Applejack Shyby HareTrinityChaptersBig FailureDashed HopeSparkle ExtinguishedNot A RarityIf Pie Were EasyBig FailureApplejack was in high spirits and humming to herself as she pranced around the front room. It was silly, of course, but... Fluttershy WAS coming over. It WAS quite mysterious... No! Not mysterious! The orange Apple mare scolded herself, but nonetheless smiled around the old feather duster she held in her mouth. No, this was nothing too weird... A little mysterious, maybe, but Fluttershy came over quite frequently to get fresh apples for her animal friends, so this would probably be nothing. Still, a filly could dream... Winona came dashing in and started barking at Applejack's feet. The mare grinned around the duster and started to dance about with the dog, who became more and more excited as she did so. The pony was wearing her long blonde hair down today and as she danced it flowed freely through the air behind her. It did the same in many of her fantasies, inevitably ending up entwined with the pink mane of another... Applejack tossed the feather duster aside and swept up Winona in her forehooves as she danced about, the dog's tail wagging wildly as she did so. Applejack smiled, drifting off further into her daydream and starting to hum to herself. "What's all thees? You got some sorta fever, girl?" "Oh!" - Applejack put Winona down, grinning despite her reddening cheeks - "Nothing like that, Granny! Just feelin' mighty good today, is all!" "Mm-hmmmm?" The old green mare eyed her granddaughter suspiciously. "You sure you don't need me to be stayin' in to watch you? Why, I've heard that some-" "No, no, no! Ah insist, 'm just tryin' to perk the place up a bit! You go have fun, now, an' don't forget to pick up Apple Bloom on the way back! Not that a wise old mare like you would eva' forget a thing like that!" Applejack grinned again. "Ooh, trying to butter me up, eh? Well, I don't know what you're up to but it best not end up with the place covered in soap like that one ti-" "Granny!" interrupted Applejack, rolling her eyes. "That were years ago and you know it! Now come on, off ya go, you keep on sayin' how ya wanna get out more often!" Granny Smith chuckled to herself as she was hurried out the door, Winona at her feet. Applejack smiled warmly as she watched them go... Best family in whole world, she thought to herself as she retrieved the feather duster and returned to cleaning surfaces around the lower floor of the house. The rooms had a simple enough set up, not much in the way of decoration, and yet still managed to collect so much dust between anypony finding the time to clean it. However, today was as good a day as any, especially if she were to make a good impression on her guest... Ah, her guest. That modestly proportioned pony who, unlike most pegasus ponies, rarely made use of her wings. Oh, the differences weren't obvious, but over the years Applejack had started to spot the signs: A very slightly more rounded build, less pronounced wing muscles, her soft hair and fur showing no signs of weather damage... To think, Applejack had first met Fluttershy she hadn't been impressed by the overly sappy pony. "What use is it, being so quiet and soft?" she'd thought, "Can't expect to get anything done when acting like that!" However, all these views had changed that time with the bull. That day many years ago the beast had got loose and he was more than a little angry. Applejack had almost got things under control when Fluttershy, misreading the situation, leapt in to "help". For a moment the farm mare had thought she'd need to take the pegasus to hospital, but Fluttershy had spun around to face the angry ox and yelled "STOP!" and fixed it with her now notorious stare. The creature had skidded to a halt, shocked, and just moments later was nuzzling up against Fluttershy like an affectionate kitten. Ever since then it was as if Applejack had been hit by the same spell as the ox: Fluttershy had become a goddess of peace and kindness in her eyes, and it had been soon after this encounter that the fantasies had started to creep gently into her mind and fill her with warmth. When Nightmare Moon had appeared and Fluttershy had come forward to help, why, it had only increased Applejack's opinion of her! Not to mention that being the bearers of the Elements of Harmony had made them closer friends, something Applejack had been wanting for a long time but never found the way to suggest. Since then things had gone so smoothly between them, maybe all been leading up to this day... Eventually Applejack put the feather duster down on a small, crooked, side table and looked around at the somewhat cleaner room. As she watched the dust clouds swirl about in the sun beams she allowed herself to trail off into thought, her mind going from reminiscence to the situation at hand... Of course, it was very, very, silly to hope it was something special, something like THAT. Much as Applejack knew Fluttershy was perceptive, and hardly the forward sort, and that setting up something like this might be just her way of finally letting Applejack know that the feelings were... No, it was silly. A silly young filly’s hope: That although her advances seemed ignored, that maybe, just maybe, Fluttershy would come and sweep her off her hooves, that they'd spend long days in each other's company (and longer nights), and that finally she could look to that gorgeous pegasus and tell her what had been in her heart for so long. The relationship itself would start slowly at first, neither quite sure of how to proceed after such a long build up, but then as time went on they'd become more and more accustomed to each other and closer by the day, and one day Fluttershy would finally look at to her with those big blue eyes and- was that the door? Applejack let her hat remain on the peg as she went over to the door, her mind still playing the end of her fantasy. It was just a silly filly’s hope, sure, but she felt she owed it to herself to indulge herself with her daydreams from time to time, even if the outcome would never be- On the doorstep was Fluttershy with a bouquet of flowers. Applejack faltered, her mind exploding in a mix of fear and confusion as she looked towards her wildest hopes, only managing to respond with, “Ah, uh... Fluttershy? Are those for m-“ “Uh-huh!” came Fluttershy's muffled voice through her mouthful as she trotted in excitedly. YES! ...No, wait... The cold touch of doubt was washing over her, something was wrong... Fluttershy was never this forward. Also, she’d gone past her, to the nearest sink, where she was readying a vase. “Oh, I do so hope he likes them!” crooned Fluttershy as she set the flowers up in the vase. “What do you think, Applejack?” Stomach dropping, the orange pony cursed herself for letting herself think such things. Then, trying her best not to let her disappointment show, she replied, “Oh... Big Macintosh?” “Oh yes!” whispered Fluttershy excitedly, beaming with a warm joy as she set the vase on the side and headed back towards Applejack. “I’ve decided I’m going to talk to him! I’ve been waiting for so long and- oh! Did I wake you up? I’m sorry...” Applejack eyed Fluttershy. Wake me up? What the hay i- oh, my hair... “Aha, no, sugar cube, it’s... All good... We get up early on this here farm, ‘specially at this time o’ year...” Not a reply that explained the hair, but that was to be expected. It's not like she asked directly about it, and what could I say anyway? "Oh, you see, I was hoping you were coming to romance me and wanted to look the part! Nevermind eh, let me put the kettle on whilst you wait to whisk away somepony else!" ...Darn... Well, I won't lie. If she asks directly, I'll have to say something... Fluttershy looked confused but didn’t press the matter. Typical Fluttershy. And know what else is typical? That you want my brother, but not me... “Um, well... He’ll be here soon, won’t he?” That soft voice, like velvet... Darn it, Fluttershy, why him... The earth pony nodded, trying to mask her emotions with a casual tone as she replied, “Ah reckon so, he’s been busy what with this hot weather bringing the customers out, nothing like a fresh apple on a hot day an’ all, but he normally comes back to refuel, to eat his own lunch and refill the cart, ‘round about now...” There was an uneasy pause. “Ah... You can prob'ly wait for him here, sugar cube. Shouldn’t be long now...” “Thank you Applejack,” murmured Fluttershy, smiling sweetly. I can't even stay angry at you, not when you look at me like that... The farm mare turned her head, looking around the room and trying to come up with something to talk about. Another pause... Applejack glanced back to the cream-coloured pegasus. Her long, elegant, mane and tail, those gorgeous blue eyes... Was there something you were meant to do in this situation? Other than challenging her brother to a duel Applejack came up empty. It wouldn't do to blurt out her feelings to Fluttershy either, not after the pegasus must have worked so hard to build herself up to this. Still, it didn’t seem entirely fair... Could she really say nothing? “Fluttersh-“ The door opened, interrupting Applejack, and a large, red, stallion trotted in. He paused briefly as he noticed the two mares and then continued on towards his room. Applejack cleared her throat loudly. Big Macintosh paused. For a moment nothing happened. Applejack looked over to Fluttershy to see that the pony was staring agape, having clearly lost her nerve. Great, first it’s him she’s after and now I’m the one who has to help her? Figures... “Ah reckon Fluttershy has a gift for you, Big Mac.” He looked over to Fluttershy, who made a small collection of squeaks before rushing back to grab the vase and quickly hurrying back. There was a notable lack of her normal elegance as she held up the flowers to Big Mac's face. The stallion stared at the flowers. Fluttershy said nothing. Applejack glared at her. Just how much of a filly in distress are ya? “Ah ALSO reckon she’s got something she wants to say.” “I, um... I... Would you... Uh...” Oh, come ON. I need some alone time, not to be stuck matching my girl to my brother! Finally the pegasus blurted out, “Would you go out with me...?” Her voice had gone quiet and squeaky towards the end but was thankfully still audible. “Ee-nope.” Big Mac continued on towards his room. Fluttershy stared after him, too shocked to respond. “HEY!” - Applejack was suddenly in front of him, glowering - “Is that any way to treat a mare?” Big Mac blinked, looking mildly confused by his sister’s outburst. “Ah just don’t feel like that about her, sis.” “Ya... What?” After a pause Big Mac apparently took the silence as permission to leave the room and did so, leaving two bewildered mares behind him. The orange pony stared after him, honestly baffled to find that her interests weren't shared. The yellow pony trembled a little before breaking into tears. “Oh, I was so... To think that... I’m sorry, Applejack, for-“ “Hey...” Pulling herself together the orange earth pony trotted over and nuzzled friend’s face gently. “It’s okay, sugar cube... Big Mac’s like that with a lot o' ponies. Ah felt fer sure you’d do better, but Ah guess some things just aren't meant to be...?” For a while they were like that, Fluttershy occasionally nuzzling back into Applejack’s comforting snout. Then, sniffling, she pulled herself up. “Thank you Applejack, I... Sorry... I think I’m going to head home now...” “Want me to come with? Ah could do with the exer-“ “No, thank you... I’d rather be alone for a while...” With that she left, the earth pony staring after her. Applejack, alone again, sighed. This hadn’t gone as anypony had planned... Still, just as well she’d never admitted her crush on Fluttershy; not likely she was in with a chance after all. Maybe she isn't even into mares... Applejack picked up her hat and slowly trotted off to find her hair bands. There would be work to be done on the farm... Dashed Hope"A letter? Fer me?" It was more than a week before Applejack had heard from Fluttershy again and when she did it was in the form of a rabbit-delivered message. As Angel ran off, the farm pony read the note carefully. Her yellow friend was inviting her out for lunch... Well, that was promising, surely? Not that it would be anything like that, no. Obviously not, and she wasn't expecting it either. She was just glad that Fluttershy was getting back on her feet after (what Applejack considered to have been) a particularly harsh and unnecessary rejection on her brother's part. This wasn't suddenly a date, no. It's not like Fluttershy would have, looking back, decided that she should have asked out a different Apple sibling; that she'd have suddenly thought it was his sister all along; that realisation had dawned that it might be Applejack who was truly her life partner. No, this was just a meeting, as friends... None of that hair-down nonsense, either. If, IF, we were meant to be together then presentation will prob'ly make no difference. Still, a few flowers... That's just nice, right? Mix it up a little? With a few carefully adjusted blossoms in her mane Applejack slowly approached the restaurant. It had been a bit of a hassle to get out of the barn: Lately Granny Smith had been insisting that her oldest granddaughter was overworking herself and had told Applejack to stay in and relax today. With Angel's message in mind, Applejack had decided the best course of action was to sneak out. She felt excited and somewhat optimistic. Also, she had flowers in her hair. Now that she thought about it, it was a little like she was sneaking off to meet a secret lov- NO! Too late, looking towards the restaurant she now felt butterflies in her stomach as hope well and truly flickered in her mind. Which was ridiculous, after all... However, unable to shake the thought from her head Applejack settled for taking a few deep breaths and entering the establishment as casually as she could. "Oh, Applejack, I'm glad you came so early!" Fluttershy was already there! Her long mane was plaited and decorated with daisies, framing her gorgeous face as she smiled warmly at Applejack. It was the most beautiful thing the Apple mare had ever seen. "Well, uh, of course! Ah didn't want you to be left here waitin' fer too long!" Fluttershy, now more than ever you are gorgeous beyond sunlight... "Oh, you're so very thoughtful..." Another smile. Applejack became painfully aware of how hard her heart was beating, yet forced a strong smile back, hoping it would mask her nerves. Deep breaths, this means nothing... There was an uneasy pause before Fluttershy added, "Oh! You have flowers in your mane too!" "Ah do... Uh, yes! Thought it would be a nice change of pace, y'know?" I would wear flowers for you all the time if you wanted me to. I would do anything for you. "Oh, yes... My