The Bet

by Nodoga

Rating: mature
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Romance, Original Character, Spike, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sex, Main 6
Length: 8592

Two friends made a foolish bet out of wounded pride. Now they will get more than they bargained for.

Friends. They're a good thing to have when you have to face the long, hard road of life. They're what keep some of us going, pushing us to better ourselves, or giving us a reality check when needed. They encourage us when we are in doubt, and help us up when we fall. A true friend is, without a doubt, one of the greatest gifts life can give us.
For six mares in particular, this holds especially true.

However, this story isn't about them. It's about two misguided miscreants, whose egos tend to get the better of them and unknowingly test the limits of their integrity.
Friendships will be tested, hearts will be broken, and heads will roll (well, figuratively speaking anyways) in the wake of a simple challenge getting way out of hoof, shaking the very foundations of harmony in the quiet town of Ponyville, and quite possibly all of Equestria.

(This story is a collab between me and Darkhanos and it´s starring Flower from my story 'Flower' and Jetstream from Darkhanos' story ´Rising from the Fall'. Its not required to read these stories first, but it would be greatly appreciated.
And just to be clear, the background stories aren´t NSFW and Flower and Jetstream don´t have a connection in them.)

Published 2013-11-10 00:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-13 00:16:45 UTC

Is that a Challenge?

It was a pleasant spring day in the small town of Ponyville, its inhabitants bustling in their day to day activities. Birds were chirping, a light breeze was blowing through the town, and the local mailmare, Derpy Hooves, delivered her mail without a hitch, even managing to get a hold of some sumptuous muffins along the way. Oh yes, today was a fine day indeed.

In the marketplace of the town were two friends, having lunch at the ever popular restaurant, Sweetwater Café. It was somewhat crowded, as to be expected from the lunch crowd, with all manner of hungry ponies looking to sate their appetite with some good food and good company.

This was more than what Flower could say, having just lost a bet to his 'best friend' Jetstream, who took every opportunity to rub it in his face. He was paying their agreed upon price: to buy whatever entreé Jetstream wanted, no exceptions. They looked over the menu, deciding what dish they felt like eating. It really was a tough choice, they had both previously tried everything the place had to offer and they were thoroughly impressed with how good the food was, both in presentation and taste.

Having finally decided what they wanted to eat, the two waited for the waitress to come back with their drinks and to take their orders. Flower looked begrudgedly at his friend.

The reluctance to pay was not lost upon Jetstream.

"You really shouldn't look at me like that, Flower. I'm not the one who made a foolish bet and lost." he said, grinning smugly, occasionally glancing at the Town Hall clock as they were speaking.

"You knew I was gonna lose and you took the bet anyways!" Flower said indignantly, "That's low, even for you!"

"Hey! It's not my fault that you challenged Applejack to a drinking contest and passed out after three mugs of hard cider!” Jetstream chortled. “I tried to talk you out of it, but you were very stubborn. I figured I'd let you learn the hard way. Besides, trying to get her drunk to sleep with her was stupid anyways."

"Well...it would've worked! I have a feeling that you sabotaged that bet somehow!" Flower complained.

"Again, not my fault! Why don't you grow a bucking backbone and lose with some dignity for Luna's sake?! Just be glad I made you buy me lunch instead of making you pay me money or embarrassing you like you ought to be after a stunt like that!"

"Me, grow a backbone?! Ha! Says the colt who doesn't have the SACK to make AJ his mare!" Jetstream blushed at Flower's accusation, his eye twitching with irritation. His feelings slowly building to anger when the realization of what he said hit him like a freight train.

"Wait a minute! You KNEW about my crush on Applejack and you STILL tried to sleep with her?!" Jetstream said, slamming his forehooves on the table and standing on his hind legs glaring daggers at him.

Flower smiled smugly.

"Actually, I didn't.” He said coolly. “I was going on a hunch this entire time, but now you just admitted it to me. You're so dense Jetstream. You should start thinking with your head instead of your heart. It'll save you a lot of embarrassment in the end."

Jet just stared dumbly at Flower for a few moments as the words sank into his head. He should've known Flower was up to something, but alas, he failed to see it yet again.

"Damn it, Flower! Damn you and your bucking mind games!" Jetstream said in a huff as he sat back down. Flower just laughed.

"Relax, Jet. I won't tell anypony. But still, you could've at least told me."

"Sorry, Flower.” Jetstream said somberly. “It's just...as much as Iike her, I'm scared to get that close to anypony, you know?" His eyes glassed over, memories of his lost family surfacing...his younger sister, Starlight, most of all.

Flower picked up on this and offered a concerned look to his friend.

"You mean...your ordeal with your family?" He asked.

Jetstream nodded.

"Dude...you can't keep blaming yourself for that.” Flower said. “I can never understand what it feels like to lose somepony you desperately tried to save, but Starlight wouldn't want you to be this sad or alone. She would want you to be happy and live life."

"I know...I miss her everyday, Flower." He responded, tears blurring his vision. "This Saturday would've been her eleventh birthday...and I can't help but feel guilty about it. If I had tried harder..."

"Damn it Jetstream! Snap out of it!" Flower yelled, getting into his friend’s face, breaking Jetstream’s trance. "You've done more than any living soul would have dared to try and save her! There was nothing more you could've done! You lost your bucking wings, and almost lost your own life trying to save her, for Luna's sake! I thought Applejack and Princess Luna drilled that through your thick skull! I'm sorry for coming at you like this, but I can't stand seeing you tear yourself apart like this!" Flower exclaimed.

