Why is Romance So Hard?

Chapters

Lost?
Arguments and Shock
Sonic Rainboom
Rejection
Cancer
Meetings
I'll follow you anywhere
Weeping
Pinkie Pie's confession

Lost?

Sunlight streamed through the plaid curtains of the farm pony's bedroom, peaking through a spare gap between the two pieces of fabric. The sunlight stretched across the floor and reached like grasping hooves towards the farm pony, beckoning her to awaken to the newest day. Two days ago had been the official ending of the apple season, and the trees had been harvested, the delicious and ripe apples awaiting patiently to be distributed to the eager customers that awaited them for shipments for wares such as Sugarcube Corner, where the Cakes and one of her beloved friends sold the most delectable treats known in Ponyville. The Apple family would commonly use their own share of the harvest to bake award-winning and infamous various types of apple-based pastries and deserts.

Applejack drew her patched quilt over her head, attempted to shield her eyes from the radiating beams of light that perused her from the other side of the room. There was a rather cozy layout to the room, her bed with a queen sized, taking up much of the spare space of the farm house bedroom. A spare rocking chair sat in the corner with an old hat perched on the corner, collecting dust. A spare desk covered with letters and requests from the civilians of Ponyville piled themselves around old letters from family. Around the room, there were several framed pictures, each individually cared for and dusted. Each one showed a new image, mainly of her family and friends. One of her and her beloved sheep-dog Winona sat above her bed, and all around them pictures of races, events, celebrations, parties hosted by Pinkie Pie, meetings with the princess, the Royal Canterlot Wedding of Princess Candace and Twilight Sparkle's brother, Shining Armor.

However, what caught the attention of the few people that were allowed to enter the abode of the Apple Family was four pictures that resided on the night stand next to her, accompanied with a horse-shoe shaped light who's light had long since been snuffed. A beautiful mare wearing a braid in her hair, and bore the same enchanting jade eyes as the farm pony, stared lovingly into the eyes of an opposite stallion. While the mare bore a cream colored coat, the stallion was more orange, following pursuit with a reddish mane and solemn, sunken gray eyes. However, a more appealing nature that was drawn from both him and his daughter was the constant companionship of their freckles, ever present. Apple Jack turned her head and raced her hoof lazily, stroking over the frame of the two ponies while she let out a sorrow induced sigh, her breath faltering ever so slightly.

Each morning was a task like the next, waking up and having to face the identities of the two parents that she would never see again. Ever since the passing of her parents, she was left to be the soul provider of her family, working long hours on the farm to ensure that everything was well kept and the animals were fed. Each morning was the same, but the farm pony adored Sweet Apple Acres over an rural house in Ponyville, surrounded by the noisiness of the city. Here, there was peace and serenity at every peak, from the soft breezes that were often accompanied in the cool mornings of spring, to the different creatures that roamed the land. This was the land that Applejack had always, and will always, call home. Nopony else could tear her from this secluded, yet popular resort.

Removing the hoof-sewn quilt from over her body, the orange pony stretched out her legs, flexing her hind quarters and moving them around, stiff after a restless night. She moved herself from the bed slowly, walking over with a small skip in her step to the dresser, where a mirror was perched proudly over head. Her several awards and newspaper articles from the local paper. Her brush laid on her dresser, which she picked up with her mouth and whipped her mane over her shoulder, slowly brushing it. Finally feeling impressed with it, she tied her hair in the normal pony-tail and placed on her beloved light brown Stetson hat. Much like her freckles and stubborn personality, her personal trademark came from wearing her hat constantly. Not many ponies knew why she did, outside of the Apple family at least.

A figure came rushing through the half-open door in a blur of brown, white, and red flashed through, hurling itself towards the farm pony. Before she could open her mouth to speak, a warm tongue was lapping at her cheek affectionately, and she could hear the panting of her beloved companion in her ear. Applejack laughed softly, pressing her hooves lightly against the collie and pushing her away gently, before slowly standing back onto all fours."Now Winona, ah told ya'll not ta do that anymore, ya hear? Ya'll are cute as a filly playin' in the mud on a warm day in Summer, but ah don't need'ha lickin' the freckles right off of mah face!"

The Boarder Collie glanced down, sulking silently while her tail recoiled and was pulled tighter to her, only occasionally giving a light and effort-filled wag of understanding while she was scolded. Her large eyes stared directly up at Applejack, who had pressed her lips together and remained stern, but slowly, a large smile broke over the mare's face."Oh, alright. Ya'll are too cute ta be scoldin', but remember, ah'm not a big fan of that there lickin', understand? Come on now, let's go get the rest o' the family and get on some here breakfast." With that, she moved away and trotted down the hallway and into the open kitche area, where Granny Smith was mumbling to herself about how the plates were watching her.

"Ah swear those darned tootin' dishes there keep on movin' an' tauntin' me!" The elderly pony complained as she saw her granddaughter enter the room through the hallway entrance, and pointed a hoof directly to a white plate with apples creating a circle in the middle. Applejack turned her head to look, but clearly saw nothing moved the slightest since the last use of the fine plate.

"Granny, ah'd love ta sit here and chat with ya, but ah need ta get breakfast on and get Apple Bloom off to school, ya know how that filly gets when her stomach's growlin'." The younger mare moved around the kitchen, working her way around as she prepared a hearty helping of toast, apple juice, and fresh eggs of which Granny Smith had went out to collect earlier that morning. She moved over to the counter, where a silver bell waited to be used, next to a counter lined with plates filled of equal portions."Meals ready, come an' get it while it's hot!" She rang the bell, and heard small hooves trotting down the hallway.

"Finally, ah'm starvin'!" The cheerful voice of her younger sister caused the earth pony to smile proudly, clearly pleased at how eager the young filly was to have her cooking inside of her stomach. She stepped up onto a stool, and grasped for a plate of food, while Applejack approached behind her with her ribbon, using her hooves and mouth to tie the young filly's hair up. Big Mac soon entered pursuit after his sisters and grandmother, sitting down at a stool at the counter, and letting out a withdrawn sigh. He simply munched on his breakfast a bit, and scooted it away, appearing solemn and anti-social.

Applejack knew by instinct the way that her brother was acting that something was clearly wrong and was on his mind, but deciding to address the matter later, she placed a hoof on her sisters shoulder, and gave a reassuring smile."Come on sis, it's time we getcha down to the school."

"Do ah have to goooo," Apple Bloom began protesting, staring at her empty plate out of moodiness. Ever since Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had been caught with a two week long virus, the young filly seemed to have lost all interest in her schooling, often protesting when it was time to go.

Applejack stared at her for several long moments, drawing in a deep breath as she knew that this argument was a repeat of the past week, slowly letting out a soft sigh, she placed the small filly upon her back, trotting out of the doorway."The answer is yes, ya have ta go ta school, no if's ands or buts about et! Ya'll will have Scootaloo and Sweetie back before ya know it, and ya can have the best time explorin' fur your cutie marks."

At this mention of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom suddenly seemed ecstatic once more, her eyes widening while she let out a squeal of delight,"Ya're right sis, now all ah need ta do is think of ways fur the girls when they get back ta school! Thank ya so much!" She hugged her sister around the neck, and the orange pony laughed in return, leaning into the hug while she placed her sister down. The young filly turned and waved, before bolting to the school house where the children were rushing into before the last bell rang.

"That filly has more of an imagination then ah did... odd." With that, Applejack turned and stared making her way back to the farm, walking up the dirt road that led there, and sitting down to eat her own breakfast. She had only just started the second egg, since Granny Smith had been bickering about the coffee mugs now, and Big Mac had strayed once more to the barn where he spent most of his time. Applejack winced at the loud knock, usually someone only did that when something was urgent and important to be addressed, such as the princesses arriving in Ponyville.

"What in tarnation could all that bangin' be for?" She questioned outloud while she moved her way to the doorway, opening it up and half-expecting to see a customer that needs urgent apples, but instead.. she was met with the brilliant eyes of her pink friend. The most happy and go lucky pony she knew, Pinkie Pie. However, the usual spark of happiness in her eyes appeared vacant and distant, once more resembling that of how Big Mac was earlier that very morning. Applejack tilted her head to the side, opening her mouth to speak but before the words were ushered, she noticed the poofiness of her friends man had gone flat and straight.

"Hi Applejack..." The pink pony hung her head down low, her nose almost touching the dirt beneath her. Her back was even slumped, and she appeared depressed. Applejack tilted her head to the side, and stared down at her friend, clearly worried.

"Pinkie, what in Sam Hill are you doin' here and why do ya look like ya just lost everythin'?"

The pink pony shrugged momentarily, and then slowly moved her eyes up, but barely made any sudden contact with her friend, she tried to offer a smile, but it was very strained. Her blue eyes appeared almost gray, dull, and lifeless. She turned her head towards the road, and then once more to the ground."I needed someone to talk to, because I am not feeling quite to be my Pinkie self today, I woke up and Gummy was missing..."

Applejack stared at her friend for several long moments, attempting to recall who Gummy exactly was. She recalled the name

from a few times, usually when her and her friends were hosting pet dates together.. and suddenly, it all clicked. Gummy was Pinkie Pie's toothless baby alligator that she kept on a tight leash, but often times hosted parties for him. However, how could he have gotten out of her room? He was so small he could hardly get out of the bathtub.

"Gummy? Well sugarcube, when was the last time that you had seen your Gummy?" Applejack attempted to hide the nervousness in her voice, but she was thinking of the guilt that would follow if she could not be able to aid her friend.

"Last night, I was throwing a special super dooper party in honor of his one year with me, but when I put him in his bed last night with a piece of cake, a balloon, and a party hat, he disappeared the next morning. I am worried sick A.J, and I need someone that could help me find him, please!" Pinkie had literally thrown herself down at Applejack's hooves, groveling while tears streamed down her face, staining her dirty coat. Applejack laid down now, comforting her friend by stroking her mane.

"Dont'cha worry sugar cube, ah am goin' to find Gummy, and get him back ta ya, alright?" She urged herself to smile, attempting to show her friend she was relaxed and collected, but she was rather nervous if they could succeed or not."Ah'll get Winona, and we can all head ta Sugar Cube Corner, an' sniff out where Gummy is."

Pinkie slowly nodded her head and stood up on her four legs once more, her blue eyes had not changed from the solemn and distant grayish tint to the. Applejack placed her hoof on Pinkie and whistled for Winona, the young adult collie came bounding out from the kitchen, her tongue flying out of her mouth happily. She skid to a halt, and waited patiently for Applejack's command, wagging her tail excitedly.

"Winona, come on sugarcube, we're goin' ta go help Pinkie here, ya understand?" The dog barked happily in response, and the trio ventured into Ponyville, while Winona placed her nose to the ground and began following the scent of her familiar friend. Applejack followed in pursuit, bending down here and there to glance under tables and chairs, but found nothing more then dust bunnies beneath. They walked inside of Pinkie Pie's room, a rather cheerfully decorated room with cupcakes aligning the walls and different types of pasteries, party supplies crowded the room, and a pleasant day bed was pressed against the wall. Balloons could be found scattered throughout the room.

Winona approached the are where Gummy had last been seen, and glanced at the ceiling, barking loudly. Applejack's jade eyes slowly lifted towards the direction her companion was indicating at, and she lofted an eyebrow."Uh.. Pinkie... ya might want to look up."