birds helped me... They thought it would help make a good impression on somepony very close to me..." "...Oh?" Applejack practically squeaked the response, her brain going wild. Was this it? A meeting at lunch with flowers in their manes, would this be when- "Rainbow Dash." Damn. "...Ya don't say..." Fluttershy seemed too caught up in her thoughts to notice how disappointed Applejack sounded, and was already talking aloud in a wistful tone, "Oh yes... She was like a hero to me in Cloudsdale, you see. Always looking out for me, even though she wasn't popular herself." I'd have never let anypony lay a hoof on you. I'd never let anything like that happen to you. If I had been there... "...I mean, I was very quiet, so I'm not sure if she ever knew, but I used to worship the air she flew in. It was really through her that I first realised I'm interested in mares..." "Well, there ain't anything wrong with that..." Applejack added as Fluttershy stared thoughtfully up into the sky. I don't want you interested in mares, I want you interested in ME! ...Why couldn't I have been born a pegasus, Fluttershy, why wasn't I there to help you when you would have noticed me... "Oh, I know you wouldn't judge me!" There was that smile again, and the farm pony felt her concerns fall away as she stared into Fluttershy's eyes... "That's why I was hoping you'd help!" ...You have got to be kidding... "Help?" asked Applejack, realising as she said it that she was gritting her teeth. "I mean, you were really supportive when things went bad with your brother, and that helped me a lot, so... If it's okay, could you stick nearby, please? I'm going to confront Rainbow Dash, and I think she feels the same way, I mean, we've seemed so close lately, but... If it's okay, I just need somepony to make sure I don't back out... Please?" No. No, no, no, no, NO! Why me? Just do it yourself, it's YOUR choice, YOUR life, NOT my resp- "Of course I will, sugar cube. Anything for you." Wait, was that me? "Oh, thank you! It means so much to me!" Fluttershy hugged Applejack tightly and the orange pony hugged back, fighting back tears. Come on Applejack, no time for that, deep breaths... Her mane smells so sweet... Well, at least she trusts me, that's something. At least we're still friends. Hey, maybe I'll even get to be best mare when she and Rainbow Dash tie the knot. ...Darn it... Applejack quietly pushed down her emotions, trying to focus on other things as she and Fluttershy went to track down the blue pegasus. Finding Rainbow Dash turned out to be more difficult than expected, especially for Applejack. The Apple mare mostly just smiled and nodded to what Fluttershy was saying, too choked up to reply. Eventually a few ponies pointed them towards a small cottage by the river. They got there fairly quickly and Fluttershy stared dumbly at its door for a while before Applejack, patience wearing thin, knocked for her. A young stallion answered and looked surprised to see the pair. "Is, um... Is Rainbow Dash here?" asked Fluttershy quietly. "Uh... Yeah, give me a minute..." "Who is it?" called another masculine voice from inside. "It's Applejack and... Um..." - he glanced at them - "Fluttershy, right?" The yellow pony nodded and the stallion called back, "Yeah, it's Applejack and Fluttershy! They wanna see Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow Dash was there in a shot and the stallion went back in. "Fluttershy? What are you doing here?" asked the blue pony, looking surprised. "Um... Well... Nothing really..." Really? Eesh... Applejack cleared her throat. "Fluttershy was hopin' ya had a spare minute to talk? In private?" "Oh. Well, now's not really a good time... Um..." To her apparent confusion Rainbow Dash found herself being glared at by Applejack. She looked back to Fluttershy. "As long as it's quick?" The pegasus ponies flew up to a nearby cloud and Applejack, out of earshot, waited, grumbling to herself internally. For a while she paced in a circle, resisting the urge to buck buildings, and eventually ended up sitting down by the river. Forcing herself to look somewhere other than the cloud she slowly felt her anger die down, and the frustration ultimately gave way to a deep sense of sorrow. She fought against it for a while but couldn't shake from her mind that, somewhere above her, her crush was confessing feelings for somepony else. In the end Applejack's thoughts went back to sadness and regret... They'll probably have a fancy wedding do too. And I'll be there, by myself, watching her and Rainbow Dash and everypony else being so darn HAPPY whilst I... I'll just still be waiting... Oh Celestia, what am I gonna do with myself? It's been her for so long that I don't know how the hay I'd go about moving on... I can't believe I never even said anything. Would it have made a difference? Maybe not... I'm just me, anyway: Not the strong silent type, nor the "cool" pegasus with history going back to when they were fillies... I wonder if she'd have ever looked at me, had I bee- hey, was that her? The farm pony stared after what had looked like Fluttershy flying away very quickly, a couple of daisies falling down in her wake. Had something happened? "Uh..." - Applejack jumped at the voice and realised that Rainbow Dash was next to her - "Say, Applejack, can you go check on her? I shou-" The earth pony was off like a bullet before the pegasus could finish talking. What happened? Is my girl okay? It looked like she'd been heading home... She was goin' pretty fast too, best try to hurry... Applejack made it to the cottage in record time, sweating and breathless but pushed on by concern. She got there to find the door ajar and went in to see a pink-haired pegasus sobbing on her sofa, with various woodland critters trying to comfort her as she did so. Applejack took a moment to catch her breath before walking over to her friend. "Fluttershy?" "Oh! Applejack! I'm sorry I left you, I just wanted to be alone, I... Oh, Applejack..." "What happened? Uh, Ah mean... If you want me to go then Ah-" Fluttershy was suddenly hugging Applejack again, clinging tightly as she cried into her friend's fur. Applejack held her gently, patting her back. She feels as soft as she looks... "It's okay sugar cube, let it all out..." No... Softer... "She... She isn't interested in mares! Oh, I feel like such a foal... I was so sure but... I don't even know why I was so sure in the first place! I... She said she didn't mind, that I shouldn't worry, that... She... Was sorry and... Oh, Applejack, what can I do?!?" Applejack gave her a reassuring squeeze as the yellow pony fell back into sobs. "These things happen, and at least ya know ya tried... We gotta just try our best, one step at a time..." They stayed like that for over an hour, silent apart from Fluttershy's sobs. At first Applejack could barely focus on the situation, wishing only to take away the pegasus' sorrow, but as the crying died down Applejack became more and more aware that she was embracing the pony she longed for, even if under unfortunate circumstances. The pegasus felt so light, no doubt part of being a flier, but the underused muscles were still there and so, despite the lightness, she felt incredibly sturdy. It was just like she had felt in Applejack's fantasies as she'd literally swept the Apple mare off her feet... Yet so soft. Softer than Applejack had ever noticed before, softer than she'd ever imagined; her gorgeous guardian angel felt like a warrior wrapped in heaven... Eventually, seeming worn out by her weeping, the pegasus pulled back. "Oh, I'm sorry, I've kept you here so long, I... Thank you, Applejack. You really are a true friend." Oh, I would be so much more, if only... Applejack, what are you thinking? At a time like this... Fluttershy continued, "I... I think I'm going to lay down, get some rest... Thank you for coming over..." The farm pony nodded, "Take care of yourself..." The good byes finished and Applejack left the cottage. She looked down to see the last of the flowers falling out from her mane. Flowers... I'd been hopeful enough to wear flowers... Feeling increasingly sad and rather forgotten she started back to her family's farm in the dimming light of dusk. I need to learn to be less optimistic... Sparkle ExtinguishedApplejack had been getting worried: She hadn't heard from Fluttershy in a while. Was her pegasus okay? Maybe she should go over sometime, maybe take some food, invite her out on a picnic? It was that line of thought that had brought her out to Ponyville's market place so early in the morning; that and her grandmother. Turns out the green pony had been around Ponyville centre the day Fluttershy was rejected by Rainbow Dash, and that Applejack had galloped straight past her own relative as she rushed to check on her friend. Since then Granny Smith had been even more worried about her, trying (in her own way) to get her granddaughter to talk. The orange mare kept dodging the subject of what was on her mind: She was too prideful and embarrassed to admit that she was down over somepony, especially when she'd never even let that pony know she was interested. In the end it was partially just wanting to avoid Granny Smith's worry that Applejack had agreed to get out of the house for something other than chores. This had slowly developed into the idea of inviting Fluttershy out for a picnic the next day. She hadn't slept well that night but it turned out that this was just as well: Applejack arrived at the market that morning and saw that there wasn't a cloud in the sky! Must have been on their copy of the weather calender, but Applejack hadn't thought to check. Weather like this meant that the market would most likely be packed in a few hours, though luckily at this time in the morning most of the stall owners had only just finished setting up and there were few other customers apart from Applejack. "How about something new this season, Applejack?" "No thank you, ma'am!" replied the farm mare to the hat stall's owner, smiling and tilting her own hat back in recognition. Wait, would Fluttershy want a new hat? Or would that be too much? I should stay more casual, at least until I know if she's recovered since Rainbow Dash... Hmm... Does she like cherries? Carefully Applejack went through the food stalls, picking out the best of what they had for offer and feeling a little better as she did so. The thought of a picnic with Fluttershy perked her up and the more she prepared the more real it seemed, plus the stall owners all had little in-jokes with her family and more than a couple had new anecdotes to share. The friendliness wasn't just for show, either, though it would be in their interests to fake it if they had to: The Apples were a well established family with knowledge of all the area's trade routes, and fellow traders had learnt that the family was happy to share such knowledge with the many friends they had. There was a lot of respect for the family, plus Granny Smith would kick up "a mighty fuss" if she thought any of her grandchildren had been shortchanged! Soon Applejack had two saddlebags full of foodstuffs and ingredients that, with what she had at home, could be made into a very ample picnic for her and one other. She smiled and slowly started to trot back to the farm, mind on the potential meal and, more importantly, on the one she'd be sharing it with... She could picture it now, at a lake, the serene sound of birdsong all around them. That look on Fluttershy's face as she relaxed, at one with nature, and, Applejack thought, she'd take this chance to maybe get a little closer, maybe let Fluttershy know how much their friendship meant to her... Fluttershy would smile, confirm that she'd always appreciated their friendship and hint that it maybe meant more to her than that before trailing off. Settling for this, plus a little nervous, Applejack would flop onto the cool grass happily, only find herself speechless as Fluttershy made eye contact. The pegasus would smile again, suddenly seeming more confident, her mane getting caught up in the wind as she approached the earth mare...Then BAM, from the lake would burst a sea monster! Cold water would splash over them both and Applejack, temporarily paralysed with shock, would stare up at the beast as it towered above her! Then, like a ray of light, her pegasus would shoot up to face the creature, which would rear back in surprise, shocked by the fearlessness of the cream mare. Fluttershy would shout at it, saying she'd never let her good friend be hurt, and as her commanding nature came shining through the beast would slowly submit. Soon Flutttershy would have scolded the creature into apologising humbly before quietly leaving, not daring to disobey the commanding pony. In the aftermath Applejack would stare at Fluttershy, the adrenaline rushing through her still dripping wet body, thinking nothing but how beautiful that shining pegasus appeared as she flew back down to her. Before she knew what was happening, Applejack would find herself caught up in a strong embrace by Fluttershy and soon they'd both be gripping each other tightly, their mouths pressing against- "Oh! Hello Applejack!" The farm mare found herself jerked out of her fantasy by its subject: At some point the yellow pegasus had walked right up to her! "Flu-Fluttershy!" - she could feel her face turning red - "Ain't see you for a while, was startin' to get worried!" "Oh, I'm okay, thank you for last time, and sorry I was such a mess..." "Aw, no point worryin' 'bout it, we all have our bad days!" Should I just invite her on the picnic now? Or would it be better to make it a surprise, find a good spot first and then- "...But this time it'll be better!" finished Fluttershy. This time? The pink-maned pony produced a book from one of her saddlebags, "What do you think?" ...Oh no... "...That's, erm... A mighty nice cover it's got?" No... It can't be... Fluttershy nodded absent-mindedly as she glanced off towards the library. "This time I'll handle it better! I don't have reason to think she'll feel the same, but I'm going to try anyway! If she doesn't, that's fine too!" ...No... "...Uh-huh..." mumbled Applejack, swallowing down her emotions. "Wish me luck?" the yellow pegasus asked, flashing a winning smile that dazzled the farmer. "G-good luck, sugar cube!" Twilight? Really? Applejack groaned as she watched her heart's desire prance off to the giant tree house. She'd always hoped Fluttershy wasn't into intellectual types because... Well... School hadn't been Applejack strong point. She had often been told it wasn't so greatly important: That she had heart, which mattered more, and a lot of abilities to spare, but... What good is all of that if... Oh Fluttershy, am I really invisible to you? What would I have to do, to get you to see me? Or maybe it's already too late... Turning