Jetstream was taken aback by his outburst. Flower was usually so shy and quiet, but on the rare occasions when he would come out of his shell raise his voice, it was always an eye opener. The truth usually struck down like lightning from the heavens, and this time was no exception.

"I...you're right, Flower.” Jetstream said, wiping tears from his eyes. “It's still a little hard for me to let her go, but...I know she's in a better place. Thanks for having my back. It means a lot to me."

"You're my best friend, Jet. I'll help you out any way I can." He responded with a smile.

A burgundy unicorn waitress approached their table sporting a friendly smile, levitating a pen and notepad to take their orders.

"Sorry for the wait, guys, it's a little busy around here as you can see," she laughed, "What can I get for you?" She asked, looking at Jetstream, gazing at his athletic physique with hungry eyes. This fact was not lost upon Flower.

"Ah yes, I'd like to order the grilled eggplant sandwich deluxe, with a double order of hay fries and the triple decker strawberry sundae supreme." The silver maned stallion answered with a smug smirk to his friend.

Dismayed, Flower responded with a glare that translated to 'Are you bucking serious?!' They knew each other so well that they could have an entire conversation with their looks alone.

The waitress wrote down the order, giving Jetstream one last glance before turning to Flower, which again he noticed. It was starting to irritate him to no end.

"And you?" she asked.

"I'll just take a daisy club and hay fries." Flower deadpanned.

"Okay then, your orders will be out shortly," she said as she once again eyed the steel blue stallion, making Flower's eye twitch.

"Hate to see you go...love to watch you leave." Jetstream said in a playful manner. The mare blushed and giggled as she trotted off, making sure to sway her flank a little more as she went. He noticed Flower giving him another glare. "What? What'd I do now?"

"How in all of Tartarus can you keep pulling mares like that? Just about every one we meet keeps staring at you with hungry eyes, and its getting pretty annoying!"

"Hey don't hate me 'cause you ain't me, Flower." Jetstream responded with an inflated ego. "Don't forget that I was a Lieutenant for the Wonderbolts, and that mares love a stallion in uniform." He said in an almost mocking manner.

"But you're not a Wonderbolt anymore, Jetstream! They kicked you out, remember?!" Flower snapped, his irritation reaching a new level.

Jetstream narrowed his eyes and stood on his hind legs. "First of all, I didn't get kicked out, I was retired because of my 'deformity'. There's a difference! Secondly, I just happen to be a better-looking stallion than you, so don't blame me for what I was born with! Thirdly it's not my fault that you couldn't pull a mare if your life depended on it!"

Flower's eye twitched furiously. He gritted his teeth as the stone was now cast. Nopony says that about him and gets away with it! It. Is. On!

"Is that a challenge, Jetstream? Then I accept!" He said with a determined look and tone to match, staring at his adversary right in the eye.

Jetstream looked at his friend, confused, wondering what he was talking about. "What? It... wasn't a challenge..."

"What? Is the big bad Wonderbolt afraid of a challenge?!" Flower said in a mocking tone.

Jet hated it when he did that, and it usually clouded his judgement. Yet despite his hazed mind, he knew what the nature of the challenge would be.

"I'm not afraid of some pansy ass who names himself 'Flower'!" He claimed as he brought himself face-to-face with his challenger. "What is the challenge and who are the principals?"

Flower was trying to figure out just what the challenge would be. If it was just to pull one mare, he'd lose quickly. Unless...he did something that he knew Jetstream would be hesitant to finish. That was bound to give him an edge. It had to.

"The challenge is: whoever can pull the most of the Elements of Harmony within seven days wins. One stallion, one mare. For example, if I rail Twilight, then you can't rail her. Otherwise it doesn't count for you! And don't even think about lying to me, I can always tell when you do! Do you accept these terms?" Flower stated with the utmost confidence.

Jetstream, on the other hoof, gave him a look that that could scare off a cockatrice in the middle of a staring contest. "Wait, what?! You mean you want us to pull OUR FRIENDS?! That's crazy! You know I used to date Twilight, and you know that I have feelings for Applejack! And what about your feelings for Fluttershy?! I can't condone this! This is just plain stupid!"

Flower knew that Jetstream had a very good point. However, he wasn't finished pressing buttons yet. "Then are you forfeiting before we begin? What a coward! I guess that means I win by default!"

Jetstream gritted his teeth at the insult.

"Don't get ahead of yourself! I never back down from anypony! Least of all from you! You're on, Flowerboy!" He said as they stared each other down like rival alpha males from different manticore prides, ready to tear each other apart. It wasn't until the waitress came back with their orders in tow that they realized that they caused a scene. The silence was deafening as all eyes were on them. Some were waiting to see a brawl as they sat on the edge of their seats, while others were shrinking back, afraid of the amount of fury the two were radiating. The rest shook their heads at the pair’s foalish behavior.

In unison, the two miscreants cleared their throats and took their seats, the earlier feud now simmering down. The waitress placed their orders on the table, with an ever present smile on her face.

"You two enjoy now. I'll swing by to see if you need anything!" She said as she trotted off.

The two friends continued to glare at one another for a little while as the rest of the patrons went back to their meals.

"The challenge begins tomorrow, so don't even think about getting a head start by pulling one tonight, otherwise it won't count. So for now let's just enjoy lunch. Agreed?" Flower said more as a statement than a question, grabbing his plate and drink.

