A Unicorn's Dream, A Pegasus' Nightmare

by t_givlin

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Fluttershy
Length: 12110

Fluttershy needs help with her animals before winter, but she has ulterior motives for asking Twilight

Winter is coming up quick, and Fluttershy needs help to get her animal friends ready, but the Pegasus has other reasons for asking Twilight.

Authors Note: This is my first fanfic, not to mention my first fiction in general. If you could kindly leave all constructive criticism down below in the comments section. If you do not like the story, please give me a quick note as to why. I really want to get better as an author.

-T

Published 2014-04-12 05:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-12 05:50:02 UTC

Chapter 1 - The Dream

Twilight was running as hard and as fast as her hooves could muster, there was no doubt that whatever had been chasing her was still there, and she knew she needed to get away. As she came to the end of the forest line and into the clearing ahead of her, she spotted somepony on top of the grassy hill in the distance. Something changed inside, she was still running, but her purpose was different, she wasn't running away anymore, instead, she found she was running towards the mysterious pony standing above her. As she neared the edge of the small hill, she looked up to the pony she was running to. Standing tall, and strong, it was apparent that it was a stallion, strong and muscular standing at least 3 hands taller than herself, but the features of the mysterious stranger were covered by a dark hooded cloak, as Twilight arrived to the top, blushing through her lavender coloured coat, she looked up to the pony she had run so hard to meet, and began removing the cloak from his head.....

Twilight awoke from her dream startled and confused. This had been the fifth night in a row the mysterious stallion had worked his way into her dreams, and she still didn't know anything about him. But just as worrying as the stallion was the unknown force that she had been so fearfully running from at the beginning. Twilight turned her head and looked at the alarm clock next to her bed.

"Five in the morning??" she groggily left her bed and opened her window looking out onto the Ponyville landscape that she called her home.

The darkness of the night was still looming over the small town, a slight autumn breeze pushed past Twilights mane. Sunrise would be coming soon. Twilight sighed "well, there’s no point in going back to bed now, I might as well get myself ready"

She left her room and went to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast, ordinarily Spike would take care of that, but with it being so early, she thought that she might let the baby dragon sleep in for the day, after all, they had been up awfully late working on her research into her dreams. As with the previous few mornings, Twilight brewed a cup of coffee, and went right to work cataloguing the previous nights visions, being careful to remember everything she could, but something was troubling her as though she had been forgetting something vitally important.

"BY CELESTIA!" Twilight screamed into the hollowed out tree, scrambling to her feet as she ran to her closet.

"Twilight, what’s wrong, is everything all right" Spike entered into the room holding his blanket and rubbing his eyes, obviously startled out of sleep by Twilights outburst.

"Oh, Spike, I am so sorry, everything's all right, I just remembered that today was the day I promised to help Fluttershy with her animals to prepare for winter, and I've been so busy with those dreams that I almost forgot, why don't you go back to bed?"

Spike let out a large yawn, and turned to head back to his bed "If you say so Twilight, just remember there are a lot of ponies trying to sleep” the dragon climbed the staircase and headed back up stairs.

Twilight packed her saddlebags with a small lunch for her and Fluttershy as well as a scarf in case the weather called for some colder weather. She pushed open her door and began to make her way towards the Fluttershy's cabin, magically carrying a quill and parchment trying desperately to keep them in her magic against the wind and writing everything she could about her dream. Before she had realized it, Twilights found herself bumping into the front door of Fluttershys cabin, hurting her muzzle in the process. Before she had a chance to knock, Fluttershy was standing in front of her.

"Oh my gosh, Twilight are you ok? I'm sooo sorry; I should have had the door open for you"

Twilight chuckled to herself "leave it to Fluttershy to apologize to me for running into her door" Twilight thought to herself "Its my fault Fluttershy, I wasn't paying any attention at all" Twilight smiled as she put her parchment and quill away.

"Oh, ok, um, well, I know its really early and all, but, um, do you think we could you, know, maybe head up to the hill, and maybe watch the sunrise? I mean, if you want." Fluttershy's voice was almost inaudible but Twilight was able to hear no problem

"You know what, Fluttershy? That sounds like a great idea!"

Fluttershy blushed behind her pink mane, "oh, I'm glad you like the idea, Twilight!, I always get up early to watch it during the autumn, its soo pretty"

Twilight followed the pegasus up the path and around the back of her cottage towards the small clearing on the outside of Ponyville. As the two neared the area that Fluttershy had in mind, Twilight looked ahead and froze in her tracks, looking straight ahead at the grassy hill.

"i..it cant be" Twilight whispered under her breath as she threw down her saddlebags and buried her muzzle into their pouches. Fluttershy looked back to her friend and seen that she was not following behind her.

"Twilight, if we don't hurry, we will miss Celestia’s wonderful colours on the autumn trees, I mean, if you still want to that is" Fluttershys words fell on deaf ears, as Twilight continued her search for her journal

"I know its in here somewhere, if only I hadn't packed so much" Twilight was speaking to herself out loud, unaware of her friends continued prodding.

Fluttershy floated by her friend’s side as she continued her search. "Please Twilight, we only have a few more minutes” Fluttershy seemed impatient, and even to Twilight, who wasn't paying that clear of attention, knew that something wasn't right

"Fluttershy, what’s wrong, you're not usually like this” Twilights eyes were wide with worry as she looked up at her friend. Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane, blocking Twilights view of her increasingly blushing face

"Keep it together, Fluttershy" she thought to herself "it's not like you had anything like this planned" her thoughts were making her worry even more. "Twilight, I just reallllly want to see this."

Twilight felt embarrassed. "I’m so sorry Fluttershy, I guess I just didn't realize how important this was to you, so let’s get going" Twilight magically packed all her things, and started at a gallop to the top of the hill and Fluttershy flew after her. As they finally reached the top of the hill, the sun was just beginning its ascent into the autumn sky. The rays of the suns light danced across the trees in the area, causing the colours of the fall leaves to project their colours along the ground dancing along the tree line and creating a wonderful light show, which appeared only within the confines of the small clearing.

"Fluttershy....This, This is AMAZING” almost as soon as the unicorn finished her sentence, the light seemed to fade, and the sun was above them. "Wow, Fluttershy, that was incredible, I know why you were in such a hurry, not even in Canterlot have I seen anything like that"

Fluttershy's canary yellow coat couldn't hide her blushing cheeks, " oh, Twilight, I'm just glad you liked it, and I am sorry that I was so persistent, but it only happens once every year, and only for a few seconds" Fluttershy had a hard time getting her sentence out, but Twilight was still in awe of what she had just seen.

"Fluttershy, its ok, I understand completely, that was just incredible, and I am so glad that we got to see it." Twilight was so amazed at the event, that she had completely forgot about her journal and was staring at the trees, still in shock of the beautiful show she was just witness to.

"So, um, Twilight what did you think?" Twilight was at a loss for words; she just smiled at her friend and turned back towards the trees. "Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it, but, um, is it alright if I asked what you were looking for in your bags, it looked like it was important"

Twilight was brought out of her trance, and immediately returned to looking through her bags. "I'm looking for a journal I had brought with me. This hill could be something from this dream I've been having, and I just wanted to check."

