Chapters Rainbow Dash jolted awake in the officer bunk at the Wonderbolts' Cloudsdale base. Her teammates’ sleeping bags were spread out at random across the floor. Next to her (in fact, right up against her), sleeping soundly, was Soarin.
She blushed and put as much distance as possible between her and her fellow lieutenant, then focused on the digital clock in the corner of the room. Neon numbers swam in front of her eyes, and she could just barely make out 5:00 AM.
Great.
With a dramatic but quiet sigh, she pulled on her slippers, grabbed her bathrobe from the hook in front of the door, and exited the bunk.
The shower room was conveniently located...
Wait, where is it? Dash wondered to herself as the dizzying amount of rooms in the hallway became clear.
"Problem, Ms. Dash?" A spot of orange appeared in her peripheral vision. She spun in surprise; there stood Captain Spitfire, in the flesh.
"Captain! I, uh--"
"Spitfire will do, Lieutenant." She smiled, amused.
"Right, yeah. Uh, I was kinda wondering where the shower room was."
"I was actually going there myself," said Spitfire. "I can take you there, if you have to clean off right this minute."
"S-sure," Rainbow Dash agreed.
The two officers were silent afterwards.
There's nothing I can really bring up with the captain herself without me embarrassing myself , she thought. After all, this is just a walk to the showers. We don't have to talk about anything.
Still, Dash found herself staring at her feet most of the time. I guess I'm just a little nervous about running into her at this time of day, and with a circumstance like this.
They entered the shower room and went in opposite directions, without as much as a word in parting.
Not long after, the hot water ran on Rainbow Dash's already burning face. Whatever happened to "stay cool", Dash? she thought.
Come to think of it, stuff like that’s been happening pretty frequently…
A new idea came to her. I'm not crushing on her, am I?!
The blush returned to her face, then ebbed a little. No. I've always been straight, and I plan to keep it that way. Besides, I've already pretty much won Thunderlane over.
She smirked as she remembered how Thunderlane had stuttered his way out of going to her favorite restaurant with her yesterday. Later, Soarin had slipped by to tell her that Thunderlane had been in the sergeant's bunk beating himself up over refusing the date.
And speaking of Soarin...what was the deal with him? Probably a dream that led him over to me. The more she reassured herself, however, the less comfortable she felt.
Done with her shower (more of a rinse-off than anything else), Dash dried herself off, slipped into her lieutenant's uniform and made her way down to the café. Misty Fly, Soarin, Surprise, and Fleetfoot had already gotten up and were either just beginning or just finishing their breakfasts. Soarin was talking with Fleetfoot and Misty Fly, most likely discussing the new batch of recruits. Meanwhile, Surprise was spreading cream cheese, both jams, and both butters on her bagel. Dash's face contorted for a moment before she noticed Thunderlane sitting at a table by himself, drinking his coffee.
She walked over to the coffee machine and filled the mug to the brim with the kind of coffee that Surprise herself would turn down. She took a rather large gulp, as per usual, then approached Thunderlane.
"Heya, Thunder!" she began. "So I was thinking about my offer from yesterday, and...well, are 'ya going to reconsider?"
Poor Thunderlane had been startled by the sudden noise and spilled his coffee. Luckily it was only a little bit, but with his luck, it had landed in his lap. He had grimaced and winced somehow at the same time, then blushed as he realized who was speaking to him. He decided it would be best to set his mug down on the clean table for the time being.
Silence took the reins once more as Rainbow Dash waited for Thunderlane's reaction.
"...um. I - uh, well..." Thunderlane stuttered for a couple seconds before he answered, "...I - I guess so..."
Rainbow Dash grinned. "Thanks so much, Thunder. I guess I'll be seein’ 'ya at 7 PM tonight, then?" She planted a kiss on his cheek, downed the rest of her coffee, placed the mug in the sink, and turned her back on the café.