"Agreed." Jetstream answered, grabbing his own plate and drink as they began to eat.

The food, as always, was delicious, and the two were thoroughly enjoying their meals as if the little stare down never happened.

"So how's work with Roseluck going? I heard that she's been a little worse for wares since she got hit with hay fever." Asked Jetstream.

"Yeah, I told her that I'd run the shop and that she needed rest, but she refuses to stay put!" Flower responded. "I swear that mare drives me crazy!"

"Ha, ha! Just wait until you get a marefriend. You'll be pulling your mane out of your head after a while!"

"Speak for yourself! The mares you usually associate yourself with are all haughty and act like others should kiss the ground they walk on! Besides, I don't think I'll have that problem with Fluttershy."

"Hey! That's not...yeah okay, you're right. And I think you're right about Fluttershy. Only problem is you haven't made her your mare yet! I think I'll pay her a visit tomorrow, since, you know, we have that bet going." Jetstream said in a teasing manner.

Flower wasn't amused.

"Like Tartarus you are!" He said, coating venom on his words.

"Like Tartarus I'm not! " Jetstream said with equal contempt, renewing their rage from the earlier feud. "Remember, these are your rules I'm going by! And you didn't set any restrictions, so suck it, Flowerboy!"

"You'll have to grow one first, you wingless freak!" Flower said as he slammed his forehooves against the table, standing on his hind legs.

"That's because it's in your mouth already you bucking coltcuddler!" Jetstream responded, standing on his hind legs as well, their heads pressed against one another like two bulls in a duel.

If looks could kill...

"Oh, fellas!" The waitress sang as she came to their table with the ice cream in tow, "I forgot to bring the sundae the first time around. And here's your check, pay whenever you're ready. Ta ta!" She said as she trotted off yet again, the two stallions still staring at one another for several more moments before they sat down once more. Taking a moment to collect themselves, Jetstream glanced at the clock again, grabbing the mountainous bowl of the most coveted dessert in all of Ponyville, and placing it in an empty spot between them, as if he was expecting somepony.

"Uh, Jet? Any reason why you ordered that ice cream if you're not going to eat it?" He asked. His friend only continued to look at the Town Hall clock.

"Three...two...one." No sooner did he finish the countdown than a pink blur appeared from under the table, like a bat out of Tartarus, and stood next to the two friends, sporting her trademark smile, nearly scaring Flower to death as he fell off his chair. He clutched his chest, trying to catch his breath.

"Hiya, Flower! Hiya, Jetty! Whatcha doin'?" The pink mare asked with seemingly inexhaustible energy.

"Hiho, Pinkie Pie." Flower greeted after he got back to his seat and composed himself.

"Hey there, Pinkie! We were just having lunch and I thought I'd order you your favorite treat." Jetstream said as he pointed to the bowl of ice cream. He knew the pink mare couldn't resist. Pinkie let out a huge gasp, and in an instant was sitting next to the former Wonderbolt, almost as if she teleported to him. She started devouring the treat with unnatural gusto.

"OHMYTHISISREALLYREALLYGOODIHAVEN'THADONEOFTHESEINFOREVER!" Pinkie said as she continued to stuff her mouth with the treat, earning her a shocked, incomprehensible look from Flower and a warm, hearty chuckle from Jetstream as she assaulted her bowl.

"I gotta hand it to you, Pinkie, you know how to handle those bananas pretty well!" Jet said as he laughed at his own joke.

"T-that's...how is that possible?!" Flower pleaded, dismayed.

"Hey, it's Pinkie, the laws of nature and reason don't apply to her, remember?"

Before Flower could respond, Pinkie finished her dessert and gave Jetstream a bone crushing hug, effectively cutting off his air supply.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou! That was so yummy!" She exclaimed as she buried her muzzle in his neck. Flower grit his teeth for the umpteenth time that day.

"Oh, you're very welcome, Pinkie, after all I'm the one who's paying for it!" Flower said sarcastically. His words, however, fell on deaf ears. She finally released her grip on the oxygen-deprived Jetstream, who gasped for air as she did so.

"No...prob...Pinkie!" He wheezed, flopping on the table as oxygen was once again fed to his brain.

"You're so good to me, Jetty! I wish I could do something for you. Hey! Why don't I throw you a 'Jetstream is really nice to me and I really appreciate it' party!" The pink mare suggested. That reminded him of the bet, and a devious grin formed on his face as the opportunity to strike presented itself on a silver platter.

"Let's make it a private party. I've got this new game I want to try with you, along with a new dessert I've been working on, but just you and me. I'll make it worth your while. Whatddaya say?"

Pinkie's eyes and smile grew wide as she heard Jetstream's suggestion. She knew what he intended to do, but she didn't mind one bit. After all, the feeling was mutual between them...wasn't it?

"Oooh I love new games! Okay, a private party for you and me tomorrow at noon at Sugarcube Corner. Don't be late!" Pinkie ducked under the table and was gone in a flash, defying the laws of physics once more.

Flower looked at Jetstream in shock, the events that unfolded before him were clear, but his mind struggled to comprehend the irrefutable truth...he was already at a disadvantage.

"W-what just happened, Jet?" He asked, still in denial.