around the farmer pony started slowly and miserably on her way back home, appetite lost and fantasy ruined, feeling more painfully aware of her academic problems than she'd done for a long while. Her limbs felt heavy; steps becoming smaller until she was all but shuffling. She resisted the urge to come to a halt by telling herself that she had to keep going, that her emotions would have to wait until when she was back in her room, back where nopony could see her... "APPLEJACK!" The farmer found herself caught up in a tight hug by an over-enthusiastic cream pegasus. The Apple mare struggled to talk, her jaw feeling heavy, "Uh, wha'?" "SHE SAID YES!!! We're going on a date TOMORROW!" announced Fluttershy, the joy radiating off her. "...Oh... Oh, Ah mean, good fer y-" "Ooh! I must go make sure my animal friends have enough food! Bye, Applejack!" With a quick wave the pegasus was rushing off, leaving Applejack, now feeling even more dejected, to continue her long walk home... It had lasted two weeks. "And we only went on THREE dates!" sobbed Fluttershy. Applejack put a foreleg around the pony's shoulders, patting her gently. She'd heard about one of those dates from Rainbow Dash when she asked how the couple were doing. The pegasus had assured her that they were fine and dandy little "Lovebirds" which, despite honestly feeling happy for them, had only made Applejack feel more isolated than ever before. Everypony seems so darn happy for them... I wonder if they'd have been happy for me... The orange mare hadn't had much sleep over the last couple of weeks and her appetite had lessened too, although (as she'd been using it to take her mind off the situation) her progress on the season's apple bucking was better than normal, something which had been of no comfort to her family. Big Mac and Apple Bloom would normally believe their sister when she claimed to be okay, but Granny Smith had clearly seen through Applejack's attempts to mask how she felt. She'd been coming up with numerous easy household chores that Applejack "needed" to do before apple bucking, all of which came with more conversations aimed at getting her granddaughter to talk. When Applejack had mentioned (a little less than enthusiastically) that she was going to see friends this day Granny Smith had all but carried her off Sweet Apple Acres. Yet, despite all the build up to meeting her friends as a couple for the first time, when Applejack had finally arrived she'd found just Fluttershy, by herself, crying at one of the café's tables. Fluttershy had soon told her how Twilight was honestly busy and didn't really have enough time for a more time-consuming relationship than a couple of dates every week. Since Fluttershy hadn't been able to cope with that the two had agreed to end things. Twilight had then left to get back to the experiments she'd started and Fluttershy had been in tears ever since. Trying to be positive, Applejack had offered to buy lunch. Fluttershy, however, had shook her head, saying she she wasn't hungry. From that point on Applejack again found herself being a shoulder to lean on. It was more than a little tiresome for the overworked pony but she couldn't find a way to escape, nor a way to justify such actions when her friend clearly needed her. Eventually she saw that the staff were giving them looks and slowly managed to convince Fluttershy that they should leave the café. "Well... Ah'll walk you home?" Applejack meekly suggested The pegasus gave a weak nod, forcing a small smile, and together the pair left the café behind, setting off towards Fluttershy's cottage. Applejack started to feel a bit more normal as they settled into walking. If Fluttershy and Twilight weren't to be then maybe... It was silly, but possible. Still, her thoughts were troubled. What should I do right now? Is now a good time to- no, of course not... Last thing she needs is something like that on her plate now, and at best I'd be worried of rebound... The mood was low as they walked in silence, and extremely awkward for it. Applejack could practically feel Fluttershy's downheartedness radiating off her, and she wanted to say something of comfort but didn't know what. Why couldn't it be something else on Fluttershy's mind? Chores or needing help restraining wild beasts? Those were things Applejack was sure she could help with, but not this... After a while she decided to try talking about something, something other than Twilight, but Fluttershy just sighed and said she'd rather walk the rest of the way alone. "Well... Promise me you'll eat something before bed, alright sugar cube?" The pegasus nodded and the farmer pony watched her walk off in the midday sun. Turning to head back to the barn Applejack realised she really did feel better knowing it hadn't worked out, and promptly cursed herself for it. It wasn't good to wish loneliness upon somepony just because... Just because it's all she'd felt lately... Not A RarityJust a few hours to go before the big Sweet Apple Acres bake sale and the decorations were almost complete! Signs were raised up high, stands upright, and the goods themselves were on the way, as the warm smell from the kitchen could confirm. Out in the bright sun two ponies were working together to get the finishing touches together. "Thanks again for helpin' out with this, Rarity!" "But of course, dear!" responded the white unicorn as she arranged the string of flags. "Whoever would have thought that a poorly controlled storm would destroy one of your main storage barns at such a vital time of year! The whole village wants to help, of course, but -" Applejack grinned as she rolled the trolley over to the tables, calling up, "- Oh, don't worry, we get it. Everypony likes a tasty treat to go with their generosity! These ingredients wouldn't have kept if we didn't get the barn patched up anyways!" Rarity smiled. "Well then, everypony wins! Maybe even Twilight will find a gap in her busy schedule to come spend some time with us!" "Heh, yeah..." Applejack moved onto setting up the table. "Didja here 'bout her and Fluttershy then?" "Oh, yes, I heard about it at the time, plus Fluttershy told me all about it just the other day when we were at the spa..." responded the unicorn, tying the end of the string neatly into a bow and checking they all looked even. Applejack carefully righted the tray, making sure there was enough room left on the table, and went for the next one. "Yeah?" "Mm-hm, and then she asked me out." Applejack dropped the tray of tarts she'd been picking up and it clattered back onto the trolley. "What?" The unicorn was now fixing ribbons to tree branches, apparently not having noticing Applejack's clumsiness as she replied casually, "Indeed, right there in the spa! Told me she was over the whole Twilight business and wanted to know if I would go out with her!" The orange mare stared fixedly at the white pony. This is not exactly what she thought would happen when she made chitchat about her crush. She'd expected new news on how Fluttershy was doing, maybe, or possibly to have spent some time filling Rarity in on the event. The latter would have come with the bonus of allowing a little bit of talk about how silly it seemed, to vent a little, and maybe find out if Rarity knew what was going on with Fluttershy, but... This? This was not news she'd been ready for. She'd almost got used to it from Fluttershy, but finding that Fluttershy had approached somepony else and that it was the very pony she was now speaking to? It had caught Applejack utterly off-guard and hit her as subtly as a barrel of apples. Her mouth was dry as she asked, "So what did ya say?" "Well, clearly the poor dear's on rebound, so we had a long chat about the matter and I made it clear that, much as I loved her as a friend, since the whole Prince matter I'm now waiting for the right mood to appear first, not just dating out of the blue." Applejack wasn't bothered with the preparations any more. She felt somewhat sick to find out that Fluttershy had approached someone and, more than that, she was worried to hear that her crush had been rejected again, this time without her support. Given the state she'd been in the other times, how well would she have handled that alone? Applejack struggled to keep her worries reasonable as, voice weak, she asked the question, "Was she okay?" Rarity was still focusing on the decorations, eyes on them as she responded, "Well, I think she took it quite well, though of course it can be hard to tell with- Applejack?" The unicorn looked behind her at the sound of hooves and saw the earth pony galloping off away from the stalls, down the path leading out of Sweet Apple Acres. She called out a few times but her friend didn't respond and was soon out of earshot. "Goodness, whatever was that about? We were chatting fine one moment and then the next..." Rarity lapsed into thought, what had changed? Preparations were going fine and then Applejack brought up Fluttershy and... But why would that cause her to rush off, unless... The unicorn gasped, lifting a hoof to her mouth. It couldn't be! Could it? A smile crept over her face as she uttered, "...Goodness!" In the shadows of the porch sat another pony. It was difficult to make out if she was awake or asleep but at this moment her wrinkled old face smiled. "FLUTTERSHY!" Applejack, out of breath, arrived at the cottage to find the yellow pony watering her flowerbeds. She gave Applejack a confused look. "Ah... Ah just heard... 'Bout you... And Rarity..." panted the Apple pony. "Ya okay?" Fluttershy smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes, and put down the watering can before replying, "Yes, thank you... I wasn't really that hopeful anyway, just... Thought I'd best try." Applejack had felt a pang of pain at Fluttershy's words but mostly she was just relieved that her friend wasn't in a state. It was true that Applejack was distinctly tired of just being the friend who supported her beloved pegasus, but still there were very few things she could think of that were worse than her Fluttershy being upset. Still trying to catch her breath she changed topic as casually as she could, asking, "...Oh... Well... Are ya coming... To the bake sale...?" "Oh, yes, my animals love your food, and I do too of course! But isn't it two hours until it starts?" "Uh... Yes..." - Applejack quickly tried to come up with an with a reason for rushing here quite so fast - "But... Well, since yer feelin' down, why not come have some of the freshly baked stuff? We always have leftovers anyway, so on me?" "Oh! That'd be lovely, thank you! Um... I have to finish some things here, but if you go on ahead I'll catch up?" Applejack nodded and started on her way back, feeling warm and fuzzy. It was almost like a date, she thought gleefully to herself. I mean, obviously it's not, but... SHE's feeling okay, and SHE's coming to MY place to see ME so that I can treat HER to treats! That's a lot of us in there! Coming over early too, we'll have some time before other ponies get there, and no worries about her asking out anypony there since she's already tried that! Given, that's a situation that could be better, but that's not something to dwell on now: Fluttershy and I are gonna spend some time together! With an extra spring in her step Applejack got back in fairly good time (considering how worn out out she'd been from the run there). Still, when she arrived she found she'd taken long enough for Rarity to have about finished the decorations, and Big Mac was already bringing along the next lot of pies! Soon Applejack and Rarity were working together on getting the food sorted. As they worked on setting up the price tags and labels, the farm mare started to find the unicorn a little off putting: Rarity kept asking questions about Fluttershy. Questions about how the pegasus was, whether or not she'd be coming down, if Applejack was going to recommend any of the items to her and so on. This would be trivial enough if it weren't so persistent, plus Rarity had that glint in her eye and Applejack wasn't entirely sure why: It wasn't normally there unless she'd caught sight of some gossip-worthy topic in the making... It couldn't be that she's figure out-... But why wouldn't she just come out and say it? Whatever the hay it is, I can't let her distract me from getting these things ready, Fluttershy could be here any moment! It'll be rude if she's left waiting whilst I get things sorted! So Applejack pushed on with the preparations and they ended up finishing early, long before Fluttershy got there. Applejack waited patiently, making minor adjustments to decorations and food displays as she waited, and doing her best to humour Rarity's strange turn of attitude. Any minute now... Ooh, what am I going to show her first? The tarts? The pies? Or does she prefer those hot? Maybe the crumble... Any minute now! I wonder if she'll have done her hair up a- no, no, that'd be silly... She's just coming her as a friend and that's just fine. Still, were she wearing something, I wonder what it'd be? Nothing too heavy I hope, something light... Not like I'll be disappointed either way, whether she's making some frock look amazing or just here without, she's coming to see ME... Over an hour ticked past in the warm sunlight, and Applejack's replies to Rarity were increasingly spaced out as the orange mare slipped into daydreams. She hardly noticed how late Fluttershy was. Indeed, by the time the pegasus arrived there were only 10 minutes until the official start by the time. At this point Applejack was so far gone with her daydreaming that she didn't see Fluttershy approaching, only snapping back to reality when Rarity grabbed hold and dragged the surprised pony over to greet her friend. "Fluttershy, darling, so glad you could make it!" Rarity called, smiling widely. Fluttershy smiled as her two friends came to greet her, "Yes, I- oh!" "Come on girly, those streamers ain't gonna hang themselves!" Rarity gasped as she found herself being hurried along. "Why, Granny Smith, I've already hung all the streamers!" "Then Ah guess they fell down, dint they?" Applejack and Fluttershy watched as the unicorn, still protesting, was bustled away by the old mare. After a pause Fluttershy continued, "I'm sorry I'm late Applejack, I got caught up with things and one of my mice had hurt his tail and then one thing led to another and-" Applejack interrupted, "It's okay, sugar cube, I know how it can be with things on yer mind." Fluttershy nodded, smiling sweetly, and allowed Applejack to lead her to the bake sale so that they could make use of the little remaining time before it officially began. Applejack couldn't help but grin as the minutes ticked by. Most of what she'd seen of Fluttershy lately had started by crushing her dreams and ended up with them both miserable. Finally Fluttershy