Spinach Every Night

Chapters

Confessions
A Mysterious Disturbance
Never Knowing
Up in the Air
Charges and Changes
Fleeting Romance
Equestrian Secrets

Confessions

Twilight Sparkle sat in her library peacefully studying her books. Spike lay on the floor, half asleep, with chilled vanilla ice cream dripping from his fangs to the tiny puddle of dessert on the floor. Flipping her page, Twilight breathed in a deep, peaceful, breath. Life was beautifully perfect and peaceful in the quiet tree house.

"Twilight!" The peace was snapped up into a different reality in a matter of seconds. Fluttershy pounded on the front door, which was alarming all on its own. Twilight scurried to the door and opened it to reveal one of her best friends shaking in the door frame.

"F-Fluttershy, come in. You're shivering! Is it cold outside?" Stepping into the house, Fluttershy's stomach was turning.

"Twilight…I have a secret, and I don't know what to do," she admitted. The understanding and kind pony invited the yellow friend under her arm.

"Well, maybe I can help…" suggested Twilight. "Tell me what the matter is."

"It's not that easy," stated the flustered pegasus. "You see, my secret might hurt another pony. A pony very close to you." Twilight couldn't help but smile at the innocent mare.

"What could you, the gentlest mare in Equestria, have possibly done to hurt anypony I know?" Fluttershy looked guiltily at her friend, and her princess.

"Please, promise not to hate me forever," pleaded Fluttershy.

"I promise, no matter what it is, I will not be angry in the slightest," promised Twilight.

"I don't know…You have NO idea how awful this is." Twilight imagined Fluttershy spilling soup for the homeless ponies and then making them an entire new pot, except three degrees colder to make sure they got it on time. Or perhaps she only brushed Angel's fur three hundred times this morning. Then she thought the worst: maybe Fluttershy had forgotten one of her animal's favorite foods. That was crazy talk, Twilight thought; Fluttershy would never even do something that bad.

"I'm pregnant: with Shining Armor's baby."

Fluttershy's POV

Twilight looked at me, mouth agape, eyes wide, and breathless. Then she nervously laughed.

"Fluttershy, that's not your type of humor I know, but good one. You really shouldn't joke that way though. It might upset my sister in law." My heart threatened to burst like a balloon.

"Tw-Twilight," I said quietly, hearing my voice shake and tremble. "I'm not joking." The longer the silence went on, the longer Twilight realized the truth.

"H-how in the world could this happen? Was it a spell? Was it a bet? Did you two get possessed by Discord!? What in Celestia's royal kingdom happened!?" The reaction was the part I was the most afraid of.

"Twilight…it's a long story."

"Well we've got a lot of months to explain," she said through grit teeth. Spike emerged from the floor, looking like someone electrocuted him.

"You guys are having a foal? He's married!"

"I'm the worst mare in the world…" I whispered. She shook her head in disbelief and sighed, giving a small facehoof in frustration.

"Y-you, and my brother, had an affair?" she asked again. She couldn't stop repeating herself, and worrying. "When did this happen? HOW did this happen? Why in the world did you do this Fluttershy?"

"W-we just…found each other," I started. "We didn't plan on being more than friends but when we spent so much time together we just…we became so much more."

"Why did you come to ME?" Twilight started to act harsh, which I fully respect and understand.

"I just needed…a friend," I admitted. "I also wanted to be the one to tell you, because it shouldn't be something you hear from another pony…"

"Fluttershy, I'm sorry but I think you should leave."

"I-I understand Twilight…I am so sorry." I galloped from the tree house, unable to look back. Shining was going to be a daddy, but not by the mare he'd expect.

Shining's POV

Waking up in the morning, smell of butterscotch and love in the multicolored mane beside me, was the best feeling in the world. I walked to the mirror to suit myself for the day, and I looked in the mirror at the reflection: still sleeping like an angel. Cadence was my perfect beauty, and I don't know what made me ever risk that.

"Shining?" I hear Cadence call. "What are you doing up so early?"

"I thought I'd go on a jog," I yawned. The shimmer in her trusting eyes shot arrows into my heart's shield. She treasured me, but she had no idea what I'd done.

"Hurry back," she giggled. "I'm making your favorite breakfast. Toasted hay bacon, sunny-side up eggs, fresh fruit, and sweet cream cheese crepes." I don't deserve her. My stomach twisted, and I felt sick.

"I think my stomach hurts from dinner last night…" I said nervously.

"What'd you eat, sweetie? You weren't home.."

"I just had some spinach," I stated truthfully. I didn't have to say who cooked it, or what we did afterwards.

"Shining, you have spinach every night. No wonder your stomach is hurting," she sighed.

"I'll be right back, ok?"

"Alright, Shining," sighed Cadence. She laid her fatigued head back onto the pillow and she looked somewhat broken. I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't say another lie to comfort her in a blanket of denial, and I couldn't tell her the gut wrenching truth. I'd dug myself a grave, and I was about to lie in it.

Fluttershy's POV

I took the spinach off the stove and set it to the side. The scent made me feel nauseous, and I quickly dumped it into Angel's bowl. Sitting back down, I took a deep breath. I felt so weak, and I felt even worse knowing my best friend hated me. I called Rarity an hour before, and I knew when I called her she would take her time to get here. I hated to bother anypony else, but being alone in this condition scared me. I'm four months pregnant, starting to show, and I've still not seen a doctor yet. I've been too busy hiding in my cottage, wearing baggy sweaters and throwing up every morsel I try to eat.

"Fluttershy darling, I brought your tea!" called Rarity from outside. Angel opened the door for me and I braced myself with a deep breath. Rarity stepped in the door and gasped, dropping the tea on the counter. "W-what in Equestria is going on here?"

"I'm…I'm having a foal. I don't know who else I can tell…Please, Rarity, help me." Rarity's sister, Sweetie Belle, had two foals of her own when she was very young, and I knew Rarity had single hoofedly helped her through her struggles: at least until she passed away.

"Oh, Fluttershy darling, who's the father?" I pulled a chair out for her to sit on, and sipped a bit of tea. "Don't be ashamed to tell me, Fluttershy... I'd never judge," she assured.

"You have no idea Rarity.It's much worse than what you think."

"You're having a foal, you're unmarried, and you've got more mouths to feed than any pony in Ponyville.The father is not the worst part: I'm sure."

"He's a married stallion," I whispered. Those gossip-seeking ears perked up, and there was no telling she'd rather die than keep my secret.

"Do I know him? Do I know his wife? Do you think he'll leave her for you? Will she leave, or does she even know?"

"Rarity!" Sobs came from my eyes. "I'm just worried about my foal…and my relationship with Shining." All the excitement from her expression deflated.

"Shining Armor of the royal guard is your foal's father?" I nodded in response, and Rarity gasped.

"Please don't tell Cadence, please, Rarity. He has to tell her, and I don't want anypony to think I'm some kind of home wrecker," I cried.

"Fluttershy, you are the kindest pony in all of Equestria," she promised. "I assure you: nopony will believe the truth."

"I don't want to lie anymore, and I don't want to see Shining Armor anymore," I lied.

"Oh, Fluttershy, how did any of this even begin?" she asked.

"Shining told me he loved me…and I know he never meant it…"

"Oh darling…I'm sure that's not true! I'm sure he loves you. I mean, if he was unfaithful to a princess for Celestia's sake!"

"That's just it Rarity. He was unfaithful, and when I told him I was pregnant…he talked about leaving her."

"L-leaving her?" asked Rarity. "Well I hate to be a dictionary, but his leaving Cadence and coming for you, seems a tad "home-wrecky.""

"I'm a horrible pony!" I sobbed.

"Flutter-butter, you're not horrible…" Rarity and I glanced up. The door to my cottage was opened by Shining's key I'd given him a while ago. I saw Rarity's brow furrow. She never gets that look, because it's bad for her complexion, but an extra hour in the spa was well worth expressing her feelings in the forthcoming conversation.

"Shining," she started. "Please, inform me why Fluttershy is sitting here alone, while you sit in your luxurious palace with your WIFE whom, while you should love her, is not the only marshmallow in your hot chocolate. I want to know what makes you think you can leave your marriage in the dust for a beautiful filly, OR why you could be so heartless as to leave a pregnant mare high and dry while you run off to live happily ever after."

