack sighed and sat down. “Okay, Ah’ll wait.” Applejack was at least thankful she wouldn’t have to wait long, because if Rainbow was one thing, she was fast. And mild-mannered, cocky, brash, awesome, cute, loyal, softer than she let on, infuriating at times, highly competitive, a very sore loser… Okay, trick question. She was a lot of things, including being presently sneaking up on Applejack after quickly retrieving the bag of bits she went to fetch. She was waiting for just the right…

“Rainbow, what are ya doin’ on the roof there?”

“Remembering how hard it is to get the jump on you,” Rainbow pouted, flying down next to Applejack. “Stupid earth pony hearing. Anyway, let’s go! I figure we can head over to the music store and stock up on awesome band stuff. And a guitar, since Scratch won’t let me use hers.”

“You sure you brought enough bits?” Applejack joked, eying the comically large bag Rainbow had slung across her side.

“Yeah, I brought plenty. I was planning on using it on food and stuff, but I figured I could always just head on over to the acres and nab a few free apples, right?”

Applejack shook her head in bemusement. “Ah worry ‘bout ya sometimes, sugarcube.”

“Well quit your worrying and let’s go already!” Rainbow pranced around, eager to be off.

Applejack chuckled and let Rainbow lead her to the local music shop. Being as it was in the same direction as Octavia’s house, Rainbow caught a glimpse of an intimidating-looking Octavia marching a terrified Vinyl back to her house for apparent punishment.

“Heh, looks like Octavia’s ready for round two already,” Rainbow snickered.

“What makes ya say that?” Applejack asked obliviously.

Rainbow turned Applejack’s head to look at the small parade. While Applejack had different thoughts on the matter, she couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.

“Making up for lost time, I guess,” Rainbow said with a waggle of her brow.

Applejack smirked. “Yer terrible, Dash.”

“I know, isn’t it great?” Rainbow reached out a wing to give Applejack a little nudge for emphasis.

Applejack just shook her head, at a loss for words. Thankfully, none needed to be said as Rainbow caught sight of their destination and rocketed ahead, immediately disappearing through the door. Applejack approached and entered at a saner pace, to find Rainbow already darting around the back room, inspecting various electric guitars.

Suddenly, she heard Rainbow gasp dramatically. “This is the one!” Rainbow proclaimed, practically salivating at the sight of a Coltson painted blue with yellow lightning bolts. While it wasn’t necessarily a Wonderbolts pattern, it was close enough for Rainbow. Applejack walked up to inspect the guitar, and the first thing she noticed was the price tag.

“Rainbow, this thing costs over a thousand bits. How’re ya gonna afford this?”

“I can live on apples for a month,” Rainbow shrugged.

Applejack raised a brow. “Y’all know Ah can only afford ta give ya so many fer free.”

“Then I’ll pay it off, whatever. I need this guitar!” Rainbow pleaded.

“Wait, yer offerin’ labor now?”

“Yes, I’ll have your babies or whatever, so please let me get this!”

Applejack blinked. “Not that kinda labor, Dash.”

“Well what do you want from me, then?” Rainbow was frantic.

Applejack pondered the possibilities for a few moments before deciding against anything particularly degrading. “Well, ya could spend that month helpin’ out ‘round the farm, for starters.”

“You want me to work two jobs?”

“You want that guitar?”

“Fine!” Rainbow relented. “I’ll do it, just…” Rainbow grabbed the guitar and case from the display and ran over to the counter. She counted out the bits and secured the guitar in the case before slinging it over her back and running out of the store cheering.

Applejack shook her head for the eleventeenth time that day and followed Rainbow outside. No sooner than she had done so was she rammed into and hugged violently by a rainbow colored blur that promptly began a chorus of thank yous.

“Okay, okay, Rainbow. Yer welcome,” Applejack chuckled, patting Rainbow on the back in an attempt to calm her down. “Now, don’t we have more ta buy?”

Rainbow breathed in to speak, then took in her deflated sack of bits. “I’m gonna need to get more money.”

Applejack laughed at Rainbow’s antics, settling herself down to wait for the pegasus to make another trip home. She thought of the day’s developments and found that she was actually excited about all of it. Rainbow had all sorts of musical shenanigans planned out for them, and in between she’d have her best friend helping out on the farm for a month. They could get so much done around there. She’d finally be able to have an excess of free time, and even when she was working, she could still be hanging out with Rainbow! Things were really looking up for the apple farmer.

Rainbow returned with another bag of bits to find Applejack looking up at the sky away from her. Applejack seemed to have not noticed her approach for once. With a devious grin, Rainbow tensed up and pounced, knocking a very surprised Applejack off her hooves and into a tumble for a few hooves, the end of which saw Rainbow pinning Applejack down triumphantly.

“Ha! Can’t let your guard down around me, AJ!” Rainbow boasted.

Applejack suddenly burst out laughing, much to Rainbow’s confusion. Usually this sort of approach was met with resistance in the form of a wrestling match that left only one standing. Rainbow felt herself starting to laugh as well, marveling at the novelty of the moment.

As their laughter died down, Rainbow regarded Applejack and found that she looked happier than when she’d left her. Happier than she’d seen her in a while, actually. Seeing Applejack smiling just made Rainbow want to smile. Rainbow began to giggle again. “Cut that out, AJ.”

“Cut what out, sugarcube?”

“Being cute,” Rainbow giggled. “It’s making me act funny.”

Applejack opened her mouth to respond, only to close it again. Did she just say I’m…? “Pardon?”

“Huh?” Rainbow snapped out of her mirth upon seeing Applejack’s look of bewildered embarrassment. She repeated the exchange in her head, trying to figure out what had prompted the response. Her face began to heat up as she recalled her previous choice of words. “Uh… N-never mind that.”

Despite Rainbow’s command, Applejack could not dislodge the thought. It just seemed to stick out as something… different. Something she’d never seen from Rainbow before. She knew that Rainbow did have a gentler side, but… This was…

“Um, so… Weren’t we gonna do some uh, shopping?”

“Y-yeah, right,” Applejack muttered, “shoppin’.”

The rest of said shopping was completed mostly in awkward silence with few words exchanged. Many items Rainbow intended to purchase were left untouched; instead they mostly bought some new farming equipment for Rainbow’s stint on the Acres. This was met with yet more awkwardness as they had to ask for each other’s input.

“Does this look alright?” Applejack asked, pulling down a bit for Rainbow to inspect.

“Well, it’s colorful,” Rainbow commented.

“Thought it would go well with yer mane. Since, y’know, it’ll be in yer mouth.”

“I have to put this in my mouth?” Rainbow asked incredulously, inspecting the bit closer. “Wait, this thing’s called a bit? And it costs more than a bit? Isn’t that a rip-off?”

“No, Dash this is… It’s a different kinda bit,” Applejack explained.

“I know that, but you’d think you’d buy a bit for a bit. You know, fair trade and all that.”

“And Ah’m sure that’d be a great sales pitch, but that’s what it costs. Do you like it or not?” Applejack shifted uncomfortably.

“Yeah, it’s fine, just overpriced.”

Applejack rolled her eyes and continued on, registering all their items while Rainbow paid the tab. Once they were outside again, Applejack let out a deep breath. “Now all we need ta get ya is a hat. Apple Bloom’s too young and Mac’s too stubborn, but that don’t mean you gotta go hatless.”

“Oh! I know the perfect hat!” With that, Rainbow shot off into the sky, towards her house. Again. Applejack sighed. At least it would give her time to sort out her thoughts. Or so she thought.

“Back!” Rainbow declared, coming to a stop before Applejack. On her head was a familiar-looking pith helmet. “See? Now I can be Daring, and you can be Blondie! Except we’ll be bucking apples instead of looking for treasure, but that’s cool too.”

Applejack inspected Rainbow. Even without the jacket, Applejack could clearly see the resemblance between Rainbow and her fictional hero, and she was already told repeatedly by Rainbow that she looked like Daring Do’s rival/love interest. Applejack resolved to humor Rainbow’s future shenanigans.

Applejack smirked. “Well, that’s taken care of, Ah guess. Now, while we’re out here, how’s about we grab some lunch?”

Rainbow perked up at the mention of food. “Sounds good to me!”

Applejack chuckled, marveling again how much power food had over the pegasus. Thinking about it more, she wondered if she could get Rainbow to room on the farm for the month. Rainbow always loved Apple family meals when she could get them and it’d give Applejack more control over Rainbow’s schedule, not to mention a little extra time together.

Rainbow quickened her pace as they neared their destination, but didn’t quite run off this time. Café du Mane was moderately populated, so she found no reason to rush overly much. Applejack made no move to keep up as Rainbow claimed a table and sat eagerly. Just as Applejack sat down at the table, a waiter came by to take their orders. Hay fries for Rainbow and an apple salad for Applejack.

As the waiter departed, silence fell over the pair. Applejack looked for a way to strike up a conversation without seeming too awkward or forward. Getting Rainbow to commit a month’s service to the farm was a feat itself. Surely she wouldn’t want to be tied down to the farm, right?

“So, about this whole farm thing… When do I start?” Rainbow asked unexpectedly.

Applejack blinked. “Uh, tomorrow, Ah guess. We could getcha started in the mornin’ ‘fore ya gotta get ta Vinyl’s.” Applejack shifted nervously. “But um, it’d be a might easier if ya could get used ta the schedule…”

“As long as it doesn’t get in the way of my weather duties I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Rainbow said nonchalantly.

“That’s the thing, though. We get started right about the crack o’ dawn, an’ Ah’m not sure how Ah can hold ya to that when ya live up in the clouds,” Applejack tried to hint.

“I’ll be there, don’t worry about it. Never leave my friends hangin’, right?”

Applejack looked away. “If’n yer really gonna help out, Ah’m gonna need more’n yer word, sugarcube.”

Rainbow frowned. “Then what do you want from me?”

“Well, Ah um… Fer this ta work Ah’d need ya to, well, stay at the farm, so’s you can get used ta the uh… schedule.“ Applejack finished unconvincingly, blushing sheepishly. She sighed, mentally preparing herself for Rainbow’s protests, which she knew she’d be incapable of dealing with.

“Oh. Yeah, I guess I could do that,” Rainbow said without a hint of fuss in her tone. “I get free meals with this, right?”

Applejack blinked again. “Uh, yeah. ‘S long as ya do the work…. Yer really okay with this?”

“Yeah, why not, I mean it’s only a month, right? Might be kinda fun, and we could hang out some more.” Rainbow tilted her head. “Why?”

“Oh, uh… no reason, no reason whatsoever, heh,” Applejack smiled hopefully. Rainbow eyed her strangely but didn’t comment further as their food was brought out.

“Finally, I’m starving!” Rainbow exclaimed, digging into her meal before the waiter had even set Applejack’s down, earning a raised eyebrow from the waiter and a chuckle from Applejack.

Applejack shook her head once the waiter had departed a second time. What’s goin’ on today? Octavia says somethin’ funny, then Rainbow starts actin’ weird, an’ now Ah’m actin’ all funny too. An’ what was it that Rainbow said? Cute? Does she really think that?

“AJ? You gonna eat or what?”

“Huh?” Applejack shook her head again.

“Yeah, you’re doing that a lot today, huh?” Rainbow observed between bites. “More than usual,” she mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing, just… Never mind,” Rainbow returned to her meal.

Applejack eyed Rainbow for a moment before her stomach reminded her of her hunger. She hesitantly began to eat, a troubled look on her face. The day kept getting weirder and weirder.

“Ah know it’s just a month, but Ah’m expectin’ yer best, y’hear?” Applejack walked with Rainbow over to the farm to get Rainbow situated. Applejack felt a bit better after eating and found it easier to concentrate on the task at hand.

Rainbow scoffed. “It’s just farm work. How hard could it be?”

“Famous last words, sugarcube,” Applejack admonished.

“Yeah, yeah.” Rainbow took a look around, examining the vast expanses of apple trees she’d be working with for the next month. Weather duties, guitar lessons, and farm work. This is gonna be one crazy month. “You know, we have all this figured out between us, but we haven’t even run it past your family yet. What if they don’t want me around?”

“Yer not getting’ outta this one, Dash; we really could use the help this season,” Applejack warned. “This year’s crop’s lookin’ ta be one a’ the biggest we’ve had since Ah started buckin’.”

“And that’s supposed to reassure me how?”

“It’s not,” Applejack said simply, opening the door to the farmhouse as they stepped up onto the porch. Rainbow couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread despite the usually welcoming air of the quaint abode. This time, she really didn’t know just what she was getting into. She could only wonder at how the month would unfold. But with that dread came some excitement. This was something totally new, just like her band idea. Also just like her band idea, she’d be doing it with her best friend. That thought brought a smile to her face as she entered the house.

“So, do I get a room or something? Or do I have to sleep on the couch?” Rainbow asked as Applejack followed her inside. “And where is everypony?”

Applejack smiled. “We got a guest room we don’t normally use, so that can be yours fer the month. Big Mac’s out in the fields, Apple Bloom’s still at school, and Granny Smith… Ah don’t know where she is. She’s usually asleep on her rocker this time a’ day.”

“So… do I have to wait for them to come back, or…?”

“Nah, you’ll be fine. C’mon, Ah’ll show ya to the guest room.” Applejack started up the stairs, leaving Rainbow to follow along sheepishly. The room itself, being a guest room, was sparsely furnished, affording Rainbow plenty of room for her stuff. The bed, while not as plush as the clouds she was used to, was comfortable in its own right. Applejack left Rainbow to get settled, sitting down on her own bed and trying to gather her thoughts. This proved fruitless, as she heard a loud thump from the guest room, followed by Rainbow’s voice.

“Stupid clouds!” Rainbow had attempted to set down something made of said clouds only to have it fall through the wood floor, causing her to lose her balance and crash down onto said floor. She stomped downstairs to retrieve the fallen item and compact it to a wood-friendly density. The second time, it cooperated, coming to rest on the floor instead of falling through it. She gave it a kick for good measure, causing the cloud to slip slightly through the floor. This time she caught it, though, and avoided having to make a second trip downstairs. She refrained from kicking it a second time.

Rainbow continued to set up without further outbursts, finally giving Applejack some time to think. For about a minute before Apple Bloom burst loudly through the front door with two other boisterous fillies in tow. Applejack sighed. She had forgotten that the acres were hosting this week’s Cutie Mark Crusaders sleepover. That explained why Granny Smith was in her room catching up on sleep, because with those three fillies around, the night was sure to be restless. Sweet Celestia, does it ever end?

“Alright, gals, what are we gonna try first?” Apple Bloom asked.

“How about cooking? I’m hungry,” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Haven’t we already tried that before?” Scootaloo shot back.

“We tried bakin’, but that’s different.”

“Yeah! Totally different!” Sweetie Belle pressed, her stomach growling its agreement.

“Yer not thinkin’ a’ doin’ anythin’ destructive down there, are ya?” Applejack asked from the staircase as she descended.

“Sis? Why aren’t you out in the fields?”

“’Cus Ah gotta help Rainbow get settled,” Applejack explained.

“Wha-“

“Rainbow Dash? She’s here?” Scootaloo cut off Apple Bloom, darting forward to come nose to nose with Applejack.

Applejack blinked. “Uh, yeah. She should be up-“

Scootaloo was off the second she was given a direction, up the stairs before Applejack could finish.

“In the guest room,” Applejack completed a little sheepishly.

“Why’s Rainbow Dash stayin’ in the guest room?” Apple Bloom inquired. “She decide not to fly off after dinner this time?”

“It’s a might more complicated n’ that, AB. The short of it is Rainbow’s gonna be around fer the next month,” Applejack said distractedly as she searched for something or other in the closet.

“Doin’ what?”

“Helpin’ out, an’ hopefully not complainin’ too much,” Applejack said after pulling out a hat rack for Rainbow. “Where’d Sweetie Belle get off to?”

“Prolly went ta look fer Scoot, so Ah guess that’s where Ah’m goin, too,” Apple Bloom said, turning to walk up the stairs, muttering. “Ah swear, ya’d think that filly was tryin’a get a rainbow chasin’ cutie mark.”

Applejack chuckled, following her sister up to their impromptu gathering site. Upon entering said site, the atmosphere was decidedly chaotic. Scootaloo was alternating between darting around to look at Rainbow’s stuff and sitting beside Rainbow with a big grin on her face. Sweetie Belle was attempting to help out in setting up and promptly knocking everything over. And Rainbow sat in the middle of her bed with a panicked look on her face as she curled up into a fetal position.

At the sound of the door opening again, Rainbow cast a fearful eye at the intruders and immediately brightened. “Applejack! You’ve gotta help me!” Rainbow pleaded, rushing over to grab Applejack’s hooves. Applejack found herself quite literally flung into the fray, successfully disrupting both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle’s antics by knocking them over in her flight before coming to rest on the guest bed.

That was less painful than Ah expected, Applejack mused as she sat up to examine the damage done to the room. Apart from a few pieces of wayward furniture, however, the room seemed remarkably intact.

Apple Bloom quickly moved to right the offending structures and march her fellow crusaders out of the guest room, apologizing for their behavior. In her wake, she left a bewildered pair of mares both wondering when Apple Bloom had begun taking responsibility.

“Every day gonna be this exciting?” Rainbow asked at length.

Applejack looked up at Rainbow with a critical eye. “Ah sure hope not.”

Rainbow chuckled nervously, rubbing a hoof against the back of her head. “Sorry, I guess I kinda panicked.”

“So yer first thought was to throw me at them,” Applejack stated flatly.

“Uh… Earth ponies make good weapons?” Rainbow offered. “Besides, it worked, didn’t it?”

Applejack shook her head in disapproval, though she couldn’t stop the traitorous smile coming to her lips. “Stop makin’ it so hard to be mad at ya.”

“Uh, no thanks, I like my wings where they are.”

Applejack chuckled, moving to give Rainbow a playful shove which was answered with what Rainbow deemed to be appropriate response; tackling Applejack onto the bed and instigating a wrestling match.

Applejack managed to pin Rainbow Dash, declaring, “Ha! Ah’ve got you right where Ah want ya!”

“You’ll never take me alive!” Rainbow said, using her wings to tickle Applejack.

“Ya dirty little cheater!” Applejack giggled as she lost her grip and found herself pinned in turn.

“Only for you, AJ,” Rainbow said, flashing a grin.

“Well two can play at that game! C’mere you!”

Outside the room, the Cutie Mark Crusaders sat uneasily at the door, privy to Rainbow’s squeaks of terror between giggles, accompanied by the same from Applejack. The door remained closed, and none of the fillies could muster the courage to open it.

“You think they’re alright?” Scootaloo asked.

“Ah think so. Whaddya think they’re doin’?”

“Well, whatever it is sounds fun!” Sweetie Belle piped up, confidently sitting up to enter the room.

“Sweetie Belle, no!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo chorused, but the door swung open to reveal Applejack pinning Rainbow’s wings to the headboard with her forelegs, nose inches from Rainbow’s. Both wore an expression similar to that of a deer caught in the headlights. Without moving her head, Applejack looked to see who had intruded on their compromising position. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or panicked when she saw the curious gazes of Apple Bloom and her friends on them.

Okay, at least it’s not Big Mac or Granny Smith. Ah can explain this one away, Applejack thought, before the rough squeak that Rainbow’s voice had become broke her contemplation.

“It’s not what it looks like!” Rainbow blurted out, face flushed.

Applejack nearly facehoofed as Rainbow succeeded in planting the thought in her sister’s young mind.

Apple Bloom’s brain worked infuriatingly quickly as she spoke. “But Ah thought that stuff was just fer a filly and a colt.”

“No way, Rainbow Dash told me about this stuff!” Scootaloo began to explain, to the combined horror of the two mares. Rainbow very much regretted this conversation. “She called it fillyfooling, and she said it’s perfectly normal and awesome, and that it had to be awesome because she does it herself!”

Applejack froze, looking down at the pegasus she had pinned to the bed. Rainbow offered a nervous smile, chuckling weakly. “Girls,” Applejack said calmly, “Ah’d like to speak with Rainbow Dash alone.”

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened at Applejack’s tone, quickly ushering her friends all the way downstairs, leaving the two mares alone.