Unfortunately for Dash, Spitfire had been coming down the stairs at the same time, and they bumped right into each other rather forcefully.
"Oops! S-sorry, Captain! It won't happen again--!"
"Relax, Lieutenant! Sweet Celestia, you make it sound like you committed a crime..." Spitfire raised an eyebrow at her before turning around and addressing the whole café. "Session starts at 7 AM, guys. Better eat up, 'cuz we're going for four hours since it's the weekend!"
She examined the room, then sighed as she noticed Surprise. "Er...Surprise, what are you doing?"
"Makin' breakfast. Problem, Cap'n?" Surprise said, and tucked into her bagel.
"Uh…all right then." Spitfire turned around once more and whispered to Dash, "Loosen up a little, would you?"
Dash blushed and watched Spitfire walk away towards the kitchenette.
She skipped up the stairs two at a time and tripped at the top, where she ran into Blaze. She raised an eyebrow and began, "Good morning, Tomato-face--"
"I really don't have time to deal with you right now!" Dash got up and rushed past her, seeking refuge in the lieutenant bunk. Right as she reached her bed, she stiffened up like a twig and covered herself with blankets, trying desperately to clear her mind.
Exactly 258 barrels of apples were piled up to the roof of the barn at Sweet Apple Acres.
“I reckon that’s all fer applebuckin’ season, y’all!” shouted Applejack through the warm summer night air. The whole Apple Family cheered heartily.
Everyone in the family was gathered in front of the barn after a hard day of working from 5 in the morning to sundown, with Applejack, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom in front facing the crowd, as the family-in-residence. It was impossible to not smile, as every single individual had worked hard to get those hundreds of barrels of apples filled to the brim.
“It’s been a mighty good one too, don’t ‘ya think so, big sis?” said Apple Bloom.
Applejack smiled as she addressed her little sibling. “I’d guess it qualifies as one of the best seasons for apples ever.” She turned to the crowd again. “Y’all can go on home now, unless ‘ya want to stay fer the birthday party or the reunion we're hosting over the week!”
Little chunks of the family broke off, said their goodbyes, and left for the night. Others went straight to the barn for the party.
Soon it was just Applejack and Big Macintosh on the lawn.
“Any minute now she should be comin’,” Big Macintosh had said earlier.
The “she” in question came less than a minute later.
“Howdy, Fluttershy!” Applejack waved, and Big Macintosh greeted his wife with a rare smile.
“I’m so sorry I’m late – Angel was being difficult again,” replied Fluttershy. “I heard that it’s Apple Bloom’s birthday today!”
“That’s right!” said Applejack proudly. “I heard that it’s your daughter’s first birthday, though.”
“Oh, yes. But I came to celebrate with everyone for the first time, and for your sister’s birthday. Pinkie Pie was absolutely devastated when she realized it, so she’s been working really hard to plan a party for little Lavender’s birthday.”
“I bet.”
Suddenly, a loud rumbling noise reverberated around the lawn.
“Oh, excuse me,” said Fluttershy. “I haven’t had anything to eat in a while.”
“Well then, by all means, head into the barn!” Applejack laughed.
Big Macintosh opened his mouth to say something when an abrupt burst of white light lit up the darkness.
It materialized into the form of Princess Twilight Sparkle herself, clumsily holding a stuffed bear in one hand.
“Twilight? What in tarnation--?!” Applejack started, stunned. All three bowed instinctively.
“Sorry I’m late! Princess Luna gave me Pinkie Pie’s invitation, and—what are you three doing here, and why are you bowing?” Twilight gestured to Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Fluttershy, who stood at the movement.
“Er, what do you mean, Twilight?” Fluttershy timidly asked.
“Wait, isn’t there a party at Sugarcube Corner?”
“That’s tomorrow, Twilight,” Applejack pointed out. “You’re welcome to stay and celebrate Apple Bloom’s birthday, though.”
Twilight furrowed her brow. “Shouldn’t that be tomorrow, too?”