"Excuse me Rarity, but I do believe you're speaking out of terms," Shining growled, puffing his chest out. He scared me, making me crouch below my table.

"I believe you need to make the hardest choice of your life, and that choice will harm a very good friend of mine, therefore I am NOT speaking out of terms."

"I've made my choice already, and for your information: Fluttershy and I both agreed to go our separate ways."

"Y-you said we had no choice…if I had a choice…I'd stay…" I practically whispered my words, but they were true. I wanted to stay with Shining more than anything, but I just had to get pregnant.

"Fluttershy, I came by to tell you I was going to confess to Cadence today and to apologize for putting you in this position…"

"It's not your fault…" I admitted. We all three knew that it took two ponies to make three, but it was a difficult situation we both jumped into.

"I'll take the responsibility, and fall on my sword."

"Which will be easier for you," Rarity interrupted. "While you confess to your wife, and she forgives you, Fluttershy will be left alone: just like my sister was! Then she'll starve herself due to insecurities and DIE! Who will raise her foal then?"Shining and I both gave Rarity the same look of pity. Everypony felt so badly after Sweetie's death, and it as clear to see Rarity often thought about her sister, but this situation was very different.

"I won't starve myself…" I assured. "I do want our foal to know you though…" I softly spoke.

"Rarity, please," asked Shining. "Can we have a moment?" After a moment of contemplation, Rarity made it to her hooves and stepped out of the room. "Fluttershy, I'm telling Cadence what happened, but I'm also telling her I intend to stay with you. If she wants to stay married for appearance sake: who cares? I just want to be with you, because I made my choice to stay with you and I intend to just that. This was my fault, and I'm going to take all the heat, so please don't worry: ok?" Tears streamed down my face, and Shining's gentle kisses wiped it clean.

"T-thank y-"

"No, Fluttershy," he begged. "Don't thank me…you need to rest. Let me make you something to eat."

"Can I have some spinach please?" I asked, perking up a bit.

"You have to be sick of spinach by now, we have it every night."

"Oh trust me…" I checked to make sure that Rarity was out of the room. "I could have spinach every night."

Author's Note

Auntie Rarity IS mentioned in this story from time to time, so if you haven't read it...sorry for the confusion and thanks for reading! :D

A Mysterious Disturbance

Twilight's POV

Stepping into the room, my ears filled with the whimpers and moans of my sister in law. The pitiful sobs rang through the entire kingdom, and at this point, she didn't care. I stepped over the crumpled tissues that were scattered across the carpet. This was my stupid brother's doing, and I couldn't even stomach the thought. Cadence had threatened everypony that came by her room, and I wasn't about to be an exception. If anything, Cadence would murder me for revenge, and send my wings chopped off as a baby shower gift.

"Don'thurtmeI'monyourside!" pleaded pathetic, cowering me. Cadence, although broken and very upset, wasn't going to let me run around without knowing what my brother had done.

"Sit down beside me, Twilight," sniffled the princess. Her mane was tussled and unkempt, much like the bedroom we were in. Eyes tightly shut, Cadence sucked in the cold air surrounding us. "He cheated."

"I-I know Cadence and-"

"You know? What in Equestria do you mean you know?!"

"Exactly that; I know NOW," I assured. "I never would have acceded it. There was no excuse…there is never an excuse for what he did."

"I agree, Twilight," Cadence acknowledged. "I also don't think there's an excuse to leave your wife for a pregnant sl-"

"Please Princess, mind your words." I asked. She mildly glared at me a moment, and then thought better.

"A mare: with the morals of Smiley Citrus in her new music video, "Pecking Hall,"" she corrected. I cringed; hearing my friend compared to the most ridiculed pony in Equestria really made me upset. Nevertheless, I understood and maybe even slightly agreed.

"Pecking Hall may have not been the cleanest video, but Fluttershy wouldn't agree with anything that occurred during it! She couldn't have watched five seconds of Smiley grabbing that other mare's flank, or-"

"Twilight, we are two completely grown mares, we do not need to gossip over pop stars."

"I wasn't trying to-"

"YOUR BROTHER CHEATED ON ME AND YOU'RE CIRCLING AROUND THE SUBJECT!" I'd never seen Cadence angry with me: the real Cadence anyway.

"Cadence, please calm down! I'm sorry about Shining armor, but he really loves you…he really does. I don't know his reasoning or what he was thinking, but I do know he would never try to hurt you."

"I don't think he would either Twilight, but that doesn't mean he never would…and he obviously has." Tears welled in her eyes, and I felt a sharp stab of guilt in my heart like a dagger.

"I know he can't take it back princess, but you know that he's always loved you…and he regrets his choices. He HAS to!" I know my brother, and I've always known him: he wouldn't EVER do something like this without reason. Something had to have happened. Some sort of fight, or maybe mind control. The royal couple WOULD be the main target for a disgruntled pony with a love potion.

"I don't care about his regrets," she weakly fought. "His child is coming, and he needs to be with his beloved Fluttershy. Not his stupid, unattractive, trap of a wife."

"You're no trap, Cadence," I assured. "You're the most gorgeous mare in all Equestria! You could wrap any stallion around your hoof if you wanted!"

"I want Shining, and I thought I had him," she sobbed. "But, he's too busy wrapped around Fluttershy's hoof to give me a second of his time. He left me for her…I could have given him everything she gave. More actually! I could have given him a home, three meals, love, a family, love…"

"I know, and that's what confuses me," I thought out loud. "He's always been so in love with you. He knows you're mare for him, and he always talked about having a family with you. It never seemed like an act…"

"Well, looks like it was," Cadence coldly corrected. "He didn't want me, and I guess…I guess he got what he wanted." I felt like there was nothing to be said to comfort her. It wasn't true. None of this seems real! Fluttershy isn't herself, and neither is my brother, but even more than that: it's making Cadence lose all her love for life.

Fluttershy's POV

"Five, six, seven bits," I smiled, giving the grocer the last bit. "Thank you!" He turned and left my new crate of veggies, and then Shining bought them inside.

"These sure look good," he smiled with a semi-watering mouth. The poor thing looked starved.

"I'll make your favorite," I smiled, placing a pot of spinach on the stove. Shining yawned and lay down, waiting for the spinach to cook and for me to serve it.

"Can I have some with apples please?" he asked. I smiled, and nodded. Every night Shining would come to my house looking for spinach, and spinach led to dessert, which led to apple cider, which led to kissing, and that led to…our foal. Who knows why spinach did what it did for Shining, but I'm glad it did it.

"Ah!" I gasped, shifting in pain. Shining shot from the couch and appeared by my side.

"Is everything ok?" he asked. I felt a pain like a needle in my stomach. Then it changed into a sting, followed by a squeeze, then not but not least: I vomited all over my stallionfriend. Shining wasn't upset with me, thank goodness, but he ran to get a towel. Angel took the spinach off the stove for me, and Shining helped me lie down. Everything was so sudden, and I started to wonder what was happening. The pain was from the baby, and so was the nausea. My stomach soothed itself a bit, which really relieved me to not have to deal with the pain. Shining stayed by my side, holding my hoof until my pain calmed down. Once It did, I was far too weak to serve his dinner, so he served himself. Sitting down to the table, he eagerly grabbed a fork with his magic. He loved the way I cooked my spinach, and he looked very hungry, but just as the fork reached his mouth, there was a knock on the door.

"Who could that be?" he asked, frustration in his voice. My eyes followed his angered form to the door. Once it was open, my stomach hurt again, but it was different this time. I was in fear: the worst fear of my life. At my door stood Princess Celestia, and she looked as if somepony was about to see the end of their days. I just hoped said pony wasn't me, or Shining.

"Shining Armor, Fluttershy, we need to speak immediately," she spoke. Her voice boomed with anger, almost as if it were spoken by Luna.

"Princess, please," Shining started. "Let Fluttershy rest, I'll talk with you." The princess looked at me, and if I looked nearly as bad as I felt it was obvious why she dismissed me. Celestia and Shining left the cottage and stood outside my newly closed front door. I was so frustrated that I couldn't get off the couch, but maybe it was better I couldn't hear them.

Shining's POV

Celestia's wrathful gaze intimidated me from my horn to my hooves, but I couldn't cower to this Princess. She scowled down at me, and her hoof slammed to the ground with fury.

