Celestia had sent the letter on your behalf, and you hoped they’d be there when you arrived. The train ride back to Ponyville after that was quiet, Fluttershy snoozing against your side once more, and you just watched the scenery go by as you ran a hoof through her mane. The things outside began to get familiar, and you couldn’t help but smile as an orchard of apple trees appeared, slowly getting thicker.

Your compartment door opened and a little yellow blur hopped up next to you with a giggle, and you ruffled Applebloom’s mane with a hoof. The train started to slow down, so you woke your mare with a gentle squeeze, and she gave a groan as she shook her head as it was buried against your shoulder.

Applejack appeared and grabbed your things and her sister, leaving you to help Fluttershy from the seat and carriage. You were soon trotting through the town’s streets towards her home, but you suddenly stopped, realising something. She noticed you had stopped, turning around and nuzzling your cheek. “Sky?”

“I... don’t have a home. I mean, do I need to get my own place?”

“You do have a home, silly. It’s just outside town.” She giggled at your blank expression, then nudged your side to get you moving again. You shook your head clear and slid a wing over her back again, letting her lead you this time. It didn’t take long for you to reach the outskirts of town, smiling as her cottage came into view. “There’s your home, now come inside.”

You flapped ahead and opened the door for her, her tail flicking over your muzzle as she trotted by. You chuckled when you heard her gasp, Applejack placing the case on the ground outside and winking at you, Applebloom motioning you closer. You bent down and she wrapped her forelegs around your neck, then kissed your cheek. “Good luck, Sky. Be sure to come tell us how it went, ya hear?”

You gave her a nod and a nuzzle in return, then pulled your elder cousin into your embrace, the mare giggling. She gave you another wink and then swept her sister onto her back, trotting towards the farm. You grabbed your suitcase and dragged it inside, closing the door and turning to find Fluttershy still staring at her lounge, standing like a statue.

A gentle hoof to her flank got her moving, and she shot forward, wrapping her forehooves around her parents’ necks, her mouth open in shock with no sound coming from it. Parchment Dust broke free of his daughter’s grip and got up, motioning you to follow as he moved to the back yard, and you obeyed, making sure to close the door behind you. “Listen here, colt. I still don’t fully trust you, but you make my Shy happy. But I happen to agree with her mother, and don’t want her to have a foal out of wedlock. Call me an old-fashioned pony if you want, but we would like to see her married first.”

“I… have a ring.” The stallion turned towards you, and you brought out a small box, opening it to reveal a large gold hoof band inlaid with a ring of topaz. You shut the box and then placed it on the floor, nudging it towards the stallion. “I… think it’s perfect for her, but… I bought it with bits earned through ill gains. I guess a part of me always wanted to return. I’ll understand if you don’t want me to use it.” You closed your eyes and turned away, but they opened again when you felt the box against your hoof, staring at Dust in surprise.

“That may be the case, but I agree, it is perfect for her. You have my permission.” You gave a small cry of joy, and he started to chuckle as you jumped up and hugged him. Then he pushed you away. “Come on, coltcuddler, let’s get you in there to ask.” You nodded happily at him and headed back into the cottage, where Posey was sat with a large smile on her face, her hoof over Fluttershy’s stomach.

She glanced over at you and gasped, then left her daughter on the couch, who turned her gaze upon you, a soft smile on her muzzle. You trotted over and sat in front of her, taking ahold of one of her hooves in yours, and her eyes suddenly went wide. “Fluttershy, I know… that I haven’t been there for you during this difficult time, and I am so sorry. But I don’t want you to continue alone. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, then I have a question for you.”

“YES!”

“...I haven’t even asked you yet.” The mare just gave you a sheepish giggle, and smiled at you with a small blush. Tears started to fall as you brought the box from under your wing, placing the band over the tip of her hoof . “Fluttershy, would you… give me the honour of being your husband?”

“YES!!” You slipped the band up to her ankle and she suddenly jumped forward, pushing you to the floor. She had pinned your forehooves to the floor with her own, and her muzzle met yours in a passionate kiss. Her hoof moved to stroke your cheek, but then her head shot up and her cheeks got very pink. You tilted your head back at her smiling parents, then stood up and softly kissed Fluttershy on the tip of her muzzle “Um…”

“Shall we eat out tonight? Our treat for our daughter and her future husband?” You glanced at Fluttershy and she nodded at you, so you quickly took the case up to your new permanent bedroom, remembering to collect your personal belongings from Ponyville Library at some point. Your gaze briefly flicked over the magic bracelet still on your ankle, and you couldn’t help but smile.