Pinkie's head slowly glanced upward, and her jaw slacked slightly open, and she let out a squeal of delight. There, floating before them, with a balloon tied around his midsection, was Gummy. The alligator still appeared to have his blank stare, while the balloon was hitting the sealing. Pinkie turned to Applejack, worry now flashing in her eyes which sparkled their normal brilliant blue now."AJ, what are we going to do?! My baby alligator is stuck up there tied to that balloon, which I hope I can be friends with after we solve this!" She turned her head upwards once more, sticking her tongue out of her mouth and squinting her eyes."Oh, oh I know! Maybe, we can stack a whole bunch of ponies and built a staircase to my Gummy, and then we can all go to an alternate dimension and have a party!"

Applejack stared dumbfounded at her friend."Sugarcube, why don't ah just get a rope, an lasso your little critter down?"

Pinkie Pie beamed and nodded her head several times in agreement, her hair had returned to it's normal poof, and she bounced happily to her closet, shuffling around in various old boxes she stored away for parties. At last, she returned with a rope in her mouth, trotting proudly before stumbling over her own feet and falling down, but rebounded off the floor as if it never happened. Applejack stared once more at her friend, having to stiffle a laugh.

"Alright sugarcube, stand back!" With that, Applejack took the rope and looped it, tossing it into the air, and without much effort, wrapped it around the small alligator. She slowly began to move him down, making sure not to squeeze to hard and harm the small creature. Pinkie Pie watched in anticipation, biting on her hoof nervously. Slowly, Gummy descended to the floor and was automatically scooped up by Pinkie Pie, who kissed her beloved companion on top of the head.

"Thank you sooooo much Applejack, I finally have my little Gummy Wummykins back!"

"No problem Pinkie, just try not ta put a balloon on the little critter again, alright?"

"Okie dokie lokie!"

Arguments and Shock

Rainbow Dash had laid perched upon a lonesome cloud in the sky after a rough and solid day's work while her partner Cloud Kicker was continuing her routine, flying around and sweeping through the clouds, enjoying the wind in her mane. The truth was that Rainbow Dash was just not that interested in her normal routine of showing off for her partner today, as the two would often challenge one another two different shunts that they could display when flying and clearing the skies on sunny days. What many ponies did not know was that Cloud Kicker was a talented flier and an old friend of Rainbow Dash from Flight Academy, a young Pegasus that had earned her spot as Rainbow Dash's partner on the Weather Team of Ponyville after she had proven herself a loyal friend to the cyan colored mare.

However, right now, everyone else was distant in thought compared to Rainbow Dash herself. She drew in a deep breath, and withdrew slowly, flipping onto her backside while she relaxed into the cloud, and stared up in thought at the sky. There never was anything important to do on days where the skies were to be cleared, most of the clouds could be cleared out within ten seconds flat, and otherwise, she was free the rest of the day, or until Cloud Kicker had finally finished her fair share of the clouds. Rainbow sighed, flipped once more onto her stomach while she drew her wings in closer to her body, glancing at how they danced off in the sunlight. Not many people would know, but while Dash was secure about her flying abilities, she also took pride in her personal appearance. She thought herself to be unique, a rather idolize person, compared to prissy mares such as her friend Rarity, a fashionista unicorn that spent most of her time designing dresses and frilly outfits that never interested Rainbow herself.

No, Rainbow preferred speed, the way that the wind ruffled her mane, the feeling of the air currents gliding alongside her movements, the way that the adrenaline would rush through her veins as she pushed herself to the limit. The thrill of flying and winning were two things that Rainbow Dash adored the most out of life, the things that she thrived from as a Pegasus, who would she be without her wings? She shuddered at the thought, closing her eyes and beginning to imagine life as a unicorn or an earth pony. No, that would take too much effort.

Cloud Kicker flew over after several minutes of taking her sweet time, and pressed her hoof gently against Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus jumped slightly in reaction and yawned loudly, stretching out her legs. Cloud Kicker blushed and placed her hooves behind her back, glancing down at the cloud. She didn't mean to startle her partner, but she always seemed to forget that the Pegasus was prone to taking deep naps when on a "break".

"Sorry Rainbow Dash, I didn't know you were asleep. I just wanted to let you know I finished clearing my half of the sky finally, and should be getting back to Ditzy Doo, you know how she can tend to be when left alone for too long." The dark purple Pegasus turned her head towards the sky as Rainbow shrugged and beckoned her off with a hoof, muttering her words lowly.

"Yeah, yeah. Great job, see you later." With that, Dash closed her eyes as Cloud Kicker flew off in a rush, clearly excited to return to her friend. Rainbow, however, didn't seem to notice when she was there as it was. Instead, she was lost in thought. She had a wonderful life, amazing friends, and was potentially going to become a Wonderbolt, she personally did know the Wonderbolts and had managed to impress them tremendously on more then one occasion. Yet, there was something that was absent in her waking life, almost nonexistent. Her eyes slowly opened as she stared at the ground, the reason was Dash had never harbored anypony as her special somepony.

The closest anyone ever came to capturing Rainbow's attention was Soarin, a male Pegasus that was an official Wonderbolt. She enjoyed being semi-friends with the stallion and believed him to be a gifted flyer, but the truth was that stallions never truly appealed to Rainbow Dash. They were too rough around the edges and confusing, and often times tried becoming too dominant in the bedroom. She usually refused anybody that attempted to peruse a relationship with her and in return was hardly saght after, as word spread like a wildfire in the Everfree Forest that the Rainbow Dash was celibate... which was false. She was independent. Trust no pony but yourself and those who prove themselves loyal to you. However, she found that trust in her five best friends, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack. Each represented an element of Harmony, the very traits of friendship itself. However, out of all her friends, Applejack was the one she harbored the deepest loyalty for.

Ever since coming to Ponyville Dash had expanded her social circle to more select friends (and several fans) then her long time friend Fluttershy. Her loyalties began residing with Applejack when she saw the courage and honesty of the farm pony, not only that, Applejack was a pretty gifted athlete for an earth pony. They always competed, which kept things interesting between the two as friends. You never knew what was to be expected when those two were in the presence of one another. Rainbow Dash sighed and glanced down to the ground, bored, however her magenta eyes became ecstatic as she caught sight of the familiar hat of Applejack. Swooping down from her cloud, she hovered in the air above Applejack, flying beside the trotting mare. She appeared to be troubled, and Dash's face twisted in worry.

"AJ, are you okay?" Rainbow Dash questioned her friend, attempting to hide the nervousness of the pony's answer in her voice, attempting to remain calm and collect as she always would be around her friends. However, the presence of this pony was something that always kept her on her hooves.

Applejack halted and turned around, staring directly into Rainbow Dash's magenta eyes, and began to shake her head side to side, kicking a small rock in the middle of the road."Ah'm not sugarcube, actually, ah'm far from okay. Ah just got word from mah uncle in Manehattan that mah aunt Orange is dyin'.." Her voice was distant, but she remained strong when she spoke. That was always something Dash had admired about Applejack.

Rainbow Dash's ears pressed against her skull, as she stroked her hooves slowly through the mare's mane, attempting to show her best support for her without appearing too awkward. However, the way that the mare flinched away and appeared uncomfortable with her friends petting surprised Rainbow Dash, after all, it had been more comforting then flirtatious. Rainbow's magenta eyes squinted a bit as she watched A.J closely, the mares facial expression had changed from bad to worse.

"Are you alright, Applejack? You usually never turn away when someone touches you."

Applejack appeared to be almost distant from her friend then ever now, and just canted her head to the side, her jade eyes staring directly into the pools of magenta. The farm pony's eyes had hardened, and she slowly moved herself onto her hooves, scowling in anger."Ah don't need your sympathy Rainbow, ah know you only are comfortin' me because ya need a partner to race with. Well this ain't tha time nor place for it." She stamped her hoof onto the ground and challenged Rainbow Dash with her anger filled eyes.

Rainbow Dash flipped into the air, hovering right above Applejack's head, staring at her as the two became incredibly close, close enough to where they could feel each other's unsteady breaths on their faces. Rainbow snorted carbon dioxide from her flare nostrils into Applejack's face, denying to allow the mare to have the upper hand in this argument that had emerged."I was just attempted to be a loyal friend, because you know, that's what my Element of Harmony is, loyalty!"

Applejack narrowed her eyebrows now and turned around, trotting away from Rainbow Dash. She was fed up with the pegasus and how she always attempted to become a better athlete than anyone around her. Rainbow Dash scoffed and returned to her lonesome cloud, mumbling to herself about unloyal and stuck up farm ponies. Sometimes, she hated that earth pony with a passion.

The cyan pegasus turned her head and analyzed the ground once more, the anger had long since boiled down and she stretched out her wings once more, deciding to lay down and take a nap... that was, before an annoying tweeting was ushered in her ear. She grumbled, cupping her hooves over her ears to block it out. However, now something was pulled at her mane. She turned her head around to see a familiar looking falcon attempting to awaken her, it cawed out mightly, and swooped down to the ground below. Rainbow Dash peaked over the cloud and glanced down below to see Fluttershy standing by, waiting for her.

Rainbow flew down to her friend, who jumped in surprise and cowered, her hooves covering her head in defense of whatever creature may be wanting to harm her. The Pegasus tilted her head to the side and cleared her throat, appearing rather annoyed."Er... Fluttershy? What are you doing here?"

Fluttershy relaxed almost instantly at the raspy voice of her longtime friend, and offered a sincere smile as she dusted herself off. Her pink bangs were hiding her right blue eye, and she was speaking in her more then usual quiet voice."Oh, hello Rainbow Dash, I-I'm sorry if I am disturbing you. I just saw Applejack trotting off from this direction and I wanted to make sure everything was okay.

At the thought of the previous argument that spiked between the two, Rainbow Dash scoffed and placed her hooves on her flanks, taking off into the air for a few seconds."It totally is not, that stubborn pony refuses to even allow me to comfort her! Some friend she is." Her magenta eyes found the calm and gentle ones of Fluttershy, who cowered a bit at her friends aggressive attitude. Rainbow Dash came down from the sky, and offered a half-apologetic smile."Sorry Fluttershy, I sometimes forget how sensitive you could be with me being so... wild."

"Oh, it's quite alright Rainbow Dash. What happened anyways?" Fluttershy was now sitting on her haunches, several rabbits, and other various forest creatures were surrounding her. The falcon sat on her head, appearing to be slumbering silently and peacefully.

"Applejack and me got into another argument, and she ran off in a hurry because she couldn't handle me touching her for some reason. Apparently her Aunt Orange in Manehattan is dying." The last part of the sentence made Rainbow Dash wince in guilt, maybe she was over analyzing this a bit.

"Oh my Rainbow Dash! Perhaps you two should talk this over, I am sure that Applejack is just going through a hard time, you know how sensitive she is about her family." Fluttershy was stroking the ears of Angel Bunny, her favorite companion pet who was a snow-white rabbit with a demanding attitude and large appetite.

"You're right, Fluttershy. I should go find her, but she's probably still upset. Was there anything else you needed?" Rainbow Dash felt more soothed now that she had been calmed down by the most gentle natured person she knew, and her eyes were now focused completely on her friend.

"Well," Fluttershy began while she halted her petting of Angel and glanced down to the dirt path nervously, her voice became high pitched once more."There was one thing... however, I don't think I want to tell anypony right now."

"What? Why not?" Rainbow Dash was more allured now and leaned forward, clearly perusing this topic.

"... It has to do with romance, Rainbow."

"What?"