"What happened, is that I knew she'd come by the marketplace for her weekly shopping trip to restock the ingredients at Sugarcube Corner. I usually hang out with her when she does, and from the looks of it, I'm about to get a headstart on our little bet." Jetstream answered smugly and got up, "well, thanks for lunch Flower, but I have to get ready for a 'party' tomorrow. See you later!" He said as he trotted off. Flower just looked in disbelief for a few seconds before yelling:

"DAAAAAAAAMMMMMMNNNNNN!!!"

* * *

Flower walked back to his house dejectedly as he wondered what he had gotten himself into. He didn't want to admit it, but he had his work cut out for him. Jetstream was the complete opposite of him, well, at least when it comes to social skills. Flower was growing frustrated the more he thought about it, and he wanted nothing more than to just go home and lay down to gather his thoughts. However, It dawned on him that he forgot something and needed to go to the market

"That's right, I needed to buy some more carrots for Fluttershy. I'd better head back to the market, then."

He turned around and made his way back to the market. When he got there he went straight to Carrot Top's stall, and was greeted by her with a friendly smile.

"Hi, Flower. how are you today?" She asked.

"Hiho, Carrot Top, I've been good. You?" He answered, his mood lightening up.

"Oh, same old, same old," she giggled, "Now, what can I do for you?"

"I'm here for Fluttershy's usual pick up."

"Oh, right, right, she said you'd be coming by for it." Carrot Top said as she got a bag and filled it up to the brim. Flower couldn't help but notice and looked at her confusedly when she handed it over.

"Umm...this is too much." he said, puzzled.

"Oh, don't worry about it. They're on the house."

"What? Why?"

"It's for that beautiful flower you gave me when I was...you know, upset when Thunderlane broke up with me. You really lifted my spirits, and I wanted to thank you for it."

"Well, I don't like seeing anypony that sad, especially a good mare like you."

Carrot Top blushed lightly and giggled.

"Oh, Flower, you're such a sweetheart. I'm surprised somepony like you is still single," Flower blushed a little at the compliment, "speaking of which, did you get Jetstream to admit his feelings for Applejack?"

"Oh, yes I did," Flower chuckled, "He still has no idea that bet I made with him that night was a ruse to set him up in admitting it. I'm just surprised you caught on to it before I did."

"You're terrible!" Carrot Top laughed, "and let's just say that stallions like Jetstream are hard to read, but I've been around his type for a while. You just have to know what makes them tick."

"True. Well I have to go deliver these to Fluttershy. I"ll see you around...oh, and don't tell anypony about Jet and AJ."

"Of course. See you soon." With that, the two parted ways. Flower was making his way through the crowd when he heard a familiar voice,

"Why , hello Flower, darling." Flower turned to see the local fashionista greeting him with a warm smile.

"Hiho, Rarity," he greeted, "I didn't expect to see you in the market today. I thought you had a large order to fill."

"Oh, I finished much sooner than I expected with Spikey-Wikey's help and I came here to gather some ingredients for Sweetie Belle's dinner you see."

“Spike helping her yet again...why am I not surprised…” He thought. "Well that's good. I was just gathering some things for Fluttershy." At the very mention of her name, Flower could've sworn he saw Rarity's eye twitch a little.

"Well...um...that's very sweet of you. You're such a gentlecolt."

"Umm, thanks." He said with a blush.

"Speaking of which, I was wondering if you'd like to help me out at my boutique tomorrow," she said, "I'm making a new line of clothing for pegasi and I need a stallion to fill in as a model, since Rainbow Dash already helped me for mares today. Would you please?" She asked, fluttering her eyelashes.

"Sure! I'd love to help you! When should I come by?"

Rarity lit up at his answer. "Come by tomorrow morning at 8 A.M sharp. Well, I must be off now. Ta-ta, and don't be late!"

"Bye, Rarity!"

With that they parted ways.

Flower was making his way to the path leading to his crush's cottage and was thinking back to his conversation with Rarity. He found it odd that she'd never asked him to model for her before...and now that he thought of it, one question came to mind:

“Wait a minute... if Rarity was shopping for dinner for Sweetie Belle, why did she leave without buying anything after I said I would model for her?”

* * *

At first glance, it looked like everything was just fine with Jetstream as he walked with a spring in his step. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. A thousand thoughts were going through his mind as he cursed himself for letting his pride cloud his judgement when he foolishly accepted the bet. Because of that, he's facing two scenarios: If he goes through with this he would ruin whatever chance he has at entering a relationship with Applejack, not to mention ruining their friendship in the process,

The second was Pinkie Pie, he was about to lead her to believe that there could be something between them. He wouldn't have been against it if not for his strong feelings for Applejack, but if he were to back out he'd break her heart . If he went through with it...it would change everything between them. No matter what he could think of, somepony would get hurt.

He trotted onwards to Sweet Apple Acres to reach his room and sort out his thoughts. Maybe he could ask Big Mac that question that's been plaguing his mind...can he have his blessing to date his sister. It was a big risk, but he was confident that if it got physical, he could take him on thanks to his martial arts training. One thing was certain, he didn't want to beat around the bush anymore and he wanted, no, needed to know what her answer would be. If she accepted, then the bet would be off, and he would gladly admit defeat to Flower. During his walk only one question came to his mind:

"What in Tartarus did I get myself into?"

Author's Note

We want to thank Pinkamena and Pals for her great help in editing the story. Thanks a lot :heart:

I´ve never done this before!