Once the door had closed, Applejack lifted herself off of Rainbow Dash and sat with an odd look on her face Rainbow could not decipher. “Why didn’t ya tell me?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow tucked her hooves in modestly and hung her head. “You hate me now, don’t you?”

Applejack studied Rainbow for a second before responding. “Ah’m a little hurt ya would keep somethin’ like that a secret… but Ah don’t hate ya, Dash.”

“What?” was all Rainbow could muster in response for a long while.

Applejack gave Rainbow time to process the situation, using the time to sort out her own thoughts.

Rainbow spoke up after a few minutes, “I thought you farmponies didn’t like that kind of stuff.”

“Where’d ya get a silly idea like that?” Applejack asked.

“Well, you’re all about work and family. And, well, two mares can’t exactly… you know.”

“Rainbow,” Applejack said, turning the pegasus’ head to face her, “Ah’ve never been one to judge a pony if Ah can see she has a good heart. And Ah’m not usually wrong about that sorta stuff. Ah know you’ve got a good heart, Rainbow, and there’s no way Ah’d let somethin’ like this change how Ah look at ya, or anythin’ between us. Ah’m still yer friend, and Ah always will be, and that’s the honest truth, sugarcube.”

“Really?” Rainbow asked tentatively.

“Mhmm. And while Ah can’t say mah barn door swings that way,” Applejack blushed, “Ah can’t say Ah have a problem with it.”

Rainbow smiled, looking at Applejack with a certain degree of reverence. “You’re too damn good to me, Applejack.”

“Only as good as ya deserve, Rainbow.” Applejack smiled back.

Rainbow donned a blush and drew circles in the quilt with a hoof. “You know, you’re the first pony I’ve told… sorta.”

“Quite a way to come out,” Applejack chuckled in response, before becoming more serious. “There isn’t anythin’ else yer not tellin’ me, is there?”

“What? No, of course not, AJ.” Rainbow averted her gaze briefly. “And the only reason I didn’t tell you this was because I thought you’d think less of me.”

“Well we can’t have that, now. Then ya wouldn’ be the coolest mare in Ponyville,” Applejack said.

Rainbow blushed more heavily. “You really think that?”

“Always,” Applejack assured. “Though Ah am curious where all this humility’s comin’ from.”

Rainbow smiled. “Only for you, AJ.”

Applejack chuckled and pulled Rainbow into a brief hug before slipping off of the bed. “Now, we ain’t quite done settin’ you up yet, are we?”

“I guess not.” Rainbow got up off the bed after a few more seconds, reaching into her box of stuff to sort through what was left. Most were just small knickknacks that she put on her dresser, but there was one more treasure that she had yet to unpack.

Applejack watched in awe as Rainbow pulled out a framed photograph and set it on her nightstand. It was of the two of them after their second Running of the Leaves, where they had inevitably tied for first. The two of them were surrounded by falling leaves; Rainbow had a hoof over Applejack’s withers as they stood proudly with their matching first place medals.

“It’s the only award that I’ve won with somepony I really care about,” Rainbow said, pulling the medal itself out of her box to hold reverently in her hooves.

Deeply touched by the unexpected sentiment from the normally rowdy pegasus, Applejack had to excuse herself while she retrieved her own medal from the occasion from where it rested above a matching photograph on the wall over her nightstand. Rainbow smiled as Applejack returned with it around her neck, donning her own in response.

“Ya haven’t even been here a whole day an’ yer already goin’ soft on me,” Applejack joked. “What am Ah gonna do with a sap of a pegasus like you?”

Rainbow thought of a few things that she decided to keep to herself, answering instead with, “Hey, I’m still the fastest pegasus alive, and don’t you forget it.”

“Never plan to, sugarcube,” Applejack said, coming to sit next to Rainbow as she sorted the last few items she had brought.

Unknown to them, Granny Smith had risen during the commotion and saw Applejack’s transit between her room and the guest room. She had followed behind to witness the scene of closeness between the two friends, a smile on her face. Before she could be noticed, she slipped downstairs to get dinner started.

Ah think she’s finally startin’ ta get it.

“Soup’s on, y’all! Come n’ get it!” Granny Smith called from the kitchen. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were the first to the table, followed closely by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Big Macintosh came in moments later, mildly surprised to see the flighty pegasus at the table.

“Howdy, Miss Rainbow Dash,” Big Mac said as he sat down. “Y’all joinin’ us fer supper?”

“She’s doin’ a bit more n’ that, Mac,” Applejack responded. “Rainbow’s gonna be stayin’ over ta help ‘round the farm fer the next month.”

“Really?” Big Mac asked skeptically. “Well, Celestia knows we need the help this year.”

“Yeah, I guess I picked a bad time to be in debt,” Rainbow joked, earning a good-natured eye roll from Applejack.

“Any particular reason yer wearin’ yer medals from the Runnin’ o’ the Leaves?” Big Mac inquired.

Applejack shared a glance with Rainbow. “There is, but Ah’d like ta keep that between us.”

“Oh, that reminds me! You guys won’t believe me, but Applejack and Rainbow Dash are totally-“

Apple Bloom barely managed to stick a hoof in Scootaloo’s mouth before she could drop the ball.

Big Mac raised a brow. “Totally what?”

“Totally awesome?” Rainbow suggested.

That seemed to be enough for Big Mac as he didn’t comment further, though Applejack fretted that her brother had gotten the wrong idea. Rainbow merely offered a shrug in response to Applejack’s worried gaze.

Food came to the table as a welcome distraction, and the meal went over without any further outbursts from the crusaders. Or at least not any about the scene they had stumbled upon in the guest room.

“You’re lucky, Apple Bloom. You get to have Rainbow Dash staying at your house for a whole month!” Scootaloo said with a mixture of adoration and jealousy.

“Ah’m not gonna have to raise the fence ‘round the farm, am Ah?” Apple Bloom asked in between bites as though it was a regular occurrence.

“You know that’ll only work for so long, Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo grumbled. “Rainbow Dash promised she’d help me learn how to fly!”

“I did?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah, after that camping trip, remember?” Scootaloo prodded.

Rainbow furrowed her brow. “I guess. I’ve kinda got a lot to do right now, though, Scoot. I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to find the time between weather duties, farm work and guitar lessons. I suppose I’ll give it a shot, though.”

“Guitar lessons?” Scootaloo asked.

“It’s a long story,” Rainbow said.

“No it’s not,” Applejack asserted. “Ya came up to me with the idea to start a band, then remembered ya couldn’ play the guitar, so now yer takin’ lessons from Vinyl.”

“You’re making a band?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yep! And it’s gonna be the most awesome, metal band ever!” Rainbow gushed.

Applejack quirked a brow. “Ah thought y’all said Ah could do what Ah wanted with the vocals.”

“Okay, well, like… country metal or something like that then. But it’s still metal!” Rainbow whipped her hair back dramatically and played the air guitar for emphasis.

“If you say so, sugarcube,” Applejack said.

“It’s gonna be awesome and you know it!” Rainbow pointed an accusing hoof at Applejack.

Applejack chuckled. “Ah never said it wasn’t.”

“Well, then, stop messing with my head!” Rainbow ordered.

“No promises, sugarcube.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were cleaning up after dinner at Applejack’s insistence. The work was done mostly in silence, but near the end Applejack spoke up. “Ya think yer gonna be alright teachin’ Scoot how ta fly?”

“I think so,” Rainbow said. “She’s made a lot of progress on her own, so it shouldn’t take too long. And I can’t count on Vinyl having time for lessons every day, so that should give me some time then.”

“Speakin’ a’ yer schedule, how’re we gonna do this?” Applejack asked as she finished washing the last plate.

“Well, it usually doesn’t matter too much when I get my weather stuff done so long as it gets done, so I have a bit of flexibility there. Probably hold off on that ‘till we’re done with most of the farm stuff.”

“Sure you’ll have enough left in ya? Farm work can get pretty exhausting,” Applejack advised.

“Yeah, cloud busting’s no problem and that’s the most demanding thing I’d have to do. We’ll just have to get stuff done before noon for my guitar lessons. I guess I could teach Scoot around that time just to keep it consistent.”

“That’d be fer the best,” Applejack agreed. She looked out the window to regard the position of the sun. “We still got a couple hours ‘fore we gotta hit the hay. Anythin’ ya wanna do?”

“Aside from sleep? Not much I can think of. Tomorrow’s gonna be pretty busy, so we should probably rest up, right?”

“Ah hear ya,” Applejack breathed. “Well, g’night then. Ah’ll come by ta wake ya ‘round six.”

“Alright,” Rainbow said as they walked upstairs. Coming to the door to her room, Rainbow noticed something different. On the door rested a plate with her name on it. It matched the ones hanging from the rooms of the Apple Family, all of which were crafted by Apple Bloom. Rainbow smiled at the sentiment. “You think Scoot put her up to this?”

“Ah don’t think she’d a’ need ta. Apple Bloom looks up to ya, too, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “And Ah always did think of ya like family, Dash. It’s just a bit more official for a month.”

“Thanks, AJ. That means a lot, especially from you.”

Applejack smiled, pulling Rainbow into a hug. “Welcome to the family, Rainbow.”

“Thanks.” Rainbow Dash released her at length, whispering, “Good night, Applejack.”

“G’night, Rainbow,” Applejack returned, walking to her room across the hall. Rainbow entered hers to fall heavily onto the mattress and just look up at the ceiling for a time. Applejack did the same a room away. The day had been busy and filled with many emotions, and the next promised more. Neither mare knew what lay ahead of them, but both were excited to find out. They each tucked themselves under their covers and fell asleep.

Author's Note

Here it is. I blame you, Kaizu.

Day Two - Continuation

“Up n’ at em, Rainbow!”

Applejack’s sudden proclamation prompted a thrashing of limbs from the startled pegasus. “Bwuh? Applejack?” Rainbow fumbled around as her vision cleared, setting her eyes on the clock on her nightstand. “It’s five thirty! You said you’d wake me up at six!”

“Ah said Ah’d wake ya up around six,” Applejack asserted. “Granny’s started on breakfast. Should be ready soon. Don’ bother washin’ up, ya’ll jes’ get dirty again when we start workin’. Harvest season’s not quite here yet, but that don’t mean there’s not a heap o’ stuff to do ‘round here.”

“Why do I feel like I’m being forced into slavery?” Rainbow complained.

Applejack smirked. “’S called labor, sugarcube. Get used ta it.”

“Yes, master,” Rainbow said with a roll of her eyes.

Applejack chuckled and left Rainbow to get her bearings and find her way downstairs. Rainbow sighed and walked over to the washroom to splash some water on her face to hopefully wake up faster. Alright, Rainbow, you’ve got six hours to prove you can handle this. Gotta make Applejack want me around, not be a liability. She really needs me this year. Haven’t let her down before, and I don’t wanna start now. Rainbow’s thoughts were interrupted by her stomach announcing its emptiness. But that can wait till after breakfast.

Rainbow left the washroom feeling slightly more alert, and much hungrier. A trip downstairs revealed Big Mac browsing a newspaper, Granny Smith working on breakfast, and Applejack… suspiciously absent. Before she could open her mouth to question this development, a force knocked into her from her side, sending her tumbling across the floor to end staring up into the face of a deviously grinning Applejack. Rainbow tried to wiggle out of Applejack’s grasp, but she was pinned.

After a few moments more, Applejack let the pegasus up. “That was payback fer yesterday,” Applejack explained. “Can’t let yer guard down ‘round me, either.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Rainbow said, a bit disgruntled but still smiling.

“Now come on, breakfast’s almost done,” Applejack led Rainbow into the kitchen proudly, grinning in response to Big Mac’s raised eyebrow.

“Soup’s on, y’all,” Granny Smith said, producing a stack of apple cinnamon pancakes. “Eat up ya silly fillies.” She rustled Applejack’s hair and offered a smile to Rainbow Dash, who returned it a little sheepishly.

“Crusaders ‘re still asleep,” Mac answered before the question could formulate. “Tired ‘emselves out somethin’ fierce, seems.”

Returning her attention to the table, Rainbow Dash regarded the feast before her. Perhaps ‘stack’ was understating it; it was a tower. Apple cinnamon pancakes were a rare delicacy for Rainbow, where it was standard fare for the Apples. As such, they all watched in amusement as Rainbow helped herself to an oversized portion and promptly began to devour them. The remainder of un-plundered cakes were distributed evenly to the rest assembled, who ate at a more normal pace, except for Applejack, who ate with a good deal more gusto in response to her friend’s unspoken and entirely unintentional challenge.

Applejack slowly caught up to the unsuspecting pegasus’ progress, but despite Applejack’s smaller portion, Rainbow’s lead proved to be too much to overcome, as Rainbow finished while Applejack still had about a quarter of her meal left. Rainbow drank the last of her apple juice before sitting back in her chair to wait for Applejack to finish, only to find that Applejack was already done.

“Oh,” Rainbow observed.

“Ready ta get started?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, of course,” Rainbow answered half-heartedly, disappointed that she didn’t get a bit more time to laze around. It turned out her subconscious plan had backfired on her, though, and she had to start work earlier than hoped.

Applejack smirked. “Ah’m gonna need a bit more enthusiasm ‘n that, Rainbow.”

“Maybe later,” Rainbow replied, getting up to stretch out her limbs before following Applejack out back.

Applejack led Rainbow down to the storage cellar. “Alright, first things first, we still gotta lotta barrels ta take outta storage. They’re a might heavy, so don’ hurt yerself.”

“Yeah, yeah, watch out for splinters, right? They’re barrels, AJ, they’re as harmless as… well, something else made out of wood. Like a table. I never heard of anypony getting hurt by a table.”

“You’d be surprised, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled. “Now, we gotta get these over ta the barn. ‘S not a long walk. Hardest part’s gettin’ em up the stairs.”

“But isn’t the barn literally just up the stairs?”

“Exactly, piece a’ cake! Now get to it.” With that, Applejack departed up the stairs.

“You’re not even gonna help me?” Rainbow called out.

“They’re barrels, Rainbow, they’re harmless,” Applejack retorted.

Rainbow adopted a frown. “Stupid words.” With a sigh, she heaved a barrel up onto her back. Applejack was right, even empty they were rather heavy, and made the trek up the stairs a bit laborious. Especially considering that the barrel kept slipping off her back.

“Oh come on! Stupid barrel!” Frustrated, Rainbow seized the barrel in her forehooves and attempted to fly out with it, only to bump her head on the low ceiling and lose her grip on the barrel. “Why would you even do this?!”

Rainbow tried a different approach, setting the barrel on its side to attempt to roll it up the stairs. It was working great, until she got to the first step, which the barrel would refuse to roll over. With a snarl, Rainbow worked her hooves under the barrel and lifted it up that first step. “Ha! Nothing to it!”

At her words, gravity worked to spite her, as the barrel rolled back down the single step cleared, of which there were twenty. “Dammit!” Rainbow bent down to repeat her earlier triumph, making sure not to stop after the first step. It was long, taxing, and filled with curses as she on numerous occasions missed the next step and had the barrel punish her by rolling back two, but she made it to the top. She made sure to push it well away from the staircase before gingerly hoisting it up onto her back.

Without gravity pulling it off of her, she was able to keep the barrel in place as she hobbled over to the barn door to drop the barrel heavily and collapse. “Here’s your stupid barrel!” Rainbow shouted.

Applejack looked back from her task of counting the assembled barrels. She cocked a brow upon seeing Rainbow completely spent from getting a single barrel up the stairs. “Took ya long enough. You got that bent outta shape from just one? We’re still missin’ ‘bout fifty more and we gotta get ‘em all up ‘fore noon.”

“What the hell, AJ? I bust my flank for this thing and you tell me it’s not good enough? I don’t know what the hell you’re taking, but this is impossible!”

Applejack looked at Rainbow critically and found something missing. “Where’d ya put the rope?”

Rainbow broke out of her rage at the seemingly random question. “Rope?”

“The one on the wall ta the right of the stairs; yer supposed ta use it ta secure the barrel,” Applejack said slowly.

Rainbow’s eye began to twitch. “Why didn’t you tell me that before I did all that shit?!”

“Ah figured ya knew! Ya’ve helped us out plenty ‘round here before!”

“Yeah, but I’ve never done this!” Rainbow shot back. “It’s always just been bucking apples! I don’t think I’ve even been in your cellar before! That’s kinda why I was expecting some help!”

Applejack sighed. “Ah’m sorry, sugarcube. Ah’m used ta workin’ with the family, n’ they know the farm backwards n’ upside-down. An’ yer around so much, Ah guess Ah plum forgot y’all didn’t.” Applejack looked to her hooves.

Rainbow just sat there, torn between wanting to yell at her friend some more and wanting to comfort her.

“Heh, ain’t even been an hour an’ Ah’ve already screwed somethin’ up,” Applejack mused absently. “Ah figured you mighta, but look at you, gettin’ a barrel all the way up here without even usin’ the rope. Never even known Mac ta do that much. Ah don’ know whether ta be sorry er impressed.”

Rainbow knew this was really getting to her; Applejack wasn’t one to ramble unless she was really upset. She walked over to offer Applejack a one-hoofed hug. “Hey, it’s alright. Honest mistake, right? I’m sorry for blowing up at you; I should have come to you before wearing myself to pieces anyway.”

Applejack cracked a small smile. “Ah shouldn’a expected that of ya. Yer stubborn as an Apple yerself. Tell ya what, Ah’ll give y’all a breather n’ get the rest of the barrels up mahself. Celestia knows ya’ve proven yerself way more n’ capable.”

Rainbow knew better than to decline the help outright, so she did the next best thing. “AJ, I can’t let you do that all by yourself, I’m supposed to be the one helping you. Just… give me a minute to catch my breath and I’ll help you out.”

Applejack smiled a bit wider. “Thanks, sugarcube. Ah owe ya one.”

“I thought the whole point of this was that I owed you,” Rainbow chuckled.

“Heh, guess that makes us even, then?” Applejack supposed.

Loyalty made Rainbow shake her head. “Not even close; I promised you a month of help and damn if I’m not gonna give you the best help you’ve ever gotten.”

Applejack’s smile became sheepish. “Thanks fer stickin’ with me. Means a lot from you.”

“It’s gonna take a lot more than that to drive me away, AJ,” Rainbow said with a squeeze. “Now, we’ve still got some barrels to take care of, right?”

“Right, barrels.”

With the rope Applejack had pointed out, the going was a whole lot easier. Rainbow could practically prance up the stairs without shaking the barrels from her back. Working together, they cut though the barrels in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise, finishing hours ahead of schedule. In fact…

“It’s only seven thirty? You said we had to be done by noon!” Rainbow marveled.

Applejack just shrugged. “What can Ah say? Ah guess yer jes' that big a help.”

Rainbow grinned at the praise, walking with a bit more of a spring to her step as they moved on to the next task. “So what’s next? Herding stampeding cows? Expanding the acres? Building a new barn?”

“Simmer down there, sally,” Applejack laughed. “’S just maintenance; the barn needs a bit a’ TLC.”

Rainbow eyed the barn in question. “Looks fine to me.”

“You kiddin’? The paint’s startin’ ta peel, nails ‘re comin’ loose, the hay loft’s a mess…”

“Isn’t the hay loft supposed to be a mess anyway?” Rainbow questioned.

“Not like this it ain’t,” Applejack said, indicating the area above them. “The wood’s gotta be replaced er we’re gonna have hay an’ dead wood everywhere.”

“Sounds like a lot of work,” Rainbow observed. “Were you gonna do this all by yourself?”

Applejack shook her head. “Apple Bloom usually does a lot of this stuff, but Ah figured since we’re ahead of schedule anyway we might as well give her some extra help.”

“And she’s cool with that?”

“’Course; she always is. She’s way too young ta do it all by herself, n’ Ah’m sure she wouldn’t mind a bit more help this year. Definitely in worse shape ‘n it was last year. But Apple Bloom should have it fixed up in a jiffy. She’s got a gift, Ah tell ya.”

“Maybe you should try telling her that; might be nice to not have her running around looking for her cutie mark in all the wrong places. I tried telling Scoot to work on her scooter skills, but she just got all defensive. And now she’s all hooked up on flying, I’m worried she’ll forget about it.”