"Yes... romance. Finally, for once Rainbow, someone has captured my heart that isn't one of my lovely little woodland creatures." She smiled bashfully, her yellow cheeks were beginning to blush violently. She drew in a deep breath and turned around to make sure nobody was around, and finally, she spoke once more.

"Rainbow..."

Rainbow Dash was almost about to abruptly shake the yellow Pegasus and plead with her to just put her curiosity to an end, but what came next was enough that brought Rainbow Dash to slouch down to the ground, her jaw dropped slightly open.

"I'm in love with Rarity."

Rainbow Dash had turned her head a few times around to make sure that nopony was looking, and quickly, she cleared her throat, yelling at the top of her lungs,"WHAT!"

Fluttershy cowered in response to the yelling, and the falcon cawed out, ruffling his feathers in defense of the loud noise. The critters surrounded Fluttershy, seeking her for protection. A few bounded off into the woods once more, followed in pursuit after the falcon. Fluttershy was whimpering now, tears filling her eyes."I-I'm sorry R-Rainbow, maybe I-I should just be going now..."

"I'm sorry Fluttershy, but you of all ponies, I'm sorry... I just never saw that coming!"

Sonic Rainboom

Fluttershy had turned her head as her pink bangs covered her turquoise eyes, and she was now beginning to squeak as she attempted to speak. Rainbow Dash's face fell from one of shock and surprise to that of guilt and concern while she dashed over to Fluttershy, awkwardly putting a hoof on her shoulder and comforting her."Uh... Sorry Fluttershy, I didn't mean to get you upset."

Fluttershy continued her squeaking for a few minutes, but her words were lost when she sprang into the air, her posture changing instantly while a common-colored white unicorn with a curled rich purple mane and brilliant dark blue eyes approached them. Rainbow Dash smiled to herself, enjoying the reaction her longtime friend as soon as Rarity walked into view. She was carrying a bag full of fabrics, wearing an overly-large yellow hat decor with flowers of several different types.

Fluttershy swooped down to the ground once more, and cowered slightly behind Rainbow Dash while Rarity approached closer. She was always so silent, but this moment was when Fluttershy quivered and didn't even make a noise, she seemed almost frozen in place as Rarity was less then 20 yards away from them. She appeared to be checking each fabric was exact and had a place on her latest dress, as she was muttering to herself words of approval. Afar another 2 yards, she noticed Rainbow Dash and a familiar pink tail cowering from near her.

"Hello Rainbow Dash, darling! What a pleasant surprise, I suspect that you have finally managed to cough up the nerve to allow me to model your figure on a line of new dresses for Pegasus? Wonderful!" Rarity was trotting faster towards them now, not even giving the Rainbow colored pegasus to answer, while her friend continued to cower behind her. Rarity clearly knew who it was now, and her eyes focused on the pink tail curled around Rainbow Dash's hoof now. A surge of jealousy sparked through her.

"Not even if Discord was brought back for the third time, Rarity. I wouldn't even do it if the Wonderbolts were stood by another great group of fliers, not now, not ever!" The pegasus spread her wings and proudly puffed out her chest, proving her point that she was far too proud and stubborn to stoop down to such lowly measures, even if it was to help a good friend.

Rarity stopped and appeared to pout, but after a few moments continued to move even faster then before, at last catching up with her friends. Fluttershy was shaking violently now from behind Rainbow Dash, the tension from her was enough to cut with a butter knife.

"What a shame, darling. You have a gifted form, anypony would be lucky to have a dress modeled with your measurements," She glanced behind the cyan pegasus now, her purple curls springing up as her head moved."Fluttershy, darling, why are you cowering behind Rainbow Dash? You know that I would never harm you.." Her voice oozed off concern, and the jealousy continued to spark as she saw the yellow pegasus move closer to her long time friend for comfort.

Despite having always been used to comforting her overly emotional friend, Dash appeared to become annoyed with the constant cowering and silence from the opposite pegasus mare. She never understood why she would cower from her friends, they would never harm her, no matter the situation. Right? Fluttershy stared from behind Rainbow Dash now and silently spoke, nervousness dripped in her voice."I'm s-sorry Rarity, y-you're right. I just had something to tell y-you.. just not like this." She stared at the ground now, ashamed of her own according motions.

Rainbow Dash managed to remove her hoof from Fluttershy's tight tail-embrace, and pulled away, so she was now standing on the side of Rarity and Fluttershy. Rarity's eyes narrowed while she walked forward slowly, and glancing down at the dirt path, she frowned. Would she risk getting her own beautiful coat dirty just to comfort her cowering friend, who was cowering from -her- of all ponies to begin with? Sighing, she slouched down into the dirt and placed a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder."Darling, you never have to fear telling me anything. We are best friends, after all! I promise, I will never be upset when you need to tell me something."

"W-well," Fluttershy began squeaking, her pink tail swishing nervously while she whispered something beneath her breath, beginning to grow more nervous. Her eyes were glassy, her pupils large and fearful."Rarity the truth is that..." She drew in a deep breath, and Rainbow Dash leaned forward in anticipation of the upcoming moment, her wings fluttering with excitement.

"I-I..." Fluttershy continued to squeak, and Rarity leaned forward, attempting to understand her. Fluttershy was now laying with her stomach pressed down into the dirt, and tears welled into her eyes, as she darted off into the direction of her cottage for protection, leaving her two friends stunned and confused in a cloud of unsettled dust from the speed of the pegasus in an attempt to escape the situation. Rarity coughed and began dusting off her coat, clearly upset that her friend was too nervous to tell what was on her mind.

"What has gotten into that charming pegasus within the past few weeks? It seems that she is becoming disconnected, perhaps I did something wrong? Does she not like the factor that my tail has less volume then usual?" She frowned, spinning around to sneak a glance at her tail, which bounced up and down like a spring. Rainbow opened her mouth an attempt to speak, but was once more halted as a familiar voice shouted at the two of them from a distance. The cyan pegasus turned around, her magenta eyes scanning the area for any potential signs of danger or anyone that may need help. She let out a sigh of relief as she saw Twilight Sparkle approaching them with Spike sitting perched on her back, munching happily on a gem cupcake.

"Hi girls! I have excellent news for you two! I just received a letter from Princess Cadence, and there is wonderful news for her and Shining Armor, the two of them are expecting a foal!" The proud princess was almost bouncing up and down in excitement, but her wings weighed her down. Her entire appearance had changed since her crowning of the newest of princess of Equestria, except for her personality. Twilight was as vibrant and stunning and always, always sharp and brilliant.

"That is simply marvelous darling, please give the two newlyweds my best wishes! Oh, I should design a new section of clothing for the little foal when Princess Cadence is near full term." Rarity zoned out for several moments, staring in awe at the empty sky, clearly imaging her fashion on the newest addition to the royal family of Equestria. Rainbow Dash waved her hoof in front of the mares face and she laughed nervously, apologizing. Twilight Sparkle scuffed her hoof across the dirt, getting it a tad dusty while she scraped up some pebbles buried underneath the surface of the worn out path.

"I shall remember to display the idea to her the next time I come in contact with my Shining Armor, Rarity. How is everypony today? I saw Fluttershy dash off into the direction of her cottage, did something happen?" The lavender unicorn tilted her head, analyzing her friends. Her horn was the only thing having her tiara remain steady upon her head, while she stretched out her wings and frowned in disappointment at the silence that persisted amongst them. It was almost an internal struggle amongst everyone of her friends to alert her when something personal happened.

Rainbow Dash glanced down at the ground, attempting to smolder the flames of the fire that was growing from the tension between the three mares. Instead, she glanced to the clear, bright blue skies above. The sunlight glimmered across her mane, showing off the several spectrums of colors, and her magenta eyes dazzled with a rare shine. Almost by instinct, the two other mares were staring at her in curiosity. At last, Rarity cleared her throat and caught the cyan mare from her day dream. Rainbow Dash stared in return intently, and bowed her head down."Rarity... I don't know how to put this.." She began slowly, as the white unicorn leaned forward her eyes shining with a keen interest as Rainbow slowly spoke.

"Please do go on darling, it's quite rude not to finish your statements which you began them. Come on, finish up." The

unicorn was quite demanding at time, and clapped her hooves together, indicating her impatience. Rainbow's ears flattened against her head and she snorted in annoyance, but drew in a deep breath.

"There is no sentimental way for me to say this without perhaps having it come to a shock for you... but Fluttershy is... Fluttershy is..." She began opening her mouth to form the words but was abruptly cut off by a hurl of yellow that appeared almost from thin air, which knocked her down to the ground with the loud screaming and pleading of her name, followed by squeaking. The yellow pegasus slowly helped her friend up, but appeared rather unsatisfied with almost allowing her secret to be told to the one she loved the most. If Rarity was to hear it, it might as well be from her own mouth, not anypony else.

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, but didn't speak to have any idea of what to say now. Rainbow Dash was still in awe on how rapidly the pegasus had flown and how she had arrived there, had she been watching them from a distance? Usually Fluttershy was an incredibly weak and slow flyer, but perhaps the adrenaline and nervousness propelled her to Rainbow faster then one would have thought normal. Squeaks followed with the silence from Rarity and Twilight, who were both staring at the two Pegasus with a rather annoyed expression.

At last, Rarity cleared her throat and bounced a few curls in her well kept mane,"Fluttershy, please do be a dear and tell me what is on your mind. If you are upset with me, I would rather know here and now so we can speak about this as two grown ponies, instead of two foals at school. Please now, tell me what is going on." The mare walked near Fluttershy, her dazzling blue eyes were impatient and searching the turquoise eyes of the opposite mare.

Fluttershy moved near Rainbow Dash more, and leaned over to whisper into her ear. Rainbow agreed out loud with the occasional "uh-huh", "yeah", and "that could work". Her ears twitched as a devious grin grew across her face and she licked her slips before saluting Fluttershy and dashing off into the sky, a trail of rainbow spectrum colors following after her in a trail. After she was out of sight in the sky, Rarity and Twilight stared awkwardly at one another, waiting for the pegasus to return. All three remained silent, and Fluttershy slumped down.

After several minutes of waiting, there was magnificent blur of several colors that streamed through the sky at the speed of sound, and as quick as before,a blur of colors came from the sky. An entire circle of color spread throughout the sky of Ponyville, followed by an aftermath shockwave of rainbow coloration that spread throughout the city and near Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack had raised her head from carrying a bucket of water to her plants, and nearly dropped it, her jade eyes shimmered with delight at the incredible sight of the Sonic Rainboom.

"Oh... my," Twilight Sparkle and Rarity repeated almost out of breath at the sudden occurrence, however, Rainbow Dash usually only did this marvelous stunt when she was doing something for a grand occasion. What could have led her to do that? The blur of rainbow cam towards them and angled before impacted the ground and shot once more into the sky, as a flurry of rainbows surrounded a whole heap of clouds. Each cloud was placed in a special order to appear to be in the center of the rainbow circle in the sky. Several townies had stopped and stared in unison at the beautiful sight that unfolded. After just a few seconds, Rainbow Dash landed and pointed to the sky.

There in the sky, in a bold letting was the words,"Rarity, I have been in love with you since I first met you. I always have, and always will be. -Fluttershy.". Twilight Sparkles wings unfurled in surprise and her mouth gaped open widely, while Fluttershy blushed a crimson coloration. Rainbow Dash was withholding a smile.

