Heart-Shaped Horseshoes

Chapters

Behind the dark shades (Photo Finish X Hoity Toity)
Following your lead (Soarin X Thunderlane)
Old Traditions (Little Strongheart X Rainbow Dash)
Dreams and Tears (Princess Luna x King Sombra)
Perfect Match (Fancypants X Hayseed Turnip)
Clashing Strings (Octavia Melody X Lyra Heartstrings)
Never Alone (Granny Smith x Mr. Waddle)
Starting anew (Braeburn X Caramel)
New Student (Babs Seed x Cheerilee)
Assertive Date (Fluttershy x Iron Will)
My Prince (Flash Sentry x Shining Armor)
Incomplete Schedule (Time Turner x Mayor Mare)
Lost Tune (Frederick Horseshoepin X Meadow Song)
Disguises ( “Daring Do” X “Mare-do-Well”)
Second Chances (Lightning Dust x Trixie Lulamoon)

Behind the dark shades (Photo Finish X Hoity Toity)

Photo Finish was a lie.

Her looks, her accent. Everything about her was nothing but a clever disguise to hide the real mare. The disguise was necessary; it was the only way a simple earth pony from Baltimare could make a name for herself in the big capital of Canterlot. Ponies in high society tended to look down on those that lack the horn to create illusions or the wings to soar the skies. Earth pony artists were only appreciated as musicians because it takes a terrible amount of training to master any instrument. But Photo Finish´s special talent wasn't musical, it was a keen eye to detect the hidden potential in every fashion model and designer. But such keen eye will loose all its power if somepony could see the tenderness in them.

That´s why she wore the glasses. Those thick, tinted shades hid the one thing she couldn't fake. She couldn't hide the pain when one of her shows fails nor the pride when one of her models was given an award. She had the mastered the art to keep a completely unfazed expression but her eyes betrayed her every time.

So when he entered the room, while her body remained frozen in place, a posture that any member of the Royal Guard will envy; her eyes were trembling with fear. Fear of his rejection, of his mockery, of failure.

“Photo Finish, I don't think we had the pleasure to meet,” Hoity Toity, the most influent pony in the fashion worlds, said to her.

“We have not,” Photo Finish replied, her tone harsh and soulless.

“Well, I did assist to one of your Spring Parades. It was quite a spectacle. Making the pegasi models walk the aisle with their wings raised was a clever idea.”

“It was intentional. They were meant to represents the southern birds returning for the spring. It was inspired in a beautiful scene I saw during a visit to a pedestrian town.”

She hated using those words. She hated playing the game of the arrogant ponies that believe that anypony that comes from a farmer or merchant family is not worthy of stepping inside the Royal Palace.

“Ponyville, perhaps? Lovely town. Food not so much, I've never been a fan of apples.”

She didn't reply. It took all her effort to remain still, never showing any signs of weakness.

Hoity cleared his throat and said, “Well then, I'll like to see your designs.”

Photo Finish guided him across the scenario where all the models were getting ready for tonight´s show. Feathers and manes were tied together, glitter applied in eyes and horns, mares were transformed into completely different beings. Hoity observed the transformation carefully, tapping his chin. He didn't said a single word, he just observed and occasionally nodded at an assistant.

Nopony could tell if Photo Finish was nervous, her posture was perfect. It was behind the shades were the truth lied.

“It´s quite an interesting concept,” he said. “A monster themed parade.”

“Not monsters, nightmares! Nightmare Night is coming next week and the best way to welcome it, it´s with a parade of everypony worst nightmares. A terrifying cockatrice, that can turns strayed foals into stone! The vicious timberwolves that roam in the dark shadows of the forest! And the big finale, the Mare that brings nightmares and fears, Nightmare Moon!” she explained.

Her assistants applauded, they admired her work and passions. She appreciated them but she didn't look for their approval., She wanted his, she knew that the snob ponies in Canterlot listened to Hoity toity. That his word was law in the fashion world and she needed to impress him, to make him realize how talented she really was.

She looked at him, not a single expression on her face. But her eyes trembling, her eyes were almost filled with tears, as she waited for his critique.

“It´s...nice.”

The entire room fell silent.

“It´s creative, don't get me wrong. But I feel it´s a little forced. Almost like you're trying to be scary instead of showing actual scary images. That makes it lose some impact. The costumes are too elaborated to be frightening,” he said.

Photo Finish´s mask broke, not even her shades could contain her pain. Her mouth opened in a clear expression of surprise and her body went limp. Hoity and the assistant noticed this but when they tried to reach her, she ran. She turned around so fast that her shades fell off.

Her lies laid in the ground, exposed to all.

Photo Finish ran outside of the building until she eventually reached one of the many bridges of Canterlot. From that spot the entire city was at display. She looked at the Palace towers and the imposing mountain behind it. Looking up at the ancient history of Equestria, she felt as small as a ladybug hiding in a rose field. A little dot that was barely visible, lost in the scenery.

“You forgot these,” Hoity said, handing her a pair of glasses.

Photo Finish took them but didn't put them, she simply stared at them. She stared at the shield she wore every day. Hoity Toity walked next to her and looked up at the buildings.

“Always impressive. Still, Manehattan has the best looks. Have you seen the city at night?” Hoity asked her.

“I dislike Manehattan. it´s just like Canterlot, only the servants and the snobs trade costumes,” she said and looked back at the towers. “Every place is the same. I want to visit a different place, where no disguises are needed.”

“You live in such a place, Photo. Every time you put on a show, you show ponies that world. You invite them, to see the world that only you can see.”

She looked at him, surprised. “I was under the impression you dislike my work.”

“I didn´t liked this particular show of yours but, first lesson I learned when I got into the fashion business, is that not everypony is going to like your work,” he said, taking off his glasses and cleaning them with a handkerchief.

“Speaking from experience?” she asked him.

“Everypony is a critic,” he said, dodging the question. He looked at her who was looking back and commented, “Lovely eyes. Why hide them?”

She blushed and turned her face. “I have my reasons.”

“Same reasons for the accent?”

“What about yours?” she replied.

“Genuine Trottingham accent, my dear.”

Photo Finish turned her head again, making a very forced “Hmph!” sound. Hoity smiled and put his glasses back. To any onlooker, it will simply be like the pair of most important ponies of fashion were standing in a bridge, searching for inspiration.

But what the shades hide were their eyes trying to meet. They couldn't allow their bodies to get closer, they had to fight the impulse to hold their hooves, despite both feeling like doing that.

Instead, they adjusted their glasses, keeping the rising attraction hidden from any judgemental eyes. The lie remained in the surface but behind the dark shades, love was in bloom.

Following your lead (Soarin X Thunderlane)

“Fillies and gentlecolts, I present to you, your heroes...the Wonderbolts!”

The entire crowd cheered as the dashing blue and yellow streaks soar the skies above the stadium. They did a flawless routine and landed one at a time, following the chain of command. The crowd cheered in return, their stomping diminishing as they moved from Captain to Lieutenant and simple squadron members.

When Thunderlane landed, he barely got a cheer. He wished his brother was there to get at least one enthusiastic follower. However, he had a position in the team and must keep a straight face, no matter what.

“For your services to the kingdom, I´m honored to give you this honor...” Princess Celestia said as she placed a medal on Spitfire. She bowed to the Princess and the alicorn moved to the next pegasus.

Thunderlane watched Soarin lower his head and smile at the Princess. A few seconds ago he was looking at him from behind, like he usually does. Rainbow Dash always cracks a joke about it but it can't be avoid, his position is always at the back of Soarin. Now, he finally gets a chance to look him at the face and watching his humble smiling face makes his chest feel warmer. But the feeling soon went away when he noticed that Princess Celestia is too far away and she isn't carrying enough medals.

Later that night, Thunderlane barely talked to anypony during the reception. He stayed in a corner, gulping drink after drink. He couldn't stand being in a crowd when there was nothing hanging from his neck.

“Hey there, where have you been all night?” he heard a voice behind him. Soarin approached him with a goofy smile and a little red on his cheeks, proving he had been drinking a lot. Some of the red was also lipstick, proving that he was still popular with the ladies.

Thunderlane ignored him and continued with his drink.

“I was starting to feel suffocated in there. Those snob ponies of Canterlot can be quite clingy,” Soarin joked and placed an arm over him. Thunderlane kept drinking in silence. “But it does feels nice getting a little bit of attention now and then. Usually Spitfire gets all the looks, if you know what I mean!” Soarin joked and leaned his head against Thunderlane, softly nuzzling him. Thunderlane responded pushing him aside with a wing.

Soarin looked confused at him but the brown pegasus said nothing and left the bar, moving to a balcony.

Soarin catched up with him and asked Thunderlane what was wrong.

“That,” he said, pointing at the medal hanging from Soarin´s neck.

“What about it?” he asked, still confused.

“You don't get it,” Thunderlane said and turned around, facing the night sky. He still had his drink on a wing and decided to finish it.

“Hey, talk to me. What´s wrong?” Soarin asked.

Thunderlane lowered some of his defenses and said. “How long has it been since I first put on the uniform?”

“Well, I wasn't there to check you on but...”

Thunderlan growled, not in the mod for Soarin´s jokes.

“What exactly are you asking, Thunderlane?”

Thunderlane took a deep breath and looked at the stars before answering. “I'm always looking at your back. Always behind you. That didn't used to bother me but it does now because now I feel I will never catch on with you, that I will never be your equal.”

“What are you talking about? Of course you´re my equal! Damnit, have you been listening to those rumours again that you're using me to get a promotion?”

“No, it´s not that...but they do have a point. It´s obvious that I don't have the talent to be in the Lead Squad, not even dating the Second in Command of the team.”

“Cut it off, Thunderlane!” Soarin said and turned him around. “You have talent, you're one of the best fliers I know!”

“Then why I'm always behind you?”

“Because...because I need you behind me.” Thunderlane watched Soarin as he struggled finding the words, fighting against the cloud of alcohol and doubts. “Look, one day you will be at my side or hay, maybe even ahead of me. But right now, I need you behind me. I'm not saying that I've been pushing your application to the Lead Squad or anything. Truth is, you're far down in the list. You can guess who is the top spot, right?”

Thunderlane just rolled his eyes, not even needed to say that cocky mare name.

“But even if you were the top candidate, I'll still be nervous. I dread the day that you will move from your position and no longer cover my back. I´m not that strong, I need to play the part for them, to look confident and strong; but the truth is, that I really need somepony to catch me if I ever fall.”

Thunderlane looked straight into Saorin´s eyes, repeating every word he just heard. He then smiled and gave a small punch at his coltfriend´s chin.

“Seems the booze is getting into your head. Since when are you so sappy?” he joked.

“And since when you´re not the soul of the party? Are all those stories I heard about you bringing a snow cloud into one of Pinkie Pie´s pool parties a lie?”

“Hay no! I made it snow all over the pool! Flitter and Rarity chased me across town because I ruined their tanning!”

Soarin laughed and patted Thunderlane in the back. Thunderlane leaned forward and gave him a small kiss on the lips. Sorin smiled and returned the gesture and they nuzzled for a while, big goofy smiles on their faces.

“Wanna come back inside?” Soarin asked.

“Sure. Lead the way.”

Old Traditions (Little Strongheart X Rainbow Dash)

Buffalos had many traditions, some for female, some for male. As time had passed, some traditions slightly changed. Strength competition that used to be solely for makes, now had calves head-butting and holding their ground like any male would. Same way, some young males had proven their worth getting into dangerous valleys looking for medicinal herbs, a task that used to be exclusive of females.

But despite all those changes, it was still an unusual sight for the buffalos to see a female in a mating competition. Especially, a female pony.

Rainbow Dash didn't exactly understand what was this about. She only got the basics from Chief Thunderhooves. It was custom for buffalos to have several marriage proposals so disputes were solved with a race across a canyon. Rainbow couldn't quite follow the logic behind it but it was certainly easier that how things worked in Ponyville where things could get ugly. Rainbow had already been in a love triangle with a mare and a stallion and didn´t wanted to repeat that.This was much better for her, after all, races were her bread and butter.

The other buffaloes looked at the tiny cyan pony next to them and snorted. She didn't stand a chance, they thought. Rainbow ignored them, she was concerned by how she looked. She couldn't decide if she looked cool with her face painted or silly with the feathered headband. The Chief had insisted this was necessary so Rainbow said nothing and put on the silly headband. She liked the Chief and had the feeling he liked her back. That was the only reason she could think off as to why she agreed for her to compete for the hoof of Little Strongheart.