Applejack smiled. “We just gotta give ‘em time. They’re bound ta get it eventually.”

“Yeah, hopefully before they get outta school, at least. Can’t imagine getting to that age without a cutie mark. Just think; she gets her first heat thinking it’s some kind of pre-cutie mark sickness.”

“Ah would not wanna be the one ta explain that one.” Applejack shivered. “Even if she does have ‘er cutie mark ‘fore then.”

“Well, I did kinda explain the whole orientation thing to them already, in some weird way. So at least you won’t have to cover that.”

“You don’t think any of ‘em go fer that, do ya?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I dunno, Scoot might be thinking about it. She does take after me a lot.”

Applejack paused. “Ya don’ think she’ll lie ta herself, do ya?”

“Nah, she’s a smart kid. I don’t think I have that much influence over her. And if it does come to that, I’m sure I’d be able to spot it pretty quick. But hey, maybe she turns out to be a legit fillyfooler and she wouldn’t have known about the option if I didn’t tell her.”

Applejack frowned. “That reminds me a’ somethin’ Ah wanted ta ask ya. Why did ya think Ah wouldn’ be okay with you bein’ that way? Ah didn’ have anythin’ wrong with Octavia and Vinyl.”

“Well, yeah, but you don’t see them often so it wouldn’t be up in your face. It’s a bit different when it’s a kinda friend than a best friend.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Ah guess so. Ya also said Ah was the first ya told, but Scootaloo didn’t seem ya buy that.”

“I said kinda the first. The thing with Scoot, well… I kinda got my hoof forced.”

Applejack cocked her head. “By what?”

Rainbow sighed. “There were some… rumors going around town. Stupid rumors, totally not true. And Scoot caught wind of them, so she came to me, of course.”

“Rumors ‘bout you?” Applejack prodded, unsure if she wanted an answer.

“Yeah, about me…” Rainbow blushed, “and… well, about you, too.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, it seems ponies were getting the wrong idea about us and, well…” Rainbow searched for the right words. “It escalated pretty quickly.”

Applejack blushed violently. “T-they thought…”

“Yeah, stupid, right?” Rainbow grinned, though her eyes showed uncertainty. “It’s… totally not like that.”

A very awkward silence stretched between the two, neither knowing what to say, or even think. Things were really starting to pile up on them, and they were getting harder to ignore. Rainbow liked mares; she knew that, but Applejack? Applejack, on the other hoof wasn’t even sure which way her barn door swung; she’d never really given much thought to romance. That was always more Rarity’s territory. And what was more…

“Rainbow?” Applejack tentatively broke the silence.

“Y-yeah?”

“We’re outta paint.” Applejack declared.

Rainbow blinked. “So, we gotta go shopping again?”

“Unless y’all can make paint with that pretty mane a’ yours,” Applejack said without really thinking.

Rainbow blushed, but didn’t make to point out Applejack’s advance. Celestia, why can’t this just be easy?

Applejack and Rainbow made their way over to the market in silence, neither daring to make eye contact. In fact, they would have been quite content to have some time to think without any distractions. But, as life was wont to do, it had other ideas. And this time, it was purple.

“Oh, hey you two, what’s up?” The voice of Twilight startled the two in question. Twilight got her first look at the equal parts dejected, embarrassed, and surprised expressions on her friends’ faces. “Is… everything alright?”

“Everything’s fine,” Rainbow squeaked.

“Yep, jes' dandy,” Applejack added in a small voice.

“Why are you whispering? Is it some kind of secret?” Twilight pondered.

“No, no, just… tired,” Rainbow offered.

“Long day,” Applejack agreed.

Twilight glanced upwards to take in the position of the sun. “It’s not even noon yet.”

“Lucky us,” Rainbow joked weakly.

Applejack remained silent.

Twilight frowned. “Are you sure there’s nothing bothering you? I don’t think I’ve ever seen either of you like this.”

Rainbow shrugged. “See something new every day, right?”

“Would be borin’ otherwise.”

Twilight could tell she wasn’t going to be getting any straight answers, but she knew something was up. She decided to ask around, try to find any hints. It was like a mystery! She was getting excited just thinking about it as she ran off without another word.

No words were left spoken by the two mares in search of paint, either, as they collected their plunder in silence.

Twilight, meanwhile, found herself crashing into the biggest information monger in Ponyville. “Oh, hi Twilight!” Pinkie chirped.

“Pinkie! I need your help with a mystery!” Twilight commanded.

“Ooh! Is this like that time on the Friendship Express?”

“Yes, but there’s no cake this time,” Twilight said, much to Pinkie’s disappointment.

“Oh, okay…”

“We need somewhere safe to talk,” Twilight went on. “Somewhere nopony goes.”

“The library?” Pinkie offered.

Twilight’s eye twitched. “Gee, thanks.”

“Don’t mention it!” Pinkie said, bouncing away in the direction of Twilight’s home.

Upon arrival, Twilight shut the door with a little more force than necessary. “Okay, Pinkie, I need to know. Something’s up with Applejack and Rainbow Dash and-“

“Oh! Haven’t you heard? Rumor has it that AJ and Dashie are dating!” Pinkie cheered.

Twilight’s mouth opened, only to close again. She blinked, twice. “I…. What?”

“Yep!”

“Wh-where did they get an idea like that?” Twilight stammered.

“You know ponies. Or maybe you don’t. You are still kinda new to this whole ponies thing. But they’re not like books, no siree. They’re much more fun and exciting!”

“I came here for answers, Pinkie, not a life lecture!” Twilight shouted.

“I thought you came here because Princess Celestia wanted you to make friends!”

Twilight grunted, shoving Pinkie out the door unceremoniously. “I swear,” Twilight muttered, “three years later and the ponies in this town are still crazy.”

Rainbow crashed down onto a hay bale, sighing heavily. “Can today be over yet?”

Applejack chuckled weakly. “Ah reckon not, sugarcube. Even if we leave the barn ta Apple Bloom we still got fields ta tend to. An’ don’ forget ‘bout yer guitar lessons er yer weather jobs.”

Rainbow covered her face in her hooves. “Maybe I did take on a bit too much,” she mumbled.

Applejack saw through the ruse immediately. “You know that’s not what’s gettin’ to ya. Ah know ‘cus it’s gettin’ ta me, too. Ah’m sure it’ll blow over soon, sugarcube. This is new ta both a’ us.”

Rainbow wasn’t too sure; if she was honest she’d say it’s been there a while, and that it wasn’t about to leave either of them alone. But she was loyal; honesty was Applejack’s thing, though it seemed it was getting hard to come by. All Rainbow could hope was that it would work itself out and leave them with their sanity at the end.

“Rainbow?” Applejack’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Huh?”

“Thought Ah lost you fer a minute there,” Applejack joked nervously before pausing uncertainly. “Well, Ah was thinkin’… Ah know it’s only been a day an’ all, but…”

Rainbow felt her own nerves strangle her, face reddening in semi-comprehension.

“Maybe we could take a bit of a break – just ‘til lunch!” Applejack blurted out.

Rainbow’s blood quickly diverted itself from her face as her mouth hung open slightly in confusion of this new development. Even if her brief half-understood suspicions held no merit, this was still something new from Applejack. She was never one to shirk her duties, even in light of emotional confusion. Given this was a new kind of emotional confusion, but that didn’t make this new any less new. No, this… this was super-new.

“My gosh,” Rainbow said under her breath before clearing her throat. “Uh, yeah, that sounds like… cool.” …You know what else sounds like cool? Fillyfool... Wait, I mean just fool. Get it together, Rainbow! She slapped herself across the face, forgetting that Applejack could see her.

“Are… you okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, her concern outweighing her own inner turmoil.

“Yeah, I’m… I’m great.” Rainbow said, suddenly reminded of her earlier fatigue. All she wanted to do was roll around in this hay and fall asleep. Wait, not like that!

Applejack regarded Rainbow strangely for a few moments before asking, “Not like what?”

Rainbow paused. She had said that out loud? Urgh, stupid. Stop it. “I…” Rainbow sat up, shaking hay loose from her coat. “I need a nap.”

Applejack smiled, “Good thing we got a bed for ya, then; must be more comfy than sleepin’ in the trees.”

“Hey, your trees are like, awesome, alright?” Rainbow said, barely registering that she had offered a sorta-compliment. Her balance failed her and almost had her toppling back into the hay, but Applejack showed her great reflexes even when unusually exhausted and caught her pegasus friend and managed not to fall onto the hay herself.

“Maybe… maybe we should get ta bed,” Applejack said breathily.

“But the hay, it’s so… rollable,” Rainbow mumbled.

Applejack walked her friend back to the farmhouse, showing great fortitude despite her own desires to sleep where she stood. But even Applejack had her limits. Leading Rainbow up the stairs to her temporary room, Applejack began to wobble, but she soldiered on, coming all the way to Rainbow’s door. She reached out a hoof to weakly push at it, nearly toppling herself in the process. Righting herself, she resolved to head-butt the door open, the action leaving her with precious little energy. So little, that she barely had enough left to help Rainbow up onto her bed. In a massive tangle of weakly flailing limbs, she found herself lying next to Rainbow on her bed.

“Nice of you to stop by,” Rainbow mumbled, subconsciously throwing a hoof around Applejack’s shoulders.

Applejack groaned in response, accepting the barely-registered touch gratefully. “Mind if I sleep here?”

“Knock yourself ou-“

Neither mare stayed awake long enough to hear whether or not the last letter made it out of Rainbow’s mouth, not that either would have remembered anyway. Shortly after passing out, Applejack’s hoof found its way around Rainbow’s shoulders, mirroring Rainbow’s own in a sort of sleep-hug. Rainbow smiled through her sleep at the touch, mouthing some sentiment or other.

So blissful and pseudo-ignorant were the dreams each mare had that they failed to register each other in their frequent appearances, merely regarding them as cute orange pony and cuddly blue pegasus, though those roles were interchangeable. A number of other adjectives would have come to mind had they been more conscious, though they were very much reflected in their dreams.

Such was the scene Big Macintosh stumbled across; the door to Rainbow’s room carelessly left wide open, with two familiar mares locked in an epic cuddle asleep on the bed. Mac blinked once before smiling. If there was one thing being a big brother taught him, it was that when catching his little sister in an awkward situation, there were two options. One would be to walk away like a good brother and not mention it. The other would be to hold it over her head for eternity and beyond. Needless to say, he chose the more interesting option in light of this particularly embarrassing development. Fer science, as Miss Twilight would say.

Big Mac re-entered the kitchen with that same smile still present on his face. Granny Smith didn’t need to ask to know that the mares he was sent to fetch were occupied. “Think she gets it, yet?”

“Maybe,” Big Mac chuckled, “but Ah doubt it.”

Rainbow slowly woke up, a smile stretching wide across her face. She cracked her eyes open to regard the orange face she held so close. “Mm, morning, AJ.”

Applejack stirred awake, herself, returning Rainbow’s smile. “Mornin’, Rainbow.” Applejack giggled sleepily. This moment was perfect; her muzzle was practically brushing against her bed-mate’s. All she had to do was instigate. She looked into Rainbow’s eyes and-

Both mares cried out in unison, flinging themselves away from the awkward cuddle, looking anywhere but at each other.

“I didn’t do it, I swear!” Rainbow panicked.

“Well Ah sure as hay didn’t!” Applejack’s eyes were the size of dinner plates.

“Well one of us had to have!” Rainbow accused.

“Well it wasn’t me! Ah would never even think a…” Applejack raised her head slowly to find Rainbow staring back at her.

Slowly, through the thoughts racing in each mare’s recently-awoken minds, a pair of smiles won out on their faces, accompanied by heavy blushes.

“It was a nice cuddle,” Rainbow said in a small voice.

Applejack wanted to agree, but something seemed out of place. It wasn’t the fact that they were best friends with no romantic history, or the fact that they were both mares, or even the implications of what might have happened before said cuddle. No, the thing that stuck out in Applejack’s mind-

“You… you like to cuddle, Rainbow?” Applejack questioned, fearful, curious and touched all at once.

Rainbow’s eyes widened again, running her own comment by herself again. “N-no! I mean, uh- I meant that it was a nice… huddle!”

Applejack looked at Rainbow with hurt, accusation and disbelief.

Rainbow sighed, seeing no other options than to come clean. “Okay, yeah, I guess. I mean, it’s not like I have before, or anything. But that… with you,” Rainbow blushed, “it was nice.”

Applejack donned a blush of her own, meeting Rainbow’s uncertain eyes with a warmth she didn’t fully understand.

Rainbow smiled at Applejack’s apparent contentment, feeling a little bold. “I don’t suppose… you’d want to do it again sometime?”

Applejack’s blush darkened as she mumbled out, “Ah’d like that.”

As the two looked at each other, their blushes began to fade, but the warmth in their cheeks did not. Neither did the sense of contentment they got from sharing a moment such as this with the pony that mattered most to them. What did happen, however, was an interruption by their stomachs.

With the new motive in mind, an air of awkwardness descended upon the room. Neither mare wanted the moment to end, yet at the same time felt afraid of acknowledging it. At length, Rainbow spoke. “I’m kinda hungry,” she said simply.

Applejack spared a glance at the clock. “We did miss lunch,” she agreed. “’S also past noon; maybe we should head out inta town fer lunch an’ hope we didn’ miss yer lesson, too.”

Despite the innocent request, Rainbow couldn’t shake the sense that she was being asked out. What surprised her, though, was that she didn’t see any problem with the concept, but merely what Applejack would think of it. But if Applejack was the one who asked her… “It’s a date,” Rainbow said, immediately regretting her poor choice of words. “I mean-“

Applejack chuckled. “It’s alright, sugarcube; Ah don’ mind.”

Rainbow looked at Applejack with a sense of awe, which was plainly visible on her face. So visible, that Applejack devolved into stammers herself, trying to explain it away.

“It’s alright, Applejack,” Rainbow said, smiling, “I don’t mind.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked into Ponyville in a companionable silence. Their blushes were still evident, though were paid less mind. Rainbow noted that Applejack was walking closer to her than usual, though refrained from commenting lest Applejack distance herself. The implications were apparently not lost on the ponies of Ponyville; specifically those who knew the two personally. Rainbow caught a few giggles and gestures sent their way, some less decent than others. There was one in particular that Rainbow prayed to Celestia that Applejack missed. If she had caught it, Applejack’s demeanor gave no indication.

“Rainbow,” Applejack started in a hushed tone, catching the pegasus’ attention, “back at the farm, ya said that ya never… Does that mean…?”

“That I’ve never been with anypony before?” Rainbow whispered back. Applejack nodded nervously. “Nope. You?”

“Really? Never? But yer so…” Applejack blinked. “Ah mean… No, Ah haven’t.” Applejack finished with a blush.

Rainbow offered Applejack a small smile before indicating the space before them. They had arrived at their lunchery of choice, Café du Mane. Had Twilight been there, she would have insisted to Rainbow that, for the eleventeeth time, that was not a word. But she wasn’t, so Rainbow was left to bask in her word alone. Or rather, with a pony that wouldn’t judge her based on her vocabulary, not to mention being a good deal more attractive to Rainbow. But then, Applejack was-

“The cutest thing ever!”

Rainbow whipped her head around, but the pink mare to whom the voice belonged to was nowhere to be found. Applejack looked similarly baffled by the random outburst, though recovered far more quickly to lead Rainbow to a table.

Down an alley on a side road, Pinkie Pie was bouncing off to Carousel Boutique to relay her discovery, feeling in an unusually gossipy mood, failing to realize she was making two of her best friends’ lives that much more complicated.

Okay, since when can Pinkie read my thoughts? That’s just creepy. And more than a little bit of a problem. Rainbow glanced around again, hoping to catch a glimpse of the now-dreaded pink mare.

“You alright, sugarcube? Yer lookin’ jumpier than a bean.”

“Jumpier than a what?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

“A bean. You know, like those ones down in Mexicolt.”

“I wonder about you sometimes, AJ,” Rainbow said, picking up her largely-unneeded menu as more of a distraction than anything. Both mares had the menu memorized by now, along with the other four in their group, so often did they come here for lunch. It almost left Rainbow craving for something different, more romexotic. Also not a word, Rainbow, reminded a voice in the back of her head. Shut up, egghead, Rainbow shot back.

Applejack swore she heard snickers around her, and not from Rainbow, but every time she looked around, everypony was conspicuously aloof. Applejack sighed. This is what I’d have to deal with, huh? Well, at least they’re not getting’ at our throats about it. If ya ask me, what Ah do with Rainbow is ‘tween me n’ her. Another con to add to her list, she supposed. The concept was far from being considered, though she had to admit it made her feel funny. She could only wonder what Rainbow was thinking of it, having one less hurdle to deal with.

“We’re not usually this quiet over lunch, you know,” Rainbow pointed out idly, nibbling on the meal that Applejack could barely remember being delivered. Her own sat untouched, so at Rainbow’s questioning glance she began to eat. It didn’t do much to ease her stress or fatigue, but it was at least enough to curb her hunger.

“Sorry, sugarcube,” Applejack said between bites, “Ah guess Ah just got a lot ta think on.”

“Yeah. Past couple days haven’t exactly been uneventful,” Rainbow said, running a hoof through her mane. “And this one isn’t even over yet.” Rainbow paused. “But hey, I’ve got my guitar lessons soon, so that should give you some time to think, right? Not much need for a head start, if you ask me.”

“You kiddin’? If Ah asked you Ah’d be shocked ta hear ya wouldn’t take a head start.”

“Well, in racing, yeah. But thinking’s different, you know? Like, it doesn’t matter when or how fast you do it, or even if you do it at all! I can do plenty of awesome things without thinking! Who needs thoughts when you can take actions, right?”

Applejack frowned in puzzlement. “But if ya don’ think about them actions first, an’ ya end up hurtin’ somepony close ta ya…”

Applejack felt a hoof on her wither. “Hey, I’d never do anything to hurt you, Applejack. You know that. I’m loyal to a fault, remember? Besides, you mean way too much to me.”

Applejack sighed. “Ah know that, Rainbow. It’s me Ah’m worried about.”

A second hoof joined the first. “AJ, you’re being too hard on yourself again. I know it seems like a lot right now, but I know you can figure it out. And I’ll be there with you one way or the other.” Rainbow cracked a smirk. “You got me for a whole month, remember?”

That earned a grin from Applejack as she weakly pushed at Rainbow’s hold before abruptly hugging her closer. Elements be damned, if there was one thing Rainbow never failed to get from Applejack it was a smile. They knew each other better than most; sporting a closer bond than most couples, even. And they always had each other’s backs, no matter what life threw at them; even a failed relationship that ended with broken hearts. Not to say that would ever happen, though. Rainbow could never do something so cruel as to break her best friend’s heart, and knew the sentiment was mutual. Just how much else was mutual she had yet to find out.

“And maybe a bit more if you can put up with me,” Rainbow said through their embrace.

“You know me, Dash. Ah can take anythin’ ya throw at me. Even yerself… especially yerself.” Applejack pulled away to wink at Rainbow. She made to resume the hug, but stopped short at the uneasy feeling of a hundred unwelcome eyes on their scene. She whipped her head around, catching the eyes of a few ponies who could not react quickly enough to avert their gazes. Among those were ponies both knew, like Lyra, Bon Bon, even the dentist, Colgate. Were their private lives really so easily intruded upon? Taking another look around, she amended herself. Ain’t really private in a public diner.

Rainbow offered a shrug when Applejack’s gaze returned to her. She looked to the clock tower shortly afterward, noting that it was a bit past noon. “I should probably be over at Vinyl’s soon,” Rainbow said to break the silence.

Applejack smiled. “C’mon then, Ah’ll walk ya over.”

“Don’t want that head start on thinking after all?”

“Guess not. Ya musta convinced me.”

“How’d I do that?”

Applejack chuckled. “By bein’ you.”

“Hey, Scratch, I’m ready for my lessons!” Rainbow called after bursting through the door.

Vinyl blinked from her seat on the couch. “I said I was free, not raidable.”

“Yeah, whatever, same thing,” Rainbow agreed absently, unstrapping her guitar case from her back. “You’ll never guess what kind of sweet guitar I’ve got.”