Twilight let out a triumphant "AHA" as she produced a small green book with the outline of a golden unicorn on the front, and she quickly opened it to the page she knew it was on. Fluttershy looked down onto the page and seen the most detailed drawing of a green grassy hill, and looked to Twilight

"Wow, Twilight, this is amazing, I had no idea you knew how to draw."

Twilight blushed a little "I only draw for my experiments and my research, it helps me to identify things that I think might be important later” Twilight reviewed her journal and confirmed her suspicions. "So, this is the hill from my dream, but what could it mean?" Twilight was deep in thought, but if the hill was an actual place in Ponyville, then perhaps the stallion was a resident, and that meant that she could very well solve this mystery.

Twilights thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the shy pegasus' voice. "So, Twilight, um, should we get started with getting the animals ready? I mean, only if you still want to of course"

Twilight gave her friend a smile, "Of course, Fluttershy, Where do we start?"

Throughout the rest of the day and into the early evening the two ponies worked together to help all of the animals prepare for their winter customs. Fluttershy helped all of the birds get ready for their long journey to the south, while Twilight helped the squirrels and other ground critters gather nuts and food stores for the long hibernation ahead. By the time dusk came around, both ponies were worn down and beyond tired. "Phew" Twilight said while pouring herself and Fluttershy some tea

"That is a lot of work. Do you do this every year?"

Fluttershy nodded her head "Yes, but usually I have to do it all by myself, and because the weather team is bringing in the snow early this year, I had less time, I do hope you didn’t mind Twilight."

Twilight shook her head. Fluttershy sat down on the couch and took a moment to breathe "Come on Fluttershy, you can do this" The yellow pony thought to herself "its only a dinner invitation, its not like you’re going to tell her how you really feel.....yet" Fluttershy looked to her friend who was deep in her own thoughts with her eyes closed "Gosh, she looks so peaceful and pretty" Fluttershy continued to remark to herself. Blushing heavily, the pegasus took a deep breath

"Hey, um Twilight, how would you like to get some dinner, I mean, I know its been a long day, so I just, you know, thought it would, um be nice, if the two of us, could go and...." Fluttershy trailed off, the rest of the invitation was completely inaudible, coming out as mild squeaks not dissimilar to the ones she had made when they first met. Twilight opened her eyes and looked to her friend.

"Fluttershy, not that I don't want to go to dinner, but is everything alright?"

Fluttershy dragged her hoof on the ground. "Everything is fine Twilight, if you don't want to go, I'll understand, I just waned to thank you for helping me"

Twilight gave her friend a large smile "Of course I'll go to dinner with you Fluttershy, just let me get back to the library first, and I'll meet you there in ten minutes?" Fluttershy nodded in agreement and once again began to blush heavily; Twilight left the cottage and began to make her way back to the library to freshen up after such a hard day of work.

Fluttershy could almost not contain her excitement "Oh my, I'd better get cleaned up" She thought aloud to herself "Twilight is the kindest, most helpful pony, and she’s so beautiful and confident, what if she gets mad, oh maybe I shouldn’t tell her" Angel bunny looked to Fluttershy with a look of impatience "Oh, I know she’s a good friend, Angel, I just don’t want to lose her" Angel gave Fluttershy a disapproving look and pointed to the calendar where Fluttershy marked the day down in a big red circle. "I know I said that I was going to do it today, but maybe waiting is for the best." Angel kicked the pegasus lightly on the leg, and gestured for her to leave towards the bath to clean up. "Oh, you’re probably right” Fluttershy went and cleaned up as Angel stood nodding triumphantly.

Not long after, Fluttershy was standing outside of the library, wearing a dress that she had purchased from her friend, Rarity, at the Carousel Boutique waiting to find the courage to announce her presence. Nervously she knocked on the small doors

"Come on in, Fluttershy, I wont be too much longer” Twilight announced from her room, getting ready for the evening. As Fluttershy entered the library and sat at the table she seen Spike was in the kitchen mixing up some jewels in a large bowl.

"Oh, hi, Fluttershy, are you the reason I get the night off from cooking tonight?" The baby dragon inquired

"Oh, yes, I thought I would treat Twilight to a nice dinner to thank her for all the help she gave me earlier today" Fluttershy answered sheepishly, averting her eyes from the dragons own, hoping spike didn't notice the crimson red appearing on her face. Spike paid no attention as he gleefully returned to his cooking. Twilight came down the spiral staircase and spotted Fluttershy in her dress

"Wow, Fluttershy, you look amazing, give me an extra minute, I didn't realize that I should have dressed for the occasion." Twilight looked slightly embarrassed, as she turned to head back up the stairs.

"Oh, no! It’s my fault, Twilight; I should have picked a different restaurant instead of springing it on you"

Twilight waved her hoof dismissively at the thought "Fluttershy, there’s nothing to be sorry for" she said while using her magic to dress herself up for the dinner "So where are we going?"

"Oh, um, if its ok with you, Twilight, I'd like to leave it a surprise, unless of course that would make you upset.." Fluttershys voice was trailing again, and Twilight almost couldn't hear it

"Oh, not at all, Fluttershy, I like surprises, well, good surprises anyway” Twilight had finished her sentence as she had descended the staircase once again. Twilight was dressed in the gown that Rarity had made for her for the Grand Galloping Gala, and as she descended, she was using her magic to hold up the excess fabric above the ground.

Fluttershy didn’t think she could blush any harder than she had been, but she was wrong. her face felt like it was on fire, and her friend standing in front of her, bathed in her familiar purple magic aura while draped in such a wonderful dress was almost too much for the timid pegasus to bear.

Author's Note

So here it is. My first openly public piece of fiction....ever

Fluttershy and Twilight to me feels like the most realistic couple (yeah yeah, I know, but thats why i added the "To Me" part)

Please deposit all criticism in the comments section below. I'll never get any better without any feedback

Chapter 2 - Dinner

Fluttershy walked slightly in front of Twilight, which was probably best, considering she was the only one who knew where the two of them were going. As the two mares walked down the streets, talking of the days activities, Fluttershys curiosity had gotten the best of her "So, um, Twilight, what was that dream you mentioned to me earlier? If you don't want to tell, I completely understand"

Twilight gave her friend a smile and blushed slightly "Well, I don't know what it means, but recently I have been having this dream where I am being chase through the everfree forest by something I cant see, and I run with all my might, and then, i come out of the forest up to this soft grassy hill in a clearing, where somepony stands looking down at me. But when I get close enough to see who it might be, I wake up"

Fluttershy listened intensely, hoping to hear more "So, is there any clues as to who the pony is?"

Twilight shook her head “No, the only thing I know is that it is a tall, strong stallion who wears a dark cloak” Fluttershy turned away from her friend, and began having second thoughts about the evening.

"If Twilights have dreams about strong stallions, maybe I should just go home" Fluttershy thought to herself. But immediately after that thought, the image of Angel Bunny popped into her head and pointed to the imaginary calendar on her wall

"Oh, Angel Bunny was right, I have to do this!"

Twilight look quizzically at her friend "what did Angel say you had to do?"