The strong.-willed but gentle calf had several suitors already, being so popular amongst the males. Rainbow wasn't scared by them, she wasn't going to give up on her. She had never met somebody that could keep up with her on a race, even with her advantage of having wings. Strongheart was fast, agile and more important, tenacious. Rainbow was impressed by her and could feel her heart beating faster when racing with her. But her heart didn't slowed down when they were resting together. It was still beating like when she was diving at full-speed and then Rainbow Dash knew it, she was in love with Little Strongheart.

Speaking of wings and diving, she had her wings tied up. Memories of a silly argument with Applejack years ago came by but this time there was a reason why she was tied. She wasn't allowed to fly over the canyon, that would be unfair. Rainbow was actually okay with this. She was excited of having a handicap and proving her worth.

She looked at the side where all the females were waiting for the race to begin. They were all wearing some traditional dresses and Rainbow had to admit they made all look really attractive. Strongheart noticed her looking and Rainbow winked at her, causing the calf to blush. Finally, Chief Thunderhooves told the contestants to get ready. He was about to start a speech before the race but luckily he was cut short by his wife and the race begun.

Rainbow was really out of her element. She was too small and couldn't gather enough force to push the other buffaloes. They almost stomp on her a few times but Rainbow had dexterity on her side and was able to avoid them. However, she was getting behind. The canyon was too narrow and she couldn't maneuver enough to get ahead. She also underestimated her rivals, they were a lot faster than she thought. Debris and smoke hit her face and Rainbow almost fell. Surrounded by the mass of buffaloes, she wondered why she was doing this and then she remembered.

She remembered Strongheart´s gleaming eyes. She remembered her sweet laugh when getting ahead of her. She remembered her hair falling down she let go off her headband and cooled her head on a waterfall. She remembered that first kiss. She just couldn't resist and follower her impulses, forcing a kiss on her. She closed her eyes then and couldn't saw Strongheart´s expression. She obviously didn´t got mad because she returned the kiss and they laid next to the lake, making out for hours.

The memories brought back her strength. Rainbow thought of a way to get ahead. She was told she couldn't fly but she heard nobody telling her she couldn't jump, so she jumped on the back of her opponents and swiftly moved from buffalo to buffalo until she was at first place. With a confident grin, Rainbow pushed her legs to the limit and reached the goal.

The others buffaloes were obviously not happy. Some of the females weren´tpleased as well, thinking that Rainbow was showing off too much; which she was, with her dancing in the air and all that. Chief Thunderhooves put down the argument, stating that Rainbow had not broke any actual rules and thus, she was the only suitor with rights to marry Strongheart for reaching the goal first.

Rainbow rushed next to Strongheart and placed an arm around her. “That's right, losers! She is all mine!” she declared.

Little Strongheart pushed her away. “Is that all that I am for you? A prize to claim?”

Rainbow wasn't expecting that and was speechless.

Little Strongheart turned over and ran back to her tent. Rainbow looked at the Chief who looked away, disappointed. Rainbow slapped her own face and rushed after Strongheart.

She peeked inside the tent and found Strongheart tossing her garments.

“Hey...”

Strongheart refused to look at her.

“Hey, I´m sorry. It wasn't my intention. I got a big mouth and that always gets me in troubles,” Rainbow explained.

Strongheart still refused to look at her.

“Look, I didn't mean to treat you like that. I honestly do like you, a lot. Hay, I think I'm love with you. But if you don't want to have me as your partner or whatever you buffaloes call it, I understand,” Rainbow said and placed her headband on the tent's floor.

Rainbow was just leaving when Strongheart came out of the tent and tackled her. Rainbow looked up and found her smiling with teary eyes.

“Gotcha.”

“Heh, my wings are tied,” Rainbow said.

“Even i they weren't, I could still catch you.”

“You can try,” Rainbow dared her and they moved into a kiss.

The celebration was a bit too early. Rainbow ignored it but technically she still had to go for several other trials, including giving presents to Strongheart´s parents and drinking the traditional cactus juice. Strongheart decided to explain all of that later.

Right now, she was busy claiming her prize.

Dreams and Tears (Princess Luna x King Sombra)

Princess Luna was the guardian of dreams, but who looked after her when she slept?

In her dreams, Princess Luna was falling. Not flying but plummeting to the ground, unable to control her fall. She couldn't fly, she couldn't even teleport, she was helpless, falling into darkness. Falling into her memories.

The memories were opaque, colours diluted and voices muffled. She was in her throne room alongside her sister, she could barely remember what she said. It´s like a fog was surroudning her, drowning every sound.

He walks into the room and bows before them. Something in his eyes, his gleaming jade colored eyes. He didn't smiled, he kept the same monotone tone when exposing his arguments to the Princesses, but she couldn't stop looking at him, at those eyes.

Princess Luna tried to escape from her dream, fighting against the covers in her bedroom. It was to no use. She kept falling and falling, deeper into oblivion.

The stars were bright in the sky but she couldn't remember placing them there. They seem so artificial and lifeless, almost like she was staring at a picture. He was standing next to her in the balcony, both looking at the distance, where the Crystal Empire rested. She wanted to talk to him, she wanted to know more about this royal counselor who wanted to explore the kingdom far north and harness its power. Celestia was wary of him, she feared power might overcome him but Luna could understand him. She knew what ambition was and how much it weighed in the chest.

Luna was still staring and his eyes and blushed when he noticed it. He asked for her hoof and kissed it. A simple gesture, set in protocol but Luna blushed harder. The pressure on her chest felt different when he did that.

Luna jumped on her bed, struggling against the shadows that dragged her in her sleep. The guards outside heard the commotion, unsure what to do. The Princess had asked for privacy and they obeyed.

In her dreams, Celestia wasn't the kind, soft spoken sister that she really was. She was tall and imposing, down right frightening. She had her wings spread and the sun burning behind her. She was mad and disappointed at Luna for her words, for defending him, Luna was scared but the feeling on her chest prompted her to stand against her sister, to defend him. Celestia asked her why and Luna couldn't said the words, she couldn't even said them to herself.

Then, she finally hit the bottom. It wasn't hard stone, it was different. It was like crystal. Darkness surrounded her, she couldn't see anything even when invoking a ,ight from her hron,. There was no sound, there was no wind, Everything was static and yet she could felt something around her. Something in the darkness.

The shadows twirled and roared, taking into a different shape. A menacing, monstrous shape. The shape opened its mouth, showing its black fangs. But Luna wasn't afraid of any monster, she was ready to fight the creature of their nightmares when the creature opened its eyes, his beautiful jade colored eyes.

Princess Luna woke up with a scream. Before the guards coudl react, Princess Celestia appeared, ordering them to stand outside. She walked next to her sister and placed a comforting wing around her.

She knew how much Luna´s dream hurt, how much she suffered when they expelled the evil King Sombra. She knew that action broke Luna´s heart, attacking the one she loved.

Her little sister, so fragile, so innocent. Her only crime had been falling in love with one whose heart was too dark to accept her.

Celestia brought Luna closer and let her cry on her shoulder, let her wipe away the dreams along with her tears.

Perfect Match (Fancypants X Hayseed Turnip)

To all the ponies in Canterlot, Fancypants and Fleur de Lis were the perfect match for each other. The sophisticated philanthropist and the stunning supermodel. The perfect picture of both elegance and chivalry. Not a single pony will doubt these two were meant to be together.

Fancypants ignored all the gossip and camera flashes around them while his partner posed over his back. Same routine as always. One saturday however, an unusual impulse made Fancypants sat down in a common cafe and ask for a cup of tea. The waiter was predictable shocked that such an important pony will stop on his common run-of-the-mill store but quickly fetched him his order. Fleur said nothing and sat down in front of him, still posing for the camera.

As he tended to his cup of tea, Fancypants sight was fixed on a particular pony. The type of pony that all Canterlot citizens will ignore and pass by without a second look. A simple window cleaner with bucked teeth and a messy uniform. Fancypants looked at the young colt struggling to get his stuff back after being pushed by some unicorns and decided to got up and talk to him.

“Hope I'm not making a fool of myself but, haven't we met before?” Fancypants asked him.

“I doubt it, sir,” the window cleaner said, fixing his mane that got wet after being hit by his own bucket.

“Ah, that hairstyle. I knew I recognized it. Hayseed Turnip, was it? I seem to recall you had quite a successful cleaning business.”

Hayseed looked at Fancypants, expecting to see an arrogant smug on his face. Instead, Fancypants looked sincerely worried about the earth pony situation.

“Yeah but that was a long time ago. I made some dumb decision and I lost everything,” he explained.

“Oh my, that´s terrible.”

Hayseed simple shrugged and went back to work.

“Don´t mean to intrude but, may I ask why are you still in the city?” Fancypants asked.

“You can tell the Ponyville accent, uh? Well, I could go back to the farm and tell cuz Applejack and the rest that I failed miserably. That's always an option.”

Fancypants bites his own lip, realizing he made a terrible question. He looked back at his table where Fleur was looking at him with an unamused expression. She simply nodded, already knowing what he was going to ask.

“Mr. Hayseed...” Hayseed turned over, curious s to why this fancy pony was still talking to somepony like him. “I might have a business proposition, if you are willing to listen.”

****

Eight months passed by and Canterlot didn´t change done bit. The snob ponies still looked down at the servants and they still believed Fancypants and Fleur were a match made in Celestia´s heaven.

Fancypants looked from his office´s window at the gardens where Hayseed was giving orders to the gardening team for the Princess´visit. In these eight months, the young colt had moved from a simple janitor assistant to being in charge of the entire building from the gardens to the bathrooms. He was a natural born leader and all his co-workers respected him.

Fancypants was proud of him and happy to call him his friend. Every week they shared a business dinner on his office to discuss the progress of the company and in those dinners they also shared personal matters, their stories of love and pain, of raising from the bottom and falling down to failure. They shared a bond, the strongest Fancypants ever had with another pony.

“I still believe lilies will look a lot better than sunflowers. Sunflowers are...uncouth,” Fleur de Lis said from behind Fancypants.

“Hayseed believes the Princess will be pleased by them. they´re her flower, after all,” Fancypants explained.

“Of course you will defend him, dear,” she teased him.

“Well, he is in charge of decorations.”

“Please, you don't need to keep the charade. It´s just the two of us in here,” Fleur said, gently caressing his cheek.

Fancypants sighed, still not able to utter the words. He knew what she meant, he know about the lies he built around him but he wasn't ready to tear them down.

“You know, I tried to make a move on Hayseed a few night ago,” she said.

“Really?” Somehow Fancypants managed to look whiter.

“Yes, but he rejected me. He said that he could never do such a thing for the pony that took him off the garbage can..”

Fancypants sighed, relieved.

“Fun thing is, I'm not sure if he was more worried about me hurting you or about he hurting your trust.”

And with that, Fleur retired, leaving Fancypants looking at the pony that had grown to be his closest confidant and best friend.

****

“Lovely reception, Fancypants. These sunflowers are gorgeous. How did you know they were my favourite flowers?” Princess Celestia asked him.

“To be honest, that was all the work of Hayseed here. He thought of every little detail,” Fancypants explained, inviting his friend to come closer.

Hayseed bowed for the Princess and Celestia smiled.

“Trusting the best pony for the right job. That's one of life's most important lessons in life. I´m glad to see you learned it, Fancypants,” Celestia said.

“It took a while, your Majesty, but I learned that the most important thing in life is keeping the ponies you care the most close to you,” Fancypants said and took Hayseed´s hoof.

He was quite obviously surprised but didn't took his hoof off.

Princess Celestia smiled at them and said “You know, I say you two make a perfect match.”

Clashing Strings (Octavia Melody X Lyra Heartstrings)

“My name is Octavia Melody and this is my presentation, entitled Clashing Strings...”

Music isn't just music, it also tells a story through its notes...

****

This was the story of two mares that had nothing in common.

They both studied in the same musical academy. Usually, unicorns were meant to learn magic or science but this unicorn had a musical Cutie Mark so, she was sent to a conservatory. Her name was Lyra Heartstrings and she was the perfect example of what a student should´t be. She was loud and obnoxious, she never listened to her teachers and experimented in class. Most teacher agreed she had talent but lacked discipline, her performance were furious and energetic but she would never get a seat at the Grand Galloping Gala.

Octavia was her complete opposite. She was calm and demure, always obedient in calss and never drifting one beat from the sheets. Their teachers recognized her great skills but felt she lacked passion, her performance were impeccable but lifeless. She would have a career but never stood up from her peers.