“No, actually,” interjected Fluttershy. “Pinkie Pie was too caught up in financial business with her apartment and the Cakes that she lost track of time and forgot that Lavender’s birthday was today, too.
“She sounded really disappointed when I was talking to her an hour ago,” finished Fluttershy.
Twilight nodded. “Understandable. Her and parties are synonymous.”
“Anyway,” said Applejack, “wouldja’ care for some cake?”
“I’d love some, Applejack.”
The four walked inside the barn, where the remaining family was just gathering around the birthday mare and the red velvet cake. The only light was the candles on the cake, but there were luminarias loosely circling the room.
Apple Bloom had requested specifically not to be sung to, so everyone said “Happy Birthday” at what was supposed to be the same time. The candles were blown out, plunging the room into total darkness. Twilight sighed in relief. Now at least no one will bow to me.
Granny Smith, being the workaholic she was, went around and lit the luminarias with a match. The room was still dimly lit as the first slice of cake was cut. Apple Bloom devoured it as if she hadn’t had anything to eat in hours; as she watched, Twilight’s stomach rumbled in concealed jealousy.
“I totally approve!” shouted Apple Bloom, causing some of the older members of the family to wince, but everybody smiled nonetheless.
The room quickly filled with noise, and Twilight and Fluttershy quickly lost track of Applejack and Big Macintosh, but they stuck together as they wove through the crowd, greeting everyone they recognized. A familiar face smiled warmly as they passed.
“Hey, Braeburn!” Twilight grinned.
“Howdy, girls!” said Braeburn. “I can’t recall the last time I saw you two, much less the whole gang together!”
“Well, it’s been a while,” admitted Twilight. “We’ll all be together tomorrow at Pinkie Pie’s party, though.” Inside, she thought, This is shaping up to be a relatively bow-free day.
“I heard you were earning a doctorate degree at the old Canterlot University. Any luck with that?”
“I don’t have school again until October. Besides, I’m studying with Celestia on the weekends,” Twilight replied.
“All right, then.” Braeburn looked at Fluttershy. “You haven’t told me how you’ve been, Miss Fluttershy.”
“I didn’t want to interrupt,” Fluttershy pointed out.
“That’s just fine. So, what’ve you been up to?”
“I think you’ve heard by now I married Big Macintosh over at my cottage last year.” Braeburn nodded and smiled, letting Fluttershy continue. “Lavender was born shortly after; in fact, today’s technically her first birthday!”
“That’s wonderful, congratulations!”
“Up until now, I’ve just been taking care of my animals. Big Macintosh wants me to live with him, in his private estate up on the north end, but I can’t bring myself to leave my critters in someone else’s care! I know it had to happen sometime, but I didn’t want it to happen so soon…”
“’S all right, Miss. I reckon it’s the right thing to do,” said Braeburn. “If I might ask, who’s moving in?”
“I don’t know them very well, but it’s someone from the Appaloosa Zoo that needed to retire,” Fluttershy explained.
“I know her! Her name’s Rosemary, ain’t it?”
“Well, I’d suppose so.”
“And how have you been feeling, Braeburn?” said Twilight.
“To tell the truth, ever since I moved out of the house last year, I’ve been feelin’ a little bit down.” He paused before continuing, “My parents have just about gnawed off a quarter of my mind about havin’ their grandchildren. I just don’t know who it is it’ll be, though.”
“Didn’t you say something about your neighbor who lives down the street from you?” Twilight pressed.
“That’s not going to work out,” Braeburn cut her off. “She—very kindly, I might add—turned down my offer for goin’ to the gathering tonight a couple weeks back, and I haven’t heard anything from her since…” He trailed off dejectedly.
Fluttershy spoke up. “Have you asked her about it yet?
Braeburn looked at the ground. “I just assumed that she didn’t want to hear from me anymore, and left it at that.”