Fluttershy's wings closed in on her suddenly and she hit the ground, blushing madly, and hiding behind her mane as she often did when things were getting too much for her to handle. "How could you have said that out loud?" she berated herself in her head, not comprehending what just happened. Fluttershy built up as much courage as she could muster.

"Oh, um...its nothing really, Twilight, just something I have to do for the animals when I get home” Fluttershy was tripping over her words, trying desperately to convince Twilight of their truth. Twilight looked into her friends green eyes, and Fluttershy was sure the game was up, and she would have to push up her plans. After studying Fluttershy for a good few minutes, Twilight was sure something was bothering her friend, but did not want to press the matter, as she knew her friend would talk when she was ready.

"Well, Fluttershy, when you feel ready, you know you can talk to me about anything." Twilight smiled and Fluttershy relaxed

"How could anypony be so understanding and beautiful" she thought to herself, being sure to keep her thoughts in her head. Both ponies continued into the night, heading towards the fanciest restaurant in Ponyville.

As they walked through the door, the host looked at Fluttershy "Oh, mademoiselle, your table is ready” without another word, they were brought to their table in the private area at the back of the very posh eatery

"Wow, Fluttershy, I feel guilty now, this is way too fancy. You didn’t have to do this you know” Fluttershy simply shook her head

"Oh, not at all, Twilight, it was the least I could do"

Fluttershy blushed and hid behind her menu, shielding herself from Twilights beaming purple eyes. Soon after, a waiter approached and took the two mares, order; a daisy and apple salad with a bottle of apple cider from the last of Sweet Apple Acres cider season.

As the waiter left, Twilight looked to her friend "So Fluttershy, I know there is something on your mind, and I know that I said I would let you tell me on your own when you were ready, but I really think that it would help if you just let it out, so if its ok, would you please tell me what’s bothering you?"

Fluttershy took a deep breath and looked at her best friend sitting across from her. All of the last 2 weeks of planning and set up had led up to this moment. Looking out the window, she seen Angel looking through the glass, waving impatiently for the pegasus to finally say what she has been longing to say since the day they confronted the sleeping dragon.

Fluttershy opened her mouth "......you” Twilight couldn't hear anything except the shy squeak Fluttershy had been so famous for

"Im sorry Fluttershy, could you speak up a bit, I didn't hear you” Fluttershy took another deep breath, and with an approving glance from her bunny, let out the words heavy on her mind

"i, i, its you" she managed to get out.

Twilight looked confused "I've been bothering you"

Fluttershy shook her head "No, not at all, Twilight” Fluttershy hid herself deeper behind her mane "It’s just that, I.....I......I like you!"

Twilight nearly fell out of her chair, too shocked to respond, all she could do was stare blankly at her friends eyes as the truth was finally revealed. Fluttershy fled the eatery, leaving behind a small bag of bits on the table along with a hoof written note with Twilights name on it.

Twilight was stumped and speechless, walking home grasping the sealed note in her magic. She had left the restaurant with the eyes of everypony on her as she sat alone for nearly 20 minutes. Finally getting a hold of herself, the mare opened the letter, and began reading

"Dear Twilight, If you are reading this, it means that I have finally told you about how I feel about you. I do hope that you're not upset with me. I understand it might come as a shock to you, and knowing that I would have difficulty, I decided to write this letter to make sure that I don't mess it up"

Twilight noticed that the letter was written in different colours of ink "Wow, she must have written this over a long time" she mumbled out loud. She looked down to the note and continued reading

"Ever since the day we faced the dragon, I have felt something for you. You were so caring, determined, smart and supportive of me, and since that day, I have been working out exactly what I feel"

The note continued for an additional 2 pages, all explaining to twilight what she had been unable to notice during these past few months. After coming to the end, she had read the last line aloud

"Twilight, you will always be my friend, and I never want to lose that, please don't be mad at me, and I will hope to talk to you real soon"

Twilight finished the letter just as she arrived back home to the library. She didn't feel right talking to Fluttershy about this tonight, and felt that a good nights rest would make everything all the more clearer. She made her way into her bedroom, and began pouring over some books on the subject of love and its effect on ponies. After reading through a good number of chapters on infatuation and crushes, she had a pretty good idea that Fluttershy wasn't in any of those categories, based on the contents of the letter. She called out to Spike "Spike, could you run me up the libraries copy of "Somepony for Everypony?"

Spike arrived a few seconds later carrying the tome "What could you want with this book, Twilight? Is there somepony who you have an eye on?" Spike spoke teasingly, but Twilight was in no mood.

"No Spike, there’s a pony who has their eye on me, and I really just want to get through this book in peace!" Twilight looked at Spike, and noticed that he was upset at her tone. "Oh, I'm sorry Spike, I just had a weird encounter, and I didn't mean to take it out on you"

The dragon shook it off "Its ok Twilight, I'll let you get to work, I'm getting pretty tired anyway, I'll see you in the morning." Twilight watched as her assistant headed down into the lower levels of the library, grateful to have such a good friend helping her out. As she opened the book, she noticed the chapter titled "Mare to Mare" and decided that it was a good place to start and she bean to read

"Often called 'fillyfoolers' some mares have an affection for other mares. These ponies will experience the same feelings as those who love stallions but the object of their love is another mare" Twilight closed the book. She had never intended on starting a relationship, heck, it had only been a short time since she met all of her friends. Carefully considering every option, she felt it was best to talk with Fluttershy first thing in the morning, and maybe she convince the Pegasus that they should just remain friends.

"After all" She thought to herself "you don't feel that way about her.......do you?" as that last thought still rattled around in her head, Twilight closed her eyes, and fell asleep.....

Twilight was running again, the forest floor felt slick under her hooves as she ran towards the glaring light ahead. She turned around, and could not see anything, or anypony chasing her, but She knew it was getting closer. With all her might, Twilight pushed as hard as she could, and sprinted right through the forest edge into the grass clearing. She looked ahead in the distance, and seen a pony standing atop of a small grassy hill. As she came to a stop, she studied the figure ahead of her, and, as of times before, knew the pony would make her safe and secure. Pushing herself with all her might, Twilight made for the hill as fast as she could, not wanting to be out in the open alone. As she climbed higher, Twilight looked to the Pony standing above her. Standing at about the same height as she was, the other pony brought her snout low to meet Twilights, and Twilight returned the gesture. She knew she was safe here, with the other pony by her side. The bright coloured silken cloak draped over the mysterious ponies back, but it was evident to twilight the pony was another mare, gentle and kind, Twilight reached with her magic and began removing the cloak, letting the fabric fall gingerly to the grass below.......

Twilight woke suddenly once more. It was definitely the same dream, but things were different. "Could Fluttershy's revelation last night had caused the recurring dream to change?" Twilight thought to herself, as she turned over in her bed. Twilight was unsure of how to proceed, she knew that it must have been difficult for her friend to reveal her feelings, but Twilight was confused. To her amazement, the clock read 8:30am, "Wow" she thought aloud "Its been a few weeks since I've slept that late"

Twilight made her way downstairs only to find Spike was busy preparing breakfast. "Hey Twilight, you really were out of it last night, I hope you don't mind that I let you sleep in"

Twilight shook her head "Oh, not at all Spike, in fact, the extra time was exactly what the doctor ordered" Twilight sat at the round table and began to dig in to the stack of golden pancakes that were laid in front of her. "I wonder if I should speak to Fluttershy" she mumbled aloud.