seemed happy; not chasing partners, but simply spending time with her. There was something magical in that carefree innocence as the pegasus struggled to pick a favourite type of tasty good, and the way her face lit up as Applejack got her one of everything. They didn't talk about much other than the bake sale, but the mood was cheerful and friendly. Applejack couldn't have asked for more. It didn't last long, of course: The bake sale started up and, as one of the Apple family, Applejack was eventually pulled away by her duties with managing the event, but for a while it had been special. In the end Applejack had lost sight of Fluttershy completely and found herself too busy to track her down. Applejack felt a little bad that she hadn't managed to say goodbye, but she still slept well that night. Things suddenly felt very comfortable. If Pie Were EasyThis was it. It had to be. Applejack, carrying a picnic basket packed full of goodies, looked at the small bridge to the cottage in front of her. No going back now... Everything had gone well this morning, too. She'd woken up feeling confident, seen the cloudless sky outside, and gone straight to the kitchen, intent on finally putting her picnic plan together. It had got to a slow start but Granny Smith had somehow snuck up on her... "Ooh, planning a picnic are ya?" Applejack had jumped a little. For an old pony with a bad hip it was surprising how quietly Granny could sneak up on folk! Still, the orange mare had replied cheerfully, "Sure am! Cucumber sandwiches and a few fresh apples all ready, just checkin' about for what else wo-" "Then yer'll be off to see a pony, hmmm?" "Well, yes, but-" "Yoo should take some o' my special bonbons! Ain't nopony don't like them!" Applejack was taken aback, "But weren't you savin' them up?" "I'll just be sendin' Apple Bloom off to get me some ingredients to make more later on, you take these 'uns for now!" insisted Granny Smith, putting a small jar of sweets into the picnic hamper. "Whilst yer at it, yoo should take a few of these'ns too...!" Soon Granny Smith had quite generously stuffed the hamper full of various goodies that her granddaughter may have avoided based, and a moments after Applejack had found herself half pushed out of the house with a "Y'all have fun now!" called after her. Well, it's certainly better than when she was worried about me... Does she know that...? Applejack blushed and shook the thought from her mind. Couldn't go dwelling on the opinions or expectations of others right now: She had to stay focused. This was the day she was going to tell Fluttershy. With that in mind she'd started on the walk over. So it was that she now stood at the pegasus pony's home; confident, target in mind and picnic at the ready. Today will be the day. After all, she thought to herself as she approached the door, it had to be, right? Finally the right time to confess her feelings? Things had seemed almost right at the bake sale and since then they'd been meeting up more often. Not all the time, but... It felt right. It was a few weeks after what happened with Rarity at the spa (and, more importantly, more than a month since Twilight) and now, surely, was the time. Applejack was finally ready and at last confident she would be met half way. After all, whatever had gotten into Fluttershy these last few months, it had shown a clear pattern after Big Macintosh: She'd moved onto the users of the Elements of Harmony! Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and now, finally, her? It HAD to be. After all, she was the only other choice left, apart from- "HI APPLEJACK!" ...Pinkie. "Er, hey there partner. How g-" "I just turned down Fluttershy!" The response was deadpan, "...Yer what." "Yup! She asked me out and I said no!" Applejack felt her stomach drop. The appetite she'd been saving for the picnic had vanished. Oh well. Maybe later this month, or maybe Fluttershy will just skip me and continue with the rest of the whole darn vill- no. I have to stay strong, have to stay focused, it's expected of me... After a deep sigh Applejack looked at her pink friend and picked up the strength to talk, eventually speaking in what she hoped was a mature tone, "Now hold on Pinkie, that ain't the type of thing y'all should go spreading ar-" "I'm not telling everyone, you silly, I'm just tell-ing yo-ou!" the pony interrupted with her sing-song voice as she bounced past. The farmer eyed the pink mare as she hopped away. What a strange pony... "Applejack?" Fluttershy was at the door, staring at Applejack with a clueless expression. "What are you doing here?" "Oh, hey... I was gonna suggest we go on a picnic, but I hear now might not be a good time..." Fluttershy sighed and shook her head, "I'm afraid not... I mean, I could do with some help with chores but otherwise I think I need some time alone..." "Well, Ah'm happy to help if Ah can, sugar cube..." voiced Applejack dryly. "That would be nice..." First Applejack was set with the task of carrying some feed bags over to the garden, Fluttershy leading the way. She was quiet and Applejack felt uncomfortable in the silence. Something to talk about, something to talk ab- no, not that... Think of something ELSE to ask her, not that... However, Applejack came up with nothing else and finally asked the question that had been burning in her mind for so long, "So, um, Fluttershy... Why HAVE ya been trying to date everypony? All of a sudden like this?" "Oh... It's kind of silly really..." Well there's a surpri- wait, why am I so angry? No need to be spiteful! Deep breaths, stay focused... Staring wistfully at the sky Fluttershy sighed and continued, "It's because every year I watch all my little animals pair off, find their families, and some stay with the same one forever, and some don't, but that doesn't seem to matter to them. They pair off and for a while they seem so happy, and then some move out forever and some visit back from time to time, but all of them move on from me in one way or another, and I... I just wanted to have someone, so that it felt like I was moving on too..." Now. Come on Applejack, the pony thought to herself, Ask her now. Ask her why it's not you. Ask why EVERY. SINGLE. OTHER. PONY. Gets a say but not you, ask before- Too late. Fluttershy had already started to reflect on how her plan had gone wrong. Applejack tried not to let it get to her as she moved the feed bags. "I mean, sure, it was a silly idea, but Pinkie's a silly pony, I thought that maybe that would be a good start -" Applejack then helped with fixing a fence. "...And she was so blunt about it too, just "nope!" in my face, and then straight away asked if I wanted to make cookies, like I don't even have emotions, then she goes -" Then putting up a replacement shelf in the kitchen. "...Thinking about it, maybe I was just too forward, maybe I should have just spent more time with her first, helped her plan her parties, or maybe -" Then tightening up some of the bathroom's plumbing. "...I had been so hopeful that she would say something more than that, now I worry I've messed up my only chance with her and -" Then oiling the joints of one of the window hinges. "...But maybe it would have been like with Twilight, that she'd have been so busy that she'd never have time for -" All done. Applejack stared at the window, moving it back and forth with one hoof, in part to test in and in part to take her mind off what Fluttershy was saying, or rather what she wasn't saying... "...Whoever would have thought that Pinkie would ever be so blunt anyway, she normally rambles so much about -" The window was being a poor distraction. It was quiet now, so all there was was the sound of happy animals and Fluttershy's complaining. "...I guess I shouldn't really have expected her to take me seriously at a-" "Well who the hay CAN take you seriously?!?" snapped Applejack, the animals around the ponies falling instantly silent at her outburst. Fluttershy too when quiet, staring at Applejack in shock. "First ma brother, then Rainbow Dash, then Twilight and Rarity and now PINKIE? ALL IN A FEW MONTHS! And you think this is fine? To mess ponies around like this, pretendin' that ya feel something, just for a feeling of progession? How can y'all be upset when that doesn't work, when there weren't anything for it to work with in the first place?!? Ah don't know what's going through that little pony brain of yours but this is not how y'all are meant to treat friends!" "NEITHER'S THIS!" screamed back Fluttershy. Her wings were spread, her ears were down, and her expression was furious. Applejack closed up, her mind going haywire as she realised what she just said. "How DARE you! How can you SAY those things to me?!? I thought you were my friend, I thought you'd listen to what was on my mind!" "Well, Ah... Ah mean..." Applejack stammered, watching in horror as the pony she longed to be with stared at her in hate. ""Well" WHAT?" No response. The pegasus snorted, turning around. "Go on, leave. I don't want you here any more." The orange mare froze up as her beloved turned her back on her. "I thought you were better than this Applejack. I thought I could trust you. You've always been there for, especially recently, every time I was down, every time you even suspected I was down, you... Were..." It was as she heard herself say it that suddenly memories began stirring in Fluttershy's mind. Of Applejack, hair let down, answering the door. Of the earth pony fiercely standing up to her own brother after his rejection. Of her comforting words after... "You were..." ...Helping her find Rainbow Dash, the Apple mare seeming less energetic than ever, and how quickly she'd come to the cottage after... "...Always there..." ...After Twilight said yes, how slowly Applejack had been walking... "...Applejack...?" Fluttershy slowly turned to face the Apple mare, her mind's eye still going, reminding her of the sweating and panting mess that had turned up at her door just because the pony had heard that Rarity had turned her down, remembering their time together at the bake sale, and now... The yellow pegasus stared at the orange earth pony. The rage was gone and surprise had taken its place, and Applejack could think of only one realisation that could have done that. ...She... She sees me... The farm mare pawed at the ground uneasily, trying to avoid the shocked gaze of the pegasus. She felt as if her nervousness were throttling her, holding the words back, but at the same time she knew what she needed to do. Oh Celestia, I'm going to say it... Shutting her eyes, Applejack forced herself to speak, "Well... Ah... Ah mean... Ah didn't want to impose on you, and then you were all about everypony else, and... I didn't mean to yell just now, Ah just... What Ah mean i-" Applejack was cut short by a yellow hoof held gently to her lips. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Fluttershy's tearful eyes. She looked almost upset, but a soft smile was playing on her lips. So what now? I prob'ly need to find my legs for one, or say something, or- Applejack's thoughts were cut short as, with a delighted squeak, Fluttershy bowled her to the ground. Disorientated and surprised, Applejack found herself staring up at Fluttershy's face. "Applejack! I'm so sorry I didn't... And you... Oh, Applejack!" Just like that the yellow pony pulled her surprised friend into a kiss and then hugged her tightly. Applejack felt her body freeze up in shock, but then the waves of relief and joy washed over her and she relaxed, reaching around Fluttershy to give her a light squeeze. The pegasus responded in kind, clinging as if she would never let the orange pony go. Around them, the birdsong and chattering of happy critters slowly resumed. To Applejack, it felt like reality had known of her dreams and strived to outdo them, winning with shining colours as the pony felt her love against her. At some point they'd probably need to stand up, to move off the lawn, to consider food, and all those other things, but that could wait. For all Applejack's troubles, this would be worth it. Finally they were together. A few months later, five friends (four ponies and a dragon) were waiting in the library, ready to set off for a day trip watching rain birds migrate. They were dressed in waterproofs and awaiting the other two members of their group. "I still can't believe it! I mean, who would have guessed that they'd hook up?" "Rainbow Dash, I'm surprised! You didn't see it, the way they'd been looking at each other? I saw it long in advance!" Twilight, who had been trying to finish reading a book, rolled her eyes at Rarity's statement. The white pony had been boasting about this information a lot. "Ooh, ooh, and they look so happy together now!" chimed Pinkie excitedly. Seeing Spike about to eat a yellow gem, the pink pony snatched up an orange gem and nuzzled it against the one the dragon held. Spike sniggered, and did the voice for the yellow gem, ""She's been so helpful around the farm!"" Pinkie giggled, then called over to her purple friend, "Hey, Twilight! What do you think their babies will look like?" The unicorn stared at Pinkie incredulously. Was she serious? "Hey, here they come!" Applejack and Fluttershy entered the library as a couple and began talking to their friends. Soon the seven of them were heading off to the station. Rarity, who had been sorting through one of her bags, suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, dear, I've left my brush back at your house, Twilight!" "It's too late now, Rarity! We'll miss the train!" "It's alright," broke in Applejack, "I'll get it!" She galloped off back to the library and was soon enough making her way back to the station. She slowed down to watch them laughing together; her friends, one of them particularly special. Contrary to her fantasies, Applejack had found that the relationship was more balanced than her being swept off her feet by Fluttershy. Still, taking the initiative was a role she was more used to anyway, and Fluttershy certainly DID have a flare for romance in her, even if most ponies didn't get to see it. Early on, Applejack had worried that maybe they'd be one of those brief couples, like some of Fluttershy's animals, but together they had watched those couples break up and still their own relationship had held. Nowadays Applejack was comfortably smug in the knowledge that she'd made the right choice in believing that she and Fluttershy would be good for each other: They were. As if hearing her thoughts, Fluttershy glanced up at that moment and spotted Applejack. Her face lit up with a smile. Applejack grinned and ran over as the train approached. New adventures awaited her and her friends, and a new kind of adventure altogether had started for her and one of them. Life was good. Author's Note I know that it's soppy, simplistic, and silly, but it was always rather meant to be. Enjoy if you can!