Rejection

The silence that drifted between the friends that remained silent and still in the middle of the path was almost unbearable, the shouts of confusion and awe could be heard escalating from the city while several ponies clustered around the town square, appearing to be decoding the bluntly obvious message of the most, known fashion designer in the city and the humble retired fashion model, Fluttershy. The truth was that several ponies already knew that Fluttershy harbored feelings for her closest and dearest friend, the glances she tossed subliminally to her when she thought nopony else was watching, and the way that she moved ever so slightly closer to her when the two walked side by side down the market street, picking up various vegetables for the animals that Fluttershy attended to.

The city of earthern ponies and a few distinct unicorns and pegasi were mixting together across every square inch of the town square, arching their necks and our turning their heads to point out various colors that they saw in the formation of the rainbow circle that shimmered brightly in the sky, sparkling from water drops collected from the nearby overcast clouds of the day. All the silence was finally coming to a settle while Fluttershy scooted closer to her sister figure Rainbow Dash, retaining any sudden urge to cling to her and beg Rarity for her most internal and sincere forgiveness, that it was a foalish act of unrequited love that she saw in a romance novel once when she was accompanying Twilight on her ordinary clean up routine of the library's books. All of this could be removed as a misunderstanding later, that Fluttershy had accidentially looked in the direction of Rarity when she spoke, making Rainbow Dash assume the fabulous message was for her and her alone...

The truth was that nopony was going to squirm their way out of this situation, and the silence that mustered was finally broken when Twilight Sparkle's wings flapped and relaxed once more, her purple eyes transfixed on the others around her, attempting to release the tension that remained still. Rarity's eyes beamed with excitement and confusion while her mouth was open, and her blue eyes glanced from the sky above and once more at her best mare friend. Her mind felt as if she was being battered and bruised by a hydra, the roar of the beast that plundered her mind and create a constant distraction from words that were attempting to form in her mouth. Her lower jaw moved up and down but all that came out was carbon dixoide and a mixture of released whimpers while she realized all eyes were fixated on her.

"Rarity," Twilight Sparkle began speaking while she was becoming bored with the silence, but knew that her fellow unicon friend was in an internal battle of conflicting emotions. She remembered constantly what it felt like to be in that situation where the world felt as if it was closing in and you were the one that was standing on a large wire, and were balancing the entire weight of it on top of you, or else everypony around you would suffer if you failed. The way that Rarity appeared to taken back was alarming to all of them, her normal dazzling exterior had faltered and she was quivering with nervousness now, her mane was beginning to frizz as always when she was tensed."I understand that you do not want to harm Fluttershy's feelings if you do not retort the same emotional connection that she shares and harbors for you, but I know that your friendship can prevail through any trifle that you face.. it always has."

Rarity appeared to be only half-listening back the last few words caught her attention and she drew in a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds and slowly exhaling. Her magic worked for the spare manebrush that was hidden away in her saddle bags, and began to brush over the lush curls of her purple mane. The truth was that Ratiy had no common idea on what she should feel or say, she never knew that a mare could express an interest in a shrewed and cunning fashionista such as herself, much less her very best mare friend on the planet. She could pretend that this never happened and remain best friends with her beloved friend, but what if that only affected the timid yellow pegasus more? There was a stinging in Rarity's heart while she finally began to speak, but her words were soft and steady.

"Fluttershy, darling, while I do appreciate this grand display that you had Rainbow Dash preform, I apologize in advance that I cannot retort the same feelings for you. You see, I am a lady Fluttershy, there is no such thing as same-pony relationships when it comes to this fact. I am completely, as you common ponies here would say, straight." Her voice was almost completely nervous now, but she flipped her mane to prove her point, a common habit Rarity always had done when she was attempting to make herself more colorful and expressive in her words. Fluttershy's head twisted with these words and she attempted to mumble something, but before she could, she felt the coldness of the wind blow past her and the warmth beside her of Rainbow Dash vanish.

The multi-colored mane pegasus approached Rarity, magenta eyes flared with a passion of anger and a mixture of hatred. The competitive streak that was always playful had turned into a pit of rage while she fluttershy in the air, her muzzle just centimeters away from Rarity's while her raspy voice raised in defense of her now trembling friend that stood by. Twilight approached her and draped an elegant wing over her, attempting to rest the nervous mare.

"What exactly do you think you're talking about Rarity?! Fluttershy just announced her whole love for the entire town to see, and now you treat this as if it was some stunt pulled off by a newbie? I knew that you high society gossipers could stoop to such lengths, but you, and this all time low? That is a new record even for you Ms.Perfect." Rainbow Dash's voice continued to arch higher and higher while she was attempting to summon every fiber of her being not to launch an assault on the unsuspecting unicorn now. She could see her muscles tense though and her eyes were beginning to narrow down to slits.

"Oh and I suspect that you and your brutish ways could withstand this situation as well? I am a lady, Rainbow Dash, and I will act as such! I do not need to be scolded as if I were a young filly, but clearly you weren't punished enough as a child, but now if you excuse me, I am going to go back to my shop. I have a very important order that needs to be done." Rarity's voice forewarned that if Rainbow Dash continued the argument that there would never be an end to it, but the stubborn pegasus never seemed to realize her mistake while she rushed forward and grasped Rarity's mane, tugging hard on it and forcing her rear end to slide down into the ground while the white unicorn squealed in pain.

"You good for nothing, lazy and arrogant unicorn! I never had a problem with you until now, and now you crossed the final line. You are just going to allow Fluttershy to sit here while you walk away to finish some stupid order in your little dress making shop? Perhaps we could interest you in a cup of tea as well, because apparently Fluttershy is the least important pony to you right now!" Rainbow Dash was holding tightly onto Rarity's mane as she spoke through her teeth, she was now hovering in the air and holding Rarity a few inches off the ground while she squirmed and flailed.

Twilight Sparkle watched the brawl between the two and her eye was beginning to twitch, a common sign that the anger was growing within her and she was becoming fed up with this childish display."Girls, enough! Would you want to have the princessess see you two acting as if you were still in grammar school? I do not believe that for once, you two would stoop as low as brawling in the middle of a public road! Can't we speak about this as three civilized ponies? Let her down Rainbow Dash!" The magic in Twilight's horn was beginning to charge and her wings expanded in warning as she was preparing to cast a paralyzing spell to free Rarity from the pegasus if she did not correspond.

However, Rainbow Dash allowed her mane to go free from her mouth and Rarity dropped down onto the ground with an "umph!". Fluttershy quickly ran next to her friend and helped her up gently, inspecting her to make sure that she was fine. When Rarity assured Fluttershy that she was quite alright, the yellow pegasus brushed off the excess dirt on her white coat with the tips of her wings. Rarity turned around and shot a thankful smile to Twilight, but she appeared to be far too busy speaking with Rainbow Dash to notice. The two were whispering hastily, and at last glanced at the opposite two, and flew off together, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy alone.

"I am so sorry Rarity, I should have never forced that upon you. I must be the most terrible friend in the existence of friendship!" Fluttershy threw her hooved up into the air out of defeat, lost for more words while she sat down on her haunches and stared directly at the face of her rejected lover, and attempted to spill out the words of her desire for her. Rarity's blue eyes met her own and she could swear she saw what seemed to be electricity floating around them.

"Nonesense, darling. You were simply making it clear about how you felt and I condem you for that much. However, the matter is that Rainbow Dash, while ever brutal and careless as she is, did display a point. You were being tossed aside and I am sorry, Fluttershy. I just cannot return the same feelings as what you harbor for me alone, I do hope you will find somepony that makes you happy. Perhaps we can arrange for dinner and then find a few hot spots in Ponyville to find you a nice mare?" Rarity stood up and dushed off the remainder of her cut, brushed her hair a few moments, and was healing over her scapes with a bit of her magic.

"M-my, yes. That would sound lovely."

"Very well then, if you excuse me my dear, I must return to my shop. Farewell, I hope you feel better. We shall find you your special spomepony, if not, I am not the Element of Generosity!" With that, Rarity raised her hoof in the air, crossed over her chest, and trotted away into the distance, leaving Fluttershy to wallow in the dirt, the images of her head swirling about what had just occured. Now she was alone, and began crying with defeat.

I wanted you to be my special somepony...

Cancer

Seventy-two hours, three days, three out of four days out of the long week that was continued, whatever you wanted to call it, it was three days after the aftermath that had happened with Fluttershy and Rarity. Rainbow Dash hung her head down from over a cloud while her rainbow tail flicked timidly, and her magenta eyes were closed underneath her lids. Her eyes lashes were short and hardly even reached for her cheek, but she could feel them tickling her fur lightly, toying with her. She always despised long eyelashes, even on other ponies. She would often times wonder why ponies from Manehattan and fashionista (like no in praticular pony she knew...) would wear cosmetic appliances or false eyelashes to lengthen them.

That may have just been her though, normally boring, but terribly awesome Rainbow Dash. The best flier in all of Ponyville, perhaps even Equesteria, a close friend of one of the few princesses that ruled over her homeland, and the Element of Loyatly. What else could a pegasus want? Her eyes slowly fluttered open as she stared down near the farmhouse. It was early morning, still quite dark outside and the pegasus had come here early on this specific morning to watch her best friend approach from her ancient house and take on her early morning chores. It wasn't harvesting season, and none of the trees were in bloom until a few weeks, so Applejack would busy herself with working around the farm, wrestling with the animals or feeding them, and helping her little sister with her own chores. She had to admit that even though Applejack was an independent pony, she did have a knack for being able to center herself around the Apple family before her own needs.

The orange pony trotted out of her house, her normal brown worn hat on her head as the edges bounced up and down with the movement of her athletic form, her eyes glowed with a sense of pride as she halted and drew in a deep breath at the fresh air that surrounded the farm, her jade eyes turned around to keep a glance at the farm, making sure that every tree that she could see within eyesight was well prepared for harvesting season just a few weeks away. To maintain the reputation as the best apple making family, they needed the best trees to do it for. Even the weakest of trees could make this years harvest a failure, and bring a terrible blow into the income of the four ponies that lived together. Rainbow Dash swelled with pride while she watched Applejack glance left and then right, before galloping around the barn at a mind blowing pace, perhaps beginning to burn her anxieties that were weighing her down.

When she was finished, she drew in a deep breath and slouched down on her haunches, stretching out her front hooves in several different positions, even burying the tips of her hooves in the ground a few times while she stretched far and wide. Her blonde mane was messed up now, and Rainbow Dash was rather surprised to see how long and flowing it was since the ponytail that usually held it in place was now gone, at least for now. Even with her hair down and frizzed, even the sight of her was breath taking as the sun was beginning to peak over the the two hills that neighboured nearby. The glow was warm and would be at a full rise by mid afternoon, where Rainbow Dash knew that Applejack would be caring for her chores of preparing for the harvest with Big Mac.

Drawing in a deep breath, she decided to take her chances and slyly dove down behind a tree, dodging her way and weaving in and out of the trees, attempting to stick to the shadows for now. At last, she was at the tree nearest to Applejack, and cleared her throat, fluffed up her mane a bit and messed it up to appear a bit more laid back than usual, and walked forward."Hey Applejack," she said in a light whisper, but when Applejack turned to glance at her, she was beginning to snicker. She covered her mouth with her hoof and turned away, her body heaving in spits of laughter.

"AJ? What's so funny?" The impatience rose in the cyan ponies voice, and she stamped her hoof in the ground out of irritation. When she was younger the sound of other people laughing always felt as if they were mocking her, but this time when it came from Applejack, it stung as if the Cockatrice was pecking at her head. Applejack turned back towards her and drew in a few deep breaths, but had now fallen to her haunches once more as she closed her eyes, attempting to relax herself.