It makes sense then that they were paired together, hoping that they could bring the best of each other. They followed this order but never quite accepted. They barely spoke to each other except during practice hours, they were never what anybody would consider friends. Even when sitting next to each other in theory class, it felt like there was a whole world between them.

The only time they were connected was when doing a performance. When they spoke the language of music, they spoke in one voice. A duo of clashing strings making the perfect music. The whimsical tunes of the lyre matching the grim rhythm of the double bass. Two instruments not meant to be together that made a perfect pair.

Despite that, Lyra never befriended Octavia. She was still a wild spirit, that preferred going to parties that staying in her bedroom practicing like Octavia did. They lived in two different worlds, never meant to be together.

But there was more to that story than that, as second story that escaped from the fiercest movements of Octavia´s performance. A story about a quiet and shy mare that slowly opened to her partner. A story about Octavia that hid behind her stern face a growing attraction for her lively companion. She couldn't express those feelings with words so she tried it with her music, composing a melody for her but Lyra didn't understood it. Her raw emotions were so strong that she failed to see the subtlety behind the notes. She patted “Octi” in the back and laughed words of praise before leaving to another party, leaving behind a blushing player that couldn't muster three simple words.

****

Octavia finishes her melody and sighs, putting down her instrument. The audience cheers for her, clapping and stomping the ground.

Octavia looks at them and bow, bringing an end to her performance.

Never Alone (Granny Smith x Mr. Waddle)

“Good morning, Mr. Waddle!” Apple Bloom chirping, jumping in front of the elder stallion.

“Well good morning to you too, Apple Buck!”

Apple Bloom giggled because the old pony could never remember her name. “Are you here to see Granny Smith, Mr. Waddle?”

“Well yes, I'm here for her exquisite apple pie! You know your grandma makes the best apple pie in all of Ponyville.”

Apple Bloom giggled some more while Mr. Waddle looked confused. He followed her back into the house where Applejack was tending to some plants.

“Morning Applejack.”

“Howdy Mr. Waddle, here for the pies as usual?”

“Sure, the pies,” Apple Bloom saying, wiggling her eyebrows. She quickly stopped when she noticed how stern Applejack looked.

Mr. Waddle still looked confused.

“I'll call Granny right away,” Applejack said, getting inside.

Mr. Waddle smiled at Apple Bloom and she regained her smiled.

“Hello there Woody!” Granny SMith said, coming outside along with Applejack

“Woody?” Apple Bloom asked, suppressing another giggle.

“Well hello there, Granny. I was merely in the neighborhood and thought about tasting some of your apple pies,” Mr. Waddle said, taking off his hat.

“In the neighborhood as in all the way from the retirement home back in town, Woody?” Granny SMith asked.

Mr. Waddle blushed and Apple Bloom didn't giggled until she saw Applejack smiling.

“Don't you try to play me like a fool, Woody. I was outsmarting timberwolves back when you still lacked a Cutie Mark. Now, get inside the kitchen and I'll get a couple of slices for you and those other geezers!” Granny Smith said and Mr. Waddle excused himself into the house.

“Left door, Granny,” Applejack said, noticing how her grandmother was entering a closet.

“I know my way in my own house! Kids these days, always talking back! When I was a little filly...” Mr. Waddle nodded along Granny SMith´s rant, following her into the kitchen.

Apple Bloom was still jumping and giggle so Applejack had to ask “What's gotten into you, squirt?”

“Isn't this so cute? Mr. Waddle is obviously in love with Granny! I wonder when he´s going to get the courage to ask her out in a date!”

“Now hold your horseshoes, didn't you already learn a lesson about not jumping into conclusions?”

“But Applejack, just look at them! They're perfect for eachother! They are friends, they are about the same age and...”

“And?” Applejack asked, noticing how Apple Bloom stopped moving all of a sudden.

“And they're both very lonely.”

Applejack patted her little sister in the head and looked at the kitchen. The sweet augher of Granny Smith, probably after hearing some story about the other old ponies of the town, was coming from it.

****

Applejack and Granny SMith were in the porch, watching as Celestia slowly lowered the sun. Granny was in her rocker and Applejack laid in her stomach, chewing a hay twig like her brother usually does.

“What's gotten into you, squirt?” Granny Smith asked her.

Applejack smiled and tilted her hat. “I was just wondering, you have known Mr. Waddles since a long time now, don't you?”

“Oh yes. Woody used to be your grandaddy bowling partner. You should have seen how ridiculous those two looked in those shirts,” Granny Smith laughed.

Applejack laughed too but she couldn't help but notice the sad glimmer in her grandmother´s eyes.

“You miss grandpa a lot, right Granny?” she asked.

“I miss a lot of ponies, kiddo. That´s what happens when you stick around too much. You eventually ran out of things to do except miss those that are already gone.”

Applejack walked next to her Granny and gave her a tight hug. Despite the warm of the gesture, Applejack could feel a tiny speck of coldness in between them. Applejack knew that was the part that time had taken from her grandma and that no matter how tigh she hugged her, she could never fill that part.

*****

Big Mac was used to the young mares in town getting flustered when he passed by, but seeing the elder mares in the retirement home having the exact same reaction was something new for him, and not something he found very pleasant.

He ignored them the best he could and moved next to Mr. Waddle who was having a chess match with another old stallion that had a golf club for a Cutie Mark.

“Well hello there Big Mcintosh, what can I do for you, young man?” Mr Waddle asked him.

Being the pony of few words that he was, Big Mac simply handled him a flier. Before he got the chance to read it, his partner took it from Mr. Waddle´s hooves.

“A bowling tournament at Sweet Apple Acres? A-ha! A perfect opportunity to finally shut up that noise apple pie flanked grandma of yours, kid!”

“WHy do you always have to be so competitive, Geri?” Mr. Waled asked his partner who replied with a simple “bah!”

Big Mac left the establishment before getting into an argument or being assaulted by the old mares.

****

The bowling tournament actually went smoothly, despite the old ponies being understandably out of shape and having some troubles moving the heavy balls from time to time. Alley Way and the rest of the league players happily helped the Apples settle the fields and the veteran ponies get their balls. Even the Crusaders had a fun time, dragging poor Strike around, trying to get a bowling Cutie Mark like he did.

Applejack smiled, happy to see the farm so full of life. While she adored the simple routine of the farm chores, she also loved the times when ponies, not just from the family, but friends and neighbors were around. She noticed Granny Smith talking to some old pegasus mare with a ball of yarn Cutie Mark and approached her.

“And how are things back at the Weather Factory? Hold on, something is poking my back. What do you want, Applejack? Granny SMith asked.

“I heard that old geezer with the golf club Mark braggin about how he'll beat you for real this year,” Applejack whispered to her.

“Don't talk that way about your elders!” Granny Smith scolded her, slightly hitting her nose. “Now, where's that old stubborn piece of log of Geri?”

Applejack pointed with one hoof while she rubbed her nose with the other.

“What´s this cocka-doo I kept hearing about you beating me for real, Geri?”

“This year, Smith; me and Waddle here are going to beat you, once and for all!” Geri announced, placing an arm over Mr. Waddle who just nervously smiled.

“As if! Come on Porcelain, let´s show this two how mares play baseball!” Granny SMith.

“We're playing bowling, Annie,” an old mare with a tea set for a Cutie Mark replied.

“Potato, tomato...”

Applejack smiled and went to the stands to see the match. Big Mac silently pleaded for her to sit next to him and save him from his elder fans but Applejack smiled and sit far away, getting a laugh at this expenses. Either way, they spend the afternoon cheering out loud for their grandmother.

****

“Well I´ll said, that was quite a match,” Mr. Waddles said, serving some tea.

“I ttry to warm this old doorknob but, does he listen? No sir,” Granny Smith said and Geri replied with a loud “Bah!”

“Oh relax, Geri. You two only lost for five points,” Porcelain said getting her cup of tea from Mr. Waddles.

Geri replied with another “Bah!” and the three of them laughed.

Applejack waved goodbye to the last guest, Matilda and Cranky, and turned back to the porch, where Granny Smith´s sweet laughter was coming from. Applejack noticed how Mr. Waddle blushed when Granny Smith offered a slice of apple but that could have just been his usual bashful self. Maybe she was looking only what she wanted like Apple Bloom, maybe she just wanted so much for her grandma to stop feeling so lonely that she was imagining things. But looking at her grandmother surrounded by so many good friends, Applejack thought that maybe she didn´t need “love” in her life because she already had plenty of love from family and friends.

Smiling, she picked the bowling pins with her teeths and moved next to her siblings and friends, who were dismounting the bowling field. Form the porch in Sweet Apple Acres, more joyful laughter could be heard.

Starting anew (Braeburn X Caramel)

Caramel played with his hat, the chair he was on the very definition of “uncomfortable”, while Sheriff Silverstar struggled to use the typewriter.

“Dman contraptions,” he shouted out loud. “Wish my secretary was still around but the Appleloosan weather was too dry for her Canterlot tastes.”

Caramel nodded, not really sure if he was supposed to say anything.

“So, Caramel was it?”

Caramel nodded.

“I understand you plan to stay in tow for the rest of the harvest season, correct?” the Sheriff asked.

Caramel nodded again.

“Well, your references from the Apple´s farm are quite good. Now, I'm usually not the type to meddle in other ponies business but, as the Sheriff, I have to ask this, why exactly did you came here, son?”

Caramel played with his hat. He knew he will had to answer that question, sooner or alter. He even practiced his answer in the train but now that he was asked, he couldn't help but lie.

“I needed a few extra bits and a friend told me I could get them working here for the season.”

The Sheriff raised and eyebrow, not really buying the story, but like he said, he usually didn´t dwell in other ponies lives. He signed the papers and sent Caramel off.

****

“And over here we have the south field, now you may think these are the same trees as before, but let me tell you...”

Caramel didn't interrupted Braeburn introduction speech, even if he knew everything he will say before he said it. Applejack did the exact same speech when he first visited the farm. The Apples could get really obnoxious about their product sometimes, he thought. Caramel was starting to get a little offended but kept his mouth shut while Braeburn carried on.

“Now, I was about to explain you about how to buck the trees but I heard you already work with my cousins, back there in Ponyville,” Braeburn said.

“Yes, I worked for the Apples of Ponyville for a few years,” Caramel said.

“A lovely family. I´ll said they're the brightest apples in our little barrel of a family,” Braeburn joked but Caramel simply grinned at the comment.

Braeburn noticed this and adjusted his hat. “Now then, let´s get to work.”

*****

Working in the Appleloosan fields was a lot harder than in Sweet Apple Acres, Caramel had to admit. He could understand why the Sheriff´s secretary had leave since the weather was unbereable. The lack of a local pegasi team meant the water had to be brought from other towns.

Harvesting apples on itself wasn't such hard work for Caramel. The fields were slightly smaller than in Ponyville and while the trees were sturdier, he could stick buck them if he aimed right and put enough force; so Caramel didn't find his chores too exhausting.

The part that disturbed Caramel was the silence. Unlike the always loud and lively Apple´s farm back in town, the Appleloosian fields were quiet and lonely. Barebrun was the only Apple in the whole town and he had very few assistants. The townsponies worked their side of the fields in complete silence and they barely crossed paths. Caramel could spent hours walking around the trees, without bumping into any pony until a passing hawk made him look up and realize how big the fields truly were.

Being in the middle of that apple forest, hidden in the desert area of Equestria, made Caramel felt really small.

The only times the town was loud was at night when most of them gathered at the salt bar. Caramel had never been in a salt bar before. Most of Ponyville gathered in Sugarcube Corner or in a restaurant and those places where family friend environments. The salt bar was a completely different beast. All the ponies prances and stomped their ground, shouting songs and throwing hats every time a pretty mare started to dance.

Caramel had refused going to the bar the first couple night but he soon began to feel the looks of other ponies so, one night he went to take a drink. Braeburn was already there, being his usual cheerful side. He spotted Caramel and invited him to the table. He actually had a good time, drinking and chatting. It wasn't until a mare invited him to dance and the other stallions basically pushed him that Caramel started to regret his decision. He tried to smile and pretend to be interested but as soon as the dance ended and he excused himself, he knew they figured it out and decided never to return to town again.

****

Caramel kicked the tree but the apples didn't fell. He tried again but nothing happened. Furious, he tried a third time and once again, not a single apple dropped. Caramel kicked the tree over and over, her hind hooves getting sore after hitting such a hard tree but all he managed was to shake the leafs.

