AppleShy: The Seriesby solsticebrony888ChaptersA Family AffairA Family AffairA Family AffairA Double Double DateA Double Double Date BuckwheatBuckwheatBuckwheatPhoto FinishedPhoto FinishedPhoto FinishedMotionlessMotionlessMotionlessMotionlessMotionlessMotionlessThe DilemmaThe DilemmaThe DilemmaThe DilemmaA Slip of the TongueA Slip of the TongueA Slip of the TongueA Slip of the Tongue Aunt Lilith A Family AfffairPhoto FinishedA Family AffairThey reached their first destination, Sugarcube Corner, in almost no time. Besides the occasional pony here and there, they saw no sign of any of their friends and were pretty much alone during the walk, not that they would have noticed anyone else. They didn't do much talking, with the expectation of running to an Apple family member, they had no clue what they would say or do. Then, right on cue, a pink blob plopped right in front of them nearly tripping Applejack, who clumsily jumped to side to prevent herself from falling. Without even giving the startled earth pony a chance to recover, Pinkie Pie darted up with a look of pure joy to see them. "Hiya guys!" She blurted; getting uncomfortably close to their faces "...Or should I say gals? *teehee* it's so Cyuuuuuutttteeee to see you guys with each other, OMIGOSH! How's everything going for you guys? I hope it's super-duper-duper-DUPER great!" The spastic pink pony stretched out her arms, trying to physically show how great she hoped things were going for them. Applejack greeted her with a forced smile, "Oh, well howdy there Pinkie Pie, everythin's going fine between us, uh, thanks for askin'," Pinkie pie frowned with her whole body. "What's wrong Applejack? What you said was happy but your voice was all sad and stuff! Come on, tell Pinkie what the matter is. I have absolutely totally nothing else to do, come on, come on, come on!!" Pinkie Pie pressured, getting increasingly closer to Applejack's face until she forced her to say something to satisfy her insane need to know her business "Pinky ah don't know, um.." Applejack really didn't want to confide inPinky, even though she's the best at keeping secrets. Luckily, a light bulb went off in the earth pony’s head right then. ,"H-have ya seen ma darn hat? Ah think ah lost it on ma way to Fluttershy’s," Applejack wore a nervous smile, knowing her lies were the worst in Equestria. However, Pinkie Pie bit. She expelled a loud gasp startling both of the mares in front of her, "I KNEW there was something different! I was like 'there's something different about Applejack! Is it her mane? Is it her tail? IS IT FLUTTERSHY?’ But now I know!" she giggled loudly while flailing her hooves about. Fluttershy, who's been quiet during this whole conversation, relinquished a giggle at the Pink Pony's randomness. "Alright then, well if anypony sees it, don't hesitate to tell me, ok Pinkie?" After a fit of giggling, Pinky Pie suddenly looked suspiciously at Applejack. The orange pony knew her own element of honesty made it hard for her lies to be passable even if they're for the greater good. However, instead of prodding more until Applejack confessed, Pinky Pie just changed subjects. "Okie Dokie Lokie! How did you like the party I threw ya? I hope it was super great because I tried my best! How was it?" Pinkie asked, once again within inches of Applejack's face. "It was awfully wonderful Pinkie Pie. Couldn't have done better ma'self," The earth pony mused with a gracious smile. "Thank Thank Thank YOU!! Applejack! I'm glad you liked it. I'm also super-duper glad you got along with Lyra and BonBon, THEY'RE SO CUTE TOGETHER OMIGOSH. But not as cute as you and Fluttershy! Hehehe!" Pinkie Pie jumped around erratically, but didn’t surprise the ponies before her in any way. Every impossible thing she did, they just chalked up to Pinkie Pie being….Pinkie Pie. "Well that's awfully nice of ya Pinkie, ya makin' me blush!" Applejack then was just trying to amuse the pink pony until she and Fluttershy could go without seeming so unwilling to talk to her. Her element of honesty would have to sit this one out, she knew how Pinkie Pie gets when she feels somepony doesn’t like her. Applejack didn’t have to wait long, because Pinkie Pie was once again right on cue, "Well I gotta go, like now! because me and Rainbow Dash are doing pranks and stuff!!! Omigosh it’s so fun but I'll try not to get you and definitely not Fluttershy! You're safe because you guys are just adorable. Um, BYE!!!!" The pink pony quickly waved, soon after entering her own world filled with cupcakes and smiles and all sorts of Pinkie Pie stuff as she hopped merrily away. Ah wonder why she didn’t force me to tell her why ah’m sad? Guess ah juss got lucky. She herself didn't know why she didn't want to tell Pinkie anything, but felt relief from it anyway. Realizing Fluttershy has been silent for a while, she turned back to see her mare smiling happily with the earth pony’s hat on her head. "Darlin' h-how…? Where’d ya find it!?" Applejack exclaimed, with an elated smile. "Well you and Pinky were talking so I thought it'd be nice to go get us some apples and um, I saw your brother had it at his stand" The Pegasus said quietly. "Oh…" The earth pony said, saddened at the mention of her older brother,"...Did 'e say anythin' 'bout me?" Applejack lowered her head just at the thought of one of the few Apple-family ponies that haven't deserted her. "Well he um said he was sorry about all of this, and that he um, wanted to talk to you when you're ready," the Pegasus pony said solemnly, mentally bashing herself for using so many 'ums'. Applejack pondered this. She really didn't feel ready. She still felt mad every time she was reminded of it all. But, more-so, she didn't want to wait. She hoped the Apple family felt horrible for this. They got rid of one of their best workers just because she found love with somepony that isn't a colt. She expressed those feelings on her face with a frown. Fluttershy was speaking to a butterfly when Applejack spoke again. "Ya know, ah think ah am ready to talk, but this ain't no negotiation...they ain't gonna change who ah am," said Applejack proudly. The Pegasus nodded. ,"Well I'll stay back that's, um if that's ok...I know they don't want to see me and I don't want to make things worse than I already have..." Applejack expected this and knew what to say. Hvaig become so close with the mare has made her quite predictable for the earth pony. "Shy, if ya don't come along, ghey may think that ah've changed ma mind. Ah want them, and everypony, to know we are together and don’t give a hay that they don’t like it. A-ah'm proud that I'm with you...a-and ah ain't gonna let ma family or anypony change that" Riding on a burst of confidence, Applejack got up close to the yellow Pegasus, moved her pink mane out of her face just to get a little closer to say, "Ah think ya look absolutely adorable in ma hat, Sugarcube" she said in almost a whisper, Fluttershy lowered her head and squeaked out of embarrassment. "Hehe, ah love when you do that lil squeal! It's too darn adorable…But ah reckon it's 'bout time we go see Big Macintosh, before he closes up shop for the evenin'" applejack said, with a nod from Fluttershy. Big Macintosh’s stand was only around the corner and it made their trip a short one. Applejack felt like she needed to get her feelings off her chest and nopony was better to vent to than her own big brother. Applejack felt furious, betrayed and most of all, hurt, though she is too prideful to show it now, especially in front of Fluttershy. She doesn’t get why Ambrosia and Apple Crisp would kick her from the family because she’s with a mare. All it did was hurt the family and herself. Knowing her older brother was on her side made her feel a lot better thought, she’s looked up to him her whole life and it definitely was a confidence booster. The stallion knew they were going come, and was already waiting for them when they were in sight. Big Macintosh wore an emotionless face, if anything he just looked tired. He left his stand to meet them. Applejack spoke first once she approached her brother at his stand, "Why did they react this way, Big Mac...?” "Eethey weren't ready for it, AJ" he said bluntly, in his slow, deep voice, "and I'on know If they ever will be," Applejack shrugged. ,"Ah don't care if they ain't ready, ah juss wish ah could tell em that ah ain' gonna be walking around the farm with Fluttershy bein' all inconsiderate an' such, ah know some ponies ain' used to it yet. ah'd give it time," The colt sighed. He knew his sister was too stubborn to accept what he said on his first try. Applejack never accepted things that seemed wrong to her without making her opinion about them clear. "That ain't gonna change em, Ambrosia and Apple Crisp are as stern as they come. Applejack, ah've seen ya grow since when you were a filly. They did too. And they had your life planned out juss like they had mine, and others. It juss-," He paused to correct himself, "To them it juss ain' right for a mare to be with a mare. They've been raised to know this as fact, Applejack. And Ah'm gonna gamble and say they thought you did too," It wasn’t often that Big Macintosh talked this much to her, It meant a lot to the younger earth pony that he was. But she couldn't accept that just because of one simple choice in her life got her exiled from her family. Her thought always returned the fact that just 2 days ago she was playing with Applebloom in the farm, enjoying her life. Only the family at the farm knew about her and Fluttershy, and everything was perfect in her life. Now all she has is the mare at her side and the hat that she's wearing. "B-but we must- there must be a way to talk to them, convince them even," Applejack said, trying to figure out why someponies would be against her happiness. "Ah'm truly sorry 'bout all this, Applejack..." Big Macintosh said with a saddened expression on his face. "Do you know, who could of told them? Cuz' if ya do, they're in for one rude awakening," The orange pony said defiantly, "Everythin' was how I dreamt it to be...and now someone in ma own family, ma own kin! Ruined everything for me..." Applejack exclaimed, her own heart sinking at the thought of how close she got to her dreams coming true. Fluttershy lowered her head in shame. Whether Applejack would admit it or not, it was her fault for confessing her feelings to the earth pony...in Fluttershy's mind they could of remained friends, and Applejack would have been happy, which in the end is all the she wanted for her. "Look, Applejack. Th' best ah could do for ya is tryn' convince those two that what they're doin' is wrong. But ah can't risk ending up in your situation," Big Mac said in a straight forward tone ,"If ah can do anything 'bout it, ah'll come to y'all first. Ah'm assuming you're going to stay at Fluttershy's for the time bein'" "Yeh, ah guess that the only thing I can look forward to then," Fluttershy squeaked, a few feet behind Applejack. She has tried to be as quiet as she could throughout this conversation, but she felt awful. "Ah hope they know how many of us they hurt with all of this!" she exclaimed in a disgusted tone, throwing her hooves at the ground wildly out of from frustration. Then she composed herself with a deep breath, and went to Fluttershy’s side to comfort her. "It's gonna be alright, Sugarcube. Crisp and Ambrosia simply juss don't know who they messed with" she said firmly. She turned her head back to Big Macintosh. "How's granny Smith and poor ol' Applebloom?" "Ah reckon Granny Smiths alright. She's against what Apple Crisp and Ambrosia are doin', but long since passed the time when she ran the family. My best advice to you little sis, is to juss wait it out, they may come around," Applejack finally took in what her brother said and accepted it, "Thank ya kindly, brother. Ya've calmed my heart down a bunch...juss tell Applebloom I'm staying for a while at Fluttershy's, that's all that poor little filly needs to know right now," "Eeyup" he replied, soon making his way back to his stand, with a few ponies waiting for him to make their purchases. "Come on Fluttershy, it's 'bout time ah get maself settled with you," Applejack said, giving Fluttershy a sincere smile. She wasn't to let her own family's ignorance influence how she acted around Fluttershy. On the way back to the apple stand, Big Macintosh knew he had a lot of thinking to do. Nothing like this had ever happened in his family before, so convincing Ambrosia and Apple Crisp will be a nightmare on uncharted ground. A Family Affair"And last but certainly not least, this is my bunny Angel!" Fluttershy pointed to the bunny from across the room. The bunny gave a shrug then returned to whatever it was doing before. "My goodness 'Shy, you certainly care for a lot of animals," Applejack mused, while perched comfortably on Fluttershy's couch, "...Ah guess they're to you like apples are to me," She mentioned with a chuckle. Her own mentioning of apples reminded her that she may not even be allowed on her own farm anymore, causing her to sigh. Fluttershy frowned. She’s tried really hard to keep Applejack's mind off of things, but every little thing seems to remind the Earth Pony of her farm. It's not like Fluttershy could blame her, if all her animal's were taken away she'd feel absolutely terrible. Fluttershy got up and snuggled with the mare on the couch. This time, the Pegasus pressed some loving nudges on the nape of Applejack's neck, surprising and tickling her. Fighting off a fit of laughter, Applejack tried to keep her balance, but the Pegasus' tickles got the best of her and she fell off the couch, which only made her laugh more. "I didn't know you were ticklesh, Applejack," The yellow pony said with intention to use it to her advantage. "Ah'm not! Ya just hit the right spot, t'sall!" Applejack responded, trying to keep a straight face. Fluttershy quickly flew on top of the pony, who was still on her back and nuzzled her in the same spot, a playfully devious smile across her face. If anything was to make Applejack forget about the situation she was in, playing around should do the trick! This immediately caused spouts of laughter and gasping to come from Applejack. She halfheartedly tried to push Fluttershy off but to no avail. After she was done, Fluttershy stayed on top and, in the heat of the moment, leaned down and kissed her. This was first time they ever really kissed besides the occasional peck on the cheek, and tender moment left Applejack speechless. The Pegasus flew back on top of her couch and got comfortable again, blushing. She had surprised herself with her heat of the moment kiss with her marefriend. "Never saw ya as the aggressive one, sugarcube," The earth pony remarked eventually, finally hopping back on her hooves, "But ah really liked it," The earth pony added with a sly smile, "Our first kiss..." she replayed it over in her head with a smile. "Well I just um did it without thinking, I kinda always wanted to, you know, kiss you..." The yellow Pegasus said shyly. Applejack nodded lovingly, and as she turned to do something, she turned back as if she remembered something. "Ya know ah think you're beautiful right?" the orange pony said with a sly grin. The surprised Fluttershy squeaked and blushed, then noticed the sneaky smile on Applejack's face. "Too easy, sugarcube! Every time ah wanna hear that adorable squeak of yours, ah know what to do know, " Applejack said, giggling a little. She then lightly moved Fluttershy's mane from her face with her hoof, "But ah meant it, ya really are beautiful sugarcube," the earth pony whispered, peering right into Fluttershy's blue-green eyes. She climbed up to the couch and snuggled up with her mare again, "Now don't ya go ticklin' me again, ah just love bein' close to ya," the earth pony said with a content smile. Even through what was going on with her family, Applejack could say she felt sincerely happy. A few weeks ago, Fluttershy was just somepony she had confusing feelings for, and now she was snuggled up with her, feeling her warmth and absolutely comfortable. She wouldn't have believed it if she told herself this 2 weeks ago. But here she was, happy, in spite of all the drama that surrounded her. Fluttershy felt happy too, but for a slightly different reason; she somehow had successfully got Applejack's mind off of all the stuff going on, and saw her legitimately happy; Not to mention Fluttershy also loved to be close to Applejack. After snuggling into her mare just a little bit more, the orange pony thought about how easy it seemed Fluttershy could make her happy and just forget about everything. She was who Applejack wanted in her life, by her side. Even if living at Fluttershy’s cottage was temporary, there was nowhere else she'd rather be at that moment. <><><><><><><><> "A-Applebloom, darlin, go back upstairs...it's time for the big ponies to talk," Granny Smith said to the filly, shakily waving her hoof in the direction of the stairs. " Ah Come on granny, ah' am a big pony! I'll be completely quiet I swear!" Big Macintosh turned to his side to face his littlest sister, "Ain't big ' 'nuff yet sis, we'll getcha when we are finished," Wisely she went upstairs with just one loud sigh. After a moment of silence, Big Macintosh put his head down, and spoke up. "Eey…granny, how're we gonna do this?" She looked up and rose one hoof off her walker. "Crisp and Ambrosia are older than you...it's why they're the ones that manage the family. S-so it's not what we're gonna do, it's what they're gonna do," Big Mac thought for a moment, "They sure darn changed since ah was a colt," The colt said with a nostalgic sigh ,"Ah remember they used ta love Applejack. They were closer thin' kin back when Applejack was a filly," He knew that when they got here, it wasn't the time to be soft-spoken. He needed something, anything that could change their minds. "Evry'pony changes…Little Mac," These words helped him realize the obvious; that he was different when he was a colt. Everypony his age has changed since their younger years, not in just physical ways, but beyond that. Applejack changed too. Not necessarily in a bad way, either. She matured. Applejack realized that doing what she felt right for herself was more important to her than backing down to the out-dated rules of what is acceptable in Ponyville. She changed because it was necessary for her to grow. Applejack changed because everypony changes, and in the end she chose freely loving a mare, over forcefully loving a colt. Suddenly he realized he never respected Applejack more than at this moment. “Ya’ve been lost in thought a while there, Mac," Granny noticed, slightly startling him. She knew from many experiences that Big Macintosh is a deep thinker, and very intelligent. She trusted him, probably more than anypony else in the family. "Eeyup," he responded calmly, then turned his head and surprised the little filly on the stairs near them, "Applebloom, ah see ya there," Big Mac said slightly annoyed but not surprised. With a loud sigh, Applebloom slowly made her way back upstairsOnce they heard her little footsteps nearly above them, they sat and waited. No words said. Bic Macintosh knew this could be his only chance to be able to fix what's broken and see his sister again, without restrictions. They sat silently at their table. It didn't take too long for them to show up. With a simple "We're here," from behind the entrance to the barn-house, Ambrosia announced their arrival. "Come on in ya two," Big Mac said in a deathly deepened voice. The first one to come in, Apple Crisp pranced in like she owned the place. The earth pony has a dark brown coat with a yellow-brown mane. She has green eyes almost the same shade as Applejack's. Impatiently, she sat at the table with a slightly agitated look on her face. Then Ambrosia came in. This pony was slightly taller than Apple Crisp. She featured a tan coat with a nearly white mane. She has ruby-red eyes which is quite unusual for ponies the Apple family. "We ain' come here for negotiatin'" Apple Crisp said coldly as Ambrosia just sat down. "Neither have we," The stallion said ,"Ah juss wanna talk," A moment of silence passed, The four ponies just looked at each other. Ambrosia fidgeted a little bit. "Well...?" The Brown coated mare said almost insultingly, with a glare. "Remember when y'all were juss little fillys? Back in the day's that we payed no mind to to stuff like this? Just played, had ah'selves some fun, chores and all that hay?" "So? What about it?" "Ah remember y'all playing with Applejack," Big Macintosh mentioned, appealing to sense of nostalgia. "But-"Crisp interrupted "No, let me finish," Big Macintosh said to his older cousin. She just bit her lip and let him continue. "Y'all were like sisters. And ah remember bein' jealous of that. Seeing y'all play around having the time o' your lives, while ah handled most of the chores. The fact that Applejack was a lot younger than y'all didn't matter. Me an' Applejack just fought and bothered each other most of the time,” "T-those were some happy times ah reckon'" The oldest pony said with a quiver in her voice. Apple Crisp seemed intrigued with what they were trying to do. She blew her mane out of her face and said sternly, "That’s before we foun' out how she is," Granny shook her head, while Big Macintosh retorted, "Eewhat? The best worker on this farm? A kind and gentle mare? That's what she is," "Ah'm only doin' what's right for our family," She said with emphasis behind 'right'. She met Big Macintosh's stare with an equally diligent one. "And that is...?" Big Macintosh questioned not expecting a legitimate answer. "Keeping her from spreadin' h-h-her uh, FILTH. We can't be letting the girl fillies thinkin' it's right to like another mare, it's a plain outrage! Ever thought about how they can't bare foal of their own? They can't make a foal, which means less hooves to help on th' farm in the future, which means eventually this farm will go under the hay. Ya gotta be smart an' think 'bout the future, Mac," Apple Crisp once again said enthusiastically. She assumed she was right just through that statement alone. He pondered this for a moment then rebutted ,"Ya also gotta think about now, Apple Crisp. Applejack was the best worker on th' farm. And ya forced her away from us, even tho' ya have no proof that those mares lovin' each other will affect one of our own filly’s," he said with a disgusted tone in his voice, "We've already lost some income, extra hard work don't make up for yer best worker being forced away for some horse-feather excuse" Granny decided there that she would let Big Macintosh do the talking. He knew what he was talking about and what he was going to say, while she couldn't think of a response in the time he was done with one. Ambrosia frowned a little and moved into a more relaxed position. Apple Crisp withstood his argument with a simple response, "We ain' gonna risk it. These ponies are the future of the Apple family, Applejack is the past. Let her go off foolin' with mares and what-ever she is fittin’ to do, ah'm sure your farm will do just fine without her" Ambrosia didn't seem to agree with Apple Crisp on that statement. Big Macintosh responded concisely, "Ok, if that's what y'all think, let me ask ya somethin"" Crisp pretended to be half-interested and waved a hoof at him as if to say 'Go Ahead' "If y'all are so concerned 'bout Applebloom and all them Fillies runnin' off with mares when they grow up all ‘cause of Applejack being with one, Didja ever think 'bout how Applejack was NEVER near a mare-couple when she was a filly? She followed her heart, not some influence. If it ain't natural, then why'd she do it? Why wouldn't she just stop and come back? ‘cause it Is natural. Ah’ve been ta Manehatten and Fillydelphia, it’s much more normal in them places,” Big Macintosh sighed, not even used to speaking so much, “Applejack is too strong to bow down to your cruel-heartedness," He bumped a hoof on the table as if to emphasize his argument. Ambrosia had her eyes open, but was looking up, obviously lost in thought. Apple Crisp on the other hoof was thinking of a response to bring down her cousins argument. However, Big Mac wasn't finished. "Applejack never planned on showin off her mare to the family, she knew better than that. and...i think even that aint fair of us, ta' be true. So what if she found love with a mare? She's ma sister and ah'll love her, no matter who she loves. And y'all are just treatin' her like she aint nothin' when she means more to this family than ya know" he said, his voice still firm, shakin his head. Ambrosia now seemed slightly remorseful. She was looking down with a frown on her face. It was pretty obvious to Big Macintosh who really made this decision. Apple Crisp once again tried to think of a legitimate response to her cousins argument. After a loud sigh, she stood up. "We had 'nuff here. We're fitting to be back in a week. Got some thinkin' ta do, got business with the rest of the family in Equestria and what-not," She said, then focusing on Big Mac ,"For bein' my younger cousin, Macintosh, ya sure do surprise with the hay that ya say...," As the brown mare left to the door, Ambrosia finally spoke up, in a quiet and rushed voice she said, "Cous’, I'm awfully sorry about this...tell Applejack Ah'm sorry. Ah feel awfully bad 'bout this all…I don't what I was thinking...you're so good with words, Mac, I shoulda listened to ya sooner.." Ambrosia looked sincerely apologetic at the two. "'Brosia we are leavin' now, get your flank over here," The brown mare chided. Accordingly the tan mare hopped to the brown mare's side, quickly mouthing one more "I'm so sorry" as they exited. Big Macintosh sighed. But by no means did he feel better about the situation he was in. The wise old pony looked at her great-grandson, with adoring eyes. "Ah've never seen ya speak so many words in such short time, sonny boy," He nodded in agreement, but didn't feel comforted. "Ya really must love your sister, don't ya?" Years ago, as an immature little colt he would have denied it. However, time has treated the older colt well, which left him with just one thing to say. "More than she'll ever know," A Family AffairApplejack woke up on the floor next to the couch, which caused her to giggle. She yawned quietly and stood up to give the sleeping Fluttershy a kiss on the cheek. After picking up her hat from the side of the couch, she made her way outside to feed all the animals herself to surprise Fluttershy when she woke up. It’s now been a week since they've been living together and the earth pony has enjoyed nearly every minute of it. She's accepted her new life because it wasn't so hard of a change. She lost a lot and she knows it, but she's never been so happy just spending time with somepony. All she hoped for was the occasional sighting of Big Macintosh or Applebloom to keep her in the loop with the Apple family. Applejack always gets lost in thought when she thinks about that beautiful Pegasus. She knows that they've only been together for less than 2 weeks, and rushing things was the last thing she should do, but she can’t help it. Applejack is completely head-over-hooves for Fluttershy. She smiled despite herself. The earth pony loved that seemingly everything Fluttershy does is to keep her happy, so much so that it almost makes her feel guilty. None of the colts she went out with ever treated her so kindly, ever cared for her on such an emotional level. And this was just week 2 of the two mares being together. While the orange pony was in the chicken coop in the back yard feeding the chickens, Fluttershy woke up and went outside. Applejack was halfway in when the Pegasus flew over. Applejack backed out and with a smile, and greeted Fluttershy with a smile. "Oh hello there Sugarcube," They kissed, then Applejack continued. They both really loved that it had become so natural for them to do so. "Ah was just tryin' to feed yer animals before ya woke up as a surprise, ah almost got em all!" Fluttershy smiled, "Oh thank you! that's nice... I'll go cook us up some breakfast, it should be done when you're done, If that's um alright with you," "Sure thang beautiful!" Applejack mused as she returned to the chicken coop, diligently trying to get them all too eat. Fluttershy flew back into her home, quietly humming to herself. The yellow pony prepared some toast for them. She sighed happily. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was almost happy that these things happened-well, not happy about the banishment of Applejack and the sadness it caused her, but happy at the end result: Her living with the one mare she loved, and getting the same affection in return. "Of course it's only been two weeks," she said quietly to herself. 'can't take it so fast, Fluttershy.' she finished in thought. But she knew it the moment they first confessed their feelings for each other. She loves her. Applejack is the perfect mare in her eyes. And now that they are living together, things got done faster, which means way more time together. A lot more time to snuggle, more time to help keep Applejack's mind off of things. She took a second to check on the toast, then returned to her day-dreaming. She noticed during their recent walks in public that she felt more confident to talk to other ponies. She knew some ponies stared at them, maybe making a remark about the two being together. And she knew they noticed too, due to the fact neither Applejack or herself felt the need to hide anything in public anymore. The only thing they don't do is kiss because it's the one thing that still makes Fluttershy embarrassed and blush, even though it still doesn't stop Applejack from trying every now and then. She'd be the first to admit that if Applejack got close to her with her big green eyes, and said in a quiet voice ,"Let's kiss, Sugarcube," She'd do it every time, although Applejack doesn't have knowledge of that. Looking up from her daydream on her couch, she noticed that the toast is most likely finished. With another happy sigh she flew over, tossed them on plates, and then made her way towards the exit of their home, which leads to the backyard. When she opened the door, though, she saw Big Macintosh and Granny Smith with two other ponies she's never met before, but pretty much instantly knew who they were. Applejack just noticed them too, and then noticed Fluttershy peeping out of the door. "’Shy, ah need ya to be here with me for this," Fluttershy squeaked a little, and then slowly flew her way over to the group, balancing the plates in between her wings. Her head low, she knew why they were here. She scolded herself for daydreaming, because to her, it seemed every time she did, something somehow ruined it for her. "A-Apple Crisp 'n Ambrosia h-here have sometin' ta say to you mares," Granny Smith said in her usual shaky voice. The earth pony stood in awe, unsure of how to react to their presence. Ambrosia spoke first, avoiding eye contact with Applejack, "Ah'm sorry gals...a-ah don't know what ah was thinkin' or sayin'. That wasn't me, Honest! Love is love and it ain' my choice to say who ya should love, especially if all it does is hurt the family" The tan-coated mare said, with her head down in shame. Much more pessimistic about the whole situation, Apple Crisp stared right at Fluttershy while she spat out, "Ah may not agree with what y'all are doin. At ALL. And this may be less my choice than it is th' whole family’s choice. But they want ya back. 'n ah I guess, ya can move back in. Go pack yer stuff or whatever," The brown pony immediately turned around and sighed as if this was the hardest thing she could have done. Fluttershy bit her lip and through how sad she felt to imagine her mare going back to where she lives, still found the courage to support her, "Go on Applejack...it's where you belong and it's um," Fluttershy's voice trailed into a squeak. Even against her own wishes, she tried to be supportive for the orange pony. Applejack lifted her head after thinking for a moment, "Ah don't know about this. Ah-" She looked back towards Fluttershy, the Pegasus pony immediately forcing herself to give a 'go ahead' nod. "Well ah-,"She paused and sighed. Shaking her head, the orange pony responded, "No. No no no!” Applejack stomped her hoof on the ground, "Ah don't wanna…!" Applejack was shocked at herself for a moment, however, she stood firm with her decision. The brown and tan mares nearly gasped in unison While Big Macintosh just stood there with a smile on his face. Granny Smith just nodded approvingly. "Ah want ta live here, with Fluttershy," The earth pony exclaimed, giving a quick look back to her mare, who was trying to hide one of her 'yay's. The Pegasus quickly moved to her mare’s side for support, still elated because of what the orange pony had said. "An' if that means ah can't return to workin' at th' farm, so be it," She declared, with a hoof-stomp for emphasis. Apple Crisp scoffed, but before she could even respond, Big Macintosh purposefully interrupted her. He wasn't going to let her even voice her opinion on the matter. "Ee-it don't, AJ. Ya can stay living with Fluttershy, and work at our farm, only if ya willing to make these long-as-hay trips down here," Right as he finished he was met with a hug from his younger sister. "Really? Ya aint foolin'!? Ah can’t believe it! Big Macintosh you’re the best, " Applejack exclaimed, now jumping up and down in joy. ”Ah, it was nothin'" the modest colt answered, getting a sly glance from Granny. "Well a-ah guess it's time we go, Crisp and Ambrosia already left. W-We're gonna see ya tomorrow right my little grand-filly?" the old pony asked, knowing the answer already. "Sure thang granny!" Applejack said, then gave Granny and Big Macintosh one more hug before they left. Soon they were off, walking slowly due to the old pony's walking limitations. When they finally looked back, they saw Applejack eating some toast, with a beaming Fluttershy to her side, as the two mares entered their home. "A-Ah think we done good, Mac," Granny said happily. "Eeeyup," <><><><><><><> As they curled up in their couch, snuggled together ready for a nap, Fluttershy had one last question to ask her mare. "Um Applejack?" she said in her usual soft voice. "Yes Darlin'?" "Is-is this really what you wanted?" Fluttershy asked meekly, staring into Applejacks green eyes, which she found so much more beautiful up close. Applejack took a moment to ponder this, then turned her head towards Fluttershy and kissed her. "It's all ah've ever wanted, sugarcube" A Double Double DateA Double Double Date "Alright...almost done...just a clip here and a snip here and voila! Finished! Don't they look simply marvelous?" Rarity said, beaming, after adding the finishing touches on the dresses she made for Applejack and Fluttershy. She had been working diligently for hours trying to make them perfect for the couple. "See, for you Applejack, I kept it simple. I made sure that the dress is easy to put on and get out of, with no fancy bells or whistles! I know how you don't like to fuss over your looks too much. I made sure the color was the EXACT shade of green as your eyes, which I think are gorgeous! So you can look ready to go out on a date without sacrificing much time," Rarity emphatically motioned towards all the details, even in Applejack's ‘simple’ dress. Soon she made her way to the dress she made for the yellow Pegasus. ,"As for you, Fluttershy, I made your dress match your mane, with beautiful streaks of all shades of pink which will help you stand out magnificently, without looking out-of-place or over-done at all! I made sure it didn't stick out as much as your dress for the Gala...your date is a casual double-date, no? So I dialed down some of the ribbons, but I kept the fabulocity of it all!" Arms wide, with a smile from ear to ear, the white pony waited for their responses. "They're great, Rarity! But I don't understand why, um, we couldn't just use our dresses from the Gala, We hate to be a bother," Fluttershy said to her best-friend. After shooing away her little sister Sweetie Belle before she could into one of her clothing racks, Rarity responded "Oh, Nonsense sweetheart! The dresses for the gala are much too formal, When I heard about your date with the other mare-couple, I couldn't let you go without dresses to fit the occasion! And trust me, fashion is my passion, you could never be a bother," Rarity took the time to show the two ponies her extensive collection of clothing apparel she's made in the past week, just to add emphasis on the fact it isn't a bother for her to help them with their fashion needs. "Well it's sure nice of ya, Rarity. Ah reckon ah love the dress ya made me, even if it's a tad fancier than ah expected. If ah weren't so busy at the farm, ah'd wear it more than just on dates" Applejack mused, flattering the purple-maned unicorn that made it. "Thank you, Applejack. It's wonderful to hear that you're not as fussy as you used to be about prettying yourself up every once in a while" The purple pony said, not trying to be rude. Applejack nodded nicely. She and Fluttershy both took a moment to get a better look at the dresses their friend made them, the Pegasus delighted with how her dress turned out. "Thank ya kindly, Rarity. Ya sure do live up that element of generosity of yours," Applejack mused with a smile. "Yes, thank you Rarity," Fluttershy added, “The dress sure is lovely. You're such a great friend to us," Rarity smiled, "No need thanking me, it was all my pleasure! And of course Fluttershy, It comes natural to treat my friends as great as I possibly can. You'll have to tell me about everything that goes on tonight. Have a wonderful night, girls and remember to send Lyra and BonBon my best wishes!" Rarity mused, returning to controlling the bothersome filly getting into another stack of clothing. After telling Sweetie Belle to go somewhere, she paused and thought for a moment, "So, are you two going to put the dresses on now, or come and pick them up later? I'm afraid you never told me the time of your date," Fluttershy thought for a second, then said ,"Oh, now, um, the dates in 30 minutes...I think" "OH! Alright dear! Go on you two, you can change over in the dressing rooms in the back! I think it's better if you tried them on now anyway, just in case I need to make any last minute adjustments. Everything needs to be perfect!" The purple pony returned to her regular sewing while they changed. After a few minutes, Applejack finished dressing first. The unicorn gasped happily, trotting over from her sewing machine to greet the orange pony "Oh my, darling Applejack, you look spectacular! My oh my, Rarity you've done it again! How does it feel?" Rarity said with a beaming smile. "Ah reckon it feels awfully comfy! Ya did great Rarity. Ah truly appreciate this. Between you an' me," She put her hoof to Rarity's ear and whispered, "Ah'm a nervous as a filly. It's me and Fluttershy's first date an' I want it to go perfect," "Oh Applejack, I'm sure it will go splendidly. Just be yourself, if Fluttershy loves you for you, then that's all she wants at the date" Rarity mused. Applejack took the advice in. "What if, Ah embarrass maself. Ah've never actually taken somepony on a date, just been taken on one, ya know?" "Well, there is a second couple going to be there, so I think it should be pretty easy to get along and have a good time. I personally have not been on any double dates, but whenever I went on a date with a stallion, everything usually went fine if they treated me like a queen, like I'm everything to them. See! That's what you should do for Fluttershy. But remember to be yourself, just...say what your heart is saying," Applejack was thrown back by the wisdom of Rarity's words. All ah need to do is be maself, nothin' else, Treat her likes she's the only mare for me…Ah guess this makes sense "Gosh, Thank ya, Rarity. That's some darn good advice if ah've ever heard any," Applejack mused gratefully, her nerves calmed. "Anytime darling, anytime! I absolutely love giving advice…!" the purple unicorn said proudly, busy trying to snatch a dress she made from Sweetie Belle, who was once again getting into the older unicorn's stuff. Applejack relinquished a giggle at the younger pony's hijinks, as Rarity attempted to chase her younger sister while keeping her perfectly groomed mane intact. Through breaths you could hear the filly shouting ,"Cutie Mark Crusader!...beauty queens!...need a dress!...come on Rarity!!!" Applebloom a beauty queen? Applejack chuckled quietly to herself. While Rarity was being busy with her troublesome sibling, Fluttershy returned, in her nervous little stance expecting two ponies to be staring right her. All she was met was with the adoring eyes on Applejack, who was immediately stunned by how beautiful she looked in the dress. The earth pony's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the lovely mare. Fluttershy was finally able to hold off one of her squeaks to ask ,"Oh, um where's Rarity" "Y-ya look absolutely absolutely amazin' sugarcube.." Applejack said, star-struck, completely disregarding Fluttershy's question. Fluttershy couldn't prevent a squeak that time, face reddening from being flattered by Applejack. Rarity heard Fluttershy's little squeal and quickly left the situation with her sister to see her. "Fluttershy! oh my goodness, that dress is just PERFECT on you! My oh my, it seems to fit perfectly! You look great! Never mind what I think... darling, what do YOU think?" Rarity said. She then remembered that she was a unicorn, and snatched the dress from Sweetie Belle using her magic, with an immediate, "OH COME ON!" from the young filly. "Oh, um. Rarity it's great, like all of your dresses. It fits perfectly, the stitching is perfect, and the French Haute Couture!" Fluttershy mused with a smile. "That's just so great to hear! Thank you Fluttershy," She turned her head to Applejack, who's eyes were glued to the shy Pegasus, "I can see SOMEPONY who also approves," Rarity said with genuine laughter, as she motioned towards the star-struck Applejack. Applejack couldn't help it. She had always thought Fluttershy was beautiful, nopony could deny unless it was Fluttershy herself being modest. Seeing her mare in such a gorgeous dress had an enchanting effect on her, cheeks reddening as she gazed at the shy Pegasus . I'm falling for the one mare in Ponyville that to me, is perfect...Ah’m such a lucky pony… Realizing they were awaiting her response, the earth pony snapped out of it, "Oh, uh, of course Rarity!" Applejack sputtered, blushing from being slightly embarrassed, "But ah think it's time we head off. Probably got 'bout 20 minutes to meet Lyra and BonBon, can't be wastin' no time!" Rarity nodded, waving her hoof passively, "Of course, dear. Have a SPECTACULAR night, girls!" After a last goodbye to the purple pony, the two left her shop and started off on their short trip to their date, in their newly-made attire. Applejack didn't waste time to tell Fluttershy her thoughts. "'Shy, she did absolutely amazing on your dress, ah love it.." The earth pony said almost in a daze over the Pegasus. "Yes...she did, nice. Both of our dresses look wonderful," Fluttershy said happily. Applejack just smiled sheepishly at Fluttershy. "What? Applejack, you're making me blush..." Fluttershy said quietly, with a little smile. "It's just that, ya look great, ah mean it. And, Ah-Ah, well. Ah know we haven't exactly said it yet, but, an it might be a little early, but gosh darn...ah really wanna say it.." The earth pony sighed for confidence, "Ah love-" Before Applejack could finish, they heard a shout from behind them. "Hey you two! What are you all dressed fancy for?" A Rainbow Pegasus soon flew in front of them, flying upside-down and facing them. "Hey Rainbow! Um it's for a date," said the surprisingly not-startled Fluttershy. "A date huh? Just you-Oh yeah! you guys are together now huh?" Said Rainbow Dash, as she flipped back upright, still flying backwards to face them "Yep!" Applejack said proudly, "We've been going out 3 weeks, ah'm sure we already told ya. It's a double date with Lyra and BonBon, they set the whole thang up!" "That's cool I guess. I've been working on a new trick, and that's kinda why there are some clouds out today, kinda busy doing my own stuff. Like THIS!" The energetic pony darted into the air with blazing speed, did several challenging flips, bursting a few clouds in the process. After another round of acrobatic flips, she flew back down right in front of them. "Not bad, huh??" The blue Pegasus said, trying to stifle her breaths, to make it seem like it was easy for her to do. "Dash, ya already know we know yer tricks are cool and such, no need ta impress us. We saw ya do the Sonic Rainboom multiple times, remember," The earth pony said in a matter-of-fact way. "Well YEAH! But I don't want just THAT to describe me. I'm RAINBOW DASH, a pony that can do anything! Not just the Schmonic Schmainboom," She said, voice cracking a little, talking as if the feat was possible by any Pegasus. Applejack shook her head "Dash, Dash,Dash. Always trying to 1-up yerself. What in the hay are ya doin' all this practicing for, anyway?" "You'll see" The pony said bluntly with a grin on her face. "Ah'm sure we will sugarcube!" She said, hinting to Dash that she wanted some alone time with Fluttershy. "Alright, alright. I'll be on my way. You guys have a good date or whatever," The blue Pegasus said, and then sped off in midair, doing multiple tricks, just so she could leave with a bang. Soon, a silence set in, and it was just the two ponies walking side by side to meet some friends. To Applejack, it was just her and Fluttershy, she wasn't thinking about anypony, or anything else. Her mind was flooded with thoughts. Why am ah so nervous to tell Fluttershy that ah love her…maybe she doesn't love me back...? She dwelled on that thought for a second, then shook her head lightly -no, Applejack, don't be ridiculous. Maybes it's a little too early to tell her... ? Applejack stared off into space lost in thought. But ah love her now! Ah gotta say what ma heart is sayin… "Finally..." Applejack said, getting Fluttershy's attention, and with another sigh for confidence, the pony spoke up ,"Ah know we've only been together for 3 weeks, but ah just…you've been all ah've thought about, even when ah'm at the farm. Ah don't care if it may be a little early, I juss want ta say," She got closer to the Pegasus, her cheeks reddening , "Ah lov-" "Hey you guys, what’s the occasion?" interrupted Twilight Sparkle, walking over to the two with a smile on her face. Applejack gave Twilight a death-stare when she wasn't looking. "Oh, Hey Twilight," Fluttershy responded while Applejack silently cursed her luck, "We're going on our um, first date, with Lyra and BonBon," "Oh that's great to hear! It sounds awfully fun. I'm out going to get Spike some gems for dinner. Probably just going to stop on by Rarity's and ask for a few...don't really feel like digging and of course, with my luck, Spike is sleeping, and I don’t want to wake him!" The unicorn rambled, but the kind Pegasus didn't mind, they still had 10 minutes to get to their date. "Oh! The baby dragon, Oh, he's so cute," Said Fluttershy, happily thinking of the little dragon. "You two sure look great in those dresses...I can see Rarity put a lot of work into them..." The unicorn said meaningfully, walking beside them. "Thank you Twilight...um could you tell Rarity that we love the dresses, I just want her to know we appreciate her work, um don't tell her i told you to say it, though," The yellow pony said shyly. Applejack nodded. She sincerely liked the dress even if dress-wearing isn't her thing. "No problem, Fluttershy. You girls really do look cute together!" Applejack smiled "Shucks, Twilight that's awfully nice of ya," She said proudly, glancing at Fluttershy. She moved a rogue hair out of her eyesight, then continued, "But ah think it's 'bout time we make our way to meet the other two, if ya ain't early, you're late, ya know?" "Oh ok, I need to get Spike his gems before he wakes up and gets cranky, anyway. Have a great time girls, you're going to have to tell me how it goes, “Twilight said with a smile, soon making her way to get her baby dragon some food. "Bye Twilight!" said the happy Fluttershy, while Applejack just sighed in relief. They were close to their destination, and she just wanted to be by Fluttershy with no more distractions. The whole way there she expected Pinkie Pie to pop up from a tree or a box or something unusual. However, in the mean-time, she decided she would enjoy her time with the shy pony before the date, no stressful admittance of love, just make small-talk until they join Lyra and BonBon so she’ll be comfortable. "Ah reckon this should be a fun time Fluttershy," She mused, smiling while slowly walking, “Lyra and BonBon sure are some nice ponies from what ah’ve seen, Even though ah only met them once,” "I'm sure it will be, BonBon is just such a fun pony. Never got to talk much to Lyra at the party, but I’m sure she is nice too," "Yeah, me either, she seemed ta only go there because BonBon made 'er" The earth pony chuckled, then continued, "Ah'm only going 'cause ah like bein' with you," Fluttershy smiled, "You always treat me so well, Applejack..." She then subtly moved a little closer to the orange pony. Applejack smiled and blushed, "It's just natural to treat the one ah care about the most, the best ah can," The earth pony said, mentally bashing herself for not saying love. "Well, it makes me really happy, to know you um, care this much...I've never had anypony treat me so well...," Fluttershy looked down slightly embarrassed. Applejack knows that it's hard for her to share her feelings without a squeal, and it meant a lot to her. She gently gave her a kiss on the cheek as they walked up the steps to The 4-Horseshoe Restaurant. A Double Double Date A Double Double Date BonBon politely greeted the couple as they sat down at their table. The Restaurant was adorned with 4-Horseshoe insignias, fake hay and murals of the desert, giving off a corral type of atmosphere. Though it’s more of a place for friends to meet, the restaurant is set up to be moderately fancy. Applejack felt slightly out of place even with her dress on while Fluttershy felt perfectly fine. The place was more of a fancier hang-out spot than a place for a date, but they're on a casual double-date that Lyra and BonBon prepared themselves, neither of them felt compelled to complain, and make themselves seem rude. "I'm glad you could make it girls, we have lots to talk about!" said BonBon enthusiastically, with a more relaxed Lyra next to her, who was sitting up-right. "Ah'm sure glad we could come, it’s our first date. It's sure nice of ya to set this all up, ah sure appreciate friends like y’all" Applejack mused, while politely letting Fluttershy go in front of her to sit down first. "Oh, It's fine, sugar. When we heard there was another Mare-couple in town, we just had to befriend you!" She said in a matter-of-fact way, "You guys are really KEYUUUUTE together!" Fluttershy smiled graciously, "Thank you BonBon, You guys are adorable too...um how long have you guys been um together?" The light-blue pony finally spoke up, "3 years next Wednesday," As if she expected the question. Applejack and Fluttershy both said 'Whoa' at the same time, each not expecting anything more than a year. BonBon smiled, delighted that Lyra knew that without having to think. "It's sure been a great 3 years, even with all of the insults that get thrown our way.. .just from being the first mare-couple here in Ponyville. We've learned to just take it in stride. Everypony always said ‘Ponies will look down on you for this’ and we just said ‘Well, Pegasi can fly, of course they look down on us!’ The group shared a light fit of laughter. Applejack loosened up a bit after decided that the 2 ponies they were sharing the date with were pretty cool. "Well ah sure went through some bad times. Ma family, well the two that run ma whole family tried to kick me from our house on our farm juss cuz of ma choice. But no one gets away with messing with this pony," BonBon seemed interested enough for Applejack to finish, "Ah'm guessing some family got mad at them, and they changed their minds. Sure hurt a lot when it was happenin' though. All just because of one choice ah made," turning to Fluttershy she said with a tiny smile, "One choice ah I don't regret at all," "So, even after your family did all that, it all went back to normal? I don't think Me or Lyra went through anything like that, at least. We didn’t tell our families, we just let them find out after a while,” "Oh, Well it sorta went back to normal, Ah guess. Ah mean, when ah wasn't aloud at ma farm, ah moved in with Fluttershy. But when they let me work at the farm again, Ah stayed living at Fluttershy's, because well, um, it just felt right," BonBon smiled, "Awe! that's good. That's a lot to go through and you guys got through it at the start of your relationship...that's a great sign for you two," Fluttershy and Applejack looked at each other and smiled warmly. "Where's the waiter-pony? I'm thirsty and hungry," Said Lyra slightly agitated. The rest just nodded. Upon hearing this, a stallion dressed in a saddle came over to take their orders, after they were done, BonBon continued, in a more hushed voice. "So, if you don't mind us asking, when did you guys start to realize you know, that you liked each other...?" She said, poking a little more into their personal stuff. This question surprised both of them, because they never actually told each other yet. Now that they're going to say it, it'll be new to each other too. Applejack took a moment to think. Fluttershy definitely isn't going first; she could see that the Pegasus was a little embarrassed at the thought of sharing something so personal. The earth pony smiled and focused her attention on Fluttershy. This is the first time she'll hear it. Applejack’s heart fluttered; she had ALWAYS wanted to tell Fluttershy about this. "Ok, Um, So a few months back, our friend Rarity had just designed some new dresses and she wanted us to try them on, and even though ah ain't big on that stuff, but when it's a friend ah feel obligated. So, we were at her shop, she had each of us try on a different dress, just to see how they fit. Fluttershy was the last to go. Up until that day, Ah only thought of her as a friend, never thought about, ya know...? She was the last to try on one of Rarity's dresses, and...when she came out of the dressing room," She tried to hold back a big adoring smile, but failed ,"She...looked...absolutely perfect, Ah Couldn't believe it…Ah mean, she just…Fluttershy, ya looked amazin’, juss like ya do now…” Fluttershy’s cheeks reddened at the compliment, and responded with a tiny ‘thank you’ “The whole time ah was worried somepony saw me blushin'" The earth pony said, blushing a little just through remembering it all. "OH MY GOSH, that's just soooo adorable," Squealed BonBon, while Fluttershy just smiled at Applejack, forgetting it was her turn to tell her story. When she finally noticed the three pony's expectant eyes looking at her, she sighed, then spoke up. "I..um, can't really remember a time I didn't feel like I liked her more than other ponies...it's just that, um.." Applejack liked this, but the other two ponies wanted more. Fluttershy blew her mane out of her face then continued, right as their food was being served, "But at first...I thought it was normal, I didn't really think it was a crush...I just thought Applejack was really nice. I remember when we were helping Applejack-," "Who's 'we'?" Lyra interrupted, though not trying to be rude. "Oh, um, Just me and a few friends of ours, and um, we went to help Applejack buck some apples down because her brother was away or something, and this was like um 4 months ago? I um, don't remember when, but I remember Applejack chasing after her sister for some reason, and when her sister fell and hurt herself, Applejack was there to help her, nurtured her, carried her back, and cared for her like...like a big sister should.. and I thought that was wonderful, and so caring of her and it showed her soft-side" Applejack smiled proudly, and switched positions in her seat just to get a little closer to Fluttershy ,"And, after that, I couldn't stop thinking of he-," Fluttershy turned to look straight into Applejack's adoring eyes, "You…I couldn't stop thinking about you…" Not getting the clue that Applejack and Fluttershy were having a special moment, BonBon blurted out a sudden realization "Ever since the party I could have sworn I've seen you before, Applejack, and now that Fluttershy mentioned you have a little sister, I remember now! Remember when the little filly was trying to stuff apples into my bag, and you ended up having to give me a lot because she was trying to force me to buy them? Oh my Celestia, Who would have known we would have met again like THIS?" BonBon laughed whole-heartedly while Applejack grimaced, at the fact she was enjoying the moment she was having with her mare, and that that memory was simply embarrassing. "Ah, Oh yeah...The poor filly has been trying her best to get her cutie mark, and that was one of the shenanigans she has gotten herself into," The earth pony chuckled half-faking the laughter. "Oh none-taken," BonBon responded, not even noticing she had given a completely wrong response to Applejack's statement, "She was just trying to sell me some apples. I'll be sure to stop by and purchase some myself, you sure gave me a lot of them!" Chuckled BonBon, then Lyra randomly pitched in, "I ate most. BonBon isn't big on anything that isn't junk food," The sky-blue unicorn giggled. "Well, it's true.." BonBon said, not inclined to argue when they're out with guests. After taking a bite out of the daisy-sandwich she had ordered, BonBon changed the subject ,"So...do you guys kiss yet?" A simple question, but showed BonBon’s lack of of a limit when it came to gushing about another couple. "...Of course we do," Applejack said, kind of put-off by the question. "Sorry If I'm being a little personal with my questions...it's just you're the first mare couple we've met in quite a long time, I want to know everything!" BonBon said apologetically. "Ah understand, sugarcube. It's been 3 weeks, but it's still new too us," Fluttershy nodded in agreement with orange pony’s statement. Lyra seemed more detached from the whole conversation, the blue pony was just eating her food quietly, not paying any mind to what's going on around her. After taking a few minutes to eat, all ponies enjoying a large serving on hay-fries on the side BonBon broke the silence "Well, If it isn't too personal...how did you guys admit your feelings to each other?" Fluttershy blushed immediately, the intruding questions making her embarrassed. Applejack looked at the Pegasus, kind of egging her on to share the story first this time, but it seems that Fluttershy is more confident when Applejack speaks first. The earth pony started with a content smile, "Well...Ah invited Fluttershy over just to hang out," She once again turned to the shy Pegasus, "Even though, Ah'll admit, it was too see, ya know, if ya felt the same 'bout me...and well, we had a great time, we walked around and fooled around and, the way ah would test it out, by maybe, um, a few times ah would get a little close to her. Like more than normal. And even though ah knew she was blushin', ah couldn't be sure, ah was really nervous and ah really didn’t know what ta do. But then, we walked up this hill, and sat down to relax, and when ah felt the time was right, ah kinda snuggled into her a little bit, we were just sittin' down, but ah was gettin' a little closer, juss ta test it out, an' then-" The Earth pony looked at the yellow pegasus beside her. "Do you wanna finish this for me Sugarcube?" Fluttershy sighed for confidence, then continued in her regular soft voice, "Well, um, we were up there, and being with her all day, I was really happy, I had always dreamt about spending time with her, and just her… I felt like we had um, a connection with each other, that I haven't felt with anypony else, and after she nudged into me a little more, I knew, that um, I needed to say my feelings for her...it was obvious she could see me blushing, but I didn’t know what she would think if I told her…. I was so nervous, and scared…and so, um," Fluttershy looked down a little, slightly embarrassed. "Go on, sweetheart," BonBon mused, by then she knew how nervous the Pegasus gets. "Well, I looked her in the eyes, because I love her eyes," She said, gazing into them once again as she spoke, "And um, I said 'Applejack, I’m having so much fun…you’re so nice to me,'" BonBon whispered awh, in anticipation for the rest of the story, “I was so nervous, I couldn’t even look at her, so I looked away…and she kept getting closer to me and it made me so much more nervous, I never thought we’d ever be so close and she was so warm… but I um…I was still able to talk, because I just felt it was right...I said ‘Applejack, promise me you won’t hate me for saying this…’ and then she said in her adorable voice ‘ah promise’. My heart melted when I saw her smiling at me…” Her voice trailed into a quiet squeak, but felt enough resolve to continue, “I said ‘Applejack why do I feel these feelings for you… and I um,” The earth pony took the reigns again once she saw Fluttershy begging her too with her eyes, "Ah was so shocked, Ah mean, it was FLUTTERSHY for hay's sake, and my heart was beatin’ faster than ah ever imagined. But ah felt like ah knew what ta say, the words just came to me so naturally, everythin' just felt right. So then ah said 'Well, Fluttershy, maybe it's normal...to feel these feelings, ah know that ah'm feeling somethin' special for ya too, we have so much fun together and I really like being by you and maybe, just maybe these feelings mean something...', " Applejack gave her Pegasus another adoring smile, then continued, "Ah guess, after that we juss talked, ya know? For a really long time, ah reckon it was until it was nearly dark. We didn't know what do, we always thought of each other as friends, and didn’t wanna lose that...but in the end we kinda juss decided to be, together, it juss felt right! But juss keep it hidden from ponies until we decided it was ok to tell everypony...," "That's so adorable! Oh my stars. I could tell from the moment we met at the party that you two have something special...now it's beyond a doubt. Lyra and I have a much simpler story, not as cute either, but that's a story for the next time...I can see we are all done eating," Applejack didn't even realize she had finished already. "Oh thank ya kindly, BonBon. Ah'm sure your two's story is juss as good..." Lyra laughed, "Not really..." BonBon completely ignored the simplistic response from the teal pony. "Oh it's fine, we definitely need to do this again someti- wait, you don't mind if I ask one more question do you?" BonBon said sheepishly. "Go ahead, Sugarcube," Applejack said, almost regretting giving her permission, now knowing she doesn't really hold back when asking something. "Uhhh," Once again she got closer to the two, so she could say it quietly ,"Do you guys say 'I love you' to each other yet?" The two ponies were once again surprised by her question. Even Applejack didn't know what to say, but before she could even think of a response, Bonbon backtracked, "Oh sorry, it's probably too soon to be asking stuff like this...I'm sorry. I just had to ask," "Oh, it's fine BonBon," Fluttershy said happily, trying to pretend it wasn't awkward. Now that all of the ponies seemed to be done with food, and quite obviously Lyra was ready to head on out, they cleaned up their mess and left a few bits as a tip and paid their bills. As they exited and prepared to say their goodbyes, BonBon stopped them. "I'm sorry if I got a little personal, you know. It's just, I honestly never thought I'd see a mare couple here...Ponyville just seems so resistant to change, you know? Next time, I won’t be so intrusive," She walked along side with them for a little bit ,"I had a great time girls, thanks for showing up," Fluttershy smiled and nodded and Applejack politely said, "The pleasure was ours, Sugarcube," BonBon waved as she slowly caught up with Lyra, as the two couples went their separate ways. Fluttershy seemed to be in a great mood, which of course made Applejack feel good. Their first date was a success. "I had a great time Applejack...thank you, so much..." Said the Pegasus happily, while fixing something on her dress. "Anytime, sugarcube...Ah had a great time, ah really love spending so much time with you," "I do too...um, you make me so happy, I mean it. You spoil me," Applejack smiled proudly ,"Anythin' for you, sugarcube," In a short few seconds of silence, the two mares stared at each other, emotions running high. They had so much to say to each other with so little time to say it. "How 'bout we hurry up n' get back, we can walk home as the sun sets," The earth pony said, a distracted smile, still smitten by the Pegasus. "No," Fluttershy said simply, clearly something on her mind. Applejack just gave her a confused look. "Follow me," Fluttershy said, Applejack obeying. "Where are we goin' sugarcube?" Applejack said, trotting behind the shy Pegasus. Fluttershy looked back, as they walked fast, into the center of town, "You'll see, if that’s um…ok," Applejack was intrigued and continued following the Pegasus. She didn't have a clue where they could be going, but kept guessing anyway. Fluttershy wouldn’t even give a hint, her heart set on surprising Applejack. Soon they were past sugarcube corner, and that's when Fluttershy stopped. "Here?" Applejack questioned. "No, um Applejack can you cover your eyes or something, I want this to be a surprise, if that's ok.." The earth pony put her mane completely in her face, "Is this good darlin’?" She said, clearly unable to see anything. "Yes. Follow me, we're close, um, let’s get there before dark..." "Well ah don't even know where we are going, how am I gonna keep up If ah can't see?" "Just, um stay near me," The Pegasus said, soon making her way with Applejack to where she decided they should go. After a short bit of walking, Fluttershy automatically dismissing any guesses Applejack said. They were walking at an incline, which confused the earth pony. The slowly dropping outside air told her it was getting darker. "It's ok um, we are almost there," Fluttershy said, her heart fluttering; she the orange pony would like what she’s trying to do. The sky was a beautiful purple and red, over Ponyville and far beyond the horizon now that they were slightly out of town. The air was cooling down, but still a comfortable 70 degrees. There was a slight breeze which both ponies enjoyed. Fluttershy slowed down a little as they got closer to her destination. Applejack could tell that she was excited. "'Shy we almost there yet?" Applejack said, not trying to sound like she's annoyed. After the incline slowed into a more level ground, Fluttershy had Applejack sit down. Applejack started to move her mane, just for Fluttershy to whisper "Not yet". Applejack smiled. It was something Fluttershy had wanted to do for a long time, and now that it was happening, she was cautiously excited. The Pegasus sat in front of Applejack, and moved closer, and smiled, both ponies feeling their warmth inches away from each other. The earth pony waited for the Pegasus to tell her when to move her mane, but got something else entirely. Fluttershy moved Applejack's mane for her, but before Applejack could see where they were, The Pegasus surprised her with a long, passionate kiss. Applejack found herself star-struck, with a blushing yellow Pegasus in front of her, on the hill where they first admitted their feeling for each other. "Oh my Celestia" Was all that Applejack could say. Fluttershy lowered her head nervously; she did everything through impulse, she had actually planned to do it on the day that marked them being together for a month. Fluttershy needed Applejack's approval to know if she had done good or not. Applejack just stared into the shy pony's eyes, taken back by the romantic move Fluttershy had just done, just for her. "Ah'm speechless...this is wonderful, Fluttershy...absolutely wonderful, ah-ah..." Caught up in the throes of romantic bliss, Applejack could only smile, still just a few inches from the Pegasus’ face. Neither of them seemed to care that they were sitting in grass, while still in the dresses Rarity gave them. Applejack sighed, taking in the wonderful and the perfect moment she was having with the shy Pegasus. She spoke again in nearly a whisper. "Ah've waited ma whole life for somepony like you Fluttershy...and ah know, we've only been going out for 3 weeks...but ah really need to tell you something," Before she could finish, she got caught up in another kiss from Fluttershy, enjoying every second of it as if it’d be her last. "I love you, Applejack," BuckwheatBuckwheat Applejack slid out of bed quietly, careful to not to wake the sleeping pegasus on the other side of her. With an adoring smile, the orange pony took a second to admire Fluttershy, who was peacefully sleeping beside her. After a kiss on the shy Pegasus's cheek, Applejack then made her way downstairs. The earth pony had woken up especially early to prepare something special for Fluttershy, specifically for their special day. Applejack yawned, rubbed her eyes with her hooves, and got to work making some apple-pies for the two, with apple juice and regular sliced apples on the side. She stopped and fed Angel the rabbit her regular morning carrot. Even though none of Fluttershy's rabbits seem to be fond of her yet, they seemed comfortable enough to let her feed them. Applejack smiled in anticipation of seeing Fluttershy once she see's everything she did for her before she even woke up. She stealthy went outside to the backyard to grab some flowers she had hid the night before, just for Fluttershy. When she went back inside, she set the flowers down on their couch grabbed the food, delicately balancing it as she walked upstairs to their room. Applejack set the food down in the space next to Fluttershy, who was still sleeping. "It's time to wake up, sugarcube," She whispered in her ear. Fluttershy yawned, then saw the food next to her. "Aw...Applejack that's so nice of you," They kissed, then the earth pony replied ,"Meet me downstairs when yer done, Ah got a surprise for you," Fluttershy smiled adoringly. The earth pony hastily made her way downstairs, eager to see the look on Fluttershy's face when she sees the flowers. Applejack picked them up, and looked at them to make sure they were perfect. Rarity helped me pick them out, of course they're perfect, ah reckon! Several minutes later Applejack could here Fluttershy coming down the stairs "I can't wait for my surprise, all of the food was so delicious..you're such a great cook!" Said Fluttershy as she slowely made her way down the steps. Applejack smiled big and waited silently. Fluttershy assumed it was a surprise party organized by none-other than Pinkie Pie, but when she got down stairs, she was met with a beaming Applejack with flowers in her hooves. "Oh my...Applejack.." The yellow pegasus smiled, stunned by the romantic gesture from Applejack. She quickly went up to her mare and got the flowers and smelt them ,"Oh my...They're beautiful! Where did you get these? They're so lovely!" "Happy 1 month, Sugarcube!" Applejack said happily, the Pegasus immediately hugging the earth pony. "You remembered!" Fluttershy said gleefully, not letting go of the earth pony. "Of course ah did Sugarcube...just wanted to make your day ta be specially good before ah make ma way to the farm today," "That's so sweet of you.." She quickly relinquished her hug on Applejack ,"Angel did you hear? Me and Applejack have been going out for a month!" She said to the utterly uninterested rabbit. She faced Applejack again, with a loving smile "Um, i hope you have a great day today Applejack...I'll stop by and visit later maybe, happy 1 month!" She said, giving Applejack another hug. Applejack was absolutely delighted that Fluttershy was so happy about this, to her it couldn't have gone better. "Oh my, I need to put these flowers in a vase," Said the shy pony as she went into her kitchen to search for something to put them in. Applejack smiled ,"Sugarcube, Ah reckon ah gotta go to the farm now, Ah hope ya have a great day!" "Aren't you going to have breakfast um, here?" "Ah wanna get ta work a little early, so I can come back here earlier and spend more time with ya," Fluttershy flew over to her, then slowly lowered until she wasn't flying anymore. "I love you, so much.. thank you for making my day, Applejack" She said looking directly into earth ponies eyes, which Applejack has learned that the Pegasus loves to do every morning before she went to work. "Ah love you too, Sugarcube," And with one last kiss, Applejack put on her hat, then left to the farm. "I'm the luckiest mare in the world..." Fluttershy thought aloud, with a gracious smile. After admiring the flowers and enjoying their scent, she returned to finding a vase for them. She searched through each cabinet, noisily enough to have to apologize to her animals, until a frustrated Angel coughed loudly to get her attention. After a squeal, she turned around, embarrassed, to see Angel holding a vase for her. "Oh Angel, thank you." She reached into a cabinet and pulled out a treat for the tiny animal,"Here," The pegasus said gratefully; Angel eagerly accepting it and devouring it on the spot. After carefully putting the flowers in the vase Angel got her, she sat comfortably on her couch. She realized she had no plans for the day, and after a big yawn, she decided she wanted to out somewhere and find a way to surprise her mare with her own sort of way to celebrating them being together for 2 months. Pinkie Pie. "Well, Angel. I guess I'm going to have to go to Sugarcube Corner...' The pegasus said with a happy sigh. She gently lifted up and flew towards her door, "Will you be ok if I'm away for a while?" Angel just responded with an 'Are you serious' look. "Oh, ok um, bye," Fluttershy said as she exited. When she arrived at Sugarcube Corner, surprisingly enough, Pinkie Pie was nowhere too be found. Fluttershy saw Twilight Sparkle in a seat, eating a cupcake and decided to come in to talk to her friend, since she didn't really have much to do anyway. "Well Hello there, Fluttershy!" Greeted the purple pony. She invited Fluttershy to sit with her, patting her hoof idly on a seat. "Um, Hello Twilight!" Fluttershy said, trotting over and sitting down with her friend. "What brings you here today?" "Well, um. Today, a month ago, um, me and Applejack first got together...and I was looking for Pinkie Pie to maybe help me surprise her," "Awe! That's so adorable, Pinkie was here like fifteen minutes ago, I don't know where she went..." "Oh..." Fluttershy responded meekly, slightly bummed that she'd have to find a different way to surprise her love. "Did Applejack do anything special for you?" Twilight Sparkle questioned, showing genuine interest in what her friend had to say. "Well, um she made me breakfast, and brought it up to me while I was sleeping! and um, got me the most beautiful roses..." Twilight beamed "That's so nice of her!" After a sigh, the unicorns demeanor changed completely, "I wish I could find me a stallion that would treat me as good as Applejack treats you... Maybe it's because I haven't studied love yet?" "Oh Twilight, I'm sure you'll meet the perfect stallion someday...I don't think love is something you can, um, study," This statement gave Twilight an inquisitive look on her face ,"How does love feel to you?" "Oh, um.." Fluttershy, not one known to be comfortable when talking about feelings. "Well you don't have to tell me if you don't want too," Twilight said, disappointed. "No, its.." Fluttershy sighed for confidence ,"Love is...Love is amazing Twilight. She treats me so well, she makes me so happy, um...when we're out in public, I feel more confident by being with her..even after a month, she's all I think about, even my animals love her!" Fluttershy then realized what she said, and lowered her head shyly. "That sounds so wonderful, Fluttershy...I'm so happy that you guys are going so well" "She um, spoils me," Fluttershy said sheepishly, "I sometimes feel guilty with how good she treats me...It's um why I'm here," Twilight nodded for Fluttershy to continue ,"I kind of want to surprise her in return...and I was looking for Pinkie because I um, was thinking about having a party," They both paused for a second, waiting for the spastic pink pony to jump out of a box at the mention of a party. Once again, Pinkie Pie was nowhere to be seen. "I um don't think a party would be good, though...Applejack works hard at the farm, and I um, don't think she would want to party afterwards," The pegasus said, immediately after she thought of it. "Oh, That's a good point. Maybe the best thing you could do is just treat her extra specially nice when she returns home, if she's tired and wants to relax, I'm sure she would be just fine with you being there, being close to her," Fluttershy pondered this for a moment. "That's a great idea, Twilight!" she said nicely, in her regular soft voice. Twilight smiled proudly "Thank you Fluttershy. I hope it helps," "I'm um sure it will, I think I'm going to get going now, I think I'm going to visit Applejack at the farm before I go back home, Thank you Twilight" She said quietly. "No problem! Have a great time with Applejack, tell her I said hello!" After nodding at Twilight, the shy Pegasus departed. Fluttershy looked forward to getting to Sweet Apple Acres to greet her mare, she really enjoyed spending time with her in public now, her nervousness about it was pretty much gone besides the occasional surprise kiss she receives from Applejack. While on her way, she calmly hummed to herself, occasionally saying hi to a bird or two. She knew she was visiting a bit earlier than Applejack may expect but was sure she wouldn't mind. Fluttershy really had nothing to do, and may stay to help out a little. After all, it has been a month we've been together Fluttershy giggled to herself, just thinking about it made her smile. As she got closer, the pegasus started to walk the rest of the way. Fluttershy hoped that Applejack wouldn't be paying attention so she could fly up silently and give her a surprise hug. She giggled at the thought. Soon, a hummingbird flew by and instantly distracted the caring pegasus. "Oh hello there, little guy!" She said, slightly straying off path to follow the little bird. "Don't be afraid," She said with a caring smile ,"I'm your friend" The pegasus watched it as it flew right in front of her. She a second just to admire the little details in the tiny bird. "It must be exhausting to flap your wings so fast," She noted ,"Oh my you're just so cute!" The little bird excitedly flew in quick movements, before drifting over into a near-by flower patch. When the pegasus turned around, however, she wasn't as alone as she assumed. Squealing, she backed up in embarrassment at the sight of a Big Macintosh-sized stallion staring her down. "Ah'm guessin' you're Fluttershy, huh?" The tan stallion grumbled, walking towards her intimidatingly. "Um...I..." "You're that MARE that ponies are telling me that Applejack is with now, huh?" Fluttershy backed away slowly,fearfully staring at him. "HA! Ya can't even move. Ah can tell this 'Applejack bein' with a mare' thing is just a bunch a hay," He scoffed ,"Mares can't be with mares. Thass juss unnatural. She's just goin' through a phase, Ah tell ya. An' when it's over, she'll go right back to a stallion like me," Fluttershy took a deep breath just to gather enough courage to respond to the towering stallion in front of her, "W-who are you..." Her voice trailed off fast as she submissively backed away from him. "Name's Buckwheat. Ah'm Applejack's ex," He laughed directly at the Pegasus. "Not for long, ah reckon'" Buckwheat"Hey you!" Voice cracking, the Rainbow Pegasus came flying straight at Buckwheat from across the tiny hill they were on ,"What's going on here? why does Fluttershy look so scared huh?" Rainbow Dash now stayed suspended in air, between the two ponies. "What? Who in the hay are you? This Ain' none of your business you nosey filly," Buckwheat snorted, barely startled, dismissing the Pegasus' initial attempt to defend her friend. "No, She's my friend!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, getting closer to the stallion ,"Why are you scaring her huh? What are you even DOING?" "Ah ain't budgin'. Ah don't even know who ya are, ya juss assume somethin' bad's happenin' not even " the stallion said. Rainbow Dash took more insult to that than he expected ,"I'm Rainbow Dash and you don't mess with my friends!" The pony said, waiting for Fluttershy to gain her composure just to clue her in on what she was defending her for. "You're the one who did the Sonic Rainboom eh? Doesn't mean you should get your nose into other pony's business," Fluttershy closed her eyes and blurted "He wants to take Applejack from me!" The pegasus immediately returning to her nervous position behind the suspended Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash sighed ,"Oh for Celestia's sake, that's ALL? Look buddy, I don't know who you think you are, but you can't do ANYTHING to ruin their relationship. I may not be one that's into that all lovey-dovey type of stuff, when I see true love, I know it," Buckwheat just scoffed "Ya mares just wait, hehe, ol' Buckwheat knows a trick or two ya don't know 'bout, but, hey. You two can try, Ah bet it'll end up helpin' me. Anyhow, look girls, this stallion needs ta go, ya can go complainin' to Applejack or whatever, but it ain't gonna change. Me and her are meant ta be together and ain't nothin' gonna change that," After another laugh, the stallion turned around and walked away, intentionally disregarding anything they had to say in response. Rainbow Dash felt triumphant, and made it obvious when she yelled ,"Yeah, you better run you stallion WANNABE!!" The blue pony disregarded that fact that he ignored her. She then flew next to Fluttershy, still in mid-air. "Hehe, We-well, I sure showed him, right Fluttershy?" Instead of seeing a sad Fluttershy, she saw an agitated one. "Why can't I ever ever EVER defend myself when I need too!?" The pegasus frustratingly exclaimed, asking herself more than the pegasus before her. "Oh it's alright Fluttershy, everypony knows you're the timid one. You're just lucky I was nearby when I saw him coming at you like that!," Rainbow Dash said, fishing for a compliment. Fluttershy seemingly disregarded that whole statement ,"OH! I'm so mad, I could just...!" Fluttershy's hoof slightly tapped the bark of a tree she was next too, after which see softly said 'Ow'. Rainbow Dash giggled in spite of herself, finally making Fluttershy sad, as the whole situation she was in hit her full force. "You ok, 'Shy?" The blue pony said sympathetically. "H-he's going over to Applejack's right now...what do i do?" The Rainbow pony flew off to check where the stallion was headed. "I don't think he is, he's going the other way," This didn't make Fluttershy feel better, why would he just leave right now? "That's her ex.." Fluttershy said, surprising the pegasus. "Ouc- I mean, really?" "Y-yeah.." Rainbow thought for a second ,"How long ago did they date and for how long?" She was surprised at her own interest in this situation, something that usually would bore her to sleep. "Um...she said, um like a year ago..and for like a month or 2." Said the yellow Pegasus, now sitting on her all-fours. "That ain't bad!" The Pegasus landed to get a little closer to Fluttershy to try and help her feel a little better, a plan forming in her head ,"Remember Fluttershy, Applejack would never do anything to hurt you...she's the element of honesty! She would have told you if still had feelings for that BuckJERK, or anypony else for that matter" Fluttershy made an obviously forced attempt to smile ,"I just wish i.." Her voice trailed into a squeak once more ,"I just wish I could stand up..for myself and Applejack...It's always someone else helping me, I always freeze up..I-" She stood up, and decided she was done venting to the rainbow pony. ,"Thank you Rainbow, you're such a good friend. But I'm going to go to Applejack's now, she um, needs to know about this," Rainbow Dash got a confused look on her face "But what if Buckwheat shows up there?" "Applejack is um as tough as you.."She said softly, The rainbow pony barely keeping herself from disagreeing. "Well, I'll be in Cloudsdale if you two need me, I'm sorry about that jerk trying to ruin things for you and Applejack, I'm sure he can't do anything to you" Before they went their separate ways, Fluttershy had one last question ,"um, Did you mean it when you said you saw true love with me and Applejack...?" Fluttershy asked Shyly. "Of course, everypony does when they see you two hehe" The Rainbow pony said, as if it was common knowledge. _____________________________________________________ "What?? Buckwheat? Why would he do such a thang? We haven't even talked in months! Ah-Ah', who does he think he is?," The orange pony flung her her hooves out in frustration, leaving a slight indentation the grass. ,"Why can't ponies just leave us alone? Not cause so much drama? We can't go a week without somethin' like this happenin" Applejack exclaimed, letting out a sigh, then instinctively bucking a tree. "I'm sorry.." Fluttershy said softly, standing a few feet away from Applejack. "Don't apologize sugarcube.It's ma past, and somethin' ah need to deal with, Ah don't know why he had to bring you into it... It's ma fault really fer ever givin' him a chance," "H-he's so...mean," The shy pony said, shuttering at the thought of the intimidating stallion. "Sounds like Buckwheat...Wonder why he came all the way here from Appleloosa anyway?" She thought about what she said for a moment ,"Oh right...me" "Rainbow Dash came out of nowhere and, she um defended me though..." "Really? That pony is juss such a great friend. Ah outta give her some free Apples. Ah really wish ah was there too, Ah would a' ended it right then and there...wouldn't have ta' be waitin' just to turn em down. didja tell him we're goin' out?" "Um, I didn't but somepony else did...but he doesn't really consider us a real couple, because of us being both mares," The earth pony adjusted her hat, then responded ,"Ah ain't surprised at that...Buckwheat is as ignorant as they come, Ah tell ya," Another thing bothered Applejack ,"Why, when he coulda came any other day, did he come here on our month? A'hm sure he musta done it on purpose...Ah'm sorry if he ruined your day, well, our day..." "It's not...but I know he isn't going to give up easily," "Well he'll have to give up eventually...ah just know he doesn't take rejection lightly," The orange pony put a hoof in front of her face so block out the sun as she looked in the distance to see anypony. "Look, 'Shy, I have no feelings for anypony but you...Ya don't have to worry about him. Ah don't even know why ah went out with him in the first place," "I know. I just wish I didn't need other people to..you know, help me whenever something like this happens..," "Ah love your shyness, sugarcube...it's adorable," Applejack mused, trying to shed light on the situation, or at least make Fluttershy feel better. "But I wish i could just stand up for myself when somepony..." losing the words she was going to say, the shy pegasus just sighed. "'Shy, Ah think you should go back home an' rest. Ah'll make sure today's good for the both of us, no matter how hard Buckwheat tries to ruin it. Ah love you, sugarcube, don't ever forget that," "I love you too...but what if see Buckwheat on my way back, I don't want him to know where we live," "Ah'm sure he won't see ya if ya fly real high, darlin'" Applejack said. "I guess..." After a kiss, Fluttershy said ,"If i do see him...I'll make sure I don't just back down this time, I'm so tired of being bullied around.." After a nod from Applejack, the yellow pegasus was off, flying slightly higher than usual just to avoid the intruding stallion who could still be near-by. Soon after, Applejack went back to her regular chores at the farm, knowing that she has a lot of thinking to do. It was about an hour later when Applejack was in the middle of bringing a few baskets full of apples back to the farmhouse when she heard somepony walking nearby. Automatically assuming it was Buckwheat finally trying to make his move, she started to walk faster, still lugging behind several baskets of apples behind. She didn't feel like dealing with him. Even though she was pretty tired from a hard days at work, she convinced herself to trot along a little faster. "Applejack! Wait!" Shouted the little red-maned filly. The older pony stopped in her tracks, careful not to let any of the apples fall out. "Oh, Applebloom. What're ya doin' out here? If ah had left earlier, ya coulda got yourself lost out here!" The little pony quickly caught up to her older sister "Nuh-uh! I know ma way around this place just as good as you!" "Well why in the hay are ya out here searching for me, ya know Ah go inside before Ah go back ta Fluttershy's," The little filly looked around nervously ,"Ah wanted to talk to you privately, Applejack," "Well, we should be back to the farmhouse in 5-10 minutes, what do ya need to talk about, AB?" "Pinkie Pie promise ya won't tell no one?" Applebloom questioned, looking expectantly at Applejack, The orange pony chuckled ,"Cross ma heart, Hope ta fly, stick a cupcake in ma eye. There, ah swore," The tiny pony inhaled ,"Ok so there is this colt in class and he's like soooo cute an his name is Red Hoof and ah don't know how to tell him that ah have a crush on him, but he's just so cute and ITS NOT FAIIIIIRRRRRRR," Applebloom blurted in one fast statement. "Ah see. It's your first little crush huh Applebloom?" The filly nodded with a goofy smile on her face. "How do ah get him to like meeeeeeeee?" She stressed, impatiently waiting for an answer. "Darlin', ya don't make somepony like you, it juss don't work that way," The little pony frowned ,"But then, what do ah do? he doesn't even have his cutie mark either! Its like we're meant to be and he doesn't know it!" "Applebloom, you're too young to do this, go play with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders or somethin'" "Ah'm a big pony Applejack! Ah'm old 'nuff! I swear!" The little pony persisted, jogging along-side the walking Applejack. "You're not big enough, lil' sis, and trust me, ya should enjoy it while it lasts," "Why? I thought you and Fluttershy were happy together?" Questioned a confused Applebloom. "WE are, sugarcube, it's other ponies that ain't. An' it ain't have nothin to do with the fact we're both mares," The little filly frowned, "What does this have ta do with me an' Red Hoof?" Forgetting she had asked about it in the first place. "Look, sugarcube, it's not like love ain't great, because it is, but there's always somethin' that gets in the way when all ya do is your best...look, ah'm not saying not to love someone, ah'm just saying enjoy the lack of responsibility while you're a filly, growin' up ain't all that it sounds like, Sugarcube," "But-" "Now go find yer friends, we got back earlier than 'spected, so ah'm going home now," "UGH. Ok Applejack. whatever ya say," Applebloom exclaimed, fliling her little hooves in frustration. "Atta-girl. Now go have some fun before it's time to hit the hay! It's a school night remember!" "I know, I know!" The filly shouted, already galloping full-speed away to her friends. Applejack thought for a second, then realized something, "Wait! Ya done yer chores, yet??" "Can't here you!" Lied Applebloom. The orange pony just sighed and chuckled a little bit. As Applejack dropped off the apples into an empty farmhouse, she thought out-loud "hehe that Filly will never learn," Applejack turned around and made her way out of Sweet Apple Acres. Even though the day hadn't exactly turned out how she planned so far, she decided she was going to salvage what she could, and in the end at least make it a good day for Fluttershy. Surprisingly enough, the orange pony didn't see a single pony she knew on her long way back. Which is odd because she once again was expecting a spastic Pinkie Pie to fall from the sky and ask her what's wrong. But there was no sign of anypony she knew, and with the day she was having, she had no problem with it. Applejack walked into their home quietly, expecting to see a peacefully resting Pegasus on the couch, but instead she saw her head-deep in a cabinet. "I'm back a lil' early Sugarcube!" Not noticing that Applejack had came in, this surprised her, causing her to squeal while still inside the cabinet, making her little squeal a lot louder. She backed out of it slowly, embarrassed because Applejack was giggling uncontrollably. Embarrassment was soon replaced by genuine happiness to see her mare. The pegasus flew over to her and gave her a kiss while still in mid air. After too returning to the ground, she smiled and said ,"I'm glad you're back so soon, I would have been so bored waiting for you to get back," "Ah'm glad ah could get back sooner too. Today's our day, an' ah wanna spend a better time with you than we have so far, ya know?" Applejack said, alluding to the sad exchange they had with each other earlier. "Oh...It's ok Applejack..I'm just glad you're hear now, um but I have some bad news," She said in a more casual way, so Applejack wouldn't assume it was something horribly bad. 