“The Coltson from the shop that looks like a Wonderbolts guitar?” Vinyl answered easily.

Rainbow blinked. “Lucky guess,” she pouted, showing off her new guitar in a more subdued manner than intended.

“That thing cost quite a lot, I’ve checked. How’d you get the money for it?”

“I subjected myself to a month of labor on Sweet Apple Acres,” Rainbow explained smoothly.

Vinyl quirked a brow. “Anything to spend more time with Applejack, eh?”

“Shut up,” Rainbow mumbled.

“You know you like her, Dash. Why not go for it?”

“Because it’s complicated, alright? I don’t have to explain myself to you,” Rainbow said harshly. “Now are we gonna do this or not?”

Vinyl frowned at Rainbow’s words, but started the lesson regardless. “Alright, show me a hoof-slide,” Vinyl ordered.

Rainbow complied with a sound akin to hooves on a chalkboard.

“That was terrible,” Vinyl scoffed. “Try again.”

The second attempt was, if anything, worse.

“Okay, stop; stop, please for the love of Celestia stop.” Vinyl narrowed her eyes at a sheepish Rainbow. “You’re a piece of work, Rainbow. You know that?”

“So are you gonna help me or ridicule me all day?” Rainbow challenged.

“When we’re through today, you’ll learn that there’s not much of a difference between the two,” Vinyl threatened.

Rainbow braced herself for a long afternoon.

Applejack made her way back to the farm alone, grateful for the respite if nothing else. While Rainbow was great company, she didn’t really leave much time for thought, which was her greatest need right now. So great, in fact, that Big Macintosh deemed it necessary to accost her in her trek through the orchards.

“Hey, AJ. Have a nice nap?” Big Mac asked with a brow quirked deviously.

What he received in return was the greatest death glare Applejack had ever mustered. Big Mac winced visibly; he only ever got that look when he really needed to back off, which usually meant something was really bothering her. And to consider this as the most distraught he had seen her in years really said a lot. In fact, he hadn’t seen her so torn up since…

Big Macintosh dislodged the thought with a vigorous shake of his head. No, that was silly; Applejack would never change because of something as simple as romance. Not to mention she would have changed a lot more had it not been for the very pegasus now plaguing her thoughts. If Rainbow hadn’t come along when she did, Big Mac wasn’t sure Applejack would have ever been the same filly again.

Life has its ways o’ offsettin’ the bad with the good. Big Mac philosophized. An’ this can be one heck of a good if ya let it, AJ. Ah can see how happy she makes ya. Why can’t you?

Applejack crashed heavily on her bed, looking for answers in the smooth painted wood of her ceiling. She sighed, knowing the venture was fruitless as she rolled over to regard the two pictures she kept on her nightstand. One of which was that picture of her and Rainbow with their Running of the Leaves medals. The other brought her sadness at times, hope at others, and longing always. It was a picture of her family taken back when her parents were still alive. Apple Bloom wasn’t more than a month old, Big Mac wasn’t more than twelve, and she was at the start of her adventurous phase. What better way to push you out the door than something like that, right?

Applejack felt tears come to her eyes as she thought back on those days. If it weren’t for Rainbow, she might never have left Manehattan. And as if that weren’t enough, she herself came into her life just as she started to relapse back into depression in her painfully empty surroundings. It was like Rainbow somehow knew there was something missing in her life after all that the family had been through. What she got was the best friend she’s ever had.

An’ is that really worth riskin’? Applejack asked herself. Element of Loyalty or not, Applejack knew that a failed relationship would leave their friendship a mere shadow of what it was now. And she wasn’t even sure if a relationship was what she wanted. What do I want? The answer was no clearer than it had ever been. That list of pros and cons her subconscious had mustered was little help. What would she really get from a relationship with Rainbow that she didn’t have already? It admittedly wasn’t much, but the thought of it never ceased to drive her crazy.

Ah could never find a better friend, but at the same time Ah might never get another shot like this with anypony who means so much ta me. Applejack sighed. She means more ta me n’ anything. She looked again at the picture of her parents. Whaddya think Ah should do, Ma n’ Pa? This is too much for me ta deal with alone.

But you’re never alone, her subconscious reminded her. Rainbow will be right there with you.

An’ Ah can always count on the family, Applejack agreed. But can they really help with this? She had no reason to believe so other than her own pessimism. But what if they don’ understand? What if they hate me fer it? Ah ain’t ever heard of fillyfoolin’ in the Apple Family. Ah still don’ even know if Ah am one!

Applejack’s sobs were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. She knew who it was before the door opened to reveal the concerned face of her older brother. “You alright, AJ? Ah heard ya cryin’ all the way outside.”

“Ah’m not cryin’!” Applejack stubbornly shouted, rubbing her eyes. “Ah just…”

Big Mac walked over to offer Applejack his support. Applejack barely hesitated to bawl her eyes out into the crook of his neck as Big Mac stroked her mane and offered quiet reassurance. After a few minutes, Applejack started to calm down. “Feel any better?”

“A little bit,” Applejack sniffed. “What do Ah do, Mac?”

“’Bout Rainbow?”

Applejack just nodded, too upset to question how he knew.

“Ya don’ have ta do anythin’ just yet,” Big Mac saged. “She’s gonna be ‘round fer a whole month, isn’t she? That gives ya plenty o’ time ta figure it out.”

“Ah don’t know if Ah can face her without an answer.”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow. “Did she ask you already?” Applejack shook her head. “Then what’s there ta worry ‘bout?”

“What if she says no? What if Ah change mah mind? How’re y’all gonna react?”

Big Mac hugged her closer. “Ah know Ah speak fer the family when Ah say we’ll support ya no matter what, AJ. And yer a smart mare; Ah think ya know what ya want.” Big Mac paused. “Is there any reason ta think she wouldn’t say yes?”

“Only reasons ta think she would,” Applejack muttered. “That’s the hard part.”

“Well what kinda reasons are those?”

Applejack hesitated. “Well, Ah don’ know if its mah place ta say…”

“Ah won’ tell a soul,” Big Mac promised.

Applejack sighed. “She’s a fillyfooler, Mac. She already done n’ told me that much.”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow. “Can’t say that’s too surprisin’, ta be honest. How’d she get around ta bringin’ it up?”

“She didn’t,” Applejack explained, driving Mac’s brow higher. “Ain't even sure she wanted ta. Scootaloo’s the one who outed ‘er. ‘Parently got forced inta that one, too.”

“How?” Big Mac prodded.

Applejack frowned, blood making its way to her cheeks. “It’s just… stupid rumors.”

“Bout you n’ her?”

Applejack nodded sheepishly. “Tha’s what got me thinkin’ about it.” Applejack sighed. “She also told me Ah was the first one she really opened up to ‘bout her uh, orientation.”

“Really now? That’s a good sign, AJ.”

“Huh?”

“That she’s comfortable talkin’ bout that with ya,” Big Mac clarified.

“Well, it weren’t exactly… comfortable, ta be honest,” Applejack said, a blush coming to her cheeks.

Big Mac grinned. “Kinda felt like she was talkin’ bout you, huh?”

Applejack nodded weakly.

“Well Ah think that’s plenty ta go on, AJ,” Big Mac chuckled. “An’ if ya ask me, Ah think ya should go fer it. Y’all could make a mighty fine couple.”

“Even though she’s a mare?” Applejack asked in a small voice.

Big Mac looked behind him unexpectedly. “AJ, Ah’m gonna tell ya somethin’ Ah ain’t never said before-“

Applejack didn’t need him to finish. “You, Mac? You’re a… a coltcuddler?”

“Well, not strictly,” Big Mac clarified, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “Ah figure mah barn door swings both ways.”

“An’ ya don’ think that’s…?”

“Not at all, AJ,” Big Mac said. “’S normal as any other kinda relationship.”

Applejack chuckled. “Alright, now ya got me curious, so Ah gotta ask; top er bottom?”

Big Mac’s face practically exploded in well-camouflaged blush. “Ah-Ah don’ think that’s appropriate ta-“

“Never woulda guessed, Mac,” Applejack said with a knowing wink.

Big Mac gulped nervously; he needed to get back on top of this conversation.

“So, have you two thought of a name yet?” Vinyl asked as they were finishing up the lesson for the day.

“Not really, no,” Rainbow answered.

“Well, you could just do what me and Tavi did.”

“Maybe, but our names don’t flow together as well as yours do. I mean, Octavinyl is just… perfect.”

“I dunno, I think Appledash sounds pretty good,” Vinyl offered.

Rainbow blushed at the name. “And we’re not even…”

Vinyl raised a brow and smirked, but didn’t comment. “Well, you’ve gotta have a name. Nopony ever heard of the super awesome nameless band. Unless that was your name, but that’s not what I meant.”

“Yeah, I’ll think about it. And hey, maybe we’ll find ourselves collabing one day, huh?”

“As it stands now, you’d have trouble collaborating with a pointed stick,” Vinyl stated plainly.

“Yeah, whatever; I’m gonna be awesome and you know it,” Rainbow bragged despite her minimal progress.

“Whatever you say, Dash,” Vinyl remarked, showing Rainbow out the door once she had gotten her Coltson packed away. It was getting close to dinner time, as evidenced by the sun. Rainbow estimated she had about an hour to deal with her weather shenanigans, which left her plenty of time to be early for dinner. The day was an easy one, anyway; the only work requiring her attention being a stray patch of fog in Carrot Top’s fields and a few clouds buzzing Town Square.

Rainbow Dash completed her tasks swiftly, trotting back to the acres with a good forty-five minutes to spare. If all went well, she and Applejack would be taking over Equestria with their awesomeness by the end of the month. The Wonderbolts couldn’t ignore that, right? Now if I could just talk to Applejack without all the awkwardness.

Sighing, Rainbow made her way through the orchard to the farmhouse at the center. Along the way, Big Mac, who was putting some equipment away, caught her eye and gave her a wink. Confused by the random gesture, Rainbow paused for a second before continuing onward. Mac’s not gonna get all weird on me, too, is he?

Rainbow just wanted a nice, quiet dinner without any drama or awkward moments. Mere days ago, she would have scoffed at the prospect of an Apple Family dinner without jovial conversation and laughter, but now it was the best she could hope for. She really wanted to believe Applejack when she said this would all blow over soon, but something told her this was far too complicated to go away quietly.

I just wish I could know what’s bugging her. Then we could work this all out and go back to how it used to be, Rainbow lamented. Is it really so hard to ask the Element of Honesty to be honest?

Rainbow entered the farmhouse with slumped shoulders, feeling no better than she had this morning. If anything, it was worse now. Looking up upon reaching the dinner table, she found Applejack sitting there looking blankly out the window. Normally in this situation, Rainbow’s first instinct would be to get the jump on her, but now she just wanted to comfort her and make everything better.

But I can’t. I’ve never been good with words. That’s Twilight’s thing. Rainbow mused, perking up shortly afterward. Hey, that’s an idea! Twilight’s smart; she should be able to figure it out! She’s been in super-egghead mode ever since she got those wings.

Applejack finally noticed Rainbow when she sat down triumphantly at the table. “Yer lookin’ better, sugarcube.”

Rainbow diverted her gaze to the table. “Not really. I did get an idea, though!”

“Ain’t that what got us inta this mess in the first place?” Applejack challenged.

“What? No, I…” Rainbow looked up at Applejack sadly. “You don’t trust me anymore, do you?”

“What? No, sugarcube, Ah didn’ mean it like that. Ah just…” Applejack trailed off.

“Don’t want it to get any worse?” Rainbow suggested.

Applejack nodded, remaining silent.

Rainbow sighed. “Me too. But if anyone can help us through this, it’s Twilight. She knows everything.”

“Ya sure it’s worth riskin’ all the tests she might put us through?”

“If it would help.” Rainbow raised her eyes to the window. “You see how she’s getting more responsible with her royal duties, though. And I’m not even sure she has time for all that anymore.”

“But she’s gotten a heap more powerful since becomin’ an Alicorn an’ all,” Applejack stated. “And she’s been spendin’ more n’ more time in Canterlot. “

“Exactly! She doesn’t have the time for us anymore! She-“ Rainbow’s eyes widened. “She’s leaving us behind.”

Applejack rounded the table to rest a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Don’ say that, sugarcube. Princess er not, she’s still our friend. What Ah meant was, she’s been gettin’ advice from the Princesses. Like you said, she’s a smart pony. She’ll figure out a way ta still have time fer us.”

“Then why don’t you wanna go to her for help?” Rainbow prodded.

“Because Ah… She’s already got so many responsibilities, Rainbow. Ah don’ wanna trouble her with somethin’ silly like-“

“Applejack,” Rainbow cut in, “we’re on the verge of cuddling and you’re telling me this is silly.”

“Ah, what…” Applejack noticed for the first time just how close she had gotten to Rainbow and quickly sat up and backed away. “Ah’m sorry, Ah-“

“Don’t worry about it,” Rainbow said with a smile. “I… actually kinda liked it…” She blushed. “But you can’t tell me that something isn’t happening between us. Don’t you want to figure it out so we can go back to the way things used to be?”

“Ah don’t know, Rainbow,” Applejack said, taking a seat across the table from the pegasus. “Ah’m not even sure Ah want it ta stop.”

Rainbow blinked, face growing redder. “Then don’t you wanna uh… figure it out so we can…”

Applejack donned a furious blush. “Ah didn’ mean it like that! Ah meant that… Ah…” Applejack sighed. “Ah just don’t know anymore, Dash.”

Rainbow felt the need to return the comfort Applejack had given her, but couldn’t work up the courage to make a conscious advance. So she just smiled sheepishly and said, “That’s why we need Twilight, AJ. She knows everything.”

“Ah… Okay.” Applejack relented. “Tomorrow, after we finish our chores, we can go see Twilight.”

Rainbow’s smile became a little less sheepish. “Thanks, AJ. Twilight can help, trust me.”

“Ah really hope yer right, Dash,” Applejack said.

“Am I ever wrong?” Rainbow asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Applejack rewarded her efforts with a small chuckle and a shake of her head. “We should probably wash up before dinner.”

“You mean you haven’t yet?” Rainbow asked.

“Uh, no, Ah was gonna wait for you,” Applejack explained.

Rainbow looked at Applejack strangely. “So we could… shower together?”

“What? Ah- no! Ah don’…” Applejack looked to the clock over the oven that Granny Smith worked before. With all their shenanigans, they had wasted a good half hour. And if they were late to dinner, Granny Smith would… Applejack gulped, thinking quickly. They only had enough time for one shower. So she could let Rainbow shower and take Granny Smith’s berating, or they could…

Rainbow took in Applejack’s fearfully embarrassed expression with a sigh of resignation. “We have to shower together, don’t we?”

Applejack offered a weak nod in response, cursing her subconscious for its questionable goals. It wasn’t like they hadn’t showered together as foals, but they were mares now, so there was a little more to worry about. Applejack prayed to Celestia for a peaceful shower. This is not what Ah need right now.

Wings, please, please behave, Rainbow pleaded in her own mind, unable to stop a feeling of impending doom. Of all the things about being a pegasus…

Walking into the washroom sporting matching blushes, Rainbow and Applejack quietly prepared the shower. Before long, the water heated up, and steam began to fill the air, causing sweat to bead on their coats. They made sure to not look at each other, lest indecent thoughts surface. Rainbow took extra caution on that regard, willing her wings to stay down and thinking unsexy thoughts. Each mare washed themselves in tense silence, spaced out to the greatest extent the shower could offer. Things were progressing without too much awkwardness, and both were beginning to look optimistically on their chances of escaping the washroom with their sanity. At least until Applejack encountered a multi-faceted problem.

“Uh… Rainbow,” Applejack began sheepishly, “could you get mah back?”

Rainbow turned around, and despite her best efforts, she felt her wings slowly expand. Dammit, wings! Rainbow put on a weak smile in an attempt to ward away any awkwardness, but it was of no use.

Applejack stared at the pegasus before her, trying to think of something, anything to say. If she was having such a hard time keeping calm herself, she could only imagine what Rainbow was thinking right now. All she knew was that Rainbow was looking at her with a mildly creepy smile and her wings in a compromising angle that betrayed her arousal.

“Ah… Ah know y’all have yer wings ta get yer back,” Applejack said after finding her voice, “but Ah’m… Ah…”

Applejack didn’t even need to begin for Rainbow to complete the thought in her head. Unicorns had their magic to help them in the shower, while pegasi had their wings. Both were unassuming, perfectly innocent options. Earth ponies, however… Their prehensile helper in tasks was their tail, and in their current space… Rainbow swore she could feel her cheeks melting.

Applejack fared no better, backed into the corner with her hooves straining feebly to reach her back, her blush looking more like sunburn at this point. Both mares desperately needed reprieve from this explosion of compromising emotions, though their only recourse promised none.

After realizing that putting it off only made it worse, Applejack sighed and detached herself from the wall, presenting her back to Rainbow for her to gingerly begin to wash. Applejack bit her lip as Rainbow’s delicate touch seemed amplified a thousand fold. She didn’t know how long she could last before-

“I’m done!” Rainbow proclaimed, launching herself out of the shower and wrapping herself in a cocoon of towels, no hair or feather left uncovered.

Applejack let out the breath she had been holding, walking over to the faucet to turn off the water. A single towel was left unclaimed by the ball that concealed Rainbow. She began to dry herself off, but paused. “Ah’m sorry, Rainbow. This was mah fault. If Ah had just…”

Rainbow’s still-red face poked out between two towels. “It’s… Let’s just forget this happened. I don’t think I can live much longer at this rate.”

“Not if ya strangle yerself,” Applejack pointed out. “Or suffocate.”

Rainbow sighed, disentangling herself from the towels. She was miraculously dried, but her wings still stuck out to her sides. The two mares shared a mutually apologetic glance before Rainbow grabbed a hairbrush.

Applejack began to dry herself off again, before she caught sight of what Rainbow was doing. “Are you… brushing yer mane?”

“No!” Rainbow responded all too quickly. “I was… Okay, yes, fine. How do you think I get it to look the way it does every day?”

“Ya wake up?” Applejack guessed.

“Well, yeah, but if I don’t brush it properly before that I wake up and my mane looks like… well, Pinkie’s.”

Applejack inspected Rainbow, imagining it. She couldn’t hold back the laugh that came in response to the ridiculous image. Rainbow laughed, too, grateful as she felt a lot of the embarrassment drain away. After the humor died down, Applejack finally dried herself off. Rainbow hoofed her the hairbrush with a teasing wink. Applejack sheepishly began to brush her own mane for much the same reasons Rainbow had just supplied.

Exiting the washroom of horror, Applejack and Rainbow managed to barely make it to the table in time for dinner. They made sure to sit at opposite sides of the table as they began to eat with perhaps a little too much gusto. Apple Bloom looked on in puzzlement while Granny Smith and Big Macintosh shared a knowing glance.

“Nice shower?”

Applejack nearly choked on her food, coughing and spluttering. “Dammit, Mac!”

Big Mac burst out laughing at his sister’s reaction. Oh yes, it had been a very nice shower.

Rainbow collapsed onto her bed with a groan. The day had been… strange to say the least. All she wanted to do was fall asleep and forget it ever happened, but her whirling thoughts wouldn’t let her.

Rainbow let out a heavy sigh, rolling onto her other side, looking for an impossible degree of comfort to override her restless mind. After several minutes of floundering around, she gave up, rolling off her bed and going to her window. She looked out over the vast expanse of green-topped apple trees. The first apples were beginning to ripen, adding a splash of red to the scene. Above, Luna’s moon was a beacon amongst a gleaming sky of stars. If she tried, Rainbow was confident she could put a question to each. But the most important question was posed to the moon itself:

“What’s been going on these past two days?”

“Ah’m still tryin’a figure that out mahself.” Applejack’s voice came from behind Rainbow.

Rainbow turned to regard the mare she couldn’t get her mind off of. “I have a few ideas, but I don’t know how many I’m comfortable with.”

Applejack walked to sit beside Rainbow. “Any ya are comfortable with?”

“Maybe,” Rainbow said, averting her gaze. “Maybe just one.”

Applejack smiled. “Which one’s that?”

Rainbow sighed. “I wish I could say. I really do.”