Big FailureApplejack was in high spirits and humming to herself as she pranced around the front room. It was silly, of course, but... Fluttershy WAS coming over. It WAS quite mysterious... No! Not mysterious! The orange Apple mare scolded herself, but nonetheless smiled around the old feather duster she held in her mouth. No, this was nothing too weird... A little mysterious, maybe, but Fluttershy came over quite frequently to get fresh apples for her animal friends, so this would probably be nothing. Still, a filly could dream... Winona came dashing in and started barking at Applejack's feet. The mare grinned around the duster and started to dance about with the dog, who became more and more excited as she did so. The pony was wearing her long blonde hair down today and as she danced it flowed freely through the air behind her. It did the same in many of her fantasies, inevitably ending up entwined with the pink mane of another... Applejack tossed the feather duster aside and swept up Winona in her forehooves as she danced about, the dog's tail wagging wildly as she did so. Applejack smiled, drifting off further into her daydream and starting to hum to herself. "What's all thees? You got some sorta fever, girl?" "Oh!" - Applejack put Winona down, grinning despite her reddening cheeks - "Nothing like that, Granny! Just feelin' mighty good today, is all!" "Mm-hmmmm?" The old green mare eyed her granddaughter suspiciously. "You sure you don't need me to be stayin' in to watch you? Why, I've heard that some-" "No, no, no! Ah insist, 'm just tryin' to perk the place up a bit! You go have fun, now, an' don't forget to pick up Apple Bloom on the way back! Not that a wise old mare like you would eva' forget a thing like that!" Applejack grinned again. "Ooh, trying to butter me up, eh? Well, I don't know what you're up to but it best not end up with the place covered in soap like that one ti-" "Granny!" interrupted Applejack, rolling her eyes. "That were years ago and you know it! Now come on, off ya go, you keep on sayin' how ya wanna get out more often!" Granny Smith chuckled to herself as she was hurried out the door, Winona at her feet. Applejack smiled warmly as she watched them go... Best family in whole world, she thought to herself as she retrieved the feather duster and returned to cleaning surfaces around the lower floor of the house. The rooms had a simple enough set up, not much in the way of decoration, and yet still managed to collect so much dust between anypony finding the time to clean it. However, today was as good a day as any, especially if she were to make a good impression on her guest... Ah, her guest. That modestly proportioned pony who, unlike most pegasus ponies, rarely made use of her wings. Oh, the differences weren't obvious, but over the years Applejack had started to spot the signs: A very slightly more rounded build, less pronounced wing muscles, her soft hair and fur showing no signs of weather damage... To think, Applejack had first met Fluttershy she hadn't been impressed by the overly sappy pony. "What use is it, being so quiet and soft?" she'd thought, "Can't expect to get anything done when acting like that!" However, all these views had changed that time with the bull. That day many years ago the beast had got loose and he was more than a little angry. Applejack had almost got things under control when Fluttershy, misreading the situation, leapt in to "help". For a moment the farm mare had thought she'd need to take the pegasus to hospital, but Fluttershy had spun around to face the angry ox and yelled "STOP!" and fixed it with her now notorious stare. The creature had skidded to a halt, shocked, and just moments later was nuzzling up against Fluttershy like an affectionate kitten. Ever since then it was as if Applejack had been hit by the same spell as the ox: Fluttershy had become a goddess of peace and kindness in her eyes, and it had been soon after this encounter that the fantasies had started to creep gently into her mind and fill her with warmth. When Nightmare Moon had appeared and Fluttershy had come forward to help, why, it had only increased Applejack's opinion of her! Not to mention that being the bearers of the Elements of Harmony had made them closer friends, something Applejack had been wanting for a long time but never found the way to suggest. Since then things had gone so smoothly between them, maybe all been leading up to this day... Eventually Applejack put the feather duster down on a small, crooked, side table and looked around at the somewhat cleaner room. As she watched the dust clouds swirl about in the sun beams she allowed herself to trail off into thought, her mind going from reminiscence to the situation at hand... Of course, it was very, very, silly to hope it was something special, something like THAT. Much as Applejack knew Fluttershy was perceptive, and hardly the forward sort, and that setting up something like this might be just her way of finally letting Applejack know that the feelings were... No, it was silly. A silly young filly’s hope: That although her advances seemed ignored, that maybe, just maybe, Fluttershy would come and sweep her off her hooves, that they'd spend long days in each other's company (and longer nights), and that finally she could look to that gorgeous pegasus and tell her what had been in her heart for so long. The relationship itself would start slowly at first, neither quite sure of how to proceed after such a long build up, but then as time went on they'd become more and more accustomed to each other and closer by the day, and one day Fluttershy would finally look at to her with those big blue eyes and- was that the door? Applejack let her hat remain on the peg as she went over to the door, her mind still playing the end of her fantasy. It was just a silly filly’s hope, sure, but she felt she owed it to herself to indulge herself with her daydreams from time to time, even if the outcome would never be- On the doorstep was Fluttershy with a bouquet of flowers. Applejack faltered, her mind exploding in a mix of fear and confusion as she looked towards her wildest hopes, only managing to respond with, “Ah, uh... Fluttershy? Are those for m-“ “Uh-huh!” came Fluttershy's muffled voice through her mouthful as she trotted in excitedly. YES! ...No, wait... The cold touch of doubt was washing over her, something was wrong... Fluttershy was never this forward. Also, she’d gone past her, to the nearest sink, where she was readying a vase. “Oh, I do so hope he likes them!” crooned Fluttershy as she set the flowers up in the vase. “What do you think, Applejack?” Stomach dropping, the orange pony cursed herself for letting herself think such things. Then, trying her best not to let her disappointment show, she replied, “Oh... Big Macintosh?” “Oh yes!” whispered Fluttershy excitedly, beaming with a warm joy as she set the vase on the side and headed back towards Applejack. “I’ve decided I’m going to talk to him! I’ve been waiting for so long and- oh! Did I wake you up? I’m sorry...” Applejack eyed Fluttershy. Wake me up? What the hay i- oh, my hair... “Aha, no, sugar cube, it’s... All good... We get up early on this here farm, ‘specially at this time o’ year...” Not a reply that explained the hair, but that was to be expected. It's not like she asked directly about it, and what could I say anyway? "Oh, you see, I was hoping you were coming to romance me and wanted to look the part! Nevermind eh, let me put the kettle on whilst you wait to whisk away somepony else!" ...Darn... Well, I won't lie. If she asks directly, I'll have to say something... Fluttershy looked confused but didn’t press the matter. Typical Fluttershy. And know what else is typical? That you want my brother, but not me... “Um, well... He’ll be here soon, won’t he?” That soft voice, like velvet... Darn it, Fluttershy, why him... The earth pony nodded, trying to mask her emotions with a casual tone as she replied, “Ah reckon so, he’s been busy what with this hot weather bringing the customers out, nothing like a fresh apple on a hot day an’ all, but he normally comes back to refuel, to eat his own lunch and refill the cart, ‘round about now...” There was an uneasy pause. “Ah... You can prob'ly wait for him here, sugar cube. Shouldn’t be long now...” “Thank you Applejack,” murmured Fluttershy, smiling sweetly. I can't even stay angry at you, not when you look at me like that... The farm mare turned her head, looking around the room and trying to come up with something to talk about. Another pause... Applejack glanced back to the cream-coloured pegasus. Her long, elegant, mane and tail, those gorgeous blue eyes... Was there something you were meant to do in this situation? Other than challenging her brother to a duel Applejack came up empty. It wouldn't do to blurt out her feelings to Fluttershy either, not after the pegasus must have worked so hard to build herself up to this. Still, it didn’t seem entirely fair... Could she really say nothing? “Fluttersh-“ The door opened, interrupting Applejack, and a large, red, stallion trotted in. He paused briefly as he noticed the two mares and then continued on towards his room. Applejack cleared her throat loudly. Big Macintosh paused. For a moment nothing happened. Applejack looked over to Fluttershy to see that the pony was staring agape, having clearly lost her nerve. Great, first it’s him she’s after and now I’m the one who has to help her? Figures... “Ah reckon Fluttershy has a gift for you, Big Mac.” He looked over to Fluttershy, who made a small collection of squeaks before rushing back to grab the vase and quickly hurrying back. There was a notable lack of her normal elegance as she held up the flowers to Big Mac's face. The stallion stared at the flowers. Fluttershy said nothing. Applejack glared at her. Just how much of a filly in distress are ya? “Ah ALSO reckon she’s got something she wants to say.” “I, um... I... Would you... Uh...” Oh, come ON. I need some alone time, not to be stuck matching my girl to my brother! Finally the pegasus blurted out, “Would you go out with me...?” Her voice had gone quiet and squeaky towards the end but was thankfully still audible. “Ee-nope.” Big Mac continued on towards his room. Fluttershy stared after him, too shocked to respond. “HEY!” - Applejack was suddenly in front of him, glowering - “Is that any way to treat a mare?” Big Mac blinked, looking mildly confused by his sister’s outburst. “Ah just don’t feel like that about her, sis.” “Ya... What?” After a pause Big Mac apparently took the silence as permission to leave the room and did so, leaving two bewildered mares behind him. The orange pony stared after him, honestly baffled to find that her interests weren't shared. The yellow pony trembled a little before breaking into tears. “Oh, I was so... To think that... I’m sorry, Applejack, for-“ “Hey...” Pulling herself together the orange earth pony trotted over and nuzzled friend’s face gently. “It’s okay, sugar cube... Big Mac’s like that with a lot o' ponies. Ah felt fer sure you’d do better, but Ah guess some things just aren't meant to be...?” For a while they were like that, Fluttershy occasionally nuzzling back into Applejack’s comforting snout. Then, sniffling, she pulled herself up. “Thank you Applejack, I... Sorry... I think I’m going to head home now...” “Want me to come with? Ah could do with the exer-“ “No, thank you... I’d rather be alone for a while...” With that she left, the earth pony staring after her. Applejack, alone again, sighed. This hadn’t gone as anypony had planned... Still, just as well she’d never admitted her crush on Fluttershy; not likely she was in with a chance after all. Maybe she isn't even into mares... Applejack picked up her hat and slowly trotted off to find her hair bands. There would be work to be done on the farm...
Dashed Hope"A letter? Fer me?" It was more than a week before Applejack had heard from Fluttershy again and when she did it was in the form of a rabbit-delivered message. As Angel ran off, the farm pony read the note carefully. Her yellow friend was inviting her out for lunch... Well, that was promising, surely? Not that it would be anything like that, no. Obviously not, and she wasn't expecting it either. She was just glad that Fluttershy was getting back on her feet after (what Applejack considered to have been) a particularly harsh and unnecessary rejection on her brother's part. This wasn't suddenly a date, no. It's not like Fluttershy would have, looking back, decided that she should have asked out a different Apple sibling; that she'd have suddenly thought it was his sister all along; that realisation had dawned that it might be Applejack who was truly her life partner. No, this was just a meeting, as friends... None of that hair-down nonsense, either. If, IF, we were meant to be together then presentation will prob'ly make no difference. Still, a few flowers... That's just nice, right? Mix it up a little? With a few carefully adjusted blossoms in her mane Applejack slowly approached the restaurant. It had been a bit of a hassle to get out of the barn: Lately Granny Smith had been insisting that her oldest granddaughter was overworking herself and had told Applejack to stay in and relax today. With Angel's message in mind, Applejack had decided the best course of action was to sneak out. She felt excited and somewhat optimistic. Also, she had flowers in her hair. Now that she thought about it, it was a little like she was sneaking off to meet a secret lov- NO! Too late, looking towards the restaurant she now felt butterflies in her stomach as hope well and truly flickered in her mind. Which was ridiculous, after all... However, unable to shake the thought from her head Applejack settled for taking a few deep breaths and entering the establishment as casually as she could. "Oh, Applejack, I'm glad you came so early!" Fluttershy was already there! Her long mane was plaited and decorated with daisies, framing her gorgeous face as she smiled warmly at Applejack. It was the most beautiful thing the Apple mare had ever seen. "Well, uh, of course! Ah didn't want you to be left here waitin' fer too long!" Fluttershy, now more than ever you are gorgeous beyond sunlight... "Oh, you're so very thoughtful..." Another smile. Applejack became painfully aware of how hard her heart was beating, yet forced a strong smile back, hoping it would mask her nerves. Deep breaths, this means nothing... There was an uneasy pause before Fluttershy added, "Oh! You have flowers in your mane too!" "Ah do... Uh, yes! Thought it would be a nice change of pace, y'know?" I would wear flowers for you all the time if you wanted me to. I would do anything for you. "Oh, yes... My birds helped me... They thought it would help