"Explain to me why my niece, Princess mi Amore Cadenza, is at home sobbing and locked in her room."

"Princess," I began. "Princess Cadence and I were so in love, madly in love! The truth is: I just didn't feel the spark anymore."

"No spark, huh?" Her scowl hardened and her magic powerfully bonded me to the wall. "No "spark" doesn't give you the right to cheat on her, impregnate a friend of hers, and LEAVE HER!" growled the Princess. I wouldn't have been shocked to see foam fly from her mouth.

"Celestia-"

"Listen to me Shining," she demanded. "You are lucky you've yet to be stranded on the moon!"

"Princess, I couldn't tell you what made me do this, but I am in love with Fluttershy. How could you punish a stallion for feeling?"

"I couldn't," she responded without skipping a beat. "I can, however, punish a stallion for committing adultery and for putting the Princess in harm's way."

"Princess Celestia," I felt my head spinning. What was I doing? Fighting, I was fighting. Why was I fighting? For Fluttershy, always fighting for Fluttershy. Why did I care about Fluttershy? That: I don't know the answer too. "Help me, I don't know what's going on with me." My body started to shake and Celestia's rock hard expression seemed to crack a bit.

"Shining, this is no time to play games," she cautioned. I looked up at her with pleading eyes. I needed her to figure out what was wrong with me, because something was obviously going on in my mind. Something frightening and out of my control. I didn't feel the need to go back to Fluttershy, or even a want to make sure she knew where I was going. All the love I felt started flowing from me, and refilled the empty river with guilt. My wife needed me, and here I was with a pregnant mare. There was one question left in my mind: What was happening to me?

Celestia's POV

Shining stood thrashing beneath me. It looked as if he were fighting an invisible bull, or some sort of vicious magic. Unclean, tarnished, and possibly outlawed magic. I lifted him with my magic, and took him as quickly as I could to his sister's house. Twilight's eyes were glued to her book, not budging even by the franticness of the opening door.

"Twilight, you've got to help your brother!" I informed.

"Help him?" she asked. "I'm trying to figure out what causes a perfectly happily married stallion to cheat on his wife!" The anger in her voice was deliberate, and made me think twice about laying his life in her hooves. With everything happening so viciously swift I almost didn't realize Shining Armor's newly unconscious state. Twilight slammed her book down and turned towards me.

"Twilight, he's unresponsive," I announced. Her expression altered abruptly, and she leaped into action. She examined his signs of life, and her panicked expression worsened by the moment.

"H-he's experiencing some sort of toxic infection!" she gasped. "I don't know what he's been having, but it looks like he's been poisoned often for months! How has this gone unnoticed?"

"How has he been poisoned and kept alive this entire time?" I asked, watching Twilight pull together a spell.

"Not necessarily poison, but a bodily harmful chemical. A brain altering chemical," she hypothesized. Upon closer observation, we both saw what we were afraid of: a love potion. There was only one pony I know that would obtain or distribute such a detestable potion. Looking at Twilight, it appeared we both knew.

"We need to go to the Everfree forest."

Never Knowing

Apple Bloom's POV

"So, did yall hear?" asked Apple Jack. "Now, I ain't one ta gossip, but Twilight's brother and Fluttershy haven't just been havin' an affair. Apparently somepony was poisoning him outta his mind! The guards are saying it had ta be Fluttershy, but come on! Ain't no way Fluttershy would do somethin' that…sneaky. Ya know?"

"That ain't sneaky, it's downright evil!" I gasped. Apple Jack nodded in agreement.

"Momma," cooed my little boy. "All done!" he cheered. There was apple butter covering his mane and hooves, not to mention his little face. He was so proud of finishing his breakfast all by himself.

"G-good job," I said, forcing a smile. "Let's go get ya nice and cleaned up before goin' over to Minnie and Pearl's, ok?"

"Yay!" gasped Little Mac. "Then go see uncle Sultan!"

""Uncle Sultan?"" asked Apple Jack. "Is he talkin' about that stallion you've been seein'?"

"Maybe," I blushed. "We've been seein' each other for a couple months now, and I like how he is with Little Mac."

"Well, until I meet him, I don't want ya spending time alone with him and Little Mac, understand? I don't trust stallions, 'specially not with my sister."

"Ok, ok ya big pain," I giggled. Apple Jack rolled her eyes, then helped me pack Little Mac's diaper bag.

"Is he finally leavin'?" Apple Jack and I both turned to see Big Mac standing at the doorway.

"He's goin' on a play date, is that ok with you?" I asked, my blood boiling. Big Macintosh takes all of his hatred for Little Mac's father out on my poor colt. "He could always stay here with you ya know," I offered. His silence said it all. "We'll be moved out soon anyway, and yall don't ever have ta see your nephew again. But, he is named after you, so ya'd think you'd care!" I snapped. Apple Jack stayed out of our fight, but I could tell she was concerned. Big Mac walked towards me and got dangerously close to Little Mac.

"I hope ya do move out, and when ya come back tha next day, maybe you'll realize why I was tryin' ta protect ya!" he yelled.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I said coldly. He turned away and left me with my son. "Don't you worry about him," I comforted. "He loves you a lot; he just doesn't know it yet."

"Pearl!" cried Little Mac. I couldn't help but laugh at his innocence. He was just rejected harshly by his uncle, and the poor kid still just wants ta go see his little friends.

"Alright, let's go see Minnie and Pearl," I smiled. I took him by the hoof and waved goodbye to my sister. "Have fun at Fluttershy's!" I called.

Fluttershy's POV

"Now, tell us, why did you put the love poison in Shining's spinach?" asked the police pony for the fifth time.

"I would never," I promised. Why would I want to hurt Shining Armor? I ate the "love poison" too! I never knew it!

"We've gotten the evidence, love poisoning for the past seven months. Every single day, and it's been destroying his mind. You may be spending the rest of your life in prison, do you realize that?" asked the officer. I couldn't answer him, due to my hysterical crying and quickening heartbeat. "Guilty tears?" asked the officer. I shook my head rapidly. I didn't mean to feed my coltfriend any witchcraft, let alone myself. I always bought my spinach organically by a trustworthy friend, Zecora. Master of potions, and scary witchcraft.

"I know what happened!" I shouted. "It had to have been Zecora! I always got my spinach from her, because my animals always ate mine straight from the garden, and I never got any, but I didn't want to tell them to stop eating something they enjoyed."

"Alright, Merry Pippins, we believe you," one guard taunted. Another guard grabbed me by the hooves and hoof-cuffed me!

"Please!" I begged. "You have to believe me, I would never hurt a pony on purpose! I would-"

"Relax, we're just taking you to a cell until we can get you a court date, then you can tell all your lies, ok princess?" asked a sneering guard. I couldn't fight these men, I was way too afraid of them. The escorted me to a secret underground dungeon. I couldn't see anything, but my sense of smell was unfortunately working perfectly. I could smell the fumes of rotting wood, and soggy walls. It smelt like somepony's corpse was lying beside me, which made me quickly back into the corner and cower. No one was here to help me, or talk sense into the guards. I just wanted to die, or maybe just not be there.

"H-help?" I pleaded.

Cadence's POV

"I hope she rots in there!"

"Princess Cadence," scolded Celestia. "She's an expecting mare."

"Expecting wrongfully," I reminded. "Not to mention she hurt my husband!"

"Cadence," Twilight intervened. "We don't know all the facts."

"I can't handle any more facts!" I shouted. The room got quiet, and everypony was too afraid to speak. No one wished to upset me anymore than I already was, and I was glad. It wouldn't have bothered me in the least to destroy somepony that tried to tell me not to be upset.

"Shining is starting to get his wits back," Twilight spoke up.

"Good, then maybe my poor husband will be able to shed some light on his abuse."

"Abuse, please Cadence," scoffed Shining, now at the door. "I got treated like a prince." I didn't know whether to hurt him or check him into a mental hospital.

"When did you get out of intensive care?"

"Intensive care, what? Cadence, I was sent to get my stomach pumped. The stupid spinach was pretty much out of my system anyhow," he explained.

"Why are you defending the pony that hurt you?" I questioned. Shining sighed and rubbed his head with his hoof.