Flower quickened his pace a little when Fluttershy's cottage was in sight. As always he could feel a twinge of nervousness brewing in the pit of his stomach every time he approached her cottage.. He's known her for two years now, but no matter how many times he saw her, he always felt those familiar butterflies in his stomach like the first day he met her. "I'll never get tired of that feeling." Flower thought to himself

His feelings for the timid mare only grew as their friendship blossomed, and he'd never forget their... 'almost' kiss the day after they met either. With every step closer he got, the more he hated himself for making that foolish bet with Jetstream, and knowing how competitive his friend was, especially when his pride was hurt, he knew that he wouldn't let it go.

"I have to find a way out of this. If Fluttershy wants to be my mare, then to Tartarus with the bet. I don't want to ruin my chances with her over some fool notion of pride." He thought to himself.

Before Flower knew it, he was already at her doorstep. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves and steady his rapidly beating heart.

"Okay...here we go."

Flower knocked on the door three times, and before long he could hear hoofsteps approaching. There was an audible click before the door opened, revealing a cyan eye peeking out of it.

"Um, h-hello?" Fluttershy answered meekly.

"Hnnnnng! She's so adorable when she does that!" He thought, "Hiho, Fluttershy!" Flower greeted. Fluttershy opened the door wider with a small flutter from her wings when she saw that it was him.

"Oh, Flower! I didn't expect to see you so soon," she responded with a warm smile, her previous shyness now dissipated, "Come in! I just finished making some tea, would you care to join me?"

"Of course I will! Thanks, I could use a cup." He replied as he stepped in. It wasn't far from the truth, tea relaxed him and he needed to unwind a little thanks to Jetstraeam's antics. "Ugh...Jetstream...Damn him and his smooth ways with the mares!" He thought to himself as Fluttershy was leading him to her dining room table.

"Have a seat and I'll be right back," Fluttershy offered, breaking him out of his internal monologue as she trotted in the kitchen.

He took a seat and mindlessly played with his forehooves as he waited. His thoughts were moving at Sonic Rainboom speeds, not settling on a single one.

Most of his thoughts were about Fluttershy and how much he loved her. It wasn't just her beauty, but also her kind heart. Though she was timid, it only added to her charm in his eyes. A smile was tugging at the corners of his lips the more he thought about it.

When he broke out of his thoughts and looked up, he realized that this was the very place when he almost kissed her and his cheeks turned a light shade of red as the memory replayed in his mind. In fact, he could still smell the pancakes she was making him that, and the discussion they were having about his flower, the Shylily. That also brought another conversation to mind...the one he had with Princess Luna in his dream the night before. What echoed in his mind were her words of wisdom.

'If this is so, thou art must tell her. Thou art are not immortal like me.' Those words hit home for Flower.

"I know, Princess Luna. It's just that...I'm so nervous. But seeing what I got myself into, I need to do something soon! Back then, we had just met, that's why I was so reluctant to say anything then, but this time its different! I've known her long enough, so there should be nothing wrong in asking her this time! I can do this!" He thought to himself, building up the courage to say what he needed to once and for all. Before long he saw Fluttershy enter the room, gracefully balancing a platter on her back with the tea set and a small plate of butter cookies. Seeing her again shot down his confidence faster than a parasprite could devour an entire apple pie, gulping hard, "Or not...I'm such a coward."

Fluttershy smiled at Flower as she entered. She knew he loved butter cookies and saved them for an occasion like now. She gracefully set the platter on the table and served them both a cup of tea and a small helping of cookies.

"I brought you your favorite. I hope you don't mind" she said as she gave him his cup and cookies. Flower's mouth was salivating at the delectable treat.

"Thanks, Fluttershy. I appreciate it." He responded with a smile as he took a sip of the hot tea.

"Oh, its not a problem at all. I should be thanking you for getting the carrots for me." Fluttershy said as she nibbled on a cookie.

"Well, I was already going to be in the marketplace with Jetstream anyways, so I just thought I'd save you the trip," He said as he placed the bag on the table, "Carrot Top gave you a little extra to return a favor I did for her a while back. She didn't even charge me for them."

"Well that was nice of her. At least Angel will be set for a while."

"Angel...damned demon bunny! " he thought, trying to hide his contempt for the hellspawn of a pet,
"So how'd it go with Jetstream?" Fluttershy asked.

"It went good. He's still the same as he's ever been: a happy-go-lucky moron..." he deadpanned as unpleasant thoughts of their accursed bet resurfaced.

"Flower! That's not very nice!" Fluttershy tried to chastise, but couldn't hide the smile that was tugging at the corners of her lips. His response was just too funny for her.

"Ha ha, maybe not, but its a privilege of being his best friend. I can say what I want about him...within reason of course. He may be a moron at times, but he's my kind of moron." Flower laughed. Fluttershy giggled as she sipped her tea.

"Well, I hope you don't think that of me, Flower." She joked.

Flower froze in place for a moment,"Okay, Flower, she just gave the perfect chance to come out and confess your feelings! Be a stallion for once and just say it!" He thought to himself, getting pumped up for the task. One look in her eyes, however, shattered his confidence like glass, "...or not. Why can't I do it?!"

"Um...F-Flower? Are you, okay? If you don't mind my asking."

Flower shook his head to break his trance and gather his thoughts. Again, those beautiful cyan eyes of hers was making him melt like butter in the middle of the Summer Sun Celebration.