'What is it, Darlin?" The Pegasus lowered her head, "Um, I was looking for food for Angel and um-" "Lemme guess, you're out of carrots, and we need ta go into to town for some more," "I'm sorry.." She said, actually sorry for something she shouldn't need to be. "Oh 'Shy, ya made me feel bad 'bout that...Ya don't need to apologize! Ah'm sure we probably won't run into Buckwheat, and if we do, ah'll tell em off any how. And ah'm guessin' Angel wants his food as soon as possible huh?" Applejack said, followed by an emphatic MM-HMMM from the little bunny. "Um, yeah," Fluttershy said sheepishly, knowing that the bunny is an impatient one. Applejack politely let the pegasus leave first, then closed the door. Even though she had just gotten back to their home and had been looking forward to relaxing after such a stressful day, the opportunity to find Buckwheat and give him a piece of her mind seemed to give her new life, exhausted as she may have had been before. While Fluttershy was admiring the beautiful day outside, Applejack got a little nervous at the idea of seeing the rude stallion. She hadn't seen Buckwheat in months. She doesn't know 100% what happened between him and Fluttershy, and wasn't about to go all the way to Cloudsdale to find Rainbow Dash to clear things up. She made a mental note to give the Pegasus some apples for helping Fluttershy. Her thoughts returned to the her jealous ex, and sll she knew right then is that he's mad and wants her back. When the two ponies made it into the town, Applejack immediately noticed Buckwheat across the way and assumed that Fluttershy didn't. That sure was easy.. The stallion was facing the opposite way, but Applejack knew it was him almost instantly. "Fluttershy, ah uh, why don't ya go get some carrots for Angel right now, darlin'" The earth pony said, trying not to look in the direction of Buckwheat. Fluttershy looked confused ,"Um, why? Aren't you going with me?" "Ah, uh, ah need to find um Rarity and," The pony gave up on that lie and went with an easier one ,"It's a surprise, sugarcube," She said with her awkward smile. Surprisingly, Fluttershy seemed to except the lie, or at least pretend to, which was good enough for Applejack. She didn't want their day to be ruined, and If she could get Buckwheat to leave before Fluttershy even knows he was here, her day would be a lot better and she could just focus on making Fluttershy's the best she could. "Let's meet right back here, ok?" Said Fluttershy, in her soft voice. "Alright, darlin'!" The Yellow pegasus made her way down the street to get to shop where she could get food for Angel and her other bunnies. Applejack waited until the Pegasus was out of sight, while steadily keeping an eye on Buckwheat. When she decided it was clear, she let her confidence exude from her, then started her short walk, with a plan on confronting the giant stallion. BuckwheatThe closer Applejack got to Buckwheat, the more rage she felt inside, and the more she wanted to call him out, and tell him what she felt needed to be said. She used the thought of a scared Fluttershy being bullied by the huge Stallion as fuel to cover the slight amount of nervousness she felt. As she got closer, she half-expected it to not be him, and actually be a mistake on her part, but when she finally got close enough to be sure, it was beyond a doubt for her. Before she could make a decision to go back and avoid the drama she knew she was getting herself into, the pony that Buckwheat was talking to noticed her, and because he was facing her, when he looked at her, it caused Buckwheat to turn around and look. His immediate reaction was to put on a big smile ignoring the glare he was getting from Applejack. "Hey, sugar long time no see," Buckwheat said, leaving his friend to meet up with Applejack. "Can it, Buckwheat, ah know what you're here for, an' it ain' happenin'" Applejack continued to glare at him, her voice getting louder,"Ya don't go insultin' MY mare, threatenin' MY friends, then even think about us even bein' friends! Yer a coward Buckwheat, a filthy COWARD," Buckwheat gave his friend a a 'What the heck" kind of look, almost to make Applejack know there were other ponies around. "Hey, woah, Applejack, Ah dun know what yer talkin' bout!" The stallion said, lying just to make the mare angrier. "Don't lie! Juss makes you more than a coward! An' don't go anywhere near Fluttershy again or you'll regret it!" "It's not Fluttershy ah want ta be near," He said, testing the waters at the most inappropriate time. "An' what's that supposed ta mean?" The orange pony rebuked. "Ya know exactly what ah mean, don't deny ya still have feelin's for me," Applejack was appalled at his bluntness, "Ah swear on Celestia ah don't. Ah've never been more sure 'bout anything in ma whole life, Buck," He dismissed her statement ,"Sure feels good ta hear your voice call me Buck, 'been ages since the last time we even talked," The stallion smiled slyly. The orange pony shook her head, utterly disappointed in the stallions feeble attempt to seduce her. "After this, ah hope we NEVER talk again, you insulted the pony ah'm with and ma friend. You disgust me," Again, the stallion dismissed the insults, "Pony? Ya mean mare. MARE, Applejack, you're with a MARE. Just cut it out already, it's weird and pathetic, you bein' with a mare is just...unnatural," Once again Applejack was shocked at how forward he was with his ignorance. "Ya don't even know, Buckwheat. She's the best thing ta ever happen to me, you were just a waste of time, just like what you're doin' now. WASTING YOUR TIME," The orange pony felt like that should shut him up. The stallion calmly pondered it, or more-so, a completely different response. "Applejack, yer so funny sometimes," The orange pony was immediately confused by this, still mad. "How so?" A sinister smiled appeared on his face,"Ah remember one of the biggest things ya wanted when we were together were foals," Applejack looked down. That one hit home. She knew it was true. Applejack knew that it's something she's wanted her whole life, something that she has dreamt about since she was a filly. "Y-you're a terrible pony, Buckwheat,"She turned her head away for a second, then returned her attention to him, as mad as she'd ever been, "Ya don't juss show up, outta the hay and cause all this drama expectin' me to love you again! It'll NEVER happen, you were the biggest mistake of my life, and today's juss makin' it more truer than ever! Yeah, we may not be able to have kids, but at least ah'm HAPPY with her, and not unhappy like ah was with you!" The orange pony was inches from his face, breathing hard from anger. "Now now now, 'jackie," He said, using his nickname for her on purpose, "Don't go makin' a scene right near sugarcube corner! That can't be good for their business to have some mare runnin' her mouth off at somepony," Applejack was so red in the face, she felt she was about to explode. "Now before ya go yellin' at me again. Let's be civilized ponies about this. Yellin' ain't necessary, Applejack," for a third time now, Applejack was flabbergasted at the rudeness of the pony. "Civilized? CIVILIZED? Civilized ain't cornerin' and threatenin' the MARE I'm with, and insultin' ma friend! That's anything BUT civilized," She placed special emphasis on mare. "Ok. Ah made a mistake, everypony does, it ain't ma fault that ah miss ya," "Ah know what yer tryin' ta do, juss cuz we haven't talked in a long time, doesn't mean Ah don't still know yer tricks," The stallion shook his head, and sighed ,"Look, ah made a mistake, but ah wouldn't be here if ah didn't think ah was best for you," "You ain't, only ah know who's best for me, and it ain't you," "Well it sure as hay ain't no mare!' At this point in the argument, Fluttershy finally made her way out of the shop with bag full of carrots. She was planning to go to Rarity's shop to find Applejack. She happily trotted along, unknowingly walking right towards the last thing she'd want to see. "Yes it is, Buckwheat! She makes me happy, you...ya just make me SICK." He pondered that statement for nearly half a minute. "Ok, now that just hurts ma feelings!" Applejack was speechless. She just stared at him with an "are you bucking serious?!" expression on her face. Fluttershy jumped when she finally saw the two ponies across the street from her. All she saw the Applejack staring right Buckwheat, unable to make out the expression her face. The pegasus squealed, in spite of herself. She didn't know whether to join Applejack or just run. Come on Fluttershy..stop being so scared...stop being so weak...[ She ultimately decided not to join in, and hid so they wouldn't see her. The stallion finally realized he went too far, soon feeling a little desperation. He heard Fluttershy's squeal, an assumed since Applejack still had the shocked look on her face; that she didn't. He looked around nervously, looking for his friend, now nowhere to be found. Suddenly, in a last desperate move, he pulled Applejack in, and forcefully kissed her. Knowing Fluttershy was watching, it was his final insult to her for being the one Applejack chose. Fluttershy was shocked, and when she realized fully what just had happened, she didn't feel sad or horrified, she felt pure anger; anger that's been building up inside her since their first encounter. Soon it was a full blown rage. She dropped the bag of carrots where she stood. And from across the street, she burst in air, crushing right into the stallion right as Applejack forced herself out of the stallions kiss. Applejack had no clue what was going on, until she heard the enraged Fluttershy yelling at the top of her lungs at the dazed Buckwheat, now a few feet away from the impact. "How could you?! How could you?! She's my mare, and always will! and YOU think you can just take her from me?! You are horrible! I've never met someone so mean! Don't EVER, and I mean EVER try to kiss her again! MEANIE!" The stallion stood in awe, realizing he has made a huge mistake, he got clumsily, very dazed by the shy Pegasus' outburst. Fluttershy's rage quickly subsided, and she quickly flew behind Applejack, fearfully expecting for the stallion to want to get her back after her tackling him. After a good minute of silence, all three barely grasping what had just happened, the stallion finally spoke ,"A real stallion admits when he's been defeated. Yeh, this is gonna sting me for a while, but ah got plenty of mares waitin' for me-" "Just go, Buckwheat" Applejack interrupted, adding insult to injury. Without another word, the stallion left, with what little remaining dignity he had in tact. Applejack immediately turned to the embarrassed Fluttershy, in aw, and instantly kissed her, long and passionately. She felt no words could explain how amazed she was at Fluttershy.This of course, made the shy pegasus about 10 times more embarrassed. It took Fluttershy a little bit just to recover from the surprise kiss she just got. "Fluttershy...that was amazin'" "I um, hope I didn't hurt him," Fluttershy said sincerely ,"But that kiss took it too far...I've never felt so angry, I can't believe I did that!" Applejack giggled ,"Ah don't think it's possible to love you any more than ah do now, sugarcube...you stood up for me, you stood up for us," Fluttershy blushed ,"You're the only pony I'd ever do this for..." The earth pony giggled again ,"You're just too nice, darlin'" Then she thought for a second ,"Didja get carrots for Angel?" ."Yes. um-," The pegasus flew over to where she had launched herself at Buckwheat, picked the bag up and came back to a smiling Applejack. 'Let's go home, Sugarcube," She said, the Pegasus nodding in agreement. On the way back, the two ponies shared their stories about what just had happened, Applejack emphatically emphasized how cool she thought Fluttershy is when she's mad, flattering the shy pony who definitely wasn't used to being called cool. Applejack knew it was a huge thing for Fluttershy to have finally stuck up for her, and made sure she flattered her with how awesome it was. Later that night, after enjoying the rest of the day with each other, Applejack turned to her mare on the other side of the bed, and softly snuggled into her. She admired the sleeping pegasus, and smiled adoringly once more. She knew that out of all the choices she's made in her life, good ones or bad ones, that this one, was her best one. Applejack snuggled into her mare, just a little bit more. "Happy 1 month, sugarcube," Photo FinishedApplejack started to feel ancy during the last few tree's she was planning to buck. She couldn't help but think of the possible down-sides to being on top of a float, usually saved for a regular couple, with her and Fluttershy. She knew to others that it wasn't normal , and after being Fluttershy for a month and a half, she didn't care whether it was normal or not. Still, the idea of being ridiculed by ponies from all across Equestria didn't exactly get her exited, even if it was just an assumption. She tried to force herself not to be nervous; she didn't want to psyche herself out before they even told Twilight they want to do it! But the thoughts kept creeping back in her head, time after time. What if we are boo'd? What if they don't like us? As tough of a pony as she is, being in the spotlight in front 100s, maybe 1000s of ponies from all across Equestria made her more than just slightly nervous. It made her even more nervous to think of how Fluttershy felt, especially after being the one to convince her in the first place. After bucking her last tree, she assumed Fluttershy would be there any minute to meet her and decide one-and-for-all if they wanted to do this. Carrying the apples she just bucked behind her in crates, she made her way back to the farmhouse. She assumed since Fluttershy wasn't here yet, she could go in and be with her family a little bit, for a confidence booster. After she left the apples in their area, the orange pony entered their home. "Anypony home still,?" The mare said with an echo from up-stairs. A deep voice responded, "Eeeyup," Applejack sighed out of relief; the perfect pony to talk to when nervous is always Big Macintosh. She had already told him about the parade and her and Fluttershy's involvement, but she didn't feel nervous when it was still a whole day away. "Big Mac, where are ya?" "Kitchen," Immediately she made her way to the kitchen , sitting at the table across from her older brother. "The parade is soon i'int it?" The stallion questioned. "Yeah...ah'm, um starting to be a lil' nervous, ah kinda don't whether me and shy' should do this, ya know. Ponies can be cruel sometimes, and I ain't wanna put her through that," "Well, Nopony can be sure, But ah'm willing to bet they'll be happy for ya, not mad or nothin'" "But what if they are? What if they boo and Insult us?" "Stop thinkin' that nonsense. A lot of Ponyville know's bout you and Fluttershy anyways and they seem fine with it. It's not like you to be nervous, can't be good for Fluttershy," Applejack smiled slightly,” Hehe, ya think so? And ah know. Ah'm feelin' better juss talkin' 'bout it" Having something told to her that she already had assumed made the mare feel a bit better. "...Eeyup," "Thank ya kindly, brother. Ya always know what ta say to make me feel better, “After blowing a rogue piece of mane out of her hair, she continued ,"Speaking of the parade, are the apple pies, fritters and everythin' else ready?" "Yup, on their way now," At this time, they heard quiet, barely noticeable knocks on the door, so they knew Fluttershy was there. On her way to the door the orange pony said ,"Good. Thanks for helping so much today, sure are a big life saver!" The stallion nodded as the orange pony left, excited to meet her mare. Pleasantly surprised that Fluttershy didn't really look too nervous, it calmed Applejack’s conscious immediately. "Ya ready, darlin?" The orange pony said, after a kiss. "I, um...yes," responded the shy pony, as they started their walk towards Twilight's house. "If ya don't want to do it, we don't have ta, sugarcube. Ah won't be down in the hay about it or nothin'," Fluttershy shook her head ,"I...do. But i will be nervous...but us being the first mares to be there...just sounds like we'd be um helping a lot of ponies out there, like Twilight said...," Applejack beamed, “Well, ah agree totally. It's not like we're gonna the main float anyway, everypony’s gonna be waiting for Princess Celestia," "I know...that's why I'm doing this," Fluttershy got a little closer to Applejack and nudged her lovingly on the nape of her neck, causing her to giggle and blush. "I always feel better when you're with me..." "Ah do too, Sugarcube. Now let’s go show em what we got," She said, unsure about whether that statement made sense for what they're doing. <><><><><><><> Twilight Sparkle greeted the couple with a surprised smile. "Oh my gosh! You two came! Thank goodness! I was really stressing out. Come on in," The couple came in to a surprisingly empty home, the only other thing there was a sleeping Spike on a pile of books. "You may be wondering why nopony is here, they're already at the start preparing their floats for Celestia. Wait until you see Pinkie Pies! It's practically made of candy!," "Wait. Does that mean we're late?" Fluttershy questioned, slightly worried. She sat next to Applejack on the floor. "Oh, no. Your float is near the last. The other couples that will be on it are there already, probably wondering who's going to be at the top!" Twilight said with a giggle, while Applejack and Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief in unison. "Um, When do we have to be there?" Twilight used her magic to fly a clock in front of her. "22 minutes exactly," She said, thusly returning the clock to wall from which it came from. "Well, We might as well get there early. No sense In waitin' 'till the last minute. Ya comin' Twilight?" "Of course! I have to make sure the floats are ready," She sighed another heavy sigh of relief, as the three ponies left her home to make their way to the parade. ,"I'm SO glad you two came...I was so lost at who I was going to pick!" 'No problem, Twilight. What's our float look like?" Twilight thought for a second on how to describe their float ,"Ok, um, Your float is the one second too last, it's all pink and surrounded by even more pink banners, one that says 'Cutest new couple' under the top, which you guys will be at. It's not too high up, compared to where all the other ponies will be. There's only 2 or 3 other couples, but they've been together too long to be chosen to be the newest," Applejack grimaced at the thought of all the pink surrounding her. "Who are um, the other couples?" Asked Fluttershy with a smile. "Oh! Um, Derpy with DrWhooves...cute couple huh?? they've been on the float the past several years! and OH! Soarin the Wonderbolt, he's with somepony, but he said had to keep it a secret until it's time for the parade for some reason. I personally think it's Spitfire. A Wonderbolt with a Wonderbolt? DUH!," She chuckled ,"And the last couple that should be there is this couple from Manehatten, but their names escape me at the moment," "6 other ponies sounds 'bout right for a float," Applejack remarked pointlessly, having no clue what she was talking about. They soon turned a corner, into a slowly building crowd of ponies, most of which they have never seen before. It surprised all three of them, the turn-out now seemed like it would be higher than they expected, because so many were there already. Fluttershy gulped. Her visible nervousness motivated Applejack to be confident about it. ,"Ah bet they're going to cheer their heads off when they see us, Ah reckon!" "That's the spirit, Applejack!" Mused Twilight. Fluttershy seemed to feel a little better. The three ponies edged their ways through the crowd, until they turned a corner that the crowd wasn't allowed in. They then set their eyes upon a magnificent row of beautiful floats, all pulled by 3 stallions in the front, two in the back (for breaks) all attached by regular rope onto their muzzles. Each float represented something different for Princess Celestia to see when she arrived. The first being a float of Princess Celestia made by the fillies and colts still in school. It had a 'Welcome Princess Celestia" banner that streamed across the statues neck. Applejack and Fluttershy were very surprised at how good it turned out. The second float was of the Wonderbolts, all six modeled to look triumphantly flying with fake clouds and a sun in the background. The third was another of Princess Celestia with her shorter sister Luna at her side, clearly celebrating the return of the 2 rulers. After that was the float Fluttershy and Applejack would be on top of. They saw the other couples gathered next to it. After their float was the float Pinkie Pie made, a big candy bar, made out of tinier pieces of candy that would be passed out to the crowd afterwards. Behind the entire float was a group of marching band ponies, some holding up a big flag for Equestria, while most of the others had instruments. "I have to go, girls, I need to make sure everything is right for Princess Celestia. Your float's right there thanks again!" "No problem, Twilight. Anythin' fer a friend," Applejack then led the way to their float, which was all ready to go. "Um, Hi there Y'all!" She greeted the other ponies, getting a multitude of responses back. Both her and Fluttershy noticed Soarin there with nopony else, at least not seen yet. "Soarin', who're ya with?" Applejack questioned, knowing that he's probably been asked that by everypony else that was there. The blue maned stallion sighed "Well. I guess it's ok if we show now, the floats about to go off. Rainbow, you can show yourself dear," "...Rainbow?" Applejack repeated, not expecting the rainbow Pegasus of all ponies to be with anypony, not as an insult; but the fact that she assumed Rainbow Dash felt it was lame to be with another pony. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Me and Soarin' are datin'. Please don't make a big deal out of it," the rainbow Pegasus said, as she flew out from around the corner. "Wait, wuh?" Applejack squinted her eyes at them, “How are me and Fluttershy the newest couple if you 2 juss started datin'? Makes no sense, sugarcube," Soarin sighed, as Rainbow slowly flew into his arms ,"We've been together a lot longer than you think," Derpy and DrWhooves seemed uninterested by the whole conversation, while the other couple from Manehatten hadn't even showed yet. "W-well, um, Congratulations you two! Ah'm glad ta see at least one other pony me and Fluttershy know here," The orange pony said with a smile. "Thanks Applejack," Rainbow Dash said, "I wonder what Twilight's gonna do when she sees US on the float! Haha I bet she'd pass out!," The 4 shared a collective chuckle at the thought. Applejack changed her attention to Derpy and DrWhooves, "Hey, Y'all! Name's Applejack and this my mare Fluttershy, nice ta meet ya'll!" Derpy looked at Applejack and Fluttershy at the same time, "Hey! Hi, Yeah uh um, It's great to meet you, you're the ones going up on top right huh?" Applejack tried to look her in the eyes, but failed ,"Uh..Yep! Sure are! A bit nervous though, it's our first time doing somethin' this public together, ya know?" Out came a deep and slightly accented voice from DrWhooves, "We know how you two mares feel, our first time, back around 3 years ago, we were the ones up-top. If was absolutely marvelous. You two have absolutely nothing to worry about! It's quite fun, actually," He turned his attention to Fluttershy, who was admiring a bug ,"She's a quiet one, isn't she?" The Dr. said with a hearty chuckle. "Yep! As quiet as they come. Ah juss think it's adorable. She's the most caring pony ah ever met…ah mean, look! She’s distracted by some sorta animal as we speak" The orange pony said with a chuckle. "My GOSH, I Love ANIMALS," Said Derpy, sloppily jumping over to Fluttershy to see what she was looking at, consequentially scaring both Fluttershy and the bug, which flew away. "Awe. I'm sorry about that..." The mare apologized, lowering her head in shame. "It' s um, fine..." Fluttershy said, saddened about the bug. Scaring the Pegasus once more was a loud OMIGOSH from behind her. Pinkie Pie finally saw Rainbow Dash with Soarin'. Fluttershy darted next to Applejack to stay away from the pink ponies rampage of ecstatic jumping that was sure to follow. "That pony sure does have an extraordinary amount of energy!" The stallion remarked. "That's Pinkie Pie fer ya," At this moment, the stallions at the front of the float gave them the signal to start boarding, which was immediately followed by emphatic 'AWH YEAH' From Rainbow Dash. After a pink blob passed in front of the couples to make sure her float was ready, Applejack and Fluttershy went first. They climbed up, Applejack first. Fluttershy nearly tripped, which only worsened her rising nervousness. They entered the top part of the float, only about 5 feet above the rest, and sat in comfortable pink seats for the two. they were surrounded by a short wall, that they could easily see over/be seen from. After them, the rest of the couples boarded the lower floor. At this point, they saw the first float leave, and the marching band get up and get ready to start playing. "Ya ready, sugarcube?" the orange pony said, receiving a shy squeak in response. She put her hoof on Fluttershy's cheek and lifter her head up to look at her "Come on, 'Shy. There's nothin' to be afraid of, Ah'm sure this'll be fun," Not budging, Applejack sighed. The fact the float finally started to move didn't help Fluttershy's confidence. "You guys ready?" Said an exited Rainbow Dash ,"I am! I can't wait!" She flew down to Soarin' before either could respond. "Here," And with one long kiss, Applejack could see Fluttershy felt a little better. Maybe even a little dazed from the kiss she wasn't expecting. Just then, Their float then turned the corner into a huge crowd of ponies from all across Equestria. Photo FinishedProudly wrapping her fore-leg around Fluttershy, the orange pony stood tall as they met the gigantic crowd before them. As the wind softly blew through their manes, they were met with louder cheering then they could have imagined. Hearing the good reaction from the crowd, Fluttershy stood up slightly higher and gave Applejack a peck on cheek. The loudness of the Marching Ponies behind them soon overtook the loudness of the crowd as the band too turned the corner. Applejack happily waved at ponies in the crowd, spotting Rarity in the midst, dressed up way beyond what's necessary like usual. She couldn't help but giggle when she saw the expression on Twilight's face from seeing the proud Rainbow Dash next to Soarin. not surprisingly, the attention loving Pegasus was doing all sorts of poses for the cameras in the crowd, while Soarin just smiled, and waved, knowing most of the attention was on him anyway, just from being a Wonderbolt. "This is great!" Yelled Applejack, with an agreeing nod from Fluttershy. They looked below them to see Ditzy and DrWhooves modestly waving, letting most of the attention go to the couple next to them. Then Pinkie Pie Announced their float from her hot-air balloon, not having a clue how she got to it so fast. "Here is the lovers float with couples from across PonyVille! HI APPLEJACK AND FLUTTERSHY! Aren't they soooo cute! They're the cutest newest couple in PonyVille! Say hi!" The pink pony said enthusiastically with a roar from the colorful crowd. She then announced the other couples, quickly moving on to her candy float, something she was obviously proud of. They then started hearing a yelling in the distance, with photos directed towards them. "FLOOTERSHAI! *click* APPAJACK! *click* WUNDERBAR!*" Fluttershy's eyes widened with horror, "Is that Ph-Photo Finish?" Applejack glanced in the general direction and saw a pony jogging alongside their float snapping endless amounts of pictures. "Ah think so, darlin'" She said loudly for Fluttershy to hear her. "FLOOTERSHAI! *Click* YOU LOOK *Click* WUNDERBAR!* The orange pony continued to wave to the crowd, but looked at Fluttershy ,"Um, Sugarcube, what's 'voonderbar' mean?" "I…Don’t know.., but she's the one that um, forced me to a model a long time ago..." "You MODELED? And ah never saw you do it? Ah bet you were...WUNDERBAR!" She giggled, assuming she found the meaning of the word. "You used my pictures to advertise your apples at your stand..." Applejack blushed, completely forgetting she did that, "Oh, um...right," She said with a nervous laugh. The float neared the end of the street, which was the end of their part of parade. Both ponies wondered why it was short, but then saw the Marching band stop to give a performance before Celestia made it there. "When are we going to, um, meet Princess Celestia?" Applejack forgot about that too,"Ummm, I’m sure Twilight will tell us, 'Shy" As they turned the corner, and ended their part of the parade, they heard an exited Rainbow Dash bragged about how, to her, the crowd was amazing by her poses. Applejack laughed almost too loud, not that the Rainbow Pony would notice. They knew Princess Celestia arrived in front of the crowd when a roaring cheer from the massive gathering of ponies shook the ponies to their core. "That sure went fast, huh?" "Yeah...I kind of wanted it to last longer...it was fun," Said the happy Fluttershy. They hugged then kissed in celebration of their first majorly public appearance as a couple. "Ah told you you could do it, sugarcube!" "I know, thank you Applejack..!" The ponies on the first story of the float exited first, then after another gleeful kiss, Fluttershy and Applejack exited next. They were all greeted by Twilight, with a bunch of thank-yous, though when she reached Applejack and Fluttershy, her whole demeanor suddenly changed. "I, uh, have some bad news girls," They just looked at her expectantly. "Princess Celestia is going to have to leave right after she greets the crowd," She said with a remorseful frown on her face. Applejack face-hoofed, "Doesn't she always?" "It's important business, Applejack, she doesn't have a choice" "...Isn't it always?" She questioned, quite obviously irritated by the misfortune. Twilight ignored her, and went on to Fluttershy, "You sure look happy! How was it for you Fluttershy?" "It was...nice," "FLOOTERSHAI! APPAJACK! YOU GUYS WAS FANSTIQUE!" Interrupted Photo Finish, prancing around the corner with her two assistants at her side. Fluttershy squeaked, Applejack face-hoofed again. "YOU GUYS ARE ABSHALUTELY ADORABLE. Photo Finish approves!" She stood right next to them, Fluttershy backing away. "I did not know, you two were, TOGETHER! That brings so much, how do you say, OPPERTUNITY!" She motioned emphatically with her hooves while she spoke, almost to add effect to her words. Applejack bit ,"For what...?" "Oh my dear Appajack," The miss-pronunciation of her name made the orange pony cringe, "You two could be so popular! Twilight silently snuck away to her own business, considering herself lucky to have not been roped into the conversation. "Thank ya kindly, Photo Finish, but we don't exactly want too," An overly enthusiastic gasp escaped Photo Finish, “Nonsense! Just do a few shots! Lyra and Bonbon recommended you two to, ME: Photo Finish!" Applejack nearly face-hoofed once more. "Speaking of the two, here they come now! What WUNDERBAR timing!" Lyra and BonBon came from around the corner, BonBon smiling happily as she prepared to congratulate the two. They greeted each other with loving hugs. "Bonbon, Didja two really recommend us ta do Photography?" "Nice to see you too, Applejack!" Lyra said, heavy on the sarcasm, receiving a passing annoyed glance from the earth pony. "Well, you two ARE the only other mare couple in town we know of, and besides, this modeling thing is fun!" BonBon explained. Fluttershy shook her head ,"I've already modeled, um before and it wasn't very fun, um for me," This made Photo Finish frown, but she surprisingly didn't interrupt. "Well, it's fun when you're with the one you love, me and Lyra have a blast doing it!" Fluttershy just thought about it. "Neither of us really want ta do this, BonBon, Ah'm awfully sorry," She frowned, "Just try it out, I PROMISE that you guys will have fun, dear!" she turned to Fluttershy, "You said yourself that you feel more confident with Applejack around, if you both do it, it'll be fun and it's a good time for you too," "BonBon says the truth, Flootershai, I won't have you two walk down a runway, I'm advertising my own clothing on YOU, and all I need is...ZE PHOTOS" The two mares knew right then and there that they weren't going to get out of this without agreeing to at least one photo shoot. Fluttershy gave the earth pony a defeated look, so Applejack spoke first. "Ah'm guessin' we have no choice huh?," Applejack said with a defeated laugh," We'll do it, but only one time," "WUNDERBAR! We meet tomorrow, at Rarities! That's where we can do, ZE MAGICS!" Suddenly, in unison with her assistants, Photo Finish walked away almost in a formation. She left without telling them what to bring, or even a time for them to come to Rarity's. BonBon squealed with joy ,"I'm so excited! We've never modeled with anypony else before! Are you exited?" "Sure," Applejack said, noticeably unenthusiastic about it all ,"What time are we 'sposed to meet there?" BonBon thought for a second ,"Come at 9am, that's when she has us come. She's such a weird pony, I'm not surprised she didn't tell you that," "Weird is an UBER understatement," Joked Lyra, causing BonBon to giggle and gave her that 'oh YOU' type of look. "Well, Ah'm sorry to cut this meeting short, but ah worked all day today at the farm, and now ah just want to get to our home and sleep, ah guess ah'll see ya gals tomorrow!" "Wait, aren’t you going to stay to meet Princess Celestia?" BonBon questioned. “No, she cancelled, and ah don’t even know why. Twilight Sparkle juss said it was ‘important business’, ah juss think she doesn’t want to,” “Oh, don’t think like that, I’m sure her reason is real, she just can’t tell you. Anyways, see you girls tomorrow!” The couples hugged each other once again, and soon Applejack and Fluttershy were on their way back to their home. Applejack giggled when she saw Soarin with at least 10 Apple pies in his arms. When they nearly were at their home, Applejack changed the subject of their regular small-talk back to the day ahead of them. "Fluttershy, I'm sorry ah let that Photo Finish get you back into modeling again, ah know ya don't like it, no matter how much ah like seeing ya in a dress," Fluttershy smiled, "Actually, um, No...I think Bonbon was right, I think it'll be better with you there, I'll definitely feel more, um confident. And we won't have to walk a runway, I hated that the most!" The orange pony smiled, pleasantly surprised, "Woah, didn't expect ya ta say that, Sugarcube! If you're havin' fun ah'm sure ah will too! but, on the other hoof, We need to stop lettin' people convince us to do stuff juss cuz we are two mares, Ah feel like that's the only reason why they want us to do it the first place, ya know?" "It's better than people, um, rejecting us " Applejack gave her a sly smile "Good point," The two mares entered their home, both immediately going upstairs. They both needed some sleep, even if Fluttershy didn't exactly do much. After a few minutes, she snuggled into her mare a little bit more and smiled ,"Ah love you darlin', Ah hope tomorrow doesn't go too bad hehe, ah'm honestly a little exited," After a few seconds she realized Fluttershy was already sleeping. She giggled under her breath ,"Feeding all them animals all day must be awfully tirin'," She said sarcastically ,"Good night, beautiful," Photo FinishedFluttershy took one last deep breath causing her whole upper body to bend back, just for her to relinquish a soft "Wake up, Applejack," “PURPLE APPLES?!?!?" The orange pony shouted, simultaneously jumping up out of their bed, startling the Pegasus almost to a squeak. Once Applejack got a hold of herself, she spoke, "Um, Sugarcube what time is it?" The orange pony rubbed her eyes with her hooves. "Um, 8:15," "Consarnit! That's barely nuff time to eat breakfast!" "Oh no, It's ok, I made us some toast with um, apple sauce topping, I think you'll love it!" Pegasus gently flew downstairs to get the food she prepared for them, followed by Applejack. "Ya always talk 'bout me treatin' you so well, and yet look at this delicious breakfast ya made me? Ah'm the spoiled one!" Applejack complimented, not wasting any time to dig in to her food. "I'm just returning the favor," she mused while giving Angel the rabbit her morning carrot. After breakfast the two mares got ready and got over to Rarity's house as fast as the two could. When they got there, Rarity was delighted to see the two arrive exactly at 9, she never saw Applejack as the punctual kind of pony. She greeted them kindly at the door, but was obviously happier that she had a chance to impress Photo Finish again. The photographer pony gasped when she saw them arrive. "AH, It's Flootershai and Appajack. Just in time! Time for ZE MAGIC!" She enthusiastically motioned them over next to Lyra and BonBon who already had dresses on for photos they had taken before. Applejack realized what she had got herself into right upon entering the door. A dress wearing photo-shoot. This is like the last thing she'd ever think about doing. And It's not like it wasn't obvious in the first place. Anythin' for Fluttershy she kept telling herself. "You two look absolutely beautiful!" Complimented Fluttershy upon the sight of Lyra and BonBon. They both said ‘Thank you’, nearly in unison. "Appajack! Flootershai! Put these on, then come back when you're done, you will pose with Lyra and BonBon, Ya?" Applejack sighed noticeably loud while Fluttershy gladly accepted it. They both got a fancy saddle, obviously made by Photo Finish and not Rarity. Who makes a saddle to sell? The earth pony thought to herself as she put it on. "Brilliant! Magnifique! Ok Lyra and BonBon put yours on too!" And the two went in the dressing room to do so. "Ah have ta ask, Ah'm sorry, but why'd ya design SADDLES of all thangs?" "Don't question the designer, because I am also ze photographer!" The confused Applejack gave up on reasoning with her. She now dreaded the day before her. Once Lyra an BonBon returned, Photo finish ordered them all up onto the stage for the pictures, then gave them a scene. "OK! Photo Finish wants you to be cowmares! Ready to buck anything in your path on ze FOM!" Piece of CAKE! Applejack thought to herself, immediately starting, motioning out to Fluttershy how to do it. "Goot Flootershai! GOOT!, Nice BonBon! More Attitude Lyra!" She focused her attention on Applejack, with a sudden appalled look on her face, "Appajack, VAS IST THAT?" The earth pony stood confused, "What is what?" "You're doing it all wrong!" She said, smacking her lips as she studied Applejack’s pose. "How am AH doing it wrong? Ah'm the only one here that's ACTUALLY a cowmare!," After holding it in for a minute, Lyra busted out laughing AT Applejack. The orange pony just tried her best to ignore it. "Just be a cowmare! Up in ze hills! Imagine!" Photo Finish did a terrible job at visually explaining what she wanted Applejack to do, giving the orange pony a really confused look on her face. Lyra, after halting her previous fit of laughter, was barely able to stifle another. Applejack sighed and put up another pose, something Photo Finish must have been satisfied with, because she ended up taking several photos. Regularly she changed orders, and each time she did, she criticized Applejack on something that the orange pony considered herself a natural at. To add to her humiliation, Lyra nearly passed out due to laughter each time, without even being told to stop by anypony. Applejack was able to bite her lip at Lyra's laughter, but it was getting to her quickly. When Lyra and BonBon were in the dressing room to change into yet another outfit, Applejack brought it up to Fluttershy, "Can ya believe that Lyra was laughing at me the whole time? Ah never really liked her ta begin’ with, now ah can't even stand her!" "Oh Applejack, I'm sure means nothing by it," Said Fluttershy, while adjusting her mane after putting on another outfit. "She was looking at me when she was laughin', right in ma eyes! And she wasn't even tryin' to hide it," Fluttershy sighed, "Well please try to um have a good time..." "Ah'll try..."She said unconvincingly. Just then the two other mares returned from the dressing room. Lyra whispered something to BonBon while glancing at Applejack. The orange pony stared her down. "Ok, girls, Photo finish needs all four of you to get really close, like a, PARTY. And you guys just had a great time, and you're eh, group hugging! Make ze magics happen!" To Applejack's dismay, Fluttershy and BonBon were the first to start in the 'hug'. Applejack slowly and begrudgingly 'hugged' Lyra. "Appajack, HAPPIER! Ist a PARTY!" Lyra chuckled, while the orange pony just forced a smile. Fluttershy sighed noticing the orange pony's obvious discomfort caused by being near the blue unicorn. "I am done!" Photo Finish said abruptly. Within half a second, her assistants appeared at her side, carrying her camera. She left without saying a word. "Thank Celestia that's over," Said Applejack as she hopped off the stage and looked for her hat. Fluttershy frowned, "It wasn't...that bad," "I agree With Fluttershy," Said Lyra, purposefully directing her voice towards Applejack, "I, at least, had a GREAT time," Applejack ignored her once more still trying to find her hat in a pile of clothes. When she looked back at them she saw BonBon wasn't very happy with the behavior of the all-blue mare.it made her feel like she wasn't the only pony here that was upset. She was even impressed at herself that she was able to not explode at Lyra's rudeness. But then Lyra began again, "I have to say, though, when Photo Finish was telling Applejack how to be a cowmare, I nearly died in laughter when she couldn't do it right!" "Now look here, Ah did it perfectly, she just doesn’t know what a REAL cowmare looks like!" "Well duh, this is a PHOTO SHOOT, you're supposed to look pretty when you do it, not be EXACTLY like a cowmare," Bonbon murmured and tried to get Lyra to stop, feeling the tension rising steadily with Lyra’s persistent rudeness. Insulted, Applejack rebutted, "We wasted our time here, and Ah ain’t gonna waste my time on this foal, that plays a FLUTE. Ah did nothin’ to deserve these random insults" "It’s called a Lyre, get it righ-" BonBon shut her up before she could finish. "I-I'm sorry, sometimes Lyra gets a little competitive, Hehe!" BonBon said awkwardly, while forcefully keeping Lyra from talking. "It wasn’t a competition!!” Applejack exclaimed, then calmed down ,”Ah just want to get home or go to the farm or somethin', come on 'Shy, lets change out of these dress thangs and lets go," Before they could even start, a white pony rushed in "Girls, Girls! What's the matter here?" Rarity looked confused, finally back from whatever she was doing while they modeled. "Nothin at all, Rarity, me and Fluttershy are just 'bout to go home," Rarity shook her head, "Oh Applejack, you do know you're the worst liar here," She turned her attention to Fluttershy, "What happened Fluttershy? I know I can trust you," The shy Pegasus sighed, "Applejack and um Lyra were arguing because Lyra was laughing at Applejack for not doing well in the Photo shoot, and um..." "So it was Lyra and Applejack? BonBon, what did you see?" Lyra pouted with her fore-legs crossed and watched BonBon with a glare. "I saw Lyra laughing almost every time Photo Finish would criticize Applejack and then she insulted Applejack afterwards, " BonBon put her head in her hooves out of embarrassment. "Oh gosh. That's so foalish of you two. And it's nothing even worth holding a grudge against each other for. Come on, apologize and get this nonsense over with," Begrudgingly the two slurred 'I'm sorry' while avoiding eye contact. "Now now, don’t be such fillies about it. I mean really, I could barely even hear you two! Say it like you mean it," Applejack went first, acknowledging that Rarity was right, ”A-Ah’m sorry, Lyra, Maybe ah overreacted a bit. Ah may not like this fancy shmancy modeling hay, but ah really was tryin’” The blue pony sighed and went next, ”I am sorry too... I honestly don’t know why I was laughing so hard. Wasn’t even that funny. I do things without thinking, a LOT,” She emphasized with dramatic nods from BonBon ,”And honestly I think you did good, So...yeah. I’m sorry or whatever,” The two ponies gave each other a half-hearted hug, still not fond of each other in any way. BonBon lifted her head, feeling a little less embarrassment at the crass behavior of Lyra. Fluttershy was impressed with how fast Rarity fixed the situation. She went over to talk to white unicorn. At that same moment, the orange pony went back to change, still planning on going home right after. “Um, thank you Rarity. You handle things so well,” “Psh. You don’t have to thank me, darling. I can’t let two good friends of mine argue like that! It’s bad for business...” Fluttershy smiled, ”Thanks for letting us use your home to model, um today, ” “My pleasure! And besides, I think I finally have made a break-through with Photo Finish!,” She squealed a little in excitement, ”I’m so excited!” “Oh congratulations Rarity! It’s about time she saw your talent!” After a hug, Rarity continued, ”Next week, she’s going to have me design some clothing for her models to wear in a photo shoot! And between you and me, I think it’s because her own Fashion Designs aren’t doing too well. Either way, she chose me!” “I’m so happy for you. It’s always good to see somepony get the break they deserve!” Applejack made her way out of the dressing room, with her hat on and was obviously waiting on Fluttershy to go. The shy Pegasus changed and came back in a few minutes, all while Applejack was waiting slightly impatiently. Yeah, her day wasn’t THAT bad, but she still wanted to take a nap and start over later. She adjusted her hat a little right as Fluttershy came out. “Time ta go darlin’” She then faced Rarity, BonBon and Lyra ,”See ya’ll later, Ah need to take a nap. Sorry again, you two,” She closed the door and left with a sigh of relief. The two ponies made their way home a little faster, Rainbow Dash must have been planning a big storm, the black clouds seemingly getting bigger every second. Fluttershy giggled causing the earth pony to look at her suspiciously, ”Ok, What’s so funny, sugarcube? ”The shy pony grinned, ”Um, I want you to do something, ok?” “Sure thang darlin’” The Pegasus giggled uncontrollably. “Pose like a cowmare,” Applejack face hoofed. MotionlessMotionless "So Sugarcube, ah know ah was supposed to not ask you again, but ah'm just curious! What ponies have ya dated before me? Ah told ya who ah've dated..." Applejack questioned from inside their kitchen, as she prepared herself some breakfast. "Yeah, and um, I met one and he wasn't very nice..." "Not in the least! But ah still would like to know who you've dated! It’s only fair," Fluttershy perched on their couch, stretched, relinquishing a quiet yawn in the process, “Why do you want to know so badly..?" Applejack pondered her question, while taking a bite of a slice of Apple Pie ,"Ah don't know, Ah juss think ah should know, juss in case one of em tries to Buckwheat me," Fluttershy gave her a mean look (Well, as mean of a look as Fluttershy could give) "…Too soon?" Said the orange pony with a laugh, taking another bite of her piece of pie. "When are you leaving?" Applejack looked hurt, surprised at the coldness of Fluttershy’s response, "Ouch, Sugarcube..." "No! Um, i didn't mean it like that, I actually want to know, I'm sorry..." "Oh! Don’t apologize! Ya didn’t do anythin’ wrong! And I'm not sure when ah should leave, Ah reckon soon, Suns already a quarter up the sky, Ah at least need to leave before noon, Braeburn expects me in Appleloosa by Sundown, which means I should get on the next train or one after it" through a window, she looked off in the distance towards Appleloosa. The orange pony had received a letter the night before from Braeburn, expressing the dire situation the town was in, and how much he needed help from his relatives in PonyVille. Along with some other Apple family members, she had immediately accepted the challenge. Applejack, walking over to the Pegasus on the couch, handed her a slice from an apple pie she had just finished making. "MMM! Thank you! You make the best Apple stuff," Said the shy Pegasus said happily. "Well Apple is...in my name!" Applejack responded, causing both to giggle. After eating the whole slice in nearly one bite, Fluttershy digressed, "Why do you have to go to Appleloosa?" "Ah told ya this, darlin. There's a fire, and they need as many ponies there too help, it's a bigger than hay fire ah've been told, Braeburn sounded awfully worried about it" "Oh! Sounds scary...y-you better be careful!" Fluttershy warned, shuttering at the thought of fighting a huge fire. "Of course, Darlin!, ya don't have to worry about me," "...But I will," Fluttershy said meekly, lowering her head. Applejack walked over to the couch and gently kissed her on the cheek ,"Ya don't have nothin' to worry 'bout, darlin', Ah'll be fine! Ah was at a fire in Manehatten with my Aunt and Uncle Orange helping fight a fire, we put it out in 2 hours tops. We juss gotta stop it before it hits the Apple Trees, they'll lose a lot of bits if it does," "It just sounds so...dangerous, I would go if it wasn't for all of my animals...I just want to know you're safe..." "Ah wouldn't let ya go even if ya could, Ah wouldn't wanna risk ya gettin' hurt or nothin'. Just remember you don't have anythin' to worry 'bout. Forest fires are common in that dustbowl they call Appleloosa, We'll take care of it, and Ah'll be right back home in no-time," "You promise?" Applejack got close to her face and whispered, "Ah Promise," "I-I'm still going to worry about you...I can't help it" "Oh, Fluttershy, Ah love you so much..." Swooned the earth pony, smiling lovingly at her mare on the couch ,"Just spend some extra time with yer animals, and ah'll be back just in time for our 2 month anniversary thingy, and it'll be great! Ah'll take ya out on a date, and buy ya stuff, the rests a surprise! See? Now ya have something to look forward too!" "I love you more…And that sounds so romantic...3 months ago I, um never would have guessed you'd be so..." She struggled to find the word she was looking for, "So romantic," Applejack smiled genuinely, "More? That ain’t even possible darlin’ and Ah wouldn’t a' guessed it either. Bein' with you has made me a better pony, ah suppose," She said with a loving glance at her mare on the couch ,"Now, ah think It's time ah get to the train station, ya comin' with babe?" "Of course!" Exclaimed Fluttershy as she jumped off of her couch. On their way, Fluttershy couldn't shake the nervous feeling she had had when Applejack told her about the fire. She scared herself with the thoughts of what could go wrong, despite trying to ignore the thoughts. It wasn’t like her to be so nervous for something Applejack was going to do, usually she had all the confidence in the world for her, but something about this trip bothered her, and she couldn’t stop thinking about it. , So…um how big was the fire the last time you were there?" "Ah reckon it wasn't too big, we mostly just had to keep it from growin, because the wind was goin' crazy. Once the wind died down, we took it out quickly," "H-how big is this fire?" "Ah was told it was much bigger...but ya don't have nothin' to worry 'bout darlin'. I know what ah'm doin'!" "I guess..." Fluttershy said with a sigh. As they rounded a corner near the center of town, the two came across Big Macintosh, most likely going to the train station too. "Hey, Big Mac!" Greeted the orange pony. "Hello Applejack, Fluttershy," Responded the stallion in his regular deep voice, as he looked back at the two ponies. "Are you goin' to Appleloosa too?" "Eeyup," "Any Idea how big the fire is now? Braeburn didn't give me much of a clue in his letter," "He said it's the biggest in Appleloosa history," Said the soft-spoken stallion, causing Fluttershy to gulp at the thought. "Is she comin' too?" He asked, in response to her nervous gulp. "No, she has to stay at our home and take care of her animals," Said Applejack Big Macintosh looked at Fluttershy ,"Why are you so nervous if ya ain't goin'?" "Um, well, uh.." Her voice trailed off before she finished. Knowing Fluttershy always got especially nervous around her family, Applejack finished for her, "She's just nervous for me, cuz it ain't exactly the safest thing for me to be doin'," The red stallion nodded, "Don't worry Fluttershy, Ah'll take care of her for ya," The three reached the train station quite fast. Feeling the excessive heat, which was quite unsual at that time of year, they hurried once the train station was in sight. Applejack made a mental note to tell Rainbow Dash to calm down the next time they decide to make it a hot day. Climbing up a bunch of wooden steps, Big Macintosh quietly left to meet with other members of the Apple family, understanding his younger sister would want some time with her mare. "Ah hope it ain't as hot in Appleloosa! It's hotter than hay out here today, darn Rainbow Dash always trying to over-do it!" Remarked Applejack as they entered the waiting area. Edging threw the crowd of ponies, a lot of which are Apple family members; she searched to see the next arrival time. She didn't need to search for long, because she saw the 4 stallions leading the train in the distance, with a huge cloud of dust and dirt behind them. "Ah reckon that's some perfect timing, here they come right now!" Applejack said happily, as she turned around to meet Fluttershy again. Fluttershy lowered her head ,"Please be careful, Applejack," "Of course ah will, darlin," "I'm going to miss you..." Seeing the sincere sadness across the Pegasus' face made Applejack feel guilty for having to leave. It didn't occur to her like it did to Fluttershy, that this would be the first time they'd be apart for more than a day since they've been together. "It's only for a day or 2, tops! Ah'll miss ya too...Think 'bout it this way, It'll just make our 2 month anniversary thing that much more special," The roaring train then entered the station, the leading stallions whinnying upon their arrival. It came to a stop along with a following cloud of dust. After a minute or two, the train's doors opened, all of the ponies quickly lining up to enter. "Well, the trains boarding now," Applejack said, then turned around and spoke softly, getting close to Fluttershy, "Ah'll be fine darlin, don't worry about me," "I'll try not to..." "Ah love you Fluttershy," Applejack said meaningfully. "I love you too! Be careful please..!" Fluttershy reiterated despite herself. The earth pony gave her a long kiss then a hug, both ignoring the ponies staring at them. "Ah'll be fine, sugarcube. Ah know what ah'm doin'" Applejack then followed a line of ponies onto the train, glancing back at the saddened Pegasus every chance she could. She entered the odd-smelling train, and searched for a spot where she could wave to Fluttershy before she left. She had to go to the back of the cabin, but found a bed with a window she could use, Big Macintosh soon after chose the bed across from hers. Why were no ponies coming off the train in Ponyville? ya'd think that a lot of ponies would want to leave Appleloosa right now she thought. After a several calls to see if anypony still needed to board the train, the huge vehicle slowly made it way out of Ponyville. Applejack blew a kiss to Fluttershy, then looked forward to her destination. A sudden collective gasp went through the train, as each pony laid their eyes upon a massive black cloud pluming from the distant mountains. Motionless“Oh hello there, Fluttershy! What brings you here today?” Greeted Rarity, as the shy Pegasus entered her shop. “Um, I don’t kn-“ “Where’s Applejack? It’s weird not seeing her with you…I hope everything’s fine!” Rarity continued without letting the Pegasus finish her sentence. Fluttershy lowered her head, ”She’s um, going to Appleloosa..” Rarity frowned, ”Now why is she there, dear?” “Her family, um needed her to help fight a fire that’s near their trees…and I’m just worried,” The white pony shook her head, ”Doesn’t surprise me, she’s one brave pony, I mean, Imagine how dirty she would get out there! Madness!” “I-I’m just really worried…she said it’s the biggest fire they’ve ever had,” “Oh Fluttershy, you have nothing to worry about, if any pony could extinguish a fire, I’d be Applejack. Maybe Rainbow Dash too, but both would get it done. I’m sure she isn’t alone!” “I know, it’s just…” Her voice trailed into a squeak. “Come on darling, I thought I was your best friend! you don’t have to hide anything from me!” The Pegasus sighed for confidence ,”Well, ever since she told me she was going to go there, I’ve just felt…like something’s going to happen, and I’m not going to be there…I just…I don’t like it when she endangers herself like this, Because I can’t stop myself from worrying ,” “I’m sure she knows what she’s doing! It’s not like she’s going to run into the fire screaming at it to stop! Or some nonsense like that, and I’m sure there are plenty of ponies there to assist her,” “She said the same thing…I just-I don’t even know,” The Pegasus frowned ,”I feel like there’s something that is going to happen, and I can prevent it somehow…” She sighed, as she sat down on the floor ,”Maybe I’m just worrying too much,” “Why didn’t you go with her then? Pegasi could help a lot when it comes to a fire,” Questioned Rarity, while simultaneously sewing a pattern in a scarf she was making. “I could have, but I have my animals…she said she wouldn’t have let me go with her anyway, because I’d hurt myself,” “Well that’s awfully mean of her,” The white pony said, whilst wrapping her newly made scarf around her neck. “No, um, she’s right…she was just caring about me,” The Pegasus got a confused look on her face when she saw Rarity’s new scarf, ”Um, Rarity? Why Did you make a scarf when it’s still summer?” “Preparations, Fluttershy, I’ve got to be ready for when winter does come! It’s not a crime to be prepared really early, and besides what pony would wait until she’s already freezing to make one?” Fluttershy nodded, then digressed ,”I kind of want to go now…she’s been gone for a little over an hour and I already miss her…” “That’s just so adorable, Fluttershy. Why don’t you take the next train, If you’re gone for a day, I’m sure your animals will be fine. I could go over and check on them if necessary, as long as I don’t have to touch any of them…” Fluttershy’s face lit up, ”Could you really, Rarity?” “Of course! Helping a friend means good karma, and I’m all for good karma! Sales have been a little slow lately” She responded, followed by an immediate hug from the Pegasus, nearly knocking her over. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just have to know she’s safe, you’re the best friend a pony could ask for,” The Pegasus squeaked with joy, “Are you sure it isn’t um, a problem?” Fluttershy relinquished her hug on the unicorn. “No no no no, it’s completely manageable for me, and I’m sure Opalescence here would like to meet a new friend or two, huh?” Rarity motioned towards her cat, which just turned over in her bed made of fabric from Rarity’s collection. “All you um, pretty much need to do is feed Angel, my bunny, his daily carrots, which can be at any time, I’ll just feed my birds and mice and chickens and snakes and everything else when I return!” The shy Pegasus said gleefully, “And Besides, I couldn’t even, um, imagine you trying to feed my chickens,” Both ponies laughed at the idea. Fluttershy gave her another hug, ”Thank you so much Rarity. I’ll be back once the fire is out, I just…maybe…I’m sure she’s fine and I’m just worrying too much…but still, thank you Rarity,” “You’re very welcome, Fluttershy. Now go on! Get on that next train! You’ll get their around morning time, I think. I doubt the next train arrives until something in the afternoon,” “Ok!, Um, bye Rarity!” The Pegasus said with a thankful smile, as she exited her friends shop. Fluttershy was soon at home with her animals, waiting until she could go to the train station. Every hour that passed she got a little bit more nervous, for her and Applejack’s sake. She wanted to help in some sort of way when she got there, so she could prove to Applejack that she could help after all. Despite her attempts not too, she took a nap, the time to leave came quicker than she had expected. “Applejack,” Big Macintosh said, as he stood over the sleeping pony ,”Wake up, we’re here,” “W-what?” She turned over and rubbed her eyes with her hooves, realizing at some point she must have fallen asleep on the way there. “Get up, it’s worse than ya think,” “Huh?” Applejack lazily climbed out of her bed, onto the red carpet that lines the middle of cabin. “Ya need to hurry Applejack, we can’t waste any time,” The sense of urgency in Big Macintosh’s voice sent a chill down her spine, ”What’s going on Big Macintosh?” They both were now in line to exit, Big Macintosh in front of his sister. ”Look,” He said, motioning towards the windows. To Applejack’s dismay, through a window she saw the fire not 100 yards from the closest building in town, barely being contained by several ponies using hoses attached to the only fire hydrant in town. The shock soon wore off, and determination set in. She had a long night ahead of her, and was now prepared to fight the fires all night. “Ya ready, Applejack?” “Sure am,” They exited into the warm night air, frantic ponies clustered around them. They gauged their situation as they looked at the fires in the distance; they needed to find Braeburn to find out what they were going to do to help. They stayed by the train with several others expecting Braeburn to look for them there. The smoke could be seen through the darkness above them blocking out everything but the light tint of the moon showing through. The air was filled with dirt and small debris left by whatever the fire has left in its path thus far. Applejack caught sight of Braeburn first, ”There he is,” She mentioned to Big Mac. After they yelled for him for nearly a minute, he finally noticed the two standing by the train. Through the crowd of panicking ponies came the stallion towards them. The defeated expression on his face didn’t give much hope to the two. “Howdy ya’ll…” Braeburn said unenthusiastically, noticeably missing his vest and hat. “Where do ya need us, Braeburn?” Questioned Big Macintosh, while squinting through the dust in the wind. “The fire goes down far, ALL the way from here to our orchards …the wind changed direction last night and the fire quickly started coming towards us here in Appleloosa,” He stopped to catch his breath, then continued, ”We were barely able to keep it from getting to our buildings, and we are still fighting it…the lack of Pegasi here doesn’t help either. You and Applejack can grab a hose from the fire hydrant if ya can see it…” He gestured in the general direction of where the fire hydrant was located, the view blocked by the haziness of the air and ponies running frantically about, ”We need everypony to work together, because Appleloosa won’t last much longer at these rates,” “What part of the fire should we go to first?” The red stallion questioned, holding a hoof in front of his face to guard himself from a big gust of wind. In the distance Applejack saw one of the fires collapse one of the few trees near the town, nearly hitting the pony that was trying to save it. The fire that caused it then encased it, spreading over the tree; several other stallions running over just to help the one pony already there. Applejack felt a dire sense of urgency; she wanted to get out there and help as soon as she could. “Let’s go Applejack,” Big Macintosh said calmly, as Braeburn left to prepare other ponies in the midst of everything after arriving. Walking as fast as they could through the crowds of ponies, Applejack only able to know where she was going by following Big Macintosh, who was considerably larger than the rest of the ponies there. An atmosphere of depression was felt through the whole town; every pony there in the midst of fighting the fire or saving what they could before they assumed the fire would hit the town. The only lights seen through the town were the lights from homes lucky enough to still have electricity, and the fire’s own bright flickering light. When they found their way to the massive fire hydrant, the stallion stopped, and thought for a moment. When Applejack tried to reach for a hose, Big Macintosh stopped her with his hoof. ,”No,” He coughed, sighed, then continued, ”Applejack ya need to go back, this ain’t somethin’ a mare should be involved with, ya don’t know what yer gettin’ into,” “I didn’t come here fer nothin’ Big Mac! Ah can handle this, Ah ain’t a normal mare ya know,” Responded Applejack defiantly. “It’s not how tough you are, It’s not just cuz yer my sister, It’s too dangerous for somepony so small to go into a fire this big,” “That’s a bunch a hay and you know it!, Ah can handle myself out there,” “We don’t have time to argue, Applejack,” Big Macintosh said with a sigh, ” If yer gonna go, stay near me, no exceptions,” Applejack nodded, grabbed the last remaining hose for herself, and followed her older brother to the near-by fire. They climbed a slight hill, and over which was the line of scattered fires, spread ruthlessly by the constant gusts of wind. The intensity of the heat doubled as it the fire came more into sight, the hot wind knocking Applejack’s hat off and taking it high in the air without her even noticing. They approached the closest fire in regards to the town and started blasting the massive blaze from the bottom, the force of the water nearly knocking Applejack over. Next to a few other stallions, it seemed as if they were finally going to be able to extinguish a good portion of the fire from the start. All 4 ponies lined up next to each other, gripping the handle on the hoses with their mouths, an aiming with their hooves. It was three stallions and Applejack, all working together to at least make a dent on the fire, and ultimately prevent it from hitting the town just several hundred feet behind them. But the fire they were battling was only a part of dozens of scattered blazes all leading to the acres of trees that fed Appleoosian ponies and buffalo/bison alike. Everypony knew how dire the situation they were in was and that they couldn’t mess up. They worked into a rhythm, each playing a role in extinguishing the blaze in front of them. 1 hour passed quickly, the 4 ponies successfully extinguishing fires nearly a mile from the town. Applejack went full-force the whole way, constantly impressing the three stallions beside her. The smell of burnt wood discouraged them, still seeing a black plume from the main fire they were working towards. Each pony now covered in their own layer of dust and smoke with red eyes from the unrelenting contaminated wind. It was apparent to Big Macintosh that his sister turned out to be very valuable in this battle against the fire, she had proven her worth tremendously. They had no time to be happy about saving the town, because if the trees are devoured by the fire, it won’t be saved. Another hour passed, the orchard now barely in site ahead of them. All four have managed to now have extinguished nearly every single scattered fire, the hoses now reaching their limits even with the extensions put on them. All 4 of them undeniably tired, Applejack especially, but not done with their work. And as they gazed upon the farm of apple trees before them, they knew that real fight was yet to come. The wind still pushed the main fire, while the Buffalo and ponies worked together to push back. So far, it was only at a stand-still. The fire had consumed about 6 trees thus-far, less than the 4 ponies expected, even though they knew if they didn’t get over there soon, that the number would climb rapidly. “We need to hurry,” Big Mac yelled over the howling wind. One of the other stallions spoke up ,”How ‘bout we split up? Me and Biscuit can knock out the rest of fires o’re here, you and Applejack go help down there, Ah’m sure they need it, they’ve been here all day” The pony that spoke up was Big Apple, one of Applejack and Big Macintosh’s distant cousins. Not much smaller than Big Macintosh in comparison, but had the most experience with fires, being a fire fighter when he lived in Stalliongrad. When he spoke, everypony knew that he knew what he was talking about. “Alright,” Responded Big Macintosh concisely, motioning for Applejack to follow him. Through dead grass and shrubbery from fires that had previously been extinguished, they made their way down the hill to the exhausted ponies below, accompanied by Little Strongheart. Applejack immediately noticed how exhausted all of the ponies were, Little Strongheart seemed as if she was going to collapse. They all seemingly let a sigh of relief upon the sight of Big Macintosh and Applejack, the flickering light from the fire the only thing they could use to see them by. Applejack looked up into the black night sky, gazing at the mile-high plume of even blacker smoke, which must have been building for hours now. She took a deep breath to collect herself. The earth pony knew she was tired, and now she was faced with the biggest fire yet. Big Macintosh glanced at his sister beside him, ”Ya ok, Applejack? Ya look awfully tired” Against her conscious she denied it ,”Ah’m fine, Big Mac,” MotionlessFluttershy put a pillow over her ear, trying to sleep in spite of the inconsiderate noises from loud passengers around her on the train. Lying on her side, facing the window was the best she could do to escape the loudness that surrounded her; though she admitted to herself that she probably wouldn’t have been able to sleep even if it was perfectly quiet. The shy Pegasus couldn’t help but over-hear other pony’s conversations on the train. Every single one seemed about the fire, which made sense since a majority of the ponies were getting off at Appleloosa. Even though she tried to keep a positive outlook on the day before her, the shy Pegasus couldn’t help being bothered by the things the ponies around her were saying about the fire. “I heard the whole fire is a mile long, and the cloud of smoke couldn’t be cleared by a whole team of Pegasi!” Somepony above her said, with no clue of what they were talking about. Even when knowing this, it still sent chills down her spine. “I heard the fire’s already taken out half of the trees! Appleloosa could go bankrupt!” “I was told the fire spread to the town, and the whole town could be gone now!” They’re just rumors, Fluttershy. No need to panic when it’s obviously not true The Pegasus rationalized the rumors floating around her to make herself feel better. She gazed outside the window, onto a dry desert plain, that seemed endless. The moon seemingly shining extra bright, not aiding in Fluttershy’s attempts to sleep. It seemed awfully hazy out there, and it worried her that it could be ash from the fire…she dismissed the thought because they seemed to still be so far away. Soon, the repetitive motion of seeing all of the cactus, shrubbery and small trees fly past constantly, over and over again, finally lured the Pegasus to into a deep sleep. “Big Mac!” A distant voice yelled from behind him. Each pony still diligently sprayed water onto the endless fire, barely making any progress, Little StrongHeart breathing heavier than the rest. She was the only one remaining from the group from earlier in the day. Big Macintosh turned around. He wiped the sweat mixed with ash and dirt from his forehead as he walked to meet Braeburn. “What ya need Braeburn?” The light-brown stallion approached him quickly, though obviously exhausted and over-worked. “T-there ain’t much water l-left, the wells darn near dry,” Big Macintosh took the news calmly, ”Ok, when do you think we could get more?” “W-we get all of our water from a river down yonder, but it’s cut off by the fire,” Braeburn lowered his head in disappointment , “What’re we gonna do now, Mac?” The red stallion thought for a second, ”Ah have an idea,” The two walked over to the Applejack, the two stallions and Little Strongheart, still working hard on a fire they’ve been at for nearly an hour. “Y’all, Ah have some news, Ah’ll tell ya quick. The waters gonna be gone soon, but we can still fight this fire,” He winced when some debris from the wind got in his eye, but continued soon after, ”When the water is gone, Ah want all of us to buck dirt into the fire. Ah’m sure it works juss as good as the water, maybe even better, but it’s our only choice once it’s all gone,” Standing just a few yards from the fire, the 4 agreed that it seemed plausible. Big Macintosh changed his focus to the exhausted Little Strongheart, ”Hey, you! Ah’m awfully sorry, but ah forgot your name, but ah think you need some rest, ya’ve been here darn near since the fire started,” Stopping just for a second, the little buffalo stood shakily, she was smart enough to know when not to argue. “I Hate to leave…But I can’t last much longer..” “Go on, we’ll handle it from here. Thank Ya kindly, ya helped more than most ponies that live here in Appleloosa,” Said Braeburn graciously, “Is it alright if ah join ya’ll? Since it’s ‘bout to get much harder without water,” “Of course Braeburn, but ya sure look awfully exhausted yourself,” “When it comes to ma town, I’ll work until I can’t anymore,” Big Mac nodded at Braeburn, and then warned the 3 ponies still attacking the fire again that they’ll need to be very easy on the water until they all have to start bucking dirt into it. Applejack was near exhaustion, and if it wasn’t for the meager supply of water, she would have drunk some, thirst catching up to her fast. But she put on a strong front and still did her best despite the sinking feeling that fighting this fire may be a lost cause, a feeling everypony there held, but didn’t want to admit too. The water lasted them about 20 minutes, and luckily for Applejack, Big Macintosh let everypony quench their thirst before they had to begin an even harder task of bucking sand and dirt into the fire. The only mare there drank the most, the stallions there understanding that she needed it more than they did. The 5 ponies then lined up next to each other, facing the opposite way of the fire, and began kicking dirt into the inferno, with surprisingly good results. Though, the smoke from a fire so near-by constantly made everypony stop every minute or two just to cough. They soon had a light chuckle about how everypony was the same shame of grey-ish black from being blasted by ash from the fires for so long. Nopony had an idea what time was, they could only guess that it would be morning soon, and that they weren’t going to quit. Applejack constantly looked around for Bloomberg, a tree she had planted near-by a long time ago when the mane 6 had come there. She knew she could point the tree out if she saw it, but the smoke around everything made trees nearly impossible to see while bucking sand into the blaze in front of them. The fire surrounded almost one whole side of the acres of trees, and when they could see far along in the distance, they could see a line of fires for nearly another mile, all within feet of the trees. The part they were fighting was the only part that it actually had burnt down some trees. They were confident that buffalo were helping extinguish fires in other areas, because something had to have been, or the fires would have hit the trees in that area of the orchard already. “The winds dying down,” Big Macintosh pointed out, sending a collective sigh of relief through everypony there, “I don’t how long it will last, so let’s take advantage of it,” With a new burst of energy, all 5 ponies there started making large headway in the fire, slowly but surely pushing the fire back from the trees. They didn’t know far back the fire went, but they knew they had to be close the end of the orchard. When she got into a rhythm, the work seemed less exhausting and the lack of wind added motivation on top of it. Aim-set-buck, aim-set-buck, aim-set-buck. Try and get as much dirt on the fire without getting too close. There had already been several close calls of one of the ponies nearly kicking the fire itself, after getting a little to close when they set. As exhausting of a procedure it is, the stallions beside her showed no signs of letting up, and the adrenaline rush of fighting the main fire had worn off quickly for Applejack. Ignoring her conscious once more, she pushed on. The motion became so repetitive that Applejack would get lost in thought while mindlessly bucking at the fire, obviously doing a well enough job on auto-pilot that she wasn’t told to focus. Or they just didn’t notice. When she shook herself out of her day dream, she noticed how labored her own breathing was, so she paced it. She felt obligated to give it her all, even through her exhaustion and weakness. The only mare there couldn’t let her cousin’s orchard go down in flames, and if she took time to rest, she wouldn’t be able to anyway, because all she would think about was the orchard. So, after a deep breath, she continued alongside the 4 stallions, not giving an inch to the raging fire in front of them. Aim-set-buck, Aim-set-buck… MotionlessThe five ponies stared at a pile of collapsed trees, still burning inside; sparks of wood flying out and gently swaying to the ground. The whole pile took up their path of fighting the fire, which had been extinguished up until a few yards after the pile of debris, and with the fallen trees still encasing fire inside, the ponies dared not to move it by hand alone. The wind around them was calm, but gentle gusts every now and then told them they didn’t have much time before another blast of wind spear-headed the fire back in their direction. They buck dirt at the logs so the fires inside would die out and they could move it by hoof, but it no matter how many times they tried the fires inside only grew, just a little more discouraging them all. Big Macintosh needed to think fast because a road-block like this could mean disastrous implications on the orchard of apple trees behind them, most of which they had assumed they had saved thus far. “Keep buckin’ dirt at the pile, it won’t be too long until it’s out!” He looked at the sky and between the smoke, he noticed spots of partially-blue sky. It was already early morning; they had been fighting the fires for upwards of 6 hours now. “Eyuh…Aj, Ah have an idea,” The red stallion said through the loud wind. She walked over to her older brother, as the other three stallions continued punishing the pile of wooden debris with dirt and sand. “Y-Yes, Big Mac,” Applejack crossed her right legs over her left, something she often does subconsciously. “Ya know the pile o’ rope we saw as we came here,” Applejack nodded, ”Well, Ah need that ta get these outta our way. Ya think ya can get it?” “Sure thang,” Her confidence was only in her voice, anypony from a mile away could see that she’s physically drained. Big Macintosh started to regret his decision on letting her join the fight, the slowly rising sun shining light on the weakening mare before him. “Eeyuh-Ya gonna be ok, AJ? Ya ain’t lookin’ to good,” Big Macintosh said, knowing that the copious amount of work must have been getting to her. She sighed , ”Yes, Big Macintosh, ya don’t have ta worry ‘bout me, ah’m perfectly fine” “Don’t rush, we can handle this, use this time ta gather yer breath,” The orange pony started off, running past the dead, blackened trees and grass they had extinguished before. Braeburn looked up towards the sky, ”Ah reckon’ its bout 5 am, if ah’m right, a train should be comin’ in any time and a bunch more ponies can take over fer us, because ah’m on ma last legs, ah swear,” His higher pitched voice was shaky and physically he was the worst of out of everypony, having fought the fire and warned incoming ponies about it since the start. “Don’t ya gotta go wait fer the trains so you can tell the arrivals where ta go?” Big Apple Questioned, as he bucked more dirt into the pile of debris. Braeburn shook his head, “Naw, Ah got some ponies before ah left to do that for me, Ah felt ah could help more if ah actually joined the fight, and ah had ta tell ya ‘bout the water bein’ gone,” The 4 stallions then returned to their attempt to extinguish the fire in the debris, waiting on Applejack and the rope to help pull it out of the way when they finished. Applejack trotted along the pathway to where they came into the orchard. She needed to preserve energy, and sorely needed to rest, the lack of sleep catching up to her quickly. She couldn’t help but marvel at their work so far; they really saved an enormous amount of trees when they came in, along with Little Strongheart before she left. If they hadn’t had come when they did, the fire may have overpowered the ponies and buffalo defending it then. It made her proud to know she had done so much, but sad to know she won’t be able to do much more once she returned to the task at hoof. As she was trotting along, dead trees piled on both sides of her, she glanced towards her side and noticed a bunny hopping merrily towards the fire, completely oblivious to the danger ahead. Applejack stopped in her tracks, and sighed. What would Fluttershy do… Even though bunnies may be the one animal that she never exactly got along with, she knew it’d be a nice story to tell Fluttershy when she returned that she saved a bunny from the fire. So, putting on a friendly face through all the ash and dirt that covered her, she walked over towards the bunny, initially startling it. “Come on, ya little critter, ya don’t know what’s down yonder, ya need to go this way,” She pointed her hoof the opposite way the rabbit was going, but it went on along, ignoring her efforts to help it. “Get back er’!” She yelled, slightly irritated at the rabbits naiveté. Applejack squeezed through a pile of debris and climbed over a few dead trees to chase after it, “Ya can’t go that way, you’ll get yerself killed ya varmint!” The wind suddenly picked up, knocking Applejack into a dead tree, and flooding her eyes with smoke and ash. She rubbed them quickly, and cringed at the pain from falling into the dead tree. After a few seconds to recover from the impact, she then continued her search for the little bunny. As she jumped over another dead tree, she caught sight of a new fire that had sprung up near hear, on a dead tree that now blocked her path back to the 4 stallions, half a mile away from her. “Consarnit!” She shouted despite herself. Now ah gotta tell them that we have another fire to fight! How in the hay did we miss it? Braeburn ain’t gonna like this… She crept through more blackened debris, now unable to find the bunny again. Throughout her whole trike, the howling wind picking up speed and spreading the blaze behind her. Applejack now felt a sense of desperation, because there was a fire they needed to put out where they were at, and another fire that just sprung up here that they didn’t even know about. They needed more ponies if they were going to save this farm, and she didn’t have a way to immediately tell anypony about it. Applejack continued to search for the little creature, now worried that it was hurt by that gust of wind. Disregarding the growing fire near-by, she didn’t notice the blaze spreading around the path she was in; slowly creeping forward, using the dry dead wood of trees as fuel. She didn’t know what kind of danger she was getting into. As she searched diligently for the bunny, she suddenly was startled by the loud boom of a massive tree crushing the ground behind her, now partially blocking her path out. Applejack immediately darted out of the dead trees into the pathway they had made previously while blasting the fire with water. She was about to leave with haste, when she saw the bunny stuck under a pile of dead wood. It was clearly unable to get itself out from under it and run to safety. Applejack knew she couldn’t leave it there. So as the fire spread from across the pathway, over the newly fallen tree, she quickly saved the distressed rabbit. She pointed it in the right direction, right before the fire encased the whole tree. Applejack felt accomplished knowing she just saved a life; she looked forward to telling Fluttershy. But she wasn’t out of the woods yet; figuratively and literally. The orange pony needed to think fast, adrenaline giving her a burst of energy. With one quick jump, she could jump over the flaming fallen tree and quickly get the rope, nearly in sight. She rubbed her eyes, clearing her vision of the ash and debris that was blasted in her face during the last gust of hot wind. Applejack got in position, around 30 feet from the newly aflame tree, and took a few deep breaths. The flames beside her were growing, and she only had a short window to where she could jump over the flame and escape unharmed. Her heart beat faster than ever before. She shouted despite herself, letting the adrenaline take over as she ran top speed towards the flaming hurdle in front of her. But she didn’t even make it to the blazing tree. When she was focusing only on the dead tree in front of her, a heavy burst of wind quickly started taking down another massive tree, something she failed to notice. While she was running, she was hit directly in the flank by the side of the tree and was flung 20 feet to her side, straight into another large tree; knocking her unconscious instantly. Lying motionless next to the tree she hit, Applejack was half a mile from her brother and the other stallions, and miles from town. She was in the most danger she has ever been in her life, and was completely unable to do a single thing about it. The flickering fire spread eerily slowly, barely several feet from her motionless body. <><><><><><><><> It was early morning in Appleloosa. Fluttershy gazed out of the window, seeing the blackened shrubbery and dead blackened grass surrounding the town. A few passengers breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that no building in their sight was affected by the blaze. Still, a black plume of smoke that could be seen for miles was in the distance, and Fluttershy knew that’s where she would find Applejack. She’d be up front, fighting the fire until the end, Applejack wasn’t one known to leaving a job unfinished. The train came to a shaky stop, in front of the hazy town, seemingly devoid of life. The only ponies she could see were a few waiting outside the train, probably leaving. Even though the fires were obviously gone from the town, ponies weren’t taking chances. Fluttershy’s heart beat fast because she noticed that the wind was faster than ever now, and using common sense she assumed it was hindering their efforts at fighting the fire. Fewer ponies got off the train than she expected, most staying on to go to Manehatten, or Stalliongrad. She also noticed she was the only mare, and only Pegasus getting off at the town. Because of those facts, Fluttershy immediately gained the attention of the ponies waiting at the side of the train, clearly not going to board it. “It’s a Pegasus! Finally!,” Shouted one. With three pealed apples as his cutie mark, he was clearly a relative of Applejack’s. “Hey you!” The stallion yelled, “Ah need ya ta come here real quick-like,” Knowing they were shouting to her, she edged her way through a group of stallions to the two waiting for her. “What’s your name, Pegasus?” The first stallion said, with a shorter stallion by his side. She looked down nervously, ”I’m um, F-Fluttershy…” “Ah’m Applebunch, and boy are we glad ta see a Pegasus! That fire down yonder needs somepony to get it from all angles, and there aren’t nearly enough Pegasususeses there,” Applebunch said quickly, “We need ya to take this bucket and dump sand and dirt on top of that there fire, it’ll help like crazy since the wind is really pickin’ up!” She frowned as he handed her a massive bucket ,”Dirt and sand? Um, why not water?” “Well fer starters we’re all out of it,” Said the second stallion bluntly. Fluttershy squeaked despite herself. She quickly collected herself to ask the two stallions a question. “Do any of you, um, know Applejack?” “Yeah I know Applejack!” Exclaimed Applebunch through another massive gust of wind ,”She’s my cousin’s cousin, Actually ah think she’s my cousin’s cousin’s cousin, twice removed, um maybe she’s my cousin’s cousin’s sister? Wait no she’d still just be my cousin’s cous-“ “Can you just tell me where she is!?” Fluttershy interrupted, instantly being assertive when it counted. “W-Well sure, she should be down yonder with Big Macintosh and Big Apple and Apple…somethin’” She flew off quickly without even thanking the two stallions, towards the fire in the distance. Fluttershy accepted the bucket because she realized with it, she can prove to Applejack that she could be of help to the fire after all. As she flew, the shy Pegasus was being swayed at will by the unrelenting wind, but kept her direction as straight as possible. Not being the strongest flyer out there, carrying a massive bucket while keeping straight while flying wasn’t going to be an easy task. Squinting to avoid dust getting into her eyes, the Pegasus still managed to see something odd below her. Keeping the handle of the bucket in one hoof, she flew down slowly, landing in a soft mixture of dirt and ash. Hooked on the side of a dead tree was a hat, one she knew was Applejack’s right off the bat. She squealed as her heart sank a ton. But she knew she had to be near Applejack. She put the hat in the bucket, almost losing it to a gust of wind, and put the biggest rock she could pick up on top of it to keep it down. The rock weighed her down, but she fought through the pain of actually carrying something heavier than a bird, just so Applejack could have her hat when she reached her. Against the wind, she flew as fast as she could; determined to find her mare. It was nearly 20 minutes of straight flying and she finally was able to see both of the fires, one much closer to her and one much farther away that seemingly went on for miles. She could they were doing a good job, wherever they were, because it didn’t seem to her that too many trees were affected by the fire, except in the area closest to her. In mid-air, she nearly stopped flying when she caught sight of a bunny, hoping away from the fire. Fluttershy’s instincts to help the little animal set in and she slowly lowered down once more, the white rabbit not scared of her. “Awe, Hello there little guy, do you need any help getting back to town? I have a bucket with a nice comfy hat you can lay in,” Invited the shy Pegasus, using her right hoof to hold the bucket and her left to block her face from the wind. The bunny shook his head, and kept hopping along, Fluttershy flying idly by its side. “Well, I’m sure you’d love to be sleeping right now huh? This hat is awfully comfy Mr.Rabbit, and it’s much safer for you to be in,” The rabbit just continued along, minding its own business. “It’s a long way back to town, I don’t know if you can make it, little guy!” Instead of responding to her, the rabbit then jumped high up as if it realized something, and motioned for Fluttershy to follow it. “Oh! Don’t go that way! That’s towards the fire, which is a bad place for bunnies!” The bunny insisted, forcing Fluttershy to follow it as it re-entered the orchard, rushing as fast as it could. “Where a-are you taking me, Mr. Rabbit?” They both entered