You wanted to never be more than a mile, let alone five, from her again. With that thought to fill you with a warm feeling, you glided down the stairs and met your mare outside, closing the door behind you and slipping a wing over her back. The four of you then started the trot back into Ponyville proper.

You pranced in place nervously as Rarity gave another small growl, her forehooves gripping your muzzle tightly and forcing you to look at her. “Sky, will you calm down!”

“But it’s tomorrow!” The mare just rolled her eyes, then went back to making sure your suit fitted perfectly. Mac just stood opposite you with a smirk on his muzzle, his features as calm as ever. “This will be you soon! You’ll understand then!”

“Eeyup, reckon Ah will. But Ah don’t mind.”

“And finished! Now you look like a proper gentlecolt!” The unicorn stepped away and allowed you to move once more, so you hopped down from the podium and approached the mirrors, your mouth dropping open in shock. The mare had made you a tuxedo that fitted perfectly, with slits cut in the back to allow your wings freedom. You turned around with a chuckle as Mac’s grunting caught your ears, the earth pony having taken your place. “The best stallion needs a suit as well! I trust you’ll stay still?”

“Eeyup.”

“Good. Sky, go ahead and take that off now, then place it on the counter.” You did as instructed, slipping out of your beautifully crafted suit. It was traditional black with a white shirt, but that had a trim of butterfly-esque pink lines to match your partner. You hadn’t seen her for two days now, the mares being kept in another part of the castle, and you gave a heavy sigh. “Don’t worry, darling. You’ve spent the past few months almost glued to her side! Some time apart will do you well.”

“I know, I just…” You saw Rarity and Mac grinning at you, so you just huffed in annoyance, then trotted towards the door. “Make his outfit frilly!”

“Say what?”

“Very well, Sky, it is your wedding after all. Ah, naughty stallion!” You glanced over your shoulder at Mac, who was now being held in the air by a blue aura, having tried to break for freedom. His eyes begged for help, but you just turned away with a chuckle, heading towards your suite. It felt strange to have such a large room to yourself, so you gently closed the door and moved over to the balcony, looking over the gardens.

There were two groupings of seats being set out, and you cocked your head as you noticed a pink alicorn next to Pinkie Pie, both ensuring things were set out perfectly. You then glanced around as you felt a pony next to you, finding a white unicorn stallion with a two tone blue mane. “Hey there, looking forward to the big day?”

“Uh… yeah, but I’m just looking forward to seeing Fluttershy again.”

“Tell you what, she looks amazing in her dress, even being several months pregnant. Hey, look down there.” You followed his outstretched hoof, seeing an alicorn filly jump at the mare, who caught her with her forehooves, holding her close. “That’s Princess Cadance and her daughter, Skyla.”

“They look really happy together.”

“Yeah… wanna meet her?” You gave the stallion a nod and his horn glowed lavender, then the sound of giggle hit your ears. The filly left her mother and started to fly up to your balcony. “You might wanna step aside for this…” You did as the stallion suggested, just in time for the filly to slam into his chest and knock him back into the room.

You followed as his chuckles came through the door, and found him trying to stay still as not to hit the filly as she tickled his chest. She finally let up and moved to wrap her forelegs around his neck. “Daddy!” Your eyes went wide as she said this, and the stallion sat up with a grin as the filly slipped around to his back. “Still no wings, daddy!”

You dropped to the floor, bowing low to the ground, until he pulled you back up, a smirk on his face as he shook his head. “Just because both my wife and sister are princesses, doesn’t make me a prince. The name’s Shining Armour. Twily is my younger sister.”

“I’m Sky Runner.” He gave you a nod and shook your hoof, before heading back onto the balcony. You went to follow but gasped in surprise as you felt somepony land on your back, glancing over your shoulder and seeing the grinning filly staring at you. You returned her smile and caught up to the unicorn, seeing his sister in the garden now.

You both chuckled as the duo of alicorn mares shared a strange little dance, then hugged each other whilst giggling. “Want to go say hello?” You nodded at the stallion again, and he just hopped up onto the rails. “Race ya!” With that he jumped from your balcony, the filly giving a squeal of joy as she followed her father, yourself in the air soon after.