"Listen, Cadence. I didn't want to ever cheat on you, but don't act like we had the perfect marriage. It's not all Fluttershy's fault and whether it is or not, she's having my foal."

"She's having a foal she shouldn't be!" I reminded.

"It doesn't matter Cadence! There is absolutely nothing you or I can do!"

"Nothing?" scoffed me. "Really, you must not know how much power I have."

"Cadence, I forbid you from not only talking to Fluttershy, but if you so much as plan a single attack on her, I will have you sent straight to house arrest."

"You have equal to or less power than I do!"

"Cadence, I have an army of stallions that will do anything I command. You are a princess with a-"

"A princess, with a decent name and reputation," I reminded. Not a guard with a rep of: cheating, impregnating one of the most "innocent" mares in Equestria, and now threatening his own wife." There was silence throughout the room, and then Celestia stepped in.

"I think what's best for everypony needs to be discussed, and I have an idea. Cadence, you need to come with me, and Shining, I'm going to be sending you to a rehabilitation clinic until you're BOTH ready for counseling."

"Don't bother," I interrupted. "I want a divorce."

Shining's POV

I don't love Fluttershy, and I know that. It's also nice to finally understand why I was so confused about loving her. I was still in love with Cadence when the love poison was in my system, but now that it's weaning its way out of my system, it feels like my love is going too. What if Cadence had poisoned the spinach and framed Fluttershy? It would make sense; if it wasn't for the fact Cadence would have never let the affair occur. She obviously was oblivious to it, even though the months were long and our affair was probably not the sneakiest thing. If Fluttershy doesn't get out of that jail, I'm not afraid to bust her out. I'm obviously aware I'm not in love with her anymore, but it's my duty to protect her, no matter what happened. I mean, wasn't it my fault she was in that position, regardless of why and how? I think that was self-explanatory: my job as to get Fluttershy out of prison.

Up in the Air

Apple Bloom's POV

"Where in the world could she be?" I asked Apple Jack.

"I'm not sure, but we've been looking for an hour," Apple Jack reminded. I looked at my watch, and she was right! We'd come to find Fluttershy over an hour ago, and after finally losing patience with the doorbell, we searched her entire house.

"What are we supposed ta do?" I asked. "She coulda been kidnapped or somethin'!"

"By Princess Cadence herself," Apple Jack thought out loud. "I think before we do anything we need ta see if anypony else knows anything, and I know who to ask first. Look like that play date's gonna happen right now." Little Macintosh started waking up on my back. He'd fallen asleep during our Fluttershy search.

"Minnie, no! Put that down this instant! You'll poke your eye out!" Ah, the everyday noises of Rarity's boutique. Apple Jack thoughtfully approached the door, questioning if it was a wise choice to bother her, but then knowing it was the right thing to do. "I'm on my way, one moment please!" an abstracted Rarity hollered.

"It's an emergency Rarity! We ain't got time for yall ta fix yer mane!" Apple Jack yelled.

"Believe me," she answered in agitation. "I wish on every star of Equestria for my mane to be the biggest of my problems again." She opened the door, and she looked like a completely different mare. Her mane was tied up in a twister of purple bristles, over her ornery and testy eyes, only distracting us from her food-stained coat surely caused by the innocent doe-eyed twins. She looked like a complete wreck.

"Alright, well, I bet Fluttershy is wishin' the same thing, because right now she's missing in action."

"Missing?" asked Rarity in fear. "How could she go missing? She's a grown mare for goodness sakes!"

"Well, it don't matter how it happened: we need ta find her before someone finds her dead," Apple Jack suggested.

"Is it honestly that serious Apple Jack? I mean, really, sometimes you can be a tad dramatic," giggled Rarity. "MINNIE WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" screeched the world's-most-concerned-aunt. Little Minnie sat beside Rarity's kitchen trash can with an apple core between her little pink hooves.

"Yeah, right," sighed Apple Jack with a small facehoof. "Now, are ya gonna help us find Fluttershy, or are we going ta wait on Minnie to down the garbage?"

"Well I never!" gasped Rarity, scooping the apple core-less foal into her magic and putting her in the kitchen sink. The water turned on and Rarity began scrubbing her coat vigorously, cleaning herself in the process. "I must assure you, she's never attempted to take anything from the garbage bin in her life. In fact, she's never had an interest in garbage before. She runs away from the smell!"

"Yeah, I believe ya Rarity," Apple Jack assured. "Now let's stop waistin' time and get outta here!"

"Give me just a moment," pleaded Rarity. "I cannot- no- WILL not go traipsing through Ponyville in such a state of- er…"

"Ugly!" cheered Pearl with a giggle.

"Pearl Rose!" gasped Rarity. The magic reached across the room and plopped Pearl into the sink beside her pink sister. "We do NOT say those words!" Her hoof grabbed a bar of soap and Apple Jack grabbed it right before it found its way in Pearl's mouth.

"Rarity," Apple Jack sighed. "Let's just go now, ok?" Looking up at Apple Jack, she rolled her eyes and began to quickly brush her mane.

"Very well, but we must find a babysitter."

"Are yall kiddin' me?!" I finally chimed in. "We're gonna be Granny's age by the time ya have everything ready ta go! Just pick up and leave!"

"Just pick up and leave?" asked princess never-ready. "I do believe just leaving willy-nilly is the perfect recipe for utter disaster, fashion faux pas, missing filly reports-" Before she could take a breath to continue her little hissy fit, I started walking out the door.

"Where do yall think you're goin'?" asked Apple Jack.

"I'm getting' out a here!" I fought. "By the time you're done waiting on Rarity we'll lose all our chances of seeing Fluttershy again!"

"You leave that boy with me," Apple Jack demanded. "I don't want yall dragging him into somethin that's gonna get ya both killed."

"Stop it Apple Jack!" I fought. "I'm his mom and I'll protect him, either come or don't, but my son's safer with me than in this house with spoiled one and spoiled two."

"Well I-" Rarity began before the waterworks started again. "Maybe you two should find someone a bit less busy to help. I assure you that Fluttershy will be perfectly unharmed when you locate her, but do keep me posted." On her way up the stairs, the fillies' screams just got louder and louder. Ya gotta feel bad for the drama queen. After all, she ain't even supposed ta be raisin' those foals.

Twilight's POV

"Missing?" I couldn't help but sigh, knowing I had to explain. "Guys, Fluttershy isn't missing…" I admitted.

"Well where is she?" Apple Bloom asked. Apple Jack, Little Mac, and Apple Bloom felt like a crowd in my room. All they wanted to know was where Fluttershy was, and it still dried my throat like a desert. I had to admit she was in jail: and there was nothing I could do for her.

"She's…she's-uh…"

"Twilight?" started Apple Jack. "She's ok, ain't she?"

"She's actually…she's been sentenced to be monitored in prison until the end of her pregnancy," I admitted. The looks wavered on the Apples' faces, and then snapped back at me.

"Why did yall send her there?" an angry Apple Bloom challenged.

"I had nothing to do with it: whatsoever!" I vowed. "Cadence ordered it, and Fluttershy is doing better, but obviously she's not happy. I've been visiting her every day." I felt my facial muscles flop into a frown. "I've been bringing her all of her cravings, and I feel so badly for her," I admitted. "Poor thing hasn't been able to keep anything down, and she's starving."

"Well, how could she not be upset?" Apple Jack began. "If you shove a pregnant mare, with a broken heart, and a paper-thin back bone into a cage and take away everything she cares about: what else is gonna happen?"

"I agree with you!" I argued in frustration. "Unfortunately Cadence made a deal with Celestia, and unless we can get proof that Fluttershy didn't poison Shining shell be stuck in jail. So far all we've found is evidence against Fluttershy." Both mares stared at me a bit bamboozled.

"Who in the world could believe Fluttershy would be that…malicious?" asked Spike, butting in.

"Spike, stop it!" I demanded, hearing the sarcasm in his voice. He's on Cadence's side right now, and he hasn't said a word to Shining. "If Shining hears you he'll be cooking roasted dragon for dinner: and I might take part in it," I muttered.

"I'm just saying, all the evidence is obviously there," Spike reminded. "Not to mention the fact that it's always the quiet ones that snap."

"Spike!" fought my inner guardian for Fluttershy.