the pathway of where Applejack and the others had started extinguishing the fire hours earlier. Still carrying the bucket, Fluttershy followed mainly with purpose of picking the bunny up and taking care of it until she found Applejack and went back to town. The bunny took her towards the newly inflamed tree blocking their path. “Don’t get too close Mr. Bunny! Please come back, there’s a comfy hat waiting for you!” Knowing Applejack’s slight disliking for Rabbits, she already planned on apologizing to her for having one lying on her hat. The white bunny didn’t fall for it, with other things on its mind. He jumped and pointed in the general direction of where Applejack could be, but the rising fires on the tree kept her from seeing anything across the tree blocking the path. “What, Mr.Bunny? What’re you pointing at?” The little creature tried its best to motion for her to fly and look over. When she got the hint, she set the bucket down and flew up, above the blockage in the road. The tiny bunny watched as bloodcurdling scream escaped Fluttershy at the sight of Applejack’s motionless body below. The Pegasus immediately darted towards her, tears immediately cutting through the layers of ash on her cheeks. Motionless“A-Applejack! P-Please Wake up! Please!” Instantly the Pegasus was bawling, panicking at the sight of the unresponsive earth pony. She was shaking so much from her hysteria it caused her voice to waver erratically. Fluttershy instinctively pulled the earth pony from a tiny fire that was within feet from her hooves. Fluttershy screamed again, louder than she has ever had. She was jumping around frantically trying to find some way to get Applejack to wake up. “P-Please A-Applejack! I need you! P-Please! Please wake up! Applejack!” She put her ear to Applejack’s chest, gaining some hope when she heard a heart-beat. Fluttershy held the unconscious ponies head up, while she was still partially in air. Gently resting her head on the ground, she then darted up a hundred feet in the air, hoping to catch sight of somepony that she could call for. She yelled a few times, desperately listening for any responses from anypony. All she was met with was the crackling of the wood that the fire was devouring, and the sight of black-as-coal smoke that seemed to go all the way to the horizon. She flew down again, after realizing nopony could hear her. “Applejack! P-Please! I love you! Please Wake up! I-I” She stood over the unconscious Applejack her tears dropping onto the injured pony’s forehead, “Why did this have to happen? I-I should have come earlier…please wake up Applejack! I need you…” Through her panic, heart racing at a million miles per hour, she had a sudden idea. A while back, Angel had fallen and hit herself on the head and she went unconscious; this being something she had had never dealt with before, Fluttershy took him to a vet and he was revived by slowly getting the bunny to drink some water. The mare-nurse had told her that in situations when something is unconscious, it sometimes works to have them drink something as a jump-start to the brain in a way. If Applejack’s head injury isn’t too bad, Fluttershy felt this could work. It was her one and only hope to save her. Quickly flying up and over the flaming tree that blocked their path, she grabbed her bucket. She then flew towards the healthy trees that were not too far from the fire. She nearly flew into one of the trees, her vision impaired by her distress. Fluttershy quickly plucked as many ripe apples as she could and threw them into the bucket; then launched herself back into the area where Applejack was trapped. When she landed, she took Applejack’s hat out from the bucket and put it under her right foot to not lose it. “Please wake up Applejack! P-please…I need you…” She said desperately, after a fit of coughing caused by the diluted air. She then leaned over the bucket, now left with around ten apples. She grabbed one apple with both of her hooves, using all of the strength she had, crushed it; letting the juices from the apple drip back into the bucket below. The Pegasus did her best to guard the bucket from the sand and dirt around her, and used the short period of calm wind to her advantage. Fluttershy repeated that action on every apple she had taken with her, taking a little over ten minutes to get the most from each apple. When she finished, it left the bucket about an inch full with apple juice. The bucket was about a foot and a half in diameter so she guessed it should be enough. “P-Please work…I love you Applejack, p-please wake up! Please!” Through her desperate sobs, the Pegasus lifted the orange ponies head up, her mouth slightly opening. She moved Applejack’s mane away from her face, and dragged her a little farther, because the fire was once again creeping towards the two of them. Fluttershy then grabbed the bucket, and tried her best to get Applejack to drink the juice in it. As it slowly dripped out of the bucket, she slipped just a little, some of it splashing onto the orange ponies face, mixing the dirt giving her face a muddy appearance. Fluttershy waited a few seconds for any response from the motionless mare in front of her. Her heart slowly breaking in two, she grabbed the bucket again, and with about two-thirds of the apple juice remaining, she tried again. “P-Please Applejack…Please! I n-need you…” The Pegasus’ hooves were shaking as she held the bucket, but was able to get some of the apple juice into Applejack’s mouth that time around, hoping she drank some. Fluttershy waited once more for around 30 seconds, tears streaming down her cheeks almost endlessly. She was breathing so fast she was almost getting light-headed. As the Pegasus prepared for another try, she kissed the unconscious pony on the cheek, causing herself to cry even more, even though she had to wipe her lips of the small amount of dirt she got on them. Suddenly Applejack coughed violently, a sign of life that made Fluttershy’s hopes sky-rocket. Fluttershy waited as silently as she could, each passing second making her more and more anxious, breathing fast and crying still. And there it was, Applejack groaned and slowly opened her eyes, filling Fluttershy with pure elation. Though it obviously wasn’t over yet, Fluttershy collapsed over the earth pony, crying tears of joy, temporarily ignoring her situation to hold the delirious Applejack in her hooves. “Applejack! You’re alive! You’re ok! I-I thought I lost you, I-I Can’t- I,” her words faded into gibberish as she clutched the confused earth pony as tightly as she could without hurting her. There was never a moment in her life where she felt as elated as the moment right then, when she saw Applejack open her eyes. Just then a massive gust of wind knocked Fluttershy to her side, the hat flying away once more without either of them noticing. Applejack looked around, shell-shocked by what she saw “F-Fluttershy? Why are you here? Why am Ah…” Fluttershy reluctantly backed off, still crying tears of elation at the sight of Applejack waking up. The dazed pony slowly tried to stand up, but once she put pressure on her left leg, a massive jolt of pain from her flank sent her back to ground, causing her to yell in agony. Everything that had happened to her then came back to her in an explosion of memory. She knew now how dire her situation was, Fluttershy now her only hope to survive. “Are you ok Applejack?” Fluttershy said, heart once again breaking at the sight of her mare in such pain, “I-I hate seeing you in s-so much pain” She stammered, wiping away a tear, temporarily unaware of what’s yet to come. “My left leg…Ah can’t stand on it,” “W-what happened? Can you remember?” Applejack focused despite a massive pulsing headache, ”Ah can…But that doesn’t matter right now ‘Shy! Ah can hardly stand if ah put weight on my left leg…that means ah can barely jump or even walk. Ah won’t be able to save ma’self by ma’self,” Fluttershy squealed; panic once again setting in as she looked around them, they were completely surrounded by the unrelenting fire. The blaze had been creeping in slowly and steadily. Shocking both of them was the loud crash of another fallen tree, less than 10 feet from them, it soon engulfed by the ruthless flame. “Fluttershy, ah need ya ta focus sugarcube,” She took a second to cringe as her headache tore at her from the inside, ”Fluttershy, ah know what ta do…Ah juss need you to calm down first, can you? For me?” She slowed her breathing again, and looked Applejack in the eyes, ”Y-yes, what can I do?” “There should be a rope near the entrance to the orchards…Ah need ya to find it and bring it to me, it shouldn’t be too far from here...please darlin’, ah know you can do this,” Fluttershy gave Applejack another hug, slow tears dripping down her cheeks once more. “P-Promise me you’ll be ok when I’m back…” Fluttershy said, her soft voice nearly in a whisper. The last thing she wanted to do was LEAVE Applejack here, injured and in the middle of a fire, but there was nothing else she could do. By herself she knew she couldn’t lift Applejack up and fly with her on her back. “Ah promise,” Fluttershy then flew off into the distance, desperately searching for the pile of rope. She constantly scanned each detail of the area for any sign of the rope or anypony else. Through her determination and attention to detail, she spotted it quickly, and darted out of the air just to grab it. It was a long rope, but it was wrapped in circles, so she was able to put it around herself and fly back to the awaiting Applejack. It was nearly completely covered by sand, she was amazed she was able to see it through the polluted air from so high up in the sky. She quickly flew back, careful not to lose the rope wrapped tentatively around her. She flew over the flaming tree that blocked one side of the path then slowly lowered in front of Applejack. It hurt Fluttershy to see Applejack not just looking so exhausted, but weak. “I-I got it, Applejack,” “Good, Sugarcube. Thank you,” Applejack cringed as another jolt of pain was sent up her body from her injured leg, “H-Here’s the plan, ah can stand on three legs right? Well ah need you wrap this here rope ‘round me as tight and secure as you can, because you’re gonna have the other end and help me jump over that tree that’s blocking our path, can you do this for me sugarcube?” Fluttershy lowered her head nervously, “I don’t know, I don’t want to hurt you…” “Fluttershy, please! Yer ma only hope right now, a-ah need ya to focus,” Both ponies felt the massive amount of heat coming from the blazes and Applejack was slowly getting more nervous; she knew they were wasting way too much time. “W-what if I mess up?! And you fall and hurt yourself worse!” “No matter what, ah need ya too try sugarcube…the fires getting closer every minute, ah believe in you, ah love you, Fluttershy,” “I love you too….” Fluttershy took a deep breath and grabbed the rope. It was plenty of feet in length to where she could wrap Applejack around her mid-section several times and still have around 50 feet in length. Applejack had to stand idly on her three legs for Fluttershy to get it wrapped around her. She was barely able to keep her balance with the gusts of winds coming at them every minute almost like clockwork. Fluttershy still managed to tie a decent knot. After making sure it was as good as she could get it, she tested its strengths by taking the other end of the rope and flying up and tugging on it. She decided it would have to work. When she flew back down, Applejack suddenly collapsed onto her side, the Pegasus squealing in horror. “A-Applejack! are you ok?!” She stammered as she landed next to the weakening earth pony. “Ah’m fine, ah swear, it was juss the gust of wind thass all! Ah’m fine,” She lied. Her exhaustion was getting to her quicker than she thought. Pacing her breath, she let a little more time go by just resting. “I-I’m sorry…” The Pegasus said meekly. “For what, sugarcube?” “That I’m not stronger or braver… or anything that could h-help right now, I wish I could be strong and brave like you or Rainbow Dash…Or be able to teleport you like Twilight Sparkle could…I just can’t do much and I’m worried that if we can’t get out of this, it’ll be my fault, and I-I just…” “Fluttershy…” She said as she clumsily got back up, again balancing on her three feet, “You’ve done absolutely amazin’ right now sugarcube, ah don’t think anypony could a’ done better and ah mean that...now let’s get out of here, darlin’ Ah believe in you” The Pegasus took a deep breath for confidence, “Ok…um, how’re we going to do this…?" “Well, yer gonna have to be flyin' already, ah’m gonna start running, as best as ah can on three legs, when ah’m ‘bout 7 feet from that tree, pull me high as ya can darlin’ so ah can get over it,” Fluttershy nodded, knowing whether she thought she could do it or not, she’d only find out when it happened, “I’ll try my best…” Before they could start, another massive tree fell down behind them, startling them both. They knew their time was running out and needed to do this quickly. “Ya ready, ‘Shy?” “Y-yes,” Applejack stood up as best as she could, Fluttershy took the end of the rope and had Applejack tie it around her, just above her wings and below her neck. It hurt her a little bit, but she knew it was necessary. There was about 30 feet of rope in between them. The earth pony took a second to kiss Fluttershy, probably longer than she should have, but she really needed it. She put one hoof on Fluttershy’s face and spoke while looking at her in the eyes. “Whatever happens, Fluttershy, remember ah’ll always love you,” This caused Fluttershy to cry again, she could feel her quickening heart-beat in her chest. ”I-I will too! I love you so much…” Applejack tried to give Fluttershy a confident smile, “It’s time, Fluttershy, fly up!” The Pegasus flew up until she reached the limit of her rope. She coughed as she was hit by a layer of smoke, then got hit by the bright sun poking through the plume of smoke, which had changed directions with the wind. She then looked down to wait for the queue from Applejack. Even though she has participated in saving Equestria twice, saved Ponyville from a massive dragon that was spewing black smoke over the town; she knew this was the most important thing for herself she’d ever do, and it was only seconds away. She held the love of her life’s life in her hooves, and she wasn’t about to let her nervousness lose everything for her. Fluttershy took a deep breath (When the smoke was cleared for a second) and let adrenaline take over. Applejack waved her left arm to her side as the queue, then started running as fast she could on three legs. Fluttershy flew at the same pace, keeping an eye on the orange pony below her. 7 feet away. MotionlessFluttershy flew up with all the strength she possessed, feeling a massive strain near her shoulder area where the rope was tied. She flew up as high as she could for about 5 seconds, and then slowly lowered down. The whole time, she was unable to see where Applejack was, the strain caused her to close her eyes and fight through the pain. She lowered as slowly as she could until she felt the impact of Applejack landing; she then looked down to see the orange pony rolling on her side, obviously not able to land gracefully with an injured leg. Fluttershy felt somewhat relieved but still frightened and sad. She had gotten her mare out of certain parish, and knew that was a huge step in the right direction. But she knew Applejack was injured badly, and needed somepony to help her help Applejack. When the earth pony came to a stop, Fluttershy flew down. She landed next to the wincing Applejack, obviously in more pain after the jump. Some of the rope had landed on her, so Fluttershy pulled it away quickly. “My right leg hit the fire, at the start,” Fluttershy looked down to see the redness along her leg, and nearly starting crying again because she thought it was her fault for not going high enough. “I-I-I did the best I could! I’m so sorry Applejack…” Applejack shook her head, “Fluttershy, you saved my life,” Fluttershy hugged the injured mare once more, “But you’re hurt on both of your legs-“ Applejack, through her pain, was able to smile comfortingly at the Pegasus, ”Don’t be silly…You saved ma’ life, Fluttershy…y-you were brave and strong when you needed to be,” She cringed as she felt along the burn on her right leg, “You saved me, Fluttershy…I owe you my life,” This was a moment they would never forget. It was moment in which they felt true happiness just by the sight of each amidst a terrible situation. They looked into each other’s eyes and felt true love. Fluttershy was feeling overwhelmed by everything, and in a single moment everything seemed so insignificant. “I’m just happy you’re alive! I-I couldn’t live without you…when you were unconscious, I never felt so heart-broken…seeing you so- I don’t even want to think about it…you’re alive and that’s all that matters,” “Fluttershy, Ah love you so much…” She said with a relieving sigh; everything that had just happened to her hit her like a ton of bricks. Knowing she had too, Applejack soon formed a plan in her mind to hopefully get them out of the situation completely, ”’S-Shy, A-Ah need you to get Big Macintosh and the others…Ah’ll be fine right here, they’re about a half-mile down past this fire, maybe more if they’ve gotten farther through that fire we were fightin’…ah can’t walk now that both of my legs are hurt,” “I don’t want to leave you again!” Fluttershy said, putting a hoof to the side of her head to block the wind from hitting her face. “We have no choice darlin, Big Macintosh can carry me,” Fluttershy lowered her head, “I’ll hurry as fast as I can, Applejack,” The orange pony nodded. She watched as Fluttershy untied herself from the rope, then flying off as fast as she could. Applejack untied herself afterwards, cringing whenever she felt the sharp pain of the burn on her right foot, and the stinging pain of her injured left leg. “Ah really messed ma’self up badly…” Minute after minute Fluttershy kept flying as fast as she could. Through the never-ending gusts of wind, and having to squint to not be blinded by the contaminated air, she tried her best to go towards where Applejack said the stallions should be, while dodging the many dead or dying trees in her path. It was when the fire behind her wasn’t in sight anymore, and the biggest fire was pretty much all she could see when she saw the group of 4 stallions moving logs of dead trees out of their path. After avoiding a plume of smoke from an extinguished tree, she approached the four exhausted stallions . ,”B-big Macintosh?” He turned around, almost not believing himself at first that he had heard her voice. Seeing her and not Applejack worried him immediately. “EeWhere’s Applejack?” She lowered her head, “S-She’s hurt…badly, and she needs you now…” “W-What?! What happened?” He left where he was to face Fluttershy, the three stallions continuing their removal of the logs of trees in their way. “I-I um…” her voice trailed into a squeak. “This ain’t no time to be nervous, Fluttershy. Thas my sister yer talkin ‘bout!” The Pegasus gulped, “She um…Just come with me! She needs you!” Big Macintosh quickly went to the three stallions and decided to have Braeburn come with, obviously the most exhausted pony of the 4. He made sure that the other two could handle themselves until the new batch of ponies arrived, then hurried alongside the flying Fluttershy. She exited their path into a field of non-effected trees, confusing the Red Stallion. Braeburn, though exhausted was able to keep up with the two ponies. “Eewhy are you taking us a different way, Fluttershy?” “Um, because the path is blocked by another fire…there, um it’s what trapped Applejack,” Big Macintosh, a pony that usually shows little to no emotion, was sincerely scared and was already remorseful for letting his sister come along. He was rational as always and didn’t let thoughts of what could have happened to her get to him, even with what little he knew about the situation. “Another fire? What did we miss?” He glanced over at Braeburn who just sighed at the idea of another fire destroying his farm. ,”Is she still trapped? Ah can’t believe ah let her come, ah can’t believe it, ah shoulda told her to stay!” “I-I um, got her out…” Fluttershy said nervously, knowing his response before he said it. “Eeyou did? How?” He asked, while running alongside her and Braeburn. All three of them kept their attention to in front of them, not paying attention for a second could mean running straight into a tree. Fluttershy didn’t hear him because of the booming sound of a falling tree just 20 feet behind them. It was then that the silence set in as they ran. All they heard was the occasional falling tree and the constant crackling noise of distant fires. The two stallions trusted that Fluttershy knew where she was going. It wasn’t like Big Macintosh didn’t want to ask Fluttershy everything he could about the situation his sister was in, it was the fact he knew she was a nervous and shy pony and he would find out soon enough if she led them the right way. They ran beside the Pegasus for nearly twenty minutes. All of their eyes watery from running straight into the polluted air, and everypony tired, especially Braeburn. When the shorter stallion set eyes on the new blaze that had once trapped Applejack, his heart sank tremendously. It was worse than he thought and knowing his cousin was injured in some sort of way by it made him feel doubly guilty about it. “We’re almost there, I-I think,” Said the Pegasus barely loud enough for them to hear. “Thank ya sincerely, Fluttershy,” She led the stallion back into the main path over dead trees they had extinguished earlier, the heat from the near-by fire warming them up again after running for nearly half an hour. Applejack couldn’t have been more relieved to see her brother and Braeburn with Fluttershy. She had been lying alone the whole time and was struggling to stay awake. Big Mac jumped over to her, Braeburn and Fluttershy keeping their distance. “Eewhat happened AJ…ya look terrible...”He said with a waver in his voice, Applejack just sighed with really no way to explain herself right then and there. Big Macintosh looked back at Braeburn and Fluttershy, “Help get her on my back; we need to get back to Appleloosa quick,” As gently as they could, they lifted the injured pony onto her brothers back, Applejack cringing from the pain in both of her legs, and on her back from the rope being tied so tightly. “We’re going to have to walk, but we’ll get there in due time,” After making sure Applejack was secure on Big Macintosh, they all started off towards Appleloosa, Big Macintosh trying to keep his balance while walking with his sister on his back while being bombarded by the relentless wind. “Braeburn?” Big Macintosh questioned in his usual deep voice. “Yessuh, Big Macintosh?” Braeburn replied, his higher pitched voice shaky and unstable from breathing the smoke of the fire for so long. “Eethere’s a clinic or some sorta hospital in Appleloosa right?” Braeburn thought for second, “Yeah, a new clinic, finished bein’ built just a week ago ah reckon, but it oughta be mighty full by now,” “Ah’m sorry ah got myself into this, ah really wish ah could just help with ending the fire,” “It’s ma fault. Ah shouldn’t a’ let you go in the first place. What happened anyway?” “Well…as ah was walking to um…get the rope, and I got distracted by something…ah honestly can’t remember what is was…i was knocked into a tree, and that hurt pretty bad, so I took a minute or two to um…recover from it. Before Ah knew it, the whole dang blaze nearly surrounded me. Ah was scared but ah knew what ta do…so I got ready to jump over the pathway, when a tree hit me right on my flank, and I guess I hit my head on something ‘cause I was knocked out,” “Yer one tough pony, ah’ll give ya that sis. Ah still can’t believe ah let ya come…what else happened,” Applejack smiled despite all her pain, “Fluttershy saved my life, Big Mac,” Big Macintosh bit, ”How?” “She crushed up some apples and made apple juice in a bucket, then got me to drink some to wake me up…ah reckon that was genius of ‘er,” “Fluttershy? You did this? I didn’t even know ya were gonna come here…Ah’m sure as hay glad ya did, though!?” “I uh, went on the next train, I just wanted to see her…and I’d do anything to save Applejack…” Fluttershy said sheepishly. Braeburn looked confusingly at Big Macintosh and mouthed the words, “Are they…you know…? Together?” Big Macintosh nodded at Braeburn, making him know that it shouldn’t be a big deal. He then returned to talking to his sister, “So how’d ya get out of the fire?” Applejack winced at the reoccurring pain of her headache, then continued, “I couldn’t jump or nothin, so ah had Fluttershy get the rope ah was sposed’ to get, and tied it around both of us…ah ran on ma three legs, and she lifted me over the fire…she’s the bravest pony ah know, Big Mac,” Big Macintosh looked at Fluttershy with one of his very rare smiles, “Eeyou saved ma sister’s life, Fluttershy…ah reckon’ the Apple family owes you a big debt of gratitude,” Upon the compliments from Big Mac and Braeburn, Fluttershy blushed out of embarrassment, but still visibly shaking from the ordeal, something that wasn’t quite over even then. “Ah need ta make it up ta ya somehow, Ah don’t even know…but you saved somepony in the Apple family, and us ponies in the Apple family will make sure you get what you deserve for this, ah promise, ” Big Mac said in his regular slow, deep voice. Fluttershy shook her head, still breathing hard “Her being alive is all I want and need, Big Macintosh, um thank you though…” “Fluttershy was tellin’ me she was worried before ah went, and shoulda listened…it’s almost like she can predict things like our friend Pinkie Pie can, instead of Pinkie sense, it’s Shy sense,” Even in the situation she was in, Applejack found a way to lighten everypony’s moods just a little. They soon noticed a small group of Pegasi ponies flying towards the fire at top speed, quickly passing them. In the distance, the 4 ponies saw another large group of stallions; unicorns, earth ponies after the Pegasi, also making their way to fight the fires. The closer they got the more of them they saw. Braeburn, even though being more concerned for Applejack, breathed a sigh of relief. There were more than plenty of ponies making their way to the fires. Big Mac looked back at his sister, ”Aj, Ya have no reason ta worry ‘bout the farm any more, Applejack. Can ya see all them ponies over there? ah’m sure they can handle the rest,” Applejack just nodded. Big Macintosh knew she must be exhausted and completely warn out through her ordeal, on top of her lack of sleep due to her dedication to fighting the fire. In Applejack’s mind, if she was able to, she would willingly go back and fight the fires. But she’s learned from experience to not out-work herself, and she knew nopony could work through the injuries she had (Except maybe a Pegasus). So through what seemed like a calmer storm, the air slowly clearing of the ash and smoke and the sun becoming more visible in the sky, Applejack could only think of how she was going to thank the love of her life, for saving her life. CHAPTER 7 “Ow! Ok, Ok ah got it, ah can walk on three hooves juss fine! Ah don’t need no help, but thank ya anyway,” Applejack said, dismissing the nurse-mare’s attempt to help her walk out of her bed. “I can see somepony’s a little grumpy! I guess I’ll just leave you to yourself for a while and check in soon! Try not to strain yourself; you’re still in the middle recovering, Applejack,” “Thank ya kindly, but ah swear ah’m fine, ah juss gotta get used to workin’ with less hooves able ta help me,” Applejack said, looking at the thick cast on her left leg. “Confidence is always key! Anyways, if you need anything, we’ll be just a click of that button away!” The kind nurse gestured towards a red button on the side of Applejack’s bed. “Of course, thanks nurse,” “No problem, sweetie!” She said with a warm smile, then leaving to talk to other patients in the care of the clinic. Applejack closed the curtains that surrounded her area in the clinic just to have some alone time. Considering that Appleloosa was less than 2 years old, the clinic they had actually impressed the earth pony with how well they took care of her. It had only been 2 days since the fire and her near-death experience. Everypony knows it takes a lot to truly shake her to her core and this experience did more than just that. Both nights she either had trouble sleeping or a vivid nightmare about her ordeal. Through it all, she was still determined to not let it affect her in the long run. She hobbled over to a bed-side mirror and sighed at the sight of herself. Applejack wasn’t used to being immobile, let alone barely more than bed ridden, and she wasn’t enjoying it. Since her arrival in this clinic, she hasn’t been allowed visitors or even an update on the fire situation, because they thought it would stress her out. Applejack was told that today however, that she may be able to have somepony visit her. Not seeing Fluttershy or anypony from her family made her feel terrible, the nurses claiming it caused stress, only ended up stressing her out anyway, explaining her “Grumpy-ness” Applejack sat back on her bed awkwardly, the cast kept her leg straight, keeping it hard for her to even get remotely comfortable without laying down completely. After struggling with her cast for a bit, she ultimately surrendered and laid down, putting the thin white sheet over herself. She made sure the bandage covering her burn on her right leg was still attached, and then checked the bandage around her midsection from the rope-burn she suffered. “Ah look more beat up than an over-cooked apple pie,” Applejack said to herself. It wasn’t like Applejack to admit defeat when hurt, but she’s never sustained anything worse than a bad bruise or a sprain. Now she had a fractured hoof, burnt side of her right leg and rope burn around her mid-section. Even if she could stomach the pain and work at Sweet Apple Acres when she returned, she wouldn’t even help that much, and over the past few days that’s all she thought about when not thinking about Fluttershy or her family. Out of frustration, she hit the button on the side of the bed. A different nurse soon made her way too Applejack. “What is it, Ms. Applejack?” “When’re ma guests comin?” Applejack asked impatiently. The nurse looked down at a chart she held in her hands, “I think they’re here now-wait…yeah, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh… right?” “Yes! That’s them ah reckon! Fluttershy’s the one who saved ma life!” The earth pony exclaimed jubilantly. “Oh is that right? That’s just wonderful, I’m sure you’re glad she’s here,” “Of course! She’s my mare! She’s the one who saved me!” Applejack reiterated despite herself. The nurse squinted at Applejack as if she had just said something gross, “Huh? Two mares together? Is that-?” Applejack looked offended, “Ya best not be judgin’ me Mrs. Nurse lady,” “I’m not, it’s just…never-mind I uh, here they come! Enjoy your visit!” The nurse looked around awkwardly then left with haste. At the back end of a hallway, she soon saw Big Macintosh turning the corner followed by Fluttershy, causing Applejack to smile, not sure if they had noticed her yet. Please don’t cry, Fluttershy! When Fluttershy finally saw her, she immediately started crying, Big Macintosh having to stop her before she flew over to Applejack causing a commotion. Just seeing the two ponies made Applejack’s day much better. Seeing a nurse tell Big Macintosh to spit out the wheat he had in a mouth made it even better. “Ah can’ believe they wouldn’t let me y’all until today! I almost bucked one of the nurses out of frustration-If I could even buck with one leg, that is,” Applejack said as they approached her bed. “We weren’t updated on anythin’ ‘bout you, we came here like 5 times juss yesterday and they never told us nothin or even a reason why they wouldn’t, it sure made Fluttershy here nervous,” Big Macintosh said, looking at the Shy Pegasus next to him. “When we first got here, I didn’t plan to leave your side until you left, when they um stopped me from seeing you, I didn’t-,” Her voice trailed into a squeak; making Applejack smile lovingly at her, “I’m just glad you’re ok!” Despite her outburst of tears, the Pegasus gave Applejack a gentle hug. Cradling Fluttershy in her hooves, Applejack looked up towards her big brother, “Big Macintosh, what’s the situation on the fire?” “It’s out, been out since noon 2 days ago,” Applejack smiled, while still holding Fluttershy in her hooves, “Ah reckon that’s some mighty great news, how’s Braeburn and Big Apple and Apple Shine? Was Anypony else hurt?” “Braeburn’s been sleepin’ non-stop since it went out, he was beyond exhausted ah tell ya, he was still awake and was there when fire was put out. Ah thank that’s ‘bout 40 hours of bein’ awake fightin’ th’ fires, As for Big Apple and Apple Shine, they’re fine, ah haven’t heard any news about anypony else bein’ hurt” “Ah underestimated Braeburn ah tell ya,” Said Applejack, proud of her cousin. “So, um, how is your leg?” Fluttershy asked, finally relinquishing her hug on Applejack. The hug made her stop crying; obviously it was something she had really needed. “Oh it’s nothin’,” The pony said in a matter-of-fact way, “Juss fractured, not broken. Ah’ll be back to work in a matter of a week or two, Big Mac. The burn on my right leg has a bandage on it, and I have a bandage right here because the rope hurt me, but ah think ah’ll be back and ready within a week or two tops!” Applejack was showing them her cast and her bandages while speaking to them. “When we’re back home, I’m not going to let you do anything! You’re going to rest and I’m going to take care of you until you’re in perfect health!” Applejack smiled at her mare, “That’s awfully nice of ya, sugarcube. But ya already saved my life, ah’d feel way too guilty to be even more of a burden to ya,” “Burden? You could never be a burden to me…I do everything I do because I love you, Applejack” Big Macintosh felt awkward, so he butted in, “She’s awfully nice ah tell ya. These past few days we definitely got to know each other better, Ya made a good choice, Applejack,” “I made the perfect choice,” Applejack said to Fluttershy, even though she was responding to the stallion, “Where did y’all stay?” “Eeeeuh…Braeburn’s house,” “Really?” “Eeyup,” The two mares giggled at the ‘Eeyup’, confusing the red stallion. “We need ta get back to Ponyville. Ah miss Applebloom and Granny Smith and Winona and of course, all of Fluttershy’s animals. Ah miss ma friends! Ah miss juss buckin, nothin’ so gung ho as fightin’ a fire! Ah juss want out,” “Well, now that we are here, ah reckon we could getcha out and on the next train, juss as long as yer alright to go,” Applejack looked surprised, “Really, can you go do that for me, Big Macintosh?” The earth pony hinted, obviously wanting some time with Fluttershy. “Eeyup” Big Macintosh said, and then walked away to the reception desk. When they knew nopony was near them, the first thing Applejack and Fluttershy did was kiss. Applejack looked her straight in the eyes, “Ah missed you so much Sugarcube, ah couldn’t stand it! I couldn’t believe they didn’t let me have visitors until now,” “I missed you and I-I was so worried…I wanted to know you were ok and I’m so happy that you are, they scared me when they wouldn’t tell me um, what condition you were in,” “It’s all ‘cause of you, ‘Shy. You saved me,” They kissed again. Applejack let loose, wrapping her hooves around her mare, she had absolutely no care in the world when Fluttershy was near her. And the fact there was a little curtain blocking other pony’s from seeing them helped to. Applejack wiped her mouth and smiled at the blushing Pegasus before her. Fluttershy was even surprised at herself for being so passionate in such a public area. Before they could say anything to each other, they heard a deep voice through the curtains, “Applejack, it’s time ta go, quit foalin’ around in there ya two,” Fluttershy squeaked startling Applejack, both blushing at the stallion’s remark. “You and them squeaks, ‘Shy,” The earth pony said a chuckle, causing the Pegasus to look down on embarrassment , “Ah think they’re mighty adorable,” Applejack said, intentionally making the Pegasus blush once again. “Oh!” Fluttershy said suddenly, surprising Applejack, “I went and checked on Bloomberg for you!” “Really? How was he? Did he look ok?” Applejack looked elated; she had thought the tree she had relocated there perished in the fire. “He looked completely perfect! I think,” “Ah thought he was hit in the fire! Thank you so much Fluttershy!” Fluttershy smiled, “You’re welcome,” As Applejack got up, Fluttershy held out her hoof to Applejack, “Do you, um need help to walk, Applejack?” “Nuh-uh, thanks though, darlin’” Fluttershy still had to help her off the bed though, because Applejack almost slipped when she mistakenly used her left leg to hold her up when getting off the bed. After that, they were soon on their way out of the somewhat small clinic. When they exited, Applejack immediately noticed how clear the air seemed. She had spent roughly 7 hours next to a bunch of fires, so it surprised her that the town seemed so clean after just a few days since the fire. She walked with Fluttershy and Big Macintosh at her sides, both staying extra close just in case she fell, even though she continually argued that she could handle herself, she eventually gave in knowing that they weren’t going to. She looked off into the distance, and saw all the blackened earth from where she, Big Macintosh and several other ponies warded off the fire from hitting town. Applejack felt a sense of pride and accomplishment even through her ordeal, and that’s a feeling she always enjoyed. On their way to the train station, she had a sudden realization when she reached her hoof up, meeting nothing but her tangled mane. “Consarnit! Ah just remembered that ah lost ma hat,” “I’ll, um get you a new one if you like…I tried to save it but I lost it when I found you…” Applejack shook her head, “You’re too nice, Fluttershy, but ah’m sure Granny Smith has one or two left ah could use. Ah reckon ah’ll still be sad about it, had that hat since I was darn near this high!” Applejack raised one hoof to where she estimated her height was when she a filly. “Eyuh, Granny has plenty, you’ll be fine, AJ,” Big Macintosh said, as they reached the waiting area for the train back to Ponyville. All three ponies soon heard galloping behind them, and turned around to see a re-energized Braeburn running towards them. “AAAAAAAPPPPLLLEEELOOOOOSAA!” He exclaimed enthusiastically as he arrived, on his hind legs waving his hooves about. Finally adorned with his regular hat and vest, it was a good sight for the three to see him in good spirits after it all. Applejack chuckled despite herself. “Ah couldn’t let y’all leave without saying thanks y’all for saving my town!” He said with a huge smile, then turning his attention to the Pegasus, “And more importantly, thank you Fluttershy for savin’ my cousin. Ya looked mighty heroic out there!” Fluttershy blushed despite herself, “Well, um…I’m sure anypony else would have done the same thing,” “Don’t be silly Fluttershy! You were probably the only Pegasus here, nopony else coulda done anythin’” “Well…I um…” Her voice trailed off but she regained her composure quickly, “I-I would have done anything to save her,” Fluttershy said shyly with an adoring smile from Applejack. “When Appleloosa is back up to full speed, we’re gonna have to do something in all y’alls honor! If it wasn’t fer y’all, the fire woulda spread quicker than a snake in a rabbits den!” Braeburn said enthusiastically, his analogy making Fluttershy cringe. “Eewell, Applejack’s gonna need some time to heal, so ya have plenty of time Braeburn,” Right after Big Macintosh said that, everypony heard the train in the distance with the cloud of dust behind it, cutting Braeburn’s visit with them shorter than he had wanted. “Well, ah guess it’s time fer y’all to go huh? Well, ah hope this doesn’t stop ya from visitin’ me every once in a while. Spread some good words ‘bout Appleloosa for me, thanks again fer savin’ ma town,” “Yer welcome, Braeburn,” Applejack said with a smile. Braeburn frowned when he finally took a good look at Applejack, casts and bandages covering a good portion of body, “Ah’m so sorry this happened to ya Applejack…ah mean, ah never want to see anypony hurt by anythin’, yet alone ma own kin,” Applejack shook her head, “Honestly Braeburn, ya have nothin’ ta worry ‘bout. What doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger ah reckon!” “That’s a mighty fine way’a lookin’ at things, AJ,” He remarked, soon seeing the train behind the three ponies, “Ah reckon it’s time fer y’all to leave, come back soon ya hear?” “Eeeokay,” Big Macintosh responded with a few giggles from the two mares. Seeing the train, Applejack felt a sense of relief like she’s never had before. The past 3 and a half days for her were some of the longest she’s ever been through. The earth pony was thankful she didn’t live in Appleloosa because she would have to see the remnants of the fire, scorched earth and dead trees, and all it would do is remind her of her near-death experience. Even though Fluttershy saved her life, Applejack never wanted to see Fluttershy so sad as when she first woke up after knocking herself unconscious. She truly felt guilt for even getting in the situation in the first place. That thought quickly left her mind as something more important to her entered. When they get on the train, she knew she had a lot of thinking and planning to do. Fractured left leg, burnt right leg, injured mid-section and all, Applejack was going to make sure she and Fluttershy had the best time in the world for their celebration of being together for 2 months. The DilemmaThe Dilemma For three straight weeks, the injured Applejack was limited to her bed so her leg could heal properly. It wasn’t her decision, because when it came to nursing something or somepony back to health, Fluttershy knew what to do and wouldn’t let the stubborn earth pony do a thing. The last thing the earth pony would want to be doing was nothing, but the constant meticulous care from the yellow Pegasus certainly helped her get used to it. Every meal she would usually eat through-out the day was immediately brought to her whenever she asked for it, whisked up to her before she could try and make a move. Through her constant guilt and considering herself a burden the pony that had saved her life, Applejack sometimes resisted the treatment, only to be smooth talked back into another rose-bud sandwich with hay fries on the side. Fluttershy did everything Applejack would usually do, for her, while managing to give her animals all the love and care they needed without neglecting a single creature. The Pegasus did all of the shopping, updated the apple family on her condition on a daily basis (Mostly for Big Macintosh, because the two had grown very close since the incident in Appleloosa) and still managed to do everything with grace and seemingly no stress at all. When they had returned to Ponyville, several days after Fluttershy miraculously rescuing Applejack from the brink of disaster, they quickly saw how fast word had spread of what they had been through together. They both received quite a surprising reaction from Ponyville residents and ponies from all across Equestria alike. Most reactions, like from their friends and other ponies they knew were of amazement. Lyra had made her way to their cottage just to have them retell their story to her, and to of course make sure they were ok. With Twilight Sparkle as a friend, word had quickly reached Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who had decided to let Fluttershy take care of Philomena the phoenix as her reward for being brave in such a trying time. Soon, they had spots in the newspapers all across Equestria celebrating the two’s companionship and miraculous story that came with it. Much to Fluttershy’s discontent, she found herself and Applejack in the spot-light once more. But like every piece of news that gets passed around Equestria, it soon gave way to newer stories and they slowly were able to return to a regular life. Due to their popularity and Applejack’s immobility they had waited to celebrate being together for 2 months until the orange pony was able to walk consistently. It was one of the rare times Fluttershy actually let her out of their home, and it was to spend a night on the town with their friends. Pinkie Pie (like anypony was surprised) begged them to throw a party, but Applejack declined because, well, she couldn’t party with two injured legs, one being in a cast. The guilt Applejack felt from Fluttershy taking so much time to take care of her only motivated her to get back to work as soon as possible, even though Big Macintosh seemed to be a lot more motivated to make sure she couldn’t possibly hurt herself when she returned. It was when Fluttershy was away on her weekly spa trip with Rarity that Applejack took the time to find her older brother at Sweet Apple Acres to plead with him to let her return to work. “Aj, ah still don’t think yer ready to work yet, hay- ya don’t even have yer cast off yet!” Applejack looked at him and frowned, slightly insulted, “But it’s been three weeks, ya said ah could work now if ah could! And ah can, even despite this darn cast! Ah can’t feel a thing even when ah put some pressure on it” ,”If ya still have a cast on, ah’m sure ya can injure yerself again,” Big Macintosh tried to explain this to her, despite knowing his efforts were in vain, “Ya simply can’t buck a tree with a cast on, and ah ain’t gonna let ya try and prove me wrong,” “Ya always underestimate me, Big Macintosh! Ah can buck a tree juss as good with one leg as can with two, just takes precision, thass all! And besides, ‘Shy’s been takin’ perfect care of me and all, ah’m sure ah healed doubly fast juss ‘cause of that!” The orange pony exclaimed, with an emphatic stomp on the ground with her hoof. “Why don’t you play with Applebloom or somethin’? ‘cause ah’m not letting ya convince me ta let you do somethin’ ya shouldn’t be doin’. Not again…” “Come on Big Mac! Applebloom’s probably off with her cutie mark crusaders doin’ some crazy new thang’ they thought of,” “Aj, ah hope ya don’t think yer gonna win this argument, ah will out-stubborn you. Ya don’t even know how guilty ah felt fer letting you fight the fires in Appleloosa. That scared me, Aj, it really did,” “Please don’t tell me yer gonna be all over-protective over me now,” The stallion shrugged, “Better than under-protective, which was my mistake in the first place,” Applejack sighed, “AUGH. Winter’s comin’ soon though; ya need me to help with bucking apples fer food!” “Nope, got Caramel here for that,” The orange pony gave in, “There’s no way ah can win this, huh?” “Eeyup,” Applejack squinted in confusion, “Eeyup as in ‘yes ya can’ or ‘no ya can’t?” “Eeyup as in no ya can’t,” “Horsefeathers!” She said with another stomp on the ground, “Ah’ll be back Big Macintosh, and when ah do, ah’ll have no cast and be better than ah ever was,” “Ah sure hope so, Aj, but ah’m sure ya need to go before Fluttershy figures out ya’ve been gone,” He said with a hearty chuckle, looking behind the mare. “She’s behind me, ain't she?” “Eeyup,” Applejack turned around with an embarrassed smile on her face, seeing the Pegasus trotting up the hill towards them. “Applejack! What did I tell you about going places when I’m not here!” She said jokingly, but felt the need to know that they knew that she was, “I’m joking…b-but please tell me next time, especially before I go to the spa” “Ah’m sorry darlin, ah-ah just really miss workin’ at th’ farm, and ah especially don’t like knowin’ how much a burden ah’m to you, not matter how many times ya say ah ain’t” The orange pony said, tilting her hat with hoof to block out the lowering sun, causing herself to almost lose her balance. “Applejack, it’s not like I don’t like doing it, or I feel obligated or anything…I-I actually like taking care of you, and being by you all day, knowing you’re getting healthier,” They greeted each other with a hug, being courteous to the stallion near them. “Howdy, Fluttershy! Eethanks again fer takin’ so much care of ma’ sis for me, no matter how stubborn she may be ‘bout it,” Big Macintosh pitched in with his regular slow and deep voice. Fluttershy smiled at him, “It’s no problem at all, I’m always just thankful she’s ok,” she then turned her head towards Applejack, “Now we should go home so you can rest!...that is if you want too…” The orange pony giggled, “Alright ‘Shy. Ah guess ah gotta go Big Mac. Juss please, next time, don’t get me so gung ho ‘bout doin’ somethin’ if yer just gonna change yer mind, ya hear?” Big Macintosh just nodded, thusly returned to his work at the farm. Soon the two mares were on their way back to their cottage near Everfree forest. Applejack now was walking quite easily with her cast on; in contrast to her first few days with it on. It only took her a week to get used to it once the pain from putting pressure on it subsided. Noticing the impressive improvement of the orange pony’s ability to walk, Fluttershy pointed it out. “Wow, Applejack you sure look like you’ve gotten used to um, walking in that huge cast…you’re so strong!” The shy Pegasus complimented with a smile. “T’ain’t nothin’ once ah got the handle on it!” Applejack said confidently, looking back on her injured leg. “I’m so proud of you! I doubt even Rainbow Dash could handle an injury like this so well” The orange pony thought for a second, “Well, firstly, she don’t have the most caring Pegasus in all of Equestria taking care of her,” Applejack said with a loving glance to her mare, “And she’d just fly everywhere, she wouldn’t even have gotten injured anyhow ‘cause she has wings,” Fluttershy smiled, “Well if she was an earth pony ah’m sure she couldn’t have done it,” Despite herself, Applejack shook her head, “Ah don’t know ‘Shy…Rainbow Dash is awfully strong even though she has her head in the clouds all day long,” “True...” Fluttershy responded, but quickly realized something she had meant to ask Applejack, “Oh! Um! At the spa, Rarity and I were talking and she said she um, needs me to watch Sweetie Belle for the night, is that um, ok?” Applejack nodded without needing to think, “Of course it is darlin! Sweetie Belle’s a nice filly, ah’m sure she won’t cause no problems, and maybe she’d be with Applebloom! Ah haven’t seen ma little sis in so long…” It was already near the evening and the sun was soon to set, Applejack knew it wouldn’t be too hard just to let one little pony to sleep for a night. “I would think so! All three of those fillies are so cute!” Fluttershy said with a smile, reminiscing on past times when she had cared for the three, “They weren’t too much of a bother when I’ve taken care of them, we just gotta be careful about them going into the Everfree forest again,” “Ah reckon that’s ‘cause you are best with taking care of any animal or anypony,” Applejack complimented, but eased on into a slightly different subject with a wishful sigh, “Ah really like them young’uns . Specially them two that play with Applebloom, her makin’ some friends like that is something ah coulda only wished for when ah was her age,” Applejack stated with a grin on her face, “Ah could only hope fer us ta have a foal of our own like one of them 3 someday,” That sentence caught Fluttershy off-guard. A foal of our own…. She thought wishfully.The topic of them baring a foal together was something both liked and disliked thinking about. Whenever she had thought about them baring a filly or a colt together, the obvious problem of them both being mares always disheartened the shy Pegasus. Their relationship was way beyond just testing their feelings for each other and had been for a long while. It’s to the point where whenever she thinks about her future, Applejack is always by her side, with her in everything she could imagine herself doing in the future. It was one of the Pegasus’s dreams to raise a family with the earth pony and knowing that they can’t bare a foal of their own breaks her heart. That was why Fluttershy felt confused at how nonchalantly Applejack talked about the two of them baring foal of their own, almost as if she didn’t see the same dilemma that plagued Fluttershy’s thoughts. “What’s wrong darlin’?” Applejack said, getting a little closer to the Pegasus for comfort even without having a clue of why the Pegasus was suddenly disheartened. Fluttershy looked down, “I, Um…” The earth pony just looked at her expectantly, knowing that she sometimes needed a second before she could admit something. “Well, I” Fluttershy sighed, knowing it wasn’t the best time to bring it up with her, “…can we just talk about it later, we’re nearly at Rarity’s boutique, and I just don’t know if it’s the best time…” “Sure thang darlin,” Applejack said in a comforting tone. Before they could even knock on the door, Rarity popped up, quickly rushing her younger sister out of the door. “Thanks Fluttershy! You don’t even know how s-stressed I am!” Rarity exclaimed, rushing her hooves through her mane for emphasis, and upon realizing what she had done, quickly fixed it, “Hi Applejack! W-Wait Applejack?!” Seeing the earth pony surprised Rarity and got her to calm down just to speak to her, “Applejack! Darling! I haven’t seen you since our night on the town! It’s good to see you walking so well now!” Rarity said with a big smile, as Sweetie Belle walked over to Fluttershy’s side. “That sure was a wonderful time, ah tell ya and W-Well, ma legs are sure doin’ better, ah have a tiny scar on ma right leg from the burn, still! Ah thought it would’ve gone away by now, guess not,” Rarity peered over at Applejack’s leg, along with Fluttershy, “My oh my, I could make something for you to cover that, but I’m just sooooooo horribly busy as you could imagine!” “Ah wouldn’t wanna cover it! Ah kinda hope it stays,” Applejack glanced over at Fluttershy with a smile, “It always remind me about how Fluttershy saved my life, and how lucky ah am ta have her in ma life,” The orange pony said with a proud smile, making the Pegasus blush. After gazing at Applejack’s cast, Sweetie Belle jumped up with a spastic squeak in her voice, “Whoa! The big ponies wouldn’t tell me what happened! Will you two tell me!? Please?!” Both Applejack and Fluttershy looked towards Rarity to get her permission to tell the little filly all about it. Rarity frowned, Sweetie Belle smiling with all her might, her own visual way of begging for her sister to say yes. “Well, um. OH…! Go ahead; just keep out some of the… bad details so it doesn’t scare her ok? I have to go, Photo Finish should be here within minutes, and I’m guessing you two don’t want to see her! Ever since the accident, whenever I’ve seen her, she always asks about you two!” Applejack gulped, “Yer sure right ‘bout that, Rarity! Good luck with whatever yer doin’!” The three ponies started out quickly to avoid ZE PHOTGRAPHER, the young filly looking up at them expectantly. “So what happened! What happened! Nopony would ever tell me about it ‘cause I’m a ‘Little Pony’! Was it that bad? Huh?” Sweetie Belle blurted, in the middle of the two mares as they started their walk to their home. o for the millionth time (Or so how it felt to Applejack), the earth pony started the story that she loved to tell. But this time, Fluttershy was lost in thought the whole time. She knew Sweetie Belle was a nosy filly, how she would get the time to talk to Applejack about her worries without the filly getting in her way was going to be a tough task. Though she knew it could wait until the next day, Fluttershy didn’t want to wait. The Dilemma“So Fluttershy flew you over a firey tree!? Just in the nick of time!? That sounds so …dirty!” Sweetie Belle said enthusiastically, imagining herself in the same situation, “That’s crazy that YOU did that Fluttershy! I always thought you’d pass out or somethin’ if something like THAT happened!” “Yep she sure did!” Applejack said glancing towards the distracted Pegasus as they entered their cottage, “’Shy can be awfully brave when she needs ta be,” “When you were unconscious did you have a dream?” The filly asked randomly, getting Applejack to think for a little bit. “That’s a doozy of a question, Sweetie Belle. Ah honestly don’t know if ah did or not, if ah did, I don’t remember it. Silly filly, now yer gonna have me thinkin’ ‘bout that all the time,” “I wanna be unconscious!” She said, waving her hooves in the air in excitement, “That sounds so cool! Then I could tell you if I had a dream!” Applejack chuckled, “Bein’ unconscious ain’t nothin’ fun, Sweetie Belle, trust me. Ah might not’a woken up if Fluttershy didn’t find me,” Fluttershy finally reentered the conversation when she heard Applejack say that, “D-Don’t say that Applejack, you know that makes me sad,” “Ah’m sorry darlin’” Applejack said sincerely, then looking back down at the filly. Sweetie Belle looked at the two of them with a confused look on her face, “What do you mean ‘never wake up?” She sat down in front of the couch as Applejack and Fluttershy sat next to each other. They consciously sat farther apart than they usually would, both not sure if she even knew about them being together. Fluttershy shook her head at Applejack as if to say ‘No, don’t tell her that!’ The earth pony struggled to come up with a good lie, “Well, ah didn’t mean not wake up, ah meant not wake up for a little longer, ‘cause ah-ah woulda been fine no matter what!” Sweetie Belle accepted the earth pony’s answer, even though Applejack’s terrible lying skills made it obvious she beading around the bush. “Why do you smile at her so much?” Sweetie Belle asked Applejack, her randomness nothing surprising for a filly her age. The earth pony looked at Fluttershy, begging with her eyes for the Pegasus to answer that time. “W-Well, um, me and um, Applejack are good friends,” Lied the Pegasus, smiling awkwardly at the young pony in front of her. “You're just friends? Applebloom told me you two were datin’… ah mean hay! You live together,” Applejack felt stupid, “Well ah guess there’s no reason ta lie if Applebloom already told ya… We are, and there ain’t nothing wrong ‘bout that, but we won’t do nothin’ that you’d think is weird, ah guess, Sweetie Belle,” “Ok, because I don’t know why a pony would want to kiss another pony! That’s just gross,” It made the two mares feel better that it wasn’t specifically two mares kissing that she thought was gross, just two ponies kissing in general. It was nice to know that the newer generations were going to be a little more tolerant of their choice to be together. All three of them then heard a loud knocking on their door, Sweetie Belle jumping up ecstatically. “Applebloom! Scootaloo!” She ran to the door and opened it, revealing two excited fillies, “I invited them over, is that ok?” Sweetie Belle asked excitedly, all three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders putting on their signature begging smiles to convince the two to say yes. Applejack jumped up at the sight of her little sister, no convincing needed, “Of course y’all can! ya can stay an’ play with Sweetie Belle fer a while, ya three can’t sleep over,” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER LATE NIGHT HANG-OUT AT FLUTTERSHY AND APPLEJACK’S COTTAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” All three of them screamed ecstatically, jumping up simultaneously. The explosive loudness from the fillies scared both of the mares near-by and Fluttershy’s many animals near them. They immediately apologized to Fluttershy when they saw the animals fleeing the area. “Applebloom! Ah haven’t seen ya in so long!” Applejack said extremely happily, as Fluttershy flew around to calm her animals down that were scared by the booming outburst from the Cutie-Mark Crusaders. “You still have yer cast on Applejack?” Applebloom asked as she went over to the orange pony to get a closer look at it. “Yeah, Nurse Redheart said ah need ta keep it on fer another week, even though ah think it’s completely fine. How’ve ya been? Keepin outta trouble? Doin’ yer chores? Keepin’ outta Granny Smith and Big Macintosh’s mane?” “Yes, Applejack!” She said, enunciating her words to show her disapproval of her older sister’s pestilent questions. The three fillies continued looking around Fluttershy and Applejack’s cottage for something interesting to see or do. They were slightly more careful than they had in the past, knowing Fluttershy’s stare was something they didn’t want to come face-to-face with. Scootaloo frowned, standing on the mini-staircase for one of Fluttershy’s many animals, “Guys, we’ve been here so many times, there’s like nothing to do!” “I agree, maybe we could try chicken herding again?” Sweetie Belle asked. Fluttershy intervened before the idea could even circulate between the two other fillies, “Oh no, my chickens are all asleep, they don’t need to um, be herded, I don’t want to lose Elizabeak again,” She watched closely as they once again examined every detail of her home just for something to do “Ah know! Ah know! Applejack could tell us a story!” Applebloom said, Sweetie Belle agreeing with her, while Scootaloo just sighed. ,”If you don’t want me to stay over, don’t tell me some mamby-pamby love story, because I’m un-wakeable when I fall asleep!,” Scootaloo said defiantly, but her efforts were to no avail as the other crusaders sat expectantly in front of the older mares. “I know! You can tell us the story about Fluttershy saving you that you um…uh…told me earlier!” “Yeah! Ah haven’t heard it yet! And she’s ma sister! Please tell us!” Applebloom said, excitedly jumping next to Sweetie Belle, looking up at the two mares on the couch. Reluctantly, Applejack decided it was the only thing she could do to settle down the young ponies before her. As Scootaloo sat down next to the other ponies with a sigh, the earth pony began once more. Throughout the whole time that she told the story, she had the entire interest of all three young ponies in front of her. A true story about Applejack being rescued from a blazing inferno immediately captured Scootaloo’s interest, even if the some of the details were purposefully altered due to their age. ,”…And that’s how Fluttershy here was able ta save me from that fire, ah’ve never seen anypony be as brave as she was then,” Applejack said proudly, finishing the story with a loving glance towards the Pegasus. Sweetie and Applebloom were left in awe, left saying ‘Whoaaaaaaa!” In unison, while Scootaloo just looked critically at them. “Fluttershy? REALLY? That can’t be true! Only Rainbow Dash could think of doing something that cool!” She stomped her little hooves on the ground for emphasis. Applejack sighed, “No, Scootaloo, it was Fluttershy here, nopony else,” “That’s right, I um, did all of that,” The Pegasus added, feeling a slight sense of pride that she wasn’t used too. “B-but, that just can’t be, Fluttershy did something COOL?” Applejack sighed, “Oh look, it’s getting dark outside! Ya young’uns should make it back home before ya parents or sister or whoever gets mad at ya!” The three collectively sighed, knowing the older pony was right. “I guess I’ll see you two later, um uh…yeah, later,” They each exchanged good-byes, taking extra-long even thought they knew they’d just see each other the next day. It wasn't surprising to the older mares though, friendship at such a young age is something really special, so they didn't rush them Soon, it was just the three ponies left in Applejack and Fluttershy’s cottage. The earth pony had just finished telling the same story for second time that day, was pretty tired. With a loud yawn, Sweetie Belle let the two know she was very tired and ready to sleep “I’m very tired, and ready to sleep,” She said out-loud, as if her yawn didn’t give it away. “Well, um ok, follow me Sweetie Belle,” The shy pegasus responded followed by a quiet yawn of her own. Fluttershy led the little filly upstairs into the lone bed she had slept in before. Blowing out a candle, closing the curtains on the near-by window, she starting singing her gentle lullaby, finally succeeding in making the tuckered out little unicorn fall asleep. Fluttershy felt thankful she didn’t want to sing it herself again. “’Shy ya have such a beautiful singin’ voice ah reckon!” Applejack remarked as the Pegasus softly trotted down the steps. Fluttershy lowered her head in embarrassment, “Y-You heard me singing?” Applejack finished chewing on an apple she had gotten, then continued, “Yeah! Ah didn’t know ya could sing so well,” “It was just a lullaby…” She said as she swiftly flew back on to their couch, making room for the earth pony to join her. “Doesn’t mean ya ain’t got a good singin’ voice!” Applejack stated, hopping up onto the couch, enjoying the warmth she immediately got from being curled up with the Pegasus. “Well-I” “Hey, what was that thing that was makin’ ya sad earlier today?” Applejack interrupted unintentionally. The sudden question caused the Pegasus to squeal, then feel embarrassed preventing her from speaking. Like usual, Applejack giggled, then loosened her up with a loving nudge in the nape if her neck, which she knew drove Fluttershy absolutely wild. Despite herself, Fluttershy smiled, “Well, I was um…thinking…” “’Bout what darlin?” The shy Pegasus sighed for confidence, “I um…ever since we’ve been together, and the more and more I loved you, I um…I always had something I thought about every once in a while and it worries me,” The orange pony nodded, ready for whatever she may have to say. “I always think about my future with you, because, um… that’s the only future I want, “ Applejack smiled adoringly, but let Fluttershy continue, “But…I always imagine us having foals of our own and the fact we can’t make our own makes me….I don’t-” Her voice trailed into a squeak at the admittance of her worries to the orange pony. Applejack, even though what Fluttershy had said made her feel sad too, comforted the Pegasus. “A-Ah know, Sugarcube, I think ‘bout that too sometimes. But ah still wouldn’t change anything, and ah don’t think ya should worry ‘bout it, we’ll find a way, ah’m sure of it,” “Sometimes when I see how much you want a filly of your own, I think that maybe…um, that you wish you would have picked a stallion instead of me…” “What? Fluttershy, ah don’t even know how to react to that,” “I-I’m sorry…” Applejack shook her head, “Why would ya even think that Fluttershy?” Fluttershy sighed, “I don’t know! It’s just um, I don’t…you want a filly of your own so bad, and we can’t and I-….I don’t know…” “First off, it’s not a filly of ma’ own, it’s a filly of our own…and ah’d never wish ah chose somepony other you, stallion or mare…ah-ah, never even thought of it. Ah don’t want you to ever think that, I love you, Fluttershy. Nopony else, ever,” Fluttershy smiled lightly, “Sometimes I just get carried away in my thoughts, I guess…” “Ah-ah do want a foal of our own someday, though…and ah’ve definitely thought about it a mighty lot over the past few months, but ah never would want somepony other than you, and that’s a promise, Fluttershy,” Fluttershy turned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek, “Thank you, Applejack…” “Anytime, darlin, don’t let these bother you anymore darlin’…juss talk to me ‘bout them,” The earth pony comforting her made Fluttershy feel much better. Applejack was the only pony she knew that always knew what to say whenever she felt sad, whenever she needed encouragement, or just any daily conversation in general. “I will…um…can I ask you another question?” Fluttershy said sheepishly, causing the earth pony to giggle. “Ya juss did,” Applejack responded, causing both to laugh quietly, conscious of the sleeping filly upstairs. “When we have our own foal…do you have any names?” Applejack thought for a moment, this being something she never really contemplated since she’s been with Fluttershy, “Honestly, ah can’t really say ah have, ah always assumed it’d juss be apple something, or something apple or something apple related…Is that ok if we do…?” Fluttershy smiled, still facing her, her hooves wrapped around the earth pony. She was about to fall of their couch, but she liked this position so much she ignored it. “Of course! I wouldn’t have it any other way,” “Have you thought of any names?” “I um, I always liked maybe the name of a flower? Like rose, coriander, carnation, lily…flowers are so sweet and pretty, I think that they can make a perfect name for a filly,” Applejack put her hoof to her chin as she considered the names she said, “Applelily, Applerose, Applecoriander, Applecarnation?” The two giggled once more when she said ‘apple carnation’, a name they obviously wouldn’t choose. “I like Applelily…it sounds…nice,” The shy Pegasus said in her usual soft voice, with a content smile. Applejack returned the smile, the name emanating with her. They both felt it, the warmth in their hearts when they realized that when the day came, Applelily would be the name of their filly. “Applelily…ah could see it now,” Applejack said wistfully, both mares finally nodding off to sleep. The Dilemma“Bye Fluttershy! Bye um, uh…Applejack! I had fun!” Yelled Sweetie Belle as her older sister walked out to greet the couple. ”My gosh, I could never thank you two enough for taking Sweetie Belle for the night! Practically saved my life!” Rarity said, as she quickly flew several different scarfs in front of herself. Fluttershy smiled warmly at her best friend, “It was no problem at all! Sweetie Belle is so…sweet,” “To you, maybe. Anyhow, GUESS WHO SHOWED UP WITH PHOTO FINISH YESTERDAY!” Rarity said in a singing voice. “Who?” Fluttershy questioned excitedly. “Hoity Toity!!! And he wants me to make the trip to Canterlot to participate in the… Divine Equine fashion competition!!! Can you believe it???” Rarity jumped up in ecstatic joy, eyes glowing with excitement. The couple both said their mixture of congratulations to the unicorn, as the little filly nudged by her sister to enter her boutique. “The Devine Equine fashion competition? The one where they have thousands of ponies from all across Equestria watch as you have rich and famous ponies model your clothing? My oh my, that sounds so…scary…” “Come on Fluttershy, I need your support the most!” The unicorn said with a nervous crack in her voice. “I mean, um you’re going to do great! You’re definitely the best designer in Equestria! Do you want us to come see you?” “Oh, it’s not until well into Winter, which is coming sort of soon, but of course I do! Of course, I don’t want Applejack hurting herself if she’s still in that cast, a trip to Manehattan requires a lot of walking!” Applejack shook her head, “Nonsense Rarity! Ah’m already used to it, anyways ah’ll probably have it taken off tomorrow or the day after, we’ll be sure make it your fashion….thingy,” “Oh it’s more than a…’thingy’…everypony that is anypony will be there! Ponies from Stalliongrad, Hoofington, even Appleloosa will see my designs! If they like what they see, I’ll be, FAMOUS!” Rarity spread her hooves out wide as she her eyes glowed with anticipation. “Well, you can count on us bein’ there for sure!” Applejack said with an agreeing nod from Fluttershy. “Photo Finish is having me make so many copies of the dresses I make, I barely have time for our-“Before she could finish, there was a loud crashing noise from inside her boutique. Rarity lowered her head without looking back, “SWEETIE BELLE!” “I, uh, I’m, trying to help, sorry!” Responded the little unicorn, a high pitched squeak. She darted inside to scold the filly, quickly returning to hastily say, “Bye Bye, Girls, I’m Busy already as you can see!” Then ran back in to chase her rambunctious sibling. After a chuckle, the two ponies started walking away from the Carousel Boutique towards the center of town. “So why is it that was we have to visit BonBon and Lyra again?” Applejack said, slightly annoyed that they have to make the long trip to their home. It had been a topic of discussion on their way to Rarity’s boutique. “Well, I um, thought, well…if anypony knew about two mares baring their own foal, it’d be them…” “Well yeah…but this is kinda personal stuff ya know? Ah wonder what they’re gonna say? Ah mean, ah haven’t even seen BonBon in like 2months! And Lyra only visited us like 2 weeks ago. Couldn’t it be kinda awkward to show up all uninvited and such?” “Well, I’m sure they won’t mind…they probably have been expecting us to ask them this anyway,” “Ah guess yer right. Applelily, hehe, ain’t that juss an adorable name?” “I love it…I, um hope she’s a Pegasus!” “Ah hope so, ah mean a Pegasus would be good for the Apple family, could get lots more done,” “And she’d be good with animals,” Fluttershy added joyfully, heart warmed just by the thought of the young filly that could be someday. “Yup, and the animals!” Applejack said happily in agreement. Fluttershy smiled despite herself, enjoying talking about her future with the mare beside her, “I, um, hope she gets your eyes,” “Ah hope she gets your…uh everythin’!” The earth pony said with a chuckle, “Ah mean Equestria would be a nicer place if everypony was a little more like you,” The Pegasus blushed, “Nopony would want my nervousness or weakness or…um…forgetfulness” “Says the pony that saved ma life… Yer a lot stronger than ya think ya are, ‘Shy,” Applejack playfully poked the Pegasus for emphasis, as if just saying it wouldn’t get through to her. “I hope she gets your honesty, too,” The yellow Pegasus said with a smile, causing both to giggle a little, then changing the subject again, “I hope Lyra and BonBon can help us…” “Ah’m sure they can, but it’s not like we want our own foal anytime soon ah reckon,” Applejack enunciated her words to hint that she didn’t exactly meant what said. It brought upon them a tense silence, both thinking the same thing. What if… Fluttershy’s always fantasized about her future with Applejack, always imagining what it’d be like if they ever had a foal of their own. Now that a name is in place, neither of them got much sleep, because the idea of having their own filly became a lot more tangible, even if they didn’t know how they’d actually do it. Both mares felt a rush of redness hit their faces, neither ready to ask each other the question they so desperately want to ask. The sight of Lyra and BonBon quickly took their minds off of the subject, the other mare-couple only a block away from them, quite obviously walking back to their home. “Why’re they walking so um, slow?” Fluttershy asked, as soon as both of them could see how slow they were walking. Lyra was standing closer than usual and it seemed Bonbon’s walking was a bit labored. “Ah dun’ know, but ah guess that’s good fer me!” Applejack said with a chuckle, glancing at her own cast. The two ponies, going at Applejack’s pace walked up the fellow mare-couple, greeting the, with equal smiles. They had all reached the front of the Lyra and BonBon’s home when Fluttershy and Applejack caught up to them. “Howdy partners! Fancy finding you here!” The earth pony greeted, her and Fluttershy now walking beside the two. “In front of our home?” Lyra responded sharply, but not insultingly, all four ponies laughing in response. Each pony greeted each other with a hug, “We were actually looking for you, we um, well. We have a question to ask and we think only, well you two could answer…” BonBon and Lyra nodded, “Come in, come in, I’ll make some cookies!” The earth pony said, trotting merrily into her home. It was the first time Fluttershy and Applejack had been in their friend’s home, and weren’t surprised how the humble home smelt of baked goods, which they presumed it always did. As BonBon went and prepared the mid-day desert, Lyra showed the two around their house. Blue painted walls, perfectly clean white carpets, spotless tile made for a surprisingly clean house. Applejack had assumed it would be slightly messy just based on her previous encounters with the two; neither seemed to be the nit-picky type. Lyra sat in her usual upright fashion, the other two mares sitting on their all fours on a couch across from the blue unicorn’s chair. “So, you’re still in that cast I see, Applejack, Thought you’d be out by now,” Applejack had her cast-ed leg hanging off the side off the couch, obviously unable to sit regularly with it on. “Well, it wasn’t ma choice ah reckon’, Ah’d rather be workin’ and buckin’, helpin’ ma family! But ah guess, Shy’s right too, ah can’t risk re-injurin’ maself, that’d really be a real thorn in ma hoof,” “How has it been being all famous across Equestria?” “Oh, ah guess it’s kinda over now,” Fluttershy said smiling happily because she really hated the attention she had gotten from it, “Everypony is interested in that Unicorn from Canterlot that’s been hiccuping since she was a filly,” “That sure sounds fun, “Lyra said with a light chuckle, now cradling a cup of juice in her hooves. “We kind of have something to tell you two, too,” The unicorn said with a sly smile. BonBon giggled as she entered the room, and then jumped up next the blue unicorn, a giddy smile on her face, “Cookies will be ready in 15 minutes!” Thoughts went through Applejack and Fluttershy’s mind; they had no clue what it could be. Lyra smiled glancing over at the earth pony beside her, “You wanna tell them, honey?” “No, you do it,” BonBon said sheepishly, voice slightly shaking from excitement. “BonBon’s pregnant!” The Dilemma“W-Wha-huh?” Applejack stammered, her mind not grasping what Lyra had just said, “Pregnant? Ah mean, ah uh, can you say that again?” Lyra chuckled, “Um, BonBon’s pregnant...! we’ve been planning it for months! And finally it’s happening, and we can’t wait!” BonBon blushed, “I actually was already pregnant during the parade we saw you two at,” “That’s…nice,” Fluttershy said with a tiny smile, “I’m happy for you two,” The orange pony tried to hold back the feeling of pure jealously she felt, knowing that she was barely friends with Lyra to begin with and didn’t want to make things between them go sour again. Admittedly, she hated how unlikely a coincidence that it was for that to occur right as she and Fluttershy were exploring the idea of baring a foal together, and it seemed to her that now that they knew BonBon was pregnant, it could almost be out-of-line to ask how she was. “Yeah ah uh, yeah! That’s awful good news ah reckon,” Applejack sputtered before they saw how conflicted she was by the news. “Thank you, sugar,” BonBon mused, relaxing into a more comfortable position, “Ok now tell us,” Applejack looked confused, “Tell ya what?” “What you came here to ask us!” BonBon said with a giggle. Applejack and Fluttershy looked at each other, almost as if to say ‘should we?’. The orange pony was lost. She would have had no problem asking Lyra and BonBon before knowing that Bonbon was pregnant, because if they knew, which they obviously do, they’d tell them. But now that Applejack is certain they know how to have a foal of their own, she’s worried that the answer may be something she and Fluttershy wouldn’t like, or may just be plain awkward asking them now. Consarnit…why can’t these questions be answered easier, with none of this drama and what-not? “No, it’s fine now ah guess, BonBon,” The orange pony answered a bit after BonBon asked the question, “We don’t wanna burden you or nothin’” The cream-colored earth pony shook her head, “Oh come on! It’s fine, sugar! We don’t want you to have wasted a trip here just to not ask us anything, and you have cookies to eat soon too! My delicious, perfectly cooked, chocolate cookies fresh from the oven,” BonBon nearly fell into a day-dream about her own cookies. Fluttershy lowered her head, “It’s um, kinda personal and we um…” “It’s ok! You can tell us anything!” BonBon pushed more, her own love for gossip getting the best of her. “Ah uh, Ah dunno,” Applejack sighed, “Can ah speak to Fluttershy fer a little, juss ta make sure if we wanna ask you it, ah juss wanna make sure we ain’t gonna be crossin’ no lines or nothin’” BonBon got up out of her seat with a nod, “Come on Lyra, I bet the cookies are almost finished anyway! Just tell us when you’re done, ok? I hope it isn’t something bad!” After a nod from Applejack, the two left into another part of the house. Fluttershy’s first reaction was to squeak, which made Applejack giggle, but she quickly returned to being serious. “How’re we gonna ask them now, sugarcube? Ah don’t know if they’ll juss think we’re, ya know, in competition with ‘em,” Fluttershy shrank into herself a little bit, “Maybe it’s um, maybe it’s a little early for us to be thinking about stuff like this anyway? We’ve only been going out for almost 3 months, we shouldn’t um, well, rush things…I don’t know, I’m sorry I brought it up in the first place…” The orange pony shook her head, ”No sugarcube, ah-ah don’t think it’s good to wait after already talking it about it, it’s not like we’d juss forget it, we’d still think about it all the time,” Applejack scooted a little closer to the Pegasus, “And besides, ah want to know now, ah don’t want us not knowing until the day we decide to, you know…and I think it’s just better to know now, so when the time comes, we won’t have to go through this then,” Fluttershy loosened up, the logic clicking gears into place in her mind, “But how are we going to, ask them,” Applejack put a hoof to her chin, “Ah don’t know why were are so worried ‘bout it, maybe we should just ask,” “Ask us what?” Bonbon poked her head from around a corner, barely even giving the two several minutes to talk, “I’m sorry for eavesdropping, the cookies finished early…and I um…” Rounding the corner, Lyra finished for her, “…Are a bit nosey!” The light-blue unicorn hopped up onto the couch happily with a cookie she was about to devour. With a tray of fresh cookies on her back, the other earth pony followed, leaving the tray on a coffee table between the couches they were sitting on. BonBon spoke up first, “So, come on, just tell us, please? We won’t judge you or anything like that,” She nudged the cookies towards them, “Will some of my delicious home-baked cookies loosen things up?” Applejack chuckled as she grabbed a few for her and Fluttershy, “Ah think me and Shy were juss over thinkin’ things, ya know. It’s kind of funny ah guess, because ya bein’ all pregnant and stuff, kinda has to do with what we want to ask y’all…” BonBon held her fore-hooves in front of her mouth, “Don’t tell me you’re-?” Lyra just chuckled at the cream-colored pony’s assumption. Fluttershy blushed, Applejack continuing, “We kinda, well um. We kinda want to know HOW two mares would have a foal, you know… together,” “How long have you been going out? It’s kinda early to be thinking about having a foal don’t you think…? The unicorn said, after devouring another chocolate cookie. “Well, ah juss think it’s better to know now, for when the time comes, and besides, ah believe it will happen someday,” Applejack reasoned. “THAT’S SO CUTE!” The cream colored pony gushed, “Are you mares like, in love? ‘cause that’s a good thing when you want to have a foal” “Yes ma’am,” Applejack responded proudly, making the shy Pegasus beside her blush even more, enjoying the fact that the orange pony didn’t even hesitate. “And that’s why we’ve been, well, thinkin’ ‘bout this sorta stuff, we kinda know we’re going to be together for a long time, and we juss wanna know if it’s possible fer us to have a foal,” Fluttershy smiled, thinking it was adorable that Applejack talked about their relationship so confidently. “Well we just used magic,” Lyra said bluntly, “There’s a spell for it, and I finally was able to do it a few months ago,” Applejack and Fluttershy looked at each other as if they needed confirmation that neither of them was a unicorn. Both of their hearts plummeted. “Don’t worry you two, I’m sure there’s some way you can have a foal of your own,” BonBon said with empathy. She felt guilty about not knowing whether Fluttershy and Applejack could bare a foal of their own, while herself being pregnant. “It ain’t like we’re givin’ up right now juss ‘cause of one little set-back nuh-uh,” Applejack said confidently for Fluttershy’s sake, “And besides, there’s gotta be another way, ah juss can’t really put a hoof on it ah reckon,” “Where could we go um, to find out?” The shy Pegasus questioned, blowing a rogue piece of her mane out of her face. “Ah’m guessin’ the only place we can go is Twi’s library,” The shy Pegasus nodded as Applejack turned her focus to Lyra and BonBon, both devouring the rest of the cookies , “Is it alright if we go-“ “Yeah, yeah, sure, sure! Goodluck, take a cookie or two before we eat the rest!” “Well hello you two, nice for you to visit me-,” The purple stopped and thought for a second, hoof on her chin, “…You need to use the library huh?” “Well, yeah,” Applejack responded, rubbing her hoof on the back of her neck, “But we kinda need yer help too, Twi,” Twilight Sparkle’s face lit up, “Well come in! Come in! How can I help you girls?” “It’s kind of um, personal,” Fluttershy said, after Applejack politely let her enter the library first. They followed the unicorn upstairs where her room/library was located. “Personal? Well do you need to leave you two alone while you search for a book? This library has everything; Princess Celestia sends me the newest editions of everything on a monthly basis!” “Um, well Twi’, we kinda need you ah reckon’ because well,” The orange stomped her hoof down for a confidence booster mid-sentence, “Ah hay, ah shouldn’t be beadin’ roun’ the apple tree, me and Fluttershy kinda want to know, how well, we would have a foal of our own. Ya know, when the time comes. And we were just at Lyra and BonBon’s, and they said they’d used magic to get BonBon pregnant, and um yeah,” Twilight was taken aback by the question, but examined it in full-detail, “Conception, conception…C, c, c,” Using her own magic, the unicorn cycled through several books before finding one that would most likely benefit the mare-couple the most, “Ah, this should do the trick!” She levitated the book over to the two mares, then continued, “So, I’m presuming that since you two need magic for this to happen, that you need me, right?” They smiled sheepishly in response, “Well, we just need to know if you um, could do that for us in the first place…” The shy pony responded, as she sat down next to Applejack. Now sifting through the book, it became apparent to the two that they were going to find out at any second whether they could bare a foal together or not. It bothered both of them that there seemed to be no sections for mare-couples as they skimmed through, but kept hope that there could be one. Page after page, nothing but what they’d expect for a book about conception, something not very commonly associated with couples like Applejack and Fluttershy. Fluttershy’s nervousness was visually noticeable, the stress of having to wait so long just to find the answer to such an important question taking its toll on her. “Applejack, have you found anything yet?” Twilight Sparkle queried, now standing above the sitting earth pony. Applejack was sitting with her injured leg awkwardly straight out to the side, the cast once again hindering her attempts to be comfortable. But even an injured leg wouldn’t stop her from reading it. “No, ah don’t- w-wait a minute!” Applejack read aloud, “Chapter 17: Mare/Stallion couples in Equestria Ah think ah found it!” Fluttershy squeaked a little, which caused the two other mares to giggle before Applejack started reading the whole passage. Chapter 17 part 1: Conception involving two mares. Obviously, in relationship involving two mares, conceiving a foal is possible, but under very different circumstances, depending on the method the couple chooses. There are many varieties of methods available; some more favorable than others. This passage will explain them and how they are conducted and what you may need to fulfill them. A. What may be the most popular method is Magical conception *See diagram 17b* -When a mare couple involves one or more unicorns, the one with the most ability may decide to cast a pregnancy spell on the other mare (The spell will not work if cast unto themselves). If the unicorn is unable to summon the magic necessary for it to be successful, do NOT attempt it or else it’ll risk harm to the mother. Practicing the spell may work, but it’s very time consuming and has taken years for unicorns to master in some cases. See next paragraph for more information on a substitute unicorn. -If a mare couple does not include a unicorn or a unicorn is unable to summon the necessary magic needed to complete the spell, they can contact somepony who has the abilities to fulfill the requirements to cast this spell, who would then cast in the designated mother(s) Applejack ended there, with a satisfied smile on her face, soon on the receiving end of a hug from the mare she loves. They both soon looked up expectantly at Twilight Sparkle, who knew their question before they asked it. The unicorn sighed jokingly, "Yes, I’ll do it,”, She was then quickly crushed by a hug from them both, “But only when the time comes, ok?” She levitated the book in front of herself after being relinquished by the two. “Of course not, we just well, um wanted to know now, we’re going to wait of course,” Fluttershy said, blushing at the thought. “Good, good. Just glancing through this spell, I could do it quite easily, just saying,” She levitated the book back to its rightful spot, and then turned to face the two, “You guys want to go grab some treats at Sugarcube Corner? I’ve been awfully busy today, and Spike is in Canterlot on royal business, I could sure use a break!” The unicorn blew her bangs out of her face almost to add emphasis to her statement. “Of course, Twi’! That sounds awfully nice right now, ah’m in a celebratin’ mood” Fluttershy nodded in agreement, “We’d be happy too!” Applejack sighed with relief. Ever since she was a filly, one of her biggest dreams was to have a foal of her own, to help raise into the Apple Family,and to call her own. Now, she has a name and knows that being with pony she loves won’t hinder her chances having her own foal. After a day of ups and downs, she held her head up high as she wobbled next to Fluttershy and Twilight, knowing things could have been so much different. Ah reckon it’s nice not ta have ta worry bout any life-alterin’ questions for the time bein’ the earth pony thought with a grin. “Applejack…?” Fluttershy asked sheepishly, as the three exited Twilight Sparkle’s library-home. “Yes, darlin’?” “What if we have a colt?” A Slip of the TongueA Slip of the Tongue “No, Fluttershy!” Applejack exclaimed with a hearty giggle, just escaping the grasps of the Pegasus’ hooves, “Not mah mane!” Just two weeks after getting her cast off of her leg, Applejack was running around as if it was never injured in the first place. It took longer than expected to have her cast removed, and when it was finally removed, nopony could stop her from bucking a record amount of trees in Sweet Apple Acres, and just running around in general. She never felt so free in her life just from running. Aiming at the hairband that Applejack kept on her hair, the shy Pegasus attempted to take it off, “I just want to see how you look with your hair out,” Applejack jumped up the stairs in several long leaps, Fluttershy playfully flying after her. “Yer not gonna get me! Ah’m too fast fer ya!” The earth pony stated, nimbly jumping from side to side to avoid Fluttershy’s advances. “Please?” She begged, giving Applejack her signature smile, “I think you would look pretty,” Trotting down the stairs again, Applejack responded with a laugh, “Oh so Ah’m not pretty already? Ah see how it is, Sugarcube,” “No! I mean yes! I’m sorry…you’re pretty, I just um,” Fluttershy lost her voice as her cheeks turned red. After flying down the stairs, she settled on their couch as her way of giving up, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that, I just think that you would look more pretty with your hair out, I think you would look really cute,” Fluttershy said meekly with a tiny smile. The orange pony couldn’t help but admire how adorable the Pegasus was when she was apologetic. At their front door, Applejack put on a cozy wool hat that had been hoof-stitched by Rarity, with her name embroidered in an emerald green that matched her eyes. She tossed Fluttershy’s over to her with a swift whip of her tail. “Ah have my mane like this fer convenience, Ah’d be plum useless if ah took so much time on my mane every day,” Applejack trotted over to Fluttershy, giving her a soft kiss on her nose, “Ah reckon’ it’s ‘bout time we meet up with Rarity and the rest of our friends, we can’t be late,” Returning the little peck, Fluttershy put on her wool cap and 4 little wool boots to keep her hooves warm for their trip to Canterlot. They left side by side, looking forward to the day ahead. After such a vast amount of time Rarity has put into her line of work, she was finally invited to have her art featured at a prestigious competition called ‘The Divine Equine Fashion Show’. It was less a competition and more of a way for young fashion designers to get their products noticed by the richest of ponies from all across Equestria. Rarity was recommended by Hoity Toity himself, which was quite an accomplishment itself. All of the elements of harmony would attend the event because it was finally finally there was a reason for all of them to go somewhere together again. Things have changed for each pony as they have matured and it left little time for all six of them to gather and spend time together. Pinkie did the convincing with one simple line, “We saved Equestria twice, but for the love of cupcakes we can’t even find time to hang out anymore? That’s crazy talk and I want some cupcakes now, too!” Though ecstatic and bubbly with comments that come out of nowhere, Pinkie made a very valid point. Nopony could find a flaw in Pinkie’s logic that time, so they all willingly agreed to join in on the adventure. What harm could come in a visit to Canterlot in support of a friend? Arriving at the train station, Applejack and Fluttershy were first spotted by Spike, who was perched upon Twilight’s back, “Hey Applejack and Fluttershy, you’re just in time!” “Ah reckon’ we coulda been earlier Ah ‘spose,” Applejack said with a chuckle, “How’re y’all doin’? It’s been a mighty long time since we all been together in the same group together like this!” “OH!” Pinkie Pie said, gaining everypony’s attention by leaping athletically into the air, “I’ve been nothing different at all! I’ve been working with Mr. and Mrs. Cake, hiding in trees trying to catch frogs while playing my tuba to lure them! Everypony knows frogs love the sound of a B-flat! BROOOOOOMMMMMMMPPPP!” Pinkie Pie imitated the noise, completely oblivious to the higher class ponies waiting beside her to return to Canterlot, “So, yeah! Normal Pinkie Pie stuff!” The pink pony said with a smile from cheek to cheek. Fluttershy shook her head to disagree with Pinkie Pie’s frog theory. “How ‘bout you RD?” Applejack questioned, as the train loudly made it’s stop in Ponyville, in front of them. “Oh, nothing, I’ve pretty much been practicing all of my tricks and partying every night. Scratchie sure does host a lot more parties than I would’ve guessed she did. But they’re no match for a partying pro like myself!” “Ah’m willing the bet there are more reasons tha ya go to the parties than yer lettin’ on, Rainbow,” The orange pony said with a chuckle, getting a mean glance from the blue Pegasus. “Wuahaha! I’m so excited, girls! This is going to be a simply MARVELOUS chance for me to get my name out there in the fashion business. The Divine Equine Fashion Show only shows the best of the best, I never would have expected for me to be featured in it!” Rarity said, carefully levitating some fantastically detailed dresses above her head with magic. The six friends soon were boarding the train; the trip to Canterlot was to be less than half an hour. “Oh Rarity, it was only a matter of time for somepony to notice your abilities,” Twilight Sparkle said, with an enthusiastic nod from Spike, “We’re just glad to tag along to support you,” “Oh, I could not go without my best friends! That’d just be silly, I’d be a nervous wreck. In fact, I still am a nervous wreck, however, I am a confident nervous wreck because you all are here,” As they took their seats only several feet away from each other, Rainbow Dash suddenly looked over towards Applejack and Fluttershy, who were leaning into each other for warmth in their seats after exiting the cold climate outside of the train. “Hey Fluttershy,” The blue Pegasus started, sitting comfortably next to Pinkie Pie, who was marveling at Rarity’s dresses, “I’ve been thinking, do you think that if your parents named you FlutterConfident, that you wouldn’t be such a scaredy-pony?” “I um…I don’t know,” The yellow Pegasus responded, “Being shy is just natural, um, for me,” “Rainbow Dash, if yer name was…um...Greybow Slow, do ya think ya woulda been grey and slower than Tank?” Applejack added with a giggle, “Ah think shy bein’ in her name is just a coinkydink, it’s not like mah name has anything to do with mah personality, sugarcube,” “I don’t know,” The blue Pegasus said, lying in her seat on her back, “Maybe it’s because we’re the elements of harmony that our names were fated to be our names,” “Fate? Well…Ah guess ya have a point there, you bein’ the reason we’re all friends anyway,” As the train started off, Applejack found herself catching the fancier ponies on board giving her and Fluttershy odd stares, due to how close they were to each other. She was used to this, and it was something that Lyra and BonBon had warned them about at the beginning of their relationship. Recently, though, every time it happened, Applejack found that it bothered her. However, she decided to ignore them and enjoy being with her friends for the first time in quite a while. Nopony could understand what Pinkie Pie was so enamored with through the window she was staring through, all they could see was a thick sheet of white snow all the way to horizon. Then again, she was Pinkie Pie. Maybe she was just looking to see Canterlot, which was a very close to begin with. When arriving in the royal city, Rarity felt more excited, garnering the attention from her friends to keep her calm. She put more effort to making sure her outfits weren’t accidentaly dropped during her short moments of excited bursts. Pinkie Pie hopped merrily in the snow, adorning the pink and red wool hat made by her fashionista friend, while the other walked closer together, amongst the rest of the crowd of what were mostly unicorns. “Hey Twilight, why do the unicorn’s here always seem to have longer horns than you and Rarity?” Rainbow Dash asked, flying above them, almost losing the rainbow wool hat she was wearing. “My oh my, Rainbow. You’re quite the observant one today,” Twilight Sparkle mused as the group walked into the middle of town, “It’s quite simple, my dear Rainbow Dash. Genetics, is the answer. I had also pondered this while I lived here, I honestly had assumed I wouldn’t be as good at magic as everypony else because of it!