“You do realize you're hitting a dead tree?” Braeburn asked him.

Caramel looked at the almost dead tree with its few leaves and blushed.

“Couldn't tell. They all look pretty much like that,” he lied.

“Here. Help me carry these,” Braeburn said, pushing a bucket full of apples next to him.

Caramel placed the bucket on his saddlebags and walked back to the house, along with Braeburn.

“So you haven´t been going out of the house lately, “ Braeburn said.

“What makes you said that?” Caramel asked.

“You sleep in the next room. hard not to notice your light is always on,” Braeburn said.

Caramel knew that sharing a place with Braeburn it would make difficult keep his privacy. He couldn't afford a room in the hotel and Braeburn just happened to live alone, so living with him seemed like a practical option. But now that he had started to ask questions, Caramel began to regret another of his decisions.

“Now, here in Appleloosa we usually don't mind other ponies business...” Braeburn began.

“I heard that already,” Caramel retorted.

“But if you and me are going to share the same roof, I´ll said is better we start sharing other things too.”

Caramel kept quiet, silently wishing for Braeburn to stop talking. To not ask the question.

“Like, breakfast.”

“Uh?”

“I realized we never shared any any breakfast. or meals. Or dinners, for that matter. You always eat in your room and I fetch something in the kitchen. Well, that has to change. We're living together now, so we better start acting like it. So, here´s the deal, partner. Every morning we take turns making breakfast. start tomorrow, then you. Sounds like a deal?”

Caramel couldn't stand Braeburn´s smile so he just turned his head and said “Fine by me.”

****

Only twelve more weeks, Caramel repeated himself before that first breakfast. He wanted to go through this the easiest way possible but the second he saw the breakfast table, filled with apple related treats, he knew that it wouldn't be easy.

Braeburn had a natural charm, similar to his cousin Applejack´s charisma but in a different light. While Applejack won ponies over with her good-spirited nature, Braeburn inexhaustible energy was contagious. Despite himself, Caramel had to admit breakfast wasn't so painful.

He started to look forward for it. Getting up early every even day to make food for both of them. He wasn't the greatest cook but Braeburn never complained. They shared little at the table, Braeburn doing most of the talk. Like any Apple, he bragged about family and friends but Caramel didn't mind him that much. He especially liked when he talked about buffaloes. In all his time at Appleloosa, he haven't seen one single buffaloe. Caramel was told they were in migration but he still wished to see at least one of them before leaving.

Leaving. As time went by, he started to dread that word. Initially, he wanted the harvest season to end quickly but after a while, the routine he made with Braeburn began to grow in him. They started sharing not just the breakfast but also work in the fields. They met at one point halfway their routes and walked back to the house together. They tried going to the bar a few times but soon, they both realized they enjoyed spending their night time together than with other ponies. They played cards or walked around the rochard, looking at the stars.

One afternoon, when the ponies from Cloudsdale brought the weekly dose of water. When all the settler ponies rushed to fill their bottles and always end up wasting a lot of water, splashing each other. When he saw Braeburn being throw a bucket to the head, his wet mane falling all over his jacket while he laughed out loud; that Caramel knew he had to leave.

****

Caramel was at the train station, anxiously waiting to leave. He would have leave the previous night but the train only worked in the morning. He still had one more day of harvesting to do but he couldn't stay in the farm any longer, he couldn't be around Braeburn anymore.

Caramel tapped the ground, cursing the driver for taking so long to announce he could aboard the train.

“Skipping one day of work. That won't look good on your resume.”

Caramel turned around and found an angry looking Braeburn behind him.

“I need to go back early. Family emergency,” he lied.

“Funny. You mentioned your whole family comes from Fillydelphia and this train here goes straight to Ponyville.”

Caramel didn't answered and kept looking at the driver.

“Why are you running away, Caramel?” he asked.

“No reason. I just feel homesick.”

“Horseapples.” This was the first time caramel had heard him curse. “Don't try to play me dumb ´cause momma here didn't raise no fool. This all because of the way you look at me.”

Caramel turned his head again, blushing.

“Don´t know why you think I didn´t noticed.”

“Yeah, I bet I was really obvious,” Caramel coldly said.

“Not really, but I can tell cause...” Curious, Caramel peeked at the blushing Braeburn. “that´s the same way I look at you, I bet.”

Caramel didn´t know how to respond to that so he kept quiet.

“That´s why you're leaving? Because you think here you´ll have a hard time?” Braeburn asked him.

“You have no idea what you're talking about,” Caramel replied.

“No, I don´t. ´cause I know for a fact no family of mine could live with no tolerance to others, so I don't know why you left town to come here nor why are you leaving now.”

“It wasn't about them, it was about me! Back there, I was nothing. I was simply the clumsy assistant with the hopeless crush in the Apple´s boy. Everypony knew that and everypony treated me like that. Nopony took me seriously or listened to my opinions. I was just Caramel, they said like the punchline to a joke. So, I came here thinking that I could make a name for myself. But I know what they are all thinking there in town, I know how they see me. Like the fancy pony with the funny haircut that is chasing the Apple´s pretty boy that would never give him a chance. I´m stilla punchline.”

Braeburn response to that confession was to give him a smack on the head.

“Auh! What was that for?” Caramel asked.

“Three reasons. One, for trying to leave one day early. Two, for being so dumb and think that kind of things. And third...” and Braeburn moved in and planted a kiss on Caramel´s lips. “For jumping to conclusions. Who said that I won't ever gave you a chance?”

“You can do better than me,” Caramel replied, blushing. “I´m sure there a few ponies in the bar that will gladly give you a chance.”

“I´m sure they would but I don't care about them. You see, the problem with those ponies is that I don't share a roof with them, I don't cook with them and more importantly, they're not you.”

Braeburn moved forward for another kiss, only this time Caramel returned the favor. They stood there for a long while, the whole disappearing except for them both. The driver announced the train was about to leave but Caramel choose to ignore him and brought Braeburn closer to him. Finally when the dust settled and the station was empty, Caramel let go and looked into Braeburn´s eyes.

“What do you say we get back to the farm and tomorrow, we both go tell the Sheriff that you plan to extend your visit here?” Braeburn asked.

Caramel nodded and gave Braeburn a small kiss in return. Just as they were about to leave, they saw a couple of buffalos in the distance, standing atop a mountain. Caramel eyes went wide and Braeburn smiled, placing an arm around him.

The sun was high in Appleloosa, offering a new life full of opportunities for both of them.

New Student (Babs Seed x Cheerilee)

“Attention class, I like to introduce you to a new student that will be with us for the next four weeks. Please give a big applause to Babs Seed.”

Babs shyly waved while the classes applauded her. Apple Bloom was obviously quite enthusiastic, as well as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon turned their heads, refusing to look at her.

“Now, I know we're in the middle of the semester but Babs´ family is trying to move her into a different school back in her hometown of Manehattan so, while the transfer is being done, she can't afford to lose classes so she will curse here for the time being. Babs had a really rough time at her old school so please be kind to her,” Cheerilee explained.

Babs rubbed her neck, wishing Cheerilee wasn't so blunt but, then again, avoiding the issue was what caused problems with her cousin and her friends first time around.

“Now Babs, please take your seat right next to Peachy Pie,” Cheerilee said.

The yellow filly waved her arm and Babs walked next to her. When passing next to Diamond and Silver they turned their heads once more, showing that they didn't care about her but when Babs ignored them in turn, they turned red with anger, being offended.

Babs sat next to Peachy Pie and looked at the classroom. There were at least other five ponies without Cutie Marks like her, not including the Crusaders. She didn't feel like in her old school when she stood out for her blank flank, she was just like any other filly.

Babs Seed was happy.

*****

Babs Seed was confused.

Cheerilee's classes were a lot more complicated than in her old school, especially maths. Luckily, Cheerilee took her time explaining things but she also decided to run a surprise test and Bas wasn't prepared for that. She realized she was really behind the rest of the class as a result of faking sick and missing several classes in Manehattan. She couldn´t solve a single problem in her exam so she tried doing what she used to do in her other school. She slowly peeked her head over Peachy Pie´s paper...

“Is there a problem, Babs Seed?” Cheerilee suddenly asked.

Insticntevly, Babs repleid “No maáma!”

She saw that Diamond and Silver were snickering at her and she blushed, ashamed for what she tried to do.

****

Babs Seed was sad.

She was all alone, sitting in the swing, not really playing with it.

“What are you doing all alone?”

Babs looked up and saw Cheerilee's kind smile.

“Hi, Mrs. Cheerilee. I´m just...I just wanted to be alone.”

“Why? Where are your cousin and her friends?”

“They ran into the lab, saying something about becoming Cutie Mark Crusaders Potion Makers,” babs explained.

Cheerilee flinched and made a note to check on them right after she finished with Babs. “And why you didn't join them?”

“I had chemistry class once and I made a mistake,” Babs said, not really wanting to explain what happened.

“I see. Then why aren't you playing with your new friends?” Cheerilee asked, pointing at the rest of the students that were happily playing things like hoofball.

“I don't think they like me. After class, Peachy Pie and her friends asked me all this stuff about fashion in Manehattan and actors and I didn't know what to answer. I´m not interested in that. I like sports and comic-books. When I told them that they looked at me like there was something wrong with me,” Babs said.

Cheerilee placed a hoof on her shoulder and said, “A girl can like that kind of stuff too. There´s all types of girls.” She smiled at Babs who smiled back. “However, there´s something wrong with you.” Babs turned white, remembering her previous teacher awful treatment of her. “Your grades are not good. You obviously missed a lot of classes in your previous school so you need extra classes. Tell Apple Bloom that you're staying an extra hour in school today,” Cheerilee said and turned around.

Babs Seed was now confused. Was she being punished or getting help?

****

Babs Seed couldn't stop looking at Cheerilee. She couldn't concentrate in her test, all the time she kept peeking at Cheerilee. She wasn't doing anything special, just looking at the rest of the class papers while chewing on her pencil. But for some reason she couldn't stop watching, especially at her lips while she chewed slowly at the pencil...

“Are you done, Babs?”

Once again, Babs stood perfectly straight and said “No ma'am!”

Cheerilee sighed and walked next to her. She pulled a chair and sat close to Babs, close enough to make her blush.

“Do you need any help, Babs?”

Babs played with her hooves, not really knowing what to say.

“If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask me,” Cheerilee reassured her.

“Uhm I don't know what this symbol means...” Babs admitted.

“Alright, let me explain...”

Babs didn't really heard her. She was more concerned about the way Cheerilee placed an arm around her chair so she could lean and point at every number in the paper. She didn´t know why but her heart was beating hard. Really hard.

“Do you understand now, Babs?”

“I do. Thanks,” Babs Seed lied.

****

The next couple of weeks passed by like a hurricane and Babs couldn't be happier. They were the best days she had in a long time.

While she did not always agreed with the Crusaders crazy escapades, she did enjoyed spending time with them. Apple Bloom´s family was a lot more lively than her own and she looked forward for every meal and dinner.

Even in school things got better. She started playing ball with the boys proving to be one of the best players and soon even the girls were cheering for her. She was popular and liked, she was happy.

And best thing was that she had a great teacher now. her previous teacher was mean and never cared for her, Cheerilee did. She stayed an extra hour every day helping her catch up. She was patient and understanding, never once losing her patience with her. She was a little strict as well, making sure Babs understand that cheating was not tolerated in her classroom. Babs Seed liked Cheerilee very much, more than she liked any other pony.

But that happiness couldn't last forever. She will eventually had to return to manehattan so babs wanted to make something for her teacher, a gift so she could remember her. It wasn't like they would never see again since she would come back to visit Apple Bloom from time to time but, she would never be her teacher again. So Babs worked day and night in a gift and one day, she was ready to give it to her. She walked into the classroom and heard the sound of snickering.and giggling. She knew that sound very well and hated it.

Diamond Tiara and a couple of other fillies were sitting in her seat. Silver Spoon was reading out loud from a book and showing them to the others. Babs realized they were showing her notebook and rushed to grab it but Silver Spoon kept it out of her reach

“What´s up with the hearts around the teacher´s face?” Silver Spoon asked.

“No-none of your business!” Babs yelled, trying to grab back her notebook.

“Did you seriously drawn a picture of her rump? What a weirdo!” Diamond insulted her.

Babs didn't actually meant to do what she did next. She wasn't even thinking, her body moved before she decided to. When she came back to her senses, Silver Spoon was in the floor, her glasses broken and she was bleeding from her nose.