“Ya thinkin’ there might be somethin’ to all this?” Applejack prodded.

Rainbow glanced at Applejack briefly. “I think that’s a given at this point.”

Applejack wouldn’t let the subject drop easily. “If there is somethin’ big goin’ on… would that be okay?”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure I can even speak for myself.”

“Ah’m not sure, either,” Applejack said, feeling bold. “But if ya had to go with yer gut?”

Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. “This is too important for that, Applejack,” she murmured.

“Ya sure? Ya said yerself yer not even sure what this is,” Applejack pointed out.

“I said I have ideas. And even the best of those isn’t enough to risk messing this up,” Rainbow said. “I know you want this to all fall neatly into place. I do, too. But if it’s going to do that, we’re both gonna need time to figure things out. And maybe a little outside help. That’s why we’re going to see Twilight tomorrow.”

Applejack sighed. “Okay, Rainbow.”

“I know it hurts to keep in, but it’ll hurt us both a lot more to let it out at the wrong time,” Rainbow continued. “And that kind of hurt won’t go away.”

“Ah know, it’s just…”

“We’ll get through this.” Rainbow placed a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, “I promise.”

Applejack took a deep breath and nodded. “Try ta get some sleep, okay?”

Rainbow cracked a small smile. “I will if you do.”

Applejack returned the smile. “Apple’s honor.” She got up to depart, casting one last glance to Rainbow before closing the door.

Rainbow sighed, feeling far more tired than before. She stumbled over to her bed and tucked herself in. She looked to her nightstand, where that special picture sat proudly. With a smile, Rainbow finally managed to fall asleep.

Author's Note

Romexotic (adj.)

A word Rainbow created when her mind was about to say romantic, but caught itself and finished with exotic.

Also, eleventeen is best number. Onwards and sideways!

Day Seven - Dramatization

Big Macintosh woke the next morning to find Rarity was already awake, and didn’t look entirely happy at the moment. Mac thought about what could bring this on, and the first thing he thought of was… “Rare, Ah’m sorry,” he began. “If this is about last night, Ah-”

Rarity cut him off with a sigh, turning her head to look at him and placing it back on her hooves. “No, it’s nothing that simple, Mac. I was… thinking about how we might tell Twilight and Pinkie about us… and me.” Rarity turned her head to face forward. “And it occurred to me that I’d forgotten somepony in all of this. It hurts to think I would be so stupid as to forget somepony so close to me so easily.” She leaned back slightly to gaze up at the ceiling. “Oh, Spike. How am I supposed to make this right?”

Big Mac nuzzled his marefriend. “Ah’m sure ya’ll find some way, Rare. Ah can be there with ya if ya want.”

Rarity sighed, shaking her head. “No, that would only hurt him more. I have to do this alone. Besides, you have somepony you need to talk to as well.”

Big Mac blinked. “Ah do?”

Rarity chuckled. “Yes, you have to make things right with Cheerilee. I’m sure she had some reason why she did all that. Wouldn’t it make you feel better to consider her a friend again?”

Mac sighed, rubbing a hoof across his face. “Ah guess yer right. Ah haven’t even talked ta her since then.”

“And it didn’t turn out so bad, now did it?” Rarity ventured, placing a kiss on Mac’s nose.

Big Mac chuckled. “No, Ah guess not. Cheerilee’s no unicorn, so Ah’m pretty sure Ah’d know if she was a colt, too.”

Rarity giggled, pushing Mac to the bed playfully. “You’re never going to let that die, are you?”

“Why would Ah? It’s one o’ mah favorite things about ya,” Mac countered.

Rarity blushed. “And that’s one of my favorite things about you, Mac. You don’t judge me, or even settle for me. You actually prefer me the way I am.”

“Funny how things work sometimes, huh?” Mac pulled Rarity down on top of him. “And Ponyville never has ta know if ya don’t want ‘em to.”

“I may work up the courage someday, but for now… I would rather keep it between us and the girls.” Rarity nuzzled under Mac’s chin. “But before we get too carried away, I do think breakfast should be ready soon.”

Granny Smith’s customary meal call reinforced Rarity’s assertion.

“Alright,” Mac conceded, letting Rarity up. “But Ah expect some good cuddlin’ after all this.”

Rarity smiled, looking back over her shoulder. “Do a good job and you might get something even better.”

Mac blushed as Rarity winked and exited the room with a sway in her hips. “Last time Ah try ta beat her in a battle o’ sexy wits.”

“So, I was thinking that once we get done with breakfast, we could start reading that book,” Rainbow said, following Applejack downstairs for breakfast.

“Nope. First thing we’re gonna do is apologize ta Vinyl fer missin’ that lesson yesterday,” Applejack asserted.

“Oh, fine,” Rainbow frowned. “But, hey, maybe they’d be interested in the book, too! We could bring it with us and read it together.”

Applejack paused, thinking. “Ah can accept that. But don’t get upset if they don’t wanna.”

“Please, this is gonna be awesome. I mean, any book called the Dark Ages has to have some kinda action in it, right?”

Applejack shook her head, continuing on to the kitchen, where they found Rarity and Big Mac at the table.

“You two have fun last night?” Rainbow teased.

Big Mac blushed. “Ah’m sorry, did ya hear us?”

Rainbow blinked before laughing. “Didn’t need to. So, who’s bigger, then?”

“Rainbow, Ah’m not sure this is appropriate table talk,” Applejack muttered.

Rainbow shot Applejack a smile. “Relax, AJ, I’m just poking a little fun.”

Rarity spoke up after a pause. “If you must know, Mac is most certainly big.”

Mac blushed furiously. “Rare!”

Rainbow sniggered, both at the assertion and Mac’s reaction. “I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun playing with it.”

Rarity smirked. “I certainly am looking forward to it.” She turned to Mac and gave him a kiss on the cheek, calming him slightly. “What about you girls? Find anything to experiment with yet?”

Rainbow donned a cocky grin. “Sure did. Your next step is ours.”

Rarity quirked a brow, grinning. “Oh, is it now? Well, I do hope it treats you well.”

“I know it will,” Rainbow answered confidently, measuring Applejack’s expression of slight embarrassment before continuing. “I think we do still need some work on the foreplay, though.”

Rarity laughed as Applejack turned and smacked Rainbow. Rainbow laughed along, rubbing her cheek. “You know Ah’m not comfortable talkin’ ‘bout sexy stuff with other ponies. ‘Specially when mah brother’s right there!”

“Sorry AJ,” Rainbow apologized, still giggling lightly. She gave her marefriend a placating kiss on the nose, whispering, “We do still need to work on getting you to loosen up a bit.”

Applejack sighed, gaining a smile. She knew Rainbow liked to brag, and Rarity was a notorious gossip. But she had to remember they were all friends here, no matter the incriminating subject matter. She figured she should be flattered that Rainbow held her in such high regard as to talk about her in a way previously reserved for her flying skills and exploits. It may sound a little shallow to others who didn’t know the real Rainbow Dash, but Applejack knew how important flying was to Rainbow; as important as the farm was to Applejack.

Applejack felt very lucky to have the ability to combine her two great loves, but frowned when she considered that Rainbow might not get that same opportunity. One day, she knew their relationship would conflict with Rainbow’s other dreams and desires, as well as her own. There was no such thing as a stay-at-home Wonderbolt. Applejack understood that all too well, from all Rainbow babbled on and on about them. Applejack never wanted what she had with Rainbow to end, but…

“You alright, AJ? You haven’t been eating,” Rainbow asked, concern in her voice.

…But she could always count on Rainbow for some featherbrained scheme that somehow worked itself out. Applejack smiled, nuzzling Rainbow in response. Ah really do need ta stop thinkin’ so much. Like Ma used ta say, nothin’s perfect, but that’s what makes it so precious.

Rainbow smiled, relieved that she had caught Applejack before she could relapse into another one of her moments of self-doubt. One day, Rainbow was sure she would get Applejack to understand how special she really was. I mean really, she makes me act all sappy. I mean, if I’m gonna be all romantic, I should make it awesome, right?

“Now yer not eatin’ either, sugarcube,” Applejack pointed out.

Rainbow blinked, realizing she had been staring at Applejack for the past minute. “Dammit, AJ,” Rainbow muttered, blushing.

Applejack merely chuckled in response.

“Alright, let’s head on over ta Vinyl’s,” Applejack said, leading Rainbow out of the house after breakfast.

Rainbow followed along obediently, knowing this was entirely her fault. Well, hers and Applejack’s, actually. “You know, this wouldn’t have happened without your sneaky seduction powers.”

“Yer still goin’ on about that?” Applejack asked, bemused.

“You haven’t proven me wrong yet,” Rainbow pointed out.

Applejack glanced over to Rainbow. “And how exactly am Ah supposed ta do that? Show ya how well Ah can’t seduce some random pony with some kinda crazy powers Ah don’t have? Do ya know how many ways that could go wrong?”

Rainbow paused, making Applejack come to a halt as well. “Seven,” Rainbow answered at length.

“Care ta share what those are?” Applejack asked, wondering how she had come up with so many.

“Nope! But now I know it really is a stupid idea,” Rainbow stated confidently.

“So yer not gonna make me do it, then?” Applejack asked hopefully.

Rainbow smirked. “I never said that. I just thought of a particular pony to unleash you upon. Should make for some good laughs.”

Applejack gulped. “Who’d ya have in mind?”

Rainbow grinned, leaning in to lick Applejack’s cheek. “It’s a secret.”

Applejack shivered, fearing what Rainbow had in store for her.

When they reached Vinyl’s door, they saw it carried a note.

Rainbow,

I’m over at Tavi’s place today. No time for lessons, but if you need me for anything, you know where to find me.

Vinyl

Rainbow shrugged, leading the way to Octavia’s house two blocks down.

Applejack wasn’t entirely sure what to expect of it. She knew Octavia was quite well off, but you could only live so extravagantly in a town like Ponyville. That thought was tested as she beheld the house Octavia apparently lived in. It was at least twice as big as Vinyl’s small abode, though it somehow radiated the same coziness every other house in Ponyville offered. She couldn’t say definitively, but it was certainly one of the biggest she had seen.

Rainbow strode up to the porch and rapped a hoof on the door three times. The door was quickly answered by Octavia herself, who wore a smile. “Oh, hello, Rainbow; I take it you’re looking for Vinyl?”

“Yeah,” Rainbow answered sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “She’s not too mad about me missing the last session, is she?”

Octavia giggled. “See for yourself,” she answered cryptically, holding the door open for them to come in.

Vinyl was slouched upon the couch in Octavia’s living room, and gained a devious grin as she noticed their visitors. “So, how was it?”

“How was what?” Applejack asked obliviously.

“You know,” Vinyl said, waggling her brow, “the sex.”

Applejack sputtered, blushing heavily as Vinyl cackled.

“Two days, Scratch,” Rainbow proclaimed. “I think that demolishes the two months it took you.”

Octavia’s brow rose. “Two months? Is that what you told them, Vinyl?”

Vinyl grinned sheepishly.

Octavia rolled her eyes. “We’ve been together for about eight months now,” Octavia said, looking at Vinyl pointedly. “And here I thought you were over that.”

“Hey, I can’t just have Lyra beat me like that and let everypony know it,” Vinyl grouched.

“Somethin’ we’re missin’ here?” Applejack asked, confused.

Octavia cleared her throat. “I’ve told you about Vinyl’s past… experiences with Lyra, yes?”

“Tavi, you wouldn’t!” Vinyl squeaked.

“Oh, I think they’ve earned the right to know, Vinyl,” Octavia smirked.

Vinyl crossed her forelegs. “Well, let it be known that I hate you.”

“We both know that’s a lie, dear,” Octavia returned.

“Before all that…” Rainbow cut in, glancing to Applejack. “You’re not mad about me missing last session to have sex with AJ, right?”

Vinyl laughed, “Nah, I woulda done the same thing. Not every day you get to have that kinda fun.”

“I told you before, dear, you can have all the sex you want if you’d just move in with me,” Octavia reminded.

Rainbow frowned. “That is a good question. Why haven’t you moved in with her yet, Scratch? This place is pretty awesome.”

“We’ve been debating that for quite some time now,” Octavia replied. “I’ve been telling her to sell that hut she lives in, but she’s much too stubborn to listen.”

“Hey, I’m a DJ. I need to have some kind of independence,” Vinyl stated. “Besides, why would you even want me here? I’d just wake you up in the middle of the night when I’m mixing our songs.”

“I have a spare bedroom, Vinyl. You can take that and make it into your own little studio of sorts, and just use a soundproofing spell when I’m sleeping,” Octavia pointed out. “You can’t tell me you didn’t learn one to get in some late night mixing sessions when you lived with your parents.”

“Wait, Scratch has parents?” Rainbow chimed in. “I thought she just crawled up from under the sink or something.”

“Very funny, Dash,” Vinyl grumped. “I do have parents, and I’m certain you know their names.”

“Bubble Butt and Crotch Floss?” Rainbow jested.

“I meant that they’re ponies you’ve met before,” Vinyl growled. “One I’m sure of, and the other you might have.”

Rainbow chortled. “Cranky and Matilda?”

“Do I look like an ass to you?” Vinyl snapped. “I bet I haven’t even heard of your parents!”

“Probably not, but you haven’t even told me who yours are yet,” Rainbow pointed out.

“Because she’s a little embarrassed about her roots,” Octavia explained. “Her parents are rather famous, but in a field she’s never been too keen on.”

“Which is?” Rainbow prompted.

“Fashion,” Vinyl relented. “I don’t know if you’ve met my mom, but she’s been in Ponyville before. Her name’s Photo Finish. I think Fluttershy had a run in with her. My dad… Well, I think you know him a little better. Hoity Toity, the big shot fashion aficionado Rarity showed your Gala dresses to.”

“Ah remember you playin’ at that first show, Vinyl,” Applejack recalled. “If ya really don’t like fashion so much, why did ya agree ta somethin’ like that?”

Vinyl smiled, reminiscing. “Because he asked me to. That was the first time he really acknowledged me as a music pony. Mom was always more open about that, but Dad wanted me to get into fashion. It’s kinda funny though. I’m teaching you how to play guitar, and those have strings, and sewing is all about string. Why are they so different?”

“Because of the way to express yourself, dear; you can make much more noise with a guitar than a sewing machine,” Octavia answered, chuckling.

Vinyl laughed. “I guess you’re right. Still, I don’t think I’d have gotten to meet you any other way.”

“You never know,” Octavia agreed. “But you don’t have to think about it.”

Vinyl nodded, nuzzling into Octavia’s embrace. “You know, I might just have to move in after all.”

“Remember my promise,” Octavia chirped, getting Vinyl to blush.

Rainbow and Applejack looked on in bewilderment, but before they could question further, Vinyl re-composed herself. “Sorry about that. Tavi can do that to me sometimes.

“It’s those earth pony superpowers!” Rainbow insisted. “Applejack does it to me all the time!”

Octavia smirked. “So I take it that since friendship is magic, love is therefore superpowers?”

Rainbow’s brow furrowed, contemplating the question. That was more coherent than she was comfortable with. As amazing as Applejack was, there was no way Rainbow could have already fallen as far as that. That kind of stuff was for Rarity’s stupid romance novels, not real life. And definitely not Rainbow Dash.

Applejack said nothing, but the warm smile on her face told enough. She wasn’t quite ready to call it that, either, but seeing Rainbow so torn up about it let her know the feeling was mutual. They’d cross that bridge when they got there, but for now…

Rainbow was snapped out of her reverie by Applejack’s lips upon hers. The kiss was brief, but enough for Rainbow to gain a goofy smile. Applejack giggled as Rainbow’s wing settled around her midsection and pulled her closer, brushing against her cutie mark briefly.

“Ya seem ta have a good bit o’ history together,” Applejack began. “We should share stories sometime.”

Octavia smiled. “We should. After today, Vinyl and I are free for the next couple of days.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Applejack smiled back. “But fer now, Rainbow and Ah have this book Twilight got us on some kinda long-lost magic that lets mares have foals together. Rainbow’s got it in her head we should read it now that we’ve had a roll in the hay, and she was wonderin’ if you’d be interested.”

Vinyl looked thoughtful for a moment. “A spell that lets mares have foals together? Why is that long-lost? That sounds awesome.”

“Twilight said it had somethin’ ta do with Princess Luna, an’ it was around the time o’ Nightmare Moon. So once Luna was trapped in the moon, Ah guess it couldn’t be done fer a thousand years.”

“But surely it would show up on some record of those times?” Octavia pressed. “This sounds like quite a breakthrough to have been forgotten.”

“Ah’m not quite sure on that, mahself,” Applejack admitted. “Times were different then, an’ Ah’m not sure how open Equestria was ta two mares in a relationship. But maybe since Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon some time later, the ponies thought it was some kinda dark magic she used? Ah really don’t know, and Twilight’s stuck out in Canterlot. So this book’s the best we’ve got fer now.”

“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s read it!” Vinyl insisted.

Rainbow took the book out of her saddlebags, grinning as she brandished the dark cover. “The Dark Ages. Sounds pretty cool, huh?”

“No, it sounds lame,” Vinyl smirked. “Now read the damn book already!”

“Fine! Way to ruin the scene, Scratch. Anyway…” Rainbow opened the book. “The Dark Ages was written by… blah blah blah boring stuff. Preface, table of contents… Here we go, chapter one! How it all started.”

“Lame,” Vinyl repeated.

“You shut up!” Rainbow shot back before returning to the book. “Okay, let’s see. Talking about what it is, we already know that. Dramatic build-up, blah blah blah. Okay, the spell! It says here it was created by Princess Luna, obviously. The spell used the power of the Elements of Harmony. Huh, whaddya know.

“How it works… The princesses used the Elements of Harmony to create a spell that let two mares… uh… What’s this word?” Rainbow showed the book to Applejack, who shrugged.

Octavia took the book from them. “Please, you three are hopeless. I’ll read it.”

“The princesses used the Elements of Harmony to create a spell that let two mares conceive a foal. The spell worked by binding the essences of the two together to create an offspring. To use the spell, the power of the Elements had to be infused and maintained in the couple while they…” Octavia paused, gaining a very noticeable blush. “Copulated.”

“Meaning…?” Vinyl prodded.

“Meaning that to use this spell, we would have to let Rainbow, Applejack and their friends watch us while we have sex,” Octavia squeaked.

“So Luna was a rampant voyeur, and Celestia was kinda dragged into it, so once Luna was gone, Celestia didn’t want to keep doing it?” Rainbow inferred.

Applejack was blushing heavily, herself. “Rainbow, ya know this means the same for us if we ever get ta that point. Would ya really be okay with havin’ our friends around fer all that?”

Rainbow shrugged. “Hey, if it gets back into use, that means we’d get to see a whole lot of ponies having sex. And they’d all be mares, so…”

“So it’d be like porn in real life!” Vinyl burst out, getting a smack from Octavia in response. “You guys are lucky! I wish I had an excuse like that!”

“Rainbow, Ah like mares, too, but Ah’m not sure Ah’d be comfortable doin’ that. Sex is supposed ta be private,” Applejack insisted. “’Specially when you’re doin’ somethin’ as intimate as havin’ foals.”

“I have to agree with Applejack,” Octavia said. “As much as I would like to know that I could someday have foals with Vinyl…”

Vinyl hugged Octavia. “Don’t worry, Tavi. I’m sure you’ll have warmed up to the idea by the time that gets tossed around.”

“I’m not so sure about that…”

“We’re not even thinkin’ about the others. Can ya imagine how embarrassed Fluttershy would be?” Applejack frowned, sympathizing with the timid mare.

Rainbow giggled. “I can, and it looks hilarious.”

Applejack shoved Rainbow away from her, breaking their wing-hug.

“Hey, Applejack, come on. I’m just trying to lighten the mood here,” Rainbow said, putting a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “It’s not like we’re having foals tomorrow, right? That’s still a long, long way down the road, remember?”

Applejack sighed. “If it really does come ta that…”

“Then we’ll be there together, right?” Rainbow finished hopefully.

Applejack smiled. “Ain’t we lucky we’ve got such good friends?”

“I don’t know, something about having the princesses watching us…”

Applejack slapped Rainbow playfully before giving her a kiss on the same cheek. “Ya really are terrible, Rainbow.”