“ “Ah reckon yer bein’ more random than Pinkie Pie today, Rainbow,” Applejack said, getting the group to laugh for a bit, though Pinkie Pie was too distracted by making a snowpony to even notice. When the group came upon a gathering of the high class ponies, Rarity informed them that she would have to leave them to meet with the ponies that will be modeling her dresses. In the building that they would be in, there would be a higher-up section for the audience, while below was where the fashion show would take place. There would be some ponies on the lower level, however those ponies would only be the most famous in Equestria, like Sapphire Shores, Photo Finish and ponies on their level in Canterlot society. The five friends, after parting with the fashion-crazy unicorn, waited in the crowd of Canterlot socialites until it was time for everypony to enter and find their seats. There were several tough looking guards awaiting the signal to let everypony in, and there were a lot of ponies coming to join the crowd right after them. “Ah reckon’ they better hurry. Just ‘cause Ah say that Ah’m used to the cold, doesn’t mean that Ah like it,” Applejack chided. Fluttershy leaned into the mare as a gesture of helping her warm up. Applejack wasn’t cold, she just wanted her mare to snuggle into her more as they waited. She ignored the glances they were getting from some of the ponies in the crowd. “HOW DO YOU NOT LIKE THE COLD?” Pinkie Pie said, jumping up and frightening some Canterlot citizens, “Cold is great! And with cold, comes SNOW! Snow might be the best thing in Equestria! Next to Cake, Cupcakes, Muffins, FOOD, Strawberry frosting, Candy Apples…Yeah! But snow is great! Should I sing a song about it?” “Now’s not the time, Sugarcube,” The orange pony said with a chuckle as she adjusted her snow cap. “SNOW!” Pinkie Pie sang anyway, “The fluffiest whitest funnest stuff in Equestria! If you don’t like snow, I wouldn’t wanna be ya! Snow is so soft and fun-“ Rainbow Dash shoved a hoof in her mouth to shut her up, due to the ponies around her staring at them. “Pinkie, now’s not the time to be so random!” The rainbow-maned pony scolded. “That’s OK!” The spastic pony said in response, “It’s a work in progress anyway,” When they finally made it into the massive building, a group of guards told them where to go. They handed each pony a ticket to where they would sit and unfortunately they wouldn’t be able to all sit next to each other, having ponies in between each of them except for two spots. Pinkie Pie graciously traded her ticket for Fluttershy’s so that the couple could sit next to each other. There was a wall between the actual walk-way and where they were, so nopony could see it until they went up to the audience area. The five ponies, amongst a crowd of others, went up a long flight of spiraling stairs until they entered where all the seats were at. They gazed around them as the area was about as big as a stadium for the Wonderbolts, filled up with the classiest of ponies. “Alright everypony, let’s meet here when the show is over so we can go down and see Rarity afterwards!” Twilight Sparkle said with a smile. The group agreed accordingly, then went out to find their own seats. Walking beside the orange pony, Fluttershy marveled at the intricate details in the arena around where the fashion show would be, “Wow, Applejack, I bet if I yelled, there would be an echo!” The earth pony giggled as they edged through the crowd, looking for their spots, “’Shy, I doubt ya could make yer voice echo if this here room were empty!” “Maybe if I…okay, you’re right,” The shy Pegasus responded as they found their seats. Applejack was a little more conscious of the surrounding ponies, but tried to act natural with her marefriend beside her. They had been together for nearly 5 months after all, things as trivial as other ponies judging them ceased to bother her and Fluttershy a long time ago, it was just one of expected things when mare is with a mare. However, it didn’t seem like anypony was even trying to hide their sly remarks, as if they were meant for Applejack to hear. The ponies behind them whispered almost loudly about how they were ‘filly-foolers’, which was a term Applejack didn’t take kindly too. However, The orange pony kept her cool, and nuzzled into Fluttershy a little more as a silent act of defiance to the socialite ponies around her. Soon, the lights faded, and each and every pony grew silent waiting for the announcer’s voice, and for the friend to finally see their friend shine in front of the most important ponies in Equestria. A Slip of the Tongue“And now for our next fabulous fashionista, a pony just arriving in the fashion scene with own DAZZLING designs, Rarity of Ponyville! Here we have five of her most praised designs and that’s coming from Sapphire Shores, Photo Finish and Hoity Toity! Look out ladies and Gentlecolts, here they come!” A voice rang throughout the auditorium, as everypony lightly clopped their hooves on the ground at the sight of Rarity’s luxurious designs. “She did more of the French Haute Couture like I said she should!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Ah reckon she did a mighty fine job, even if ah wouldn’t wear none of them dresses, ah wish we could see the look on her face right now! Th’ whole crowd likes her designs!” Modeled on the most slender and posh ponies Applejack had ever seen, Rarity’s dresses had the most positive reaction from the crowd thus far in the Divine Equine Fashion Show. Through the light clopping of hooves on the ground, Applejack and Fluttershy could hear Pinkie Pie cheering loudly a few rows in front of them. Each pony stood at the foot of the walkway for the photographers to take their pictures, showing off the many different designs Rarity had made. The mare couple could hear the ponies around them compliment the designs and it excited them to tell Rarity about it. Each pony displayed her designs for a good minute, getting the white unicorn much deserved publicity. Fluttershy couldn’t help but display her pride in having Rarity as a friend, considering that Rarity would now be one of the more known ponies in all of Equestria. Even Applejack looked forward to telling random Rarity fans that she knew her personally. “Ah reckon this might jus’ be the first time everythin’ went accordin’ ta’ plan! Ah mean, usually there’s some sorta mishap or somethin’ comes undone at the last second, but ah reckon’ things went perfectly tonight!” “I’m just glad she’s doing so well! Everypony seems to love her designs…She’s talked about this day in so many of our spa dates, that’s why I was kind of nervous for her! I couldn’t imagine how she’d react if she didn’t do this well!” Applejack rested her head atop Fluttershy’s as they sat and watched the rest of Rarity’s part in the fashion show. They could hear Pinkie Pie cheering and constantly getting told to be quiet by Twilight because Pinkie was bothering the posh ponies around them. It made them both laugh, considering it was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. There were two more designers to be showcased after Rarity, both only Fluttershy had heard of before. Applejack found herself immensely bored once Rarity’s spot was over but she had Fluttershy there to complain of her boredom too. The designers after Rarity had less dresses to showcase and so their parts in the show went slightly quicker than they expected. When the final pony’s spot was up, and everypony on the lower deck left the room, they heard the announcer’s voice. “Ladies and Gentlecolts, this concludes our presentations for the evening. I would like to thank all of our celebrity guests for attending, along with the fashion designers themselves. Feel free to stay here after for top of the line drinks and food and maybe a chance to meet Sapphire Shores!” Applejack hopped up instantly, “Let’s go, time to go find Rarity,” “Okay,” Fluttershy said, standing beside Applejack. They waited for the ponies to their sides to finally move so they could find their friends and find their way out of the building. “So, when this is all done, whataya wanna do today, ‘Shy? Ah reckon since we’re here in Canterlot, we could find a shop or two and ah could buy ya something,” “Oh, that sounds nice but Angel needs me to get back and fix him up some, um, dessert. Thursdays are his dessert days instead of just carrots, remember?” “Oh yeah, ah forgot it was Thursday,” Applejack said then noticed Rarity in the crowd, “Ah think ah see Rarity!” They both followed a group a ponies out into the room next to the stairs. The white pony quickly spotted them and trotted over with a surprisingly neutral expression on her face. “You did so great Rarity, I’m so proud of you!” The yellow Pegasus said in her usual soft voice. “I know darling! I know!” Rarity exclaimed, giving Fluttershy and Applejack each a hug, “The hardest thing for me right now is certainly keeping myself calm, I can’t celebrate or the ponies here may change their minds about me on a whim! They’re so judgmental! I have to go! Some fancy ponies have requested to speak with me! Oh, thank you so much for coming!” With two quick hugs, the white-colored unicorn trotted gracefully away towards what could most likely be the biggest break in her whole fashion career. “Ah’m plum proud of Rarity, If anypony deserved such recognition, it’s her,” Applejack said with a smile, as the couple starting edging through the crowd. “Oh her designs are terrific; it was only a matter of time she’d get noticed by somepony!” The shy Pegasus added, “She’s so critical of herself on, um, our spa dates. She never expected to be featured in this show,” While walking, Applejack had kept her attention on Fluttershy. So, when she turned her head to reply, she unfortunately bumped straight into the chest of large Canterlot socialite, causing a group of ponies to stare right at her and Fluttershy. The shy pony’s squeak didn’t help the matter. “Oh uh, sorry ah was bein’ a bit clumsy ah reckon!” “I say, what kind of accent is that?” The tall stallion replied with a clear distaste for the orange pony’s accent. He had a coat of a light red and a mane of grey, and was clearly a high class pony. “What? What do you care?” Applejack retorted with an agitated look her face. Fluttershy stood closely by her side, though she didn’t like that some ponies were now viewing their situation as if it was an act put on for them. “What a ruffian! She can’t even pay attention to where she’s going!” The stallion was clearly playing the crowd who only seemed to agree with his rudeness. “Ah said ah was sorry, there ain’t nothin’ more to it,” Applejack said, resisting the urge to turn around and buck him in the face. “C-come on, let’s just go Applejack,” Fluttershy said in a whisper in Applejack’s ear. “Alright, I can see that I may have been brash about this,” The stallion said, though clearly not finished, “However, I must ask at the risk of insulting you, you seem awfully close to that mare with you, it almost seems as if you’re together!” He chortled, with posh laughs emanating from within the small crowd who had watched the whole situation unfold. Fluttershy only had a second to say “oh dear” as Applejack’s fuse went off. “And what does that mean, huh?” The orange pony started, causing the stallion to back off as she approached him, “Why would ah be insulted by that? Why would that be a bad thing huh? Why are the ponies here so rude, huh? Ah can’t believe you’d insult me and my marefriend in such a way, sugar, yer lucky ah don’t just show all y’all how dumb ya really are fer bein’ so judgmental!” “So, you’re saying you are with this mare? How unnatural! You can’t even naturally bare offspring, it doesn’t even make sense!” The stallion chided, with a loud guffaw, which his socialite friends were only too glad to join in with. Applejack stood for a second, eying the stallion down as the crowd continued to pester the two mares. She just stared, unable to respond with anything. Instead, before her inner rage let itself out, she quickly shoved herself through the crowd, Fluttershy having to fly after her to catch up. The taunts that she heard after almost tempted her into a full blown rage, but Applejack was steadfast at getting to the train to return to Ponyville. She was too mad to even speak and ignored the ponies that were in her way. She just walked through them, receiving jeers but none that she even noticed. The rest of the Elements of Harmony bearers were at the train already, besides Rarity, who would stay in Canterlot for a little longer. “Hey Applejack-hey what’s wrong?” Rainbow Dash questioned once she saw the red-faced earth pony’s glare. Applejack didn’t answer, so Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Fluttershy. “S-she…there was a…a stallion insulted us a-and…” Fluttershy voiced, though she got choked up in mid-sentence. “Wait, somepony insulted Applejack?” Rainbow Dash questioned, while Pinkie Pie tried to get the inflamed pony’s attention to no avail. Fluttershy lowered to the ground, “Well, s-she bumped into a pony on accident a-and he started insulting h-her in f-front of some ponies…then he insulted us…” “Where is he?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in response, “I’m gonna get this foal!” She made a few jabs in the air as if she was in a hoof to hoof combat. “No,” Applejack said firmly, still facing away from her friends. The Pegasus sighed, but obeyed. “Applejack, I’m so sorry to hear this…” Twilight Sparkle finally pitched in, “The ponies here, in Canterlot can be awfully crass,” “Ah jus’ wanna be left along ah reckon,” The orange pony said in a low voice. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t do anything…” Fluttershy said. “Not yer fault, ‘Shy” Applejack responded, right as the line to enter the train started moving forward. Applejack quickly found her spot and sat facing the window. Though her friends were reaching out to console her, Applejack only wanted to time to think, by herself. She felt a tiny amount of regret for not defending her’s and Fluttershy’s relationship longer, even though it wasn’t the smart thing to do. Fluttershy sat next to her and snuggled into her a little as a sign to show that she was phased by the ignorance of stallion they had just encountered, “It’s okay, Applejack, don’t let him, um, get to you, I don’t care what other ponies think of us,” She spoke softly, though received no immediate response from the orange pony. Applejack was staring out the window, but clearly was lost in her own thoughts. Fluttershy decided to just rest her head on the earth pony and relax, giving Applejack her time to think during the ride home. She didn’t say a word the entire ride back. For Applejack, every time in the past five months where a passing glance, or stare, or remark about her and Fluttershy’s relation was noticed by her, she would ignore it. However, ignoring didn’t mean forgetting, it didn’t mean that she wasn’t bothered by it. She pretended not to be bothered for Fluttershy’s sake, however, she reached a breaking point by being insulted for no reason over something as trivial as what pony she chose to fall in love with. It confused her why somepony would go out of their way to mock her relationship, even her own accent. Granted, she knew about the rudeness that came along with somepony being a Canterlot socialite, but it wasn’t an excuse on their part and this bothered Applejack. It also brought up questions she was less than eager to ask her partner. The group said their good byes, though they would most likely being going back to Canterlot the next day to meet Rarity and what would most likely be the famous ponies she has reacquainted herself with since. Applejack and Fluttershy walked to their home in silence, though the earth pony seemed more distracted by thought, than anything else if you judged by her facial expressions. She seemed completely spaced out, almost as if she forgot that Fluttershy was even beside her. Applejack was reliving the earlier events in her mind, as if she could find something that she did wrong besides just accidentally bumping into the stallion. So, you’re saying you are with this mare? How unnatural! The words repeated in her head, as if she’d understand them more. She didn’t comprehend his hatred for them being together but there was one thing she did understand, which bothered her much more. Fluttershy politely opened the door for Applejack once they reached their cottage. As The orange pony sat on their couch, resting after a frustrating day, the Pegasus quickly grabbed a special dessert for Angel to feed him with. The bunny quickly hopped over and snagged his treat from the Pegasus, ready to fill his belly. “Why do you think he said them things, ‘Shy?” The orange pony finally said, “Why do you think he was so against me bein’ with ya?” “I don’t know…” Fluttershy said as she flew over to comfort her partner on the couch, “Why does it bother you so much? I-I mean, you never let this stuff get to you…” Applejack was almost waiting for a question like that. “Maybe yer wrong ‘Shy. Them things have been gettin’ to me lately,” The orange pony confessed, “Today at Canterlot was much worse than usual, ah mean, Everypony was staring at us, making their remarks, and saying things as if we couldn’t hear them!” “I-I’m sorry…” Fluttershy said, shrinking into herself. “Why do you always apologize for thing’s that ain’t yer fault?” The orange pony asked suddenly, surprising the Pegasus and herself. “I’m s-sorry…” “It’s not even yer fault, sugarcube! But hay, maybe ah should just say it,” Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat at Applejack’s statement. Applejack could mean anything by that, “S-say what?” It was a fight between Applejack’s conscious and her need to vent out thoughts she had held in for as long as she could remember. On one hoof, she’s had this question in her mind for so long that it causes to her feel bad when just thinking about it and needs to tell somepony. On the other hoof, Fluttershy was the last pony she should ever think about asking such a question to. It didn’t matter though. Applejack’s need to vent her feelings had won once she was confronted by the stallion. “Fluttershy, ya know how he said us bein’ together was unnatural?” “Y-yes,” Fluttershy said, threatened by the serious tone to Applejack’s voice. “Maybe he was right, maybe mares shouldn’t be together, ah mean, we need magic just to bare a foal together! Ah reckon that ain’t natural!” “Don’t say that Applejack…” The shy Pegasus said, tears building up, “I-I thought that didn’t matter to you…” “Well…” Applejack had just a few seconds to change her decisions, a few seconds to change the tone of the conversation, to take back what she had said. However her mind was set, “Maybe it’s wrong for us to even be together!” Fluttershy then stepped off their couch and backed up a little bit, “Applejack I-I…” “Just think about it, Fluttershy! Maybe ah…maybe this whole thing is wrong! Look at all we’ve had to go through just because we’re both mares! Maybe we were wrong all along!” The orange pony was standing, and couldn’t stop herself from releasing her own anger. It was bottled up for so long and now she couldn’t stop herself from admitting everything, “Maybe we’re wrong no matter what? Maybe what we’re doin’ is juss nonsense to everypony else because it ain’t natural?” The yellow Pegasus opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instead, tears streamed down her cheeks. “I-I’m sorry!” She exclaimed, as she ran out of their cottage trying to hold back her tears. It didn't take long for Applejack to realize she may have just made the biggest mistake of her life. A Slip of the TongueThe orange pony stood there, stunned. Seeing the Pegasus cry took all the anger out of her and replaced it with remorse instantly. Then she panicked. This was nothing she could have ever expected herself to do, she never ever wanted to hurt Fluttershy or make her cry, and she had done both. What have ah done?! Applejack jumped around for a second, unable to think of what to do. The past few minutes hit her like a ton of bricks. She recalled her own words with disgust as if it wasn’t even herself saying them. “Ah juss told the one pony in Equestria that ah love more than anypony else, that we shouldn’t be together, ah’ve never been disappointed in anypony more than I am of mahself right ‘bout now! Ah’m the worst pony ah know…” Five months and they had never been in a single argument until then. Five months and they had been one of the happier couples in town. They were always happy with each other. Now, however, Applejack believed that she could have just ruined everything with her own lack of control. Her own element of honesty had worked against her. “She saved ma life…and this is how ah repay her?” Applejack exclaimed with a flailing of her hooves in frustration. She felt utterly disgusted with herself as she gazed at the scar on her right hind leg, “Why did ah do this…? Why did ah decide to even speak…ah could’ve juss hit the hay and…ah don’t even know.” This mistake was so recent for Applejack that it almost seemed tangible, like she could jump back in time and erase it before this could happen. Instinctively, Applejack ran outside just to see the Pegasus too far in the distance to be able to hear her calls. The orange mare didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know where to go, or where Fluttershy was going. All she knew is that she needed to fix this. She scolded herself in her thoughts as if it would turn back time so she could change what she said and to just enjoy her time with the Pegasus as usual. Applejack assumed the worst. She almost considered packing her things, because it was such a low thing for her to do, to cause her love to cry. It was something she had promised herself to never do. Applejack felt unworthy of even being with the Pegasus. However, she couldn’t just give up over one argument, one mistake on her part. Ah need to find her and apologize and ah need to show her that ah really am sorry for bein’ such a foal about everythin’ today. She closed to door behind her and starting galloping towards town. If Fluttershy went anywhere, it would to a friend’s home. <><><><><><><><> Fluttershy flew without knowing where she was going to go. Rarity, her best friend, was still in Canterlot and she really didn’t know if she could confide in anypony else about Applejack’s sudden brashness. However, it wasn’t just Applejack’s sudden release of anger towards the yellow Pegasus that had her sad, it was the fact that she held the same thoughts as Applejack. She agreed in some respect that maybe their relationship could be pointless because they couldn’t create a foal without the assistance of magic, and this thought always caused her to feel down. However, up until this day, she was able to take solace in the fact that Applejack was the confident and undeterred one. The orange pony was the strong one who didn’t care about what other ponies thought about them, because they loved each other, for each other. The Pegasus knew that she had to confide in somepony and, as she flew over the center of Ponyville, she saw Pinkie Pie bouncing merrily below. Pinkie Pie noticed her immediately. She didn’t want to confide in Pinkie Pie; Fluttershy never thought of the pink pony as somepony who could help much when it came to relationship advice. “OMIGOSH! Fluttershy! Hi!” The pink pony said from below with a beaming smile. “Oh, Hi, Pinkie Pie…” the Pegasus said, lowering to meet her friend, no matter how much she wanted to find somepony else to confide in. “What’s going on? I just got back from telling the Cutie Mark Crusaders my cutie mark story, since the last time I told them a story, it was about how Equestria was made. Sooooooo….how are ya?” “Oh, um…I’m fine, I’m kind of busy…do you know where Twilight Sparkle is? I kind of want to see her.” Pinkie Pie studied Fluttershy for a minute as if there was something missing. “Why do you look like you’ve been crying, Fluttershy? Where’s Applejack? *Gasp* What happened?!” Pinkie’s Pinkie sense quickly caught Fluttershy, “Well, u-um, I don’t…” The pink pony frowned. “It’s okay Fluttershy! If it’s a secret, I can’t force you to tell. That would be the meaniest of mean things for me to do,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, to the relief of the Pegasus, who was still flying beside her, “OH YEAH! Twilight’s at her home right now I thinky.” “Well, um, thank you Pinkie, I’ll see you around,” the yellow Pegasus said, quickly flying off towards the librarian’s home. On the way to her friend’s home, Fluttershy got conflicted. Maybe I should go back? I shouldn’t have left… She contemplated this, knowing that she left Applejack in quite the situation. The Pegasus actually felt bad for leaving, because of how the orange mare must feel. However, she wanted to speak to one of her friends before she made her way back, she just needed the comfort of an outside party, somepony like Twilight Sparkle who was always the voice of reason when somepony may need help. Rounding a corner, Fluttershy noticed the purple unicorn reading a book on her balcony. Twilight seemed quite enthralled by her book, so the Pegasus kind of hoped that her friend would notice her first so she wouldn’t have to awkwardly get her attention so they could talk. Fortunately, Twilight Sparkle lifted her nose from her book to notice the shy pony flying towards her. “Oh, hello Fluttershy! What brings you here? Where’s Applejack? Is she still mad about that rude Canterlot stallion from earlier?” she questioned, while floating a bookmark to hold her page in the book as prepared for a conversation with her friend. “Well, I um…we…we kind of got in an argument, she was really mad and I guess I maybe shouldn’t have pestered her about it.” “Oh, Fluttershy I’m sorry to hear about that, what exactly happened?” Fluttershy slowly flew down until she was sitting while facing the unicorn. “Well, u-um, she was still mad when we were walking home, so when we got home, I asked her about it and she starting asking questions about us being together…like if it was wrong for us to be together. It made me sad, but she kept going and going until she said that our relationship may not be natural, an I-I…” The Pegasus help back tears as she spoke to her friend. “I flew away because she was making me feel really bad... But I don’t know, I think I should’ve stayed because we may have been able to work things out…” “I’m sorry she said such things Fluttershy, but everypony knows Applejack is the most honest pony around, did she say that she didn’t want to be together anymore?” Twilight ventured further, though absolutely hoping that the orange pony didn’t say such a thing. Twilight adored their relationship. “N-no, she was just…well, um, everything she said, I have thought before, u-um, when we’re out in public and somepony says something about how close we’re walking together, I always assumed it didn’t really bother her, so it never really bothered me, because I have her. B-but she said that she was worried that our relationship was pointless because we’re mares and that we might just be wasting our time…” “I honestly thought the same thing, however, I can understand how Applejack is feeling about this. I could imagine myself in the same situation and I couldn’t go a week of being stared at and judged so much. Maybe things like this have just gotten to her and she needed to vent a little. I can assure you, based on a book I have recently read, that your relationship isn’t unnatural.” “What do you mean? W-we are both mares…” “The book simply states that if something exists, it’s natural in Equestria. Something cannot exist and still be unnatural, because it exists in the first place. It’s not like you and Applejack are the only two mares in Equestria. Granted, the only other mare couple in Ponyville is Lyra and BonBon from what I’ve seen, but that doesn’t change anything. I can promise you, that you two being in love is normal because it exists in the first place,” Twilight ended her response with a smile, knowing that the cogs were turning in Fluttershy’s mind. The Pegasus even relinquished a smile in response to the purple unicorn’s explanation. “Wow Twilight., I never would’ve thought about it like that,” the Pegasus said. “But Applejack is so stubborn, I-I don’t know, maybe I should go back and talk to her.” “Maybe so, how many times has she said mean things like this before? Not to intrude on your personal life or anything,” the purple unicorn questioned. “She’s never done this before…this was our first disagreement.” “Wow, really? That’s amazing, Fluttershy. How long have you two been dating? Like 4 months?” “Actually, we’ve been dating for 5 months,” The Pegasus said, visibly proud. Then a thought occurred to her, one which she didn’t like at all, “Twilight...what if Applejack said these things because she wants us to break up…?” “Well, Fluttershy, I wouldn’t believe so, considering that she almost always seems happy around you…maybe you should go talk to her just to be sure? Remember what I said, okay?” “But...Maybe I’m taking this too lightly...” “What do you mean?” “Well, she was so mean to me...just because it was our first argument doesn’t mean I should just forgive her, I-I mean, we’ve gone through so much together, why would she care about something like ponies judging us?” Fluttershy’s mood switched from sadness to increasingly angry (Well, about as angry as Fluttershy could get). “Well, you did save her life,” Twilight added, considering what Fluttershy had jusrt said. Fluttershy continued, “It’s not like she was the only one to go through what we’ve gone through...I um, I mean I bet everypony would have thought I would be the one to be affected by everypony that judges us, first.” The Pegasus was now in mid air as if it added to her sudden change of heart. “Maybe I-I should stay the night somewhere...I think that would do us both good.” “I would offer for you to stay the night here, but I’m going to Pinkie’s later. She’s going to to teach me how to bake muffins and cupcakes, and all varieties of small unhealthy treats. It’s something I’d rather learn by doing instead of reading about them. You could join if you want too, Fluttershy.” The Pegasus, still flying, considered her friends offer, but she developed a better plan in her mind. If anypony was going to understand what she’s going through and would let her stay for a night, it would be Rainbow Dash, who’s been through many relationships and could help Fluttershy on what to do. “I’d love too, but I think I could go somewhere else...I just need some time to calm down." "Where are you going to go?" "To Rainbow Dash's house. I think she'll let me stay over." "Is it because she's dating that DJ pony?" Twilight asked suddenly, surprising Fluttershy. The Pegasus had assumed that she and Applejack were the only ones that knew about Rainbow Dash's relationship with the DJ mare. "Um..." the Pegasus had no actual response for the unicorn’s question. “Rainbow doesn’t do a good job hiding it when she’s around her,” Twilight said. “I didn’t even know she was trying to hide it.” Rainbow Dash had a tendency to hide her relationships from the public eye. “...Well, Um, by Twilight, thank you so much for your help,” Fluttershy said with a tiny thankful smile. She didn’t want actually admit that Twilight was correct about the blue Pegasus’ relationship with Vinyl Scratch. “I hope everything works out between you and Applejack.” “Me too,” the shy Pegasus said with a sigh. She then lifted off, and started flying toward her friend’s cloud home in the sky. It wasn’t a far distance for her to go, especially as a Pegasus. It didn’t take much time to arrive at her friends home, but along the way, she had some more confusing thoughts that bothered her. What if she was overreacting? What she should just go back before it becomes more than just an argument? What about the plethora of animals she took care of, left in her house? However, she had answers. She felt she wasn’t overreacting, she needed some time to just calm down, and Applejack was more than capable of taking care of the animals by herself after living there for five months. When arriving at her friends cloud home, the day was quickly coming to an end, and Luna would raise the moon and bring about night within an hour or so. Fluttershy knocked on the door tentatively, as if knocking loudly would make Rainbow mad. “Come in!” the Pegasus said. “Oh, um, hi Rainbow,” the Pegasus said nervously, opening the door, “I- I um...” “What’ya need?” “Oh, um, well. Me and Applejack got into an argument and I would just like a place..to um sleep, that is, if you wouldn’t mind of course...” The speedy Pegasus sighed loudly. “Yes, Fluttershy, you can sleep on cloud. What happened?” The tone of her voice made it obvious that she wasn’t too interested in her friends’ relationship, “Was it because of that stallion that insulted you guys today?” “Y-yeah.” “And now you have to sleep over here?” “I just want to take the night to think, and um..I’ll just find her tomorrow.” “Alright, I’ll be going to sleep early tonight. Me and Vinyl had a blast at a party last night, I didn’t even go to sleep. I was DJ half the time that she was! It was so AWESOME! DJ-RainBow? or should it be DJ Dashie?” the blue Pegasus said from a cloud she was perched on. “I think DJ Dashie sounds...nice,” the shy pony said. “So you’re sure it’s okay that I can stay here?” “Yeah it’s fine,” Rainbow Dash said with a voice crack. “So what’s up with you and Applejack? It’s kinda weird just not seeing you with her.” “Oh, um... do you really want to hear? I don’t want to burden you more than I already am...” “Well sure, you and Applejack helped me with Vinyl Scratch, I don’t see the problem in returning the favor.” Fluttershy sighed and confided in her second friend of the day. “Well, when we got home earlier...she was really mad..then she started questioning our relationship and it made me feel sad...then she said that she, um, didn’t think our relationship was even natural, but Twilight helped me with that...I-I I just don’t know, maybe I overreacted,” Fluttershy said, flying in a contemplative circle as she spoke. “Sounds to me like Applejack was the one that overreacted,” Rainbow Dash said in a matter-of-fact way. “Ya know, ‘Shy, since me and Vinyl have been together, we get along best when we haven’t been able to see each other for a while, I mean, she has gigs all over Equestria, and I can’t just go with her everywhere. Maybe you Applejack just need a break after five months of constantly being by each other...I’m impressed you got THIS far in the first place!” The thought intrigued Fluttershy. The thought of maybe just taking a break from their relationship, to take a breath of fresh air instead of the normal seeing each other all-day every day. In the Pegasus’ mind, it would be better for Applejack too, to be in public and not stared at, not pointed at. She could be in public without being judged. Fluttershy thanked her friend for the idea, and decided to go to bed early, to consider it. It had been an awfully long time since Fluttershy had even stood on a cloud, let alone slept in one. It was beyond relaxing for her, despite the situation she was in. She had a lot to think about, a and a lot to consider. The night was going to be a long one. A Slip of the Tongue A Slip of the Tongue Applejack was in the center of town and had already asked a few ponies if there was any sign of her marefriend. None had seen her. She sat on a bench, deep in thought as if she’d be able to sense where Fluttershy went and then apologize to her. The evening was slowly winding down and the orange pony started to doubt that she would even see her marefriend that night; however, she was going to try. When she opened her eyes, she was startled by a pink blob right front of her face. “Uh, hello?” Applejack questioned. “Applejack! Hi!” the pink pony said with a smile. “What’s wrong? You’re sad too? Why is everypony sad this evening? It’s a perfect evening!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Wait, have ya seen Fluttershy?” “Yeah... She was sad too. She was crying,” the pink pony said with a frown. Applejack chastised herself in her mind after being reminded that she had made the Pegasus cry. “Do you know where she is? Ah reckon ah need to see her awfully bad, sugarcube,” the farmer said. “Ah messed up badly…” “She went to Twilight’s house, but what happened?” Pinkie Pie perched herself on the bench. “Tell Auntie Pinkie Pie what happened.” “Well, ah…ah guess ah just let that confrontation earlier get to me. Ah got all gung ho ‘bout it at Fluttershy and ah said some things ah didn’t mean and she flew away.” “Aw! I think you should go talk to her, sometimes when I’m mad I just eat some cake and then I’m happy again. *GASP* You should talk to Fluttershy then come back and we could have some late-night cake!” The orange pony got up from the bench. “Okay, Pinkie. Ah’ll see what ah can do.” “Yay! I hope everything works out, AJ.” “Me too…” Applejack responded half-heartedly. She herself didn’t expect it to work out, because she didn’t think she deserved it. If anything was keeping Applejack calm, it was the cool evening air as it washed over the darkening town. She trotted quickly through the town, inspecting the skies for any sign of her dear Pegasus. For once, she let her thoughts get to her. She had never been the aggressor in any argument in previous relationships. Applejack didn’t know how bad her situation really was and that scared her. “Ah’m sorry, ‘Shy…ah never wan- No…I’m sorry Fluttershy, ah really wish ah would’a thought ‘bout my…no. That’s not good enough,” she said to herself on her walk, contemplating what she’d say to her mare when she arrived at the unicorn’s home. “Ah haven’t been this nervous since…since the day ah admitted my feelings to her…” Applejack spotted the unicorn’s house only one block away, and stopped to ponder what she will say to her beloved marefriend. Applejack galloped to the front door of Twilight’s home. She didn’t know what she was going to say, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to see Fluttershy and say whatever she felt needed to be said. She knocked on the door and waited. The silence seemed so loud during those few seconds… “Who is it?” a tiny dragon’s voice called from behind the door. “Spike, it’s AJ,” she said. The little dragon opened the door. “Oh, then come on in!” He turned around and called for the unicorn upstairs. “Twilight! Applejack’s here!” “Oh? Um, I’ll be right down Applejack.” “Where’s Fluttershy?” Applejack asked quickly, heart sinking. Twilight quickly trotted down the stairs to meet her friend. “AJ, she went to stay the night at Rainbow’s,” the unicorn said with a saddened tone to her voice. “She just wants a night to think, is all. I’m sorry…” “Ah just wanted to apologize…ah feel like the worst marefriend on earth ah reckon… Ah-ah…ah probably shouldn’t meet her there, huh?” “She just wants a night to think by herself, AJ...I’m sure she’ll be back tomorrow,” Twilight said, trying to empathize with her friend. “Ah’m sorry fer wastin’ yer time, Twi. Ah’m going to go home and sleep. Ah guess ah need to do some thinkin’ mahself, ah s’pose.” “Applejack, your relationship is too strong for this to just be the end. Fluttershy just needs her time, don’t worry too much about it,” Twilight said, levitating a book to herself that she had been reading. “Well, ah guess so, but it’s about time ah go to sleep. Today hasn’t been my best...” <><><><><><><> “Goodnight, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said, curled up in the cloud-bed that her friend said she could sleep in for the night. “G’ Night Fluttershy,” the Pegasus replied with a hearty yawn, “Ya know, I don’t think anything’s going to go wrong with you and Applejack, you two are too close, at least from what I see. Hay, me and Vinyl have been in more arguments than you and AJ and we’ve gone out for like 2 months now!” “Thank you, Rainbow…that means a lot,” the shy Pegasus said, though her feelings about her situation remained unchanged. “No prob!” she replied. Within a few minutes, she was in a deep sleep. Besides Rainbow Dash’s light snoring, the night quickly ended up being stunningly quiet for the Pegasus. She gazed around the cloud home realizing she somewhat missed the days when she lived in Cloudsdale as a filly. However, in the room, it was just her and her thoughts, because she quickly realized that she wasn’t able to sleep. The time before she was able to get some sleep became a time of reminiscing on her and Applejack’s relationship and even before they got together. She could remember times when everypony was annoyed with her for being so timid and it was always Applejack to stick up for her. Whenever her own fears got the best of her, it was Applejack that supported her when everypony else was frustrated by her. Even before their relationships started, Applejack was the one that always supported her. It was one of the reasons she always felt so attracted to the tom-colt mare. When they needed to save Ponyville from the dragon in its cave, Applejack had dragged her all the way up the mountain when she was unable to use her own wings. When she wasn’t able to go in to the cave due to her own fear of dragons, Applejack was still supportive of her when the other ponies had lost it. Throughout their relationship, the orange mare was always the one to help Fluttershy. Even when the Pegasus saved her life, Applejack helped Fluttershy through the nightmares she had afterwards. After all of the things that Applejack had done for her, the one time Applejack needed somepony to calm her down, somepony to sympathize with her, Fluttershy took the orange pony’s words to heart, and instead just flew away. Applejack was upset, and she just flew away. This thought bothered Fluttershy more than any before it. Maybe Applejack deserves a break…She’s gone through so much just for me…She deserves to not have to deal with me being so nervous and timid and holding her back… This wasn’t what Fluttershy wanted for herself, but it did seem like something that would be good for the earth pony. It always seemed from Fluttershy’s view, that when a couple took a short break that they would reunite and be much happier. However, it wasn’t like they weren’t happy together, Applejack just wasn’t happy with the public reactions to their love, and that was why she felt Applejack needed time alone. As her thoughts started drifting off into random creations of her own mind, she realized she was getting tired, though the night was barely upon them. It felt weird for Fluttershy to even be laying on a cloud, but it felt worse for her to be lying in it alone. <><><><><><><><><> The slow walk back to her and Fluttershy’s cottage left Applejack with building questions and uncertainty that she’s never felt before. Sometimes she would try and reason with it, as if she’d overreacting, but she couldn’t just assume she was overreacting. What could Fluttershy be thinkin’ about…? She walked into her darkened home, the moon shining through a window showing one of Fluttershy’s mice, clearly hungry. “Aw, horsefeathers. What do mice eat again?” Applejack said with a sigh. She searched through the cabinets in their kitchen and found a box labeled ‘mice food for the young mouse’. “That was easy enough,” She said, pouring some of the mixed food into a tiny bowl and handing it to the tiny animal with a half-hearted smile. Applejack slowly walked upstairs, taking her time to make sure she wouldn’t wake up any animals that the shy Pegasus keeps in almost every nook and cranny of the home. She sighed when she saw the empty bed that she was going to sleep in. Maybe she was overreacting to the situation, but knowing she wasn’t going to be able to sleep next to the love of her life that night was heart-wrenching considering her situation. “Ah’m done with the self-pity…” Applejack declared. “If ah’m going to do anything to help mah situation, all this stinkin’-thinkin’ ain’t doin’ me no favors...ah gotta show Fluttershy how much I’m sorry tomorrow…” Though still sad, the orange pony hopped into her bed, determined to work on something that could prove to the shy Pegasus that she was sorry. Maybe ah should write out a poem er’ somethin’ Applejack quickly dismissed that idea since she knew that it would turn out terrible. “Words definitely aren’t my…aren’t my…” Applejack rubbed her chin in contemplation, “What’s that word again? Word’s definitely aren’t my…word’s ain’t my…CONSARNIT, AH’M NOT GOOD WITH WORDS.” Her sudden outburst surprised even herself, and shut herself up with her own hoof. Silence then returned as she returned to her thoughts. Maybe ah should take her on a date? Now being proactive about her situation, Applejack started feeling better. The date idea stuck, because it’s something she wanted to do with her a while. A nice, romantic date. Maybe we should go to a restaurant in Canterlot? That’ll prove that ah do not care what nopony thinks about me an’ her anymore Even though she had a plan and was thinking of other ways to come out of this situation as better pony, she couldn’t help but sigh when she rested her front-legs in front of her, where they would usually be wrapped around her partner’s side. <><><><><><><><><> It was very early in the morning when the light shining through the clouds woke the shy Pegasus up. Rainbow Dash’s loud snoring made it clear that she wasn’t going to be waking up anytime soon. Though the cloud bed was very comfortable, being woken up so suddenly, instead of by Applejack, only reminded her that she hadn’t come to a decision as to what she should do. The sun was just creeping above the distant mountains and it casted radiant colors throughout the morning sky. Princess Celestia was very good with majestic mornings and evenings. Fluttershy rolled over onto her side with a sigh. She didn’t know what she was going to do. She didn’t want to do anything. The pastel-yellow Pegasus just wanted her partner to be happy, whether the cost was her own happiness or not. Reliving the events of the day before in her mind, she knew she overreacted and could have prevented everything. The shy pony sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes. The constant snoring of Rainbow Dash was starting to bother her now that she was awake. “Rainbow, you need to stop partying to so much,” Fluttershy whispered as if the sleeping pony could hear her. Fluttershy knew Applejack must have been awake. Imagining what she put her through only bothered her more. The shy Pegasus exited her friend’s home, making sure that she didn’t make any loud noises that could wake the other Pegasus up. Fluttershy didn’t know whether Applejack had been looking for her and if she even knew that she had stayed at Rainbow Dash’s overnight. Flying back towards town, she kept an eye out for her marefriend, just in case she was looking for her. Just the thought of the earth pony searching for her without being able to find her added to the shy Pegasus’ worries. It was too early for anypony else to be awake. Rarity was probably getting ready to board a train back to Ponyville from Canterlot and, it being the weekend, made it nearly impossible to find anypony else awake this early. This was good, because Fluttershy only wanted to see one pony. She flew faster and higher up so she could reach her home faster. She was ready for everything to be okay again. She also really needed to see her animals, because a lot probably needed their morning feeding and that was a lot of work for Applejack to do by herself. The moment quickly arrived. She was walking across the bridge towards her cottage home. The lights were on inside, so she knew that her marefriend was in there. At the front door, she released a tiny squeak of anticipation and nervousness. Then the door opened, before she could even put her hoof on it. <><><><><><><><><> Applejack woke up with a grimace. It was really early, yet there was no way she would go back to sleep with the headache she had. She rubbed her eyes furiously trying to wake herself up. She then looked to the empty spot beside her and memory hit her like a tidal wave. She sighed, and immediately noticed her hunger. The dim light that shone through the paneled window revealed a sun that had barely risen yet. Fluttershy’s birds were sitting on the edge of the window, having whatever bird conversation that may be having. Only Fluttershy knew what they were saying. The home seemed much quieter without somepony else to accompany Applejack. It wasn’t even really a home when she didn’t have somepony there. Horsefeathers…if this is how ah feel after one night without her, ah can’t imagine us breakin’ up… The prospect of them breaking up was something she had never worried about before, but now it became all too real. She got out of her bed with another sigh, and tried to focus on what she would do to truly apologize to the Pegasus. She trotted down the stairs, though was still deep in thought. Maybe ah’m bein’ too harsh on myself? Once she reached the bottom, she entered the living room and picked up a brush.The orange pony considered her last thought as she brushed her mane lazily, so it would look presentable once she reached her marefriend. She was hoping that Fluttershy would still be there and would be willing to accept her apology. Applejack knew not to use “this was our first argument” as an excuse to be forgiven. She had promised the Pegasus many times that she would never hurt her. She started making some toast, which only reminded her of the day Granny Smith and Big Macintosh had told her she was allowed to work at the farm again. She had been staying with her marefriend because two elder family members disagreed with her choice to be with a mare and had subsequently banned her from working at the farm. That day, Fluttershy had made some toast for them. It was an odd thing to remember, surely, but it stuck with her to that day. She sat down on her couch, and starting eating the sub-par toast she had made. Maybe ah should beg her for forgiveness? Maybe ah should tell her how sorry ah really am, then ask her on that date to Canterlot? Applejack liked the idea of going on a date to the place where she encountered the most hatred. It could really show her marefriend that she didn’t care anymore. She assumed that Fluttershy wasn’t awake yet, so when she finished her toast, she continued contemplating her options. However, she felt uneasy about waiting. She got up and brushed her mane again, made sure her tail wasn’t entangled or anything. “Ah can’t even remember that last time ah even tried ta’ make my mane and tail look nice…” she remarked. She took a breath of confidence, then trotted towards the door. However, upon pushing the door open, a very familiar squeak quickly notified her that her search for the Pegasus was already over. The sight astounded Applejack. Instantly her nervousness rose, her heart fluttered and her face reddened. Nopony other than the shy Pegasus before her could make her feel that way. “…S-Shy?” Applejack sputtered. “Ah-ah was just ‘bout to go look for you…” Her heartbeat escalated each second as her mind caught up with what she saw. Fluttershy squeaked again. “I-I’m sorry…” Dumbfounded, the orange pony raised an eyebrow. “Ya shouldn’t be apologizing for nothin’ sugarcube…ah’m the one that’s sorry…ah swear on Celestia ah didn’t mean what ah said yesterday.” “I shouldn’t have left…y-you needed somepony to help you, and I just flew away,” the Pegasus said shrinking into herself. She never thought that just seeing the earth pony could make her so nervous since they’d been together. “I talked with Twilight and Rainbow Dash…they gave me some good advice.” AJ looked at her mare with a grateful smile. Fluttershy continued in her usual soft voice. “Rainbow said that…maybe it’d be best for you if we, um…” Her voice trailed off into a squeak. “Um…she said it’d be best if we took a break from each other...” The orange mare didn’t know how to react to what her marefriend just suggested. “I-I…” The orange pony quickly gathered her thoughts together. “Fluttershy…ah barely made it through one night without ya…ah couldn’t handle going back ta mah old life, because ah have a better life…with you.” A single tear dripped down the shy pony’s cheek as she listened to Applejack speak. “My dear Fluttershy, ah’m glad ya flew away, because that helped me realize how much of a mistake that was for me to be so gung ho ‘bout nothin’. Seeing ya sad made me feel worse than anypony in Canterlot could ever make me feel, especially since it was mah fault. Fluttershy, not havin’ ya by my side last night was…ah…ah really missed you Shy...” There was a short moment of silence, where all that could be heard was Fluttershy’s sniffles. Applejack gazed into her marefriend’s eyes and gave her a loving embrace each wrapping a hoof around each other. it was something they needed more than anything else, besides each other. They knew that that they both overreacted, but it was that fact that they cared enough to worry so much about their relationship that made their short-lived hardship worth it in the end. “All ah ask is that ya forgive me, Sugarcube…” Fluttershy smiled, and wiped a tear off of her cheek, “I do…but maybe under one condition.” AJ cocked an eyebrow, “What ‘Shy? Ah’ll do anythin’!” Fluttershy looked towards the hair-bands on Applejack’s mane with a devious smile on her face. Applejack turned to look at what her marefriend was looking at, then sighed in defeat. “Aw, horsefeathers.” Aunt Lilith Aunt Lilith Aunt Lilith Author's note: Sorry for the hiatus, I've finally returned to continue adding to this series. Hopefully my writing isn't rusty from months of inactivity. I hope you enjoy this installment! Applejack grimaced as she lay on the wooden floor, tending to an injury she received when her older brother had accidentally fallen into her. Unfortunately, this was while she was in the middle of bucking a tree, and it caused her significant pain. The stallion landed right on a the leg she had in a cast about 6 months before, and it triggered pain reminiscent of when she had first injured it. It was back during the Appleloosa acres’ fire, which only felt like the day before for her. She stood up awkwardly, trying to put pressure on it, but sharp pain caused her to wince and consciously lift the leg away from hitting the ground. She sighed as she realized this would hinder her efforts to work once again. “Are you okay, AJ?” Big Macintosh asked, legitimately concerned, though the emotionless expression didn’t exactly make that obvious. “Ah’m fine, a-ah just gotta let off of it so it can heal,” the orange pony said, “and besides, ah’ve gone through much worse than this, that’s sure.” Her grimace turned to a semi-confident smile. She was too tough to let an injury prevent her from doing things on her own again, “I’ll have to explain to ‘Shy why I’m gettin’ home a little late tonight. Tonight was ‘sposed to be a dinner night for us.” “Ah know, ya told me already. Ah could just carry ya back so yer in time for the dinner,” Applejack chuckled, “Big Mac, ah ain’t a filly any more, ah’d break yer back!” The red stallion thought for a second as he sat at the kitchen table waiting for Granny Smith’s dinner, “AJ, you’re not as big as ya’d like ta think, ah’m sure ah could carry ya to the cottage with no problem, plus Granny Smith is still sleepin’; she won’t be makin’ dinner for a while.” “Nope, ya look tired now even from buckin’ apples, ah ain’t going to force ya to do more work just cause ah went and got ma’self hurt again. Ah can make it back, ah still have three workin’ legs.” “Ya sure ‘bout that AJ?” “Surer than Granny Smith after a freshly baked apple pie, sugar cube.” After one last attempt to put pressure on her injured leg, AJ walked towards the door on her three legs, though strength she had built up over the years of bucking made it not as awkward was to walk as one might assume, “Ah’ll be back tomorrow.” “Don’t come if yer still hurt, Caramel can still fill in for ya, no reason to make yerself even more hurt.” The stallion said in a matter-of-fact way. He didn’t need many words to get his point across to his younger sister, an unchanging characteristic of their relationship. “Ah won’t hurt mahself, you’re just bein’ a protective older brother, ah’ll be fine,” Applejack said, opening the door, “See ya tomorrow Big Macintosh.” Applejack stressed, using a hoof to put on her Stetson. “Mhmm,” Applejack sighed, knowing that her injury turned out to be such bad timing. No matter how she looks at things, she always imagines that she could have prevented a mistake; even if it wasn’t her fault or unavoidable. That wasn’t the only thing that was on the orange pony’s mind as she made her way back to her home; she knew that she wasn’t the most romantic mare out there. It took a lot just for her agree to dress up nicely to have a nice romantic dinner with her marefriend, she didn’t want Fluttershy to think that she was avoiding the dinner. “Consarnit,” She breathed, walking towards the lowering sun. It was nearly dark outside when Applejack finally found herself near her cottage; there were no lights on so she assumed Fluttershy had fallen asleep early or was outside with her animals as she almost always was. She opened the door, immediately felling her body readying itself for a nice night of relaxing. With a sigh of relief, Applejack landed in her couch and almost fell asleep right then and there, though after a tiny rabbit that was underneath forced her to move over, she decided to get up to get a glass of water, thirst overpowering her need for some relaxation. Angel shook his paw as Applejack, the orange apologizing with a chuckle. It wasn’t the first time that had happened to the little bunny. “’Shy? Ya awake?” She said at a medium tone, careful to not wake up one of the many other animals in the nooks and crannies of the home. Shortly, Fluttershy responded from upstairs, “Oh yes! You’re home!” Applejack could hear the Pegasus walking down the steps of the home, “Sorry ah just got back, ah hurt myself pretty badly today. Darn Big Macintosh ran straight into my leg. He may deny it, but he’s the clumsiest stallion this family of our’s,” She said, semi-serious about her older brother. Fluttershy greeted Applejack with a kiss on her nose, after wiping away some dirt that remained on the orange pony’s cheek, “Oh my, which leg,”” she asked in her signature soft voice, then responding after the orange pony showed her the leg, “Oh my… do you need to rest? I can make sure you’re comfortable! You can’t be on your leg after you hurt it! My oh my Applejack, you need to be careful!” “Thank ya kindly Fluttershy, but I wouldn’t want to hassle ya. My leg will be fine, sugarcube. No need to worry,” Applejack said; stubbornly as always. “Well I always worry when you hurt yourself,” the yellow Pegasus said in a matter-of-fact way, “Plus I like taking care of you,” Applejack gave her a firmer kiss on the lips, “Ah’ll be fine, darlin’. Just need some rest. Ah’m plum tuckered,” “Angel is sleeping in the bed. He’s sick, and he wouldn’t sleep in his regular bed. I tried to convince him otherwise, but a sick bunny needs his rest,” Fluttershy said, “do you want anything to eat before you go to sleep? I was preparing our dinner.” The yellow Pegasus said, walking into their kitchen, “But when it starting getting late, I decided not to finish it, so we could have it tomorrow,” “Thank ya kindly, ‘Shy. Ah’m sorry ah missed our dinner night. In fact, ah’ll make it up to ya when ma darn leg’s healed up in a day or two-“ “Don’t tell me you’re not going to see nurse Redheart!” Fluttershy said, legitimately surprised at her own partner’s stubbornness, despite having known her for so long, “I know you don’t like to get help, b-but I really wouldn’t want you to injure yourself more because you didn’t get help. I really dislike seeing you hurt.” “Fluttershy, Ah just pulled a muscle when he fell on me” the orange pony lied, “It’ll be fine, and ah’ll be back to the farm tomorrow - and in time for dinner night.” “Applejack, your leg was fractured, I can’t let you just heal it yourself this time... and I won’t. I’ll set up a meeting with nurse Redheart.” Fluttershy stated, showing off her assertiveness, “If…that’s okay with you.” “Ah don’t really have a choice, huh?” Applejack admitted with a slight shake of her front right hoof. Before she could continue, there was a knock at their door, “Odd time for anypony to be round these parts,” The orange pony commented as Fluttershy walked up the door and opened it. “MAIL!” A grey mare said oddly loud, Fluttershy taken aback before she gathered herself and accepted the sloppy pile of assorted mail from Derpy. “O-Oh thanks, Derpy, but I have to ask why you’re here so late?” “Dinky broke the bathtub, ripped my socks and disassembled the oven again, so I couldn’t do my rout earlier today,” the mailmare said nonchalantly, “Fillies, am I right?” The yellow Pegasus responded with a look of a combined confusion and surprise, “Dinky…yeah, she must be one um… mischievous filly, huh?” “I buy thingsall the time so Dinky can break them,” Derpy said, adding to the shy Pegasus’ confusion, “Want a muffin? I have an extra.” “How’d you cook them without the oven?” Fluttershy asked quickly, garnering a laugh from Applejack who had headed upstairs, but was still listening to their conversation. “She broke the oven I bought for her break,” Derpy said, stabilizing her own flight after being distracted, “Dinky knows not to break my good oven.” Fluttershy smiled, “Well thanks Derpy for coming by tonight. Hopefully Dinky learns to not break stuff…” She then accepted the muffin with a smile as she held the mail between her body and closed right wing. Fluttershy sat down on their couch and tossed the mail she had received right next to her. Despite not having done any strenuous work that day, the Pegasus found herself more tired than she usually was at the time. The sun still shone through the windows in her home, though it was dimming slowly. “Angel bunny are you awake?” She asked quietly, receiving no response. The Pegasus opened up a letter; though it was pretty awkward considering she had no magic to open it herself. She held the letter between her hooves and used her teeth to open it. “Equestrian Animal Fashion Show….Rarity might like that,” She said to herself, setting the mail aside. She sifted through the small pile of letters with her hooves until one caught her eye; a light pink envelope that was oddly fancy for anything she and Applejack expected to receive. It was addressed in a fancy cursive that even Fluttershy had to examine to figure out. Lilith Las Pegasus Fluttershy Ponyville “Aunt Lilith? What a nice surprise!” She said softly, though excitedly; instantly reminiscing on the days of her fillyhood, a lot of which was spent with her aunt, since her parents were off at work. Every day, despite Fluttershy’s inability when it came to flying, her aunt would come over and provide her company while her parents were out. She was the one that kept encouraging the filly to keep trying and always stressed that hard work would get her places in life. Lilith was quite strict sometimes when it came to sticking to a plan of sorts. Fluttershy as a filly didn’t have the confidence to continue trying something once she had failed it; aunt Lilith was the one pressuring her to continue, despite many times when Fluttershy may had been over her head. This was a good and bad thing, considering many times it was against Fluttershy’s wishes to do something yet she’d have to do it anyway to prove to her aunt that she could do it. It definitely made Fluttershy happy to see that her aunt had written to her; she hadn’t actually spoken to her in quite some time, mainly due to her aunt being quite a recluse. Fluttershy continued reading the letter out loud, “It’s been a long time. . . we haven’t spoken in ages... I am going to be in Ponyville Wednesday and I would really like to see you.” The Pegasus pondered this for a moment, “Oh my, Wednesday is tomorrow!” She said, in a surprised yet soft voice. She looked around her cottage; despite there being many animals living within the nooks and crevices, it didn’t seem like she would need to do any drastic cleaning in preparation for her aunt. “Applejack, um, are you awake?” The yellow pony asked, though receiving no response, “She must be really tired, I just can’t wake her up.” The idea of her aunt coming to visit her brought up conflicting feelings for the Pegasus. She hadn’t seen or talked to her in person for such a long time, she didn’t want anything to go wrong. Fluttershy didn’t like the idea of having to go through everything she’s done since she last saw aunt Lilith in her adolescent years. Then it hit her, quite forcefully. What if her aunt felt different about her because of her relationship with Applejack? It was one of the first things Applejack and Fluttershy had to go through as a couple; Applejack’s family members had different opinions on the farmer pony’s choice to start a relationship with a mare. Applejack already has gone through family rejecting her for doing what she wanted to do. Fluttershy however, despite their seven months of being together, has not told her family beyond her parents; it wasn’t exactly something she wanted to bring up awkwardly the next day when her aunt arrived, either. The yellow Pegasus needed to come up with something, and fast. A Family AfffairA Family Affair As a filly, Fluttershy was just discovering her passion for animals and living creatures in general (Except for full-grown dragons of course) she never really had any crushes as at a young age and was pretty reserved growing up. She still considered herself as a mare who liked colts, just never really had the courage or motivation to try and find love, because she was quite content with just taking care of all kinds of creatures. Applejack on the other hoof, was always trying to impress a colt she was interested in. Pulling all the tricks she knew just to get a chance to spend time with one. Not once did she think about a mare in that way back then. Now everything was different. Fluttershy was the first confess her feelings, which even surprised herself. She couldn't have been happier when Applejack admitted she had the same feelings for her. They may not understand why they feel so attracted to each other, after considering themselves ponies who only likes colts, but they knew they were more happy as a couple, than as friends. After a wonderful sleep, Fluttershy woke up, curled in her bed, content and comfortable. She blinked a few times trying to get a grasp on the past few days for her. All-in-all they had been wonderful. All the worries she had had before all of this, all of the apprehension of hiding her feelings are now gone, and as she lovingly thought of Applejack, she realize this is only the beginning of something wonderful. Adding to this, So far she and Applejack have been accepted by her friends for their choice, and even praised by their spastic friend Pinky Pie. After giving herself a few minutes to fully wake up, the Pegasus pony let out a happy sigh and floated out of bed, promptly making it. She said hi to one of her birds perched on her window, then trotted downstairs, her hooves making a very slight clicking noise on the wood. Hearing this from downstairs, Angel the rabbit waited impatiently for her food. "Oh, Angel, your food. I'm sorry," Fluttershy said softly. She thought about where she kept the bunny's food, and then went to her kitchen and came back with the bunny's carrot. Less inclined to argue due to hunger, Angel grabbed the carrot and merrily hopped out to his little house in Fluttershy's backyard. Pleasantly surprised, The shy pony made herself comfortable on her couch and began to recap Pinkie Pies party in her mind, which was thrown in her and Applejack's honor. It was a wonderful party, with heart-shaped cupcakes, good music, and friends one-by-one congratulating her and Applejack on their new-found affection for each other. She remembered one specific moment when Ponyville's more well-known mare-couple, Lyra and BonBon, came to say their kind words to her and Applejack. They gave good advice, and asked them out to dinner. Fluttershy loved the idea of a 4 mare double-date. BonBon, who did most of the talking anyway, specifically told Fluttershy to just stick by Applejack if things around them got bad. Her new friend really calmed her mind about being with another Mare. Too her, she was just being with someone she truly loves. After trotting around her home, doing her regular chores that she's done a million times before, she decided it would be fitting to make her way to Pinkie's to thank her again for such a wonderful party. She nodded in approval of her own thought, because Pinkie Pies house was on the way to Sweet Apple Acres, which is where she could find Applejack. Applejack...the yellow mare thought. Her heart skipping a beat at the thought of the Earth pony. "She's...perfect," she said in her soft voice, blushing lightly. The pegasus quickly checked her mane too make sure she looked nice for her mare. She left another carrot on the entrance to the backyard for Angel, gave some food to her mice that live in the hole in the wall. Now that she was all finished with her chores and feeding her animals, she trotted out the door, just to be stopped not 4 steps out by a voice to her left. "Fluttershy, we need ta talk sugarcube," the Earth Pony said half, head lowered and breathing heavy. The Pegasus squealed, then lowered her head in embarrassment until she saw Applejack standing there, exhausted. Fluttershys heart sank,at the sight of the stressed earth pony. ,"Oh Applejack.. um what do you need, I'm sorry.." she said, trailing off. "Ah told ya about Apple Crisp and Ambrosia right?," She said less a question than a statement. Who she was referring too were the eldest ponies besides Granny Smith who run the apple family. Apple Crisp and Ambrosia manage pretty much everything that each farm that the family owns across Equestria is doing. They make sure each is ran well and productively. That's their main purpose in the family. 2 ponies manage the family almost as a company until they're too old and then relinquish the positions to someone more capable, I.E Big Macintosh who's only slightly younger than them. Applejack continued ,"Well, they ain't that fond of us bein' together. How in the hay they found out, Ah don't have a clue, but they got in a huge argument with Big Mac and Granny Smith over it...i didn't even dare ta talk. Ah don't know who in the hay they think they are, but they got a lot of nerve insultin' THIS pony" The earth pony said, enthusiastically stomping her hoof on the ground for emphasis. "And hey, it's ma choice, not there's, they shouldn't be so uptight about it.," Applejack said with purpose. She turned her attention to Fluttershy who seemed to be taking Applejack's rejection a little different. "Awh, Fluttershy...don't be sad.." The orange pony mused, immediately comforting her, by her side. Applejack waited for a response, but didn't receive one. "Fluttershy..ah'm sorry..ah don't ever want ta see ya sad...Crisp an' Ambrosia just need to...Ah ain't even know...but ah have you and that's all ah need..." Fluttershy lifted her head up, confused by the last thing Applejack said, "D-did they kick you out Applejack?.." she lowered her head again. Without giving a straight forward yes or no, Applejack still answered her question, "I-it's not your fault sugarcube...ah shoulda' waited a Lil longer..it's too much for them ta handle...they juss aint used to the idea of two mares bein' together. Ah'll make sure they change their minds " Somehow.. The Pegasus looked up again and said "I didn't know that us being together would cause this..." her voice trailed off again. Seeing how sad this has made the shy mare, The earth pony's guilt gave her a bit of confidence, just to help Fluttershy calm down. Fluttershy looked at the ground, she couldn't look at Applejack to say what she felt obligated to say next, "We don't have to-" her voice trailed into a squeak, but she regained her composure quickly, "We don't have to be together if it keeps you from your family...That's unfair for you," Fluttershy said. To her, this whole situation was her fault for confessing her feelings in the first place. It hurt Fluttershy more than she expected just to say that. But Applejack had other things in mind, so the earth pony sighed, then said "'Shy, ah love that about you...always caring for others instead of tendin' to yourself, ...But it ain't juss you now, sugarcube. it's us.. and ah know we should stick together durin' tough times like this, juss like BonBon said," The earth pony moved closer to Fluttershy, nudging her lovingly near the nape of her neck, causing the yellow mare to blush. "It means a lot to hear that from you..." Fluttershy said, nearly in a whisper. Applejack could see that she was starting to feel better about it all. Applejack kissed her lightly on the cheek, causing her mare to blush even more, with a smile. Fluttershy nuzzled into Applejack a little more. If anything could make her feel better about this situation that she felt she caused, it was being next to Applejack. Soon enough she was nearly sleeping, forgetting the world around her, and the fact they were just outside her house. It took at least 20 minutes for the two ponies to realize they were still outside, distracted how comfortable they felt from being together, not that they minded. All they thought about was each other, and how great it feels to be in each others hooves. Applejack softly stroked the Pegasus's mane back and forth, while Fluttershy closed her eyes and just took it all in. "'Shy..ya awake?" Applejack broke the silence. She seemed to be more level-headed about the whole situation. Fluttershy yawned quietly, getting an immediate reaction from the orange pony. "Awhh darlin'" Applejack mused with a smile. "Yes?" Fluttershy leaned to the side to look at the gushing pony beside her. "Nothin', it's juss that ya have the cutest yawn," The earth pony said with an adoring smile while visibly repeating it in her head, thus causing Fluttershy to blush again. She wasn't at all used to this kind of attention. "Sorry Hun, go on," She said with a giggle. "Oh. Um, well I thought that, well if you're not going to live at Sweet Apple Acres anymore, um. Maybe you could stay with me for a while" she said, slightly surprising Applejack, who hasn't even thought about where she would live. ,"That is, um if it's ok with you.." her voice trailing off again "Sugarcube.." Fluttershy felt embarrassed for asking due to the silence before Applejack's answer, so she looked down nervously. "Ah'd love too. If they ain't gonna give me a chance to show that our love is real, then ah shouldn't have to pay no mind to what they think 'bout me movin' with ya," She said with a defiant grin, using her hoof to wipe some rogue hair from her face. Fluttershy smiled, "Oh that's great! I'm sure my animals will love you! Angels been needing so much extra attention lately, I'm sure he'd like a new friend! Oh this is just great!" The Pegasus exclaimed with a big smile. With a laugh the earth pony replied, "Well ah'll make sure not to scare your bunnies again. You being happy makes me happy..." Her charm even surprised herself. "That's ok, Applejack. You worked yourself too hard that day, you didn't know," Fluttershy said reminiscent of the day Applejack worked herself into exhaustion just because she refused help from friends. Finally realizing that they've been outside for a while, Fluttershy slowly got up and gave a hoof too Applejack to help her up. Then Fluttershy realized something. "I think somepony lost their hat,"she giggled, pointing to Applejack's slightly frizzed mane. Instinctively reaching for her hat, Applejack's hoof just met air. "Ah, this silly gal must a' lost it on the way here..." The orange pony chuckled. She contemplated going to search for it, even at the risk of running into family searching for her. Well they must be searching for me..even though ah'd assume they'd expect to see me here at Fluttershy's. "Well...should we go, um,go find it?" Fluttershy said, even though she assumed that Applejack didn't want to go at the risk of seeing some of her family around town. "Well, ah...-yeah, ma hats really all ah' have to ma name right now," She turned to Fluttershy with a smile, "Shall we?" Applejack mused, politely letting Fluttershy go first. Photo FinishedPhoto Finished "What do you think Princess Celestia is going to do when she get's here tomorrow?" The shy pegasus asked Applejack, walking beside her as they left Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack shrugged ,"Ah reckon she's just gonna get Twilight's friendship report in person, it is what she usually does anyway," "I heard there's going to be a parade...I hope it isn't too big, It might scare the some of the blue-jays that live near here," Fluttershy said, motioning with her hoof towards the homes of several of the blue birds she knew about. She waved at a few that were flying around merrily near-by. "Really? Well ah guess tomorrow ah'm gonna have to work extra to harvest apples for the parade, which is fine with me!" "I'm not sure, though. But Twilight would know, should we um, stop by and see her?" The two ponies were returning home from a full day of working at Sweet Apple Acres together, Well, mostly Fluttershy keeping the earth pony company while she worked, so Applejack didn't seem very fond of the idea. She adjusted her hat to block out the setting sun. "Ah don't know...Ah worked ma tail off today, sugarcube. Ah reckon' she will tell us anyway before Princess Celestia gets here," "I could, um just go by myself, and tell you when I'm back..." Applejack giggled and sighed ,"Ok, alright darlin'. we can go to Twilight's house," Fluttershy smiled ,"Yay...!" "Ya know ah can't argue with ya when look at me with them baby-blues," Applejack swooned. Fluttershy blushed ,"Awe!..But they're um, nothing compared to your eyes, I love how amazingly green they are," "Awh, Shucks Fluttershy, that's awfully nice of ya, but everypony knows ya have the most beautiful eyes in Equestria," The shy pegasus held off a squeak ,"You're too nice to me, Applejack," "Too nice? hehe It's not like ah have to try when ah'm with you," The earth pony said happily. After over a month and a half of being together, the orange pony had grown quite accustomed to saying the right things when it comes to a conversation with Fluttershy. The two then turned a corner that led straight to Twilight Sparkle's library home. When they arrived, Applejack knocked a few times on the door. She could hear Twilight in there, but could tell she didn't hear the knocks after about half a minute. "Ah can hear her in there..." Applejack said as she hit the door with a little bit more force. From inside they could hear her say ,"Oh, um Spike can you get that for me?" A purple little dragon ran to the door, and opened it. "Hey," he said, quickly trying to act cool at the sight of the pegasus who loves baby dragons. He then turned around and shouted to Twilight ,"It's Applejack and Fluttershy," "Oh, come in you two!" The two could see Twilight upstairs in her Library, stacks of books to her side, obviously working on seomthing very diligently. The two entered, and to Spike's disappointment, Fluttershy didn't seem as interested in him as before. The tiny dragon sighed, then quickly returned to helping the unicorn. As they walked up the stairs, the orange pony questioned ,"Ya sure look busy Twilight, Ah don't want us to be a bother," Twilight took half a second to look at the two when she spoke ,"Oh, it's fine, I'm just looking for a book that will help with the parade for Princess Celestia tomorrow, I'm quite stressed about it, I haven't been able to talk to her in person for a while" "Well that answered ma question hehe, ah just wanted ta know if ah would need to produce a lil' bit more apples for the parade tomorra'. Ah have no problem with doin' that," Twilight spoke while using her magic to float books in front of her to scan through.,"Oh, that'd surely be great, I'm sure Princess Celestia would be glad to try some," Applejack was pleasantly surprised everything went so fast here, and was already ready to get back to her home and rest. "Well, ah guess we will get out of yer mane, ah need some rest before ah get to workin' tomorrow," "Oh, ok girls, see you tomorrow!" said the stressed unicorn, still pillaging through piles of books. The two turned around and went down the stairs. But right as they were about the exit, Twilight exclaimed ,"WAIT! I almost forgot!" The unicorn darted out of her library and down the stairs to meet them. "Do you guys know much about the traditions of this Parade?" The orange squinted, confused ,"Wait, traditions? Ya mean this is a yearly thang?" "Of course! Celestia makes time every year to come down and see the town, this is my first year to organize it all!" "That must be hard work, Twilight...I'm sure you'll do great though!" The shy Pegasus chimed in. Twilight looked down nervously ,"Well, I really want to, but there's this one thing..." "What is it, sugarcube?" "Well, um. I don't know how to ask this...but...I guess I will..ok, so, I was told by the pony before me who managed this in years past, that this parade is more to celebrate the town than just Princess Celestia's arrival...he said it had one float just for...well, he said there was a float for the new couples in town..." "Does that mean we have ta ride in it?" "That's not all of it,"Twilight laughed nervously ,"well, at the top of the float is a seat, made just for the couple he picked to be the cutest new couple in town and they would get to meet Princess Celestia after the parade," The unicorn looked sheepishly at them ,"And, there's never been a mare couple to take that spot before..." Fluttershy thought for a moment ,"But that would mean...being on top of a huge float, with an even BIGGER crowd staring right at us!" The shy pony flinched at the thought of being the center attention again, remembering her time as a model. "Ah'm flattered, Ah mean WE are, really, but ah just don't think doin' somethin' like that is for us...we ain' tryin' to be flashy," Twilight sincerely looked disappointed ,"Really...? That's saddening, just imagine what you two could do for the ponies in the audience like you, but are too afraid to admit it?" They both pondered this for a second, then the unicorn continued ,"It wouldn't be for too long, 5 minutes at tops, then you guys get to talk to Princess Celestia for a bit!" Applejack had one last excuse not too ,"What about Lyra and BonBon? They seem more wantin' to show off any way," Twilight sighed ,"The pony who managed this before me said he asked them last year and they said no, he never gave me a reason why, for some reason, and they're not even a new couple, they've been together for years" "Ah don't want to force 'Shy to do somethin' she's uncomfortable with," The purple unicorn once again sighed ,"Look, I understand...It's too late of notice..but if you guys do change your minds, meet here 15 minutes before the parade starts, which is at 6," "Ah'll keep in mind, Sugarcube," Said Applejack, relieved. "I'm sorry, Twilight..." Fluttershy said shyly, truly feeling bad that her nervousness caused Twilight's disappointment. The purple unicorn shook her head at the shy ponies response ,"Oh, don't be sorry. I definitely wouldn't force you to do something you're not comfortable with, and besides I could always choose a regular couple," "We we she are flattered ya picked us, Ah guess we'll sleep on it. Thank ya kindly, Twilight, but ah guess it's time for us to head back to our home, ah need some rest real bad..." Twilight Sparkle gave them a polite nod, then returned to her preparations for the parade. The two ponies exited and started their way back to their home. When the two ponies were almost back, Applejack brought it up again. "So...I guess, the parade thing is up to you, darlin', because ah kinda want to," Fluttershy imagined herself being stared by hundreds of ponies. She physically shivered at the thought. "I um...I don't um.." "Sugarcube, ya don't have to do it, It's not like it's been something Ah've been looking forward too forever! Ah just think it'd be really romantic to kiss in front of hundreds of ponies..." Applejack knew that probably didn't help Fluttershy feel better about the thought of being in front of a crowd, but she knew that would help her reach a decision. "B-but they'd all be staring at us...what if the crowd doesn't approve of us?" "Don't be silly, Ah think they'd adore us!" Applejack said proudly, with a smile. "Really...?" said the shy pegasus, as they entered into their home at last. Hanging her hat on the doorknob, the earth pony continued ,"Well of course! Ah think the ponies are open ta this sorta stuff. It's not like we are hurtin' anypony," "I just, don't like it when everypony is staring at me...'" "It's not like we're gonna be on the only float in the parade, ah'm sure there will be plenty of others to distract everypony," Fluttershy failed to find any flaw in Applejack's logic. "Well...if you really want to..." "No, sugarcube, what matters to me is if ya want too," After a second of thinking, Fluttershy said softly ,"Ok...I do, It sounds fun! I hope..." "Ah'll make sure it is for ya, darlin! Ah'm sure everything will go fine!," "Yeah...I hope so!" The pegasus flew up on to their couch and got comfy. "'Shy, Ah'm going to hit the hay a little early tonight, Ah got a lot to do tomorrow, an' ah ain't bout to do all of it while tired. I love you darlin'" After a kiss, the pegasus responded ,"I love you too, and, um by the way your eyes are way better than mine...anypony would want green eyes!" "Ah WISH," The earth pony said with a chuckle as she headed upstairs ,"But everypony know's by now that your blue eyes are the most beautiful," Fluttershy giggled, enjoying the compliment. "Goodnight love!" Said Applejack merrily from upstairs "Goodnight!" "Oh Fluttershy, what did you get yourself into now..."