"You know the truth Twilight," Spike assured. "You don't have to get all defensive. You just need to admit what you know." I feel like he's right…but I can't say my best friend poisoned my brother just to make him cheat on his wife! Fluttershy is nothing like that, and everyone in Equestria knows that! It makes me so frustrated that I can't figure out what the truth really is. All I know is: I will not fight against Fluttershy.

Rarity's POV

"Minnie, stop it," I demanded. "I will not command you again! You need to listen to your auntie when she tells you to not to write on the walls with your lunch!" I don't think any other mare in the world has ever had to utter those words before.

"Not hungry!" sobbed Pearl, to my right. I jammed the spoon into her gaping mouth that had been roaring with hysteria only seconds before.

"You haven't eaten all day! You're hungry!" I growled. In what looked very much like fear, she swallowed. "There's Auntie's favorite little Pearl," I grinned. Every miniature fight I conquer with these twins: I rejoice.

"All done," smiled Minnie. I looked over and saw the bowl across the floor. My blood began to boil up the veins in my hooves. I bit my lip and dragged both of my disheveled nieces up the stairs by their ears.

"Yes! You are quite finished with your meals!" I shouted. "You're finished with both your meals and your day, because you will remain in this room until you both decide to BEHAVE!" My heart's beat made it hurl into my ribcage. How dare these little girls take advantage of the only mare, scratch that, the only PONY that cares about them?! They're so miserably ungrateful, and I took them in when their own grandparents knew they were too much of a hassle! It's all because of their boorish brute of a father. He passed down his genes and infested my family. How could they behave so carelessly after I selflessly took on the duty of raising them? It's their mother's job to-…Their mother's job to teach them manners.

It's their mother's job to teach them everything really. It is also their mother's job to love them, and care for them, and show them the joys in the world, and give them the little tidbits of love and joy that can only be embraced in their tight-knit relationship. It's their mother's job to do all of the things that she isn't here to do: and I don't do a good job replacing her. My role is supposed to directly be an aunt to these young fillies. Unfortunately, for everypony involved, our roles have all been strikingly altered. I cannot simply wipe a nose now and again, watching Sweetie feed, bathe, clothe, love, and teach the girls everything they need to know. I'm in charge of every little thing they need. The real question is: how can the element of generosity be so selfishly inclined? I'm not their aunt anymore, I AM their mother. How dare I not love and cherish them, teaching them every possible thing they need to know? I am all they have, and they're one hundred percent reliant on me. My poor darling, gorgeous lambs: what have I been thinking?

Fluttershy's POV

"So…I-I'm free to go?"

"Not necessarily," Twilight divulged. "There's still the whole "you had an affair with my brother, and now my sister-in-law is trying to get a vendetta on you" thing…"

"But, if Zecora is in trouble for selling me love poison, then why do I still get the blame?"

"You don't get the blame of poisoning my brother!" she gleamed. "You only get blamed for getting pregnant with him,…and ending the royal marriage, and actually FEEDING the poison to my brother…and-"

"So I still have to stay in this narrow penitentiary? Then, live in exile for the rest of my life?"

"Fluttershy, I'm a princess. I have just as much say as Cadence: maybe even more! Right now, you just need to focus on your foal and your future with it."

"What future?" my voice wobbled. "Cadence told me I couldn't raise the offspring of her husband."

"You won't," chimed in Shining Armor entering the room. Our heads snapped in his direction, and instinctively went to his side.

"Oh Shining!" I sobbed. He took me under his arm, and Twilight's face fell. Without seeing Shining's reaction, I knew it was insisting she leave the room.

"Fluttershy, listen to me," sighed Shining. "I really didn't want to have an affair with you, and when I found out you were pregnant…I honestly thought I'd made a self-ruining mistake. It's just…now that I've seen Cadence's lack of compassion, understanding, and reaction…I realize she was the mistake. Fluttershy, I know none of this was intentional, and that it wasn't your fault, so I'm going to make sure that witch of a princess doesn't demolish your life, ok? We're going to get you out of here before you have to give birth."

"Shining, Cadence is a princess," I reminded. "Doesn't she have more say than you?"

"Celestia is trying to convince the guards that Cadence is too distraught and irrational right now to make any choices."

"What if she can't?" I felt my heart somersault at the look Shining gave me.

"Then I'll have to have a word with her."

"Shining, please, we still don't even know the entire story! Zecora may have been vindictively trying to separate you!"

"Fluttershy, when they interrogate Zecora it's all going to come out that she's innocent. Just face facts: Cadence and I are over, and you and I…well hopefully you and I are moving forward."

Author's Note

Bare with me guys! I'll explain the whole Zecora thing in DUE time. :D Plus, if you've never read my story Aunty Rarity, things might be a bit confusing for you.

Charges and Changes

Twilight's POV

The divorce papers are being signed. The DIVORCE papers are being signed right in front of my eyes: and I'm LETTING it happen! It's almost like I…want it to happen. I mean, Shining Armor and Cadence are obviously not going to work things out, and he's been awful clingy to Fluttershy now that she's really pregnant. Cadence hasn't wanted to confide anything in me, but I understand that. I mean, I'm his sister and I have to be loyal to him…no matter how hard it's starting to become.

"There. The last signature signed," Celestia sighed, rolling the scroll tightly. "It saddens me to see you two forced into this decision."

"We weren't forced," Cadence scowled. "Shining chose this. He didn't care enough about me-"

"Cadence, stop right there," my brother demanded. "You were the one who didn't listen to me when I told you I had NO control over what happened with Fluttershy! You're the one that won't respect that I want to care for a foal that I created!"

"With another mare, while you were married to ME!" Cadence snapped.

"It's official, so you are both allowed to move as soon as you'd like. You're also welcome to stay," Celestia suggested.

"Cadence is moving in with Rarity," I sighed. "She's been moving things since Monday and it's Sunday now…"

"I'm staying here, Princess," Shining added. "I'm a guard before anything else."

"I appreciate that Shining Armor…but I have to inform you that you are being demoted. Due to this entire brouhaha, you've had a severe decline in trust." I looked at my brother, and could instantly see his world shattering.

"Celestia-"

"Before you state your case, I'm willing to allow you your right to work your way back up. However, I want you to know this." Celestia walked to my brother, silence covering the room. "If you were not the brother of Princess Twilight, and you did not have my trust far before your marriage: you would be ousted to the farthest outskirts of Equestria along with the loathsome criminals. Shadow Strings, Heavy Blade, Nigel Thornberry: you name it. THAT is where I feel you belong. Now, go and turn in your badges. They're currently moving Fluttershy into the castle."

"They're moving that witch in here!?"

"Cadence!" I gasped. "Please, don't blame Fluttershy for Zecora's mistakes!"

"Zecora gave them the love poison and THEY did the deeds Twilight! SHE got pregnant. HE got her pregnant. THEY BROKE MY HEART!" It was true…to an extent. The mechanics behind love poisons were very complex and confused even me. I just wish I could make Cadence understand this isn't what ANYPONY wanted.

"Princesses, behave yourselves." Celestia had had more than enough of this entire situation, and her solution was final. Cadence was out, Fluttershy was in, and Shining was demoted. That was the end of that. "You're all dismissed. For the final time." From the sound of her usual booming and strong voice being so small, she was very displeased. I know she wanted them to work through things. I know they probably wanted to work through it…I know I did too. Clearly, this wasn't the way things should have been or the ideal situation for my brother to bring my niece into the world. All that being said, this is what was happening now. Right now, I can stare out the window and watch guards carry Fluttershy's belongings into my brother's room. It made me sick with nerves. I didn't want a good friend of mine to be targeted by enemies of Shining, or friends of Cadence.

Rarity's POV

"Girls, you must be on your best behavior while Cadence moves in today, do you understand?" I warned my nieces. Minnie flapped her wings to get the remaining syrup off of them. Pearl then tried to pull it from her mane with her tiny hooves. I sighed, wondering what the girls were thinking, and if they even understood there was a new mare coming in. I know Cadence isn't a live-in nanny, but it is going to be SO amazing to have a couple hours here and there to go to the spa, or have a nice meal, DATE: perhaps! Oh how I've LONGED to find an embrace of a stallion. All those marvelous late night fantasies of-…I'm starting to sound a bit pathetic. No matter, I'm sure with: a few strips to the spa, a nice long bath, a trip to the salon, and a beautiful lash extension: I will find a date.