"Oh, Twi, that reminds me, Fluttershy stopped by earlier, but only wanted to drop this off" Spike handed the unicorn a small basket wrapped in plastic that contained an array of books, sweets and fresh fruits. Taped to the top of the basket was another hoof written note

"Twilight, I am really sorry about what happened last night, and I hope I didn't upset you. I know I acted out of line, and should not have run out on you like that. If you want, I am waiting to talk to you at my cottage, your friend, Fluttershy"

Twilight put the note down and looked to her assistant “What is it Twilight, you look upset" The baby dragon had climbed onto the chair next to twilight

"I just don't know, Spike, Something happened last night that I just don't understand, and I don't know what to do about it” Twilight lowered her muzzle in deep thought "Come on Twilight" she thought to herself as she stared blankly at the ground "You should go to talk with her, I mean, put yourself in her horseshoes" Twilight thought back to all of the adventures the 2 had together. Of course she had feelings for Fluttershy, but she also had feelings for all of her other friends. And if Twilight was looking for a relationship, Fluttershy would certainly be the type Twilight would be looking for. Through all of her faults, Fluttershy was loyal, kind and generous; she was also strong, in her own way. But Twilight just couldn't connect the dots. After what seemed like an eternity (though what was actually 3 minutes) Twilight raised herself from her chair and made for the door. "I'll be back later Spike; I have to go talk to a friend” Confused, the dragon shrugged his shoulders, finished his breakfast and began work on his chores.

Twilight made her way through the streets of Ponyville at a very slow pace. She knew she had to talk to Fluttershy, but she had no idea what she was going to say when she got there. Twilight certainly didn't want to hurt her friend, but at the same time, he had no words of encouragement either. Twilight was on the pathway leading to Fluttershy's cabin at the edge of the town when she had a realization

"Fluttershy is kind and sweet" she thought to herself, quite confidently "And since you're being honest with yourself, she is quite attractive" Twilight blushed at the very thought, and continued the mental conversation she was having with herself

"It's not like you haven't thought about a relationship with a mare before" Twilight was taken aback by her own sub-conscious, of course it was true, there were times in her past where she had fantasized about being with another mare, though she felt that she would never act on it

"But why not act on it" her sub conscious piped in "I know what you are thinking, I am you after all, and I also know that if there was any mare in Ponyville who you would be happy with, Fluttershy would be that mare."

Twilight sighed "but what if..."

Twilights thought was suddenly interrupted by a sound coming from the cabin. The front door slowly opened, but Twilight could not see who had opened it

"The time for 'what ifs' is over, you have a friend to talk to" her sub-conscious said, rather determinately. Twilight entered the room and seen Fluttershy setting up some tea, blushing madly, and averting her gaze from Twilight. There was a surprising lack of animals about the cabin, and nothing around that might cause distraction. Twilight smiled to her pegasus friend, still unknowing what to say or how to start. After a few moments, Fluttershy brought Twilight a cup filled with her favourite tea, and sat across from her at the dining room table.

"So, uhm, thank you for coming Twilight..." Fluttershy finally managed to get out. Fluttershy started playing with her hooves, trying desperately to avert her eyes from twilights own. "I am really sorry for last night. It wasn't very nice, and I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't want to see me again...”

The mare was on the verge of tears, and twilight was shocked at the sight of one of her closest friends breaking down in front of her. The pegasus continued, not letting the unicorn interrupt "I realllllly didn't want to tell you, but I couldn't hold in my feelings any longer " Fluttershy was crying now, the words escaping between sobs. Twilight moved closer to her friend and put a hoof around her to attempt to comfort the trembling pegasus.

"Its OK Fluttershy, I'm glad that you told me, and I am certainly not mad at you” Fluttershy stopped crying and looked into her friends beautiful purple eyes. "I just don’t know how I feel about all of this” Twilight lowered her gaze as she said those last words. Fluttershy broke away from the half hug and produced a small bound leather book from underneath her wings.

"Here, Twilight” she said handing the tome over to the mare of her dreams. "I want you to read this before you say anything else” Twilight took the book and opened the front cover and quickly read the first line

"Fluttershy's Diary"

Twilight closed the book quickly and handed it back to her friend "Oh Fluttershy, I can’t read that. It would feel too much like an invasion of your privacy"

Fluttershy shook her head "Oh, no Twilight, I want you to read it” The mare averted her gaze from Twilights once more. Twilight reluctantly opened the book again and looked to her friend

"Are you sure about this Fluttershy?" Twilight was looking for any excuse she could find to not read her best friends inner thoughts. Fluttershy nodded, reached across the table, and opened up to a page she had earmarked. Twilight looked down and seen that the date was the same as the day they had managed to convince the dragon to leave the cave where he was causing the dark smoke with his snoring. Taking a large gulp, Twilight looked onto the page and read the entry.

"Dear Diary, Today I faced one of my deepest fears, and, oh my, was it scary"

Twilight looked up and noticed the pegasus across from her was hiding her face with her mane, starring at the ground, Twilight continued to read.

"Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and I all climbed the mountain to face a Dragon! It was terrifying, all I wanted to do was to run home and bury myself in my bed."

Twilight remembered that day, and remembered just how scared Fluttershy had been.

"Twilight was insistent that I go, and said that she didn't think that they could do it without me. Twilight was so brave and confident, she managed to convince me to go, she had so much confidence in me that I just felt like it was something that I could do. Anyway, when we got to the top, and we got to the cave where the dragon was, felt so scared. I just couldn't go in there, it was too scary, and the dragon could have eaten me up. All of my friends tried to convince the dragon to go, but he wouldn't listen, But Twilight insisted we keep trying. Then, out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash flew straight in to try to force it to leave. I couldn't bear it, I hid behind a rock and wished with all my might for me to be back at home."

Just reading about that made twilights side hurt, that dragon had managed to bruise her ribs really bad and she spent days inside of her library recuperating.

"But then something happened, the Dragon HURT Twilight. The big, scary meanie had knocked Twilight and all of my friends into a rock! I was so mad! I don't know what came over me, but I flew right in that dragons face, and I told him that he was a mean bully, and that he should go away to sleep where he couldn't hurt anyone. I was so proud of myself, and Twilight was too. I don't understand why, but Twilight seemed to really care about me, and really wanted me to help, even though I felt like I couldn't do anything. Twilight is so brave, smart, funny, caring and I wish I could be more like her. she’s also REALLY pretty, and she doesn't try to be either, like Rarity does. Oh my, I better stop writing, Thank you Diary, I think I'll go see how Twilights doing"

Twilight stopped reading and looked up to see that Fluttershy had gone; she looked down at the diary once more and closed its covers. The unicorn went upstairs to see if she could find her friend. Fluttershy was sitting on her bed, holding a pillow tightly between her hooves. She just knew that Twilight wouldn't want to be her marefriend; she just hoped that her actions didn't cause Twilight to not want to be her fiend at all. As she thought to herself, she heard the stairs leading to her room squeak and crack, and the unmistakable sound of hoofsteps Fluttershy looked to the window and briefly thought about lying away. "NO Fluttershy" she thought to herself "You have to do this!"