The stallion was falling calmly, his forehooves behind his head as he fell backwards, his eyes closed. You did your best to catch up and stop him from dying, but a blue glow just started to form around him, slowing him down. His movement was stopped a metre above the ground, and the aura disappeared.

He gave a grunt as his back hit the ground, but the three of you just started giggling, until a shadow fell over you. You turned around to find both the new mare and Twilight looking down at you with an equal glare, forcing you to restrain your mirth. “Uh…” The other alicorn started to walk around you, and you could feel her magic sweeping over you. She then returned next to Twilight, her face now neutral.

“So, he’s the groom? Hmm. Follow me, colt.” You glanced at Armour and he nodded at you, so you followed her across the gardens, where she stopped at the end of the red carpet, turning to face you. “I know you have been rehearsing, but this is how it will go. Fluttershy’s guests will be on the left, your’s will be on the right. Your parents will be on the two seats closest to the carpet.”

“Uh…”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Are your parents no longer with us?”

“No. I just haven’t spoken to them in over nine months. I’ve invited them, at Shy’s insistence, but haven’t gotten a reply.”

“I see. Well, if they come, that is where they’ll sit. The ceremony is due to start at midday, so be here for eleven. There will be a marquee up, so do not worry about the weather, which is planned to be clear anyway.”

“Of course.” The mare nodded at you, so you turned and trotted over to where Twilight was giving Skyla a lesson on magic, even though the filly couldn’t quite get it. You got starry-eyed looking at the interaction between niece and aunt, looking forward to the day Fleetfoot would be in that position.

“BIG MACINTOSH, GET BACK HERE NOW!” You turned to see your cousin galloping to the other side of the castle, a frilly white shirt around his chest, his mane shorter than usual. Just behind him was an angry Rarity, who had scissors in her magical aura. “Your mane is a mess, and I will make it presentable!”

“Nope!” You just chuckled as he led her in a circle around the garden, until she ran out of energy, collapsing to the ground and breathing heavily. Twilight shook her head with a sigh and picked her up with magic, then started to walk towards the nearest entrance.

You stood with your eyes closed, your back to the ponies now seated. Your parents had come, but you hadn’t spoken to them, despite Fleetfoot’s best efforts. You may do so at the reception, but only time would tell. There was a small part of you that was happy they came. You took a deep breath as your cousin’s hoof gently brushed your shoulder. “How long?”

“Ah’m not sure, but it can’t be too much longer. Ah reckon… Sky, open yer eyes.” You did as instructed, seeing Princess Celestia standing at the top of the step. You were stood on the next step down, Mac just below you. A quick glance and he tapped his pocket, where the hoof band was safely deposited. He gave you a nod and a small grin, then pointed at the alicorn once more. You took another deep breath and then looked at her with a smile, the mare lifting a hoof, signalling the start of the ceremony.

The first sound was a fanfare of trumpets from the castle walls, followed by an organ sending its music from somewhere inside the building. You couldn’t help but swallow nervously as you recognised the wedding march, and your primal instinct screamed to run, but then the door opened.

At first, Applebloom and her two friends appeared, skipping along with baskets in their mouths, spreading pink and yellow flowers over the red carpet. And then she appeared, your mouth dropping open in awe as Parchment Dust escorted her along. Everypony stood and stared as she passed them. You were snapped back to reality as they approached, Dust taking her hoof and passing it to you.

Even behind the veil, you could see Fluttershy blushing brightly, and you noticed her white dress with its trim of light blue, matching your coat colour, You just smiled softly at her and turned to Celestia as she began. “Mares and gentlecolts, please be seated.” She gave it a moment for the shuffling to stop, and then did something you didn’t expect. She knelt down so that she was at your height, looking you right in the eyes. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of Sky Runner and Dame Fluttershy.”

You were slightly taken aback at that, and your mare just shrugged sheepishly as you glanced at her. “Whilst they have not known each other as long as other couples, they are truly in love with one another. They have even worked through some difficulties, which will remain private to them, to come together for this day. This is a ceremony of love for another pony, and this young couple has more than enough for each other. Before we begin, is there anypony who objects to this union?”

“Yeah, I do!” You spun around in shock as a blur darted over to you, pulling you into a passionate kiss. Fluttershy just giggled at your dopey expression as Spitfire pulled back and gave you a wink, then smiled sheepishly up at Celestia. “Sorry, just wanted to do that one more time.” The pegasus quickly moved back to her seat next to Fleetfoot, who shot her an annoyed glance. You turned around and shook your head, nodding for the grinning alicorn to continue.