' I think I'll pay her a visit tomorrow, since, you know, we have that bet going.' Jetstream's comment kept revolving around his thoughts the more he stared into Fluttershy's eyes. The very thought of his best friend doing those...things to the one he loved was making him grit his teeth, a mixture of anger and irritation brewing in the pit of his stomach the more he thought about it.

*"No! I have to do this, and I have to do this now!" Flower thought to himself, steeling his nerves to make the confession of a lifetime, "Yes, I'm fine. But to answer your question, I think you're too incredible a mare for me to say anything less than the absolute truth. I think you're very kind, and I think that you have the beauty of an angel. I...I'm a better pony for knowing you, and I hope that you can stay in my life, Fluttershy. I would really like that." Flower said, pouring his heart to the love of his life. His legs were shaky, knowing that he passed the point of no return. All he could do now was wait for her response, and hope for the best.

Fluttershy just looked at him, somewhat shocked by what he just told her. A faint blush grew on her face and tears were welling up in her eyes.

"You...you mean it? You really think that of me, Flower?" She asked, holding her hoof on her chest. Flower looked her in the eye, undaunted and unflinching, feeling a courage he never knew he had.

"Yes...I meant every word." He replied. His heart was beating like a war drum, looking her in the eye. Fluttershy smiled and got off of her seat, walking up to him. She got him in a tight embrace, one that Flower returned in equal fervor.

"Thank you, Flower. You're such a good friend to me." Fluttershy said gratefully.

Flower felt like he got kicked in the gut when he heard the word 'friend'. He never thought that word would sound so dreadful to him. He poured his heart out to her and that was all she saw him as?

"Yeah...friends." he said mournfully as he ran a hoof through her mane, knowing that he would be nothing more to her. They held the embrace for a while before they tried to break it. However, the moment they locked eyes, they couldn't move as they became lost in each other's gaze. Flower's heart was racing again, and he could feel Fluttershy tremble in his embrace, yet stayed locked to his eyes.

Slowly they leaned their heads closer...and closer until their lips touched softly with one another's. It was a sweet, sweet feeling for the both of them, and neither broke away. Their kiss deepened, their tongues engaged in a battle for dominance as they let loose their long awaited desires.

Fluttershy moaned softly when Flower's tongue invaded her mouth. Somehow, the two were making their way to the couch while still lip-locked. Losing his mind in the haze of lust, Flower snaked his hooves down to Fluttershy's soft flanks, caressing them. This elicited a louder moan from his soon to be lover, making her body tremble with pleasure. Without thinking, Flower lifted her up, and laid her down the couch, still lip locked as he laid on top of her.

They broke the kiss, panting from the amount of passion they put into it as they stared into each other's eyes once more. Flower's body was trembling seeing the love of his life like this, and he noticed that his shaft was standing at full mast from the exchange, making him blush hard.

"I...I'm sorry Fluttershy! I-I don't know what came over me! I'm...I didn't...I'll just...leave." he said with embarrassment as he tried to get off of her, but was stopped by her hoof. Surprised, Flower looked back at her and saw want in her eyes, but at the same time, she seemed...different somehow.

"Don't go. I...I want this. I need this!" She said with a surprising amount of assertiveness. Flower could only stare at her dumbfounded, but strangely turned on by this newfound confidence of hers. Not one to disobey, Flower leaned over her again, his member rock hard and ready to go. However, his senses came to him and shook his head in an attempt to clear his lust-hazed mind.

"F-Fluttershy! I-I don't know if we should do this." Flower said with concern. He couldn't be sure, but he felt that her judgement was addled. The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt her or take advantage of her. However, his doubts faded when he saw the want and desire in Fluttershy's eyes burn all the brighter.

"Do it." She said as she spread her legs open, revealing her wet marehood as she bit her bottom lip, her body quivering in anticipation. Flower could only stare at her in disbelief as his mind was once again hazed with his primal instincts. Before he was completely lost in the haze, he gave his love a nervous look. "I've...I've never done this before." He said hesitantly.

"Neither have I. Now...make me a true mare." She responded looking more determined than before. With that, Flower nodded and lowered himself to her, lining up his shaft with her slit. Before he did anything, he looked at her as if to ask if she was ready, to which she responded by nodding.

He took a deep breath to calm his nerves, then slowly, but carefully, pushed forward. Flower's eyes widened, and his breath was caught in his throat as he felt Fluttershy's virgin walls form around his thick, rock hard member. Fluttershy let out a loud moan as she felt the euphoric feeling of her marehood invaded for the first time. Even through her thought addled state of mind, she was surprised that it didn't hurt like she was so often told by a certian alabaster mare.

Flower was frozen for a brief moment, still in disbelief that *this* was happening, and with Fluttershy of all ponies. After some of his senses returned, he rolled out his hips until his head was almost out of her entrance, then slowly thrusted forward again. He couldn't help but moan as he went deeper in her, his eyes squeezed shut as he focused entirely on the new sensation.

She opened her legs wider, allowing him better access to her, and Flower took advantage of it, leaning in and thrusting deeper in her. Gaining more confidence as he found his rhythm, he picked up the pace of his thrusting, and Fluttershy's moans were becoming louder and more high-pitched.

Flower opened his eyes, looking down at Fluttershy as they were rutting. Even though her eyes were squeezed tightly he locked on to them, feeling his heart swelling as he now saw her in a new light. He leaned his head to her neck and started grinding it with his teeth, the combined pleasures were quickly pushing her to the edge.