"Oh nelly, ah wouldn't of saw that if yah hadn't stepped out of them there shadows Dash. Yah-yah kind of have somethin' in your mane.." She pointed at her own mane now, indicating it near her bangs. Rainbow Dash raised her hoof and began sliding a bit in her bangs and up more, until her hoof caught onto something rather disgustingly gooey. When she pulled her hoof away, she stared down at a brown and white substance, and her eyes narrowed. Applejack was now staring at her with a very bad poker face.

"Right... thanks AJ. Do you think I could go wash up in the house?" Rainbow glanced at her hopefully but her body was beginning to quiver in anger. Since when did Sweet Apple Acres ever have avians that would poop on the Rainbow Dash. Every animal that could fly she be warned of who she was and what power she held, but now that she thought about it, that sounded a bit greedy and power hungry. The exact opposite of what Applejack ever wanted in a special somepony, and she knew that without a doubt.

" 'Fraid not sugarcube, ah still got Granny Smith an' Apple Bloom sleepin' in there. It'd be mighty unkind of ya to wake 'em up. Granny Smith hasn't been feelin' ta good lately, ah'm hopin' that our visit to the doctor a few weeks ago is goin' to help her." She looked down at the ground now, and drew down her hat from her head, holding it tightly against her chest. It was always a sign of when Applejack was apologetic or upset about something. Rainbow Dash slowly stepped forward and opened her mouth to speak, but Applejack continued, her voice was quivering now out of worry."But ah suppose ya can go use the house to wash up.." She turned around and point her hat in the direction of the long house wound up neatly against the barn, dripping a bit with fresh water.

Rainbow Dash gave a small, fake smile and moved her way over to the house. Being a pegasus often times meant that farming equipment wasn't used on the residents of Cloudsdale and that included hoses. As she spun the wheel as she saw Applejack due several times, she waited. Only a small trickle of water drained out, and the pegasus's eyes narrowed with determentation. She retried another three times with the same results, and out of impatience, she turned it on full blast and held it to her face. Instead of a small trickle, an entire fountains worth of water sprouted out and drenched the pegasus from head to hoof. Her mane was dripping wet, and her wings shone with the droplets of water. Applejack ran over to her friend, and appeared rather concerned."Are you alright Dashie, nothing hurt ya right?"

"Yeah I'm alrig-" Her words were cut off as her eyes widened in surprise. She stared at awe at AJ, had she just referred to her as Dashie? Dashie was a special name that was usually referred to her by Pinkie Pie, her pranking buddy and her third closest friend after Fluttershy, not that she liked picking favorites with her friends, but AJ had just called her that. Why Dashie? The name sounded like honey running from the mares lips, and Dash's ears perked up with a bit of anticipation. It sounded like a smooth melody to her, and her knees threatened to buckle under her weight, but Applejack waved a hoof in her face, staring at her with concern,"I'm alright." She finally managed to gulp down her words, and stretched out wings, shaking off the remaining water.. but it drenched Applejack now.

Her orange cut was wet, her beautiful golden mane was now sticking to it, and her jade eyes shone with that fire that every last one of her friends adored. The stuborn streak was back, but she reared up and smacked her hooves down in front of Rainbow Dash,"You stubborn pegasus, what was that for?" Her voice was surprassing an attempt to laugh though, and Dash caught onto this quickly. As she slicked back her mane and struck a pose, she spread her wings out and did a flip in the air.

"Because I can.. and I will." Her voice was sincere but playful at the same time, a confusing trait that only Rainbow Dash could honestly pull off out of the other five of her friends, no matter how hard they attempted to mimic it. Applejack stared at her with the same passionate glow as before and growled through her teeth, her eyes narrowing.

"Why ah have half a mind tah..." She was cut off as Rainbow Dash flew a few circles around her and took off into the direction of the sunset, hovering just a few feet above the ground. She wiggled her rear end at Applejack, taunting her. With that, the cyan pegasus waited as the bait was caught by the orange pony, and she came charging after her."Oh, you're so on yah vermin!" She shot after the flying pony, and continued to follow in the direction of the hills and rising sun.

The sunlight washed over the two as they were now side by side, Rainbow Dash running right beside her as the two bumped into one another several times, and Rainbow Dash even nipped a bit at Applejack's mane before launching herself once more into the air. Apple Jack pulled onto her multicolored tail and found a rock to hold it for a few seconds, getting a small amount of distance ahead of the fast flier, but not for long. Within seconds, Rainbow Dash pushed the rock off and bolted ahead, her wings opened as she directed the air currents away from her.

The two appeared almost as phantoms in the early morning light, running like spirits across the fields and in between the orchards of apple trees. The sun was breaking through the tops of them, and melted into a warm glow that surrounded the two best friends as they laughed and mocked one another. Applejack was beginning to run out of breath right when they reached the top of the smaller of the two hills, and slouched down onto her haunches, breathing heavily. Rainbow Dash swooped down next to her and stared at the beautiful earth pony at the sunlight bathed her. They were both completely dry now of the water, but AJ was covered in a new forming lair of sweat. Rainbow stared at her with a tomboy-like smile and canted her head in the direction of the sunset.

Applejack drew in a deep breath and then let out a long whistle while pullling off her hat and shaking out her golden mane."Wooh-wee! What a beautiful view!" Her voice showed excitement, but Rainbow Dash was already too busy waiting for the right moment. She watched Applejack and all her natural beauty, the way she moved and smiled at the beauties of nature, and Rainbow Dash raised her head to the sky, the one she spent all her spare time in but never seemed to notice how beautiful it truly was until now with AJ. She turned her head and slowly leaned over next to the earth pony, draping her wing over her for comfort.

AJ's head turned and her jade eyes flashed at Rainbow Dash, but she leaned into the mare's side. Her body relaxed, and a lazy smile played on her face. Rainbow Dash's raspy voice played into her mind while she whispered into AJ's ear and slightly nipped at it between her teeth,"However, it's not as beautiful as the pony right here next to me." With that, she leaned over and turned her head to catch a brief kiss from AJ who stared up at her in quiet shock... she leaned in for the kiss and...

WHACK!

Rainbow Dash jumped as she rubbed her head, glancing around in a daze. Instead of finding her wing wrapped around her best friend, it was wrapped around a lone boulder. Applejack was still standing and looking at the sky, and didn't seem to have notice what had happened. Rainbow Dash's mind had played the entire scene out in her head so beautifully, and sighed as she rested her chin on her hoof, clearly displeased with reality. Why couldn't she have AJ? Stupid dumb rock. Maybe she got Rarity's destiny instead, instead of her being a flier, maybe she was supposed to spend the rest of her awesome life living with a big dumb rock named Tom.

Applejack turned around and smiled at her friend, before trotting over to her and dusting off the pegasus's muzzle with her long tail. She then cleared her throat to speak, and pointed once more to the farm."Ah suppose ah should be headin' back.." She began, but before she could speak Rainbow Dash was now next to her, trotting in place with excitement as an idea entered her head. Oh dear Celestia.

"I know a way to get you there really fast AJ, so that nopony knows you're gone! I could -fly- you there!" The exictement danced like a fire in her eyes, and Applejack stared at her as if she had gone insane, her jaw slightly dropped open. She scuffed her hoof into a small patch of dirt, clearly debating this. She would hate to let her friend down, but the truth was she was uncomfortable off the ground itself. It's where she thrived, literally.

"Ah suppose ah could let ya gimme a ride this -one- time.." She let out a sighed as Rainbow Dash cheered in happiness, and bent down for AJ to get on her back, which the pegasus did with a very nervous smile. Rainbow Dash spread her wings and readied herself, slowly moving into the air to make sure that AJ wouldn't be scared and to be sure she could handle the extra weight of the farm pony. Right when she felt AJ relax a bit, she took off in a flash of light towards the farm house at top speed. Applejack let out a holler and a few words that were lost with the wind roaring in Dash's ear, as her wings spread in and out, directing the air currents past her. Applejack's hooves were wrapped around Dash's neck now, as she squeezed her eyes closed, afraid to look.

In less then thirty seconds that had perched down at the farm house, safe and sound. Applejack shakily got off of Rainbow Dash's back, thanked her under her breath, and said nothing. The other members of the house were beginning to wake up from the sound of pots and pans clanking inside. Applejack sighed, and walked down the road, Rainbow Dash following, to retrieve the mail she knew would be coming. They were greeted by a gray pegasus with bubbles as her Cutie Mark and yellow eyes that went in different directions. Her face lit up as she saw Rainbow Dash, and she waved franticlly.

"Hi Rainbow Dash!" Ditzy Doo continued to wave her hoof as she flew in the air, but landed down on the ground and handed a carefully sealed letter to Applejack who eyed her and the letter nevously.

Rainbow Dash waved in response, and smiled. While she knew that Ditzy-Doo,or as people now called her Derpy, could be rather reckless, she enjoyed the very airheaded pegasus. She had a wonderful personality and adorable voice, she was just a bit too clumsy for Rainbow Dash's tastes."Hi Derpy, how are Dinky-Doo and Whooves?" Ditzy was the adoptive mother to a small filly that went to school with her own adoptive sister and biggest fan Scootaloo, and Dr.Whooves was the romantic interest of Ditzy.

Ditzy blushed and kicked a rock on the ground, smiling to herself."We're all doing just fine, thank you. How are the tricks coming along?" As the two conversed back and forth with a light conversation, Applejack opened the letter, trembling. At the sight of the words she never wanted to see, she froze and gasped, before collapsing to the ground. Ditzy took this has the time to leave and flew away, swerving all over in the air, a few letters falling out of her mailbag.

"Applejack, what's wrong?" The concern flooded RD's voice, but she was cut short of air when Applejack said nothing. The letter flew in front of Rainbow Dash's hooves, and as she picked it up with her mouth, she read in her head.

Dear Ms.Apple,

I am Doctor Redhoof and I have been the one analyzing the tests we took on your grandmother, Faylla Smith, from the past two weeks. We are sincerely afraid to tell you that we have found a virus, of which we call cancer, that appears to be in it's middle stages. We are afraid that with your grandmother's age there would be no way that we could pull off an entie surgery of attempt treatment without knowing if it may take her life as it is. We apologize in advance, and range she may have another two months to live.

My apologies,

Dr.Redhoof

Granny Smith had cancer. She only had two months to live.

Meetings

Fluttershy had stared intently at the ground while walking down the market place in the main center of town. Everywhere, there were dashing colors of golden and red advertisements for various edible foods and miscellaneous objects that cluttered stands on the side of the road. Earth ponies lined up far and wide, calling out their deals and arguing with the rivals that perched next to them. This was all a blur to Fluttershy who normally came in the early morning before most of the stands were even open, and there was scarcely a pony or two walking among the street. Everything was always quiet and blissful in the morning, everyone exhausted but prepared for another day of work.

It was now mid afternoon and she recalled receiving an invitation to the newest announcement that would be following pursuit with her friend Applejack, and her mind wandered back to the morning of when she had received it. It'd been three days since her confession to Rarity, and while the news and rumors had slowly died down as everything else of news always did, it seemed that the personal matter hadn't left neither Rarity nor Fluttershy. No eye contact was made between them except a few exchanges of nervous glancing when the two bid each other a hello on the street. Even the days at the spa was now evolved with the two of them clinging to the farthest side of everything, attempting to keep a moderate distance.