A Family AffairThey reached their first destination, Sugarcube Corner, in almost no time. Besides the occasional pony here and there, they saw no sign of any of their friends and were pretty much alone during the walk, not that they would have noticed anyone else. They didn't do much talking, with the expectation of running to an Apple family member, they had no clue what they would say or do. Then, right on cue, a pink blob plopped right in front of them nearly tripping Applejack, who clumsily jumped to side to prevent herself from falling. Without even giving the startled earth pony a chance to recover, Pinkie Pie darted up with a look of pure joy to see them. "Hiya guys!" She blurted; getting uncomfortably close to their faces "...Or should I say gals? *teehee* it's so Cyuuuuuutttteeee to see you guys with each other, OMIGOSH! How's everything going for you guys? I hope it's super-duper-duper-DUPER great!" The spastic pink pony stretched out her arms, trying to physically show how great she hoped things were going for them. Applejack greeted her with a forced smile, "Oh, well howdy there Pinkie Pie, everythin's going fine between us, uh, thanks for askin'," Pinkie pie frowned with her whole body. "What's wrong Applejack? What you said was happy but your voice was all sad and stuff! Come on, tell Pinkie what the matter is. I have absolutely totally nothing else to do, come on, come on, come on!!" Pinkie Pie pressured, getting increasingly closer to Applejack's face until she forced her to say something to satisfy her insane need to know her business "Pinky ah don't know, um.." Applejack really didn't want to confide inPinky, even though she's the best at keeping secrets. Luckily, a light bulb went off in the earth pony’s head right then. ,"H-have ya seen ma darn hat? Ah think ah lost it on ma way to Fluttershy’s," Applejack wore a nervous smile, knowing her lies were the worst in Equestria. However, Pinkie Pie bit. She expelled a loud gasp startling both of the mares in front of her, "I KNEW there was something different! I was like 'there's something different about Applejack! Is it her mane? Is it her tail? IS IT FLUTTERSHY?’ But now I know!" she giggled loudly while flailing her hooves about. Fluttershy, who's been quiet during this whole conversation, relinquished a giggle at the Pink Pony's randomness. "Alright then, well if anypony sees it, don't hesitate to tell me, ok Pinkie?" After a fit of giggling, Pinky Pie suddenly looked suspiciously at Applejack. The orange pony knew her own element of honesty made it hard for her lies to be passable even if they're for the greater good. However, instead of prodding more until Applejack confessed, Pinky Pie just changed subjects. "Okie Dokie Lokie! How did you like the party I threw ya? I hope it was super great because I tried my best! How was it?" Pinkie asked, once again within inches of Applejack's face. "It was awfully wonderful Pinkie Pie. Couldn't have done better ma'self," The earth pony mused with a gracious smile. "Thank Thank Thank YOU!! Applejack! I'm glad you liked it. I'm also super-duper glad you got along with Lyra and BonBon, THEY'RE SO CUTE TOGETHER OMIGOSH. But not as cute as you and Fluttershy! Hehehe!" Pinkie Pie jumped around erratically, but didn’t surprise the ponies before her in any way. Every impossible thing she did, they just chalked up to Pinkie Pie being….Pinkie Pie. "Well that's awfully nice of ya Pinkie, ya makin' me blush!" Applejack then was just trying to amuse the pink pony until she and Fluttershy could go without seeming so unwilling to talk to her. Her element of honesty would have to sit this one out, she knew how Pinkie Pie gets when she feels somepony doesn’t like her. Applejack didn’t have to wait long, because Pinkie Pie was once again right on cue, "Well I gotta go, like now! because me and Rainbow Dash are doing pranks and stuff!!! Omigosh it’s so fun but I'll try not to get you and definitely not Fluttershy! You're safe because you guys are just adorable. Um, BYE!!!!" The pink pony quickly waved, soon after entering her own world filled with cupcakes and smiles and all sorts of Pinkie Pie stuff as she hopped merrily away. Ah wonder why she didn’t force me to tell her why ah’m sad? Guess ah juss got lucky. She herself didn't know why she didn't want to tell Pinkie anything, but felt relief from it anyway. Realizing Fluttershy has been silent for a while, she turned back to see her mare smiling happily with the earth pony’s hat on her head. "Darlin' h-how…? Where’d ya find it!?" Applejack exclaimed, with an elated smile. "Well you and Pinky were talking so I thought it'd be nice to go get us some apples and um, I saw your brother had it at his stand" The Pegasus said quietly. "Oh…" The earth pony said, saddened at the mention of her older brother,"...Did 'e say anythin' 'bout me?" Applejack lowered her head just at the thought of one of the few Apple-family ponies that haven't deserted her. "Well he um said he was sorry about all of this, and that he um, wanted to talk to you when you're ready," the Pegasus pony said solemnly, mentally bashing herself for using so many 'ums'. Applejack pondered this. She really didn't feel ready. She still felt mad every time she was reminded of it all. But, more-so, she didn't want to wait. She hoped the Apple family felt horrible for this. They got rid of one of their best workers just because she found love with somepony that isn't a colt. She expressed those feelings on her face with a frown. Fluttershy was speaking to a butterfly when Applejack spoke again. "Ya know, ah think ah am ready to talk, but this ain't no negotiation...they ain't gonna change who ah am," said Applejack proudly. The Pegasus nodded. ,"Well I'll stay back that's, um if that's ok...I know they don't want to see me and I don't want to make things worse than I already have..." Applejack expected this and knew what to say. Hvaig become so close with the mare has made her quite predictable for the earth pony. "Shy, if ya don't come along, ghey may think that ah've changed ma mind. Ah want them, and everypony, to know we are together and don’t give a hay that they don’t like it. A-ah'm proud that I'm with you...a-and ah ain't gonna let ma family or anypony change that" Riding on a burst of confidence, Applejack got up close to the yellow Pegasus, moved her pink mane out of her face just to get a little closer to say, "Ah think ya look absolutely adorable in ma hat, Sugarcube" she said in almost a whisper, Fluttershy lowered her head and squeaked out of embarrassment. "Hehe, ah love when you do that lil squeal! It's too darn adorable…But ah reckon it's 'bout time we go see Big Macintosh, before he closes up shop for the evenin'" applejack said, with a nod from Fluttershy. Big Macintosh’s stand was only around the corner and it made their trip a short one. Applejack felt like she needed to get her feelings off her chest and nopony was better to vent to than her own big brother. Applejack felt furious, betrayed and most of all, hurt, though she is too prideful to show it now, especially in front of Fluttershy. She doesn’t get why Ambrosia and Apple Crisp would kick her from the family because she’s with a mare. All it did was hurt the family and herself. Knowing her older brother was on her side made her feel a lot better thought, she’s looked up to him her whole life and it definitely was a confidence booster. The stallion knew they were going come, and was already waiting for them when they were in sight. Big Macintosh wore an emotionless face, if anything he just looked tired. He left his stand to meet them. Applejack spoke first once she approached her brother at his stand, "Why did they react this way, Big Mac...?” "Eethey weren't ready for it, AJ" he said bluntly, in his slow, deep voice, "and I'on know If they ever will be," Applejack shrugged. ,"Ah don't care if they ain't ready, ah juss wish ah could tell em that ah ain' gonna be walking around the farm with Fluttershy bein' all inconsiderate an' such, ah know some ponies ain' used to it yet. ah'd give it time," The colt sighed. He knew his sister was too stubborn to accept what he said on his first try. Applejack never accepted things that seemed wrong to her without making her opinion about them clear. "That ain't gonna change em, Ambrosia and Apple Crisp are as stern as they come. Applejack, ah've seen ya grow since when you were a filly. They did too. And they had your life planned out juss like they had mine, and others. It juss-," He paused to correct himself, "To them it juss ain' right for a mare to be with a mare. They've been raised to know this as fact, Applejack. And Ah'm gonna gamble and say they thought you did too," It wasn’t often that Big Macintosh talked this much to her, It meant a lot to the younger earth pony that he was. But she couldn't accept that just because of one simple choice in her life got her exiled from her family. Her thought always returned the fact that just 2 days ago she was playing with Applebloom in the farm, enjoying her life. Only the family at the farm knew about her and Fluttershy, and everything was perfect in her life. Now all she has is the mare at her side and the hat that she's wearing. "B-but we must- there must be a way to talk to them, convince them even," Applejack said, trying to figure out why someponies would be against her happiness. "Ah'm truly sorry 'bout all this, Applejack..." Big Macintosh said with a saddened expression on his face. "Do you know, who could of told them? Cuz' if ya do, they're in for one rude awakening," The orange pony said defiantly, "Everythin' was how I dreamt it to be...and now someone in ma own family, ma own kin! Ruined everything for me..." Applejack exclaimed, her own heart sinking at the thought of how close she got to her dreams coming true. Fluttershy lowered her head in shame. Whether Applejack would admit it or not, it was her fault for confessing her feelings to the earth pony...in Fluttershy's mind they could of remained friends, and Applejack would have been happy, which in the end is all the she wanted for her. "Look, Applejack. Th' best ah could do for ya is tryn' convince those two that what they're doin' is wrong. But ah can't risk ending up in your situation," Big Mac said in a straight forward tone ,"If ah can do anything 'bout it, ah'll come to y'all first. Ah'm assuming you're going to stay at Fluttershy's for the time bein'" "Yeh, ah guess that the only thing I can look forward to then," Fluttershy squeaked, a few feet behind Applejack. She has tried to be as quiet as she could throughout this conversation, but she felt awful. "Ah hope they know how many of us they hurt with all of this!" she exclaimed in a disgusted tone, throwing her hooves at the ground wildly out of from frustration. Then she composed herself with a deep breath, and went to Fluttershy’s side to comfort her. "It's gonna be alright, Sugarcube. Crisp and Ambrosia simply juss don't know who they messed with" she said firmly. She turned her head back to Big Macintosh. "How's granny Smith and poor ol' Applebloom?" "Ah reckon Granny Smiths alright. She's against what Apple Crisp and Ambrosia are doin', but long since passed the time when she ran the family. My best advice to you little sis, is to juss wait it out, they may come around," Applejack finally took in what her brother said and accepted it, "Thank ya kindly, brother. Ya've calmed my heart down a bunch...juss tell Applebloom I'm staying for a while at Fluttershy's, that's all that poor little filly needs to know right now," "Eeyup" he replied, soon making his way back to his stand, with a few ponies waiting for him to make their purchases. "Come on Fluttershy, it's 'bout time ah get maself settled with you," Applejack said, giving Fluttershy a sincere smile. She wasn't to let her own family's ignorance influence how she acted around Fluttershy. On the way back to the apple stand, Big Macintosh knew he had a lot of thinking to do. Nothing like this had ever happened in his family before, so convincing Ambrosia and Apple Crisp will be a nightmare on uncharted ground.
A Family Affair"And last but certainly not least, this is my bunny Angel!" Fluttershy pointed to the bunny from across the room. The bunny gave a shrug then returned to whatever it was doing before. "My goodness 'Shy, you certainly care for a lot of animals," Applejack mused, while perched comfortably on Fluttershy's couch, "...Ah guess they're to you like apples are to me," She mentioned with a chuckle. Her own mentioning of apples reminded her that she may not even be allowed on her own farm anymore, causing her to sigh. Fluttershy frowned. She’s tried really hard to keep Applejack's mind off of things, but every little thing seems to remind the Earth Pony of her farm. It's not like Fluttershy could blame her, if all her animal's were taken away she'd feel absolutely terrible. Fluttershy got up and snuggled with the mare on the couch. This time, the Pegasus pressed some loving nudges on the nape of Applejack's neck, surprising and tickling her. Fighting off a fit of laughter, Applejack tried to keep her balance, but the Pegasus' tickles got the best of her and she fell off the couch, which only made her laugh more. "I didn't know you were ticklesh, Applejack," The yellow pony said with intention to use it to her advantage. "Ah'm not! Ya just hit the right spot, t'sall!" Applejack responded, trying to keep a straight face. Fluttershy quickly flew on top of the pony, who was still on her back and nuzzled her in the same spot, a playfully devious smile across her face. If anything was to make Applejack forget about the situation she was in, playing around should do the trick! This immediately caused spouts of laughter and gasping to come from Applejack. She halfheartedly tried to push Fluttershy off but to no avail. After she was done, Fluttershy stayed on top and, in the heat of the moment, leaned down and kissed her. This was first time they ever really kissed besides the occasional peck on the cheek, and tender moment left Applejack speechless. The Pegasus flew back on top of her couch and got comfortable again, blushing. She had surprised herself with her heat of the moment kiss with her marefriend. "Never saw ya as the aggressive one, sugarcube," The earth pony remarked eventually, finally hopping back on her hooves, "But ah really liked it," The earth pony added with a sly smile, "Our first kiss..." she replayed it over in her head with a smile. "Well I just um did it without thinking, I kinda always wanted to, you know, kiss you..." The yellow Pegasus said shyly. Applejack nodded lovingly, and as she turned to do something, she turned back as if she remembered something. "Ya know ah think you're beautiful right?" the orange pony said with a sly grin. The surprised Fluttershy squeaked and blushed, then noticed the sneaky smile on Applejack's face. "Too easy, sugarcube! Every time ah wanna hear that adorable squeak of yours, ah know what to do know, " Applejack said, giggling a little. She then lightly moved Fluttershy's mane from her face with her hoof, "But ah meant it, ya really are beautiful sugarcube," the earth pony whispered, peering right into Fluttershy's blue-green eyes. She climbed up to the couch and snuggled up with her mare again, "Now don't ya go ticklin' me again, ah just love bein' close to ya," the earth pony said with a content smile. Even through what was going on with her family, Applejack could say she felt sincerely happy. A few weeks ago, Fluttershy was just somepony she had confusing feelings for, and now she was snuggled up with her, feeling her warmth and absolutely comfortable. She wouldn't have believed it if she told herself this 2 weeks ago. But here she was, happy, in spite of all the drama that surrounded her. Fluttershy felt happy too, but for a slightly different reason; she somehow had successfully got Applejack's mind off of all the stuff going on, and saw her legitimately happy; Not to mention Fluttershy also loved to be close to Applejack. After snuggling into her mare just a little bit more, the orange pony thought about how easy it seemed Fluttershy could make her happy and just forget about everything. She was who Applejack wanted in her life, by her side. Even if living at Fluttershy’s cottage was temporary, there was nowhere else she'd rather be at that moment. <><><><><><><><> "A-Applebloom, darlin, go back upstairs...it's time for the big ponies to talk," Granny Smith said to the filly, shakily waving her hoof in the direction of the stairs. " Ah Come on granny, ah' am a big pony! I'll be completely quiet I swear!" Big Macintosh turned to his side to face his littlest sister, "Ain't big ' 'nuff yet sis, we'll getcha when we are finished," Wisely she went upstairs with just one loud sigh. After a moment of silence, Big Macintosh put his head down, and spoke up. "Eey…granny, how're we gonna do this?" She looked up and rose one hoof off her walker. "Crisp and Ambrosia are older than you...it's why they're the ones that manage the family. S-so it's not what we're gonna do, it's what they're gonna do," Big Mac thought for a moment, "They sure darn changed since ah was a colt," The colt said with a nostalgic sigh ,"Ah remember they used ta love Applejack. They were closer thin' kin back when Applejack was a filly," He knew that when they got here, it wasn't the time to be soft-spoken. He needed something, anything that could change their minds. "Evry'pony changes…Little Mac," These words helped him realize the obvious; that he was different when he was a colt. Everypony his age has changed since their younger years, not in just physical ways, but beyond that. Applejack changed too. Not necessarily in a bad way, either. She matured. Applejack realized that doing what she felt right for herself was more important to her than backing down to the out-dated rules of what is acceptable in Ponyville. She changed because it was necessary for her to grow. Applejack changed because everypony changes, and in the end she chose freely loving a mare, over forcefully loving a colt. Suddenly he realized he never respected Applejack more than at this moment. “Ya’ve been lost in thought a while there, Mac," Granny noticed, slightly startling him. She knew from many experiences that Big Macintosh is a deep thinker, and very intelligent. She trusted him, probably more than anypony else in the family. "Eeyup," he responded calmly, then turned his head and surprised the little filly on the stairs near them, "Applebloom, ah see ya there," Big Mac said slightly annoyed but not surprised. With a loud sigh, Applebloom slowly made her way back upstairsOnce they heard her little footsteps nearly above them, they sat and waited. No words said. Bic Macintosh knew this could be his only chance to be able to fix what's broken and see his sister again, without restrictions. They sat silently at their table. It didn't take too long for them to show up. With a simple "We're here," from behind the entrance to the barn-house, Ambrosia announced their arrival. "Come on in ya two," Big Mac said in a deathly deepened voice. The first one to come in, Apple Crisp pranced in like she owned the place. The earth pony has a dark brown coat with a yellow-brown mane. She has green eyes almost the same shade as Applejack's. Impatiently, she sat at the table with a slightly agitated look on her face. Then Ambrosia came in. This pony was slightly taller than Apple Crisp. She featured a tan coat with a nearly white mane. She has ruby-red eyes which is quite unusual for ponies the Apple family. "We ain' come here for negotiatin'" Apple Crisp said coldly as Ambrosia just sat down. "Neither have we," The stallion said ,"Ah juss wanna talk," A moment of silence passed, The four ponies just looked at each other. Ambrosia fidgeted a little bit. "Well...?" The Brown coated mare said almost insultingly, with a glare. "Remember when y'all were juss little fillys? Back in the day's that we payed no mind to to stuff like this? Just played, had ah'selves some fun, chores and all that hay?" "So? What about it?" "Ah remember y'all playing with Applejack," Big Macintosh mentioned, appealing to sense of nostalgia. "But-"Crisp interrupted "No, let me finish," Big Macintosh said to his older cousin. She just bit her lip and let him continue. "Y'all were like sisters. And ah remember bein' jealous of that. Seeing y'all play around having the time o' your lives, while ah handled most of the chores. The fact that Applejack was a lot younger than y'all didn't matter. Me an' Applejack just fought and bothered each other most of the time,” "T-those were some happy times ah reckon'" The oldest pony said with a quiver in her voice. Apple Crisp seemed intrigued with what they were trying to do. She blew her mane out of her face and said sternly, "That’s before we foun' out how she is," Granny shook her head, while Big Macintosh retorted, "Eewhat? The best worker on this farm? A kind and gentle mare? That's what she is," "Ah'm only doin' what's right for our family," She said with emphasis behind 'right'. She met Big Macintosh's stare with an equally diligent one. "And that is...?" Big Macintosh questioned not expecting a legitimate answer. "Keeping her from spreadin' h-h-her uh, FILTH. We can't be letting the girl fillies thinkin' it's right to like another mare, it's a plain outrage! Ever thought about how they can't bare foal of their own? They can't make a foal, which means less hooves to help on th' farm in the future, which means eventually this farm will go under the hay. Ya gotta be smart an' think 'bout the future, Mac," Apple Crisp once again said enthusiastically. She assumed she was right just through that statement alone. He pondered this for a moment then rebutted ,"Ya also gotta think about now, Apple Crisp. Applejack was the best worker on th' farm. And ya forced her away from us, even tho' ya have no proof that those mares lovin' each other will affect one of our own filly’s," he said with a disgusted tone in his voice, "We've already lost some income, extra hard work don't make up for yer best worker being forced away for some horse-feather excuse" Granny decided there that she would let Big Macintosh do the talking. He knew what he was talking about and what he was going to say, while she couldn't think of a response in the time he was done with one. Ambrosia frowned a little and moved into a more relaxed position. Apple Crisp withstood his argument with a simple response, "We ain' gonna risk it. These ponies are the future of the Apple family, Applejack is the past. Let her go off foolin' with mares and what-ever she is fittin’ to do, ah'm sure your farm will do just fine without her" Ambrosia didn't seem to agree with Apple Crisp on that statement. Big Macintosh responded concisely, "Ok, if that's what y'all think, let me ask ya somethin"" Crisp pretended to be half-interested and waved a hoof at him as if to say 'Go Ahead' "If y'all are so concerned 'bout Applebloom and all them Fillies runnin' off with mares when they grow up all ‘cause of Applejack being with one, Didja ever think 'bout how Applejack was NEVER near a mare-couple when she was a filly? She followed her heart, not some influence. If it ain't natural, then why'd she do it? Why wouldn't she just stop and come back? ‘cause it Is natural. Ah’ve been ta Manehatten and Fillydelphia, it’s much more normal in them places,” Big Macintosh sighed, not even used to speaking so much, “Applejack is too strong to bow down to your cruel-heartedness," He bumped a hoof on the table as if to emphasize his argument. Ambrosia had her eyes open, but was looking up, obviously lost in thought. Apple Crisp on the other hoof was thinking of a response to bring down her cousins argument. However, Big Mac wasn't finished. "Applejack never planned on showin off her mare to the family, she knew better than that. and...i think even that aint fair of us, ta' be true. So what if she found love with a mare? She's ma sister and ah'll love her, no matter who she loves. And y'all are just treatin' her like she aint nothin' when she means more to this family than ya know" he said, his voice still firm, shakin his head. Ambrosia now seemed slightly remorseful. She was looking down with a frown on her face. It was pretty obvious to Big Macintosh who really made this decision. Apple Crisp once again tried to think of a legitimate response to her cousins argument. After a loud sigh, she stood up. "We had 'nuff here. We're fitting to be back in a week. Got some thinkin' ta do, got business with the rest of the family in Equestria and what-not," She said, then focusing on Big Mac ,"For bein' my younger cousin, Macintosh, ya sure do surprise with the hay that ya say...," As the brown mare left to the door, Ambrosia finally spoke up, in a quiet and rushed voice she said, "Cous’, I'm awfully sorry about this...tell Applejack Ah'm sorry. Ah feel awfully bad 'bout this all…I don't what I was thinking...you're so good with words, Mac, I shoulda listened to ya sooner.." Ambrosia looked sincerely apologetic at the two. "'Brosia we are leavin' now, get your flank over here," The brown mare chided. Accordingly the tan mare hopped to the brown mare's side, quickly mouthing one more "I'm so sorry" as they exited. Big Macintosh sighed. But by no means did he feel better about the situation he was in. The wise old pony looked at her great-grandson, with adoring eyes. "Ah've never seen ya speak so many words in such short time, sonny boy," He nodded in agreement, but didn't feel comforted. "Ya really must love your sister, don't ya?" Years ago, as an immature little colt he would have denied it. However, time has treated the older colt well, which left him with just one thing to say. "More than she'll ever know,"
A Family AffairApplejack woke up on the floor next to the couch, which caused her to giggle. She yawned quietly and stood up to give the sleeping Fluttershy a kiss on the cheek. After picking up her hat from the side of the couch, she made her way outside to feed all the animals herself to surprise Fluttershy when she woke up. It’s now been a week since they've been living together and the earth pony has enjoyed nearly every minute of it. She's accepted her new life because it wasn't so hard of a change. She lost a lot and she knows it, but she's never been so happy just spending time with somepony. All she hoped for was the occasional sighting of Big Macintosh or Applebloom to keep her in the loop with the Apple family. Applejack always gets lost in thought when she thinks about that beautiful Pegasus. She knows that they've only been together for less than 2 weeks, and rushing things was the last thing she should do, but she can’t help it. Applejack is completely head-over-hooves for Fluttershy. She smiled despite herself. The earth pony loved that seemingly everything Fluttershy does is to keep her happy, so much so that it almost makes her feel guilty. None of the colts she went out with ever treated her so kindly, ever cared for her on such an emotional level. And this was just week 2 of the two mares being together. While the orange pony was in the chicken coop in the back yard feeding the chickens, Fluttershy woke up and went outside. Applejack was halfway in when the Pegasus flew over. Applejack backed out and with a smile, and greeted Fluttershy with a smile. "Oh hello there Sugarcube," They kissed, then Applejack continued. They both really loved that it had become so natural for them to do so. "Ah was just tryin' to feed yer animals before ya woke up as a surprise, ah almost got em all!" Fluttershy smiled, "Oh thank you! that's nice... I'll go cook us up some breakfast, it should be done when you're done, If that's um alright with you," "Sure thang beautiful!" Applejack mused as she returned to the chicken coop, diligently trying to get them all too eat. Fluttershy flew back into her home, quietly humming to herself. The yellow pony prepared some toast for them. She sighed happily. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was almost happy that these things happened-well, not happy about the banishment of Applejack and the sadness it caused her, but happy at the end result: Her living with the one mare she loved, and getting the same affection in return. "Of course it's only been two weeks," she said quietly to herself. 'can't take it so fast, Fluttershy.' she finished in thought. But she knew it the moment they first confessed their feelings for each other. She loves her. Applejack is the perfect mare in her eyes. And now that they are living together, things got done faster, which means way more time together. A lot more time to snuggle, more time to help keep Applejack's mind off of things. She took a second to check on the toast, then returned to her day-dreaming. She noticed during their recent walks in public that she felt more confident to talk to other ponies. She knew some ponies stared at them, maybe making a remark about the two being together. And she knew they noticed too, due to the fact neither Applejack or herself felt the need to hide anything in public anymore. The only thing they don't do is kiss because it's the one thing that still makes Fluttershy embarrassed and blush, even though it still doesn't stop Applejack from trying every now and then. She'd be the first to admit that if Applejack got close to her with her big green eyes, and said in a quiet voice ,"Let's kiss, Sugarcube," She'd do it every time, although Applejack doesn't have knowledge of that. Looking up from her daydream on her couch, she noticed that the toast is most likely finished. With another happy sigh she flew over, tossed them on plates, and then made her way towards the exit of their home, which leads to the backyard. When she opened the door, though, she saw Big Macintosh and Granny Smith with two other ponies she's never met before, but pretty much instantly knew who they were. Applejack just noticed them too, and then noticed Fluttershy peeping out of the door. "’Shy, ah need ya to be here with me for this," Fluttershy squeaked a little, and then slowly flew her way over to the group, balancing the plates in between her wings. Her head low, she knew why they were here. She scolded herself for daydreaming, because to her, it seemed every time she did, something somehow ruined it for her. "A-Apple Crisp 'n Ambrosia h-here have sometin' ta say to you mares," Granny Smith said in her usual shaky voice. The earth pony stood in awe, unsure of how to react to their presence. Ambrosia spoke first, avoiding eye contact with Applejack, "Ah'm sorry gals...a-ah don't know what ah was thinkin' or sayin'. That wasn't me, Honest! Love is love and it ain' my choice to say who ya should love, especially if all it does is hurt the family" The tan-coated mare said, with her head down in shame. Much more pessimistic about the whole situation, Apple Crisp stared right at Fluttershy while she spat out, "Ah may not agree with what y'all are doin. At ALL. And this may be less my choice than it is th' whole family’s choice. But they want ya back. 'n ah I guess, ya can move back in. Go pack yer stuff or whatever," The brown pony immediately turned around and sighed as if this was the hardest thing she could have done. Fluttershy bit her lip and through how sad she felt to imagine her mare going back to where she lives, still found the courage to support her, "Go on Applejack...it's where you belong and it's um," Fluttershy's voice trailed into a squeak. Even against her own wishes, she tried to be supportive for the orange pony. Applejack lifted her head after thinking for a moment, "Ah don't know about this. Ah-" She looked back towards Fluttershy, the Pegasus pony immediately forcing herself to give a 'go ahead' nod. "Well ah-,"She paused and sighed. Shaking her head, the orange pony responded, "No. No no no!” Applejack stomped her hoof on the ground, "Ah don't wanna…!" Applejack was shocked at herself for a moment, however, she stood firm with her decision. The brown and tan mares nearly gasped in unison While Big Macintosh just stood there with a smile on his face. Granny Smith just nodded approvingly. "Ah want ta live here, with Fluttershy," The earth pony exclaimed, giving a quick look back to her mare, who was trying to hide one of her 'yay's. The Pegasus quickly moved to her mare’s side for support, still elated because of what the orange pony had said. "An' if that means ah can't return to workin' at th' farm, so be it," She declared, with a hoof-stomp for emphasis. Apple Crisp scoffed, but before she could even respond, Big Macintosh purposefully interrupted her. He wasn't going to let her even voice her opinion on the matter. "Ee-it don't, AJ. Ya can stay living with Fluttershy, and work at our farm, only if ya willing to make these long-as-hay trips down here," Right as he finished he was met with a hug from his younger sister. "Really? Ya aint foolin'!? Ah can’t believe it! Big Macintosh you’re the best, " Applejack exclaimed, now jumping up and down in joy. ”Ah, it was nothin'" the modest colt answered, getting a sly glance from Granny. "Well a-ah guess it's time we go, Crisp and Ambrosia already left. W-We're gonna see ya tomorrow right my little grand-filly?" the old pony asked, knowing the answer already. "Sure thang granny!" Applejack said, then gave Granny and Big Macintosh one more hug before they left. Soon they were off, walking slowly due to the old pony's walking limitations. When they finally looked back, they saw Applejack eating some toast, with a beaming Fluttershy to her side, as the two mares entered their home. "A-Ah think we done good, Mac," Granny said happily. "Eeeyup," <><><><><><><> As they curled up in their couch, snuggled together ready for a nap, Fluttershy had one last question to ask her mare. "Um Applejack?" she said in her usual soft voice. "Yes Darlin'?" "Is-is this really what you wanted?" Fluttershy asked meekly, staring into Applejacks green eyes, which she found so much more beautiful up close. Applejack took a moment to ponder this, then turned her head towards Fluttershy and kissed her. "It's all ah've ever wanted, sugarcube"
A Double Double DateA Double Double Date "Alright...almost done...just a clip here and a snip here and voila! Finished! Don't they look simply marvelous?" Rarity said, beaming, after adding the finishing touches on the dresses she made for Applejack and Fluttershy. She had been working diligently for hours trying to make them perfect for the couple. "See, for you Applejack, I kept it simple. I made sure that the dress is easy to put on and get out of, with no fancy bells or whistles! I know how you don't like to fuss over your looks too much. I made sure the color was the EXACT shade of green as your eyes, which I think are gorgeous! So you can look ready to go out on a date without sacrificing much time," Rarity emphatically motioned towards all the details, even in Applejack's ‘simple’ dress. Soon she made her way to the dress she made for the yellow Pegasus. ,"As for you, Fluttershy, I made your dress match your mane, with beautiful streaks of all shades of pink which will help you stand out magnificently, without looking out-of-place or over-done at all! I made sure it didn't stick out as much as your dress for the Gala...your date is a casual double-date, no? So I dialed down some of the ribbons, but I kept the fabulocity of it all!" Arms wide, with a smile from ear to ear, the white pony waited for their responses. "They're great, Rarity! But I don't understand why, um, we couldn't just use our dresses from the Gala, We hate to be a bother," Fluttershy said to her best-friend. After shooing away her little sister Sweetie Belle before she could into one of her clothing racks, Rarity responded "Oh, Nonsense sweetheart! The dresses for the gala are much too formal, When I heard about your date with the other mare-couple, I couldn't let you go without dresses to fit the occasion! And trust me, fashion is my passion, you could never be a bother," Rarity took the time to show the two ponies her extensive collection of clothing apparel she's made in the past week, just to add emphasis on the fact it isn't a bother for her to help them with their fashion needs. "Well it's sure nice of ya, Rarity. Ah reckon ah love the dress ya made me, even if it's a tad fancier than ah expected. If ah weren't so busy at the farm, ah'd wear it more than just on dates" Applejack mused, flattering the purple-maned unicorn that made it. "Thank you, Applejack. It's wonderful to hear that you're not as fussy as you used to be about prettying yourself up every once in a while" The purple pony said, not trying to be rude. Applejack nodded nicely. She and Fluttershy both took a moment to get a better look at the dresses their friend made them, the Pegasus delighted with how her dress turned out. "Thank ya kindly, Rarity. Ya sure do live up that element of generosity of yours," Applejack mused with a smile. "Yes, thank you Rarity," Fluttershy added, “The dress sure is lovely. You're such a great friend to us," Rarity smiled, "No need thanking me, it was all my pleasure! And of course Fluttershy, It comes natural to treat my friends as great as I possibly can. You'll have to tell me about everything that goes on tonight. Have a wonderful night, girls and remember to send Lyra and BonBon my best wishes!" Rarity mused, returning to controlling the bothersome filly getting into another stack of clothing. After telling Sweetie Belle to go somewhere, she paused and thought for a moment, "So, are you two going to put the dresses on now, or come and pick them up later? I'm afraid you never told me the time of your date," Fluttershy thought for a second, then said ,"Oh, now, um, the dates in 30 minutes...I think" "OH! Alright dear! Go on you two, you can change over in the dressing rooms in the back! I think it's better if you tried them on now anyway, just in case I need to make any last minute adjustments. Everything needs to be perfect!" The purple pony returned to her regular sewing while they changed. After a few minutes, Applejack finished dressing first. The unicorn gasped happily, trotting over from her sewing machine to greet the orange pony "Oh my, darling Applejack, you look spectacular! My oh my, Rarity you've done it again! How does it feel?" Rarity said with a beaming smile. "Ah reckon it feels awfully comfy! Ya did great Rarity. Ah truly appreciate this. Between you an' me," She put her hoof to Rarity's ear and whispered, "Ah'm a nervous as a filly. It's me and Fluttershy's first date an' I want it to go perfect," "Oh Applejack, I'm sure it will go splendidly. Just be yourself, if Fluttershy loves you for you, then that's all she wants at the date" Rarity mused. Applejack took the advice in. "What if, Ah embarrass maself. Ah've never actually taken somepony on a date, just been taken on one, ya know?" "Well, there is a second couple going to be there, so I think it should be pretty easy to get along and have a good time. I personally have not been on any double dates, but whenever I went on a date with a stallion, everything usually went fine if they treated me like a queen, like I'm everything to them. See! That's what you should do for Fluttershy. But remember to be yourself, just...say what your heart is saying," Applejack was thrown back by the wisdom of Rarity's words. All ah need to do is be maself, nothin' else, Treat her likes she's the only mare for me…Ah guess this makes sense "Gosh, Thank ya, Rarity. That's some darn good advice if ah've ever heard any," Applejack mused gratefully, her nerves calmed. "Anytime darling, anytime! I absolutely love giving advice…!" the purple unicorn said proudly, busy trying to snatch a dress she made from Sweetie Belle, who was once again getting into the older unicorn's stuff. Applejack relinquished a giggle at the younger pony's hijinks, as Rarity attempted to chase her younger sister while keeping her perfectly groomed mane intact. Through breaths you could hear the filly shouting ,"Cutie Mark Crusader!...beauty queens!...need a dress!...come on Rarity!!!" Applebloom a beauty queen? Applejack chuckled quietly to herself. While Rarity was being busy with her troublesome sibling, Fluttershy returned, in her nervous little stance expecting two ponies to be staring right her. All she was met was with the adoring eyes on Applejack, who was immediately stunned by how beautiful she looked in the dress. The earth pony's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the lovely mare. Fluttershy was finally able to hold off one of her squeaks to ask ,"Oh, um where's Rarity" "Y-ya look absolutely absolutely amazin' sugarcube.." Applejack said, star-struck, completely disregarding Fluttershy's question. Fluttershy couldn't prevent a squeak that time, face reddening from being flattered by Applejack. Rarity heard Fluttershy's little squeal and quickly left the situation with her sister to see her. "Fluttershy! oh my goodness, that dress is just PERFECT on you! My oh my, it seems to fit perfectly! You look great! Never mind what I think... darling, what do YOU think?" Rarity said. She then remembered that she was a unicorn, and snatched the dress from Sweetie Belle using her magic, with an immediate, "OH COME ON!" from the young filly. "Oh, um. Rarity it's great, like all of your dresses. It fits perfectly, the stitching is perfect, and the French Haute Couture!" Fluttershy mused with a smile. "That's just so great to hear! Thank you Fluttershy," She turned her head to Applejack, who's eyes were glued to the shy Pegasus, "I can see SOMEPONY who also approves," Rarity said with genuine laughter, as she motioned towards the star-struck Applejack. Applejack couldn't help it. She had always thought Fluttershy was beautiful, nopony could deny unless it was Fluttershy herself being modest. Seeing her mare in such a gorgeous dress had an enchanting effect on her, cheeks reddening as she gazed at the shy Pegasus . I'm falling for the one mare in Ponyville that to me, is perfect...Ah’m such a lucky pony… Realizing they were awaiting her response, the earth pony snapped out of it, "Oh, uh, of course Rarity!" Applejack sputtered, blushing from being slightly embarrassed, "But ah think it's time we head off. Probably got 'bout 20 minutes to meet Lyra and BonBon, can't be wastin' no time!" Rarity nodded, waving her hoof passively, "Of course, dear. Have a SPECTACULAR night, girls!" After a last goodbye to the purple pony, the two left her shop and started off on their short trip to their date, in their newly-made attire. Applejack didn't waste time to tell Fluttershy her thoughts. "'Shy, she did absolutely amazing on your dress, ah love it.." The earth pony said almost in a daze over the Pegasus. "Yes...she did, nice. Both of our dresses look wonderful," Fluttershy said happily. Applejack just smiled sheepishly at Fluttershy. "What? Applejack, you're making me blush..." Fluttershy said quietly, with a little smile. "It's just that, ya look great, ah mean it. And, Ah-Ah, well. Ah know we haven't exactly said it yet, but, an it might be a little early, but gosh darn...ah really wanna say it.." The earth pony sighed for confidence, "Ah love-" Before Applejack could finish, they heard a shout from behind them. "Hey you two! What are you all dressed fancy for?" A Rainbow Pegasus soon flew in front of them, flying upside-down and facing them. "Hey Rainbow! Um it's for a date," said the surprisingly not-startled Fluttershy. "A date huh? Just you-Oh yeah! you guys are together now huh?" Said Rainbow Dash, as she flipped back upright, still flying backwards to face them "Yep!" Applejack said proudly, "We've been going out 3 weeks, ah'm sure we already told ya. It's a double date with Lyra and BonBon, they set the whole thang up!" "That's cool I guess. I've been working on a new trick, and that's kinda why there are some clouds out today, kinda busy doing my own stuff. Like THIS!" The energetic pony darted into the air with blazing speed, did several challenging flips, bursting a few clouds in the process. After another round of acrobatic flips, she flew back down right in front of them. "Not bad, huh??" The blue Pegasus said, trying to stifle her breaths, to make it seem like it was easy for her to do. "Dash, ya already know we know yer tricks are cool and such, no need ta impress us. We saw ya do the Sonic Rainboom multiple times, remember," The earth pony said in a matter-of-fact way. "Well YEAH! But I don't want just THAT to describe me. I'm RAINBOW DASH, a pony that can do anything! Not just the Schmonic Schmainboom," She said, voice cracking a little, talking as if the feat was possible by any Pegasus. Applejack shook her head "Dash, Dash,Dash. Always trying to 1-up yerself. What in the hay are ya doin' all this practicing for, anyway?" "You'll see" The pony said bluntly with a grin on her face. "Ah'm sure we will sugarcube!" She said, hinting to Dash that she wanted some alone time with Fluttershy. "Alright, alright. I'll be on my way. You guys have a good date or whatever," The blue Pegasus said, and then sped off in midair, doing multiple tricks, just so she could leave with a bang. Soon, a silence set in, and it was just the two ponies walking side by side to meet some friends. To Applejack, it was just her and Fluttershy, she wasn't thinking about anypony, or anything else. Her mind was flooded with thoughts. Why am ah so nervous to tell Fluttershy that ah love her…maybe she doesn't love me back...? She dwelled on that thought for a second, then shook her head lightly -no, Applejack, don't be ridiculous. Maybes it's a little too early to tell her... ? Applejack stared off into space lost in thought. But ah love her now! Ah gotta say what ma heart is sayin… "Finally..." Applejack said, getting Fluttershy's attention, and with another sigh for confidence, the pony spoke up ,"Ah know we've only been together for 3 weeks, but ah just…you've been all ah've thought about, even when ah'm at the farm. Ah don't care if it may be a little early, I juss want ta say," She got closer to the Pegasus, her cheeks reddening , "Ah lov-" "Hey you guys, what’s the occasion?" interrupted Twilight Sparkle, walking over to the two with a smile on her face. Applejack gave Twilight a death-stare when she wasn't looking. "Oh, Hey Twilight," Fluttershy responded while Applejack silently cursed her luck, "We're going on our um, first date, with Lyra and BonBon," "Oh that's great to hear! It sounds awfully fun. I'm out going to get Spike some gems for dinner. Probably just going to stop on by Rarity's and ask for a few...don't really feel like digging and of course, with my luck, Spike is sleeping, and I don’t want to wake him!" The unicorn rambled, but the kind Pegasus didn't mind, they still had 10 minutes to get to their date. "Oh! The baby dragon, Oh, he's so cute," Said Fluttershy, happily thinking of the little dragon. "You two sure look great in those dresses...I can see Rarity put a lot of work into them..." The unicorn said meaningfully, walking beside them. "Thank you Twilight...um could you tell Rarity that we love the dresses, I just want her to know we appreciate her work, um don't tell her i told you to say it, though," The yellow pony said shyly. Applejack nodded. She sincerely liked the dress even if dress-wearing isn't her thing. "No problem, Fluttershy. You girls really do look cute together!" Applejack smiled "Shucks, Twilight that's awfully nice of ya," She said proudly, glancing at Fluttershy. She moved a rogue hair out of her eyesight, then continued, "But ah think it's 'bout time we make our way to meet the other two, if ya ain't early, you're late, ya know?" "Oh ok, I need to get Spike his gems before he wakes up and gets cranky, anyway. Have a great time girls, you're going to have to tell me how it goes, “Twilight said with a smile, soon making her way to get her baby dragon some food. "Bye Twilight!" said the happy Fluttershy, while Applejack just sighed in relief. They were close to their destination, and she just wanted to be by Fluttershy with no more distractions. The whole way there she expected Pinkie Pie to pop up from a tree or a box or something unusual. However, in the mean-time, she decided she would enjoy her time with the shy pony before the date, no stressful admittance of love, just make small-talk until they join Lyra and BonBon so she’ll be comfortable. "Ah reckon this should be a fun time Fluttershy," She mused, smiling while slowly walking, “Lyra and BonBon sure are some nice ponies from what ah’ve seen, Even though ah only met them once,” "I'm sure it will be, BonBon is just such a fun pony. Never got to talk much to Lyra at the party, but I’m sure she is nice too," "Yeah, me either, she seemed ta only go there because BonBon made 'er" The earth pony chuckled, then continued, "Ah'm only going 'cause ah like bein' with you," Fluttershy smiled, "You always treat me so well, Applejack..." She then subtly moved a little closer to the orange pony. Applejack smiled and blushed, "It's just natural to treat the one ah care about the most, the best ah can," The earth pony said, mentally bashing herself for not saying love. "Well, it makes me really happy, to know you um, care this much...I've never had anypony treat me so well...," Fluttershy looked down slightly embarrassed. Applejack knows that it's hard for her to share her feelings without a squeal, and it meant a lot to her. She gently gave her a kiss on the cheek as they walked up the steps to The 4-Horseshoe Restaurant.
A Double Double Date A Double Double Date BonBon politely greeted the couple as they sat down at their table. The Restaurant was adorned with 4-Horseshoe insignias, fake hay and murals of the desert, giving off a corral type of atmosphere. Though it’s more of a place for friends to meet, the restaurant is set up to be moderately fancy. Applejack felt slightly out of place even with her dress on while Fluttershy felt perfectly fine. The place was more of a fancier hang-out spot than a place for a date, but they're on a casual double-date that Lyra and BonBon prepared themselves, neither of them felt compelled to complain, and make themselves seem rude. "I'm glad you could make it girls, we have lots to talk about!" said BonBon enthusiastically, with a more relaxed Lyra next to her, who was sitting up-right. "Ah'm sure glad we could come, it’s our first date. It's sure nice of ya to set this all up, ah sure appreciate friends like y’all" Applejack mused, while politely letting Fluttershy go in front of her to sit down first. "Oh, It's fine, sugar. When we heard there was another Mare-couple in town, we just had to befriend you!" She said in a matter-of-fact way, "You guys are really KEYUUUUTE together!" Fluttershy smiled graciously, "Thank you BonBon, You guys are adorable too...um how long have you guys been um together?" The light-blue pony finally spoke up, "3 years next Wednesday," As if she expected the question. Applejack and Fluttershy both said 'Whoa' at the same time, each not expecting anything more than a year. BonBon smiled, delighted that Lyra knew that without having to think. "It's sure been a great 3 years, even with all of the insults that get thrown our way.. .just from being the first mare-couple here in Ponyville. We've learned to just take it in stride. Everypony always said ‘Ponies will look down on you for this’ and we just said ‘Well, Pegasi can fly, of course they look down on us!’ The group shared a light fit of laughter. Applejack loosened up a bit after decided that the 2 ponies they were sharing the date with were pretty cool. "Well ah sure went through some bad times. Ma family, well the two that run ma whole family tried to kick me from our house on our farm juss cuz of ma choice. But no one gets away with messing with this pony," BonBon seemed interested enough for Applejack to finish, "Ah'm guessing some family got mad at them, and they changed their minds. Sure hurt a lot when it was happenin' though. All just because of one choice ah made," turning to Fluttershy she said with a tiny smile, "One choice ah I don't regret at all," "So, even after your family did all that, it all went back to normal? I don't think Me or Lyra went through anything like that, at least. We didn’t tell our families, we just let them find out after a while,” "Oh, Well it sorta went back to normal, Ah guess. Ah mean, when ah wasn't aloud at ma farm, ah moved in with Fluttershy. But when they let me work at the farm again, Ah stayed living at Fluttershy's, because well, um, it just felt right," BonBon smiled, "Awe! that's good. That's a lot to go through and you guys got through it at the start of your relationship...that's a great sign for you two," Fluttershy and Applejack looked at each other and smiled warmly. "Where's the waiter-pony? I'm thirsty and hungry," Said Lyra slightly agitated. The rest just nodded. Upon hearing this, a stallion dressed in a saddle came over to take their orders, after they were done, BonBon continued, in a more hushed voice. "So, if you don't mind us asking, when did you guys start to realize you know, that you liked each other...?" She said, poking a little more into their personal stuff. This question surprised both of them, because they never actually told each other yet. Now that they're going to say it, it'll be new to each other too. Applejack took a moment to think. Fluttershy definitely isn't going first; she could see that the Pegasus was a little embarrassed at the thought of sharing something so personal. The earth pony smiled and focused her attention on Fluttershy. This is the first time she'll hear it. Applejack’s heart fluttered; she had ALWAYS wanted to tell Fluttershy about this. "Ok, Um, So a few months back, our friend Rarity had just designed some new dresses and she wanted us to try them on, and even though ah ain't big on that stuff, but when it's a friend ah feel obligated. So, we were at her shop, she had each of us try on a different dress, just to see how they fit. Fluttershy was the last to go. Up until that day, Ah only thought of her as a friend, never thought about, ya know...? She was the last to try on one of Rarity's dresses, and...when she came out of the dressing room," She tried to hold back a big adoring smile, but failed ,"She...looked...absolutely perfect, Ah Couldn't believe it…Ah mean, she just…Fluttershy, ya looked amazin’, juss like ya do now…” Fluttershy’s cheeks reddened at the compliment, and responded with a tiny ‘thank you’ “The whole time ah was worried somepony saw me blushin'" The earth pony said, blushing a little just through remembering it all. "OH MY GOSH, that's just soooo adorable," Squealed BonBon, while Fluttershy just smiled at Applejack, forgetting it was her turn to tell her story. When she finally noticed the three pony's expectant eyes looking at her, she sighed, then spoke up. "I..um, can't really remember a time I didn't feel like I liked her more than other ponies...it's just that, um.." Applejack liked this, but the other two ponies wanted more. Fluttershy blew her mane out of her face then continued, right as their food was being served, "But at first...I thought it was normal, I didn't really think it was a crush...I just thought Applejack was really nice. I remember when we were helping Applejack-," "Who's 'we'?" Lyra interrupted, though not trying to be rude. "Oh, um, Just me and a few friends of ours, and um, we went to help Applejack buck some apples down because her brother was away or something, and this was like um 4 months ago? I um, don't remember when, but I remember Applejack chasing after her sister for some reason, and when her sister fell and hurt herself, Applejack was there to help her, nurtured her, carried her back, and cared for her like...like a big sister should.. and I thought that was wonderful, and so caring of her and it showed her soft-side" Applejack smiled proudly, and switched positions in her seat just to get a little closer to Fluttershy ,"And, after that, I couldn't stop thinking of he-," Fluttershy turned to look straight into Applejack's adoring eyes, "You…I couldn't stop thinking about you…" Not getting the clue that Applejack and Fluttershy were having a special moment, BonBon blurted out a sudden realization "Ever since the party I could have sworn I've seen you before, Applejack, and now that Fluttershy mentioned you have a little sister, I remember now! Remember when the little filly was trying to stuff apples into my bag, and you ended up having to give me a lot because she was trying to force me to buy them? Oh my Celestia, Who would have known we would have met again like THIS?" BonBon laughed whole-heartedly while Applejack grimaced, at the fact she was enjoying the moment she was having with her mare, and that that memory was simply embarrassing. "Ah, Oh yeah...The poor filly has been trying her best to get her cutie mark, and that was one of the shenanigans she has gotten herself into," The earth pony chuckled half-faking the laughter. "Oh none-taken," BonBon responded, not even noticing she had given a completely wrong response to Applejack's statement, "She was just trying to sell me some apples. I'll be sure to stop by and purchase some myself, you sure gave me a lot of them!" Chuckled BonBon, then Lyra randomly pitched in, "I ate most. BonBon isn't big on anything that isn't junk food," The sky-blue unicorn giggled. "Well, it's true.." BonBon said, not inclined to argue when they're out with guests. After taking a bite out of the daisy-sandwich she had ordered, BonBon changed the subject ,"So...do you guys kiss yet?" A simple question, but showed BonBon’s lack of of a limit when it came to gushing about another couple. "...Of course we do," Applejack said, kind of put-off by the question. "Sorry If I'm being a little personal with my questions...it's just you're the first mare couple we've met in quite a long time, I want to know everything!" BonBon said apologetically. "Ah understand, sugarcube. It's been 3 weeks, but it's still new too us," Fluttershy nodded in agreement with orange pony’s statement. Lyra seemed more detached from the whole conversation, the blue pony was just eating her food quietly, not paying any mind to what's going on around her. After taking a few minutes to eat, all ponies enjoying a large serving on hay-fries on the side BonBon broke the silence "Well, If it isn't too personal...how did you guys admit your feelings to each other?" Fluttershy blushed immediately, the intruding questions making her embarrassed. Applejack looked at the Pegasus, kind of egging her on to share the story first this time, but it seems that Fluttershy is more confident when Applejack speaks first. The earth pony started with a content smile, "Well...Ah invited Fluttershy over just to hang out," She once again turned to the shy Pegasus, "Even though, Ah'll admit, it was too see, ya know, if ya felt the same 'bout me...and well, we had a great time, we walked around and fooled around and, the way ah would test it out, by maybe, um, a few times ah would get a little close to her. Like more than normal. And even though ah knew she was blushin', ah couldn't be sure, ah was really nervous and ah really didn’t know what ta do. But then, we walked up this hill, and sat down to relax, and when ah felt the time was right, ah kinda snuggled into her a little bit, we were just sittin' down, but ah was gettin' a little closer, juss ta test it out, an' then-" The Earth pony looked at the yellow pegasus beside her. "Do you wanna finish this for me Sugarcube?" Fluttershy sighed for confidence, then continued in her regular soft voice, "Well, um, we were up there, and being with her all day, I was really happy, I had always dreamt about spending time with her, and just her… I felt like we had um, a connection with each other, that I haven't felt with anypony else, and after she nudged into me a little more, I knew, that um, I needed to say my feelings for her...it was obvious she could see me blushing, but I didn’t know what she would think if I told her…. I was so nervous, and scared…and so, um," Fluttershy looked down a little, slightly embarrassed. "Go on, sweetheart," BonBon mused, by then she knew how nervous the Pegasus gets. "Well, I looked her in the eyes, because I love her eyes," She said, gazing into them once again as she spoke, "And um, I said 'Applejack, I’m having so much fun…you’re so nice to me,'" BonBon whispered awh, in anticipation for the rest of the story, “I was so nervous, I couldn’t even look at her, so I looked away…and she kept getting closer to me and it made me so much more nervous, I never thought we’d ever be so close and she was so warm… but I um…I was still able to talk, because I just felt it was right...I said ‘Applejack, promise me you won’t hate me for saying this…’ and then she said in her adorable voice ‘ah promise’. My heart melted when I saw her smiling at me…” Her voice trailed into a quiet squeak, but felt enough resolve to continue, “I said ‘Applejack why do I feel these feelings for you… and I um,” The earth pony took the reigns again once she saw Fluttershy begging her too with her eyes, "Ah was so shocked, Ah mean, it was FLUTTERSHY for hay's sake, and my heart was beatin’ faster than ah ever imagined. But ah felt like ah knew what ta say, the words just came to me so naturally, everythin' just felt right. So then ah said 'Well, Fluttershy, maybe it's normal...to feel these feelings, ah know that ah'm feeling somethin' special for ya too, we have so much fun together and I really like being by you and maybe, just maybe these feelings mean something...', " Applejack gave her Pegasus another adoring smile, then continued, "Ah guess, after that we juss talked, ya know? For a really long time, ah reckon it was until it was nearly dark. We didn't know what do, we always thought of each other as friends, and didn’t wanna lose that...but in the end we kinda juss decided to be, together, it juss felt right! But juss keep it hidden from ponies until we decided it was ok to tell everypony...," "That's so adorable! Oh my stars. I could tell from the moment we met at the party that you two have something special...now it's beyond a doubt. Lyra and I have a much simpler story, not as cute either, but that's a story for the next time...I can see we are all done eating," Applejack didn't even realize she had finished already. "Oh thank ya kindly, BonBon. Ah'm sure your two's story is juss as good..." Lyra laughed, "Not really..." BonBon completely ignored the simplistic response from the teal pony. "Oh it's fine, we definitely need to do this again someti- wait, you don't mind if I ask one more question do you?" BonBon said sheepishly. "Go ahead, Sugarcube," Applejack said, almost regretting giving her permission, now knowing she doesn't really hold back when asking something. "Uhhh," Once again she got closer to the two, so she could say it quietly ,"Do you guys say 'I love you' to each other yet?" The two ponies were once again surprised by her question. Even Applejack didn't know what to say, but before she could even think of a response, Bonbon backtracked, "Oh sorry, it's probably too soon to be asking stuff like this...I'm sorry. I just had to ask," "Oh, it's fine BonBon," Fluttershy said happily, trying to pretend it wasn't awkward. Now that all of the ponies seemed to be done with food, and quite obviously Lyra was ready to head on out, they cleaned up their mess and left a few bits as a tip and paid their bills. As they exited and prepared to say their goodbyes, BonBon stopped them. "I'm sorry if I got a little personal, you know. It's just, I honestly never thought I'd see a mare couple here...Ponyville just seems so resistant to change, you know? Next time, I won’t be so intrusive," She walked along side with them for a little bit ,"I had a great time girls, thanks for showing up," Fluttershy smiled and nodded and Applejack politely said, "The pleasure was ours, Sugarcube," BonBon waved as she slowly caught up with Lyra, as the two couples went their separate ways. Fluttershy seemed to be in a great mood, which of course made Applejack feel good. Their first date was a success. "I had a great time Applejack...thank you, so much..." Said the Pegasus happily, while fixing something on her dress. "Anytime, sugarcube...Ah had a great time, ah really love spending so much time with you," "I do too...um, you make me so happy, I mean it. You spoil me," Applejack smiled proudly ,"Anythin' for you, sugarcube," In a short few seconds of silence, the two mares stared at each other, emotions running high. They had so much to say to each other with so little time to say it. "How 'bout we hurry up n' get back, we can walk home as the sun sets," The earth pony said, a distracted smile, still smitten by the Pegasus. "No," Fluttershy said simply, clearly something on her mind. Applejack just gave her a confused look. "Follow me," Fluttershy said, Applejack obeying. "Where are we goin' sugarcube?" Applejack said, trotting behind the shy Pegasus. Fluttershy looked back, as they walked fast, into the center of town, "You'll see, if that’s um…ok," Applejack was intrigued and continued following the Pegasus. She didn't have a clue where they could be going, but kept guessing anyway. Fluttershy wouldn’t even give a hint, her heart set on surprising Applejack. Soon they were past sugarcube corner, and that's when Fluttershy stopped. "Here?" Applejack questioned. "No, um Applejack can you cover your eyes or something, I want this to be a surprise, if that's ok.." The earth pony put her mane completely in her face, "Is this good darlin’?" She said, clearly unable to see anything. "Yes. Follow me, we're close, um, let’s get there before dark..." "Well ah don't even know where we are going, how am I gonna keep up If ah can't see?" "Just, um stay near me," The Pegasus said, soon making her way with Applejack to where she decided they should go. After a short bit of walking, Fluttershy automatically dismissing any guesses Applejack said. They were walking at an incline, which confused the earth pony. The slowly dropping outside air told her it was getting darker. "It's ok um, we are almost there," Fluttershy said, her heart fluttering; she the orange pony would like what she’s trying to do. The sky was a beautiful purple and red, over Ponyville and far beyond the horizon now that they were slightly out of town. The air was cooling down, but still a comfortable 70 degrees. There was a slight breeze which both ponies enjoyed. Fluttershy slowed down a little as they got closer to her destination. Applejack could tell that she was excited. "'Shy we almost there yet?" Applejack said, not trying to sound like she's annoyed. After the incline slowed into a more level ground, Fluttershy had Applejack sit down. Applejack started to move her mane, just for Fluttershy to whisper "Not yet". Applejack smiled. It was something Fluttershy had wanted to do for a long time, and now that it was happening, she was cautiously excited. The Pegasus sat in front of Applejack, and moved closer, and smiled, both ponies feeling their warmth inches away from each other. The earth pony waited for the Pegasus to tell her when to move her mane, but got something else entirely. Fluttershy moved Applejack's mane for her, but before Applejack could see where they were, The Pegasus surprised her with a long, passionate kiss. Applejack found herself star-struck, with a blushing yellow Pegasus in front of her, on the hill where they first admitted their feeling for each other. "Oh my Celestia" Was all that Applejack could say. Fluttershy lowered her head nervously; she did everything through impulse, she had actually planned to do it on the day that marked them being together for a month. Fluttershy needed Applejack's approval to know if she had done good or not. Applejack just stared into the shy pony's eyes, taken back by the romantic move Fluttershy had just done, just for her. "Ah'm speechless...this is wonderful, Fluttershy...absolutely wonderful, ah-ah..." Caught up in the throes of romantic bliss, Applejack could only smile, still just a few inches from the Pegasus’ face. Neither of them seemed to care that they were sitting in grass, while still in the dresses Rarity gave them. Applejack sighed, taking in the wonderful and the perfect moment she was having with the shy Pegasus. She spoke again in nearly a whisper. "Ah've waited ma whole life for somepony like you Fluttershy...and ah know, we've only been going out for 3 weeks...but ah really need to tell you something," Before she could finish, she got caught up in another kiss from Fluttershy, enjoying every second of it as if it’d be her last. "I love you, Applejack,"
BuckwheatBuckwheat Applejack slid out of bed quietly, careful to not to wake the sleeping pegasus on the other side of her. With an adoring smile, the orange pony took a second to admire Fluttershy, who was peacefully sleeping beside her. After a kiss on the shy Pegasus's cheek, Applejack then made her way downstairs. The earth pony had woken up especially early to prepare something special for Fluttershy, specifically for their special day. Applejack yawned, rubbed her eyes with her hooves, and got to work making some apple-pies for the two, with apple juice and regular sliced apples on the side. She stopped and fed Angel the rabbit her regular morning carrot. Even though none of Fluttershy's rabbits seem to be fond of her yet, they seemed comfortable enough to let her feed them. Applejack smiled in anticipation of seeing Fluttershy once she see's everything she did for her before she even woke up. She stealthy went outside to the backyard to grab some flowers she had hid the night before, just for Fluttershy. When she went back inside, she set the flowers down on their couch grabbed the food, delicately balancing it as she walked upstairs to their room. Applejack set the food down in the space next to Fluttershy, who was still sleeping. "It's time to wake up, sugarcube," She whispered in her ear. Fluttershy yawned, then saw the food next to her. "Aw...Applejack that's so nice of you," They kissed, then the earth pony replied ,"Meet me downstairs when yer done, Ah got a surprise for you," Fluttershy smiled adoringly. The earth pony hastily made her way downstairs, eager to see the look on Fluttershy's face when she sees the flowers. Applejack picked them up, and looked at them to make sure they were perfect. Rarity helped me pick them out, of course they're perfect, ah reckon! Several minutes later Applejack could here Fluttershy coming down the stairs "I can't wait for my surprise, all of the food was so delicious..you're such a great cook!" Said Fluttershy as she slowely made her way down the steps. Applejack smiled big and waited silently. Fluttershy assumed it was a surprise party organized by none-other than Pinkie Pie, but when she got down stairs, she was met with a beaming Applejack with flowers in her hooves. "Oh my...Applejack.." The yellow pegasus smiled, stunned by the romantic gesture from Applejack. She quickly went up to her mare and got the flowers and smelt them ,"Oh my...They're beautiful! Where did you get these? They're so lovely!" "Happy 1 month, Sugarcube!" Applejack said happily, the Pegasus immediately hugging the earth pony. "You remembered!" Fluttershy said gleefully, not letting go of the earth pony. "Of course ah did Sugarcube...just wanted to make your day ta be specially good before ah make ma way to the farm today," "That's so sweet of you.." She quickly relinquished her hug on Applejack ,"Angel did you hear? Me and Applejack have been going out for a month!" She said to the utterly uninterested rabbit. She faced Applejack again, with a loving smile "Um, i hope you have a great day today Applejack...I'll stop by and visit later maybe, happy 1 month!" She said, giving Applejack another hug. Applejack was absolutely delighted that Fluttershy was so happy about this, to her it couldn't have gone better. "Oh my, I need to put these flowers in a vase," Said the shy pony as she went into her kitchen to search for something to put them in. Applejack smiled ,"Sugarcube, Ah reckon ah gotta go to the farm now, Ah hope ya have a great day!" "Aren't you going to have breakfast um, here?" "Ah wanna get ta work a little early, so I can come back here earlier and spend more time with ya," Fluttershy flew over to her, then slowly lowered until she wasn't flying anymore. "I love you, so much.. thank you for making my day, Applejack" She said looking directly into earth ponies eyes, which Applejack has learned that the Pegasus loves to do every morning before she went to work. "Ah love you too, Sugarcube," And with one last kiss, Applejack put on her hat, then left to the farm. "I'm the luckiest mare in the world..." Fluttershy thought aloud, with a gracious smile. After admiring the flowers and enjoying their scent, she returned to finding a vase for them. She searched through each cabinet, noisily enough to have to apologize to her animals, until a frustrated Angel coughed loudly to get her attention. After a squeal, she turned around, embarrassed, to see Angel holding a vase for her. "Oh Angel, thank you." She reached into a cabinet and pulled out a treat for the tiny animal,"Here," The pegasus said gratefully; Angel eagerly accepting it and devouring it on the spot. After carefully putting the flowers in the vase Angel got her, she sat comfortably on her couch. She realized she had no plans for the day, and after a big yawn, she decided she wanted to out somewhere and find a way to surprise her mare with her own sort of way to celebrating them being together for 2 months. Pinkie Pie. "Well, Angel. I guess I'm going to have to go to Sugarcube Corner...' The pegasus said with a happy sigh. She gently lifted up and flew towards her door, "Will you be ok if I'm away for a while?" Angel just responded with an 'Are you serious' look. "Oh, ok um, bye," Fluttershy said as she exited. When she arrived at Sugarcube Corner, surprisingly enough, Pinkie Pie was nowhere too be found. Fluttershy saw Twilight Sparkle in a seat, eating a cupcake and decided to come in to talk to her friend, since she didn't really have much to do anyway. "Well Hello there, Fluttershy!" Greeted the purple pony. She invited Fluttershy to sit with her, patting her hoof idly on a seat. "Um, Hello Twilight!" Fluttershy said, trotting over and sitting down with her friend. "What brings you here today?" "Well, um. Today, a month ago, um, me and Applejack first got together...and I was looking for Pinkie Pie to maybe help me surprise her," "Awe! That's so adorable, Pinkie was here like fifteen minutes ago, I don't know where she went..." "Oh..." Fluttershy responded meekly, slightly bummed that she'd have to find a different way to surprise her love. "Did Applejack do anything special for you?" Twilight Sparkle questioned, showing genuine interest in what her friend had to say. "Well, um she made me breakfast, and brought it up to me while I was sleeping! and um, got me the most beautiful roses..." Twilight beamed "That's so nice of her!" After a sigh, the unicorns demeanor changed completely, "I wish I could find me a stallion that would treat me as good as Applejack treats you... Maybe it's because I haven't studied love yet?" "Oh Twilight, I'm sure you'll meet the perfect stallion someday...I don't think love is something you can, um, study," This statement gave Twilight an inquisitive look on her face ,"How does love feel to you?" "Oh, um.." Fluttershy, not one known to be comfortable when talking about feelings. "Well you don't have to tell me if you don't want too," Twilight said, disappointed. "No, its.." Fluttershy sighed for confidence ,"Love is...Love is amazing Twilight. She treats me so well, she makes me so happy, um...when we're out in public, I feel more confident by being with her..even after a month, she's all I think about, even my animals love her!" Fluttershy then realized what she said, and lowered her head shyly. "That sounds so wonderful, Fluttershy...I'm so happy that you guys are going so well" "She um, spoils me," Fluttershy said sheepishly, "I sometimes feel guilty with how good she treats me...It's um why I'm here," Twilight nodded for Fluttershy to continue ,"I kind of want to surprise her in return...and I was looking for Pinkie because I um, was thinking about having a party," They both paused for a second, waiting for the spastic pink pony to jump out of a box at the mention of a party. Once again, Pinkie Pie was nowhere to be seen. "I um don't think a party would be good, though...Applejack works hard at the farm, and I um, don't think she would want to party afterwards," The pegasus said, immediately after she thought of it. "Oh, That's a good point. Maybe the best thing you could do is just treat her extra specially nice when she returns home, if she's tired and wants to relax, I'm sure she would be just fine with you being there, being close to her," Fluttershy pondered this for a moment. "That's a great idea, Twilight!" she said nicely, in her regular soft voice. Twilight smiled proudly "Thank you Fluttershy. I hope it helps," "I'm um sure it will, I think I'm going to get going now, I think I'm going to visit Applejack at the farm before I go back home, Thank you Twilight" She said quietly. "No problem! Have a great time with Applejack, tell her I said hello!" After nodding at Twilight, the shy Pegasus departed. Fluttershy looked forward to getting to Sweet Apple Acres to greet her mare, she really enjoyed spending time with her in public now, her nervousness about it was pretty much gone besides the occasional surprise kiss she receives from Applejack. While on her way, she calmly hummed to herself, occasionally saying hi to a bird or two. She knew she was visiting a bit earlier than Applejack may expect but was sure she wouldn't mind. Fluttershy really had nothing to do, and may stay to help out a little. After all, it has been a month we've been together Fluttershy giggled to herself, just thinking about it made her smile. As she got closer, the pegasus started to walk the rest of the way. Fluttershy hoped that Applejack wouldn't be paying attention so she could fly up silently and give her a surprise hug. She giggled at the thought. Soon, a hummingbird flew by and instantly distracted the caring pegasus. "Oh hello there, little guy!" She said, slightly straying off path to follow the little bird. "Don't be afraid," She said with a caring smile ,"I'm your friend" The pegasus watched it as it flew right in front of her. She a second just to admire the little details in the tiny bird. "It must be exhausting to flap your wings so fast," She noted ,"Oh my you're just so cute!" The little bird excitedly flew in quick movements, before drifting over into a near-by flower patch. When the pegasus turned around, however, she wasn't as alone as she assumed. Squealing, she backed up in embarrassment at the sight of a Big Macintosh-sized stallion staring her down. "Ah'm guessin' you're Fluttershy, huh?" The tan stallion grumbled, walking towards her intimidatingly. "Um...I..." "You're that MARE that ponies are telling me that Applejack is with now, huh?" Fluttershy backed away slowly,fearfully staring at him. "HA! Ya can't even move. Ah can tell this 'Applejack bein' with a mare' thing is just a bunch a hay," He scoffed ,"Mares can't be with mares. Thass juss unnatural. She's just goin' through a phase, Ah tell ya. An' when it's over, she'll go right back to a stallion like me," Fluttershy took a deep breath just to gather enough courage to respond to the towering stallion in front of her, "W-who are you..." Her voice trailed off fast as she submissively backed away from him. "Name's Buckwheat. Ah'm Applejack's ex," He laughed directly at the Pegasus. "Not for long, ah reckon'"
Buckwheat"Hey you!" Voice cracking, the Rainbow Pegasus came flying straight at Buckwheat from across the tiny hill they were on ,"What's going on here? why does Fluttershy look so scared huh?" Rainbow Dash now stayed suspended in air, between the two ponies. "What? Who in the hay are you? This Ain' none of your business you nosey filly," Buckwheat snorted, barely startled, dismissing the Pegasus' initial attempt to defend her friend. "No, She's my friend!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, getting closer to the stallion ,"Why are you scaring her huh? What are you even DOING?" "Ah ain't budgin'. Ah don't even know who ya are, ya juss assume somethin' bad's happenin' not even " the stallion said. Rainbow Dash took more insult to that than he expected ,"I'm Rainbow Dash and you don't mess with my friends!" The pony said, waiting for Fluttershy to gain her composure just to clue her in on what she was defending her for. "You're the one who did the Sonic Rainboom eh? Doesn't mean you should get your nose into other pony's business," Fluttershy closed her eyes and blurted "He wants to take Applejack from me!" The pegasus immediately returning to her nervous position behind the suspended Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash sighed ,"Oh for Celestia's sake, that's ALL? Look buddy, I don't know who you think you are, but you can't do ANYTHING to ruin their relationship. I may not be one that's into that all lovey-dovey type of stuff, when I see true love, I know it," Buckwheat just scoffed "Ya mares just wait, hehe, ol' Buckwheat knows a trick or two ya don't know 'bout, but, hey. You two can try, Ah bet it'll end up helpin' me. Anyhow, look girls, this stallion needs ta go, ya can go complainin' to Applejack or whatever, but it ain't gonna change. Me and her are meant ta be together and ain't nothin' gonna change that," After another laugh, the stallion turned around and walked away, intentionally disregarding anything they had to say in response. Rainbow Dash felt triumphant, and made it obvious when she yelled ,"Yeah, you better run you stallion WANNABE!!" The blue pony disregarded that fact that he ignored her. She then flew next to Fluttershy, still in mid-air. "Hehe, We-well, I sure showed him, right Fluttershy?" Instead of seeing a sad Fluttershy, she saw an agitated one. "Why can't I ever ever EVER defend myself when I need too!?" The pegasus frustratingly exclaimed, asking herself more than the pegasus before her. "Oh it's alright Fluttershy, everypony knows you're the timid one. You're just lucky I was nearby when I saw him coming at you like that!," Rainbow Dash said, fishing for a compliment. Fluttershy seemingly disregarded that whole statement ,"OH! I'm so mad, I could just...!" Fluttershy's hoof slightly tapped the bark of a tree she was next too, after which see softly said 'Ow'. Rainbow Dash giggled in spite of herself, finally making Fluttershy sad, as the whole situation she was in hit her full force. "You ok, 'Shy?" The blue pony said sympathetically. "H-he's going over to Applejack's right now...what do i do?" The Rainbow pony flew off to check where the stallion was headed. "I don't think he is, he's going the other way," This didn't make Fluttershy feel better, why would he just leave right now? "That's her ex.." Fluttershy said, surprising the pegasus. "Ouc- I mean, really?" "Y-yeah.." Rainbow thought for a second ,"How long ago did they date and for how long?" She was surprised at her own interest in this situation, something that usually would bore her to sleep. "Um...she said, um like a year ago..and for like a month or 2." Said the yellow Pegasus, now sitting on her all-fours. "That ain't bad!" The Pegasus landed to get a little closer to Fluttershy to try and help her feel a little better, a plan forming in her head ,"Remember Fluttershy, Applejack would never do anything to hurt you...she's the element of honesty! She would have told you if still had feelings for that BuckJERK, or anypony else for that matter" Fluttershy made an obviously forced attempt to smile ,"I just wish i.." Her voice trailed into a squeak once more ,"I just wish I could stand up..for myself and Applejack...It's always someone else helping me, I always freeze up..I-" She stood up, and decided she was done venting to the rainbow pony. ,"Thank you Rainbow, you're such a good friend. But I'm going to go to Applejack's now, she um, needs to know about this," Rainbow Dash got a confused look on her face "But what if Buckwheat shows up there?" "Applejack is um as tough as you.."She said softly, The rainbow pony barely keeping herself from disagreeing. "Well, I'll be in Cloudsdale if you two need me, I'm sorry about that jerk trying to ruin things for you and Applejack, I'm sure he can't do anything to you" Before they went their separate ways, Fluttershy had one last question ,"um, Did you mean it when you said you saw true love with me and Applejack...?" Fluttershy asked Shyly. "Of course, everypony does when they see you two hehe" The Rainbow pony said, as if it was common knowledge. _____________________________________________________ "What?? Buckwheat? Why would he do such a thang? We haven't even talked in months! Ah-Ah', who does he think he is?," The orange pony flung her her hooves out in frustration, leaving a slight indentation the grass. ,"Why can't ponies just leave us alone? Not cause so much drama? We can't go a week without somethin' like this happenin" Applejack exclaimed, letting out a sigh, then instinctively bucking a tree. "I'm sorry.." Fluttershy said softly, standing a few feet away from Applejack. "Don't apologize sugarcube.It's ma past, and somethin' ah need to deal with, Ah don't know why he had to bring you into it... It's ma fault really fer ever givin' him a chance," "H-he's so...mean," The shy pony said, shuttering at the thought of the intimidating stallion. "Sounds like Buckwheat...Wonder why he came all the way here from Appleloosa anyway?" She thought about what she said for a moment ,"Oh right...me" "Rainbow Dash came out of nowhere and, she um defended me though..." "Really? That pony is juss such a great friend. Ah outta give her some free Apples. Ah really wish ah was there too, Ah would a' ended it right then and there...wouldn't have ta' be waitin' just to turn em down. didja tell him we're goin' out?" "Um, I didn't but somepony else did...but he doesn't really consider us a real couple, because of us being both mares," The earth pony adjusted her hat, then responded ,"Ah ain't surprised at that...Buckwheat is as ignorant as they come, Ah tell ya," Another thing bothered Applejack ,"Why, when he coulda came any other day, did he come here on our month? A'hm sure he musta done it on purpose...Ah'm sorry if he ruined your day, well, our day..." "It's not...but I know he isn't going to give up easily," "Well he'll have to give up eventually...ah just know he doesn't take rejection lightly," The orange pony put a hoof in front of her face so block out the sun as she looked in the distance to see anypony. "Look, 'Shy, I have no feelings for anypony but you...Ya don't have to worry about him. Ah don't even know why ah went out with him in the first place," "I know. I just wish I didn't need other people to..you know, help me whenever something like this happens..," "Ah love your shyness, sugarcube...it's adorable," Applejack mused, trying to shed light on the situation, or at least make Fluttershy feel better. "But I wish i could just stand up for myself when somepony..." losing the words she was going to say, the shy pegasus just sighed. "'Shy, Ah think you should go back home an' rest. Ah'll make sure today's good for the both of us, no matter how hard Buckwheat tries to ruin it. Ah love you, sugarcube, don't ever forget that," "I love you too...but what if see Buckwheat on my way back, I don't want him to know where we live," "Ah'm sure he won't see ya if ya fly real high, darlin'" Applejack said. "I guess..." After a kiss, Fluttershy said ,"If i do see him...I'll make sure I don't just back down this time, I'm so tired of being bullied around.." After a nod from Applejack, the yellow pegasus was off, flying slightly higher than usual just to avoid the intruding stallion who could still be near-by. Soon after, Applejack went back to her regular chores at the farm, knowing that she has a lot of thinking to do. It was about an hour later when Applejack was in the middle of bringing a few baskets full of apples back to the farmhouse when she heard somepony walking nearby. Automatically assuming it was Buckwheat finally trying to make his move, she started to walk faster, still lugging behind several baskets of apples behind. She didn't feel like dealing with him. Even though she was pretty tired from a hard days at work, she convinced herself to trot along a little faster. "Applejack! Wait!" Shouted the little red-maned filly. The older pony stopped in her tracks, careful not to let any of the apples fall out. "Oh, Applebloom. What're ya doin' out here? If ah had left earlier, ya coulda got yourself lost out here!" The little pony quickly caught up to her older sister "Nuh-uh! I know ma way around this place just as good as you!" "Well why in the hay are ya out here searching for me, ya know Ah go inside before Ah go back ta Fluttershy's," The little filly looked around nervously ,"Ah wanted to talk to you privately, Applejack," "Well, we should be back to the farmhouse in 5-10 minutes, what do ya need to talk about, AB?" "Pinkie Pie promise ya won't tell no one?" Applebloom questioned, looking expectantly at Applejack, The orange pony chuckled ,"Cross ma heart, Hope ta fly, stick a cupcake in ma eye. There, ah swore," The tiny pony inhaled ,"Ok so there is this colt in class and he's like soooo cute an his name is Red Hoof and ah don't know how to tell him that ah have a crush on him, but he's just so cute and ITS NOT FAIIIIIRRRRRRR," Applebloom blurted in one fast statement. "Ah see. It's your first little crush huh Applebloom?" The filly nodded with a goofy smile on her face. "How do ah get him to like meeeeeeeee?" She stressed, impatiently waiting for an answer. "Darlin', ya don't make somepony like you, it juss don't work that way," The little pony frowned ,"But then, what do ah do? he doesn't even have his cutie mark either! Its like we're meant to be and he doesn't know it!" "Applebloom, you're too young to do this, go play with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders or somethin'" "Ah'm a big pony Applejack! Ah'm old 'nuff! I swear!" The little pony persisted, jogging along-side the walking Applejack. "You're not big enough, lil' sis, and trust me, ya should enjoy it while it lasts," "Why? I thought you and Fluttershy were happy together?" Questioned a confused Applebloom. "WE are, sugarcube, it's other ponies that ain't. An' it ain't have nothin to do with the fact we're both mares," The little filly frowned, "What does this have ta do with me an' Red Hoof?" Forgetting she had asked about it in the first place. "Look, sugarcube, it's not like love ain't great, because it is, but there's always somethin' that gets in the way when all ya do is your best...look, ah'm not saying not to love someone, ah'm just saying enjoy the lack of responsibility while you're a filly, growin' up ain't all that it sounds like, Sugarcube," "But-" "Now go find yer friends, we got back earlier than 'spected, so ah'm going home now," "UGH. Ok Applejack. whatever ya say," Applebloom exclaimed, fliling her little hooves in frustration. "Atta-girl. Now go have some fun before it's time to hit the hay! It's a school night remember!" "I know, I know!" The filly shouted, already galloping full-speed away to her friends. Applejack thought for a second, then realized something, "Wait! Ya done yer chores, yet??" "Can't here you!" Lied Applebloom. The orange pony just sighed and chuckled a little bit. As Applejack dropped off the apples into an empty farmhouse, she thought out-loud "hehe that Filly will never learn," Applejack turned around and made her way out of Sweet Apple Acres. Even though the day hadn't exactly turned out how she planned so far, she decided she was going to salvage what she could, and in the end at least make it a good day for Fluttershy. Surprisingly enough, the orange pony didn't see a single pony she knew on her long way back. Which is odd because she once again was expecting a spastic Pinkie Pie to fall from the sky and ask her what's wrong. But there was no sign of anypony she knew, and with the day she was having, she had no problem with it. Applejack walked into their home quietly, expecting to see a peacefully resting Pegasus on the couch, but instead she saw her head-deep in a cabinet. "I'm back a lil' early Sugarcube!" Not noticing that Applejack had came in, this surprised her, causing her to squeal while still inside the cabinet, making her little squeal a lot louder. She backed out of it slowly, embarrassed because Applejack was giggling uncontrollably. Embarrassment was soon replaced by genuine happiness to see her mare. The pegasus flew over to her and gave her a kiss while still in mid air. After too returning to the ground, she smiled and said ,"I'm glad you're back so soon, I would have been so bored waiting for you to get back," "Ah'm glad ah could get back sooner too. Today's our day, an' ah wanna spend a better time with you than we have so far, ya know?" Applejack said, alluding to the sad exchange they had with each other earlier. "Oh...It's ok Applejack..I'm just glad you're hear now, um but I have some bad news," She said in a more casual way, so Applejack wouldn't assume it was something horribly bad. 'What is it, Darlin?" The Pegasus lowered her head, "Um, I was looking for food for Angel and um-" "Lemme guess, you're out of carrots, and we need ta go into to town for some more," "I'm sorry.." She said, actually sorry for something she shouldn't need to be. "Oh 'Shy, ya made me feel bad 'bout that...Ya don't need to apologize! Ah'm sure we probably won't run into Buckwheat, and if we do, ah'll tell em off any how. And ah'm guessin' Angel wants his food as soon as possible huh?" Applejack said, followed by an emphatic MM-HMMM from the little bunny. "Um, yeah," Fluttershy said sheepishly, knowing that the bunny is an impatient one. Applejack politely let the pegasus leave first, then closed the door. Even though she had just gotten back to their home and had been looking forward to relaxing after such a stressful day, the opportunity to find Buckwheat and give him a piece of her mind seemed to give her new life, exhausted as she may have had been before. While Fluttershy was admiring the beautiful day outside, Applejack got a little nervous at the idea of seeing the rude stallion. She hadn't seen Buckwheat in months. She doesn't know 100% what happened between him and Fluttershy, and wasn't about to go all the way to Cloudsdale to find Rainbow Dash to clear things up. She made a mental note to give the Pegasus some apples for helping Fluttershy. Her thoughts returned to the her jealous ex, and sll she knew right then is that he's mad and wants her back. When the two ponies made it into the town, Applejack immediately noticed Buckwheat across the way and assumed that Fluttershy didn't. That sure was easy.. The stallion was facing the opposite way, but Applejack knew it was him almost instantly. "Fluttershy, ah uh, why don't ya go get some carrots for Angel right now, darlin'" The earth pony said, trying not to look in the direction of Buckwheat. Fluttershy looked confused ,"Um, why? Aren't you going with me?" "Ah, uh, ah need to find um Rarity and," The pony gave up on that lie and went with an easier one ,"It's a surprise, sugarcube," She said with her awkward smile. Surprisingly, Fluttershy seemed to except the lie, or at least pretend to, which was good enough for Applejack. She didn't want their day to be ruined, and If she could get Buckwheat to leave before Fluttershy even knows he was here, her day would be a lot better and she could just focus on making Fluttershy's the best she could. "Let's meet right back here, ok?" Said Fluttershy, in her soft voice. "Alright, darlin'!" The Yellow pegasus made her way down the street to get to shop where she could get food for Angel and her other bunnies. Applejack waited until the Pegasus was out of sight, while steadily keeping an eye on Buckwheat. When she decided it was clear, she let her confidence exude from her, then started her short walk, with a plan on confronting the giant stallion.