"Rarity?" a small voice asked. She sounded so broken…so sad…probably scared. I opened the door with my magic, due to Pearl talking my hooves.

"Cadence darling, would you like help with your bags?"

"That's alright…I only brought a toothbrush, and…and…well I didn't want to take anything."

"Oh, Cadence, darling, you look miserable…" I never expected her to be this depressed. "Come, lay on the couch next to Minnie. I'll draw you a bath."

"That's very kind Rarity…but I really…I can't…Not now." I've been in her position before. Too upset to bathe. The last time I truly remember that was…when Sweetie Belle had passed. I hadn't done anything for a week after that. My friends had to care for the twins, and try to care for me too. After being hospitalized from dehydration, I finally realized I had to do something. I didn't want to die as well, or maybe at that time I did, but they needed me.

"Darling, it's not going to fix anything if you don't bathe…"

"But bathing won't fix anything either," she sobbed, sniffling uncontrollably. "I want my old life back!" This was blunt and sudden, but I should have expected it. This poor mare was literally thrown from her palace, and shamed by the stallion she loved: because of my BEST friend. I sat beside the young mare, stroking her mane while she cried. "Rarity…you have no idea…" she whimpered.

"No…no I don't. However, I do know what it feels like to be hurt…what it's like to lose someone you love…How it feels to be abandoned…"

"You do?" she asked, very interested to hear what I was going to tell her. "Rarity, were you married once?" I couldn't help but to give a mild chuckle.

"No, I've never married," I explained. "I just had a sister…a beautiful sister…"

"Oh, Rarity, I didn't mean to remind you of Sweetie Belle," she frowned.

"No, no, it's good to remember," I insisted. "It's important to have memories of her…for them." I looked once again at my beautiful twin foals. These girls are my life. They are, and as long as that fact is true I will adore my life.

"So, what are we supposed to do now?"

"Well, with what I've learned, we must do."

"Do? Do what, Rarity?"

"We must create, move on, take care of ourselves, and take care of others. Doing is the one and only thing to make situations better."

"What do we start with, then?" Cadence looked at me, desperate for leadership. What a perfect decision to choose me.

"I suggest we start with a nice big dinner. I like to accommodate the foals with items they can manage on their own. My specialties have become mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, creamed corn, creamed spinach, a delectable beet salad, cheese encrusted ravioli and a small chocolate soufflé for dessert. I love to give the girls a good meal like this at least once every two days."

"Wow….a lot of food."

"I sympathize with you if you're not interested in eating, darling," I assured. "It is very difficult to eat when you're depressed, however, I think you may be interested to remember you're a free mare now. Now it's your turn to run Equestria, while Shining is stuck with the most draining responsibility anypony could face! ...And rewarding…of course," I nervously laughed, just in case my nieces understood.

"You know Rarity…you're right…and," the princess began to laugh, very excited about the entire situation. "I've got my sets sight on a VERY strong stallion."

"Oh, do tell!" I gasped. It was so nice to see Cadence's woeful depression transform into an angered vengeance.

"His name is Big Macintosh."

Fluttershy's POV

"Are you comfortable?" Shining prodded, for the third time in the past hour.

"Yes, Shining," I sighed. "I'm perfectly fine…I just miss my animals."

"Fluttershy, they're all in the royal garden."

"Yes, I know, but that's three stories down from our room!" I reminded. "I'm used to my cottage. I'm used to animals flowing through my windows and doors…All I have is a stuff castle room."

"Fluttershy, you're going to be too busy taking care of our foal to take care of a million animals," he told me. How dare he?

"I can take care of both…" I defended. "Why would you say I couldn't?"

"I never said you "couldn't," he defended. "I just said you are going to be busy and I don't WANT you to take care of our foal while you're distracted." I didn't respond. I didn't know how, and I didn't know why I would. He obviously was controlling my life now. I laid my head on my hooves, shutting my eyes. "Tired?" he asked.

"Yes…I'm tired of change." Shining looked at me, I didn't have to open my eyes to know. He must have thought I was angry, because he'd left the room when I opened my eyes. I guess I understand…This isn't going to be an easy living situation for anyone. It's definitely not what I wanted, but Shining had already kicked out Cadence and I wasn't in a position to offer any other suggestions. From now on: I'm Shining's foal's mother, and I don't know what else…

Author's Note

:D Short! Just wanted to bridge the gap to let everyone what's going on before jumping into the main story! Also a little Auntie Rarity references for the fans XD

Fleeting Romance

Rarity's POV

"Big Macintosh Apple?" I asked, for the millionth time that evening.

"Is that the only question you can muster?" giggled Cadence while she fixed her makeup in the mirror. "Yes, Big Mac and I have a date tonight, and- like you told me- I need to move on. I need to do."

"I agree, I agree, darling. I simply think we should not be too eager and think very closely about just what we may, or whom we may, do." Cadence laughed, but I honestly was serious.

"Lighten up, Rarity! We should double date, you know?"

"Oh, no. No, no, no," I halted that moment. "I've got two little girls that need that attention. It cannot be wasted on a stallion. You're young, Cadence you-"

"We're the same age," she reminded. "Besides, I've seen the way stallions watch you. You're a total gem Rarity!" While I respected the flattery, I could not press past this miserable nagging in my mind. My twin nieces needed my absolute attention.

"We're the same age with two much different lives." Her smile faded at my true statement. She stared at her hooves for a moment before I spoke up again. "That's a good thing, darling! No foals are holding back your full potential! You're allowed out, and you should be out! Go find true love, have a ride off into the sunset with Big Macintosh pulling the wagon! You deserve it, Cadence."

"You do too, though, Rarity. Besides, the twins can be watched by-"

"No, no," I sighed. "My nieces are my main priority and I don't want anyone else watching the two of them. Besides, they're very particular. No one else would know which way to cut Minnie's strawberry jam toast or Minnie's peanut butter bagels."

"She makes you cut her bagel a certain way?"

"Cadence, my nieces' tastes are beyond particular. Anyway, the point is, they need me. Not some babysitter."

"You know, in my glory days I sat foals. Without sounding arrogant, I gotta say, I played a part in Princess Twilight's success." She was right, and I knew that she was only joking, but it was true. She'd help raise one of Equestria's finest. It's just…my nieces are my world. If anything were to happen in my absence I'd never forgive myself. My sister would want me to never leave their side.

"I can't just abandon them to gallivant around with a lover…in a passionate love affair. Kept secret from my friends due to the stallion's complete lack of structure in natural society. Thus, leading to a runaway marriage and forcing my friends to see the true heart in his actions. His heart for me." Perhaps I've thought a bit too much about this…

"I mean, really, Rarity," sighed Cadence. "Don't worry about the girls. Any of your friends would take such good care of them, and honestly they're good girls. They're not that difficult to take care of, and it'll be good for them!"

"Good for them?! I perish the thought! They thrive off my positivity! Without me around they would be lifeless fillies, doomed to a life without luster or pizazz! Besides, my niece's would hate being "taken care of" by anypony but me. I couldn't see a single possibility in a thousand they would be satisfied with another mare as their guardian."

"Just a few hours, Rarity! Not a lifetime," Cadence laughed. "In fact, we wouldn't be arguing this much over it if it were not an obvious challenge for you. The girls could get separation anxiety if they don't know life without "good ol' auntie-""

"Excuse me, but I do NOT think I should ever be referenced as "Ol'," anything!" I gasped in offence. Cadence only rolled her mascaraed lashes and turned back to the mirror.

"Do I look alright?" she asked with a quaint smile.

"Absolutely stunning, although are you sure Big Mac isn't in search for a fellow rustic pony? Perhaps he has a strict rule of dating mares with the name "Apple," I suggested.

"Rarity!" Cadence laughed, shaking her head. "He should be here any second! Please help?"

"Nothing to help, my dear. You're perfection! Go ahead and make him buy you the most expensive thing on the menu!" I encouraged. "I hope it's over seven bits," I teased.

"Ha ha, well I've gotta go, ok? You keep in mind what I said about the twins, won't you?" she pouted. Honestly, it's as if she was a foal right in front of my eyes.