That wasn't all that appeared to be shocking the rest of the friends, as the newest surprise was instead of Pinkie Pie and her usual informal attempt at bringing ponies to her infamous parties, she had been disturbed while preparing Angel Bunny's favorite breakfast of daisy, lettuce, and tulip sandwich this morning. The knock on the door was urgent, but even the animals heads turned and drifted with interest. Fluttershy had flown to the door and nervously peeked behind it to see who it was and what they wanted, her eyes widening as she saw the familiar glow of magenta from her longest time friend and the bravest pony she'd ever met, Rainbow Dash.

"Hi Fluttershy," the rainbow mare had began slowly, her words appeared vacant, but the windows of her souls were clearly telling another story. Fear and pain fled to them, and a very scarce redness could be seen that the tough mare had been weeping. The twinge of fear sprung into Fluttershy's chest while she heard the rest of the story,"Could I come in for a quick second? I have some news about AJ.." Her words drifted away as she stared to the sky, momentarily lost in thought.

"Of course Rainbow Dash, you are always welcome in my abode. Please, come in. There is something that is disturbing you, Dash, and I'm afraid of what it may be." Fluttershy's soft voice was already quivering as she lead her friends to the nearest couch where she often spent most of her afternoons cuddled up for a nap with Angel Bunny, or where she sulked around and wept for hours if she was upset. The rabbit's decent sized bed was beside the couch, and the cotton white rodent was still slumbering peacefully, his foot moving rapidly as he scratched behind his ear for a moment.

Rainbow Dash slowly entered the house, her shoulders and flanks slumped while her neck hung low, her ears were down and hanging sadly. Even her tail and mane appeared limp, not even windblown as normal. It had appeared as if the pegasus hadn't gone flying on her normal routine this morning, but it was Thursday after all, when Rainbow Dash normally would have a day off to sleep or relax. Fluttershy perched herself gracefully onto the green couch that resided next to the window she favored the most, where she could watch her beautiful animal friends and bask in the sunshine of the day. Rainbow Dash followed pursuit after her, treading across the wooden floor and then onto the rug with a very slow pace.

At last, the two mares sat down next to one another, but Fluttershy reminded herself to remain a safe distance away from the mare. Her wings stretched out for a moment while she positioned herself, and then once more turned to Rainbow Dash."... Fluttershy... I don't know how to say this... but, something happened this morning that is going to change AJ a lot, and if it changes AJ, its going to change me as well. It'll be a chain event that changes all of us, because this involves a special pony that has been with us for a long time." Her voice was beginning to crack as she spoke. Fluttershy remained quiet, but moved over and wrapped a comforting wing around Rainbow Dash.

"I understand. I do hope that everything will be alright," she timidly commented as she felt the panic beginning to twist in her stomach. The emotional sickness that she always suffered from was beginning to mimic her. Rainbow Dash appeared to be watching her now, but her body only tensed under the soft feathers of her friend touching her. In retort, Fluttershy pulled away and tucked them in at her side.

"I know that this is going to be hard for everypony, but we need to stay strong for AJ. Above all else, I want to be there for her when this.. time finally come. She wants us all to come to Sugarcube Corner at one o' clock sharp this afternoon. It's a dire conversation we all need to listen to." With that, Rainbow Dash stood up and walked hastily towards the door of the cottage, retreating into the afternoon light, leaving the yellow pegasus to wonder what could possibly be going on.

Fluttershy had been wandering aimlessly across the rows and aisles of the market place now, searching for no particular item. She just enjoyed walking here, where less ponies came at the end of the market place. The yellow pony was beginning to just suspect the smallest of moments that she would see her, and Rarity appeared in her view, turning around, she met eyes with Fluttershy.

I'll follow you anywhere

The first reaction of the yellow Pegasus would to have been to flee or slowly walk away from the situation, but her better instinct told her to stay and face her rejected lover with the same confidence and gracefulness of which she displayed her love with, so out of all her inner voices arguing against the demands of her to turn away and gallop to her cottage and wallow, she offered a small smile towards Rarity, her teeth showings as she tried to convince herself that this was just an ordinary run in. Rarity bit down onto her lip for a moment, her blue eyes darting back and forth out of unease while Fluttershy approached her. The white unicorn's large, pink hat,with a variety of tulips on,it shrouded over her head, creating a large shadow on the ground beneath her.

Rarity stared for several moments in silence while Fluttershy lingered near her, and her lip was beginning to quiver after just a few seconds of the intense confrontation without words. There was squeaking heard and a small amount of whimpering lost words, but when Rarity glanced upwards, she was surprised to find Fluttershy completely composed and calm, watching her best mare friend nervously. It had been Rarity who was quivering now, scared and timid like a frightened forest animal that had been caught by Applejack on one of her common bad mornings during harvesting season. Tears stung in the ducts of the white unicorn, and she bent down, beginning to usher her soft-voiced apologies to her friend. How could the Element of Generosity reject the advances of the Element of Kindness? Not only did the two stand together hand and hand as equals, they were dependent on one another, much like Rarity and Fluttershy were in their strong and blossoming friendship.

Fluttershy slowly bent her head down and nuzzled her friends cheek against her own, whispering to her softly, her warm breath tickling Rarity's ear,"Its alright Rarity, there, there.. I promise that nothing is going to ruin this friendship. I will never let you go, not now, not ever." Her words were so graceful that Rarity was sure that Fluttershy had rehearsed this in an attempt to find her wavering walls and to tear them down, to betray her in her hour of need, how could she! Rarity's cheeks flushed a bright red and she gritted her teeth, pulling away from Fluttershy. However, when she saw the sincere look in her friends eyes and on her face, she calmed herself.

"I thought you despised me, darling. I was wrong, Fluttershy, I was terribly and awfully wrong. Nopony should have to deal with such a backstabbing friend, such as I, Rarity Unicorn!" She raised her hoof and pressed it against her forehead, leaning backwards slightly and rearing up on her hind legs. Fluttershy watched in a small bit of amusement, knowing that this indicated clear signs of regret and guilt from her best friend, which always meant that something fabulous would make their friendship even stronger than before.

"That never would happen Rarity, I believe you are the kindest and most fabulous pony I know! I should have never pressured you into a situation such as that, I should have instead confronted you myself, in a private and secluded place, and told you that I would accept whatever you want to choose, whether that is to be with me or not." Fluttershy hovered gently into the air, her dainty wings had grown stronger over the past few months since she seemed to be using them more for mobility since Rainbow Dash's constant amount of encouragement. She scooped down and nuzzled her muzzle against Rarity's and her pink mane gently brushed her friends cheek, causing a tickling sensation to grow.

"Please forgive me for all of this, my dearest friend. Allow me to find someway to make this up to you, perhaps a dress for your next concert with your bird choir, or perhaps a new style for your beautiful mane? Anything! Just let me prove to you that I am capable of being a good friend once more." Rarity landed down onto her front hooves once more, but one was raised and stroking underneath her chin while she stated her brewing ideas, but by the blank expression on Fluttershy's face, there appeared to be no sincere break through into the forgiveness portion of this conversation yet.

Fluttershy continued to stare blankly at her friend for several long moments, attempting to focus on the words that her friend was rambling on about, but when she heard the word "anything" the wheels in her head began turning. Fluttershy's wings spread and she gave a small squeal of excitement, beginning to trot in place."I just found the most amazing way for us to rekindle this friendship, Rarity! We should go on a..." She drew in a deep breath now and was hiding behind her mane, scuffing her hoof into the dirt below.

"On a what, darling? You must simply stop this habit of squeaking at the end of your ideas." Rarity leaned forward, one eyebrow raised while Fluttershy drew back further out of fear that she might be scolded further, but Rarity's small smile assured her that the thought would never become reality.

"O-on a d-date..." Fluttershy softly whispered, and her body was quivering now from a mixture of excitement and nervousness, but she could feel the embarrassment flooding through her veins. Rarity stared at her for a few long moments in return now, but appeared to be debating this in her head heavily, at last, she bowed her head down, but seemed a bit unsure in her answer.

"If you wish for me to accompany you in an afternoon of courting, perhaps at a quiet restaurant, or on a picnic somewhere, just name the time and location and I shall meet you there." Rarity looked back up to a more than beaming Fluttershy who rushed forward and embraced her friend tightly, hovering a few inches above the ground while she squeaked with excitement once more. When Rarity was released from the embrace, she had to inhale deeply for breath, while Fluttershy apologized timidly.

"Well, we should be going to Sugarcube Corner Anyways, Rainbow Dash came to my house yesterday and asked for me and the girls to meet her and AJ there this afternoon. I had just came to pick up some fresh veggies for my darling little Angel Bunny, but I suppose that he can snack for a little while on the vegetables that he often steals from the other bunnies." Fluttershy landed down next to Rarity, but gave her some room for movement.

"Is that so? Applejack came walking solemnly into my shop just earlier this morning with her invitation, Rainbow Dash was next to her and almost seeming to support her every step of the way. I was deeply concerned, but Applejack insisted that she was just feeling a bit ill today." Rarity and Fluttershy began trotting down the market rows, weaving out of them and into Ponyville once more, finding the shortcuts to Sugarcube Corner. At last, they made it to the bright pink door of the building where there friends sat around a table, staring at untouched cupcakes.

"Hello Rarity and Fluttershy, how are you on this spiffy wiffy day in this fantastic town?!" Pinkie Pie was bouncing up and down around the store, balancing a plate of freshly made and decorated cupcakes on her head and serving them around the shop, but the Pegasus and unicorn noticed automatically that her tail was twitching and her front left leg had a hesitant skip in the step. An indicator of bad news or that someone was ill among the family. Pinkie bounced towards Twilight and offered her another cupcake in a replacement of the hardly bitten one she was levitating with her magic.

"Uh, thank you Pinkie Pie, but you see I really don't need another cupcake I just began--" She couldn't argue anymore before the cupcake she had been eating was scooped up and thrown into a nearby trash, and was replaced with a lemon flavored one. Pinkie Pie swooped forward and pretended to be searching for crumbs on Twilight's cheek, but gently kissed her instead and galloped away near the kitchen. Twilight blushed furiously and her ears pinned against her skull, her nostrils flaring.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat next to one another across from Twilight Sparkle. AJ held her chin in her hooves, clearly exhausted with dark bags underneath her eyes, while Rainbow Dash had a hoof wrapped around her, beginning to stroke Applejack's hair out of her face and whispering to her. Rainbow Dash held the same features as Applejack, the same exhausted expression that made everyone uneasy, even Pinkie Pie. At last when everyone was seated down, AJ cleared her throat and raised her head, her voice tired and worn.

"Now everypony here, ya'll know you're mah best friends in this here whole hoofin' an rockin' world, but ah need ta be honest with ya'll. Nothin' is goin' on with me, but ah reckon that won't be for long, since the truth of tha matter is that... guys..." Her voice faded and she was beginning to sob silently now, and glanced to Rainbow Dash from the corner of her glassy green eyes, who had attempted a small smile but her wings wrapped around Applejack, her own magenta eyes beginning to fill with sorrow-filled tears.

"Granny Smith has been diagnosed with a medical condition known as cancer." Rainbow Dash hung her head down and she bit onto her quivering lower lip, not wanting to show her friends the stray tears that were beginning to form in the corner of her eyes. All of the mares around them fell silent, Fluttershy squeaked and her eyes were already dripping with tears, and she leaned against Rarity for support of sobs that were breaking out. Rarity was frozen in her own trance, appearing both confused and sympathetic, and tears streaked down her flawless coat. Twilight Sparkle's wings unfurled and covered her face, attempting to shield the tears forming in her eyes. Pinkie Pie's mane had deflated, and her lip twisted in several different direction.