****

Babs Seed emotion were a rollercoaster. She was scared, angry, frustrated and ashamed, all the same time. She trembled in her seat while Mrs. Cheerilee talked to Big Mac outside the classroom. Awful memories of another classroom, of another teacher telling her parents that she was a problem child, assaulted her.

Cheerilee finally walked in and said “Well, I just had a talk with Silver Spoon´s mother. She understood that Silver and her friends shouldn't have taken your personal notes but that doesn't excuse your behavior, Babs Seed.”

Babs hung her head low, too ashamed to look back at her teacher.

“I'm disappointed with you, Babs. I thought you were making progress. That those rumours I heard that you were nothing but a bully were wrong but maybe I was wrong with you.”

Babs broke in tears, no longer able to hold back. Cheerilee cleared her throat, regretting a few of the words she said. She was about to said something else when she noticed a paper in the floor. She picked it up and asked Babs what was it.

“It was...it was a gift for you, Mrs. Cheerilee.”

Cheerilee looked at the paper again. It was a family tree of the Apple family, with all the correct dates and locations. It was an impressive feat considering how big that family really was.

“Great work, Babs. I´m proud of you,” Cheerilee said, smiling but babs didn't smiled back. She was still crying.

“Oh honey, I´m sorry for yelling at you. You're not just a bully but you do need to learn to control yourself. I hope things go better at your new school.”

“I don't want to go to another school and I don't want a new teacher. I want to stay with you!”

“Sweetie, your parents are doing what they think it´s best for you. I´m sure your new teacher will treat you well.”

“But I want you to still be my teacher. I...I love you,Mrs. Cheerilee..”

“I love you too, sweetie.”

“No. I love you.”

“oh,” Cheerilee realized what Babs meant with her words. She looked at Big Mac who was outside the room, looking at his cousin with a mix of concern and confusion. Cheerilee looked back at Babs who looked in the verge of tears again. “Wel...” Cheerilee played with her hooves. not sure what to do. As a teacher she had dealt with many things but a student falling in love with love, especially a filly, was something she wasn't ready for. “You do understand there´s a big age difference and that I'm your teacher and that we're both girls not that there's anything wrong with that but...”

Babs lowered her head again. Cheerilee realized she was rambling so she took a deep breath and made Babs raise her head.

“Listen, you're a really pretty, smart and sweet filly. And once you grown up, you will find a special somepony that will love you for who you are. Be it mare or stallion or a zebra or gryphon or...” Cheerilee slowed down before she started rambling again. “My point is,right now you don't need to worry about this kind of things. Just focus on being a good student and a good friends for your classmates, do you understand?”

Babs nodded but said nothing.

Cheerilee sighed and watched as she walked out of the room. She exchanged glances with Big Mac who nodded and she nodded back. Cheerilee sighed a last time and took the paper. She could have draw a picture or write a poem but instead she put all her effort in proving she could improve in her studies. Cheerilee was actually proud of Babs and wished she could stay a little longer but that wasn't her call.

She was about to put the paper in her desk but instead she decided to pin it into the chalkboard, so all the other students could see how talented Babs really was and how proud she had made her teacher.

Assertive Date (Fluttershy x Iron Will)

Horte Cuisine was nervous. On one hoof, having a celebrity sitting at his restaurant was the best kind of advertisement next to having Princess Sparkle stop by. In the other, Iron Will could be a very threatening individual and some customers were afraid to even look at him.

To make matters worse, he was sitting with a very pretty mare, a former supermodel if Horte was correct, and they seemed to be having not just a casual meal. It looked like something more intimate and, in such a gossip lover town like this one, that was like adding gasoline to a fire.

Iron Will was finishing his cup of tea, loudly slurping when he noticed Fluttershy coughing.

“What´s wrong?” he growled.

She poked her cup, showing that it was empty.

“Well? Call the waiter! If your meal doesn't fulfill, demand for a refill!” he yelled, punching the table.

“I believe the custom is that you call the waiter,” she softly but firmly said.

“Oh...good point. Waiter!” he growled again and almost broke the table

Horte rushed to serve her tea. Publicity isn't worth losing my shop, he thought.

******

After leaving the restaurant, Iron Will and Fluttershy walked around the Ponyville Market, being the target of the looks of all the ponies in town. Fluttershy seemed ignorant of the attention they brought but Iron Wall wasn't happy, especially when ponies took pictures of them.

“Oh, there's a freind of mine. I'll just stop and say hi,” Fluttershy said and trotted next to Rarity, who was just as puzzled as the rest of ponies as to why Fluttershy was walking along with the minotaur.

Iron WIll waited with his arms crossed while Fluttershy chatted. He noticed some mares whispering behind him and he glared at them, snorting so far that steam came from his nostrils. Eventually, Fluttershy finished talking with Rarity and returned.

“What should we do next? she asked.

“Iron Will has tickets for either a movie or the theme park,” he said, holding the tickets. “Where to?”

“Whichever you choose is fine by me,” she said but then noticed how he was glaring at her, steam coming out of his nostrils. “Oh, I mean uhm the theater will be quiet but you probably will be a nuisance to the ponies in the rows behind you. And the theme park could be fun but I don't like those frightening rides.”

Since Fluttershy couldn't decide, Iron Will roi´pped the tickets in pieces. “Forget about them then. You decide.”

“Umh anywhere I want?” she asked.

Iron Will nodded with his arms crossed.

“There´s a place I always wanted to visit, if you want too...”

****

Said place turned out to be Sweet Apple Acres. Iron Will looked confused, especially after Big Mac passed by with several foals happily riding on his back, so Fluttershy explained

“Every two weekends, the Apples open their farm to the town foals so they can play along with farm animals and taste some sweets. I don't have any siblings and my friends are always busy so I never had anyone to come with me...” Fluttershy said, looking bashful. “Maybe you won't like it here...”

“Iron Will likes foals. He wrote a book about how handling them. If a baby doesn't stop its cry, sing it a lullaby!” and Iron Will walked over the Cake abbies.

Everypony held their breath, scared that he will yell at them. Instead, Iron Will softly hummed a lullaby. Soon, both babies yawned and fell down, deeply asleep.

Iron Will crossed his arms, proud of his work and he looked at Fluttershy, who smiled at him.

They spent the rest of the day in the farm, playing games and tasting apple treats. They even got their faces painted by Granny Smith, a kitten for him and a panda for her. Iron Will did his usual snorting but he didn't seemed too embarrassed.

****

At the end of the day, Iron Will escorted Fluttershy back to her cottage. She opened the door and stood there, turning around to face him.

“Thank you for today´s date.”

He crossed his arm and snorted once more, showing his pride.

“I feel a lot more confident now., If I ever, I mean, when I get to ask a stallion in a date I would use everything I learned today,” she said.

Surprisingly, Iron Will abandoned his pose and toyed with his tie before asking “So, where you satisfied?”

“Oh, yes, I was.”

“No refunds?”

“No refunds.”

“Good. Now, remember everything Iron Will taught you and...goodbye!” Iron Will yelled, shaking Fluttershy's hoof before leaving

She was about to go inside and close the door when Iron Will suddenly yelled “STOP!”

She turned over and saw Iron Will stomping his way back.

“Wha-what´s wrong?” she asked.

“You paid for the full service and Iron Will deliver fierce!!” he said and put his arm over the doorframe. He then leaned forward and Fluttershy closed her eyes, scared.

She finally gathered the courage to peek and found Iron WIll stretching his lips, not moving forward. Fluttershy smiled and leaned a little, giving him a soft kiss on the lips.

Iron Will immediately recoiled, his face covered in red.

“Thank you,” Fluttershy said and slowly closed the door.

Iron Will snorted, adjusted his tie and walked with his hands on his back, humming a soft tune.

My Prince (Flash Sentry x Shining Armor)

Flash Sentry was shifting nervously on his uniform. He was afraid he was sticking out too much with his bright orange coat. Most guards had either white, brown or grey cotas. Just like a Cutie Mark, the color of a coat usually indicated who you were destined to be.

Flash grandfather had been a member of the Royal Guard, a Royal Chariot Carrier to be specific, and he told Flash the day his Cutie mark appeared, that the lighting engraved shield meant he was going to be a Guard too, that he was destined to protect the Princesses. Flash believed his grandfather was the coolest pony around and he wanted him to be produ but he also was always self-conscious about his coat, thinking that he looked more like a Wonderbolt than a Royal Guard.

But Flash had endured all the trials to this day, all the training, all the test. He had graduated from the Academy with honors and now was proudly wearing the golden chestplate and standing stall. He was going to make his family and his Princess proud by being the best guard in his entire squad

“Attention! Captain Shining Armor walking in!”

And he had to ruin it all by having his wings spread widen.

All the other guards suppressed a laugh while Flash tried to hide it as just being nervous. Pegasus wings spread over many things. Threats, amusement but also attraction. he remember how his dad used to flap his wings like a hummingbird every time his mother gave him a kiss on the cheek. Flash wouldn't have minded that involuntary reaction of his body so much if it hadn't be caused by the attractive captain of the guard.

Ever since he was a colt, Flash Sentry preferred being in the company of other boys. At first, he thought that was only natural with girls being gross and stuff. But as time passed and his classmates began to make jokes and comments about girls, Flash began to realize he hadn't cared about girls. At all.

He got lucky in flight school, since a few of his teammates shared his tastes and he actually had a good time there. It also helped that pegasus as a whole didn't care much about stuff like that. Unicorns and earth ponies were a little more inclined to whisper and judge but pegasi by nature were free-spirit and couldn't care less about which way a pony swinged. But Flash knew this wasn't so much about prejudiced but about protocol. It wasn't proper of him to show his interest for his superior in such a way so he took a deep breath and pulled his wings back.

Shining Armor walked among the cadets, giving them the usual stern speech but when he reached Flash he actually smiled at him

“Cool coat colors, cadet!”

Flash smiled, not sure if he was supposed to laugh at the alliteration.

“You're gonna get a few whistles from the mares during the parades! I bet you're used to it, uh?” Shing joked, poking Flash who just laughed awkwardly.

“What´s your name, kid?”

“Flash Sentry, sir!”

“Looking forward to your performance, Flash!” Shining said, moving on.

Flash could heard the other cadets growling at him.

****

Life at the squadron wasn't so bad for Flash after all. If any of his teammates though he was going to get special treatment, they soon dropped that idea when Shining made them all go through one hell of a schedule. Flash endured it along with the rest of his squads and he soon found a place among them.

Just like in flight school and in the academy, Flash started to noticed which stallion shared his way of life. It was just something he could tell, almost like magic. Not every stallion was a hundred percent into it, some tried to hide it, some denied it and some didn't seemed too sure. But there were others that were very open about it or were very bad at hide it. Some of them made moves on Flash and he responded to a few but eventually, he decided that he was better on how own. He didn´t joined the Guard to get a date after all, his goal in life was being a Chart Carrier, just like his grandfather. To fulfil that goal, Flash worked hard and pulled himself to his limits. He ended every day with his wings and legs tired but a smile on his face, knowing he was doing his very best.

One afternoon, Flash took his fifteen minutes break to just laid on a cloud. He sued to do that as a kid a lot, just laid back and star at the blue sky, the entire world disappearing as he slowly drifted away.

“Enjoying the view, cadet?”

Flash startled, thinking it was his superior officer but instead he found Shining Armor floating upside down in a blue aura.

“Ho-how?” he asked.

“Levitation spell. A little trick I learned from my little sister. Shhh. Don´t tell the guys.”

Flash laughed.

“You mind making me room? My head is starting to hurt.”

Flash moved a little and watched as Shining floated into the cloud, casting a spell to avoid falling through. He stood there, just looking at the empty sky. Flash couldn't enjoy the view, he was busy fighting his own wings.

“Man, I love the view up here. Sometimes I´m envy of you guys,” Shining said and Flash smiled. “Then again, I can do a lot of neat tricks with this one here,” Shining said, pointing at is horn.

“Yeah, but even with all the magic of the world you couldn't pull stuff like a Sonic Rain-boom,” Flash joked but then regretted it. Shining was his superior after all, maybe joking with him wasn't a good idea.

“Ha! You remind o f somepony my sister is always talking about!” Shining said. He didn't looked upset at all. “ANyways, our girl can beat us easily. She has the best of two worlds.”

“Your...girl?”

“Yup,” Shingin said, pulling a picture from his armor. Flash recognized the mare as Princess Cadence, one of Princess Celestia´s protegees. “She can dive, glide and teleport her way out. The best mare in the entire world.”