BuckwheatThe closer Applejack got to Buckwheat, the more rage she felt inside, and the more she wanted to call him out, and tell him what she felt needed to be said. She used the thought of a scared Fluttershy being bullied by the huge Stallion as fuel to cover the slight amount of nervousness she felt. As she got closer, she half-expected it to not be him, and actually be a mistake on her part, but when she finally got close enough to be sure, it was beyond a doubt for her. Before she could make a decision to go back and avoid the drama she knew she was getting herself into, the pony that Buckwheat was talking to noticed her, and because he was facing her, when he looked at her, it caused Buckwheat to turn around and look. His immediate reaction was to put on a big smile ignoring the glare he was getting from Applejack. "Hey, sugar long time no see," Buckwheat said, leaving his friend to meet up with Applejack. "Can it, Buckwheat, ah know what you're here for, an' it ain' happenin'" Applejack continued to glare at him, her voice getting louder,"Ya don't go insultin' MY mare, threatenin' MY friends, then even think about us even bein' friends! Yer a coward Buckwheat, a filthy COWARD," Buckwheat gave his friend a a 'What the heck" kind of look, almost to make Applejack know there were other ponies around. "Hey, woah, Applejack, Ah dun know what yer talkin' bout!" The stallion said, lying just to make the mare angrier. "Don't lie! Juss makes you more than a coward! An' don't go anywhere near Fluttershy again or you'll regret it!" "It's not Fluttershy ah want ta be near," He said, testing the waters at the most inappropriate time. "An' what's that supposed ta mean?" The orange pony rebuked. "Ya know exactly what ah mean, don't deny ya still have feelin's for me," Applejack was appalled at his bluntness, "Ah swear on Celestia ah don't. Ah've never been more sure 'bout anything in ma whole life, Buck," He dismissed her statement ,"Sure feels good ta hear your voice call me Buck, 'been ages since the last time we even talked," The stallion smiled slyly. The orange pony shook her head, utterly disappointed in the stallions feeble attempt to seduce her. "After this, ah hope we NEVER talk again, you insulted the pony ah'm with and ma friend. You disgust me," Again, the stallion dismissed the insults, "Pony? Ya mean mare. MARE, Applejack, you're with a MARE. Just cut it out already, it's weird and pathetic, you bein' with a mare is just...unnatural," Once again Applejack was shocked at how forward he was with his ignorance. "Ya don't even know, Buckwheat. She's the best thing ta ever happen to me, you were just a waste of time, just like what you're doin' now. WASTING YOUR TIME," The orange pony felt like that should shut him up. The stallion calmly pondered it, or more-so, a completely different response. "Applejack, yer so funny sometimes," The orange pony was immediately confused by this, still mad. "How so?" A sinister smiled appeared on his face,"Ah remember one of the biggest things ya wanted when we were together were foals," Applejack looked down. That one hit home. She knew it was true. Applejack knew that it's something she's wanted her whole life, something that she has dreamt about since she was a filly. "Y-you're a terrible pony, Buckwheat,"She turned her head away for a second, then returned her attention to him, as mad as she'd ever been, "Ya don't juss show up, outta the hay and cause all this drama expectin' me to love you again! It'll NEVER happen, you were the biggest mistake of my life, and today's juss makin' it more truer than ever! Yeah, we may not be able to have kids, but at least ah'm HAPPY with her, and not unhappy like ah was with you!" The orange pony was inches from his face, breathing hard from anger. "Now now now, 'jackie," He said, using his nickname for her on purpose, "Don't go makin' a scene right near sugarcube corner! That can't be good for their business to have some mare runnin' her mouth off at somepony," Applejack was so red in the face, she felt she was about to explode. "Now before ya go yellin' at me again. Let's be civilized ponies about this. Yellin' ain't necessary, Applejack," for a third time now, Applejack was flabbergasted at the rudeness of the pony. "Civilized? CIVILIZED? Civilized ain't cornerin' and threatenin' the MARE I'm with, and insultin' ma friend! That's anything BUT civilized," She placed special emphasis on mare. "Ok. Ah made a mistake, everypony does, it ain't ma fault that ah miss ya," "Ah know what yer tryin' ta do, juss cuz we haven't talked in a long time, doesn't mean Ah don't still know yer tricks," The stallion shook his head, and sighed ,"Look, ah made a mistake, but ah wouldn't be here if ah didn't think ah was best for you," "You ain't, only ah know who's best for me, and it ain't you," "Well it sure as hay ain't no mare!' At this point in the argument, Fluttershy finally made her way out of the shop with bag full of carrots. She was planning to go to Rarity's shop to find Applejack. She happily trotted along, unknowingly walking right towards the last thing she'd want to see. "Yes it is, Buckwheat! She makes me happy, you...ya just make me SICK." He pondered that statement for nearly half a minute. "Ok, now that just hurts ma feelings!" Applejack was speechless. She just stared at him with an "are you bucking serious?!" expression on her face. Fluttershy jumped when she finally saw the two ponies across the street from her. All she saw the Applejack staring right Buckwheat, unable to make out the expression her face. The pegasus squealed, in spite of herself. She didn't know whether to join Applejack or just run. Come on Fluttershy..stop being so scared...stop being so weak...[ She ultimately decided not to join in, and hid so they wouldn't see her. The stallion finally realized he went too far, soon feeling a little desperation. He heard Fluttershy's squeal, an assumed since Applejack still had the shocked look on her face; that she didn't. He looked around nervously, looking for his friend, now nowhere to be found. Suddenly, in a last desperate move, he pulled Applejack in, and forcefully kissed her. Knowing Fluttershy was watching, it was his final insult to her for being the one Applejack chose. Fluttershy was shocked, and when she realized fully what just had happened, she didn't feel sad or horrified, she felt pure anger; anger that's been building up inside her since their first encounter. Soon it was a full blown rage. She dropped the bag of carrots where she stood. And from across the street, she burst in air, crushing right into the stallion right as Applejack forced herself out of the stallions kiss. Applejack had no clue what was going on, until she heard the enraged Fluttershy yelling at the top of her lungs at the dazed Buckwheat, now a few feet away from the impact. "How could you?! How could you?! She's my mare, and always will! and YOU think you can just take her from me?! You are horrible! I've never met someone so mean! Don't EVER, and I mean EVER try to kiss her again! MEANIE!" The stallion stood in awe, realizing he has made a huge mistake, he got clumsily, very dazed by the shy Pegasus' outburst. Fluttershy's rage quickly subsided, and she quickly flew behind Applejack, fearfully expecting for the stallion to want to get her back after her tackling him. After a good minute of silence, all three barely grasping what had just happened, the stallion finally spoke ,"A real stallion admits when he's been defeated. Yeh, this is gonna sting me for a while, but ah got plenty of mares waitin' for me-" "Just go, Buckwheat" Applejack interrupted, adding insult to injury. Without another word, the stallion left, with what little remaining dignity he had in tact. Applejack immediately turned to the embarrassed Fluttershy, in aw, and instantly kissed her, long and passionately. She felt no words could explain how amazed she was at Fluttershy.This of course, made the shy pegasus about 10 times more embarrassed. It took Fluttershy a little bit just to recover from the surprise kiss she just got. "Fluttershy...that was amazin'" "I um, hope I didn't hurt him," Fluttershy said sincerely ,"But that kiss took it too far...I've never felt so angry, I can't believe I did that!" Applejack giggled ,"Ah don't think it's possible to love you any more than ah do now, sugarcube...you stood up for me, you stood up for us," Fluttershy blushed ,"You're the only pony I'd ever do this for..." The earth pony giggled again ,"You're just too nice, darlin'" Then she thought for a second ,"Didja get carrots for Angel?" ."Yes. um-," The pegasus flew over to where she had launched herself at Buckwheat, picked the bag up and came back to a smiling Applejack. 'Let's go home, Sugarcube," She said, the Pegasus nodding in agreement. On the way back, the two ponies shared their stories about what just had happened, Applejack emphatically emphasized how cool she thought Fluttershy is when she's mad, flattering the shy pony who definitely wasn't used to being called cool. Applejack knew it was a huge thing for Fluttershy to have finally stuck up for her, and made sure she flattered her with how awesome it was. Later that night, after enjoying the rest of the day with each other, Applejack turned to her mare on the other side of the bed, and softly snuggled into her. She admired the sleeping pegasus, and smiled adoringly once more. She knew that out of all the choices she's made in her life, good ones or bad ones, that this one, was her best one. Applejack snuggled into her mare, just a little bit more. "Happy 1 month, sugarcube,"
Photo FinishedApplejack started to feel ancy during the last few tree's she was planning to buck. She couldn't help but think of the possible down-sides to being on top of a float, usually saved for a regular couple, with her and Fluttershy. She knew to others that it wasn't normal , and after being Fluttershy for a month and a half, she didn't care whether it was normal or not. Still, the idea of being ridiculed by ponies from all across Equestria didn't exactly get her exited, even if it was just an assumption. She tried to force herself not to be nervous; she didn't want to psyche herself out before they even told Twilight they want to do it! But the thoughts kept creeping back in her head, time after time. What if we are boo'd? What if they don't like us? As tough of a pony as she is, being in the spotlight in front 100s, maybe 1000s of ponies from all across Equestria made her more than just slightly nervous. It made her even more nervous to think of how Fluttershy felt, especially after being the one to convince her in the first place. After bucking her last tree, she assumed Fluttershy would be there any minute to meet her and decide one-and-for-all if they wanted to do this. Carrying the apples she just bucked behind her in crates, she made her way back to the farmhouse. She assumed since Fluttershy wasn't here yet, she could go in and be with her family a little bit, for a confidence booster. After she left the apples in their area, the orange pony entered their home. "Anypony home still,?" The mare said with an echo from up-stairs. A deep voice responded, "Eeeyup," Applejack sighed out of relief; the perfect pony to talk to when nervous is always Big Macintosh. She had already told him about the parade and her and Fluttershy's involvement, but she didn't feel nervous when it was still a whole day away. "Big Mac, where are ya?" "Kitchen," Immediately she made her way to the kitchen , sitting at the table across from her older brother. "The parade is soon i'int it?" The stallion questioned. "Yeah...ah'm, um starting to be a lil' nervous, ah kinda don't whether me and shy' should do this, ya know. Ponies can be cruel sometimes, and I ain't wanna put her through that," "Well, Nopony can be sure, But ah'm willing to bet they'll be happy for ya, not mad or nothin'" "But what if they are? What if they boo and Insult us?" "Stop thinkin' that nonsense. A lot of Ponyville know's bout you and Fluttershy anyways and they seem fine with it. It's not like you to be nervous, can't be good for Fluttershy," Applejack smiled slightly,” Hehe, ya think so? And ah know. Ah'm feelin' better juss talkin' 'bout it" Having something told to her that she already had assumed made the mare feel a bit better. "...Eeyup," "Thank ya kindly, brother. Ya always know what ta say to make me feel better, “After blowing a rogue piece of mane out of her hair, she continued ,"Speaking of the parade, are the apple pies, fritters and everythin' else ready?" "Yup, on their way now," At this time, they heard quiet, barely noticeable knocks on the door, so they knew Fluttershy was there. On her way to the door the orange pony said ,"Good. Thanks for helping so much today, sure are a big life saver!" The stallion nodded as the orange pony left, excited to meet her mare. Pleasantly surprised that Fluttershy didn't really look too nervous, it calmed Applejack’s conscious immediately. "Ya ready, darlin?" The orange pony said, after a kiss. "I, um...yes," responded the shy pony, as they started their walk towards Twilight's house. "If ya don't want to do it, we don't have ta, sugarcube. Ah won't be down in the hay about it or nothin'," Fluttershy shook her head ,"I...do. But i will be nervous...but us being the first mares to be there...just sounds like we'd be um helping a lot of ponies out there, like Twilight said...," Applejack beamed, “Well, ah agree totally. It's not like we're gonna the main float anyway, everypony’s gonna be waiting for Princess Celestia," "I know...that's why I'm doing this," Fluttershy got a little closer to Applejack and nudged her lovingly on the nape of her neck, causing her to giggle and blush. "I always feel better when you're with me..." "Ah do too, Sugarcube. Now let’s go show em what we got," She said, unsure about whether that statement made sense for what they're doing. <><><><><><><> Twilight Sparkle greeted the couple with a surprised smile. "Oh my gosh! You two came! Thank goodness! I was really stressing out. Come on in," The couple came in to a surprisingly empty home, the only other thing there was a sleeping Spike on a pile of books. "You may be wondering why nopony is here, they're already at the start preparing their floats for Celestia. Wait until you see Pinkie Pies! It's practically made of candy!," "Wait. Does that mean we're late?" Fluttershy questioned, slightly worried. She sat next to Applejack on the floor. "Oh, no. Your float is near the last. The other couples that will be on it are there already, probably wondering who's going to be at the top!" Twilight said with a giggle, while Applejack and Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief in unison. "Um, When do we have to be there?" Twilight used her magic to fly a clock in front of her. "22 minutes exactly," She said, thusly returning the clock to wall from which it came from. "Well, We might as well get there early. No sense In waitin' 'till the last minute. Ya comin' Twilight?" "Of course! I have to make sure the floats are ready," She sighed another heavy sigh of relief, as the three ponies left her home to make their way to the parade. ,"I'm SO glad you two came...I was so lost at who I was going to pick!" 'No problem, Twilight. What's our float look like?" Twilight thought for a second on how to describe their float ,"Ok, um, Your float is the one second too last, it's all pink and surrounded by even more pink banners, one that says 'Cutest new couple' under the top, which you guys will be at. It's not too high up, compared to where all the other ponies will be. There's only 2 or 3 other couples, but they've been together too long to be chosen to be the newest," Applejack grimaced at the thought of all the pink surrounding her. "Who are um, the other couples?" Asked Fluttershy with a smile. "Oh! Um, Derpy with DrWhooves...cute couple huh?? they've been on the float the past several years! and OH! Soarin the Wonderbolt, he's with somepony, but he said had to keep it a secret until it's time for the parade for some reason. I personally think it's Spitfire. A Wonderbolt with a Wonderbolt? DUH!," She chuckled ,"And the last couple that should be there is this couple from Manehatten, but their names escape me at the moment," "6 other ponies sounds 'bout right for a float," Applejack remarked pointlessly, having no clue what she was talking about. They soon turned a corner, into a slowly building crowd of ponies, most of which they have never seen before. It surprised all three of them, the turn-out now seemed like it would be higher than they expected, because so many were there already. Fluttershy gulped. Her visible nervousness motivated Applejack to be confident about it. ,"Ah bet they're going to cheer their heads off when they see us, Ah reckon!" "That's the spirit, Applejack!" Mused Twilight. Fluttershy seemed to feel a little better. The three ponies edged their ways through the crowd, until they turned a corner that the crowd wasn't allowed in. They then set their eyes upon a magnificent row of beautiful floats, all pulled by 3 stallions in the front, two in the back (for breaks) all attached by regular rope onto their muzzles. Each float represented something different for Princess Celestia to see when she arrived. The first being a float of Princess Celestia made by the fillies and colts still in school. It had a 'Welcome Princess Celestia" banner that streamed across the statues neck. Applejack and Fluttershy were very surprised at how good it turned out. The second float was of the Wonderbolts, all six modeled to look triumphantly flying with fake clouds and a sun in the background. The third was another of Princess Celestia with her shorter sister Luna at her side, clearly celebrating the return of the 2 rulers. After that was the float Fluttershy and Applejack would be on top of. They saw the other couples gathered next to it. After their float was the float Pinkie Pie made, a big candy bar, made out of tinier pieces of candy that would be passed out to the crowd afterwards. Behind the entire float was a group of marching band ponies, some holding up a big flag for Equestria, while most of the others had instruments. "I have to go, girls, I need to make sure everything is right for Princess Celestia. Your float's right there thanks again!" "No problem, Twilight. Anythin' fer a friend," Applejack then led the way to their float, which was all ready to go. "Um, Hi there Y'all!" She greeted the other ponies, getting a multitude of responses back. Both her and Fluttershy noticed Soarin there with nopony else, at least not seen yet. "Soarin', who're ya with?" Applejack questioned, knowing that he's probably been asked that by everypony else that was there. The blue maned stallion sighed "Well. I guess it's ok if we show now, the floats about to go off. Rainbow, you can show yourself dear," "...Rainbow?" Applejack repeated, not expecting the rainbow Pegasus of all ponies to be with anypony, not as an insult; but the fact that she assumed Rainbow Dash felt it was lame to be with another pony. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Me and Soarin' are datin'. Please don't make a big deal out of it," the rainbow Pegasus said, as she flew out from around the corner. "Wait, wuh?" Applejack squinted her eyes at them, “How are me and Fluttershy the newest couple if you 2 juss started datin'? Makes no sense, sugarcube," Soarin sighed, as Rainbow slowly flew into his arms ,"We've been together a lot longer than you think," Derpy and DrWhooves seemed uninterested by the whole conversation, while the other couple from Manehatten hadn't even showed yet. "W-well, um, Congratulations you two! Ah'm glad ta see at least one other pony me and Fluttershy know here," The orange pony said with a smile. "Thanks Applejack," Rainbow Dash said, "I wonder what Twilight's gonna do when she sees US on the float! Haha I bet she'd pass out!," The 4 shared a collective chuckle at the thought. Applejack changed her attention to Derpy and DrWhooves, "Hey, Y'all! Name's Applejack and this my mare Fluttershy, nice ta meet ya'll!" Derpy looked at Applejack and Fluttershy at the same time, "Hey! Hi, Yeah uh um, It's great to meet you, you're the ones going up on top right huh?" Applejack tried to look her in the eyes, but failed ,"Uh..Yep! Sure are! A bit nervous though, it's our first time doing somethin' this public together, ya know?" Out came a deep and slightly accented voice from DrWhooves, "We know how you two mares feel, our first time, back around 3 years ago, we were the ones up-top. If was absolutely marvelous. You two have absolutely nothing to worry about! It's quite fun, actually," He turned his attention to Fluttershy, who was admiring a bug ,"She's a quiet one, isn't she?" The Dr. said with a hearty chuckle. "Yep! As quiet as they come. Ah juss think it's adorable. She's the most caring pony ah ever met…ah mean, look! She’s distracted by some sorta animal as we speak" The orange pony said with a chuckle. "My GOSH, I Love ANIMALS," Said Derpy, sloppily jumping over to Fluttershy to see what she was looking at, consequentially scaring both Fluttershy and the bug, which flew away. "Awe. I'm sorry about that..." The mare apologized, lowering her head in shame. "It' s um, fine..." Fluttershy said, saddened about the bug. Scaring the Pegasus once more was a loud OMIGOSH from behind her. Pinkie Pie finally saw Rainbow Dash with Soarin'. Fluttershy darted next to Applejack to stay away from the pink ponies rampage of ecstatic jumping that was sure to follow. "That pony sure does have an extraordinary amount of energy!" The stallion remarked. "That's Pinkie Pie fer ya," At this moment, the stallions at the front of the float gave them the signal to start boarding, which was immediately followed by emphatic 'AWH YEAH' From Rainbow Dash. After a pink blob passed in front of the couples to make sure her float was ready, Applejack and Fluttershy went first. They climbed up, Applejack first. Fluttershy nearly tripped, which only worsened her rising nervousness. They entered the top part of the float, only about 5 feet above the rest, and sat in comfortable pink seats for the two. they were surrounded by a short wall, that they could easily see over/be seen from. After them, the rest of the couples boarded the lower floor. At this point, they saw the first float leave, and the marching band get up and get ready to start playing. "Ya ready, sugarcube?" the orange pony said, receiving a shy squeak in response. She put her hoof on Fluttershy's cheek and lifter her head up to look at her "Come on, 'Shy. There's nothin' to be afraid of, Ah'm sure this'll be fun," Not budging, Applejack sighed. The fact the float finally started to move didn't help Fluttershy's confidence. "You guys ready?" Said an exited Rainbow Dash ,"I am! I can't wait!" She flew down to Soarin' before either could respond. "Here," And with one long kiss, Applejack could see Fluttershy felt a little better. Maybe even a little dazed from the kiss she wasn't expecting. Just then, Their float then turned the corner into a huge crowd of ponies from all across Equestria.
Photo FinishedProudly wrapping her fore-leg around Fluttershy, the orange pony stood tall as they met the gigantic crowd before them. As the wind softly blew through their manes, they were met with louder cheering then they could have imagined. Hearing the good reaction from the crowd, Fluttershy stood up slightly higher and gave Applejack a peck on cheek. The loudness of the Marching Ponies behind them soon overtook the loudness of the crowd as the band too turned the corner. Applejack happily waved at ponies in the crowd, spotting Rarity in the midst, dressed up way beyond what's necessary like usual. She couldn't help but giggle when she saw the expression on Twilight's face from seeing the proud Rainbow Dash next to Soarin. not surprisingly, the attention loving Pegasus was doing all sorts of poses for the cameras in the crowd, while Soarin just smiled, and waved, knowing most of the attention was on him anyway, just from being a Wonderbolt. "This is great!" Yelled Applejack, with an agreeing nod from Fluttershy. They looked below them to see Ditzy and DrWhooves modestly waving, letting most of the attention go to the couple next to them. Then Pinkie Pie Announced their float from her hot-air balloon, not having a clue how she got to it so fast. "Here is the lovers float with couples from across PonyVille! HI APPLEJACK AND FLUTTERSHY! Aren't they soooo cute! They're the cutest newest couple in PonyVille! Say hi!" The pink pony said enthusiastically with a roar from the colorful crowd. She then announced the other couples, quickly moving on to her candy float, something she was obviously proud of. They then started hearing a yelling in the distance, with photos directed towards them. "FLOOTERSHAI! *click* APPAJACK! *click* WUNDERBAR!*" Fluttershy's eyes widened with horror, "Is that Ph-Photo Finish?" Applejack glanced in the general direction and saw a pony jogging alongside their float snapping endless amounts of pictures. "Ah think so, darlin'" She said loudly for Fluttershy to hear her. "FLOOTERSHAI! *Click* YOU LOOK *Click* WUNDERBAR!* The orange pony continued to wave to the crowd, but looked at Fluttershy ,"Um, Sugarcube, what's 'voonderbar' mean?" "I…Don’t know.., but she's the one that um, forced me to a model a long time ago..." "You MODELED? And ah never saw you do it? Ah bet you were...WUNDERBAR!" She giggled, assuming she found the meaning of the word. "You used my pictures to advertise your apples at your stand..." Applejack blushed, completely forgetting she did that, "Oh, um...right," She said with a nervous laugh. The float neared the end of the street, which was the end of their part of parade. Both ponies wondered why it was short, but then saw the Marching band stop to give a performance before Celestia made it there. "When are we going to, um, meet Princess Celestia?" Applejack forgot about that too,"Ummm, I’m sure Twilight will tell us, 'Shy" As they turned the corner, and ended their part of the parade, they heard an exited Rainbow Dash bragged about how, to her, the crowd was amazing by her poses. Applejack laughed almost too loud, not that the Rainbow Pony would notice. They knew Princess Celestia arrived in front of the crowd when a roaring cheer from the massive gathering of ponies shook the ponies to their core. "That sure went fast, huh?" "Yeah...I kind of wanted it to last longer...it was fun," Said the happy Fluttershy. They hugged then kissed in celebration of their first majorly public appearance as a couple. "Ah told you you could do it, sugarcube!" "I know, thank you Applejack..!" The ponies on the first story of the float exited first, then after another gleeful kiss, Fluttershy and Applejack exited next. They were all greeted by Twilight, with a bunch of thank-yous, though when she reached Applejack and Fluttershy, her whole demeanor suddenly changed. "I, uh, have some bad news girls," They just looked at her expectantly. "Princess Celestia is going to have to leave right after she greets the crowd," She said with a remorseful frown on her face. Applejack face-hoofed, "Doesn't she always?" "It's important business, Applejack, she doesn't have a choice" "...Isn't it always?" She questioned, quite obviously irritated by the misfortune. Twilight ignored her, and went on to Fluttershy, "You sure look happy! How was it for you Fluttershy?" "It was...nice," "FLOOTERSHAI! APPAJACK! YOU GUYS WAS FANSTIQUE!" Interrupted Photo Finish, prancing around the corner with her two assistants at her side. Fluttershy squeaked, Applejack face-hoofed again. "YOU GUYS ARE ABSHALUTELY ADORABLE. Photo Finish approves!" She stood right next to them, Fluttershy backing away. "I did not know, you two were, TOGETHER! That brings so much, how do you say, OPPERTUNITY!" She motioned emphatically with her hooves while she spoke, almost to add effect to her words. Applejack bit ,"For what...?" "Oh my dear Appajack," The miss-pronunciation of her name made the orange pony cringe, "You two could be so popular! Twilight silently snuck away to her own business, considering herself lucky to have not been roped into the conversation. "Thank ya kindly, Photo Finish, but we don't exactly want too," An overly enthusiastic gasp escaped Photo Finish, “Nonsense! Just do a few shots! Lyra and Bonbon recommended you two to, ME: Photo Finish!" Applejack nearly face-hoofed once more. "Speaking of the two, here they come now! What WUNDERBAR timing!" Lyra and BonBon came from around the corner, BonBon smiling happily as she prepared to congratulate the two. They greeted each other with loving hugs. "Bonbon, Didja two really recommend us ta do Photography?" "Nice to see you too, Applejack!" Lyra said, heavy on the sarcasm, receiving a passing annoyed glance from the earth pony. "Well, you two ARE the only other mare couple in town we know of, and besides, this modeling thing is fun!" BonBon explained. Fluttershy shook her head ,"I've already modeled, um before and it wasn't very fun, um for me," This made Photo Finish frown, but she surprisingly didn't interrupt. "Well, it's fun when you're with the one you love, me and Lyra have a blast doing it!" Fluttershy just thought about it. "Neither of us really want ta do this, BonBon, Ah'm awfully sorry," She frowned, "Just try it out, I PROMISE that you guys will have fun, dear!" she turned to Fluttershy, "You said yourself that you feel more confident with Applejack around, if you both do it, it'll be fun and it's a good time for you too," "BonBon says the truth, Flootershai, I won't have you two walk down a runway, I'm advertising my own clothing on YOU, and all I need is...ZE PHOTOS" The two mares knew right then and there that they weren't going to get out of this without agreeing to at least one photo shoot. Fluttershy gave the earth pony a defeated look, so Applejack spoke first. "Ah'm guessin' we have no choice huh?," Applejack said with a defeated laugh," We'll do it, but only one time," "WUNDERBAR! We meet tomorrow, at Rarities! That's where we can do, ZE MAGICS!" Suddenly, in unison with her assistants, Photo Finish walked away almost in a formation. She left without telling them what to bring, or even a time for them to come to Rarity's. BonBon squealed with joy ,"I'm so excited! We've never modeled with anypony else before! Are you exited?" "Sure," Applejack said, noticeably unenthusiastic about it all ,"What time are we 'sposed to meet there?" BonBon thought for a second ,"Come at 9am, that's when she has us come. She's such a weird pony, I'm not surprised she didn't tell you that," "Weird is an UBER understatement," Joked Lyra, causing BonBon to giggle and gave her that 'oh YOU' type of look. "Well, Ah'm sorry to cut this meeting short, but ah worked all day today at the farm, and now ah just want to get to our home and sleep, ah guess ah'll see ya gals tomorrow!" "Wait, aren’t you going to stay to meet Princess Celestia?" BonBon questioned. “No, she cancelled, and ah don’t even know why. Twilight Sparkle juss said it was ‘important business’, ah juss think she doesn’t want to,” “Oh, don’t think like that, I’m sure her reason is real, she just can’t tell you. Anyways, see you girls tomorrow!” The couples hugged each other once again, and soon Applejack and Fluttershy were on their way back to their home. Applejack giggled when she saw Soarin with at least 10 Apple pies in his arms. When they nearly were at their home, Applejack changed the subject of their regular small-talk back to the day ahead of them. "Fluttershy, I'm sorry ah let that Photo Finish get you back into modeling again, ah know ya don't like it, no matter how much ah like seeing ya in a dress," Fluttershy smiled, "Actually, um, No...I think Bonbon was right, I think it'll be better with you there, I'll definitely feel more, um confident. And we won't have to walk a runway, I hated that the most!" The orange pony smiled, pleasantly surprised, "Woah, didn't expect ya ta say that, Sugarcube! If you're havin' fun ah'm sure ah will too! but, on the other hoof, We need to stop lettin' people convince us to do stuff juss cuz we are two mares, Ah feel like that's the only reason why they want us to do it the first place, ya know?" "It's better than people, um, rejecting us " Applejack gave her a sly smile "Good point," The two mares entered their home, both immediately going upstairs. They both needed some sleep, even if Fluttershy didn't exactly do much. After a few minutes, she snuggled into her mare a little bit more and smiled ,"Ah love you darlin', Ah hope tomorrow doesn't go too bad hehe, ah'm honestly a little exited," After a few seconds she realized Fluttershy was already sleeping. She giggled under her breath ,"Feeding all them animals all day must be awfully tirin'," She said sarcastically ,"Good night, beautiful,"
Photo FinishedFluttershy took one last deep breath causing her whole upper body to bend back, just for her to relinquish a soft "Wake up, Applejack," “PURPLE APPLES?!?!?" The orange pony shouted, simultaneously jumping up out of their bed, startling the Pegasus almost to a squeak. Once Applejack got a hold of herself, she spoke, "Um, Sugarcube what time is it?" The orange pony rubbed her eyes with her hooves. "Um, 8:15," "Consarnit! That's barely nuff time to eat breakfast!" "Oh no, It's ok, I made us some toast with um, apple sauce topping, I think you'll love it!" Pegasus gently flew downstairs to get the food she prepared for them, followed by Applejack. "Ya always talk 'bout me treatin' you so well, and yet look at this delicious breakfast ya made me? Ah'm the spoiled one!" Applejack complimented, not wasting any time to dig in to her food. "I'm just returning the favor," she mused while giving Angel the rabbit her morning carrot. After breakfast the two mares got ready and got over to Rarity's house as fast as the two could. When they got there, Rarity was delighted to see the two arrive exactly at 9, she never saw Applejack as the punctual kind of pony. She greeted them kindly at the door, but was obviously happier that she had a chance to impress Photo Finish again. The photographer pony gasped when she saw them arrive. "AH, It's Flootershai and Appajack. Just in time! Time for ZE MAGIC!" She enthusiastically motioned them over next to Lyra and BonBon who already had dresses on for photos they had taken before. Applejack realized what she had got herself into right upon entering the door. A dress wearing photo-shoot. This is like the last thing she'd ever think about doing. And It's not like it wasn't obvious in the first place. Anythin' for Fluttershy she kept telling herself. "You two look absolutely beautiful!" Complimented Fluttershy upon the sight of Lyra and BonBon. They both said ‘Thank you’, nearly in unison. "Appajack! Flootershai! Put these on, then come back when you're done, you will pose with Lyra and BonBon, Ya?" Applejack sighed noticeably loud while Fluttershy gladly accepted it. They both got a fancy saddle, obviously made by Photo Finish and not Rarity. Who makes a saddle to sell? The earth pony thought to herself as she put it on. "Brilliant! Magnifique! Ok Lyra and BonBon put yours on too!" And the two went in the dressing room to do so. "Ah have ta ask, Ah'm sorry, but why'd ya design SADDLES of all thangs?" "Don't question the designer, because I am also ze photographer!" The confused Applejack gave up on reasoning with her. She now dreaded the day before her. Once Lyra an BonBon returned, Photo finish ordered them all up onto the stage for the pictures, then gave them a scene. "OK! Photo Finish wants you to be cowmares! Ready to buck anything in your path on ze FOM!" Piece of CAKE! Applejack thought to herself, immediately starting, motioning out to Fluttershy how to do it. "Goot Flootershai! GOOT!, Nice BonBon! More Attitude Lyra!" She focused her attention on Applejack, with a sudden appalled look on her face, "Appajack, VAS IST THAT?" The earth pony stood confused, "What is what?" "You're doing it all wrong!" She said, smacking her lips as she studied Applejack’s pose. "How am AH doing it wrong? Ah'm the only one here that's ACTUALLY a cowmare!," After holding it in for a minute, Lyra busted out laughing AT Applejack. The orange pony just tried her best to ignore it. "Just be a cowmare! Up in ze hills! Imagine!" Photo Finish did a terrible job at visually explaining what she wanted Applejack to do, giving the orange pony a really confused look on her face. Lyra, after halting her previous fit of laughter, was barely able to stifle another. Applejack sighed and put up another pose, something Photo Finish must have been satisfied with, because she ended up taking several photos. Regularly she changed orders, and each time she did, she criticized Applejack on something that the orange pony considered herself a natural at. To add to her humiliation, Lyra nearly passed out due to laughter each time, without even being told to stop by anypony. Applejack was able to bite her lip at Lyra's laughter, but it was getting to her quickly. When Lyra and BonBon were in the dressing room to change into yet another outfit, Applejack brought it up to Fluttershy, "Can ya believe that Lyra was laughing at me the whole time? Ah never really liked her ta begin’ with, now ah can't even stand her!" "Oh Applejack, I'm sure means nothing by it," Said Fluttershy, while adjusting her mane after putting on another outfit. "She was looking at me when she was laughin', right in ma eyes! And she wasn't even tryin' to hide it," Fluttershy sighed, "Well please try to um have a good time..." "Ah'll try..."She said unconvincingly. Just then the two other mares returned from the dressing room. Lyra whispered something to BonBon while glancing at Applejack. The orange pony stared her down. "Ok, girls, Photo finish needs all four of you to get really close, like a, PARTY. And you guys just had a great time, and you're eh, group hugging! Make ze magics happen!" To Applejack's dismay, Fluttershy and BonBon were the first to start in the 'hug'. Applejack slowly and begrudgingly 'hugged' Lyra. "Appajack, HAPPIER! Ist a PARTY!" Lyra chuckled, while the orange pony just forced a smile. Fluttershy sighed noticing the orange pony's obvious discomfort caused by being near the blue unicorn. "I am done!" Photo Finish said abruptly. Within half a second, her assistants appeared at her side, carrying her camera. She left without saying a word. "Thank Celestia that's over," Said Applejack as she hopped off the stage and looked for her hat. Fluttershy frowned, "It wasn't...that bad," "I agree With Fluttershy," Said Lyra, purposefully directing her voice towards Applejack, "I, at least, had a GREAT time," Applejack ignored her once more still trying to find her hat in a pile of clothes. When she looked back at them she saw BonBon wasn't very happy with the behavior of the all-blue mare.it made her feel like she wasn't the only pony here that was upset. She was even impressed at herself that she was able to not explode at Lyra's rudeness. But then Lyra began again, "I have to say, though, when Photo Finish was telling Applejack how to be a cowmare, I nearly died in laughter when she couldn't do it right!" "Now look here, Ah did it perfectly, she just doesn’t know what a REAL cowmare looks like!" "Well duh, this is a PHOTO SHOOT, you're supposed to look pretty when you do it, not be EXACTLY like a cowmare," Bonbon murmured and tried to get Lyra to stop, feeling the tension rising steadily with Lyra’s persistent rudeness. Insulted, Applejack rebutted, "We wasted our time here, and Ah ain’t gonna waste my time on this foal, that plays a FLUTE. Ah did nothin’ to deserve these random insults" "It’s called a Lyre, get it righ-" BonBon shut her up before she could finish. "I-I'm sorry, sometimes Lyra gets a little competitive, Hehe!" BonBon said awkwardly, while forcefully keeping Lyra from talking. "It wasn’t a competition!!” Applejack exclaimed, then calmed down ,”Ah just want to get home or go to the farm or somethin', come on 'Shy, lets change out of these dress thangs and lets go," Before they could even start, a white pony rushed in "Girls, Girls! What's the matter here?" Rarity looked confused, finally back from whatever she was doing while they modeled. "Nothin at all, Rarity, me and Fluttershy are just 'bout to go home," Rarity shook her head, "Oh Applejack, you do know you're the worst liar here," She turned her attention to Fluttershy, "What happened Fluttershy? I know I can trust you," The shy Pegasus sighed, "Applejack and um Lyra were arguing because Lyra was laughing at Applejack for not doing well in the Photo shoot, and um..." "So it was Lyra and Applejack? BonBon, what did you see?" Lyra pouted with her fore-legs crossed and watched BonBon with a glare. "I saw Lyra laughing almost every time Photo Finish would criticize Applejack and then she insulted Applejack afterwards, " BonBon put her head in her hooves out of embarrassment. "Oh gosh. That's so foalish of you two. And it's nothing even worth holding a grudge against each other for. Come on, apologize and get this nonsense over with," Begrudgingly the two slurred 'I'm sorry' while avoiding eye contact. "Now now, don’t be such fillies about it. I mean really, I could barely even hear you two! Say it like you mean it," Applejack went first, acknowledging that Rarity was right, ”A-Ah’m sorry, Lyra, Maybe ah overreacted a bit. Ah may not like this fancy shmancy modeling hay, but ah really was tryin’” The blue pony sighed and went next, ”I am sorry too... I honestly don’t know why I was laughing so hard. Wasn’t even that funny. I do things without thinking, a LOT,” She emphasized with dramatic nods from BonBon ,”And honestly I think you did good, So...yeah. I’m sorry or whatever,” The two ponies gave each other a half-hearted hug, still not fond of each other in any way. BonBon lifted her head, feeling a little less embarrassment at the crass behavior of Lyra. Fluttershy was impressed with how fast Rarity fixed the situation. She went over to talk to white unicorn. At that same moment, the orange pony went back to change, still planning on going home right after. “Um, thank you Rarity. You handle things so well,” “Psh. You don’t have to thank me, darling. I can’t let two good friends of mine argue like that! It’s bad for business...” Fluttershy smiled, ”Thanks for letting us use your home to model, um today, ” “My pleasure! And besides, I think I finally have made a break-through with Photo Finish!,” She squealed a little in excitement, ”I’m so excited!” “Oh congratulations Rarity! It’s about time she saw your talent!” After a hug, Rarity continued, ”Next week, she’s going to have me design some clothing for her models to wear in a photo shoot! And between you and me, I think it’s because her own Fashion Designs aren’t doing too well. Either way, she chose me!” “I’m so happy for you. It’s always good to see somepony get the break they deserve!” Applejack made her way out of the dressing room, with her hat on and was obviously waiting on Fluttershy to go. The shy Pegasus changed and came back in a few minutes, all while Applejack was waiting slightly impatiently. Yeah, her day wasn’t THAT bad, but she still wanted to take a nap and start over later. She adjusted her hat a little right as Fluttershy came out. “Time ta go darlin’” She then faced Rarity, BonBon and Lyra ,”See ya’ll later, Ah need to take a nap. Sorry again, you two,” She closed the door and left with a sigh of relief. The two ponies made their way home a little faster, Rainbow Dash must have been planning a big storm, the black clouds seemingly getting bigger every second. Fluttershy giggled causing the earth pony to look at her suspiciously, ”Ok, What’s so funny, sugarcube? ”The shy pony grinned, ”Um, I want you to do something, ok?” “Sure thang darlin’” The Pegasus giggled uncontrollably. “Pose like a cowmare,” Applejack face hoofed.
MotionlessMotionless "So Sugarcube, ah know ah was supposed to not ask you again, but ah'm just curious! What ponies have ya dated before me? Ah told ya who ah've dated..." Applejack questioned from inside their kitchen, as she prepared herself some breakfast. "Yeah, and um, I met one and he wasn't very nice..." "Not in the least! But ah still would like to know who you've dated! It’s only fair," Fluttershy perched on their couch, stretched, relinquishing a quiet yawn in the process, “Why do you want to know so badly..?" Applejack pondered her question, while taking a bite of a slice of Apple Pie ,"Ah don't know, Ah juss think ah should know, juss in case one of em tries to Buckwheat me," Fluttershy gave her a mean look (Well, as mean of a look as Fluttershy could give) "…Too soon?" Said the orange pony with a laugh, taking another bite of her piece of pie. "When are you leaving?" Applejack looked hurt, surprised at the coldness of Fluttershy’s response, "Ouch, Sugarcube..." "No! Um, i didn't mean it like that, I actually want to know, I'm sorry..." "Oh! Don’t apologize! Ya didn’t do anythin’ wrong! And I'm not sure when ah should leave, Ah reckon soon, Suns already a quarter up the sky, Ah at least need to leave before noon, Braeburn expects me in Appleloosa by Sundown, which means I should get on the next train or one after it" through a window, she looked off in the distance towards Appleloosa. The orange pony had received a letter the night before from Braeburn, expressing the dire situation the town was in, and how much he needed help from his relatives in PonyVille. Along with some other Apple family members, she had immediately accepted the challenge. Applejack, walking over to the Pegasus on the couch, handed her a slice from an apple pie she had just finished making. "MMM! Thank you! You make the best Apple stuff," Said the shy Pegasus said happily. "Well Apple is...in my name!" Applejack responded, causing both to giggle. After eating the whole slice in nearly one bite, Fluttershy digressed, "Why do you have to go to Appleloosa?" "Ah told ya this, darlin. There's a fire, and they need as many ponies there too help, it's a bigger than hay fire ah've been told, Braeburn sounded awfully worried about it" "Oh! Sounds scary...y-you better be careful!" Fluttershy warned, shuttering at the thought of fighting a huge fire. "Of course, Darlin!, ya don't have to worry about me," "...But I will," Fluttershy said meekly, lowering her head. Applejack walked over to the couch and gently kissed her on the cheek ,"Ya don't have nothin' to worry 'bout, darlin', Ah'll be fine! Ah was at a fire in Manehatten with my Aunt and Uncle Orange helping fight a fire, we put it out in 2 hours tops. We juss gotta stop it before it hits the Apple Trees, they'll lose a lot of bits if it does," "It just sounds so...dangerous, I would go if it wasn't for all of my animals...I just want to know you're safe..." "Ah wouldn't let ya go even if ya could, Ah wouldn't wanna risk ya gettin' hurt or nothin'. Just remember you don't have anythin' to worry 'bout. Forest fires are common in that dustbowl they call Appleloosa, We'll take care of it, and Ah'll be right back home in no-time," "You promise?" Applejack got close to her face and whispered, "Ah Promise," "I-I'm still going to worry about you...I can't help it" "Oh, Fluttershy, Ah love you so much..." Swooned the earth pony, smiling lovingly at her mare on the couch ,"Just spend some extra time with yer animals, and ah'll be back just in time for our 2 month anniversary thingy, and it'll be great! Ah'll take ya out on a date, and buy ya stuff, the rests a surprise! See? Now ya have something to look forward too!" "I love you more…And that sounds so romantic...3 months ago I, um never would have guessed you'd be so..." She struggled to find the word she was looking for, "So romantic," Applejack smiled genuinely, "More? That ain’t even possible darlin’ and Ah wouldn’t a' guessed it either. Bein' with you has made me a better pony, ah suppose," She said with a loving glance at her mare on the couch ,"Now, ah think It's time ah get to the train station, ya comin' with babe?" "Of course!" Exclaimed Fluttershy as she jumped off of her couch. On their way, Fluttershy couldn't shake the nervous feeling she had had when Applejack told her about the fire. She scared herself with the thoughts of what could go wrong, despite trying to ignore the thoughts. It wasn’t like her to be so nervous for something Applejack was going to do, usually she had all the confidence in the world for her, but something about this trip bothered her, and she couldn’t stop thinking about it. , So…um how big was the fire the last time you were there?" "Ah reckon it wasn't too big, we mostly just had to keep it from growin, because the wind was goin' crazy. Once the wind died down, we took it out quickly," "H-how big is this fire?" "Ah was told it was much bigger...but ya don't have nothin' to worry 'bout darlin'. I know what ah'm doin'!" "I guess..." Fluttershy said with a sigh. As they rounded a corner near the center of town, the two came across Big Macintosh, most likely going to the train station too. "Hey, Big Mac!" Greeted the orange pony. "Hello Applejack, Fluttershy," Responded the stallion in his regular deep voice, as he looked back at the two ponies. "Are you goin' to Appleloosa too?" "Eeyup," "Any Idea how big the fire is now? Braeburn didn't give me much of a clue in his letter," "He said it's the biggest in Appleloosa history," Said the soft-spoken stallion, causing Fluttershy to gulp at the thought. "Is she comin' too?" He asked, in response to her nervous gulp. "No, she has to stay at our home and take care of her animals," Said Applejack Big Macintosh looked at Fluttershy ,"Why are you so nervous if ya ain't goin'?" "Um, well, uh.." Her voice trailed off before she finished. Knowing Fluttershy always got especially nervous around her family, Applejack finished for her, "She's just nervous for me, cuz it ain't exactly the safest thing for me to be doin'," The red stallion nodded, "Don't worry Fluttershy, Ah'll take care of her for ya," The three reached the train station quite fast. Feeling the excessive heat, which was quite unsual at that time of year, they hurried once the train station was in sight. Applejack made a mental note to tell Rainbow Dash to calm down the next time they decide to make it a hot day. Climbing up a bunch of wooden steps, Big Macintosh quietly left to meet with other members of the Apple family, understanding his younger sister would want some time with her mare. "Ah hope it ain't as hot in Appleloosa! It's hotter than hay out here today, darn Rainbow Dash always trying to over-do it!" Remarked Applejack as they entered the waiting area. Edging threw the crowd of ponies, a lot of which are Apple family members; she searched to see the next arrival time. She didn't need to search for long, because she saw the 4 stallions leading the train in the distance, with a huge cloud of dust and dirt behind them. "Ah reckon that's some perfect timing, here they come right now!" Applejack said happily, as she turned around to meet Fluttershy again. Fluttershy lowered her head ,"Please be careful, Applejack," "Of course ah will, darlin," "I'm going to miss you..." Seeing the sincere sadness across the Pegasus' face made Applejack feel guilty for having to leave. It didn't occur to her like it did to Fluttershy, that this would be the first time they'd be apart for more than a day since they've been together. "It's only for a day or 2, tops! Ah'll miss ya too...Think 'bout it this way, It'll just make our 2 month anniversary thing that much more special," The roaring train then entered the station, the leading stallions whinnying upon their arrival. It came to a stop along with a following cloud of dust. After a minute or two, the train's doors opened, all of the ponies quickly lining up to enter. "Well, the trains boarding now," Applejack said, then turned around and spoke softly, getting close to Fluttershy, "Ah'll be fine darlin, don't worry about me," "I'll try not to..." "Ah love you Fluttershy," Applejack said meaningfully. "I love you too! Be careful please..!" Fluttershy reiterated despite herself. The earth pony gave her a long kiss then a hug, both ignoring the ponies staring at them. "Ah'll be fine, sugarcube. Ah know what ah'm doin'" Applejack then followed a line of ponies onto the train, glancing back at the saddened Pegasus every chance she could. She entered the odd-smelling train, and searched for a spot where she could wave to Fluttershy before she left. She had to go to the back of the cabin, but found a bed with a window she could use, Big Macintosh soon after chose the bed across from hers. Why were no ponies coming off the train in Ponyville? ya'd think that a lot of ponies would want to leave Appleloosa right now she thought. After a several calls to see if anypony still needed to board the train, the huge vehicle slowly made it way out of Ponyville. Applejack blew a kiss to Fluttershy, then looked forward to her destination. A sudden collective gasp went through the train, as each pony laid their eyes upon a massive black cloud pluming from the distant mountains.
Motionless“Oh hello there, Fluttershy! What brings you here today?” Greeted Rarity, as the shy Pegasus entered her shop. “Um, I don’t kn-“ “Where’s Applejack? It’s weird not seeing her with you…I hope everything’s fine!” Rarity continued without letting the Pegasus finish her sentence. Fluttershy lowered her head, ”She’s um, going to Appleloosa..” Rarity frowned, ”Now why is she there, dear?” “Her family, um needed her to help fight a fire that’s near their trees…and I’m just worried,” The white pony shook her head, ”Doesn’t surprise me, she’s one brave pony, I mean, Imagine how dirty she would get out there! Madness!” “I-I’m just really worried…she said it’s the biggest fire they’ve ever had,” “Oh Fluttershy, you have nothing to worry about, if any pony could extinguish a fire, I’d be Applejack. Maybe Rainbow Dash too, but both would get it done. I’m sure she isn’t alone!” “I know, it’s just…” Her voice trailed into a squeak. “Come on darling, I thought I was your best friend! you don’t have to hide anything from me!” The Pegasus sighed for confidence ,”Well, ever since she told me she was going to go there, I’ve just felt…like something’s going to happen, and I’m not going to be there…I just…I don’t like it when she endangers herself like this, Because I can’t stop myself from worrying ,” “I’m sure she knows what she’s doing! It’s not like she’s going to run into the fire screaming at it to stop! Or some nonsense like that, and I’m sure there are plenty of ponies there to assist her,” “She said the same thing…I just-I don’t even know,” The Pegasus frowned ,”I feel like there’s something that is going to happen, and I can prevent it somehow…” She sighed, as she sat down on the floor ,”Maybe I’m just worrying too much,” “Why didn’t you go with her then? Pegasi could help a lot when it comes to a fire,” Questioned Rarity, while simultaneously sewing a pattern in a scarf she was making. “I could have, but I have my animals…she said she wouldn’t have let me go with her anyway, because I’d hurt myself,” “Well that’s awfully mean of her,” The white pony said, whilst wrapping her newly made scarf around her neck. “No, um, she’s right…she was just caring about me,” The Pegasus got a confused look on her face when she saw Rarity’s new scarf, ”Um, Rarity? Why Did you make a scarf when it’s still summer?” “Preparations, Fluttershy, I’ve got to be ready for when winter does come! It’s not a crime to be prepared really early, and besides what pony would wait until she’s already freezing to make one?” Fluttershy nodded, then digressed ,”I kind of want to go now…she’s been gone for a little over an hour and I already miss her…” “That’s just so adorable, Fluttershy. Why don’t you take the next train, If you’re gone for a day, I’m sure your animals will be fine. I could go over and check on them if necessary, as long as I don’t have to touch any of them…” Fluttershy’s face lit up, ”Could you really, Rarity?” “Of course! Helping a friend means good karma, and I’m all for good karma! Sales have been a little slow lately” She responded, followed by an immediate hug from the Pegasus, nearly knocking her over. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just have to know she’s safe, you’re the best friend a pony could ask for,” The Pegasus squeaked with joy, “Are you sure it isn’t um, a problem?” Fluttershy relinquished her hug on the unicorn. “No no no no, it’s completely manageable for me, and I’m sure Opalescence here would like to meet a new friend or two, huh?” Rarity motioned towards her cat, which just turned over in her bed made of fabric from Rarity’s collection. “All you um, pretty much need to do is feed Angel, my bunny, his daily carrots, which can be at any time, I’ll just feed my birds and mice and chickens and snakes and everything else when I return!” The shy Pegasus said gleefully, “And Besides, I couldn’t even, um, imagine you trying to feed my chickens,” Both ponies laughed at the idea. Fluttershy gave her another hug, ”Thank you so much Rarity. I’ll be back once the fire is out, I just…maybe…I’m sure she’s fine and I’m just worrying too much…but still, thank you Rarity,” “You’re very welcome, Fluttershy. Now go on! Get on that next train! You’ll get their around morning time, I think. I doubt the next train arrives until something in the afternoon,” “Ok!, Um, bye Rarity!” The Pegasus said with a thankful smile, as she exited her friends shop. Fluttershy was soon at home with her animals, waiting until she could go to the train station. Every hour that passed she got a little bit more nervous, for her and Applejack’s sake. She wanted to help in some sort of way when she got there, so she could prove to Applejack that she could help after all. Despite her attempts not too, she took a nap, the time to leave came quicker than she had expected. “Applejack,” Big Macintosh said, as he stood over the sleeping pony ,”Wake up, we’re here,” “W-what?” She turned over and rubbed her eyes with her hooves, realizing at some point she must have fallen asleep on the way there. “Get up, it’s worse than ya think,” “Huh?” Applejack lazily climbed out of her bed, onto the red carpet that lines the middle of cabin. “Ya need to hurry Applejack, we can’t waste any time,” The sense of urgency in Big Macintosh’s voice sent a chill down her spine, ”What’s going on Big Macintosh?” They both were now in line to exit, Big Macintosh in front of his sister. ”Look,” He said, motioning towards the windows. To Applejack’s dismay, through a window she saw the fire not 100 yards from the closest building in town, barely being contained by several ponies using hoses attached to the only fire hydrant in town. The shock soon wore off, and determination set in. She had a long night ahead of her, and was now prepared to fight the fires all night. “Ya ready, Applejack?” “Sure am,” They exited into the warm night air, frantic ponies clustered around them. They gauged their situation as they looked at the fires in the distance; they needed to find Braeburn to find out what they were going to do to help. They stayed by the train with several others expecting Braeburn to look for them there. The smoke could be seen through the darkness above them blocking out everything but the light tint of the moon showing through. The air was filled with dirt and small debris left by whatever the fire has left in its path thus far. Applejack caught sight of Braeburn first, ”There he is,” She mentioned to Big Mac. After they yelled for him for nearly a minute, he finally noticed the two standing by the train. Through the crowd of panicking ponies came the stallion towards them. The defeated expression on his face didn’t give much hope to the two. “Howdy ya’ll…” Braeburn said unenthusiastically, noticeably missing his vest and hat. “Where do ya need us, Braeburn?” Questioned Big Macintosh, while squinting through the dust in the wind. “The fire goes down far, ALL the way from here to our orchards …the wind changed direction last night and the fire quickly started coming towards us here in Appleloosa,” He stopped to catch his breath, then continued, ”We were barely able to keep it from getting to our buildings, and we are still fighting it…the lack of Pegasi here doesn’t help either. You and Applejack can grab a hose from the fire hydrant if ya can see it…” He gestured in the general direction of where the fire hydrant was located, the view blocked by the haziness of the air and ponies running frantically about, ”We need everypony to work together, because Appleloosa won’t last much longer at these rates,” “What part of the fire should we go to first?” The red stallion questioned, holding a hoof in front of his face to guard himself from a big gust of wind. In the distance Applejack saw one of the fires collapse one of the few trees near the town, nearly hitting the pony that was trying to save it. The fire that caused it then encased it, spreading over the tree; several other stallions running over just to help the one pony already there. Applejack felt a dire sense of urgency; she wanted to get out there and help as soon as she could. “Let’s go Applejack,” Big Macintosh said calmly, as Braeburn left to prepare other ponies in the midst of everything after arriving. Walking as fast as they could through the crowds of ponies, Applejack only able to know where she was going by following Big Macintosh, who was considerably larger than the rest of the ponies there. An atmosphere of depression was felt through the whole town; every pony there in the midst of fighting the fire or saving what they could before they assumed the fire would hit the town. The only lights seen through the town were the lights from homes lucky enough to still have electricity, and the fire’s own bright flickering light. When they found their way to the massive fire hydrant, the stallion stopped, and thought for a moment. When Applejack tried to reach for a hose, Big Macintosh stopped her with his hoof. ,”No,” He coughed, sighed, then continued, ”Applejack ya need to go back, this ain’t somethin’ a mare should be involved with, ya don’t know what yer gettin’ into,” “I didn’t come here fer nothin’ Big Mac! Ah can handle this, Ah ain’t a normal mare ya know,” Responded Applejack defiantly. “It’s not how tough you are, It’s not just cuz yer my sister, It’s too dangerous for somepony so small to go into a fire this big,” “That’s a bunch a hay and you know it!, Ah can handle myself out there,” “We don’t have time to argue, Applejack,” Big Macintosh said with a sigh, ” If yer gonna go, stay near me, no exceptions,” Applejack nodded, grabbed the last remaining hose for herself, and followed her older brother to the near-by fire. They climbed a slight hill, and over which was the line of scattered fires, spread ruthlessly by the constant gusts of wind. The intensity of the heat doubled as it the fire came more into sight, the hot wind knocking Applejack’s hat off and taking it high in the air without her even noticing. They approached the closest fire in regards to the town and started blasting the massive blaze from the bottom, the force of the water nearly knocking Applejack over. Next to a few other stallions, it seemed as if they were finally going to be able to extinguish a good portion of the fire from the start. All 4 ponies lined up next to each other, gripping the handle on the hoses with their mouths, an aiming with their hooves. It was three stallions and Applejack, all working together to at least make a dent on the fire, and ultimately prevent it from hitting the town just several hundred feet behind them. But the fire they were battling was only a part of dozens of scattered blazes all leading to the acres of trees that fed Appleoosian ponies and buffalo/bison alike. Everypony knew how dire the situation they were in was and that they couldn’t mess up. They worked into a rhythm, each playing a role in extinguishing the blaze in front of them. 1 hour passed quickly, the 4 ponies successfully extinguishing fires nearly a mile from the town. Applejack went full-force the whole way, constantly impressing the three stallions beside her. The smell of burnt wood discouraged them, still seeing a black plume from the main fire they were working towards. Each pony now covered in their own layer of dust and smoke with red eyes from the unrelenting contaminated wind. It was apparent to Big Macintosh that his sister turned out to be very valuable in this battle against the fire, she had proven her worth tremendously. They had no time to be happy about saving the town, because if the trees are devoured by the fire, it won’t be saved. Another hour passed, the orchard now barely in site ahead of them. All four have managed to now have extinguished nearly every single scattered fire, the hoses now reaching their limits even with the extensions put on them. All 4 of them undeniably tired, Applejack especially, but not done with their work. And as they gazed upon the farm of apple trees before them, they knew that real fight was yet to come. The wind still pushed the main fire, while the Buffalo and ponies worked together to push back. So far, it was only at a stand-still. The fire had consumed about 6 trees thus-far, less than the 4 ponies expected, even though they knew if they didn’t get over there soon, that the number would climb rapidly. “We need to hurry,” Big Mac yelled over the howling wind. One of the other stallions spoke up ,”How ‘bout we split up? Me and Biscuit can knock out the rest of fires o’re here, you and Applejack go help down there, Ah’m sure they need it, they’ve been here all day” The pony that spoke up was Big Apple, one of Applejack and Big Macintosh’s distant cousins. Not much smaller than Big Macintosh in comparison, but had the most experience with fires, being a fire fighter when he lived in Stalliongrad. When he spoke, everypony knew that he knew what he was talking about. “Alright,” Responded Big Macintosh concisely, motioning for Applejack to follow him. Through dead grass and shrubbery from fires that had previously been extinguished, they made their way down the hill to the exhausted ponies below, accompanied by Little Strongheart. Applejack immediately noticed how exhausted all of the ponies were, Little Strongheart seemed as if she was going to collapse. They all seemingly let a sigh of relief upon the sight of Big Macintosh and Applejack, the flickering light from the fire the only thing they could use to see them by. Applejack looked up into the black night sky, gazing at the mile-high plume of even blacker smoke, which must have been building for hours now. She took a deep breath to collect herself. The earth pony knew she was tired, and now she was faced with the biggest fire yet. Big Macintosh glanced at his sister beside him, ”Ya ok, Applejack? Ya look awfully tired” Against her conscious she denied it ,”Ah’m fine, Big Mac,”
MotionlessFluttershy put a pillow over her ear, trying to sleep in spite of the inconsiderate noises from loud passengers around her on the train. Lying on her side, facing the window was the best she could do to escape the loudness that surrounded her; though she admitted to herself that she probably wouldn’t have been able to sleep even if it was perfectly quiet. The shy Pegasus couldn’t help but over-hear other pony’s conversations on the train. Every single one seemed about the fire, which made sense since a majority of the ponies were getting off at Appleloosa. Even though she tried to keep a positive outlook on the day before her, the shy Pegasus couldn’t help being bothered by the things the ponies around her were saying about the fire. “I heard the whole fire is a mile long, and the cloud of smoke couldn’t be cleared by a whole team of Pegasi!” Somepony above her said, with no clue of what they were talking about. Even when knowing this, it still sent chills down her spine. “I heard the fire’s already taken out half of the trees! Appleloosa could go bankrupt!” “I was told the fire spread to the town, and the whole town could be gone now!” They’re just rumors, Fluttershy. No need to panic when it’s obviously not true The Pegasus rationalized the rumors floating around her to make herself feel better. She gazed outside the window, onto a dry desert plain, that seemed endless. The moon seemingly shining extra bright, not aiding in Fluttershy’s attempts to sleep. It seemed awfully hazy out there, and it worried her that it could be ash from the fire…she dismissed the thought because they seemed to still be so far away. Soon, the repetitive motion of seeing all of the cactus, shrubbery and small trees fly past constantly, over and over again, finally lured the Pegasus to into a deep sleep. “Big Mac!” A distant voice yelled from behind him. Each pony still diligently sprayed water onto the endless fire, barely making any progress, Little StrongHeart breathing heavier than the rest. She was the only one remaining from the group from earlier in the day. Big Macintosh turned around. He wiped the sweat mixed with ash and dirt from his forehead as he walked to meet Braeburn. “What ya need Braeburn?” The light-brown stallion approached him quickly, though obviously exhausted and over-worked. “T-there ain’t much water l-left, the wells darn near dry,” Big Macintosh took the news calmly, ”Ok, when do you think we could get more?” “W-we get all of our water from a river down yonder, but it’s cut off by the fire,” Braeburn lowered his head in disappointment , “What’re we gonna do now, Mac?” The red stallion thought for a second, ”Ah have an idea,” The two walked over to the Applejack, the two stallions and Little Strongheart, still working hard on a fire they’ve been at for nearly an hour. “Y’all, Ah have some news, Ah’ll tell ya quick. The waters gonna be gone soon, but we can still fight this fire,” He winced when some debris from the wind got in his eye, but continued soon after, ”When the water is gone, Ah want all of us to buck dirt into the fire. Ah’m sure it works juss as good as the water, maybe even better, but it’s our only choice once it’s all gone,” Standing just a few yards from the fire, the 4 agreed that it seemed plausible. Big Macintosh changed his focus to the exhausted Little Strongheart, ”Hey, you! Ah’m awfully sorry, but ah forgot your name, but ah think you need some rest, ya’ve been here darn near since the fire started,” Stopping just for a second, the little buffalo stood shakily, she was smart enough to know when not to argue. “I Hate to leave…But I can’t last much longer..” “Go on, we’ll handle it from here. Thank Ya kindly, ya helped more than most ponies that live here in Appleloosa,” Said Braeburn graciously, “Is it alright if ah join ya’ll? Since it’s ‘bout to get much harder without water,” “Of course Braeburn, but ya sure look awfully exhausted yourself,” “When it comes to ma town, I’ll work until I can’t anymore,” Big Mac nodded at Braeburn, and then warned the 3 ponies still attacking the fire again that they’ll need to be very easy on the water until they all have to start bucking dirt into it. Applejack was near exhaustion, and if it wasn’t for the meager supply of water, she would have drunk some, thirst catching up to her fast. But she put on a strong front and still did her best despite the sinking feeling that fighting this fire may be a lost cause, a feeling everypony there held, but didn’t want to admit too. The water lasted them about 20 minutes, and luckily for Applejack, Big Macintosh let everypony quench their thirst before they had to begin an even harder task of bucking sand and dirt into the fire. The only mare there drank the most, the stallions there understanding that she needed it more than they did. The 5 ponies then lined up next to each other, facing the opposite way of the fire, and began kicking dirt into the inferno, with surprisingly good results. Though, the smoke from a fire so near-by constantly made everypony stop every minute or two just to cough. They soon had a light chuckle about how everypony was the same shame of grey-ish black from being blasted by ash from the fires for so long. Nopony had an idea what time was, they could only guess that it would be morning soon, and that they weren’t going to quit. Applejack constantly looked around for Bloomberg, a tree she had planted near-by a long time ago when the mane 6 had come there. She knew she could point the tree out if she saw it, but the smoke around everything made trees nearly impossible to see while bucking sand into the blaze in front of them. The fire surrounded almost one whole side of the acres of trees, and when they could see far along in the distance, they could see a line of fires for nearly another mile, all within feet of the trees. The part they were fighting was the only part that it actually had burnt down some trees. They were confident that buffalo were helping extinguish fires in other areas, because something had to have been, or the fires would have hit the trees in that area of the orchard already. “The winds dying down,” Big Macintosh pointed out, sending a collective sigh of relief through everypony there, “I don’t how long it will last, so let’s take advantage of it,” With a new burst of energy, all 5 ponies there started making large headway in the fire, slowly but surely pushing the fire back from the trees. They didn’t know far back the fire went, but they knew they had to be close the end of the orchard. When she got into a rhythm, the work seemed less exhausting and the lack of wind added motivation on top of it. Aim-set-buck, aim-set-buck, aim-set-buck. Try and get as much dirt on the fire without getting too close. There had already been several close calls of one of the ponies nearly kicking the fire itself, after getting a little to close when they set. As exhausting of a procedure it is, the stallions beside her showed no signs of letting up, and the adrenaline rush of fighting the main fire had worn off quickly for Applejack. Ignoring her conscious once more, she pushed on. The motion became so repetitive that Applejack would get lost in thought while mindlessly bucking at the fire, obviously doing a well enough job on auto-pilot that she wasn’t told to focus. Or they just didn’t notice. When she shook herself out of her day dream, she noticed how labored her own breathing was, so she paced it. She felt obligated to give it her all, even through her exhaustion and weakness. The only mare there couldn’t let her cousin’s orchard go down in flames, and if she took time to rest, she wouldn’t be able to anyway, because all she would think about was the orchard. So, after a deep breath, she continued alongside the 4 stallions, not giving an inch to the raging fire in front of them. Aim-set-buck, Aim-set-buck…
MotionlessThe five ponies stared at a pile of collapsed trees, still burning inside; sparks of wood flying out and gently swaying to the ground. The whole pile took up their path of fighting the fire, which had been extinguished up until a few yards after the pile of debris, and with the fallen trees still encasing fire inside, the ponies dared not to move it by hand alone. The wind around them was calm, but gentle gusts every now and then told them they didn’t have much time before another blast of wind spear-headed the fire back in their direction. They buck dirt at the logs so the fires inside would die out and they could move it by hoof, but it no matter how many times they tried the fires inside only grew, just a little more discouraging them all. Big Macintosh needed to think fast because a road-block like this could mean disastrous implications on the orchard of apple trees behind them, most of which they had assumed they had saved thus far. “Keep buckin’ dirt at the pile, it won’t be too long until it’s out!” He looked at the sky and between the smoke, he noticed spots of partially-blue sky. It was already early morning; they had been fighting the fires for upwards of 6 hours now. “Eyuh…Aj, Ah have an idea,” The red stallion said through the loud wind. She walked over to her older brother, as the other three stallions continued punishing the pile of wooden debris with dirt and sand. “Y-Yes, Big Mac,” Applejack crossed her right legs over her left, something she often does subconsciously. “Ya know the pile o’ rope we saw as we came here,” Applejack nodded, ”Well, Ah need that ta get these outta our way. Ya think ya can get it?” “Sure thang,” Her confidence was only in her voice, anypony from a mile away could see that she’s physically drained. Big Macintosh started to regret his decision on letting her join the fight, the slowly rising sun shining light on the weakening mare before him. “Eeyuh-Ya gonna be ok, AJ? Ya ain’t lookin’ to good,” Big Macintosh said, knowing that the copious amount of work must have been getting to her. She sighed , ”Yes, Big Macintosh, ya don’t have ta worry ‘bout me, ah’m perfectly fine” “Don’t rush, we can handle this, use this time ta gather yer breath,” The orange pony started off, running past the dead, blackened trees and grass they had extinguished before. Braeburn looked up towards the sky, ”Ah reckon’ its bout 5 am, if ah’m right, a train should be comin’ in any time and a bunch more ponies can take over fer us, because ah’m on ma last legs, ah swear,” His higher pitched voice was shaky and physically he was the worst of out of everypony, having fought the fire and warned incoming ponies about it since the start. “Don’t ya gotta go wait fer the trains so you can tell the arrivals where ta go?” Big Apple Questioned, as he bucked more dirt into the pile of debris. Braeburn shook his head, “Naw, Ah got some ponies before ah left to do that for me, Ah felt ah could help more if ah actually joined the fight, and ah had ta tell ya ‘bout the water bein’ gone,” The 4 stallions then returned to their attempt to extinguish the fire in the debris, waiting on Applejack and the rope to help pull it out of the way when they finished. Applejack trotted along the pathway to where they came into the orchard. She needed to preserve energy, and sorely needed to rest, the lack of sleep catching up to her quickly. She couldn’t help but marvel at their work so far; they really saved an enormous amount of trees when they came in, along with Little Strongheart before she left. If they hadn’t had come when they did, the fire may have overpowered the ponies and buffalo defending it then. It made her proud to know she had done so much, but sad to know she won’t be able to do much more once she returned to the task at hoof. As she was trotting along, dead trees piled on both sides of her, she glanced towards her side and noticed a bunny hopping merrily towards the fire, completely oblivious to the danger ahead. Applejack stopped in her tracks, and sighed. What would Fluttershy do… Even though bunnies may be the one animal that she never exactly got along with, she knew it’d be a nice story to tell Fluttershy when she returned that she saved a bunny from the fire. So, putting on a friendly face through all the ash and dirt that covered her, she walked over towards the bunny, initially startling it. “Come on, ya little critter, ya don’t know what’s down yonder, ya need to go this way,” She pointed her hoof the opposite way the rabbit was going, but it went on along, ignoring her efforts to help it. “Get back er’!” She yelled, slightly irritated at the rabbits naiveté. Applejack squeezed through a pile of debris and climbed over a few dead trees to chase after it, “Ya can’t go that way, you’ll get yerself killed ya varmint!” The wind suddenly picked up, knocking Applejack into a dead tree, and flooding her eyes with smoke and ash. She rubbed them quickly, and cringed at the pain from falling into the dead tree. After a few seconds to recover from the impact, she then continued her search for the little bunny. As she jumped over another dead tree, she caught sight of a new fire that had sprung up near hear, on a dead tree that now blocked her path back to the 4 stallions, half a mile away from her. “Consarnit!” She shouted despite herself. Now ah gotta tell them that we have another fire to fight! How in the hay did we miss it? Braeburn ain’t gonna like this… She crept through more blackened debris, now unable to find the bunny again. Throughout her whole trike, the howling wind picking up speed and spreading the blaze behind her. Applejack now felt a sense of desperation, because there was a fire they needed to put out where they were at, and another fire that just sprung up here that they didn’t even know about. They needed more ponies if they were going to save this farm, and she didn’t have a way to immediately tell anypony about it. Applejack continued to search for the little creature, now worried that it was hurt by that gust of wind. Disregarding the growing fire near-by, she didn’t notice the blaze spreading around the path she was in; slowly creeping forward, using the dry dead wood of trees as fuel. She didn’t know what kind of danger she was getting into. As she searched diligently for the bunny, she suddenly was startled by the loud boom of a massive tree crushing the ground behind her, now partially blocking her path out. Applejack immediately darted out of the dead trees into the pathway they had made previously while blasting the fire with water. She was about to leave with haste, when she saw the bunny stuck under a pile of dead wood. It was clearly unable to get itself out from under it and run to safety. Applejack knew she couldn’t leave it there. So as the fire spread from across the pathway, over the newly fallen tree, she quickly saved the distressed rabbit. She pointed it in the right direction, right before the fire encased the whole tree. Applejack felt accomplished knowing she just saved a life; she looked forward to telling Fluttershy. But she wasn’t out of the woods yet; figuratively and literally. The orange pony needed to think fast, adrenaline giving her a burst of energy. With one quick jump, she could jump over the flaming fallen tree and quickly get the rope, nearly in sight. She rubbed her eyes, clearing her vision of the ash and debris that was blasted in her face during the last gust of hot wind. Applejack got in position, around 30 feet from the newly aflame tree, and took a few deep breaths. The flames beside her were growing, and she only had a short window to where she could jump over the flame and escape unharmed. Her heart beat faster than ever before. She shouted despite herself, letting the adrenaline take over as she ran top speed towards the flaming hurdle in front of her. But she didn’t even make it to the blazing tree. When she was focusing only on the dead tree in front of her, a heavy burst of wind quickly started taking down another massive tree, something she failed to notice. While she was running, she was hit directly in the flank by the side of the tree and was flung 20 feet to her side, straight into another large tree; knocking her unconscious instantly. Lying motionless next to the tree she hit, Applejack was half a mile from her brother and the other stallions, and miles from town. She was in the most danger she has ever been in her life, and was completely unable to do a single thing about it. The flickering fire spread eerily slowly, barely several feet from her motionless body. <><><><><><><><> It was early morning in Appleloosa. Fluttershy gazed out of the window, seeing the blackened shrubbery and dead blackened grass surrounding the town. A few passengers breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that no building in their sight was affected by the blaze. Still, a black plume of smoke that could be seen for miles was in the distance, and Fluttershy knew that’s where she would find Applejack. She’d be up front, fighting the fire until the end, Applejack wasn’t one known to leaving a job unfinished. The train came to a shaky stop, in front of the hazy town, seemingly devoid of life. The only ponies she could see were a few waiting outside the train, probably leaving. Even though the fires were obviously gone from the town, ponies weren’t taking chances. Fluttershy’s heart beat fast because she noticed that the wind was faster than ever now, and using common sense she assumed it was hindering their efforts at fighting the fire. Fewer ponies got off the train than she expected, most staying on to go to Manehatten, or Stalliongrad. She also noticed she was the only mare, and only Pegasus getting off at the town. Because of those facts, Fluttershy immediately gained the attention of the ponies waiting at the side of the train, clearly not going to board it. “It’s a Pegasus! Finally!,” Shouted one. With three pealed apples as his cutie mark, he was clearly a relative of Applejack’s. “Hey you!” The stallion yelled, “Ah need ya ta come here real quick-like,” Knowing they were shouting to her, she edged her way through a group of stallions to the two waiting for her. “What’s your name, Pegasus?” The first stallion said, with a shorter stallion by his side. She looked down nervously, ”I’m um, F-Fluttershy…” “Ah’m Applebunch, and boy are we glad ta see a Pegasus! That fire down yonder needs somepony to get it from all angles, and there aren’t nearly enough Pegasususeses there,” Applebunch said quickly, “We need ya to take this bucket and dump sand and dirt on top of that there fire, it’ll help like crazy since the wind is really pickin’ up!” She frowned as he handed her a massive bucket ,”Dirt and sand? Um, why not water?” “Well fer starters we’re all out of it,” Said the second stallion bluntly. Fluttershy squeaked despite herself. She quickly collected herself to ask the two stallions a question. “Do any of you, um, know Applejack?” “Yeah I know Applejack!” Exclaimed Applebunch through another massive gust of wind ,”She’s my cousin’s cousin, Actually ah think she’s my cousin’s cousin’s cousin, twice removed, um maybe she’s my cousin’s cousin’s sister? Wait no she’d still just be my cousin’s cous-“ “Can you just tell me where she is!?” Fluttershy interrupted, instantly being assertive when it counted. “W-Well sure, she should be down yonder with Big Macintosh and Big Apple and Apple…somethin’” She flew off quickly without even thanking the two stallions, towards the fire in the distance. Fluttershy accepted the bucket because she realized with it, she can prove to Applejack that she could be of help to the fire after all. As she flew, the shy Pegasus was being swayed at will by the unrelenting wind, but kept her direction as straight as possible. Not being the strongest flyer out there, carrying a massive bucket while keeping straight while flying wasn’t going to be an easy task. Squinting to avoid dust getting into her eyes, the Pegasus still managed to see something odd below her. Keeping the handle of the bucket in one hoof, she flew down slowly, landing in a soft mixture of dirt and ash. Hooked on the side of a dead tree was a hat, one she knew was Applejack’s right off the bat. She squealed as her heart sank a ton. But she knew she had to be near Applejack. She put the hat in the bucket, almost losing it to a gust of wind, and put the biggest rock she could pick up on top of it to keep it down. The rock weighed her down, but she fought through the pain of actually carrying something heavier than a bird, just so Applejack could have her hat when she reached her. Against the wind, she flew as fast as she could; determined to find her mare. It was nearly 20 minutes of straight flying and she finally was able to see both of the fires, one much closer to her and one much farther away that seemingly went on for miles. She could they were doing a good job, wherever they were, because it didn’t seem to her that too many trees were affected by the fire, except in the area closest to her. In mid-air, she nearly stopped flying when she caught sight of a bunny, hoping away from the fire. Fluttershy’s instincts to help the little animal set in and she slowly lowered down once more, the white rabbit not scared of her. “Awe, Hello there little guy, do you need any help getting back to town? I have a bucket with a nice comfy hat you can lay in,” Invited the shy Pegasus, using her right hoof to hold the bucket and her left to block her face from the wind. The bunny shook his head, and kept hopping along, Fluttershy flying idly by its side. “Well, I’m sure you’d love to be sleeping right now huh? This hat is awfully comfy Mr.Rabbit, and it’s much safer for you to be in,” The rabbit just continued along, minding its own business. “It’s a long way back to town, I don’t know if you can make it, little guy!” Instead of responding to her, the rabbit then jumped high up as if it realized something, and motioned for Fluttershy to follow it. “Oh! Don’t go that way! That’s towards the fire, which is a bad place for bunnies!” The bunny insisted, forcing Fluttershy to follow it as it re-entered the orchard, rushing as fast as it could. “Where a-are you taking me, Mr. Rabbit?” They both entered the pathway of where Applejack and the others had started extinguishing the fire hours earlier. Still carrying the bucket, Fluttershy followed mainly with purpose of picking the bunny up and taking care of it until she found Applejack and went back to town. The bunny took her towards the newly inflamed tree blocking their path. “Don’t get too close Mr. Bunny! Please come back, there’s a comfy hat waiting for you!” Knowing Applejack’s slight disliking for Rabbits, she already planned on apologizing to her for having one lying on her hat. The white bunny didn’t fall for it, with other things on its mind. He jumped and pointed in the general direction of where Applejack could be, but the rising fires on the tree kept her from seeing anything across the tree blocking the path. “What, Mr.Bunny? What’re you pointing at?” The little creature tried its best to motion for her to fly and look over. When she got the hint, she set the bucket down and flew up, above the blockage in the road. The tiny bunny watched as bloodcurdling scream escaped Fluttershy at the sight of Applejack’s motionless body below. The Pegasus immediately darted towards her, tears immediately cutting through the layers of ash on her cheeks.