There was a quiet knocking at the door, and the unicorns voice echoed through the room "Hey Fluttershy, are you in here?" Fluttershy wanted to run, she wanted to fly away and hide for the rest of her life, but she couldn't

"Oh, um yes, Twilight, I'm in here” the timid voice was barely audible, but Twilight heard it no problem.

"Hey Fluttershy, I want to um..." Twilight’s voice trailed off, she really didn't know what she wanted to do, but she knew she had a very upset friend. "Fluttershy, I know that you feel some attraction to me, but, if I'm honest, I don't really know how I feel about all of this"

Fluttershy felt her heart breaking. This was it, Twilight was going to tell her that she wasn't interested, and that it would be best if they spent less time together "I mean, I really like you as a friend, and I certainly know that your gentle and kind to every pony"

Fluttershy's eyes began to water, she almost couldn't bear it but twilight continued "This is all just so sudden, and it really is a lot to take in" Fluttershy was now crying silently, and bracing herself for the words that would hurt the most.

"But I know it couldn’t have been easy for you to share, and to be honest, I do find you quite attractive. So, if you're ok with it, I'd like to give us a chance" Fluttershys heart had skipped a beat. At some point in Twilights talk, Fluttershy didn't even notice that Twilight had moved closer to her, and she certainly didn't see that twilight was blushing, or that the unicorn had leant in. But what Fluttershy did notice was that Twilight Sparkle, The mare of her dreams, did give her a kiss on her cheek. Fluttershy was frozen, not daring to move a muscle in case she had been dreaming; Twilight looked into her eyes, and smiled.

"So, is it ok, Fluttershy?" Fluttershy barely nodded, it was all that she trusted herself to do. She couldn't believe it, Twilight Sparkle, star pupil of Princess Celestia, the bearer of the element of magic, the strongest, smartest pony in all of Equestria agreed to go out with her.

Chapter 3 - Dancing

The Forest was closing in on Twilight, no matter where she turned, the forest was thereto stop her escape. Running as fast as she could, Twilight caught a glimpse of light ahead of her. This was it, if only she could run a little further she would be safe. Using her magic, Twilight teleported herself to the edge of the forest, and into the familiar grassy clearing and the hill where the pony stood. Twilight was apprehensive, and was unsure of herself, but decided to climb the hill as she had done countless other times before. Arriving at the top, The mare affectionately muzzled her, bringing a calm to Twilight. Twilight turned away from the stranger, Twilight looked back into the forest, but could not find it. The grassy field seemed to go on forever. Twilight turned to the mare, and found herself staring at a familiar face. "SO, Twilight Sparkle, Is this what has been troubling you for oh so many nights?" Princess Luna stood before Twilight, her sparkling night mane fluttering without a breeze. "P..P..Princess Luna????" Twilight was confused, she suddenly realized that she was in a dream, and the Princess of the night was standing before her "Yes, Twilight, it is our responsibility to watch over all ponies while they slumber, and ensure peace throughout the night" Twilight was at a lost for words, if this was a dream, why couldnt she wake up? "Princess Luna, I dont understand." Twilight was working as hard as she could to understand the events that were unfolding before her. Princess Luna smiled at Twilight, and placed a hoof on the unicorns shoulder. "It has been many nights that you have had this dream, has it not?" Twilight nodded her head "Perhaps there is something this world is trying to tell you?" Princess Luna smiled down to Twilight. "I have tried to figure it out, I really have, but theres nothing in my books that would explain any of this." Luna chuckled that her sisters student "Of course there wouldnt be, Twilight, this is YOUR dream, what would a book be able to tell you that you could not know?" Twilight thought hard about what the princess had said. "Does this mean that there is something that frightens me?" Lunas smile grew across her face "we cannot say what frightens you, Twilight Sparkle, we have not the ability to read minds" Twilight thought long and hard about what might frighten her, when she began to think back on the dream. As if the world was reacting to twilights will, the dream had sent her back to the forest. "So, this is the place that you think you fear?" Luna looked to the younger unicorns face "Yes, Princess, it is, but I dont know what scares me" Luna smiled wider "Well Twilight, this is something you have to figure on your own, but we have faith that my sisters prized student will be able to sort this out. remember, this world is yours, and you must figure it out" With those parting words, Luna vanished into the sky, leaving Twilight alone.

For the first night in almost a week, Twilight woke up feeling well rested. Still worried about what was going on in her dreams, she quickly went to the window and looked up into the night sky looking for Princess Luna. Unable to see her, Twilight returned to her bed when she had an idea.

"Maybe" She thought aloud to herself "Maybe the thing I fear is being alone.."

a cool breeze pushed open her window as soon as the words left her lips, going to the window to close it, she could have sworn the stars were smiling at her. Convincing herself it was just a trick of the light, Twilight closed the window and retreated into her study, where she had been taking her notes.

"Could the presence that is chasing me be the fear of being alone?" The thought seemed to linger for a while, but it didn't make sense to twilight. "I have been alone most of my life" Pouring over every aspect of the dream, the idea that she feared to be alone still heavy on her mind "It cant be, I have always preferred to be alone with a good book rather than go to a party" Twilight began thinking back to the days before she arrived in ponyville. "If anything" she thought "I've been afraid of large groups."

Suddenly, visions of her friends, and the things they have one together began to cycle through her head, the get togethers, the adventures and the time alone with all of her closest friends. Twilight was smiling, those had truly been some of the best times of her life. Then, without warning, those visions began to disappear, instead showing the unicorn alone with a book in the Canterlot Library. Twilight began to cry. Could it really be that twilight feared being alone? it was almost too much for the young unicorn to bear, she dashed out of her library home and into the night, with no regard for where she was going.

After some time in the cool air, Twilight closed her eyes, only one thought seemed to dangle in front of her "Where would I be if I didn't have my friends?" Running as fast as she could through the streets of ponyville, Twilight opened her eyes only to find that she had run straight to Fluttershys cabin. Before twilight could even think another thought, Fluttershy came out of the door, barreling right for her.

"Oh, Twilight I was so worried about you, is everything all right?" Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes and attempted to smile to her friend

"Oh I don't know anymore, Fluttershy, Im just so confused." Fluttershy took Twilight into her wings and gave her a large hug.

"When Princess Luna came to me and told me you were in trouble, I ran out as fast as I could, I am so glad that you ended up here so I didn't have to search for too long to find you" Twilight was snapped back to reality, the wings of her friend wrapped tightly around her brought comfort and relief. Twilight backed away only slightly, enough to speak, but not enough to break the hug. "Princess Luna?"