Flash was feeling uncomfortable. He didn´t even understood why, he already knew he had no chance with Shining but somehow, hearing him say those things, realizing he was literally out of his reach, it made him feel like the sky was falling down.

“What about you, Flash? Got a special mare waiting for you.”

“No, sir.”

“Oh come on, drop the formalities! Just call me Shining!”

“I rather not, sir.”

Shining looked at him, confused. “That's no good. If you don't have anypony waiting for you to return, you´re gonna get stuck in this job all your life.”

“Serving the Princess and guarding our kingdom is all I care, sir.”

Shining sighed. Flash wasn't getting his point. He thought the kid was different, that it wasn't just the color of his coat but he himself was able to break the mold of the typical stern guard. But Flash kept his stubborn posture, failing to realize Shigin was offering his friendship.

“Break is over. Go back to your squad,” Shining said.

Flash saluted him and glided down, He didn't thought of asking Shining if he need help going down but he was too disturbed for it. He spent the rest of the journal suppressing all his emotions and that night, he buried his head on the pillow.

*****

“So, that guy was a dead ringer for me, uh?” Flash asked and Twilight nodded, giggling.

Flash was still fascinated by the Princess's story of her journey to another dimension, especially the part where she found his counterpart. Flash wondered if this other Flash had the same orientation as he and if he went through the same problems.

“Flash, do you want more tea?” Twilight asked, levitating the cups.

“I'm fine, Princess.”

“Stop calling me that! You know I don't like being called that way!” Twilight replied, blushing while Flash laughed,

“Well, you are a Princess. Coolest Princess I know, actually.”

Twilight blushed again and said “At least, you treat me more like my friends do. Yesterday I visited my old school and all these fillies followed me around, calling me Princess. It was awkward.”

“Well, that´s expected. You are their heroine, they admire you,” Flash explained.

“I guess I can understand that. When I was their age, I felt the same way for Princess Celestia. I used to admire her a lot. Heh, my friends used to tease me I had a crush on her.”

Flash smiled but didn't said anything. He knew how those assumptions could hurt.

“But after getting these wings and title,a maybe even before that, I started looking at Celestia a different way. not so much as my teacher but as my friend. I know it sounds silly but I feel like I cans tila dmrie her but feel than I´m at ehr level.”

“It doesn't sound silly at all, Twilight.”

“What about you, Flash? Did you had somepony you admired?” Twilight asked, slightly hiding behind her cup.

“I used to admire my grandfather. He was a Royal Carrier and the best pony I knew.”

Twilight noticed how sad he sounded and said “I´m sure he was very proud of you, Flash.”

“I know, he told me so before he passed away. But by that point I already had another pony I look up too, that I wanted to be proud of me.”

“Oh, really? Who?”

Flash Sentry looked up from the table they were sitting, straight at the Royal Balcony in the Crystal Tower were Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence were greeting the embassadors from Saddle Arabia. Flash smiled, feeling a warm in his chest. He wondered at what point the uncertainty and hear in his chest became this reassuring feeling. When he moved over his unrequited love for his Captain and was able to look after Shining as a role-model, a hero maybe even a friend. He was now a Captain as well, Captain of the Crystal Guard and able to serve at his Prince looking him at the eyes

Twilight looked at him confused, wondering what he was thinking. Flash smiled at her and asked for another cup of tea.

Incomplete Schedule (Time Turner x Mayor Mare)

My name is Time Turner.

I have an hourglass Cutie Mark because my special talent is being organized. I have a special talent for arranging schedule, making sure no time is wasted. Thanks to this talent my life has no flaws, it follows a perfect rhyming, from item to item.

I work at the Town Hall as the Mayor assistant. I arrange her schedule, from her first morning meeting to her last afternoon signing, not forgetting her lunch break. A sunflower and garlic sandwich, her favourite.

I make sure her day is as organized as mine, not a single wasted hour. She sometimes complains I don´t let her a minute to catch a break but this is all necessary. Her day must be perfect, I cannot fail her.

And yet, even with all my effort, even with all my so called “talent”, after hours and hours of checking; there´s still an empty space on the schedule.

The time when I tell her how I really feel.

I´ve known her for years, back when she wasn´t embarrassed of showing her natural pink mane. Of course her name isn't “Mayor” but ever since she got her Cutie Mark, everypony start calling her like that. I remember her blush and told me to stop calling her like that and I always answered “Yes, Mayor!”

I´ve been at her side for years, since we met at school. I helped her with her campaign speeches for School Deputy. I helped her with her studies at the University. I helped her get ready for her first date with him. I helped her comb her mane and pick a dress and I told her she looked beautiful. She smiled and gave me a kiss on the cheek and turned over, never looking back.

I never once dropped my smile in front of a camera. Not at her wedding, not when her daughter was born. I never lose my smile. I just hoped she never turned around and look me at the eyes.

She teased me once at the office, asking me if I´ve ever made a mistake. I lied, keeping my eyes close so she won´t see, and said never. I made a mistake, I left an empty space on my schedule once.

It was in school, just before the Fall Weather Dance. The School Deputy and her assistant were the only ones without a date so it made sense we danced with each other. I arranged the schedule for that evening, from start to finish and I made sure to include the dance. But there was one other item on that list, just right after the dance.

Tell her how I feel.

Tell her I love her.

I didn´t got a chance. There was a problem at the kitchen, soap got mixed with the punch and everypony started burping bubbles. It was ridiculous. My schedule contemplated unexpected circumstances, a free slot to solve any problems. But that night I sacrificed that slot for the confession, confident nothing will come out.

That was my mistake.

And since that day my schedule has been incomplete.

An empty slot that I have never marked.

There´s has never been a good time to market. Not at college, not after she was named Mayor. Never a chance.

Everyday I look at it and wonder how would it be if I could mark that spot, if I can just tell her the truth. About how she looks to me, about how what I hear what she talks. I wonder what will happen if I say it now, what if I´ve said it years ago. What if I had said it when we were dancing under the leave shaped lamps.

Would she have said yes? Would she had finished that dance with me? Would we had finally had that kiss that never came to be?

I don´t know. I can´t know. I´m not a pony who likes taking guesses. I like things neat and clean, in a perfectly ordered list. I don't like unexpected circumstances, that´s why I keep an empty space on my list.

An empty space.

An unfinished schedule.

Lost Tune (Frederick Horseshoepin X Meadow Song)

“Dodge Junction,” Frederick Horseshoepin read out loud. “I´m surprised they even have a town sign.”

He took off a handkerchief and cleaned his forehead. The weather was unbearable for a Canterlot pony like him Every second he was under the sun was a torture for his coat and especially his hooves. As a talented musician, he couldn't risk his hooves getting sore or, Celestia forbides, scratched. Speaking of Celestia, Frederick couldn't be more grateful that the Princess always kept the sun at a tolerable point on the Capital City and the local weather never allowed for anything more or less than a thin layer of clouds. He couldn't wait to return to Canterlot and get a well deserved spa treatment but right now he had business to attended.

Business he wasn't happy at all to deal with. Somepony from the mail service with obviously the wrong Cutie Mark for the job had mixed up the addresses and sent a piano, his piano, down this Celestia forbidden corner of Equestria. Frederick trembled, imagining the damage that the dusty air was causing to the delicate instrument. He could only pray the local ponies had the common sense to keep it covered.

“Not such luck,” he said out loud when he found his piano in a corner of a ramshackle salt bar.

“Well, it´s you like ya said in your letter, mister,” a cute mare with a cowboy hat said, waving at the piano. “Your instrument arrived safe and sound at the station. Some crazy mix-up, ain´t it?

“This...this is a disaster!” Frederick shouted, grabbing his head in desperation. “How could you left it here in the open? You have any idea the damage this could cause to the strings or the pedals?”

“Woah Nelly, calm down now, msiter! Yah didn´t say anything like that in your letter. Just asked if we got yer contraption and yes, we do,” the mare replied.

“Oh, you settler ponies! I should have know you wouldn´t take proper care of such a delicate instrument…”

“Well, now what do yah mean with that, mister?”

“Haha, oh don´t get yerself so worked up, sweetie. Mr. Soft Hooves ´ere didn't mean anything by that,” a voice said from a table.

Frederick turned over to look at the pony, an earth brown coated stallion with a guitar Cutie Mark. He had been leaning on a chair, softly playing with his guitar. The sound was so quiet and in tune with the ambient that Frederick haven´t even noticed him before. He blushed a little, chastising for this failure as a musician.

“Well Meadow, it easy for you to not get worked up. It ain´t your establishment being insulted ´ere,” the mare replied.

Meadows simply shrugged and went back to his guitar.

“I need to take this piano back to Canterlot for a proper tuning. immediately,” Frederick said after he was done with his inspection. “Oh and I would need some strong ponies to carry it.”

The mare shrugged and turned over. “Train is leaving first hour in the morning. Ah bet yah can find a few oxs willing to help yah with that.”

“Wait a minute! You expect me to stay here all night?”

“Yah ain´t staying here fer sure, mister!” she replied, slamming the kitchen's door as she entered.

“Oh, the nerves! And what is exactly so funny, mister…”

“Meadow, partner. Meadow Song, and music is my special talent,” the cowboy pony replied.

“I figured that much,” Frederick coldly said.

“Ah didn´t catch your full name, Mr. Soft Hooves.”

“My name is Frederick Horseshoepin, thank you very much. And I must add I do not appreciate that nickname.”

“Ah call them as I see them, Fred.”

“Do not call me Fred either.”

Meadows called for peace, raising his hooves and went back to his guitar. Frederick snorted, a typical Canterlot gesture and got back to his piano. He would never admitted to the mare´s face but it was in better condition than he thought. A little dust and there was a water mark caused by a flower pot, carelessly placed on top but aside from that, it seemed to be in fine condition,

Frederick took a stool, frowning at the fact that he needed to use sit in such a dirty object and pushed a few keys. He tested one by one but he couldn't help his musical instinct and began to play a tune. Nothing elaborated, just a simple, somber tune. The music helped him relax and after the rough day he had with the train ride and the rude patron, he needed it.

But something was wrong, there was something interrupting his performance. He tried it again, searching for the broken key. There had to be something wrong with the mechanism, something that caused that odd tune. It took him a minute to realize it was Medow playing his guitar, trying to match his rhythm,

“Stop that,” Frederick ordered.

Meadow ignored him and kept tuning his guitar.

“Please, stop that.”

“Oh, magic words. And ´ere ah thought only unicorns could use them. Must be that fancy Canterlot air,” meadow mocked him.

Frederick repeated his snort and went back to the pain, trying to recover his tune. Meadow however didn't stop playing, shifting into a country melody.

It was almost like a hoofbeat duel, both trying to overcome the other with his style of music. The heavy classical tune fighting against the swift country style. They went for a full five minutes, eventually ending on a stale point. Both were tired and gasping for air although only Frederick showed it, Meadow making sure to hide his face with his hat.

They both turned over to the sound of clapping hooves.

“Well, it ain´t pretty watching the boys have fun. Although ah would much appreciate if yah can save the macho wrestling fer when there are patrons around. Bar won't open until a few hours,” the mare said.

“Yah know ah´m always ready to lend a helping hoof. What do yah said, Fred?”

“Please, Ipm a member f the Canterlot Orchestra. I do not perform for free.”

In response, the mare taped the tips jar, causing Frederick to growl.

****

Frederick did performed that night, much to his chagrin. Like he expected the settler ponies didn't appreciate his classic performance but at least had the courtesy to keep quiet while he did so. Halfway, he realized he was losing their interest and his musical pride kick in. He took a deep breath and changed the tune to the same Meadow had played earlier. He only had one half of say tune so he wasn't going anywhere with it.

Luckily, Meadow jumped to his rescue, taking his guitar and accompanying him. Frederick didn´t say a word, not even a nod with his head. He kept playing along with Meadow, their only reward the applause and the dancing couples, with the occasional whistles. They didn´t made the most energetic of tunes but it was enough to made the earth ponies hit the dancefloor.

They kept playing until the Princess´ moon was high on the sky.

Exhausted, Frederick went outside to get some fresh air. Early he had wished for the cool breeze of Canterlot but now he was missing the heat. The desert air was cold at night, worse than any Canterlot winter and that was a mountain town.

Relief came in the form of a towel hitting his head. He turned over and saw Meadow sitting next to him.

“That was quite a performance, Fred mah boy. Are yah always so zippy?”