Motionless“A-Applejack! P-Please Wake up! Please!” Instantly the Pegasus was bawling, panicking at the sight of the unresponsive earth pony. She was shaking so much from her hysteria it caused her voice to waver erratically. Fluttershy instinctively pulled the earth pony from a tiny fire that was within feet from her hooves. Fluttershy screamed again, louder than she has ever had. She was jumping around frantically trying to find some way to get Applejack to wake up. “P-Please A-Applejack! I need you! P-Please! Please wake up! Applejack!” She put her ear to Applejack’s chest, gaining some hope when she heard a heart-beat. Fluttershy held the unconscious ponies head up, while she was still partially in air. Gently resting her head on the ground, she then darted up a hundred feet in the air, hoping to catch sight of somepony that she could call for. She yelled a few times, desperately listening for any responses from anypony. All she was met with was the crackling of the wood that the fire was devouring, and the sight of black-as-coal smoke that seemed to go all the way to the horizon. She flew down again, after realizing nopony could hear her. “Applejack! P-Please! I love you! Please Wake up! I-I” She stood over the unconscious Applejack her tears dropping onto the injured pony’s forehead, “Why did this have to happen? I-I should have come earlier…please wake up Applejack! I need you…” Through her panic, heart racing at a million miles per hour, she had a sudden idea. A while back, Angel had fallen and hit herself on the head and she went unconscious; this being something she had had never dealt with before, Fluttershy took him to a vet and he was revived by slowly getting the bunny to drink some water. The mare-nurse had told her that in situations when something is unconscious, it sometimes works to have them drink something as a jump-start to the brain in a way. If Applejack’s head injury isn’t too bad, Fluttershy felt this could work. It was her one and only hope to save her. Quickly flying up and over the flaming tree that blocked their path, she grabbed her bucket. She then flew towards the healthy trees that were not too far from the fire. She nearly flew into one of the trees, her vision impaired by her distress. Fluttershy quickly plucked as many ripe apples as she could and threw them into the bucket; then launched herself back into the area where Applejack was trapped. When she landed, she took Applejack’s hat out from the bucket and put it under her right foot to not lose it. “Please wake up Applejack! P-please…I need you…” She said desperately, after a fit of coughing caused by the diluted air. She then leaned over the bucket, now left with around ten apples. She grabbed one apple with both of her hooves, using all of the strength she had, crushed it; letting the juices from the apple drip back into the bucket below. The Pegasus did her best to guard the bucket from the sand and dirt around her, and used the short period of calm wind to her advantage. Fluttershy repeated that action on every apple she had taken with her, taking a little over ten minutes to get the most from each apple. When she finished, it left the bucket about an inch full with apple juice. The bucket was about a foot and a half in diameter so she guessed it should be enough. “P-Please work…I love you Applejack, p-please wake up! Please!” Through her desperate sobs, the Pegasus lifted the orange ponies head up, her mouth slightly opening. She moved Applejack’s mane away from her face, and dragged her a little farther, because the fire was once again creeping towards the two of them. Fluttershy then grabbed the bucket, and tried her best to get Applejack to drink the juice in it. As it slowly dripped out of the bucket, she slipped just a little, some of it splashing onto the orange ponies face, mixing the dirt giving her face a muddy appearance. Fluttershy waited a few seconds for any response from the motionless mare in front of her. Her heart slowly breaking in two, she grabbed the bucket again, and with about two-thirds of the apple juice remaining, she tried again. “P-Please Applejack…Please! I n-need you…” The Pegasus’ hooves were shaking as she held the bucket, but was able to get some of the apple juice into Applejack’s mouth that time around, hoping she drank some. Fluttershy waited once more for around 30 seconds, tears streaming down her cheeks almost endlessly. She was breathing so fast she was almost getting light-headed. As the Pegasus prepared for another try, she kissed the unconscious pony on the cheek, causing herself to cry even more, even though she had to wipe her lips of the small amount of dirt she got on them. Suddenly Applejack coughed violently, a sign of life that made Fluttershy’s hopes sky-rocket. Fluttershy waited as silently as she could, each passing second making her more and more anxious, breathing fast and crying still. And there it was, Applejack groaned and slowly opened her eyes, filling Fluttershy with pure elation. Though it obviously wasn’t over yet, Fluttershy collapsed over the earth pony, crying tears of joy, temporarily ignoring her situation to hold the delirious Applejack in her hooves. “Applejack! You’re alive! You’re ok! I-I thought I lost you, I-I Can’t- I,” her words faded into gibberish as she clutched the confused earth pony as tightly as she could without hurting her. There was never a moment in her life where she felt as elated as the moment right then, when she saw Applejack open her eyes. Just then a massive gust of wind knocked Fluttershy to her side, the hat flying away once more without either of them noticing. Applejack looked around, shell-shocked by what she saw “F-Fluttershy? Why are you here? Why am Ah…” Fluttershy reluctantly backed off, still crying tears of elation at the sight of Applejack waking up. The dazed pony slowly tried to stand up, but once she put pressure on her left leg, a massive jolt of pain from her flank sent her back to ground, causing her to yell in agony. Everything that had happened to her then came back to her in an explosion of memory. She knew now how dire her situation was, Fluttershy now her only hope to survive. “Are you ok Applejack?” Fluttershy said, heart once again breaking at the sight of her mare in such pain, “I-I hate seeing you in s-so much pain” She stammered, wiping away a tear, temporarily unaware of what’s yet to come. “My left leg…Ah can’t stand on it,” “W-what happened? Can you remember?” Applejack focused despite a massive pulsing headache, ”Ah can…But that doesn’t matter right now ‘Shy! Ah can hardly stand if ah put weight on my left leg…that means ah can barely jump or even walk. Ah won’t be able to save ma’self by ma’self,” Fluttershy squealed; panic once again setting in as she looked around them, they were completely surrounded by the unrelenting fire. The blaze had been creeping in slowly and steadily. Shocking both of them was the loud crash of another fallen tree, less than 10 feet from them, it soon engulfed by the ruthless flame. “Fluttershy, ah need ya ta focus sugarcube,” She took a second to cringe as her headache tore at her from the inside, ”Fluttershy, ah know what ta do…Ah juss need you to calm down first, can you? For me?” She slowed her breathing again, and looked Applejack in the eyes, ”Y-yes, what can I do?” “There should be a rope near the entrance to the orchards…Ah need ya to find it and bring it to me, it shouldn’t be too far from here...please darlin’, ah know you can do this,” Fluttershy gave Applejack another hug, slow tears dripping down her cheeks once more. “P-Promise me you’ll be ok when I’m back…” Fluttershy said, her soft voice nearly in a whisper. The last thing she wanted to do was LEAVE Applejack here, injured and in the middle of a fire, but there was nothing else she could do. By herself she knew she couldn’t lift Applejack up and fly with her on her back. “Ah promise,” Fluttershy then flew off into the distance, desperately searching for the pile of rope. She constantly scanned each detail of the area for any sign of the rope or anypony else. Through her determination and attention to detail, she spotted it quickly, and darted out of the air just to grab it. It was a long rope, but it was wrapped in circles, so she was able to put it around herself and fly back to the awaiting Applejack. It was nearly completely covered by sand, she was amazed she was able to see it through the polluted air from so high up in the sky. She quickly flew back, careful not to lose the rope wrapped tentatively around her. She flew over the flaming tree that blocked one side of the path then slowly lowered in front of Applejack. It hurt Fluttershy to see Applejack not just looking so exhausted, but weak. “I-I got it, Applejack,” “Good, Sugarcube. Thank you,” Applejack cringed as another jolt of pain was sent up her body from her injured leg, “H-Here’s the plan, ah can stand on three legs right? Well ah need you wrap this here rope ‘round me as tight and secure as you can, because you’re gonna have the other end and help me jump over that tree that’s blocking our path, can you do this for me sugarcube?” Fluttershy lowered her head nervously, “I don’t know, I don’t want to hurt you…” “Fluttershy, please! Yer ma only hope right now, a-ah need ya to focus,” Both ponies felt the massive amount of heat coming from the blazes and Applejack was slowly getting more nervous; she knew they were wasting way too much time. “W-what if I mess up?! And you fall and hurt yourself worse!” “No matter what, ah need ya too try sugarcube…the fires getting closer every minute, ah believe in you, ah love you, Fluttershy,” “I love you too….” Fluttershy took a deep breath and grabbed the rope. It was plenty of feet in length to where she could wrap Applejack around her mid-section several times and still have around 50 feet in length. Applejack had to stand idly on her three legs for Fluttershy to get it wrapped around her. She was barely able to keep her balance with the gusts of winds coming at them every minute almost like clockwork. Fluttershy still managed to tie a decent knot. After making sure it was as good as she could get it, she tested its strengths by taking the other end of the rope and flying up and tugging on it. She decided it would have to work. When she flew back down, Applejack suddenly collapsed onto her side, the Pegasus squealing in horror. “A-Applejack! are you ok?!” She stammered as she landed next to the weakening earth pony. “Ah’m fine, ah swear, it was juss the gust of wind thass all! Ah’m fine,” She lied. Her exhaustion was getting to her quicker than she thought. Pacing her breath, she let a little more time go by just resting. “I-I’m sorry…” The Pegasus said meekly. “For what, sugarcube?” “That I’m not stronger or braver… or anything that could h-help right now, I wish I could be strong and brave like you or Rainbow Dash…Or be able to teleport you like Twilight Sparkle could…I just can’t do much and I’m worried that if we can’t get out of this, it’ll be my fault, and I-I just…” “Fluttershy…” She said as she clumsily got back up, again balancing on her three feet, “You’ve done absolutely amazin’ right now sugarcube, ah don’t think anypony could a’ done better and ah mean that...now let’s get out of here, darlin’ Ah believe in you” The Pegasus took a deep breath for confidence, “Ok…um, how’re we going to do this…?" “Well, yer gonna have to be flyin' already, ah’m gonna start running, as best as ah can on three legs, when ah’m ‘bout 7 feet from that tree, pull me high as ya can darlin’ so ah can get over it,” Fluttershy nodded, knowing whether she thought she could do it or not, she’d only find out when it happened, “I’ll try my best…” Before they could start, another massive tree fell down behind them, startling them both. They knew their time was running out and needed to do this quickly. “Ya ready, ‘Shy?” “Y-yes,” Applejack stood up as best as she could, Fluttershy took the end of the rope and had Applejack tie it around her, just above her wings and below her neck. It hurt her a little bit, but she knew it was necessary. There was about 30 feet of rope in between them. The earth pony took a second to kiss Fluttershy, probably longer than she should have, but she really needed it. She put one hoof on Fluttershy’s face and spoke while looking at her in the eyes. “Whatever happens, Fluttershy, remember ah’ll always love you,” This caused Fluttershy to cry again, she could feel her quickening heart-beat in her chest. ”I-I will too! I love you so much…” Applejack tried to give Fluttershy a confident smile, “It’s time, Fluttershy, fly up!” The Pegasus flew up until she reached the limit of her rope. She coughed as she was hit by a layer of smoke, then got hit by the bright sun poking through the plume of smoke, which had changed directions with the wind. She then looked down to wait for the queue from Applejack. Even though she has participated in saving Equestria twice, saved Ponyville from a massive dragon that was spewing black smoke over the town; she knew this was the most important thing for herself she’d ever do, and it was only seconds away. She held the love of her life’s life in her hooves, and she wasn’t about to let her nervousness lose everything for her. Fluttershy took a deep breath (When the smoke was cleared for a second) and let adrenaline take over. Applejack waved her left arm to her side as the queue, then started running as fast she could on three legs. Fluttershy flew at the same pace, keeping an eye on the orange pony below her. 7 feet away.
MotionlessFluttershy flew up with all the strength she possessed, feeling a massive strain near her shoulder area where the rope was tied. She flew up as high as she could for about 5 seconds, and then slowly lowered down. The whole time, she was unable to see where Applejack was, the strain caused her to close her eyes and fight through the pain. She lowered as slowly as she could until she felt the impact of Applejack landing; she then looked down to see the orange pony rolling on her side, obviously not able to land gracefully with an injured leg. Fluttershy felt somewhat relieved but still frightened and sad. She had gotten her mare out of certain parish, and knew that was a huge step in the right direction. But she knew Applejack was injured badly, and needed somepony to help her help Applejack. When the earth pony came to a stop, Fluttershy flew down. She landed next to the wincing Applejack, obviously in more pain after the jump. Some of the rope had landed on her, so Fluttershy pulled it away quickly. “My right leg hit the fire, at the start,” Fluttershy looked down to see the redness along her leg, and nearly starting crying again because she thought it was her fault for not going high enough. “I-I-I did the best I could! I’m so sorry Applejack…” Applejack shook her head, “Fluttershy, you saved my life,” Fluttershy hugged the injured mare once more, “But you’re hurt on both of your legs-“ Applejack, through her pain, was able to smile comfortingly at the Pegasus, ”Don’t be silly…You saved ma’ life, Fluttershy…y-you were brave and strong when you needed to be,” She cringed as she felt along the burn on her right leg, “You saved me, Fluttershy…I owe you my life,” This was a moment they would never forget. It was moment in which they felt true happiness just by the sight of each amidst a terrible situation. They looked into each other’s eyes and felt true love. Fluttershy was feeling overwhelmed by everything, and in a single moment everything seemed so insignificant. “I’m just happy you’re alive! I-I couldn’t live without you…when you were unconscious, I never felt so heart-broken…seeing you so- I don’t even want to think about it…you’re alive and that’s all that matters,” “Fluttershy, Ah love you so much…” She said with a relieving sigh; everything that had just happened to her hit her like a ton of bricks. Knowing she had too, Applejack soon formed a plan in her mind to hopefully get them out of the situation completely, ”’S-Shy, A-Ah need you to get Big Macintosh and the others…Ah’ll be fine right here, they’re about a half-mile down past this fire, maybe more if they’ve gotten farther through that fire we were fightin’…ah can’t walk now that both of my legs are hurt,” “I don’t want to leave you again!” Fluttershy said, putting a hoof to the side of her head to block the wind from hitting her face. “We have no choice darlin, Big Macintosh can carry me,” Fluttershy lowered her head, “I’ll hurry as fast as I can, Applejack,” The orange pony nodded. She watched as Fluttershy untied herself from the rope, then flying off as fast as she could. Applejack untied herself afterwards, cringing whenever she felt the sharp pain of the burn on her right foot, and the stinging pain of her injured left leg. “Ah really messed ma’self up badly…” Minute after minute Fluttershy kept flying as fast as she could. Through the never-ending gusts of wind, and having to squint to not be blinded by the contaminated air, she tried her best to go towards where Applejack said the stallions should be, while dodging the many dead or dying trees in her path. It was when the fire behind her wasn’t in sight anymore, and the biggest fire was pretty much all she could see when she saw the group of 4 stallions moving logs of dead trees out of their path. After avoiding a plume of smoke from an extinguished tree, she approached the four exhausted stallions . ,”B-big Macintosh?” He turned around, almost not believing himself at first that he had heard her voice. Seeing her and not Applejack worried him immediately. “EeWhere’s Applejack?” She lowered her head, “S-She’s hurt…badly, and she needs you now…” “W-What?! What happened?” He left where he was to face Fluttershy, the three stallions continuing their removal of the logs of trees in their way. “I-I um…” her voice trailed into a squeak. “This ain’t no time to be nervous, Fluttershy. Thas my sister yer talkin ‘bout!” The Pegasus gulped, “She um…Just come with me! She needs you!” Big Macintosh quickly went to the three stallions and decided to have Braeburn come with, obviously the most exhausted pony of the 4. He made sure that the other two could handle themselves until the new batch of ponies arrived, then hurried alongside the flying Fluttershy. She exited their path into a field of non-effected trees, confusing the Red Stallion. Braeburn, though exhausted was able to keep up with the two ponies. “Eewhy are you taking us a different way, Fluttershy?” “Um, because the path is blocked by another fire…there, um it’s what trapped Applejack,” Big Macintosh, a pony that usually shows little to no emotion, was sincerely scared and was already remorseful for letting his sister come along. He was rational as always and didn’t let thoughts of what could have happened to her get to him, even with what little he knew about the situation. “Another fire? What did we miss?” He glanced over at Braeburn who just sighed at the idea of another fire destroying his farm. ,”Is she still trapped? Ah can’t believe ah let her come, ah can’t believe it, ah shoulda told her to stay!” “I-I um, got her out…” Fluttershy said nervously, knowing his response before he said it. “Eeyou did? How?” He asked, while running alongside her and Braeburn. All three of them kept their attention to in front of them, not paying attention for a second could mean running straight into a tree. Fluttershy didn’t hear him because of the booming sound of a falling tree just 20 feet behind them. It was then that the silence set in as they ran. All they heard was the occasional falling tree and the constant crackling noise of distant fires. The two stallions trusted that Fluttershy knew where she was going. It wasn’t like Big Macintosh didn’t want to ask Fluttershy everything he could about the situation his sister was in, it was the fact he knew she was a nervous and shy pony and he would find out soon enough if she led them the right way. They ran beside the Pegasus for nearly twenty minutes. All of their eyes watery from running straight into the polluted air, and everypony tired, especially Braeburn. When the shorter stallion set eyes on the new blaze that had once trapped Applejack, his heart sank tremendously. It was worse than he thought and knowing his cousin was injured in some sort of way by it made him feel doubly guilty about it. “We’re almost there, I-I think,” Said the Pegasus barely loud enough for them to hear. “Thank ya sincerely, Fluttershy,” She led the stallion back into the main path over dead trees they had extinguished earlier, the heat from the near-by fire warming them up again after running for nearly half an hour. Applejack couldn’t have been more relieved to see her brother and Braeburn with Fluttershy. She had been lying alone the whole time and was struggling to stay awake. Big Mac jumped over to her, Braeburn and Fluttershy keeping their distance. “Eewhat happened AJ…ya look terrible...”He said with a waver in his voice, Applejack just sighed with really no way to explain herself right then and there. Big Macintosh looked back at Braeburn and Fluttershy, “Help get her on my back; we need to get back to Appleloosa quick,” As gently as they could, they lifted the injured pony onto her brothers back, Applejack cringing from the pain in both of her legs, and on her back from the rope being tied so tightly. “We’re going to have to walk, but we’ll get there in due time,” After making sure Applejack was secure on Big Macintosh, they all started off towards Appleloosa, Big Macintosh trying to keep his balance while walking with his sister on his back while being bombarded by the relentless wind. “Braeburn?” Big Macintosh questioned in his usual deep voice. “Yessuh, Big Macintosh?” Braeburn replied, his higher pitched voice shaky and unstable from breathing the smoke of the fire for so long. “Eethere’s a clinic or some sorta hospital in Appleloosa right?” Braeburn thought for second, “Yeah, a new clinic, finished bein’ built just a week ago ah reckon, but it oughta be mighty full by now,” “Ah’m sorry ah got myself into this, ah really wish ah could just help with ending the fire,” “It’s ma fault. Ah shouldn’t a’ let you go in the first place. What happened anyway?” “Well…as ah was walking to um…get the rope, and I got distracted by something…ah honestly can’t remember what is was…i was knocked into a tree, and that hurt pretty bad, so I took a minute or two to um…recover from it. Before Ah knew it, the whole dang blaze nearly surrounded me. Ah was scared but ah knew what ta do…so I got ready to jump over the pathway, when a tree hit me right on my flank, and I guess I hit my head on something ‘cause I was knocked out,” “Yer one tough pony, ah’ll give ya that sis. Ah still can’t believe ah let ya come…what else happened,” Applejack smiled despite all her pain, “Fluttershy saved my life, Big Mac,” Big Macintosh bit, ”How?” “She crushed up some apples and made apple juice in a bucket, then got me to drink some to wake me up…ah reckon that was genius of ‘er,” “Fluttershy? You did this? I didn’t even know ya were gonna come here…Ah’m sure as hay glad ya did, though!?” “I uh, went on the next train, I just wanted to see her…and I’d do anything to save Applejack…” Fluttershy said sheepishly. Braeburn looked confusingly at Big Macintosh and mouthed the words, “Are they…you know…? Together?” Big Macintosh nodded at Braeburn, making him know that it shouldn’t be a big deal. He then returned to talking to his sister, “So how’d ya get out of the fire?” Applejack winced at the reoccurring pain of her headache, then continued, “I couldn’t jump or nothin, so ah had Fluttershy get the rope ah was sposed’ to get, and tied it around both of us…ah ran on ma three legs, and she lifted me over the fire…she’s the bravest pony ah know, Big Mac,” Big Macintosh looked at Fluttershy with one of his very rare smiles, “Eeyou saved ma sister’s life, Fluttershy…ah reckon’ the Apple family owes you a big debt of gratitude,” Upon the compliments from Big Mac and Braeburn, Fluttershy blushed out of embarrassment, but still visibly shaking from the ordeal, something that wasn’t quite over even then. “Ah need ta make it up ta ya somehow, Ah don’t even know…but you saved somepony in the Apple family, and us ponies in the Apple family will make sure you get what you deserve for this, ah promise, ” Big Mac said in his regular slow, deep voice. Fluttershy shook her head, still breathing hard “Her being alive is all I want and need, Big Macintosh, um thank you though…” “Fluttershy was tellin’ me she was worried before ah went, and shoulda listened…it’s almost like she can predict things like our friend Pinkie Pie can, instead of Pinkie sense, it’s Shy sense,” Even in the situation she was in, Applejack found a way to lighten everypony’s moods just a little. They soon noticed a small group of Pegasi ponies flying towards the fire at top speed, quickly passing them. In the distance, the 4 ponies saw another large group of stallions; unicorns, earth ponies after the Pegasi, also making their way to fight the fires. The closer they got the more of them they saw. Braeburn, even though being more concerned for Applejack, breathed a sigh of relief. There were more than plenty of ponies making their way to the fires. Big Mac looked back at his sister, ”Aj, Ya have no reason ta worry ‘bout the farm any more, Applejack. Can ya see all them ponies over there? ah’m sure they can handle the rest,” Applejack just nodded. Big Macintosh knew she must be exhausted and completely warn out through her ordeal, on top of her lack of sleep due to her dedication to fighting the fire. In Applejack’s mind, if she was able to, she would willingly go back and fight the fires. But she’s learned from experience to not out-work herself, and she knew nopony could work through the injuries she had (Except maybe a Pegasus). So through what seemed like a calmer storm, the air slowly clearing of the ash and smoke and the sun becoming more visible in the sky, Applejack could only think of how she was going to thank the love of her life, for saving her life. CHAPTER 7 “Ow! Ok, Ok ah got it, ah can walk on three hooves juss fine! Ah don’t need no help, but thank ya anyway,” Applejack said, dismissing the nurse-mare’s attempt to help her walk out of her bed. “I can see somepony’s a little grumpy! I guess I’ll just leave you to yourself for a while and check in soon! Try not to strain yourself; you’re still in the middle recovering, Applejack,” “Thank ya kindly, but ah swear ah’m fine, ah juss gotta get used to workin’ with less hooves able ta help me,” Applejack said, looking at the thick cast on her left leg. “Confidence is always key! Anyways, if you need anything, we’ll be just a click of that button away!” The kind nurse gestured towards a red button on the side of Applejack’s bed. “Of course, thanks nurse,” “No problem, sweetie!” She said with a warm smile, then leaving to talk to other patients in the care of the clinic. Applejack closed the curtains that surrounded her area in the clinic just to have some alone time. Considering that Appleloosa was less than 2 years old, the clinic they had actually impressed the earth pony with how well they took care of her. It had only been 2 days since the fire and her near-death experience. Everypony knows it takes a lot to truly shake her to her core and this experience did more than just that. Both nights she either had trouble sleeping or a vivid nightmare about her ordeal. Through it all, she was still determined to not let it affect her in the long run. She hobbled over to a bed-side mirror and sighed at the sight of herself. Applejack wasn’t used to being immobile, let alone barely more than bed ridden, and she wasn’t enjoying it. Since her arrival in this clinic, she hasn’t been allowed visitors or even an update on the fire situation, because they thought it would stress her out. Applejack was told that today however, that she may be able to have somepony visit her. Not seeing Fluttershy or anypony from her family made her feel terrible, the nurses claiming it caused stress, only ended up stressing her out anyway, explaining her “Grumpy-ness” Applejack sat back on her bed awkwardly, the cast kept her leg straight, keeping it hard for her to even get remotely comfortable without laying down completely. After struggling with her cast for a bit, she ultimately surrendered and laid down, putting the thin white sheet over herself. She made sure the bandage covering her burn on her right leg was still attached, and then checked the bandage around her midsection from the rope-burn she suffered. “Ah look more beat up than an over-cooked apple pie,” Applejack said to herself. It wasn’t like Applejack to admit defeat when hurt, but she’s never sustained anything worse than a bad bruise or a sprain. Now she had a fractured hoof, burnt side of her right leg and rope burn around her mid-section. Even if she could stomach the pain and work at Sweet Apple Acres when she returned, she wouldn’t even help that much, and over the past few days that’s all she thought about when not thinking about Fluttershy or her family. Out of frustration, she hit the button on the side of the bed. A different nurse soon made her way too Applejack. “What is it, Ms. Applejack?” “When’re ma guests comin?” Applejack asked impatiently. The nurse looked down at a chart she held in her hands, “I think they’re here now-wait…yeah, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh… right?” “Yes! That’s them ah reckon! Fluttershy’s the one who saved ma life!” The earth pony exclaimed jubilantly. “Oh is that right? That’s just wonderful, I’m sure you’re glad she’s here,” “Of course! She’s my mare! She’s the one who saved me!” Applejack reiterated despite herself. The nurse squinted at Applejack as if she had just said something gross, “Huh? Two mares together? Is that-?” Applejack looked offended, “Ya best not be judgin’ me Mrs. Nurse lady,” “I’m not, it’s just…never-mind I uh, here they come! Enjoy your visit!” The nurse looked around awkwardly then left with haste. At the back end of a hallway, she soon saw Big Macintosh turning the corner followed by Fluttershy, causing Applejack to smile, not sure if they had noticed her yet. Please don’t cry, Fluttershy! When Fluttershy finally saw her, she immediately started crying, Big Macintosh having to stop her before she flew over to Applejack causing a commotion. Just seeing the two ponies made Applejack’s day much better. Seeing a nurse tell Big Macintosh to spit out the wheat he had in a mouth made it even better. “Ah can’ believe they wouldn’t let me y’all until today! I almost bucked one of the nurses out of frustration-If I could even buck with one leg, that is,” Applejack said as they approached her bed. “We weren’t updated on anythin’ ‘bout you, we came here like 5 times juss yesterday and they never told us nothin or even a reason why they wouldn’t, it sure made Fluttershy here nervous,” Big Macintosh said, looking at the Shy Pegasus next to him. “When we first got here, I didn’t plan to leave your side until you left, when they um stopped me from seeing you, I didn’t-,” Her voice trailed into a squeak; making Applejack smile lovingly at her, “I’m just glad you’re ok!” Despite her outburst of tears, the Pegasus gave Applejack a gentle hug. Cradling Fluttershy in her hooves, Applejack looked up towards her big brother, “Big Macintosh, what’s the situation on the fire?” “It’s out, been out since noon 2 days ago,” Applejack smiled, while still holding Fluttershy in her hooves, “Ah reckon that’s some mighty great news, how’s Braeburn and Big Apple and Apple Shine? Was Anypony else hurt?” “Braeburn’s been sleepin’ non-stop since it went out, he was beyond exhausted ah tell ya, he was still awake and was there when fire was put out. Ah thank that’s ‘bout 40 hours of bein’ awake fightin’ th’ fires, As for Big Apple and Apple Shine, they’re fine, ah haven’t heard any news about anypony else bein’ hurt” “Ah underestimated Braeburn ah tell ya,” Said Applejack, proud of her cousin. “So, um, how is your leg?” Fluttershy asked, finally relinquishing her hug on Applejack. The hug made her stop crying; obviously it was something she had really needed. “Oh it’s nothin’,” The pony said in a matter-of-fact way, “Juss fractured, not broken. Ah’ll be back to work in a matter of a week or two, Big Mac. The burn on my right leg has a bandage on it, and I have a bandage right here because the rope hurt me, but ah think ah’ll be back and ready within a week or two tops!” Applejack was showing them her cast and her bandages while speaking to them. “When we’re back home, I’m not going to let you do anything! You’re going to rest and I’m going to take care of you until you’re in perfect health!” Applejack smiled at her mare, “That’s awfully nice of ya, sugarcube. But ya already saved my life, ah’d feel way too guilty to be even more of a burden to ya,” “Burden? You could never be a burden to me…I do everything I do because I love you, Applejack” Big Macintosh felt awkward, so he butted in, “She’s awfully nice ah tell ya. These past few days we definitely got to know each other better, Ya made a good choice, Applejack,” “I made the perfect choice,” Applejack said to Fluttershy, even though she was responding to the stallion, “Where did y’all stay?” “Eeeeuh…Braeburn’s house,” “Really?” “Eeyup,” The two mares giggled at the ‘Eeyup’, confusing the red stallion. “We need ta get back to Ponyville. Ah miss Applebloom and Granny Smith and Winona and of course, all of Fluttershy’s animals. Ah miss ma friends! Ah miss juss buckin, nothin’ so gung ho as fightin’ a fire! Ah juss want out,” “Well, now that we are here, ah reckon we could getcha out and on the next train, juss as long as yer alright to go,” Applejack looked surprised, “Really, can you go do that for me, Big Macintosh?” The earth pony hinted, obviously wanting some time with Fluttershy. “Eeyup” Big Macintosh said, and then walked away to the reception desk. When they knew nopony was near them, the first thing Applejack and Fluttershy did was kiss. Applejack looked her straight in the eyes, “Ah missed you so much Sugarcube, ah couldn’t stand it! I couldn’t believe they didn’t let me have visitors until now,” “I missed you and I-I was so worried…I wanted to know you were ok and I’m so happy that you are, they scared me when they wouldn’t tell me um, what condition you were in,” “It’s all ‘cause of you, ‘Shy. You saved me,” They kissed again. Applejack let loose, wrapping her hooves around her mare, she had absolutely no care in the world when Fluttershy was near her. And the fact there was a little curtain blocking other pony’s from seeing them helped to. Applejack wiped her mouth and smiled at the blushing Pegasus before her. Fluttershy was even surprised at herself for being so passionate in such a public area. Before they could say anything to each other, they heard a deep voice through the curtains, “Applejack, it’s time ta go, quit foalin’ around in there ya two,” Fluttershy squeaked startling Applejack, both blushing at the stallion’s remark. “You and them squeaks, ‘Shy,” The earth pony said a chuckle, causing the Pegasus to look down on embarrassment , “Ah think they’re mighty adorable,” Applejack said, intentionally making the Pegasus blush once again. “Oh!” Fluttershy said suddenly, surprising Applejack, “I went and checked on Bloomberg for you!” “Really? How was he? Did he look ok?” Applejack looked elated; she had thought the tree she had relocated there perished in the fire. “He looked completely perfect! I think,” “Ah thought he was hit in the fire! Thank you so much Fluttershy!” Fluttershy smiled, “You’re welcome,” As Applejack got up, Fluttershy held out her hoof to Applejack, “Do you, um need help to walk, Applejack?” “Nuh-uh, thanks though, darlin’” Fluttershy still had to help her off the bed though, because Applejack almost slipped when she mistakenly used her left leg to hold her up when getting off the bed. After that, they were soon on their way out of the somewhat small clinic. When they exited, Applejack immediately noticed how clear the air seemed. She had spent roughly 7 hours next to a bunch of fires, so it surprised her that the town seemed so clean after just a few days since the fire. She walked with Fluttershy and Big Macintosh at her sides, both staying extra close just in case she fell, even though she continually argued that she could handle herself, she eventually gave in knowing that they weren’t going to. She looked off into the distance, and saw all the blackened earth from where she, Big Macintosh and several other ponies warded off the fire from hitting town. Applejack felt a sense of pride and accomplishment even through her ordeal, and that’s a feeling she always enjoyed. On their way to the train station, she had a sudden realization when she reached her hoof up, meeting nothing but her tangled mane. “Consarnit! Ah just remembered that ah lost ma hat,” “I’ll, um get you a new one if you like…I tried to save it but I lost it when I found you…” Applejack shook her head, “You’re too nice, Fluttershy, but ah’m sure Granny Smith has one or two left ah could use. Ah reckon ah’ll still be sad about it, had that hat since I was darn near this high!” Applejack raised one hoof to where she estimated her height was when she a filly. “Eyuh, Granny has plenty, you’ll be fine, AJ,” Big Macintosh said, as they reached the waiting area for the train back to Ponyville. All three ponies soon heard galloping behind them, and turned around to see a re-energized Braeburn running towards them. “AAAAAAAPPPPLLLEEELOOOOOSAA!” He exclaimed enthusiastically as he arrived, on his hind legs waving his hooves about. Finally adorned with his regular hat and vest, it was a good sight for the three to see him in good spirits after it all. Applejack chuckled despite herself. “Ah couldn’t let y’all leave without saying thanks y’all for saving my town!” He said with a huge smile, then turning his attention to the Pegasus, “And more importantly, thank you Fluttershy for savin’ my cousin. Ya looked mighty heroic out there!” Fluttershy blushed despite herself, “Well, um…I’m sure anypony else would have done the same thing,” “Don’t be silly Fluttershy! You were probably the only Pegasus here, nopony else coulda done anythin’” “Well…I um…” Her voice trailed off but she regained her composure quickly, “I-I would have done anything to save her,” Fluttershy said shyly with an adoring smile from Applejack. “When Appleloosa is back up to full speed, we’re gonna have to do something in all y’alls honor! If it wasn’t fer y’all, the fire woulda spread quicker than a snake in a rabbits den!” Braeburn said enthusiastically, his analogy making Fluttershy cringe. “Eewell, Applejack’s gonna need some time to heal, so ya have plenty of time Braeburn,” Right after Big Macintosh said that, everypony heard the train in the distance with the cloud of dust behind it, cutting Braeburn’s visit with them shorter than he had wanted. “Well, ah guess it’s time fer y’all to go huh? Well, ah hope this doesn’t stop ya from visitin’ me every once in a while. Spread some good words ‘bout Appleloosa for me, thanks again fer savin’ ma town,” “Yer welcome, Braeburn,” Applejack said with a smile. Braeburn frowned when he finally took a good look at Applejack, casts and bandages covering a good portion of body, “Ah’m so sorry this happened to ya Applejack…ah mean, ah never want to see anypony hurt by anythin’, yet alone ma own kin,” Applejack shook her head, “Honestly Braeburn, ya have nothin’ ta worry ‘bout. What doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger ah reckon!” “That’s a mighty fine way’a lookin’ at things, AJ,” He remarked, soon seeing the train behind the three ponies, “Ah reckon it’s time fer y’all to leave, come back soon ya hear?” “Eeeokay,” Big Macintosh responded with a few giggles from the two mares. Seeing the train, Applejack felt a sense of relief like she’s never had before. The past 3 and a half days for her were some of the longest she’s ever been through. The earth pony was thankful she didn’t live in Appleloosa because she would have to see the remnants of the fire, scorched earth and dead trees, and all it would do is remind her of her near-death experience. Even though Fluttershy saved her life, Applejack never wanted to see Fluttershy so sad as when she first woke up after knocking herself unconscious. She truly felt guilt for even getting in the situation in the first place. That thought quickly left her mind as something more important to her entered. When they get on the train, she knew she had a lot of thinking and planning to do. Fractured left leg, burnt right leg, injured mid-section and all, Applejack was going to make sure she and Fluttershy had the best time in the world for their celebration of being together for 2 months.
The DilemmaThe Dilemma For three straight weeks, the injured Applejack was limited to her bed so her leg could heal properly. It wasn’t her decision, because when it came to nursing something or somepony back to health, Fluttershy knew what to do and wouldn’t let the stubborn earth pony do a thing. The last thing the earth pony would want to be doing was nothing, but the constant meticulous care from the yellow Pegasus certainly helped her get used to it. Every meal she would usually eat through-out the day was immediately brought to her whenever she asked for it, whisked up to her before she could try and make a move. Through her constant guilt and considering herself a burden the pony that had saved her life, Applejack sometimes resisted the treatment, only to be smooth talked back into another rose-bud sandwich with hay fries on the side. Fluttershy did everything Applejack would usually do, for her, while managing to give her animals all the love and care they needed without neglecting a single creature. The Pegasus did all of the shopping, updated the apple family on her condition on a daily basis (Mostly for Big Macintosh, because the two had grown very close since the incident in Appleloosa) and still managed to do everything with grace and seemingly no stress at all. When they had returned to Ponyville, several days after Fluttershy miraculously rescuing Applejack from the brink of disaster, they quickly saw how fast word had spread of what they had been through together. They both received quite a surprising reaction from Ponyville residents and ponies from all across Equestria alike. Most reactions, like from their friends and other ponies they knew were of amazement. Lyra had made her way to their cottage just to have them retell their story to her, and to of course make sure they were ok. With Twilight Sparkle as a friend, word had quickly reached Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who had decided to let Fluttershy take care of Philomena the phoenix as her reward for being brave in such a trying time. Soon, they had spots in the newspapers all across Equestria celebrating the two’s companionship and miraculous story that came with it. Much to Fluttershy’s discontent, she found herself and Applejack in the spot-light once more. But like every piece of news that gets passed around Equestria, it soon gave way to newer stories and they slowly were able to return to a regular life. Due to their popularity and Applejack’s immobility they had waited to celebrate being together for 2 months until the orange pony was able to walk consistently. It was one of the rare times Fluttershy actually let her out of their home, and it was to spend a night on the town with their friends. Pinkie Pie (like anypony was surprised) begged them to throw a party, but Applejack declined because, well, she couldn’t party with two injured legs, one being in a cast. The guilt Applejack felt from Fluttershy taking so much time to take care of her only motivated her to get back to work as soon as possible, even though Big Macintosh seemed to be a lot more motivated to make sure she couldn’t possibly hurt herself when she returned. It was when Fluttershy was away on her weekly spa trip with Rarity that Applejack took the time to find her older brother at Sweet Apple Acres to plead with him to let her return to work. “Aj, ah still don’t think yer ready to work yet, hay- ya don’t even have yer cast off yet!” Applejack looked at him and frowned, slightly insulted, “But it’s been three weeks, ya said ah could work now if ah could! And ah can, even despite this darn cast! Ah can’t feel a thing even when ah put some pressure on it” ,”If ya still have a cast on, ah’m sure ya can injure yerself again,” Big Macintosh tried to explain this to her, despite knowing his efforts were in vain, “Ya simply can’t buck a tree with a cast on, and ah ain’t gonna let ya try and prove me wrong,” “Ya always underestimate me, Big Macintosh! Ah can buck a tree juss as good with one leg as can with two, just takes precision, thass all! And besides, ‘Shy’s been takin’ perfect care of me and all, ah’m sure ah healed doubly fast juss ‘cause of that!” The orange pony exclaimed, with an emphatic stomp on the ground with her hoof. “Why don’t you play with Applebloom or somethin’? ‘cause ah’m not letting ya convince me ta let you do somethin’ ya shouldn’t be doin’. Not again…” “Come on Big Mac! Applebloom’s probably off with her cutie mark crusaders doin’ some crazy new thang’ they thought of,” “Aj, ah hope ya don’t think yer gonna win this argument, ah will out-stubborn you. Ya don’t even know how guilty ah felt fer letting you fight the fires in Appleloosa. That scared me, Aj, it really did,” “Please don’t tell me yer gonna be all over-protective over me now,” The stallion shrugged, “Better than under-protective, which was my mistake in the first place,” Applejack sighed, “AUGH. Winter’s comin’ soon though; ya need me to help with bucking apples fer food!” “Nope, got Caramel here for that,” The orange pony gave in, “There’s no way ah can win this, huh?” “Eeyup,” Applejack squinted in confusion, “Eeyup as in ‘yes ya can’ or ‘no ya can’t?” “Eeyup as in no ya can’t,” “Horsefeathers!” She said with another stomp on the ground, “Ah’ll be back Big Macintosh, and when ah do, ah’ll have no cast and be better than ah ever was,” “Ah sure hope so, Aj, but ah’m sure ya need to go before Fluttershy figures out ya’ve been gone,” He said with a hearty chuckle, looking behind the mare. “She’s behind me, ain't she?” “Eeyup,” Applejack turned around with an embarrassed smile on her face, seeing the Pegasus trotting up the hill towards them. “Applejack! What did I tell you about going places when I’m not here!” She said jokingly, but felt the need to know that they knew that she was, “I’m joking…b-but please tell me next time, especially before I go to the spa” “Ah’m sorry darlin, ah-ah just really miss workin’ at th’ farm, and ah especially don’t like knowin’ how much a burden ah’m to you, not matter how many times ya say ah ain’t” The orange pony said, tilting her hat with hoof to block out the lowering sun, causing herself to almost lose her balance. “Applejack, it’s not like I don’t like doing it, or I feel obligated or anything…I-I actually like taking care of you, and being by you all day, knowing you’re getting healthier,” They greeted each other with a hug, being courteous to the stallion near them. “Howdy, Fluttershy! Eethanks again fer takin’ so much care of ma’ sis for me, no matter how stubborn she may be ‘bout it,” Big Macintosh pitched in with his regular slow and deep voice. Fluttershy smiled at him, “It’s no problem at all, I’m always just thankful she’s ok,” she then turned her head towards Applejack, “Now we should go home so you can rest!...that is if you want too…” The orange pony giggled, “Alright ‘Shy. Ah guess ah gotta go Big Mac. Juss please, next time, don’t get me so gung ho ‘bout doin’ somethin’ if yer just gonna change yer mind, ya hear?” Big Macintosh just nodded, thusly returned to his work at the farm. Soon the two mares were on their way back to their cottage near Everfree forest. Applejack now was walking quite easily with her cast on; in contrast to her first few days with it on. It only took her a week to get used to it once the pain from putting pressure on it subsided. Noticing the impressive improvement of the orange pony’s ability to walk, Fluttershy pointed it out. “Wow, Applejack you sure look like you’ve gotten used to um, walking in that huge cast…you’re so strong!” The shy Pegasus complimented with a smile. “T’ain’t nothin’ once ah got the handle on it!” Applejack said confidently, looking back on her injured leg. “I’m so proud of you! I doubt even Rainbow Dash could handle an injury like this so well” The orange pony thought for a second, “Well, firstly, she don’t have the most caring Pegasus in all of Equestria taking care of her,” Applejack said with a loving glance to her mare, “And she’d just fly everywhere, she wouldn’t even have gotten injured anyhow ‘cause she has wings,” Fluttershy smiled, “Well if she was an earth pony ah’m sure she couldn’t have done it,” Despite herself, Applejack shook her head, “Ah don’t know ‘Shy…Rainbow Dash is awfully strong even though she has her head in the clouds all day long,” “True...” Fluttershy responded, but quickly realized something she had meant to ask Applejack, “Oh! Um! At the spa, Rarity and I were talking and she said she um, needs me to watch Sweetie Belle for the night, is that um, ok?” Applejack nodded without needing to think, “Of course it is darlin! Sweetie Belle’s a nice filly, ah’m sure she won’t cause no problems, and maybe she’d be with Applebloom! Ah haven’t seen ma little sis in so long…” It was already near the evening and the sun was soon to set, Applejack knew it wouldn’t be too hard just to let one little pony to sleep for a night. “I would think so! All three of those fillies are so cute!” Fluttershy said with a smile, reminiscing on past times when she had cared for the three, “They weren’t too much of a bother when I’ve taken care of them, we just gotta be careful about them going into the Everfree forest again,” “Ah reckon that’s ‘cause you are best with taking care of any animal or anypony,” Applejack complimented, but eased on into a slightly different subject with a wishful sigh, “Ah really like them young’uns . Specially them two that play with Applebloom, her makin’ some friends like that is something ah coulda only wished for when ah was her age,” Applejack stated with a grin on her face, “Ah could only hope fer us ta have a foal of our own like one of them 3 someday,” That sentence caught Fluttershy off-guard. A foal of our own…. She thought wishfully.The topic of them baring a foal together was something both liked and disliked thinking about. Whenever she had thought about them baring a filly or a colt together, the obvious problem of them both being mares always disheartened the shy Pegasus. Their relationship was way beyond just testing their feelings for each other and had been for a long while. It’s to the point where whenever she thinks about her future, Applejack is always by her side, with her in everything she could imagine herself doing in the future. It was one of the Pegasus’s dreams to raise a family with the earth pony and knowing that they can’t bare a foal of their own breaks her heart. That was why Fluttershy felt confused at how nonchalantly Applejack talked about the two of them baring foal of their own, almost as if she didn’t see the same dilemma that plagued Fluttershy’s thoughts. “What’s wrong darlin’?” Applejack said, getting a little closer to the Pegasus for comfort even without having a clue of why the Pegasus was suddenly disheartened. Fluttershy looked down, “I, Um…” The earth pony just looked at her expectantly, knowing that she sometimes needed a second before she could admit something. “Well, I” Fluttershy sighed, knowing it wasn’t the best time to bring it up with her, “…can we just talk about it later, we’re nearly at Rarity’s boutique, and I just don’t know if it’s the best time…” “Sure thang darlin,” Applejack said in a comforting tone. Before they could even knock on the door, Rarity popped up, quickly rushing her younger sister out of the door. “Thanks Fluttershy! You don’t even know how s-stressed I am!” Rarity exclaimed, rushing her hooves through her mane for emphasis, and upon realizing what she had done, quickly fixed it, “Hi Applejack! W-Wait Applejack?!” Seeing the earth pony surprised Rarity and got her to calm down just to speak to her, “Applejack! Darling! I haven’t seen you since our night on the town! It’s good to see you walking so well now!” Rarity said with a big smile, as Sweetie Belle walked over to Fluttershy’s side. “That sure was a wonderful time, ah tell ya and W-Well, ma legs are sure doin’ better, ah have a tiny scar on ma right leg from the burn, still! Ah thought it would’ve gone away by now, guess not,” Rarity peered over at Applejack’s leg, along with Fluttershy, “My oh my, I could make something for you to cover that, but I’m just sooooooo horribly busy as you could imagine!” “Ah wouldn’t wanna cover it! Ah kinda hope it stays,” Applejack glanced over at Fluttershy with a smile, “It always remind me about how Fluttershy saved my life, and how lucky ah am ta have her in ma life,” The orange pony said with a proud smile, making the Pegasus blush. After gazing at Applejack’s cast, Sweetie Belle jumped up with a spastic squeak in her voice, “Whoa! The big ponies wouldn’t tell me what happened! Will you two tell me!? Please?!” Both Applejack and Fluttershy looked towards Rarity to get her permission to tell the little filly all about it. Rarity frowned, Sweetie Belle smiling with all her might, her own visual way of begging for her sister to say yes. “Well, um. OH…! Go ahead; just keep out some of the… bad details so it doesn’t scare her ok? I have to go, Photo Finish should be here within minutes, and I’m guessing you two don’t want to see her! Ever since the accident, whenever I’ve seen her, she always asks about you two!” Applejack gulped, “Yer sure right ‘bout that, Rarity! Good luck with whatever yer doin’!” The three ponies started out quickly to avoid ZE PHOTGRAPHER, the young filly looking up at them expectantly. “So what happened! What happened! Nopony would ever tell me about it ‘cause I’m a ‘Little Pony’! Was it that bad? Huh?” Sweetie Belle blurted, in the middle of the two mares as they started their walk to their home. o for the millionth time (Or so how it felt to Applejack), the earth pony started the story that she loved to tell. But this time, Fluttershy was lost in thought the whole time. She knew Sweetie Belle was a nosy filly, how she would get the time to talk to Applejack about her worries without the filly getting in her way was going to be a tough task. Though she knew it could wait until the next day, Fluttershy didn’t want to wait.
The Dilemma“So Fluttershy flew you over a firey tree!? Just in the nick of time!? That sounds so …dirty!” Sweetie Belle said enthusiastically, imagining herself in the same situation, “That’s crazy that YOU did that Fluttershy! I always thought you’d pass out or somethin’ if something like THAT happened!” “Yep she sure did!” Applejack said glancing towards the distracted Pegasus as they entered their cottage, “’Shy can be awfully brave when she needs ta be,” “When you were unconscious did you have a dream?” The filly asked randomly, getting Applejack to think for a little bit. “That’s a doozy of a question, Sweetie Belle. Ah honestly don’t know if ah did or not, if ah did, I don’t remember it. Silly filly, now yer gonna have me thinkin’ ‘bout that all the time,” “I wanna be unconscious!” She said, waving her hooves in the air in excitement, “That sounds so cool! Then I could tell you if I had a dream!” Applejack chuckled, “Bein’ unconscious ain’t nothin’ fun, Sweetie Belle, trust me. Ah might not’a woken up if Fluttershy didn’t find me,” Fluttershy finally reentered the conversation when she heard Applejack say that, “D-Don’t say that Applejack, you know that makes me sad,” “Ah’m sorry darlin’” Applejack said sincerely, then looking back down at the filly. Sweetie Belle looked at the two of them with a confused look on her face, “What do you mean ‘never wake up?” She sat down in front of the couch as Applejack and Fluttershy sat next to each other. They consciously sat farther apart than they usually would, both not sure if she even knew about them being together. Fluttershy shook her head at Applejack as if to say ‘No, don’t tell her that!’ The earth pony struggled to come up with a good lie, “Well, ah didn’t mean not wake up, ah meant not wake up for a little longer, ‘cause ah-ah woulda been fine no matter what!” Sweetie Belle accepted the earth pony’s answer, even though Applejack’s terrible lying skills made it obvious she beading around the bush. “Why do you smile at her so much?” Sweetie Belle asked Applejack, her randomness nothing surprising for a filly her age. The earth pony looked at Fluttershy, begging with her eyes for the Pegasus to answer that time. “W-Well, um, me and um, Applejack are good friends,” Lied the Pegasus, smiling awkwardly at the young pony in front of her. “You're just friends? Applebloom told me you two were datin’… ah mean hay! You live together,” Applejack felt stupid, “Well ah guess there’s no reason ta lie if Applebloom already told ya… We are, and there ain’t nothing wrong ‘bout that, but we won’t do nothin’ that you’d think is weird, ah guess, Sweetie Belle,” “Ok, because I don’t know why a pony would want to kiss another pony! That’s just gross,” It made the two mares feel better that it wasn’t specifically two mares kissing that she thought was gross, just two ponies kissing in general. It was nice to know that the newer generations were going to be a little more tolerant of their choice to be together. All three of them then heard a loud knocking on their door, Sweetie Belle jumping up ecstatically. “Applebloom! Scootaloo!” She ran to the door and opened it, revealing two excited fillies, “I invited them over, is that ok?” Sweetie Belle asked excitedly, all three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders putting on their signature begging smiles to convince the two to say yes. Applejack jumped up at the sight of her little sister, no convincing needed, “Of course y’all can! ya can stay an’ play with Sweetie Belle fer a while, ya three can’t sleep over,” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER LATE NIGHT HANG-OUT AT FLUTTERSHY AND APPLEJACK’S COTTAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” All three of them screamed ecstatically, jumping up simultaneously. The explosive loudness from the fillies scared both of the mares near-by and Fluttershy’s many animals near them. They immediately apologized to Fluttershy when they saw the animals fleeing the area. “Applebloom! Ah haven’t seen ya in so long!” Applejack said extremely happily, as Fluttershy flew around to calm her animals down that were scared by the booming outburst from the Cutie-Mark Crusaders. “You still have yer cast on Applejack?” Applebloom asked as she went over to the orange pony to get a closer look at it. “Yeah, Nurse Redheart said ah need ta keep it on fer another week, even though ah think it’s completely fine. How’ve ya been? Keepin outta trouble? Doin’ yer chores? Keepin’ outta Granny Smith and Big Macintosh’s mane?” “Yes, Applejack!” She said, enunciating her words to show her disapproval of her older sister’s pestilent questions. The three fillies continued looking around Fluttershy and Applejack’s cottage for something interesting to see or do. They were slightly more careful than they had in the past, knowing Fluttershy’s stare was something they didn’t want to come face-to-face with. Scootaloo frowned, standing on the mini-staircase for one of Fluttershy’s many animals, “Guys, we’ve been here so many times, there’s like nothing to do!” “I agree, maybe we could try chicken herding again?” Sweetie Belle asked. Fluttershy intervened before the idea could even circulate between the two other fillies, “Oh no, my chickens are all asleep, they don’t need to um, be herded, I don’t want to lose Elizabeak again,” She watched closely as they once again examined every detail of her home just for something to do “Ah know! Ah know! Applejack could tell us a story!” Applebloom said, Sweetie Belle agreeing with her, while Scootaloo just sighed. ,”If you don’t want me to stay over, don’t tell me some mamby-pamby love story, because I’m un-wakeable when I fall asleep!,” Scootaloo said defiantly, but her efforts were to no avail as the other crusaders sat expectantly in front of the older mares. “I know! You can tell us the story about Fluttershy saving you that you um…uh…told me earlier!” “Yeah! Ah haven’t heard it yet! And she’s ma sister! Please tell us!” Applebloom said, excitedly jumping next to Sweetie Belle, looking up at the two mares on the couch. Reluctantly, Applejack decided it was the only thing she could do to settle down the young ponies before her. As Scootaloo sat down next to the other ponies with a sigh, the earth pony began once more. Throughout the whole time that she told the story, she had the entire interest of all three young ponies in front of her. A true story about Applejack being rescued from a blazing inferno immediately captured Scootaloo’s interest, even if the some of the details were purposefully altered due to their age. ,”…And that’s how Fluttershy here was able ta save me from that fire, ah’ve never seen anypony be as brave as she was then,” Applejack said proudly, finishing the story with a loving glance towards the Pegasus. Sweetie and Applebloom were left in awe, left saying ‘Whoaaaaaaa!” In unison, while Scootaloo just looked critically at them. “Fluttershy? REALLY? That can’t be true! Only Rainbow Dash could think of doing something that cool!” She stomped her little hooves on the ground for emphasis. Applejack sighed, “No, Scootaloo, it was Fluttershy here, nopony else,” “That’s right, I um, did all of that,” The Pegasus added, feeling a slight sense of pride that she wasn’t used too. “B-but, that just can’t be, Fluttershy did something COOL?” Applejack sighed, “Oh look, it’s getting dark outside! Ya young’uns should make it back home before ya parents or sister or whoever gets mad at ya!” The three collectively sighed, knowing the older pony was right. “I guess I’ll see you two later, um uh…yeah, later,” They each exchanged good-byes, taking extra-long even thought they knew they’d just see each other the next day. It wasn't surprising to the older mares though, friendship at such a young age is something really special, so they didn't rush them Soon, it was just the three ponies left in Applejack and Fluttershy’s cottage. The earth pony had just finished telling the same story for second time that day, was pretty tired. With a loud yawn, Sweetie Belle let the two know she was very tired and ready to sleep “I’m very tired, and ready to sleep,” She said out-loud, as if her yawn didn’t give it away. “Well, um ok, follow me Sweetie Belle,” The shy pegasus responded followed by a quiet yawn of her own. Fluttershy led the little filly upstairs into the lone bed she had slept in before. Blowing out a candle, closing the curtains on the near-by window, she starting singing her gentle lullaby, finally succeeding in making the tuckered out little unicorn fall asleep. Fluttershy felt thankful she didn’t want to sing it herself again. “’Shy ya have such a beautiful singin’ voice ah reckon!” Applejack remarked as the Pegasus softly trotted down the steps. Fluttershy lowered her head in embarrassment, “Y-You heard me singing?” Applejack finished chewing on an apple she had gotten, then continued, “Yeah! Ah didn’t know ya could sing so well,” “It was just a lullaby…” She said as she swiftly flew back on to their couch, making room for the earth pony to join her. “Doesn’t mean ya ain’t got a good singin’ voice!” Applejack stated, hopping up onto the couch, enjoying the warmth she immediately got from being curled up with the Pegasus. “Well-I” “Hey, what was that thing that was makin’ ya sad earlier today?” Applejack interrupted unintentionally. The sudden question caused the Pegasus to squeal, then feel embarrassed preventing her from speaking. Like usual, Applejack giggled, then loosened her up with a loving nudge in the nape if her neck, which she knew drove Fluttershy absolutely wild. Despite herself, Fluttershy smiled, “Well, I was um…thinking…” “’Bout what darlin?” The shy Pegasus sighed for confidence, “I um…ever since we’ve been together, and the more and more I loved you, I um…I always had something I thought about every once in a while and it worries me,” The orange pony nodded, ready for whatever she may have to say. “I always think about my future with you, because, um… that’s the only future I want, “ Applejack smiled adoringly, but let Fluttershy continue, “But…I always imagine us having foals of our own and the fact we can’t make our own makes me….I don’t-” Her voice trailed into a squeak at the admittance of her worries to the orange pony. Applejack, even though what Fluttershy had said made her feel sad too, comforted the Pegasus. “A-Ah know, Sugarcube, I think ‘bout that too sometimes. But ah still wouldn’t change anything, and ah don’t think ya should worry ‘bout it, we’ll find a way, ah’m sure of it,” “Sometimes when I see how much you want a filly of your own, I think that maybe…um, that you wish you would have picked a stallion instead of me…” “What? Fluttershy, ah don’t even know how to react to that,” “I-I’m sorry…” Applejack shook her head, “Why would ya even think that Fluttershy?” Fluttershy sighed, “I don’t know! It’s just um, I don’t…you want a filly of your own so bad, and we can’t and I-….I don’t know…” “First off, it’s not a filly of ma’ own, it’s a filly of our own…and ah’d never wish ah chose somepony other you, stallion or mare…ah-ah, never even thought of it. Ah don’t want you to ever think that, I love you, Fluttershy. Nopony else, ever,” Fluttershy smiled lightly, “Sometimes I just get carried away in my thoughts, I guess…” “Ah-ah do want a foal of our own someday, though…and ah’ve definitely thought about it a mighty lot over the past few months, but ah never would want somepony other than you, and that’s a promise, Fluttershy,” Fluttershy turned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek, “Thank you, Applejack…” “Anytime, darlin, don’t let these bother you anymore darlin’…juss talk to me ‘bout them,” The earth pony comforting her made Fluttershy feel much better. Applejack was the only pony she knew that always knew what to say whenever she felt sad, whenever she needed encouragement, or just any daily conversation in general. “I will…um…can I ask you another question?” Fluttershy said sheepishly, causing the earth pony to giggle. “Ya juss did,” Applejack responded, causing both to laugh quietly, conscious of the sleeping filly upstairs. “When we have our own foal…do you have any names?” Applejack thought for a moment, this being something she never really contemplated since she’s been with Fluttershy, “Honestly, ah can’t really say ah have, ah always assumed it’d juss be apple something, or something apple or something apple related…Is that ok if we do…?” Fluttershy smiled, still facing her, her hooves wrapped around the earth pony. She was about to fall of their couch, but she liked this position so much she ignored it. “Of course! I wouldn’t have it any other way,” “Have you thought of any names?” “I um, I always liked maybe the name of a flower? Like rose, coriander, carnation, lily…flowers are so sweet and pretty, I think that they can make a perfect name for a filly,” Applejack put her hoof to her chin as she considered the names she said, “Applelily, Applerose, Applecoriander, Applecarnation?” The two giggled once more when she said ‘apple carnation’, a name they obviously wouldn’t choose. “I like Applelily…it sounds…nice,” The shy Pegasus said in her usual soft voice, with a content smile. Applejack returned the smile, the name emanating with her. They both felt it, the warmth in their hearts when they realized that when the day came, Applelily would be the name of their filly. “Applelily…ah could see it now,” Applejack said wistfully, both mares finally nodding off to sleep.
The Dilemma“Bye Fluttershy! Bye um, uh…Applejack! I had fun!” Yelled Sweetie Belle as her older sister walked out to greet the couple. ”My gosh, I could never thank you two enough for taking Sweetie Belle for the night! Practically saved my life!” Rarity said, as she quickly flew several different scarfs in front of herself. Fluttershy smiled warmly at her best friend, “It was no problem at all! Sweetie Belle is so…sweet,” “To you, maybe. Anyhow, GUESS WHO SHOWED UP WITH PHOTO FINISH YESTERDAY!” Rarity said in a singing voice. “Who?” Fluttershy questioned excitedly. “Hoity Toity!!! And he wants me to make the trip to Canterlot to participate in the… Divine Equine fashion competition!!! Can you believe it???” Rarity jumped up in ecstatic joy, eyes glowing with excitement. The couple both said their mixture of congratulations to the unicorn, as the little filly nudged by her sister to enter her boutique. “The Devine Equine fashion competition? The one where they have thousands of ponies from all across Equestria watch as you have rich and famous ponies model your clothing? My oh my, that sounds so…scary…” “Come on Fluttershy, I need your support the most!” The unicorn said with a nervous crack in her voice. “I mean, um you’re going to do great! You’re definitely the best designer in Equestria! Do you want us to come see you?” “Oh, it’s not until well into Winter, which is coming sort of soon, but of course I do! Of course, I don’t want Applejack hurting herself if she’s still in that cast, a trip to Manehattan requires a lot of walking!” Applejack shook her head, “Nonsense Rarity! Ah’m already used to it, anyways ah’ll probably have it taken off tomorrow or the day after, we’ll be sure make it your fashion….thingy,” “Oh it’s more than a…’thingy’…everypony that is anypony will be there! Ponies from Stalliongrad, Hoofington, even Appleloosa will see my designs! If they like what they see, I’ll be, FAMOUS!” Rarity spread her hooves out wide as she her eyes glowed with anticipation. “Well, you can count on us bein’ there for sure!” Applejack said with an agreeing nod from Fluttershy. “Photo Finish is having me make so many copies of the dresses I make, I barely have time for our-“Before she could finish, there was a loud crashing noise from inside her boutique. Rarity lowered her head without looking back, “SWEETIE BELLE!” “I, uh, I’m, trying to help, sorry!” Responded the little unicorn, a high pitched squeak. She darted inside to scold the filly, quickly returning to hastily say, “Bye Bye, Girls, I’m Busy already as you can see!” Then ran back in to chase her rambunctious sibling. After a chuckle, the two ponies started walking away from the Carousel Boutique towards the center of town. “So why is it that was we have to visit BonBon and Lyra again?” Applejack said, slightly annoyed that they have to make the long trip to their home. It had been a topic of discussion on their way to Rarity’s boutique. “Well, I um, thought, well…if anypony knew about two mares baring their own foal, it’d be them…” “Well yeah…but this is kinda personal stuff ya know? Ah wonder what they’re gonna say? Ah mean, ah haven’t even seen BonBon in like 2months! And Lyra only visited us like 2 weeks ago. Couldn’t it be kinda awkward to show up all uninvited and such?” “Well, I’m sure they won’t mind…they probably have been expecting us to ask them this anyway,” “Ah guess yer right. Applelily, hehe, ain’t that juss an adorable name?” “I love it…I, um hope she’s a Pegasus!” “Ah hope so, ah mean a Pegasus would be good for the Apple family, could get lots more done,” “And she’d be good with animals,” Fluttershy added joyfully, heart warmed just by the thought of the young filly that could be someday. “Yup, and the animals!” Applejack said happily in agreement. Fluttershy smiled despite herself, enjoying talking about her future with the mare beside her, “I, um, hope she gets your eyes,” “Ah hope she gets your…uh everythin’!” The earth pony said with a chuckle, “Ah mean Equestria would be a nicer place if everypony was a little more like you,” The Pegasus blushed, “Nopony would want my nervousness or weakness or…um…forgetfulness” “Says the pony that saved ma life… Yer a lot stronger than ya think ya are, ‘Shy,” Applejack playfully poked the Pegasus for emphasis, as if just saying it wouldn’t get through to her. “I hope she gets your honesty, too,” The yellow Pegasus said with a smile, causing both to giggle a little, then changing the subject again, “I hope Lyra and BonBon can help us…” “Ah’m sure they can, but it’s not like we want our own foal anytime soon ah reckon,” Applejack enunciated her words to hint that she didn’t exactly meant what said. It brought upon them a tense silence, both thinking the same thing. What if… Fluttershy’s always fantasized about her future with Applejack, always imagining what it’d be like if they ever had a foal of their own. Now that a name is in place, neither of them got much sleep, because the idea of having their own filly became a lot more tangible, even if they didn’t know how they’d actually do it. Both mares felt a rush of redness hit their faces, neither ready to ask each other the question they so desperately want to ask. The sight of Lyra and BonBon quickly took their minds off of the subject, the other mare-couple only a block away from them, quite obviously walking back to their home. “Why’re they walking so um, slow?” Fluttershy asked, as soon as both of them could see how slow they were walking. Lyra was standing closer than usual and it seemed Bonbon’s walking was a bit labored. “Ah dun’ know, but ah guess that’s good fer me!” Applejack said with a chuckle, glancing at her own cast. The two ponies, going at Applejack’s pace walked up the fellow mare-couple, greeting the, with equal smiles. They had all reached the front of the Lyra and BonBon’s home when Fluttershy and Applejack caught up to them. “Howdy partners! Fancy finding you here!” The earth pony greeted, her and Fluttershy now walking beside the two. “In front of our home?” Lyra responded sharply, but not insultingly, all four ponies laughing in response. Each pony greeted each other with a hug, “We were actually looking for you, we um, well. We have a question to ask and we think only, well you two could answer…” BonBon and Lyra nodded, “Come in, come in, I’ll make some cookies!” The earth pony said, trotting merrily into her home. It was the first time Fluttershy and Applejack had been in their friend’s home, and weren’t surprised how the humble home smelt of baked goods, which they presumed it always did. As BonBon went and prepared the mid-day desert, Lyra showed the two around their house. Blue painted walls, perfectly clean white carpets, spotless tile made for a surprisingly clean house. Applejack had assumed it would be slightly messy just based on her previous encounters with the two; neither seemed to be the nit-picky type. Lyra sat in her usual upright fashion, the other two mares sitting on their all fours on a couch across from the blue unicorn’s chair. “So, you’re still in that cast I see, Applejack, Thought you’d be out by now,” Applejack had her cast-ed leg hanging off the side off the couch, obviously unable to sit regularly with it on. “Well, it wasn’t ma choice ah reckon’, Ah’d rather be workin’ and buckin’, helpin’ ma family! But ah guess, Shy’s right too, ah can’t risk re-injurin’ maself, that’d really be a real thorn in ma hoof,” “How has it been being all famous across Equestria?” “Oh, ah guess it’s kinda over now,” Fluttershy said smiling happily because she really hated the attention she had gotten from it, “Everypony is interested in that Unicorn from Canterlot that’s been hiccuping since she was a filly,” “That sure sounds fun, “Lyra said with a light chuckle, now cradling a cup of juice in her hooves. “We kind of have something to tell you two, too,” The unicorn said with a sly smile. BonBon giggled as she entered the room, and then jumped up next the blue unicorn, a giddy smile on her face, “Cookies will be ready in 15 minutes!” Thoughts went through Applejack and Fluttershy’s mind; they had no clue what it could be. Lyra smiled glancing over at the earth pony beside her, “You wanna tell them, honey?” “No, you do it,” BonBon said sheepishly, voice slightly shaking from excitement. “BonBon’s pregnant!”
The Dilemma“W-Wha-huh?” Applejack stammered, her mind not grasping what Lyra had just said, “Pregnant? Ah mean, ah uh, can you say that again?” Lyra chuckled, “Um, BonBon’s pregnant...! we’ve been planning it for months! And finally it’s happening, and we can’t wait!” BonBon blushed, “I actually was already pregnant during the parade we saw you two at,” “That’s…nice,” Fluttershy said with a tiny smile, “I’m happy for you two,” The orange pony tried to hold back the feeling of pure jealously she felt, knowing that she was barely friends with Lyra to begin with and didn’t want to make things between them go sour again. Admittedly, she hated how unlikely a coincidence that it was for that to occur right as she and Fluttershy were exploring the idea of baring a foal together, and it seemed to her that now that they knew BonBon was pregnant, it could almost be out-of-line to ask how she was. “Yeah ah uh, yeah! That’s awful good news ah reckon,” Applejack sputtered before they saw how conflicted she was by the news. “Thank you, sugar,” BonBon mused, relaxing into a more comfortable position, “Ok now tell us,” Applejack looked confused, “Tell ya what?” “What you came here to ask us!” BonBon said with a giggle. Applejack and Fluttershy looked at each other, almost as if to say ‘should we?’. The orange pony was lost. She would have had no problem asking Lyra and BonBon before knowing that Bonbon was pregnant, because if they knew, which they obviously do, they’d tell them. But now that Applejack is certain they know how to have a foal of their own, she’s worried that the answer may be something she and Fluttershy wouldn’t like, or may just be plain awkward asking them now. Consarnit…why can’t these questions be answered easier, with none of this drama and what-not? “No, it’s fine now ah guess, BonBon,” The orange pony answered a bit after BonBon asked the question, “We don’t wanna burden you or nothin’” The cream-colored earth pony shook her head, “Oh come on! It’s fine, sugar! We don’t want you to have wasted a trip here just to not ask us anything, and you have cookies to eat soon too! My delicious, perfectly cooked, chocolate cookies fresh from the oven,” BonBon nearly fell into a day-dream about her own cookies. Fluttershy lowered her head, “It’s um, kinda personal and we um…” “It’s ok! You can tell us anything!” BonBon pushed more, her own love for gossip getting the best of her. “Ah uh, Ah dunno,” Applejack sighed, “Can ah speak to Fluttershy fer a little, juss ta make sure if we wanna ask you it, ah juss wanna make sure we ain’t gonna be crossin’ no lines or nothin’” BonBon got up out of her seat with a nod, “Come on Lyra, I bet the cookies are almost finished anyway! Just tell us when you’re done, ok? I hope it isn’t something bad!” After a nod from Applejack, the two left into another part of the house. Fluttershy’s first reaction was to squeak, which made Applejack giggle, but she quickly returned to being serious. “How’re we gonna ask them now, sugarcube? Ah don’t know if they’ll juss think we’re, ya know, in competition with ‘em,” Fluttershy shrank into herself a little bit, “Maybe it’s um, maybe it’s a little early for us to be thinking about stuff like this anyway? We’ve only been going out for almost 3 months, we shouldn’t um, well, rush things…I don’t know, I’m sorry I brought it up in the first place…” The orange pony shook her head, ”No sugarcube, ah-ah don’t think it’s good to wait after already talking it about it, it’s not like we’d juss forget it, we’d still think about it all the time,” Applejack scooted a little closer to the Pegasus, “And besides, ah want to know now, ah don’t want us not knowing until the day we decide to, you know…and I think it’s just better to know now, so when the time comes, we won’t have to go through this then,” Fluttershy loosened up, the logic clicking gears into place in her mind, “But how are we going to, ask them,” Applejack put a hoof to her chin, “Ah don’t know why were are so worried ‘bout it, maybe we should just ask,” “Ask us what?” Bonbon poked her head from around a corner, barely even giving the two several minutes to talk, “I’m sorry for eavesdropping, the cookies finished early…and I um…” Rounding the corner, Lyra finished for her, “…Are a bit nosey!” The light-blue unicorn hopped up onto the couch happily with a cookie she was about to devour. With a tray of fresh cookies on her back, the other earth pony followed, leaving the tray on a coffee table between the couches they were sitting on. BonBon spoke up first, “So, come on, just tell us, please? We won’t judge you or anything like that,” She nudged the cookies towards them, “Will some of my delicious home-baked cookies loosen things up?” Applejack chuckled as she grabbed a few for her and Fluttershy, “Ah think me and Shy were juss over thinkin’ things, ya know. It’s kind of funny ah guess, because ya bein’ all pregnant and stuff, kinda has to do with what we want to ask y’all…” BonBon held her fore-hooves in front of her mouth, “Don’t tell me you’re-?” Lyra just chuckled at the cream-colored pony’s assumption. Fluttershy blushed, Applejack continuing, “We kinda, well um. We kinda want to know HOW two mares would have a foal, you know… together,” “How long have you been going out? It’s kinda early to be thinking about having a foal don’t you think…? The unicorn said, after devouring another chocolate cookie. “Well, ah juss think it’s better to know now, for when the time comes, and besides, ah believe it will happen someday,” Applejack reasoned. “THAT’S SO CUTE!” The cream colored pony gushed, “Are you mares like, in love? ‘cause that’s a good thing when you want to have a foal” “Yes ma’am,” Applejack responded proudly, making the shy Pegasus beside her blush even more, enjoying the fact that the orange pony didn’t even hesitate. “And that’s why we’ve been, well, thinkin’ ‘bout this sorta stuff, we kinda know we’re going to be together for a long time, and we juss wanna know if it’s possible fer us to have a foal,” Fluttershy smiled, thinking it was adorable that Applejack talked about their relationship so confidently. “Well we just used magic,” Lyra said bluntly, “There’s a spell for it, and I finally was able to do it a few months ago,” Applejack and Fluttershy looked at each other as if they needed confirmation that neither of them was a unicorn. Both of their hearts plummeted. “Don’t worry you two, I’m sure there’s some way you can have a foal of your own,” BonBon said with empathy. She felt guilty about not knowing whether Fluttershy and Applejack could bare a foal of their own, while herself being pregnant. “It ain’t like we’re givin’ up right now juss ‘cause of one little set-back nuh-uh,” Applejack said confidently for Fluttershy’s sake, “And besides, there’s gotta be another way, ah juss can’t really put a hoof on it ah reckon,” “Where could we go um, to find out?” The shy Pegasus questioned, blowing a rogue piece of her mane out of her face. “Ah’m guessin’ the only place we can go is Twi’s library,” The shy Pegasus nodded as Applejack turned her focus to Lyra and BonBon, both devouring the rest of the cookies , “Is it alright if we go-“ “Yeah, yeah, sure, sure! Goodluck, take a cookie or two before we eat the rest!” “Well hello you two, nice for you to visit me-,” The purple stopped and thought for a second, hoof on her chin, “…You need to use the library huh?” “Well, yeah,” Applejack responded, rubbing her hoof on the back of her neck, “But we kinda need yer help too, Twi,” Twilight Sparkle’s face lit up, “Well come in! Come in! How can I help you girls?” “It’s kind of um, personal,” Fluttershy said, after Applejack politely let her enter the library first. They followed the unicorn upstairs where her room/library was located. “Personal? Well do you need to leave you two alone while you search for a book? This library has everything; Princess Celestia sends me the newest editions of everything on a monthly basis!” “Um, well Twi’, we kinda need you ah reckon’ because well,” The orange stomped her hoof down for a confidence booster mid-sentence, “Ah hay, ah shouldn’t be beadin’ roun’ the apple tree, me and Fluttershy kinda want to know, how well, we would have a foal of our own. Ya know, when the time comes. And we were just at Lyra and BonBon’s, and they said they’d used magic to get BonBon pregnant, and um yeah,” Twilight was taken aback by the question, but examined it in full-detail, “Conception, conception…C, c, c,” Using her own magic, the unicorn cycled through several books before finding one that would most likely benefit the mare-couple the most, “Ah, this should do the trick!” She levitated the book over to the two mares, then continued, “So, I’m presuming that since you two need magic for this to happen, that you need me, right?” They smiled sheepishly in response, “Well, we just need to know if you um, could do that for us in the first place…” The shy pony responded, as she sat down next to Applejack. Now sifting through the book, it became apparent to the two that they were going to find out at any second whether they could bare a foal together or not. It bothered both of them that there seemed to be no sections for mare-couples as they skimmed through, but kept hope that there could be one. Page after page, nothing but what they’d expect for a book about conception, something not very commonly associated with couples like Applejack and Fluttershy. Fluttershy’s nervousness was visually noticeable, the stress of having to wait so long just to find the answer to such an important question taking its toll on her. “Applejack, have you found anything yet?” Twilight Sparkle queried, now standing above the sitting earth pony. Applejack was sitting with her injured leg awkwardly straight out to the side, the cast once again hindering her attempts to be comfortable. But even an injured leg wouldn’t stop her from reading it. “No, ah don’t- w-wait a minute!” Applejack read aloud, “Chapter 17: Mare/Stallion couples in Equestria Ah think ah found it!” Fluttershy squeaked a little, which caused the two other mares to giggle before Applejack started reading the whole passage. Chapter 17 part 1: Conception involving two mares. Obviously, in relationship involving two mares, conceiving a foal is possible, but under very different circumstances, depending on the method the couple chooses. There are many varieties of methods available; some more favorable than others. This passage will explain them and how they are conducted and what you may need to fulfill them. A. What may be the most popular method is Magical conception *See diagram 17b* -When a mare couple involves one or more unicorns, the one with the most ability may decide to cast a pregnancy spell on the other mare (The spell will not work if cast unto themselves). If the unicorn is unable to summon the magic necessary for it to be successful, do NOT attempt it or else it’ll risk harm to the mother. Practicing the spell may work, but it’s very time consuming and has taken years for unicorns to master in some cases. See next paragraph for more information on a substitute unicorn. -If a mare couple does not include a unicorn or a unicorn is unable to summon the necessary magic needed to complete the spell, they can contact somepony who has the abilities to fulfill the requirements to cast this spell, who would then cast in the designated mother(s) Applejack ended there, with a satisfied smile on her face, soon on the receiving end of a hug from the mare she loves. They both soon looked up expectantly at Twilight Sparkle, who knew their question before they asked it. The unicorn sighed jokingly, "Yes, I’ll do it,”, She was then quickly crushed by a hug from them both, “But only when the time comes, ok?” She levitated the book in front of herself after being relinquished by the two. “Of course not, we just well, um wanted to know now, we’re going to wait of course,” Fluttershy said, blushing at the thought. “Good, good. Just glancing through this spell, I could do it quite easily, just saying,” She levitated the book back to its rightful spot, and then turned to face the two, “You guys want to go grab some treats at Sugarcube Corner? I’ve been awfully busy today, and Spike is in Canterlot on royal business, I could sure use a break!” The unicorn blew her bangs out of her face almost to add emphasis to her statement. “Of course, Twi’! That sounds awfully nice right now, ah’m in a celebratin’ mood” Fluttershy nodded in agreement, “We’d be happy too!” Applejack sighed with relief. Ever since she was a filly, one of her biggest dreams was to have a foal of her own, to help raise into the Apple Family,and to call her own. Now, she has a name and knows that being with pony she loves won’t hinder her chances having her own foal. After a day of ups and downs, she held her head up high as she wobbled next to Fluttershy and Twilight, knowing things could have been so much different. Ah reckon it’s nice not ta have ta worry bout any life-alterin’ questions for the time bein’ the earth pony thought with a grin. “Applejack…?” Fluttershy asked sheepishly, as the three exited Twilight Sparkle’s library-home. “Yes, darlin’?” “What if we have a colt?”