“Very well, we will now hear the vows.”

You and Fluttershy turned to face each other, and you flipped her veil over her head, taking her hoof in yours. The first part was written on your own volition, whilst you had agreed on adding the traditional ones at the end, just like she had. “Fluttershy, I never thought I’d ever meet a mare like you, let alone find love. At first… I thought it was just a crush, but after spending time with you, I knew it was something more.” You could see tears forming in her eyes, and continued with a soft smile.

“The circumstances of our meeting, whilst painful in some aspects, are something I would live through again, if it meant I would never lose you.” You turned to Mac and he passed the hoof band to you, which you then gently slipped over Fluttershy’s hoof. “With this band, I take you to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part… and even that won’t stop my love for you.”

She nodded as the tears started to drip down her cheeks, and she then took one of your hoofs in hers, her eyes shimmering as you stared into them. “Sky Runner, that day I found you hiding from everypony… and your condition… It was just my nature to want to help you, and I was happy to have a new friend. The day things were revealed and we helped you back to the library… even though I had only known you for a week or so, I knew I had a deeper feelings for you when I witness another mare give you a kiss. My love only grew for you the longer we spent together.”

She turned to Rainbow Dash, who was stood at a higher step than her other four friends. The grinning pegasus presented her with a cushion, on which lay a gold hoof band and your mare took it, then slipped it over the tip of your hoof. You couldn’t help but notice it was the same one Twilight had put on you in Baltimare; the inlaid gem, which you had only seen a few days ago, was now cyan instead of blood red. “With this band, I take you to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part… and even that won’t stop my love for you.”

You remained staring into her eyes as Celestia stood once more, spreading her wings wide and smiling down at you. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may… oh.” You couldn’t wait any longer, pulling your mare close and kissing her passionately, the guests erupting into a thunderous applause. You pulled away from your new wife, wiping away her tears as you smiled at her. You kept hold of her hoof as you turned and escorted her along the carpet.

You stopped at the first row of seats and glanced at your parents, then felt yourself nudged towards them, and you resigned yourself to the task with a deep sigh. You moved closer and sat in front of them, staring at the ground. “Thank you for coming. I can’t forgive you, not yet, but…” You glanced back at Fluttershy and smiled at her encouraging gaze, then turned to your parents. “We can work on it.” They gasped as you stood back up and wrapped your forelegs around their necks, and they slowly returned your embrace.

You held if for a few moments, then nodded and pulled away, returning to Fluttershy and draped your wing over her back, her head resting against yours as you headed towards the castle dance hall, where Celestia was allowing you to hold your reception.

It was the usual affair, lots of drinking and merrymaking, along with a few rather embarrassing speeches from your family. A meal had been laid out for you, and about an hour later the floor was cleared of the central tables, and you stepped out with Fluttershy as the curtains were closed and a spotlight shined on you. You had managed to get a favour with the Canterlot Orchestra, and the lead cellist was here to play for your first dance, one that you had decided would be a much slower than usual piece, due to your wife’s physical condition.

Other ponies joined you about halfway through, and you felt a hoof tap you on the shoulder. You stopped moving and looked around, seeing your father glancing up awkwardly from the floor. You had promised Fluttershy not to start any trouble, and to keep with tradition as best as possible. You gave her a quick, soft kiss, then passed her hoof to your father. Another tap on your other shoulder and you saw Posey grinning at you, so you offered her your hoof and took to dancing once more.

By the end of the evening you were exhausted, and Fluttershy was even more so, snoozing on a couch in the corner of your suite. You didn’t want to disturb her as you slipped from your suit, folding it neatly and placing it next to her dress on the bed. Her, and now your, friends had said they would take the wedding gifts back to Ponyville for you, leaving you the stuff you had packed for the honeymoon.

You jumped up behind Fluttershy and wrapped her in your hooves, covering her with a wing. Your left hoof dropped down to her stomach, and you chuckled as you felt your foal kick. You nuzzled the back of your wife’s head as you settled down behind her. The mare shifted in her sleep and then lay still.

You’d be on the train in the morning, heading towards your surprise destination, courtesy of the Wonderbolts.

Author's Note

Guess what everypony?

TRIPLE POST SUNDAY!!!