Fluttershy looked to the unicorn and smiled "Oh, um yes, you see, I was dreaming of the autumn lights we seen the other day, and, well, instead of you standing there, it was Luna, and she told me you were in trouble and needed help, I woke up immediately and came to find you, but, it looks like you found me instead" Fluttershys wings pulled twilight even closer "I'm just so glad that you're alright"

Twilight returned the hug, and the two ponies turned towards the cabin and headed inside. Fluttershy poured some hot chocolate for her friend, reasoning that coffee or tea would be a bad idea this late in the evening. Twilight took the cup in her magic, and began drinking quietly. "So, what was wrong, Twilight, I knew you needed me, but Luna wouldn't tell me exactly what was bothering you" Twilight put her cup down and stared into Fluttershys deep green eyes

"I could loose myself in those eyes" She thought happily to herself. "I really wasn't in trouble, I was just scared is all" Twilights response did nothing to assure Fluttershy.

"Well, please Twilight, I'm so worried, could you please tell me what has you so scared?"

Twilight looked back to her friend, and took in a deep breath. "Fluttershy, I'm afraid of being alone" Twilights eyes began to fill with tears "I've been having a dream where im running away, as hard as I can, terrified of what might be following me, then I come to a pony on a hill, and the feeling of fear goes away" Twilight was speaking very quickly, letting everything that had happened just pour out as though a dam holding her thoughts in had been shattered.

Fluttershy never said a word, she watched and listened as the mare of her dreams spilled out with raw emotion, and after Twilight had finished, Fluttershy lunged forward, and threw her wings around her. "Oh, Twilight!" Fluttershy gripped the unicorn with all her might, not daring to let go. "I Promise you that you'll never be alone."

Twilight was emotionally drained, she was crying and suddenly very tired. Twilight snuggled into the pegasus' wings and let herself smile. Fluttershy was holding onto her tightly, looking down into the unicorns mane and began stroking it gently. Very quietly, a melody began to leave her lips. "Hush now, quiet now, its time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now quiet now, its time to go to bed" As the music filled twilights ears, a smile gently making its way across her face, she closed her eyes, and fell gently asleep.

Twilight opened her eyes to find that she was still where she had been the night before. Fluttershys eyes glued onto hers. As Fluttershy noticed Twilight was waking up, she gave her friend a large smile.

"Good morning, Twilight, I hope you slept well?"

Twilight nodded and smiled "Thank you Fluttershy, and yes, I did sleep quite well" Twilight stretched up and out of her friends wings. "I'd better get back to the library, Spike must be worried wondering where I disappeared to"

Fluttershy nodded and got to her hooves "Well, the least I could do is walk you home"

Twilight shook her head "Oh no, Fluttershy, you've done more than enough for me already" Twilight left the front door, and turned her head back to the pegasus "But why dont you come over tonight at around 7:30?"

Fluttershy looked to Twilight in a quizzical manner "Oh, but, um, are, are you sure its ok" Twilight smiled back "I've never been more sure of anything in my life" And with that the unicorn left, heading back to her home, comfortable in her latest decision.

Fluttershy waved to Twilight as she headed her way down the cobblestone towards town and closed the door behind her. Flying slightly above the ground, she bagan to go over the events of the past few days. Twilight obviously had something to tell her, but she couldnt figure out what that might be.

"Maybe things were rushed too fast last night, oh, oh dear, I hope I didnt make her uncomfortable" she bagan to think aloud "Oh, no, shes going to tell me she wants to be friends, and that I screwed things up, and that it was too much last night and oh dear oh dear"

Fluttershy buried herself under the cushion of her couch, trying hard to hide from the world. Angel made his way to the cowering pegasus and gently tapped her on her snout and pointed to the place where twilight and her spent the night together

"Oh I know, Angel, I ruined everything" Angel smacked his paw against his forehead and shook his head

"What do you mean I didnt? I moved too fast and now she hates me!" Angel kicked his owner in the calf lightly and vigourously shook his head

"you're saying you think she was ok?" Angel nodded his head and ran into the kitchen, and brought out an apple for Fluttershy. Thank you Angel, I guesss well have to wait for tonight?"

Angel sighed and nodded his head, and the two of them got up and began their morning chores.

Twilight arrived at the library and opened the door only to find that most of her friends were standing there waiting for her.

"Hey everypony, whats up?" Twilight looked to each of the four ponies standing before her.

Rainbow Dash was the first pony to say something "You tell us, Twi! Spike here said he had woken up and you were nowhere to be found" Rainbow looked upset, but so did the remaining ponies,

Spike came down from the library holding a note "TWILIGHT" The baby dragon rushed up and tackled twilight with a flying hug "Where did you go, Twilight, I heard you talking in your sleep, and then you ran out of the door, and when you didn't turn up, I..."

Twilight put her arm around spike "Its ok, Spike, I just had to go and sort some things out, I'm sorry I didn't tell you"

All of the ponies were relieved that their friend was safe, and all started to make their way out.

"Hold on everypony, theres something that I'd like to ask. would you all come by tonight around 7:15, I'd like to throw a little party, and would love if you all could come."

Pinkie Pie leaped high into the air

"A PARTY?! a party isn't a party without ponies to party at the party, right?"

everypony looked to pinkie, trying hard to keep up with what she had said

"Uh, Sugar Cube, is there a specific reason for this here hoe down?"

Twilight smiled at Applejack "yes there is, and it is mighty important to me that my friends be there"

Applejack smiled "Well, then, it seems to me that we aint got no choice in the matter."

Rarity and Pinkie pie stayed behind as the Applejack and Rainbow dash left the library. Once they had made their way out of earshot, Rarity spoke up "Oh, Twilight darling, whatever is this all about" Rarity began to smile deviously, knowing full well that there was some juicy gossip about this whole affair "If I didn't know you any better, I'd say that youre holding a seeecret"

Twilight blushed and Raritys face beamed "Oh, my, my, you are holding a secret aren't you?" Twilight smiled through her blushing face and looked to Rarity

"You'll find out tonight" Rarity huffed as she walked past the unicorn out into the street.

"Fine, be that way, but know that it is very un-lady like to keep secrets, Twilight Sparkle" and with that parting remark, Rarity left the library.

Pinkie Pie stood in the middle of the giant hollowed out tree looking around "So Pinkie" Pinkie turned to look at her friend "Lets get started, shall we?" Pinkie Pie beamed and pulled her party canon out from seemingly nowhere and began firing shots randomly around the room.

Fluttershy left her house and made her way towards the library where Twilight said to meet her. As she walked, she could hear the unmistakable sounds of a party coming from the direction of Twilights house, as she got closer to the door, twilight stepped from behind her, and gently tapped her on the back.

"I'm glad you came Fluttershy" Twilight was blushing, and her voice was very low.

Fluttershy shook her head. "Not at all Twilight, I am glad you invited me, it looks like a great party...."

Twilight nodded "I want you to tell me if you still want to be with me?"

Fluttershy was taken aback, but nodded her head "Its all I've wanted"

Twilight sighed loud enough for Fluttershy to hear, she opened the door, and prodded for fluttershy to head on in. All of their friends were standing around playing pin the tail on the pony, and drinking punch. Fluttershy was very nervous, perhaps Twilight wanted to cheer her up for the bad news that she was going to give her. Fluttershy was lead to the center of the library where a make shift dance floor had been set up

"Ok Everypony" Twilight spoke up over the music.