A Slip of the TongueA Slip of the Tongue “No, Fluttershy!” Applejack exclaimed with a hearty giggle, just escaping the grasps of the Pegasus’ hooves, “Not mah mane!” Just two weeks after getting her cast off of her leg, Applejack was running around as if it was never injured in the first place. It took longer than expected to have her cast removed, and when it was finally removed, nopony could stop her from bucking a record amount of trees in Sweet Apple Acres, and just running around in general. She never felt so free in her life just from running. Aiming at the hairband that Applejack kept on her hair, the shy Pegasus attempted to take it off, “I just want to see how you look with your hair out,” Applejack jumped up the stairs in several long leaps, Fluttershy playfully flying after her. “Yer not gonna get me! Ah’m too fast fer ya!” The earth pony stated, nimbly jumping from side to side to avoid Fluttershy’s advances. “Please?” She begged, giving Applejack her signature smile, “I think you would look pretty,” Trotting down the stairs again, Applejack responded with a laugh, “Oh so Ah’m not pretty already? Ah see how it is, Sugarcube,” “No! I mean yes! I’m sorry…you’re pretty, I just um,” Fluttershy lost her voice as her cheeks turned red. After flying down the stairs, she settled on their couch as her way of giving up, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that, I just think that you would look more pretty with your hair out, I think you would look really cute,” Fluttershy said meekly with a tiny smile. The orange pony couldn’t help but admire how adorable the Pegasus was when she was apologetic. At their front door, Applejack put on a cozy wool hat that had been hoof-stitched by Rarity, with her name embroidered in an emerald green that matched her eyes. She tossed Fluttershy’s over to her with a swift whip of her tail. “Ah have my mane like this fer convenience, Ah’d be plum useless if ah took so much time on my mane every day,” Applejack trotted over to Fluttershy, giving her a soft kiss on her nose, “Ah reckon’ it’s ‘bout time we meet up with Rarity and the rest of our friends, we can’t be late,” Returning the little peck, Fluttershy put on her wool cap and 4 little wool boots to keep her hooves warm for their trip to Canterlot. They left side by side, looking forward to the day ahead. After such a vast amount of time Rarity has put into her line of work, she was finally invited to have her art featured at a prestigious competition called ‘The Divine Equine Fashion Show’. It was less a competition and more of a way for young fashion designers to get their products noticed by the richest of ponies from all across Equestria. Rarity was recommended by Hoity Toity himself, which was quite an accomplishment itself. All of the elements of harmony would attend the event because it was finally finally there was a reason for all of them to go somewhere together again. Things have changed for each pony as they have matured and it left little time for all six of them to gather and spend time together. Pinkie did the convincing with one simple line, “We saved Equestria twice, but for the love of cupcakes we can’t even find time to hang out anymore? That’s crazy talk and I want some cupcakes now, too!” Though ecstatic and bubbly with comments that come out of nowhere, Pinkie made a very valid point. Nopony could find a flaw in Pinkie’s logic that time, so they all willingly agreed to join in on the adventure. What harm could come in a visit to Canterlot in support of a friend? Arriving at the train station, Applejack and Fluttershy were first spotted by Spike, who was perched upon Twilight’s back, “Hey Applejack and Fluttershy, you’re just in time!” “Ah reckon’ we coulda been earlier Ah ‘spose,” Applejack said with a chuckle, “How’re y’all doin’? It’s been a mighty long time since we all been together in the same group together like this!” “OH!” Pinkie Pie said, gaining everypony’s attention by leaping athletically into the air, “I’ve been nothing different at all! I’ve been working with Mr. and Mrs. Cake, hiding in trees trying to catch frogs while playing my tuba to lure them! Everypony knows frogs love the sound of a B-flat! BROOOOOOMMMMMMMPPPP!” Pinkie Pie imitated the noise, completely oblivious to the higher class ponies waiting beside her to return to Canterlot, “So, yeah! Normal Pinkie Pie stuff!” The pink pony said with a smile from cheek to cheek. Fluttershy shook her head to disagree with Pinkie Pie’s frog theory. “How ‘bout you RD?” Applejack questioned, as the train loudly made it’s stop in Ponyville, in front of them. “Oh, nothing, I’ve pretty much been practicing all of my tricks and partying every night. Scratchie sure does host a lot more parties than I would’ve guessed she did. But they’re no match for a partying pro like myself!” “Ah’m willing the bet there are more reasons tha ya go to the parties than yer lettin’ on, Rainbow,” The orange pony said with a chuckle, getting a mean glance from the blue Pegasus. “Wuahaha! I’m so excited, girls! This is going to be a simply MARVELOUS chance for me to get my name out there in the fashion business. The Divine Equine Fashion Show only shows the best of the best, I never would have expected for me to be featured in it!” Rarity said, carefully levitating some fantastically detailed dresses above her head with magic. The six friends soon were boarding the train; the trip to Canterlot was to be less than half an hour. “Oh Rarity, it was only a matter of time for somepony to notice your abilities,” Twilight Sparkle said, with an enthusiastic nod from Spike, “We’re just glad to tag along to support you,” “Oh, I could not go without my best friends! That’d just be silly, I’d be a nervous wreck. In fact, I still am a nervous wreck, however, I am a confident nervous wreck because you all are here,” As they took their seats only several feet away from each other, Rainbow Dash suddenly looked over towards Applejack and Fluttershy, who were leaning into each other for warmth in their seats after exiting the cold climate outside of the train. “Hey Fluttershy,” The blue Pegasus started, sitting comfortably next to Pinkie Pie, who was marveling at Rarity’s dresses, “I’ve been thinking, do you think that if your parents named you FlutterConfident, that you wouldn’t be such a scaredy-pony?” “I um…I don’t know,” The yellow Pegasus responded, “Being shy is just natural, um, for me,” “Rainbow Dash, if yer name was…um...Greybow Slow, do ya think ya woulda been grey and slower than Tank?” Applejack added with a giggle, “Ah think shy bein’ in her name is just a coinkydink, it’s not like mah name has anything to do with mah personality, sugarcube,” “I don’t know,” The blue Pegasus said, lying in her seat on her back, “Maybe it’s because we’re the elements of harmony that our names were fated to be our names,” “Fate? Well…Ah guess ya have a point there, you bein’ the reason we’re all friends anyway,” As the train started off, Applejack found herself catching the fancier ponies on board giving her and Fluttershy odd stares, due to how close they were to each other. She was used to this, and it was something that Lyra and BonBon had warned them about at the beginning of their relationship. Recently, though, every time it happened, Applejack found that it bothered her. However, she decided to ignore them and enjoy being with her friends for the first time in quite a while. Nopony could understand what Pinkie Pie was so enamored with through the window she was staring through, all they could see was a thick sheet of white snow all the way to horizon. Then again, she was Pinkie Pie. Maybe she was just looking to see Canterlot, which was a very close to begin with. When arriving in the royal city, Rarity felt more excited, garnering the attention from her friends to keep her calm. She put more effort to making sure her outfits weren’t accidentaly dropped during her short moments of excited bursts. Pinkie Pie hopped merrily in the snow, adorning the pink and red wool hat made by her fashionista friend, while the other walked closer together, amongst the rest of the crowd of what were mostly unicorns. “Hey Twilight, why do the unicorn’s here always seem to have longer horns than you and Rarity?” Rainbow Dash asked, flying above them, almost losing the rainbow wool hat she was wearing. “My oh my, Rainbow. You’re quite the observant one today,” Twilight Sparkle mused as the group walked into the middle of town, “It’s quite simple, my dear Rainbow Dash. Genetics, is the answer. I had also pondered this while I lived here, I honestly had assumed I wouldn’t be as good at magic as everypony else because of it!“ “Ah reckon yer bein’ more random than Pinkie Pie today, Rainbow,” Applejack said, getting the group to laugh for a bit, though Pinkie Pie was too distracted by making a snowpony to even notice. When the group came upon a gathering of the high class ponies, Rarity informed them that she would have to leave them to meet with the ponies that will be modeling her dresses. In the building that they would be in, there would be a higher-up section for the audience, while below was where the fashion show would take place. There would be some ponies on the lower level, however those ponies would only be the most famous in Equestria, like Sapphire Shores, Photo Finish and ponies on their level in Canterlot society. The five friends, after parting with the fashion-crazy unicorn, waited in the crowd of Canterlot socialites until it was time for everypony to enter and find their seats. There were several tough looking guards awaiting the signal to let everypony in, and there were a lot of ponies coming to join the crowd right after them. “Ah reckon’ they better hurry. Just ‘cause Ah say that Ah’m used to the cold, doesn’t mean that Ah like it,” Applejack chided. Fluttershy leaned into the mare as a gesture of helping her warm up. Applejack wasn’t cold, she just wanted her mare to snuggle into her more as they waited. She ignored the glances they were getting from some of the ponies in the crowd. “HOW DO YOU NOT LIKE THE COLD?” Pinkie Pie said, jumping up and frightening some Canterlot citizens, “Cold is great! And with cold, comes SNOW! Snow might be the best thing in Equestria! Next to Cake, Cupcakes, Muffins, FOOD, Strawberry frosting, Candy Apples…Yeah! But snow is great! Should I sing a song about it?” “Now’s not the time, Sugarcube,” The orange pony said with a chuckle as she adjusted her snow cap. “SNOW!” Pinkie Pie sang anyway, “The fluffiest whitest funnest stuff in Equestria! If you don’t like snow, I wouldn’t wanna be ya! Snow is so soft and fun-“ Rainbow Dash shoved a hoof in her mouth to shut her up, due to the ponies around her staring at them. “Pinkie, now’s not the time to be so random!” The rainbow-maned pony scolded. “That’s OK!” The spastic pony said in response, “It’s a work in progress anyway,” When they finally made it into the massive building, a group of guards told them where to go. They handed each pony a ticket to where they would sit and unfortunately they wouldn’t be able to all sit next to each other, having ponies in between each of them except for two spots. Pinkie Pie graciously traded her ticket for Fluttershy’s so that the couple could sit next to each other. There was a wall between the actual walk-way and where they were, so nopony could see it until they went up to the audience area. The five ponies, amongst a crowd of others, went up a long flight of spiraling stairs until they entered where all the seats were at. They gazed around them as the area was about as big as a stadium for the Wonderbolts, filled up with the classiest of ponies. “Alright everypony, let’s meet here when the show is over so we can go down and see Rarity afterwards!” Twilight Sparkle said with a smile. The group agreed accordingly, then went out to find their own seats. Walking beside the orange pony, Fluttershy marveled at the intricate details in the arena around where the fashion show would be, “Wow, Applejack, I bet if I yelled, there would be an echo!” The earth pony giggled as they edged through the crowd, looking for their spots, “’Shy, I doubt ya could make yer voice echo if this here room were empty!” “Maybe if I…okay, you’re right,” The shy Pegasus responded as they found their seats. Applejack was a little more conscious of the surrounding ponies, but tried to act natural with her marefriend beside her. They had been together for nearly 5 months after all, things as trivial as other ponies judging them ceased to bother her and Fluttershy a long time ago, it was just one of expected things when mare is with a mare. However, it didn’t seem like anypony was even trying to hide their sly remarks, as if they were meant for Applejack to hear. The ponies behind them whispered almost loudly about how they were ‘filly-foolers’, which was a term Applejack didn’t take kindly too. However, The orange pony kept her cool, and nuzzled into Fluttershy a little more as a silent act of defiance to the socialite ponies around her. Soon, the lights faded, and each and every pony grew silent waiting for the announcer’s voice, and for the friend to finally see their friend shine in front of the most important ponies in Equestria.
A Slip of the Tongue“And now for our next fabulous fashionista, a pony just arriving in the fashion scene with own DAZZLING designs, Rarity of Ponyville! Here we have five of her most praised designs and that’s coming from Sapphire Shores, Photo Finish and Hoity Toity! Look out ladies and Gentlecolts, here they come!” A voice rang throughout the auditorium, as everypony lightly clopped their hooves on the ground at the sight of Rarity’s luxurious designs. “She did more of the French Haute Couture like I said she should!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Ah reckon she did a mighty fine job, even if ah wouldn’t wear none of them dresses, ah wish we could see the look on her face right now! Th’ whole crowd likes her designs!” Modeled on the most slender and posh ponies Applejack had ever seen, Rarity’s dresses had the most positive reaction from the crowd thus far in the Divine Equine Fashion Show. Through the light clopping of hooves on the ground, Applejack and Fluttershy could hear Pinkie Pie cheering loudly a few rows in front of them. Each pony stood at the foot of the walkway for the photographers to take their pictures, showing off the many different designs Rarity had made. The mare couple could hear the ponies around them compliment the designs and it excited them to tell Rarity about it. Each pony displayed her designs for a good minute, getting the white unicorn much deserved publicity. Fluttershy couldn’t help but display her pride in having Rarity as a friend, considering that Rarity would now be one of the more known ponies in all of Equestria. Even Applejack looked forward to telling random Rarity fans that she knew her personally. “Ah reckon this might jus’ be the first time everythin’ went accordin’ ta’ plan! Ah mean, usually there’s some sorta mishap or somethin’ comes undone at the last second, but ah reckon’ things went perfectly tonight!” “I’m just glad she’s doing so well! Everypony seems to love her designs…She’s talked about this day in so many of our spa dates, that’s why I was kind of nervous for her! I couldn’t imagine how she’d react if she didn’t do this well!” Applejack rested her head atop Fluttershy’s as they sat and watched the rest of Rarity’s part in the fashion show. They could hear Pinkie Pie cheering and constantly getting told to be quiet by Twilight because Pinkie was bothering the posh ponies around them. It made them both laugh, considering it was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. There were two more designers to be showcased after Rarity, both only Fluttershy had heard of before. Applejack found herself immensely bored once Rarity’s spot was over but she had Fluttershy there to complain of her boredom too. The designers after Rarity had less dresses to showcase and so their parts in the show went slightly quicker than they expected. When the final pony’s spot was up, and everypony on the lower deck left the room, they heard the announcer’s voice. “Ladies and Gentlecolts, this concludes our presentations for the evening. I would like to thank all of our celebrity guests for attending, along with the fashion designers themselves. Feel free to stay here after for top of the line drinks and food and maybe a chance to meet Sapphire Shores!” Applejack hopped up instantly, “Let’s go, time to go find Rarity,” “Okay,” Fluttershy said, standing beside Applejack. They waited for the ponies to their sides to finally move so they could find their friends and find their way out of the building. “So, when this is all done, whataya wanna do today, ‘Shy? Ah reckon since we’re here in Canterlot, we could find a shop or two and ah could buy ya something,” “Oh, that sounds nice but Angel needs me to get back and fix him up some, um, dessert. Thursdays are his dessert days instead of just carrots, remember?” “Oh yeah, ah forgot it was Thursday,” Applejack said then noticed Rarity in the crowd, “Ah think ah see Rarity!” They both followed a group a ponies out into the room next to the stairs. The white pony quickly spotted them and trotted over with a surprisingly neutral expression on her face. “You did so great Rarity, I’m so proud of you!” The yellow Pegasus said in her usual soft voice. “I know darling! I know!” Rarity exclaimed, giving Fluttershy and Applejack each a hug, “The hardest thing for me right now is certainly keeping myself calm, I can’t celebrate or the ponies here may change their minds about me on a whim! They’re so judgmental! I have to go! Some fancy ponies have requested to speak with me! Oh, thank you so much for coming!” With two quick hugs, the white-colored unicorn trotted gracefully away towards what could most likely be the biggest break in her whole fashion career. “Ah’m plum proud of Rarity, If anypony deserved such recognition, it’s her,” Applejack said with a smile, as the couple starting edging through the crowd. “Oh her designs are terrific; it was only a matter of time she’d get noticed by somepony!” The shy Pegasus added, “She’s so critical of herself on, um, our spa dates. She never expected to be featured in this show,” While walking, Applejack had kept her attention on Fluttershy. So, when she turned her head to reply, she unfortunately bumped straight into the chest of large Canterlot socialite, causing a group of ponies to stare right at her and Fluttershy. The shy pony’s squeak didn’t help the matter. “Oh uh, sorry ah was bein’ a bit clumsy ah reckon!” “I say, what kind of accent is that?” The tall stallion replied with a clear distaste for the orange pony’s accent. He had a coat of a light red and a mane of grey, and was clearly a high class pony. “What? What do you care?” Applejack retorted with an agitated look her face. Fluttershy stood closely by her side, though she didn’t like that some ponies were now viewing their situation as if it was an act put on for them. “What a ruffian! She can’t even pay attention to where she’s going!” The stallion was clearly playing the crowd who only seemed to agree with his rudeness. “Ah said ah was sorry, there ain’t nothin’ more to it,” Applejack said, resisting the urge to turn around and buck him in the face. “C-come on, let’s just go Applejack,” Fluttershy said in a whisper in Applejack’s ear. “Alright, I can see that I may have been brash about this,” The stallion said, though clearly not finished, “However, I must ask at the risk of insulting you, you seem awfully close to that mare with you, it almost seems as if you’re together!” He chortled, with posh laughs emanating from within the small crowd who had watched the whole situation unfold. Fluttershy only had a second to say “oh dear” as Applejack’s fuse went off. “And what does that mean, huh?” The orange pony started, causing the stallion to back off as she approached him, “Why would ah be insulted by that? Why would that be a bad thing huh? Why are the ponies here so rude, huh? Ah can’t believe you’d insult me and my marefriend in such a way, sugar, yer lucky ah don’t just show all y’all how dumb ya really are fer bein’ so judgmental!” “So, you’re saying you are with this mare? How unnatural! You can’t even naturally bare offspring, it doesn’t even make sense!” The stallion chided, with a loud guffaw, which his socialite friends were only too glad to join in with. Applejack stood for a second, eying the stallion down as the crowd continued to pester the two mares. She just stared, unable to respond with anything. Instead, before her inner rage let itself out, she quickly shoved herself through the crowd, Fluttershy having to fly after her to catch up. The taunts that she heard after almost tempted her into a full blown rage, but Applejack was steadfast at getting to the train to return to Ponyville. She was too mad to even speak and ignored the ponies that were in her way. She just walked through them, receiving jeers but none that she even noticed. The rest of the Elements of Harmony bearers were at the train already, besides Rarity, who would stay in Canterlot for a little longer. “Hey Applejack-hey what’s wrong?” Rainbow Dash questioned once she saw the red-faced earth pony’s glare. Applejack didn’t answer, so Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Fluttershy. “S-she…there was a…a stallion insulted us a-and…” Fluttershy voiced, though she got choked up in mid-sentence. “Wait, somepony insulted Applejack?” Rainbow Dash questioned, while Pinkie Pie tried to get the inflamed pony’s attention to no avail. Fluttershy lowered to the ground, “Well, s-she bumped into a pony on accident a-and he started insulting h-her in f-front of some ponies…then he insulted us…” “Where is he?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in response, “I’m gonna get this foal!” She made a few jabs in the air as if she was in a hoof to hoof combat. “No,” Applejack said firmly, still facing away from her friends. The Pegasus sighed, but obeyed. “Applejack, I’m so sorry to hear this…” Twilight Sparkle finally pitched in, “The ponies here, in Canterlot can be awfully crass,” “Ah jus’ wanna be left along ah reckon,” The orange pony said in a low voice. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t do anything…” Fluttershy said. “Not yer fault, ‘Shy” Applejack responded, right as the line to enter the train started moving forward. Applejack quickly found her spot and sat facing the window. Though her friends were reaching out to console her, Applejack only wanted to time to think, by herself. She felt a tiny amount of regret for not defending her’s and Fluttershy’s relationship longer, even though it wasn’t the smart thing to do. Fluttershy sat next to her and snuggled into her a little as a sign to show that she was phased by the ignorance of stallion they had just encountered, “It’s okay, Applejack, don’t let him, um, get to you, I don’t care what other ponies think of us,” She spoke softly, though received no immediate response from the orange pony. Applejack was staring out the window, but clearly was lost in her own thoughts. Fluttershy decided to just rest her head on the earth pony and relax, giving Applejack her time to think during the ride home. She didn’t say a word the entire ride back. For Applejack, every time in the past five months where a passing glance, or stare, or remark about her and Fluttershy’s relation was noticed by her, she would ignore it. However, ignoring didn’t mean forgetting, it didn’t mean that she wasn’t bothered by it. She pretended not to be bothered for Fluttershy’s sake, however, she reached a breaking point by being insulted for no reason over something as trivial as what pony she chose to fall in love with. It confused her why somepony would go out of their way to mock her relationship, even her own accent. Granted, she knew about the rudeness that came along with somepony being a Canterlot socialite, but it wasn’t an excuse on their part and this bothered Applejack. It also brought up questions she was less than eager to ask her partner. The group said their good byes, though they would most likely being going back to Canterlot the next day to meet Rarity and what would most likely be the famous ponies she has reacquainted herself with since. Applejack and Fluttershy walked to their home in silence, though the earth pony seemed more distracted by thought, than anything else if you judged by her facial expressions. She seemed completely spaced out, almost as if she forgot that Fluttershy was even beside her. Applejack was reliving the earlier events in her mind, as if she could find something that she did wrong besides just accidentally bumping into the stallion. So, you’re saying you are with this mare? How unnatural! The words repeated in her head, as if she’d understand them more. She didn’t comprehend his hatred for them being together but there was one thing she did understand, which bothered her much more. Fluttershy politely opened the door for Applejack once they reached their cottage. As The orange pony sat on their couch, resting after a frustrating day, the Pegasus quickly grabbed a special dessert for Angel to feed him with. The bunny quickly hopped over and snagged his treat from the Pegasus, ready to fill his belly. “Why do you think he said them things, ‘Shy?” The orange pony finally said, “Why do you think he was so against me bein’ with ya?” “I don’t know…” Fluttershy said as she flew over to comfort her partner on the couch, “Why does it bother you so much? I-I mean, you never let this stuff get to you…” Applejack was almost waiting for a question like that. “Maybe yer wrong ‘Shy. Them things have been gettin’ to me lately,” The orange pony confessed, “Today at Canterlot was much worse than usual, ah mean, Everypony was staring at us, making their remarks, and saying things as if we couldn’t hear them!” “I-I’m sorry…” Fluttershy said, shrinking into herself. “Why do you always apologize for thing’s that ain’t yer fault?” The orange pony asked suddenly, surprising the Pegasus and herself. “I’m s-sorry…” “It’s not even yer fault, sugarcube! But hay, maybe ah should just say it,” Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat at Applejack’s statement. Applejack could mean anything by that, “S-say what?” It was a fight between Applejack’s conscious and her need to vent out thoughts she had held in for as long as she could remember. On one hoof, she’s had this question in her mind for so long that it causes to her feel bad when just thinking about it and needs to tell somepony. On the other hoof, Fluttershy was the last pony she should ever think about asking such a question to. It didn’t matter though. Applejack’s need to vent her feelings had won once she was confronted by the stallion. “Fluttershy, ya know how he said us bein’ together was unnatural?” “Y-yes,” Fluttershy said, threatened by the serious tone to Applejack’s voice. “Maybe he was right, maybe mares shouldn’t be together, ah mean, we need magic just to bare a foal together! Ah reckon that ain’t natural!” “Don’t say that Applejack…” The shy Pegasus said, tears building up, “I-I thought that didn’t matter to you…” “Well…” Applejack had just a few seconds to change her decisions, a few seconds to change the tone of the conversation, to take back what she had said. However her mind was set, “Maybe it’s wrong for us to even be together!” Fluttershy then stepped off their couch and backed up a little bit, “Applejack I-I…” “Just think about it, Fluttershy! Maybe ah…maybe this whole thing is wrong! Look at all we’ve had to go through just because we’re both mares! Maybe we were wrong all along!” The orange pony was standing, and couldn’t stop herself from releasing her own anger. It was bottled up for so long and now she couldn’t stop herself from admitting everything, “Maybe we’re wrong no matter what? Maybe what we’re doin’ is juss nonsense to everypony else because it ain’t natural?” The yellow Pegasus opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instead, tears streamed down her cheeks. “I-I’m sorry!” She exclaimed, as she ran out of their cottage trying to hold back her tears. It didn't take long for Applejack to realize she may have just made the biggest mistake of her life.
A Slip of the TongueThe orange pony stood there, stunned. Seeing the Pegasus cry took all the anger out of her and replaced it with remorse instantly. Then she panicked. This was nothing she could have ever expected herself to do, she never ever wanted to hurt Fluttershy or make her cry, and she had done both. What have ah done?! Applejack jumped around for a second, unable to think of what to do. The past few minutes hit her like a ton of bricks. She recalled her own words with disgust as if it wasn’t even herself saying them. “Ah juss told the one pony in Equestria that ah love more than anypony else, that we shouldn’t be together, ah’ve never been disappointed in anypony more than I am of mahself right ‘bout now! Ah’m the worst pony ah know…” Five months and they had never been in a single argument until then. Five months and they had been one of the happier couples in town. They were always happy with each other. Now, however, Applejack believed that she could have just ruined everything with her own lack of control. Her own element of honesty had worked against her. “She saved ma life…and this is how ah repay her?” Applejack exclaimed with a flailing of her hooves in frustration. She felt utterly disgusted with herself as she gazed at the scar on her right hind leg, “Why did ah do this…? Why did ah decide to even speak…ah could’ve juss hit the hay and…ah don’t even know.” This mistake was so recent for Applejack that it almost seemed tangible, like she could jump back in time and erase it before this could happen. Instinctively, Applejack ran outside just to see the Pegasus too far in the distance to be able to hear her calls. The orange mare didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know where to go, or where Fluttershy was going. All she knew is that she needed to fix this. She scolded herself in her thoughts as if it would turn back time so she could change what she said and to just enjoy her time with the Pegasus as usual. Applejack assumed the worst. She almost considered packing her things, because it was such a low thing for her to do, to cause her love to cry. It was something she had promised herself to never do. Applejack felt unworthy of even being with the Pegasus. However, she couldn’t just give up over one argument, one mistake on her part. Ah need to find her and apologize and ah need to show her that ah really am sorry for bein’ such a foal about everythin’ today. She closed to door behind her and starting galloping towards town. If Fluttershy went anywhere, it would to a friend’s home. <><><><><><><><> Fluttershy flew without knowing where she was going to go. Rarity, her best friend, was still in Canterlot and she really didn’t know if she could confide in anypony else about Applejack’s sudden brashness. However, it wasn’t just Applejack’s sudden release of anger towards the yellow Pegasus that had her sad, it was the fact that she held the same thoughts as Applejack. She agreed in some respect that maybe their relationship could be pointless because they couldn’t create a foal without the assistance of magic, and this thought always caused her to feel down. However, up until this day, she was able to take solace in the fact that Applejack was the confident and undeterred one. The orange pony was the strong one who didn’t care about what other ponies thought about them, because they loved each other, for each other. The Pegasus knew that she had to confide in somepony and, as she flew over the center of Ponyville, she saw Pinkie Pie bouncing merrily below. Pinkie Pie noticed her immediately. She didn’t want to confide in Pinkie Pie; Fluttershy never thought of the pink pony as somepony who could help much when it came to relationship advice. “OMIGOSH! Fluttershy! Hi!” The pink pony said from below with a beaming smile. “Oh, Hi, Pinkie Pie…” the Pegasus said, lowering to meet her friend, no matter how much she wanted to find somepony else to confide in. “What’s going on? I just got back from telling the Cutie Mark Crusaders my cutie mark story, since the last time I told them a story, it was about how Equestria was made. Sooooooo….how are ya?” “Oh, um…I’m fine, I’m kind of busy…do you know where Twilight Sparkle is? I kind of want to see her.” Pinkie Pie studied Fluttershy for a minute as if there was something missing. “Why do you look like you’ve been crying, Fluttershy? Where’s Applejack? *Gasp* What happened?!” Pinkie’s Pinkie sense quickly caught Fluttershy, “Well, u-um, I don’t…” The pink pony frowned. “It’s okay Fluttershy! If it’s a secret, I can’t force you to tell. That would be the meaniest of mean things for me to do,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, to the relief of the Pegasus, who was still flying beside her, “OH YEAH! Twilight’s at her home right now I thinky.” “Well, um, thank you Pinkie, I’ll see you around,” the yellow Pegasus said, quickly flying off towards the librarian’s home. On the way to her friend’s home, Fluttershy got conflicted. Maybe I should go back? I shouldn’t have left… She contemplated this, knowing that she left Applejack in quite the situation. The Pegasus actually felt bad for leaving, because of how the orange mare must feel. However, she wanted to speak to one of her friends before she made her way back, she just needed the comfort of an outside party, somepony like Twilight Sparkle who was always the voice of reason when somepony may need help. Rounding a corner, Fluttershy noticed the purple unicorn reading a book on her balcony. Twilight seemed quite enthralled by her book, so the Pegasus kind of hoped that her friend would notice her first so she wouldn’t have to awkwardly get her attention so they could talk. Fortunately, Twilight Sparkle lifted her nose from her book to notice the shy pony flying towards her. “Oh, hello Fluttershy! What brings you here? Where’s Applejack? Is she still mad about that rude Canterlot stallion from earlier?” she questioned, while floating a bookmark to hold her page in the book as prepared for a conversation with her friend. “Well, I um…we…we kind of got in an argument, she was really mad and I guess I maybe shouldn’t have pestered her about it.” “Oh, Fluttershy I’m sorry to hear about that, what exactly happened?” Fluttershy slowly flew down until she was sitting while facing the unicorn. “Well, u-um, she was still mad when we were walking home, so when we got home, I asked her about it and she starting asking questions about us being together…like if it was wrong for us to be together. It made me sad, but she kept going and going until she said that our relationship may not be natural, an I-I…” The Pegasus help back tears as she spoke to her friend. “I flew away because she was making me feel really bad... But I don’t know, I think I should’ve stayed because we may have been able to work things out…” “I’m sorry she said such things Fluttershy, but everypony knows Applejack is the most honest pony around, did she say that she didn’t want to be together anymore?” Twilight ventured further, though absolutely hoping that the orange pony didn’t say such a thing. Twilight adored their relationship. “N-no, she was just…well, um, everything she said, I have thought before, u-um, when we’re out in public and somepony says something about how close we’re walking together, I always assumed it didn’t really bother her, so it never really bothered me, because I have her. B-but she said that she was worried that our relationship was pointless because we’re mares and that we might just be wasting our time…” “I honestly thought the same thing, however, I can understand how Applejack is feeling about this. I could imagine myself in the same situation and I couldn’t go a week of being stared at and judged so much. Maybe things like this have just gotten to her and she needed to vent a little. I can assure you, based on a book I have recently read, that your relationship isn’t unnatural.” “What do you mean? W-we are both mares…” “The book simply states that if something exists, it’s natural in Equestria. Something cannot exist and still be unnatural, because it exists in the first place. It’s not like you and Applejack are the only two mares in Equestria. Granted, the only other mare couple in Ponyville is Lyra and BonBon from what I’ve seen, but that doesn’t change anything. I can promise you, that you two being in love is normal because it exists in the first place,” Twilight ended her response with a smile, knowing that the cogs were turning in Fluttershy’s mind. The Pegasus even relinquished a smile in response to the purple unicorn’s explanation. “Wow Twilight., I never would’ve thought about it like that,” the Pegasus said. “But Applejack is so stubborn, I-I don’t know, maybe I should go back and talk to her.” “Maybe so, how many times has she said mean things like this before? Not to intrude on your personal life or anything,” the purple unicorn questioned. “She’s never done this before…this was our first disagreement.” “Wow, really? That’s amazing, Fluttershy. How long have you two been dating? Like 4 months?” “Actually, we’ve been dating for 5 months,” The Pegasus said, visibly proud. Then a thought occurred to her, one which she didn’t like at all, “Twilight...what if Applejack said these things because she wants us to break up…?” “Well, Fluttershy, I wouldn’t believe so, considering that she almost always seems happy around you…maybe you should go talk to her just to be sure? Remember what I said, okay?” “But...Maybe I’m taking this too lightly...” “What do you mean?” “Well, she was so mean to me...just because it was our first argument doesn’t mean I should just forgive her, I-I mean, we’ve gone through so much together, why would she care about something like ponies judging us?” Fluttershy’s mood switched from sadness to increasingly angry (Well, about as angry as Fluttershy could get). “Well, you did save her life,” Twilight added, considering what Fluttershy had jusrt said. Fluttershy continued, “It’s not like she was the only one to go through what we’ve gone through...I um, I mean I bet everypony would have thought I would be the one to be affected by everypony that judges us, first.” The Pegasus was now in mid air as if it added to her sudden change of heart. “Maybe I-I should stay the night somewhere...I think that would do us both good.” “I would offer for you to stay the night here, but I’m going to Pinkie’s later. She’s going to to teach me how to bake muffins and cupcakes, and all varieties of small unhealthy treats. It’s something I’d rather learn by doing instead of reading about them. You could join if you want too, Fluttershy.” The Pegasus, still flying, considered her friends offer, but she developed a better plan in her mind. If anypony was going to understand what she’s going through and would let her stay for a night, it would be Rainbow Dash, who’s been through many relationships and could help Fluttershy on what to do. “I’d love too, but I think I could go somewhere else...I just need some time to calm down." "Where are you going to go?" "To Rainbow Dash's house. I think she'll let me stay over." "Is it because she's dating that DJ pony?" Twilight asked suddenly, surprising Fluttershy. The Pegasus had assumed that she and Applejack were the only ones that knew about Rainbow Dash's relationship with the DJ mare. "Um..." the Pegasus had no actual response for the unicorn’s question. “Rainbow doesn’t do a good job hiding it when she’s around her,” Twilight said. “I didn’t even know she was trying to hide it.” Rainbow Dash had a tendency to hide her relationships from the public eye. “...Well, Um, by Twilight, thank you so much for your help,” Fluttershy said with a tiny thankful smile. She didn’t want actually admit that Twilight was correct about the blue Pegasus’ relationship with Vinyl Scratch. “I hope everything works out between you and Applejack.” “Me too,” the shy Pegasus said with a sigh. She then lifted off, and started flying toward her friend’s cloud home in the sky. It wasn’t a far distance for her to go, especially as a Pegasus. It didn’t take much time to arrive at her friends home, but along the way, she had some more confusing thoughts that bothered her. What if she was overreacting? What she should just go back before it becomes more than just an argument? What about the plethora of animals she took care of, left in her house? However, she had answers. She felt she wasn’t overreacting, she needed some time to just calm down, and Applejack was more than capable of taking care of the animals by herself after living there for five months. When arriving at her friends cloud home, the day was quickly coming to an end, and Luna would raise the moon and bring about night within an hour or so. Fluttershy knocked on the door tentatively, as if knocking loudly would make Rainbow mad. “Come in!” the Pegasus said. “Oh, um, hi Rainbow,” the Pegasus said nervously, opening the door, “I- I um...” “What’ya need?” “Oh, um, well. Me and Applejack got into an argument and I would just like a place..to um sleep, that is, if you wouldn’t mind of course...” The speedy Pegasus sighed loudly. “Yes, Fluttershy, you can sleep on cloud. What happened?” The tone of her voice made it obvious that she wasn’t too interested in her friends’ relationship, “Was it because of that stallion that insulted you guys today?” “Y-yeah.” “And now you have to sleep over here?” “I just want to take the night to think, and um..I’ll just find her tomorrow.” “Alright, I’ll be going to sleep early tonight. Me and Vinyl had a blast at a party last night, I didn’t even go to sleep. I was DJ half the time that she was! It was so AWESOME! DJ-RainBow? or should it be DJ Dashie?” the blue Pegasus said from a cloud she was perched on. “I think DJ Dashie sounds...nice,” the shy pony said. “So you’re sure it’s okay that I can stay here?” “Yeah it’s fine,” Rainbow Dash said with a voice crack. “So what’s up with you and Applejack? It’s kinda weird just not seeing you with her.” “Oh, um... do you really want to hear? I don’t want to burden you more than I already am...” “Well sure, you and Applejack helped me with Vinyl Scratch, I don’t see the problem in returning the favor.” Fluttershy sighed and confided in her second friend of the day. “Well, when we got home earlier...she was really mad..then she started questioning our relationship and it made me feel sad...then she said that she, um, didn’t think our relationship was even natural, but Twilight helped me with that...I-I I just don’t know, maybe I overreacted,” Fluttershy said, flying in a contemplative circle as she spoke. “Sounds to me like Applejack was the one that overreacted,” Rainbow Dash said in a matter-of-fact way. “Ya know, ‘Shy, since me and Vinyl have been together, we get along best when we haven’t been able to see each other for a while, I mean, she has gigs all over Equestria, and I can’t just go with her everywhere. Maybe you Applejack just need a break after five months of constantly being by each other...I’m impressed you got THIS far in the first place!” The thought intrigued Fluttershy. The thought of maybe just taking a break from their relationship, to take a breath of fresh air instead of the normal seeing each other all-day every day. In the Pegasus’ mind, it would be better for Applejack too, to be in public and not stared at, not pointed at. She could be in public without being judged. Fluttershy thanked her friend for the idea, and decided to go to bed early, to consider it. It had been an awfully long time since Fluttershy had even stood on a cloud, let alone slept in one. It was beyond relaxing for her, despite the situation she was in. She had a lot to think about, a and a lot to consider. The night was going to be a long one.
A Slip of the Tongue A Slip of the Tongue Applejack was in the center of town and had already asked a few ponies if there was any sign of her marefriend. None had seen her. She sat on a bench, deep in thought as if she’d be able to sense where Fluttershy went and then apologize to her. The evening was slowly winding down and the orange pony started to doubt that she would even see her marefriend that night; however, she was going to try. When she opened her eyes, she was startled by a pink blob right front of her face. “Uh, hello?” Applejack questioned. “Applejack! Hi!” the pink pony said with a smile. “What’s wrong? You’re sad too? Why is everypony sad this evening? It’s a perfect evening!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Wait, have ya seen Fluttershy?” “Yeah... She was sad too. She was crying,” the pink pony said with a frown. Applejack chastised herself in her mind after being reminded that she had made the Pegasus cry. “Do you know where she is? Ah reckon ah need to see her awfully bad, sugarcube,” the farmer said. “Ah messed up badly…” “She went to Twilight’s house, but what happened?” Pinkie Pie perched herself on the bench. “Tell Auntie Pinkie Pie what happened.” “Well, ah…ah guess ah just let that confrontation earlier get to me. Ah got all gung ho ‘bout it at Fluttershy and ah said some things ah didn’t mean and she flew away.” “Aw! I think you should go talk to her, sometimes when I’m mad I just eat some cake and then I’m happy again. *GASP* You should talk to Fluttershy then come back and we could have some late-night cake!” The orange pony got up from the bench. “Okay, Pinkie. Ah’ll see what ah can do.” “Yay! I hope everything works out, AJ.” “Me too…” Applejack responded half-heartedly. She herself didn’t expect it to work out, because she didn’t think she deserved it. If anything was keeping Applejack calm, it was the cool evening air as it washed over the darkening town. She trotted quickly through the town, inspecting the skies for any sign of her dear Pegasus. For once, she let her thoughts get to her. She had never been the aggressor in any argument in previous relationships. Applejack didn’t know how bad her situation really was and that scared her. “Ah’m sorry, ‘Shy…ah never wan- No…I’m sorry Fluttershy, ah really wish ah would’a thought ‘bout my…no. That’s not good enough,” she said to herself on her walk, contemplating what she’d say to her mare when she arrived at the unicorn’s home. “Ah haven’t been this nervous since…since the day ah admitted my feelings to her…” Applejack spotted the unicorn’s house only one block away, and stopped to ponder what she will say to her beloved marefriend. Applejack galloped to the front door of Twilight’s home. She didn’t know what she was going to say, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to see Fluttershy and say whatever she felt needed to be said. She knocked on the door and waited. The silence seemed so loud during those few seconds… “Who is it?” a tiny dragon’s voice called from behind the door. “Spike, it’s AJ,” she said. The little dragon opened the door. “Oh, then come on in!” He turned around and called for the unicorn upstairs. “Twilight! Applejack’s here!” “Oh? Um, I’ll be right down Applejack.” “Where’s Fluttershy?” Applejack asked quickly, heart sinking. Twilight quickly trotted down the stairs to meet her friend. “AJ, she went to stay the night at Rainbow’s,” the unicorn said with a saddened tone to her voice. “She just wants a night to think, is all. I’m sorry…” “Ah just wanted to apologize…ah feel like the worst marefriend on earth ah reckon… Ah-ah…ah probably shouldn’t meet her there, huh?” “She just wants a night to think by herself, AJ...I’m sure she’ll be back tomorrow,” Twilight said, trying to empathize with her friend. “Ah’m sorry fer wastin’ yer time, Twi. Ah’m going to go home and sleep. Ah guess ah need to do some thinkin’ mahself, ah s’pose.” “Applejack, your relationship is too strong for this to just be the end. Fluttershy just needs her time, don’t worry too much about it,” Twilight said, levitating a book to herself that she had been reading. “Well, ah guess so, but it’s about time ah go to sleep. Today hasn’t been my best...” <><><><><><><> “Goodnight, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said, curled up in the cloud-bed that her friend said she could sleep in for the night. “G’ Night Fluttershy,” the Pegasus replied with a hearty yawn, “Ya know, I don’t think anything’s going to go wrong with you and Applejack, you two are too close, at least from what I see. Hay, me and Vinyl have been in more arguments than you and AJ and we’ve gone out for like 2 months now!” “Thank you, Rainbow…that means a lot,” the shy Pegasus said, though her feelings about her situation remained unchanged. “No prob!” she replied. Within a few minutes, she was in a deep sleep. Besides Rainbow Dash’s light snoring, the night quickly ended up being stunningly quiet for the Pegasus. She gazed around the cloud home realizing she somewhat missed the days when she lived in Cloudsdale as a filly. However, in the room, it was just her and her thoughts, because she quickly realized that she wasn’t able to sleep. The time before she was able to get some sleep became a time of reminiscing on her and Applejack’s relationship and even before they got together. She could remember times when everypony was annoyed with her for being so timid and it was always Applejack to stick up for her. Whenever her own fears got the best of her, it was Applejack that supported her when everypony else was frustrated by her. Even before their relationships started, Applejack was the one that always supported her. It was one of the reasons she always felt so attracted to the tom-colt mare. When they needed to save Ponyville from the dragon in its cave, Applejack had dragged her all the way up the mountain when she was unable to use her own wings. When she wasn’t able to go in to the cave due to her own fear of dragons, Applejack was still supportive of her when the other ponies had lost it. Throughout their relationship, the orange mare was always the one to help Fluttershy. Even when the Pegasus saved her life, Applejack helped Fluttershy through the nightmares she had afterwards. After all of the things that Applejack had done for her, the one time Applejack needed somepony to calm her down, somepony to sympathize with her, Fluttershy took the orange pony’s words to heart, and instead just flew away. Applejack was upset, and she just flew away. This thought bothered Fluttershy more than any before it. Maybe Applejack deserves a break…She’s gone through so much just for me…She deserves to not have to deal with me being so nervous and timid and holding her back… This wasn’t what Fluttershy wanted for herself, but it did seem like something that would be good for the earth pony. It always seemed from Fluttershy’s view, that when a couple took a short break that they would reunite and be much happier. However, it wasn’t like they weren’t happy together, Applejack just wasn’t happy with the public reactions to their love, and that was why she felt Applejack needed time alone. As her thoughts started drifting off into random creations of her own mind, she realized she was getting tired, though the night was barely upon them. It felt weird for Fluttershy to even be laying on a cloud, but it felt worse for her to be lying in it alone. <><><><><><><><><> The slow walk back to her and Fluttershy’s cottage left Applejack with building questions and uncertainty that she’s never felt before. Sometimes she would try and reason with it, as if she’d overreacting, but she couldn’t just assume she was overreacting. What could Fluttershy be thinkin’ about…? She walked into her darkened home, the moon shining through a window showing one of Fluttershy’s mice, clearly hungry. “Aw, horsefeathers. What do mice eat again?” Applejack said with a sigh. She searched through the cabinets in their kitchen and found a box labeled ‘mice food for the young mouse’. “That was easy enough,” She said, pouring some of the mixed food into a tiny bowl and handing it to the tiny animal with a half-hearted smile. Applejack slowly walked upstairs, taking her time to make sure she wouldn’t wake up any animals that the shy Pegasus keeps in almost every nook and cranny of the home. She sighed when she saw the empty bed that she was going to sleep in. Maybe she was overreacting to the situation, but knowing she wasn’t going to be able to sleep next to the love of her life that night was heart-wrenching considering her situation. “Ah’m done with the self-pity…” Applejack declared. “If ah’m going to do anything to help mah situation, all this stinkin’-thinkin’ ain’t doin’ me no favors...ah gotta show Fluttershy how much I’m sorry tomorrow…” Though still sad, the orange pony hopped into her bed, determined to work on something that could prove to the shy Pegasus that she was sorry. Maybe ah should write out a poem er’ somethin’ Applejack quickly dismissed that idea since she knew that it would turn out terrible. “Words definitely aren’t my…aren’t my…” Applejack rubbed her chin in contemplation, “What’s that word again? Word’s definitely aren’t my…word’s ain’t my…CONSARNIT, AH’M NOT GOOD WITH WORDS.” Her sudden outburst surprised even herself, and shut herself up with her own hoof. Silence then returned as she returned to her thoughts. Maybe ah should take her on a date? Now being proactive about her situation, Applejack started feeling better. The date idea stuck, because it’s something she wanted to do with her a while. A nice, romantic date. Maybe we should go to a restaurant in Canterlot? That’ll prove that ah do not care what nopony thinks about me an’ her anymore Even though she had a plan and was thinking of other ways to come out of this situation as better pony, she couldn’t help but sigh when she rested her front-legs in front of her, where they would usually be wrapped around her partner’s side. <><><><><><><><><> It was very early in the morning when the light shining through the clouds woke the shy Pegasus up. Rainbow Dash’s loud snoring made it clear that she wasn’t going to be waking up anytime soon. Though the cloud bed was very comfortable, being woken up so suddenly, instead of by Applejack, only reminded her that she hadn’t come to a decision as to what she should do. The sun was just creeping above the distant mountains and it casted radiant colors throughout the morning sky. Princess Celestia was very good with majestic mornings and evenings. Fluttershy rolled over onto her side with a sigh. She didn’t know what she was going to do. She didn’t want to do anything. The pastel-yellow Pegasus just wanted her partner to be happy, whether the cost was her own happiness or not. Reliving the events of the day before in her mind, she knew she overreacted and could have prevented everything. The shy pony sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes. The constant snoring of Rainbow Dash was starting to bother her now that she was awake. “Rainbow, you need to stop partying to so much,” Fluttershy whispered as if the sleeping pony could hear her. Fluttershy knew Applejack must have been awake. Imagining what she put her through only bothered her more. The shy Pegasus exited her friend’s home, making sure that she didn’t make any loud noises that could wake the other Pegasus up. Fluttershy didn’t know whether Applejack had been looking for her and if she even knew that she had stayed at Rainbow Dash’s overnight. Flying back towards town, she kept an eye out for her marefriend, just in case she was looking for her. Just the thought of the earth pony searching for her without being able to find her added to the shy Pegasus’ worries. It was too early for anypony else to be awake. Rarity was probably getting ready to board a train back to Ponyville from Canterlot and, it being the weekend, made it nearly impossible to find anypony else awake this early. This was good, because Fluttershy only wanted to see one pony. She flew faster and higher up so she could reach her home faster. She was ready for everything to be okay again. She also really needed to see her animals, because a lot probably needed their morning feeding and that was a lot of work for Applejack to do by herself. The moment quickly arrived. She was walking across the bridge towards her cottage home. The lights were on inside, so she knew that her marefriend was in there. At the front door, she released a tiny squeak of anticipation and nervousness. Then the door opened, before she could even put her hoof on it. <><><><><><><><><> Applejack woke up with a grimace. It was really early, yet there was no way she would go back to sleep with the headache she had. She rubbed her eyes furiously trying to wake herself up. She then looked to the empty spot beside her and memory hit her like a tidal wave. She sighed, and immediately noticed her hunger. The dim light that shone through the paneled window revealed a sun that had barely risen yet. Fluttershy’s birds were sitting on the edge of the window, having whatever bird conversation that may be having. Only Fluttershy knew what they were saying. The home seemed much quieter without somepony else to accompany Applejack. It wasn’t even really a home when she didn’t have somepony there. Horsefeathers…if this is how ah feel after one night without her, ah can’t imagine us breakin’ up… The prospect of them breaking up was something she had never worried about before, but now it became all too real. She got out of her bed with another sigh, and tried to focus on what she would do to truly apologize to the Pegasus. She trotted down the stairs, though was still deep in thought. Maybe ah’m bein’ too harsh on myself? Once she reached the bottom, she entered the living room and picked up a brush.The orange pony considered her last thought as she brushed her mane lazily, so it would look presentable once she reached her marefriend. She was hoping that Fluttershy would still be there and would be willing to accept her apology. Applejack knew not to use “this was our first argument” as an excuse to be forgiven. She had promised the Pegasus many times that she would never hurt her. She started making some toast, which only reminded her of the day Granny Smith and Big Macintosh had told her she was allowed to work at the farm again. She had been staying with her marefriend because two elder family members disagreed with her choice to be with a mare and had subsequently banned her from working at the farm. That day, Fluttershy had made some toast for them. It was an odd thing to remember, surely, but it stuck with her to that day. She sat down on her couch, and starting eating the sub-par toast she had made. Maybe ah should beg her for forgiveness? Maybe ah should tell her how sorry ah really am, then ask her on that date to Canterlot? Applejack liked the idea of going on a date to the place where she encountered the most hatred. It could really show her marefriend that she didn’t care anymore. She assumed that Fluttershy wasn’t awake yet, so when she finished her toast, she continued contemplating her options. However, she felt uneasy about waiting. She got up and brushed her mane again, made sure her tail wasn’t entangled or anything. “Ah can’t even remember that last time ah even tried ta’ make my mane and tail look nice…” she remarked. She took a breath of confidence, then trotted towards the door. However, upon pushing the door open, a very familiar squeak quickly notified her that her search for the Pegasus was already over. The sight astounded Applejack. Instantly her nervousness rose, her heart fluttered and her face reddened. Nopony other than the shy Pegasus before her could make her feel that way. “…S-Shy?” Applejack sputtered. “Ah-ah was just ‘bout to go look for you…” Her heartbeat escalated each second as her mind caught up with what she saw. Fluttershy squeaked again. “I-I’m sorry…” Dumbfounded, the orange pony raised an eyebrow. “Ya shouldn’t be apologizing for nothin’ sugarcube…ah’m the one that’s sorry…ah swear on Celestia ah didn’t mean what ah said yesterday.” “I shouldn’t have left…y-you needed somepony to help you, and I just flew away,” the Pegasus said shrinking into herself. She never thought that just seeing the earth pony could make her so nervous since they’d been together. “I talked with Twilight and Rainbow Dash…they gave me some good advice.” AJ looked at her mare with a grateful smile. Fluttershy continued in her usual soft voice. “Rainbow said that…maybe it’d be best for you if we, um…” Her voice trailed off into a squeak. “Um…she said it’d be best if we took a break from each other...” The orange mare didn’t know how to react to what her marefriend just suggested. “I-I…” The orange pony quickly gathered her thoughts together. “Fluttershy…ah barely made it through one night without ya…ah couldn’t handle going back ta mah old life, because ah have a better life…with you.” A single tear dripped down the shy pony’s cheek as she listened to Applejack speak. “My dear Fluttershy, ah’m glad ya flew away, because that helped me realize how much of a mistake that was for me to be so gung ho ‘bout nothin’. Seeing ya sad made me feel worse than anypony in Canterlot could ever make me feel, especially since it was mah fault. Fluttershy, not havin’ ya by my side last night was…ah…ah really missed you Shy...” There was a short moment of silence, where all that could be heard was Fluttershy’s sniffles. Applejack gazed into her marefriend’s eyes and gave her a loving embrace each wrapping a hoof around each other. it was something they needed more than anything else, besides each other. They knew that that they both overreacted, but it was that fact that they cared enough to worry so much about their relationship that made their short-lived hardship worth it in the end. “All ah ask is that ya forgive me, Sugarcube…” Fluttershy smiled, and wiped a tear off of her cheek, “I do…but maybe under one condition.” AJ cocked an eyebrow, “What ‘Shy? Ah’ll do anythin’!” Fluttershy looked towards the hair-bands on Applejack’s mane with a devious smile on her face. Applejack turned to look at what her marefriend was looking at, then sighed in defeat. “Aw, horsefeathers.”
Aunt Lilith Aunt Lilith Aunt Lilith Author's note: Sorry for the hiatus, I've finally returned to continue adding to this series. Hopefully my writing isn't rusty from months of inactivity. I hope you enjoy this installment! Applejack grimaced as she lay on the wooden floor, tending to an injury she received when her older brother had accidentally fallen into her. Unfortunately, this was while she was in the middle of bucking a tree, and it caused her significant pain. The stallion landed right on a the leg she had in a cast about 6 months before, and it triggered pain reminiscent of when she had first injured it. It was back during the Appleloosa acres’ fire, which only felt like the day before for her. She stood up awkwardly, trying to put pressure on it, but sharp pain caused her to wince and consciously lift the leg away from hitting the ground. She sighed as she realized this would hinder her efforts to work once again. “Are you okay, AJ?” Big Macintosh asked, legitimately concerned, though the emotionless expression didn’t exactly make that obvious. “Ah’m fine, a-ah just gotta let off of it so it can heal,” the orange pony said, “and besides, ah’ve gone through much worse than this, that’s sure.” Her grimace turned to a semi-confident smile. She was too tough to let an injury prevent her from doing things on her own again, “I’ll have to explain to ‘Shy why I’m gettin’ home a little late tonight. Tonight was ‘sposed to be a dinner night for us.” “Ah know, ya told me already. Ah could just carry ya back so yer in time for the dinner,” Applejack chuckled, “Big Mac, ah ain’t a filly any more, ah’d break yer back!” The red stallion thought for a second as he sat at the kitchen table waiting for Granny Smith’s dinner, “AJ, you’re not as big as ya’d like ta think, ah’m sure ah could carry ya to the cottage with no problem, plus Granny Smith is still sleepin’; she won’t be makin’ dinner for a while.” “Nope, ya look tired now even from buckin’ apples, ah ain’t going to force ya to do more work just cause ah went and got ma’self hurt again. Ah can make it back, ah still have three workin’ legs.” “Ya sure ‘bout that AJ?” “Surer than Granny Smith after a freshly baked apple pie, sugar cube.” After one last attempt to put pressure on her injured leg, AJ walked towards the door on her three legs, though strength she had built up over the years of bucking made it not as awkward was to walk as one might assume, “Ah’ll be back tomorrow.” “Don’t come if yer still hurt, Caramel can still fill in for ya, no reason to make yerself even more hurt.” The stallion said in a matter-of-fact way. He didn’t need many words to get his point across to his younger sister, an unchanging characteristic of their relationship. “Ah won’t hurt mahself, you’re just bein’ a protective older brother, ah’ll be fine,” Applejack said, opening the door, “See ya tomorrow Big Macintosh.” Applejack stressed, using a hoof to put on her Stetson. “Mhmm,” Applejack sighed, knowing that her injury turned out to be such bad timing. No matter how she looks at things, she always imagines that she could have prevented a mistake; even if it wasn’t her fault or unavoidable. That wasn’t the only thing that was on the orange pony’s mind as she made her way back to her home; she knew that she wasn’t the most romantic mare out there. It took a lot just for her agree to dress up nicely to have a nice romantic dinner with her marefriend, she didn’t want Fluttershy to think that she was avoiding the dinner. “Consarnit,” She breathed, walking towards the lowering sun. It was nearly dark outside when Applejack finally found herself near her cottage; there were no lights on so she assumed Fluttershy had fallen asleep early or was outside with her animals as she almost always was. She opened the door, immediately felling her body readying itself for a nice night of relaxing. With a sigh of relief, Applejack landed in her couch and almost fell asleep right then and there, though after a tiny rabbit that was underneath forced her to move over, she decided to get up to get a glass of water, thirst overpowering her need for some relaxation. Angel shook his paw as Applejack, the orange apologizing with a chuckle. It wasn’t the first time that had happened to the little bunny. “’Shy? Ya awake?” She said at a medium tone, careful to not wake up one of the many other animals in the nooks and crannies of the home. Shortly, Fluttershy responded from upstairs, “Oh yes! You’re home!” Applejack could hear the Pegasus walking down the steps of the home, “Sorry ah just got back, ah hurt myself pretty badly today. Darn Big Macintosh ran straight into my leg. He may deny it, but he’s the clumsiest stallion this family of our’s,” She said, semi-serious about her older brother. Fluttershy greeted Applejack with a kiss on her nose, after wiping away some dirt that remained on the orange pony’s cheek, “Oh my, which leg,”” she asked in her signature soft voice, then responding after the orange pony showed her the leg, “Oh my… do you need to rest? I can make sure you’re comfortable! You can’t be on your leg after you hurt it! My oh my Applejack, you need to be careful!” “Thank ya kindly Fluttershy, but I wouldn’t want to hassle ya. My leg will be fine, sugarcube. No need to worry,” Applejack said; stubbornly as always. “Well I always worry when you hurt yourself,” the yellow Pegasus said in a matter-of-fact way, “Plus I like taking care of you,” Applejack gave her a firmer kiss on the lips, “Ah’ll be fine, darlin’. Just need some rest. Ah’m plum tuckered,” “Angel is sleeping in the bed. He’s sick, and he wouldn’t sleep in his regular bed. I tried to convince him otherwise, but a sick bunny needs his rest,” Fluttershy said, “do you want anything to eat before you go to sleep? I was preparing our dinner.” The yellow Pegasus said, walking into their kitchen, “But when it starting getting late, I decided not to finish it, so we could have it tomorrow,” “Thank ya kindly, ‘Shy. Ah’m sorry ah missed our dinner night. In fact, ah’ll make it up to ya when ma darn leg’s healed up in a day or two-“ “Don’t tell me you’re not going to see nurse Redheart!” Fluttershy said, legitimately surprised at her own partner’s stubbornness, despite having known her for so long, “I know you don’t like to get help, b-but I really wouldn’t want you to injure yourself more because you didn’t get help. I really dislike seeing you hurt.” “Fluttershy, Ah just pulled a muscle when he fell on me” the orange pony lied, “It’ll be fine, and ah’ll be back to the farm tomorrow - and in time for dinner night.” “Applejack, your leg was fractured, I can’t let you just heal it yourself this time... and I won’t. I’ll set up a meeting with nurse Redheart.” Fluttershy stated, showing off her assertiveness, “If…that’s okay with you.” “Ah don’t really have a choice, huh?” Applejack admitted with a slight shake of her front right hoof. Before she could continue, there was a knock at their door, “Odd time for anypony to be round these parts,” The orange pony commented as Fluttershy walked up the door and opened it. “MAIL!” A grey mare said oddly loud, Fluttershy taken aback before she gathered herself and accepted the sloppy pile of assorted mail from Derpy. “O-Oh thanks, Derpy, but I have to ask why you’re here so late?” “Dinky broke the bathtub, ripped my socks and disassembled the oven again, so I couldn’t do my rout earlier today,” the mailmare said nonchalantly, “Fillies, am I right?” The yellow Pegasus responded with a look of a combined confusion and surprise, “Dinky…yeah, she must be one um… mischievous filly, huh?” “I buy thingsall the time so Dinky can break them,” Derpy said, adding to the shy Pegasus’ confusion, “Want a muffin? I have an extra.” “How’d you cook them without the oven?” Fluttershy asked quickly, garnering a laugh from Applejack who had headed upstairs, but was still listening to their conversation. “She broke the oven I bought for her break,” Derpy said, stabilizing her own flight after being distracted, “Dinky knows not to break my good oven.” Fluttershy smiled, “Well thanks Derpy for coming by tonight. Hopefully Dinky learns to not break stuff…” She then accepted the muffin with a smile as she held the mail between her body and closed right wing. Fluttershy sat down on their couch and tossed the mail she had received right next to her. Despite not having done any strenuous work that day, the Pegasus found herself more tired than she usually was at the time. The sun still shone through the windows in her home, though it was dimming slowly. “Angel bunny are you awake?” She asked quietly, receiving no response. The Pegasus opened up a letter; though it was pretty awkward considering she had no magic to open it herself. She held the letter between her hooves and used her teeth to open it. “Equestrian Animal Fashion Show….Rarity might like that,” She said to herself, setting the mail aside. She sifted through the small pile of letters with her hooves until one caught her eye; a light pink envelope that was oddly fancy for anything she and Applejack expected to receive. It was addressed in a fancy cursive that even Fluttershy had to examine to figure out. Lilith Las Pegasus Fluttershy Ponyville “Aunt Lilith? What a nice surprise!” She said softly, though excitedly; instantly reminiscing on the days of her fillyhood, a lot of which was spent with her aunt, since her parents were off at work. Every day, despite Fluttershy’s inability when it came to flying, her aunt would come over and provide her company while her parents were out. She was the one that kept encouraging the filly to keep trying and always stressed that hard work would get her places in life. Lilith was quite strict sometimes when it came to sticking to a plan of sorts. Fluttershy as a filly didn’t have the confidence to continue trying something once she had failed it; aunt Lilith was the one pressuring her to continue, despite many times when Fluttershy may had been over her head. This was a good and bad thing, considering many times it was against Fluttershy’s wishes to do something yet she’d have to do it anyway to prove to her aunt that she could do it. It definitely made Fluttershy happy to see that her aunt had written to her; she hadn’t actually spoken to her in quite some time, mainly due to her aunt being quite a recluse. Fluttershy continued reading the letter out loud, “It’s been a long time. . . we haven’t spoken in ages... I am going to be in Ponyville Wednesday and I would really like to see you.” The Pegasus pondered this for a moment, “Oh my, Wednesday is tomorrow!” She said, in a surprised yet soft voice. She looked around her cottage; despite there being many animals living within the nooks and crevices, it didn’t seem like she would need to do any drastic cleaning in preparation for her aunt. “Applejack, um, are you awake?” The yellow pony asked, though receiving no response, “She must be really tired, I just can’t wake her up.” The idea of her aunt coming to visit her brought up conflicting feelings for the Pegasus. She hadn’t seen or talked to her in person for such a long time, she didn’t want anything to go wrong. Fluttershy didn’t like the idea of having to go through everything she’s done since she last saw aunt Lilith in her adolescent years. Then it hit her, quite forcefully. What if her aunt felt different about her because of her relationship with Applejack? It was one of the first things Applejack and Fluttershy had to go through as a couple; Applejack’s family members had different opinions on the farmer pony’s choice to start a relationship with a mare. Applejack already has gone through family rejecting her for doing what she wanted to do. Fluttershy however, despite their seven months of being together, has not told her family beyond her parents; it wasn’t exactly something she wanted to bring up awkwardly the next day when her aunt arrived, either. The yellow Pegasus needed to come up with something, and fast.
A Family AfffairA Family Affair As a filly, Fluttershy was just discovering her passion for animals and living creatures in general (Except for full-grown dragons of course) she never really had any crushes as at a young age and was pretty reserved growing up. She still considered herself as a mare who liked colts, just never really had the courage or motivation to try and find love, because she was quite content with just taking care of all kinds of creatures. Applejack on the other hoof, was always trying to impress a colt she was interested in. Pulling all the tricks she knew just to get a chance to spend time with one. Not once did she think about a mare in that way back then. Now everything was different. Fluttershy was the first confess her feelings, which even surprised herself. She couldn't have been happier when Applejack admitted she had the same feelings for her. They may not understand why they feel so attracted to each other, after considering themselves ponies who only likes colts, but they knew they were more happy as a couple, than as friends. After a wonderful sleep, Fluttershy woke up, curled in her bed, content and comfortable. She blinked a few times trying to get a grasp on the past few days for her. All-in-all they had been wonderful. All the worries she had had before all of this, all of the apprehension of hiding her feelings are now gone, and as she lovingly thought of Applejack, she realize this is only the beginning of something wonderful. Adding to this, So far she and Applejack have been accepted by her friends for their choice, and even praised by their spastic friend Pinky Pie. After giving herself a few minutes to fully wake up, the Pegasus pony let out a happy sigh and floated out of bed, promptly making it. She said hi to one of her birds perched on her window, then trotted downstairs, her hooves making a very slight clicking noise on the wood. Hearing this from downstairs, Angel the rabbit waited impatiently for her food. "Oh, Angel, your food. I'm sorry," Fluttershy said softly. She thought about where she kept the bunny's food, and then went to her kitchen and came back with the bunny's carrot. Less inclined to argue due to hunger, Angel grabbed the carrot and merrily hopped out to his little house in Fluttershy's backyard. Pleasantly surprised, The shy pony made herself comfortable on her couch and began to recap Pinkie Pies party in her mind, which was thrown in her and Applejack's honor. It was a wonderful party, with heart-shaped cupcakes, good music, and friends one-by-one congratulating her and Applejack on their new-found affection for each other. She remembered one specific moment when Ponyville's more well-known mare-couple, Lyra and BonBon, came to say their kind words to her and Applejack. They gave good advice, and asked them out to dinner. Fluttershy loved the idea of a 4 mare double-date. BonBon, who did most of the talking anyway, specifically told Fluttershy to just stick by Applejack if things around them got bad. Her new friend really calmed her mind about being with another Mare. Too her, she was just being with someone she truly loves. After trotting around her home, doing her regular chores that she's done a million times before, she decided it would be fitting to make her way to Pinkie's to thank her again for such a wonderful party. She nodded in approval of her own thought, because Pinkie Pies house was on the way to Sweet Apple Acres, which is where she could find Applejack. Applejack...the yellow mare thought. Her heart skipping a beat at the thought of the Earth pony. "She's...perfect," she said in her soft voice, blushing lightly. The pegasus quickly checked her mane too make sure she looked nice for her mare. She left another carrot on the entrance to the backyard for Angel, gave some food to her mice that live in the hole in the wall. Now that she was all finished with her chores and feeding her animals, she trotted out the door, just to be stopped not 4 steps out by a voice to her left. "Fluttershy, we need ta talk sugarcube," the Earth Pony said half, head lowered and breathing heavy. The Pegasus squealed, then lowered her head in embarrassment until she saw Applejack standing there, exhausted. Fluttershys heart sank,at the sight of the stressed earth pony. ,"Oh Applejack.. um what do you need, I'm sorry.." she said, trailing off. "Ah told ya about Apple Crisp and Ambrosia right?," She said less a question than a statement. Who she was referring too were the eldest ponies besides Granny Smith who run the apple family. Apple Crisp and Ambrosia manage pretty much everything that each farm that the family owns across Equestria is doing. They make sure each is ran well and productively. That's their main purpose in the family. 2 ponies manage the family almost as a company until they're too old and then relinquish the positions to someone more capable, I.E Big Macintosh who's only slightly younger than them. Applejack continued ,"Well, they ain't that fond of us bein' together. How in the hay they found out, Ah don't have a clue, but they got in a huge argument with Big Mac and Granny Smith over it...i didn't even dare ta talk. Ah don't know who in the hay they think they are, but they got a lot of nerve insultin' THIS pony" The earth pony said, enthusiastically stomping her hoof on the ground for emphasis. "And hey, it's ma choice, not there's, they shouldn't be so uptight about it.," Applejack said with purpose. She turned her attention to Fluttershy who seemed to be taking Applejack's rejection a little different. "Awh, Fluttershy...don't be sad.." The orange pony mused, immediately comforting her, by her side. Applejack waited for a response, but didn't receive one. "Fluttershy..ah'm sorry..ah don't ever want ta see ya sad...Crisp an' Ambrosia just need to...Ah ain't even know...but ah have you and that's all ah need..." Fluttershy lifted her head up, confused by the last thing Applejack said, "D-did they kick you out Applejack?.." she lowered her head again. Without giving a straight forward yes or no, Applejack still answered her question, "I-it's not your fault sugarcube...ah shoulda' waited a Lil longer..it's too much for them ta handle...they juss aint used to the idea of two mares bein' together. Ah'll make sure they change their minds " Somehow.. The Pegasus looked up again and said "I didn't know that us being together would cause this..." her voice trailed off again. Seeing how sad this has made the shy mare, The earth pony's guilt gave her a bit of confidence, just to help Fluttershy calm down. Fluttershy looked at the ground, she couldn't look at Applejack to say what she felt obligated to say next, "We don't have to-" her voice trailed into a squeak, but she regained her composure quickly, "We don't have to be together if it keeps you from your family...That's unfair for you," Fluttershy said. To her, this whole situation was her fault for confessing her feelings in the first place. It hurt Fluttershy more than she expected just to say that. But Applejack had other things in mind, so the earth pony sighed, then said "'Shy, ah love that about you...always caring for others instead of tendin' to yourself, ...But it ain't juss you now, sugarcube. it's us.. and ah know we should stick together durin' tough times like this, juss like BonBon said," The earth pony moved closer to Fluttershy, nudging her lovingly near the nape of her neck, causing the yellow mare to blush. "It means a lot to hear that from you..." Fluttershy said, nearly in a whisper. Applejack could see that she was starting to feel better about it all. Applejack kissed her lightly on the cheek, causing her mare to blush even more, with a smile. Fluttershy nuzzled into Applejack a little more. If anything could make her feel better about this situation that she felt she caused, it was being next to Applejack. Soon enough she was nearly sleeping, forgetting the world around her, and the fact they were just outside her house. It took at least 20 minutes for the two ponies to realize they were still outside, distracted how comfortable they felt from being together, not that they minded. All they thought about was each other, and how great it feels to be in each others hooves. Applejack softly stroked the Pegasus's mane back and forth, while Fluttershy closed her eyes and just took it all in. "'Shy..ya awake?" Applejack broke the silence. She seemed to be more level-headed about the whole situation. Fluttershy yawned quietly, getting an immediate reaction from the orange pony. "Awhh darlin'" Applejack mused with a smile. "Yes?" Fluttershy leaned to the side to look at the gushing pony beside her. "Nothin', it's juss that ya have the cutest yawn," The earth pony said with an adoring smile while visibly repeating it in her head, thus causing Fluttershy to blush again. She wasn't at all used to this kind of attention. "Sorry Hun, go on," She said with a giggle. "Oh. Um, well I thought that, well if you're not going to live at Sweet Apple Acres anymore, um. Maybe you could stay with me for a while" she said, slightly surprising Applejack, who hasn't even thought about where she would live. ,"That is, um if it's ok with you.." her voice trailing off again "Sugarcube.." Fluttershy felt embarrassed for asking due to the silence before Applejack's answer, so she looked down nervously. "Ah'd love too. If they ain't gonna give me a chance to show that our love is real, then ah shouldn't have to pay no mind to what they think 'bout me movin' with ya," She said with a defiant grin, using her hoof to wipe some rogue hair from her face. Fluttershy smiled, "Oh that's great! I'm sure my animals will love you! Angels been needing so much extra attention lately, I'm sure he'd like a new friend! Oh this is just great!" The Pegasus exclaimed with a big smile. With a laugh the earth pony replied, "Well ah'll make sure not to scare your bunnies again. You being happy makes me happy..." Her charm even surprised herself. "That's ok, Applejack. You worked yourself too hard that day, you didn't know," Fluttershy said reminiscent of the day Applejack worked herself into exhaustion just because she refused help from friends. Finally realizing that they've been outside for a while, Fluttershy slowly got up and gave a hoof too Applejack to help her up. Then Fluttershy realized something. "I think somepony lost their hat,"she giggled, pointing to Applejack's slightly frizzed mane. Instinctively reaching for her hat, Applejack's hoof just met air. "Ah, this silly gal must a' lost it on the way here..." The orange pony chuckled. She contemplated going to search for it, even at the risk of running into family searching for her. Well they must be searching for me..even though ah'd assume they'd expect to see me here at Fluttershy's. "Well...should we go, um,go find it?" Fluttershy said, even though she assumed that Applejack didn't want to go at the risk of seeing some of her family around town. "Well, ah...-yeah, ma hats really all ah' have to ma name right now," She turned to Fluttershy with a smile, "Shall we?" Applejack mused, politely letting Fluttershy go first.
Photo FinishedPhoto Finished "What do you think Princess Celestia is going to do when she get's here tomorrow?" The shy pegasus asked Applejack, walking beside her as they left Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack shrugged ,"Ah reckon she's just gonna get Twilight's friendship report in person, it is what she usually does anyway," "I heard there's going to be a parade...I hope it isn't too big, It might scare the some of the blue-jays that live near here," Fluttershy said, motioning with her hoof towards the homes of several of the blue birds she knew about. She waved at a few that were flying around merrily near-by. "Really? Well ah guess tomorrow ah'm gonna have to work extra to harvest apples for the parade, which is fine with me!" "I'm not sure, though. But Twilight would know, should we um, stop by and see her?" The two ponies were returning home from a full day of working at Sweet Apple Acres together, Well, mostly Fluttershy keeping the earth pony company while she worked, so Applejack didn't seem very fond of the idea. She adjusted her hat to block out the setting sun. "Ah don't know...Ah worked ma tail off today, sugarcube. Ah reckon' she will tell us anyway before Princess Celestia gets here," "I could, um just go by myself, and tell you when I'm back..." Applejack giggled and sighed ,"Ok, alright darlin'. we can go to Twilight's house," Fluttershy smiled ,"Yay...!" "Ya know ah can't argue with ya when look at me with them baby-blues," Applejack swooned. Fluttershy blushed ,"Awe!..But they're um, nothing compared to your eyes, I love how amazingly green they are," "Awh, Shucks Fluttershy, that's awfully nice of ya, but everypony knows ya have the most beautiful eyes in Equestria," The shy pegasus held off a squeak ,"You're too nice to me, Applejack," "Too nice? hehe It's not like ah have to try when ah'm with you," The earth pony said happily. After over a month and a half of being together, the orange pony had grown quite accustomed to saying the right things when it comes to a conversation with Fluttershy. The two then turned a corner that led straight to Twilight Sparkle's library home. When they arrived, Applejack knocked a few times on the door. She could hear Twilight in there, but could tell she didn't hear the knocks after about half a minute. "Ah can hear her in there..." Applejack said as she hit the door with a little bit more force. From inside they could hear her say ,"Oh, um Spike can you get that for me?" A purple little dragon ran to the door, and opened it. "Hey," he said, quickly trying to act cool at the sight of the pegasus who loves baby dragons. He then turned around and shouted to Twilight ,"It's Applejack and Fluttershy," "Oh, come in you two!" The two could see Twilight upstairs in her Library, stacks of books to her side, obviously working on seomthing very diligently. The two entered, and to Spike's disappointment, Fluttershy didn't seem as interested in him as before. The tiny dragon sighed, then quickly returned to helping the unicorn. As they walked up the stairs, the orange pony questioned ,"Ya sure look busy Twilight, Ah don't want us to be a bother," Twilight took half a second to look at the two when she spoke ,"Oh, it's fine, I'm just looking for a book that will help with the parade for Princess Celestia tomorrow, I'm quite stressed about it, I haven't been able to talk to her in person for a while" "Well that answered ma question hehe, ah just wanted ta know if ah would need to produce a lil' bit more apples for the parade tomorra'. Ah have no problem with doin' that," Twilight spoke while using her magic to float books in front of her to scan through.,"Oh, that'd surely be great, I'm sure Princess Celestia would be glad to try some," Applejack was pleasantly surprised everything went so fast here, and was already ready to get back to her home and rest. "Well, ah guess we will get out of yer mane, ah need some rest before ah get to workin' tomorrow," "Oh, ok girls, see you tomorrow!" said the stressed unicorn, still pillaging through piles of books. The two turned around and went down the stairs. But right as they were about the exit, Twilight exclaimed ,"WAIT! I almost forgot!" The unicorn darted out of her library and down the stairs to meet them. "Do you guys know much about the traditions of this Parade?" The orange squinted, confused ,"Wait, traditions? Ya mean this is a yearly thang?" "Of course! Celestia makes time every year to come down and see the town, this is my first year to organize it all!" "That must be hard work, Twilight...I'm sure you'll do great though!" The shy Pegasus chimed in. Twilight looked down nervously ,"Well, I really want to, but there's this one thing..." "What is it, sugarcube?" "Well, um. I don't know how to ask this...but...I guess I will..ok, so, I was told by the pony before me who managed this in years past, that this parade is more to celebrate the town than just Princess Celestia's arrival...he said it had one float just for...well, he said there was a float for the new couples in town..." "Does that mean we have ta ride in it?" "That's not all of it,"Twilight laughed nervously ,"well, at the top of the float is a seat, made just for the couple he picked to be the cutest new couple in town and they would get to meet Princess Celestia after the parade," The unicorn looked sheepishly at them ,"And, there's never been a mare couple to take that spot before..." Fluttershy thought for a moment ,"But that would mean...being on top of a huge float, with an even BIGGER crowd staring right at us!" The shy pony flinched at the thought of being the center attention again, remembering her time as a model. "Ah'm flattered, Ah mean WE are, really, but ah just don't think doin' somethin' like that is for us...we ain' tryin' to be flashy," Twilight sincerely looked disappointed ,"Really...? That's saddening, just imagine what you two could do for the ponies in the audience like you, but are too afraid to admit it?" They both pondered this for a second, then the unicorn continued ,"It wouldn't be for too long, 5 minutes at tops, then you guys get to talk to Princess Celestia for a bit!" Applejack had one last excuse not too ,"What about Lyra and BonBon? They seem more wantin' to show off any way," Twilight sighed ,"The pony who managed this before me said he asked them last year and they said no, he never gave me a reason why, for some reason, and they're not even a new couple, they've been together for years" "Ah don't want to force 'Shy to do somethin' she's uncomfortable with," The purple unicorn once again sighed ,"Look, I understand...It's too late of notice..but if you guys do change your minds, meet here 15 minutes before the parade starts, which is at 6," "Ah'll keep in mind, Sugarcube," Said Applejack, relieved. "I'm sorry, Twilight..." Fluttershy said shyly, truly feeling bad that her nervousness caused Twilight's disappointment. The purple unicorn shook her head at the shy ponies response ,"Oh, don't be sorry. I definitely wouldn't force you to do something you're not comfortable with, and besides I could always choose a regular couple," "We we she are flattered ya picked us, Ah guess we'll sleep on it. Thank ya kindly, Twilight, but ah guess it's time for us to head back to our home, ah need some rest real bad..." Twilight Sparkle gave them a polite nod, then returned to her preparations for the parade. The two ponies exited and started their way back to their home. When the two ponies were almost back, Applejack brought it up again. "So...I guess, the parade thing is up to you, darlin', because ah kinda want to," Fluttershy imagined herself being stared by hundreds of ponies. She physically shivered at the thought. "I um...I don't um.." "Sugarcube, ya don't have to do it, It's not like it's been something Ah've been looking forward too forever! Ah just think it'd be really romantic to kiss in front of hundreds of ponies..." Applejack knew that probably didn't help Fluttershy feel better about the thought of being in front of a crowd, but she knew that would help her reach a decision. "B-but they'd all be staring at us...what if the crowd doesn't approve of us?" "Don't be silly, Ah think they'd adore us!" Applejack said proudly, with a smile. "Really...?" said the shy pegasus, as they entered into their home at last. Hanging her hat on the doorknob, the earth pony continued ,"Well of course! Ah think the ponies are open ta this sorta stuff. It's not like we are hurtin' anypony," "I just, don't like it when everypony is staring at me...'" "It's not like we're gonna be on the only float in the parade, ah'm sure there will be plenty of others to distract everypony," Fluttershy failed to find any flaw in Applejack's logic. "Well...if you really want to..." "No, sugarcube, what matters to me is if ya want too," After a second of thinking, Fluttershy said softly ,"Ok...I do, It sounds fun! I hope..." "Ah'll make sure it is for ya, darlin! Ah'm sure everything will go fine!," "Yeah...I hope so!" The pegasus flew up on to their couch and got comfy. "'Shy, Ah'm going to hit the hay a little early tonight, Ah got a lot to do tomorrow, an' ah ain't bout to do all of it while tired. I love you darlin'" After a kiss, the pegasus responded ,"I love you too, and, um by the way your eyes are way better than mine...anypony would want green eyes!" "Ah WISH," The earth pony said with a chuckle as she headed upstairs ,"But everypony know's by now that your blue eyes are the most beautiful," Fluttershy giggled, enjoying the compliment. "Goodnight love!" Said Applejack merrily from upstairs "Goodnight!" "Oh Fluttershy, what did you get yourself into now..."