“Really?” inquired Twilight. “When my brother Shining Armor and Cadence got together, for the first few months there was virtually no contact, other than weekly letters back and forth. Shining finally worked up the courage to escort her to a fancy restaurant in Canterlot, and everything fell in place.”
Braeburn hesitated. “Well…I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I mean, maybe she’s got other things goin’ on in her life. Things such as...” A spark of realization hit Braeburn full in the face. “…such as movin’ into your very cottage, Miz Fluttershy!”
Fluttershy was very taken aback by this sudden development. “Um…well, uh...”
“It’s a small world, isn’t it?” said Twilight, finishing for Fluttershy. All three smiled.
“I suppose I better go say something to the birthday filly over there.” Braeburn nodded at Applebloom.
“OK, Braeburn. Goodbye for now,” said Twilight, waving as Braeburn disappeared into the crowd.
A large, red barrel chest brushed Fluttershy’s side. She squeaked and jumped away before realizing it was Big Macintosh.
“Hello, sweetie.” Big Macintosh was whapped in the side playfully by Fluttershy’s wing. “Don’t scare me like that!”
Twilight had gone off into the crowd to find Applejack. “Hmmm…where could she have gone--?”
A creak of the barn door alerted her to a blonde-colored tail rapidly disappearing.
Applejack?
Twilight decided to follow her friend.
It was only when she realized that Applejack was heading towards the Canterlot train station that she knew something was wrong.
“Applejack! Slow down!” called Twilight. The physical advantage that Applejack had over Twilight was beginning to show, and in just a couple of minutes she had lost her.
Twilight decided that, even though she would likely faint once she got there, she had to try to get to Canterlot before Applejack.
A clear picture of the open front gates with two negasi guards keeping watch formed in her mind. With a burst of bright, white light, she popped out of Ponyville, leaving nothing but a soft, brown stuffed bear behind on the orchard grass.
The lights were still bright in Sugarcube Corner as Pinkie Pie sold her last cupcake. The customer thanked her and left, and the store closed at exactly midnight.
Pinkie collapsed on the rough carpeted floor behind the counter. It wasn't because she was tired of working (never before had she found herself exhausted in the four years she had worked at the bakery); rather, Pinkie found herself wilting with sadness, mostly because of the sticky situation of which she was unwillingly in the middle.
According to Applejack, Applebloom's birthday party was being celebrated on the last day of Applebucking Season, which was today. Fluttershy had received the same notice and had decided to mail an invitation to Pinkie Pie fo her daughter Lavender's birthday the day after.
Unfortunately, in her excitement about the two local parties, Pinkie had forgotten that Sugarcube Corner was open extra hours on the weekends. Therefore, both events conflicted with her schedule. In compensation, she had personally delievered a birthday cake to the Apple family's estate that morning before the bakery opened. She had also talked to Fluttershy about her situation, but it still didn't feel right to be missing the festivities.
Now, Pinkie Pie slowly eased herself up from the floor, frowning. She climbed the stairs at a snail's pace, as if she didn't want to be heard, and reached her second-story bedroom.
Warm sheets greeted her, as well as...wait, is that a letter? This one was hastily closed and very nearly folded in on itself.
Gripping the white envelope with her teeth, she tore it open to reveal a barely legible note.
Pinkie,
Fluttershy wanted me to tell you very quickly that tomorrow's a Sunday. Sugarcube Corner would be closed then, wouldn't it?
Twilight Sparkle
P.S.: Sorry about the penmareship, I wanted to get this to you really fast, and I'm kind of busy.
Pinkie Pie's eyes grew wide with realization. Twilight was right! Now I won't have to miss Lavender's party! she thought.
Nearly bursting with excitement, she made her way noisily down the stairs and into the kitchen behind the counter and brought a hoof up to her chin in thought. Let's see, what would I need first for a giant carrot cake...?