make a good impression on somepony very close to me..." "...Oh?" Applejack practically squeaked the response, her brain going wild. Was this it? A meeting at lunch with flowers in their manes, would this be when- "Rainbow Dash." Damn. "...Ya don't say..." Fluttershy seemed too caught up in her thoughts to notice how disappointed Applejack sounded, and was already talking aloud in a wistful tone, "Oh yes... She was like a hero to me in Cloudsdale, you see. Always looking out for me, even though she wasn't popular herself." I'd have never let anypony lay a hoof on you. I'd never let anything like that happen to you. If I had been there... "...I mean, I was very quiet, so I'm not sure if she ever knew, but I used to worship the air she flew in. It was really through her that I first realised I'm interested in mares..." "Well, there ain't anything wrong with that..." Applejack added as Fluttershy stared thoughtfully up into the sky. I don't want you interested in mares, I want you interested in ME! ...Why couldn't I have been born a pegasus, Fluttershy, why wasn't I there to help you when you would have noticed me... "Oh, I know you wouldn't judge me!" There was that smile again, and the farm pony felt her concerns fall away as she stared into Fluttershy's eyes... "That's why I was hoping you'd help!" ...You have got to be kidding... "Help?" asked Applejack, realising as she said it that she was gritting her teeth. "I mean, you were really supportive when things went bad with your brother, and that helped me a lot, so... If it's okay, could you stick nearby, please? I'm going to confront Rainbow Dash, and I think she feels the same way, I mean, we've seemed so close lately, but... If it's okay, I just need somepony to make sure I don't back out... Please?" No. No, no, no, no, NO! Why me? Just do it yourself, it's YOUR choice, YOUR life, NOT my resp- "Of course I will, sugar cube. Anything for you." Wait, was that me? "Oh, thank you! It means so much to me!" Fluttershy hugged Applejack tightly and the orange pony hugged back, fighting back tears. Come on Applejack, no time for that, deep breaths... Her mane smells so sweet... Well, at least she trusts me, that's something. At least we're still friends. Hey, maybe I'll even get to be best mare when she and Rainbow Dash tie the knot. ...Darn it... Applejack quietly pushed down her emotions, trying to focus on other things as she and Fluttershy went to track down the blue pegasus. Finding Rainbow Dash turned out to be more difficult than expected, especially for Applejack. The Apple mare mostly just smiled and nodded to what Fluttershy was saying, too choked up to reply. Eventually a few ponies pointed them towards a small cottage by the river. They got there fairly quickly and Fluttershy stared dumbly at its door for a while before Applejack, patience wearing thin, knocked for her. A young stallion answered and looked surprised to see the pair. "Is, um... Is Rainbow Dash here?" asked Fluttershy quietly. "Uh... Yeah, give me a minute..." "Who is it?" called another masculine voice from inside. "It's Applejack and... Um..." - he glanced at them - "Fluttershy, right?" The yellow pony nodded and the stallion called back, "Yeah, it's Applejack and Fluttershy! They wanna see Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow Dash was there in a shot and the stallion went back in. "Fluttershy? What are you doing here?" asked the blue pony, looking surprised. "Um... Well... Nothing really..." Really? Eesh... Applejack cleared her throat. "Fluttershy was hopin' ya had a spare minute to talk? In private?" "Oh. Well, now's not really a good time... Um..." To her apparent confusion Rainbow Dash found herself being glared at by Applejack. She looked back to Fluttershy. "As long as it's quick?" The pegasus ponies flew up to a nearby cloud and Applejack, out of earshot, waited, grumbling to herself internally. For a while she paced in a circle, resisting the urge to buck buildings, and eventually ended up sitting down by the river. Forcing herself to look somewhere other than the cloud she slowly felt her anger die down, and the frustration ultimately gave way to a deep sense of sorrow. She fought against it for a while but couldn't shake from her mind that, somewhere above her, her crush was confessing feelings for somepony else. In the end Applejack's thoughts went back to sadness and regret... They'll probably have a fancy wedding do too. And I'll be there, by myself, watching her and Rainbow Dash and everypony else being so darn HAPPY whilst I... I'll just still be waiting... Oh Celestia, what am I gonna do with myself? It's been her for so long that I don't know how the hay I'd go about moving on... I can't believe I never even said anything. Would it have made a difference? Maybe not... I'm just me, anyway: Not the strong silent type, nor the "cool" pegasus with history going back to when they were fillies... I wonder if she'd have ever looked at me, had I bee- hey, was that her? The farm pony stared after what had looked like Fluttershy flying away very quickly, a couple of daisies falling down in her wake. Had something happened? "Uh..." - Applejack jumped at the voice and realised that Rainbow Dash was next to her - "Say, Applejack, can you go check on her? I shou-" The earth pony was off like a bullet before the pegasus could finish talking. What happened? Is my girl okay? It looked like she'd been heading home... She was goin' pretty fast too, best try to hurry... Applejack made it to the cottage in record time, sweating and breathless but pushed on by concern. She got there to find the door ajar and went in to see a pink-haired pegasus sobbing on her sofa, with various woodland critters trying to comfort her as she did so. Applejack took a moment to catch her breath before walking over to her friend. "Fluttershy?" "Oh! Applejack! I'm sorry I left you, I just wanted to be alone, I... Oh, Applejack..." "What happened? Uh, Ah mean... If you want me to go then Ah-" Fluttershy was suddenly hugging Applejack again, clinging tightly as she cried into her friend's fur. Applejack held her gently, patting her back. She feels as soft as she looks... "It's okay sugar cube, let it all out..." No... Softer... "She... She isn't interested in mares! Oh, I feel like such a foal... I was so sure but... I don't even know why I was so sure in the first place! I... She said she didn't mind, that I shouldn't worry, that... She... Was sorry and... Oh, Applejack, what can I do?!?" Applejack gave her a reassuring squeeze as the yellow pony fell back into sobs. "These things happen, and at least ya know ya tried... We gotta just try our best, one step at a time..." They stayed like that for over an hour, silent apart from Fluttershy's sobs. At first Applejack could barely focus on the situation, wishing only to take away the pegasus' sorrow, but as the crying died down Applejack became more and more aware that she was embracing the pony she longed for, even if under unfortunate circumstances. The pegasus felt so light, no doubt part of being a flier, but the underused muscles were still there and so, despite the lightness, she felt incredibly sturdy. It was just like she had felt in Applejack's fantasies as she'd literally swept the Apple mare off her feet... Yet so soft. Softer than Applejack had ever noticed before, softer than she'd ever imagined; her gorgeous guardian angel felt like a warrior wrapped in heaven... Eventually, seeming worn out by her weeping, the pegasus pulled back. "Oh, I'm sorry, I've kept you here so long, I... Thank you, Applejack. You really are a true friend." Oh, I would be so much more, if only... Applejack, what are you thinking? At a time like this... Fluttershy continued, "I... I think I'm going to lay down, get some rest... Thank you for coming over..." The farm pony nodded, "Take care of yourself..." The good byes finished and Applejack left the cottage. She looked down to see the last of the flowers falling out from her mane. Flowers... I'd been hopeful enough to wear flowers... Feeling increasingly sad and rather forgotten she started back to her family's farm in the dimming light of dusk. I need to learn to be less optimistic...
Sparkle ExtinguishedApplejack had been getting worried: She hadn't heard from Fluttershy in a while. Was her pegasus okay? Maybe she should go over sometime, maybe take some food, invite her out on a picnic? It was that line of thought that had brought her out to Ponyville's market place so early in the morning; that and her grandmother. Turns out the green pony had been around Ponyville centre the day Fluttershy was rejected by Rainbow Dash, and that Applejack had galloped straight past her own relative as she rushed to check on her friend. Since then Granny Smith had been even more worried about her, trying (in her own way) to get her granddaughter to talk. The orange mare kept dodging the subject of what was on her mind: She was too prideful and embarrassed to admit that she was down over somepony, especially when she'd never even let that pony know she was interested. In the end it was partially just wanting to avoid Granny Smith's worry that Applejack had agreed to get out of the house for something other than chores. This had slowly developed into the idea of inviting Fluttershy out for a picnic the next day. She hadn't slept well that night but it turned out that this was just as well: Applejack arrived at the market that morning and saw that there wasn't a cloud in the sky! Must have been on their copy of the weather calender, but Applejack hadn't thought to check. Weather like this meant that the market would most likely be packed in a few hours, though luckily at this time in the morning most of the stall owners had only just finished setting up and there were few other customers apart from Applejack. "How about something new this season, Applejack?" "No thank you, ma'am!" replied the farm mare to the hat stall's owner, smiling and tilting her own hat back in recognition. Wait, would Fluttershy want a new hat? Or would that be too much? I should stay more casual, at least until I know if she's recovered since Rainbow Dash... Hmm... Does she like cherries? Carefully Applejack went through the food stalls, picking out the best of what they had for offer and feeling a little better as she did so. The thought of a picnic with Fluttershy perked her up and the more she prepared the more real it seemed, plus the stall owners all had little in-jokes with her family and more than a couple had new anecdotes to share. The friendliness wasn't just for show, either, though it would be in their interests to fake it if they had to: The Apples were a well established family with knowledge of all the area's trade routes, and fellow traders had learnt that the family was happy to share such knowledge with the many friends they had. There was a lot of respect for the family, plus Granny Smith would kick up "a mighty fuss" if she thought any of her grandchildren had been shortchanged! Soon Applejack had two saddlebags full of foodstuffs and ingredients that, with what she had at home, could be made into a very ample picnic for her and one other. She smiled and slowly started to trot back to the farm, mind on the potential meal and, more importantly, on the one she'd be sharing it with... She could picture it now, at a lake, the serene sound of birdsong all around them. That look on Fluttershy's face as she relaxed, at one with nature, and, Applejack thought, she'd take this chance to maybe get a little closer, maybe let Fluttershy know how much their friendship meant to her... Fluttershy would smile, confirm that she'd always appreciated their friendship and hint that it maybe meant more to her than that before trailing off. Settling for this, plus a little nervous, Applejack would flop onto the cool grass happily, only find herself speechless as Fluttershy made eye contact. The pegasus would smile again, suddenly seeming more confident, her mane getting caught up in the wind as she approached the earth mare...Then BAM, from the lake would burst a sea monster! Cold water would splash over them both and Applejack, temporarily paralysed with shock, would stare up at the beast as it towered above her! Then, like a ray of light, her pegasus would shoot up to face the creature, which would rear back in surprise, shocked by the fearlessness of the cream mare. Fluttershy would shout at it, saying she'd never let her good friend be hurt, and as her commanding nature came shining through the beast would slowly submit. Soon Flutttershy would have scolded the creature into apologising humbly before quietly leaving, not daring to disobey the commanding pony. In the aftermath Applejack would stare at Fluttershy, the adrenaline rushing through her still dripping wet body, thinking nothing but how beautiful that shining pegasus appeared as she flew back down to her. Before she knew what was happening, Applejack would find herself caught up in a strong embrace by Fluttershy and soon they'd both be gripping each other tightly, their mouths pressing against- "Oh! Hello Applejack!" The farm mare found herself jerked out of her fantasy by its subject: At some point the yellow pegasus had walked right up to her! "Flu-Fluttershy!" - she could feel her face turning red - "Ain't see you for a while, was startin' to get worried!" "Oh, I'm okay, thank you for last time, and sorry I was such a mess..." "Aw, no point worryin' 'bout it, we all have our bad days!" Should I just invite her on the picnic now? Or would it be better to make it a surprise, find a good spot first and then- "...But this time it'll be better!" finished Fluttershy. This time? The pink-maned pony produced a book from one of her saddlebags, "What do you think?" ...Oh no... "...That's, erm... A mighty nice cover it's got?" No... It can't be... Fluttershy nodded absent-mindedly as she glanced off towards the library. "This time I'll handle it better! I don't have reason to think she'll feel the same, but I'm going to try anyway! If she doesn't, that's fine too!" ...No... "...Uh-huh..." mumbled Applejack, swallowing down her emotions. "Wish me luck?" the yellow pegasus asked, flashing a winning smile that dazzled the farmer. "G-good luck, sugar cube!" Twilight? Really? Applejack groaned as she watched her heart's desire prance off to the giant tree house. She'd always hoped Fluttershy wasn't into intellectual types because... Well... School hadn't been Applejack strong point. She had often been told it wasn't so greatly important: That she had heart, which mattered more, and a lot of abilities to spare, but... What good is all of that if... Oh Fluttershy, am I really invisible to you? What would I have to do, to get you to see me? Or maybe it's already too late... Turning around the farmer pony started slowly and miserably on