After a while, Flower could feel pressure building up inside of his rod, each thrust now bringimg him closer and closer to his climax. He knew he wouldn't last long because this was his first time, but for her, he tried to draw it out as ling as he possibly could.

"F-Fluttershy, I'm...close." he said, trying, almost straining, to keep the pressure at bay.

"S-so...ung...am...ung...I!" She responded. Fluttershy saw that Flower was trying hard to hold on, but she knew he wouldn't last much longer, "J-just g-go in m-me!"

With one, hard and final thrust, Flower released a cascade of spurts of his seed in her womb as Fluttershy's walls constricted on his stallionhood. Her marecum soaked his groin with her juices at the same time, both letting out a loud moan as they both climaxed.

Flower continued let out spurt after spurt of his seed until he ran dry, and when he was finished he just flopped on the couch beside Fluttershy, both enjoying their first afterglow. They were breathing heavily from the intense, but euphoric activities.

Before either of them could say a word, they cuddled with one another, enjoying the warmth they provided with one another. Before long, they both drifted off in post-coitial sleep, in that very same room that started it all between them.

Jetstream walked through the gates of Sweet Apple Acres with the intention of finding Big Mac. Each step he took made him all the more nervous about the current task at hoof. Big Mac was very protective of his sister, as every older brother should be. However, he's heard stories about how protective he could be from other stallions that tried to date Applejack. To hear the townsfolk put it, most of her suitors either wound up tied by thier tails in lamposts, were intimidated so badly that they moved from town or wound up with serious head injuries.

At first, Jetstream was skeptical of the claims he heard. From the time he spent working with him, he couldn't picture Big Mac intimidating, hanging other stallions from their tails on lampposts, or knocking them on their heads. He asked Big Mac out of curiosity one day to see if there was any truth to the claims he heard about the matter. The burly stallion simply smiled and responded:

'Ah simply had a word with 'em is all.'

For a while, that was good enough for him, though right now, he found himself questioning that answer. "Nah, there's no way he'd do all of that...is there?" He thought to himself.

Before he could think further into the matter, Jetstream was snapped out of his thoughts when he was blindsided by something hard and fast. Feeling the world spin around him, he saw a scooter on its side with the wheels still spinning and the perpetrators who caused the accident.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders, always a pleasure to run in to you," Jetstream joked as he got up and dusted himself off, "Are you girls okay?"

"Yeah, we're fine." Scootaloo responded as she dusted herself off and picked up her scooter.

"Yeah, sorry 'bout that Jet. We were in town, tryin' ta get our Cutie Marks bein' the 'Cutie Mark Crusader Lumberjacks' but Big Mac wouldn't let us borrow any tools and none of the stores wanted ta sell us any axes." Applebloom informed, "but then we saw Applejack and she said ta hurry home, so we high tailed it here and...well ya seen what happened."

Jetstream laughed, imagining the three fillies carelessly chopping down trees on top of buildings, causing a lot of destruction and mayhem across Ponyville.

"Really now? It's a bit of a shame, but don't you girls think you're a little too young to handle those big tools? The town would hate to see you hurt yourselves."

“Yeah, I see where they’re coming from. Rarity freaks out when I get a cold, and I don't even want to know what she'll do if I get an injury of any kind.” Sweetie Belle said as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Exactly. We care about you girls too much for something to happen to you. Believe me when I say that it scares us big brothers and sisters when our little sisters get in trouble. Anyways, was Applejack making her way back yet?”

“Not yet. She said that she needed ta talk ta Twilight ‘bout somethin’. Said it was real important.” Applebloom answered.

"Huh...she and Twilight sure have been talking a lot lately. I wonder why?" He thought,“Okay then, we should go look for Big Mac then, we shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

“We have to go too. Rarity said that she wanted me over to have a little chat with me, so I’ll catch you guys later.” Sweetie Belle said as she hopped back on the wagon.

“Yeah, Rainbow Dash said that she wanted to hangout with me. See ya Applebloom, later Jetstream.” Scootaloo said as she darted off into town. With that, the stallion and filly walked down the dirt path that led to the Apple house. He looked at Applebloom with brotherly eyes...everything about her reminded him of Starlight. He’s come to terms with her death, but that didn't mean his brotherly instincts vanished.

“So, did at least have some fun?” the steel blue stallion asked with a soft smile.

“Yeah, Ah guess Ah did. We got some milkshakes from Sugarcube Corner, but we didn’t see Pinkie Pie there at first. She came in later after shoppin’ some an’ was all excited ‘bout throwin’ some party fer somepony."

Jetstream gulped when he heard that last bit, "Well, when isn't she excited about throwing parties for ponies?" He nervously chuckled.

"Well, she said that it was a private party an' that she hadn’t thrown one before."

"Oh, man..." he thought, "A private party, huh? Well did she say who it was for?" He asked, fishing for information. If Pinkie blurted out that it was for him, then word would likely spread like wildfire and his chances with Applejack were as good as gone.

"No, but she said that it was between her an’ somepony she’s had ‘er eye on fer a while. Funny thing though, Ah ain't never seen ‘er interested in anypony before.”

Jetstream winced as if she had said the very thing she shouldn't have. Although he was relieved that his name didn't come up, he also had no idea that Pinkie Pie felt that way about him. He always just thought that she saw him as a good friend, and now that he knew how she really felt about him, it made him feel even worse about the situation he put her in. A brief thought came across his mind about actually going through with it, if only to spare his friend the heartache.