Within seconds, she had all the ingredients out in front of her. The only noise in the room was the clattering of pans and utensils and her own voice recalling her homemade recipe for carrot cake. "Mix these together, then add sugar...don't forget that pinch of salt..."
The batter was done and in the oven ten minutes later as Pinkie Pie smiled, becoming her usual cheery self again. The oven had been enchanted by Twilight some months ago to immediately cool after the timer stopped. "One of my personal favorite gifts from Twilight," Pinkie thought aloud as she began the trip upstairs to her bedroom. A fitful sleep enveloped her as she closed her eyes.
Rainbow Dash had slipped into sleep without knowing it.
That is, until Soarin shook her on the side.
“Wake up, Dash! C’mon, the session starts in five minutes!”
She awoke slowly, her sleepy eyes probing Soarin for a valid reason to arouse her.
Soarin’s expression softened. “Between you and me, I would’ve let you sleep and told Spitfire that you injured yourself.”
A faint smile graced Dash’s face. “I always knew you as a good friend, Soar.”
“Unfortunately, the probability of Spitfire letting you sleep is somewhere in the negatives. Now get up and let’s get downstairs.”
Dash nodded, stood up, and walked in the general direction of the door.
Soarin supported her as they descended the stairs until Dash was fully awake. They were greeted by the sight of the full Wonderbolts team waiting impatiently for their two officers to arrive. Rapidfire noticed the pair and raised an eyebrow; Dash sheepishly blushed and Soarin shrugged.
Blaze nudged Spitfire, who nodded and heaved open the door with minimal effort. Thirteen pegasi flew out, leaving the captain and Lieutenant Rainbow Dash.
The sheepish blush came back but was blocked by a stern glare.
“Lieutenant.” The word seemed to be loaded with spikes that drilled into Dash's will to keep her voice from shaking.
“Er…yes, ma’am?”
Spitfire relaxed. “I kinda figured out what was happening. Rapidfire talked to me about it after breakfast, and I thought to let you recover, I’d go a little easier on you.”
“Wait! It’s seriously not what it looks like!" Dash straightened, remembering her discussion with herself in the shower.
“Humor me.” Spitfire grinned, noticing her lieutenant's discomfort.
“Well, I’m straight.”
“Of course you are. I’ve seen you and Thunderlane, and sometimes Soarin.”
“Hey! I do not have a thing for Soarin--!" Dash stopped herself and lowered her head, examining her hooves. "…that’s not what you thought, then.”
“Nope.” The smile morphed into a straight face.
Rainbow Dash blushed again. “Oh, ‘cuz I was seriously questioning both of our sexualities--!”
“Lieutenant, I am straight.” With the end of that sentence, Spitfire stomped her hoof on the polished linoleum floor for emphasis. “I’m only attracted to stallions, and you are most certainly not a stallion.” She went on with a gentler tone. “Furthermore, I know you as a friend and an underling now. Do you understand me?”
Dash was stunned into silence.
Spitfire sighed. “Sorry, I get like that sometimes.”
“Don’t think I don’t know that. I’ve seen you and Rapidfire arguing over his troubling sleep schedule – and how much of a pervert he is,” Dash replied.
Her captain smiled weakly. “Yeah…that was a sticky situation.”
“Now tell me what you were thinking, Cap – er, Spitfire.”
“Just a minor inferiority complex.”
“…which means what exactly?”
“You thought that you were inferior to me as a whole and tried to keep your distance.”
It was Dash’s turn to sigh. “Yeah, that sounds about right. Especially after the Lightning Dust incident, I was terrified of what you could actually do.”
“Hey. I would never expel you from the Academy just like that,” Spitfire reassured her. “Besides, at that moment, you were almost mature enough to join.”
“I was?”
At this, Spitfire snorted. “Well, in a way, yes. You just had to get over yourself a little.” Spitfire giggled, a sound that she hadn’t made in a while, and then flew out the door.
Flustered but relieved, Rainbow Dash followed her out into the open air.