“Not...always. I know my fair share of cheerful tunes but none quite so...upbeat,” Frederick replied, blushing a little.

“Haha, upbeat it was! Ah´ve never see mares jump that way when not chased by a rattlesnake! hahaha!”

Frederick didn´t quite get the joke but he smiled. Meadow was rude and uncouth by his standards but he had to admit it was an skilled guitar player. And he was enjoying his company.

“It´s a shame yah got to leave so soon,” Meadow mentioned.

Frederick kept quiet. He didn't want to admit he was enjoying his time here after how much he complained. Besides, he did had to go back to Canterlot as soon as possible. Even if the piano was in good conditions, he still had performances pending in the Capital City. He had no reason to stay, he had come simply to fix a problem with the delivery.

That was all.

“Hey partner, ah don´t like being a tell-taller but there miss has been watching you the whole night,” Meadow said, pointing at the inside of the bar.

Frederick peeked and saw the bartender looking at their direction. She gave them a somewhat flirty look and went back to her dance partner. Frederick wiped his forehead, wishing Meadow will not continue with the subject.

“She sure is pretty, right?”

Not such luck. “So it seems.”

“Oh come on, yah can´t tell me Canterlot mares can give her a run for her money.”

“I really can´t tell,” Frederick said He didn´t wanted to continue with this conversation.

“Yah don't expect me to buy that, right partner? Ah bet there is a pretty mare waiting at the Orchestra, right?” Meadow insisted, poking him.

“Stop that!”

Meadow backed down, a little scared at Frederick´s tone. “Sorry Fred, ah didn't mean to...ah´m sorry.”

“It´s...fine. I just don´t feel like talking about it.”

“Okay, private matters. Ah understand.”

“You wouldn´t.”

“Maybe ah will. Maybe..ah understand better than yah think.”

Frederick turned to look at MEadow. It was hard to say because of the dim moonlight. Without the city lights and with the few clouds for water supply covering the moon, Meadow´s face was hard to look. Frederick thought he saw a blush and frown but more importantly, a sad gleam on his green eyes. A gleam that Frederick had seen before on another pair of eyes.

HIs own.

Without knowing, Frederick had start to extend an arm towards Meadow but before he could ask the question, the mare called them back.

“We better go inside,” Meadow said. “It seems the party still needs us”

“Ill be there in a minute,” Frederick responded.

He stayed under the faint moonlight, waiting until he heard Meadow grab his guitar and made those swift tunes come back.

*****

“All settle to go, mister?” the hatted mare asked.

“Yes, everything is secured,” Frederick stated.

Certainly everything was settled. The piano was in the wagon, all tied-up and ready for the journey back to Canterlot. Frederick had no more reasons to stay in this settler town. At least, not any reasons he could said out loud.

“Well, it sure was a short visit but it was a chirpy one, mister Fred. Yah think yah can come back sometime again? Maybe do us another performance?”

“I...I´m not sure.”

“Ain't that a shame. Hope ya change your mind,” the mare said, tilting her hat before leaving.

Frederick watched her go and stood at the train station for a few more minutes, waiting to see another pony showing up.

None did.

He got into his sat and watched as the train slowly left the town behind him. He pulled a paper sheet and began to scribble a partiture. It was a piano and guitar piece, a combination of two instruments and tow tunes. He took pride on his musical ear, on being of able of remember all the notes from last night. But he knew that he could never recover that tune.

Two different tunes had met one fateful night and it wasn't likely they'll ever meet again.

Disguises ( “Daring Do” X “Mare-do-Well”)

The masked pony looked at her reflection,a reflection of strength, assertiveness, justice. And mostly, a fabulous style.

“Magnificent!”, the masked pony said, taking off her mask to reveal the town fashionista. “One of my best designs, if I dare say so myself, and the perfect choice for Nightmare Night.”

Rarity inspected the uniform, searching for any imperfection, no matter how small. Even for a disguise for a chidlren´s holiday, she wouldn't be caught dead wearing a half-made suit outside. “A perfect fit. I wonder if I should be concerned that Applejack´s was the only one that fit me. I mean, dear Fluttershy has a body that´s the envy of the whole town. She didn´pt got that gig as model by accident, after all. But it just didn´t fit…” Rarity comment out loud, a little embarrassed that the costume she made specifically for the bulky farmer pony fit like a horseshoe on her supposedly more slim body. Rarity noticed a few loose threads on the cap and levitated it to the working table.

“I knew these costumes could still be put to good use. The girls were simply not being rational when they insisted on getting rid of them. Even Twilight failed to see the practical value of the design. Her cowl was customized for her horn, a feature that will come in handy tonight. With the hat concealing it and the cape hiding my upper body, I might full the town´s ponies again in that I could be any type of pony, huhu.”

Rarity realized what she had just said and blushed, happy that the Boutique was closed and Sweetie Belle was outside asking for candies.

“That came out rather childish. After all, we didn't made this identity to play a prank on poor Rainbow Dash. Even if we got a number out of her reckless, it was all to teach her a lesson for the better. I wonder if she will appreciate me wearing this outfit tonight. Maybe she still has hard feelings about the whole cindient.”

Rarity returned to the mirror, her previous proud smile gone and replaced by a concerned scowl. She openly admitted that sometimes she didn´t measured her words and may hurt her friend's feelings but it was never intentional. She didn´t want to upset Rainbow or even the girls who called the whole superheroine business done after Rainbow promised to be more careful and less boastful but, in the other hoof, a strong impulse was pushing her to go outside and have fun. She had missed the last three Nightmare Night because of how many request she got for disguises. When she was done for her job, she was usually too tired and it was too late to ask for candy, not that she will do something so childish, although it will be nice to accompany Sweetie and her friends for a little while. She also wanted to hang with her own friends and dance a little at the town square, get a peek at their costumes and even pay a visit to poor Fluttershy and see how she was bearing with the evening. The idea of their hoofmade costumes made her giggle. She truly appreciated the efforts they went to make their own costumes instead of just buying them, even somepony like Rainbow whose work was always covered in stitches and patches. Rainbow probably will make a snide reamker at her but she will surely not be made and instead acknowledge how much effort Rarity put in the Mare-Do-Well uniforms and how proud she is to wear it.

Yes, she will definitely not judge her.

With this idea in mind, Rarity put in the hat and cape and pulled the cowl, leaving the store as the masked protector of Ponyville.

******

Rarity was happy the costume had a full face cowl, otherwise everypony will see her goofy smile. She was enjoying the decorations and the music but mostly, she was enjoying the fact that nopony knew who she was. A few kids looked at her but most didn't bother to approach, she wasn´t the center of attention, she was just another masked pony and Rarity was surprised to see that she was okay with that. It helped that Mare- Do- Well was known for being silent so she only had to wave and nod at other ponies, keeping her identity a full secret. She wasn't Rarity tonight, she was Mare- Do- Well and she was enjoying it.

Rarity turned a corner, searching for her friends. She wanted to see if they will recognize her under the disguise. She even though on playing a little prank on them, jumping from a rooftop or from a first store window, she wasn't as agile as Pinkie to pull that stunt, after all. The problem was that she had no idea what they were dress at that. They left the costumes for last year on their Boutique but didn't come pick them up. She had been all day doing orders and didn't got chance to visit any of them so she was completely on the dark. That zombie pony could be Applejack and that bumblebee pony had a similar mane cut to Twilight but she wasn't sure to just pop in and surprise them, risking being embarrassed for making a mistake. If only she could get a closer look.

“A-ha!”

Rarity couldn't help but say that outloud. A pony was crossing the street, dressed as the famous fictional explorer Daring Do. Rarity had no doubts about the identity of the pony behind the safari hat since this town got the self proclaimed biggest Daring Fan. Rarity sneaked behind a carriage and took a little shortcut, deciding th surprise Rainbow. She sit in a dark corner, marveling on the fact that her costume was not only aesthetically an achievement, but it was also practical for actual crime fighting. She was literally blending with the shadows. She waited until the hoofsteps of Daring were right behind her and then she jumped

“KYAAA!”

The high pitched scream took Rarity by a surprise and she almost tripped on her cape. Rainbow will never react like that so Rarity thought she had made a mistake. For a second she thought she had ambushed Fluttershy who somehow had gather the nerves to leave her house but a closer inspection changed the suspect.

“Pinkie Pie? Of all ponies why are you dressed as Daring Do?”

“Uh? Pinkie Pie? I´m not...I mean…”

Even with the mask, anypony could tell Rarity was confused by this stuttering pony. She took a second look and noticed that she had made another mistake. Two times in the same night, that was something that ruined Rarity´s mood.

“My apologies, dear. I made an assumption based on your pink coat but know I noticed you´re slightly taller than my friend.”

“You noticed...my coat? But I made the effort of put some glitter to better match the book cover,” the pony said, inspecting her leg.

“Well, I´m sure that you have fooled most ponies tonight but it takes more than a little glitter to fool a fashion expert as myself,” Rarity said, unable to avoid tossing her mane even when it was hidden inside her cowl.

“I´ve never thought that the local superheroine was a fashion expert,” the pony joked, surprising Rarity a third time. “Maybe I should have gone with a full body disguise as yours. You could have fooled me you´re the real deal.”

“Who says I´m not the real deal?” Now it was Rarity´s turn to mock and the other pony responded with a smirk.

“So you're telling that Ponyville´s superheroine goes asking for candies in Nightmare Night?”

“It seems the intrepid explorer does it too. And she also gets easily scared by jumping ponies.”

“I wasn't scared. I was merely..started.”

“It seemed to be a little more than that. Maybe you're out of your element, Mr.s Do? You'll probably be more comfortable at the jungle…”

All the while they were talking, Rarity and the mysterious pony had come closer and close, to the point their nuzzles were practically touching.

“I don't know. I kinda like the city. It has its own set of...dangers.”

“It can be really dangerous. You may need some..protection.”

“I can take care of myself. I´m a big girl, you know?”

“Oh really?”

“Really.”

And just when they were about to kiss, lips connecting with fabric, noth of their hats bumped, ruining the mood.

“Oh my heavens!” the Daring pony said. “What was I doing? I almost...I don't even know you...I just…Oh I´m awful!”

The pony went into a corner of the alley, failing to hold back tears.

“Hey, calm down, dear! What´´s wrong?” Rarity asked, dropping the whole act and acting according to her geneous nature.

“I don't know what came over me. I almost...kis...kiss…”, the pony couldn't even finish the sentence.

“If it´s any consolation, honey. You weren't about to kiss me. Daring do was about to kiss Mare-DoWell.”

“Oh please, like these dumb costumes mean anything! I just should have never come here in the first place. I hate this!” she said, tossing her hat.

“As heartbreaking as being rejected like that is, I have the feeling there´s something else bothering you.”

The pony sighed and admitted, “I...have a fiance.”

“Oh heavens, that's wonderful! The wedding is soon? Have you already pick up the dress? Because I have a lovely collection on my Boutique available at accessible prices and…”

The poyn reasied an eeybreow and Raity blsuehd under the cowl. Again, she just couldn't help herself.

“Oh…”

“Precisely. He proposed just a week ago and here I am, about to kiss with a complete stranger in another town.”

“I take the you´re not from Ponyville then. Canterlot, Ipresumee.”

“How did you noticed?”

“A slight hint of an accent. I have a friend with the same tune,” Rarity explained, sitting down next to the mare.

“You have an accent too. And it´s not the Ponyville one.”

“I took great pride on my vocal intonation. It helps sells my persona,” Rarity said with a straight face in a mask. “Now, back to you, may I ask why are you visiting our town in Nightmare Night?”

“I have an old friend here. I came to pay her a visit and I thought that it will be nice to surprise her disguising as her childhood heroine. I was her old foalsitter and used to read her the daring novels all the time.”

“That´s lovely. I´m sure she was thrilled to see you again and in that disguise.”

“Well, I wouldn't know bout that. I still haven´t met her.”

“Want me to help you find her? She´s probably in the Town Square in disguise too.”

“I know where she is, I just...I don't want to talk with her right now because, well, she´s related to my fiance and right now…”

The mare went silent agian and Rarity took a wild shot, “Cold hooves?”

Despite the darkness, Rarity was able to see the soft smile. “Is that obvious?”

“I´ve seen my fair share of nervous brides. They always get second thoughts right before the big day, ips perfectly normal.”

“Yeah, except in my case, the big day is still over a month from now and yet, here I am, hiding from everypony in more than one sense.”

Rarity had taken quite a liking for this distressed pony so she decided to stay quiet and lend a helping ear.