"I can’t...I have feelings for Applejack. I’ll have to find a way to let her down softly. I’m not looking forward to see that hurt in her eyes…. Damn it! Why do I have to be such an idiot!"

“Uh, Jet? Ya feelin’ alright?” Applebloom asked, snapping him out of his train of thought, “Ya kinda just spaced out there.”

“Uh, yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking is all.” he responded with a reassuring smile.

“‘Bout what?” Applebloom asked in curiosity.

"Oh, nothing in particular." Jetstream answered nonchalantly. The yellow filly, however, had suspicions about what, so she decided to press further,

"Ah think about Applejack a lot too." She stated.

"Yeah, she's a great mare isn't she?" He answered absent mindedly. It wasn't until he finished talking that he realized what he said and looked at Applebloom in wide eyed shock.

Applebloom, on the other hoof, looked at the stallion wide eyed for a moment and had the biggest smile she could muster.

"Ah knew it! Ah knew ya had a big 'ol crush on 'er!" She said jumping up and down in sheer joy. This only served to panic Jetstream.

"Applebloom! I-it's not like that! I-I was just..."

"You were just what? Ah may be a filly but Ah ain't no fool. Ah've seen the way ya look at 'er when yer around 'er and Ah've seen how much happier ya are when y'all do stuff together!" the filly challenged. As hard as he tried, he couldn't deny those facts, but this didn't stop him from trying...but failing miserably.

"W-well...you see...I-I was...um...we're just..." the steel blue stallion knew he was digging a hole for himself when the filly gave him an incredulous look, and so he let out a defeated sigh and hung his head, "Okay...you caught me, Applebloom...I...have feelings for Applejack."

The filly squealed in delight and hugged him, "Ah'm glad fer ya, Jet. Ah hope it works out, 'cause Ah really like ya, and Ah'd be proud ta have ya date mah sister. It'd be kinda like havin' a new big brother!"

Jetstream smiled and returned the hug, "Thank you, Applebloom. I hope it works out too. But...I want to get Big Mac's approval before I do anything."

"Really? Why do ya want his approval?"

"Because it's an old tradition I follow from my dad, and his dad before him. Before I date a mare, I like to ask the family first. Granny Smith already knew about my feelings for her and gave me her blessing, but I'd feel better if I got Big Mac's as well."

"Aww! That's so sweet! Has anypony ever told ya 'no' before when ya asked?" Jetstream stopped dead in his tracks, striking a nerve when she asked the question. The memory came on him full force:

"You don't have what it take to be Twilight's coltfriend! She needs more than some young Wonderbolt punk looking to get one thing from her! You're. Not. Good enough! Now do yourself a favor and just forget about her, or things will get ugly!"

"Jet? Yer spacin' out again."

"Sorry, Applebloom. But to answer your question, yes...it happened before. Her brother said that I wasn't good enough for his sister."

The filly looked at him in shock, then gave him an angry look, "What nincompoop would ever think that of ya?"

"It's not important... it was a long time ago. Anyways, we should hurry up, Big Mac's waiting." With that, the two sped up and made their way to the barn, the most likely place he'd be at. Their suspicions were confirmed when they heard the sound of stone scraping metal, opening the door to see the red stallion sharpening the blades of his plow.

"Howdy, Big Mac!" The yellow filly greeted, "Applejack said ya wanted ta see me?" Big Mac looked up and gave a warm smile to his little sister. Jetstream looked around and noticed that there was a lot more rope than usual around the barn, reminding him of his earlier thoughts about the rumors of the red stallion.

"Eeyup," he said with a gentle smile, one that he always wore for his baby sister, "Ah was wonderin' if ya'd be so kind as ta help Granny Smith with makin' supper tonight. AJ said she'd be a while at Twilight's an' Ah've gotta finish sharpenin' these here tools."

"Sure thing! I'll help 'er!" She answered excitedly.

"Good deal. She's in the kitchen right now. Go on an' help 'er with what ya can." Applebloom looked at Jetstream expectantly, pointing her head towards her older brother. With a hard gulp, he steeled his nerves and worked up what courage he could.

"Mac, I'd like to have a word with you...stallion to stallion." Big Mac stopped in mid grind and looked at him with curious eyes. He knew Jetstream well enough to know that whatever he wanted to talk about, it was serious. He looked at his little sister and motioned with his head to leave, to which she responded by looking worriedly at her friend and leaving...then hid in a bush nearby to listen in on the conversation. The red stallion set the whetstone down and got to his hooves, turning to face him.

"What's on yer mind, Jetstream?" Big Mac asked.

"Okay...here it goes" he thought to himself, "There's something I wanted to tell you. I think you should know that...I'm in love with Applejack." He answered. Big Mac looked at him with a shocked expression, then narrowed his eyes as if a declaration of war was announced.

"What'd ya say? Ah think Ah done misheard ya." He said as he tensed body and gritted his teeth. Big Mac never looked so fierce before, and there was no doubt in Jetstream's mind that those rumors has some truth to them after all.

"Aw crap..." was all Jetstream thought as he looked the burly stallion in the eye, preparing himself for what could be a long, hard fight. He looked him in the eyes, unflinching, strengthening his resolve, "No you didn't. I said that I'm in love with Applejack."

Big Mac's glare only intensified, his eyes boring into Jetstream's soul. The former Wonderbolt glared right back at him, undaunted, starting a stare down between the two proud stallions.