The first one to speak was Twilight, who had finally managed to choke down her pride and worry, and address this issue headstrong as she always did."AJ, I know that this is going to be very difficult for you. Granny Smith has been in your life since you were a young filly, but you need to remember all the wonderful times that you had with her. Even when she begins going through the remaining stages of her.. time, spend each moment remembering her in the best memories you have with her. We are all here for you."

Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie nodded their heads and agreement. Rarity had lost her grandfather just a few years before due to a mysterious lake that he had went fishing on, and never returned from. Fluttershy had lost her mother at a rather young age, due to heart failure. Pinkie Pie's oldest sister was deceased from an illness that had impacted her since a young age. Rainbow Dash glanced at Applejack, but AJ didn't seem to notice. However, Twilight Sparkle did seem to catch a small glint of passion form from Rainbow Dash's protective gaze.

Applejack nodded and moved her way towards the door, having to break free of Rainbow Dash. Yet, instead of walking alone, she heard the scuffing of hooves and the soft sound of wings around her. When she turned around for a brief second, all five of her friends had surrounded her inside of a tight circle. They wrapped together in a group hug, AJ in the center for the first time in a long time. After several minutes of hugging, the group departed and bid their apologies to Applejack, but each had their own jobs and lives to attend to, yet while completing tasks, the thought of Granny Smith's approaching end was constantly a thought in their mind.

Applejack turned out of the door and walked down the street, taking routes to avoid other ponies that would question why Ponyville's personal hero and Element of Honesty was walking alone and so depressingly silent. Yet, the fluttering of wings above proved her wrong, Rainbow Dash was following after her and perched down to walk next to AJ. The two stared at each other for several long moments, but AJ drew in a deep sigh."Rainbow, ya don't need tah follow me everywhere.." She began to protest.

"Yes I do, AJ! You're my best friend in Equestria, and I am afraid that you are going to be so tired that you are going to walk right past the farm and off a cliff. I couldn't bare it if I ever lost you." These words caught Applejack's attention, as she paused and slouched down onto her hindquarters, her facial expression hard to read past the point of utter depression.

"Ya really mean that, RD? Ya never say that ta anyone else but me, ah don't get why. Ah... ah may be havin' to sell the farm. Ah meant ta tell ya last night, but ya were up all night comfortin' me, ya wouldn't sleep.. ah was worried. Anywho, the operation is goin' ta be takin' place in Manhattan. All our savin's an funds are goin' ta it, an we're goin' ta be movin' in with mah Aunt and Uncle Orange there for awhile.." Applejack stared down at the ground now, beginning to feel not only alone and depressed, but guilty.

Rainbow Dash's ears flattened down now and her eyes flashed a bit in panic. She was going to lose everything now, her friends were busy with their own lives, she wouldn't have somewhere to nap on spare afternoons, and the mare of her dreams was moving halfway across Equestria."You are sure about this, AJ? I don't want to see you make the wrong choice, but if you are leaving.. I am going with you."

"That is awfully kind of ya, Rainbow Dash, but really ya don't need ta come with us for a visit, ah'm sure you're plenty busy here in Ponyville-" Applejack was cut off by a hoof in her mouth, and Rainbow Dash leaning forward, her lips almost pressing against AJ's.

"I will follow you wherever you want to go, I promise you.. I love you, AJ."

"Really? Ah love ya too, RD! Sisters for life!" Applejack's eyes lightened up for a moments, and Rainbow Dash sighed. Had she just gotten herself placed inside of the relative side of the relationship?

Weeping

Rarity and Fluttershy walked silently side by side after having left Sugarcube Corner, they had been silent since they departed. Rarity's eyes were focused on a ribbon which she was knotting several times over, attempting to control the awkward silence that surrounded them. Fluttershy just stared down at the ground, but her vision was blurred by tears. She'd been a fairly common friend and resident of Sweet Apple Acres now and had befriended Granny Smith since first arriving in Ponyville. Granny Smith represented the grandmother figure she'd never quite had in her life.

At last, Rarity cleared her throat and glanced at Fluttershy, and was unsurprised to see the yellow Pegasi grieving for the common friend they both shared, but Rarity could not cry here, not in public. Not when her best friend in the world needed her now more than ever, and she was walking next to her, saying nothing and allowing her to cry. How did that look to other ponies about their friendship? A few ponies such as Berry Shine and Cherry Berry paused and leaned over to begin whispering to one another. Berry Shine's face turned into one of sympathy as she watched Fluttershy, but hardened into a cold scowl when she stared at Rarity.

Rarity offered an innocent smile, and at last, moved closer to Fluttershy, their sides brushing next to one another,"I am quite sorry for this epidemic, Fluttershy. I understand that Granny Smith was very important to both you and Apple Jack, but I am certain that the medical professionals in Manehattan can solve for this cancer. She will be in wise and gentle hooves." Fluttershy only sniffled in response, her shoulders were slumped and her flanks were hanging limply while she walked, her hooves scuffed into the earth of the street as they were beginning to approach Rarity's shop.

When Rarity saw the doors of the shop in the distance, and then directly in front of her, and then behind her, she never even paused to stop and take her polite leave from Fluttershy. This was her best friend in Equestria, and without Fluttershy, Rarity wouldn't be half of the pony she was today. Out of all of the times that she had seen Fluttershy, today was the day that she realized how much that the pony had meant to her after all these years. She dazed for several moments, and her mind flashed back to the special and tender moments she'd stared with her friend. The one that was the other half of her, the half she would never want to lose.

A soft spring breeze drifted softly through the park, rustling the freshly blossoming flowers and ripe green leaves that sprouted from the native trees of Ponyville. The grass beneath the picnic blanket was sweet and damp with the dew of the morning. A small lady bug crawled from admit a forest of baby grasses, before spread its dotted wings and flying into the distance,landing right onto the nose of a certain somepony.

Rarity stared at Fluttershy while the lady bug landed upon her muzzle, and caused the yellow Pegasus's to draw in a deep breath, attempting not to trouble or frighten the small insect. She smiled and her cheeks puffed out, while she breathed softly in through her nose. Rarity sat silently and leaned forward to inspect the small creature, she'd always been fascinated with how they could be so beautiful but so simple. A stylish orange with black dots coated the back of this one particular.

Fluttershy's face was beginning to turn a shade of red as she held in her breath for the longest extent of time that she could. At last, she exhaled and her ears flattened down to her skull, half-expecting the small insect to fly away out of fear of the larger counterpart it was perched on. Instead, the butterfly just stayed there, and appeared not to notice the shift of altitude when Fluttershy lifted her head, and was beginning to gasp for air. Rarity's horn ignited with sparks of unicorn magic and she levitated the pitcher of water with a fresh lemon on the side towards Fluttershy, beginning to poor her a glass.

After she'd recovered from her lack of oxygen, Fluttershy huffed in several times and then smiled, her eyes crossing every few moments in an attempt just to see the lady bug,"Rarity, look at it, isn't he the most darling little thing? Oh wait, he could also be a she.." Rarity simply giggled, and sprawled out further upon the picnic blanket, clearly at ease from the rest of the world. She enjoyed those scarce moments when her and the yellow Pegasus mare could escape away from the rest of their friends and spend some time together, conversing about fashion, what was going on in the celebrity world, future plans with family and friends. Anything and everything under Celestia's beaming sun.

Fluttershy's wings were relaxed and outstretched while she watched Rarity silently. Little did the unicorn know just how much she made Fluttershy's heart pound and how the slightest hint of her voice, or her smell, or even just the sound of her hooves could drive her insane. She would look for her in the simplest of places, expecting to see her with a beaming halo of her head and angel wings sprouting from her sides. That's what Rarity was, an angel that walked in a garden full of treasures and shining jewels of all sorts, while maintain her cool of caring for others and looking insanely gorgeous yet proper at the same time. The way that she talked was so proper that sometimes Fluttershy forgot that she was just as average to Ponyville as Apple Jack was.

The breeze had picked up at the sun shone through the leaves of the trees around them, and a few flowers swayed with the breeze in a small dance. The lady bug had left, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy alone once more. The day had been perfect, almost too perfect. That was just a month before Fluttershy's love confession.

As Rarity had awoke from her day dream, she noticed that they were approaching the front door of Fluttershy's cottage, where her beloved animals could be heard making varied sounds from in the back yard. Fluttershy stopped midway over the bridge, and turned to look at Rarity with glassy eyes. Her ears were flat now, and her head were lowered almost to the ground. Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but instead she simply approached Fluttershy and wrapped her legs around her, nuzzling her muzzle into her pink mane. The smell of flowers and nature entered her nostrils, and Fluttershy sunk into her embrace.

Pinkie Pie's confession

Twilight Sparkle was slowly heading towards her beloved library as the sun slowly sank down, peaking out slightly behind the pink and orange clouds of the evening in Ponyville. A few mares and stallions were closing up small market booths and shops, taking inventory before the night sank in, or enjoying a stroll either alone or with their special somepony. Twilight's brain noted at least two new couples of same gender since she'd returned home from Canterlot just a few days prior to the meeting with her friends this very evening. A white stallion with an orange mane with the cutie mark of an orange juice glass, was curled next to his coltfriend, a brown stallion with shy gray eyes and a blue mane. Nearby them two mares reclined on a bench next to each other, reading passages from a children's book aloud to no one but themselves. One was a newer pony in town, a geologist that had come here from far away, and was studying the geography of Ponyville and all of its riches. Sitting next to her was her marefriend, a quiet mare with a blue and white mane kept into a braid, her eyes were a deep blue, and she had freckles on her cheeks. A golden necklace was a cross hanging around her neck shocked the lavender unicorn for a moment, for most of the time a cross meant a higher class member that was raised around older religious beliefs, dating back to Princess Luna's time era before Nightmare Moon.

She shook the thought from her head, choosing to ignore it. While she was the newest princess in several years, she was also just another common pony, and she shouldn't be one to judge her fellow ponies, especially on their mating habits. Twilight had came to a dead stop in front of the doors to the Golden Oak Library, her head was hung downwards in thought as her lavender eyes stared vacantly at the earth below them. Why was she beginning to question the other ponies around her? She'd never had a problem with same-sex couples and the thought of it didn't make her shudder or cringe. In fact, she recalled having a small crush on her teacher when she was a small filly, but she'd always been too caught up into her beloved studying and research that she never attempted to kindle a romantic fire with another pony. Since her transformation in an alicorn, she was becoming more sought after by suitors, but none whom were of any notable importance. She always shrugged her shoulders and politely declined, turning her head back to whatever work she was attempting to figure out at the time.

Perhaps she did have her eyes set on a special somepony, but never quite realized it until she was alone with her own thoughts for the first time in nearly two years. Whenever she wanted to sit down and to be alone, she always ended up reading a novel about astrology, or going out for an evening with the girls, and or Pinkie Pie would always somehow have a way to pull her out of the library, no matter what time of night, and to take her to a party or to a location where there was always plenty of food for the two of them. Twilight Sparkle had always questioned why the pink earth pony never seemed to want to be attached to anyone else but her nowadays, because ever since the Royal Wedding Pinkie Pie had seemed a bit clingy. She'd often stop by the library several times a day to visit Twilight, and bring her small gifts such as party supplies or cook books which she never needed. There was always a chocolate cupcake tossed somewhere in with the gifts, and she'd started a collection long enough to last her a month by now. Pinkie Pie was indeed an amazing friend and did create marvelous platters of food, but she always figured that her and Pinkie Pie were on a strictly platonic friendship.