“Don’t you ever forget it,” Rainbow laughed.

Rarity walked up to Golden Oaks Library, composing herself before knocking. You can do this, Rarity. It’ll be alright.

Spike answered the door. “Oh! Uh, hi, Rarity. I uh, come in!”

Rarity sighed. Spike’s normally endearing infatuation with her was now just painful, knowing it would soon come to an end. “Twilight isn’t here, is she?” Rarity asked fretfully.

“Nope, it’s just me today. Twilight’s still up in Canterlot,” Spike relayed. “I don’t know about you, but I think something’s going on with her. She’s been a little distant lately.”

“That’s actually not what I’m here about, Spike. I just needed to know we’d be free of distractions,” Rarity said in a soft voice that gave Spike hope. “I… came here to tell you that there’s something going on with me, too. And that… I haven’t been entirely truthful to you, or the girls.”

Spike blinked. “Truthful about what?”

Rarity took a shuddering breath. “Spike, I know you’ve been pining after me for quite some time now. But there’s something about me that you don’t know, and I’m not sure you’ll like.”

“W-what are you talking about? I like everything about you, Rarity,” Spike stammered. “You’re the most beautiful, caring mare in the world.”

Rarity winced. “That’s just it, Spike. I’m not.”

“Not what?”

“A mare,” Rarity whispered.

Spike recoiled as if struck, backing up several paces. “I… what?”

“It’s how I was raised, and how I appear for the most part, but… the truth is, I’m a stallion, Spike.” Rarity smiled sadly. “If it would make you feel any better, I could show you. This is hard for me, too, Spike.”

Spike gulped, eyes watering. “No, that’s… that’s okay. I just… I need to think for a while.” Spike turned back after reaching the stairs. “Do you… do you still love me, though?”

Rarity cast her eyes downward. “I’m so sorry, Spike. I never meant to hurt you.”

Spike let out a gasping sob as he retreated upstairs, leaving Rarity feeling miserable.

“I hope Mac is having a better time with Cheerilee,” Rarity mumbled to herself, going to sit on Twilight’s couch to wait for Spike’s return.

Big Mac walked through Ponyville, thankful it was summer, and classes were down to just once a week. He knew he wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for Rarity, but he also knew this was the right thing to do. Knowing Cheerilee, she’d be…

“Big Mac?”

Mac turned to regard the source of the familiar voice. “Hey there, Cheerilee. You got a minute ta talk?”

Cheerilee hesitated, unsure if this was some kind of advance on Mac’s part.

Mac smiled. “Ah won’t bite.”

Cheerilee sighed, gesturing inside her house, which they stood in front of. “Mac, I’ve felt terrible for what I did to you, and even worse that you had to hear it from my sister. Back then, I… I was scared about what would happen if anypony found out.” Cheerilee sat herself on a chair, offering the couch to Mac. “I felt like I needed cover, and I didn’t really stop to think about what I was doing. I lied to you for far too long. I lied to myself. And I lost a good friend.”

Mac closed his eyes, sighing. “So it weren’t nothin’ Ah did, then?”

“Of course not, Mac,” Cheerilee insisted. “You were wonderful to me. There were even times you almost made me believe what we had was right. But we both know that wasn’t the case.”

“Ya said ya were scared,” Big Mac went on. “What was there ta be scared of? Expressin’ yerself?”

Cheerilee frowned. “I was scared for my job. Teaching little fillies and colts… it’s what I love. But you know how impressionable they can be. If word got out that their teacher was a… a fillyfooler…”

Big Mac smiled wryly. “Ya always did think o’ yer kids first. Ah really didn’t believe it when Ah first heard it, but now that Ah’ve had time ta think about it…”

“I do love kids,” Cheerilee agreed. “That’s part of what made it so hard to cope. I can’t have foals with another mare, but was it really worth lying about? I caused you so much pain, and I can never ask you to forgive me for that…”

Big Mac’s smile became more genuine. “Ya really did hurt me, Cheerilee. But that pain’s numbed a good deal lately. Ah reckon our time together taught me a lot about mahself, too.”

Cheerilee smiled in bemusement. “Mac, you’re not telling me… you’re a coltcuddler?”

Mac chuckled. “Little bit o’ both, Ah’d say.”

Cheerilee’s brow furrowed. “With just one pony?”

“She really is a special mare.” Mac grinned.

“I… I’m afraid I don’t understand…”

Mac laughed. “Ah’m sure she’ll tell ya herself someday. Sure had me fooled, too.”

“So you don’t resent me for what I did to you?” Cheerilee asked in a small voice.

Mac smiled. “Nah. Ah’d much rather have an old friend back than live in the past. So whaddya say, Cheery?”

Cheerilee beamed, eyes leaking tears. “You really are a great friend, Mac.”

Big Mac wrapped Cheerilee in a hug, glad that everything had turned out alright. Ah guess she was right, after all. Thanks, Rare.

Apple Bloom yawned, rising from her bed and rubbing her eyes. She had certainly slept in, as the clock read 10:26 AM, but she still felt tired. She slid herself out of bed groggily lest she fall back into sleep’s embrace.

Walking to the washroom to splash some water on her face, Apple Bloom’s thoughts wandered. She wondered what Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were doing. She hoped they weren’t having as rough a go of it as she was. Apple Bloom blushed as she looked at her reflection, remembering the rampant sexual energy Rainbow Dash seemed to be emanating. There was certainly a great deal of talk about it.

Apple Bloom’s stomach growled, reminding her that she had yet to eat breakfast. She dismounted the sink and ventured downstairs, where Granny Smith was reheating some leftover fritters from breakfast.

“Mornin’, sleepy head,” Granny Smith chirped, ruffling Apple Bloom’s mane. “Don’t let sleepin’ this late become a habit now.”

“Sorry, Granny. Ah was just… Things have been gettin’ a little awkward ‘round here an’ with mah friends,” Apple Bloom said, shuffling over to her seat. “Oh, and good mornin’ ta you, too.”

Granny frowned. “Apple Bloom, has there been somethin’ goin’ on?”

Apple Bloom shook her head. “Ah just need ta figure this out on mah own.”

“Well, don’t let it set too long now, er it might get bigger ‘n it needs ta,” Granny counseled, hoofing Apple Bloom a plate of fritters.

Apple Bloom ate them gratefully, thinking about her next move. There’s gotta be somethin’ Ah can do. Maybe there’s somethin’ at the club house that’ll help me think. The clubhouse always reminded her of the way things were supposed to be, before all this mess with sexy stuff. Everything was great when it was all just hugs and kisses, but now there was just that bit of information in the back of her mind that seemed to taint everything that used to be innocent.

Maybe we never should’a asked about all that, Apple Bloom supposed. Maybe that was somethin’ we should’a learned on our own. Maybe Ah should stop thinkin’ in maybes. They’re gettin’ me nowheres! The only thing that’s gonna help here is action. If Ah can’t make this right in mah head, maybe Ah can at least- no, Ah will make this right with the girls.

Apple Bloom nodded her head in conviction. “Thanks fer the food, Granny!” She called over her shoulder as she rushed outside. She had to get to the clubhouse, find something that could help make this right. They had tons of stuff there! Pictures, mementos, an orange pegasus filly sleeping on the floor...

Apple Bloom blinked, returning her gaze to the last item she had observed. Sure enough, Scootaloo lay in the middle of the room, resting peacefully. Apple Bloom frowned as she shook her friend awake. “Scoot, wake up, this is important.”

Scootaloo blinked, eyes slowly focusing on the yellow earth pony filly before her. “O-oh! Hey Apple Bloom? What brings you here?” She attempted to assume a casual pose on the floor, failing as her foreleg gave out and sent her head crashing to the floor.

Apple Bloom’s frown deepened. “Scoot, did you spend the night here again?”

“Of course not! I was just, you know, passing through and uh… I must have, uh, fallen asleep at some point and…”

“Scoot,” Apple Bloom lowered her voice, pulling her friend into a hug. “What’s been goin’ on? How come ya haven’t been goin’ home every night?”

Knowing that she had been found out, Scootaloo changed tact. “Oh, you know, I just wanted to spend more time with you, and…”

Apple Bloom silenced Scootaloo with a kiss. “Please, Scoot, no more lies. Tell me what’s wrong. Is it ‘cause you’re uncomfortable facin’ yer parents about us?”

Scootaloo sighed, breaking away from Apple Bloom. “I’d feel better if Sweetie Belle were here, too. This would be… really hard for me to do twice.”

Apple Bloom rubbed a hoof along Scootaloo’s back comfortingly. “Well Ah’m sure we could go-“

“I thought I’d find you guys here,” Sweetie Belle’s voice sounded from the doorway. “Listen, girls, about all this-“

Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle. “Please, Belle, Scoot’s gonna tell us somethin’ real important.”

Sweetie Belle blinked once before nodding and coming to sit next to them.

“We’re all here now, Scoot. Now please, just tell us what-“

“I ran away from home,” Scootaloo interrupted. “It wasn’t too long after I met you guys; right after Dinky got her cutie mark. I just-“

“Woah, hold on a second, Scoot,” Apple Bloom cut in. “What’s this gotta do with Dinky? And that was almost three years ago, Scoot. Yer tellin’ me ya’ve been away from yer family all this time?”

Scootaloo sighed, looking up to the ceiling. “I never did tell you girls about my family, did I?”

“Scoot, just how much have you been keeping from us?” Sweetie Belle asked, slightly hurt.

“It’s hard for me, okay?” Scootaloo snapped. “When you haven’t seen your parents for three years, it’s hard to think about. I never know what they think of me, or if they even love me anymore! I ran away for such a stupid reason, and now I…” Scootaloo gasped, tears leaking from her eyes. “I can’t find a way to go back.”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were there to dry her tears in a heartbeat. “It’s okay, Scoot. We can help you with this,” Sweetie Belle promised.

“Yeah, what are fillyfriends for?” Apple Bloom added with a hopeful smile.

Scootaloo choked back a sob. “Thanks, you guys. But I don’t know if it’s gonna be as easy as that.”

“Well, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yer family?” Apple Bloom suggested.

“You said something about Dinky,” Sweetie Belle added.

Scootaloo nodded. “Dinky… she… is kinda my twin sister. I guess.”

“Kinda?” Apple Bloom asked skeptically.

“You guess?” Sweetie Belle cocked her head.

“It’s… complicated. I never really understood it, myself,” Scootaloo admitted.

“Well, what makes it complicated?” Sweetie Belle pressed.

“It’s about my parents,” Scootaloo replied. “I kinda don’t really have a… dad.” Scootaloo cocked her head, as if she’d confused even herself.

“What happened to him?” Apple Bloom asked softly.

“She’s a mare,” Scootaloo clarified.

“Wait, what?”

“You mean he somehow got changed into a mare?” Sweetie Belle guessed.

Scootaloo shook her head. “I’m not even sure that’s possible. She’s always been a mare, as far as I know. Even if she is a little nutty.”

“Well, how’d ya get born if both yer parents are mares? Applejack told me it don’t work that way,” Apple Bloom questioned.

“I know Dinky’s mom is Derpy,” Sweetie Belle ventured. “So does that mean Derpy is your mom, too?”

Scootaloo chuckled. “That’s the thing. Derpy’s… kinda my dad.”

Apple Bloom furrowed her brows. “How does that work?”

“Yeah, how can she be both a mom and a dad at the same time? Especially if you and Dinky are twins.” Sweetie Belle held her head in her hooves, trying to process the impossibility.

“I said we’re kinda twins,” Scootaloo reminded. “We were both born at the same time, but my mother is her father, and my father is her mother.”

“What?”

“So if Derpy’s your dad, then who’s your mom?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Golden Harvest,” Scootaloo answered. “Or I guess she likes to be called Carrot Top now.”

“Wait, so you used ta live on the Carrot Farm?” Apple Bloom mused, looking out the window and spying Carrot Top’s farmhouse easily.

“Yeah, I guess I’m not too far from home, am I?” Scootaloo marveled, smiling briefly before her face darkened. “But I can’t go back now. Not after how I just ditched the place.”

“Don’t say that, Scoot. They’re yer family,” Apple Bloom reproached. “Ah’m sure they’ve been waitin’ all this time fer the day ya came home.”

“What, and just forget how I ran away for three years just because I was jealous that my sister got her cutie mark before me?” Scootaloo demanded.

“That wasn’t the only reason, was it?” Sweetie Belle asked knowingly.

Scootaloo winced, turning away. “No, I guess not. Dad was never very good at teaching me how to fly. She somehow had a better time teaching Dinky magic, even though she’s a pegasus. Mom couldn’t help much either, since she’s an earth pony. I met Rainbow Dash for the first time not too long before then, and she was the greatest flier I’d ever seen! I was sure she could help me out someday.

“But it took her two years to really notice me. And by that time, I was pretty far gone. When you spend two whole years chasing after one thing, I guess you can kinda lose sight of everything else,” Scootaloo lowered her head ashamedly.

“Did you ever tell Rainbow about that?” Sweetie Belle asked, coming to stand beside Scootaloo.

“No,” Scootaloo answered simply, turning away again.

Apple Bloom advanced on her from the other side. “Would ya feel better if ya did?”

Scootaloo sighed. “Maybe.”

“Then let’s go look for her!” Sweetie Belle insisted.

“Yeah, she’s probably with mah sister somewheres. It’s almost lunchtime so they’re sure ta be somewhere in Ponyville. C’mon!”

Rarity was feeling her first pangs of lunchtime hunger by the time Spike made his way back downstairs. She smiled up at him sadly.

“You’re… still here?” Spike asked incredulously.

“I have been the whole time,” Rarity affirmed.

Spike came to sit next to Rarity, something she allowed. “Who is he?”

“You’re quite perceptive for your age, Spike,” Rarity observed. “It’s Big Macintosh. I’ve had my eye on him for a while, and he truly accepts me for who I am. I couldn’t imagine you would do the same.”

“No, I guess not. I’d just be lying to myself,” Spike agreed. “Is it… really true, though? That you’re not really a mare?”

In lieu of an answer, Rarity turned to face Spike, splaying her legs slightly to reveal her secret. Spike looked on in disbelief until Rarity’s self-consciousness kicked in and she hid herself with a blush. “I wouldn’t do that for just anypony, you know. I never showed Applejack or Rainbow Dash, and I don’t intend to show Pinkie or Twilight.”

“What about Fluttershy?” Spike asked.

“That was… rather unavoidable,” Rarity admitted. “When you have weekly spa visits with somepony for almost five years now… It’s hard to hide, even with magic.”

“Was she the first pony you told?”

Rarity nodded. “It was only about a year ago, maybe less. She never judged me, either, but…”

“But you’re not interested in mares?” Spike suggested.

“Well, no, I don’t suppose I am. But it was more… platonic. Fluttershy may accept me, even embrace me, but we’ve only ever been friends. Best friends.”

Spike nodded. “You two have been having those spa trips ever since I came to Ponyville.”

“I have to apologize again for all this. I never meant for it to be this… complicated.”

Spike smiled sadly. “It’s alright, Rarity. I think I always knew it could never work between us. You’re a pony, I’m a dragon. You’re all grown up, and I’m still just a kid. Heh, you’re gay and I’m straight!”

Rarity chortled. “I suppose that’s true, isn’t it? I never really saw it that way, myself. Despite it all, I’ve always viewed myself as a mare. I suppose that tends to happen when you’re raised a filly, hm?”

“I wouldn’t know, sorry,” Spike shrugged.

Rarity laughed. “I wouldn’t expect you to, Spike. And I will be forever thankful to you for taking this so well.”

“Hey, a dragon’s gotta be noble, right?” Spike grinned.

“And you’re the noblest of them all,” Rarity praised, pulling Spike into a hug.

“I’m guessing you’re gonna wanna keep this a secret?”

“If you would be so kind, noble dragon.”

Spike held a claw to his chin dramatically. “Hm, only if you pay me a royalty in gems!”

Rarity laughed. “I’m sure that can be arranged, your majesty.”

Spike laughed along, happy that nothing had changed between them.

Big Mac and Cheerilee were headed out to lunch at Café du Mane to catch up on each other’s goings-on. That was when the pink menace attacked.

“Oh, hi, Mac! You worked things out with Cheerilee? What about Rarity? Because you were looking for her a couple of days ago, and the way you were talking about her made it sound like you were a couple, and also like there was something fishy going on, which is weird because fish are more Fluttershy’s thing, and she and Rarity go to the spa together, but when I looked there, there weren’t any fish, which meant the fish must be out of water! So that’s when I decided that I should throw a big pool party to get all the fishies back where they belong, but that meant I had to get all the fish accounted for, and make sure they’d be safe and not to invite any griffins because they eat fish and then that made me think of Gilda, because I never saw her eat any fish when Rainbow brought her here. And that’s when I remembered that Rainbow was acting all fishy, too, and that it had something to do with Applejack, and probably something mushy, because I saw it in her eyes, but Rainbow doesn’t like to talk so much about mushy stuff, and she didn’t want to talk to me about it, so it made sense! But then I thought of what kind of mushy thing would involve Applejack and Rainbow, and that’s when I remembered that Rainbow looked at me funny when I asked if she was taking Applejack on a date, so obviously they must be a couple, too! But they almost blew my cover yesterday when they came to Sugarcube Corner for something, so I had to distract them by giving them cupcakes I made for the party which I decided to make about all kind of fishiness and not just fish, which included them, which meant that it was a party to celebrate their new ship, and that meant I had to make it about more than just fish, so I had to think of what fish and ships had in common. At first I thought about how they both had sh in their names, but if I threw a sh party then everypony would think they’d have to be quiet, and a party’s no fun if it’s quiet! So then I remembered that there was gonna be a pool at the party, and ships and fish both need water! So now I need a way to invite Applejack and Rainbow to the water party without telling them what it is, and you’re here and you live on Sweet Apple Acres so you could figure out some excuse for them to come to Sugarcube Corner! Sorry for the wall of text, by the way, I’m just so nervouscited! This is gonna be the best water party ever!”

Big Mac and Cheerilee blinked in the wake of the verbal carnage. “Ah’m sorry, what?”

“Go tell Applejack and Rainbow Dash to come to Sugarcube Corner tomorrow at lunchtime,” Pinkie instructed more slowly, donning a big grin and bouncing away without waiting for confirmation of Mac’s comprehension.

Mac summarily shook his head to dislodge the questions his mind had begun to formulate, returning his attention to the task at hoof. “Anyway, what were we talkin’ about?”

“Nothing that won’t come up again, I’m sure,” Cheerilee laughed. “I think she mentioned something about your sister and Rainbow Dash, though. Did something happen between them?”

“Oh, yeah, AJ an’ Rainbow started datin’ a few days ago after Rainbow got her caught up in some kinda band shenanigans,” Mac explained. “Ah’m not sure if that’s what Pinkie was goin’ on about, but Ah’m never sure what she is.”

“That’s wonderful news, Mac. Be sure to give them my congratulations.” Cheerilee smiled. “You know, my sister has found her way into a relationship, herself.”

Mac cocked his head. “Berry? Ah thought she was as bad at holdin’ colts as alcohol.”

Cheerilee giggled. “It’s not a colt this time.”

“Really now? And here Ah thought she was one o’ the last straight fillies left in this town,” Mac joked.

Cheerilee shrugged. “I’ve never seen her discriminate between hitting on either. She’s just had better luck at seducing colts in the past. I do wonder how she managed to catch such a respectable mare, though.”

“Who’s her latest victim, then?” Mac chuckled.

“I’m not sure we can call it that. Berry’s only ever gone on about how great she is, even when she’s sober.” Cheerilee sat herself across from Mac at one of the available tables. “Who knows, maybe she and Colgate hit it off when she was getting her teeth fixed.”

“Colgate, huh?” Mac smiled. “Might be good fer her ta have somepony like her close at hoof.”

“It might be too much to ask to get her drinking under control, but treating the negative effects would be the next best thing,” Cheerilee agreed. “It almost makes me wonder if Colgate doesn’t see her as some sort of project to be worked on as well as a marefriend. There isn’t too much else I could see that would have drawn them together.”

Mac shrugged. “You know how these things go. Most of the time it don’t make sense, but it works out all the same.”