her way back home, appetite lost and fantasy ruined, feeling more painfully aware of her academic problems than she'd done for a long while. Her limbs felt heavy; steps becoming smaller until she was all but shuffling. She resisted the urge to come to a halt by telling herself that she had to keep going, that her emotions would have to wait until when she was back in her room, back where nopony could see her... "APPLEJACK!" The farmer found herself caught up in a tight hug by an over-enthusiastic cream pegasus. The Apple mare struggled to talk, her jaw feeling heavy, "Uh, wha'?" "SHE SAID YES!!! We're going on a date TOMORROW!" announced Fluttershy, the joy radiating off her. "...Oh... Oh, Ah mean, good fer y-" "Ooh! I must go make sure my animal friends have enough food! Bye, Applejack!" With a quick wave the pegasus was rushing off, leaving Applejack, now feeling even more dejected, to continue her long walk home... It had lasted two weeks. "And we only went on THREE dates!" sobbed Fluttershy. Applejack put a foreleg around the pony's shoulders, patting her gently. She'd heard about one of those dates from Rainbow Dash when she asked how the couple were doing. The pegasus had assured her that they were fine and dandy little "Lovebirds" which, despite honestly feeling happy for them, had only made Applejack feel more isolated than ever before. Everypony seems so darn happy for them... I wonder if they'd have been happy for me... The orange mare hadn't had much sleep over the last couple of weeks and her appetite had lessened too, although (as she'd been using it to take her mind off the situation) her progress on the season's apple bucking was better than normal, something which had been of no comfort to her family. Big Mac and Apple Bloom would normally believe their sister when she claimed to be okay, but Granny Smith had clearly seen through Applejack's attempts to mask how she felt. She'd been coming up with numerous easy household chores that Applejack "needed" to do before apple bucking, all of which came with more conversations aimed at getting her granddaughter to talk. When Applejack had mentioned (a little less than enthusiastically) that she was going to see friends this day Granny Smith had all but carried her off Sweet Apple Acres. Yet, despite all the build up to meeting her friends as a couple for the first time, when Applejack had finally arrived she'd found just Fluttershy, by herself, crying at one of the café's tables. Fluttershy had soon told her how Twilight was honestly busy and didn't really have enough time for a more time-consuming relationship than a couple of dates every week. Since Fluttershy hadn't been able to cope with that the two had agreed to end things. Twilight had then left to get back to the experiments she'd started and Fluttershy had been in tears ever since. Trying to be positive, Applejack had offered to buy lunch. Fluttershy, however, had shook her head, saying she she wasn't hungry. From that point on Applejack again found herself being a shoulder to lean on. It was more than a little tiresome for the overworked pony but she couldn't find a way to escape, nor a way to justify such actions when her friend clearly needed her. Eventually she saw that the staff were giving them looks and slowly managed to convince Fluttershy that they should leave the café. "Well... Ah'll walk you home?" Applejack meekly suggested The pegasus gave a weak nod, forcing a small smile, and together the pair left the café behind, setting off towards Fluttershy's cottage. Applejack started to feel a bit more normal as they settled into walking. If Fluttershy and Twilight weren't to be then maybe... It was silly, but possible. Still, her thoughts were troubled. What should I do right now? Is now a good time to- no, of course not... Last thing she needs is something like that on her plate now, and at best I'd be worried of rebound... The mood was low as they walked in silence, and extremely awkward for it. Applejack could practically feel Fluttershy's downheartedness radiating off her, and she wanted to say something of comfort but didn't know what. Why couldn't it be something else on Fluttershy's mind? Chores or needing help restraining wild beasts? Those were things Applejack was sure she could help with, but not this... After a while she decided to try talking about something, something other than Twilight, but Fluttershy just sighed and said she'd rather walk the rest of the way alone. "Well... Promise me you'll eat something before bed, alright sugar cube?" The pegasus nodded and the farmer pony watched her walk off in the midday sun. Turning to head back to the barn Applejack realised she really did feel better knowing it hadn't worked out, and promptly cursed herself for it. It wasn't good to wish loneliness upon somepony just because... Just because it's all she'd felt lately...
Not A RarityJust a few hours to go before the big Sweet Apple Acres bake sale and the decorations were almost complete! Signs were raised up high, stands upright, and the goods themselves were on the way, as the warm smell from the kitchen could confirm. Out in the bright sun two ponies were working together to get the finishing touches together. "Thanks again for helpin' out with this, Rarity!" "But of course, dear!" responded the white unicorn as she arranged the string of flags. "Whoever would have thought that a poorly controlled storm would destroy one of your main storage barns at such a vital time of year! The whole village wants to help, of course, but -" Applejack grinned as she rolled the trolley over to the tables, calling up, "- Oh, don't worry, we get it. Everypony likes a tasty treat to go with their generosity! These ingredients wouldn't have kept if we didn't get the barn patched up anyways!" Rarity smiled. "Well then, everypony wins! Maybe even Twilight will find a gap in her busy schedule to come spend some time with us!" "Heh, yeah..." Applejack moved onto setting up the table. "Didja here 'bout her and Fluttershy then?" "Oh, yes, I heard about it at the time, plus Fluttershy told me all about it just the other day when we were at the spa..." responded the unicorn, tying the end of the string neatly into a bow and checking they all looked even. Applejack carefully righted the tray, making sure there was enough room left on the table, and went for the next one. "Yeah?" "Mm-hm, and then she asked me out." Applejack dropped the tray of tarts she'd been picking up and it clattered back onto the trolley. "What?" The unicorn was now fixing ribbons to tree branches, apparently not having noticing Applejack's clumsiness as she replied casually, "Indeed, right there in the spa! Told me she was over the whole Twilight business and wanted to know if I would go out with her!" The orange mare stared fixedly at the white pony. This is not exactly what she thought would happen when she made chitchat about her crush. She'd expected new news on how Fluttershy was doing, maybe, or possibly to have spent some time filling Rarity in on the event. The latter would have come with the bonus of allowing a little bit of talk about how silly it seemed, to vent a little, and maybe find out if Rarity knew what was going on with Fluttershy, but... This? This was not news she'd been ready for. She'd almost got used to it from Fluttershy, but finding that Fluttershy had approached somepony else and that it was the very pony she was now speaking to? It had caught Applejack utterly off-guard and hit her as subtly as a barrel of apples. Her mouth was dry as she asked, "So what did ya say?" "Well, clearly the poor dear's on rebound, so we had a long chat about the matter and I made it clear that, much as I loved her as a friend, since the whole Prince matter I'm now waiting for the right mood to appear first, not just dating out of the blue." Applejack wasn't bothered with the preparations any more. She felt somewhat sick to find out that Fluttershy had approached someone and, more than that, she was worried to hear that her crush had been rejected again, this time without her support. Given the state she'd been in the other times, how well would she have handled that alone? Applejack struggled to keep her worries reasonable as, voice weak, she asked the question, "Was she okay?" Rarity was still focusing on the decorations, eyes on them as she responded, "Well, I think she took it quite well, though of course it can be hard to tell with- Applejack?" The unicorn looked behind her at the sound of hooves and saw the earth pony galloping off away from the stalls, down the path leading out of Sweet Apple Acres. She called out a few times but her friend didn't respond and was soon out of earshot. "Goodness, whatever was that about? We were chatting fine one moment and then the next..." Rarity lapsed into thought, what had changed? Preparations were going fine and then Applejack brought up Fluttershy and... But why would that cause her to rush off, unless... The unicorn gasped, lifting a hoof to her mouth. It couldn't be! Could it? A smile crept over her face as she uttered, "...Goodness!" In the shadows of the porch sat another pony. It was difficult to make out if she was awake or asleep but at this moment her wrinkled old face smiled. "FLUTTERSHY!" Applejack, out of breath, arrived at the cottage to find the yellow pony watering her flowerbeds. She gave Applejack a confused look. "Ah... Ah just heard... 'Bout you... And Rarity..." panted the Apple pony. "Ya okay?" Fluttershy smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes, and put down the watering can before replying, "Yes, thank you... I wasn't really that hopeful anyway, just... Thought I'd best try." Applejack had felt a pang of pain at Fluttershy's words but mostly she was just relieved that her friend wasn't in a state. It was true that Applejack was distinctly tired of just being the friend who supported her beloved pegasus, but still there were very few things she could think of that were worse than her Fluttershy being upset. Still trying to catch her breath she changed topic as casually as she could, asking, "...Oh... Well... Are ya coming... To the bake sale...?" "Oh, yes, my animals love your food, and I do too of course! But isn't it two hours until it starts?" "Uh... Yes..." - Applejack quickly tried to come up with an with a reason for rushing here quite so fast - "But... Well, since yer feelin' down, why not come have some of the freshly baked stuff? We always have leftovers anyway, so on me?" "Oh! That'd be lovely, thank you! Um... I have to finish some things here, but if you go on ahead I'll catch up?" Applejack nodded and started on her way back, feeling warm and fuzzy. It was almost like a date, she thought gleefully to herself. I mean, obviously it's not, but... SHE's feeling okay, and SHE's coming to MY place to see ME so that I can treat HER to treats! That's a lot of us in there! Coming over early too, we'll have some time before other ponies get there, and no worries about her asking out anypony there since she's already tried that! Given, that's a situation that could be better, but that's not something to dwell on now: Fluttershy and I are gonna spend some time together! With an extra spring in her step Applejack got back in fairly good time (considering how worn out out she'd been from the run there). Still, when she arrived she found she'd taken long enough for Rarity to have about finished the decorations, and Big Mac was already bringing along the next lot of pies! Soon Applejack and Rarity were working together on getting the food sorted. As they worked on setting up the price tags and labels, the farm mare started to find the unicorn a little off putting: Rarity kept asking questions about Fluttershy. Questions about how the pegasus was, whether or not she'd be coming down, if Applejack was going to recommend any of the items to her and so on. This would be trivial enough if it weren't so persistent, plus Rarity had that glint in her eye and Applejack wasn't entirely sure why: It wasn't normally there unless she'd caught sight of some gossip-worthy topic in the making... It couldn't be that she's figure out-... But why wouldn't she just come out and say it? Whatever the hay it is, I can't let her distract me from getting these things ready, Fluttershy could be here any moment! It'll be rude if she's left waiting whilst I get things sorted! So Applejack pushed on with the preparations and they ended up finishing early, long before Fluttershy got there. Applejack waited patiently, making minor adjustments to decorations and food displays as she waited, and doing her best to humour Rarity's strange turn of attitude. Any minute now... Ooh, what am I going to show her first? The tarts? The pies? Or does she prefer those hot? Maybe the crumble... Any minute now! I wonder if she'll have done her hair up a- no, no, that'd be silly... She's just coming her as a friend and that's just fine. Still, were she wearing something, I wonder what it'd be? Nothing too heavy I hope, something light... Not like I'll be disappointed either way, whether she's making some frock look amazing or just here without, she's coming to see ME... Over an hour ticked past in the warm sunlight, and Applejack's replies to Rarity were increasingly spaced out as the orange mare slipped into daydreams. She hardly noticed how late Fluttershy was. Indeed, by the time the pegasus arrived there were only 10 minutes until the official start by the time. At this point Applejack was so far gone with her daydreaming that she didn't see Fluttershy approaching, only snapping back to reality when Rarity grabbed hold and dragged the surprised pony over to greet her friend. "Fluttershy, darling, so glad you could make it!" Rarity called, smiling widely. Fluttershy smiled as her two friends came to greet her, "Yes, I- oh!" "Come on girly, those streamers ain't gonna hang themselves!" Rarity gasped as she found herself being hurried along. "Why, Granny Smith, I've already hung all the streamers!" "Then Ah guess they fell down, dint they?" Applejack and Fluttershy watched as the unicorn, still protesting, was bustled away by the old mare. After a pause Fluttershy continued, "I'm sorry I'm late Applejack, I got caught up with things and one of my mice had hurt his tail and then one thing led to another and-" Applejack interrupted, "It's okay, sugar cube, I know how it can be with things on yer mind." Fluttershy nodded, smiling sweetly, and allowed Applejack to lead her to the bake sale so that they could make use of the little remaining time before it officially began. Applejack couldn't help but grin as the minutes ticked by. Most of what she'd seen of Fluttershy lately had started by crushing her dreams and ended up with them both miserable. Finally Fluttershy seemed happy; not chasing partners, but simply spending time with her. There was something magical in that carefree innocence as the pegasus struggled to pick a favourite type of tasty good, and the way her face lit up as Applejack got her one of everything. They didn't talk about much other than the bake sale, but the mood was cheerful and friendly. Applejack couldn't have asked for more. It didn't last long, of course: The bake sale started up and, as one of the Apple family, Applejack was eventually pulled away by her duties with managing the event, but for a while it had been special. In the end Applejack had lost sight of Fluttershy completely and found herself too busy to track her down. Applejack felt a little bad that she hadn't managed to say goodbye, but she still slept well that night. Things suddenly felt very comfortable.