"Yes, yes, now you musn't be late. Do have a good time, darling! Tell me all about it! I won't wait up!" The moment the door closed I turned back to my nieces. Could she be right?

Fluttershy's POV

Being pregnant is way too much responsibility. My every move is watched by Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, even Princess Luna has been following me around when I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom! I don't mean to get so upset over ponies caring about me, it's just that…well…I'm used to living alone. Most ponies don't usually keep a very close eye on me…I also don't know how sure I am they're caring about my foal and I instead of their peace of mind. They want to make sure losing Princess Cadence was worth my moving in. I'd like to know Twilight doesn't hate me right now, but I can't bring myself to not hide in the closet whenever she comes by.

"Fluttershy?" Cadence called. "You've got a visitor!" The way that was worded makes me feel like I'm on death row. Curiously, I peeked out to see who was beside the Princess, pleased to see Apple Bloom.

"Hello, Apple Bloom!" I smiled. She had brought Little Macintosh along with her, which brightened the pleasant surprise.

"Howdy, Fluttershy!" smiled Apple Bloom. "Big Mac had a big date tonight so he couldn't watch Little Mac. I'm sorry I brought him along, I really hope its ok!" A date? Big Mac? After all we've been through he's seeing another mare? Oh yeah, I forgot…I'm pregnant.

"Oh, it's alright. He's a sweet little guy," I assured. Apple Bloom did this when she was seventeen. I have been living seven more years than that, and I still can hardly handle being pregnant. I have to give Big Mac and Apple Jack credit for standing by her for so long. It couldn't have been easy with such a close-knit family and a old fashioned grandmother. There was so much persecution for her during that time…so much hate directed at her for something she had no control over…I can sympathize. Or she can sympathize with me. "Apple Bloom?" I asked barely above a whisper.

"Did ya sneeze?" Apple Bloom asked with a confused facial expression.

"N-no, I was just trying to get your attention." There was a completely empty silence for a wide span of time. Then she tried to fill it.

"Well, I'm listening!" she assured, smiling to ease my terror.

"I was wondering what it was like, to have to have put up with ponies being so terrible to you during the whole situation you went through…How did you deal with it?"

"Not well," Apple Bloom admitted. "Not well at all, actually. It was really really hard, especially since my sister and brother were against me at first! After they found out though, about- you know- they were my help."

"I wish I had a "help…"" I frowned. "It feels like everypony hates me. Rarity is taking in Cadence, Twilight obviously resents me right now, Apple Jack is being so nice besides the tension, Rainbow Dash stays out of "drama," and Pinkie Pie tries to cheer me up when I'm upset. I'd rather be upset," I explained, exploding like an emotional water balloon hitting the pavement.

"Well, I'll be you're help!" Apple Bloom smiled. "Moms gotta stick together, right?"

"Just to think I might actually have a friend that I know I can go to that understands me? Apple Bloom, you're my hero," I smiled. She was Apple Jack's sister for sure; kind, caring, and golden-hearted in every aspect of the definition. Little Mac was turning out the exact same. So what happened to Big Macintosh?

Cadence's POV

What a gentlestallion! Big Mac took me to a wonderful game of rugby, bought a large drink to split, and topped it all off with a return to the farm. A return, coupled with a scrumptious buttery apple cake and a tour of the hay. I let the memories flow back into my head as I lied beside Big Mac, resting from our big night. The way he looked at me at the sports game. He didn't watch for a second, just looked at me with that sweet smile. The drink we shared, our noses almost touching. I'd not been that close to another pony besides Shining in so long, yet it wasn't strange.

"You're…amazing," I sighed in absolute mind-fuzzing bliss. "Was that as good as I thought it was?" I asked the strong hoofed stallion.

"Eeyup," grinned my new lover. Was my hatred towards Fluttershy amplifying this? The thrill that came along with making love with Big Mac on our first date wasn't just from the pain I'd imagine Fluttershy enduring from knowing this; was it? I didn't plan on telling her, but it could be quite the treat watching her reaction. Come to think of it, what would Shining Armor say? There might even be some kind of fight over it! A brawl in my honor, and I'm SURE Big Mac could kick Shining's-

"Big Macintosh?!" gasped Apple Jack. "What in Granny Smith's sweet apple pie are you two in here alone for!?" she asked, knowing. She had to know, by the sound of that screech.

"Apple Jack!" Apple Bloom called from outside. As I heard her, my thrill turned to terror. This was real…Big Mac with me was really going to affect ponies.

"Stay out there," Apple Jack called. She looked right in my eyes with a hurt but threatening look. She could turn Apple Bloom against me with a simple sentence, and that would create a domino effect until no one saw me as anything but a vengeful tramp. That's why I was so surprised to hear her save me with the excuse, "I knocked over a whole bucket of molasses in here and it's an absolute mess. You'll be cleaning your hooves for a week if ya step in here!"

"Thank you," I whispered, shutting my eyes to block the blow of shame I was feeling.

Equestrian Secrets

Apple Bloom's POV

Something is wronger than a penguin in a parka at this breakfast table. My sister has been givin Big Mac the evil eye since granny dished out the apple pancakes! Surely that molasses incident couldn't have been that terrible. I mean, a little sticky goo on the floor isn't cause for a sibling war as far as I'm concerned.

"Sooooo," I initiated. "You think you could help me get some old baby stuff together with me?" I suggested to my sister. Apple Jack didn't pay attention to me at first. I could see in her eyes an intense and burning frustration angled right for my brother. Meanwhile, he's just trying to slam down his breakfast and get out ASAP. I felt a little bad for him, but he had to have said something really wrong for Apple Jack to be mad at him, considering she was the one who spilled the bucket. Unless he caused her to spill the bucket. Ugh, who knows anypony? "Apple Jack?"

"Huh?" asked my completely off-to-sea sister. Finally, she finally took the fire off my brother's back and shined her eyes at me.

"I was just asking if you could help me get some of Little Mac's stuff together for Fluttershy. She's drowning in that palace, trying ta get everything fixed up for her baby."

"Don't she have a palace of ponies taking care of everything for her?" scoffed Big Macintosh. "What are they doing? Just watching while she gallops around putting pillows in cribs and-"

"I'll help ya and we'll take it today," Apple Jack snapped. The anger from her voice sprung from some kind of invisible tension I have literally no idea about. Seriously, this had to be bigger than a bucket of molasses.

"Thanks, Apple Jack! I'm sure she'd like ta see ya! She's been real lonely over there. Not any of the elements have been comin' ta see her and she don't have many other ponies-"

"I didn't say nothing about seeing her," Apple Jack corrected. "I said we'll drop off the stuff, but that's all we're adding to tha fire." Now I knew she was upset in general. For something to upset Apple Jack in general to the point she's mad at her pregnant ex best friend, there's some information I need to be getting right now.

"Ok," I groaned. "What is your deal this morning? Huh? You've been acting like a real ornery donkey or something." My little boy looked up from his mess of oatmeal he'd been sticking his hooves in to pay attention for the first time this morning. He even noticed this was a tense room.

"My deal? My deal is, I'm tired and I don't feel like upsetting my entire group of friends over going to see Fluttershy when it's obvious that Fluttershy will take the stuff and doesn't need me to do a whole meet-up-makeup. None of us know exactly how ta handle this situation, but me sending some stuff isn't going to spark a fire like me TAKING the stuff to her and telling her everything's gonna get better. Do I want to? Yeah! Of course I want to!" There's that honesty I knew she was supposed to have. Where was the rest of it though? "I want to, but I might say something I regret." Now that comment was directed right at Big Macintosh. By this time, Apple Jack, Little Mac, Granny and me were all looking his way. He didn't look up from his pancakes. He just polished his plate off in silence and stood up from the awkwardly quietened family meal. The silence was freaky, but not as disturbing as the fact Big Mac was keeping a Fluttershy secret.

"Eeyup," was spoken on the way out. That was his way of conforming what I thought I knew. Big Mac had a secret and Apple Jack wasn't happy about it.

"Tell me!" I caught myself talking way faster than I could think, and I regretted it just as fast. Apple Jack gave me the same glare back she'd been giving the top of our brother's head. She slammed her fork into the stack of pancakes that hadn't been touched all morning and pushed the chair she'd been sitting in away from the table. Words were useless at this point. This wasn't my business, and that glare made it all the more obvious. After Apple Jack stormed out, Granny and I exchanged a quick glance. She sighed and looked down at the table.