Her thoughts were beginning to swirl as she weakly opened up the door to the library, pushing herself inside and glancing around. Most of the room was dimly lit with a dying lantern on the desk, but everything appeared to be in the same fashion she'd left it before her night out with her friends. She heard a loud snoring from upstairs, and noted that Spike had perhaps fallen asleep with his comic book once more. Ever since her and the girls were drawn into another dimension with a comic book villain, she had no longer allowed him to possess enchanted comics. While she moved her way upstairs, she turned to her right and followed a door outside to a balcony, the same one that Rainbow Dash sometimes enjoyed lying down and taking her daily naps on. In the evening, Twilight enjoyed coming out her to begin watching the sunset, before walking inside and falling asleep in her warm abode.

Tonight was a different night though, instead of watching the sunset, tonight she simply sat down on the balcony, and watched the sky with empty eyes. Her thoughts turned once more from this night to all the different memories she could recall of how Pinkie Pie treated her, how the smallest compliment that she gave Twilight was enough to make her feel warm, and safe. How the pink ponies beautiful blue eyes sparkled with mystery when she had an idea, and how she befriended any pony that set hoof inside of Ponyville. Pinkie Pie was full of nothing but purity for her friends, and Ponyville thrived from her naturally clean aura. Yet, why was Twilight Sparkle treated so much more personally than the rest of her friends? While her other friends would sometimes go to the spa and gossip, her and Pinkie Pie were perched on a cloud with a picnic basket, watching the stars. Or they were having a sleep over where Pinkie Pie insisted that she wanted to sleep in Twilight's bed because every other place in the room was too cold, unless it was in a 5 foot radius of Twilight herself.

Time seemed to speed up, and Twilight soon fell asleep with an eased mind. She figured that Pinkie Pie only treated her so specially because Twilight Sparkle was her best friend, and the one that she always depended on in extreme times of need. While she slumbered, her mind flew far beyond the reaches of her worldly views, and reached into the dream realm, beginning to morph images of two shade ponies, sitting underneath a full moon together on a picnic blanket. They were obviously mares, and were wrapped in each others embrace, laughing mutely and pointing to the twinkling orbs of light in the vast sky above them. Compared to the world they were watching, they were nothing more than small observers on a plane of land that held no importance to the giants above. During the end of the dream, the two ponies had fallen onto the ground, tumbling and laughing, before coming into a blocked kiss, before the dream faded and Twilight drowsily woke up, glancing around. Nopony appeared to be watching her, and the street below her was empty except for the light wind beginning to pick up.

Twilight's lavender eyes watched the darkness, her eyes beginning to twitch as her instincts told her to remain quiet and to watch the emptiness. She followed her instincts, and within a few moments of her gaze staring down at the front of the library, she saw a figure begin to bound in and out of the shadows of the street lights below, dressed in entirely black. The figure was too quick for her to catch an intimate details, so she decided to cast a small spell upon herself, muting the flapping sound of her grand wings while she jumped into the air and off the balcony, roaming around the front side of the tree to silently perched above the doorway and to watch for the anonymous visitor. Within seconds of her perching, the figure emerged from behind a build and bounded to the front of the library, dropping off a small letter in front of it with a red rose. Twilight watched in awe as she waited silently for the figure to race off the way it had came, choosing not to follow it. Whoever it was, had decided to come dressed in an entire black outfit not to be caught, and since she sensed no threat from this pony, she decided to allow them to flee from the library, unnoticed.

Twilight's wings expanded and she flew to the front door, glancing around before opening the door and levitating the rose and letter inside after her. Her lavender aura surrounded the objects, and she galloped in an eager rush to begin unwrapping the letter to read it. She let a few of the candles around the library with a spark of magic, and slumped down at her desk, beginning to gently tear open the letter with her magic. When she opened it, the first thing that caught her eye was the name,"Twilight Sparkle" embroider in a golden glitter across the top of a neatly folded letter. She gulped down, and opened up the rest of the letter, beginning to read it.

"My dearest Twilight Sparkle,

I do not know if you will receive this letter in the morning when you awake from your beautiful slumber, the one that you look so much like an angel when you enter it. However, if you do receive this letter, I urge you to continue reading and to allow me to explain myself on why a lovely princess, such as yourself, should read an anonymous letter from an unknown source such as this, from a pony such as myself. I do not understand why I have fallen for you, dearest Princess Twilight Sparkle, but I have, so please read this letter and enjoy.

I will not reveal whom I am or where I am from, but what you may know is that we are indeed close friends. We often meet at secret locations away from the rest of Ponyville.. "

The letter was scratched out of these last few remarks, as if the author had wanted to change their word choice before sending it. The hand writing was elegant and free styled, showing a cheery personality.

"Oh what am I saying? I can't write this letter like a true gentlecolt, like a gentlecolt that you would like, to make you muffins and cupcakes and to tell you that you're beautiful each and every day of his life. That's what you deserve, somepony to make you happy and to call you beautiful, and I can do all those things, but I'm far from a colt. I'm a mare, a stupid dumb earth pony mare that loves nothing more than baking, and you. And I'm not some well known pony, I'm just a party pony that sits around all day, attempting to find ways to impress you. I'm also not a poet, Rarity was just helped me write that letter so that you would be interested in reading the rest of it, since you receive so many letters from colts and fillies alike each and every day of your life.

All those other ponies are much more deserving of somepony as great as you, because.. because.. they would be able to treat you right and to make you smile lots. I can't do a lot, but I can make you smile, even thought sometimes you do it as a fake smile because you don't know how to respond to something. I love your smile, it always makes me feel better when I don't feel good or I'm sad or upset about something. I dunno, maybe you just have that natural ability to make everyone feel better, kind of like how Rainbow Dash makes everyone feel coolers. Yeah, I'm not a Rainbow Dash though, and I prefer to keep my hooves on the earth, where I can feel and touch it. I just really wanted to write this letter to tell you, in the bestest possible way, that I love you.

And not the kind of love that I would love cupcakes in or anything, but the kind of love that I love you. The kind of love where I want to kiss you before we fall asleep each night, and or to cuddle with you on a beach, and to maybe one day raise foals with you. The kind of love of how Bonbon loves Lyra, and Octie and DJ are in. Yeah, not love, but -in love-. I think its a nice feeling of being in love, it feels like someone put a whole bunch of butterflies in my stomach and they are trying to get lose! Yet, they can't, kind of my like my feelings for you until you read this letter, if you read this letter. So if you are reading this Twiley, I love you, I love you a lot.

I love you a lot more than sprinkles. And cupcakes. And cake. And a lot of other treats. But most of all I love you far more than I love myself. I just wanted you to know that, in some hopes that maybe you'd feel the same way for me too.

Your friend,

Pinkie Pie"

Twilight stared in awe at the letter, her eyes beginning to tear up and her cheeks blushing while she read it another five times. Each word had been written by her best friend, confessing her love for the mare herself. She'd never figured that Pinkie Pie would want to ever be mated to a mare, let alone a mare that was too obsessed with her classes and being tardy than romance. She stared vacantly at the letter for a little while, deciding on what to do now. She felt flattered, and a small nervousness was beginning to brew inside of her intestines, sending warm jolts up and down her spine, creating a tingling sensation. She stood in the dimming light of the candles, debating heavily. Two choices ran through her head; She could simply pretend she never read the letter and to move on with her life or she could go out right now, in the middle of the night, and find Pinkie Pie and question her about this. Each one was a risky situation, but she went for the latter. Unfurling her wings, she half galloped and half-flew out of the door and into the darkness.

Flying above the small town of Ponyville at night was breathtaking, as the small houses below were flickering with warm candle lights. The stars of Princess Luna's sky seemed to create a path to Sugarcube Corner, and the moon shone brightly on this night. While the small princess flew across the sky, the cool night air nipped at her mane, creating it a bit more windblown, such as Rainbow Dash's. When she flew, she could always swear that her tension was released, but no on this night. As she drew closer to Sugarcube Corner, she swore that the nervousness in her guts were growing more and more extreme with each passing second, causing her to slow down and to stop a few times in midflight, but deciding to continue on through the night time sky. At last, she stopped and perched in front of Sugarcube Corner. There was a soft glow from a fire inside of the bakery, which indicated to Twilight that somepony was perhaps still up. Silently, she glanced at the window where the light was flickering from.

She decoded to take the chance of throwing a rock at the window, using her magic to levitate it. After a few more attempts to see if someone would open it up, she was relieved to see a sleepy Pinkie Pie standing at the window with a rather annoyed expression upon her tired face, her pink hair was in rollers and she was holding a cupcake stuffed animal. Her blue eyes glanced downwards and around, searching for where the rocks were coming from, but once they found the lavender alicorn standing just a few feet below her window, her eyes ignited with a loving spark. Quickly, she pulled the rollers out of her hair and stripped off her robe, running downstairs quietly to meet Twilight Sparkle, who stood in a small circle of light among the darkness. She waited while Pinkie Pie slowly opened up the front door of Sugarcube Corner and walked near her friend, dragging her hooves in the process while she drew closer to Twilight.

"Hello Pinkie Pie, I received your letter. I decided that I should come over and speak with you before the night was over.." Twilight's lavender eyes met those of the pink earth pony's and the two stared at each other in a long and awkward silence. Pinkie Pie had finally made her way to the alicorn, and her head was tilted to the side as if she didn't seem to believe that the purple pony would have actually came to see her at such a late hour and such a huge confession.

"Oh Twiley, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told you all that stuff in a letter, but I just got so nervous that I wanted to see how you would react, and I just got caught up in the way that we were growing so close. You're my bestest most coolest friend in all of Equestria, and I never want to lose you, but I know that you being a princess would jeopardize any chance of a relationship that we may have." Pinkie Pie's voice was much more low and silent now, as if she was afraid just to utter the words that she was saying, as if they were sins in her mouth and they needed to be purged. Yet, at the end, Twilight could hear the pain in her voice. Pinkie truthfully did care for her, and she'd never even noticed it.

"Please understand that I don't want to intentionally harm you, you are one of my best friends, Pinkie. I just don't know how to respond to such a proposition, because I have never been in a partnership with another pony, and I don't think that this time period would be correct for a relationship of romantic intentions, especially with one of Elements of Harmony. I sincerely apologize if this hurts you at all, Pinkie Pie, but there is just no regulations for me to be in a proper relationship at the moment." Twilight Sparkle's posture stiffened and she raised her head to eye level to stare the pink pony directly into the windows of her soul. She was attempted to remain firm and strong, but those blue eyes always managed to get her to melt.

Pinkie Pie turned her head away, her blue eyes were beginning to have a shadow of fear over them at Twilight's stern voice and gaze, but her posture also stiff ended while she stared at the alicorn princess."You are always going to be my bestest friend, Twilight Sparkle. Never forget that, and I understand, but you should be going. There is one more than I forgot to deliever to you," Pinkie approached Twilight and turned her head away for a moment, leaving the lavender mare to lean forward out of curiosity, but when she was vulnerable, Pinkie Pie leaned forward and kissed her square on the lips.

Twilight appeared both shocked and appalled by this sudden action, and slumped down in shock. She'd actually leaned into the kiss, closing her eyes for the two seconds of euphoria, before Pinkie Pie drew away and galloped back into Sugarcube Corner before another word was spoken between the two. Twilight Sparkle could have sworn that from the corner of the pony's eyes was a glistening line of tears, and that her mane was slowly turning deflated and dull.