Every pony in the room stopped what they were doing and looked to Twilight with apprehension

"I know this was sort of all of a sudden, and I want to thank you all for coming tonight"

Rarity looked on the floor directly through Twilight "So, Darling, are you finally going to tell us what all the festivities are for?"

Twilight nodded and Rarity became silent. Twilight looked to Pinkie "Pinkie, would you play the record on the table please?"

Pinkie hopped over to the table and switched the record over, and the record player began playing a nice romantic serenade.

Twilight reached out a hoof to Fluttershy and looked deep into her Hazel Eyes. "Fluttershy, Would you dance with me?"

The entire room took a sharp breath at the same moment, Fluttershy blushed crimson, But accepted Twilights hoof. As the music began to fill the air, Twilight and Fluttershy began to dance across the floor as elegant as ballroom dancers.

"Fluttershy" Twilight whispered softly into Fluttershys ear "Would you be my marefriend?"

The world around Fluttershy began to melt away. Nothing mattered in that moment, not the music, not the party, not her friends looking on in sheer shock, nothing. Fluttershy looked into Twilights eyes and nodded, tears of joy welling in her eyes, the two ponies embraced, closed their eyes, leant in and gave each other a deep, loving kiss.

Chapter 4 - Backlash

Chapter 4 - Backlash?

The two broke away from each other, their eyes un-blinking, lost in each others gaze. Twilight smiled as every jaw in the room dropped. The two ponies finished the song, and returned their attention to remaining 4 ponies in the room.

"Twi, you mind tellin us what in the hay is goin on here!?" Applejack was first to break the awkward silence that hung in the room. Twilight blushed, and Fluttershy hid her face, not able to face her friends

"Well, Darling, when I asked earlier, I certainly wasn't expecting this." The fashionista was sitting on the ground, unable to maintain her posture from the shock.

"That..was....AWESOME!!!!" Rainbow Dash went flying over to fluttershy and gave her a big bear hug "Good on you, Fluttershy. Ya finally did it!"

Fluttersy looked into Rainbow Dash's eyes in bewilderment.

"But, how, how did you know?!" Fluttershy was flabbergasted, Rainbow Dash had somehow known about her feelings.

"Well, DUH. Cmon, Fluttershy, it doesnt take an egghead like Twilight to see that you had feelings for her." Fluttershy blushed a deep crimson as Dash rubbed a hoof on her head.

The only pony who hadn't said anything was Pinkie Pie, who looked onto the couple with an expressionless face.

"Pinkie?" Twlight looked at pinkie, who for the first time since Twilight had known her did not have a large smile on her face.

"I just have on thing to say to you" Pinkie Pie finally broke her silence, and was greeted with the gazes of all of her friends. "Twilight, Fluttershy"

Pinkie stopped talking as all the ponies leaned in to hear what she was going to say

"I need the two of you to Pinkie promise like you never Pinkie promised before that neither of you will hurt the other........Cause if you do....I'll NEVER forive them-" Pinkie Pie put herself muzzle to muzzle with each of the ponies she was speaking to"-NEVERRRRRR"

Pinkie looked to her two friends with a look of fierce honesty. Twilight and Fluttershy looked at each other and began reciting

"Cross our hearts and hope to fly, Stick a Cupcake in our Eyes" Both ponies marked their hearts with an x, and made like they were actually sitcking an imaginary cupcake in their eyes. Pinkie looked both the ponies over, not averting her stare away from the two.

"In that case" she stated

"CONGRATULATIONS!" Pinkie leapt up and shot of some party poppers she had tucked away in her mane.

Applejack and Rarity were off in a corner together, talking in whispers under their breath. Twilight caught eye of the unicorn and earth pony "Whats with you two?" Twilight questioned as she made her way over to the pair

"Oh, Darling, its nothing" Rarity put on a false smile, and Twilight could tell.

"No, its not nothing. you two haven't said much of anything"

Applejack looked away from Twilights examining gaze and spoke softly. "Twilight, are you sure about this?"

Twilight took a step back. Surely her friends would know that she would never make such a big decision without thinking it through "Of course I'm sure, Applejack, and my feelings about this are not whats bothering you, are they?" Applejack let out a sigh.

"I just don't know Twilight, darling" Rarity stepped in to help out Applejack "I guess we just never thought that you *ahem* felt that way towards, oh, how shall I put this?"

"I guess we just didn't know you two were fillyfoolers" Applejack abruptly interrupted the unicorns thought.

Twilight was now fully in shock, she was certainly not expecting this sort of behaviour from her friends, and she was unsure of how to proceed.

"Well, I'm sorry, but if that make us bad people, then I guess I didn't know our friends as well as I thought I did" Fluttershy had floated over to where twilight had confronted the two of them, having overheard everything that was said.

"Now, Fluttershy, I believe that I speak for both Applejack and myself when I say that we bear you no hard feelings"

Fluttershy was not persuaded by the words Rarity spoke, to her, they just felt like empty platitudes.

"Fluttershy, I've known you since we were young-uns, and I have to say I am really shocked." Applejack was still working through the mass of emotions she had felt. Fluttershy took in a deep breath and looked sternly over to her two friends

"Well, I'm sorry, but I'm happy and Twilight seems happy so what does it matter?" Applejack had no answer, and neither did Rarity. Of course they wanted their friends to be happy, but they couldn't help shake the feeling that this arrangement was in some way, wrong.

After several minutes of silence, Pinkie Pie entered the group "Hey Everypony, isn't this supposed to be a PARTY?! With that Pinkie Picked up Fluttershy and dragged her and Twilight to the middle of the dance floor. "That was way too close" the party pony thought to herself "If I hadn't grabbed those two, who knows what could have happened"

Pinkie began to dance and Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Spike all joined in excitedly, but Rarity and Applejack left the library and began walking towards Carousel Boutique. Twilight watched as two of her friends left the party, letting a sad sigh escape her lips. Fluttershy hugged her new marefriend.

"Everything will be alright" was all she whispered, and that was all twilight needed to hear.

Rarity and Applejack were silent the entire trip to the boutique, each not knowing what to say to the other. after a good deal of silence, the pair of ponies arrived at the door to the shop.

"Hey, Rarity, mind if I come in for a spell?" Rarity nodded and brought Applejack through the store and into the back where she had a small sitting area. Pouring them each a tea, Rarity sat across from the earth pony and let out a long sigh.

"I just don't get it, Applejack" Rarity buried her face in her hooves, trying hard to maintain her composure after such a long day.

"Well, sugarcube, it seems as though its going to be a long standing relationship. I just wish that I could be happy for 'em"

Rarity nodded in agreement The two sat in silence for a while, drinking their tea, and staring blankly into the cups. "You don't think that we acted rashly, do you?" Rarity was the first to speak, but it had been a thought she had been wrestling it since the display earlier in the evening.

Applejack couldn't answer, she had no words to describe how she was feeling. The very idea that two fillies could feel that way towards one another? Sure it was common place in the larger cities like Canterlot, Fillydelphia and Manehatten, but for something like that to happen in Ponyville?

Rarity finished her tea, and deposited the cup inside her sink turning to Applejack "Why do we feel this way?"