"I guess she's full on that fire in her belly," suggested my Granny.

"Yeah, or the secrets she's been chompin down. Come on, baby boy. Let's get you a bath. Looks like we're going to the palace by ourselves again."

Rarity's POV

I almost feel bad for Cadence this day. I'd caught her sneaking in very early this morning with a look I knew all-too-well. The romance remorse. Instead of adding to her guilt, I simply played naïve and took my glass of water to bed, leaving her alone with her choices. So, when I shut the door my pulse was racing. So many- TOO many- thoughts ran through my mind. Who can I disclose this to that won't tell? For that matter, whom can I disclose this information to that I, myself, can tell? It would bludgeon Twilight, disturb Apple Jack, bounce around town from Pinkie, be ridiculed by Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy? Oh, poor Fluttershy…How terrible it must be to think the world is rough and then slapped across the face with this news. Perhaps that this particular case of romance remorse is as remorseful as it should be and everything is swept swiftly under the rug. If not, well, Fluttershy will be in ruins. Push it aside, push it aside, Rarity. I simply must focus on feeding my nieces and carrying on today's devoirs. I cannot bring this up, I cannot gossip, and I may absolutely under no circumstances allow my un-lady-like chatter to rope Cadence into confessing.

"Rarity, I made the most terrible mistake I've ever made in my entire life." Well, that's certainly the way to say good morning. Judging by the desperate scent of several layers of soap from hours of showering, the deep bags under her youthful eyes, and the damp yet tussled mane: she'd thought just as I had. This involved more remorse than the normal internal variety. This included most all of Equestria.

"Cadence, darling, grab a cup of coffee and let's have a nice long chat." The organic beans and steam brought a warm comfort to my soul and calmed my nerves before this conversation took flight. I knew confessions and drama were moments from the moment. The girls were normally awoken by this time of morning, but they hadn't called for me. It was a sign that this situation needed my expertise. "Now, this may not be your first blemish in a white boudoir sheet, but I'm no stranger to the scandal." An awkward silence rose among the room as the wording I'd chosen sank in. "Not by MYSELF, I assure you. Many other mare friends, my sister included," I corrected. It wasn't exactly a lie, I'd not completely regretted every sexual encounter that was less than planned.

"Well…what should I do?" asked the weakened mare. "Was it so obvious?"

"Of course not!" Well, that was a lie. "I've just got an eye for the sort of thing. Now, first thing first, was everything taken care of?"

"Absolutely, we were very careful," Cadence assured me.

"So, that's important, and I have another question for you as well."

"Yes?"

"What stopped you from spending the night?" Big Macintosh Apple did not seem the type to kick a lady from the bed after a night of "bonding." What sent her home so soon?

"It…was Apple Jack, actually," confessed the shamed Princess. After the tumbling cycle she'd been tossed into, it's no wonder her choices are ill-advised. Wait, Apple Jack!? Apple Jack caught them! Oh how disgusting! Oh how intriguing!

"What did she say? What did she do? What did you do? What did HE do?" Cadence's look let me know I'd crossed the line, my gossip bug had gotten the better of me, and I simply had to apologize. However, that could wait until after she answered me. "Well? What happened?"

"Rarity, it…it was after. It all happened so fast, I didn't know what was going on! I looked up and there she was and she obviously could tell as easily as you did that we'd done what we did. She could have outed us to Apple Bloom too, but she snuck me out back instead. Rarity, I screwed up big time. I kept telling myself I was really into Big Mac, but…after what happened? I think I was only into hurting Fluttershy and Shining. Now, though, I don't want them to find out! If they find out, I don't know what I'll do. I can't be responsible for-"

"Now, just hold on. This isn't even on the same caliber as what those two have done!" I defended. "You were on a date, and you tested your compatibility. You were in no relationship and neither was he! Fluttershy knew you were married- she attended your wedding- and Shining knew she was a dear friend of yours. As far as I'm concerned, you have done absolutely nothing but given up the mystery too soon."

"Does this make me a complete who-"

"Do not tarnish your own name! You may not call yourself that! I've had the same conversation with someone very dear to me when she brought home twins much younger than you are…and I wish she could be here right now. Perhaps, if she was, she could give better advice than I. I've always hidden my shame quite well and kept a fabulous reputation, but this is a scandal. On the bright side, all eyes will be on you once this gets out."

"Gets out?" Cadence gasped.

"Oh, honestly, darling, there's no possibility Equestria isn't going to find out about the Princess and Farmer Colt." We both allotted a sigh and glanced at my flying niece. "Minnie, did you come to get me this morning all on your own?"

"Yes!" squealed the positively precious child. Even her voice reminded me of her mother. I put a halt to her fluttering wings and set her in her high chair to prepare breakfast. On my way, however, I had to pause. Suck up those tears Rarity. You've got three princesses in this house that cannot see you crack. "Cadence, would you like pancakes? A lady must recharge her fuel after a night of…romance."

"Drowning my sorrows in syrup?" she sighed. "Sounds perfect, thank you Rarity."

Twilight's POV

I couldn't stop Spike from rushing off to Rarity's this morning, while I tried to help Fluttershy. It felt like all of Equestria was completely divided! Apple Jack and I care so much about Fluttershy's failing health right now. Rarity and Spike don't really seem to care. I think Apple Jack and Rarity's clashing is a conflict of interest causing Rarity's opinions for Fluttershy to be even worse. In fact, I don't even think Rarity knows Fluttershy's sick. Poor Fluttershy. Shining Armor has completely began to resent her for his struggling. He's drowning in his new position as a guard. He's doing an absolutely appalling job, and I hate to say that as his sister, but it's true! He's so distracted, he's depressed, he's moody; you'd think he was the pregnant pony. So Fluttershy's lost his support, along with everypony else's but mine Apple Jack's and Apple Bloom's. It's the only guilt trip that breaks down my moral wall and lets me help her. I feel like a tyrant or something, considering my brother and Cadence both hate her right now. I just don't understand how he can be angry with her when all she's been through was physically draining, mentally draining AND much more of a detriment. Shining may have lost his job, but he still has his buddies at the guard. He may have lost his wife, but he chose to leave the mare who was having his foal. My BBBFF is starting to become a complete and total stranger to me!

"Fluttershy, how do you feel today?" I asked the weak mare. Her pink strands were split and crinkled from her poor health. Her hooves were swollen and rough. I could have answered my own inquiry. "Can I get you a snack or a drink? Maybe a nice book to read!"

"No, no, I'd really just like to rest, if that's alright," she pleaded. Fluttershy was going through depression as well. I only wish she'd been moody like Shining Armor, but the way Fluttershy was, the only moods she knew were happy, sad and scared. Well, as of now, it was sad and scared.

"Fluttershy, I really wish you'd eat something. There's not enough fuel in your body," I insisted.

"I'll just get sick, please let me just lie here, please?" she whimpered. She looked so sad. I just wanted to wrap her up and take her to some sanctuary where all of this was just gone. Luckily, Apple Bloom had just arrived with some of the most delicious looking apple bran muffins I've ever seen. Fluttershy's morning sickness, however, disagreed. It was strange to me, she still had morning sickness very late in her pregnancy. Shining tried his best to get closer to Fluttershy, but her hormones caused her to be very…snippy. It was almost like a possession that only came out when Shining was around, and I couldn't blame her for it. Albeit, Fluttershy was a surprising victim, but it was obvious she saw Shining as the cause of the disruption in her life. Rightfully so. Gingerly, I led everypony but Fluttershy from the room and returned to lie beside her.

"This isn't about being sick, is it? Not really…"

"No," Fluttershy admitted. "I just can't do it anymore, Twilight. I feel like there's no possible way for me to make it to the birth…This baby…this poor baby…"

"Fluttershy, you're important too," I reminded. Usually I would expect Fluttershy to put another pony's life before her own; but this one? She never ceases to amaze me.

"Thank you Twilight, but I'm not the pony that's the most talked about scandal in Equestria," whimpered the mare on her bed.

"But you're part of it…" There was silence in the air. Complete and empty solitude in the air. Then she said words I will never be able to forget.

"I'm not the innocent pony that's the most talked about scandal in Equestria."