“To a point, yes,” Cheerilee sighed. “But then I’ve yet to crest the next hill, I suppose.”

“Anypony you’ve got yer eye on?” Mac prompted.

Cheerilee shook her head. “It’s difficult to find the right balance. I mean, I’d want somepony respectable enough to have around foals, but not to the level of being too stuffy. I’d want somepony more relaxed, maybe even a little soft-spoken. Somepony like you, I suppose, but…”

“A mare?” Big Mac suggested.

Cheerilee nodded hesitantly. “It just sounds so shallow when it comes down to it.”

Mac chuckled. “Well, Ah think Ah know the pony yer lookin’ for.”

“You do?” Cheerilee squealed.

“Ah’m not sure how her barn door swings, but it don’t usually take much ta convince Fluttershy,” Mac laughed.

Cheerilee gasped, eyes going wide. “Fluttershy?”

Mac smiled at Cheerilee’s reaction. “Ya know, Ah had mah eye on her once, but Ah was always just too dang nervous ta ask her out. Ah’m not sure how well it coulda worked even past that, though. Relationships only go as far as ya take ‘em.”

Cheerilee giggled, seeming not entirely there. “Yes, between the two of you… initiative…”

Mac frowned. “You alright, Cheer?”

Cheerilee blinked before shaking her head. “Yes, I’m… sorry. I just got caught up, uh…”

Big Mac smiled knowingly. “Thinkin’ about Fluttershy?”

Cheerilee nodded sheepishly.

“Ah think the two o’ you could work out real nice together,” Mac encouraged. “Ya both like foals, yer both sweet an’ unselfish, an’ ya both make great role models fer yer students.”

“I suppose it would be a good idea to teach them about the option,” Cheerilee agreed. “But listen to us getting way ahead of ourselves. I still have to work up the courage to ask her out.”

“Ah’m sure that’s somethin’ ya can handle,” Mac chuckled.

Cheerilee laughed along. “Thanks for the help, Mac. I might not have even made that connection myself.”

“What are friends for, right?” Mac smiled.

Applejack sighed, leaning back in her chair after consuming her last bite of the delicious lunch Octavia had prepared. “Thanks again fer lettin’ us stay fer lunch, Octavia.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Octavia assured, turning to Vinyl.

“Yep! But if you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta go get ready for a gig tonight. See ya!” Vinyl waved, grabbing her saddlebags before exiting the house and making her way to the club she was performing at tonight.

Along her way, she caught sight of three familiar-looking fillies, one in particular that looked quite down. Walking over to them, Vinyl called out, “Hey, aren’t you Rainbow Dash’s kid sister?”

Scootaloo perked her head up, looking for the source of the voice. An erratic-looking white unicorn with an electric blue mane and purple sunglasses was waving at them. Curious, the three fillies broke from their search to investigate. “You know where Rainbow Dash is?” Scootaloo asked.

Vinyl cocked her head. “Yeah, she’s at my marefriend’s house. I’d show you, but I’m running kinda late as it is. It’s the big house over that way with the treble clef on the door. Gotta run!”

With that, the quirky DJ was off, and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were thoroughly confused. “What’s a treble clef?” Apple Bloom wondered.

“Oh, I know! It’s the clef that sheet music for a lot of lighter string instruments like violins are written in,” Sweetie Belle answered confidently.

Scootaloo blinked twice. “What are you, a dictionary?”

“Hey, I-“

“Let’s please not start this again, gals,” Apple Bloom cut in, separating the two.

Sweetie Belle’s face scrunched up before she turned around and started walking in the direction Vinyl had indicated. With her freaky knowledge of music, Sweetie Belle quickly found the aforementioned house and knocked on the door.

The door was answered by Octavia, who looked surprised to see such young visitors. “Oh, hello, can I help you?”

“We’re looking for Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo said, darting in front. “You marefriend said she was here.”

Octavia nodded slowly, stepping aside to let them in. “Rainbow Dash, these three fillies were looking for you,” Octavia called as the crusaders entered the kitchen.

“Oh, hey you three, what’s up?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s… kinda a long story…” Scootaloo began sheepishly.

“So what are we waiting for? Let’s get you back home!” Rainbow insisted immediately upon the conclusion of Scootaloo’s explanation.

Scootaloo’s eyes widened. “B-but what about-“

Rainbow interrupted by grabbing Scootaloo, throwing her on her back, and flying out the door. Applejack shook her head in bemusement, turning to Octavia. “Well, Ah guess this is where we’re gonna part, then. Nice talkin’ to ya.”

“Likewise,” Octavia said, smiling in amusement.

Rainbow reached Carrot Top’s farm in record time with a deathly afraid Scootaloo clinging to her shoulders for dear life. Scootaloo tensed as Rainbow knocked on the door. She jumped in front of her idol. “Wait, Rainbow Dash, I’m not ready for-“

“Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo looked behind her. The door was open, and there stood Carrot Top, eyes brimming with tears. Derpy settled beside her in the doorway, smiling. “Mom, Dad!” Scootaloo flung herself into their arms.

“Scoot!” Derpy cheered.

“We knew you’d come back someday,” Carrot Top spoke through her tears.

Scootaloo never wanted to let go again. She was home, and there wasn’t anything-

“Welcome home, Scoot.”

“Dinky!” Scootaloo glomped her sister, peppering her with kisses.

Dinky giggled. “I missed you, too, sis. But I don’t remember you ever being so affectionate.”

Scootaloo righted herself sheepishly. “Sorry, I…”

“You were never alone, you know,” Carrot Top said, drawing Scootaloo’s attention. “Every day, your father,” Carrot Top smiled at Derpy, “would keep an eye out for you. All the time she could find between deliveries, she was watching over you.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened. “Is that true, Dad?”

“How do you think you were always able to find food when you needed it?” Carrot Top asked.

“They don’t call me the greatest delivery mare in Ponyville for nothing!” Derpy puffed out her chest.

Scootaloo laughed, drawing all three of them into another hug. “I love you guys. I missed you so much.”

“We missed you, too Scoot,” Derpy returned in a moment of clairvoyance, extending her wings to wrap around them all. “And we’re really happy you’ve found two wonderful fillies that brought you back to us.”

“I guess this means we’re gonna be staying over here for a while, huh?” Sweetie Belle put in.

Scootaloo broke from the hug to give her fillyfriends each a kiss. “Thank you guys so much. I… I love you both.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle smiled warmly. “We love you too, Scoot.”

Scootaloo slowly built up into a fit of spontaneous laughter. Without knowing why, she pulled Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom on top of her, rolling around and laughing without a care. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle happily joined in, needing no reason to see Scootaloo so giddy.

From one side, Dinky giggled while Carrot Top and Derpy leaned their heads together, smiling warmly. From the other, Rainbow and Applejack shared a glance, after which Applejack leaned her head on Rainbow’s shoulder. Rainbow smiled, placing a kiss on Applejack’s forehead.

“We don’t blame you, you know,” Carrot Top said, having skirted the developing cuddle pile with Derpy to join Applejack and Rainbow. “Scootaloo was always looking for some kind of great adventure, and we knew we couldn’t offer much on a simple carrot farm. I actually feel like I should thank you, Rainbow Dash, for giving my daughter new purpose in life.”

Derpy nodded. “Before you came along, she was always so bored around here.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that anymore,” Rainbow chuckled. “Who knew little Scootaloo had such a wacky foalhood.”

“That’s a really good point, actually,” Applejack picked up. “How did ya have foals without the spell? Twelve years ago, Princess Luna was still trapped up in the moon, and we weren’t bound ta the elements yet.”

Derpy’s eyes traveled further to opposite sides as her face scrunched up in thought. “I dunno. I think it had something to do with that carrot muffin we ate.”

“A carrot muffin?” Rainbow asked incredulously.

“More like a carrot lodged inside a muffin, but yes,” Carrot Top reinforced. “I’m not entirely sure that was really the cause, but it was the only thing I can think of that was different.”

“So, what exactly happened?” Applejack prompted.

“Oh, I know this one!” Derpy perked up. “It all started back when you were just fillies…”

So, Derpy and Carrot Top were hanging around one night when they got to talking about muffins.

“Actually, dear, we were talking about foals,” Carrot Top reminded.

“Then how did the muffins come up?” Derpy asked.

“Maybe I should just tell the story,” Carrot Top laughed.

Carrot Top sighed wistfully, looking up into the night sky. Derpy soon appeared at her side as she always did.

“What’cha thinkin’ about, Carrot?” Derpy asked.

Carrot Top averted her gaze to her companion briefly before refocusing on the stars. “Oh, nothing you have to worry about, dear.”

“Is it about muffins?” Derpy prodded.

“See, I told you we were talking about muffins!” Derpy interrupted.

Carrot Top shook her head hopelessly before continuing her tale.

“No, it’s nothing quite as simple as that, I’m afraid.”

Derpy’s brow furrowed. “But muffins are like, the most not-simple thing I can think of!”

Carrot Top laughed. “And that’s what makes you so adorable, Derpy.”

“Yay, I’m adorable!” Derpy cheered. “What’s that?”

Carrot Top chortled, shaking her head. “No, I was just thinking about how I might like to be a mother someday. But I can’t bear to think of ever leaving you.”

Derpy frowned. “Why would you have to? You can be a mother any time you want!”

“You mean by adoption?” Carrot Top asked.

“Sure!”

“While I admit it’s a good option for some… I just can’t feel it’s quite the same,” Carrot Top despaired.

Derpy frowned again, thinking. “Oh, I know what’ll help!” She said, perking up and darting away before Carrot Top could ask what she was going on about. Derpy returned shortly with a carrot in her mouth, which she offered to Carrot Top. “You’re always telling me how carrots can fix anything!”

Carrot Top smiled sadly. “I’m afraid this is something they can’t fix, dear.”

Derpy’s ears drooped. “But… but…” Unable to think of anything to say, Derpy left the room helplessly. Something carrots can’t fix? That’s impossible! Carrot Top’s always right! Derpy paused. Right?

In her wanderings, she found herself drawn to the kitchen, where a muffin sat on the table. Derpy smiled. A muffin could always cheer anypony up. Derpy considered that for a moment, before making a connection. Without hesitation, she stabbed the carrot through the muffin and ran back to Carrot Top triumphantly.

“Carrot! Carrot! I figured it out!” Derpy called, skidding to a halt inside the room. “You’re right; carrots aren’t the best at everything. But they can fix a lot of stuff. I saw how sad you were, and then I found this muffin! Muffins always cheer anypony up! And when you put that with a carrot, it’s like, unstoppable!” Derpy placed the carrot-muffin on the windowsill beside Carrot Top, grinning.

Carrot Top glanced between the hopeful grin on her marefriend’s face and the carrot-skewered muffin. After a pause, she couldn’t help but break out into laughter. She wrapped her hooves around Derpy, giving her a kiss. “It’s not the muffins that cheer ponies up, you silly filly. It’s you.”

“You mean I’m a muffin?” Derpy gasped.

Carrot Top giggled. “You’re my muffin.” Carrot Top moved to give Derpy another kiss, but Derpy stopped her.

“Wait! Before anything else, we’ve gotta eat this! It’ll make everything better!” Derpy said, holding up the muffin with a hoof.

Carrot Top laughed, nodding. Together with Derpy, she ate the humorous concoction. While strikingly different, Carrot Top had to admit that the flavors did complement each other quite well. She might just have to look into that.

“But for now…” Carrot Top grinned. “I have something much better in mind.”

“Oh boy, sex!” Derpy cheered, causing Carrot Top to giggle before tackling her to the ground.

“We had sex like we usually did, and wouldn’t you know it, three weeks later, we found out we were both pregnant,” Carrot Top finished, laughing.

Rainbow cocked her head. “So… eating a carrot-muffin thing… let you have foals?”

“Carrot-muffin, then sex,” Derpy corrected.

“Ah… Ah don’t know what…” Applejack could barely form a coherent sentence.

“I don’t know how it happened, either,” Carrot Top admitted. “But the only thing that matters to me is that I got to have foals with the mare I love.”

“D’aww, I love you, too, Carrot,” Derpy said, hugging Carrot Top.

Rainbow turned to Applejack. “You don’t think-“

Applejack held a hoof to her lips, prompting Rainbow’s silence. Rainbow nodded, chuckling. “Well, Ah think our work here is done. Make sure ya don’t go losin’ her again now, y’hear?”

Carrot Top nodded. “Thank you again for bringing her back. We’ll never forget that.”

“Make sure Scoot doesn’t, either. We’ve still gotta get her flying!” Rainbow added.

“We’ll be sure,” Carrot Top promised, smiling.

“Take care now,” Applejack said, leading Rainbow out.

Carrot Top and Derpy waved goodbye before returning their attention to their newly-returned daughter. “It’s so good to have you home, dear.”

“It’s great to be back, Mom,” Scootaloo returned, saluting.

Derpy saluted back. Carrot Top giggled.

Rainbow sighed, settling herself at the base of a tree as they entered back into the orchard. Applejack took a spot next to her, smiling. "Ah’m glad that all turned out alright. Ah was worried fer a bit it mighta been somethin’ serious.”

Rainbow frowned. “I don’t know, AJ. That still seemed pretty serious. I mean, being away from your parents for three years, at her age…”

Applejack winced. “Ah’ve been away from mine a lot longer n’ that, sugarcube.”

“But you still had your family with you,” Rainbow ventured after realizing her misstep. “Scootaloo was…”

“On her way ta makin’ a family o’ her own,” Applejack finished pointedly. “Ah’m not sayin’ it was easy fer her, bein’ away from Dinky, Derpy and Carrot Top, but Ah think she found herself a couple pretty special fillies.”

Rainbow’s shoulders sagged. “Well, it didn’t turn out too bad for you, either. I mean, you got me, right?” Rainbow smiled hopefully.

Applejack smiled back. “Ah guess Ah did,” she admitted, nuzzling Rainbow’s cheek.

Rainbow chuckled, rubbing the back of her head nervously. “I’m… I’m sorry, I… You know I’m no good with words.”

“Ah suppose Ah do,” Applejack agreed. “But that don’ mean Ah can’t tease ya about it sometimes.”

Rainbow laughed. “Who’s terrible now?”

“Ah reckon we can be terrible together.” Applejack gave Rainbow a peck on the nose.

“I’m sure we’ll be doing plenty of terrible things later,” Rainbow suggested.

“Maybe,” Applejack smirked. “But fer now, we’ve still got stuff ta do.”

Rainbow frowned. “Like what?”

Applejack chuckled, rising to her hooves. “Did ya ferget that little idea we had yesterday?”

Rainbow furrowed her brows. “Which one?”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “About how we’re gonna work on this whole band thing. We’ve been at it fer a week and we’ve gotten nowheres.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault your sexy powers are slowing us down,” Rainbow retorted. “Besides, we still have like… three weeks before that music award thing.”

“And ya really think that’s gonna be enough time?” Applejack pressed.

“Yep! We’ve just gotta learn to control your powers so we can use them for music and sexiness. Maybe even at the same time!”

Applejack shook her head, laughing. “Ah’m sure ya’ll get a kick outta those drumsticks.”

Rainbow grinned. “There are two of them, you know…”

Applejack chuckled. “Now come on, we gotta figure out how we’re gonna scrape some bits together fer that drum set.”

“Did you even see how much it was?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack paused before shaking her head. “Ah never got the chance. Ya were in an’ out pretty quick.”

Rainbow grinned sheepishly. “Yeah. Right. Sorry.”

“Ah fergive ya,” Applejack giggled. “Ya did make up fer a whole lot yesterday.”

Rainbow blinked. “What else did I have to make up for?”

Applejack shook her head, not gracing the question with an answer.

“What? Come on, seriously! What did I do?”

“Thanks fer lettin’ us stay, Miss Carrot,” Apple Bloom said, compulsively helping clean the dishes after lunch.

“It’s no trouble at all, Apple Bloom,” Carrot Top assured. “You and Sweetie Belle can stay as long as you like, especially if you keep insisting on helping out.”

Apple Bloom chuckled. “Sorry, it’s kinda a habit.”

Carrot Top glanced behind her briefly. “Well, it seems you are causing a bit of a hold-up. I can take it from here.”

“You sure?” Apple Bloom asked uncertainly.

Carrot Top laughed. “Yes, I’m positive. Now go run along.”

“Alright,” Apple Bloom dismounted the sink and walked back over to the assembled fillies waiting impatiently for her. “How long have you gals been-“

“The whole time,” Scootaloo deadpanned. “Are you gonna do this every time you come over?”

Apple Bloom blushed. “Ah’m sorry, y’all, Ah just…”

Sweetie Belle giggled, nuzzling Apple Bloom’s cheek. “You’d make a great mom someday, Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom nuzzled her back. “Thanks, Sweetie Belle.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, keeping her distance. At least until her fillyfriends converged upon her and created a humorous scene for a giggling Dinky.

“They’ve got you good, huh, sis?” Dinky teased.

Scootaloo’s head popped out of the pile of fillies to retort, “You’re one to talk, Dink. The way Rumble has you tied around his hoof…” Scootaloo paused. “How are things going with Rumble, anyway?”

Curious at the development, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle disengaged their prison system and listened attentively.

Dinky blushed. “Oh, you know, same kinda stuff…” She trailed off before frowning. “You probably don’t know about what’s been going on with his brother, do you?”

“You mean Thunderlane?” Scootaloo cocked her head. “What kind of trouble is he getting into now?”

Dinky’s brow furrowed in thought. “Well, you know how he’s been going out with Blossomforth, right?”

Scootaloo nodded. “He didn’t get her pregnant, did he?”

Dinky laughed. “No, nothing like that. At least I don’t think so…” Dinky’s head fell to one side. “That would make everything so much more complicated.”

“Why, what happened?” Sweetie Belle pressed.

“Well, the way I understood it he was drinking-“

“Big surprise,” Scootaloo put in.

Dinky smirked. “He was drinking and he finally got himself in over his head. He’d hit a bump with Blossomforth, had one too many, and ended up in bed with another mare.”

Scootaloo recoiled in shock. “Woah. Who was it?”

Dinky smiled sadly. “Cloudchaser.”

“Oh, sweet Celestia,” Scootaloo face-hoofed.

Dinky nodded. “He managed to get things patched up with Blossomforth. I don’t know if he told her the truth or not. But, well…”

Scootaloo sighed, nodding. “How’s she holding up?”

“I’m not sure,” Dinky said, shaking her head. “If Thunderlane’s seen her since, he never told Rumble.”

“How long’s it been?”

“Two months,” Dinky answered sadly.

Scootaloo sighed, shoulders drooping, positively radiating sympathy for-

“Who’re we talkin’ about? Is there somethin’ we’re missin’ here?”

Scootaloo chuckled humorlessly. “You girls don’t know the half of it. Oh, where to start?”

“Rumble and I have been dating for about a year. His big brother, Thunderlane, is kind of a jerk, but Rumble’s just the sweetest colt you could ever find.” Dinky’s eyes grew dreamy.

“Focus, Dink,” Scootaloo chided. “So, yeah, Thunderlane’s been around the block a few times. He’s been dating Blossomforth for the past few years after he broke up with Cloud Kicker. Funny thing is Cloud Kicker’s probably the closest thing you’ll get to Thunderlane in mare form.”

“Tell me about it,” Dinky said, chuckling dryly. “Blossomforth, on the other hoof, is a really sweet mare. I really never knew what she saw in Thunderlane, but I guess I don’t know the whole story. Anyway, Cloudchaser’s one of Thunderlane’s old friends. She and her sister Flitter usually stop by quite a lot to watch over Rumble whenever his parents and Thunderlane are out.”

“Yeah, and it’s no secret she had a huge crush on him for who knows how long,” Scootaloo picked up. “Cloudchaser was probably just doing it to get closer to Thunderlane, hoping to catch him on a rebound from one of his fights with Blossomforth. And, well, I guess she got her wish, huh?”

“In the worst possible way,” Dinky agreed. “I know it might sound like she had it coming, but Cloudchaser’s one of the most innocent mares I’ve met. She’s up there with Fluttershy, just without the skittishness.”