“Don't get me wrong, I love my fiance. He´s the most wonderful pony in the world and I´ve dream about our day for years. I was one of those foals who played being a bride…”

“Who wasn't?”

“Well, I know a foal who preferred to pretend she was the Princess and use a lamp like it was the sun and then I had to put down the fire.”

Rarity and the pony shared a laugh at this image.

“Maybe I´m just nervous. It´s going to be a big event, after all…”

“Is he royalty for any chance?” Rarity asked, following another wild shot.

“Yes, something of the like.”

“Good luck with that!” The mare looked at Rarity and she sighed before saying,” I met a member of the Royalty once and he wasn´t any Prince Charming at all. He was selfish, ignored me the entire night and force me to pay for his food!”

“I think I have an idea who you're talking about and no, he´s nothing like him. He´s actually quite gentle and always thinks of me first but still..”

“Sounds like he really is a wonderful stallion and that you really love him,” Rarity said, placing a hoof in her shoulder.

“Then why I am here sitting on this alley?”

“An excellent question,” Rarity said and levitated the safari hat back to her. “I´ll say your adventure here is over, Mrs. Do.”

The pony smiled and put the hat on. “A pleasure working with you, Mare-Do-Well. Hope we get to meet again.”

Rarity remained in character and merely nodded at the mare who let go a more sincere “Thank you” before leaving.

Rarity smiled, feeling once more pride over her costume. She may not be as strong as Applejack or as agile as Pinkie, she may lack the wings of Fluttershy or the magic skills of Twilight but she made this costume, a costume that was more than just a cheap disguise for a prank, it was a symbol, as significant as a Cutie mark or even more.

With that thought in mind, Rarity made a dramatic turn and disappeared into the shadows.

*****

The pony flew away from town, landing in the clearing next to the Nightmare Moon statue, children having already left a sizable pile of candies at the base.

“Princess! There you are!”

A group of night guards approached the pony who sighed.

“Please, don't call me like that. I don't want to draw any attention.”

“Our apologies, your highness!” the guards responded and the pony sighed again, realizing it was useless arguing with them.

“I´m glad the alley was too dark for her to notice my horn. We got a chance to speak sincerely,” the pony said, taking off her hat.

“Do you wish us to search for.Twilight Sparkle, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?”

“No, it´s okay. Twilight si probably having fun at the Town Square, I don't want to bother her. And Princess Cadence is just fine.”

“As you wish, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!”

Cadence sighed again and asked to be led to her carriage. She placed the only candy she got form a kind filly at the base of the statue and sighed at the glowing moon, wishing to both her aunts for their strength to overcome her fear and insecurities. The words of the masked pony have given her a little more confidence so Cadence returned to the chariot with a soft smile and a desire to see Shining Armor soon.

Second Chances (Lightning Dust x Trixie Lulamoon)

“And now for the great finale...the Lightning Streak!!”

Trixie lightened her horn, expelling a series of fireworks into the sky. Following the queue, a green and yellow streak crossed between them, kicking several rainclouds to expel lightnings and thunders.

The crowd in front of the caravan mildly applauded at the perform, barely stomping their hooves in the ground.

“Thank you, thank you! You have been a wonderful audience!” Trixie said, offering her hat to collect some bits from them.

Lightning Dust descended from the sky after pushing down all the rainclouds. “So, how did it go?” she asked.

Trixie showed her the hat and Lightning peeked inside. “What? Just twenty bits? We can barely buy a few tomatoes with this?”

“Every bit earned is worth spending,” Trixie replied, taking back the bits.

“What does that even means?”

“It means that Trixie is going to the market to fetch us some food. Would you like to accompany me?” Trixie asked.

“I´m tired. I´m gonna take a nap on the van,” she replied.

“Suit yourself,” Trixie said, taking the road down town.

Lightning Dust kicked all the rain clouds in the back of the van, closed the stage and checked the mailbox, grumbling when she realized it was empty. She entered the van and jumped into the hammock, her improvised bed that hanged next to Trixie´s much more comfortable bed.

Lighting Dust wasn´t really tired. Actually, she was restless and wanted to go out and fly around. But she couldn´t bring to move her wings. She had lost the joy of flying, the will to soar the skies and break her own records. She missed being up high but felt like she had weighs attached to her wings. She stayed in the hammock, trying to fell asleep but to no avail.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity but actually was half an hour, Trixie returned to the van.

“Had a good nap?” Trixie asked, levitating a couple of paper bags into a little stool.

Lightning Dust didn´t answered her and rummaged through the paper bags, her rumbling stomach doing the talk for her. “What´s this? This is all you could buy with twenty bits?”

“To be honest, that only cost about eight bits. Trixie spent the rest in this wonderful cape she saw in the market. Isn´t it wonderful?” Trixie said, showing off a purple cape with blue stars.

“What? You spent almost all of our money into a cape for your stupid act?”

“First of all, it´s our stupida ct. And second, I wouldn´t use this wonderful piece for the act. This must be wear at Gala event.”

Lighting Dust face hoofed, losing all her patience with the boisterous mare. She stomped out of the van before she finally exploded.

“Aren´t you going to help with dinner?” Trixie asked.

“I´m not hungry.”

“Going to take a night flight?”

“No.”

“Wanna go to bed?”

“I´m sleeping in a cloud tonight!” Lightning yelled and flew off the van.

Trixie simply huffed and folded her cape, quite happy with her purchase.

Outside, Lighting Dust moved a few clouds to make an improvised bed and once more, lied in a restless position. She looked at the night sky, cursing Trixie for her selfishness. She wanted to yell at her or at least kick some clouds to vent her frustrations but once again, she lacked the motivation. She also found a little cruel to do so. After all, Trixie had offered her a roof and a job after she got kicked of the Wonderbolts.

Lighting remembered the day they met. She standing under a raining cloud, kicking it so it kept pouring over her head. It was silly but she didn't cared. She had lost everything, her uniform, her reputation and what could have been not just a partner but a friend. She initially blamed everything on rainbow Dash, placing all the fault on her uptight attitude and lack of guts. But once she found herself deprived of her medals and expelled from the Academy, the place where her dreams lied; Lighting Dust realized she had nopony to blame but herself.

It was then than she found her. She heard noises and looked down, finding an angry unicorn, blaming her for creating againt puddle that wasn't letting her move her carriage. The old Lighting Dust would have yelled at her but she was too distraught then to do nothing. She actually broke into tears, unable to hold back anymore, releasing all her frustrations. She also expected this pony to treat her like all the others, to kick her and shun her. But instead, this unicorn levitated her cape over Lighting, protecting her for the rain.

Lighting Dust kept looking at the stars and smiled when she noticed a pattern that resembled Trixie´s Cutie mark. She had been traveling with the eccentric mare for four months now and in that time they have grown close. Really close. Lighting blushed a little, remembering the first time they got more intimate. It started when a gentle nuzzle, Trixie congratulating her for a good performance. Lighting tried not to think much of that but she didn´t slept at all that night. She started to notice that despite her many quirks, trixie wa actually quite nice and also very pretty.

Lightning Dust shook her head and tried to get into a better position on her cloud. Being a tomboy, she had spent her entire life being teased for being interested on mares. Even her partners in the Academy made jokes at her for being assigned Rainbow Dash´s roommates. Lighting Dust made her best to ignore them. She wasn't interested in mares, at all. She wasn't much interest in colts either. She had only one thing to focus, becoming a Wonderbolt. And now that will never happen.

Day after day, she checked the mailbox hoping to find a letter from the Wonderbolts accepting her request for a second opportunity. They had to give her the chance. Lighting Dust was one of the best fliers in her run of the Academy. Hay, she was one of the best fliers in Equestria! And even if she was expelled once, wasn't Princess Celestia´s motto that everypony deserved a second chance? Or a even third as Trixie says...

Trixie. She had actually been the only pony to give Lighting a second chance. She offered her a role in her show. Lighting had no idea what she was going to do. She was a racer, she wasn't even good at handling weather. But Trixie take no for an answer and convinced her to move the clouds to add some special effects. It wasn't the best of shows, just a bunch of smoke and mirrors. Quite literally at some performances.

Every town they went they got mid to none reception. Some towns even refused to accept them, recalling something that Trixie did in another town. Trixie never gave explanations but Lighting never asked either. She simply did her job and waited for the letter to arrive. Day after day, they kept the same routine. Getting up, eating, doing chores, moving the van, doing the show and going to bed.

Lighting Dust blushed again. Her bed was supposed to be the hamclock, Trixie made it for her so she wouldn't have to sleep outside anymore. Lighting was comfortable just sleeping in a cloud but it made sense since they lived together, that they actually slept in the same roof. And for many weeks, that's what they did. Until that night, when they arrived a pegasi town where it wa still winter. Lighting and Trixie shared a lamp that wasn´t really providing much help so they have to stay close to each other, sharing a blanket. This was after the nuzzle incident and Lighting had began to check more and more on Trixie. She was feeling really uncomfortable being so close to her, their furs touching. Trixie leaned closer to her and asked if the letter had arrived. Lighting said not, blushing furiously. Trixie gently nuzzled her, telling her everything will be alright and she will get a second chance. Lighting asked her if she believed that and Trixie said yes, looking her straight into her eyes. They leaned closer...

Lighting Dust screamed and buried her face into the clouds, her coat turned completely red. Even after that night, even after all the time they spent together, Lighting Dust was still embarrassed. It wasn't so much the fact that Trixie was a mare, it was her kindness. it was her belief in second chances, that Lighting Dust could go back into the right rack. Lighting Dust didn't believed herself, she believed she wasn't worth of a second chance. But Trixie had apparently done worse, she had challenged a Princess for what Lighting Dust had heard! And yet, she was in peace. She was completely confident, that she was oing the right thing. That she was redeeming herself.

Trixie was living her second chance and Lighting Dust felt she needed to do so too.

She descended from her cloud, making a quick return to kick it and went back to the van. Trixie was having her dinner, not paying attention to the blushing pegasus that went back to her hammock. A few minutes of silence passed by before Trixie spoke

“Cold outside?”

“A little.”

“Funny. This is a summer town.”

“I didn't liked the cloud I made.”

“There´s more in the van.”

“I just wanted to sleep inside, okay?”

“No need to convicne me, darling.”

“Shut up,” Lighting Dust said and turned over, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Trixie finished her meal and moved to her bed, Lighting getting a very nice look of her rump, forcing her to turn over again.

“I was planning on taking down that hammock. It really doesn't fits my room.”

“What was she talking about?”, Lightning Dust thought. “Why bringing this after all these months?”

“But if you are so attached to it, we may as well keep it.”

“I can use some of the spare clouds,” she retorted.

“Those are for the show. Why waste them?”

“You just told me a second ago to take one! Why do you keep changing your mind?” Lighting roared and immediately regretted it.

Trixie was hurt, her eyes showed it.

Instead of saying anything, Trixie turned over, facing the wall. Lighting hung her head low, this was the last straw, it seemed. Trixie had finally stopped giving her chances.

“You can use one but every morning you put it back for the show.”

Lighting finally broke, her tears coming out.

“Why? Why do you keep doing this, trixie?”

Trixie turned over, looking now confused.

“Why do you keep giving me so many chances?”

Trixie simply smiled. “Everypony deserves one more chance.”

Lighting couldn't control her body. It was like when she was ascending in the sky, ready to perform a dive. She could feel her body moving, her wings flapping but she wasn't controlling it. She simply let her heart move her body. She jumped over Trixie and kissed her and caressed her. Trixie laughed, chastising Lighting for being so rude but Lighting didn't cared, she kept kissing her and thanking her. Trixie wiped her tears and returned the kisses.

She make sure to blow the lamp before plating a last kiss, sending the van into a comforting darkness.

*****

“And now the Grand Finale....the Lighting Streak!”

Trixie lightened her horn, causing a shower of fireworks to hit the sky. Right on queue, a green and yellow blur soared the skies, leaving a lightning shaped mark, making rain clouds explode with her movement. Lighting Dust made the lighting streak remain in the sky a little longer, a slight variation of the trick.

The ponies below loved it, stomping the ground with fierce.

“Thank you, thank you! You have been a wonderful audience!” Trixie said and was about to remove her heat when suddenly she was lifted into the air by Lighting.

Trixie looked confused but before she could ask anything, Lighting planted a fierce kiss on her. Trixie didn´t complained and returned it, fireworks and lighting still on the sky.

In the ground, all the ponies cheered and whistled at the show.