If Pie Were EasyThis was it. It had to be. Applejack, carrying a picnic basket packed full of goodies, looked at the small bridge to the cottage in front of her. No going back now... Everything had gone well this morning, too. She'd woken up feeling confident, seen the cloudless sky outside, and gone straight to the kitchen, intent on finally putting her picnic plan together. It had got to a slow start but Granny Smith had somehow snuck up on her... "Ooh, planning a picnic are ya?" Applejack had jumped a little. For an old pony with a bad hip it was surprising how quietly Granny could sneak up on folk! Still, the orange mare had replied cheerfully, "Sure am! Cucumber sandwiches and a few fresh apples all ready, just checkin' about for what else wo-" "Then yer'll be off to see a pony, hmmm?" "Well, yes, but-" "Yoo should take some o' my special bonbons! Ain't nopony don't like them!" Applejack was taken aback, "But weren't you savin' them up?" "I'll just be sendin' Apple Bloom off to get me some ingredients to make more later on, you take these 'uns for now!" insisted Granny Smith, putting a small jar of sweets into the picnic hamper. "Whilst yer at it, yoo should take a few of these'ns too...!" Soon Granny Smith had quite generously stuffed the hamper full of various goodies that her granddaughter may have avoided based, and a moments after Applejack had found herself half pushed out of the house with a "Y'all have fun now!" called after her. Well, it's certainly better than when she was worried about me... Does she know that...? Applejack blushed and shook the thought from her mind. Couldn't go dwelling on the opinions or expectations of others right now: She had to stay focused. This was the day she was going to tell Fluttershy. With that in mind she'd started on the walk over. So it was that she now stood at the pegasus pony's home; confident, target in mind and picnic at the ready. Today will be the day. After all, she thought to herself as she approached the door, it had to be, right? Finally the right time to confess her feelings? Things had seemed almost right at the bake sale and since then they'd been meeting up more often. Not all the time, but... It felt right. It was a few weeks after what happened with Rarity at the spa (and, more importantly, more than a month since Twilight) and now, surely, was the time. Applejack was finally ready and at last confident she would be met half way. After all, whatever had gotten into Fluttershy these last few months, it had shown a clear pattern after Big Macintosh: She'd moved onto the users of the Elements of Harmony! Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and now, finally, her? It HAD to be. After all, she was the only other choice left, apart from- "HI APPLEJACK!" ...Pinkie. "Er, hey there partner. How g-" "I just turned down Fluttershy!" The response was deadpan, "...Yer what." "Yup! She asked me out and I said no!" Applejack felt her stomach drop. The appetite she'd been saving for the picnic had vanished. Oh well. Maybe later this month, or maybe Fluttershy will just skip me and continue with the rest of the whole darn vill- no. I have to stay strong, have to stay focused, it's expected of me... After a deep sigh Applejack looked at her pink friend and picked up the strength to talk, eventually speaking in what she hoped was a mature tone, "Now hold on Pinkie, that ain't the type of thing y'all should go spreading ar-" "I'm not telling everyone, you silly, I'm just tell-ing yo-ou!" the pony interrupted with her sing-song voice as she bounced past. The farmer eyed the pink mare as she hopped away. What a strange pony... "Applejack?" Fluttershy was at the door, staring at Applejack with a clueless expression. "What are you doing here?" "Oh, hey... I was gonna suggest we go on a picnic, but I hear now might not be a good time..." Fluttershy sighed and shook her head, "I'm afraid not... I mean, I could do with some help with chores but otherwise I think I need some time alone..." "Well, Ah'm happy to help if Ah can, sugar cube..." voiced Applejack dryly. "That would be nice..." First Applejack was set with the task of carrying some feed bags over to the garden, Fluttershy leading the way. She was quiet and Applejack felt uncomfortable in the silence. Something to talk about, something to talk ab- no, not that... Think of something ELSE to ask her, not that... However, Applejack came up with nothing else and finally asked the question that had been burning in her mind for so long, "So, um, Fluttershy... Why HAVE ya been trying to date everypony? All of a sudden like this?" "Oh... It's kind of silly really..." Well there's a surpri- wait, why am I so angry? No need to be spiteful! Deep breaths, stay focused... Staring wistfully at the sky Fluttershy sighed and continued, "It's because every year I watch all my little animals pair off, find their families, and some stay with the same one forever, and some don't, but that doesn't seem to matter to them. They pair off and for a while they seem so happy, and then some move out forever and some visit back from time to time, but all of them move on from me in one way or another, and I... I just wanted to have someone, so that it felt like I was moving on too..." Now. Come on Applejack, the pony thought to herself, Ask her now. Ask her why it's not you. Ask why EVERY. SINGLE. OTHER. PONY. Gets a say but not you, ask before- Too late. Fluttershy had already started to reflect on how her plan had gone wrong. Applejack tried not to let it get to her as she moved the feed bags. "I mean, sure, it was a silly idea, but Pinkie's a silly pony, I thought that maybe that would be a good start -" Applejack then helped with fixing a fence. "...And she was so blunt about it too, just "nope!" in my face, and then straight away asked if I wanted to make cookies, like I don't even have emotions, then she goes -" Then putting up a replacement shelf in the kitchen. "...Thinking about it, maybe I was just too forward, maybe I should have just spent more time with her first, helped her plan her parties, or maybe -" Then tightening up some of the bathroom's plumbing. "...I had been so hopeful that she would say something more than that, now I worry I've messed up my only chance with her and -" Then oiling the joints of one of the window hinges. "...But maybe it would have been like with Twilight, that she'd have been so busy that she'd never have time for -" All done. Applejack stared at the window, moving it back and forth with one hoof, in part to test in and in part to take her mind off what Fluttershy was saying, or rather what she wasn't saying... "...Whoever would have thought that Pinkie would ever be so blunt anyway, she normally rambles so much about -" The window was being a poor distraction. It was quiet now, so all there was was the sound of happy animals and Fluttershy's complaining. "...I guess I shouldn't really have expected her to take me seriously at a-" "Well who the hay CAN take you seriously?!?" snapped Applejack, the animals around the ponies falling instantly silent at her outburst. Fluttershy too when quiet, staring at Applejack in shock. "First ma brother, then Rainbow Dash, then Twilight and Rarity and now PINKIE? ALL IN A FEW MONTHS! And you think this is fine? To mess ponies around like this, pretendin' that ya feel something, just for a feeling of progession? How can y'all be upset when that doesn't work, when there weren't anything for it to work with in the first place?!? Ah don't know what's going through that little pony brain of yours but this is not how y'all are meant to treat friends!" "NEITHER'S THIS!" screamed back Fluttershy. Her wings were spread, her ears were down, and her expression was furious. Applejack closed up, her mind going haywire as she realised what she just said. "How DARE you! How can you SAY those things to me?!? I thought you were my friend, I thought you'd listen to what was on my mind!" "Well, Ah... Ah mean..." Applejack stammered, watching in horror as the pony she longed to be with stared at her in hate. ""Well" WHAT?" No response. The pegasus snorted, turning around. "Go on, leave. I don't want you here any more." The orange mare froze up as her beloved turned her back on her. "I thought you were better than this Applejack. I thought I could trust you. You've always been there for, especially recently, every time I was down, every time you even suspected I was down, you... Were..." It was as she heard herself say it that suddenly memories began stirring in Fluttershy's mind. Of Applejack, hair let down, answering the door. Of the earth pony fiercely standing up to her own brother after his rejection. Of her comforting words after... "You were..." ...Helping her find Rainbow Dash, the Apple mare seeming less energetic than ever, and how quickly she'd come to the cottage after... "...Always there..." ...After Twilight said yes, how slowly Applejack had been walking... "...Applejack...?" Fluttershy slowly turned to face the Apple mare, her mind's eye still going, reminding her of the sweating and panting mess that had turned up at her door just because the pony had heard that Rarity had turned her down, remembering their time together at the bake sale, and now... The yellow pegasus stared at the orange earth pony. The rage was gone and surprise had taken its place, and Applejack could think of only one realisation that could have done that. ...She... She sees me... The farm mare pawed at the ground uneasily, trying to avoid the shocked gaze of the pegasus. She felt as if her nervousness were throttling her, holding the words back, but at the same time she knew what she needed to do. Oh Celestia, I'm going to say it... Shutting her eyes, Applejack forced herself to speak, "Well... Ah... Ah mean... Ah didn't want to impose on you, and then you were all about everypony else, and... I didn't mean to yell just now, Ah just... What Ah mean i-" Applejack was cut short by a yellow hoof held gently to her lips. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Fluttershy's tearful eyes. She looked almost upset, but a soft smile was playing on her lips. So what now? I prob'ly need to find my legs for one, or say something, or- Applejack's thoughts were cut short as, with a delighted squeak, Fluttershy bowled her to the ground. Disorientated and surprised, Applejack found herself staring up at Fluttershy's face. "Applejack! I'm so sorry I didn't... And you... Oh, Applejack!" Just like that the yellow pony pulled her surprised friend into a kiss and then hugged her tightly. Applejack felt her body freeze up in shock, but then the waves of relief and joy washed over her and she relaxed, reaching around Fluttershy to give her a light squeeze. The pegasus responded in kind, clinging as if she would never let the orange pony go. Around them, the birdsong and chattering of happy critters slowly resumed. To Applejack, it felt like reality had known of her dreams and strived to outdo them, winning with shining colours as the pony felt her love against her. At some point they'd probably need to stand up, to move off the lawn, to consider food, and all those other things, but that could wait. For all Applejack's troubles, this would be worth it. Finally they were together. A few months later, five friends (four ponies and a dragon) were waiting in the library, ready to set off for a day trip watching rain birds migrate. They were dressed in waterproofs and awaiting the other two members of their group. "I still can't believe it! I mean, who would have guessed that they'd hook up?" "Rainbow Dash, I'm surprised! You didn't see it, the way they'd been looking at each other? I saw it long in advance!" Twilight, who had been trying to finish reading a book, rolled her eyes at Rarity's statement. The white pony had been boasting about this information a lot. "Ooh, ooh, and they look so happy together now!" chimed Pinkie excitedly. Seeing Spike about to eat a yellow gem, the pink pony snatched up an orange gem and nuzzled it against the one the dragon held. Spike sniggered, and did the voice for the yellow gem, ""She's been so helpful around the farm!"" Pinkie giggled, then called over to her purple friend, "Hey, Twilight! What do you think their babies will look like?" The unicorn stared at Pinkie incredulously. Was she serious? "Hey, here they come!" Applejack and Fluttershy entered the library as a couple and began talking to their friends. Soon the seven of them were heading off to the station. Rarity, who had been sorting through one of her bags, suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, dear, I've left my brush back at your house, Twilight!" "It's too late now, Rarity! We'll miss the train!" "It's alright," broke in Applejack, "I'll get it!" She galloped off back to the library and was soon enough making her way back to the station. She slowed down to watch them laughing together; her friends, one of them particularly special. Contrary to her fantasies, Applejack had found that the relationship was more balanced than her being swept off her feet by Fluttershy. Still, taking the initiative was a role she was more used to anyway, and Fluttershy certainly DID have a flare for romance in her, even if most ponies didn't get to see it. Early on, Applejack had worried that maybe they'd be one of those brief couples, like some of Fluttershy's animals, but together they had watched those couples break up and still their own relationship had held. Nowadays Applejack was comfortably smug in the knowledge that she'd made the right choice in believing that she and Fluttershy would be good for each other: They were. As if hearing her thoughts, Fluttershy glanced up at that moment and spotted Applejack. Her face lit up with a smile. Applejack grinned and ran over as the train approached. New adventures awaited her and her friends, and a new kind of adventure altogether had started for her and one of them. Life was good. Author's Note I know that it's soppy, simplistic, and silly, but it was always rather meant to be. Enjoy if you can!