Applejack lowered her head "I don't know, Rarity, I just don't know. They are our friends and all, but i just don't think I can encourage two fillyfoolers"

Rarity looked into Applejacks eyes "Have you ever had a special somepony?"

Rarity watched as Applejacked spit out some of her tea. "Oh, me, nah, never could find time between apple bucking season, and chores and farm repairs"

Applejack began wringing her hooves together out of embarrassment, but rarity didn't seem to notice or care of her friends discomfort

"Well neither have I. Is it possible that were just jealous of them?"

Applejack had to stop and think really hard. Of course it would be nice to have somepony to go home to after the work was done, somepony who would she could talk to about her family. Applejack and rarity met eyes and lowered their heads, both convinced that they might have over-reacted.

"Well, Rarity, thank you for the tea, I think I'm a goin to go back home and hit the hay" Rarity nodded and showed her friend to the door. After a brief wave, Applejack made her way down the street and back down to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack made her way up the stairs and curled into her bed.

Applejack found herself wandering the streets of Ponyville, everywhere she turned, ponies she had known for as long as she could remember were looking at her with disgust, and slamming the doors. Applejack couldn't understand it, she was always there when somepony needed help, so now why were they treating her this way? As applejack continued, more and more ponies were closing their doors or turning their backs to the hard working pony, even Granny Smith and Big Mac turned away from their kin with looks of disappointment. Applejack sat down on the cold hard ground, closed her eyes and began to cry. Applejack sat for what seemed like forever when she felt the hoof of another pony rest on her shoulder. Opening her eyes and looking up, Applejack was starring right into the face of Princess Luna. "Rest easy Applejack" The princess of the night whispered "All is not lost" Applejack rubbed her eyes not believing what she was seeing "But, Princess Luna, what brings you down to Ponyville so late?" Luna smiled at the down hearted pony " We are not in Ponyville, but rather we are in your dream" Applejack looked around. Everything seemed so real, she could hardly believe what she just heard. "We are responsible for all ponies when they slumber, and we try to help those in their hour of need" Applejack was beginning to understand, but she still couldn't imagine why she would be dreaming that all of her friends would turn away from her. Luna withdrew her hoof as Applejack stood up "Why, Princess, Why would I feel so darn upset" Luna's smile faded away as she looked closely at the orange work pony "Do you really need us to tell you that, Applejack" Applejack's tears had yet to stop, and she lowered her head as she let out a sigh "Its Twilight and Fluttershy, isn't it?" Luna nodded her head "We are surprised, Applejack, That a pony such as yourself would speak so poorly of your friends new found happiness" Applejack raised her head as the tears continued to roll down her cheek "Applejack, we are here to warn you. While it is indeed hard to embrace the unknown or what seems different from what you think is supposed to be right, it is equally hard to reveal to your friends that you might be different from them" Applejack stood silently as Luna continued "But the friendship you share with Twilight and Fluttershy is one that has lasted through the trials that have been laid before you. Do you really think it wise to throw such a friendship away?" Applejacke wiped her tears away "Of course not, Princess" Luna smiled once again at Applejack. "Then we believe you have someplace that you should be. What do you think?" Apple jack turned, and suddenly she found herself outside of the library. "Go to her, Applejack, and remember, your friendship bears the weight of the Elements of Harmony, yours is n ordinary friendship." Applejack reached forward, and opened the library door...

Applejack opened her eyes to find herself still snuggled on her bed. It may have been only a dream, but Applejacks tears were all too real. throwing her blanket off of her body, Applejack fled Sweet Apple Aces and began making her way as fast as she could down to Ponyville, unaware of anything going on around her. As she crossed the bridge and made her way onto the main street, out in front of her was another pony running in the same direction.

As Applejack caught up to the stranger in the dark, she looked over and saw Rarity running right alongside her. Both Ponies stopped dead in the streets. "Well, Darling, what brings you out this late in the evening?"

Rarity was only half dressed in her night robe, the cosmetic mud mask still plastered on her face.

"I could ask you the same question" Both ponies looked at the other, and realized they were here to do the same thing.

Rarity and applejack began to walk together towards the hollowed out tree near the centre of town, neither saying much of anything to other "What made you change your mind, Darling?" Asked rarity, giving Applejack a sideways glance as they walked.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you"

Rarity turned her head to look directly at her friend "Why don't you try me, I might be inclined to believe more than you think."

Apple jacked chuckled quietly to herself. "Well, sugercube, I had a nightmare, then got a reality check from a very important pony"

Rarity turned her head back to look in front of her "By any chance that pony wouldn't happened to have been Princess Luna, was it?"

Applejack stopped dead in her tracks "Now how could you have known that?"

Rarity smiled. "Because, Darling, the very same thing happened to yours truly. I was having a dream that the entire town had rejected me, I was forced to close my boutique and move away to live in exile, when the princess flew down from nowhere and had a long talk with me"

Now it was Applejack's turn to smile. "Princess Luna is some kind a pony, aint she" Rarity nodded in agreement, and the two continued walking towards the library.

As they arrived, Applejack raised her hoof to knock on the door, but stopped herself just a few inches from the wood. "Do you think she'll want to see us?"

Rarity's smile faded and a look of sadness spread over her mud covered features. "Thats a good question, Applejack, but, I think whether she wants to see us or not, it is vitally important that we see her tonight!"

Applejack nodded in agreement and knock loudly on the door. The two ponies stood out in the cold, unaware of just how early an hour it was. From inside, the two ponies could here the muffled sounds of the baby dragon

"Twilight, who could be here at two in the morning? we just went to sleep."

Rarity and Applejack looked at each other and suddenly felt very uneasy about the whole encounter. Before any words could be spoken, the door to the library opened up, and before them stood Twilight and Fluttershy. Both ponies were unable to speak, but lunged forward and took both of their friends in a strong embrace. Rarity and Applejack began to cry.

"Twilight, Fluttershy, were just awfully sorry for the way we were actin. Wasn't right, and I know I just feel terrible"

Rarity just nodded, unable to speak through her tears. "We're very sorry and we hope that you two can forgive us, I know its late an all, but this just couldn't wait. If you need some time, me an Rarity here will completely understand."

Without warning, Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around Applejack and Rarity, squeezing them as hard as she could. "Oh, of course we forgive you."

Twilight gave her friends a large smile as she invited them in "You two know that we are here whenever you need us, it doesn't matter if it is two in the morning"

Applejack and Rarity both wiped away their tears and hugged their friends once again, not wanting to let go.

"Now, Twilight and Fluttershy, I just want to tell y'all what I should have said earlier. I am so glad that you two make each other feel so good, and I wish you two all the happiness in the world!"

Rarity smiled and nodded in agreement. "You two just let us know if there is anything that we can do to make up for our terrible attitude from earlier"

Twilight and Fluttershy faced each other, and a small, devious smile grew over their lips

"Well" Twilight said turning away from her new marefriend "You could help us plan the wedding."

Rarity and Applejack fell on the ground, mouths open in utter shock. They had only just announced their relationship, surely they couldn't be serious. Twilight and Fluttershy burst into laughter at the surprised looks on their friends faces, and Applejack and Rarity suddenly realized that their friends had just gotten back at them, and all four ponies hugged each other, and had a good laugh.