“Yeah, and almost as much of a hopeless romantic as Rarity was before she found Mac, from what I hear,” Scootaloo added. “I never really met her myself, but… she’s one of those types that’s really hard not to feel sorry for.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shared a glance, unsure what to make of the new development. Could Scootaloo’s family get any more confusing?

“Okay, since you don’t seem to want to tell me, I’m gonna assume it’s nothing. So unless it was something important, I-“

“We’re here, Dash,” Applejack interrupted, stopping before the Ponyville Bank.

Rainbow regarded the building dubiously, having never utilized its services before. “They really keep all of Ponyville’s money in that little thing?”

Applejack chortled. “Hay no. There’s way more of it underground. That ya see there’s just the reception.”

Rainbow frowned. “If it’s all underground, wouldn’t that make it really easy to break into?”

Applejack cocked her head. “How do ya figure?”

“Well, you’d just have to dig down and break through the ceiling, right?”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “So you think ya’d be able ta just start diggin’ a hole in the middle o’ Ponyville and have nopony notice?”

“It’s not like it’s all under the road, right?” Rainbow went on unabashed. “I mean, there have to be some houses above it. So you wouldn’t even have to leave your house!”

“So yer suggestin’ the ponies that built this thing had the oversight ta build a vault right under somepony’s house?” Applejack challenged.

“Or maybe somepony had the undersight to build a house on top of one of the vaults,” Rainbow concluded.

“Ya do know that’s not a real word, right?”

“Well it should be!” Rainbow declared.

Applejack rolled her eyes again, humored. “Are we gonna go inside er what?”

“What?” Rainbow blinked, glancing at the bank they stood before. “Oh, yeah. Sure.”

With how easy she gets side-tracked, it’s a wonder she can hold all that dedication, Applejack mused, entering behind the marvel of a pegasus. “So how come you never put any money in a bank before?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I did when I was a filly, but that let my parents get into it. Besides, what safer place to put my money than where I can guard it myself?”

“And Ah’m sure Tank makes a great security system when yer away,” Applejack joked. “Well, if yer gonna start livin’ with us at the farm, yer gonna hafta get used ta comin’ here.”

Rainbow frowned. “Why?”

Applejack paused to converse briefly with the teller before returning her attention to Rainbow. “It’s the way we handle money nowadays. Mac did some stuff with his mathematics and found out we could turn a profit if we pooled all our money together and tossed it in one o’ these here vaults.” Applejack gestured to the rows of them on each side of the hallway they were being led through.

“So… how does that affect me?” Rainbow asked quizzically.

Applejack smiled. “Yer one o’ the family now, ain’t ya? Besides, with all this money ya got saved up, we could make a lot on interest.”

Rainbow frowned, nodding hesitantly. “I guess so,” Rainbow admitted.

The rest of their walk was had in silence before they stopped at the Apple Family’s vault, which they were let into by their attendant. Applejack shifted her saddlebags as they walked inside. Rainbow inspected them more closely, noting they were considerably more bloated than she expected.

“Wait, what do you mean by ‘this money’?” Rainbow questioned.

Applejack smiled sheepishly, removing her saddlebags to reveal the bits inside. “Ya never did ask me why Ah brought mah saddlebags.”

Rainbow’s eye twitched. “You took my money? When did you even… How did you…?”

“Under the mattress ain’t exactly the most secret spot ta keep yer bits, sugarcube,” Applejack joked weakly, hoping to ease the tension. Rainbow responded by narrowing her eyes at her. “Okay, Ah’m sorry. Ah knew ya probably wouldn’t like the idea, and Ah didn’t know when Ah’d get another chance like this.”

“You could have at least told me first!” Rainbow argued.

“Ah didn’t think ya would let me!” Applejack insisted. “Ah was just thinkin’ o’ the family. It probably don’t show much this early inta the harvest season, but we ain’t exactly in the best shape right now. Granny’s gettin’ older, an’ she can’t make as many trips out ta town anymore, an’ that means we gotta sacrifice some valuable harvest time ta go in her place. It might not sound like much, but in the heart o’ Applebuck Season, that could mean the difference between twenty rotten apples and two hundred.

“Ya really have been a great help so far, sugarcube, but this is just the foal’s work we’ve been doin’ so far. It’s gonna get a lot harder, and we’re gonna have less time fer all o’ this. Ah know yer really worked up about this whole band idea, but we just ain’t got the bits ta spare right now, and, well, yer carryin’ so much that…” Applejack hung her head dejectedly, unable to meet Rainbow’s softening glare. “Ah really didn’t mean ta make ya upset. It would just be such a load off everypony’s shoulders if we had some extra bits around.”

Rainbow sighed, lifting Applejack’s head with a hoof. “I can’t stay mad at you. Especially when you go and pour your heart out at me like that.” Rainbow averted her gaze briefly. “But… I’m not stupid, you know. And you’re not alone. I might not have the experience you do working on the farm, but I can still help with some of the decisions. That’s what family’s all about, right?”

Applejack looked at Rainbow with teary eyes, a smile slowly growing on her face. “Ya really are the best, Rainbow.”

Rainbow smiled back. “And it’s not just me, either. I’m sure Rarity would be willing to help out whenever she’s not busy with her dressmaking. She helped yesterday, didn’t she? Probably a bit more than I’d have expected from her. I mean, if all you’d need her to do is make a trip to the marketplace now and then, I’m sure that’s something she could handle.”

“Ya never know with Rarity, though,” Applejack put in. “Ah mean, just think how much she’s been foolin’ us with such simple stuff.”

Rainbow laughed lightly. “Yeah, she can be a little shifty sometimes. But you see how she’s practically glued herself to Mac.”

Applejack nodded, chuckling. “Are ya sure yer alright with this?”

“If you’re really hurting for money that much…” Rainbow smirked. “You are providing food for me.”

“Ah was pretty surprised ta see how much ya had left over. Could it be that ya were milkin’ it a bit when ya said ya’d need ta live on apples fer a month?”

“Hey, that thousand we took was my food money. The rest was my… other stuff money.”

Applejack cocked a brow. “And that other stuff is more important to ya than food?”

Rainbow blushed. “Well, when I’ve got such a willing source of food already…”

Applejack chuckled helplessly. “So what is that other thing ya were keepin’ all that money for?”

“Oh, you know, Wonderbolts shows. Tickets can get expensive, you know. And then there’s the travel, the merch, all sorts of stuff,” Rainbow rattled off absently.

“Ya really do love yer Wonderbolts, Dash,” Applejack mused.

“Yeah, I actually-“ Rainbow paused, blinked and shook her head violently.

Applejack frowned. “Somethin’ wrong, sugarcube?”

“No it- it’s nothing. We should probably just deposit what we don’t need and head on over to the music shop,” Rainbow said unconvincingly.

“Ah thought we were makin’ a promise not ta keep secrets, Rainbow,” Applejack prodded.

“I really…” Rainbow spared a glance to the vault door to confirm that their attendant was still standing there, looking bored. “I really don’t want to talk about this here. Can we please just… get out of here?”

Applejack sighed. Normally this would be the part where Rainbow would avoid the question for the rest of the day, but this time… “Alright, but ya gotta promise me we’ll talk when we get back home.”

“Promise,” Rainbow responded eagerly.

Applejack smirked, counting out the bits in her saddlebags. “How much ya think we’ll need?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I’d say take a thousand just to be safe. Whatever we don’t use we can keep on hoof.”

Applejack nodded, separating a thousand bits from the pile, leaving about three thousand to be deposited. Applejack deposited the thousand bits back into her saddlebags, leaving the rest to be sorted by the attendant. Within a few seconds, the attendant showed them out, locking the vault behind them.

Being out of the bank filled Rainbow with an odd sense of freedom. Something about having no view of the sky really unsettled her. She fell into step beside Applejack as they made their way across town. Applejack sent frequent glances her way, as if to make sure she hadn’t run off. Rainbow met her with a smile each time, but couldn’t help but feel a little hurt that Applejack still didn’t trust her completely.

“You should be more worried about the drum set being there than me,” Rainbow blurted.

Applejack turned to regard Rainbow with obvious befuddlement. “Why would Ah be worried about you not bein’ there, sugarcube?”

Rainbow frowned. “Because you keep looking at me funny!”

Applejack matched Rainbow’s frown. “Ah keep lookin’ at ya ‘cause Ah’m worried about ya. Ya’ve been actin’ real edgy ever since Ah brought up the Wonderbolts.”

Rainbow’s face hardened. “Well, let’s just say you’ve got your problems, and I’ve got mine.” Rainbow took off with a flap of her wings, rushing off towards their destination.

Applejack’s ears drooped at Rainbow’s unexpected departure. “What’s goin’ on inside that head o’ yers, Rainbow?” Applejack muttered to herself.

Rainbow was silent for the rest of their trip; pointedly avoiding physical contact, never meeting Applejack’s eye. Applejack grew increasingly worried for her marefriend, hoping she hadn’t done something to bring this about, but unable to get a response from her either way.

The drum set was purchased with little enthusiasm, and ran them about six hundred bits. Applejack hefted the kit up onto her back, thankful that it was held together at a central point. Rainbow took off for the farm as soon as Applejack looked to be able to walk without falling over.

Applejack sighed, able to take solace only in Rainbow’s promise to talk once they got back to the farm. But she was starting to really get worried that this might be something words alone couldn’t fix.

Applejack arrived to a quiet farmhouse. Granny was asleep, and Big Mac and Apple Bloom were absent. Applejack didn’t know whether to be grateful or jealous. She deposited the drum set in her closet, not finding Rainbow in her room. She moved to her window, scanning the orchard for any sign of her marefriend, though none was to be found.

Applejack was startled as she heard Rainbow curse loudly from within her room, followed by what sounded like… sobbing? Applejack rushed in to comfort Rainbow, but was pushed away. “Rainbow, please. Tell me what’s wrong.”

In place of an answer, Rainbow merely gestured weakly to a letter by her bedside. Applejack instantly recognized the seal of the Wonderbolts and set about reading the missive.

Dear Rainbow Dash,

As captain of the Wonderbolts, it is my honor to inform you that you have been accepted into our ranks. I knew you were something special ever since you saved us back at the Best Young Flier’s competition a couple years back. You proved yourself to me at the Academy, and it didn’t take much to convince the others. Now that a spot has opened up, we’re proud to have it filled by such a promising prospect as yourself. That being said, you have a month to report before your position is forfeit.

Your Captain,

Spitfire

Applejack’s jaw slackened. Rainbow had done it, she had achieved her lifelong dream. So why was she so upset? Applejack re-read the letter, wondering if she had missed some slight or other, but came up empty.

“Rainbow, this is great news! Ya’ve been wantin’ ta get inta the Wonderbolts fer as long as Ah’ve known ya,” Applejack said, placing a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder, which was not shoved away this time.

Rainbow turned herself to face Applejack, fur matted with tears, nose dripping mucus. “Don’t you get it, AJ? This is exactly what I’ve been afraid of since this whole thing started. I was literally just talking about how I’d be there for you, and now look!” Rainbow gestured again to the letter.

“Ah am, sugarcube, and Ah couldn’t be more proud of ya,” Applejack insisted.

Rainbow choked back a sob. “I have a month, AJ! If I don’t go to them, I might never get this chance again. But going to them would mean that…” Rainbow paused, before continuing in a small voice. “It would mean that I’d have to leave.”

Applejack blinked back a couple of brimming tears. “Whaddya mean, Rainbow? Ya said yerself, ya’d always be here-“

“And I can’t do that!” Rainbow burst out. “The Wonderbolts are my life, AJ, and they really would be if I joined. I’d have maybe three weeks out of a year to come back to spend with you, and I can’t do that! And if you’re really hurting so much for money, that would mean you’d have to somehow make it work without me.”

“Ah’m sure we could figure somethin’ out, sugarcube. Ah mean, what if ya just joined part-time-“

“There’s no such thing as a part-time Wonderbolt, AJ! It’s all or nothing with them. Don’t you get it? To join them I’d have to leave behind the most amazing mare in Equestria. But to stay, I’d have to throw away everything I’ve worked for the past fifteen years of my life!” Rainbow shivered, prompting Applejack to wrap her in a warm embrace, pulling the covers over them both.

“We can get through this, Rainbow,” Applejack promised. “It won’t be easy without ya, but Ah can’t take somethin’ like that away from ya. We’ll find some way to get by, and you can go live yer dream. Just… promise me you’ll come back someday.”

Rainbow let out a ratcheting sob, breaking out in tears again. “What the buck am I supposed to do, AJ?”

“Just relax,” Applejack soothed, fighting back her own tears. “We’ve got a month ta figure this out. We don’t gotta commit ta anything just yet. So how’s about you take yer own advice fer once and stop worryin’ so much?”

Rainbow looked up to Applejack’s hopeful face. She could never say no to that face. For Applejack, she had to be strong; she had to be there while she could. If this was to be their last month together, she’d be damned if it wasn’t the best month of their lives.

“I… I lo-“

“Shh, no need ta be hasty now,” Applejack interrupted softly. “The time’s gonna come when we’re ready to call it that. But right now, let’s just enjoy our time together and leave all that technical stuff outta it.”

“Okay,” Rainbow answered in a small voice. “But, do you…?”

Applejack tightened her grip. “With all mah heart, sugarcube.”

Rainbow beamed, planting a shaky kiss on Applejack’s nose. Applejack would have returned it, but…

“Let’s get ya all cleaned up, sugarcube,” Applejack suggested. “We still got a couple hours ta do whatever ya’d like.”

Rainbow blushed at the first thought that came to mind, revealing her hoof to Applejack immediately.

Applejack giggled. “Ah’m sure we could arrange that.” Applejack hefted Rainbow onto her back. “Now come on, we got a nice, hot shower waitin’ fer us.”

Rainbow nuzzled into Applejack’s neck. “You’re too damn good to me, AJ.”

“Only as good as ya deserve, sugarcube,” Applejack returned with a smile.

Clop it!

Big Macintosh walked through Ponyville feeling accomplished. He’d managed to regain a good friend and spend a good lunch catching up on things. In all, it was a good day. His only problem was that he had no idea where Rarity was. They hadn’t set up a meeting point or anything, and it was getting rather close to dinner time.

On a hunch, Mac made his way over to the library. Through the window, he saw Rarity and Spike talking animatedly. Ah guess that means everythin’ turned out alright, Mac concluded before raising a hoof to knock on the door. It was opened before he could, though, and Spike stood at the door.

“Hey, Mac. No hard feelings, buddy. I’m not really sure I’d have been able to get over the whole stallion thing anyway,” Spike said, shaking Mac’s hoof and leading him inside.

“Oh, hello Mac,” Rarity greeted, coming up to nuzzle him. “I’m sorry, I must have lost track of the time. Spike’s just been such a dear about all this.”

Spike grinned. “So, Mac, what’s it like?”

Mac blinked. “Beg pardon?”

“You know, dating a secret stallion,” Spike clarified. “I’m still not sure if it’s really coltcuddling. I mean, she’s practically a mare; she just has the wrong parts. Does that still count, or…?”

“Ah wouldn’t know,” Mac answered uncertainly, glancing to Rarity to silently question Spike’s odd behavior.

Rarity merely shrugged. “It’s all up to interpretation, I suppose.”

“I still can’t believe I never noticed that you had a dick, Rarity,” Spike went on.

“You wouldn’t have, dear. I keep it hidden in public.”

Spike cocked his head. “There’s a spell for that?”

Rarity nodded. “Rather odd, isn’t it?”

“It’s definitely not one Twilight knows,” Spike laughed. “So what about the sex? How’s that?”

Big Mac spluttered. “Ah… Ah don’-

“We haven’t delved too deep into that, but I’ll be sure to tell you when we do,” Rarity promised, winking at Mac.

“Rare! What-“

“I think we should be going, however. It was lovely talking to you, but we wouldn’t want to miss dinner again, would we?” Rarity shot Mac a meaningful glance.

“Oh, right, dinner. Uh, don’t you go getting’ inta any trouble now, y’hear?”

Spike chuckled. “Oh, you don’t have to worry about me.”

Rarity smiled, pushing Mac out the door. “Well then, shall we?” Mac followed along sheepishly, not entirely comfortable with Rarity’s openness.

“So, AJ…” Rainbow started, returning to Applejack’s room after their shower. “How long do you think we have before things start getting hectic around here?”

Applejack thought for a moment. “It usually doesn’t start to get too bad ‘til a couple weeks in. Not to say it’s gonna get any easier next week, but it shouldn’t be too bad.”

“Oh, so we have some time?” Rainbow asked hopefully.

Applejack nodded. “And Ah promise we’ll find time fer band practice through it all. Even if we gotta stay up all night.”

Rainbow chortled. “Alright, then I promise to stop being stupid and really enjoy myself again. No use worrying about the future, right?”

“Yer almost as bad as me,” Applejack jested.

“I know, it’s like we’re infecting each other,” Rainbow laughed. “It’s kinda cool.”

“And here Ah though ya were too old ta believe in cooties.”

Rainbow frowned. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

Applejack just laughed, happily tormenting her newly-reformed marefriend. Rainbow was quick to respond to Applejack’s taunts by tackling her onto her bed and commencing her all-out assault. Tickling, cuddling, kissing, hugging, Rainbow threw just about everything she had at the upstart farmer.

“You give up yet?” Rainbow taunted.

“Never!” Applejack tackled Rainbow down to the pillows, pinning her down by her shoulders.

“A hostage situation? You’ll never get me to talk!” Rainbow wriggled around in Applejack’s grip, but it was too strong.

“Ah just did, and Ah didn’t even have ta do nothin’,” Applejack chuckled.

“Touché.” Rainbow fought back with her only remaining appendage, kissing Applejack full on the lips. Applejack giggled into the kiss, deepening it and releasing Rainbow’s shoulders to wrap her hooves around her midsection. Rainbow happily returned the embrace, feeling like it had been too long since they had shared a moment like this.

Their kiss was brought to an early end as Granny Smith called the family together for dinner. Applejack parted reluctantly, but Rainbow smiled. “Don’t worry; we’ll have plenty of time after dinner. Maybe even a little during?”

“Ah’m sure Granny would be thrilled ta have us makin’ out on the table,” Applejack agreed jokingly.

“Well, then what are we waiting for, let’s go!” Rainbow rushed off eagerly, leaving Applejack to worry she had given Rainbow false hope. But upon arriving at the table to see her smiling face, Applejack found she actually might be willing to oblige, if not for the spread Granny had set before them.

Applejack looked around the table, sensing something amiss. “Where’s Apple Bloom?”

“She and her little friends are stayin’ over at Scootaloo’s tonight, or so Ah hear,” Granny said. “Come ta think of it, Ah’m not sure where that is, exactly.”

“Oh, it’s none too far,” Applejack laughed. “Closer ‘n any o’ us woulda expected.”

“I knew it, she lives in the closet!”

Applejack had to stop herself from spitting out her mouthful of apple juice in her mirth. “Have Ah told you that yer terrible today?”

Rainbow shrugged. “I can never remember.”

Applejack lost herself to a fit of giggles, unspeakably glad to have Rainbow acting like herself again.

“Oh, and Rarity, we totally beat you to the plot stuff.”

Applejack and Rainbow retired to their room on shaky legs. The night had been filled with mirth, fueled by this sense of inebriation they had developed despite not partaking in any alcohol.

“…And then it was like kaboom and it exploded! But I got out just in the nick of time ‘cuz I’m awesome like that,” Rainbow finished her latest Daring Do inspired tale.

Applejack chortled. “Yer a silly pony, ya know that?”

“I know you are, but what am I?” Rainbow countered, swaying and almost crashing into Applejack as they crossed the threshold of Applejack’s room.

“Impossible,” Applejack giggled, pushing Rainbow onto the bed, joining her shortly after. “And sexy.”

“Impossibly sexy?” Rainbow suggested. “I think I can live with that.”

Applejack placed a kiss on the impossibly sexy pegasus’ forehead. “Good night, you sexy thing.”

“No, you’re the-“ Rainbow’s thought was interrupted by a snore as she fell asleep. Applejack laughed herself to sleep beside her, unable to figure out why she was feeling so giddy.

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait again! They keep getting longer D: But there's so much stuff that it's like, blah. But here we are, at the end of week one! Now only three more to go o.o